WO2008023868A1

WO2008023868A1 - A dental cleaning water process system

Info

Publication number: WO2008023868A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/000504
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tae Woo Kim
Original assignee: E Woo Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: E Woo Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-19
Filing date: 2007-01-29
Publication date: 2008-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2009-02-19
Also published as: KR200433988Y1

Abstract

The present invention disclosed herein is a dental clean water treatment system. The dental clean water treatment system of the present invention is characterized in that clean water, which remains in a water pipe treated by measuring turbidity in the clean water pipe using the turbidity measuring sensor. According to the present invention, there is an advantage in that turbidity can be maintained below critical value by including a turbidity measuring sensor in a clean water pipe for supplying clean water to each of unit chairs, so that clean water is supplied to each of the unit chairs.

Description

Description A DENTAL CLEANING WATER PROCESS SYSTEM

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to dental clean water systems and, more particularly, to a dental clean water system for treating residual clean water in a clean water pipe by turbidity measurement result therein. Background Art

[2] Generally, water supplied to dental unit chairs is used to cool heat generated in dental treatment devices such as dental handpieces and to remove powder and sediment generated when grinding teeth, or is supplied to dental treatment assistant devices such as a spittoon or an auto-cup with which patients gargle. Because water supplied to such a dental unit chair directly contacts a wound region in the mouth of a patient or a region at which treatment is required, it is very important to maintain the water in a sanitary and clean condition.

[3] Therefore, typically, clean water, from which impurities have been removed using a water purifier, is used as water to be supplied to the dental unit chair, rather than directly using tap water.

[4] In case that clean water is remained for long time, and contaminants are mixed in a clean water pipe for supplying clean water to the dental unit chair, however, biofilms may be formed on the inner surface of the water supply pipe.

[5] Biofilms are composed of an organic substance or an inorganic substance. Harmful microbes such as bacilli or mildew may be created around the biofilm. Therefore, if water enters the mouth of the patient through the water supply pipe, in which the biofilm is formed, there is the possibility of secondary infection.

[6]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[7] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dental clean water treatment system capable of supplying clean water to each of unit chairs by maintaining turbidity below critical value in a clean water pipe for supplying clean water to each of unit chairs. Technical Solution

[8] In order to accomplish the above object, in an aspect, the present invention provides a dental clean water treatment system. The dental clean water treatment system of the present invention is characterized in that clean water, which remains in a water pipe treated by measuring turbidity in the clean water pipe using the turbidity measuring sensor.

[9] In another aspect, the present invention provides a dental clean water treatment system comprising: at least one or more unit chair connected to the clean water pipe; a first valve positioned to a predetermined location of the clean water pipe; a control unit for controlling the first valve; and a turbidity measuring sensor positioned to a predetermined location in the clean water pipe and for measuring turbidity of the clean water pipe to input the measured data to the control unit. Residual clean water is treated by measuring turbidity in the clean water pipe using the turbidity measuring sensor.

[10] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a drain pipe is further included. The drain pipe is connected to an end of the clean water pipe placed next to a point finally connected to the unit chair.

[11] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the turbidity measuring sensor is installed on an end of the clean water pipe.

[12] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first valve is positioned to a predetermined location in the clean water pipe and connected to an air pipe. The first valve outlets a clean water inlet from the clean water pipe toward the unit chair during turned on state. In contrast, during turned off state, the first valve interrupts cl ean water of the clean water pipe and at the same time, outlets compressed air inlet from the air pipe toward to the unit chair. At this time, the control unit compares a measured value input from the turbidity measuring sensor with a critical value and, then makes the first valve to be an off-state if the measured value is higher than the critical value. In this case, the first valve is positioned to a start point of the clean water pipe.

[13] In still another aspect, the present invention provides a dental clean water system comprising: a water purifier for out-letting water inlet from a tap water pipe; a second valve positioned to a predetermined location of a clean water pipe neighboring an outlet opening of the water purifier; at least one or more unit chair connected to the clean water pipe; a third valve positioned to a predetermined location placed next to a point finally connected to the unit chair; a control unit for controlling the second and third valves; a turbidity measuring sensor positioned to a predetermined location in the clean water pipe and for measuring turbidity of the clean water pipe to input the measured data to the control unit; and a circulating pump positioned to a predetermined location. In this case, a circulating pipe is formed by connecting an end of the clean water pipe placed next to a point finally connected to the unit chair to the second valve. The dental clean water treatment system further comprises a circulating pump installed on a predetermined location of the clean water pipe forming the circulating pipe.

