Systems and methods for medical room

Abstract

A system (10) for a medical room (1), the system (10) comprising a chair or table (12) arranged to receive a patient for treatment or examination, and a cleaning compartment (14) arranged to house the chair or table (12), the cleaning compartment (14) comprising means for cleaning the chair or table (12) housed therein, the chair or table (12) is movable from a first position in which the chair or table (2) is located outside the compartment (14) for treating the patient to a second position in which the chair or table (12) is located inside the cleaning compartment (14), where the chair or table (12) is mounted on a support mechanism (18) comprising a support structure in a fixed position inside the cleaning compartment (14) to which the chair or table is movably connected, therefore, the device can move between a first position and a second position. A chamber including the system (10) and a method of cleaning a patient chair or table (12) are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a system for a medical room, comprising a chair or table for receiving patients during medical examinations or procedures. The invention relates, particularly, but not limited to, a system for use in a dental clinic. The invention further relates to a medical room comprising a system including a patient chair or table, and a method for cleaning the patient chair or table between patients.

[0002] In all healthcare settings, such as treatment rooms and clinics, cleaning and sterilizing equipment after patient examinations or treatments is crucial for effective infection control. Not only must medical devices be completely sterilized before reuse, but all other equipment in the room where a patient receives an examination or treatment must also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between patients to prevent cross-infection. This is especially critical in dental treatment rooms because treatments and procedures performed on patients (including routine examinations) often involve the release of bodily fluids in the form of aerosols. These aerosols can easily and rapidly spread to surfaces around the patient. Therefore, it is essential for dentists to thoroughly disinfect all surfaces in the treatment room between patients, including but not limited to the treatment chair or table. This work is typically performed by dental assistants or dental nurses.

[0003] Meanwhile, the latest trends in healthcare innovation aim to automate many procedures and tasks performed by healthcare professionals. This automation has the potential to reduce costs, increase the number of patients who can receive care, and provide better access to healthcare services. Furthermore, automated cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection processes can be more repeatable than manual processes, further reducing the risk of cross-infection between patients.

[0004] While some tasks and procedures typically performed by medical (e.g., dental) nurses or assistants can be easily automated, various limitations have so far hindered the automation of other tasks, meaning that full automation of all cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection processes has not yet been achieved. One such task that has not yet been effectively automated is cleaning and disinfecting patient chairs or tables and their accessories (such as spittoons, lights, instrument tables, etc.). Current technology requires dental assistants or nurses to manually wipe the chairs or tables and accessories using appropriate cleaning and / or disinfecting solutions. Therefore, there is a need for systems that allow for the automation of this process to achieve full automation of the task performed by medical nurses or assistants.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a system for providing a chair or table during the treatment or examination of a patient, which also facilitates effective cleaning.

[0006] According to the present invention, a system for a medical room is provided, the system comprising: A chair or table, said chair or table being arranged to receive a patient for treatment or examination, and A cleaning cubicle, arranged to accommodate the chair or table, the cleaning cubicle including means for cleaning the chair or table accommodated therein. The chair or table is movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the chair or table is located outside the compartment for treating patients. In the second position, the chair or table is located inside the cleaning compartment. The chair or table is mounted on a support mechanism, which includes a support structure located at a fixed position inside the cleaning compartment. The chair or table is movably connected to the support structure, thereby enabling it to move between the first position and the second position.

[0007] This invention allows for easier automation of cleaning or disinfection of patient chairs or tables in medical rooms. In the context of this invention, the term "medical room" is not particularly limiting and includes any room, space, or environment, such as a treatment room or operating area, where a doctor, dentist, or other medical professional treats or examines a patient. This invention is particularly applicable to dental treatment rooms. The term "chair or table" refers to any suitable platform or device on which a patient can sit or lie during treatment or examination.

[0008] The arrangement of this invention houses the chair or table within a dedicated cleaning compartment, thereby allowing for the use of standardized and automated cleaning methods to clean or disinfect the chair or table after a patient has received treatment or examination. For conventional treatment chairs or tables that are typically kept in a fixed position within a room, the use of standardized and automated cleaning methods or procedures is impractical. It should be understood that any automated method or process for cleaning or disinfecting a patient chair or table requires the installation of suitable mechanical components (such as rollers or nozzles) within the room. Simultaneously, the physical space around the patient chair or table must remain open and accessible to allow medical personnel to examine or treat the patient and / or appropriately place auxiliary components, such as lamps, spittoons, or instrument trays, during procedures. These limitations make it impossible to permanently position mechanical cleaning components near patient chairs or tables when they are fixed in place in a medical room (especially a dental clinic).

