JP2006051057A - Endoscope cleaning brush - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope cleaning brush capable of reducing the cleaning time and enhancing the cleaning effect. <P>SOLUTION: This endoscope cleaning brush is for cleaning the inside of a conduit formed inside an endoscope. The endoscope cleaning brush comprises a long body part 2 with flexibility to bend along the inner wall of the conduit when inserted into the conduit, a sponge part 3 mounted in the body part 2, and a brush part 4 mounted in the body part 2. The sponge part 3 is preferably made of a resin as a main material, and the resin is preferably a hydrophilic polymer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning brush.

  Inside the endoscope, for example, a treatment instrument insertion channel for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps, a suction channel for sucking and discharging bodily fluids that obstruct observation, a water supply channel, an air supply channel, etc. A pipeline is provided. In order to clean the inside of the pipe line (removal of dirt, dust, etc.) after use of the endoscope, an endoscope cleaning brush is used.

  A conventional endoscope cleaning brush has a configuration in which only a brush portion is provided on the distal end side of a flexible elongated main body portion, and a grip portion (handle) is provided on a proximal end side. This endoscope cleaning brush is inserted into the endoscope pipe line from the brush part side, and after the brush part is inserted to the other end part of the pipe line, the grip part is pulled out from the pipe line. use. Thereby, the brush part scrapes off dirt and the like adhering to the inner wall of the pipe line, and cleaning is performed. Normally, this cleaning is performed in a state where the cleaning liquid is carried on the brush portion in order to improve the cleaning effect.

  However, the main function of the brush part is to scrape off dirt and the like, and the brush part can hardly hold the dirt that has been scraped off. There is a problem that it takes a great deal of time and labor to discharge the components etc. out of the pipe. Further, since the brush portion can only carry a relatively small amount of cleaning agent, the cleaning effect by the cleaning agent cannot be sufficiently improved.

JP 2002-102167 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope cleaning brush capable of shortening the cleaning time and improving the cleaning effect.

Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below.
(1) An endoscope cleaning brush for cleaning the inside of a duct formed inside an endoscope,
An elongated main body having flexibility so as to bend along the inner wall of the pipe when inserted into the pipe;
A brush part provided in the main body part;
An endoscope cleaning brush, comprising: a sponge portion provided in the main body portion.

  Thereby, the dirt adhering to the inner wall of the pipe line can be scraped off by the brush part, held by the sponge part, and quickly discharged out of the pipe line. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened.

  In addition, when cleaning is performed in combination with a liquid cleaning agent, a relatively large amount of the cleaning agent can be carried on the sponge part, so that the cleaning function is fully exhibited and the cleaning effect is improved. be able to.

  As described above, the endoscope cleaning brush of the present invention can shorten the cleaning time and improve the cleaning effect by the synergistic effect of the sponge portion and the brush portion.

  (2) The endoscope cleaning brush according to (1), wherein the sponge portion is provided at a plurality of locations at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion.

  As a result, the contact area of the sponge part with respect to the pipe line is increased while preventing the deterioration of the flexibility of the main body part by the interval between the adjacent sponge parts and improving the operability. Thus, it is possible to effectively improve the cleaning effect and shorten the cleaning time by effectively exhibiting the holding ability and the carrying ability of the cleaning agent.

  (3) In the longitudinal direction of the main body portion, the length of the leading sponge portion at the time of insertion among the plurality of sponge portions is shorter than the length of the trailing sponge portion. Cleaning brush for endoscope.

  As a result, when the endoscope cleaning brush is inserted into the conduit, the tip of the endoscope is more easily bent along the inner wall of the conduit to further improve the operability and to keep dirt and the like by the sponge portion. The ability and the carrying ability of the cleaning agent can be fully exhibited.

  (4) Among the plurality of sponge portions, the porosity of the leading sponge portion at the time of insertion is larger than the porosity of the succeeding sponge portion, as described in (2) or (3) above Cleaning brush for endoscope.

  As a result, when the endoscope cleaning brush is inserted into the conduit, the tip of the endoscope is more easily bent along the inner wall of the conduit to further improve the operability and to keep dirt and the like by the sponge portion. The ability and the carrying ability of the cleaning agent can be fully exhibited.

  (5) The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the brush portion is provided at a plurality of locations at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion.

  This effectively improves the cleaning effect by effectively exhibiting the scraping ability of the brush part such as dirt while preventing the flexibility of the main body part from being lowered due to the interval between the adjacent brush parts. Can be planned.

