Apparatus, facility and method for industrial washing of surgical instruments

Abstract

The washing device (10) comprises: at least one washing unit (15) equipped with at least one washing station (55) for carrying out a washing operation on the surgical instrument (11) and a control device (19) for moving the surgical instrument (11) relative to the at least one washing station (55); a movement device (16) defining a feed line (L1) for moving the surgical instrument (11) to be washed towards the washing unit (15); and a pick-up line (L2) autonomous with respect to the feed line (L1) and configured to pick up the washed surgical instrument (11) from the at least one washing unit (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, a facility and a method for industrial washing of surgical instruments, for example from one or more operating rooms. Background Art

[0002] Instruments used during surgical procedures are often provided to the medical team in kits or sets, each of which contains a certain number and type of surgical instruments. For example, each set contains instruments that are specific to a particular surgical procedure.

[0003] Normally, to avoid contamination during the washing and sterilization steps, certain kits are never disassembled so that at the end of washing, the kit always contains the same instruments as at the end of the surgical procedure.

[0004] Typically, surgical instruments are washed in a thermal disinfectant washer or instrument washer and sterilized in a steam sterilizer (eg, an autoclave).

[0005] Furthermore, before the actual washing of the surgical instruments in the instrument washer, the surgical instruments are subjected to a preliminary washing, the purpose of which is to remove solid residues of blood or other substances resulting from the surgical procedure deposited on the surgical instruments to be washed.

[0006] Initial washing includes cold washing, ultrasonic washing, and possibly manual washing with a manual device (such as, for example, a brush) to remove coagulated blood or other substances. In fact, usually, not all instruments coming out of the operating room are used and require comprehensive initial washing.

[0007] In the initial wash, the operator visually selects the surgical instruments and chooses whether to wash each instrument in a cold washer or wash them manually.

[0008] Although widely used, this solution is not very efficient and productive, especially when a large number of instruments need to be washed, such as in a hospital or operating room where many surgical procedures are performed every day.

[0009] Document US2018 / 318458A1 describes a structure, an unmanned vehicle and a method for handling dirty surgical instruments.

[0010] Document WO2021 / 229614A1 relates to a washing device and method.

[0011] Document US2021 / 145537A1 describes a system for washing and inspecting medical devices.

[0012] Document ITU020100227 A1 describes a complete washing device.

[0013] Document US 2011 / 262250 A1 describes an automated robotic system for handling surgical instruments.

[0014] Document WO 2019 / 054910 A1 describes a system for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes.

[0015] Document EP 3 009 201 A1 describes a washing device, in particular a thermal disinfection device.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need to improve an apparatus, facility and method for industrially washing surgical instruments to overcome at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0017] To achieve this, a technical problem had to be solved: being able to automatically transfer instruments from one washing machine to another while maintaining a high level of cleanliness.

[0018] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a facility and a method for industrially washing surgical instruments which can reduce the time required to wash the instruments.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a facility and a method for industrially washing surgical instruments that do not require the presence of a professional.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a facility and a method for industrially washing surgical instruments that are reliable and easy to use.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, an installation and a method for industrial washing of surgical instruments, which allow washing of surgical instruments without disassembling the kit to which they belong, and tracking of the instruments that make up the kit.