[0009] Therefore, this system provides a solution to the aforementioned problems by allowing patient chairs or tables to be moved from their usual position in the central space of the medical room to a dedicated cleaning cubicle. The mechanical cleaning components within the cubicle can thus be arranged to more easily automate cleaning operations, which might be difficult to achieve with chairs or tables held in a fixed position within the medical room. Automated cleaning procedures performed within the cleaning cubicle are also more reliable and repeatable, providing more effective cleaning than existing manual procedures.

[0010] It should be understood that traditional treatment rooms, especially dental treatment rooms, typically position chairs or tables in a fixed location. This is for several reasons, including providing auxiliary components (instrument tables, spittoons, suction devices, etc.) located beside or near the chair or table. Additionally, traditional chairs are usually powered by pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms, which are often powered by pumps located away from the treatment room, with compressed fluid (especially compressed air) supplied to the chair via pipes extending through the floor of the treatment room. Furthermore, chairs used in medical treatment rooms are generally bulky and therefore often require positioning and / or fixation in a fixed location. Therefore, the present invention differs significantly from traditional chair or table systems used in medical rooms (such as dental treatment rooms).

[0011] By installing a fixed-position support structure inside the cleaning compartment, the chair and its support mechanism can be positioned within the compartment during cleaning operations, ensuring that all components are cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized. This reduces the risk of cross-infection.

[0012] Chairs or tables are preferably located entirely outside the clean cubicle, which improves accessibility and comfort for patients using chairs or tables and reduces the risk of cross-infection.

[0013] The system can be foldable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, a chair or table is arranged to receive a patient during use; in the second configuration, the chair or table is arranged to be housed within a cleaning cubicle for cleaning. The second configuration differs from the first configuration. Therefore, the cleaning cubicle is arranged to receive the chair or table in the second configuration. This implementation allows the size, shape, and configuration of the cleaning cubicle to be determined based on the available space within the medical room, and the chair or table to be reconfigured as needed to suit the cleaning cubicle. After cleaning, the chair or table can be removed from the cleaning cubicle and configured as needed for patient treatment or examination.

[0014] The first configuration can be an upright configuration, in which the chair provides seating for the patient; the second configuration is a flattened configuration, in which the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration. Therefore, the system can include a chair capable of folding between an upright and a flattened configuration, providing seating for the patient in the upright configuration and being flattened relative to the upright configuration in the flattened configuration. The chair is housed in the flattened configuration within a cleanroom cubicle.

[0015] The flattened configuration does not require the chair to be arranged completely flat, but rather that the chair's components are flat relative to the upright configuration. In this regard, it should be understood that the height dimension of the chair in the upright configuration is greater than the corresponding height dimension in the flattened configuration. By arranging the chair flat for inclusion in the cleaning cubicle, the vertical space occupied by the chair can be minimized, and therefore the vertical dimensions of the cleaning cubicle can also be minimized. Furthermore, the flattened arrangement of the chair facilitates the cleaning process within the cleaning cubicle because the upper surfaces of the chair (i.e., the surfaces of the chair that come into contact with the patient during use) are separated from each other, allowing for effective cleaning of the upper surfaces. In summary, with this arrangement, the system provides a chair that can be suitably configured for use during patient treatment or examination, and subsequently reconfigured for inclusion in the cleaning cubicle, while ensuring a compact arrangement of the entire system and effective cleaning through automated procedures. The chair preferably includes a backrest and a seat, wherein the angle between the backrest and the seat (or more particularly, the angle between the respective upper surfaces of the backrest and the seat) when the chair is in an upright configuration is smaller than the angle between the backrest and the seat (or their respective upper surfaces) when the chair is in a flattened configuration. In other words, the angle between the backrest and the seat (or their respective upper surfaces) when the chair is in a flattened configuration is increased relative to the angle between the backrest and the seat (or their respective upper surfaces) when the chair is in an upright configuration. The angle between the backrest and the seat (or their respective upper surfaces) when the chair is in a flattened configuration can be greater than 150 degrees, greater than 160 degrees, and greater than 170 degrees. The angle between the backrest and the seat (or their respective upper surfaces) when the chair is in a flattened configuration can be less than 210 degrees, less than 200 degrees, and less than 190 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the backrest and the seat (or their respective upper surfaces) when the chair is in a flattened configuration is approximately 180 degrees. In some implementations, when the chair is in a flattened configuration, the backrest and seat are arranged substantially horizontally.

