JP6950927B2 - Sterilization container and sterilizer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to sterilization containers and sterilizers.

Instruments used in dental treatment, including dental handpieces, are contaminated by contact with the patient's saliva and blood. The risk of nosocomial infections caused by reusing contaminated dental treatment instruments for treatment without thoroughly cleaning and sterilizing them has been regarded as a problem.

Cleaning and sterilization of dental treatment instruments is generally performed by instruments or methods such as ultrasonic cleaners, denthides (chemical sterilization), autoclaves (high pressure steam sterilizers), and the same applies to dental handpieces. Further, the dental handpiece requires a work of lubricating the inside and removing excess oil (oil draining) before sterilization by an autoclave, but a lot of human hands are involved including cleaning and sterilization work.

Therefore, a device that automatically performs each process of cleaning, lubricating, and sterilizing a dental handpiece has been devised and is actually used. Cleaning, lubrication and sterilization of the dental handpiece using the above device are performed in the following flow. That is, (1) cleaning with an automatic washer, (2) lubrication and oil drainage with an automatic lubricator, (3) manual encapsulation in a sterilization pack (sealing work with a sealer), and (4) sterilization with a sterilizer. be.

However, although there are devices that automatically perform the above (1) or (2), the above (1) and (2), and the above (1), (2) and (4), the above (1) There is no device that can automatically perform all of (4). Further, even if an existing device that automatically performs (1), (2), and (4) is used, the above (3) is performed after (4), and the dental hand enclosed in a sterilization pack. The piece must be sterilized again with a sterilization device, which cannot be said to save manpower sufficiently.

Patent Document 1 discloses a sterilization container that can be used in various sterilization media and sterilization methods.

Patent Document 2 discloses a medical sterilization container for sterilizing and storing surgical instruments, implants, and the like.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-267757 Special Table 2015-518452

Such a sterilization container allows a sterilization medium such as saturated steam to pass through the inside to sterilize medical instruments and the like placed in the sterilization container so that they can be reused, and after sterilization, the inside is sealed and stored. However, it is not possible to automatically perform all the processes including cleaning and lubrication, which are the processes before sterilization.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. By simply placing a used dental handpiece in a sterilization container and arranging the sterilization container in a sterilizer in that state, the dental handpiece can be used. A series of cleaning, lubrication and sterilization processes can be performed automatically, and after sterilization, the dental handpiece can be stored while maintaining the sterilized state together with the sterilized container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sterilization container and a sterilization apparatus that can be used hygienically.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is a dental handpiece having a first connection portion connected to a fluid supply circuit and a second connection portion connected to the fluid discharge circuit. The first connection portion and the second connection portion are unidirectional in a direction in which the fluid is supplied to the inside of the sterilization container and discharged from the inside of the sterilization container. A sealing mechanism that blocks the sterilization container from communicating with the outside through the first connection portion and the second connection portion when the connection between the check valve for limiting and the supply circuit and the discharge circuit is released. A first space communicating with the first connecting portion and a second space communicating with the second connecting portion are formed inside the sterilization container, and the first space and the said A connection area for communicating the second space is provided, and the dental handpiece is housed in the first space or the second space, and is detachably fixed to the connection area, and the first space is provided. The fluid supplied to the dental handpiece flows into the second space through the inside of the dental handpiece, and a part of the sterilization container is provided with either the first space or the second space. It is characterized in that a gas permeable film that separates the outside of the sterilization container is provided.

The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the fluid contains a cleaning liquid, a lubricating oil, or air.

The invention of claim 3 is the sterilization apparatus capable of accommodating the sterilization container according to the invention of claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply circuit for supplying the fluid to the sterilization container and the sterilization container from the sterilization container. It is characterized by including the discharge circuit for discharging a fluid and a second supply circuit for internally supplying a medium for sterilizing the sterilization container while the sterilization container is housed inside. Is.

The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 3, it further includes a second discharge circuit for discharging the medium to the outside.

The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 3 or 4 , it is provided with a locking mechanism for holding the sterilized container.

The invention of claim 6 moves the sterilization container in a direction in which the connection between the sterilization container and the supply circuit and the discharge circuit is released in the state where the lock mechanism is released in the invention of claim 5. It is characterized by having means.