  (6) In the longitudinal direction of the main body portion, the length of the leading brush portion at the time of insertion among the plurality of brush portions is shorter than the length of the trailing brush portion. Cleaning brush for endoscope.

  As a result, when the endoscope cleaning brush is inserted into the conduit, the tip of the endoscope is more easily bent along the inner wall of the conduit to further improve the operability, and the brush portion can be used to remove dirt and the like. The drop ability can be fully demonstrated.

  (7) The density of the brush in the preceding brush part at the time of insertion among the plurality of brush parts is smaller than the density of the brush in the subsequent brush part, as described in (5) or (6) above. Endoscope cleaning brush.

  As a result, when the endoscope cleaning brush is inserted into the conduit, the tip of the endoscope is more easily bent along the inner wall of the conduit to further improve the operability, and the brush portion can be used to remove dirt and the like. The drop ability can be fully demonstrated.

  (8) The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of (2) to (7), wherein the sponge portion and the brush portion are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion.

  As a result, dirt and the like scraped off by the brush portion can be more reliably held in the sponge portion, so that the cleaning time can be shortened more effectively.

  Moreover, since the cleaning agent carried on the sponge part can be more reliably supplied to the brush part, the cleaning effect can be improved more effectively.

  (9) The cleaning brush for an endoscope according to (8), wherein the adjacent sponge portion and the brush portion are provided to be spaced apart from each other.

  As a result, the contact area of the sponge part with respect to the pipe line is expanded while preventing the deterioration of the flexibility of the main body part due to the interval between the adjacent sponge part and the brush part, and the ability of the sponge part to retain dirt, etc. In addition, the cleaning agent carrying ability can be effectively exhibited to improve the cleaning effect and shorten the cleaning time more effectively.

  (10) The endoscope cleaning brush according to (9), wherein among the plurality of the intervals, a leading-side interval at the time of insertion is larger than a trailing-side interval.

  As a result, when the endoscope cleaning brush is inserted into the conduit, the tip of the endoscope is more easily bent along the inner wall of the conduit to further improve the operability and to keep dirt and the like by the sponge portion. It is possible to sufficiently exhibit the ability and the ability to carry the cleaning agent and the ability to scrape off dirt and the like by the brush portion.

(11) The cleaning brush for an endoscope according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the sponge portion is configured by using resin as a main material.
As a result, the sponge portion can have a desired characteristic relatively easily.

  (12) The endoscope cleaning brush according to (11), wherein the resin is a hydrophilic polymer.

  As a result, the ability to retain dirt and the like by the sponge part and the ability to carry the cleaning agent can be made more excellent.

  (13) The sponge cleaning brush according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the sponge portion communicates with adjacent holes.

  As a result, more dirt, cleaning agent, and the like can be accommodated in the pores, and the ability to retain dirt and the like by the sponge portion and the ability to carry the cleaning agent can be further improved.

  (14) The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the sponge portion has a porosity of 20 to 80%.

  As a result, it is possible to make the sponge portion have desirable properties such as strength and elasticity, and more excellent ability to retain dirt and the like by the sponge portion and to carry the cleaning agent.

  (15) The cleaning brush for an endoscope according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the sponge portion has a hardness of 30 to 70 °.

  As a result, it is possible to make the sponge portion have desirable properties such as strength and elasticity, and more excellent ability to retain dirt and the like by the sponge portion and to carry the cleaning agent.

  (16) The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the sponge portion is provided at an end portion of the main body portion.

  Thereby, it is possible to protect the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline and prevent it from being damaged while exhibiting the ability to retain dirt and the like by the sponge portion and the ability to carry the cleaning agent.

(17) The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of (1) to (16), further including a grip portion provided at an end portion of the main body portion.
Thereby, the cleaning brush for endoscopes which has more excellent operativity can be provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope cleaning brush capable of shortening the cleaning time and improving the cleaning effect.

  Hereinafter, the endoscope cleaning brush of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of an endoscope cleaning brush according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 or FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an endoscope to which an endoscope cleaning brush of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of the endoscope cleaning brush of the present invention.

First, prior to description of the endoscope cleaning brush of the present invention, an example of an endoscope will be described based on FIG.
An endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an electronic endoscope, and is provided on a long insertion portion flexible tube 11 having flexibility and a proximal end side of the insertion portion flexible tube 11. Is operated at the distal end side of the insertion portion flexible tube 11 and can be remotely operated from the operation portion 12, and a light source processor ( The light source insertion part 14 for connecting to a not-shown) and the connection part flexible tube 15 which connects the operation part 12 and the light source insertion part 14 are provided. Inside the endoscope 10, built-in objects (not shown) such as a light guide using an optical fiber bundle, an image signal cable, a cable, and tubes are arranged and inserted.

