Machine for processing medical devices
By using electromagnetic locks and actuators to control the automatic opening and closing of the door in the endoscope reprocessing machine, the safety hazards when the door is closed are solved, and safe and efficient medical equipment processing is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480040285.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-04-28
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing endoscope reprocessing machines may be damaged or injured when the door is closed due to obstruction by objects, and automated door systems pose safety hazards.
A machine is designed with an actuation system embedded in a separating wall between a controlled atmosphere and an uncontrolled atmosphere enclosure. The system automatically controls the opening and closing of a door using an electromagnetic lock and actuator, ensuring that the door unlocks when the load exceeds a threshold to avoid damage, and enabling safe movement of the door via a frame and guide rails.
It improves operator safety, reduces physical contact with the machine, prevents the spread of contaminants, and reduces the risk of damage through automated control.
Smart Images
Figure CN121335718A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Related applications
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 499,090, filed April 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure relates to a machine for processing a medical device embedded in a wall separating a first housing having an uncontrolled atmosphere from a second housing having a controlled atmosphere. This disclosure belongs to the field of machines for processing medical devices, and more specifically to the field of endoscope cleaning and sterilization machines, also known as automated endoscope reprocessing (“AER”). Background Technology
[0003] An endoscope is a long, tubular optical instrument used as an observation system to examine the interior of the body and, when used with attached instruments, for biopsies or surgical procedures. A purification system can be used to reprocess previously used medical devices, such as endoscopes, so that these devices can be reused for subsequent patients. During the purification process of an endoscope, the endoscope can be inserted into the chamber of a purification machine, and the internal passages of the endoscope are connected to the machine to receive cleaning and / or disinfecting agents. For example, the purification machine may provide a system of tubing, pumps, and valves for feeding cleaning and / or disinfecting agents to the endoscope placed in the chamber. The outer surface of the endoscope can be sprayed with cleaning and / or disinfecting agents, which are delivered through one or more spraying components into the chamber where the endoscope is being reprocessed.
[0004] Some endoscope reprocessing machines include unloading and / or loading doors that are manually operated to open and / or close. In other configurations, the machines include automated doors to minimize contact with the machine, which could allow contaminants to spread onto it. However, conventional systems with automated doors are not without drawbacks. For example, when the door is closed, an object or part of the operator may obstruct the door's path, potentially causing damage or injury. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In some specific embodiments, this disclosure describes a machine referred to as a "through" machine type, because the machine is designed to be embedded in a wall separating a first housing with an uncontrolled atmosphere from a second housing with a controlled atmosphere (e.g., the housing of an operating room or cleanroom where medical equipment is stored, for which the controlled atmosphere is typically purified by filtration and / or extraction), which is separate from a housing with an uncontrolled atmosphere that may contain airborne contaminants (e.g., a cleanroom where medical equipment can be reprocessed). This type of machine has a loading door on one side of the first housing with the uncontrolled atmosphere, allowing contaminated medical equipment to be loaded directly into the machine's housing from that side, for example, through a first opening in the machine, and an unloading door on one side of the second housing with the controlled atmosphere, allowing sterilized medical equipment to be collected from that side of the second housing into the machine's housing from that side, for example, through a second opening in the machine.
[0006] In different applications, the machine may have a single entry door or multiple (e.g., two) entry doors for loading and / or unloading medical devices from the machine. According to the present invention, a machine for handling medical devices is provided, the machine comprising:
[0007] - At least one first processing chamber, the at least one first processing chamber having a housing and at least one first opening, the at least one first opening being configured to allow loading of a medical device into or unloading of a medical device from the housing.
[0008] - At least one first door, configured to move between a closed position and an open position according to a first direction, wherein in the closed position, the first opening is sealed shut by the first door, and in the open position, the first door releases the first opening.
[0009] - An actuation system configured to be mechanically coupled to the first door to move the first door between a closed position and an open position.
[0010] The actuation system is configured to disengage from the first door when the first door moves toward the closed position and a load applied to the first door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0011] The actuation system may include:
[0012] - A main actuator, comprising a shaft adapted to move in a first direction.
[0013] - At least one first electromagnetic lock, operably connected to the shaft of the main actuator, the first electromagnetic lock being configured to selectively lock with a mating element of the first door, and
[0014] The first electromagnetic lock is configured to unlock with a mating element of the first door during the movement of the first door toward the closed position when a load applied to the first door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0015] The threshold can correspond to the magnetic force that locks the first electromagnetic lock to the mating element.
[0016] The actuation system can be configured such that when the first door moves toward the closed position and a load is applied to the first door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position, equal to or greater than a threshold, the shaft is configured to pull the first electromagnetic lock away from the mating element, thereby unlocking the first electromagnetic lock from the mating element.
[0017] The first electromagnetic lock can be configured to abut against a mating element of the first door in a first direction, such that the first door is pushed by the first electromagnetic lock to move toward an open position and pulled by the first electromagnetic lock to move toward a closed position.
[0018] The actuation system can be automated.
[0019] The first direction can extend horizontally.
