ES2395503T3 - Provision and procedure for cleaning and mechanical disinfection of objects - Google Patents

Abstract

Provision for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects that presents: a) a device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects that has at least two connections (3, 4) for product storage containers (1, 2) consumables; b) two or more containers (1, 2) for storage of consumables; c) placement points for containers (1, 2) for storage of consumables associated with connections (3, 4) for containers (1, 2) storage of consumable products; characterized in that d) the device has at least two RFID reading systems (11, 12) associated with the connections (3, 4) for storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products; e) each storage container (1, 2) of consumable products is provided with at least one RFID tag (9, 10) in which information for the identification of the consumable product contained in the same is stored, storing at least a part of e This information is secure against tampering with the RFID tag and the RFID tag (9, 10) of a UID (Unique identifier number) is provided; f) RFID reading systems (11, 12) associated with the connections (3 , 4) for containers (1, 2) of storage of consumable products are configured to read the RFID tags (9, 10) of the storage containers (1, 2) of connected consumable products; i. The arrangement also presents: a filling level sensor for each container (1, 2) of storage of consumable products; ii. a system that after a warning that the container is empty of a filling level sensor allows a new start-up only after the RFID reading system (11, 12) associated with the corresponding connection (3, 4) for containers ( 1, 2) Storage of consumable products has identified an RFID tag (9, 10) with a new UID number.

Description

Provision and procedure for cleaning and mechanical disinfection of objects

The invention relates to an arrangement and method for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects. The cleaning or mechanical disinfection of objects is widespread in the home although, in particular, in commerce and industry. For example, for commercial and industrial applications there are washing machines for dishes, medical instruments and devices or other objects of daily consumption, washing machines or CIP (Cleaning in place) facilities, for example, in the food or beverage industry.

In particular in the industrial and commercial field these washing machines or devices for mechanical cleaning are often fed from drums, vats and other tanks with a cleaning product, disinfectant product or other functional products that are in the form of liquid concentrate. The products are extracted, for example, by means of suction pins from the tanks and dosed to the machine by means of dosing pumps.

Document US 2008/099045 A1 discloses a handwashing system that by means of an RFID tag carried by users can automatically identify these users and documents whether the corresponding user meets the applicable hygienic requirements.

The invention is based on the objective of achieving an arrangement and a procedure of the type mentioned at the beginning that offers the possibility of high safety in the execution of cleaning or disinfection processes. According to the invention, the arrangement for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects has the following:

a) a device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects that has at least two connections for storage containers of consumable products;

b) two or more storage containers of consumable products;

c) placement points for storage containers of consumable products associated with connections for storage containers of consumable products; characterized because

d) the device has at least two RFID reading systems associated with the connections for storage containers of consumable products;

e) each storage container of consumable products is provided with at least one RFID tag in which information is stored for the identification of the consumable product contained therein, at least part of this information being stored securely against tampering with the RFID tag and the RFID tag (9, 10) of a UID number being provided;

f) RFID reading systems associated with the connections for consumable storage containers are configured to read the RFID tags of the connected consumable storage container;

g) the provision also presents:

i. a filling level sensor for each storage container (1, 2) of consumable products;

ii. a system that after a warning that the container is empty of a filling level sensor allows a new start-up only after the RFID reading system (11, 12) associated with the corresponding connection (3, 4) for Storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products have identified an RFID tag (9, 10) with a new UID number.

The process according to the invention works using an arrangement according to the invention and has the following steps:

a) connect one or more storage containers of consumable products to the connections for storage containers of consumable products;

b) insert the objects into the device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects;

c) read the RFID tag information from the at least one storage container of consumable products;

d) verify that the information read in step c) identifies the consumable products suitable for the planned operating program;

e) start the operating program after a positive conclusion of the verification of step d).

First, several concepts used in the context of the invention will be explained.

A device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects is any mechanical device that cleans either mobile objects or stationary installations. As regards the cleaning of stationary installations, it may be, in particular, a CIP cleaning (Cleaning in place), the device according to the invention in this context is a CIP cleaning installation. Regarding the cleaning of moving objects, it can be, in particular, a washing machine that cleans, disinfects and eventually sterilizes the dishes and other parts used in the kitchen or also appliances, medical instruments such as, for example, endoscopes or instruments MIC.

The device may, in particular, be a washing machine for medical instruments and devices for which the cleaning processes (for example endoscopes) are subject to a certain quality control and documentary obligation.