  When the endoscope 10 is used, light emitted from a light source in the light source processor device passes through the light guide and is irradiated from the distal end portion of the bending portion 13 to illuminate.

  An imaging element (CCD) (not shown) that captures a subject image at the observation site is provided at the distal end of the bending portion 13, and an image signal corresponding to the subject image captured by the imaging element is the image signal cable. After being transmitted to the light source processor device through a predetermined process, it is input to a monitor device (not shown). In the monitor device, an image (electronic image) captured by the image sensor, that is, an endoscope monitor image of a moving image is displayed.

  In the endoscope 10, for example, a treatment instrument insertion channel for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps, a suction channel for sucking and discharging a body fluid that disturbs observation, a water supply channel, an air supply channel, etc. Various types of pipes are formed. The endoscope cleaning brush 1 of the present invention can be used for cleaning these various pipes, but in the present embodiment, the suction channel 16 will be described as a representative.

  The suction channel 16 has a tube 161 continuously disposed in the bending portion 13, the insertion portion flexible tube 11, and the operation portion 12, and the operation portion 12, the light source insertion portion 14, and the connection portion flexible tube 15. The tube 162 is continuously arranged, a cylindrical cylinder portion 163 installed in the operation unit 12, and a suction base 164 installed in the light source insertion unit 14.

  Within the operation unit 12, the tube 161 is connected to the lower end of the cylinder unit 163, and the tube 162 is connected to the side of the cylinder unit 163. That is, the lumen of the tube 161 and the lumen of the tube 162 communicate with each other via the lumen of the cylinder portion 163.

  When the endoscope 10 is used, a suction pump (not shown) is connected to the suction base 164, and suction can be performed from the distal end of the bending portion 13 through the tube 161, the cylinder portion 163, and the tube 162.

  The cylinder portion 163 is provided with a suction operation valve (not shown) for operating on / off of suction when the endoscope 10 is used. When cleaning the suction channel 16, if the suction operation valve is removed, the upper end portion (opening 165) of the cylinder portion 163 is opened to the outside.

  Needless to say, the endoscope cleaning brush 1 according to the present invention can be used not only for an electronic endoscope such as the endoscope 10 but also for various endoscopes such as a fiber endoscope. Yes.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the endoscope cleaning brush 1 will be described.
The endoscope cleaning brush 1 shown in FIG. 2 cleans, for example, a treatment instrument insertion channel, a suction channel, a water supply channel, an air supply channel, etc. (dirt, dust, etc.) inside the endoscope after use of the endoscope. Etc.).
As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope cleaning brush 1 includes an elongated main body portion 2 having flexibility, a sponge portion 3 provided at the distal end of the main body portion 2, and a proximal end side with respect to the sponge portion 3. The brush part 4 provided in the front end side of the main-body part 2 and the holding part 5 provided in the base end part of the main-body part 2 are provided.

  The main body 2 is flexible so that it can be inserted into a curved or bent conduit. That is, the main body 2 is bent along the inner wall of the pipe when inserted into the pipe. Moreover, the main-body part 2 has moderate bending rigidity and torsional rigidity. As a result, the pushing force or torsional force applied on the proximal end side can be efficiently transmitted to the distal end portion and can be easily advanced in the pipeline.

  In the present embodiment, the main body 2 is made of a long tube member (hollow member) made of synthetic resin. As a result, moderate bending rigidity and torsional rigidity are obtained, and sliding resistance with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe line is small, so that more excellent insertion operability can be obtained.

  Although it does not specifically limit as a synthetic resin material which comprises this main-body part 2, For example, a polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, especially a high density polyethylene, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyester elastomer etc. Is preferred.

  Moreover, the main-body part 2 may be comprised by the laminated body of the several layer from which conditions, such as a constituent material and rigidity differ. The main body 2 may be provided with a reinforcing material (core material) made of various metal materials, relatively hard resin, or the like.

  In addition, in this invention, the main-body part 2 is not restricted to a structure like illustration, For example, a long solid member, a coil-shaped (spiral) member, and the some linear body were bundled (twisting together) It may be a member, a member such as a combination thereof, or the like. Further, the constituent material is not limited to the synthetic resin, and may be various metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloy, titanium or titanium alloy, copper or copper alloy.

  Although the length of the main body 2 is appropriately set according to the length of the pipe line of the endoscope to be applied, it is usually preferably about 800 to 2500 mm. The length of the main body 2 is preferably substantially the same as or longer than the length of the endoscope duct.