[0016] While the implementation may not require the backrest and seat (or their upper surfaces) to be arranged at an exact 180-degree angle relative to each other, it should be understood that in the flattened configuration, the respective upper surfaces of the backrest and seat need to be kept separate. That is, in the flattened configuration, their respective upper surfaces do not contact each other. Similarly, the respective lower surfaces of the backrest and seat need to be kept separate so that their respective lower surfaces do not contact each other. Keeping the upper and lower surfaces of the backrest and seat separate ensures that cleaning of these surfaces is not hindered or prevented.

[0017] The chair may additionally include a leg rest and / or a headrest. The leg rest may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the seat so as to move with the seat, or may be movably connected to the seat. The headrest may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the backrest so as to move with it, or may be movably connected to the backrest. In some embodiments, when in a flattened configuration, the leg rest and / or headrest may be arranged substantially horizontally with the backrest and seat.

[0018] In some embodiments, the chair defines a substantially flat upper surface when in a flattened configuration. The upper surface of the chair may be defined by the upper surfaces of the backrest, seat, and headrest or leg rest (if any).

[0019] In some embodiments, the cleaning compartment includes an opening through which a chair or table enters or exits. The chair or table defines a central axis extending longitudinally between opposite longitudinal ends of the chair or table. When the chair or table is in a first position, the central axis forms an angle, either obliquely or parallel to the width direction of the opening of the cleaning compartment. Therefore, in use, the chair or table is not perpendicular to the width direction of the opening. This allows for a reduction in the overall space occupied by the system when used to treat or examine a patient. Thus, the system provides a chair or table that can be suitably configured for use during patient treatment or examination and subsequently reconfigured for placement within the cleaning compartment, while ensuring a compact layout of the entire system and effective cleaning through an automated process.

[0020] It should be understood that the smaller the angle between the central axis of the chair or table and the width direction of the opening, the closer the farthest longitudinal end of the chair or table will be to the clean cubicle. Therefore, when the central axis of the chair or table is not perpendicular to the width direction of the opening, a medical professional treating or examining a patient at the farthest longitudinal end of the chair or table (e.g., the head end) can simultaneously sit relatively close to the clean cubicle. The clean cubicle may include a housing defining a work surface on which medical equipment or supplies can be positioned for use during procedures. Therefore, reducing the angle between the central axis of the chair and the width direction of the opening provides easier accessibility for the medical professional to the work surface and equipment. Thus, the arrangement described above provides a system having a chair or table that can be suitably configured for treating or examining a patient and subsequently reconfigured to be housed within a clean cubicle while maintaining an overall compact arrangement.

[0021] For example, when the chair or table is in the first position, the central axis of the chair or table may be at 75 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, optionally at 60 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, optionally at 45 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, or optionally approximately parallel to the width direction of the opening.

[0022] In one embodiment, the chair or table defines a central axis extending longitudinally between opposite longitudinal ends of the chair or table, and the chair or table is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning compartment in a direction not parallel to this central axis. This allows the chair or table to unfold in a manner that reduces the space required outside the cleaning compartment, maintaining a compact overall arrangement of the system when the chair or table transitions between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the chair or table is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to this central axis. Therefore, the chair or table is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning compartment in a "lateral" manner, minimizing the space required for the unfolding of the chair or table.

[0023] In some implementations, when the chair or table is in the first position, the relative longitudinal ends of the chair or table are allowed to move independently of the support mechanism. This facilitates the proper use of the chair or table configuration during patient treatment or examination.

