Sterilization System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilization system comprising: a sterilization device (10) having a first flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows; a flow rate sensing sensor (20) fluidly connected to the sterilization device (10) and having a second flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows; and a driving module (30) electrically connected to the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensing sensor (20). The driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the flow rate sensing sensor (20) detects a flow rate below a critical flow rate of the substance to be sterilized, and drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the flow rate sensing sensor (20) detects a flow rate above a critical flow rate of the substance to be sterilized.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization system, and more specifically, to a sterilization system equipped with a sterilization device that operates by varying the rated current according to the flow rate of the object to be sterilized. Background Technology

[0002] A unit chair is equipment used in dental clinics and other settings to accommodate patients, and it includes a handpiece, syringe, and spittoon. The handpiece rotates an internal turbine using the pressure of dental water and compressed air to rotate a bur used for removing tooth fragments. The syringe sprays dental water to rinse the oral cavity. The spittoon is used for gargling the patient's mouth.

[0003] Conventional technology discloses various techniques for sterilizing treatment water supplied to a unit chair.

[0004] Korean registered patent 10-2731329 (Patent Document 1) discloses a water supply device for a dental unit chair, and Korean registered patent 10-2823591 (Patent Document 2) discloses a hot water supply device for dental use. Additionally, Korean registered patent 10-2697576 (Patent Document 3) discloses a smart LED ultraviolet water sterilization device including a modulation-capable sensor and an IoT device. Specifically, Patent Document 3 discloses a smart LED ultraviolet water sterilization device comprising a case, a sterilization module, internal piping, a sensor module, and a power module.

[0005] In a sterilization device for a dental unit chair, it is necessary to effectively control unnecessary operation by activating the device only when dental treatment devices such as handpieces, syringes, and spittoons are in operation. However, when treatment water is supplied only to the handpiece, there is a problem where the flow rate is not detected due to the slow flow rate, requiring a technical solution.

[0006] The above patent documents 1 and 2 do not disclose any such technical necessity. Although patent document 3 discloses a sensor module that detects the flow of water, patent document 3 has a technical limitation in that it only implements the ON / OFF function of the sensor module while supplying power by detecting the flow velocity. Prior art literature

[0007] (Patent Document 0001) KR 10-2731329 B (Patent Document 0002) KR 10-2823591 B (Patent Document 0003) KR 10-2697576 B The problem to be solved

[0008] One objective of the present invention is to provide a sterilization system in which a sterilization device is operated without affecting the operating life of the sterilization device even when a sterilization target flows at a flow rate below a predetermined velocity in one aspect.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a dental treatment system in which a sterilization device is operated even when the flow rate of the treatment water is not detected due to a slow flow rate when the treatment water is supplied only to the handpiece. means of solving the problem

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a sterilization system comprising: a sterilization device (10) having a first flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows; a flow rate sensing sensor (20) having a second flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows and which is fluidly connected to the sterilization device (10); and a driving module (30) electrically connected to the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensing sensor (20). The driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the flow rate sensing sensor (20) detects a flow rate below a critical flow rate of the substance to be sterilized, and drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the flow rate sensing sensor (20) detects a flow rate above a critical flow rate of the substance to be sterilized.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a dental treatment system including a sterilization system (100) and a dental treatment device (200), wherein the sterilization system (100) comprises a sterilization device (10) having a first flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows; and a flow rate sensing sensor (20) having a second flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows, which is fluidly connected to the sterilization device (10). A dental treatment device (200) includes a drive module (30) electrically connected to a sterilization device (10) and a flow rate sensor (20); the dental treatment device (200) includes a handpiece (61), a syringe (62), and a spittoon (63) provided in a dental unit chair (60); a sterilization target passing through the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensor (20) is supplied to the handpiece (61), the syringe (62), and the spittoon (63); and the drive module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the sterilization target is discharged through the handpiece (61), and drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the sterilization target is discharged through the syringe (62) and the spittoon (63). Effects of the invention

[0012] The sterilization system of the present invention allows the sterilization device to be operated without affecting the operating life of the sterilization device even when the object to be sterilized flows at a flow rate below a predetermined rate.