  A sponge portion 3 is provided on the distal end side (one end side) of the main body portion 2. This sponge part 3 is a porous body having elasticity. As a result, when the endoscope cleaning brush 1 is used, the sponge portion 3 comes into contact with the inner wall of the duct while being elastically deformed, and effectively accommodates the cleaning agent, dirt, etc. in the pores of the porous body. can do. That is, the sponge portion 3 is excellent in the ability to carry a cleaning agent and the like and the ability to retain dirt in the pipeline.

  Although it does not specifically limit as a cleaning agent carry | supported on the sponge part 3, For example, neutral, alkaline, oxygen-type cleaning liquid etc. are mentioned. Before the sponge part 3 is inserted into the pipe line, the sponge part 3 may be preliminarily impregnated with the cleaning liquid, or the sponge part 3 is washed into the pipe line into which the cleaning agent has been injected. An agent may be supported.

  The sponge 3 is attached to the main body 2 by a method such as adhesion (adhesion with an adhesive or a solvent) or fusion (thermal fusion, high-frequency fusion, ultrasonic fusion, etc.) or the like. It is joined (connected). Thereby, the sponge part 3 can be firmly connected to the main body part 2.

  In this embodiment, since the sponge part 3 is provided in the edge part of the main-body part 2, the internal peripheral surface of a pipe line is shown, exhibiting the capability to hold | maintain dirt etc. by the sponge part 3, and the carrying | support ability of a cleaning agent. It can protect and prevent it from being damaged.

  The sponge part 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the functions as described above. For example, cellulose sponge, polyvinyl alcohol sponge, urethane foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) sponge, melamine foam, It can be composed of a resin-based sponge such as polyethylene foam, a natural rubber (NR) sponge, a chloroprene rubber (CR) sponge, an ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM) sponge, a rubber-based sponge such as a butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber sponge, or the like.

  Among those described above, the sponge portion 3 is preferably made of a resin-based sponge, that is, made of resin as a main material. Thereby, the sponge part 3 can be made into the desired characteristic comparatively easily.

  The resin is preferably a hydrophilic polymer such as polyurethane, melamine resin, cellulose, or polyvinyl alcohol. As a result, the ability to retain dirt and the like and the ability to carry the cleaning agent by the sponge part 3 can be made more excellent.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the adjacent air holes communicate with each other in the sponge portion 3. As a result, more dirt, cleaning agent, etc. are accommodated in the pores of the porous body constituting the sponge part 3, and the ability to retain dirt, etc. and the carrying ability of the cleaning agent by the sponge part 3 are more excellent. can do.

  The porosity of the sponge part 3 is preferably 20 to 80%, and more preferably 30 to 70%. As a result, it is possible to make the sponge portion have desirable properties such as strength and elasticity, and more excellent ability to retain dirt and the like by the sponge portion and to carry the cleaning agent.

  The sponge portion 3 preferably has a hardness of 30 to 70 °, more preferably 35 to 55 °. As a result, it is possible to make the sponge portion 3 have excellent properties such as strength and elasticity, and more excellent retention capability of the sponge portion 3 such as dirt and cleaning agent. Here, the hardness means a value measured in accordance with JIS K7312.

  The cross-sectional shape of the sponge portion 3 is circular in the present embodiment, but is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an ellipse, a polygon such as a triangle, a quadrangle, or a pentagon, , It may have an irregular shape. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the sponge part 3 is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction of the main body part 2 in the present embodiment, but is not particularly limited. For example, the sponge part 3 gradually increases or decreases gradually from the proximal end to the distal end at least partially. You may do it.

  The brush portion 4 is provided on the distal end side of the main body portion 2 on the proximal end side with respect to the sponge portion 3. The brush part 4 has a configuration in which the base part of a large number of linear bodies (brush hairs) is supported by the main body part 2.

  The base part of the linear body of the brush part 4 is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the main body part 2, for example, adhesion (adhesion with an adhesive or a solvent), fusion (thermal fusion, high frequency fusion, ultrasonic fusion, etc.), etc. It is joined (connected) to the main body 2 by this method. Thereby, the brush part 4 can be firmly connected with respect to the main-body part 2, As a result, it can prevent reliably that bristle hair remains in a pipe line.

  In addition, the constituent material of the brush part 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can function as a brush, and various resin materials, various metal materials, and the like can be used, for example.

  A grip portion 5 is provided at the base end portion of the main body portion 2 on the base end side further than the brush portion 4. The grip portion 5 has a cylindrical shape having a through hole having an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the main body portion 2, and is joined to the main body portion 2 in a state where the main body portion 2 is inserted into the through hole.

