WO2021229614A1

WO2021229614A1 - Apparatus and method of washing

Info

Publication number: WO2021229614A1
Application number: PCT/IT2021/050133
Authority: WO
Inventors: Denis BELLET; Francesco Costa; Pietro VIRGILIO
Original assignee: Rawica S.R.L.
Priority date: 2020-05-15
Filing date: 2021-05-06
Publication date: 2021-11-18
Also published as: IT202000011146A1

Abstract

A washing apparatus for washing and possibly sanitizing objects (100), such as for example medical instruments, comprises a washing chamber (20; 20') inside which the objects are treated and which is hermetically isolated from the external environment, and one or more delivery nozzles (28; 28') located in the washing chamber (20; 20') and configured to deliver suitable treatment fluids able to carry out the washing and sanitizing treatments of the objects (100).

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF WASHING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns 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 and dentistry fields, in the field of the biomedical and food industry, and others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Usually, pharmaceutical companies and hospital structures have one or more plants to carry out the cleaning, sanitizing and sterilization treatment of objects, such as for example materials necessary for pharmaceutical production or medical devices or other objects, before they can be reused.

More specifically, the treatments carried out by the plant are, in general, a pre wash with water, a wash with hot water and possibly detergents, a possible steam treatment that allows to perform a sanitization at a high temperature, the necessary rinses, and a final drying.

Typically, these plants are installed in spaces that are isolated from each other for reasons of hygiene and contamination, called, respectively, the “dirty” or loading sector and the “clean” or unloading sector.

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 bagged and, from here, in some cases they are fed to sterilization machines which provide to sterilize them, generally in an autoclave. Alternatively, if the objects do not require subsequent sterilization, they can be removed from the “clean” sector so that they can be reused directly.

The plants in question comprise at least one washing machine, or more frequently a plurality of washing machines disposed in series or in parallel, along a determinate path, and able to carry out one or more of said treatments on the objects to be treated.

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

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

The plants known in the state of the art comprise a plurality of object-holder containers, also called “racks”, which are able to temporarily support the objects, at least during one or more of said treatments as above, in particular also inside the washing machine.

The object-holder containers provide a plurality of members to support the objects, which are suitably shaped according to the shape and size of the objects to be treated. In fact, the object-holder containers are conformed in such a way as to leave the objects exposed to the jets of treatment fluids with which they are treated during the various treatments as listed above. Therefore, the disposition of the support members in the object-holder container is not random either, and is such as to ensure that all the objects are correctly exposed to the jets, so that one object, or some objects, cannot prevent the treatment fluids from reaching other objects behind.

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

The object-holder containers known in the state of the art can be moved between the various sectors, and therefore between the different apparatuses of the plant, by a suitable automated movement system, comprising for example conveyor belts, mats or rollers, or similar conveyor members.

Typically, an operator suitably disposes the objects inside the object-holder containers in the dirty sector. Subsequently, the object-holder containers carrying the objects to be treated enter into the washing machine through the inlet aperture and exit from the machine itself through the outlet aperture. By doing so, the objects pass from the “dirty” sector to the “clean” sector, where an operator can remove them from the object-holder containers.

Since each container supports many objects, the washing and sanitizing cycles of plants known in the state of the art provide an operative sequence of the treatment fluids, and a duration of the treatment with these fluids, which must be prolonged and adequate to ensure that all the objects disposed on the object- holder container have been correctly washed and sanitized at the end of the washing and sanitizing cycle.

One disadvantage of plants for treating objects of a type known in the state of the art is that they require a large number of object-holder containers, also different from each other. The greater the variety of objects to be treated, and the greater the number of objects that have to be treated by the plant per unit of time, the greater the number of containers there will be.

One disadvantage due to the high number of object-holder containers is their cost, as well as the complexity of managing them.

In fact, managing a large number of containers, each very bulky, means that a lot of space is required to store them, since they are generally not stackable on top of each other.

Furthermore, the correct management of the containers requires that they must always be in adequate hygienic conditions, that is, they must be in a condition of cleanliness substantially similar to that of the objects to be treated and with which they come into contact during treatments.

Another disadvantage of managing a large number of object-holder containers is linked to the need to test and validate the washing and sanitizing cycle for each of them, as well as to periodically revalidate these cycles.

Another disadvantage linked to managing the object-holder containers is that they must be maintained and suitably classified, in order to prevent the operators from confusing similar containers and positioning the objects on containers not designed to accommodate them. It is evident that this inconvenience is to be avoided, since it causes time to be lost because of the need to select the suitable container and the correct positioning of the objects in the correct container. It is also a problem that the objects need to be subjected to certain treatments again if they have not been washed or sanitized correctly or completely, for example due to an imperfect support given by the container, in the event that an object is located on support member not intended for it.

Another disadvantage is that these plants have poor management flexibility, in which every time new objects have to be treated, meaning objects never treated before by the plant, it is often necessary for the supplier of the object-holder containers to engineer, produce and validate a dedicated object-holder container, provided with support members specially designed to support these new objects. All this involves long times and high costs.

Another disadvantage of these plants is the duration of the washing cycles and the associated management costs, due to the significant consumption of energy and treatment fluids, such as water, detergent, etc. In fact, to correctly clean and sanitize all the objects disposed in the object holder container, the washing cycles are usually long, and consequently the consumption of energy and treatment fluids is very high.