According to the present invention, a series of cleaning, lubrication and sterilization of a dental handpiece is performed by simply placing a used dental handpiece in a dedicated sterilization container and arranging the sterilization container in that state in a dedicated sterilizer. After the sterilization is completed, the dental handpiece can be stored while maintaining the sterilized state together with the sterilized container. A capable sterilization container and sterilizer can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the state that the sterilization container which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is housed in the sterilization apparatus. It is a block diagram of the sterilizer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the sterilization container which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart at the time of cleaning, lubricating and sterilizing the dental handpiece in the sterilization container by using the sterilization apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of cleaning a dental handpiece in a sterilization container by the sterilization apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of lubricating a dental handpiece in a sterilization container by the sterilization apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of sterilizing the dental handpiece in the sterilization container by the sterilization apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the dental treatment unit of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, it may be assumed that the members with the same reference numerals are the same in different drawings, and the description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the sterilization container 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is housed inside the sterilizer 100. In this figure, the sterilization container 10 is drawn through the inside from above. The sterilization container 10 is a container with a closed lid (not shown), and the lid can be closed with the dental handpiece 20 (hereinafter, also referred to as “handpiece”) contained therein. The inside of the sterilization container 10 is divided into a first space 12 having a first connection portion 11 and a second space 14 having a second connection portion 13. Both spaces are configured to be separated and independent of each other, at least when the lid is closed. In this figure, the first space 12 is surrounded by the second space 14, but the first space 12 and the outside of the sterilization container 10 may be directly separated from each other.

The first connection portion 11 is connected to the supply circuit 121 of the sterilizer 100 and serves as an inlet for the fluid 122 to be supplied to the inside of the sterilization container 10. Further, the second connection portion 13 is connected to the discharge circuit 130 of the sterilizer 100 and serves as an outlet from which the fluid 122 is discharged from the inside of the sterilization container 10. Both the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13 include a check valve (not shown) and a sealing mechanism (not shown), and limit the direction in which the fluid 122 is supplied and discharged in one direction. At the same time, in a state where the connection between the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130 is disconnected, the passage of the fluid 122 from the first connection portion 11 is blocked. Here, the fluid 122 includes a cleaning liquid for cleaning the handpiece 20, a lubricating oil for lubricating the handpiece 20, and air for blowing off the cleaning liquid and excess lubricating oil in the handpiece 20. ..

In order to keep the sterilization container 10 connected to the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130, the sterilizer 100 preferably includes a lock mechanism 161. The lock mechanism 161 has, for example, a shape having a convex portion that fits into a concave portion provided at a predetermined position of the sterilization container 10 and is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat, and the sterilization container 10 is housed in the sterilization container storage portion 160. , Holds the sterilization container 10 in a state of being connected to the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130. The sterilization container storage unit 160 is configured so that the sterilization container 10 is stored, the hermetically sealed lid (not shown) is closed, and the sterilization container storage unit 160 can withstand high temperature and high pressure. It does not matter which of the sterilization container 10 is held by the lock mechanism 161 and the sterilization container 10 is connected to the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130 first.

A connection region 15 that communicates both spaces is provided between the first space 12 and the second space 14. For example, the connection area 15 may be formed so as to project with respect to the second space 14 and be fitted with a rear joint which is a connection portion on the handle side of the handpiece 20 so that the handpiece 20 can be fixed. preferable. The fluid 122 flows into the second space 14 from the first space 12 through the connection region 15 through the inside of the handpiece 20. The connection area 15 may be configured so that the handpiece 20 can be arranged on the side of the first space 12.

A gas permeable membrane 16 that separates the second space 14 from the outside of the sterilization container 10 is provided in a part of the sterilization container 10. The gas permeable membrane 16 may be configured to separate the first space 12 from the outside. The gas permeable membrane 16 is formed from a material that allows a medium 142 having a sterilizing effect such as high-pressure steam to pass through, but does not allow microorganisms to pass through, for example, TYVEK ™ or CSR wrap. The configuration may be realized by another structure as long as it has the same properties.