  The joining method of the grip part 5 and the main body part 2 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include adhesion (adhesion with an adhesive or a solvent), fusion (heat fusion, high frequency fusion, ultrasonic fusion, etc.), and the like. It is done.

  Since such a grip portion 5 is provided at the end portion of the main body portion 2, the endoscope cleaning brush 1 can have more excellent operability.

  In addition, the holding part 5 is not limited to the cylindrical thing as mentioned above. For example, it may be a long and flexible body similar to the main body. In this case, since the endoscope cleaning brush can be inserted into the pipe line from the grip portion side, the handleability is excellent when the bending rigidity of the grip portion is smaller than that of the main body portion.

  Such an endoscope cleaning brush 1 has, for example, a state in which the sponge portion 3 and the brush portion 4 are connected to the pipe line in a state where the endoscope brush 10 is inserted from one end opening of the pipe line of the endoscope 10 from the distal end side, that is, the sponge part 3 side. It is used by reciprocating within. After cleaning, the sponge part 3 and the brush part 4 are pulled out from one end opening of the pipe.

  Thereby, the dirt adhering to the inner wall of the pipe line can be scraped off by the brush part 4 and held by the sponge part 3 to be quickly discharged out of the pipe line. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened.

  At that time, if cleaning is performed in combination with a liquid cleaning agent, a relatively large amount of the cleaning agent can be carried on the sponge part 3, so that the function of the cleaning agent is fully exhibited and the cleaning effect is improved. Can be achieved.

  More specifically, in the endoscope cleaning brush 1 of the present invention, the sponge part 3 compensates for the lack of the carrying capacity of the cleaning agent or the like of the brush part 4 and the dirt holding ability, and the brush part 4 cleans the cleaning part 1. Demonstrate your ability effectively. Moreover, the sponge part 3 can also exhibit an excellent cleaning effect by its elasticity, shape, and the like. Thus, the endoscope cleaning brush 1 of the present invention can shorten the cleaning time and improve the cleaning effect by the synergistic effect of the sponge portion 3 and the brush portion 4.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of the endoscope cleaning brush according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the endoscope cleaning brush according to the present invention will be described with reference to this figure. However, the difference from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described, and the same matters will be described. Omitted.

  The endoscope cleaning brush 1 ′ of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above except that the number, position, and length of the sponge portion and the brush portion are different.

  In the endoscope cleaning brush 1 ′ according to the present embodiment, a plurality of sponge portions and brush portions are provided on the main body portion 2, and the sponge portions and the brush portions are alternately arranged at intervals. That is, the endoscope cleaning brush 1 ′ includes sponge portions 31, 32, 33 and brush portions 41, 42, 43, and the sponge portion 31, brush portion 41 extends from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the main body portion 2. The sponge portion 32, the brush portion 42, the sponge portion 33, and the brush portion 43 are arranged in this order at intervals.

  By providing a plurality of brush portions in this way, by inserting the endoscope cleaning brush 1 ′ into the conduit once, the same effect as repeatedly inserting a plurality of times can be obtained. The number of insertions can be reduced, and the labor required for cleaning work can be reduced. For example, when there is only one brush part, in order to remove dirt, dust, etc. in the conduit without remaining, it is usually necessary to repeatedly insert about three times. With the mirror cleaning brush 1, it can be completed by one insertion.

  Further, since the plurality of sponge portions are provided corresponding to the plurality of brush portions, the cleaning effect can be improved and the cleaning time can be shortened more effectively.

  In such an endoscope cleaning brush, the sponge parts 31, 32, 33 are provided at a plurality of positions at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main body part 2, so that the main body part has an interval between adjacent sponge parts. The contact area of the sponge parts 31, 32, 33 with respect to the inner wall of the pipe line is increased while preventing the deterioration of the flexibility and improving the operability, so that the contamination by the sponge parts 31, 32, 33, etc. By effectively exerting the holding ability and the carrying ability of the cleaning agent, the cleaning effect can be improved and the cleaning time can be shortened more effectively.

  Further, the length of the sponge portion on the leading side (that is, the distal end side) when the endoscope cleaning brush 1 ′ is inserted among the plurality of sponge portions 31, 32, 33 (the length in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 2). The same shall apply hereinafter) is shorter than the length of the sponge portion on the trailing side (that is, the base end side). Specifically, the length of the sponge portion 31 is shorter than the length of the sponge portion 32, and the length of the sponge portion 32 is shorter than the length of the sponge portion 33. In other words, the sponge portion 31, the sponge portion 32, and the sponge portion 33 are in order from the shortest to the longest.

