Pipe cleaning equipment, dental treatment equipment, and filter unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a pipe cleaning device, a dental treatment device, and a filter unit that clean the filter before the user removes it. [Solution] A pipe cleaning device for cleaning dental treatment piping including a filter, comprising: a holding part 2d for holding a medical vacuum device 40 connected to the first end 44a of a vacuum pipe 44; a filter 601 through which the fluid sucked by the vacuum device 40 passes; a supply part 450 for supplying a cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe 44; and a discharge pipe 500 provided in the holding part 2d and connected to a second end 44b provided on the opposite side of the first end 44a of the vacuum pipe 44 for discharging the cleaning agent to the outside, wherein when the vacuum device 40 is held in the holding part 2d, the height of the first end 44a or the vacuum device 40 from the floor is greater than or equal to the height from the floor of the downward position 203a, which is a position in the discharge pipe 500 facing the floor, and a part of the filter 601 is positioned on the floor side of the downward position 203a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pipe cleaning device, a dental treatment device, and a filter unit.

Background Art

[0002] In a dental treatment device as an example of a medical device, a suction device is provided to suck saliva, cleaning water, etc. accumulated in the oral cavity during a patient's treatment and discharge them from the oral cavity. The suction device is connected to a vacuum instrument such as a vacuum syringe via a vacuum tube. The user inserts the tip of the vacuum instrument into the patient's oral cavity to suck saliva, cleaning water, etc.

[0003] In a medical suction device as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7405790 (Patent Document 1), a filter is provided to remove solid contaminants contained in the sucked saliva, cleaning water, etc. in order to prevent the pipeline from being clogged. The solid contaminants accumulated in the filter are removed by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although the user has to take out the filter from the device and remove contaminants, etc. from the filter, bacteria, viruses, etc. contained in the sucked saliva, cleaning water, etc. adhere to the filter. Therefore, when taking out the filter, there is a risk of contacting bacteria, viruses, etc. adhering to the filter, and there is a possibility of causing infectious diseases, etc. However, hitherto, in a dental treatment device, washing bacteria, viruses, etc. adhering to the filter before the user takes out the filter has not been considered.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a pipe cleaning device, a dental treatment device, and a filter unit that enable the user to clean the filter before removing it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A pipe cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a pipe cleaning device for cleaning dental piping including a filter, comprising: a holding part for holding a medical vacuum device connected to a first end of a vacuum pipe; a filter through which the fluid sucked by the vacuum device passes; a supply part for supplying a cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe; and a discharge pipe provided in the holding part and connected to a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end of the vacuum pipe for discharging the cleaning agent to the outside, wherein the height from the floor of the first end or the vacuum device when the vacuum device is held in the holding part is greater than or equal to the height from the floor of the downward position in the discharge pipe facing the floor, and a part of the filter is positioned on the floor side of the downward position.

[0008] A dental treatment device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a dental treatment device for treating a patient, comprising: a treatment table on which a patient can be seated or laid down for treatment; a treatment body including a first end of a vacuum tube and a holding part for holding a medical vacuum instrument to be connected; a vacuum motor that generates suction pressure in the vacuum tube; a connecting part that connects to a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end of the vacuum tube; a discharge pipe having one end that connects to the connecting part and the other end that is below the height from the floor surface of the first end when the vacuum instrument is held in the holding part and opens toward the floor surface; and a supply part that supplies a cleaning agent into the vacuum tube and the connecting part, wherein the connecting part accommodates at least a portion of a filter through which the fluid sucked by the vacuum instrument passes so that it is at a position below the height from the floor surface of the other end.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a pipe cleaning device for cleaning a filter for dental treatment, comprising: a holding part for holding a medical vacuum device connected to a first end of a vacuum pipe; a connecting part connected to a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end of the vacuum pipe; a supply part for supplying a cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe and the connecting part; a discharge pipeline connected to the connecting part and including a control valve; a detection part for detecting that the vacuum device is held in the holding part; a control part that, when the detection part detects that the vacuum device is held in the holding part, closes the control valve and controls the supply part to supply a predetermined amount of cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe and the connecting part; and the connecting part accommodates at least a portion of the filter through which the fluid sucked by the vacuum device passes, at a position less than or equal to the height from the floor surface of the first end when the vacuum device is held in the holding part.

[0010] A filter unit according to one aspect of this disclosure is a filter unit for passing fluid sucked up by a vacuum device in a dental treatment apparatus, and comprises a filter and a pipe cleaning device for cleaning a pipe through which the fluid passing through the filter flows. The pipe cleaning device includes a holding part for holding a medical vacuum device connected to a first end of a vacuum pipe, a supply part for supplying a cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe, and a discharge pipe provided within the holding part and connected to a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end of the vacuum pipe for discharging the cleaning agent to the outside. When the vacuum device is held in the holding part, the height of the first end or the height of the vacuum device from the floor is greater than or equal to the height from the floor at a downward position in the discharge pipe that faces the floor. A portion of the filter is positioned on the floor side from the downward position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, by immersing the filter in a cleaning solution before the user removes it from the dental device, bacteria and viruses on the filter can be reduced. This reduces the risk of the user coming into contact with bacteria and viruses attached to the filter when removing it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the pipe cleaning operation by the pipe cleaning device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the discharge pipeline in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow II in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows the pipeline configuration of the suction device and pipe cleaning device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a control block diagram of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an operation icon for cleaning the piping of a dental treatment device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the pipe cleaning operation by the pipe cleaning device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a pipe cleaning device in a modified example. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pipe cleaning device in Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures. <Embodiment 1> First, the configuration of the dental treatment device 100 in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device 100 in Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the dental treatment device 100 in Embodiment 1 includes a treatment device main body 10, a treatment handpiece 30, a dental vacuum device 40, a suction device 200, and a vacuum motor 300. The suction device 200 is built into the spittoon 2 and is connected to the vacuum device 40 by a vacuum tube 44. The vacuum device 40 and the vacuum tube 44 are configured to be detachably connected to the spittoon 2. Note that the suction device 200 may include the vacuum device 40 and the vacuum motor 300.

