Endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus and leak detection method performed by the apparatus

A leak detection method performed by an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus comprising:

• a connecting step for connecting a connection portion to an inner space base of an endoscope comprising a distal end portion, a bending portion, an insertion portion, a grasping portion, a bending transmitting portion provided at the grasping portion to provide the bending portion with bending motion, wherein the bending transmitting portion comprises one or more gears operatively connected to a plurality of wires, the plurality of wires configured to produce the bending motion of the bending portion, and the inner space base provided at the grasping portion and communicating with an inner space of the insertion portion, to a fluid supplying unit of the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus comprising a distal end driving portion for transmitting driving force to the bending transmitting portion through a connecting portion, the fluid supplying unit, and a pressure detecting portion, wherein the connecting portion comprises, at least one gear and a motor, the motor controlled by a control unit;
• a pressurizing step for supplying gas to the inner space from the fluid supplying unit;
• a bending portion driving step for bending the bending portion by driving the distal end driving portion;
• a detecting step for detecting pressure in the inner space by the pressure detecting portion;
• and
• a determining step for determining occurrence or nonoccurrence of water leak in the endoscope by comparing the pressure in the inner space and a preset threshold.