FR3142091A1 - Device for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: Device for disinfecting dynamic instrument holders The invention relates to a device (1) for disinfecting dynamic instrument holders (10) used in the dental field, comprising: - an enclosure (2) having a collecting base (21) fluids;- means for suspending (3) the dynamic instrument holders (10) in the enclosure (2);- means for spraying (4) cleaning fluid (40) in the enclosure (2); - an evacuation outlet (5) of cleaning fluid (40) fluidly coupled to the collecting base (21); - a supply system (6) of the spraying means (4) with the cleaning fluid (40) collected through the collecting bottom (21) and evacuated through the evacuation outlet (5);- a system for filling the enclosure (2) with cleaning fluid (40) separate from the spraying means (4). Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Device for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders

The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of equipment for dental care.

The invention relates more particularly to an automated device for washing, disinfecting, lubricating and drying dynamic instrument holders used in the dental field, such as handpieces or turbines.

Dynamic instrument holders are reusable semi-critical medical devices likely to be contaminated during dental care by saliva, blood and tissue debris (dentin, enamel, bone, vascular and nervous tissues).

These dynamic instrument holders include contra-angles, handpieces, and even turbines.

After use and prior to sterilization, maintenance of these devices requires pre-disinfection and cleaning of internal and external surfaces between each patient, lubrication of internal surfaces and disinfection of internal and external surfaces.

In the field of the invention, the patent document published under the number FR2958852A1, describes an automatic disinfection machine for surgical motors, that is to say dynamic instrument holders.

This automaton includes an enclosure in which the dynamic instrument holders are intended to be positioned to be cleaned, disinfected, and lubricated. For this purpose, the automaton also includes means for suspending the dynamic instrument holders in the enclosure.

These suspension means are designed to allow the supply of cleaning fluids, air, and lubricant to suspended dynamic instrument holders during a cleaning cycle. Cleaning and lubrication of internal surfaces is carried out by means of these suspension means during a cleaning cycle.

The machine also includes means for spraying cleaning fluids into the enclosure, which in this case take the form:
- spray booms intended to extend parallel to the dynamic instrument holders suspended by framing them, to spray the cleaning fluids towards the dynamic instrument holders, and
- spray booms intended to produce spray jets from the sides of the enclosure, in particular to clean the enclosure after processing operations for dynamic instrument holders.

The automaton also includes:
- a collecting bottom, taking the form of a hopper;
- a pipe fluidly coupled to the collector bottom;
- a cleaning fluid management system fluidly coupled to the pipe and to the spraying means.

The cleaning fluid management system is designed to:
- allow the enclosure to be filled with cleaning fluids at the start of a cleaning cycle, via the pipe which then forms a cleaning fluid supply pipe;
- allow the recirculation of cleaning fluids during a cleaning cycle, the cleaning fluids being collected by the collector bottom, sucked up via the pipe which then forms an evacuation pipe, and sent to the means of sprinkling;
- allow the evacuation of cleaning fluids at the end of a cleaning cycle, the pipe then forming an evacuation pipe towards a sewer.

The machine also includes a drying system designed to dry the dynamic instrument holders after their cleaning using a flow of air injected inside the enclosure.

Although allowing satisfactory cleaning of dynamic instrument holders, this automated device has disadvantages, particularly relating to excessive complexity.

For example, the various functions of the fluid management system require significant piping, and the use of numerous fluid redirection mechanisms such as solenoid valves. The drying system uses a shutter valve to make the chamber watertight during a cleaning cycle and whose position is controlled using an electromagnet.

The invention aims in particular to overcome this drawback of the prior art.

More precisely, the invention aims to propose a device for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders which is less complex than that described previously.