[0014] The treatment device main body 10 includes a chair device 1, a spittoon 2, a lighting device 3, an arm for the lighting device 4, a treatment table 5, and an arm for the treatment table 6. The chair device 1 is configured such that a patient can receive treatment while sitting or lying down. The chair device 1 includes a base 1a, a seat plate 1b, a backrest 1c, a headrest 1d, and an armrest 1e. The seat plate 1b is installed on the base 1a so as to be movable up and down. The backrest 1c is attached to one end of the seat plate 1b so as to be movable up and down. The headrest 1d is attached to the upper end of the backrest 1c so as to be tiltable. The armrest 1e is installed on the side of the seat plate 1b.

[0015] The spittoon 2 is installed on the side of the chair device 1. The spittoon 2 includes a body 2a, a basin 2b, and a cup faucet 2c. The basin 2b is installed at the upper end of the body 2a. A water supply cylinder extending from the cup faucet 2c is installed in the basin 2b. The lighting device 3 is connected to the spittoon 2 via the arm for the lighting device 4. The lighting device 3 is, for example, a shadowless lamp.

[0016] The treatment table 5 is connected to the base 1a via the arm 6 for the treatment table. The treatment table 5 is used for placing or holding medical instruments, drugs, and the treatment handpiece 30. Further, the treatment table 5 includes an operation setting unit 5a for setting operations of the chair device 1, the treatment handpiece 30, and the like.

[0017] The treatment handpiece 30 is an instrument for dental treatment. The treatment handpiece 30 may include a plurality of handpieces. The treatment handpiece 30 is, for example, the first air turbine handpiece (high-speed handpiece) 31, the second air turbine handpiece (high-speed handpiece) 32, the micromotor handpiece (low-speed handpiece) 33, the three-way syringe 34, and the like. The treatment handpiece 30 is configured to be locked to the doctor-side handpiece holder 5b provided on the treatment table 5.

[0018] The vacuum device 40 is inserted into the patient's oral cavity at its tip to aspirate saliva, irrigation water, and other liquids accumulated in the patient's oral cavity. The vacuum device 40, consisting of a vacuum syringe 41 and a saliva syringe 42, is configured to be secured to an instrument holder 2d on the assistant's side, which is provided in the spittoon 2. The instrument holder 2d holds the vacuum device 40 and corresponds to the holding part in this specification. The instrument holder 2d is configured to be movable vertically relative to the floor surface on which the dental treatment device 100 is installed by an instrument holder arm 47. The saliva syringe 42 has a smaller tip opening than the vacuum syringe 41 and therefore produces less suction of saliva, irrigation water, and other liquids accumulated in the oral cavity. Although not shown, the instrument holder 2d is provided with a display unit 43 for displaying error information and operation information of the vacuum device 40. Liquids such as saliva and washing water, aspirated by the vacuum device 40, are discharged by passing through the vacuum tube 44 and the suction line 204 located outside the device holder 2d. The device holder 2d also holds a three-way syringe 49 for spraying water or air. An air supply line 48 and a water supply line (not shown) are connected to the three-way syringe 49. The arrangement of the vacuum syringe 41, saliva syringe 42, and three-way syringe 49 on the device holder 2d is not particularly limited, and they do not have to be arranged in the order of vacuum syringe 41, three-way syringe 49, and saliva syringe 42, as shown in Figure 1, from closest to the chair device 1.

[0019] The vacuum motor 300 is a device comprising a motor and a suction fan rotated by the motor, and generates suction force. The vacuum motor 300 can be a standard vacuum motor used in typical dental treatment equipment.

[0020] The suction device 200 uses the suction force generated by the vacuum motor 300 to aspirate saliva, rinsing water, etc., accumulated in the patient's oral cavity. The aspirated saliva and rinsing water may contain solid waste. If solid waste is aspirated and adheres to the tubing of the suction device 200, the tubing may become clogged, preventing suction.

[0021] Therefore, dental treatment equipment has a filter between the vacuum device and the vacuum tank to remove solid debris. As solid matter accumulates on the filter during treatment on patients, it is desirable for the user to clean the filter immediately after the treatment is completed. Bacteria and viruses contained in the aspirated saliva and cleaning water adhere to the filter. Therefore, there is a risk that the user may come into contact with bacteria and viruses when removing the filter, which could cause infection. In addition, in dental treatment equipment, a cleaning agent may be aspirated using a suction device to clean the vacuum tube. However, since this cleaning solution passes through the filter, the contact time with the filter is not long enough to inactivate bacteria and viruses. Therefore, even if the cleaning solution is aspirated and the filter is removed using a suction device, the cleaning of the filter may be insufficient.

[0022] Therefore, the dental treatment device 100 in Embodiment 1 is configured to supply a cleaning agent to a filter 601 located in the middle of the conduit through which the fluid sucked by the vacuum tube 44 and the vacuum device 40 passes, thereby cleaning them. This allows the dental treatment device 100 to clean the filter 601 before the user removes it. As one of the functions of the dental treatment device 100, the pipe cleaning device 700 has the configuration described below.

[0023] First, the cleaning operation of the filter 601 by the pipe cleaning device 700 will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pipe cleaning device 700 in the embodiment. Figure 2 shows the state in which the vacuum syringe 41 is held in the instrument holder 2d. In Figure 2, the case in which the vacuum syringe 41 is connected as the vacuum instrument 40 is explained as an example, but the configuration is the same for the drain syringe 42. The pipe cleaning device 700 includes a control unit 280 that controls the adjustment of the cleaning agent and the opening and closing of the control valve, but the details of the control by the control unit 280 will be described later.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the pipe cleaning device 700 includes a connection part 600 that connects to the second end 44b of the vacuum pipe 44, which is opposite to the first end 44a to which the vacuum syringe 41 is connected, and a discharge pipe 500 that is connected to the connection part 600 and through which the liquid sucked up by the vacuum syringe 41 is discharged.

[0025] The connection section 600 includes a filter 601 that captures solid matter and other particles contained in the liquid aspirated by the vacuum syringe 41, and a filter case 602 that houses the filter 601. The filter case 602 is connected to the second end 44b of the vacuum tube 44. The connection section 600 also has a supply port 610 for supplying cleaning agent. The location of the supply port 610 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply cleaning agent to the vacuum tube 44 and the filter 601 in the connection section 600, and may be provided inside the vacuum tube 44.

