IT202000011146A1 - EQUIPMENT AND WASHING PROCEDURE - Google Patents

Description

Description of the invention entitled:

"EQUIPMENT AND WASHING PROCEDURE"

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a washing apparatus and method, in particular for washing and sanitizing objects, such as for example objects and parts of objects used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hospital, dental, biomedical, food and other industries.

STATE OF THE ART

Usually, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals have one or more systems for carrying out the cleaning, sanitation and sterilization treatment of objects, such as materials necessary for pharmaceutical production or medical devices or other objects, before being able to reuse them.

Pi? specifically, the treatments carried out by the system are, in general, a pre-wash with water, a wash with hot water and any detergents, a possible treatment with steam which allows sanitization to be performed at a high temperature, the necessary rinses, and a final drying.

Typically these systems are installed in rooms isolated from each other for hygienic and contamination reasons, called, respectively, the ?dirty?, or loading, and ?clean?, or unloading, sectors.

The dirty objects to be subjected to the various treatments arrive in the loading sector. After being subjected to washing and sanitizing treatments, the objects pass into the unloading sector where they are possibly packaged and, from here, in some cases they are fed to sterilization machines, which sterilize them, generally in an autoclave. Alternatively, if the objects do not require subsequent sterilisation, from the ?clean? they can be taken in order to be directly reused.

The systems under discussion include at least one washing machine, or more? frequently a plurality? of these washing machines arranged in series, or in parallel, along a given path, and capable of carrying out one or more? of the aforementioned treatments on the objects to be treated.

In particular, a washing machine can? be configured to carry out at least one of the pre-washing, washing, sanitizing and drying treatments of the objects.

Generally, each washing machine has an internal chamber in which a washing cycle takes place, which is accessed through an inlet opening for the objects to be treated. The washing machine also comprises an outlet opening for the treated objects, which for example ? substantially aligned with the entrance opening.

The plants known in the art comprise a plurality of storage containers, also called ?baskets?, which are suitable for temporarily supporting the objects, at least during one or more? of the aforementioned treatments, in particular also to the interior of the washing machine.

The storage containers provide for a plurality of support members of the objects which are suitably shaped according to the shape and dimensions of the objects to be treated. In fact, the object holder containers are shaped in such a way as to leave the objects exposed to the jets of the treatment fluids with which they are treated during the various treatments listed above. Therefore, also the arrangement of the support members in the glove compartment is not correct. random and ? such as to make s? that all the objects are correctly exposed to the aforementioned jets, avoiding that an object, or some objects, prevent the treatment fluids from reaching other objects behind them.

Consequently, in systems known in the art, a plurality of of different object holder containers, each integrating a set of different support members, suitable for supporting different groups of objects to be treated, and possibly distributed on the respective container in a particular way.

The object-holding containers known in the art can be moved between the various sectors, and therefore between the various equipment of the plant, by a suitable automated handling system, comprising for example conveyor belts, belts or rollers, or similar conveying members.

Typically, in the dirty sector an operator conveniently arranges the objects inside the object holder containers. Subsequently, the object holder containers containing the objects to be treated enter the washing machine through the inlet opening and exit the machine itself through the outlet opening. What? doing, the objects pass from the ?dirty? to the ?clean? sector, where an operator can? take them from the storage containers.

because each container supports many objects, the washing and sanitizing cycles of the systems known in the art foresee an operating sequence of the treatment fluids, and a duration of the treatment with these fluids, which must be prolonged and adequate to make sure that all the objects placed on the storage container have been properly washed and sanitized at the end of the washing and sanitizing cycle.

A disadvantage of systems for treating objects of a type known in the art? that require a large number of storage containers, even different from each other. This number of containers will be? as much greater as greater ? the variety of objects to be treated, and how much greater? the number of objects that must be treated by the? plant in the unit? of time.

A disadvantage due to the large number of storage containers? given by their cost, as well as by the complexity? of their management.

In fact, the management of a large number of containers, each very cumbersome, makes it possible that a lot of space is needed for their storage, since they are not generally stackable on top of each other.

Furthermore, the correct management of the containers provides that they must always be in adequate hygienic conditions, ie? present cleaning conditions substantially similar to those of the objects to be treated with which they come into contact during the treatments.

An additional downside to managing a large number of storage bins? related to the need to test and validate the washing and sanitizing cycle for each of them, as well as how to periodically revalidate those loops.

And also a disadvantage linked to the management of the storage containers is the fact that they must be maintained and suitably classified, what is the point? to prevent operators from confusing similar containers and placing objects on containers that are not designed to accommodate them. ? evident that this drawback ? to be avoided since? cause loss of time due to necessity? of selection of suitable container and the correct positioning of the objects in the correct container. ? also a problem the need? to subject the objects to some treatments again if they have not been washed or sanitized correctly or completely, for example due to the imperfect support offered by the container, in the event that an object is placed on a support organ not intended for it.

An additional disadvantage? the lack of flexibility? of management of these systems, in which every time new objects must be treated, understood as objects never treated before by the system, often ? It is necessary for the supplier of the storage containers to engineer, produce and validate a dedicated storage container, provided with support members specifically designed to support these new objects. All this involves time and high costs.

Another disadvantage of these systems? the duration of the washing cycles and the related management costs, due to the significant consumption of energy and treatment fluids, such as water, detergent, etc. .. In fact, in order to properly clean and sanitize all the objects arranged in the storage container, the washing cycles are usually long, and consequently the consumption of energy and treatment fluids is very high.

A purpose of the present invention ? that of making available an equipment and a washing procedure for washing and sanitizing objects, in a manner suitable for guaranteeing accurate and effective treatment of the objects.

Another aim of the present invention ? that of making available an apparatus and a washing process in which it is possible to avoid the complex management of the object holder containers, with all the disadvantages that this entails.

? another object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus and method in which it is possible to optimize the duration of the washing cycles and the associated consumption of energy and of the treatment fluids used during the cycle.

Therefore, an object of the apparatus and of the washing process according to the present invention is to wash and sanitize each object according to a ?recipe? personalized, which provides for a dedicated washing cycle, characterized by particular factors of duration, treatment sequence and use of specific and suitable treatment fluids.