[0024] The support mechanism may include an arm attached to a chair or table and an arm attached to the support structure, thereby connecting the chair or table to a base. The arm is movable relative to the support structure, allowing the chair or table to move between a first position and a second position. The support structure may include a base arranged to be fixedly fastened to the floor of the medical room, or a frame fastened within a compartment or integrally formed with the inner wall of a compartment. The arm is attached to the chair or table and to the base or frame, thereby connecting the chair or table to the base or frame. The base or frame may preferably be located within a cleaning compartment such that when the chair or table is in the second position, the entire support mechanism is also located within the cleaning compartment. This ensures that the chair or table and its support mechanism are completely removed from the central space of the medical room for cleaning. This also facilitates cleaning of the medical room itself through automated procedures without obstruction by the chair or table and / or the support mechanism.

[0025] The arm can be arranged to support the chair or table in a raised position. The arm can be attached to the bottom surface of the chair or table. The support mechanism may include a single arm that attaches the support structure to the chair or table.

[0026] The support mechanism preferably includes one or more electric motors arranged to achieve movement of the arm relative to the base. Alternatively, the support mechanism may include pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms to achieve movement of the chair or table from a first position to a second position. In this case, it is preferable that the system includes a dedicated compressed air pump or hydraulic pump arranged to power only the chair or table associated with that specific system. This ensures that the mechanism for achieving chair movement does not rely on a central pump that delivers compressed fluid to the chair, for example, via pipes extending through the medical room floor. This facilitates movement of the chair between the first and second positions.

[0027] The system may further include a shield (such as a door) arranged to cover the opening when the chair or table is in a first position and a second position. This isolates the cleaning cubicle from the external environment during cleaning operations and patient treatment. When the chair is in the first and second positions, the shield preferably completely covers the opening. If the system includes an arm or other mechanism extending through the opening to support the chair or table in the first position, the shield is preferably arranged to seal against said arm or other mechanism, thereby completely covering the opening when the chair or table is in the first position.

[0028] The system preferably includes a control unit arranged to control movement of a chair or table between a first position and a second position. The control unit preferably controls movement of a support mechanism, thereby enabling the movement of the chair or table. The control unit may be user-operable to move the chair between the first and second positions and / or may include automated means for moving the chair from the first position to the second position at appropriate times. For example, a medical professional may operate an actuator of the control unit after completing a treatment or examination, and the control unit is configured to automatically control the chair or table to move to the second position upon actuation. The control unit may be further configured to automatically control the chair or table to move to the first position after a cleaning operation is completed, or in response to further actuation by the user. The system may include means (e.g., motion sensors, image recognition cameras, etc.) for determining when a patient gets off the chair or table, and the control unit is configured to determine when the patient gets off the chair or table and operate the chair or table to move to the second position when it is determined that the patient has gotten off the chair or table.

[0029] The chair or table may include one or more auxiliary components, each of which is mounted on an auxiliary arm connected to the body of the chair or table. The auxiliary arm is movable to position the auxiliary component in a first position (for use of the auxiliary component) and a second position separated from the first position. A compartment is arranged to accommodate the chair or table and each of the auxiliary components when the auxiliary component is in the second position. Therefore, the chair or table and its auxiliary components can be moved into the cleaning compartment simultaneously and cleaned in the same operation.

[0030] When in the second position, each of the auxiliary components and its auxiliary arm is preferably placed substantially horizontally with respect to the chair or table. Preferably, the chair or table and the auxiliary components (and their respective arms) together define a substantially flat upper surface when in the flattened configuration.

[0031] Non-limiting examples of auxiliary components include: lights for illuminating patient areas (such as the face / mouth) during use; stools on which dentists can sit during treatment or examination of patients; spittoons; instrument tables; and suction units for removing bodily fluids and other waste generated in a patient's mouth during dental procedures.

[0032] The cleaning device includes one or more rollers arranged to traverse the surface of a chair or table. The system may further include a dispensing system arranged to dispense disposable wipes onto the surface of the rollers.

[0033] The cleaning apparatus may include one or more spray systems arranged to spray a cleaning solution onto the surface of a chair or table. The arrangement of a dedicated cleaning compartment separated from the central space of the medical room is particularly advantageous in this configuration, as any liquids or aerosols generated during cleaning operations can be contained within the compartment.