  As a result, when the endoscope cleaning brush is inserted into the conduit, the tip of the endoscope is more easily bent along the inner wall of the conduit to further improve the operability and to keep dirt and the like by the sponge portion. The ability and the carrying ability of the cleaning agent can be fully exhibited.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the porosity of the sponge portion on the leading side (tip side) during the insertion among the plurality of sponge portions 31, 32, 33 is larger than the porosity of the sponge portion on the following side. Specifically, the porosity of the sponge portion 31 is preferably larger than the porosity of the sponge portion 32, and the porosity of the sponge portion 32 is preferably larger than the porosity of the sponge portion 33. In other words, the sponge portion 31, the sponge portion 32, and the sponge portion 33 are preferably in order of the porosity from the largest to the smallest.

  Accordingly, when the endoscope cleaning brush 1 'is inserted into the pipeline, the tip portion thereof is more easily bent along the inner wall of the pipeline and the operability is further improved, and the sponge portions 31, 32 are further improved. , 33 can sufficiently exhibit the ability to retain dirt and the like and the ability to carry a cleaning agent.

  On the other hand, since the brush portions 41, 42, 43 are also provided at a plurality of positions at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 2, the flexibility of the main body portion 2 is prevented from being lowered by the interval between the adjacent brush portions. However, it is possible to effectively improve the cleaning effect by effectively exhibiting the scraping ability of dirt and the like by the brush portions 41, 42, and 43.

  In addition, the length of the brush portion on the leading side (tip side) at the time of insertion among the plurality of brush portions 41, 42, 43 is shorter than the length of the brush portion on the trailing side (that is, the base end side). ing. Specifically, the length of the brush part 41 is shorter than the length of the brush part 42, and the length of the brush part 42 is shorter than the length of the brush part 43. In other words, the brush portion 41, the brush portion 42, and the brush portion 43 are in the order from shortest to longest.

  Thus, when the endoscope cleaning brush 1 ′ is inserted into the conduit, the tip portions thereof are more easily bent along the inner wall of the conduit, and the operability is further improved, and the brush portions 41 and 42 are further improved. , 43 can sufficiently exhibit the ability to scrape off dirt and the like.

  Further, the density of the brushes (that is, the number of linear bodies per unit area) in the brush part on the leading side (tip side) at the time of insertion among the plurality of brush parts 41, 42, 43 is determined on the following side. It is preferably smaller than the density of the brush in the brush portion. Specifically, the density of the brush of the brush part 41 is smaller than the density of the brush of the brush part 42, and the density of the brush of the brush part 42 is smaller than the density of the brush of the brush part 43. Is preferred. In other words, it is preferable that the brush density is increased from the smallest to the largest in the order of the brush part 41, the brush part 42, and the brush part 43.

  Thus, when the endoscope cleaning brush 1 ′ is inserted into the conduit, the tip portions thereof are more easily bent along the inner wall of the conduit, and the operability is further improved, and the brush portions 41 and 42 are further improved. , 43 can sufficiently exhibit the ability to scrape off dirt and the like.

  Further, since the sponge parts 31, 32, 33 and the brush parts 41, 42, 43 are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the main body part 2, dirt and the like scraped off by the brush parts 41, 42, 43 can be more reliably detected. Since the sponge parts 31, 32, and 33 can hold the cleaning time, the cleaning time can be shortened more effectively. Moreover, since the cleaning agent carried on the sponge parts 31, 32, 33 can be more reliably supplied to the brush parts 41, 42, 43, the cleaning effect can be improved more effectively.

  In addition, since the adjacent sponge portion and the brush portion are spaced apart from each other, the gap between the adjacent sponge portion and the brush portion prevents the deterioration of the flexibility of the main body portion, and the sponge for the pipe line. The contact area of the part is expanded, and the ability to retain dirt and the like with the sponge part and the carrying ability of the cleaning agent are effectively exhibited, thereby improving the cleaning effect and shortening the cleaning time more effectively. Can do.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the sponge portion 31 and the brush portion 41 are separated by a distance a, the brush portion 41 and the sponge portion 32 are separated by a distance b, and the sponge portion 32 and the brush portion 42 are separated. Are separated from each other by a distance c, the brush part 42 and the sponge part 33 are provided at a distance d, and the sponge part 33 and the brush part 43 are provided at a distance e.

