Dilution and disinfection solution generating device and dental treatment system

Abstract

The present invention provides a dilution-type disinfectant solution generating device and dental treatment system that are simple in configuration and capable of diluting disinfectant solutions to desired concentrations. [Solution] The diluted disinfectant solution generating device 1 includes a stock solution tank 30 capable of storing disinfectant solution L1, dilution solution tanks 10 and 20 capable of storing diluted disinfectant solution L2 obtained by diluting the disinfectant solution L1 supplied from the stock solution tank 30 with water to a desired concentration, and transport pipes 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d that can take out the diluted disinfectant solution L2 from the dilution solution tanks 10 and 20 and distribute it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dilution sterilizing and disinfecting solution generating device and a dental treatment system.

Background Art

[0002] In a dental treatment unit used in dental treatment, water (tap water) is used for rinsing the patient's mouth and cleaning the oral cavity, and this water flows through a water pipe (waterway pipe). If the water pipe is continuously used, there is a risk that the residual chlorine concentration in the water flowing through the water pipe will decrease or a biofilm will occur. Therefore, the inside of the water pipe needs to be sterilized and disinfected regularly using a sterilizing and disinfecting solution. However, some sterilizing and disinfecting solutions are harmful to the human body if accidentally ingested.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a sterilization structure for a water pipe (water line in Patent Document 1) of a dental treatment unit (dental unit in Patent Document 1). In the sterilization structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, compressed air is sent to a container storing a sterilizing and disinfecting solution (disinfectant in Patent Document 1) for sterilizing and disinfecting the water pipe, and based on the pressure of the compressed air, it is determined whether the container storing the sterilizing and disinfecting solution is connected to the water pipe. And only when it is determined that the container storing the sterilizing and disinfecting solution is not connected to the water pipe due to pressure, the water pipe is configured to allow water to flow through. In this way, it is possible to prevent the sterilizing and disinfecting solution from being accidentally used in the patient's oral cavity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, if the water used for gargling and oral cleaning of patients is different from the disinfectant solution used to sterilize and disinfect the inside of water pipes, complex control is required to prevent the disinfectant solution from being mistakenly used for gargling and oral cleaning of patients. Therefore, using a disinfectant solution that can be used for gargling and oral cleaning of patients for disinfecting water pipes is advantageous from the standpoint of device control and management. However, the concentration of the disinfectant solution used for oral disinfection is lower than the concentration required for disinfecting water pipes, so it cannot be used directly for disinfecting water pipes. Conversely, the concentration of the disinfectant solution used for disinfecting the inside of water pipes is higher than the concentration of the disinfectant solution that can be used for disinfecting the patient's oral cavity, so if it is mistakenly used in the oral cavity, it may cause health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately dilute the undiluted disinfectant solution to the desired concentration according to the intended use.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a dilution-type disinfectant solution generating device and dental treatment system that are simple in configuration and capable of diluting disinfectant solutions to desired concentrations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises a stock tank capable of storing a disinfectant solution, a diluent tank capable of storing a diluted disinfectant solution obtained by diluting the disinfectant solution supplied from the stock tank with water to a desired concentration, and a transport pipe capable of taking the diluted disinfectant solution out of the diluent tank and distributing it.

[0008] According to the diluted disinfectant solution generating device of this embodiment, by using a diluted disinfectant solution diluted to a desired concentration, the diluted disinfectant solution can be used for disinfecting the oral cavity of patients, and the inside of transport tubes can also be disinfected and cleaned.

[0009] Another embodiment of the diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to this disclosure further comprises a concentration measuring unit capable of measuring the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution can be measured in the concentration measuring unit, so the diluted disinfectant solution can be used after confirming that the concentration is correct by measuring the concentration. As a result, even if the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution used for disinfecting the patient's oral cavity is different from the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution used for disinfecting and cleaning the transport pipe, there is no risk of using a diluted disinfectant solution of the wrong concentration.

[0011] In another embodiment of the diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to this disclosure, the concentration measuring unit has a measuring sheet to which colored bacteria are attached, and measures the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution based on the degree of decolorization of the bacteria over a predetermined time.

[0012] According to this embodiment, by measuring the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution based on the degree of decolorization of the bacteria over a predetermined time using a measurement sheet to which colored bacteria have been attached, the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution can be measured visually at a constant measurement time each time.

[0013] In another embodiment of the diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the concentration measuring unit has a measuring sheet to which colored bacteria are attached, and measures the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution based on the time it takes for the bacteria to decolorize to a predetermined color.

[0014] According to this embodiment, by measuring the concentration of a diluted disinfectant solution based on the time it takes for the bacteria to decolorize to a predetermined color using a measurement sheet to which colored bacteria have been attached, the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution can be measured visually in a short time, especially when the diluted disinfectant solution is highly concentrated.

[0015] In another embodiment of the diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to this disclosure, the concentration measuring unit includes a sodium ion meter.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the sodium ion meter can selectively measure only sodium ions and is not affected by pH, so the concentration of the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution mainly composed of sodium ions can be accurately measured.