To obviate the drawbacks of the prior art and to obtain these and further objects and advantages, the Applicant has studied, tested and implemented the present invention.

DISCOVERY DISPLAY

The present found ? expressed and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims disclose other characteristics of the present invention or variants of the main solution idea.

In accordance with the aforesaid purposes, according to the invention ? made available a washing apparatus for washing objects, such as for example objects and parts of objects used in the pharmaceutical, hospital, dental, medical device and food sectors. In particular, the washing apparatus according to the present invention is designed to sanitize and/or sanitize such objects.

It should be noted that the term ?sanitization?, or derivatives thereof, here and throughout the present description indicates those treatments at high temperatures, for example approximately 90?C, assisted by suitable treatment fluids, comprising for example one or more? between water, steam, saturated steam, and detergents, to thermo-disinfect the objects to be treated, making them hygienic or hygienically safe.

According to embodiments which will be described hereinafter, the washing apparatus comprises a washing chamber within which the objects are treated, said chamber being isolable and hermetically sealed towards the external environment.

Embodiments of the present invention provide that the washing chamber comprises an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the objects. The entrance opening of the objects? facing an object loading area, configured to receive the objects to be treated before entering the washing chamber. The exit opening of the objects ? facing, however, towards a discharge area, configured to receive the treated objects leaving the washing chamber. In accordance with possible embodiments, the inlet opening and the outlet opening can be sealed by means of respective closure means, for example a gate valve.

In accordance with embodiments provided herein, the apparatus comprises one or more? dispensing nozzles, placed in the washing chamber, and configured to dispense suitable treatment fluids suitable for carrying out washing and sanitizing treatments on the objects. According to possible embodiments, these nozzles are configured as spray nozzles suitable for dispensing the aforementioned treatment fluids.

According to a characteristic aspect of the present invention , the apparatus comprises one or more? articulated automatic operating devices, arranged inside the washing chamber, and provided with one? terminal able to support and position, in an articulated way, an operating member interacting with the objects to be treated. This operational body can be configured as one or more? of the aforesaid nozzles for dispensing the treatment fluids, or as a gripping member suitable for firmly gripping one or more? of such objects at a time, in particular to orient them inside the washing chamber according to desired spatial orientations and/or to move them according to predetermined trajectories.

In possible variants of embodiments, the end? terminal ? able to support and position, in an articulated way, two or more? operating organs interacting with the objects to be treated. In this case, for example, these operating members can be a gripping member and a dispensing nozzle, or two different gripping members, or still two different dispensing nozzles.

According to possible embodiments, the articulated automatic operator device ? configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, provided with a plurality? of components coupled in an articulated way with respect to one another.

According to possible embodiments, the gripping member can be configured as a gripper, or jaw, or other similar mechanical gripping members. In accordance with these embodiments, the gripping member can be removable with respect to the aforementioned end? terminal, for example to allow the necessary maintenance and cleaning operations, or of different capacities. Furthermore, the gripping organ can? be interchangeable, being provided for a plurality? of various gripping members, each designed to grip one or more? objects to be treated.

In equivalent embodiments, the gripping member ? configured as a suction cup, of the type commonly used in the industrial automation sector, or other similar organs with pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, physical, chemical or electrical actuation.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the articulated automatic operator device ? anchored to one of the walls of the washing chamber, or to the floor or ceiling of the chamber itself.

In accordance with possible embodiments, one or more tanks are provided in the washing chamber. fixed treatment fluid delivery nozzles and a treatment fluid drainage system.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus comprises a support element arranged in the washing chamber and able to receive the objects resting thereon, being for example a fixed element, connected to the floor or to a wall of the washing chamber. Preferably, the support element ? configured as a grid, so that it can be crossed by the treatment fluids.

According to a variant embodiment, the apparatus comprises a containment member defining a closed compartment adapted to house at least one object, in particular, but not necessarily, of small dimensions. The containment organ? perforated, for example grilled, so as to allow the entry and exit of the treatment fluids, what is this? do they interact with the? object placed at the? inside the compartment, without causing an uncontrolled movement. In this embodiment variant, the containment member can? be kept resting on the? support element, or can? be associated with the aforesaid gripping organ.

According to another embodiment variant, the support element is configured as a mobile transport member, for example comprising a belt, a chain or a transport belt or a rotating table, a mobile arm, capable of moving the objects placed resting on it. Also in this variant, at least part of the mobile transport organ? preferably grilled to allow the passage of the treatment fluids.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one articulated automatic operating device arranged in the loading area and, advantageously, an articulated automatic operating device arranged in the unloading area, both provided with respective ends? terminals which support in an articulated manner corresponding gripping members, to respectively handle the objects to be treated which must enter the washing chamber, and the treated objects which must exit or have just exited the chamber itself. Preferably, these automatic operating devices are structurally analogous to the automatic operating device arranged in the washing chamber. They are therefore also advantageously configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, provided with a plurality of of components coupled in an articulated way with respect to one another. Also these automatic operator devices are each provided with an? terminal suitable for supporting suitable gripping members capable of firmly grasping an object in an articulated manner. These gripping members are also removable with respect to the end? terminal, and interchangeable with other suitable gripping members suitable for gripping objects of different shapes and sizes.

In variant embodiments envisaged herein, the washing apparatus comprises an automatic articulated operating device arranged in the loading area, while the unloading area is one of them. free, for example other suitable means for handling the treated objects coming out of the washing chamber are provided, or an articulated automatic operating device arranged in the unloading area, while the loading area is not equipped with it. without, other suitable means being provided for example for moving the objects to be treated which are directed towards the washing chamber.

According to possible embodiments, one or more elements are provided in the loading area and in the unloading area. optical detection devices, for example cameras or video cameras, for detecting images or sequences of images or videos of the aforementioned objects. Such optical sensing devices are advantageously configured to recognize objects. For example, these optical detection devices can be positioned on the ceiling or on a wall of the loading and unloading areas, or on one of the components of the articulated automatic operator device. If they are placed in the clean area, they can also be suitable for verifying the correct execution of the washing and sanitizing treatments. In accordance with a variant embodiment, these optical detection devices are also provided in the interior of the washing chamber.