[0026] The discharge pipeline 500 includes a first pipeline 201, a control valve 220, and a third pipeline 203. Liquid that reaches the first pipeline 201 passes through the control valve 220 and heads toward the third pipeline 203. In this embodiment, the third pipeline 203 of the discharge pipeline 500 has a downward position 203a in part, which is a position facing toward the floor. The cleaning agent that flows into the third pipeline 203 flows from a high position to a low position due to gravity, so in the discharge pipeline 500 it heads toward the floor from the downward position 203a, passes through the suction pipeline 204, and is discharged into the vacuum tank 260. The vacuum tank 260 is a device that separates the gas and liquid sucked up by the vacuum device 40, and has a structure similar to that of a normal tank that separates gas and liquid.

[0027] The pipe cleaning device 700 includes a supply unit 450 which has cleaning pipes 46 provided for each of the connection parts 600, a solenoid valve 410 for supplying water from a water source 50, a pump 420 for injecting chemicals into the supplied water, and a chemical tank 430 for storing the chemicals. The supply unit 450 supplies water to the cleaning pipes 46 via the solenoid valve 410, injects chemicals with the pump 420, and generates a cleaning agent. The supply unit 450 then supplies the generated cleaning agent to the connection parts 600. The pump 420 adjusts the amount of chemicals injected.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the vacuum syringe 41 held in the instrument holder 2d. In this case, the vacuum tube 44 hangs down towards the floor (downward in the figure) near its midpoint in the length direction, forming an overall U-shape. When the dental treatment device 100 starts cleaning the vacuum tube 44 and filter 601, the supply unit 450 supplies cleaning agent to the connection unit 600. When the level of cleaning agent in the connection unit 600 rises above the second end 44b of the vacuum tube 44, the cleaning agent flows into the vacuum tube 44 from the second end 44b. As more cleaning agent is supplied, the level of cleaning agent in the connection unit 600 rises along with the level of cleaning agent in the vacuum tube 44. When the cleaning agent reaches the discharge line 500, it passes through the downward position 203a and is discharged to the vacuum tank 260 through the suction line 204.

[0029] Here, the height ha of the first end 44a of the vacuum pipe 44 from the floor is set to be higher by height h than the height hb of the lower position 203a from the floor. As a result, the cleaning agent does not overflow from the first end 44a of the vacuum pipe 44, and the cleaning agent supplied to the connection part 600 and the vacuum pipe 44 beyond height hb passes through the lower position 203a and is drained into the suction pipe 204. As a result, the water level of the cleaning agent at the connection part 600 becomes height hb, and the filter 601 is immersed in the cleaning solution in the range below height hb. Therefore, bacteria, viruses, etc. can be inactivated in at least a part of the filter 601. Furthermore, when the saliva syringe 42 is held in the instrument holder 2d, it is preferable that the control valve 230 corresponding to the control valve 220 provided in the pipeline through which the liquid drawn from the saliva syringe 42 passes is opened, and cleaning agent is also supplied from the supply unit 450 to the connection part 600 to which the saliva syringe 42 is connected. This allows the two filters 601 to be cleaned simultaneously.

[0030] Furthermore, when the vacuum syringe 41 is held in the instrument holder 2d, the pipeline from one end of the discharge pipeline 500 that connects to the connection part 600 to the downward position 203a is configured to be at approximately the same height as the first end 44a of the vacuum pipe 44. Therefore, the cleaning agent supplied to the vacuum pipe 44 reaches the downward position 203a of the discharge pipeline 500 and is discharged through the suction pipeline 204.

[0031] After a predetermined time has elapsed since filling the connection section 600 with the cleaning agent, the control valve 210 is opened, and the cleaning agent in the vacuum tube 44 and the connection section 600 is discharged by the suction force generated by the vacuum motor 300. The predetermined time is sufficient to inactivate bacteria, viruses, etc. attached to the inner wall of the vacuum tube 44 and the filter 601 with the cleaning agent, for example, 30 seconds. By immersing the filter 601 in the cleaning agent for the predetermined time, bacteria, viruses, etc. that could not be inactivated by simply passing the cleaning agent through the filter 601 can be inactivated.

[0032] Furthermore, if at least a portion of the filter 601 is below the height hb from the floor at the lower position 203a, bacteria and viruses can be inactivated in that portion, thus reducing the risk of the user coming into contact with bacteria and viruses when removing the filter 601. More preferably, the entire filter 601 is below the height hb from the floor at the lower position 203a. In other words, as shown in Figure 2, the height hc from the floor of the highest part of the filter 601 is below the height hb. In this case, bacteria and viruses can be reduced throughout the entire filter 601, thus further reducing the risk of the user coming into contact with bacteria and viruses compared to washing only a portion of the filter 601.

[0033] In Embodiment 1, the discharge pipe 500 and connection part 600 are provided within the equipment holder 2d. However, when the vacuum equipment 40 is held in the equipment holder 2d, if the height ha of the first end 44a of the vacuum pipe 44 from the floor is higher by height h than the height hb of the lower position 203a from the floor, the location where the discharge pipe 500 and connection part 600 are provided is not particularly limited and may be provided within the spittoon 2. Furthermore, since the discharge pipe 500 and connection section 600 are provided within the instrument holder 2d, even if the instrument holder arm 47 moves vertically, when the vacuum instrument 40 is held in the instrument holder 2d, the height ha of the first end 44a of the vacuum pipe 44 from the floor will always be greater than or equal to the height hb from the floor at the lower position 203a. Therefore, regardless of the position of the instrument holder 2d, as long as the vacuum instrument 40 is held in the instrument holder 2d, the user can prevent the cleaning agent from leaking from the tip of the vacuum instrument 40 during cleaning. In addition, when removing the filter 601 from the connection section 600, if the connection section 600 is provided within the spittoon 2, the user needs to bend down. However, if the connection section 600 is provided within the instrument holder 2d, the user can remove the filter 601 without bending down by moving the instrument holder 2d upward. Therefore, by providing the connection part 600 inside the instrument holder 2d, the user's workload when removing the filter 601 can be reduced.