[0022] 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

[0023] The invention is set forth and described in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0024] According to the above purpose, and to solve the above technical problems in a novel and original way, while achieving significant advantages over the prior art, the device for washing surgical instruments according to the present invention comprises: at least one washing unit for washing surgical instruments and a mobile device defining a feed line, the feed line being configured to move the surgical instruments to be washed to the at least one washing unit; and a pick-up line, the pick-up line being autonomous with respect to the feed line and being configured to pick up surgical instruments from the at least one washing unit. The washing unit comprises at least one washing station and a manipulation device, the manipulation device being configured to manipulate the surgical instruments from the mobile device to the washing station and vice versa.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the manipulator comprises at least one robotized anthropomorphic arm for moving surgical instruments between the moving device and the washing station and placing the washed surgical instruments in the pick-up line. The washing device also comprises an entry station equipped with at least one additional robotized anthropomorphic arm for placing the instruments to be washed on the feed line.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a moving device includes a first moving member defining a feed line and a second moving member defining a pick-up line.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first moving member is disposed on one side of the manipulation device, and the second moving member is disposed on a second side of the manipulation device opposite to the first side.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the washing apparatus further comprises a first container into which the instruments to be washed are inserted before being placed on the feed line, and a second container which is placed on the pick-up line and can accommodate washed instruments.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the washing apparatus comprises an exit station equipped with a grouping zone for grouping at least the second container and also equipped with at least one automated humanoid arm configured to pick up at least the second container and place it on the mobile support member.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a plurality of washing units arranged along an alignment axis.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the second moving member is configured to move the second container along the pick-up line.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one washing unit comprises at least: an identification station configured to identify surgical instruments, a detection station configured to detect organic traces on surgical instruments, and at least one robotized anthropomorphic arm configured to move surgical instruments between the mobile device and the station.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one washing unit comprises a handling station comprising an additional handling device configured to cooperate with the handling device. The additional handling device comprises a resting surface to which a hooking element is attached, by means of which the appliance can be hooked on the hooking element by means of the handling device and thus by means of a robotized anthropomorphic arm.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, at least the moving means and the washing unit are controlled by a central control unit which manages both the movement of the appliances in the apparatus and the operation of the washing unit.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, each first container is associated with a corresponding identification element encoding information related to the instrument contained in the first container. The apparatus comprises a feed zone equipped with a tool, the identification device being configured to identify the identification element at the moment the first container is placed on the feed line.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, a washing appliance comprises an identification station configured to identify an appliance of a group of appliances and equipped with at least a first viewing device connected to a unit for processing images taken by the first viewing device.

[0037] The invention also relates to a device for washing surgical instruments, comprising the device according to the invention, at least one thermal disinfector for thermally disinfecting surgical instruments and an additional moving device configured to automatically move surgical instruments coming out of the device to the at least one thermal disinfector.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for washing surgical instruments by means of the washing device of the present invention comprises the following steps: - a feeding step, in which the surgical instruments (11) to be washed are fed along a feeding line towards at least one washing unit by means of an additional robotic anthropomorphic arm; - a washing step, in which the manipulator (19) brings one of the instruments into the washing station with the aid of a robotized anthropomorphic arm (21) for the washing operation; - A picking step, in which surgical instruments washed in the washing station are picked up from the washing unit by means of a robotized anthropomorphic arm (21) and placed on a picking line.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, the feeding step also provides for feeding a first container into which the instruments to be washed are inserted before being placed on the feeding line, and a second container placed on the picking line and capable of containing washed instruments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] - Figure 1 and Figure 2 are schematic plan views of two washing devices according to two embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are Figure 1 and Figure 2 3D views of various parts of the equipment;

[0043] - Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a cutaway three-dimensional view of three components of the device according to the present invention;

[0044] - Figure 8 is an electrical diagram of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0045] - Fig. 9 is a schematic top view of a washing installation according to the invention.

[0046] We must clarify that in this description, the words and terms used as well as the figures in the drawings have only the function of better illustrating and explaining the invention, and their function is to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0047] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that the elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] refer to Figure 1 The device 10 according to the present invention is configured to automatically wash a surgical instrument 11 (hereinafter referred to as instrument 11), for example, perform preliminary washing.

[0049] Preferably, the device 10 of the invention is inserted into a washing facility 200 ( Figure 7 ) in which the thermal disinfection machine 201 is configured to process instruments 11 washed with the aid of the apparatus 10 of the present invention.

[0050] The instruments 11 to be washed come from one or more operating rooms and are grouped into kits 13 or groups of surgical instruments 11. In particular, here and in the following description, the term "kit" 13 refers to a certain group of surgical instruments 11.

[0051] Optionally, the device 10 also comprises a plurality of containers 12 and the instruments 11 of each set 13 are distributed to one or more containers 12 which are open at the top and are provided with holes to allow washing of the instruments 11 contained therein.

[0052] For example, the container 12 may be made of metal, and its walls may be made in the form of a grid or mesh so as to define a plurality of passage holes for water or other cleaning liquids.

[0053] Each container 12 is associated with a respective identification element 14 encoding information about the instrument 11 contained in the container. This information may also relate to the set 13 to which the instrument 11 belongs.