[0017] One embodiment of the dental treatment system according to the present disclosure includes the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generating device described in any one of the above, a water supply unit connected to the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generating device, and to which the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generated by the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generating device is supplied, and a dental treatment unit including a treatment instrument in the oral cavity to which the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution is supplied.

[0018] According to this embodiment, since the inside of the water supply unit and the instrument is sterilized with the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution flowing through them, the oral cavity of the patient can be appropriately sterilized.

[0019] In another embodiment of the dental treatment system according to the present disclosure, a plurality of the dental treatment units are connected to one of the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generating devices.

[0020] According to this embodiment, in a dental hospital having a plurality of dental treatment units, by arranging one diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generating device, a diluted germicidal disinfectant solution with a desired concentration can be supplied to the plurality of dental treatment units.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing a dental treatment system including the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generating device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the dental treatment unit. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the concentration measurement unit. [Figure 4] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing a dental treatment system according to another embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generation device and the dental treatment system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for explaining the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generation device and the dental treatment system according to the present disclosure, and the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generation device and the dental treatment system are not limited to these embodiments. Therefore, the diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generation device and the dental treatment system according to the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

[0023] 〔Configuration of Dental Treatment System〕 As shown in FIG. 1, the dental treatment system A according to the present embodiment includes a diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generation device 1, a dental treatment unit 60, and a vacuum cleaning tank 80.

[0024] 〔Configuration of Diluted Germicidal Disinfectant Solution Generation Device〕 The diluted germicidal disinfectant solution generation device 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "generation device 1") according to the present embodiment is a device that dilutes the stock solution of the germicidal disinfectant solution L1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "stock solution L1") to a desired concentration to generate a diluted germicidal disinfectant solution L2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "diluted solution L2"). The generation device 1 is configured to include what is surrounded by a rectangular thick-line frame in FIG. 1. Specifically, the generation device 1 includes a control unit 6, a first diluted solution storage tank 10 (an example of a diluted solution tank), a first level sensor 12, a first valve 14, a second diluted solution storage tank 20 (an example of a diluted solution tank), a second level sensor 22, a second valve 24, a stock solution storage tank 30 (an example of a stock solution tank), a stock solution level sensor 31, an infusion pump 34, a third valve 38, a mixed dilution tank 40, a third level sensor 42, a fourth valve 46, a fifth valve 50, a concentration measurement unit 70, and pipes connecting these. The stock solution L1 and the diluted solution L2 are liquids that have the effect of killing and removing not only bacteria but also viruses. As an example of the stock solution L1, a perchlorous acid ion aqueous solution generated as needed can be mentioned.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the generating device 1. The generating device 1 supplies the stock solution L1 stored in the stock solution storage tank 30 and tap water (an example of water) to the mixing and dilution tank 40, mixes them, and produces a diluted solution L2 diluted to the desired concentration. The produced diluted solution L2 is supplied to a dental treatment unit 60, etc., connected to the generating device 1. Details of the dental treatment unit 60 will be described later. The "desired concentration" is an appropriate concentration according to the intended use of the diluted solution L2. In this embodiment, the purposes of using the diluted solution L2 are three: (1) to sterilize and disinfect the oral cavity of the patient, (2) to sterilize and disinfect the inside of the diluted solution transport pipe 2 (an example of a transport pipe), which will be described later, and (3) to sterilize and disinfect the surfaces of the equipment and instruments of the dental treatment unit 60, and the walls and floors of the dental clinic by wiping them. In this embodiment, when a diluted solution L2 is prepared using an on-demand generated aqueous chlorite ion solution L1 as the stock solution, the "desired concentration" of the diluted solution L2 is, for example, 50 ppm for the above-mentioned purpose of use (1), and 100 ppm for purposes of use (2) and (3).

[0026] The stock solution storage tank 30 stores the stock solution L1. The stock solution storage tank 30 is connected to the mixing and dilution tank 40 via the stock solution supply pipe 32. The stock solution L1 flows through the inside of the stock solution supply pipe 32 and is supplied to the mixing and dilution tank 40. An infusion pump 34 is located in the middle of the stock solution supply pipe 32 to pump the stock solution L1 and supply it to the mixing and dilution tank 40.

[0027] Inside the concentrate storage tank 30, a concentrate level sensor 31 is positioned, which has a concentrate empty float 31a for detecting the amount of concentrate L1 stored. The concentrate empty float 31a moves up and down within a predetermined range in response to the rise and fall of the concentrate L1 level. The concentrate level sensor 31 outputs a detection signal when the concentrate empty float 31a moves downward and reaches a predetermined position. This detection signal indicates that the amount of concentrate L1 stored in the concentrate storage tank 30 has reached its lower limit. The detection signal output from the concentrate level sensor 31 is input to the control unit 6. When the control unit 6 receives the detection signal from the concentrate level sensor 31, it provides notification prompting the replacement of the concentrate storage tank 30 or the replenishment of concentrate L1 in the concentrate storage tank 30. Notifications include any method that indicates that the amount of undiluted solution L1 stored in the undiluted solution storage tank 30 has reached the lower limit, such as a warning sound, a warning light, or a warning display on a computer or smartphone used by the dentist.