[0020] The first processing chamber may include a second opening configured to allow loading or unloading of a medical device into or from a housing. The first and second openings may be opposite to each other according to a second direction. The machine for processing the medical device also includes a second door configured to move horizontally between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the second opening is sealed closed by the second door. In the open position, the second door releases the second opening. An actuation system is configured to be mechanically coupled to the second door to allow independent movement between the closed and open positions. The actuation system is configured to disengage from the second door when the second door moves toward the closed position and a load applied to the second door opposite to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0021] The actuation system may include a second electromagnetic lock operably connected to a shaft of the main actuator, the second electromagnetic lock being configured to selectively lock with a mating element of the second door, wherein the second electromagnetic lock is configured to unlock with the mating element of the second door during movement of the second door toward a closed position when a load applied to the second door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0022] The actuation system may include a crossbar extending along a second direction between a first end and a second end, the crossbar being operably connected to the shaft of a main actuator at a middle portion, and a first electromagnetic lock and a second electromagnetic lock being slidably connected along the second direction between an extended position and a retracted position at the first end and the second end of the crossbar, respectively. In the extended position, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock are configured to engage with corresponding mating elements of a first door and a second door, and in the retracted position, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock are positioned away from the corresponding mating elements of the first door and the second door.
[0023] The second electromagnetic lock can be configured to abut against the mating element of the second door in a first direction, such that the second door is pushed by the second electromagnetic lock to move toward the open position, and pulled by the second electromagnetic lock to move toward the closed position.
[0024] In the extended position, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock can face the corresponding mating elements of the first door and the second door along a first direction, and in the retracted position, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock can be offset from the corresponding mating elements of the first door and the second door along a second direction.
[0025] The actuation system may include:
[0026] - A first bracket and a second bracket, a first electromagnetic lock and a second electromagnetic lock are operably connected to the first bracket and the second bracket respectively, and the first bracket and the second bracket are slidably connected along a second direction at the first end and the second end of the crossbar respectively.
[0027] - A first auxiliary actuator having a body operably connected to a first end of a crossbar and a rod adapted to move in a second direction, the distal end of the rod being operably connected to a first support to move a first electromagnet between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0028] - A second auxiliary actuator having a body operably connected to a second end of a crossbar and a rod adapted to move in a second direction, the distal end of the rod being operably connected to a second bracket to move the second electromagnetic lock between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0029] The machine for treating medical devices may also include at least one first processing circuit 25, which is adjacent to the first processing chamber along a first direction and is adapted to treat the medical devices disposed in the first processing chamber by immersion or by spraying a disinfectant solution taken from a reservoir.
[0030] The machine for handling medical devices may also include a frame, the frame including at least one first guide rail extending in a first direction, the first door sliding between a closed position and an open position into the at least one first guide rail.
[0031] The frame can be adapted to be embedded in a wall that separates a controlled atmosphere enclosure from an uncontrolled atmosphere enclosure.
[0032] One or more doors in the door system can be configured to lock with the frame when in the closed position.
[0033] Machines used to handle medical devices may also include a programmable controller for controlling an actuation system to open and / or close one or more doors of the machine.
[0034] Machines used to handle medical devices may also include a user interface to allow an operator to activate one or more doors in the machine. Attached Figure Description
[0035] Other features, details, and advantages will be shown in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic overview of a machine for processing medical devices according to this disclosure.
[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of one side of a machine for processing medical devices according to the present disclosure.
[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the other side of a machine for processing medical devices according to this disclosure.
[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of a set of four doors and an actuation system for a machine for handling medical devices according to the present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Side view.
[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of area I, outlined by the dashed line.
[0042] Figure 7 It is based on another perspective. Figure 5 Another enlarged view of area I, outlined by the dashed line.
[0043] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of area II, outlined by the dashed line. Detailed Implementation
[0044] Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of a machine 10 for processing medical devices according to the present disclosure is shown.
[0045] The machine 10 for processing medical devices includes at least one first processing chamber 20 having a housing 23 and at least one first opening 21 configured to allow loading or unloading of a medical device into or from the housing 23. The machine 10 also includes at least one first door 100 configured to move between a closed position C and an open position O according to a first direction X. In the closed position C, the first opening 21 is sealed closed by the first door 100; in the open position O, the first door 100 releases the first opening. The first direction X can extend horizontally.
[0046] Machine 10 for handling medical devices includes an actuation system 40 configured to be mechanically coupled to a first door 100 to move the first door 100 between a closed position C and an open position O. The actuation system 40 is configured to disengage from the first door 100 when the first door 100 moves toward the closed position C and a load applied to the first door 100 in opposition to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold. The first door 100 can be opened and closed automatically by the actuation system 40, which minimizes physical contact with machine 10 and helps prevent the spread of contaminants. The actuation system 40 can be automated.
[0047] Disengagement (or decoupling) of the actuation system 40 from the first door 100 stops the door, thereby preventing injury or damage. The machine 10 for handling medical devices provides enhanced safety for operators manipulating medical devices (such as endoscopes) through the first opening 21, especially in the event that the first door 100 moves toward its closed position C.