[0054] Merely by way of example, the identification element 14 may be a barcode, a QR code, an RFID, Bluetooth, or another type configured to transmit data via electromagnetic waves, or similar and comparable types.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 The installation 10 comprises a mobile device 16 and a plurality of washing units 15 associated with the mobile device 16 , the mobile device 16 defining a feed circuit L1 with an inlet E1 and an outlet U1 , and a take-up circuit L2 with an inlet E2 and an outlet U2 .

[0056] The moving device 16 is configured to both deliver the groups of instruments 11 to be washed to the washing unit 15 and pick up and remove the washed groups of instruments 11 from the washing unit 15 .

[0057] Specifically, the feed line L1 is configured to deliver the instruments to be washed from the inlet E1 to the washing unit 15, and the pick-up line L2 is configured to move the washed instruments 11 from the washing unit 15 to the outlet U2.

[0058] It must be clarified that the moving device 16 can bring a plurality of groups of instruments 11 to the washing units 15 substantially simultaneously and along the feed line L1 . In this case, each group of instruments 11 is moved towards a corresponding washing unit 15 .

[0059] The mobile device 16 and each washing unit 15 are controlled by a central control unit 18 ( Figure 8 ) control, the central control unit 18 manages both the movement of the equipment 11 in the device 10 and the operation of each washing unit 15.

[0060] In the example given here, the washing units 15 are arranged along an alignment axis A ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), and each washing unit includes a plurality of operating stations 17 and a manipulation device 19, the manipulation device 19 being configured to move the apparatus 11 between the operating station 17 (particularly the washing station 55) and the moving device 16.

[0061] Specifically, the handling device 19 is configured to pick up the instruments 11 to be washed from the feed line L1 and place the washed instruments 11 in the pick-up line L2.

[0062] In this particular case, the control device 19 ( Figures 1 to 4 ) comprises at least one support structure 20 to which a robotized anthropomorphic arm 21 is attached. The robotized anthropomorphic arm 21 is controlled by a local control unit 22 connected to the central control unit 18.

[0063] Attached to one end of the robotized anthropomorphic arm 21 is a gripping tool 23 suitable for gripping the instrument 11 , which may include a clamp, for example.

[0064] The robotized anthropomorphic arm 21 is dimensioned so as to be able to reach the feed line L1 and the pick-up line L2 and each operating station 17 of the corresponding washing unit 15 , in particular the washing station 55 .

[0065] In the example given here, each washing unit 15 ( Figures 1 to 4 ) includes an identification station 30, a manipulation station 40, a detection station 50 and a washing station 55.

[0066] The identification station 30 is configured to identify an instrument 11 of a group of instruments 11. The identification station 30 is configured to communicate with the local control unit 22 so as to be controlled by the manipulation device 19.

[0067] Specifically, the recognition station 30 comprises at least a first viewing device 32, such as a camera or the like, connected to a unit 33 for processing images taken by the first viewing device 32. The first viewing device 32 may be positioned in a support structure 31 located near the feed line L1 and near the robotized anthropomorphic arm 21.

[0068] During use, the first viewing device 32 captures one or more images of a group of instruments 11 to be washed fed to the washing unit 15 and the processing unit 33 is configured to determine the relative position between the handling device 19 and the instruments 11 to be washed.

[0069] Furthermore, the processing unit 33 is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the local control unit 22 , which electrical signal encodes the relative position between the handling device 19 and the equipment 11 to be cleaned.

[0070] Control Station 35( Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 ) includes an external structure 36, the external structure 36 has a front opening 37, and a second control device 39 is arranged in the front opening 37.

[0071] The second manipulation device 39 comprises a resting surface 40 on which is attached a hooking element 41 which is configured to be hooked onto the instrument 11. The instrument 11 is hooked onto the hooking element 41 by means of the manipulation device 19, and thus by means of the robotized anthropomorphic arm 21.

[0072] Merely by way of example, the hooking element 41 may comprise two vertical pins 42, each pin 42 being configured to be inserted into a corresponding loop of the surgical scissors so as to be able to open them to reveal the entire surface of the blade.

[0073] Furthermore, temporary holding members 43 for a plurality of gripping tools 23 configured to be connected to the distal ends of the automated humanoid arms 51 may be provided within the manipulation station 35 .

[0074] Testing Station 45( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) comprises an outer structure 46 which contains a second viewing device 47 and has a front hole 49 which allows an automated humanoid arm 51 to insert the instrument 11 into the vicinity of the second viewing device 47.