The device has connections for storage containers of consumable or functional products. As for these containers, they can be, for example, drums, vats or the like containing the consumable product or functional product (for example, concentrates of cleaning products and / or disinfection products) preferably in liquid form.

According to the invention, it is provided that the device has RFID reading systems associated with the connections for storage containers of consumable products. The concept of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reading system designates any system known in the state of the art by itself with which the information stored on an RFID tag or a transponder can be read.

Through RFID reading systems, a unique identification of each storage container of consumable products connected and provided with the corresponding RFID tag is possible. Within the framework of the invention it is provided that by means of the RFID reading system it can also be determined that the storage container of consumable products is effectively connected to the intended connection. In this way it can be ensured that, for example, storage containers for cleaning products on the one hand and disinfection products on the other hand cannot be confused when connected to the washing machine. To this end, a separate RFID reading device is associated with each connection for a consumable storage container that conveniently reads the RFID tag only from a consumable storage container that is connected to the respective connection of the device and being placed with this purpose, usually, in a predetermined position within or next to the device.

The storage containers of consumable products as part or as an accessory separate from the arrangement according to the invention are provided with at least one RFID tag or transponder in which information is stored for the identification of the consumable product contained therein. This identification information may contain, for example, the type and trade name of the product contained therein, the concentration, the expected application forms, the expiration dates, analysis data or the like. According to the invention it is provided that at least part of this information is stored in the RFID tag securely against tampering. Safely against tampering means that this information cannot be modified by the user of the consumable product solutions (in any case not with the usual means available to them).

The cleaning and disinfection of medical instruments and devices is, in general, a so-called validated process, in which each stage of the process is fully documented and reproducible. This also includes the identification of the cleaning product used. The introduction of information in a safe way against tampering allows, according to the invention, to clearly identify and document the cleaning product or consumable product used in the process.

The invention thus allows a documentation of the cleaning processes executed that in particular contains the consumable product used. Thus, the information read from the RFID tag, for example, can also contain the load number of a cleaning product used so that it can be uniquely associated which process has been executed with which product and with which product load. When the data read from the RFID tag for documentation purposes are written on it securely against tampering this increases the security and reliability of the documentation of a validated process.

Entering information safely against tampering according to the invention can, for example, be done by writing the data in a read-only zone of the RFID tag (Read only memory) whose content after a single write from the manufacturer of the consumable product is no longer It can be modified more by the user of this consumable product. Alternatively or additionally it is possible to write the corresponding data in the RFID tag in encoded form. This also saves them from manipulation. This avoids or at least makes it difficult for consumable products to be circulated or used.

RFID reading systems are associated with the connection or connections for storage containers of consumable products. This means that the corresponding reading system is able to read the RFID tag of a storage container of consumable products connected to the device as prescribed.

The invention allows prior to a cleaning process or other operation of the mechanical device to be verified by means of the RFID reading system that for the planned operation process the necessary consumable products are connected to the respective associated connection and that they are available. This unique identification of the tanks of the consumable products prevents the cleaning or disinfection processes from developing contrary to how they should be due to improper consumable products or by confusing the connection of tanks. This may be of particular importance, for example, in the cleaning and disinfection of medical instruments, for example, endoscopes that, due to a possible mishandling in the state of the art, may not be cleaned and / or disinfected as they should and that will be used. subsequently in a patient.

The RFID tags are provided according to the invention with a UID number (Unique identifier number). Through this UID number it is possible to identify and eventually track each of the consumable product tanks backwards.

Another advantage of the UID number is that it can contribute to further increase process safety, in particular, for validated cleaning / disinfection processes. According to the invention, a filling level sensor is provided which monitors the filling level of the consumable product used. If this filling level sensor issues a warning that there is no product, the corresponding tank must be changed. According to the invention, it is foreseen that after the notice that there is no product of a filling level sensor, a new start-up is possible only after the RFID reading system has identified an RFID tag with a new UID number. This ensures that a new consumable product tank is really connected and that it is not filled with consumable product and reuses in some way the old tank in an unprofessional manner and not allowed for validated processes (possibly a counterfeit consumable product). In addition, it may be provided that the history of the UID numbers already read is stored in a database (in the arrangement itself or centrally) to ensure that the reuse of the tanks is not allowed only every certain time interval.