The sterilizer 100 is provided with a second supply circuit 141 for supplying the medium 142 to the sterilization container storage unit 160 and a second discharge circuit 150 for discharging the medium 142 from the sterilization container storage unit 160. After the cleaning and lubrication of the handpiece 20 are completed by the fluid 122 that has passed through the inside of the sterilization container 10, the lock mechanism 161 is released, and the sterilization container 10 can be moved in the sterilization container storage unit 160.

Then, preferably, the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13 of the sterilization container 10 are disconnected from the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130 of the sterilizer 100, respectively, and are first connected by the sealing mechanism. The medium 142 is supplied from the second supply circuit 141 in a state where communication with the outside is cut off through the connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13. The medium 142 spreads through the gas permeable membrane 16 into the inside of the sterilization container 10 and sterilizes the handpiece 20. The medium 142 circulating inside the sterilization container 10 exits from the gas permeable membrane 16 and is discharged from the second discharge circuit 150.

Further, after stopping the inflow of the fluid 122 from the supply circuit 121, the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13 are connected to the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130, respectively, and the second supply is supplied. The medium 142 may be supplied from the circuit 141. In this case, the medium 142 circulating inside the sterilization container 10 is discharged from the discharge circuit 130 through the second connection portion 13, and the second discharge circuit 150 can be omitted. The positions of the first connection portion 11, the second connection portion 13, the second supply circuit 141, the second discharge circuit 150, the lock mechanism 161 and the like are not limited by FIG.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the sterilizer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the sterilizer container 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The description of the sterilization container 10 and the sterilization container storage unit 160 omits a part that overlaps with the description of FIG.

The sterilization device 100 includes a control unit 110, a fluid supply unit 120, a discharge circuit 130, a medium supply unit 140, a second discharge circuit 150, a sterilization container storage unit 160, a suction device 170, a display unit 180, and an operation unit 190.

The control unit 110 includes a storage unit 111, a detection unit 112, a display control unit 113, an operation signal reception unit 114, a fluid control unit 115, a medium control unit 116, a lock mechanism control unit 117, and a sterile container moving means control unit 118. It has.

The storage unit 111 stores a program and a setting mode for controlling the sterilizer 100. The detection unit 112 detects that the sterilization container 10 has been placed in a predetermined position by a sensor (not shown) provided in the sterilization container storage unit 160. Further, the detection unit 112 may be configured to detect the temperature and pressure in the sterilization container storage unit 160 by the above-mentioned sensor.

The display control unit 113 displays the setting mode, operating status, and the like of the sterilizer 100 on the display unit 180. The operation signal receiving unit 114 receives an input from the operation unit 190. The display unit 180 and the operation unit 190 may be configured as one as a touch panel.

The fluid control unit 115 switches the fluid 122 supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 123, the lubricating oil tank 124, and the compressed air tank 125, and flows into the sterilization container 10 at an appropriate timing and flow rate, respectively. Controls the supply circuit 121 of. The compressed air tank 125 may be configured as a compressor. The fluid 122 that has flowed into the sterilization container 10 is discharged from the second connection portion 13 to the discharge circuit 130.

The medium control unit 116 controls the second supply circuit 141 of the medium supply unit 140 so that the medium 142 supplied from the high-pressure steam generator 143 flows into the sterilization container storage unit 160 at an appropriate timing and flow rate. The fluid 122 that has flowed into the sterilization container storage unit 160 is discharged to the second discharge circuit 150.

The fluid control unit 115 and the medium control unit 116 discharge the fluid 122 from the discharge circuit 130 and the second discharge circuit while supplying the fluid 122 to the sterilization container 10 and the medium 142 to the sterilization container storage unit 160. The suction device 170 can be controlled to suck the medium 142 discharged from the 150.

When the lock mechanism control unit 117 receives a signal from the detection unit 112 that detects that the sterilization container 10 has been placed in a predetermined position, the lock mechanism control unit 117 operates the lock mechanism 161 provided in the sterilization container storage unit 160 to operate the sterilization container 10 Is controlled to be held at the position. Further, when the fluid control unit 115 stops supplying the fluid 122 to the first connection portion 11 of the sterilization container 10 through the supply circuit 121, the lock mechanism control unit 117 operates the lock mechanism 161 to operate the sterilization container 10. Control to release the hold.