[0034] When the vacuum device 40 is held in the device holder 2d, the vacuum pipe 44 is not limited to being in a U-shape, but it is preferable that the entire vacuum pipe 44 is lower than the height ha from the floor surface of the first end 44a so that the supplied cleaning agent can flow easily into the vacuum pipe 44. By having the entire vacuum pipe 44 lower than the height ha from the floor surface of the first end 44a, the area in which the cleaning liquid can come into contact with the inner wall of the vacuum pipe 44 can be widened.

[0035] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the height ha of the first end 44a from the floor surface and the height hb of the lower position 203a are approximately equal. When the height ha of the first end 44a from the floor surface and the height hb of the lower position 203a are approximately equal, the vacuum pipe 44 can be immersed in the cleaning agent from end to end, and the cleaning agent can be prevented from leaking from the tip of the vacuum device 40. As a result, the vacuum pipe 44 can be filled with cleaning solution from the first end 44a to the second end 44b, and the entire inside of the vacuum pipe 44 can be cleaned.

[0036] In particular, if the height ha of the first end 44a from the floor surface and the height hb of the lower position 203a from the floor surface are the same, it is preferable that the normal direction of the opening surface of the first end 44a is approximately vertical to the floor surface. This prevents the cleaning agent from overflowing from the vacuum device 40 even when the first end 44a and the lower position 203a are at the same position. Furthermore, when the vacuum device 40 is held in the device holder 2d, it is preferable that the opening surface of the first end 44a is approximately vertical to the normal direction of the floor surface. This allows the user to simply hold the vacuum device 40 in the device holder 2d without having to worry about the orientation of the opening surface of the first end 44a.

[0037] As described above, one of the functions of the dental treatment device 100 is that the pipe cleaning device 700 is configured to clean the vacuum pipe 44 and the filter 601 at the same time, and comprises an instrument holder 2d, a filter 601, a discharge pipe 500, and a supply unit 450.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the discharge pipeline 500 in the embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the discharge pipeline in the embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow II in Figure 3. As an example of the control valves 220 and 230 in this embodiment, a diaphragm valve having a structure that opens and closes the flow path with a flexible diaphragm is shown.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3, the first conduit 201 connected to the vacuum syringe 41 is connected to the third conduit 203 via a control valve 220, and the second conduit 202 connected to the saliva syringe 42 is connected to the third conduit 203 via a control valve 230. The liquid flowing in from the first conduit 201 and the second conduit 202 passes through the lower position 203a of the third conduit 203, as indicated by arrow M1, and is drained into the suction conduit 204. The lower position 203a opens to the floor surface on which the dental treatment device 100 is installed. Therefore, the liquid that reaches the lower position 203a in the discharge conduit 500 is discharged towards the floor surface by gravity.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4, the first conduit 201 is installed perpendicular to the diaphragm of the control valve 220. The third conduit 203 extends perpendicular to the first conduit 201. As indicated by arrow M2, the liquid flowing from the vacuum syringe 41 into the first conduit 201 passes through the control valve 220 and flows into the third conduit 203 as indicated by arrow M3. The first conduit 201 and the third conduit 203 are installed horizontally to the floor surface on which the dental treatment device 100 is installed. This configuration prevents solid matter from accumulating in the diaphragm valve and blocking the flow path. Figure 4 describes the first pipeline 201, control valve 220, and third pipeline 203, but the second pipeline 202, control valve 230, and third pipeline 203 are provided in the same manner as the first pipeline 201, control valve 220, and third pipeline 203.

[0041] Next, the piping configuration of the suction device 200 and the pipe cleaning device 700 will be described. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the suction device 200 and the pipe cleaning device 700 in the embodiment. In Figure 5, a vacuum syringe 41 and a drain cleaner syringe 42 are used as examples of vacuum devices 40.

[0042] The suction device 200 has a first conduit 201 through which a vacuum syringe 41 is connected via a vacuum tube 44 and a connecting part 600, and a second conduit 202 through which a saliva syringe 42 is connected via the vacuum tube 44. Each connecting part 600 is connected to the first conduit 201 through which the liquid aspirated by the vacuum syringe 41 passes, and to the second conduit 202 through which the liquid aspirated by the saliva syringe 42 passes. One end 201a of the first conduit 201 and one end 202a of the second conduit 202 are connected to the connecting part 600. The connecting part 600 houses a filter 601 that captures solid matter contained in the liquid aspirated by the vacuum device 40. The first conduit 201 and the second conduit 202 are connected to the vacuum tank 260 via a third conduit 203 and a suction conduit 204. The third conduit 203 and the suction conduit 204 are connected at a downward position 203a. The vacuum tank 260 has a container, and the top of the container is provided with an inlet for connecting the suction conduit 204 and an exhaust port for connecting the suction conduit 205 leading to the vacuum motor 300. At the bottom of the container is a drain port for connecting the drain conduit 206 leading to the drain pipe. Check valves may be provided in the middle of the suction conduit 204 and the drain conduit 206.

[0043] The suction device 200 includes control valves 210, 220, and 230, which are on-off valves connected to the first conduit 201, the second conduit 202, the third conduit 203, and the suction conduit 205. Control valves 210 to 230 may each be solenoid valves. Control valve 210 is located between the vacuum tank 260 and the vacuum motor 300. Control valve 220 is located between the first conduit 201 and the third conduit 203, which are connected to the vacuum syringe 41. Control valve 230 is located between the second conduit 202 and the third conduit 203, which are connected to the saliva syringe 42. Each of the control valves 210, 220, and 230 is configured to allow the gas and liquid sucked from the vacuum device 40 to flow to the vacuum tank 260. The control valves 210, 220, and 230 may be located inside the first pipeline 201, the second pipeline 202, the third pipeline 203, and the suction pipeline 205, or they may be located separately from the first pipeline 201, the second pipeline 202, the third pipeline 203, and the suction pipeline 205. The discharge pipeline 500 constitutes a flow path from the vacuum pipe 44 to a downward position 203a and includes the first pipeline 201, the second pipeline 202, the third pipeline 203, the control valve 220, and the control valve 230.