[0075] The second viewing device 47 is connected to a processing unit 50 for processing the images taken by the second viewing device 47 and detecting any organic traces on the device 11 .

[0076] Furthermore, the processing unit 50 is configured to determine the relative position of the organic traces detected on the device 11 relative to a reference point of the manipulation device 19 and to transmit an electrical signal encoding the relative position to the local control unit 22 in order to control the washing of the device 11 .

[0077] Merely by way of example, the second viewing device 47 comprises a light emitter and a sensor (not shown) for receiving reflected light, and possibly also optics for transmitting the reflected light towards the receiving sensor.

[0078] Washing station 55( Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) comprises an external structure 56, which contains a washing device 57 and has a front shell opening 59 for inserting the instrument 11 to be washed.

[0079] The washing device 57 is configured to deliver a washing liquid to the equipment 11 to be washed, and in the example given here, the washing device 57 comprises a frame 60 to which one or more nozzles 61 are attached, in this case five, each connected to a respective hydraulic circuit (not shown) feeding a specific washing liquid. By way of example only, the washing liquid may include: water, water and bicarbonate, steam, hydrogen peroxide, etc.

[0080] Each nozzle 61 can be driven by the local control unit 22 and spray a jet of washing liquid for washing the tool 11 located therebelow via the control device, for example depending on the location of organic traces on the tool 11 .

[0081] However, the person skilled in the art understands that the washing device 57 can also differ significantly from the one described so far and can also be selected from washing devices known per se, depending on the desired productivity of the apparatus 10 and the desired washing program.

[0082] The movement device 16 comprises a first movement member 62 defining a feed line L1 along which the equipment 11 to be washed is fed towards the washing unit 15 .

[0083] The first moving member 62 is controlled by the central control unit 18 and is configured to move the equipment 11 to be washed along the feed line L1 towards one washing unit 15 .

[0084] Furthermore, the movement device 16 comprises a second movement member 65 defining a pick-up line L2 along which the washed articles 11 are moved towards the outlet end U2 in order to be picked up by the apparatus 10 .

[0085] Preferably, the first moving member 62 is disposed on a first side of the manipulation device 19 of the washing unit 15 , and the second moving member 65 is disposed on a second side of the manipulation device 19 of the washing unit 15 opposite to the first side.

[0086] In the first embodiment, if Figure 1 and Figure 3 As schematically shown, the appliances 11 to be washed are arranged in groups in a plurality of first containers 12A located on a first moving member 62 .

[0087] In this case, the first moving member 62 comprises a conveyor belt 66 which is parallel to the alignment axis A of the washing unit 15 and is arranged in the vicinity thereof, for example, below the washing unit. In addition, the first moving member 62 also comprises a plurality of first supports 67, each of which is associated with a respective washing unit 15 and is configured to support one first container 12A in the vicinity of the manipulation device 19 of the washing unit 15 associated therewith.

[0088] The first moving member 62 also comprises a plurality of transfer devices 69 , each of which is associated with one of the first supports 67 and with the conveyor belt 66 and which is configured to transfer one of the first containers 12A from the conveyor belt 66 to the first support 69 associated therewith and vice versa.

[0089] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the second moving member 65 comprises a second conveyor belt 70 extending parallel to the alignment axis A of the washing unit 15 and located in the vicinity thereof.

[0090] The second moving member 65 also includes a plurality of second supports 71 , each second support 71 being associated with a corresponding washing unit 15 and configured to support the second container 12B.

[0091] The second moving member 62 also comprises a plurality of transfer devices 72, each transfer device 72 being associated with a second support 71 and also with the second conveyor belt 70 and being configured to transfer a second container 12B from the second conveyor belt 70 to a second support 71 and vice versa.

[0092] In the second embodiment, if Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown schematically, the first conveyor belt 66 extends parallel to the alignment axis A of the washing unit 15 and is arranged near the handling device 19 at a height such that the handling device 19 can easily reach the equipment 11 to be washed arranged thereon.

[0093] For example, the conveyor belt 66 may be arranged to pass between the detection station 45 and the washing station 55 and to be located directly below the identification station 30 of each washing unit 15 .

[0094] In this embodiment, the equipment 11 to be washed can be directly placed on the first moving member 62 without being located in the first container 12A, because the first container 12A is not used in this embodiment.