[0048] The threshold can be between 50 N and 150 N, especially for steady loads. Alternatively, for loads applied for a period of less than 0.75 s, the threshold can be between 150 N and 250 N. Steady loads can be applied for a duration greater than 0.75 s.
[0049] The actuation system 40 may include a main actuator 41. The main actuator 41 includes a shaft 44 adapted to move in a first direction X. The main actuator 41 may include an electric motor. The main actuator may include a worm gear integral with or operatively connected to the shaft 44. The electric motor may be adapted to move the worm gear in the first direction X, for example by means of at least one gear.
[0050] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As illustrated, the actuation system 40 may include at least one first electromagnetic lock 112 operatively connected to the shaft 44 of the main actuator 41, the first electromagnetic lock 112 being configured to selectively lock with a mating element 110 of the first door 100. The first electromagnetic lock 112 may be configured to unlock with the mating element 110 of the first door 100 during movement of the first door 100 toward the closed position C when a load applied to the first door 100 opposite to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0051] Locking the first electromagnetic lock 112 to the corresponding mating element 110 of the first door 100 allows the actuation system 40 to operate the first door 100 between the closed position C and the open position O. On the other hand, when the first electromagnetic lock 112 is unlocked from the mating element 110 of the first door 100, the shaft 44 of the main actuator 41 can be operated independently of the first door 100.
[0052] The travel of axis 44 along the first direction X corresponds to the distance covered by the first door 100 along the first direction X between the closed position C and the open position O.
[0053] "Operationally connected" means that two parts are fixed to each other directly or by means of an intermediate part, and in some instances it can also be described as "rigidly connected".
[0054] The threshold can correspond to the magnetic force that locks the first electromagnetic lock 112 to the mating element 110.
[0055] In other words, the electromagnetic lock can maintain a force, or load, up to a threshold value, so that when the load applied to the first door 100 in opposition to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the actuation system 40 disengages from the first door 100 and also stops the door. The actuation system 40 provides a security system at a limited cost through the strength of the electromagnetic lock.
[0056] The actuation system 40 can be configured such that when the first door 100 moves toward the closed position C and the load applied to the first door 100 in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold, the shaft 44 is configured to pull the first electromagnetic lock 112 away from the mating element 110, thereby unlocking the first electromagnetic lock 112 from the mating element 110.
[0057] The first electromagnetic lock 112 can be configured to abut against the mating element 110 of the first door 100 in a first direction X, such that the first door 100 is pushed by the first electromagnetic lock 112 to move toward the open position O, and pulled by the first electromagnetic lock 112 to move toward the closed position C.
[0058] Therefore, for each door moving toward its closed position C, if a load is applied to the door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position C, equal to or greater than a threshold, the corresponding electromagnetic lock of the actuation system 40 unlocks (in other words, disengages or disengages) the corresponding mating element of the door, which stops the movement of the door toward its closed position C.
[0059] The first processing chamber 20 may include a second opening 22 configured to allow loading or unloading of a medical device into or from the housing 23. The first opening 21 and the second opening 22 may be opposite to each other according to a second direction Y. The machine 10 for processing the medical device also includes a second door 200 configured to move horizontally between a closed position C and an open position O. In the closed position C, the second opening 22 is sealed closed by the second door 200. In the open position O, the second door 200 releases the second opening 22. An actuation system 40 is configured to be mechanically coupled to the second door 200 to allow independent movement of the second door 200 between the closed position C and the open position O. The actuation system 40 may be configured to disengage from the second door 200 when the second door 200 moves toward the closed position C and a load applied to the second door 200 opposite to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0060] The machine 10 used to process medical devices may be referred to as a "through" machine type, for example, enabling the transfer of medical devices from an uncontrolled atmosphere area to a controlled atmosphere area.
[0061] The second door 200 is also automatically opened and closed by the actuation system 40, which minimizes physical contact with the machine 10 and helps prevent the spread of contaminants. Disengagement of the actuation system 40 from the second door 200 stops the second door 200, thereby preventing injury or damage. The machine 10 for handling medical devices provides enhanced safety for operators manipulating the medical devices through the second opening 22, especially in the event that the second door 200 moves toward its closed position C.
[0062] The second direction Y can extend horizontally. The first direction X and the second direction Y can be perpendicular to each other. In other words, the first opening 21 and the second opening 22 can be spaced apart from each other according to the second direction Y.
[0063] like Figure 8As better illustrated, the actuation system 40 may include a second electromagnetic lock 212 operably connected to the shaft 44 of the main actuator, the second electromagnetic lock 212 being configured to selectively lock with a mating element 210 of the second door 200. The second electromagnetic lock 212 is configured to unlock with the mating element 210 of the second door 200 during movement of the second door 200 toward the closed position C when a load applied to the second door 200 opposite to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0064] The actuation system 40 advantageously includes a single master actuator 41, which limits the cost of the machine 10.
[0065] Locking the second electromagnetic lock 212 to the corresponding mating element 210 of the second door 200 allows the actuation system 40 to operate the second door 200 between the closed position C and the open position O. On the other hand, when the second electromagnetic lock 212 is unlocked from the mating element 210 of the second door 200, the shaft 44 of the main actuator 41 can be operated independently of the second door 200. Therefore, the first door 100 and the second door 200 can be operated together or independently of each other by a single main actuator 41 between their respective closed position C and open position O.
