Cleaning equipment and dental treatment equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a cleaning device and dental treatment device that prevent contamination and clean the vacuum tube by supplying cleaning solution into the vacuum tube. [Solution] This is a cleaning device 20 that supplies cleaning solution to a vacuum pipe 44 connected to a dental vacuum device. The cleaning device 20 comprises a first tank for storing concentrated cleaning solution, a second tank having a discharge port space for storing liquid, a first pipeline 205 for supplying concentrated cleaning solution from the first tank, a second pipeline 206 for supplying water from a water source to the second tank, and a third pipeline 207 for supplying diluted cleaning solution, which is obtained by diluting the concentrated cleaning solution supplied from the first pipeline 205 with water supplied from the second pipeline 206, to the vacuum pipe 44.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device and a dental treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] In a dental treatment device, a suction device is provided to suck and discharge liquids such as saliva and cleaning water accumulated in the oral cavity during the treatment of a patient from the oral cavity. The suction device is connected to a vacuum instrument such as a vacuum syringe, and the tip of the vacuum instrument is inserted into the patient's oral cavity to suck saliva and water.

[0003] The vacuum instrument is removed from the vacuum tube for cleaning. However, the vacuum tube is not assumed to be removed from the suction device for cleaning, and the inside of the tube becomes contaminated with saliva and cleaning water accumulated in the patient's oral cavity. Japanese Patent No. 7405790 (Patent Document 1) discloses a cleaning device that supplies a cleaning liquid into the vacuum tube to clean the vacuum tube.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the cleaning device has a configuration in which the pipeline for supplying the cleaning liquid into the vacuum tube communicates the vacuum tube with the water source, there is a risk that the liquid such as the sucked saliva and cleaning water will flow back to the water source side. If the liquid such as the sucked saliva and cleaning water flows back to the water source side, there is a risk of bacteria, viruses, and contamination (contamination) in the vacuum tube by the cleaning liquid, etc. contained in the sucked saliva and cleaning water.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a cleaning device and a dental treatment device that prevent contamination and clean the vacuum tube by supplying a cleaning solution into the vacuum tube. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cleaning device of this disclosure is a cleaning device that supplies cleaning solution to a vacuum pipe connected to a dental vacuum instrument. The cleaning device comprises a first tank for storing a concentrated cleaning solution, a second tank having a discharge port space for storing liquid, a first pipeline for supplying the concentrated cleaning solution from the first tank, a second pipeline for supplying water from a water source to the second tank, and a third pipeline for supplying diluted cleaning solution, which is obtained by diluting the concentrated cleaning solution supplied from the first pipeline with water supplied from the second pipeline, to the vacuum pipe.

[0008] The dental treatment apparatus of this disclosure comprises a dental vacuum device, a vacuum tube to which the vacuum device is connected, the cleaning device connected to the other end of the vacuum tube, and a chair device capable of treating a patient in a seated or reclining position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the cleaning apparatus of this disclosure, a third pipeline that supplies diluted cleaning solution to a vacuum pipe is connected to a water source via a second tank having a discharge port space, thereby preventing contamination of the water source by saliva, bacteria, viruses, cleaning solution, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the cleaning device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the cleaning device being compared. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the cleaning device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of cleaning the stock solution tank in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the cleaning device in Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the cleaning device in Embodiment 3. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration for cleaning the concentrate tank. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of cleaning the concentrate tank. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative configuration for cleaning the concentrate tank. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 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 this disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device 100 in Embodiment 1. Referring to Figure 1, the dental treatment device 100 in Embodiment 1 comprises a treatment device body 10, a cleaning device 20, a treatment handpiece 30, a media conduit 35, a dental vacuum device 40, a suction device 200, and a vacuum motor 300. The cleaning device 20 and the suction device 200 are built into the spittoon 2 and are 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. The suction device 200 may also include the vacuum device 40 and the vacuum motor 300.

[0012] The medical 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 medical 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 armrests 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 able to rise and fall. The headrest 1d is attached to the upper end of the backrest 1c so as to be tiltable. The armrests 1e are installed on the sides of the seat plate 1b.