One purpose of the present invention is to make available a washing apparatus and method for washing and sanitizing objects, in a manner suitable to guarantee an accurate and effective treatment of the objects.

Another purpose of the present invention is to make available a washing apparatus and method in which it is possible to avoid the complex management of object-holder containers, with all the disadvantages that this entails.

It is also a purpose of the present invention to make available a washing apparatus and method in which it is possible to optimize the duration of the washing cycles and the connected consumption of energy and treatment fluids used during the cycle.

It is therefore a purpose of the washing apparatus and method according to the present invention, to wash and sanitize each object according to a customized “recipe”, which provides a dedicated washing cycle, characterized by particular factors of duration, treatment sequence and use of specific and suitable treatment fluids.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, the invention provides a washing apparatus for washing objects, such as objects and parts of objects used in the pharmaceutical, hospital, dentistry fields, in the field of medical devices and in the food industry. In particular, the washing apparatus according to the present invention is able to sterilize and/or sanitize these objects.

We wish to point out that the term “sanitizing”, or its derivatives, here and throughout the present description indicates treatments at high temperature, for example approximately 90°C, assisted by suitable treatment fluids, comprising for example one or more of either water, steam, saturated steam, or detergents, to thermo-disinfect the objects to be treated, making them hygienic or hygienically safe.

According to some embodiments that will be described below, the washing apparatus comprises a washing chamber inside which the objects are treated, the chamber being able to be hermetically isolated with respect to the external environment.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide that the washing chamber comprises an entry aperture and an exit aperture for the objects. The aperture for the entry of the object faces toward a zone for loading the objects, configured to receive the objects to be treated before they enter into the washing chamber. The aperture for the exit of the objects, on the other hand, faces toward an unloading zone, configured to receive the treated objects exiting from the washing chamber. In accordance with possible solutions, the entry aperture and the exit aperture can be hermetically closed by means of respective closing means, for example of the shutter type.

In accordance with some embodiments provided here, the apparatus comprises one or more delivery nozzles, located in the washing chamber, and configured to deliver suitable treatment fluids able to carry out on the objects the washing and sanitizing treatments. According to possible embodiments, the nozzles are configured as spraying nozzles suitable to deliver the treatment fluids as above.

According to one characteristic aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises one or more articulated automatic operator devices, disposed inside the washing chamber, and provided with a terminal end able to support and position, in an articulated manner, an operating member interacting with the objects to be treated. This operating member can be configured as one or more of the delivery nozzles for delivering the treatment fluids, or as a gripping member able to firmly grip one or more of the objects at a time, in particular in order to orient them inside the washing chamber in accordance with desired spatial orientations and/or to move them according to predetermined trajectories.

In possible variants, the terminal end is able to support and position, in an articulated manner, two or more operating members interacting with the objects to be treated. In this case, for example, the operating members can be a gripping member and a delivery nozzle, or two different gripping members, or even two different delivery nozzles.

According to possible embodiments, the articulated automatic operator device is configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, provided with a plurality of components coupled in an articulated manner with respect to each other.

According to possible embodiments, the gripping member can be configured as a gripper, or a jaw, or other similar mechanical gripping members. In accordance with these embodiments, the gripping member can be removable with respect to the terminal end as above, for example to allow the necessary maintenance and cleaning operations, or with a different functionality. In addition, the gripping member can be interchangeable, since a plurality of different gripping members are provided, each able to grip one or more objects to be treated.

In equivalent variants, the gripping member is configured as a sucker, of the type commonly used in the industrial automation sector, or other similar members with pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, physical, chemical or electrical actuation.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the articulated automatic operator device is 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 fixed nozzles for delivering the treatment fluids and a system for draining the treatment fluids are provided in the washing chamber.

According to possible variants, the apparatus comprises a support element disposed in the washing chamber and able to receive the objects resting on it, since it is for example a fixed element, connected to the floor or to a wall of the washing chamber. Preferably, the support element is configured as a grid, so that the treatment fluids can passed through it.

According to one variant, the apparatus comprises a containing member defining a closed compartment able to accommodate at least one object, in particular, but not necessarily, of small sizes. The containing member is perforated, for example grilled, in order to allow the entry and exit of the treatment fluids, which thus interact with the object disposed inside the compartment, without causing an uncontrolled displacement thereof. In this variant, the containing member can be kept resting on the support element, or it can be associated with the gripping member as above.

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

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one articulated automatic operator device disposed in the loading zone and, advantageously, an articulated automatic operator device disposed in the unloading zone, both provided with respective terminal ends which support corresponding gripping members in an articulated manner, in order to respectively manipulate the objects to be treated that have to enter into the washing chamber, and the treated objects that have to exit from or have just exited from the same chamber. Preferably, these automatic operator devices are structurally similar to the automatic operator device disposed in the washing chamber. Advantageously, they are therefore also configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, provided with a plurality of components coupled in an articulated manner with respect to each other. These automatic operator devices are also each provided with a terminal end able to support suitable gripping members capable of firmly gripping an object in an articulated manner. These gripping members are also removable with respect to the terminal end, and interchangeable with other suitable gripping members able to grip objects of different shapes and sizes. In some variants provided here, the washing apparatus comprises an articulated automatic operator device disposed in the loading zone, while the unloading zone does not have it, since for example other suitable means for moving the treated objects exiting from the chamber are provided, or an articulated automatic operator device disposed in the unloading zone, while the loading zone does not have it, since for example other suitable means are provided for moving the objects to be treated which are headed toward the washing chamber.