[0028] A water supply pipe 36 is connected to the mixing and dilution tank 40, and tap water flows through the water supply pipe 36 and is supplied to the mixing and dilution tank 40. A third valve 38, which is a solenoid valve, is located in the middle of the water supply pipe 36 to switch between supplying and stopping the tap water flowing through the water supply pipe 36 to the mixing and dilution tank 40. Since the tap water has water pressure as part of the water supply system, a separate pump is not required.

[0029] In the mixing and dilution tank 40, the stock solution L1 is diluted by mixing with tap water and stored as a diluted solution L2 of the desired concentration. The control unit 6 dilutes the stock solution L1 to a diluted solution L2 of the desired concentration by controlling the amount of tap water supplied and the operating time of the infusion pump 34 with the third valve 38 open. Specifically, the diluted solution L2 of the desired concentration is generated by supplying a predetermined amount of tap water to the mixing and dilution tank 40 and then supplying a predetermined amount of stock solution L1.

[0030] Inside the mixing and dilution tank 40 is a third level sensor 42 having a third full float 42a for detecting the amount of tap water stored. The third full float 42a moves up and down within a predetermined range in response to the rise and fall of the liquid level. The third level sensor 42 outputs a detection signal when the third full float 42a moves upward and reaches a predetermined position. This detection signal indicates that the amount of tap water stored in the mixing and dilution tank 40 has reached its upper limit. The detection signal output from the third level sensor 42 is input to the control unit 6. When the control unit 6 receives the detection signal from the third level sensor 42, it closes the third valve 38. This means that a predetermined amount of tap water has been supplied to the mixing and dilution tank 40. Next, the control unit 6 operates the infusion pump 34 for a predetermined time to supply the concentrate L1 from the concentrate storage tank 30 to the mixing and dilution tank 40. Since the discharge rate of the stock solution L1 per unit operating time of the infusion pump 34 is constant, a predetermined amount of stock solution L1 can be supplied to the mixing and dilution tank 40 by controlling the operating time of the infusion pump 34.

[0031] A diluent supply pipe 44 is connected to the bottom of the mixing and diluting tank 40. The diluent supply pipe 44 branches into two midway; one branch is connected to the first diluent storage tank 10, and the other branch is connected to the second diluent storage tank 20. A solenoid valve, the fourth valve 46, is located at the branching point of the diluent supply pipe 44. The fourth valve 46 is configured to switch between three states: (1) connecting the mixing and diluting tank 40 to the first diluent storage tank 10, (2) connecting the mixing and diluting tank 40 to the second diluent storage tank 20, and (3) not connecting the mixing and diluting tank 40 to either the first diluent storage tank 10 or the second diluent storage tank 20.

[0032] The first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20 both store the diluent L2 produced in the mixing diluent tank 40. The first diluent storage tank 10 has a first level sensor 12 including a first full float 12a and a first empty float 12b. The second diluent storage tank 20 has a second level sensor 22 including a second full float 22a and a second empty float 22b. The first level sensor 12 detects the amount of diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10, and the second level sensor 22 detects the amount of diluent L2 stored in the second diluent storage tank 20.

[0033] The first full float 12a and the first empty float 12b of the first level sensor 12 move upward and downward within predetermined ranges in response to the rise and fall of the liquid level of the diluent L2, respectively. The first level sensor 12 outputs different detection signals when the first full float 12a moves upward and reaches a predetermined position, and when the first empty float 12b moves downward and reaches a predetermined position. The detection signal output when the first full float 12a reaches the upper predetermined position indicates that the amount of diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 has reached its upper limit. The detection signal output when the first empty float 12b reaches the lower predetermined position indicates that the amount of diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 has reached its lower limit. Each detection signal output from the first level sensor 12 is input to the control unit 6.

[0034] The second full float 22a and the second empty float 22b of the second level sensor 22 move upward and downward within predetermined ranges in response to the rise and fall of the liquid level of the diluent L2, respectively. The second level sensor 22 outputs a detection signal different from the detection signal of the first level sensor 12 when the second full float 22a moves upward and reaches a predetermined position, and when the second empty float 22b moves downward and reaches a predetermined position. The detection signal output when the second full float 22a reaches the upper predetermined position indicates that the amount of diluent L2 stored in the second diluent storage tank 20 has reached its upper limit. The detection signal output when the second empty float 22b reaches the lower predetermined position indicates that the amount of diluent L2 stored in the second diluent storage tank 20 has reached its lower limit. Each detection signal output from the second level sensor 22 is input to the control unit 6.

[0035] When the control unit 6 receives a detection signal indicating that the first empty float 12b has reached a predetermined lower position, it switches the fourth valve 46 to connect the mixing dilution tank 40 and the first diluent storage tank 10. As a result, the diluent L2 stored in the mixing dilution tank 40 is stored in the first diluent storage tank 10. Then, when the control unit 6 receives a detection signal indicating that the first full float 12a has reached a predetermined upper position, it switches the fourth valve 46 to disconnect the connection between the mixing dilution tank 40 and the first diluent storage tank 10. As a result, the first diluent storage tank 10 is filled to its upper limit with diluent L2.