[0095] In fact, since the first movement member 62 is located near the manipulation device 19, the manipulation device 19 can come into contact with the equipment 11 to be washed arranged thereon.

[0096] In this second embodiment, the second mobile member 65 comprises a structure 75 to which is attached a guide rail 76 which defines the pick-up line L2 and on which one or more transport elements 77 are mounted which are movable independently of each other.

[0097] Merely by way of example, the guide rail 76 may include first magnetic devices 79 that may be selectively activated independently of one another, and each transport element includes a second magnetic device 80 that responds to activation of the first magnetic device 79 to cause the corresponding transport element 77 to travel along the guide rail.

[0098] Each transport element 77 is configured to support the second container 12B and to move it relative to the handling device 19 of one of the washing units 15 .

[0099] The device 10 also comprises an inlet station 85, which is particularly arranged near the inlet ends E1, E2 of the lines L1, L2 and is configured to allow the positioning of the articles 11 to be washed on the feed line L1. The device 10 comprises a second container 12B for washed articles 11, located on the pick-up line L2. The articles 11 to be washed are placed on the first moving member 62, while the second container 12B is placed on the second moving member 65.

[0100] The inlet station 85 comprises a collection area 86 in which the instruments 11 to be washed are placed, and a first feed area 87 arranged corresponding to the inlet end E1 of the first moving member 62 .

[0101] In the first embodiment, the equipment 11 to be washed is placed in the first container 12A provided on the first moving member 62 .

[0102] In contrast, in the second embodiment, the instruments 11 to be washed are fed to the collection area 86 in the first container 12A, which is emptied onto the first moving member 62, which in this case will only transport the instruments 11 to be washed.

[0103] Optionally, in the first embodiment, the first feed zone 87 further comprises an identification device 88, which is configured to identify the identification element 14 associated with each first container 12A when the first container 12A is placed on the feed line L1, in particular on the first mobile member 62. The identification device 88 can be a device known per se and is selected according to the type of identification element 14 with which the container 12a is equipped, so the identification element can provide, for example, a barcode, a QR code, an RFID or a Bluetooth reader, or other types of readers.

[0104] The identification device 88 is also configured to transmit information about the moment when the first container 12A is placed on the first movement member 62 to the central control unit 18 in order to allow the next position of the first container 12A in question to be determined.

[0105] In this way, the central control unit 18 can process information about the time when the first container 12 is placed on the first moving member 62 and control the range of movement of the first moving member 62 to be able to determine the position of each first container 12A present on the feed line L1.

[0106] The transfer of the instruments to be washed from the collection area 86 to the first feed area 87 can be done manually by the user U.

[0107] Preferably, the entry station 85 includes at least one robotic humanoid arm 89 ( Figure 1), the robotized humanoid arm 89 is configured to pick up the surgical instrument 11 from the entry station 85 and transfer it to the first feed line L1. Specifically, the robotized humanoid arm 89 is configured to pick up at least one first container 12A from the collection area 86 and place it or the instrument 11 contained therein on the first moving member 62.

[0108] Optionally, in the first embodiment, the inlet station 85 further includes a second feed area 84 that is disposed corresponding to the inlet end E2 of the second moving member 65 and is configured to allow an empty second container 12B to be placed on the second moving member 65 .

[0109] The apparatus 10 also includes an outlet station 90 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 ), the outlet station 90 is arranged corresponding to the outlet ports U1, U2 and is configured to allow the washed instruments 11 to be picked up from the pick-up line L2.

[0110] Furthermore, the outlet station 90 is also configured to allow picking up of any unprocessed instruments 11 or first containers 12A from the feed line L1 .

[0111] For example, in the first embodiment, the first moving member may transport the first container 12A upward to the exit station 90 , the first container 12A being empty or containing instruments 11 that have not been processed by the washing unit 15 .

[0112] Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the second moving member 65 may transport the instruments 11 that have not been processed by the washing unit 15 to the exit station 90 .

[0113] The instruments 11 transported to the exit station 90 by the first moving member 62 and not processed by the washing unit 15 are instruments 11 that cannot be processed by the washing unit 15 due to some reason (eg, size or type).