[0013] In the dental treatment system of the present invention, when treatment water is supplied only to the handpiece, the sterilization device can be operated even when the flow rate of the treatment water is not detected due to a slow flow rate. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a sterilization system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 schematically shows a unit chair equipped with a sterilization system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of a dental treatment system according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0016] The present invention provides a sterilization system in one aspect.

[0017] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a sterilization system according to the present invention.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the sterilization system (100) of the present invention includes a sterilization device (10), a flow rate sensor (20), and a driving module (30).

[0019] The sterilization device (10) includes a first flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows. The substance to be sterilized flows through the first flow path provided inside the sterilization device (10), and the substance to be sterilized is sterilized by irradiating the substance with ultraviolet light from a light source provided in the sterilization device (10). The substance to be sterilized may be, for example, a dental treatment device supplied to a dental unit chair.

[0020] The flow rate sensing sensor (20) is fluidly connected to the sterilization device (10) and includes a second flow path through which a sterilization target flows. Accordingly, the sterilization target flows through the first flow path of the sterilization device (10) and the second flow path of the flow rate sensing sensor (20). The flow rate sensing sensor (20) is configured to detect the flow rate of the sterilization target flowing through the second flow path.

[0021] The driving module (30) is electrically connected to the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensor (20). Specifically, the driving module (30) is electrically connected to the sterilization device (10) through the first wiring (31) and electrically connected to the flow rate sensor (20) through the second wiring (32). Meanwhile, the driving module (30) is electrically connected to an external socket (44) through the third wiring (33) and can then be electrically connected to an external power source.

[0022] Meanwhile, in a sterilization device for a dental unit chair, it is necessary to effectively control unnecessary operation by activating the device only when dental treatment devices such as handpieces, syringes, and spittoons are in operation. This allows for the extension of the sterilization device's lifespan. To achieve this, for example, a flow rate sensor may be installed to activate the sterilization device only when the flow rate of the treatment water is detected. However, if treatment water is supplied only to the handpiece, the slow flow rate may prevent the flow rate sensor from detecting it, resulting in the sterilization device not activating and the treatment water supplied to the handpiece remaining unsterilized.

[0023] To solve this, the present invention configures the driving module (30) as follows.

[0024] In one embodiment, the driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the flow rate detection sensor (20) detects that the flow rate of the object to be sterilized is less than the critical flow rate.

[0025] Specifically, the driving module (30) is configured to continuously operate the sterilization device (10) as long as power is supplied. Here, the driving module (30) continuously operates the sterilization device (10) at a first rated current. The first rated current may be a rated current at a level that does not affect the operating life of the sterilization device (10). The driving module (30) continues to operate the sterilization device (10) at the first rated current as long as the flow rate detection sensor (20) detects a flow rate below the critical flow rate of the object to be sterilized. Therefore, for example, even if the flow rate of the treatment water is not detected by the flow rate detection sensor due to the slow flow rate of the treatment water supplied only to the handpiece of the unit chair, the sterilization device (10) can be continuously operated to sterilize the treatment water.

[0026] Meanwhile, the driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the flow rate detection sensor (20) detects a flow rate greater than the critical flow rate of the object to be sterilized.

[0027] Specifically, for example, when the treatment water is supplied to a dental treatment device such as a syringe and spittoon of a unit chair and the flow rate of the treatment water becomes greater than or equal to a critical flow rate, the driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first rated current may be in the range of 1 / 10 to 1 / 2, 1 / 4 to 1 / 2, or 1 / 3 of the second rated current. The first rated current is preferably a minimum rated current that does not affect the operating life of the sterilization device (10), and the second rated current is preferably a rated current that causes the sterilization device (10) to operate with a maximum sterilization function.

[0029] Generally, the flow rate of the medical fluid supplied to the handpiece may be about 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 of the flow rate of the medical fluid supplied to the syringe or spittoon. Accordingly, the first rated current driving the driving module (30) may be in the range of 1 / 10 to 1 / 2, or 1 / 4 to 1 / 2, or 1 / 3 of the second rated current.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sterilization system (100) of the present invention further comprises a container (40). The container (40) includes an inlet (41) into which a sterilization target is introduced and an outlet (42) into which a sterilization target is discharged. Meanwhile, a predetermined space (43) is provided inside the container (40). The container (40) may be provided with a lid (not shown). Here, the sterilization device (10), the flow rate sensor (20), and the driving module (30) are disposed in the space (43) of the container (40).