[0036] Furthermore, when the control unit 6 receives a detection signal indicating that the second empty float 22b has reached a predetermined lower position, it switches the fourth valve 46 to connect the mixing dilution tank 40 and the second diluent storage tank 20. As a result, the diluent L2 stored in the mixing dilution tank 40 is stored in the second diluent storage tank 20. Then, when the control unit 6 receives a detection signal indicating that the second full float 22a has reached a predetermined upper position, it switches the fourth valve 46 to disconnect the connection between the mixing dilution tank 40 and the second diluent storage tank 20. As a result, the second diluent storage tank 20 is filled to its upper limit with diluent L2.

[0037] Compressed air supply pipes 5, connected to a compressor 4, are connected to the top surfaces of the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20, respectively. Compressed air compressed by the compressor 4 flows through the compressed air supply pipes 5. The compressed air is supplied to the interior of the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20, respectively. Solenoid valves, the first valve 14 and the second valve 24, are located in the middle of the compressed air supply pipe 5 connected to the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20, respectively. By opening and closing the first valve 14 and the second valve 24, the supply and cessation of compressed air to the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20 are controlled. When compressed air is supplied, the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20 is pushed out of the tanks and flows through the diluent transport pipe 2, which will be described later.

[0038] A diluent transport pipe 2 is connected to the bottom of the first diluent storage tank 10 and the bottom of the second diluent storage tank 20, respectively. The diluent transport pipe 2 connected to the first diluent storage tank 10 and the diluent transport pipe 2 connected to the second diluent storage tank 20 merge partway. A solenoid valve, the fifth valve 50, is positioned at the merging point of the diluent transport pipes 2. The fifth valve 50 is configured to switch between three states: (1) allowing the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 to flow through the diluent transport pipe 2, (2) allowing the diluent L2 stored in the second diluent storage tank 20 to flow through the diluent transport pipe 2, and (3) not allowing either the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 or the diluent L2 stored in the second diluent storage tank 20 to flow through the diluent transport pipe 2.

[0039] Downstream of the fifth valve 50 of the diluent transport pipe 2, a five-way solenoid valve, the sixth valve 52, is connected. Downstream of the sixth valve 52, the pipe branches into four. Hereinafter, the four pipes located downstream after branching at the sixth valve 52 will be referred to as the first pipe 2a (an example of a transport pipe), the second pipe 2b (an example of a transport pipe), the third pipe 2c (an example of a transport pipe), and the fourth pipe 2d (an example of a transport pipe). The sixth valve 52 directs the diluent L2 flowing through the diluent transport pipe 2 to one of the first pipe 2a, the second pipe 2b, the third pipe 2c, or the fourth pipe 2d. The destination of the sixth valve 52 can be switched by direct human operation or by human operation of the control unit 6.

[0040] As described above, the generating device 1 of this embodiment can generate diluted solutions L2 of various desired concentrations in the mixing and dilution tank 40 by changing the operating time of the infusion pump 34. This makes it possible to generate diluted solutions L2 of different concentrations used for disinfecting the oral cavity of patients and diluted solutions L2 of different concentrations used for disinfecting and cleaning the inside of transport pipes, etc., using a single generating device 1. Therefore, there is no need to prepare multiple types of disinfectant solutions with different concentrations depending on the application, which can reduce the complicated tasks of inventory management and ordering management of disinfectant solutions in dental clinics.

[0041] [Configuration of a dental treatment unit] Next, we will explain the destinations of the diluent L2 when the sixth valve 52 is switched to the first pipe 2a, the second pipe 2b, the third pipe 2c, and the fourth pipe 2d, respectively. First, we will explain the destinations of the diluent L2 flowing through the first pipe 2a. The diluent L2 flowing through the first pipe 2a is supplied to the dental treatment unit 60. As shown in Figure 2, the dental treatment unit 60 consists of a treatment chair 61, a spittoon 62 (a bowl that receives water etc. after cleaning the oral cavity and discharges it to the outside through a drain pipe (not shown) connected to the bottom), a cup water supply pipe 62b (an example of a water supply section), a doctor's table 63, and an assistant holder 64. The doctor's table 63 is equipped with multiple instruments 63a, including an ultrasonic scaler 63a1 (an example of an instrument), an air turbine 63a2 (an example of an instrument), and a micromotor 63a3 (an example of an instrument) for intraoral treatment, while the assistant holder 64 is equipped with multiple three-way syringes 64a for intraoral treatment.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first pipe 2a is branched into three, each connected to a gargling cup water supply pipe 62b through which the diluent L2 supplied to the gargling cup 62a flows, an instrument water supply pipe 63b through which the diluent L2 used in the instrument 63a flows, and a three-way syringe water supply pipe 64b through which the diluent L2 used in the three-way syringe 64a flows.