[0013] The spittoon 2 is installed on the side of the chair device 1. The spittoon 2 includes a body portion 2a, a base bowl 2b, and a cup water tap (cup water supply portion) 2c. The base bowl 2b is installed at the upper end of the body portion 2a. A water supply cylinder extending from the cup water tap 2c is installed on the base bowl 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.

[0014] The treatment table 5 is connected to the base 1a via the arm for the treatment table 6. The treatment table 5 is used for placing or holding medical instruments, drugs, and a medical handpiece (instrument) 30. Further, the treatment table 5 includes an operation setting portion 5a for setting operations of the chair device 1 and the medical handpiece 30 and the like.

[0015] The medical handpiece 30 is an instrument for dental treatment. The medical handpiece 30 may include a plurality of handpieces. The medical handpiece 30 is, for example, a first air turbine handpiece (high-speed handpiece) 31, a second air turbine handpiece (high-speed handpiece) 32, a micromotor handpiece (low-speed handpiece) 33, a three-way syringe 34, and the like. The medical handpiece 30 is configured to be locked to a doctor-side handpiece holder 5b provided on the treatment table 5.

[0016] The vacuum device 40 inserts its tip into the patient's oral cavity to suck the liquid such as saliva and cleaning water accumulated in the patient's oral cavity. The vacuum syringe 41 and the saliva ejector syringe 42, which are the vacuum devices 40, are configured to be locked to the assistant-side instrument holder 2d provided on the spit tray 2. Note that the saliva ejector syringe 42 has a smaller tip opening than the vacuum syringe 41 and sucks a smaller amount of liquid such as saliva and cleaning water accumulated in the oral cavity. The instrument holder 2d is provided with a display unit 43 for displaying error information and operation information of the vacuum device 40.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the pipeline configuration of the cleaning device in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 1. The suction device 200 has a suction pipeline 45 connected to the vacuum syringe 41 via a vacuum tube 44 and a suction pipeline 45 connected to the saliva ejector syringe 42 via a vacuum tube 44, and each suction pipeline 45 is connected to a vacuum tank (not shown). The vacuum tank is a device that separates the gas and liquid sucked by the vacuum device 40 and has the same structure as a tank that separates normal gas and liquid.

[0018] Furthermore, a vacuum motor 300 is connected to the vacuum tank of the suction device 200, and the vacuum motor 300 generates a suction pressure (suction force) for the vacuum device 40. The vacuum motor 300 is a device including a motor and a suction fan rotated by the motor, and generates a suction force. Although the configuration in which a vacuum tank is provided in the suction device 200 built in the spit tray 2 has been described as an example, a configuration in which a vacuum tank having a gas-liquid separation function is provided in an external device equipped with the vacuum motor 300 may also be used.

[0019] A cleaning device 20 is connected to the vacuum pipe 44 to supply cleaning fluid and clean the vacuum pipe 44. Specifically, the cleaning device 20 includes a concentrate tank 201 (first tank) for storing concentrate cleaning fluid and a storage tank 202 (second tank) for storing liquid, which has a discharge port space. The concentrate tank 201 is provided with an inlet 201a for supplying concentrate cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the cleaning device 20 includes a first pipeline 205 for supplying concentrate cleaning fluid from the concentrate tank 201, a second pipeline 206 for supplying water from a water source to the storage tank 202, and a third pipeline 207 for supplying diluted cleaning fluid to the vacuum pipe 44, which is obtained by diluting the concentrate cleaning fluid supplied from the first pipeline 205 with water supplied from the second pipeline 206. Therefore, the cleaning device 20 has a configuration in which a third pipeline 207 that supplies diluted cleaning solution to the vacuum pipe 44 is connected to a water source via a storage tank 202 having a discharge port space.