[0066] The main actuator 41 may be disposed at least partially between the first gate 100 and the second gate 200 according to the second direction Y.
[0067] The threshold can correspond to the magnetic force that locks the second electromagnetic lock 212 to the corresponding mating element 210.
[0068] The actuation system 40 can be configured such that when the second door 200 moves toward the closed position C and the load applied to the second door 200 in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold, the shaft 44 is configured to pull the second electromagnetic lock 212 away from the mating element 210, thereby unlocking the second electromagnetic lock 212 from the mating element 210 of the second door 200.
[0069] The actuation system 40 may include a crossbar 50 extending along a second direction Y between a first end 52 and a second end 54. The crossbar 50 is operably connected to the shaft 44 of the main actuator at a middle portion. A first electromagnetic lock 112 and a second electromagnetic lock 212 are slidably connected along the second direction Y at the first end 52 and the second end 54 of the crossbar 50 between an extended position E and a retracted position R. In the extended position, the first electromagnetic lock 112 and the second electromagnetic lock 212 are configured to engage with corresponding mating elements 110 and 210 of the first door 100 and the second door 200. In the retracted position, the first electromagnetic lock 112 and the second electromagnetic lock 212 are positioned away from the corresponding mating elements 110 and 210 of the first door 100 and the second door 200.
[0070] The actuation system 40 may include a horizontally extending plate 46. The plate 46 may be fixed at the distal end of the shaft 44 of the main actuator 41, and the middle portion of the crossbar 50 may be fixed to the plate 46.
[0071] The second electromagnetic lock 212 can be configured to abut against the mating element 210 of the second door 200 in a first direction X, such that the second door 200 is pushed by the second electromagnetic lock 212 to move toward the open position O, and pulled by the second electromagnetic lock 212 to move toward the closed position C.
[0072] In the extended position, the first electromagnetic lock 112 and the second electromagnetic lock 212 are oriented along the first direction X toward the corresponding mating elements 110 and 210 of the first door 100 and the second door 200. In the retracted position R, the first electromagnetic lock 112 and the second electromagnetic lock 212 are positioned offset from the corresponding mating elements 110 and 210 of the first door 100 and the second door 200 along the second direction Y. In other words, in the retracted position R, the first electromagnetic lock 112 and the second electromagnetic lock 212 are not oriented along the first direction X toward the corresponding mating elements 110 and 210 of the first door 100 and the second door 200.
[0073] Actuation system 40 may include:
[0074] - A first bracket 114 and a second bracket 214, a first electromagnetic lock 112 and a second electromagnetic lock 212 are respectively operably connected to the first bracket and the second bracket, and the first bracket 114 and the second bracket 214 are respectively slidably connected along the second direction Y at the first end 52 and the second end 54 of the crossbar 50.
[0075] - A first auxiliary actuator 130 having a body 132 operably connected to a first end 52 of a crossbar 50 and a rod 134 adapted to move in a second direction Y, the distal end of the rod 134 being operably connected to a first support 114 to move a first electromagnet between an extended position E and a retracted position R.
[0076] - A second auxiliary actuator 230 having a body 232 operably connected to a second end 54 of a crossbar 50 and a rod 234 adapted to move in a second direction Y, the distal end of the rod 234 being operably connected to a second bracket 214 to move a second electromagnetic lock 212 between an extended position E and a retracted position R.
[0077] The first support 114 and the second support 214 may be U-shaped. Each of the U-shaped first support 114 and the second support 214 may include a central portion 116, 216 extending along a first direction X. Each of the U-shaped first support 114 and the second support 214 may include a pair of branches 118, 218, each branch connected to one end of the central portion 116, 216 and extending along a second direction Y. The branches 118 of the U-shaped first support 114 may be on both sides of the first end 52 of the crossbar 50, and the branches 218 of the U-shaped second support 214 may be on both sides of the second end 54 of the crossbar 50. Each branch 118 of the U-shaped first support 114 may include an elongated aperture 120 along the second direction Y, in which a corresponding protrusion 122 extending from the first end 52 of the crossbar 50 is received. Each branch 218 of the U-shaped second support 214 may include an elongated aperture 220 along the second direction Y, in which a corresponding protrusion extending from the second end 54 of the crossbar 50 is received.
[0078] The distal end of the rod 134 of the first auxiliary actuator 130 is operably connected to the central portion 116 of the U-shaped first support 114. The distal end of the rod 234 of the second auxiliary actuator 230 is operably connected to the central portion 216 of the U-shaped second support 214.
[0079] The first end 52 of the crossbar 50 may define a recess 53 or a housing, in which the body 132 of the first auxiliary actuator 130 is received at least partially. The second end 54 of the crossbar 50 may define a recess 55 or a housing, in which the body 232 of the second auxiliary actuator 230 is received at least partially.