[0043] The diluent L2 flowing through the first tube 2a is typically used for sterilization and disinfection of the patient's oral cavity. However, since the diluent L2 is contained in the oral cavity, it is preferable that the concentration of the diluent L2 be as low as possible while still achieving a sterilization and disinfection effect, for example, 50 ppm. In this case, if an odorless, on-demand generated chlorite ion aqueous solution is used as the stock solution L1 of the diluent L2, no odor problem will occur. Furthermore, the on-demand generated chlorite ion aqueous solution has good storage properties and remains stable until it comes into contact with the target of sterilization and disinfection, making it easy to handle.

[0044] The following describes treatment using an ultrasonic scaler 63a1 to which a diluted solution L2 produced by the generating device 1 of this embodiment is supplied, as an example of instrument 63a. Generally, in the treatment of periodontal disease, the ultrasonic scaler 63a1 removes tartar and contaminated cementum attached to the tooth surface by ultrasonic vibration of a tip attached to the end of the handle. At this time, tap water is sprayed from the end of the handle toward the tip to clean the affected area after the removal of tartar and contaminated cementum and to cool the tip. Sterilization and disinfection of the affected area after treatment is performed by applying gel to the affected area. In other words, cleaning and sterilization / disinfection of the affected area are performed separately.

[0045] However, in the ultrasonic scaler 63a1 of this embodiment, diluent L2 is used as the water for irrigation. Therefore, the ultrasonic scaler 63a1 can simultaneously clean the affected area, cool the tip, and sterilize and disinfect the affected area during the treatment of periodontal disease, such as removing tartar and contaminated cementum attached to the tooth surface. Consequently, by using home care such as rinsing with diluent L2 at home, there is no need to apply a separate gel to the affected area for sterilization and disinfection after treatment. In this way, by using diluent L2 as the water for irrigation in the instrument 63a, cleaning and sterilization / disinfection of the affected area can be performed simultaneously during dental treatment. Furthermore, even when using the three-way syringe 64a, cleaning and sterilization / disinfection of the oral cavity can be performed simultaneously, similar to the instrument 63a.

[0046] [Configuration of the concentration measurement unit] Next, the destination of the diluent L2 flowing through the second tube 2b will be described. The diluent L2 flowing through the second tube 2b is supplied to the concentration measuring unit 70. As shown in Figure 3, the concentration measuring unit 70 consists of a measuring tank 72, a measuring sheet 74, and a sodium ion meter 76. The measuring tank 72 is a container with a roughly L-shaped cross-section. The measuring tank 72 has a supply port 72a, a sheet placement section 72b, and a meter placement section 72c. The supply port 72a is located at the upstream end of the measuring tank 72, and the diluent L2 is supplied to it. The sheet placement section 72b is a flat area located downstream of the supply port 72a, on which the measuring sheet 74 is placed. The meter placement section 72c is located downstream of the sheet placement section 72b and is recessed downwards. The meter placement section 72c is where the diluent L2 is stored, and where the electrodes of the sodium ion meter 76, which are immersed in the diluent L2, are placed.

[0047] The measurement sheet 74 has red-colored yeast 74a (an example of the fungus; hereinafter also referred to as red yeast 74a) attached to it, and it decolorizes according to the concentration of the diluent L2. This utilizes the property that red yeast 74a appears red because it contains carotenoids, but when the yeast dies after being immersed in the diluent L2, the cell membrane ruptures and the color is lost. By using the measurement sheet 74, the concentration of the diluent L2 can be visualized. Furthermore, yeast 74a is harmless and non-toxic to the human body, making it suitable for use in the generation device 1.

[0048] The sodium ion meter 76 measures the ion concentration of sodium salt (NaClO2), the main component of on-demand generated chlorite ion aqueous solution. Thus, the sodium ion meter 76 can selectively measure only the sodium ions contained in the liquid and is unaffected by pH, allowing for highly accurate measurement of the concentration of on-demand generated chlorite ion aqueous solution whose main component is sodium ions. Since the configuration of the sodium ion meter 76 is publicly known, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0049] The concentration measuring unit 70 has a second tube 2b connected to the supply port 72a of the measuring tank 72. At least one of the measuring sheet 74 and the sodium ion meter 76 is pre-placed in the concentration measuring unit 70, and in this state, the diluent L2 is supplied into the measuring tank 72, and the side where the measuring sheet 74 and the sodium ion meter 76 are placed is immersed in the diluent L2.

[0050] When measuring the concentration of diluent L2 using the measurement sheet 74, the concentration of diluent L2 can be measured based on the degree of decolorization of red yeast 74a at a predetermined time. By measuring the concentration of diluent L2 based on the degree of decolorization of red yeast 74a at a predetermined time, the concentration of diluent L2 can be measured visually at a consistent measurement time each time.

[0051] Furthermore, when measuring the concentration of diluent L2 using the measurement sheet 74, the concentration of diluent L2 can also be measured based on the time it takes for the red yeast 74a to decolorize to a predetermined color. By measuring the concentration of diluent L2 based on the time it takes for the red yeast 74a to decolorize to a predetermined color, the concentration of diluent L2 can be measured visually in a short time, especially when the concentration of diluent L2 is high.