[0044] The pipe cleaning device 700 includes cleaning pipes 46 provided for each of the connection sections 600, a solenoid valve 410 for supplying water from the water source 50 to the cleaning pipes 46, a pump 420 for injecting a chemical agent into the supplied water, and a chemical tank 430 for storing the chemical agent. The pump 420 is, for example, a drip pump. The cleaning agent is supplied into the connection section 600 through the cleaning pipes 46. Although the solenoid valve 410 and the pump 420 are provided individually for each cleaning pipe 46, they may be provided in common for two cleaning pipes 46.

[0045] The pipe cleaning device 700 is configured to discharge excess cleaning agent supplied to the connection 600 into the vacuum tank 260 using the discharge pipe 500. As a result, excess cleaning agent during cleaning is drained from the lower position 203a of the discharge pipe 500, rather than from the tip of the vacuum device 40.

[0046] Figure 6 is a control block diagram of a dental treatment device 100 in an embodiment. The dental treatment device 100 includes various control devices, such as a control device for controlling the chair device 1, a control device for controlling the spittoon 2, and a control device for controlling the treatment handpiece 30. These control devices communicate with each other using related communication technologies such as CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. In the dental treatment device 100 shown in Figure 6, an example is described in which the control device for controlling the spittoon 2 controls the suction device 200 and the pipe cleaning device 700.

[0047] The control unit 280 shown in Figure 6 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The CPU comprehensively controls the entire dental treatment device 100 by executing operating programs stored in ROM, etc. ROM stores programs and other data executed by the CPU. RAM serves as a workspace for the CPU when executing programs, and temporarily stores programs and data used when executing programs. The control unit 280 is connected to pickup sensor A281, pickup sensor B282, start SW283, start SWB284, cleaning mode SW285, drug SW286, display unit 43, and input unit 45.

[0048] Specifically, when the pickup sensor A281 detects that the vacuum syringe 41 has been picked up from the instrument holder 2d of the spittoon 2, the start SWA283 is turned ON, the vacuum motor 300 is activated, the control valves 210 and 220 open, and the vacuum syringe 41 is used to aspirate saliva, rinsing water, and other liquids accumulated in the patient's oral cavity.

[0049] On the other hand, when the pickup sensor B282 detects that the saliva syringe 42 has been picked up from the instrument holder 2d of the spittoon 2, the start SWB284 is turned ON, the vacuum motor 300 is activated, and the control valves 210 and 240 open to aspirate saliva, rinsing water, and other liquids accumulated in the patient's oral cavity from the tip of the saliva syringe 42.

[0050] The cleaning mode SW285 is a switch for selecting a cleaning mode for cleaning the filter 601 from among several cleaning modes. The multiple cleaning modes will be described later. The chemical SW286 is a switch for changing the amount of chemical contained in the cleaning agent used to clean the filter 601. By increasing the amount of chemical contained in the cleaning agent with the chemical SW286, the amount of chemical injected into the water by the pump 420 is increased. Specifically, the pump 420 increases the amount of chemical dropped into the water by increasing the number of times the chemical is dropped into the water per unit time. These switches may be provided as physical switches on the instrument holder 2d, or, as will be described later, as one of the operation switches on the touch panel (input unit 45) provided on the display unit 43.

[0051] An icon for filter cleaning operation may be displayed on the display unit 43 provided on the instrument holder 2d. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of an icon for filter cleaning operation of a dental treatment device 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. The display unit 43 provided on the instrument holder 2d displays a filter cleaning menu screen. The filter cleaning menu screen displays an icon image g1 for selecting whether to perform filter cleaning automatically or manually, an icon image g2 for setting whether or not to perform filter cleaning when the power is turned OFF, an icon image g3 for setting whether or not to perform filter cleaning when the chair device 1 is at a predetermined tilt for a predetermined time, an icon image g4 for setting the amount of drug contained in the cleaning agent, and an icon image g5 for setting the cleaning time (the time from when the supply of cleaning agent is stopped until it is discharged). In the display unit 43 shown in Figure 8, icon image g1 indicates that filter cleaning will be performed automatically, icon image g2 indicates that filter cleaning will be performed when the power is turned OFF, icon image g3 indicates that filter cleaning will not be performed when the chair device 1 is at a predetermined tilt, and icon image g4 indicates the amount of drug contained in the cleaning agent (level 5). The display unit 43 has a touch panel function, with icon images g1 to g3 corresponding to the cleaning mode SW285, and icon image g4 corresponding to the drug SW286.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, when the icon image g3 of the display unit 43 is active (ON), the vacuum tube 44 and filter 601 are cleaned each time the patient's treatment is finished and the chair device 1 returns to a predetermined tilt (the state in which the patient is seated). This keeps the inside of the vacuum tube 44 clean at all times and inactivates bacteria, viruses, etc. that have adhered to the filter 601.

[0053] The predetermined tilt is the tilt of the chair device 1 when the patient is seated. The user presses the treatment complete (exit) button when the treatment for the patient is finished. When the treatment complete button is pressed, the chair device 1 moves to a height and tilt suitable for the patient to exit. Therefore, when the chair device 1 reaches the predetermined tilt, it means that the treatment for the patient is finished. The location of the treatment complete button is not limited; it may be a physical button on the dental treatment device 100, or it may be displayed as an icon on the display unit 43.

[0054] Next, the operation of the pipe cleaning device 700 will be explained using a flowchart. Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the pipe cleaning device 700 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 280 controls the pipe cleaning device 700 to perform filter cleaning when predetermined conditions are met. For example, when the control unit 280 receives an input operation from the user via the input unit 45 using the treatment completion (exit) button, it performs the process shown in Figure 8. The control unit 280 determines whether the vacuum device 40 is held in the device holder 2d (step S101). The control unit 280 determines that the vacuum device 40 is held in the device holder 2d when the pickup sensors A281 and B282 are in the OFF state. Pickup sensors A281 and B282 are examples of detection units.