According to possible embodiments, one or more optical detection devices, for example cameras or video cameras, are provided in the loading zone and in the unloading zone, in order to detect images or sequences of images or videos of the objects as above. These optical detection 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 zones, or on one of the components of the articulated automatic operator device. If they are disposed in the clean zone, they can also be suitable to verify the correct execution of the washing and sanitizing treatments. In accordance with one variant, these optical detection devices are also provided inside the washing chamber.

According to one possible embodiment, two distinct automatic operator 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 gripping members to grip the object that is being treated.

In some embodiments, the washing apparatus comprises a programmable control unit configured to command the articulated automatic operator devices as above, both the one(s) disposed in the washing chamber, and also those disposed in the loading zone for loading and in the unloading zone for unloading the objects, in particular on the basis of the information that the programmable control unit receives from the optical detection devices.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing method for washing and sanitizing objects.

Some embodiments of the method according to the present invention provide to introduce, through a desired and suitable spatial path, the objects into a washing chamber inside which the objects are treated, in particular through an aperture for the entry of the objects which is facing toward a loading zone for loading the same objects.

Some embodiments of the method in accordance with the present invention provide to deliver into the washing chamber suitable treatment fluids to carry out on the objects, and in particular on all their surfaces, present in the chamber the washing and sanitizing treatments as above.

Some embodiments of the method in accordance with the present invention therefore provide to deliver the treated objects to an unloading zone, making them exit from the washing chamber through an exit aperture.

According to one characteristic aspect of the method according to the present invention, it is provided that the objects to be treated interact with an operating member supported in an articulated manner by a terminal end of an automatic operator device, said device being articulated and disposed inside the washing chamber. This interaction is configured as the delivery of treatment fluids in the event that the operating member is one of the delivery nozzles as above, or as the gripping of an object in the event that the operating member is a gripping member able to grip the objects in order to orient them in an articulated manner inside the washing chamber in accordance with desired spatial orientations and/or to move them according to predetermined trajectories.

According to one embodiment of the apparatus, in which the end of the articulated automatic operator device supports a gripping member in an articulated manner, the method can provide that this gripping member picks up the object directly from the loading zone, takes it into the washing chamber, where it moves it in order to carry out the treatments provided, and finally takes it outside of the washing chamber in order to deliver it in the unloading zone.

According to some embodiments provided here, the method is governed by a programmable control unit which commands at least the movement of the articulated automatic operator device as above and of the gripping member in order to correctly manipulate the objects, possibly in a manner coordinated with the activation of the delivery nozzles as above, after the object being treated has been recognized by means of the optical detection devices as above. In accordance with some embodiments, the programmable control unit is configured to store, even in different time units, the treatment cycles, that is, the customized washing “recipes” relating to each specific object that can be treated by means of the apparatus of the present invention. In possible implementations, each “recipe” can comprise at least one or more of either the following pieces of information: the treatment fluids, the delivery times and flow rates, pressures and temperatures of the various treatment fluids, as well as information relating to the expected treatment sequence, and to the gripping members and gripping positions, movement paths and positions in which the objects are released inside the washing chamber, and possibly also in the loading zone and in the unloading zone. Thanks to the fact that the washing “recipes” are stored in the programmable control unit, it is possible to considerably simplify the management of the washing cycle by the operators, who are no longer required to follow instructions or notes on worksheets or suchlike, given that all the data and information necessary to wash the objects are “digital” and directly communicated to the washing machine.

One advantage of the apparatus and of the method according to the present invention is that, thanks to the presence of at least one articulated automatic operator device in the washing chamber, it is possible to do without the object- holder containers, that is, the baskets, which are usually used in solutions known in the state of the art. This advantageously allows to prevent the disadvantages related to their management which have been previously described.

Another advantage of certain embodiments of the apparatus and of the method according to the present invention is to guarantee a firm grip of the objects by the gripping member, at least during the treatments provided in the washing chamber. The presence of the articulated automatic operator device also allows to significantly 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 that are otherwise difficult to reach for these fluids in the washing machines known in the state of the art.

Another advantage of the apparatus and of the method according to the present invention is optimizing treatment times and the consumption of treatment fluids. In fact, unlike in the state of the art, in which a long washing cycle is provided to wash, all together, the objects disposed on the support members of the object- holder containers, thanks to the apparatus and to the method of the present invention it is possible to individually treat the objects with treatment cycles that are much shorter and more performing, because they are customized according to the shape and sizes of the individual objects. The applicant has verified that this yields considerable savings on the consumption of treatment fluids, with the consequent cost savings that derive from this, without affecting the quality of the treatments performed, or on the total treatment times. Another advantage correlated to this aspect is that, thanks to the fact that in the apparatus according to the present invention it is necessary to feed a much lower number of delivery nozzles than in the solutions known in the state of the art, the hydraulic system for feeding the treatment fluids is also much simpler, more compact and easier to maintain than those of the state of the art. For example, according to the present invention it is advantageously possible to monitor, in particular in real time, the correct functioning of the delivery nozzles, verifying their correct functionality and therefore the absence of unwanted obstructions that prevent the delivery of the treatment fluids.