[0052] In the generating apparatus 1 of this embodiment, it is necessary to manage both the upper and lower limits of the acceptable concentration range of the diluted solution L2. In particular, when used for sterilization and disinfection of a patient's oral cavity, it is necessary to use a concentration that is above the concentration required for sterilization and disinfection of the oral cavity, and below the concentration that would be harmful to health if it enters the oral cavity.

[0053] Therefore, the upper and lower limits of the concentration of the diluent L2 can be controlled using only the measurement sheet 74 (hereinafter also simply referred to as concentration control), or the concentration of the diluent L2 can be controlled using only the sodium ion meter 76. However, it is preferable to control the upper limit with the sodium ion meter 76 and the lower limit with the measurement sheet 74. This is because it is difficult for the sodium ion meter 76 to handle both upper and lower limit control.

[0054] Furthermore, the diluent L2 can also be used for sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning within the diluent transport tube 2. However, the concentration of the diluent L2 used for sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning within the diluent transport tube 2 must be higher than the concentration of the diluent L2 used for sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning within the patient's oral cavity. Therefore, by controlling the upper limit of the concentration of the diluent L2 using the sodium ion meter 76, the concentration can also be controlled when sterilizing, disinfecting, and cleaning within the diluent transport tube 2. Note that the concentration control by the concentration measurement unit 70 is performed by a person, not by the control unit 6.

[0055] Furthermore, a discharge pipe 72d, which can be opened and closed by a stopper or the like, is connected to the bottom of the meter placement section 72c of the concentration measurement section 70. The discharge pipe 72d is connected to a drain pipe (not shown) connected to the bottom of the spittoon 62, and the diluted solution L2 stored in the meter placement section 72c flows through the discharge pipe 72d after concentration measurement, joins the drain pipe, and is discharged to the outside.

[0056] Thus, if the generating device 1 has a concentration measuring unit 70, the diluted solution L2 can be used after the concentration has been measured and confirmed to be correct. As a result, even if the concentration of the diluted solution L2 used for sterilizing and disinfecting the patient's oral cavity is different from the concentration of the diluted solution L2 used for sterilizing and cleaning the transport pipe, there is no risk of using a diluted solution L2 of the wrong concentration.

[0057] [Configuration of a vacuum cleaning tank] Next, the destination of the diluent L2 flowing through the third pipe 2c will be explained. The diluent L2 flowing through the third pipe 2c is supplied to the vacuum cleaning tank 80. The vacuum cleaning tank 80 stores the diluent L2 which is drawn in by a vacuum (not shown) that sucks up saliva and moisture from the oral cavity and used to sterilize, disinfect, and clean the inside of the vacuum pipe.

[0058] Finally, the destination of the diluent L2 flowing through the fourth pipe 2d will be explained. The diluent L2 flowing through the fourth pipe 2d is discharged to the outside. As described above, in the generating apparatus 1 of this embodiment, for example, a 50 ppm diluent L2 is used for sterilization and disinfection of the oral cavity, and for example, a 100 ppm diluent L2 is used for sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning of the diluent transport pipe 2, the first pipe 2a, the second pipe 2b, the third pipe 2c, and the fourth pipe 2d. Therefore, when switching from one concentration of diluent L2 to the other concentration of diluent L2, it is necessary to discharge all of the diluent L2 of the one concentration and generate a new diluent L2 of the other concentration in the mixing and dilution tank 40. The fourth pipe 2d is used in such cases.

[0059] [Operation of the diluted disinfectant solution generating device] Next, the operation when the diluted solution L2 produced by the generating device 1 according to this embodiment is used for sterilization and disinfection of the patient's oral cavity will be described. First, the control unit 6 opens the third valve 38 and supplies tap water to the mixing and dilution tank 40. Then, when the third full float 42a reaches a predetermined upper position due to the supplied tap water, the control unit 6 closes the third valve 38. Next, the control unit 6 operates the infusion pump 34 for a predetermined time to supply a predetermined amount of the undiluted solution L1 to the mixing and dilution tank 40. This produces a diluted solution L2 that has been diluted to a predetermined desired concentration (for example, 50 ppm) that can be used for sterilization and disinfection of the patient's oral cavity.

[0060] Next, the control unit 6 controls the fourth valve 46 to connect the mixing and dilution tank 40 and the first diluent storage tank 10, and supplies the diluent L2 to the first diluent storage tank 10 up to its upper limit. Once the diluent L2 has been supplied to the first diluent storage tank 10 up to its upper limit, the control unit 6 closes the fourth valve 46. If the amount of diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 does not reach its upper limit even after all of the diluent L2 generated in the mixing and dilution tank 40 has been supplied to the first diluent storage tank 10, the generation of diluent L2 in the mixing and dilution tank 40 and its supply to the first diluent storage tank 10 are repeated.