  Among the intervals a to e, the leading-side interval when the endoscope cleaning brush 1 ′ is inserted into the duct is larger than the trailing-side interval. In other words, the interval a, the interval b, the interval c, the interval d, and the interval e are increased in order from the smallest.

  Accordingly, when the endoscope cleaning brush 1 'is inserted into the pipeline, the tip portion thereof is more easily bent along the inner wall of the pipeline and the operability is further improved, and the sponge portions 31, 32 are further improved. 33, the ability to retain dirt, etc., and the ability to carry a cleaning agent, and the ability to scrape dirt, etc., from the brush portions 41, 42, 43 can be sufficiently exhibited.

  The intervals a to e are not particularly limited, but are preferably about 0.3 to 8 cm, for example.

  The brush portions 41, 42, and 43 may be similar to each other, or may have different conditions as described above. In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, for example, the diameter of the brush portion, the material of the linear body (brush hair), the thickness of the linear body, and the like can be given.

  In the present invention, the number of installed brush portions is not particularly limited, and may be 1, 2, or 4 or more (for example, about 4 to 10).

  As described above, the endoscope cleaning brush of the present invention has been described with respect to the illustrated embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each part constituting the endoscope cleaning brush has the same function. It can be replaced with any configuration that can be exhibited.

  In the present invention, the main body portion may be provided with a sponge portion and a brush portion, and the number thereof is not particularly limited, and the effect can be exhibited. For example, the number of sponge portions may be two, or four or more. Further, the number of brush portions may be two, or four or more. Further, the number of sponge portions and the number of brush portions may be the same or different. Further, the order of the sponge part and the brush part in the insertion direction of the endoscope cleaning brush may be either first or later.

Example 1
An endoscope cleaning brush of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2 was manufactured by attaching a polyurethane sponge as the sponge portion 3 to the tip of a brush (Pentax Corporation, CS6002SN).

The sponge part 3 had a cylindrical shape, and had a diameter: 0.2 cm, a length: 0.5 cm, a porosity: 20%, and a hardness: 40 °.
The distance between the sponge part 3 and the brush part 4 was 0.5 cm.

(Example 2)
A brush (CS6002SN, manufactured by Pentax Co., Ltd.) was modified to produce an endoscope cleaning brush according to the present invention as shown in FIG.

  The sponge parts 31, 32, and 33 all had a columnar shape with a diameter of 0.2 cm. Moreover, the length of the sponge part 31 was 0.4 cm, the length of the sponge part 32 was 0.5 cm, and the length of the sponge part 33 was 0.6 cm. Moreover, the porosity of the sponge part 31 was 40%, the porosity of the sponge part 32 was 30%, and the porosity of the sponge part 33 was 20%. Further, the hardness of the sponge portion 31 was 40 °, the hardness of the sponge portion 32 was 50 °, and the hardness of the sponge portion 33 was 60 °.

The brush portions 41, 42, and 43 all had a columnar shape with a diameter of 0.25 cm. Moreover, the length of the brush part 41 was 0.4 cm, the length of the brush part 42 was 0.5 cm, and the length of the brush part 43 was 0.6 cm. Further, the brush density of the brush portion 41 was 26 / cm ² , the brush density of the brush portion 42 was 28 / cm ² , and the brush density of the brush portion 43 was 30 / cm ² .

  The distance a between the sponge part 31 and the brush part 41 was 2.5 cm. Moreover, the distance b between the brush part 41 and the sponge part 32 was 2.0 cm. Moreover, the distance c between the sponge part 32 and the brush part 42 was 1.5 cm. Moreover, the distance d between the brush part 42 and the sponge part 33 was 1.0 cm. Moreover, the distance e between the sponge part 33 and the brush part 43 was 0.5 cm.

(Comparative example)
A product obtained by omitting the sponge portion of the product of the present invention, that is, a brush (manufactured by Pentax, CS6002SN) was used as a conventional product.

(Evaluation)
Each of the endoscope cleaning brushes of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example as described above is easy to carry a cleaning agent (easy to contain a cleaning agent), easy to adsorb bacteria (easy to adsorb bacteria) ), Easiness of cleaning the endoscope line (ease of cleaning the endoscope line) was evaluated.

1. Ease of carrying the cleaning agent 100 ml of an endoscope cleaning agent (Ruhof, ENDOZIME AW) was adjusted, and each endoscope cleaning brush was immersed in this for 5 seconds. The ease of containing the cleaning agent was evaluated by measuring the weight of each of the endoscope cleaning brushes taken out. The evaluation was performed by comparing the measured weight in Examples 1 and 2 with the measured weight in the comparative example.