[14] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second valve is positioned neighboring an outlet opening of the water purifier and includes a mobility path. The mobility path inlets a clean water outlet from the water purifier into the circulating pipe during turned on state and again inlets a circulated clean water via the circulating pipe thereinto.

[15] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dental clean water system further includes a clean water pipe connected to the third valve. The third valve outlets a clean water inlet from the clean water pipe into a water pipe connected to the third valve during turned on state and again outlets the clean water inlet from the clean water pipe thereinto during turned off state.

[16] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the turbidity measuring sensor is installed between the clean water pipe next to a point finally connected to the unit chair and the third valve. At this time, the control unit compares a measured value input from the turbidity measuring sensor with a critical value and, then makes the second and third valves to be an off-state if the measured value is higher than the critical value.

[17] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dental clean water treatment system further includes a cut-off valve. The cut-off valve is installed on a pipe connecting the clean water pipe and each of the unit chairs.

[18] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dental clean water treatment system further includes a displaying unit and an alarming unit, which is connected to the control unit and operated by a signal of the control unit.

[19]

Advantageous Effects

[20] The dental clean water treatment system according to the present invention is constructed such that, turbidity can be maintained below critical value by including a turbidity measuring sensor in a clean water pipe for supplying clean water to each of unit chairs, so that clean water is supplied to each of the unit chairs.

[21]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[22] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a dental clean water treatment system, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and

[23] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a dental clean water treatment system, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[24]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [25] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be realized by other embodiments. Reference should now be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the different drawings to designate the same or similar components.

[26] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a dental clean water treatment system, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[27] Referring to FIG. 1, the dental clean water treatment system 100 includes a water purifier 110, a clean water pipe 120, a unit chair 130, a drain pipe 140, and a control unit 190. Particularly, a dental clean water treatment system according to the present invention 100 includes a first valve being 3 -way valve 160 and a turbidity measuring sensor 150, which are positioned on a predetermined location of the clean water pipe 120.

[28] In other words, the dental clean water treatment system 100 according to a first embodiment outlets residual clean water in the clean water pipe 120 into the drain pipe 140 using a compressed air inlet from an air pipe 180 depending on a measurement value of the turbidity measuring sensor 150.

[29] The water purifier 110 is connected to a water acquisition pipe including a raw water valve 11 for controlling on/off of raw water, i.e., tap water. The water acquisition pipe 10 purifies the raw water inlet therefrom and then outlets the purified raw water into the clean water pipe 120 via an outlet opening.

[30] In this case, the water purifier 110 plays a role in removing impurities (e.g., rusty water, bacilli, microbes) mixed in raw water. The water purifier 110 includes a plurality of filters, a motor pump and a purification tank, and a typical purifier may be used as the water purifier.

[31] The clean water pipe 120 is connected to surroundings of the outlet opening of the water purifier 110. The clean water pipe 120 is connected to various dental treatment devices included in the unit chair 130 and a water supply pipe 121 for supplying clean water to dental treatment assistant devices.

[32] In addition, a cut-off valve 170 is installed on a predetermined region of the water supply pipe 121, so that it is possible for clean water to be interrupted into the unit chair 130.

[33] The first valve 160 as 3-way valve includes a mobility path connecting the clean water pipe 120 and the air pipe 180. This first valve 160 inlets clean water supplied from the clean water pipe 120 into unit chair 130 during turned on state. During turned off state, this first valve 160 interrupts clean water of the clean water pipe 120 and at the same time, outlets compressed air inlet from the air pipe 180 toward to the unit chair 130. In this case, it is preferable that the first valve 160 is installed on a start point of the clean water pipe 120. The reason for this is that when residual clean water in the clean water pipe 120 is outlet using compressed air supplied from the air pipe 180, it is necessary that the first valve 160 is connected to the start point of the clean water pipe 120 connected to the outlet opening of the water purifier 110. As a result, more large portions of the clean water pipe 120 can be cleaned.

[34] The turbidity measuring sensor 150 measures turbidity in the clean water pipe 120, and then inputs the measured turbidity data to the control unit 190. The turbidity in the clean water pipe 120 can be measured using various measuring methods. For instance, the turbidity in the clean water pipe 120 is found using light or measuring the degree of scale covering a resistance measurement means included in the clean water pipe 120.