[0061] When the diluent L2 is supplied to the upper limit of the first diluent storage tank 10, the control unit 6 controls the opening of the fifth valve 50 and activates the compressor 4 to open the first valve 14 so that compressed air is supplied to the first diluent storage tank 10. Furthermore, a person operates the control unit 6 to switch the sixth valve 52 to connect to the second pipe 2b. As a result, the diluent L2 in the first diluent storage tank 10 is pushed out by the compressed air and supplied to the concentration measuring unit 70 through the diluent transport pipe 2 and the second pipe 2b. If the concentration of the diluent L2 is measured in the concentration measuring unit 70 using the above method and confirmed by a person that the concentration of the diluent L2 is within the desired concentration predetermined for sterilization and disinfection of the patient's oral cavity (within the allowable range between the upper and lower limits of concentration), the person operates the control unit 6 to switch the sixth valve 52 to connect to the first pipe 2a.

[0062] If a person confirms that the concentration of the diluent L2 is not within the predetermined acceptable range of the desired concentration, the person operates the control unit 6 to connect the sixth valve 52 to the fourth pipe 2d, thereby draining all of the diluent L2 and restarting the process from the generation of the diluent L2.

[0063] The sixth valve 52 is connected to the first pipe 2a, and while the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 is being used, specifically before the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 reaches its lower limit, the control unit 6 generates a diluent L2 of the same concentration in the mixing diluent tank 40 and supplies it to the upper limit of the second diluent storage tank 20. Then, when the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 reaches its lower limit, the control unit 6 closes the first valve 14, opens the second valve 24, and switches the fifth valve 50 so that the diluent L2 stored in the second diluent storage tank 20 flows from the diluent transport pipe 2 to the first pipe 2a using compressed air. Then, again, the mixing diluent tank 40 generates a diluent L2 of the same concentration and supplies it to the upper limit of the first diluent storage tank 10. When the amount of diluent L2 stored in the second diluent storage tank 20 reaches the lower limit, the control unit 6 closes the second valve 24, opens the first valve 14, and switches the fifth valve 50 so that the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 flows again from the diluent transport pipe 2 to the first pipe 2a using compressed air. In this way, by alternately using the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 and the diluent L2 stored in the second diluent storage tank 20, the amount of diluent L2 in the tanks does not run out and the flow of diluent L2 through the first pipe 2a does not stop, and the diluent L2 can be continuously supplied to the dental treatment unit 60 by flowing it through the first pipe 2a.

[0064] When the diluent L2 produced by the generating device 1 according to this embodiment is used for sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning of the diluent transport pipe 2, it is necessary to produce a diluent L2 with a higher concentration (e.g., 100 ppm) than the concentration used for sterilization and disinfection of the patient's oral cavity (e.g., 50 ppm). Therefore, if the concentration of the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20 is the same as the concentration used for sterilization and disinfection of the patient's oral cavity, the sixth valve 52 is switched to discharge all of the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20 from the fourth pipe 2d.

[0065] Subsequently, the control unit 6 generates a diluted solution L2 with a higher concentration than that used for sterilization and disinfection of the patient's oral cavity in the mixing and dilution tank 40 and supplies it to the upper limit of the first diluted solution storage tank 10. The diluted solution L2 is then supplied to the concentration measuring unit 70 to measure its concentration. If the concentration of the diluted solution L2 falls within a predetermined acceptable range of desired concentrations suitable for sterilization and disinfection cleaning in the diluted solution transport pipe 2, the sixth valve 52 is switched to allow the diluted solution L2 to flow from the diluted solution transport pipe 2 and the first pipe 2a to the fourth pipe 2d, thereby performing sterilization and disinfection cleaning in the pipes.

[0066] When the sixth valve 52 is switched to the third pipe 2c, a diluent L2 of a concentration suitable for sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning in the diluent transport pipe 2 is stored in the vacuum cleaning tank 80. Then, by sucking the diluent L2 stored in the vacuum cleaning tank 80 with a vacuum, sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning of the inside of the vacuum pipe is performed.

[0067] Furthermore, by using the diluted solution L2, which is discharged from the cup water supply pipe 62b and has a concentration suitable for sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning in the diluted solution transport pipe 2, it is possible to sterilize, disinfect, and clean the surfaces of the dental treatment unit 60's equipment and instruments, as well as the walls and floors of the dental clinic by wiping them down.

[0068] If a person confirms that the concentration of the diluent L2 is not within the predetermined acceptable range of the desired concentration, the person operates the control unit 6 to connect the sixth valve 52 to the fourth pipe 2d, thereby draining all of the diluent L2 and restarting the process from the generation of the diluent L2.

[0069] When generating a diluted solution L2 for use in sterilizing and disinfecting the patient's oral cavity after sterilization and disinfection cleaning of the diluted solution transport tube 2, it is necessary to generate a diluted solution L2 with a lower concentration than the diluted solution L2 used for sterilization and disinfection cleaning of the diluted solution transport tube 2. In this case, since there is a possibility that the high-concentration diluted solution L2 used for sterilization and disinfection cleaning of the diluted solution transport tube 2 remains in the diluted solution transport tube 2, it is advisable not to immediately use the low-concentration diluted solution L2 for treatment of the patient's oral cavity, but rather to switch the 6th valve 52 to allow the low-concentration diluted solution L2 to flow sufficiently through the 1st tube 2a, thereby draining the high-concentration diluted solution L2 from the tube before using it for treatment of the patient's oral cavity.