[0114] The outlet station 90 includes a first extraction area 92 corresponding to the outlet end U1 of the feed line L1 and a second extraction area 93 corresponding to the outlet end U2 of the pickup line L2. The first extraction area 92 contains the instrument 11 pushed out by the first movable member 62 or the empty or non-empty first container 12A, and the second extraction area 93 contains the second container 12B for accommodating the washed instrument 11.

[0115] Optionally, the outlet station 90 also comprises a grouping zone 94 for the second containers 12B. The second containers 12B are present in the second extraction zone 93 and are located on a mobile support member 99, for example a trolley with a plurality of resting planes, which is configured to be inserted into a thermal disinfection machine 201 for thermally disinfecting the instruments 11, which is arranged downstream of the device 10.

[0116] The transfer of the containers 12 from the extraction zone 93 to the grouping zone 94 is done manually and by a user who places each container 12 in the mobile support member 99 .

[0117] Optionally, the egress station 90 comprises a grouping device 101 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 ), the grouping device 101 is configured to place the second container 12B containing the washed instruments on the mobile support member 99. Each container 12B present in the second extraction area 93 is positioned on the mobile support member 99 provided in the grouping area 94.

[0118] In the example given here, the grouping device 101 comprises at least one automated anthropomorphic arm 105 configured to pick up at least second containers 12B and place them on the mobile support member 99. These second containers 12B are located in the second extraction zone 99.

[0119] A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the features of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one another to create further embodiments falling within the scope of the invention.

[0120] For example, in a third embodiment, the apparatus may include a first moving member as described herein in the first embodiment, and a second moving member as described herein in the second embodiment.

[0121] Alternatively, in a fourth embodiment, the apparatus may include the first moving member in the second embodiment as described herein, and the second moving member in the first embodiment as described herein.

[0122] The invention also relates to a facility 200 for washing surgical instruments 11 ( Fig. 9 ), comprising the device 10 as described above and at least one thermal disinfection machine 201 arranged downstream of the device 10.

[0123] Preferably, the facility 200 comprises: a plurality of thermal disinfection machines 201 arranged along an alignment axis T; a transport device 202 defining a first transport section 203 parallel to the alignment axis T and a second transport section 205 extending from the exit station 90 of the apparatus 10 of the present invention to the starting point of the first transport section 203 .

[0124] Optionally, in front of each thermal disinfection machine 201 there is provided a further insertion section 206 of the transport device 202 , which is configured to insert the mobile support member 99 travelling on the first transport section 103 into the respective thermal disinfection machine 201 .

[0125] Furthermore, a platform 207 is provided between the first transport segment 203 and the second transport segment 205 , and the platform 207 is configured to change the direction of the mobile support member 99 traveling on the transport device 202 .

[0126] The operation of the above-described device 10 corresponds to the method of the present invention, and comprises the following steps.

[0127] The method provides an introduction step in which the equipment 11 to be washed is placed on the first moving member 62 and the empty second container 12B is placed on the second moving member 65 .

[0128] In the first embodiment, the instruments 11 to be washed are accommodated in the first container 12A provided on the first moving member 62 .

[0129] Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the equipment 11 to be washed is directly arranged on the first moving member 62 .

[0130] This introduction step may be performed manually by an operator who places the instrument 11 on the first mobile member 62 .

[0131] Alternatively, in embodiments providing this step, the introducing step may be performed automatically by a robotic humanoid arm 89 .

[0132] Optionally, in the first embodiment, when the first container 12A is placed on the first movable member 62, an identification step also occurs, wherein the identification device 88 identifies the identification element 14 associated with the determined first container 12A and transmits an electrical signal to the control unit 18, which includes the information contained in the identification element 14 and time information related to the moment when the container 12 is placed on the first movable member 62.

[0133] Subsequently, the method provides for a first feeding step in which the articles 11 to be washed are advanced along the feeding line L1 and the empty second containers 12B are advanced along the picking-up line L2.

[0134] The travel of the articles 11 to be washed and of the second container 12B along the feed line L1 and the pick-up line L2 , respectively, is controlled by the central control unit 18 , which in turn controls the moving members 62 , 65 .

[0135] For example, the march can be gradual or continuous.

[0136] Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the second container 12B moves independently along the guide rail 76 of the second moving member 65 .

[0137] The method further provides a stopping step, in which the first moving member 62 stops so that a group of instruments 11 to be washed is located in the vicinity of one of the washing units 15 .