This objective, as well as others which will appear subsequently, is achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a device for disinfecting dynamic instrument holders used in the dental field, comprising:
- an enclosure having a fluid collecting bottom;
- means of suspending the dynamic instrument holders in the enclosure;
- means for spraying at least one fluid into the enclosure;
- a fluid evacuation outlet fluidly coupled to the collector bottom;
- a system for supplying the spraying means with the fluid collected by the collecting base and evacuated through the evacuation outlet;
- a system for filling the enclosure with at least one fluid, in particular water, pre-disinfectant, detergent, and disinfectant, the filling system being separate from the spraying means;
characterized in that the filling system comprises a supply pipe fluidly coupled to the enclosure and which is distinct from the evacuation outlet.

Thanks to the filling system of the enclosure which is distinct from the spraying means, and to the fact that the supply pipe of the filling system is distinct from the evacuation outlet, then the device according to the invention has a system for supplying the spraying means which is much less complex than that according to the prior art previously described.

In fact, the conduits allowing the elements of the supply system to be connected are then fewer in number, and the supply system requires fewer fluid redirection mechanisms, such as solenoid valves.

In addition, tests have demonstrated that the simplification of the supply system makes it possible to improve the cleaning performance of the device, in particular by improving the flow rate of the recirculation system which no longer has to integrate the functions dedicated to the cleaning system. filling.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a support for cleaning and disinfecting dental instrumentation distinct from dynamic instrument holders,
the enclosure filling system comprising means for stopping filling at a predetermined filling height, the support being housed in the enclosure being located at least partially below the predetermined filling height, and the means for spray being configured to produce mixing of the fluid contained in the enclosure.

The supply system being simplified and then presenting better performance and more precisely a better flow rate than that according to the prior art with equivalent structure, then it was noted that the device can then clean dental instrumentation which would be distinct from the holder. dynamic instruments and which would be, at least partially, immersed in the reserve of cleaning fluid contained in the enclosure.

More particularly, it has been noted that, thanks to the simplification of the supply system, the spraying means can spray fluid at such a flow rate that it is possible to mix the fluid reserve contained in the enclosure. .

Compared to a device according to the prior art, and at the same time of presence inside the cleaning enclosure, dental instrumentation distinct from the dynamic instrument holder is cleaned within the device according to this embodiment, where it would not be cleaned in the device according to the prior art.

Preferably, the support is removable mounted in the enclosure.

In this way, the support can be removed from the enclosure.

This allows, for example, easier loading and unloading of dental instrumentation from the support.

Advantageously, the support comprises at least one pierced basket.

Such a perforated basket makes it easy to immerse the contents of the basket.

According to a preferred characteristic, the filling stopping means implement a float whose position in the enclosure determines the predetermined filling height.

Such a float forms a simple and robust mechanical device.

According to a preferred solution, the device comprises means for blowing air into the enclosure to expel the fluid and dry a content of the enclosure, the means for blowing air comprising an air passage opening into the 'pregnant.

These air insufflation means make it possible, after a fluid spraying phase, to send a flow of air capable of driving the fluid towards the collector base and the evacuation outlet.

Preferably, the insufflation means comprise at least one valve closing the air passage, the valve being movable between a position for closing the air passage, and a position for releasing the air passage, the valve being configured For :
- tend to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow produced by the insufflation means;
- be movable from its closed position to its release position under the effect of an air flow produced by the insufflation means.

Such a valve forms a solution that is mechanically simple and easy to implement.

This solution is notably much simpler and more reliable than solutions according to the prior art where electromagnets are used to maintain the valve in a closed position.

Advantageously, the valve tends to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow under the effect of its weight.

The valve thus naturally returns to its closed position.

According to a preferred solution, the inflation means comprise an air turbine.

Advantageously, the air passage has a mouth at its interface with the enclosure, the mouth being configured to direct a flow of air produced by the insufflation means towards dynamic instrument holders suspended in the enclosure, and towards the support.

• la est une représentation schématique d’un dispositif de désinfection de porte-instruments dynamiques selon l’invention ;
• la est une représentation schématique en perspective partielle d’un dispositif selon l’invention ;
• la est une représentation schématique partielle de moyens d’insufflation d’air d’un dispositif selon l’invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of different preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings among which:

• there is a schematic representation of a device for disinfecting dynamic instrument holders according to the invention;
• there is a schematic representation in partial perspective of a device according to the invention;
• there is a partial schematic representation of air blowing means of a device according to the invention.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a device 1 for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders 10, used in the dental field, is described below.