[0070] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, the dental treatment system A had one dental treatment unit 60 connected to one generating device 1, but is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 4, the dental treatment system A may be configured so that multiple (e.g., five or more) dental treatment units 60 are connected to one generating device 1. This makes it possible to supply a diluent L2 of a desired concentration from one generating device 1 to multiple dental treatment units 60.

[0071] (2) In the above embodiment, the generating device 1 had two diluent storage tanks, a first diluent storage tank 10 and a second diluent storage tank 20, but there may be one diluent storage tank or three or more. If there is only one diluent storage tank, the device may be configured to generate the diluent L2 by directly supplying the stock solution L1 and tap water to the diluent storage tank without providing a mixing diluent tank 40.

[0072] (3) In the above embodiment, an aqueous solution of chlorite ions that can be generated on demand was given as the stock solution L1, but it is not limited to this. In addition to the aqueous solution of chlorite ions that can be generated on demand, hypochlorous acid water and hydrogen peroxide water can also be used as the stock solution L1. In this case, the desired concentration of the diluent L2 for sterilization and disinfection of the patient's oral cavity is not limited to 50 ppm, which is the concentration obtained when the aqueous solution of chlorite ions that can be generated on demand is diluted. Also, the desired concentration for sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning of the diluent transport tube 2 is not limited to 100 ppm, which is the concentration obtained when the aqueous solution of chlorite ions that can be generated on demand is diluted. The desired concentration of the diluent L2 may differ depending on the type of stock solution L1.

[0073] (4) In the above embodiment, the system is configured so that only the diluent L2 flows through the first pipe 2a, but it is not limited to this. For example, a switching valve (not shown) may be placed in the middle of the first pipe 2a and connected to a water pipe, and by switching the switching valve, the system may be configured so that tap water flows through the first pipe 2a. In this case, both the diluent L2 and tap water will flow through the first pipe 2a. This makes it possible to flow both the diluent L2 and tap water through the cup water supply pipe 62b, the instrument water supply pipe 63b, and the three-way syringe water supply pipe 64b, and to supply both the diluent L2 and tap water to the gargling cup 62a, the instrument 63a, and the three-way syringe 64a. Alternatively, instead of using a switching valve, all of the diluent L2 stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20 may be discharged from the fourth pipe 2d, and then tap water may be stored in the first diluent storage tank 10 and the second diluent storage tank 20. Even with this configuration, both the diluent L2 and tap water can be supplied to the gargling cup 62a, the instrument 63a, and the three-way syringe 64a. [Industrial applicability]

[0074] This disclosure is applicable to dilution and disinfection solution generating devices and dental treatment systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1: Diluted sterilizing disinfectant liquid generator 2: Diluent transport pipe (transport pipe) 2a: 1st pipe (transport pipe) 2b:Second pipe (transport pipe) 2c: 3rd pipe (transport pipe) 2d: 4th pipe (transport pipe) 10: First diluent storage tank (diluent tank) 20: Second diluent storage tank (diluent tank) 30: Concentrate storage tank (concentrate tank) 60: Dental Treatment Unit 62b: Cup water supply pipe (water supply section) 63a: Instruments 63a1: Ultrasonic scaler (instrument) 63a2: Air turbine (instrument) 63a3: Micromotor (instrument) 70: Concentration measurement section 74: Measurement Sheet 74a: Yeast (fungus) 76: Sodium ion meter A: Dental treatment system L1: Sterilizing disinfectant solution L2: Diluted sterilizing disinfectant solution

Claims

1. A concentrated solution tank capable of storing disinfectant solution, A dilution tank capable of storing diluted disinfectant solution obtained by diluting the disinfectant solution supplied from the stock solution tank with water to a desired concentration, A diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus comprising a transport pipe capable of taking the diluted disinfectant solution out of the dilution solution tank and distributing it.

2. The diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a concentration measuring unit capable of measuring the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution.

3. The diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the concentration measuring unit has a measuring sheet to which colored bacteria are attached, and measures the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution based on the degree of decolorization of the bacteria over a predetermined time.

4. The diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the concentration measuring unit has a measuring sheet to which colored bacteria are attached, and measures the concentration of the diluted disinfectant solution based on the time it takes for the bacteria to be decolorized to a predetermined color.

5. The diluted disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the concentration measuring unit has a sodium ion meter.

6. A dilution disinfectant solution generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A dental treatment system comprising: a water supply unit connected to the diluted disinfectant solution generating device to which the diluted disinfectant solution generated by the diluted disinfectant solution generating device is supplied; and a dental treatment unit including instruments for oral treatment to which the diluted disinfectant solution is supplied.

7. The dental treatment system according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of dental treatment units are connected to one of the dilution sterilization disinfection solution generating devices.

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