[0031] Meanwhile, the sterilization device (10), the flow rate sensor (20), the inlet (41), and the outlet (42) are fluidly connected to each other by a pipe (50) provided in the space (43). Accordingly, the treatment water supplied to the object to be sterilized, such as a dental treatment device of a unit chair, can travel through the inlet (41), the flow rate sensor (20), the sterilization device (10), and the outlet (42) of the sterilization system (100). The positions of the inlet (41) and the outlet (42) can be swapped.

[0032] In one embodiment, a sterilization target passing through a sterilization device (10) and a flow rate sensor (20) provided in the sterilization system (100) of the present invention is supplied to a handpiece (61), a syringe (62), and a spittoon (63) provided in a dental unit chair (60).

[0033] Here, the driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the object to be sterilized is discharged through the handpiece (61). Meanwhile, the driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the object to be sterilized is discharged through the syringe (62) and the spittoon (63).

[0034] As described above, the flow rate of the treatment water supplied to the handpiece (61) may be about 1 / 10 or less of the flow rate of the treatment water supplied to the syringe (62) and the spittoon (63). Accordingly, there may be a problem in that the flow rate detection sensor (20) cannot detect the flow rate of the treatment water supplied to the handpiece (61), so the sterilization device (10) does not operate.

[0035] To solve this problem, the present invention configures a driving module (30) to drive the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the object to be sterilized is discharged through the handpiece (61), and to drive the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the object to be sterilized is discharged through the syringe (62) and the spittoon (63).

[0036] The present invention provides a dental treatment system in another aspect.

[0037] FIG. 2 schematically shows a unit chair equipped with a sterilization system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of a dental treatment system according to the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the dental treatment system of the present invention includes a sterilization system (100) and a dental treatment device (200).

[0039] The sterilization system (100) is the sterilization system (100) of the present invention described above.

[0040] Specifically, the sterilization system (100) includes a sterilization device (10) having a first flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows, a flow rate sensor (20) fluidly connected to the sterilization device (10) and having a second flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows, and a driving module (30) electrically connected to the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensor (20).

[0041] The dental treatment device (200) includes a handpiece (61), a syringe (62), and a spittoon (63) equipped in a dental unit chair (60).

[0042] Here, a sterilization target, such as medical water, is supplied to a handpiece (61), a syringe (62), and a spittoon (63) via a sterilization device (10) and a flow rate sensor (20).

[0043] Meanwhile, the detection range of a typical flow rate sensor is approximately 0.1 to 0.3 lpm (Liter Per Minute), the flow rate of the treatment water supplied to the handpiece equipped in the unit chair is approximately 0.02 lpm, the flow rate of the treatment water supplied to the syringe is approximately 0.2 lpm, and the flow rate of the treatment water supplied as rinsing water for the spittoon is approximately 2 lpm. Therefore, the flow rate of the treatment water supplied to the handpiece may be about 1 / 10 of the flow rate of the treatment water supplied to the syringe. Consequently, a problem may occur where the sterilization device does not operate because the flow rate sensor fails to detect the flow rate of the treatment water supplied to the handpiece.

[0044] The present invention provides a dental treatment system for solving these problems.

[0045] To this end, the driving module (30) of the present invention is configured to drive the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the object to be sterilized is discharged through the handpiece (61), and to drive the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the object to be sterilized is discharged through the syringe (62) and the spittoon (63).

[0046] Various embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0047] Example 1. A sterilization system comprising: a sterilization device (10) including a first flow path through which a sterilization target flows; a flow rate sensing sensor (20) fluidly communicating with the sterilization device (10) and including a second flow path through which a sterilization target flows; and a driving module (30) electrically connected to the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensing sensor (20); wherein the driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the flow rate sensing sensor (20) detects a flow rate below the critical flow rate of the sterilization target, and drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the flow rate sensing sensor (20) detects a flow rate above the critical flow rate of the sterilization target.

[0048] Example 2. A sterilization system according to Example 1, wherein the first rated current is in the range of 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 of the second rated current.

[0049] Example 3. The sterilization system of Example 1, further comprising a container (40) having an inlet (41) into which a sterilization target is introduced and an outlet (42) into which a sterilization target is discharged, and having a predetermined space (43) inside, wherein a sterilization device (10), a flow rate sensor (20), and a driving module (30) are disposed in the space (43), and the sterilization device (10), the flow rate sensor (20), the inlet (41), and the outlet (42) are fluidly connected to each other by a pipe (50) provided in the space (43).