Another advantage of the apparatus and of the method according to the present invention is that they are very flexible. In fact, they are also suitable to easily treat objects that have never been treated before, provided that a gripping member is available that can guarantee a firm grip of the object, and that the corresponding customized treatment cycle is loaded into the programmable control unit. 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 because they are suitable to treat a large number of objects thanks to the possibility of easily changing the gripping members associated with the terminal end of the articulated automatic operator device. Furthermore, this allows to significantly expand the range of objects that 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 that currently can only be washed manually because, in particular due to their shape or sizes, they cannot be disposed in the object-holder baskets in order to be washed with the known systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a schematic lateral section of a washing apparatus according to the present invention, which also shows numerous objects that are treated with the apparatus as above;

- figs. 2-5 are detailed schematic views, which show a possible operating washing sequence carried out by the apparatus of fig. 1 ;

- figs. 6 and 7 are schematic lateral sections of two possible variants of the washing apparatus according to the present invention.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, one or more characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall comprise all such modifications and variants.

Before describing these embodiments, we must also clarify that the present description is not limited in its application to details of the construction and disposition of the components as described in the following description using the attached drawings. The present description can provide other embodiments and can be obtained or executed in various other ways. We must also clarify that the phraseology and terminology used here is for the purposes of description only, and cannot be considered as limitative.

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

The objects in question, indicated in the attached drawings with reference number 100, can be, in particular, objects and parts of objects used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hospital or dentistry field, in the field of the biomedical or food industry and others. In the attached drawings, for clarity of presentation and simplicity of representation, a plurality of objects 100 are shown all having the same shape. However, it is evident that the washing apparatus 10 described here is suitable to treat a plurality of objects 100, having even different shapes from each other, even significantly more complex than the example one that has been shown.

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

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

The loading zone 11 also comprises an articulated arm 13 provided with a plurality of components 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E which are coupled in an articulated manner with respect to each other. As will be clear to the person of skill in the art, the articulated arm 13, according to requirements, may comprise a greater or lesser number of components than the number of components which has been shown, purely by way of example, in the attached drawings.

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

The articulated arm 13 is attached to the ceiling 16 of the loading zone 11. The terminal articulated component 13E defines a terminal end of the articulated arm 13, since it is disposed at the distal end of the latter, that is to say, at its end furthest from the ceiling 16.

The loading zone 11 comprises an optical detection device 17, also for example attached to the ceiling 16, and configured to detect images, sequences of images or videos of the objects 100 to be treated.

The loading zone 11 also comprises a loading shelf 18 configured to receive the objects 100 to be treated resting on it. In one possible embodiment, the loading shelf 18 comprises a support 19, suitably shaped, able to penetrate inside one of the objects 100 to be treated to ensure that the latter stably maintains the intended upright position.

The washing apparatus 10 comprises a washing chamber 20, which is able to be selectively isolated with respect to the external environment. The washing chamber 20 comprises an entry aperture 21 and an exit aperture 22 able respectively to allow the objects 100 to enter and exit the washing chamber 20. The entry aperture 21 is adjacent to the loading shelf 18.

Both apertures 21, 22 are closeable in a hermetically sealed manner by suitable closing means, for example configured as a roller shutter door 23. The apertures 21, 22 are made on opposite lateral walls 20A, 20B of the washing chamber 20, facing each other so as to define a tunnel-like configuration, which allows the objects 100 to pass through the washing chamber 20 along a substantially linear path. It is evident that configurations of the washing chamber 20 other than the tunnel-like one can also be provided, all coming within the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, there can be provided L-shaped paths of the objects 100 between the entry aperture 21 and the exit aperture 22, or at least partly circular paths, or even other paths in which the apertures 21, 22 are not aligned.

A support shelf 24 is provided in the washing chamber 20, able to receive the objects 100 resting on it. Preferably, the support shelf 24 is configured as a grid to allow the treatment fluids to pass through the support shelf 24.

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

The articulated arm 25 is provided with a plurality of components 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E which are coupled in an articulated manner with respect to each other. Also in this case, the person of skill in the art will understand without any difficulty that the articulated arm 25, according to requirements, may comprise a greater or lesser number of components than the number of components which has been shown, purely by way of example, in the attached drawings.

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

The articulated arm 25 is attached to the ceiling 20C of the washing chamber 20. The terminal articulated component 25E defines a terminal end of the articulated arm 25, since it is disposed at the distal end of the latter, that is to say, at its end furthest from the ceiling 20C.

The washing chamber 20 comprises a plurality of delivery nozzles 28, configured to deliver the treatment fluids. In the example shown, there are provided two delivery nozzles 28 protruding from the ceiling 20C of the washing chamber 20, and another delivery nozzle 28 projecting from the floor 20D of the washing chamber 20. This last delivery nozzle protrudes above the support shelf 24, approximately in a centerline position of the support shelf. Each delivery nozzle 28 is associated with one or more supply ducts 39 for the treatment fluids able to be delivered by the nozzle. For example, the delivery nozzle 28 projecting from the floor 20D can be fed by two supply 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 only be activated during the washing and sanitizing of particularly dirty objects 100.

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

The washing apparatus 10 also comprises an unloading zone 30 where the objects 100 already treated in the washing chamber 20 arrive. The unloading zone 30, functionally specular to the loading zone 11, is disposed on the opposite side with respect to the latter with reference to the washing chamber 20, which therefore separates these two zones.