[0080] The machine 10 for processing medical devices may further include at least one first processing circuit adjacent to the first processing chamber 20 along a first direction X, and adapted to process the medical device disposed in the first processing chamber 20 by immersion or by spraying a disinfectant solution taken from a reservoir. The reservoir may be inside or outside the machine 10. One or more processing circuits in the processing circuit may include circuitry, one or more pumps, and / or one or more solenoid valves.
[0081] The machine 10 for processing medical devices may also include:
[0082] - A second processing chamber 30 is disposed along a third direction Z extending vertically above the first processing chamber 20. The second processing chamber 30 has a housing 33 and at least a first opening 31 and a second opening 32, each opening being configured to allow loading of a medical device into or unloading from the housing 33.
[0083] - A third door 300 is configured to move horizontally between a closed position C and an open position O according to a first direction X. In the closed position, the first opening 31 of the second chamber is sealed closed by the third door 300; in the open position, the third door 300 releases the first opening 31 of the second processing chamber 30.
[0084] - A fourth door 400 is configured to move horizontally between a closed position C and an open position O according to a first direction X. In the closed position, the second opening 32 of the second chamber is sealed closed by the fourth door 400, and in the open position, the fourth door 400 releases the second opening 32 of the second processing chamber 30.
[0085] Actuation system 40 may be configured to be mechanically coupled to third door 300 and / or fourth door 400 to allow independent movement of third door 300 and / or fourth door 400 between closed position C and open position O. Actuation system 40 may be configured to disengage from third door 300 when third door 300 moves toward closed position C and a load applied to third door 300 opposite to the movement toward closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold. Actuation system 40 may be configured to disengage from fourth door 400 when fourth door 400 moves toward closed position C and a load applied to fourth door 400 opposite to the movement toward closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0086] The machine 10 for handling medical devices provides enhanced safety for operators who manipulate the medical devices through the first opening 31 or the second opening 32 of the second processing chamber 30, especially in the event that the third door 300 and / or the fourth door 400 move toward their closed position C.
[0087] The actuation system 40 may include a third electromagnetic lock 312 and a fourth electromagnetic lock 412 operably connected to the shaft 44 of the main actuator.
[0088] The third electromagnetic lock 312 can be configured to selectively lock with the mating element 310 of the third door 300. The third electromagnetic lock 312 can be configured to unlock with the mating element 310 of the third door 300 during movement of the third door 300 toward the closed position C when the load applied to the third door 300 opposite to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0089] Locking the third electromagnetic lock 312 to the corresponding mating element 310 of the third door 300 allows the actuation system 40 to operate the third door 300 between the closed position C and the open position O. On the other hand, when the third electromagnetic lock 312 is unlocked from the mating element 310 of the third door 300, the shaft 44 of the main actuator 41 can operate independently of the third door 300. Therefore, the first door 100, the second door 200, and the third door 300 can be operated together or independently of each other by a single main actuator 41 between their respective closed positions C and open positions O.
[0090] The fourth electromagnetic lock 412 may be configured to selectively lock with the mating element 410 of the fourth door 400. The fourth electromagnetic lock 412 may be configured to unlock with the mating element 410 of the fourth door 400 during movement of the fourth door 400 toward the closed position C when the load applied to the fourth door 400 opposite to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold.
[0091] Locking the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 to its corresponding mating element 410 of the fourth door 400 allows the actuation system 40 to operate the fourth door 400 between the closed position C and the open position O. Conversely, when the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 is unlocked from the mating element 410 of the fourth door 400, the shaft 44 of the main actuator 41 can operate independently of the fourth door 400. Therefore, the first door 100, the second door 200, the third door 300, and the fourth door 400 can be operated together or independently of each other by a single main actuator 41 between their respective closed positions C and open positions O.
[0092] The threshold can correspond to the magnetic force that locks the third electromagnetic lock 312 or the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 to the corresponding mating element 310, 410.
[0093] The actuation system 40 can be configured such that when the third door 300 moves toward the closed position C and the load applied to the third door 300 in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold, the shaft 44 is configured to pull the third electromagnetic lock 312 away from the mating element 310, thereby unlocking the third electromagnetic lock 312 from the mating element 310 of the third door 300.
[0094] The actuation system 40 can be configured such that when the fourth door 400 moves toward the closed position C and the load applied to the fourth door 400 in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than a threshold, the shaft 44 is configured to pull the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 away from the mating element 410, thereby unlocking the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 from the mating element 410 of the fourth door 400.
[0095] The actuation system 40 may include a first branch 56 and a second branch 58 extending Z along a third direction from a first end 52 and a second end 54 of the crossbar 50, respectively. The first branch 56 and the second branch 58 may be integral with the crossbar 50 or operatively connected to the crossbar.
[0096] The third electromagnetic lock 312 and the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 can be slidably connected to the first branch 56 and the second branch respectively along the second direction Y between the extended position E and the retracted position R. In the extended position, the third electromagnetic lock 312 and the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 are configured to engage with the corresponding mating elements 310, 410 of the third door 300 and the fourth door 400. In the retracted position, the third electromagnetic lock 312 and the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 are positioned away from the corresponding mating elements 310, 410 of the third door 300 and the fourth door 400.