[0034] The cleaning device may include a UV lamp. This UV lamp may be arranged to irradiate at least a portion of a chair or table with UV-C radiation at wavelengths of 180 to 280 nm. UV-C radiation, also known as germicidal UV, is known to kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, and other pathogens. Therefore, the use of UV-C radiation in cleaning processes used in medical settings may be particularly useful. However, UV-C radiation is known to be harmful to humans, meaning its use in open environments (such as medical or dental clinics) is dangerous. In this invention, by providing a separate and dedicated cleaning compartment into which a patient chair or table is moved, UV-C radiation can be used to kill or inactivate pathogens carried on the surfaces of the chair or table and / or its auxiliary components without endangering the safety of any personnel present in the clinic.

[0035] The compartment may include air filters, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

[0036] This compartment may be for a washer / sterilizer. Washers / sterilizers are commonly used in healthcare facilities (including dental clinics), and their cleaning cycle typically includes the following steps: (i) Cleaning / rinsing cycle: Use water (usually below 45°C) for a pre-rinse to remove solid and liquid debris contamination remaining on items in the washing compartment of the detergent sterilizer.

[0037] (ii) Washing / Detergent Procedure: Use detergent to further remove debris and other reagents present on the item. A rinsing stage may be performed to remove detergent and other reagents.

[0038] (iii) Disinfection: Applying high temperature (usually 90°C) to disinfect items within a predetermined time period.

[0039] (iv) Drying: Drying items with hot air.

[0040] Washing and sterilizing devices are commonly used to facilitate the cleaning and sterilization of medical devices. In embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning compartment is a compartment for the washing and sterilizing device, allowing patient chairs or tables to undergo the same washing and sterilizing cleaning treatment.

[0041] In this embodiment, the compartment may have a first area arranged to receive chairs or tables, and a second area arranged to receive one or more instruments, wherein a washer / disinfector is arranged to simultaneously clean the chairs or tables and the one or more instruments received in the second area.

[0042] The second area may include a rack arranged to receive multiple medical devices. This rack may preferably be arranged to receive one or more treatment boxes, each arranged to hold multiple medical devices. Thus, chairs or tables, instruments, and / or one or more treatment boxes can be transferred into the compartment via an automated process, and sterilization can be performed simultaneously in the same operation.

[0043] Another aspect of the invention provides a medical room comprising the system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a first position, the chair or table is located within a central space outside a cleaning compartment of the medical room. The cleaning compartment is preferably housed within a cabinet on one side of the medical room. The medical room may preferably be a treatment room, particularly a dental treatment room.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for cleaning a chair or table used in a medical room, the method comprising: (i) to provide a system according to the foregoing aspects of the present invention; (ii) moving the chair or table from the first position to the second position; and (iii) Perform cleaning operations on the chair or table located in the cleaning compartment.

[0045] Appropriately, if the method includes a patient chair, the chair is folded from an upright configuration (where the chair provides seating for the patient) to a flattened configuration (where the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration) before (ii).

[0046] Step (iii) preferably includes at least one of the following: (a) To sweep the roller across the surface of the chair or table; (b) Spray the surface of the chair or table with a cleaning or disinfecting solution; and (c) Irradiate the surface of the chair or table with ultraviolet radiation.

[0047] The cleaning compartment may be a compartment for a washer-sterilizer, wherein step (iii) includes performing a washer-sterilizer cleaning cycle within the compartment, the compartment containing the chair or table. One or more medical devices may be placed inside the compartment prior to step (iii), and wherein step (iii) includes simultaneously cleaning the chair or table and the one or more medical devices.

[0048] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of a treatment room including a system according to the present invention, wherein a patient chair is located in the central space of the treatment room; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the examination room, in which the patient chair is located in a clean cubicle; Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of a chair according to the system of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Other schematic side views of the chair; Figure 5 A schematic side view of the cleaning compartment of the system according to the present invention; and Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic top view of the cleaning cubicle.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a medical treatment room 1 (e.g., a dental treatment room) including a system 10 according to the present invention is shown. Treatment room 1 is an example of a medical room in the context of the present invention. System 10 includes a chair 12 arranged to receive a patient for treatment or examination and a cleaning compartment 14 arranged to house the chair 12. Alternative embodiments may include a patient table, such as an operating table or examination table. Cleaning compartment 14 includes means for cleaning the chair 12 housed therein, as referenced below. Figure 5 and Figure 6 To explain in more detail.