[0055] If the vacuum device 40 is not held in the device holder 2d (NO in step S101), the control unit 280 returns the process to step S101. If the vacuum device 40 is held in the device holder 2d (YES in step S101), the control unit 280 supplies cleaning agent to the connection part 600 (step S102). Specifically, the control unit 280 opens the solenoid valve 410 to supply water to the cleaning pipe 46 and injects the amount of agent set in icon image g4 into the water using the pump 420.

[0056] The control unit 280 determines whether or not a set amount of cleaning agent has been supplied into the connection section 600 (step S103). Specifically, the set amount is the amount of cleaning agent that fills the vacuum pipe 44 and the connection section 600 up to the height hb of the lower position 203a. The control unit 280 determines whether or not the set amount has been supplied, for example, by the time the cleaning agent was supplied. As mentioned above, even if the control unit 280 supplies more cleaning agent than the set amount into the connection section 600, the cleaning agent exceeding the set amount is drained into the vacuum tank 260 through the discharge pipe 500, so it will not overflow from the vacuum device 40.

[0057] If the set amount of cleaning agent has not been supplied to the connection part 600 (NO in step S103), the control unit 280 returns the process to step S103. If the set amount of cleaning agent has been supplied to the connection part 600 (YES in step S103), the control unit 280 stops supplying the cleaning agent to the connection part 600 (step S104).

[0058] To enhance the cleaning effect of the filter 601, the control unit 280 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed with at least a portion of the filter 601 of the connection unit 600 immersed in the cleaning solution (step S105). Maintaining the state in which at least a portion of the filter 601 is immersed in the cleaning solution increases the time that the cleaning agent is in contact with the filter 601, making it easier to remove dirt attached to the filter 601. For example, the predetermined time may be set to about 30 seconds, or it may be set to the time from the end of use of the dental treatment device 100 until the start of use the next day.

[0059] If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S105), the control unit 280 returns the process to step S105. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S105), the control unit 280 discharges the cleaning agent from inside the connection part 600 (step S106). Specifically, the control unit 280 starts the vacuum motor 300, opens the control valves 210 and 220, 230 to suck the cleaning agent from the discharge pipe 500 and drain it into the vacuum tank 260. Once the filter cleaning of the filter 601 is complete, the user removes the filter 601. After that, the control unit 280 terminates the process.

[0060] Before the cleaning operation of the vacuum pipe 44 and filter 601 by the pipe cleaning device 700 shown in Figure 8, saliva, cleaning water, etc., that have been aspirated by the vacuum device 40 may remain in the vacuum pipe 44 and / or the filter case 602. Therefore, before supplying the cleaning agent into the connection part 600 in step S102 of Figure 8, the control unit 280 may control the dental treatment device 100 to aspirate the liquid in the vacuum pipe 44 and the filter case 602 for a predetermined time. Specifically, the control unit 280 opens the control valves 210, 220, and 230 for a predetermined time. This allows the liquid in the vacuum pipe 44 and the filter case 602 to be discharged before supplying the cleaning agent to the vacuum pipe 44 and the filter case 602, preventing the cleaning agent from being diluted by saliva, cleaning water, etc., aspirated by the vacuum device 40. The predetermined time is, for example, 30 seconds.

[0061] In Figure 8, an example is shown in which, in steps S101 and S108, it is determined whether the chair device 1 is at a predetermined inclination as a means of estimating the end of treatment for the patient. However, the means of estimating the end of treatment for the patient are not limited to this. For example, the user pressing the treatment completion button and the chair device 1 stopping its operation may be used as a means of estimating the end of treatment for the patient.

[0062] When the vacuum device 40 detaches from the device holder 2d during the supply of cleaning agent to the connection part 600 as shown in step S102 of Figure 8, and the pickup sensor A281 or pickup sensor B282 turns ON, the control unit 280 closes the solenoid valve 410 to stop the supply of cleaning agent, quickly drives the vacuum motor 300, and opens the control valves 210, 220, and 230. As a result, even if the vacuum device 40 detaches from the device holder 2d during the cleaning of the vacuum tube 44 and filter 601, the cleaning agent in the vacuum tube 44 is sucked out, preventing the cleaning agent from leaking out of the tip of the vacuum device 40, or reducing the amount of leakage.

[0063] In the pipe cleaning device 700 of this embodiment, the vacuum device 40 was removed and cleaned as an example when cleaning the vacuum pipe 44 and filter 601. However, the vacuum pipe 44 and filter 601 may be cleaned with the vacuum device 40 still attached. In this case, when the vacuum syringe 41 is held in the device holder 2d, if the height from the floor near the tip or in the middle of the vacuum device 40 is greater than or equal to the height from the floor at the lower position 203a, it is possible to prevent the cleaning agent from leaking from the tip of the vacuum device 40.

[0064] Furthermore, in the dental treatment device 100 of this embodiment, the vacuum tank 260 connected to the vacuum motor 300 is located inside the spittoon 2, but is not limited to this, and a vacuum motor with a vacuum tank function may be located outside the spittoon 2. In that case, the vacuum tank inside the spittoon 2 is omitted.

[0065] Furthermore, although the explanation was given using the example that the downward position 203a in the discharge pipeline 500 faces the floor, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an additional discharge tube or the like is connected to the discharge pipeline 500, and the downward position that faces the floor exists not in the discharge pipeline 500 but in the tube. In this case, the tube can also be considered as part of the discharge pipeline.

[0066] In addition, while the configuration of the pipe cleaning device 700 has been described as one of the functions of the dental treatment device 100, the dental treatment device 100 according to this disclosure may also include a filter unit that includes a pipe cleaning device and a filter 601. The pipe cleaning device in the filter unit includes an instrument holder 2d, a supply unit 450, and a discharge pipe 500. In the filter unit, at least a portion of the filter 601 is positioned on the floor side of the downward position 203a. With this filter unit, at least a portion of the filter 601 can also be cleaned when the pipes are cleaned by the pipe cleaning device.