According to a possible embodiment, two separate automatic operating devices are provided inside the washing chamber, one configured to support, in an articulated manner, a fluid delivery nozzle, and the other configured to support, in an articulated manner, one of the aforesaid gripping members for grasping the object being treated.

In embodiments, the washing apparatus comprises a unit? programmable control unit configured to command the aforementioned articulated automatic operating devices, both the one/these arranged in the washing chamber, and those arranged in the loading area and in the unloading area of the objects, in particular on the basis of the information that this unit? programmable control device receives from the aforementioned optical sensing devices.

According to another aspect of the present invention ? a washing procedure is foreseen for washing and sanitizing objects.

Embodiments of the method in accordance with the present invention provide for the introduction, through a desired and suitable spatial path, of the objects into a washing chamber in which the objects are treated, in particular through an inlet opening for the objects which ? facing a loading area for the objects themselves.

Embodiments of the method in accordance with the present invention provide for dispensing into the washing chamber suitable treatment fluids for carrying out the aforementioned washing and sanitizing treatments on the objects, and in particular on all their surfaces, present in the chamber.

Embodiments of the method according to the present invention therefore envisage delivering said treated objects to a discharge area, causing them to exit the washing chamber through an outlet opening.

According to a characteristic aspect of the method according to the present invention, ? foreseen that the objects to be treated interact with an operating body supported in an articulated way by a? extremity? terminal of an automatic operating device, said device being articulated and arranged inside the washing chamber. This interaction takes the form of the delivery of the treatment fluids in the event that the operating member is one of the aforesaid delivery nozzles, or as the gripping of an object, in the event that this operating member is a gripping member capable of grasping the objects to orient them in an articulated way inside the washing chamber according to desired spatial orientations and/or to move it according to predetermined trajectories.

According to one embodiment of the equipment, in which the? extremity? of the articulated automatic operator device supports in an articulated way a gripping organ, the procedure can? provide that this gripping member picks up the object directly from the loading area, takes it to the washing chamber, where it moves it to carry out the envisaged treatments, and finally takes it out of the washing chamber to deliver it to the unloading area.

According to the embodiments provided here, the procedure ? governed by a? unit? programmable control device which commands at least the movement of the aforesaid articulated automatic operator device and of the gripping member in order to correctly manipulate the objects, possibly in a coordinated manner with the activation of the aforesaid dispensing nozzles, after the object being treated? been recognized by the aforementioned optical detection devices.

In accordance with embodiments, the unit? programmable control ? configured to memorize, even in different temporal terms, the treatment cycles, or rather the ?recipes? washing, personalized related to each specific object that pu? be treated by means of the apparatus of the present invention. In possible implementations, each ?recipe? can? include at least one or more among the following information: the treatment fluids, delivery times and flow rates, pressures and temperatures of the various treatment fluids, as well as information relating to the envisaged treatment sequence, and to the gripping devices and gripping positions, handling and release positions of the objects at the inside the washing chamber, and possibly also in the loading area and in the unloading area. Thanks to the fact that the ?recipes? of washing are memorized in the unit? programmable control, ? possible to considerably simplify the management of the washing cycle by the operators, to whom it is not? more required to follow instructions or annotations on worksheets or similar, given that all the data and information necessary for washing the objects are ?digital? and directly communicated to the washing machine.

An advantage of the apparatus and method according to the present invention is which, thanks to the presence of at least one automatic operating device articulated in the washing chamber, possible to do without the storage containers, that is? of the baskets, which are usually used in the solutions known in the art. This advantageously allows to avoid the disadvantages related to their management which have been described above.

Another advantage of some embodiments of the apparatus and method according to the present invention is that of guaranteeing a firm grasping of the objects by the gripping member, at least during the treatments foreseen in the washing chamber. The presence of the articulated automatic operating device also allows to considerably increase the effectiveness of the cleaning action on the objects, thanks to the fact that the treatment fluids can easily reach crevices, undercuts, or other portions otherwise difficult to reach by these fluids in the machines methods known in the art.

? also an advantage of the apparatus and of the method according to the present invention is that of optimizing the times of the treatments and the consumption of the treatment fluids. In fact, unlike the prior art, in which ? a long washing cycle is foreseen to wash, all together, the objects arranged on the support members of the object-holder containers, thanks to the apparatus and method of the present invention ? Is it possible to treat the objects individually with treatment cycles that are much more? short and more performing why? customized according to the shape and size of individual objects. The applicant has verified that this allows huge savings on the consumption of treatment fluids, with the consequent economic savings that derive from it, without affecting the quality? of the treatments carried out, n? on total treatment times. Another advantage related to this aspect? which, thanks to the fact that in the apparatus according to the present invention ? Is it necessary to feed a much smaller number of delivery nozzles than in the solutions known in the art, also the hydraulic system for feeding the treatment fluids? much more simple, compact and easy to maintain compared to those of the prior art. For example, according to the present invention ? it is advantageously possible to monitor, in particular in real time, the correct functioning of the dispensing nozzles, verifying their correct functionality? and therefore, the absence of unwanted obstructions that prevent the delivery of treatment fluids.

A further advantage of the apparatus and method according to the present invention ? to be very flexible. In fact, they are suitable for dealing with ease? even objects that have never been treated before, provided that a gripping device is available which is able to guarantee a firm grip of the object, and that it is loaded into the unit? programmable control panel the corresponding personalized treatment cycle. Advantageously, each treatment cycle can be loaded remotely with extreme ease?.

On the other hand, the apparatus and the method according to the present invention are also flexible since are suitable for treating a large number of objects thanks to the possibility? to change with simplicity? the gripping organs associated with the end? terminal of the articulated automatic operator device. This also makes it possible to significantly expand the range of objects which can be washed and sanitized by means of the apparatus and method according to the present invention , this range being able to also include objects which currently can only be washed manually, since, in particular due to due to their shape or dimensions, they cannot be placed in the storage baskets in order to be washed with the known systems.