[0097] The third electromagnetic lock 312 is configured to abut against the mating element 310 of the third door 300 in the first direction X, such that the third door 300 is pushed by the third electromagnetic lock 312 to move toward the open position O, and pulled by the third electromagnetic lock 312 to move toward the closed position C.
[0098] The fourth electromagnetic lock 412 is configured to abut against the mating element 410 of the fourth door 400 in the first direction X, such that the fourth door 400 is pushed by the third electromagnetic lock 312 to move toward the open position O, and pulled by the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 to move toward the closed position C.
[0099] In the extended position, the third electromagnetic lock 312 and the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 face the corresponding mating elements 310 and 410 of the third door 300 and the fourth door 400 along the first direction X, and wherein in the retracted position R, the third electromagnetic lock 312 and the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 are offset from the corresponding mating elements 310 and 410 of the third door 300 and the fourth door 400 along the second direction Y.
[0100] Actuation system 40 may include:
[0101] The third bracket 314 and the fourth bracket 414, the third electromagnetic lock 312 and the fourth electromagnetic lock 412 are operably connected to the third bracket and the fourth bracket respectively, and the third bracket 314 and the fourth bracket 414 are slidably connected to the first branch 56 and the second branch 58 along the second direction Y respectively.
[0102] - A third auxiliary actuator 330 having a body 332 operably connected to the first branch 56 and a rod 334 adapted to move in the second direction Y, the distal end of the rod 334 being operably connected to a third support 314 to move the third electromagnet between an extended position E and a retracted position R.
[0103] - A fourth auxiliary actuator 430 having a body 432 operably connected to a second branch 58 and a rod 434 adapted to move in a second direction Y, the distal end of the rod 434 being operably connected to a fourth bracket 414 so as to move a fourth electromagnetic lock 412 between an extended position E and a retracted position R.
[0104] One or more of the auxiliary actuators 130, 230, 330, and 430 may be pneumatic cylinders.
[0105] The third support 314 and the fourth support 414 may be U-shaped. Each of the U-shaped third support 314 and the fourth support 414 may include a central portion 316, 416 extending along a first direction X. Each of the U-shaped third support 314 and the fourth support 414 may include a pair of branches 318, 418, each branch connected to one end of the central portion 316, 416 and extending along a second direction Y. The branches 318, 418 of the U-shaped third support 314 may be on both sides of the first branch 56, and the branches 318, 418 of the U-shaped second support 214 may be on both sides of the second branch 58. Each branch 318 of the U-shaped third support 314 may include an elongated aperture 320 along the second direction Y, in which a corresponding protrusion extending from the first branch 56 is received. Each branch 418 of the U-shaped fourth support 414 may include an elongated aperture 420 along the second direction Y, in which a corresponding protrusion extending from the second branch 58 is received.
[0106] The distal end of the rod 334 of the third auxiliary actuator 330 can be operably connected to the central portion 316 of the U-shaped third support 314. The distal end of the rod 434 of the fourth auxiliary actuator 430 can be operably connected to the central portion 416 of the U-shaped fourth support 414.
[0107] The first branch 56 may define a recess 57 or a housing, in which the body 332 of the third auxiliary actuator 330 is received at least partially. The second branch 58 may define a recess 59 or a housing, in which the body 432 of the fourth auxiliary actuator 430 is received at least partially.
[0108] The machine 10 for processing medical devices may include a second processing circuit 35 adjacent to a second processing chamber 30 along a first direction X, and is adapted to process the medical devices in the second processing chamber 30 by immersion or by spraying a disinfectant solution taken from a reservoir.
[0109] The main actuator 41, plate, and crossbar 50 can be arranged at least partially between the first processing chamber 20 and the second processing chamber 30 according to a third-party orientation Z. The machine 10 is advantageously compact.
[0110] The machine 10 for processing medical devices may include one or more additional processing chambers and / or processing loops arranged along a third direction Z extending vertically above the second processing chamber 30, and may be identical to the second processing chamber 30.
[0111] The machine 10 for handling medical devices may further include a frame 11, which includes at least one first guide rail 104, 106 extending in a first direction X, into which a first door 100 slides between a closed position C and an open position O. Thus, one or more doors 100, 200, 300, 400 may be slidably engaged in corresponding guide rails 104, 106, 204, 206, 304, 306, 404, 406 of the frame 11 to be guided along the first direction X between the closed position C and the open position O. One or more doors 100, 200, 300, 400 may be slidably engaged in corresponding lower guide rails 104, 204, 304, 404 and corresponding upper guide rails 106, 206, 306, 406 of the frame 11 to be guided along the first direction X between the closed position C and the open position O.
[0112] The main actuator 41 may include a body 42 operatively fixed to the frame 11.
[0113] The frame 11 can be adapted to be embedded in a wall that separates a first housing Rc having a controlled atmosphere from a second housing Rd having an uncontrolled atmosphere.
[0114] One or more of doors 100, 200, 300, and 400 can be locked in the closed position C relative to the frame 11. The frame 11 may include one or more auxiliary electromagnetic locks. One or more of the auxiliary electromagnetic locks 112, 212, 312, and 412 may be adapted to cooperate with the auxiliary mating element of the corresponding door of the one or more doors in the closed position C.