[0067] <Variation> In the pipe cleaning device 700, as shown in Figure 2, an example was described in which the connection port between the second end 44b of the vacuum pipe 44 of the filter case 602 and the vacuum pipe 44 is oriented towards the floor (downward in the figure). However, the position and direction of the connection port are not limited, as long as the cleaning agent that reaches the connection port flows into the vacuum pipe 44; for example, it may be horizontal to the floor. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the connection. In Figure 9, the connection port 603a between the second end 44b of the vacuum pipe 44 and the filter case 603 is provided on the upper surface (upper in the figure) of the filter case 603. Figure 9 shows the vacuum instrument 40 being held in the instrument holder 2d. Note that the connection port 600a shown in Figure 9 is provided in the dental treatment device 100 shown in Figure 1, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components as the connection port 600 shown in Figure 2, and detailed explanations are not repeated.

[0068] Referring to Figure 9, the connection section 600a comprises a filter case 603 that houses the filter 601. The filter case 603 includes a connection port 603a, a conduit 603b, and a conduit 603c. Although the filter 601 is not shown in Figure 9, it may be positioned at any location in the filter case 603 as long as at least a portion of the filter 601 is at or below the downward position 203a.

[0069] In the modified configuration, the pipe cleaning device equipped with connection part 600a supplies cleaning agent from the supply port 610 after determining that the vacuum device 40 is held in the device holder 2d. As the cleaning agent is supplied, at least a portion of the filter 601 housed in the filter case 603 is immersed in the cleaning agent.

[0070] Thus, the position and direction of the connection port between the filter case 602 and the second end 44b of the vacuum pipe 44 are not limited, as long as the cleaning agent that reaches the connection port flows into the vacuum pipe 44.

[0071] In addition, it is preferable that the height from the floor at the highest point of the filter 601 is lower than the connection port 603a that connects to the vacuum pipe 44. In this case, the cleaning agent flows into the vacuum pipe 44 after the entire filter 601 has been immersed in the cleaning agent. In the modified pipe cleaning device equipped with the connection part 600a, the filter 601 can be cleaned without the cleaning agent flowing into the vacuum pipe 44 by stopping the supply of the cleaning agent when the water level of the cleaning agent reaches the height from the floor at the highest point of the filter 601. As a result, when cleaning only the filter 601, less cleaning agent can be used than in the connection part 600. Furthermore, since the filter 601 can be cleaned without the cleaning agent flowing into the vacuum pipe 44, it is possible to prevent the cleaning agent from leaking out of the tip of the vacuum device 40 even if the vacuum pipe 44 comes off the device holder 2d.

[0072] <Embodiment 2> In the pipe cleaning device 700 of Embodiment 1, the height hb from the floor at the lower position 203a of the discharge pipe 500 is set to be less than or equal to the height ha of at least a portion of the filter 601 from the floor and the height ha of the first end 44a of the vacuum pipe 44 from the floor. With this configuration, the pipe cleaning device 700 of Embodiment 1 can immerse a portion of the filter 601 with the cleaning agent supplied to the connection 600, and prevent excess cleaning agent from leaking out of the tip of the vacuum device 40. In other words, in the pipe cleaning device 700 of Embodiment 1, even if the amount of cleaning agent supplied is greater than or equal to the volume of the vacuum pipe 44, the connection 600, and the discharge pipe 500, it will not leak out of the tip of the vacuum device 40. In the pipe cleaning device of Embodiment 2, a predetermined amount of cleaning agent is supplied while ensuring that cleaning liquid is not discharged from the discharge pipe 500. This allows the vacuum tube 44 and the filter 601 to be cleaned regardless of the height hb of the downward position 203a.

[0073] In Embodiment 2, the pipe cleaning device closes control valves 220 and 230 when cleaning the filter. Since the cleaning agent that flows into the first pipe 201 cannot pass through control valve 220, it is not discharged from the lower position 203a of the third pipe 203. Instead, the amount of cleaning agent supplied in the pipe cleaning device in Embodiment 2 is a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is less than or equal to the amount at which the water level of the cleaning agent reaches the first end 44a of the vacuum device 40, and the pipe cleaning device in Embodiment 2 can also immerse at least a portion of the filter 601 in the cleaning solution and prevent the cleaning agent from leaking out from the tip of the vacuum device 40.

[0074] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the connection part 600b in Embodiment 2. Figure 10 shows the vacuum instrument 40 being held in the instrument holder 2d. The connection part 600b shown in Figure 10 is provided on the dental treatment device 100 shown in Figure 1, and the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the connection part 600 shown in Figure 2, and detailed explanations will not be repeated. In addition, although the filter 601 is not shown in Figure 10, it may be placed at any position in the filter case 604 as long as at least a portion of the filter 601 is at or below the height ha from the floor surface of the first end 44a of the vacuum tube 44.

[0075] In the pipe cleaning device equipped with the connection part 600b in Embodiment 2, after determining that the vacuum device 40 is held in the device holder 2d, the control valve 220 is closed and cleaning agent is supplied from the supply port 610. The cleaning agent that has passed through the filter 601 and reached the first pipeline 201 cannot pass through the control valve 220, so the cleaning agent is not discharged from the lower position 203a of the discharge pipeline 500. Therefore, in the pipe cleaning device equipped with the connection part 600b in Embodiment 2, the water level of the cleaning agent rises above the height hb from the floor surface at the lower position 203a. When more cleaning agent is supplied, the water level of the cleaning agent rises above the height hb from the floor surface at the connection port 604a. The cleaning agent flows into the vacuum pipe 44 from the connection port 604a. The amount of cleaning agent supplied is a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is less than or equal to the amount at which the water level of the cleaning agent reaches the height ha from the floor surface at the first end 44a of the vacuum device 40. Specifically, the predetermined amount is, for example, less than or equal to the sum of the volumes of the first conduit 201, the connection part 600b, and the vacuum pipe 44. When the predetermined amount of cleaning agent is supplied, the level of the cleaning agent rises only to a height of ha, preventing leakage from the tip of the vacuum device 40. At this time, at least a portion of the filter 601 is installed so that it is less than or equal to the height of the first end 44a of the vacuum pipe 44 from the floor surface ha, so that a portion of the filter 601 can be cleaned.

[0076] The level of the cleaning agent needs to rise to the point where at least a portion of the filter 601 is submerged. More preferably, the level of the cleaning agent should rise to the point where the entire filter 601 is submerged. Specifically, the predetermined amount is equal to or greater than the combined volume of the first conduit 201 and the connection part 600b. By supplying the above predetermined amount of cleaning agent, the level of the cleaning agent will be equal to or greater than the height from the floor at the highest point of the filter 601 from the floor.