The device may present a memory for storing the consumable products or consumable product tanks suitable for operation. Thus, when reading the information on the RFID tag, it can be checked immediately if suitable consumable products are connected and if the products are not suitable to stop the corresponding operating program of the device or not even start it. Instead of an internal memory, the device may also have or establish a connection with a database, preferably, through a remote data connection, for example, the Internet, in which the corresponding information about the consumable or functional product is stored suitable. An internal database on the device can also be updated via the corresponding remote data connection.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects has a system that allows it to run into an operating program only if the RFID reading systems associated with the connections for storage containers of consumable products identify that the storage containers of connected consumable products are suitable for the execution of the corresponding operating program. This avoids starting a program with inadequate consumable products, in addition, eventual confusion is detected, for example, of cleaning products and disinfection products and the corresponding mishandling is avoided.

According to another configuration of the invention, it may be provided that RFID tags present additional information on the expiration date of the consumable product and that the RFID reading systems associated with the connections for storage containers of consumable products read these expiration dates allowing that the operating program is executed only in the case that the expiration dates have not been exceeded. This also contributes to the increased safety, in particular, of validated cleaning / disinfection processes.

According to the invention it is also possible that the arrangement stores, either in a memory belonging to the device or in a database connected by a remote data connection, the history of operation of the device including the consumable products used. In this way, the history of validated processes for cleaning and disinfecting medical instruments can be documented and reproduced at any time.

Either on the RFID tag itself or not in a database preferably connected through a data connection, other information on consumable products may be stored, such as product information sheets, safety data sheets or Similar. This information can be requested by the user at any time and in its current version.

For a complete documentation of a validated process it may also be necessary to add certificates of analysis on the consumable products used. These analyzes are performed by the manufacturer of consumable products for each load and are provided in the form of analysis certificates to the buyers and users of these charges. According to the invention, it is possible that, based on a load number stored in the RFID tag, the memory of the arrangement according to the invention or the associated database through a remote data connection will request the corresponding analysis certificates of the consumable products used and documentation is added automatically.

Cleaning and disinfection devices (RDG) for medical instruments can, in general, carry out different cleaning / disinfection programs depending on the instruments to be cleaned. According to the invention it may be provided that the arrangement identifies the instruments used automatically and controls the corresponding cleaning program.

The identification of the instruments can be done according to the invention, for example, by means of RFID tags of the instrument itself together with the corresponding RFID reading devices of the arrangement. It will often be sufficient to affix the corresponding RFID tag for the identification of the instruments to the instrument basket in which the instruments are put in the RDG to clean / disinfect them. This is because typical categories of instruments that may require different cleaning / disinfection programs are introduced into baskets specially designed for these instruments and placed in the RDG. For example there are different baskets for endoscopes, MIC instruments (minimally invasive surgery) instruments for traditional surgery and the like.

The invention thus allows a complete automatic documentation of the circulation of instruments in a reproducible manner in all details.

Another aspect of the invention is the automatic return of defective consumable product loads. If the loads of consumable products sold prove to be defective, the manufacturer can enter the UID numbers of the affected tanks in a database that is available to users. If tanks with the corresponding numbers are connected and detected with the RFID reading apparatus of the arrangement according to the invention, these can be recognized as defective through a remote data connection and the commissioning of the arrangement is prevented.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be clarified in the following based on the drawing. It schematically shows a part of an arrangement according to the invention in which consumable product is stored and dosed.

The device according to the invention has a storage container 1 for cleaning products connected thereto and a storage container 2 for disinfection products. It is understood that the cleaning product and the disinfection product represent in this case only by way of example for other possible combinations.

The spindles indicated with 3, 4 extraction are provided for the extraction of liquids from the 1, 2 storage containers. The feeding pumps 5, 6 can dose the cleaning or disinfecting product from the containers 1, 2 by means of the extraction pins 3, 4 and advance it through the dosing lines 7, 8 of the washing machine, the installation of CIP washing or similar not represented in this case.

The storage container 1, 2 is provided with tags or transponders 9, 10 RFID. These RFID tags are passive constructive elements that can store certain information and in which to store this information or for its subsequent reading, a source of energy connected to these constructive elements is not necessary at all.

In the course of filling the storage containers 1, 2, the manufacturer or packer of the consumable product writes the relevant information about the consumable product poured into the container on the RFID tags 9, 10. The information written on the RFID tag contains in this embodiment example information on the type and commercial name of the poured consumable product, the concentration, expiration dates and analysis data. Information on the type and trade name may contain, for example, also the cargo number of the product manufacturer's cargo.