ILLUSTRATION OF THE DESIGNS

These and other features of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - fig. 1 ? a schematic side section of a washing apparatus according to the present invention, also showing numerous objects which are treated with the aforesaid apparatus;

- figs. 2-5 are detail views, schematic, illustrating a possible washing operating sequence performed by the apparatus of 1;

- figs. 6 and 7 are schematic side sections of two possible embodiments of the washing apparatus according to the present invention. For ease of understanding, identical reference numerals have been used wherever possible to identify identical commonalities in the figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further clarification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Will it be done? now reference in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more? examples are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Each example ? provided by way of illustration of the invention and not ? understood as a limitation of the same. For example, one or more Features illustrated or described, as forming part of one embodiment, may be varied or adopted upon, or in association with, other embodiments to produce further embodiments. It is understood that the present invention will be including such possible modifications and variations.

Before describing the embodiments, it should also be clarified that the present description does not apply to limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components as described in the following description using the accompanying figures. This description can provide other embodiments and be made or practiced in various other ways. Furthermore, it is clarified that the phraseology and terminology used here? for descriptive purposes and should not be taken as limiting.

With reference to fig. 1, a washing apparatus is described, in particular configured for washing and sanitizing objects, which ? indicated as a whole with the reference number 10.

The objects in question, indicated in the attached figures with the reference number 100, can be, in particular, objects and parts of objects used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hospital, dental, biomedical, food and other industries. In the attached figures, for clarity and simplicity? of representation, are represented a plurality? of 100 objects all having the same shape. ? however, it is clear that the washing apparatus 10 described here is suitable to deal with a plurality? of 100 objects, also having different shapes from each other, even significantly more? complex compared to the example that ? been illustrated.

The washing apparatus 10 comprises a loading area 11 where the objects 100 to be treated arrive.

The loading area 11 comprises means 12 for feeding the objects 100, for example configured as a conveyor belt or a motorized trolley, a rotary table, or as trolleys driven by operators.

The loading area 11 also comprises an articulated arm 13 provided with a plurality of of components 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E which are pivotally coupled with respect to one another. How will it turn out? evident to the person skilled in the sector, the articulated arm 13, depending on the needs, can include a number of components greater or less than the number of components that ? shown, purely by way of example, in the attached figures.

One of these components, specifically the articulated terminal component 13E supports, in an articulated manner, a gripping member 15, for example configured as a gripper. The gripping organ 15 can? be interchangeable with other gripping members, having different shapes or technologies, and capable of gripping other objects 100.

The articulated arm 13 ? fixed to the ceiling 16 of the loading area 11. The terminal articulated component 13E defines an? end of the articulated arm 13, being disposed at the end? distal of the latter, i.e. at its end? more distant with respect to the ceiling 16. The loading area 11 comprises an optical detection device 17, also for example fixed to the aforementioned ceiling 16, and configured to detect images, sequences of images or videos of the objects 100 to be treated.

The loading area 11 also comprises a loading shelf 18 configured to receive the objects 100 to be treated in support. In a possible embodiment, the loading shelf 18 comprises a support 19, suitably shaped, capable of penetrating the inside of one of the objects 100 to be treated to ensure that the latter stably maintains the envisaged upright position.

The washing apparatus 10 comprises a washing chamber 20, which is selectively isolable from the external environment. The washing chamber 20 comprises an inlet opening 21 and an outlet opening 22 suitable respectively for allowing the entry and exit of the objects 100 into the washing chamber 20. The inlet opening 21? adjacent to the loading shelf 18.

Both openings 21, 22 can be closed watertight by suitable closing means, for example configured as a shutter door 23. The openings 21, 22 are made on opposite side walls 20A, 20B of the washing chamber 20, facing each other another so as to define a ?tunnel? configuration, which allows the objects 100 to pass through the washing chamber 20, along a substantially linear path. ? it is clear that configurations of the washing chamber 20 other than the "tunnel" one can also be envisaged, all falling within the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, ?L? of the objects 100 between the inlet opening 21 and the outlet opening 22, or at least partly circular paths, or still other paths in which the openings 21, 22 are not aligned.

In the washing chamber 20 ? a support shelf 24 is provided, able to receive the objects 100 in support. Preferably, the support shelf 24 is configured as a grate to allow the treatment fluids to pass through the support shelf 24.

The apparatus 20 also comprises another articulated arm 25, which is placed in the washing chamber 20. In the embodiment described herein, the articulated arm 25 is structurally and functionally similar to the articulated arm 13 located in the previously described loading area 11.

The articulated arm 25 ? endowed with a plurality of components 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E which are pivotally coupled with respect to one another. Also in this case, the person expert in the sector will understand? without difficulty that the articulated arm 25, depending on the needs, can? include a number of components greater or less than the number of components that ? shown, purely by way of example, in the attached figures.

One of these components, specifically the articulated terminal component 25E, supports and positions, in an articulated manner, a gripping member 27, for example configured as a gripper. The gripping organ 27 can? be interchangeable with other gripping members, having different shapes, and suitable for gripping other objects 100.

The articulated arm 25 ? fixed to the ceiling 20C of the washing chamber 20. The terminal articulated component 25E defines an end? terminal of the articulated arm 25, being disposed at the end? distal of the latter, i.e. at its end? more distant from the sky 20C.

The washing chamber 20 comprises a plurality of dispensing nozzles 28, configured to dispense the treatment fluids. In the illustrated example, there are two dispensing nozzles 28 protruding from the ceiling 20C of the washing chamber 20, and another dispensing nozzle 28 projecting from the floor 20D of the washing chamber 20. This latter dispensing nozzle protrudes above the shelf support 24, approximately in a central position of this support shelf. Each dispensing nozzle 28 ? associated with one or more adduction ducts 39 of the treatment fluids able to be dispensed from the nozzle. For example, the nozzle 28 projecting from the floor 20D can be fed by two adduction ducts 39, one configured to feed water, and the other configured to feed air, steam, or a mixture of air and steam, which for example can? be activated only during the washing and sanitizing of particularly dirty objects 100.

In the washing chamber 20 ? a drainage system 29 is also provided, preferably made in the floor 20D, and configured to drain the treatment fluids used for the treatment of the objects 100 from the washing chamber 20. According to a possible embodiment, the drainage system 29 comprises a sensor for measuring conductivity? of the water to detect the degree of dirt of the drained treatment fluids, and a maximum water level sensor to prevent these fluids from stagnating in large quantities? excessive on the floor 20D of the washing chamber 20.