[0115] The machine 10 for processing medical devices may also include a programmable controller 60 for controlling an actuation system 40 to open and / or close one or more doors of the machine 10, 100, 200, 300, and 400. The programmable controller may control the electric motor of the main actuator 41. The programmable controller may also control the one or more processing loops in the processing loop to sterilize the medical devices in the corresponding processing chamber.
[0116] The machine 10 for handling medical devices may also include a user interface 70 to allow an operator to actuate one or more of the doors 100, 200, 300, and 400 of the machine 10. Opening / closing control at the user interface can be received by a programmable controller to activate the actuation system 40. The user interface may be contactless to ensure a completely contactless process.
[0117] It should be understood that one or more doors in the door system can move along a first direction X toward the open position O according to a first orientation O1, and along the first direction X toward the closed position C according to a second orientation O2. The first direction X may be referred to as the first direction of movement.
[0118] One or more of doors 100, 200, 300, and 400 may include panels 102, 202, 302, and 402, which are configured to sealably close corresponding openings 21, 22, 31, and 32. One or more doors 100, 200, 300, and 400 may include brackets 108, 208, 308, and 408 operably connected to panels 102, 202, 302, and 402, on which one or more corresponding mating elements (i.e., mating elements 110, 210, 310, 410, and / or auxiliary mating elements configured to drive the corresponding door by means of a main actuator 41) may be plates. The one or more mating elements may be made of a non-corrosive, magnetizable material, such as stainless steel or low-carbon steel with a surface treatment (electroplated zinc).
[0119] The electromagnetic lock (i.e., the electromagnetic lock and / or auxiliary electromagnetic lock configured to drive the corresponding door by means of the main actuator 41) may also be referred to as an electromagnetic lock chuck.
[0120] The electromagnetic lock, or one or more electromagnetic locks, can maintain a force, i.e., a load, up to a threshold value. Therefore, when the load applied to the corresponding door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position C is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the actuation system 40 disengages from the corresponding door and also stops the door. The actuation system 40 provides a security system at a limited cost through the strength of the electromagnetic locks.
[0121] The one or more electromagnetic locks in the electromagnetic lock system (i.e., electromagnetic locks 112, 212, 312, 412 and / or auxiliary electromagnetic locks configured to actuate the respective doors by means of the main actuator 41) can ensure locking with their corresponding mating elements without requiring power from an external power source. In this case, the electromagnetic locks can be unlocked with their corresponding mating elements by being powered from an external power source. Such electromagnetic locks do not heat up during operation. Alternatively, one or more electromagnetic locks in the electromagnetic lock system can be powered from an external power source to ensure locking with their mating elements. Such electromagnetic locks provide a stronger locking mechanism.
[0122] One or more of doors 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be equipped with one or more limit sensor switches to collect data on the position of the corresponding door along a first direction X, at least when the door is in the closed position C or the open position O. The shaft 44 of the actuation system 40 may be equipped with one or more limit sensor switches to collect data on the position of the shaft 44 along the first direction X, at least when the shaft 44 is in an end position. The correlation between the data obtained from the limit sensor switches of one of the doors 100, 200, 300, and 400 and the limit sensor switches of the actuation system 40 can indicate the unlocking of the corresponding electromagnetic lock during movement of the door toward the closed position C, and thus indicate that the door is not fully closed. One or more auxiliary actuators 130, 230, 330, and 430 may be equipped with one or more limit sensor switches to collect data indicating which of the one or more doors 100, 200, 300, and 400 is connected to the actuation system 40.
Claims
1. A machine for processing medical devices, the machine comprising: At least one first processing chamber, the at least one first processing chamber having a housing and at least one first opening, the at least one first opening being configured to allow loading of a medical device into or unloading from the housing; At least one first door, the at least one first door being configured to move between a closed position and an open position according to a first direction, wherein in the closed position the first opening is sealed closed by the first door, and in the open position the first door releases the first opening; and An actuation system configured to be mechanically coupled to the first door to move the first door between the closed position and the open position and / or between the open position and the closed position. The actuation system is configured to disengage from the first door when the first door moves toward the closed position and a load applied to the first door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than a threshold.
2. The machine for processing medical devices according to claim 1, wherein, The actuation system includes: A main actuator, the main actuator including a shaft adapted to move according to the first direction; and At least one first electromagnetic lock, operably connected to the shaft of the main actuator, the first electromagnetic lock being configured to selectively lock with a mating element of the first door. The first electromagnetic lock is configured to unlock the mating element of the first door during movement of the first door toward the closed position when a load applied to the first door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than the threshold.
3. The machine for processing medical devices according to claim 2, wherein, The threshold corresponds to the magnetic force that locks the first electromagnetic lock to the mating element.
4. The machine for processing medical devices according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein, The actuation system is configured such that when the first door moves toward the closed position and the load applied to the first door in opposition to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than the threshold, the shaft is configured to pull the first electromagnetic lock away from the mating element, thereby unlocking the first electromagnetic lock from the mating element.