[0077] If the volume of the first conduit 201 is smaller than the volume of the connection part 600b and the vacuum pipe 44, the predetermined amount may be, for example, greater than or equal to the volume of the connection part 600b and less than or equal to the sum of the volumes of the connection part 600b and the vacuum pipe 44. By supplying this predetermined amount of cleaning agent, the entire filter 601 can be immersed in the cleaning agent, and leakage of the cleaning agent from the tip of the vacuum device 40 can be prevented.

[0078] The operation of the pipe cleaning device equipped with the connection part 600b in Embodiment 2 is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 8, except that the amount of cleaning agent supplied in step S102 is the predetermined amount described above.

[0079] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1 Chair unit, 2 Spittoon, 3 Lighting unit, 4 Arm for lighting unit, 5 Tray table, 6 Arm for tray table, 10 Main unit of dental equipment, 30 Handpiece for dental treatment, 40 Vacuum device, 43 Display unit, 44 Vacuum tube, 45 Input unit, 46 Cleaning piping, 47 Arm for instrument holder, 50 Water source, 100 Dental treatment equipment, 200 Suction device, 201 First pipeline, 202 Second pipeline, 203 Third pipeline, 204, 205 Suction pipeline, 206 Drain pipeline, 210, 220, 230, 240 Control valve, 260 Vacuum tank, 280 Control unit, 300 Vacuum motor, 410 Solenoid valve, 420 Pump, 430 Drug tank, 450 Supply unit, 500 Discharge pipeline, 600, 600a, 600b Connection part, 601 filter, 602, 603 filter case, 700 pipe cleaning device.

Claims

1. A pipe cleaning device for cleaning dental piping, including filters, A holding part for holding a medical vacuum device that connects to the first end of a vacuum tube, A filter through which the fluid sucked into the vacuum device passes, A supply unit that supplies cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe, The device includes a discharge pipe provided within the holding portion and connected to a second end located on the opposite side of the first end of the vacuum pipe, for discharging the cleaning agent to the outside, When the vacuum device is held in the holding part, the height of the first end or the height of the vacuum device from the floor is greater than or equal to the height from the floor at the downward position in the discharge pipeline that faces the floor. A pipe cleaning device in which a portion of the filter is positioned closer to the floor surface than the downward position.

2. The pipe cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the downward position is located at a height approximately equal to the height of the first end from the floor surface when the vacuum device is held in the holding part.

3. The pipe cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein all of the filters are positioned on the floor side of the downward position.

4. A detection unit that detects that the vacuum device is being held in the holding part, The pipe cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a control unit that controls the supply unit to supply the cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe when the detection unit detects that the vacuum device is being held in the holding unit.

5. The pipe cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the first control valve so that the suction pressure generated by the vacuum motor is transmitted into the vacuum pipe for a predetermined period of time before supplying the cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe.

6. The pipe cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a connecting portion provided between the second end of the vacuum pipe and the discharge pipeline for housing the filter.

7. The pipe cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the connection portion includes a filter case for detachably housing the filter.

8. The supply unit is connected to the filter case, The pipe cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the filter case has a supply port from which the cleaning agent is supplied from the supply unit.

9. The aforementioned discharge pipeline is A first conduit, one end of which is connected to the connection part of the vacuum pipe, A second conduit perpendicular to the first conduit and horizontal to the floor surface, The pipe cleaning device according to claim 6, further comprising a control valve connecting the other end of the first pipe to one end of the second pipe.

10. The control valve is a diaphragm valve, The other end of the first pipeline is connected perpendicularly to the diaphragm of the control valve, as described in claim 9.

11. A dental treatment device for treating patients, A medical examination table in which a patient can be seated or reclined for examination, The main unit of the medical device includes a holder for holding medical vacuum devices, A filter through which the fluid sucked into the vacuum device passes, A vacuum pipe including a first end connected to the vacuum device and a second end opposite to the first end, A supply unit that supplies cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe, A discharge pipeline is provided within the holding portion and connected to the second end of the vacuum pipe for discharging the cleaning agent to the outside, The system includes a vacuum motor that generates suction pressure in the vacuum tube, When the vacuum device is held in the holding part, the height of the first end or the vacuum device from the floor is greater than or equal to the height from the floor at a downward position, which is a downward position in the discharge pipeline. A dental treatment device in which a portion of the filter is positioned closer to the floor surface than the downward position.

12. A pipe cleaning device for cleaning dental piping, including filters, A holding part for holding a medical vacuum device that connects to the first end of a vacuum tube, A filter through which the fluid sucked into the vacuum device passes, A supply unit that supplies cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe, A second end is provided on the opposite side of the first end of the vacuum pipe to discharge the cleaning agent to the outside, and a discharge pipeline including a control valve is provided. A detection unit that detects that the vacuum device is being held in the holding part, The system includes a control unit that, when the detection unit detects that the vacuum device is being held in the holding unit, closes the control valve and controls the supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of the cleaning agent to the vacuum pipe, A pipe cleaning device in which, when the vacuum device is held in the holding part, a part of the filter is positioned on the floor side of the first end or the height of the vacuum device from the floor surface.

13. The pipe cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined amount is greater than or equal to the volume of the vacuum pipe.

14. A filter unit for passing fluid aspirated by a vacuum device in a dental treatment device, Filters and, The system includes a pipe cleaning device for cleaning pipes through which the fluid passing through the filter flows, The aforementioned pipe cleaning device is A holding part for holding a medical vacuum device that connects to the first end of a vacuum tube, A supply unit that supplies cleaning agent into the vacuum pipe, The system includes a discharge pipeline provided within the holding portion and connected to a second end located on the opposite side of the first end of the vacuum pipe, for discharging the cleaning agent to the outside, When the vacuum device is held in the holding part, the height of the first end or the height of the vacuum device from the floor is greater than or equal to the height from the floor at the downward position in the discharge pipeline that faces the floor. A filter unit in which a portion of the filter is positioned closer to the floor surface than the downward position.

Images