[0138] Furthermore, the stopping step also provides for stopping the second moving member 65 so that the empty second container 12B is located in the vicinity of one of the washing units 15 .

[0139] In the first embodiment, a picking-up step is also provided, in which a first container 12A containing the equipment 11 to be washed is automatically picked up by the first movement member 62 and placed on a first support 67 associated with the washing unit 15 .

[0140] In this case, the picking-up step also provides for automatically picking up the empty second container 12B from the second movement member 65 and placing it on the second support 71 associated with the washing unit 15 .

[0141] The method then provides for an identification step, in which the equipment 11 to be washed is located beneath the identification station 30 .

[0142] The recognition step is used to recognize the equipment 11 and transmit an electrical signal to the local control unit 22, which encodes the relative position between the control device 19 and the equipment 11 to be cleaned.

[0143] Subsequently, the method provides a detection step in which one of the items 11 to be cleaned is brought by the handling device 19 into the detection station 45 in order to detect any organic traces present on the item 11 and to determine their relative position relative to the reference point of the handling device 19 .

[0144] Then, after the detection step, the method provides a washing step, in which the manipulator 19 brings the instrument 11 into the washing station 55 and the washing device 57 is activated. Preferably, in this washing step, the instrument 11 to be washed is placed relative to the washing device 57 so that the organic traces present on the instrument 11 are exposed to the washing device 57.

[0145] When the washing step is finished, the method provides a releasing step in which the manipulator 19 releases the washed instruments 11 into an empty second container 12B arranged on the second movement member 65 .

[0146] The detection and washing steps are then repeated for all instruments 11 to be washed in the washing unit 15 concerned.

[0147] Optionally, before the detection step, the method provides a manipulation step in which the manipulation device 19 brings the device 11 into the manipulation station 35 to modify its position in order to facilitate the subsequent step of detecting dirt marks on the device 11 and washing.

[0148] Subsequently, the method provides a picking step in which the second container 12B is advanced along the picking line L2 and brought to the second extraction zone 93 of the outlet station 90 , from which it is manually or automatically extracted and placed on the mobile support member 99 .

[0149] Preferably, the plurality of containers 12 will then be brought to a thermal disinfection machine 201 located downstream of the apparatus 10 using the mobile support member 99, for example, an installation 200 according to the invention ( Fig. 9 ) in the thermal disinfection machine 201.

[0150] Obviously, modifications and / or additions of components may be made to the above-described device 10 , installation 200 and method for industrially washing surgical instruments 11 , without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0151] It is also obvious that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will be able to realize other equivalent forms of the apparatus 10, the facility 200 and the method for industrially washing surgical instruments, which have the characteristics as described in the claims and therefore all fall within the scope of protection defined therein.

[0152] In the accompanying claims, references in parentheses are for the sole purpose of facilitating reading and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of protection defined by such claims.

Claims

1. A washing device (10) for washing surgical instruments (11), comprising: At least one washing unit (15) for washing the surgical instrument (11) and a moving device (16) defining a feed line (L1), the feed line (L1) being configured to move the surgical instrument (11) to be washed toward the at least one washing unit (15); and a pick-up line (L2), the pick-up line (L2) being autonomous relative to the feed line (L1) and being configured to pick up the surgical instrument (11) from the at least one washing unit (15), wherein the washing unit (15) comprises at least one washing station (55) and a manipulation device (19), the manipulation device (19) being configured to move the surgical instrument (11) to be washed toward the at least one washing unit (15). The surgical instrument (11) is manipulated from the mobile device (16) to the washing station (55), and vice versa, characterized in that the manipulation device (19) includes at least one robotized anthropomorphic arm (21) for moving the surgical instrument (11) between the mobile device (16) and the washing station (55) and placing the washed surgical instrument (11) in the picking line (L2), and the washing device (10) also includes an entrance station (85), which is provided with at least one additional robotized anthropomorphic arm (89) for placing the instrument (11) to be washed on the feed line (L1).

2. The washing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving device (16) includes a first moving member (62) defining the feed line (L1) and a second moving member (65) defining the pick-up line (L2).

3. The washing device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first moving member (62) is disposed on one side of the operating device (19), and the second moving member (65) is disposed on a second side of the operating device (19) opposite to the first side.