[0050] Chair 12 can be used to treat a patient from a first position (where chair 12 is located outside compartment 14). Figure 1 Move to the second position (where chair 12 is located inside cleaning compartment 14). Figure 2 )).

[0051] Further reference Figure 1 In its first position, chair 12 is located within the central space 16 of the examination room, which is outside the cubicle 14. In this first position, chair 12 can be used to seat the patient during treatment or examination. Further reference Figure 2 After the patient uses the chair, chair 12 is moved to the second position within the cleaning compartment 14.

[0052] To facilitate movement from a first position to a second position, chair 12 is mounted on a support mechanism 18, which includes a support structure in the form of a base 20 fixed in a fixed position within compartment 14. Support mechanism 18 further includes an arm 22 connected to the bottom surface of chair 12 to support chair 12 in a raised position (i.e., raised from the floor of examination room 1 to the outside of cleaning compartment 14). Arm 22 is pivotable and telescopically movable relative to support base 20, thereby allowing chair 12 to move into and out of compartment 14. Arm 22 is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of chair 12, thereby allowing chair 12 to rotate relative to arm 22. Therefore, chair 12 can be moved to an appropriate position and orientation via support mechanism 18.

[0053] It should be understood that the support mechanism is configured to allow vertical movement (up and down) of the chair 12, thereby allowing the chair 12 to be properly positioned according to a specific patient and dental procedure during use, and also allowing the chair 12 to be moved to the correct vertical position for transfer into the compartment via the opening (not shown) of the compartment 14. The support mechanism 18 is shown schematically only, and those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of many suitable mechanisms that allow the chair 12 to move between a first position and a second position. For example, the support structure could alternatively be a frame integrally formed with or fixed to the inner wall of the cleaning compartment, to which the arm 22 is movably attached, thereby achieving movement of the chair 12 in the same manner.

[0054] The support mechanism 18 is driven by an electric motor to move the chair 14. The system 10 further includes a control unit 23, which is arranged to control the movement of the chair 12 by means of the support mechanism 18. The control unit 12 allows a user (such as a dentist or other medical personnel) to control the movement of the chair 12 in and out of the cleaning compartment 14.

[0055] The movement of chair 12 in and out of cleaning compartment 14 allows for proper cleaning or disinfection of the chair during patient visits. The arrangement of cleaning compartment 14 allows chair 12 to be cleaned in a controlled and automated manner via cleaning devices or equipment located within the compartment. This allows for fully automated cleaning and disinfection of chair 12 during patient visits. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, moving the chair into the cleaning compartment 14 ensures that the central space 16 of the treatment room is unobstructed and suitable for cleaning; otherwise, if the patient chair remained in the central space, cleaning might be difficult and / or require manual cleaning. This facilitates cleaning of the entire dental treatment room.

[0056] To facilitate movement of chair 12 between a first position and a second position (entering and exiting the clean cubicle 14), chair 12 can be configured in an upright position (where chair 12 provides a seat for the patient, such as...). Figure 3 As shown) and the flattened configuration (where chair 12 is arranged in a basically horizontal manner, so that the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration) Figure 4 The chair folds between the two sides (as shown). Therefore, the chair is in an upright configuration (as shown). Figure 3 The height dimension of the chair under the flattened configuration is greater than that of the chair in the flattened configuration. Figure 4 The height dimension refers to the distance between the highest and lowest points of the chair when in use.

[0057] Therefore, chair 12 can be manipulated to adopt any desired arrangement for treatment or examination. However, in its flattened configuration, chair 12 occupies minimal space, allowing for a minimum reduction in the size of the cleaning cubicle 14. Consequently, the cleaning cubicle 14 also occupies as little space as possible within the examination room. Providing a substantially horizontal arrangement for chair 12 also facilitates the cleaning process, which will be described in more detail below.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the chair includes a headrest 24, a backrest 26, a seat 28, and a leg rest 30. It should be understood that this particular configuration of the chair 12 is not limiting, and the chair 12 may include other components, such as armrests and footrests. The backrest 26 and leg rest 30 are individually connected to the seat 28 by means of pivotable connectors 32, which are arranged to allow the backrest 26 and leg rest 30 to pivot relative to the seat 28 to provide any desired seating arrangement, which may vary depending on the procedure. Figure 4 As shown, the pivotable connector 32 allows the backrest 26 and leg rest 30 to be arranged horizontally with the seat 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the headrest 24 is fixedly connected to the backrest 26 and moves with it; however, in an alternative embodiment, the headrest 24 can pivot independently relative to the backrest 28.