When the sterilization container moving means control unit 118 receives a signal from the lock mechanism control unit 117 to release the holding of the sterilization container 10 by the lock mechanism 161, the sterilization container moving means control unit 118 operates the sterilization container moving means 162 provided in the sterilization container storage unit 160. The sterilization container 10 is moved in a direction in which the connection between the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13 of the sterilization container 10 and the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130 of the sterilizer 100 is disconnected. As a result, the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13 of the sterilization container 10 are sterilized by blocking the communication of the sterilization container 10 with the outside through the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13 by the sealing mechanism. Only the medium 142 through the gas permeable membrane 16 flows into the container 10. The connection between the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13 of the sterilization container 10 and the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130 of the sterilization device 100 is released without moving the sterilization container 10 by the sterilization container moving means 162. It may be a configuration that can be used.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart when the handpiece 20 in the sterilization container 10 is washed, lubricated, and sterilized by using the sterilizer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, the used handpiece 20 is arranged in the connection area 15 in the sterilization container 10 (step S101). Then, the hermetically sealed lid is closed, and the sterilization container 10 is sealed (step S102). Next, the sterilization container 10 is housed in the sterilization container storage unit 160, and the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 13 of the sterilization container 10 are connected to the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130 of the sterilization apparatus 100, respectively. (Step S103).

The sterile container 10 connected to the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130 is held in place by the lock mechanism 161 (step S104). Then, the sterilizer 100 starts operation (step S105), followed by a cleaning step (step S106) and a lubrication step (step S107). Details of both steps will be described later.

When the lubrication step is completed, the lock mechanism 161 holding the sterilization container 10 is released (step S108). When the lock on the sterilization container 10 is released, the sterilization container moving means 162 moves the sterilization container 10 in a direction in which the connection with the supply circuit 121 and the discharge circuit 130 is released, and separates the sterilization container 10 from both circuits (step S109). ).

Further, the sterilizer 100 ends its operation (step S111) through a sterilization step (step S110) described in detail later. Then, the sterilization container 10 is taken out from the sterilization container storage unit 160 of the sterilization apparatus 100 (step S112), and then stored (step S113), and all the steps are completed.

FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing a step of cleaning the handpiece 20 in the sterilization container 10 by the sterilizer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning step (step S106) described above specifically comprises the following steps.

First, the cleaning liquid, which is the fluid 122 supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 123, flows into the inside of the handpiece 20 from the supply circuit 121 via the first connection portion 11 and the connection region 15 to clean (step S201). .. Then, when a sufficient time has elapsed for cleaning the handpiece 20, the supply circuit 121 stops the supply of the cleaning liquid (step S202).

Next, the air, which is the fluid 122 supplied from the compressed air tank 125, flows into the inside of the handpiece 20 from the supply circuit 121 via the first connection portion 11 and the connection region 15, and blows off the cleaning liquid (the cleaning liquid is blown off). Step S203). Then, when a sufficient time has elapsed to remove the cleaning liquid from the inside of the handpiece 20, the supply circuit 121 stops the supply of air (step S204).

FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing a step of lubricating the handpiece 20 in the sterilization container 10 by the sterilizer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The lubrication step (step S107) described above specifically comprises the following steps.

First, the lubricating oil, which is the fluid 122 supplied from the lubricating oil tank 124, flows into the inside of the handpiece 20 from the supply circuit 121 via the first connection portion 11 and the connection region 15, and lubrication is performed. (Step S301). Then, when a sufficient time has elapsed for lubrication of the handpiece 20, the supply circuit 121 stops the supply of the lubricating oil (step S302).

Next, the air, which is the fluid 122 supplied from the compressed air tank 125, flows into the inside of the handpiece 20 from the supply circuit 121 via the first connection portion 11 and the connection region 15, and is an extra lubricating oil. Is blown off and the oil is drained (step S303). Then, when a sufficient time has elapsed to remove the excess lubricating oil from the inside of the handpiece 20, the supply circuit 121 stops the supply of air (step S304).