The washing apparatus 10 also comprises a discharge zone 30 where the objects 100 already arrive. treated in the washing chamber 20. The unloading area 30, functionally specular to the loading area 11, is arranged on the opposite side with respect to the latter with reference to the washing chamber 20, which therefore separates these two zones. The unloading area 30 comprises an unloading shelf 31 configured to support the treated objects 100 exiting the washing chamber 20 through the outlet opening 22. In a possible embodiment, the unloading shelf 31 is adjacent to the exit opening 22.

The unloading area 30 comprises means 32 for transporting the objects 100, for example configured as a conveyor belt and/or a motorized trolley, a rotary table, or as trolleys driven by operators. The transport means 32 are configured to transport the objects 100 away from the unloading area 30.

The unloading area 30 also comprises an articulated arm 33 provided with a plurality of of components 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E which are pivotally coupled with respect to one another. It should be noted that in possible embodiments the articulated arm 33 is structurally and functionally similar to the articulated arm 13 located in the loading area 11, and possibly also to the articulated arm 25 located in the washing chamber 20. Consequently, also in this case, it will be understood that the articulated arm 33, depending on the needs, can include a number of components greater or less than the number of components that ? shown, purely by way of example, in the attached figures. In other embodiments, the articulated arms 13, 25 and 33 are all different from each other, being able to comprise a different number of articulated components.

One of these components, specifically the articulated terminal component 33E, supports, in an articulated manner, a gripping member 35, for example configured as a gripper. The gripping organ 35 can? be interchangeable with other gripping members, having different shapes, and suitable for gripping other objects 100.

The articulated arm 33 ? fixed to the ceiling 36 of the unloading area 31. The terminal articulated component 33E defines an end? terminal of the articulated arm 33, being disposed at the end? distal of the latter, i.e. at its end? more distant with respect to the ceiling 36. The unloading area 30 comprises an optical detection device 37, also for example fixed to the aforementioned ceiling 36, and configured to detect images, sequences of images or videos of the objects 100 to be treated.

With reference to fig. 6, ? shown is a variant embodiment of the washing apparatus according to the present invention, indicated as a whole with the reference numeral 10?.

The washing equipment 10? comprises a loading area 1?, a washing chamber 20? and an unloading sector 30?.

Unlike the embodiment described with reference to fig. 1, in this embodiment variant, both the loading area 1? and the unloading area 30? they do not have the articulated arm described above. Loading area 11? it comprises feed means 12?, which can be configured as motorized conveyor belts, trolleys or belts, or the like, or as trolleys driven by an operator, to lead the objects 100 to be treated towards the washing chamber 20?.

The unloading area 30? comprises feed means 32?, which can be configured as motorized conveyor belts, trolleys or belts or the like, or as trolleys driven by an operator, to lead the treated objects 100 into the washing chamber 20? towards other sectors, where for example they are subjected to sterilization treatment. The washing chamber 20? includes a septum 40, projecting downward from the sky 20C? of the chamber itself, to partition the washing chamber 20?. Thus, in the washing chamber 20? a washing and sanitizing area 40A and a drying area 40B are defined.

The washing chamber 20? includes an articulated arm 25?, 25? in each of these areas. Both articulated arms 25?, 25? are sky set at 20C? of the washing chamber 20?. Such articulated arms 25?, 25? can have a structure entirely similar to the structure of the articulated arm 25 described above, being formed by a plurality of of components coupled in an articulated way one with respect to the other.

In particular, the articulated arm 25? ? arranged in the washing and sanitizing area 40A and ? equipped with a 25E terminal articulated component? configured to support, in an articulated manner, a dispensing nozzle 28? to which are associated one or more? adduction ducts 39? of the treatment fluids suitable for being dispensed from the nozzle. In a variant embodiment, the articulated arm 25? ? configured to support two or more? dispensing nozzles 28?. At least one of these delivery nozzles can? be supported in an articulated way, and/or at least one other of these delivery nozzles can? be rigidly constrained to one of the components of the articulated arm 25?. In a possible embodiment of this variant, the dispensing nozzles 28, 28? are suitably shaped differently from each other, in such a way as to be suitable, for example , for directing the treatment fluid respectively both to the inside and inside outside of the object 100 being treated.

Instead, the articulated arm 25? arranged in the drying area 40B ? equipped with the respective articulated terminal component 25E? which supports, in an articulated manner, a respective gripping organ 27? adapted to firmly grip the object 100 which is drying.

Both the end link component 25E? and the end link component 25E? do they define their respective ends? ends of the respective articulated arms 25?, 25? being willing to the ends? distal of the latter, i.e. at their ends? more distant from the sky 20C? of the washing chamber 20?.

In both zones 40A, 40B are optical detection devices 38 provided? configured to detect images, sequences of images or videos of the 100 objects being processed. Such optical sensing devices 38? are for example the same as the optical detection devices 17?, 37? arranged in the loading and unloading areas 1?, 30?. By way of example, the optical sensing device 38? located in the washing and sanitizing area 40A ? fixed to a side wall 20A? of the washing chamber 20?, in particular the one in which ? made the inlet opening 2?, while the optical sensing device 38? arranged in the drying area 40B ? fixed to the sky 20C? of the washing chamber 20?.

Are handling means 24 provided in the washing and sanitizing area 40 A? of the objects 100, for example configured as a transport conveyor or as a rotary table. In a possible embodiment, the handling means 24? they may include grating elements which allow the treatment fluids to pass therethrough. In possible embodiments, suitable motors are provided, for example electric motors, preferably arranged in the exterior of the washing chamber 20?, and configured to move the aforesaid movement means 24?.

Also in this construction variant, so? as in the embodiment described with reference to fig. 1, are dispensing nozzles 28 provided in the washing and sanitizing area 40A? fixed, connected to the sky 20C? and at the 20D floor? of the washing chamber 20?, and a drainage system 29? of treatment fluids.

In the drying zone 40B ? provided a fixed delivery nozzle 28?, configured to deliver a jet of air, and fixed to the floor 20D? of the washing chamber 20?.