The unloading zone 30 comprises an unloading shelf 31 configured to receive, resting on it, the treated objects 100 exiting from the washing chamber 20 through the exit aperture 22. In one possible embodiment, the unloading shelf 31 is adjacent to the exit aperture 22.

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

The unloading zone 30 also comprises an articulated arm 33 provided with a plurality of components 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E which are coupled in an articulated manner with respect to each other. 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 zone 11, and possibly also to the articulated arm 25 placed in the washing chamber 20. Consequently, also in this case, it will be understood that the articulated arm 33, according to requirements, may comprise a greater or lesser number of components than the number of components that has been shown, purely by way of example, in the attached drawings. In other embodiments, the articulated arms 13, 25 and 33 are all different from each other, since they can comprise a different number of articulated components.

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

The articulated arm 33 is attached to the ceiling 36 of the unloading zone 31. The terminal articulated component 33E defines a terminal end of the articulated arm 33, since it is disposed at the distal end of the latter, that is to say at its end furthest from the ceiling 36.

The unloading zone 30 comprises an optical detection device 37, also for example attached to the ceiling 36, and configured to detect images, sequences of images or videos of the objects 100 to be treated.

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

The washing apparatus 10’ comprises a loading zone 11 ’, a washing chamber 20’ and an unloading zone 30’.

Unlike the embodiment described with reference to fig. 1 , in this variant both the loading zone 1 G and also the unloading zone 30’ are without the articulated arm previously described.

The loading zone 11’ comprises feed means 12’, which can be configured as motorized sliders, conveyor strips or belts, or suchlike, or as trolleys driven by an operator, to take the objects 100 to be treated toward the washing chamber 20’.

The unloading zone 30’ comprises feed means 32’, which can be configured as motorized sliders, conveyor strips or belts, or suchlike, or as trolleys driven by an operator, to take the objects 100 treated in the washing chamber 20’ toward other sectors, where for example they are subjected to a sterilization treatment.

The washing chamber 20’ comprises a septum 40, which projects downward from the ceiling 20C’ of the chamber itself, to partition the washing chamber 20’. In this way, a washing and sanitizing zone 40A and a drying zone 40B are defined in the washing chamber 20’.

The washing chamber 20’ comprises an articulated arm 25’, 25” in each of these zones. Both articulated arms 25’, 25” are attached to the ceiling 20C’ of the washing chamber 20’. These articulated arms 25’, 25” can have a structure completely similar to the structure of the articulated arm 25 previously described, since they are formed by a plurality of components coupled in an articulated manner with respect to each other.

In particular, the articulated arm 25’ is disposed in the washing and sanitizing zone 40A and is provided with a terminal articulated component 25E’ configured to support, in an articulated manner, a delivery nozzle 28’ with which there are associated one or more supply ducts 39’ of the treatment fluids able to be delivered by the nozzle. In one variant, the articulated arm 25’ is configured to support two or more delivery nozzles 28’. At least one of these delivery nozzles can be supported in an articulated manner, and/or at least another of these delivery nozzles can be rigidly constrained to one of the components of the articulated arm 25’. In one possible embodiment of this variant, the delivery nozzles 28, 28’ are suitably shaped in a different way to each other, in such a way as to be suitable, for example, to direct the treatment fluid respectively both inside and also outside the object 100 being treated.

On the other hand, the articulated arm 25” disposed in the drying zone 40B is provided with a respective terminal articulated component 25E” that supports, in an articulated manner, a respective gripping member 27” able to firmly grip the object 100 being dried.

Both the terminal articulated component 25E’ and also the terminal articulated component 25E” define respective terminal ends of the respective articulated arms 25’, 25”, since they are disposed at the distal ends of the latter, that is to say, at their furthest ends from the ceiling 20C’ of the washing chamber 20’.

In both zones 40 A, 40B there are provided optical detection devices 38’ configured to detect images, sequences of images or videos of the objects 100 being treated. These optical detection devices 38’ are for example the same as the optical detection devices 17’, 37’ disposed in the loading and unloading zones 1G, 30’. By way of example, the optical detection device 38’ disposed in the washing and sanitizing zone 40 A is attached to a lateral wall 20 A’ of the washing chamber 20’, in particular the one in which the entry aperture 2G is made, while the optical detection device 38’ disposed in the drying zone 40B is attached to the ceiling 20C’ of the washing chamber 20’.

In the washing and sanitizing zone 40 A there are provided means 24’ for moving the objects 100, for example configured as a transport conveyor or as a rotating table. In one possible embodiment, the movement means 24’ can comprise grilled elements that allow the passage of treatment fluids through them. In possible embodiments, suitable motors are provided, for example electric, preferably disposed outside the washing chamber 20’, and configured to move the movement means 24’.

Also in this variant, as well as in the embodiment described with reference to fig. 1 , in the washing and sanitizing zone 40A there are provided fixed delivery nozzles 28’, connected to the ceiling 20C’ and to the floor 20D’ of the washing chamber 20’, and a system 29’ for draining the treatment fluids.

In the drying zone 40B there is provided a fixed delivery nozzle 28’ conflgured to deliver a jet of air, and attached to the floor 20D’ of the washing chamber 20’.

In accordance with alternative embodiments of this variant, the movement means 24’ can also extend into the drying zone 40B, effectively connecting the entry aperture 21 ’ and the exit aperture 22’ of the washing chamber 20’. In this case, the terminal articulated component 25E” of the articulated arm 25 disposed in the drying zone 40B supports in an articulated manner a delivery nozzle 28’, in particular configured to emit a jet of air.