[35] In this case, it is preferable that the turbidity measuring sensor 150 is installed on the end of the clean water pipe 120. The reason for this is that it is possible to measure real turbidity inlet into the unit chair 130 by installing the turbidity measuring sensor 150 on the clean water pipe 120 next to the unit chair 130 that is finally connected to the clean water pipe 120.

[36] The drain pipe 140 is connected to the end of the clean water pipe 120, thereby out- letting clean water in the clean water pipe 120 via the drain pipe 140.

[37] The control unit 190 controls the first valve 160. At this time, the control unit 190 compares a turbidity measurement value in the clean water pipe input from the turbidity measuring sensor 150 with a critical value of predetermined turbidity, thereby controlling the first valve 160. That is, the control unit 190 maintains the first valve 160 to be on state if the turbidity measurement value is smaller than the critical value. In contrast, if the turbidity measurement value is larger than the critical value, the control unit 190 makes the first valve 160 to be off-state. Thus, when the first valve 160 is at off-state, clean water remained in the clean water pipe 120 is outlet into the drain pipe 140 by compressed air supplied from the air pipe 180. At this time, the cutoff valve 170 of the water supply pipe 121 is performed, thereby preventing clean water from being inlet into the unit chair 130.

[38] Additionally, the control unit 190 is connected to a displaying unit 191. Accordingly, if the turbidity measurement value measured by the turbidity measuring sensor 150 is input to the control unit 190, this turbidity measurement value is transmitted into the displaying unit 191 and, then displayed to be visible to users.

[39] Furthermore, the control unit 190 is connected to the alarming unit 192. If there is high turbidity in the clean water pipe 120, an alarm signal is generated. As a result, it is possible for users to acknowledge turbidity level in the clean water pipe 120.

[40] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a dental clean water treatment system, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[41] Referring to FIG. 2, the dental clean water system 200 includes a water purifier 110, a clean water pipe 220, a unit chair 130, a drain pipe 140, and a control unit 190. The clean water pipe 220 is a circulating pipe. In particularly, the dental clean water treatment system 200 according to the present invention further includes a second valve 210, a third valve 230, a circulating pump 240, and a turbidity measuring sensor 150. The second and third valves 210 and 230 are 3-way valves. That is, the dental clean water treatment system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention circulates residual clean water in the clean water pipe 220 formed as the circulating pipe depending to a measurement value of the turbidity measurement sensor 150.

[42] The water purifier 110 is connected to an acquisition pipe 10 including a raw water valve 11. The water purifier 110 purifies raw water supplied from the acquisition pipe 10 to discharge it to the clean water pipe 220 via the outlet opening.

[43] The clean water pipe 220 is connected neighboring the outlet opening of the water purifier 110. In this case, the clean water pipe 220 is formed as a circulating pipe.

[44] The clean water pipe 220 is connected to various dental treatment devices included in the unit chair 130 and a water supply pipe 121 for supplying clean water to dental treatment assistant devices. In addition, a circulating pump 240 is installed on a predetermined location of the clean water pipe 220.

[45] Moreover, a cut-off valve 170 is installed on a predetermined location of the water supply pipe 121, thereby preventing clean water from being supplied to the unit chair 130.

[46] The second valve 210 as 3-way valve includes a mobility path, which connects the clean water pipe 220 being a circulating pipe and the clean water pipe 220. Such the second valve 210 outlets clean water supplied from water purifier 110 toward the unit chair 130 during turned on state. In contrast, during turned off state, the second valve 210 again outlets clean water circulated via the clean water pipe 220 toward the clean water pipe 220 and, then circulates it. In this case, it is preferable that the second valve 210 is installed on the clean water pipe 220 closing to the outlet opening of the water purifier 110.

[47] The third valve 230 as 3-way valve includes a mobility path, which connects the clean water pipe 220 being a circulating pipe and the drain pipe 140. Such the third valve 230 outlets clean water supplied from the clean water pipe 220 into the drain pipe 140 during turned on state. During turned off state, the third valve 230 outlets clean water supplied from the clean water pipe 220 into the clean water pipe 220 again. In this case, it is preferable that the third valve 230 is positioned on a predetermined location of the clean water pipe 220 next to a point, which finally connected to the unit chair 130.