[0020] The third conduit 207 includes a third conduit 207a that supplies diluted cleaning solution to the vacuum tube 44 of the vacuum syringe 41, and a third conduit 207b that supplies diluted cleaning solution to the vacuum tube 44 of the salaeba syringe 42. The vacuum syringe 41 and the vacuum tube 44 are connected via a connector 41a, and the third conduit 207a and the vacuum tube 44 are connected via a connector 41b. The salaeba syringe 42 and the vacuum tube 44 are connected via a connector 42a, and the third conduit 207b and the vacuum tube 44 are connected via a connector 42b.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the cleaning device 20 supplies the concentrate from the concentrate tank 201 to the storage tank 202 via the first pipeline 205, and dilutes the concentrate with water supplied from the water source within the storage tank 202. In other words, the storage tank 202 functions as a dilution tank for diluting the concentrate cleaning solution. The cleaning device 20 then supplies the diluted cleaning solution, which has been diluted in the storage tank 202, to the vacuum pipe 44 via the third pipeline 207.

[0022] The cleaning device 20 is equipped with a pump 250 (first pump) in the first pipeline 205 to supply the concentrate from the concentrate tank 201 to the storage tank 202, and a solenoid valve A210 (first control valve) in the second pipeline 206 to adjust the amount of water supplied from the water source to the storage tank 202. Pump 250 is, for example, a drip pump. In the cleaning device 20, the configuration in which pump 250 is installed in the first pipeline 205 has been described, but it may also be configured so that the concentrate flows from the concentrate tank 201 to the storage tank 202 by free fall using gravity. Also, in the cleaning device 20, the configuration in which solenoid valve A210 is installed in the second pipeline 206 has been described, but it may also be configured so that an overflow pipeline is installed in the storage tank 202 and water is continuously supplied from the water source without solenoid valve A210.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the cleaning device 20 is equipped with a cleaning fluid pump 251 (second pump) in the third pipeline 207 to supply diluted cleaning fluid from the storage tank 202 to the vacuum pipe 44. Note that there may be more than one cleaning fluid pump 251. By providing multiple cleaning fluid pumps 251, the cleaning time of the vacuum pipe 44 can be shortened. In addition, although the cleaning device 20 has been described as being equipped with a cleaning fluid pump 251 in the third pipeline 207, it may also be configured without a cleaning fluid pump 251, by supplying air to the storage tank 202 to increase the internal pressure of the storage tank 202 and pushing the diluted cleaning fluid stored in the storage tank 202 into the third pipeline 207. The storage tank 202 has a discharge port space and is normally open to the atmosphere. However, if a configuration is adopted in which the internal pressure of the storage tank 202 is increased to push the diluted cleaning solution into the third pipeline 207, it has an on / off valve to close the opening of the discharge port space.

[0024] Furthermore, the cleaning device 20 is equipped with solenoid valves B220 and C230 (second control valves) in the third pipelines 207a and 207b between the vacuum pipe 44 and the cleaning fluid pump 251, respectively, and controls the operation of solenoid valves B220 and C230 to adjust the amount of diluted cleaning fluid supplied to the vacuum pipe 44. Although the cleaning device 20 has been described as being equipped with solenoid valves B220 and C230 in the third pipelines 207a and 207b, the amount of diluted cleaning fluid supplied to the vacuum pipe 44 may be adjusted by controlling the operation of the cleaning fluid pump 251 without providing solenoid valves B220 and C230. The cleaning fluid pump 251 may also be provided in each of the third pipelines 207a and 207b. By providing the cleaning fluid pump 251 in each of the third pipelines 207a and 207b, the cleaning time of the vacuum pipe 44 can be shortened.

[0025] The cleaning device 20, using a control unit 280 located on the main unit 10 of the medical device shown in Figure 3, controls the operation of the pump 250, the cleaning fluid pump 251, and solenoid valves A210, B220, and C230 to supply cleaning fluid to the vacuum pipe 44 and clean the vacuum pipe 44. The cleaning fluid remaining after cleaning the vacuum pipe 44 is discharged to the vacuum tank via the suction line 45.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 280 controls the chair unit 1 and the cleaning device 20, etc., by communicating with each control board of the chair unit 1 and the cleaning device 20, etc. Relevant known technologies such as CAN (Controller Area Network) communication are applied to the communication between each control board. In the dental treatment device 100, the chair unit 1, the treatment device body 10, the cleaning device 20, the vacuum motor 300, etc., communicate with each other via CAN communication to share their status and control each other.