4. A washing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The washing device (10) comprises a first container (12A) into which the equipment (11) to be washed is inserted before being placed on the feed line (L1), and a second container (12B) which is placed on the pick-up line (L2) and is capable of accommodating the washed equipment (11).

5. The washing device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The washing device (10) comprises an outlet station (90) provided with a grouping area (94) for grouping at least the second containers (12B), and also provided with at least one automated humanoid arm (105), wherein the automated humanoid arm (105) is configured to pick up at least the second containers (12B) and place them on a mobile support member (99).

6. Washing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The washing apparatus comprises a plurality of washing units (15) arranged along an alignment axis (A).

7. The washing device (10) according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that The second moving member (65) is configured to move the second container (12B) along the pick-up line (L2).

8. Washing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one washing unit (15) comprises at least: an identification station (30) configured to identify the surgical instrument (11), a detection station (45) configured to detect organic traces on the surgical instrument (11), and the at least one robotized anthropomorphic arm (21) configured to move the surgical instrument (11) between the moving device (16) and the station (17, 30, 45).

9. Washing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one washing unit (15) comprises a handling station (35), the handling station (35) comprising an additional handling device (39) configured to cooperate with the handling device (19), the additional handling device (39) comprising a resting plane (40) to which a hooking element (41) is attached, and by means of the handling device (19), and thereby by means of the robotized anthropomorphic arm (21), the device (11) can be hooked on the hooking element (41).

10. Washing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least the moving device (16) and the washing unit (15) are controlled by a central control unit (18), which manages both the movement of the device (11) in the apparatus (10) and the operation of the washing unit (15).

11. The washing device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that: Each first container (12A) is associated with a corresponding identification element (14), which encodes information related to the equipment (11) contained in the first container (12A), and the washing device (10) comprises a feed zone (87) equipped with an identification device (88), which is configured to recognize the identification element (14) at the moment when the first container (12A) is placed on the feed line (L1).

12. Washing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The washing machine comprises an identification station (30) configured to identify an appliance (11) from a set of appliances (11) and equipped with at least one first viewing device (32) connected to a unit (33) for processing images taken by the first viewing device (32).

13. A facility (200) for washing surgical instruments (11), comprising an apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one thermal disinfection machine (201) for thermally disinfecting the surgical instruments (11), and an additional moving device (202), wherein the additional moving device (202) is configured to automatically move the surgical instruments (11) coming out of the apparatus (10) to the at least one thermal disinfection machine (201).

14. A method for washing a surgical instrument (11) by means of a washing device (10), the washing device comprising: At least one washing unit (15), the washing unit (15) being provided with at least one washing station (55) and a manipulation device (19), the washing station (55) being configured to perform a washing operation on the surgical instrument (11), the manipulation device (19) being configured to manipulate the surgical instrument (11) and move it relative to the washing station (55); a moving device (16), the moving device (16) defining a feed line (L1) and a pick-up line (L2), the feed line (L1) being configured to move the surgical instrument (11) to be washed toward the at least one washing unit (15), the pick-up line (L2) being configured relative to the feed line The path (L1) is autonomous and is configured to pick up the washed surgical instruments (11), wherein the manipulator (19) comprises at least one robotized anthropomorphic arm (21) for moving the surgical instruments (11) between the moving device (16) and the washing station (55) and for placing the washed surgical instruments (11) in the pick-up line (L2), the washing device (10) further comprising an entry station (85), the entry station (85) being provided with at least one additional robotized anthropomorphic arm (89) for placing the instruments (11) to be washed on the feed line (LI), the method providing the following steps: - a feeding step, wherein the surgical instrument (11) to be washed is fed along the feeding line (L1) towards the at least one washing unit (15) by means of the additional robotic anthropomorphic arm (89); - a washing step, wherein the manipulator (19) brings one of the instruments (11) into the washing station (55) by means of the robotized anthropomorphic arm (21) for washing operation; - A picking step, in which the surgical instrument (11) washed in the washing station (55) is picked up from the washing unit (15) and placed on the picking line (L2) by means of the robotized anthropomorphic arm (21).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The feeding step also provides for feeding a first container (12A) into which the instruments (11) to be washed are inserted before being placed on the feeding line (L1) and a second container (12B) which is placed on the picking line (L2) and is capable of containing the washed instruments (11).

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