[48] The turbidity measuring sensor 150 measures the turbidity in the clean water pipe 220 to input the measured data to the control unit 190.

[49] The control unit 190 controls the second valve 210 and the third valve 230. In this case, the control unit 190 compares a turbidity measurement value in the clean water pipe 220 input from the turbidity measuring sensor 150 with a critical value of predetermined turbidity, and then controls the second and third valves 210 and 230. That is, the control unit 190 maintains the second and third valves 210 and 230 to be on state if the turbidity measurement value is smaller than the critical value. In contrast, if the turbidity measurement value is larger than the critical value, the control unit 190 makes the second and third valves 210 and 230 to be off state.

[50] Therefore, when the second and third valves 210 and 230 are at off-state, residual clean water in the clean water 220 is circulated through the clean water pipe 220 formed as a circulating pipe due to power of the circulating pump 240. At this time, the cut-off valve 170 of the water supply pipe 121 is operated, thereby preventing clean water from being supplied to the unit chair 130. In addition, the control unit 190 is connected to the displaying unit 191 and the alarming unit 192.

[51] The general construction of the dental clean water drain system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the above- mentioned structure.

[52] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[53]

[54]

Industrial Applicability

[55] The present invention provides a dental clean water treatment system which is used in a dental hospital having a clean water treatment system. According to the present invention, there is an advantage in that turbidity can be maintained below critical value by including a turbidity measuring sensor in a clean water pipe for supplying clean water to each of unit chairs, so that clean water is supplied to each of the unit chairs.

[56]

Claims

[1] A dental clean water treatment system providing clean water to a dental unit chair respectively connected to a clean water pipe, the dental clean water treatment system comprising: at least one or more unit chair connected to the clean water pipe; a first valve positioned to a predetermined location of the clean water pipe; a control unit for controlling the first valve; and a turbidity measuring sensor positioned to a predetermined location in the clean water pipe and for measuring turbidity of the clean water pipe to input the measured data to the control unit, wherein residual clean water is treated by measuring turbidity in the clean water pipe using the turbidity measuring sensor.

[2] The system according to claim 1, further comprising a drain pipe connected to an end of the clean water pipe placed next to a point finally connected to the unit chair.

[3] The system according to claim 2, wherein the first valve is positioned to a predetermined location in the clean water pipe and connected to an air pipe, the first valve outlets a clean water inlet from the clean water pipe toward the unit chair during turned on state, the first valve interrupts clean water of the clean water pipe and at the same time, outlets compressed air inlet from the air pipe toward to the unit chair during turned off state.

[4] The system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit compares a measured value input from the turbidity measuring sensor with a critical value and, then makes the first valve to be an off-state if the measured value is higher than the critical value.

[5] A dental clean water treatment system providing clean water to a dental unit chair respectively connected to a clean water pipe, the dental clean water treatment system comprising: a water purifier for out-letting water inlet from a tap water pipe; a second valve positioned to a predetermined location of a clean water pipe neighboring an outlet opening of the water purifier; at least one or more unit chair connected to the clean water pipe; a third valve positioned to a predetermined location placed next to a point finally connected to the unit chair; a control unit for controlling the second and third valves; a turbidity measuring sensor positioned to a predetermined location in the clean water pipe and for measuring turbidity of the clean water pipe to input the measured data to the control unit; and a circulating pump positioned to a predetermined location, wherein a circulating pipe is formed by connecting an end of the clean water pipe placed next to a point finally connected to the unit chair to the second valve.

[6] The system according to claim 5, wherein the second valve includes a mobility path, which inlets a clean water outlet from the water purifier into the circulating pipe during turned on state and again inlets a circulated clean water via the circulating pipe thereinto during turned off state.

[7] The system according to claim 5, wherein the third valve outlets a clean water inlet from the clean water pipe into a water pipe connected to the third valve during turned on state and again outlets the clean water inlet from the clean water pipe thereinto during turned off state.

[8] The system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit compares a measured value input from the turbidity measuring sensor with a critical value and, then makes the second and third valves to be an off-state if the measured value is higher than the critical value.

[9] The system according to claim 1 or claim 5, further comprising a cut-off valve installed on a pipe connecting the clean water pipe and each of the unit chairs.

[10] The system according to claim 9, further comprising a displaying unit and an alarming unit, which is connected to the control unit and operated by a control signal of the control unit.