The operating personnel will place the storage containers 1, 2 in the intended place of use and will be connected to the device by means of the extraction pins 3, 4 or the extraction devices. When the RFID tags 9, 10 are placed automatically and forcibly in the area where the RFID reading devices 11, 12 associated with each respective location are placed. They read the information stored in the RFID tags 9, 10 and transmit it to an evaluation unit 13 as well as to a control cabinet 14 containing the corresponding data processing units. An external data processing facility 15 (for example a personal computer) may optionally be connected.

The data read is examined and it is verified if the storage containers 1, 2 contain the product that is really suitable and is intended for the cleaning or disinfection program provided for in each case. It is also checked if the product is also really connected to the respective planned connection 3 or 4. Only when this examination is made that the storage containers 1, 2 contain the corresponding suitable consumable products, does the control unit 14 allow the program provided in each case to be executed and activates the pumps 5 in the anticipated moments of the program, 6 dosage.

The arrangement according to the invention allows a complete automatic documentation of each cleaning or disinfection product program executed. By means of the control unit 14 or a connected data processing system 15, any cleaning process can be registered with the procedure parameters used therein and document it. The documentation may contain details of the type and quantity of consumable products extracted from storage containers 1, 2 including their cargo number. Thus, for example, the cleaning and disinfection of medical or surgical instruments can be registered and documented automatically and completely with all parameters including the detailed designation of the cleaning products and product loads used.

Claims (11)

1. Provision for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects that presents: a) a device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects that has at least two connections (3, 4) for storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products; b) two or more storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products; c) placement points for the storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products associated with connections (3, 4) for storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products; characterized because d) the device has at least two RFID reading systems (11, 12) associated with the connections (3, 4) for storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products; e) each storage container (1, 2) of consumable products is provided with at least one RFID tag (9, 10) in which information for the identification of the consumable product contained therein is stored, at least part of it being stored information securely against tampering with the RFID tag and the RFID tag (9, 10) of a UID (Unique identifier number) being provided; f) RFID reading systems (11, 12) associated with connections (3, 4) for storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products are configured to read RFID tags (9, 10) of containers (1 , 2) storage of connected consumable products; i. The provision also presents: a filling level sensor for each storage container (1, 2) of consumable products; ii. a system that after a warning that the container is empty of a filling level sensor allows a new start-up only after the RFID reading system (11, 12) associated with the corresponding connection (3, 4) for Storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products have identified an RFID tag (9, 10) with a new UID number.

2.

 Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects is a washing machine or a CIP installation.

3.

 Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the secure storage against manipulation takes place by means of an information coding and / or by placing it in a read-only area of the RFID tag (9, 10).

Four.

 Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects has a memory (14, 15) for storing consumable products or tanks of consumable products suitable for operation.

5.

 Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the memory (14, 15) can be updated by the operator of the device or preferably the supplier of the storage containers of consumable products through a remote data connection.

6.

 Arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects has a system (14) that only allows an operating program to be executed if the reading systems (11, 12) RFID associated with the connections (3, 4) for containers (1, 2) of storage of consumable products identify the containers (1, 2) of connected consumable products as suitable for the execution of the corresponding operating program.

7.

 Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the RFID tags (9, 10) additionally present information on the expiration date of the consumable product and because the RFID reading systems (11, 12) associated with the connections for containers (1, 2) Storage of consumable products read these expiration dates and allow the operation program to run only if the expiration dates have not been exceeded.

8.

 Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects has a memory (15) for documenting the history of operation of the device including the consumable products used.

9.

 Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the documentation of the operating history can be connected via a remote data connection with certificates of analysis of the consumable products used.

10.

 Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it presents a system for the identification of the type of objects to be cleaned and which is designed so that based on this identification it selects one of several possible cleaning and / or disinfection programs .

eleven.

 Procedure for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects using an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the following steps:

b) connect one or more storage containers (1, 2) of consumable products to the connections (3, 4) for storage containers of consumable products; 5 c) insert the objects into the device for cleaning and / or mechanical disinfection of objects; d) read the information on the RFID tags (9, 10) of the at least one storage container (1, 2) of consumable products; e) verify that the information read in step c) identifies the consumable products suitable for the planned operating program; 10 f) start the operating program after a positive conclusion of the verification of step d).