Endoscope processing apparatus and endoscope processing method

An endoscope processing apparatus comprising:

• a cleaning tank configured to be able to house at least one of an endoscope and endoscope accessories;
• a liquid drainage port which is an opening portion provided to a bottom surface of the cleaning tank;
• a liquid inlet port which is an opening portion provided to open at an upper position than the liquid drainage port in the cleaning tank;
• a discharge port which is an opening portion provided to the cleaning tank;
• a multipurpose conduit including the liquid inlet port and having a predetermined capacity;
• a first-liquid introducing section directly connected to the multipurpose conduit and configured to introduce a first liquid into the multipurpose conduit;
• a second-liquid introducing section directly connected to the multipurpose conduit and configured to introduce a second liquid into the multipurpose conduit;
• a gas-liquid mixing section connected to the multipurpose conduit and the discharge port, and configured to mix a liquid in the multipurpose conduit and gas, to deliver the mixed fluid to the discharge port;
• a discharge valve disposed between the discharge port and the gas-liquid mixing section, and configured to open and close a connection between the discharge port and the gas-liquid mixing section;
• a liquid-feeding section including a liquid-feeding conduit and a liquid-feeding pump, the liquid-feeding conduit having one end connected to the multipurpose conduit and another end connected to the gas-liquid mixing section, the liquid-feeding pump being provided to the liquid-feeding conduit and configured to deliver a liquid in the multipurpose conduit to the gas-liquid mixing section;
• a stirring conduit having one end connected to the multipurpose conduit and another end connected to the gas-liquid mixing section;
• an opening/closing section provided to the stirring conduit, and configured to open and close a connection between the multipurpose conduit and the gas-liquid mixing section;
• and
• a compressor connected to the gas-liquid mixing section, and configured to deliver the gas to the gas-liquid mixing section,
• wherein, when the discharge valve is closed, the opening/closing section is opened, and the liquid-feeding pump is driven, a route is configured in which a liquid in the multipurpose conduit circulates by passing through only the multipurpose conduit, the liquid-feeding conduit, the gas-liquid mixing section, and the stirring conduit.