[0059] Each of the pivotable connectors 32 can be driven by an electric motor to allow the chair components to move relative to each other. This arrangement differs from conventional dental chairs, which operate using compressed air. Conventional chairs require a supply of compressed air, typically via tubing connected to an air compressor, which may be located away from the treatment room, such as in the basement of a medical facility. In this conventional arrangement, compressed air is delivered to the chair's position via tubing laid beneath and through the treatment room floor. This conventional system restricts the chair's movement away from its normal position in the central space of the treatment room, where it is used during patient treatment or examination. Therefore, by using an electric motor to drive the chair's movement between its upright and flattened configurations, the movement of the chair in and out of the cleaning cubicle is ensured to be unrestricted by any tubing or tubing connected to the chair.

[0060] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, when in a flattened configuration, chair 12 defines a substantially flat upper surface 34. Therefore, the upper surfaces of the components of chair 12 are horizontally aligned. This arrangement facilitates cleaning of the upper surface of chair 12 (the surface most likely to be in contact with by the patient during treatment or examination) within the cleaning compartment 14, for example, by means of rollers arranged to sweep across the upper surface of chair 12 during cleaning operations.

[0061] It should be understood that the seat surface of chair 12 may not be completely flat; for example, it may have contours and / or curves to provide an ergonomic seating position for the patient. Therefore, the upper surface of chair 12 in a flattened configuration may not be completely flat.

[0062] When chair 12 is in an upright configuration ( Figure 3 When the backrest 26 and seat 28 are in their flattened configuration, the angle α between them is less than when the chair 12 is in its flattened configuration. Figure 4 The angle β between the backrest 26 and the seat 28 is greater in the flattened configuration than in the upright configuration. Therefore, the flattened configuration should be understood as a configuration where the angle between the backrest 26 and the seat 28 is increased compared to the angle between the backrest 26 and the seat 28 in the upright configuration, while maintaining separation between the upper and lower surfaces of the backrest 26 and the seat 28 (i.e., the backrest and seat do not fold together, causing their upper or lower surfaces to contact each other), allowing for effective cleaning. More specifically, the angle between the upper surfaces of the backrest 26 and the seat 28 in the flattened configuration is greater than the angle in the upright configuration. Figure 4 In the case of chair 12 in its flattened configuration, the angle β between the backrest 26 and the seat 28 (specifically, the angle between the respective upper surfaces of the backrest 26 and the seat 28) is approximately 180 degrees. This provides a linear end-to-end arrangement of the backrest 26 and the seat 28, minimizing the vertical space occupied by the chair 12 and facilitating the cleaning process.

[0063] In order to move between the upright and flattened configurations, the relative longitudinal ends represented by the headrest 24 and leg rest 30 are allowed to move relative to the support mechanism 18.

[0064] The cleaning compartment can preferably be housed within a cabinet located in the treatment room 1. This cabinet can be equipped with all other facilities required by the dentist (or other medical personnel) depending on the specific treatment room where system 10 is located. Therefore, the cabinet can be provided as a standardized unit, allowing for compact integration into most existing treatment rooms. Furthermore, because system 10 is housed within a freestanding unit, isolation time and costs are significantly reduced compared to conventional treatment rooms that may require connecting the chair to external systems (such as an air compressor).

[0065] The cleaning compartment 14 includes an opening 15 on one side. A chair 12 is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning compartment through the opening 15. The opening 15 has a width direction W. The chair 12 defines a central axis C extending in a longitudinal direction between the opposing longitudinal ends of the chair 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal ends of the chair 21 are defined by the end ends of the headrest 24 and leg rest 30. However, it should be understood that the longitudinal ends of the chair 12 (or table) may be defined by any components located at the opposing longitudinal ends of the chair 12 (or table).