As illustrated by the , the device 1 for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders 10 comprises a casing 11 containing most of the technical means of the device 1.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the device 1 comprises an enclosure 2 in which the dynamic instrument holders 10 are intended to be positioned to be cleaned and disinfected.

Enclosure 2 has side walls and defines a volume for accommodating dynamic instrument holders. Although this is not shown, the enclosure 2 also has an opening, provided on one of its walls, allowing the insertion and extraction of the dynamic instrument holders 10, and a door making it possible to close the opening during a maintenance cycle of the device, or when the latter is not used.

Enclosure 2 also has a fluid collecting base 21.

As detailed below, the collector bottom 21 is intended to allow the routing of collected fluids towards an evacuation outlet 5.

In fact, the device 1 comprises an evacuation outlet 5 for the cleaning fluid 40, this evacuation outlet 5 being fluidly coupled to the collecting base 21.

The collecting base 21 takes the form of a hopper, that is to say it has the shape of a funnel making it possible to redirect collected fluids towards a zone for evacuating these fluids, in particular towards of the evacuation outlet 5.

The device 1 further comprises means 3 for suspending the dynamic instrument holders 10 in the enclosure 2.

As illustrated by the , these suspension means 3 comprise different modules, each of which allows the suspension of a dynamic instrument holder 10.

In a manner well known in the field of the invention, these suspension means 3 are designed to allow the suspension of the dynamic instrument holders 10 but also their supply of fluids, air, lubricant, as well as electricity if necessary.

To enable cleaning of the dynamic instrument holders 10 in enclosure 2, device 1 further comprises means 4 for spraying at least one fluid 40 in enclosure 2.

These spraying means 4 include spray rods 41 extending from the suspension means 3 framing the dynamic instrument holders 10.

The spraying means 4 also include a spray boom 42 positioned inside the enclosure 2 on a lateral side of the enclosure 2 and producing a spray which can take different orientations, for example via a back and forth movement. -come.

To supply fluids to the spraying means 4, as well as the dynamic instrument holders 10, the device 1 comprises a supply system 6 of the spraying means 4 with the fluid 40 which is collected by the collecting base 21 and evacuated by the evacuation outlet 5.

The supply system 6 notably comprises a pump 61.

The power system 6 further comprises:
- a first pipe 62 connecting the evacuation outlet 5 to the pump 61;
- a supply pipe 63 connecting the pump 61 to the spraying means 4, and to the suspension means 3 to supply the dynamic instrument holders 10 which are suspended therefrom.

This pump 61 is configured to pump fluid 40 contained in the enclosure 2 via the evacuation outlet 5 via the first pipe 62 which connects the evacuation outlet 5 to the pump 61, to return this fluid 40 towards the spraying means 4 as well as towards the dynamic instrument holders 10 suspended from the suspension means 3.

According to the embodiment illustrated by , the device 1 further comprises a drain outlet 60 making it possible to evacuate the fluids from the device 1. This drain outlet 60 can receive fluids coming from the pump 61.

For this purpose, the supply system 6 comprises means making it possible to redirect the fluids pumped by the pump 61, either in the direction of the pipework 63, or in the direction of the drain outlet 60.

During a cleaning cycle, the supply system 6 comes into operation to continuously supply the spraying means 4 with a fluid 40 contained inside the enclosure 2.

Indeed, at the start of a cleaning cycle, enclosure 2 is partially filled with at least one fluid 40 which will be used during the cleaning cycle.

For this purpose, the device 1 comprises a filling system 7 of the enclosure 2 with at least one fluid 40.

This filling system 7 is distinct from the spraying means 4. That is to say, at least essentially, the technical means of the filling system are different from the technical means of the spraying means 4.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the filling system 7 comprises a supply line 71 which is fluidly coupled to the enclosure 2.