5. The machine for processing medical devices according to claim 2, wherein, The first electromagnetic lock is configured to abut against the mating element of the first door according to the first direction, such that the first door is pushed by the first electromagnetic lock to move toward the open position, and pulled by the first electromagnetic lock to move toward the closed position.
6. The machine for processing medical devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The actuation system is automated.
7. The machine for processing medical devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first direction extends horizontally.
8. The machine for processing medical devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The first processing chamber includes a second opening configured to allow loading or unloading of a medical device into or from the housing. The machine for handling medical devices further includes a second door configured to move horizontally between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the second opening is sealed shut by the second door, and in the open position the second door releases the second opening, and the actuation system is configured to be mechanically coupled to the second door to allow the second door to move independently between the closed position and the open position, wherein the actuation system is configured to disengage from the second door when the second door moves toward the closed position and a load applied to the second door in opposition to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than the threshold.
9. The machine for processing medical devices according to claims 8 and 2, wherein, The actuation system includes a second electromagnetic lock operably connected to the shaft of the main actuator, the second electromagnetic lock being configured to selectively lock with a mating element of the second door, wherein the second electromagnetic lock is configured to unlock with the mating element of the second door during movement of the second door toward the closed position when a load applied to the second door opposite to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than the threshold.
10. The machine for processing medical devices according to claim 9, wherein: The first opening and the second opening are opposite to each other according to the second direction; The actuation system includes a crossbar extending along the second direction between a first end and a second end, the crossbar being operably connected to the shaft of the main actuator at a middle portion; and The first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock are slidably connected along the second direction at the first end and the second end of the crossbar, respectively, between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock are configured to engage with corresponding mating elements of the first door and the second door. In the retracted position, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock are positioned away from the corresponding mating elements of the first door and the second door.
11. The machine for processing medical devices according to claim 9, wherein, The second electromagnetic lock is configured to abut against the mating element of the second door according to the first direction, such that the second door is pushed by the second electromagnetic lock to move toward the open position, and pulled by the second electromagnetic lock to move toward the closed position.
12. The machine for processing medical devices according to claims 11 and 10, wherein, In the extended position, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock face the corresponding mating elements of the first door and the second door along the first direction, and wherein, in the retracted position, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock are offset from the corresponding mating elements of the first door and the second door along the second direction.
13. The machine for processing medical devices according to claim 10, wherein, The actuation system includes: The first bracket and the second bracket, the first electromagnetic lock and the second electromagnetic lock are respectively operably connected to the first bracket and the second bracket, and the first bracket and the second bracket are respectively slidably connected at the first end and the second end of the crossbar along the second direction; A first auxiliary actuator has a body operably connected to a first end of the crossbar and a rod adapted to move in a second direction, the distal end of the rod being operably connected to the first bracket to move the first electromagnet between the extended position and the retracted position; and The second auxiliary actuator has a body operably connected to the second end of the crossbar and a rod adapted to move in the second direction, the distal end of the rod being operably connected to the second bracket to move the second electromagnetic lock between the extended position and the retracted position.
14. The machine for processing a medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the machine further comprising at least one first processing circuit adjacent to the first processing chamber along the first direction, the at least one first processing circuit being adapted to process the medical device disposed in the first processing chamber by immersion and / or by spraying a cleaning and / or disinfecting solution taken from a reservoir.
15. The machine for handling medical devices according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the machine further comprising a frame including at least one first guide rail extending in the first direction, the first door sliding between the closed position and the open position into the at least one first guide rail.
16. The machine for processing medical devices according to claim 15, wherein, The frame is adapted to be embedded in a wall that separates a controlled atmosphere enclosure from an uncontrolled atmosphere enclosure.
17. The machine for processing medical devices according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The at least one first door is configured to lock with the frame when it is in the closed position.
18. The machine for handling medical devices according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the machine further comprising a programmable controller for controlling the actuation system to open and / or close one or more doors of the machine.
19. The machine for handling medical devices according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the machine further comprising a user interface to allow an operator to actuate one or more of the doors of the machine.
20. The machine for processing medical devices according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The medical machine is an endoscope reprocessing machine, and the medical device is an endoscope.
21. A method, the method comprising: Open the door to provide access to the processing chamber of the endoscope reprocessing machine; The endoscope is inserted into the treatment chamber through the door; The actuation system mechanically coupled to the door causes the door to move between an open position and a closed position; as well as The actuation system disengages from the door in response to a load applied to the door that is equal to or greater than a threshold, opposite to the movement toward the closed position.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The actuation system is mechanically connected to the door via an electromagnetic lock; and Disengaging the actuation system from the door includes unlocking the electromagnetic lock during movement of the door toward the closed position when the load applied to the door in the opposite direction to the movement toward the closed position is equal to or greater than the threshold.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The threshold corresponds to the magnetic force that locks the first electromagnetic lock to the mating element.
24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein, The actuation system is automated, and causing the actuation system to move the door includes causing the actuation system to move the door automatically.
25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein, The actuation system moves the door by receiving commands via a user interface.