With reference to fig. 7, another variant of the washing apparatus according to the present invention is shown, indicated as a whole with reference number 10”. This variant is similar to the embodiment described with reference to fig. 1, to which we refer for reasons of brevity, highlighting here only the differences with it.

Unlike the embodiment previously described with reference to fig. 1, the washing chamber 20 comprised in the washing apparatus 10’ comprises another articulated arm 41.

The articulated arm 41, attached to one of the walls or to the ceiling or on the bottom of the chamber, is structurally similar to the articulated arm 25, comprising a plurality of components articulated to each other. One of these components, specifically the terminal articulated component 42, supports in an articulated manner a delivery nozzle 28. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the treatment fluids can reach the delivery nozzle 28 supported by the articulated arm 41 both by means of a supply duct 39 which passes through the inside of the articulated components, as in the version shown in fig. 7, and also by means of an external supply duct, attached onto the surface of the articulated components.

The position of the articulated arm 41 is such as to allow, in this variant, to eliminate the delivery nozzle 28, attached to the floor 20D of the washing chamber 20. In one possible embodiment, the articulated arm 41 is configured to support two or more delivery nozzles 28, which are in particular shaped in a different way to each other, in such a way as to be suitable to direct the treatment fluid respectively both inside and also outside the object 100 being treated. In this case, at least one of these delivery nozzles can be supported in an articulated manner, and/or at least another of these delivery nozzles can be rigidly constrained to one of the components of the articulated arm 41.

According to possible embodiments provided here, the gripping members 15, 27, 27” and 35 comprised in the washing apparatuses 10, 10’, 10” previously described with reference to figs. 1, 6 and 7, comprise a presence sensor, or other similar completely equivalent sensors, configured to verify that the grip of the objects is correct and functionally right, and to emit an alarm signal in the event the object 100 is absent or incorrectly gripped. This can advantageously warn, in a timely manner, the operator of a malfunction of the apparatus, caused for example by the accidental fall of the object 100, or the failed or incorrect grip of the latter by the gripping member.

In all the embodiments described here, the articulated arms 13, 25, 25’, 25”, 33, 41 comprised in the washing apparatus 10, 10’, 10” referred to in figs. 1, 6 and 7, comprise - as mentioned - a plurality of articulated components rotatably connected to each other, which are internally hollow so as to each receive inside them drive members and/or electrical or electronic components and/or ducts for fluids, configured for the movement of the articulated automatic operator, or possibly for the supply of the treatment fluids toward the delivery nozzles 28, in the event they are supported by the articulated arm.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the washing apparatus 10, 10’, 10” comprises one or more lamps configured to emit ultraviolet rays, or UV lamps for short, indicated by reference number 43 in figs. 1-5 and 7 and by reference number 43’ in fig. 6, and disposed inside the washing chamber 20, 20’. These lamps 43, 43’, by way of a non-limiting example, are attached to the ceiling 20C, 20C’ of the washing chamber 20, 20’, or to one of its lateral walls 20 A, 20B, 20A’, 20B’, or they can also be associated with the articulated arm 25, 25’, 41. In the version shown by way of example, these lamps are attached to the lateral wall 20B, 20B’. The lamps 43, 43’are configured to further reduce the bacterial load possibly still 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 some variants of the embodiment shown in fig. 6, in addition or as an alternative to the lamp 43 ’ shown, one or more additional UV lamps can be provided, which can be provided both in the washing and sanitizing zone 40A, and also in the drying zone 40B.

With reference to the embodiments shown in figs. 1, 6 and 7, the washing apparatus 10, 10’, 10” comprises a programmable control unit, not shown, able at least to command the movement, in a controlled manner, of the articulated arms 13, 25, 33, 41 as a function of the object 100 to be treated and the treatment cycle to be carried out on it.

The programmable control unit is also configured to store the operating parameters that regulate the treatment cycles of each of the objects 100 that can be treated by means of the apparatus of the present invention.

These operating parameters comprise, for each object 100, at least:

- the position and orientation that the object 100 has to assume on the loading shelf 18,

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

- the treatment cycle of the object 100, that is, in particular, its specific washing, sanitizing and drying “recipe”;

- which gripping member 15, 27, 27”, 35 has to be used to grip the object 100 among those available for use in the washing apparatus of the present invention; and

- the list of objects for each treatment cycle, in the event that the cycle involves treating more than one 100 object at a time.

In accordance with some embodiments described here, the operating parameters that identify the treatment cycle of the object 100, that is, its washing “recipe”, comprise at least one or more of the following pieces of information:

- treatment times, pressures, flow rates and temperatures of the treatment fluids for each sub-step of the treatment cycle,

- sequence of the sub-steps provided in the treatment cycle,

- position in which it has to be maintained, orientation, trajectory and speed of displacement of the object 100 in each treatment sub-step, and possibly gripping and release positions of the object 100 in each treatment sub-step, if there is the provision to grip and release the object.

With the expression treatment sub-step, we mean the single step comprised in the treatment cycle carried out by the washing apparatus 10, 10’, 10” of the present invention. Examples of these treatment sub-steps are the step of washing with cold water only, the step of washing with hot water and possible detergents, the possible step of treatment with steam, the step of sanitizing at high temperature, the drying step.