In other words, supply pipe 7 opens into enclosure 2.

This supply pipe 71 is distinct from the evacuation outlet 5.

In other words, the supply pipe 71 cannot be compared to the evacuation outlet 5, unlike the prior art in which the evacuation outlet 5 is also used to allow the filling of a enclosed with a disinfection device.

According to the present embodiments, the filling system 7 also includes secondary fluid supply lines 72. These secondary supply pipes 72 are distinct from the evacuation outlet 5 and the supply pipe 72.

The supply line 71 is dedicated to the supply of water, while the secondary supply lines 72 are dedicated to the supply of pre-sanitizer, detergent, and disinfectant.

Indeed, according to the present embodiments, the fluids 40 are water, as well as pre-disinfectant, detergent, and disinfectant each intended to be mixed with the water in enclosure 2.

To allow the filling of the enclosure 2, the filling system 7 comprises at least one source 70 of fluids 40 fluidly coupled to the supply pipe 71, and in this case a source 70 of fluids 40 for each fluid intended to be supplied in the enclosure, the sources 70 other than those of water being fluidly coupled to the secondary supply pipes 72.

Consequently, the filling system 7 includes:
- a water source 70 fluidly coupled to the supply pipe 71, this source can advantageously be formed by an inlet of treated water from an urban distribution network;
- a source 70 of pre-disinfectant fluidly coupled to one of the secondary supply lines 72;
- a detergent source 70 fluidly coupled to another of the secondary supply lines 72;
- a disinfectant source 70 fluidly coupled to the last of the secondary supply lines 72.

Also, the filling system 7 may also include pumps, preferably peristaltic, for pumping the fluids 40 into the enclosure 2 from the sources 70.

However, the filling system 7 can also be provided with a simple controlled valve to supply the enclosure 2 with fluid 40 using gravity via a height positioning of the sources 70 relative to the enclosure 2.

In reference to the , the filling system 7 of the enclosure 2 comprises means 72 for stopping the filling.

These stopping means 72 are configured to stop the filling of enclosure 2 at a predetermined filling height 720.

The stopping means 72 in this case implement a float 721 whose position in the enclosure 2 determines the predetermined filling height 720.

More precisely, the float 721 floats on the surface of the fluid injected inside the enclosure 2 and, from a certain height, causes the filling to stop.

For example, the float can be coupled to an actuator lever whose tilting into a predetermined position controls the stopping of the filling of enclosure 2 by the filling system.

With reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the device 1 comprises a support 8 for cleaning and disinfecting dental instrumentation.

This dental instrumentation is distinct from the dynamic instrument holders 10.

This dental instrumentation corresponds more exactly to non-motorized manual tools and can, for example, take the form of tweezers, probes, mirrors, or even tools intended to be mounted on the dynamic instrument holders 10 such as a strawberry.

Support 8 is housed in enclosure 2.

This support 8 is housed in the enclosure 2 while being located, at least partially, below the predetermined filling height 720.

The support 8 is thus at least partially immersed in the cleaning fluid after filling the enclosure by the filling system 7.

In this way, dental instrumentation positioned on the support 8 is immersed in the fluid 40 during a cleaning cycle.

Advantageously, the support 8 is completely immersed to ensure that dental instrumentation will be completely immersed in the fluid 40.

The spray means 4 are configured to produce a mixing of the fluid 40 contained in the enclosure 2, for example using their spray flow rate of fluid 40.

This mixing is such that cleaning of the dental instrumentation positioned on the support 8 is carried out during a cleaning cycle.

According to the embodiment illustrated by , the support 8 in this case comprises a frame 80 and a pierced basket 81 supported by the frame 80.

The support 8 further comprises two pierced plates 82 supported by the frame 80.

According to the present embodiment and with reference to the , the device 1 comprises means 9 for blowing air into the enclosure 2.

These air insufflation means 9 are designed to expel the fluid 40 at the end of each cleaning, disinfection, and rinsing cycle, etc. and to dry the contents of the enclosure 2.