In accordance with alternative embodiments of this embodiment, the aforesaid movement means 24? can also extend into the drying area 40B, effectively connecting the inlet opening 21 ? and the opening of exit 22? of the washing chamber 20?. If so, the 25E articulated terminal component? of the articulated arm 25? arranged in the drying zone 40B, it supports in an articulated manner a delivery nozzle 282, in particular configured to emit a jet of air.

With reference to fig. 7, ? a further embodiment variant of the washing apparatus according to the present invention is shown, indicated as a whole with the reference numeral 10?. This embodiment variant, ? similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, to which reference is made for reasons of brevity, highlighting here only the differences with respect to it.

Unlike the embodiment previously described with reference to fig. 1, the washing chamber 20 included in the washing apparatus 10? includes another articulated arm 4 1.

The articulated arm 41, fixed to one of the walls or to the ceiling or to the bottom of the chamber, is structurally similar to the articulated arm 25, comprising a plurality of components articulated one to the other. One of these components, specifically the articulated end component 42, supports a dispensing nozzle 28 in an articulated manner. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the treatment fluids can reach the dispensing nozzle 28 supported by the articulated arm 41 either through a supply duct 39 which passes through the components articulated inside them, as in the version illustrated in fig. 7, or through an external supply duct, fixed on the surface of these articulated components.

The position of the articulated arm 41 ? such as to allow, in this embodiment variant, the elimination of the dispensing nozzle 28, fixed to the floor 20D of the washing chamber 20. In a possible embodiment, the articulated arm 41 is? configured to support two or more? dispensing nozzles 28, which are in particular shaped differently from each other, so as to be suitable for respectively directing the treatment fluid both inside and outside the object 100 being treated. In this case, at least one of these delivery nozzles can? be supported in an articulated way, and/or at least one other of these delivery nozzles can? be rigidly constrained to one of the components of the articulated arm 4 1.

According to possible embodiments provided here, the gripping members 15, 27, 27? and 35 included in washing equipment 10, 10?, 10? described above with reference to FIGS. 1 , 6 and 7, comprise a presence sensor, or other similar fully equivalent sensors, configured to ascertain that the gripping of the objects is correct and functionally in place, and to emit an alarm signal in the event that the object 100 is absent or not properly grasped. There? can? advantageously notify promptly? the operator of a malfunctioning of the equipment, caused for example by the accidental fall of the object 100, or by the missing or incorrect grasping of the latter by the gripping member.

In all the embodiments described herein, the articulated arms 13, 25, 25?, 25?, 33, 41 included in the washing apparatuses 10, 10?, 10? referred to in figs. 1, 6 and 7, include - as mentioned - a plurality? of articulated components rotatably connected to each other, which are internally hollow so as to receive internally, each, actuation members and/or electrical or electronic components and/or pipelines for fluids, configured for the movement of the automatic articulated operator , or possibly for the adduction of the treatment fluids towards the dispensing nozzles 28, in the case in which they are supported by the articulated arm.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the washing apparatus 10, 10?, 10? includes one or more lamps configured to emit ultraviolet rays, or UV lamps for short, designated by the reference numeral 43 in FIGS. 1-5 and 7 and by the reference numeral 43? in figure 6, and arranged inside the washing chamber 20, 20?. Such lamps 43, 43? as a non-limiting example, are 20C, 20C fixed to the sky? of the washing chamber 20, 20?, or to one of its side walls 20A, 20B, 20A?, 20B? or again they can be associated with the articulated arm 25, 252, 41. In the version illustrated by way of example, these lamps are fixed to the side wall 20B, 20B2. Lamps 43, 43? are they configured to further reduce the bacterial load that may still be present on the objects 100 and/or on the internal walls of the washing chamber 20, 20? and/or on the surfaces of the articulated automatic operator device thanks to the bactericidal action of the ultraviolet rays. It should be noted that in embodiment variants of the embodiment shown in fig. 6, in addition or as an alternative to the lamp 43 ? illustrated, may be provided for one or more? additional UV lamps, which can be provided both in the washing and sanitizing area 40A and in the drying area 40B.

With reference to the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1, 6 and 7, the washing apparatus 10, 10?, 10? includes a? unit? programmable control device, not shown, suitable at least for controlling the movement, in a controlled manner, of the aforesaid articulated arms 13, 25, 33, 41 according to the object 100 to be treated and the treatment cycle to be performed on it.

The unit programmable control ? furthermore configured to memorize the operating parameters which regulate the treatment cycles of each of the objects 100 which can be treated by means of the apparatus of the present invention.

These operating parameters, for each object 100 include at least: - the position and orientation that the object 100 must assume on the loading shelf 18,

- the position and orientation that the object 100 must assume on the unloading shelf 31,

- the treatment cycle of the object 100, that is? in particular its ?recipe? specification of washing, sanitizing and drying;

- which gripping member 15, 27, 27?, 35 must be used to grip the object 100 among those available to be used in the? washing apparatus of the present invention; And

- the list of objects for each treatment cycle, in case the cycle expects to treat more? of one object 100 at a time.

In accordance with the embodiments described here, the operating parameters identifying the treatment cycle of the object 100, its ?recipe? washing, include at least one or more? of the following information: - treatment times, pressures, flow rates and temperatures of the treatment fluids for each sub-phase of the treatment cycle,

- expected sequence of sub-phases in the treatment cycle,

- position in which it must be maintained, orientation, trajectory and speed? of movement of the object 100 in each sub-phase of treatment, and possibly gripping and release positions of the object 100 in each sub-phase of treatment, if ? expected to grab and release the object.

The expression treatment sub-phase refers to the single phase included in the treatment cycle carried out by the user. washing equipment 10, 10?, 10? of the present invention. Examples of such treatment sub-phases are the washing phase with cold water only, the washing phase with hot water and any detergents, the possible treatment phase with steam, the sanitizing phase at high temperature, the drying phase.

The unit programmable control ? also configured to carry out a check on the effectiveness of the washing, sanitizing and drying cycle, by means of the optical detection devices 37, 37?, 38? present in the washing chamber 20, 20? and/or in the unloading area 30, 30?, in order to detect traces of dirt, impurities? or residual drops of water, as well as any damage and alterations to the object 100.

With particular reference to the operating sequence illustrated in Figs.

2-5, possible embodiments of the washing process in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are now described.