[0027] Specifically, during normal use of the vacuum syringe 41 and the saliva syringe 42, when at least one of the vacuum devices 40 is picked up from the instrument holder 2d of the spittoon 2, the pickup sensors A281 and B282 provided on the instrument holder 2d detect this, their respective signals turn ON, and suction begins. Alternatively, instead of the pickup sensors A281 and B282 detecting that the vacuum syringe 41 and the saliva syringe 42 have been picked up from the instrument holder 2d and suction begins, the system may be configured so that suction begins by further selecting the start SWA283 and start SWB284 provided on each device.

[0028] The control unit 280 shown in Figure 3 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 executed by the CPU and other data. 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, concentrate tank cleaning SW286, display unit 43, and input unit 46.

[0029] The cleaning mode SW285 is a switch for selecting the cleaning mode for cleaning the vacuum tube 44. The concentrate tank cleaning SW286 is a switch for selecting the cleaning mode for cleaning the concentrate tank 201. These switches may be provided as physical switches on the instrument holder 2d, or as one of the operation switches on the touch panel (input unit 46) on the display unit 43. Note that the cleaning modes for cleaning the vacuum tube 44 and cleaning the concentrate tank 201 may be configured to be started in conjunction with other operations, in addition to pressing the cleaning mode SW285 and concentrate tank cleaning SW286. For example, the cleaning mode for cleaning the vacuum tube 44 may be started in conjunction with the automatic operation (patient exit) of the chair device 1.

[0030] When cleaning the vacuum pipe 44, the comparative cleaning device has a risk of backflow of liquids such as saliva and cleaning water sucked into the cleaning device, and contamination of the water source by bacteria and viruses contained in the sucked saliva and cleaning water, as well as the cleaning solution inside the vacuum pipe. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the comparative cleaning device 20Z. Unlike the cleaning device 20, the comparative cleaning device 20Z does not have a storage tank 202. Therefore, the comparative cleaning device 20Z does not dilute the concentrated cleaning solution in the storage tank 202, but rather dilutes the concentrated cleaning solution in the water supply pipes 207c and 207d that supply water from the water source to the vacuum pipe 44. In other words, the pump 250a directly drips the concentrated solution from the concentrated solution tank 201 to the water supply pipe 207c via the first pipe 205a, creating a diluted cleaning solution within the water supply pipe 207c. Similarly, pump 250b directly drops the concentrate from the concentrate tank 201 into the water supply pipe 207d via the first pipeline 205b, creating a diluted cleaning solution within the water supply pipe 207d.

[0031] Thus, the comparative cleaning device 20Z has a configuration in which the vacuum pipe 44 and the water source are directly connected via water supply pipes 207c and 207d. Therefore, there is a risk that bacteria and viruses contained in the aspirated saliva, cleaning water, and other liquids, as well as contaminants V such as cleaning solution in the vacuum pipe, will contaminate the water source via the water supply pipes 207c and 207d. Although solenoid valves 220a and 230a are provided in the water supply pipes 207c and 207d, these valves are opened when cleaning the vacuum pipe 44, so contamination of the water source cannot be prevented.

[0032] Therefore, the cleaning device 20 is equipped with a storage tank 202 having a discharge port space, and employs a configuration that does not directly connect the vacuum pipe 44 and the water source with a pipeline. The discharge port space is a space created above the water stored in the tank, etc., when water is supplied from the top of the tank, etc., and the stored water is discharged to the outside from the bottom of the tank, etc., by a pump, etc. Because the tank, etc. has a discharge port space, the water supply side and the water discharge side are not directly connected through the water stored in the tank, etc., and the water supply side and the water discharge side are separated by the discharge port space. Therefore, by providing a storage tank 202 having a discharge port space, it is possible to prevent bacteria and viruses contained in the aspirated saliva, cleaning water, etc., and contaminants V such as cleaning solution in the vacuum pipe from contaminating the water source via the third pipeline 207. Furthermore, in order to maintain the discharge port space, the storage tank 202 must have an overflow function that discharges water from the side of the tank before it becomes full, so as not to cause backflow to the supply side when the tank becomes full.