[0050] Example 4. A sterilization system in which, in Example 1, a sterilization target passing through a sterilization device (10) and a flow rate sensor (20) is supplied to a handpiece (61), a syringe (62), and a spittoon (63) provided in a dental unit chair (60), and a driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the sterilization target is discharged through the handpiece (61), and drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the sterilization target is discharged through the syringe (62) and the spittoon (63).

[0051] Example 5. A dental treatment system comprises a sterilization system (100) and a dental treatment device (200), wherein the sterilization system (100) comprises a sterilization device (10) having a first flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows; and a flow rate sensing sensor (20) having a second flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows, which is in fluid communication with the sterilization device (10). A dental treatment system comprising: a driving module (30) electrically connected to a sterilization device (10) and a flow rate sensor (20); wherein the dental treatment device (200) includes a handpiece (61), a syringe (62), and a spittoon (63) provided in a dental unit chair (60); wherein the sterilization target passing through the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensor (20) is supplied to the handpiece (61), the syringe (62), and the spittoon (63); and the driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the sterilization target is discharged through the handpiece (61), and drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the sterilization target is discharged through the syringe (62) and the spittoon (63). Explanation of the symbols

[0052] 10: Sterilization device, 20: Flow rate sensor, 30: Drive module, 40: Container, 50: Piping, 60: Unit chair, 100: Sterilization system, 200: Dental treatment device

Claims

Claim 1 A sterilization system comprising: a sterilization device (10) including a first flow path through which a sterilization target flows; a flow rate sensing sensor (20) fluidly connected to the sterilization device (10) and including a second flow path through which a sterilization target flows; and a driving module (30) electrically connected to the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensing sensor (20); wherein the driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the flow rate sensing sensor (20) detects a flow rate below the critical flow rate of the sterilization target, drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the flow rate sensing sensor (20) detects a flow rate above the critical flow rate of the sterilization target, and continues to drive the sterilization device (10) with the first rated current even when the flow rate of the sterilization target is not detected by the flow rate sensing sensor (20). Claim 2 A sterilization system according to claim 1, wherein the first rated current is in the range of 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 of the second rated current. Claim 3 A sterilization system according to claim 1, further comprising a container (40) having an inlet (41) into which a sterilization target is introduced and an outlet (42) into which a sterilization target is discharged, and having a predetermined space (43) inside, wherein a sterilization device (10), a flow rate sensor (20), and a driving module (30) are disposed in the space (43), and the sterilization device (10), the flow rate sensor (20), the inlet (41), and the outlet (42) are fluidly connected to each other by a pipe (50) provided in the space (43). Claim 4 A sterilization system according to claim 1, wherein a sterilization target passing through a sterilization device (10) and a flow rate sensor (20) is supplied to a handpiece (61), a syringe (62), and a spittoon (63) provided in a dental unit chair (60), and a driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when a sterilization target is discharged through the handpiece (61), and drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when a sterilization target is discharged through the syringe (62) and the spittoon (63). Claim 5 A dental treatment system comprises a sterilization system (100) and a dental treatment device (200), wherein the sterilization system (100) comprises: a sterilization device (10) having a first flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows; a flow rate sensing sensor (20) having a second flow path through which a substance to be sterilized flows, which is fluidly connected to the sterilization device (10); and a driving module (30) electrically connected to the sterilization device (10) and the flow rate sensing sensor (20). A dental treatment device (200) includes a handpiece (61), a syringe (62), and a spittoon (63) equipped in a dental unit chair (60), and a sterilization target passing through a sterilization device (10) and a flow rate sensor (20) is supplied to the handpiece (61), the syringe (62), and the spittoon (63), and a driving module (30) drives the sterilization device (10) with a first rated current when the flow rate sensor (20) detects a flow rate less than the critical flow rate of the sterilization target, drives the sterilization device (10) with a second rated current when the flow rate sensor (20) detects a flow rate greater than the critical flow rate of the sterilization target, and continues to drive the sterilization device (10) with the first rated current even when the flow rate of the sterilization target is not detected by the flow rate sensor (20).

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