Initially, in the loading area 11, the optical detection device 17 identifies the object 100 to be treated. Such information? communicated to? unity? programmable control system, which on the basis of the previously described operating parameters commands the operation of the apparatus 10 to carry out the treatment cycle foreseen for the object 100.

The articulated arm 13 picks up the object 100 to be treated from the feeding means 12 and places it on the loading shelf 18, in the position envisaged by the aforementioned operating parameters, for example upside down so that the support 19 enters the mouth of the object 100 (Fig.

2)

Subsequently, the articulated arm 25 arranged in the washing chamber 20 picks up the object 100, which is gripped by the gripping member 27 and brought to the washing chamber. inside the washing chamber 20 through the inlet opening 21 (fig. 3).

After the opening of entrance 21 ? been closed by the shutter door 23, the articulated arm 25 carries the object 100 in proximity? of one or more dispensing nozzles 28 to carry out the washing sub-phases, and possibly the sanitizing and drying sub-phases (fig. 4).

In embodiments, the washing sub-phase, the sanitizing sub-phase and the drying sub-phase can provide that the articulated arm 25 brings the object 100 to interact with several? of a dispensing nozzle 28 according to a predetermined sequence, whereby ? it is envisaged that the object 100 is kept from time to time exposed to the dispensing nozzle according to a predetermined orientation, so to ensure complete washing, complete sanitization and complete drying of all surfaces of the object, both internal and external.

In possible embodiments, during the washing or sanitizing or drying sub-phase it can be it may be foreseen to rest the object 100 on the support surface 24, to then pick it up again, by means of the gripping member 27, in a different gripping position, so that the object? it is also possible to wash, sanitize and dry the area where the object 100 was initially gripped. In these embodiments, before regripping the object 100 the treatment cycle can envisage that the gripping member 27 itself is brought near? of one of the delivery nozzles 28 so that? it too is adequately washed.

Subsequently, once the washing, sanitizing and drying sub-phases have been completed, the shutter door 23 which previously closed the outlet opening 22 is opened and the articulated arm 25 deposits the object 100 in the unloading area 30, in detail on the support shelf 31, in a position predetermined by its own treatment cycle (fig. 5).

Subsequently, ? foreseen that the optical detection device 37 disposed in the unloading zone 30 verifies that the treatment cycle ? performed correctly, being able to send an anomaly or alarm signal if it detects the presence of stains, visible drops or alterations of the object 100.

Can these embodiments of the method also be implemented by the apparatus 10? and 10?, described above with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, except for the obvious differences related to the structural differences of these embodiments.

In particular, during the washing and sanitizing sub-cycle carried out by the equipment 10? of fig. 6, the? object 100 pu? be sprayed with the treatment fluids both through the dispensing nozzle 28? fixed, placed near? of the floor 20D?, both through the delivery nozzle 28? supported by the articulated arm 25?, which in particular can? interact with the object 100 to be treated in many different positions, in order to reach all the parts of this object. In a variant embodiment, during the washing and sanitizing sub-steps the object 100 can be moved by the movement means 24?, possibly also being able to be kept rotating on itself? same. In the apparatus 10?, ? therefore foreseen that, once these washing and sanitizing sub-steps have been completed, the articulated arm 25? do you pick up the object 100 from the handling means 24? to bring it near? of another dispensing nozzle 28? of air suitable for carrying out the drying sub-phase.

Similarly, during the washing sub-cycle and the sanitization one carried out by the equipment 10? of fig. 7, the? object 100 pu? be sprayed with the treatment fluids both through the fixed delivery nozzles 28, for example connected to the floor 20B or to one of the side walls 20A, 20B and not shown, and through the delivery nozzle 28 supported by the articulated arm 41, which in particular can? interact with the object 100 to be treated in many different positions thanks to the relative reciprocal movement between the articulated arms 25 and 41, in order to reach all parts of this object.

Embodiments of the process described here provide that during the treatment cycle one or more? washing jets, delivered by dedicated nozzles, which are directed in such a way as to spray the side walls 20A, 20B, the ceiling 20C, and the floor 20D of the washing chamber 20, as well as the articulated arms 25, 25?, 25?, 41 and the support shelf 24 arranged therein. These washing jets can be delivered continuously or intermittently in order to always keep both the washing chamber 20 and the components it contains correctly washed.

Embodiments of the method according to the present invention provide that, after recognition of the object 100 to be treated by means of the optical detection device 17, the gripping members 15, 27, 27? and 35 are replaced, if necessary, with other gripping devices suitable for gripping the object to be treated. To this end, can a warehouse of these gripping members be provided, located for example in the loading and unloading areas 11, 30. In possible implementations, can? it should be envisaged that every time a gripping member is removed from the articulated arm 13, 25, 25?, 33 which supports it, it is also subjected to a cycle of treatment at the same time. interior of the washing chamber 20 which allows it to always be kept in adequate cleaning conditions. For example, the gripping elements to be washed can be placed on the support surface 24, or on the handling means 242, or again in suitable washing bays formed on the side walls 20A, 20B of the washing chamber 20, not shown, and suitable for receiving these gripping elements.

? It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or phases can be made to the apparatus and method described up to now, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

? It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art could without doubt realizing many other equivalent forms of apparatuses and processes having the characteristics expressed in the claims and therefore all falling within the scope of protection defined by them.