[0033] Next, Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the cleaning device 20 in Embodiment 1. First, when a doctor or assistant presses the cleaning mode SW285, the control unit 280 starts the operation of the cleaning device 20, activates the pump 250, and supplies the concentrated cleaning solution from the concentrate tank 201 to the storage tank 202 (step S101). Next, the control unit 280 opens the solenoid valve A210 and supplies water from the water source to the storage tank 202 (step S102). The storage tank 202 may have water from the water source stored in it before the operation of the cleaning device 20 is started.

[0034] The control unit 280 determines whether the dilution of the stock solution supplied to the storage tank 202 is complete based on whether the necessary amount of water has been supplied to dilute the stock solution to a predetermined concentration (for example, about 10 to about 400 times) (step S103). If the dilution of the stock solution is not complete (NO in step S103), the control unit 280 returns the process to step S102 and maintains the open state of the solenoid valve A210. If the dilution of the stock solution is complete (YES in step S103), the control unit 280 closes the solenoid valve A210 and stops the supply of water from the water source to the storage tank 202 (step S104).

[0035] Next, the control unit 280 starts the cleaning solution pump 251 to supply the diluted cleaning solution, which has been diluted in the storage tank 202, to the vacuum pipe 44 (step S105). Furthermore, the control unit 280 opens solenoid valves B220 and C230 to supply the diluted cleaning solution to the vacuum pipe 44 via the third pipelines 207a and 207b (step S106). Here, if only the vacuum pipe 44 of the vacuum syringe 41 is to be cleaned, only solenoid valve B220 should be opened, and if only the vacuum pipe 44 of the drain syringe 42 is to be cleaned, only solenoid valve C230 should be opened. In addition, the control unit 280 can adjust the amount of diluted cleaning solution supplied to the vacuum pipe 44 by controlling the operation of solenoid valves B220 and C230.

[0036] The control unit 280 determines whether to stop supplying diluted cleaning solution based on whether a predetermined amount of diluted cleaning solution has been supplied to the vacuum pipe 44 (step S107). If the supply of diluted cleaning solution is not to be stopped (NO in step S107), the control unit 280 returns to step S106 and continues supplying the diluted cleaning solution. On the other hand, if the supply of diluted cleaning solution is to be stopped (YES in step S107), the control unit 280 closes solenoid valves B220 and C230 and stops the cleaning solution pump 251 (step S108). Note that the decision of whether to stop supplying diluted cleaning solution may be made not only based on whether a predetermined amount of diluted cleaning solution has been supplied to the vacuum pipe 44, but also, for example, by providing a sensor in the vacuum pipe 44 or the like and making a decision based on the detection result of the sensor.

[0037] Returning to Figure 2, the cleaning device 20 has a function to clean the concentrate tank 201 in order to meet the user's needs, such as wanting to change the type of cleaning solution in the concentrate tank 201, wanting to replace the old cleaning solution stored in the concentrate tank 201 with a new one, or being concerned about the dirt in the concentrate tank 201. Specifically, the cleaning device 20 is further equipped with a fourth pipeline 208 that supplies water from the storage tank 202 to the concentrate tank 201 in order to clean the concentrate tank 201. The fourth pipeline 208 branches off from the third pipeline 207a and is equipped with a solenoid valve D260 (third control valve). The solenoid valve D260 adjusts the amount of water supplied from the water source from the storage tank 202 to the concentrate tank 201. Furthermore, the cleaning device 20 has a discharge pipeline 209 for discharging the concentrate, etc., from the concentrate tank 201, and the discharge pipeline 209 is equipped with a discharge valve 252 (fourth control valve). The discharge valve 252 adjusts the amount of wastewater discharged from the concentrate tank 201.

