Patent ID: 8707972
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. 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.