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

With particular reference to the operating sequence shown in figs. 2-5, possible embodiments of the washing method in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are now described.

Initially, in the loading zone 11 the optical detection device 17 identifies the object 100 to be treated. This information is communicated to the programmable control unit, which on the basis of the operating parameters described above commands the functioning of the apparatus 10 in order to carry out the treatment cycle provided for the object 100.

The articulated arm 13 picks up the object 100 to be treated from the feed means 12 and disposes it on the loading shelf 18, in the position provided by the operating parameters as above, for example upside-down so that the support 19 enters inside the mouth of the object 100 (fig. 2)

Subsequently, the articulated arm 25 disposed in the washing chamber 20 picks up the object 100, which is gripped by the gripping member 27 and taken inside the washing chamber 20 through the entry aperture 21 (fig. 3).

After the entry aperture 21 has been closed by the roller shutter door 23, the articulated arm 25 takes the object 100 in the proximity of one or more delivery nozzles 28 to carry out the sub-steps of washing and possibly of sanitizing and drying (fig. 4).

In some embodiments, the washing sub-step, the sanitizing sub-step and the drying sub-step can provide that the articulated arm 25 takes the object 100 to interact with more than one delivery nozzle 28 according to a predetermined sequence, therefore it is provided that the object 100 is kept exposed on each occasion to the delivery nozzle according to a predetermined orientation, so as to guarantee the complete washing, the complete sanitization and the complete drying of all the surfaces of the object, both internal and also external.

In possible embodiments, during the washing or the sanitizing or the drying sub-step it can be provided to rest the object 100 on the support shelf 24, and then pick it up again, by means of the gripping member 27, in a different gripping position, so that it is also possible to wash, sanitize and dry the zone in correspondence with which the object 100 was initially gripped. In these embodiments, before the object 100 is gripped again, the treatment cycle can provide that the gripping member 27 itself is taken in the proximity of one of the delivery nozzles 28 so that it too is adequately washed.

Subsequently, once the washing, sanitizing and drying sub-steps have been completed, the roller shutter door 23 that previously closed the exit aperture 22 is opened and the articulated arm 25 deposits the object 100 in the unloading zone 30, in particular on the support shelf 31, in a position predetermined by its treatment cycle (fig. 5).

Subsequently, it is provided that the optical detection device 37 disposed in the unloading zone 30 verifies that the treatment cycle has been carried out 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.

These embodiments of the method can also be implemented by the apparatuses 10’ and 10”, described above with reference to figs. 6 and 7, except for the obvious differences related to the structural differences of these variants.

In particular, during the washing and sanitizing sub-cycles carried out by the apparatus 10’ of fig. 6, the object 100 can be sprayed with the treatment fluids both by means of the fixed delivery nozzle 28’, disposed in the proximity of the floor 20D’, and also by means of 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 parts of that object. In one variant, 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. In the apparatus 10’ it is therefore provided that, once these washing and sanitizing sub-steps have been completed, the articulated arm 25” picks up the object 100 from the movement means 24’ in order to take it in the proximity of another air delivery nozzle 28’ able to carry out the drying sub-step.

Similarly, during the washing and sanitizing sub-cycles carried out by the apparatus 10” of fig. 7, the object 100 can be sprayed with the treatment fluids both by means of the fixed delivery nozzles 28, for example connected to the floor 20B or to one of the lateral walls 20A, 20B and not shown, and also by means of 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 the parts of this object.

Some embodiments of the method described here provide that during the treatment cycle one or more washing jets are activated, delivered by dedicated nozzles, which are directed in such a way as to spray the lateral 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 disposed in said washing chamber 20. These washing jets can be delivered continuously or intermittently in order to always keep both the washing chamber 20 and also the components it contains correctly washed.

Some embodiments of the method according to the present invention provide that, after the 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 members suitable to grip the object to be treated. For this purpose, there can be provided a magazine for such gripping members, located for example in the loading and unloading zones 11, 30. In possible implementations, it can be provided that each time a gripping member is removed from the articulated arm 13, 25, 25”, 33 that supports it, this is also subjected to a treatment cycle inside the washing chamber 20 which allows to always keep it in the adequate cleaning conditions. For example, the gripping members to be washed can be rested on the support shelf 24, or on the movement means 24’, or even in suitable washing bays made on the lateral walls 20A, 20B of the washing chamber 20, not shown, and able to accommodate the gripping members.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the apparatus and to the method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and 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 of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of apparatus and method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

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 or dentistry field, in the field of the biomedical or food industry or other objects, comprising a washing chamber (20; 20’) inside which the objects are treated, said chamber being able to be hermetically isolated with respect to the external environment, and one or more delivery nozzles (28; 28’), located in said washing chamber (20; 20’), and configured to deliver suitable treatment fluids able to carry out the washing and/or sanitizing treatments of said objects (100), said apparatus being characterized in that it comprises at least one articulated automatic operator device (25, 41; 25’, 25”), disposed inside said washing chamber (20; 20’), and provided with a terminal end (25E, 42; 25E’, 25E”) able to support and position, in an articulated manner, an operating member interacting with the objects (100) to be treated; wherein said operating member is configured as one or more of said delivery 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 operator device (25; 25’, 25”) is configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, provided with a plurality of components (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E) coupled in an articulated manner with respect to each other.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises two articulated automatic operator devices (25, 41; 25’, 25”), disposed inside said washing chamber (20; 20’), wherein one articulated automatic operator device (25; 25”) is configured to support, in an articulated manner, said gripping member (27; 27”) and another articulated automatic operator device (25’; 41) is configured to support, in an articulated manner, one or more of said delivery nozzles (28; 28’).

4. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a support element (24; 24’) disposed in said washing chamber (20; 20’) and able to receive the objects (100) resting on it, wherein said support element (24) is configured as a fixed element, or it is configured as a mobile transport member (24’), able to move the objects (100) disposed resting on it, and in that said support element (24; 24’) is at least partly perforated or grilled so that it can be passed through by the treatment fluids.

5. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a loading zone (11; 1 ) for loading the objects (100), configured to receive the objects (100) to be treated before they enter into said washing chamber (20; 20’); in said loading zone (11; 11 ’) there being provided an articulated automatic operator device (13) configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, comprising a plurality of components coupled in an articulated manner one with respect to another, and a respective terminal end (13E) which supports, in an articulated manner, a gripping member (15) able to manipulate said objects (100) to be treated.

6. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises an unloading zone (30; 30’) for unloading the objects (100), configured to receive the treated objects (100) exiting from said washing chamber (20; 20’); in said unloading zone (30; 30’) there being provided an articulated automatic operator device (33) configured as an articulated arm, or anthropomorphic robot, comprising a plurality of components coupled in an articulated manner one with respect to another, and a respective terminal end (33E) which supports, in an articulated manner, a gripping member (35) able to manipulate said treated objects (100).

7. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said gripping members (15, 27, 35; 27”) are removable with respect to the terminal end (13E, 25E, 33E; 25E”) which supports them, and are also interchangeable, since they are specialized according to a plurality of different gripping members (15, 27, 35; 27”), each able to grip 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 a pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, physical, chemical or electrical actuation.

8. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said gripping members (15, 27, 35; 27”) comprise a presence sensor configured to verify that the grip of the objects (100) is correct and functionally right, and to emit an alarm signal in the event said object (100) is absent or incorrectly gripped.

9. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises one or more optical detection devices (17, 37; 17’, 37’, 38’), for example cameras or video cameras, for detecting images or sequences of images or videos of said objects (100) in order 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 in 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 zone (11; I P) for loading the objects (100) and/or in an unloading zone (30; 30’) for unloading the objects (100), configured respectively to receive the objects (100) to be treated before they enter into said washing chamber (20; 20’) and the treated objects (100) exiting from said washing chamber (20; 20’).

10. Apparatus as in claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a programmable control unit configured to command said articulated automatic operator device (25, 41; 25’, 25”) disposed inside said washing chamber (20; 20’), and articulated automatic operator devices (13, 33) disposed in a loading zone (11; I P) for loading and in an unloading zone (30; 30’) for unloading the objects (100), which are configured respectively to receive the objects (100) to be treated before they enter into said washing chamber (20; 20’) and the treated objects (100) exiting from said washing chamber (20; 20’), in particular on the basis of the information that said programmable control unit receives from said one or more optical detection devices (17, 37; 17’, 37’, 38’).

11. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it also comprises one or more lamps (43; 43’) configured to emit ultraviolet rays, disposed inside said washing chamber (20, 20’), to reduce the bacterial load.

12. Washing method for washing and possibly sanitizing and drying objects (100), advantageously for example objects and parts of objects used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hospital, or dentistry field, in the field of the biomedical or food industry, in which it is provided to introduce the objects (100) into a washing chamber (20; 20’) inside which the objects (100) are treated, said chamber being able to be hermetically isolated with respect to the external environment, deliver into said washing chamber (20; 20’) suitable treatment fluids in order to carry 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); wherein said washing method is characterized in that it provides to make the objects (100) interact with an operating member supported in an articulated manner by a terminal end (25E, 42; 25E”, 25E”) of an articulated automatic operator device (25, 41; 25’, 25”) disposed inside said washing chamber (20; 20’), wherein this interaction is configured as the delivery of the treatment fluids in the event that the operating member is configured as a nozzle (28; 28’) for delivering the treatment fluids, 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. Method as in claim 12, characterized in that it is provided to command, by means of a programmable control unit, at least the movement of said articulated automatic operator device (25, 41; 25’, 25”), and of said gripping member (27; 27’) in order to correctly manipulate said objects (100), possibly in a manner coordinated with the activation of said delivery nozzles (28; 28’), after said objects (100) have been recognized by optical detection devices (17, 37; 17’, 37’, 38’) provided in a loading zone (11; 1 G) for loading the objects (100) into said washing chamber (20; 20’) and/or in an unloading zone (30; 30’) for unloading the objects from said washing chamber (20; 20’), and/or inside said washing chamber (20’).

14. Method as in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said washing treatment, and said possible treatment for sanitizing and drying said objects (100) are controlled by means of a programmable control unit, which is configured to store information relating to the cycles of said treatments, that is, to the “recipes” for washing and possibly sanitizing and drying, customized for each specific object (100), said information comprising at least one or more of the information comprised in the group consisting of: the type of treatment fluids, the delivery times, the flow rates, pressures and temperatures of the various treatment fluids, as well as information relating to the expected treatment sequence, and the gripping members and gripping positions, movement paths and positions in which the objects (100) are released inside said washing chamber (20; 20’), and possibly also in said loading zone (11; 1 G) and in said unloading zone (30; 30’).