2. Easiness of bacteria adsorption B. Subtilis bacterial solution was prepared, and 200 ml was poured into an endoscope (Pentax, FB-15P) pipe line (pipe volume: 20 ml or less) and left for 1 hour.

  And, each endoscope cleaning brush is inserted through the endoscope duct, the bacterial solution attached to each endoscope cleaning brush is collected, this is cultured, and by examining the presence or absence of bacteria, The ease of bacteria adsorption was evaluated. In the test results, +: positive and-: negative.

3. Easiness of cleaning of the endoscope line B. Subtilis bacterial solution was prepared, and 200 ml was poured into an endoscope (Pentax, FB-15P) pipe line (duct volume: 20 ml or less) and left at 38 ± 2 ° C. for 1 hour. .

  Then, each endoscope cleaning brush is inserted into the endoscope conduit, the bacterial solution adhering to each endoscope cleaning brush is collected, this is cultured, and the presence or absence of bacteria is inspected. 3 times. At that time, a new sterilized cleaning brush for an endoscope was used for each operation. The ease of cleaning of the endoscopic duct was evaluated based on the transition of the measurement results in each operation. In the test results, +: positive and-: negative.

  B. Subtilis bacterial solution was prepared, and 200 ml was poured into an endoscope (Pentax, FB-15P) pipe line (pipe volume: 20 ml or less) and left at 38 ± 2 ° C. for 3 hours. .

Then, each of the endoscope cleaning brushes was inserted into the endoscope conduit, and the bacterial solution adhering to the product of the present invention was collected, cultured, and inspected for the presence of the bacteria, three times. . At that time, a new sterilized cleaning brush for an endoscope was used for each operation. The ease of cleaning of the endoscopic duct was evaluated based on the transition of the measurement results in each operation. In the test results, +: positive and-: negative.
The results of the above evaluation are shown in Table 1.

  As is apparent from Table 1, the endoscope cleaning brushes of Examples 1 and 2 of the present invention were superior to the endoscope cleaning brush of the comparative example in any evaluation.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the pipe line of the endoscope in which the cleaning brush for endoscopes of this invention is used. It is a longitudinal section showing a 1st embodiment of a cleaning brush for endoscopes of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the cleaning brush for endoscopes of this invention. It is sectional drawing shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1 'Endoscope cleaning brush 2 Main-body part 3 Sponge part 31,32,33 Sponge part 4 Brush part 41,42,43 Brush part 5 Grasping part 10 Endoscope 11 Insertion part Flexible tube 12 Operation part 13 Bending portion 14 Light source insertion portion 15 Connection portion Flexible tube 16 Suction channel 161, 162 Tube 163 Cylinder portion 164 Suction cap 165, 166 Opening A, B, C Curved portion a, b, c, d, e Distance

Claims (17)

An endoscope cleaning brush for cleaning the inside of a conduit formed inside an endoscope,
An elongated main body having flexibility so as to bend along the inner wall of the pipe when inserted into the pipe;
A brush part provided in the main body part;
An endoscope cleaning brush, comprising: a sponge portion provided in the main body portion.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 1, wherein the sponge part is provided at a plurality of positions at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main body part.   3. The endoscope for an endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion, a length of a leading sponge portion at the time of insertion among the plurality of sponge portions is shorter than a length of a trailing sponge portion. Cleaning brush.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a porosity of a leading sponge portion at the time of insertion among the plurality of sponge portions is larger than a porosity of a succeeding sponge portion.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the brush portion is provided at a plurality of locations at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion.   6. The endoscope for an endoscope according to claim 5, wherein a length of a leading brush portion at the time of insertion among the plurality of brush portions is shorter than a length of a trailing brush portion in a longitudinal direction of the main body portion. Cleaning brush.   The endoscope cleaning according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a density of the brushes in the preceding brush part at the time of insertion among the plurality of brush parts is smaller than a density of the brushes in the following brush part. brush.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the sponge portion and the brush portion are alternately arranged in a longitudinal direction of the main body portion.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 8, wherein the adjacent sponge portion and the brush portion are spaced apart from each other.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 9, wherein among the plurality of intervals, a leading-side interval at the time of insertion is larger than a trailing-side interval.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sponge portion is made of resin as a main material.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 11, wherein the resin is a hydrophilic polymer.   The cleaning brush for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sponge portion communicates with adjacent holes.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a porosity of the sponge portion is 20 to 80%.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sponge portion has a hardness of 30 to 70 °.   The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 1, wherein the sponge portion is provided at an end portion of the main body portion. The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 1, further comprising a grip portion provided at an end portion of the main body portion.

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