The air blowing means 9 comprise an air turbine 91.

A turbine is capable of producing a sufficient air flow to expel the residual fluids 40 on dynamic instrument holders 10 and on dental instrumentation resting on the support 8.

The insufflation means 9 comprise an air passage 93 opening into the enclosure 2.

These insufflation means 9 also include at least one valve 92 which closes the air passage 93.

The valve 92 is movable between a closing position (shown in solid lines) of the air passage 93, and a release position (shown in dotted lines) of the air passage 93.

This valve 92 is configured to tend to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow produced by the insufflation means 9.

The valve 92 is also configured to be movable from its closed position to its release position, under the effect of an air flow produced by the insufflation means 9.

The valve 92 takes the form of a plate mounted to rotate around a pivot axis 920.

More specifically, this valve 92 is positioned and configured in such a way that it tends to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow under the effect of its own weight.

As illustrated schematically by the , the air passage 93 has a mouth 931 at its interface with the enclosure 2.

This mouth 931 is configured to direct a flow of air produced by the insufflation means 9 towards dynamic instrument holders 10 suspended in the enclosure 2, but also towards the support 8.

In this way, a flow of air can make it possible to effectively dry dynamic instrument holders, but also dental instrumentation positioned on support 8.

This configuration can take the form of deflectors positioned in the mouth 931.

The configuration can also take the form of curved walls, delimiting the mouth, with shapes adapted to redirect the air flow.

The device described above has less structural complexity than that of devices for disinfecting dynamic instrument holders, according to the prior art. This reduced structural complexity allows the cleaning carried out by the device to be more efficient and also offers the possibility of cleaning additional dental instrumentation.

Claims (10)

Device (1) for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders (10) used in the dental field, comprising:
- an enclosure (2) having a fluid collecting base (21);
- suspension means (3) of the dynamic instrument holders (10) in the enclosure (2);
- means (4) for spraying at least one fluid (40) into the enclosure (2);
- a fluid evacuation outlet (5) (40) fluidly coupled to the collecting base (21);
- a supply system (6) of the spraying means (4) with the fluid (40) collected by the collecting base (21) and evacuated through the evacuation outlet (5);
- a system for filling (7) the enclosure (2) with at least one fluid (40), in particular water, pre-disinfectant, detergent, and disinfectant, the filling system (7) being separate from the means spray (4);
characterized in that the filling system (7) comprises a supply pipe (71) fluidly coupled to the enclosure (2) and which is distinct from the evacuation outlet (5). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a support (8) for cleaning and disinfecting dental instrumentation distinct from dynamic instrument holders (10),
the filling system (7) of the enclosure (2) comprising means (72) for stopping the filling at a predetermined filling height (720), the support (8) being housed in the enclosure (2) in being located at least partially below the predetermined filling height (720), and the spraying means (4) being configured to produce mixing of the fluid (40) contained in the enclosure (2). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (8) is removably mounted in the enclosure (2). Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the support (8) comprises at least one pierced basket (81). Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the filling stopping means (72) implement a float (721) whose position in the enclosure (2) determines the height predetermined filling (720). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (9) for blowing air into the enclosure (2) to expel the fluid (40) and dry a content of the enclosure (2), the air blowing means (9) comprising an air passage (93) opening into the enclosure (2). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the insufflation means (9) comprise at least one valve (92) closing the air passage (93), the valve (92) being movable between a position d closing of the air passage (93), and a position for releasing the air passage (93), the valve (92) being configured to:
- tend to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow produced by the insufflation means (9);
- be movable from its closed position to its release position under the effect of an air flow produced by the insufflation means (9). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the valve (92) tends to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow under the effect of its weight. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the insufflation means (9) comprise an air turbine (91). Device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, and any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the air passage (93) has a mouth (931) at its interface with the enclosure (2 ), the mouth (931) being configured to direct a flow of air produced by the insufflation means (9) towards dynamic instrument holders (10) suspended in the enclosure (2), and towards the support (8).