[0038] The configuration for cleaning the concentrate tank 201 shown in Figure 2 is an example and is not limited to this configuration. For example, the fourth pipeline 208 may be branched from the third pipeline 207b or from the third pipeline 207, and may also be piped from the water source to the concentrate tank 201 while providing a storage tank 202 or a discharge port space. If the fourth pipeline 208 is piped from the storage tank 202 to the concentrate tank 201, a pump will be required to supply the water stored in the storage tank 202 to the concentrate tank 201.

[0039] Next, Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of cleaning the concentrate tank 201 in Embodiment 1. First, when the doctor and assistant press the concentrate tank cleaning SW286, the control unit 280 starts the cleaning operation of the concentrate tank 201, opens the discharge valve 252, and discharges the concentrate remaining in the concentrate tank 201 through the discharge pipeline 209 (step S201). Next, the control unit 280 opens the solenoid valve A210 and supplies water from the water source to the storage tank 202 (step S202).

[0040] The control unit 280 starts the cleaning solution pump 251 to supply the water stored in the storage tank 202 to the concentrate tank 201 (step S203). Furthermore, the control unit 280 closes solenoid valves B220 and C230 and opens solenoid valve D260 to supply water to the concentrate tank 201 via the fourth pipeline 208 (step S204). In addition, the control unit 280 repeats the cleaning operation in which it temporarily closes the discharge valve 252 to store water in the concentrate tank 201, and then opens the discharge valve 252 to discharge the water into the concentrate tank 201, in order to clean the concentrate tank 201.

[0041] The control unit 280 determines whether to terminate the cleaning of the concentrate tank 201 based on whether the cleaning operation has been repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 2 or 3 times) (step S205). If the cleaning of the concentrate tank 201 is not terminated (NO in step S205), the control unit 280 returns to step S201 and continues the cleaning operation of the concentrate tank 201. On the other hand, if the cleaning of the concentrate tank 201 is terminated (YES in step S205), the control unit 280 stops the cleaning operation of the concentrate tank 201, closes the solenoid valve A210, and stops the cleaning liquid pump 251 (step S206). Furthermore, the control unit 280 closes the discharge valve 252 when all the water accumulated in the concentrate tank 201 has been discharged (step S207).

[0042] Subsequently, the user pours a new cleaning solution concentrate into the concentrate tank 201 through the inlet 201a. Alternatively, the user pours a new type of cleaning solution concentrate into the concentrate tank 201 through the inlet 201a.

[0043] As described above, the cleaning device 20 in Embodiment 1 includes a concentrate tank 201 (first tank) for storing concentrate cleaning solution, a storage tank 202 (second tank) having a discharge port space for storing liquid, a first pipeline 205 for supplying concentrate cleaning solution from concentrate tank 201, a second pipeline 206 for supplying water from a water source to storage tank 202, and a third pipeline 207 for supplying diluted cleaning solution, which is obtained by diluting the concentrate cleaning solution supplied from the first pipeline 205 with water supplied from the second pipeline 206, to a vacuum pipe 44. As a result, in the cleaning device 20 in Embodiment 1, the side of the second pipeline 206 connected to the water source and the side of the third pipeline 207 connected to the vacuum pipe 44 are separated by a discharge port space, making it possible to prevent contamination of the water source by saliva, bacteria, viruses, cleaning solution, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, the cleaning device 20 in Embodiment 1 is further equipped with a fourth pipeline 208 for supplying water to the concentrate tank 201, a solenoid valve D260 (third control valve), a discharge pipeline 209 and a discharge valve 252 (fourth control valve) for discharging the concentrate from the concentrate tank 201. As a result, the cleaning device 20 in Embodiment 1 can clean the concentrate tank 201.

[0045] <Embodiment 2> In the cleaning device 20 of Embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the concentrated cleaning solution is diluted in the storage tank 202 (second tank). However, the location where the concentrated cleaning solution is diluted is not limited to the storage tank 202. Therefore, in the cleaning device of Embodiment 2, an example of a configuration in which the concentrated cleaning solution is diluted in a location other than the storage tank 202 will be described. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the cleaning device 20A in Embodiment 2. Note that the cleaning device 20A shown in Figure 7 is installed in the dental treatment device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 3, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the cleaning device 20 shown in Figure 2, and detailed explanations will not be repeated.