Claims (14)

1. Washing apparatus for washing and possibly sanitizing and drying objects (100), advantageously for example objects and parts of objects used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hospital, dental, biomedical or food industry or other objects, comprising a washing chamber (20; 20?) within which the objects are treated, said chamber being isolable and sealed with respect to the external environment, and one or more? dispensing nozzles (28; 28?), located in said washing chamber (20; 20?), and configured to dispense suitable treatment fluids suitable for carrying out the washing and/or sanitizing treatments of said objects (100), said apparatus being characterized in that it comprises at least one articulated automatic operating device (25, 41; 25?, 25?), arranged inside said washing chamber (20; 20?), and provided with one end? terminal (25E, 42; 25E?, 25E?) able to support and position, in an articulated manner, an operating member interacting with the objects (100) to be treated; in which said operating body? configured as one or more? of said dispensing nozzles (28; 28?), and/or as a gripping member (27; 27?) able to firmly grip one or more? of said objects (100) at a time. 2. Apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that said articulated automatic operating device (25; 25?, 25?) ? configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, provided with a plurality? of components (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E) jointly coupled with respect to each other. 3. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises two automatic articulated operating devices (25, 41; 25?, 25?), arranged inside said washing chamber (20; 20?), in which an articulated automatic operator device (25; 25?) ? configured to support, in an articulated manner, said gripping member (27; 27?) and another articulated automatic operating device (25?; 41) ? configured to support, in an articulated way, one or more? of said dispensing nozzles (28; 28?). 4. Apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a support element (24; 24?) arranged in said washing chamber (20; 20?) and able to receive the objects (100) resting on it, wherein said support element (24) ? configured as a fixed element, or ? configured as a mobile transport member (24?), able to move the objects (100) resting on it, and that said support element (24; 24?) is at least partially perforated or grilled so that it can be crossed by the treatment fluids. 5. Apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a loading zone (11 ; 11 ?) of the objects (100), configured to receive the objects (100) to be treated before entering said chamber washing (20; 20?); in said loading area (11; 11?) being provided an automatic articulated operator device (13) configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, comprising a plurality of of components coupled in an articulated way one with respect to another, and a respective extremity? terminal (13E) which supports, in an articulated way, a gripping member (15) able to handle said objects (100) to be treated. 6. Apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a discharge zone (30; 30?) of the objects (100), configured to receive the treated objects (100) exiting said washing chamber (20; 20?); in said unloading zone (30; 30?) being provided an automatic articulated operator device (33) configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, comprising a plurality of of components coupled in an articulated way one with respect to another, and a respective extremity? terminal (33E) which supports, in an articulated way, a gripping member (35) able to handle said objects (100) treated. 7. Apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said gripping members (15, 27, 35; 27?) are removable with respect to the end? terminal (13E, 25E, 33E; 25E?) that supports them, and are, moreover, interchangeable, being specialized according to a plurality? of various gripping organs (15, 27, 35; 27?), each capable of grasping one or more? objects to be treated, said gripping members (15, 27, 35; 27?) being configured as grippers, or jaws, or other similar mechanical gripping members, or as suckers or other similar members with pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, physical actuation , chemical or electrical. 8. Apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said gripping members (15, 27, 35; 27?) comprise a presence sensor configured to ascertain that the gripping of the objects (100) is correct and functionally placed, and to emit an alarm signal in the event that said object (100) is absent or not correctly grasped. 9. Apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more? optical detection devices (17, 37; 17?, 37?, 38?), for example cameras or video cameras, to detect images or sequences of images or videos of said objects (100) to recognize the objects and possibly to verify the correct execution of the treatments on the objects and to verify the presence of damage or alterations of the objects and that said one or more? optical detection devices (17, 37; 17?, 37?, 38?) are provided inside said washing chamber (20?) and/or in a loading area (11; 11?) of the objects (100 ) and/or in an unloading area (30; 30?) of the objects (100), respectively configured to receive the objects (100) to be treated before entering said washing chamber (20; 20?) and the objects (100) treaties leaving said washing chamber (20; 20?). 10. Apparatus as in claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a unit? programmable control device configured to control said articulated automatic operating device (25, 41; 25?, 25?) disposed inside said washing chamber (20; 20?), and articulated automatic operating devices (13, 33) disposed in a loading area (11; 11?) and in an unloading area (30; 30?) of the objects (100), respectively configured to receive the objects (100) to be treated before entering said washing chamber (20 ; 20?) and the treated objects (100) coming out of said washing chamber (20; 20?), in particular on the basis of the information that said unit? programmable control receives from said one or more? optical sensing devices (17, 37; 17?, 37?, 38?). 11. Apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises one or more? lamps (43; 43?) configured to emit ultraviolet rays, arranged inside said washing chamber (20, 20?), to break down the bacterial charge. 12. Washing process for washing and possibly sanitizing and drying objects (100), advantageously for example objects and parts of objects used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hospital, dental, biomedical or food industries, in which ? foreseen to introduce the objects (100) into a washing chamber (20; 20?) within which the objects (100) are treated, since said chamber can be isolated and sealed with respect to the external environment, to dispense into said washing chamber (20; 20?) suitable treatment fluids for carrying out on the objects (100) present in the washing chamber (20; 20?) at least one washing treatment and a possible sanitizing treatment of said objects (100); in which said washing process ? characterized by the fact that it allows the objects (100) to interact with an operating organ supported in an articulated way by an? terminal (25E, 42; 25E?, 25E?) of an articulated automatic operator device (25, 41; 25?, 25?) arranged at the interior of said washing chamber (20; 20?), in which this interaction takes the form of the delivery of the treatment fluids in the event that the operating member is configured as a delivery nozzle (28; 28?) of the treatment fluids treatment, and/or as the gripping of an object (100), in the event that this operating member is configured as a gripping member (27; 27?). 13. Process as in claim 12, characterized in that ? expected to command, through a?unit? programmable control, at least the movement of said articulated automatic operator device (25, 41; 25?, 25?), and of said gripper member (27; 27?) to correctly manipulate said objects (100), possibly in a coordinated manner with the activation of said dispensing nozzles (28; 28?), after said objects (100) have been recognized by optical detection devices (17, 37; 17?, 37?, 38?) provided in a loading area (11; 11?) of the objects (100) in said washing chamber (20; 20?) and/or in an area for unloading (30; 30?) of the objects from said washing chamber (20; 20?), and/or inside said washing chamber (20?). 14. Process as in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said washing treatment, and said possible sanitizing and drying treatment of said objects (100) are controlled by a unit? programmable control, that ? configured to memorize information relating to the cycles of these treatments, or rather to the ?recipes? washing and any sanitization and drying, personalized for each specific object (100), said information including at least one or more? of the information included in the group consisting of: the type of treatment fluids, delivery times, flow rates, pressures and temperatures of the various treatment fluids, as well as information relating to the expected treatment sequence, and the gripping devices and positions pick-up points, movement paths and release positions of the objects (100) inside said washing chamber (20; 20?), and possibly also in said loading area (11; 11) and in said unloading area ( 30; 30?).