FIG. 4C is a flowchart showing a step of sterilizing the handpiece 20 in the sterilization container 10 by the sterilizer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The sterilization step (step S110) described above specifically comprises the following steps.

First, the high-pressure steam, which is the sterilization medium 142 supplied from the high-pressure steam generator 143, is supplied from the second supply circuit 141 to the sterilization container storage unit 160 (step S401). Then, the medium 142 (high-pressure steam) flows into the inside of the sterilization container 10 through the gas permeable membrane 16 provided in a part of the sterilization container 10 (step S402).

Next, when the medium 142 (high pressure steam) flowing into the sterilization container 10 elapses for a certain period of time required to sterilize the handpiece 20, the high pressure steam generator 143 is stopped and the second supply circuit 141 is used as a medium. The supply of 142 (high pressure steam) is stopped (step S403).

From the above, the steps from step S105 to S111 including the cleaning step, the lubrication step and the sterilization step are automated, and the sterilization container containing the sterilized dental handpiece is simply taken out from the sterilizer and stored as it is. It enables stable maintenance of the dental handpiece with almost no human intervention, and contributes to the effective utilization of working time in the field of dental treatment.

10 ... sterile container, 11 ... first connection, 12 ... first space, 13 ... second connection, 14 ... second space, 15 ... connection area, 16 ... gas permeable membrane, 20 ... dental handpiece , 100 ... Sterilizer, 110 ... Control unit, 111 ... Storage unit, 112 ... Detection unit, 113 ... Display control unit, 114 ... Operation signal receiving unit, 115 ... Fluid control unit, 116 ... Medium control unit, 117 ... Lock mechanism Control unit, 118 ... Sterilized container moving means control unit, 120 ... Fluid supply unit, 121 ... Supply circuit, 122 ... Fluid, 123 ... Cleaning liquid tank, 124 ... Lubricating oil tank, 125 ... Compressed air tank, 130 ... Discharge circuit, 140 ... Medium supply unit, 141 ... Second supply circuit, 142 ... Medium, 143 ... High-pressure steam generator, 150 ... Second discharge circuit, 160 ... Sterile container storage unit, 161 ... Lock mechanism, 162 ... Sterile container transportation means, 170 ... suction device, 180 ... display unit, 190 ... operation unit.

Claims (6)

A sterile container for containing a dental handpiece, having a first connection connected to a fluid supply circuit and a second connection connected to the fluid discharge circuit.
The first connection portion and the second connection portion include a check valve for limiting the direction in which the fluid is supplied to the inside of the sterilization container and discharged from the inside of the sterilization container in one direction, and the supply circuit and the supply circuit. When the connection with the discharge circuit is released, the first connection portion and the sealing mechanism for blocking the sterilization container from communicating with the outside through the second connection portion are provided.
Inside the sterilization container, a first space communicating with the first connecting portion and a second space communicating with the second connecting portion are formed, and the first space and the second space are formed. A connection area is provided to communicate the space,
The dental handpiece is housed in the first space or the second space, is detachably fixed to the connection region, and the fluid supplied to the first space is the dental handpiece. Through the inside of the space, it flows into the second space,
A sterilization container characterized in that a part of the sterilization container is provided with a gas permeable membrane that separates either one of the first space or the second space from the outside of the sterilization container. The sterilization container according to claim 1, wherein the fluid contains a cleaning liquid, a lubricating oil, or air. A sterilizer capable of accommodating the sterilization container according to claim 1 or 2.
The supply circuit that supplies the fluid to the sterilization container, and
The discharge circuit for discharging the fluid from the sterilization container, and the discharge circuit.
A sterilization apparatus including a second supply circuit for internally supplying a medium for sterilizing the sterilization container while the sterilization container is housed therein. The sterilizer according to claim 3, further comprising a second discharge circuit for discharging the medium to the outside. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 , further comprising a lock mechanism for holding the sterilization container. 5. The fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the sterilization container is provided with means for moving the sterilization container in a direction in which the connection between the sterilization container and the supply circuit and the discharge circuit is released in a state where the lock mechanism is released. The sterilizer described.

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