[0046] The cleaning device 20A includes a first pipeline 205 that supplies the undiluted cleaning solution from the undiluted solution tank 201, a second pipeline 206 that supplies water from a water source to the storage tank 202, and a third pipeline 207 that supplies diluted cleaning solution, obtained by diluting the undiluted cleaning solution supplied from the first pipeline 205 with water supplied from the second pipeline 206, to the vacuum pipe 44. As shown in Figure 7, the cleaning device 20A does not have the first pipeline 205 routed to supply the undiluted solution from the undiluted solution tank 201 to the storage tank 202, but is connected to the third pipeline 207. Therefore, in the cleaning device 20A, the undiluted solution from the undiluted solution tank 201 is not diluted with water supplied from the water source within the storage tank 202, but rather diluted with water from the storage tank 202 within the third pipeline 207.

[0047] In the cleaning device 20A, as shown in Figure 7, the stock solution supplied from the first pipe 205 is diluted with water supplied from the second pipe 206 in the third pipe 207. Therefore, the storage tank 202 stores water from the water source, not the diluted cleaning solution, and has a discharge port space. In the cleaning device 20 of Embodiment 2, the side of the second pipe 206 connected to the water source and the side of the third pipe 207 connected to the vacuum pipe 44 are separated by a discharge port space to prevent contamination of the water source by saliva, bacteria, viruses, cleaning solution, etc.

[0048] <Embodiment 3> In Embodiment 1, the cleaning device 20 was described in which a fourth pipeline 208 and a discharge pipeline 209 are provided for cleaning the concentrate tank 201. However, the configuration provided for cleaning the concentrate tank 201 is not limited to the fourth pipeline 208 and the discharge pipeline 209. Therefore, in Embodiment 3, an example of a configuration that allows cleaning the concentrate tank 201 without providing the fourth pipeline 208 and the discharge pipeline 209 will be described. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the pipeline configuration of the cleaning device 20B in Embodiment 3. Note that the cleaning device 20B shown in Figure 8 is provided in the dental treatment device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 3, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the cleaning device 20 shown in Figure 2, and detailed explanations will not be repeated.

[0049] The cleaning device 20B includes a first pipeline 205 for supplying concentrated cleaning solution from a concentrate tank 201, a second pipeline 206 for supplying water from a water source to a storage tank 202, and a third pipeline 207 for supplying diluted cleaning solution, obtained by diluting the concentrated cleaning solution supplied from the first pipeline 205 with water supplied from the second pipeline 206, to a vacuum pipe 44. The concentrate tank 201 is provided with an inlet 201a for supplying concentrated cleaning solution and an insertion section 201b for inserting a vacuum syringe 41. As shown in Figure 8, the insertion section 201b is provided with a pipeline that extends to the bottom of the storage tank 202.

[0050] Next, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration for cleaning the concentrate tank 201. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation for cleaning the concentrate tank 201. First, as shown in Figure 9, the connection part 41a of the vacuum syringe 41 is connected to the insertion part 201b, and the concentrate of the cleaning solution remaining in the concentrate tank 201 is sucked out with the vacuum syringe 41 and discharged from the concentrate tank 201 (step S301). Next, as shown in Figure 9, water from a cup 500 is poured into the concentrate tank 201 from the inlet 201a (step S302).

[0051] Water poured into the concentrate tank 201 is discharged using a vacuum syringe 41 connected to the insertion part 201b (step S303). To clean the concentrate tank 201, the cleaning operation is repeated, in which water is poured into the concentrate tank 201 from the inlet 201a, and then the water is discharged from the concentrate tank 201 using the vacuum syringe 41.

[0052] Based on whether the cleaning operation has been repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 2 or 3 times), it is determined whether or not to terminate the cleaning of the concentrate tank 201 (step S304). If the cleaning of the concentrate tank 201 is not terminated (NO in step S304), the process returns to step S302 and the cleaning operation of the concentrate tank 201 continues. On the other hand, if the cleaning of the concentrate tank 201 is terminated (YES in step S304), the connection part 41a of the vacuum syringe 41 is removed from the insertion part 201b (step S305).

[0053] In the cleaning device 20B, as shown in Figure 9, a configuration was described in which an insertion part 201b for inserting a vacuum syringe 41 is provided. However, if the inlet 201a is large enough to insert the vacuum syringe 41, there is no need to provide the insertion part 201b. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration for cleaning the stock solution tank 201. The stock solution tank 201 shown in Figure 11 does not have an insertion part 201b.

[0054] Instead, the inlet 201a is sized to allow a vacuum syringe 41 to be inserted. Therefore, the concentrate tank 201 is cleaned by inserting the vacuum syringe 41 into the inlet 201a and discharging the water injected from the inlet 201a with the vacuum syringe 41. In this way, since there is no need to provide an insertion part 201b, the structure of the concentrate tank 201 is simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. The concentrate tank 201 may also be configured to be detachable from the cleaning device built into the spittoon 2, and if the concentrate tank 201 is detachable from the cleaning device, it may be removed from the cleaning device and cleaned.

[0055] 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]

[0056] 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, 20, 20A, 20B, 20Z Cleaning unit, 30 Handpiece for dental treatment, 35 Media conduit, 40 Vacuum device, 41 Vacuum syringe, 42 Saraba syringe, 43 Display unit, 44 Vacuum tube, 45 Suction line, 46 Input unit, 100 Dental treatment equipment, 200 Suction unit, 201 Concentrate tank, 201a Inlet, 201b Insertion part, 202 Storage tank, 205 First line, 206 Second line, 207, 207a, 207b Third line, 208 Fourth line, 209 Discharge line, 250 Pump, 251 Cleaning solution pump, 252 Discharge valve, 280 control unit, 300 vacuum motor.

Claims

1. A cleaning device that supplies cleaning solution to a vacuum tube connected to a dental vacuum instrument, A first tank for storing the undiluted cleaning solution, A second tank having a water outlet space and storing liquid, A first pipeline for supplying the undiluted cleaning solution from the first tank, A second pipeline that supplies water from the water source to the second tank, A cleaning apparatus comprising: a third pipeline that supplies a diluted cleaning solution, obtained by diluting the undiluted cleaning solution supplied from the first pipeline with water supplied from the second pipeline, to the vacuum pipe.

2. The first conduit is connected to the third conduit, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the undiluted solution supplied from the first pipeline is diluted in the third pipeline with water supplied from the second pipeline.

3. The first pipeline supplies the stock solution from the first tank to the second tank. The second tank dilutes the concentrate with water supplied from the water source. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third pipeline supplies the diluted cleaning solution diluted in the second tank to the vacuum pipe.

4. A first pump installed in the first pipeline, A first control valve is provided in the second pipeline and adjusts the amount of water supplied from the water source to the second tank, A second pump is provided in the third pipeline, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the first pump, the second pump, and the first control valve.

5. The system further includes a second control valve provided in the third pipeline between the vacuum pipe and the second pump, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the second control valve to adjust the amount of diluted cleaning solution into the vacuum pipe.

6. The system further comprises a fourth pipeline for supplying water from the second tank to the first tank, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first tank is cleaned with water supplied from the fourth pipeline.

7. The fourth pipeline branches off from the third pipeline, The cleaning device according to claim 6, further comprising a third control valve provided in the fourth pipeline for adjusting the amount of water supplied from the second tank to the first tank.

8. The first tank has a discharge pipeline, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a fourth control valve in the discharge pipeline for adjusting the amount of discharged water discharged from the first tank.

9. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first tank has an insertion part for inserting the vacuum device.

10. Dental vacuum devices, The vacuum pipe, to which the vacuum device is connected, The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is connected to the other side of the vacuum pipe, A dental treatment device comprising a chair device that allows treatment to be performed on a patient while they are seated or lying down.

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