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, in the first position, the central axis C is at a parallel angle to the width direction W of the opening 15. Alternatively, the central axis C may be at an angle to the width direction W of the opening 15. Preferably, the central axis C is not perpendicular to the width direction W, as this maximizes the space occupied by the entire system 10 when the chair 12 is deployed outside the clean compartment 14 during patient treatment or examination. This can be achieved from... Figure 1 As understood in the figure, system 10 defines the maximum lateral dimension extending from the rear side 14a of the cleaning cubicle 14 to the portion of chair 12 furthest from the cleaning cubicle 14 (represented in Figure 12 by the far side 12a of chair 12). If the central axis C is perpendicular to the width direction W of the opening 15, this lateral dimension would be extended, requiring more space in the examination room 1 to accommodate chair 12. Therefore, this lateral dimension can be reduced by arranging the central axis C of chair 12 at an angle that is either inclined or parallel to the width direction W of the opening 15, or, in the case of a parallel arrangement, minimized.

[0067] Chair 12 is arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis C of chair 12 (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As indicated by arrow A in the diagram) Enter and exit cleaning compartment 14, i.e., in a "lateral" manner.

[0068] The system includes a shield in the form of a door 17, which is arranged to be in the first position during cleaning operations (i.e., when the chair is in the first position) or during patient treatment / examination (i.e., when the chair is in the second position). Figure 1 ) and second position ( Figure 2 When the chair 12 is in the first and second positions, the door 17 is arranged to completely cover the opening 15, thereby isolating the clean cubicle 14 from the external environment (e.g., the central space 16 of the examination room). When the chair 12 is in the first position, the door 17 is arranged to completely cover the opening 15. The door 17 is arranged to seal against the arm 22 of the support mechanism 18 when the chair 12 is in the first position, thereby completely covering the opening 15 when the chair 12 is in the first position.

[0069] The following will be referenced Figure 5 and Figure 6The method of cleaning chair 12 is described in more detail. Figure 5 A schematic side view of a cleaning cubicle 14 with a chair 12 inserted is shown. Figure 6 A schematic top view of a cleaning cubicle 14 with a chair 12 inserted is shown.

[0070] The cleaning compartment 14 includes a device for cleaning the chair 12, which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a roller 36, a nozzle 38, a UV lamp 40, and an air filter 42. It should be understood that the specific device for cleaning the chair 12 is not the core of the invention. Regardless of the specific cleaning method used, housing the chair 12 within a compartment allows for easier automation of the cleaning process compared to placing the chair 12 in the central space of the treatment room 1. Therefore, by providing a cleaning compartment 14 including suitable cleaning devices, the task of a dental assistant wiping surfaces between patients can be automated in a way that was previously impossible.

[0071] Further reference Figure 5 The cleaning device includes an upper roller 36a and a lower roller 36b. Each of the upper roller 36a and the lower roller 36b is arranged to sweep across the surface of the chair (e.g., the upper or lower surface). Each roller 36 is arranged to apply a cleaning solution to the surface of the chair 12. In one particular embodiment, a disposable cleaning wipe may be attached to the surface of the roller 36, the wipe containing a suitable cleaning solution or disinfectant solution. After operation, the wipe is removed from the roller 36, and a new wipe is subsequently attached to the surface of the roller 36 for the next cleaning operation, which can be easily automated.

[0072] Figure 6 A dispensing mechanism 44 is shown, which may include a roll of disposable wipes. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing mechanism 44 is located outside the compartment 14; however, alternative embodiments may include a dispensing mechanism within the compartment 14 itself. The dispensing mechanism 44 is functionally connected to a corresponding roller 36 to dispense cleaning wipes onto the surface of the roller 36 for the next cleaning operation. In an alternative embodiment, the roller 36 may include a fibrous (e.g., microfiber) surface supplied with a cleaning or disinfecting solution for application to the surface of the chair 12.

[0073] The cleaning compartment 14 further includes cleaning devices in the form of nozzles 38, located on the upper surface, lower surface, and sides of the cleaning compartment 14. The nozzles 38 are configured to spray the chair 12 with a suitable cleaning or disinfecting solution. In the illustrated embodiment, each nozzle 38 is positioned in a fixed location for cleaning a specific portion of the chair 12; however, in an alternative embodiment, the compartment may include one or more movable nozzles arranged to move across one or more surfaces of the chair 12 to apply a cleaning or disinfecting solution.

[0074] The compartment 14 further includes a drain 46 to allow any liquids generated during the cleaning operation to be properly removed from the cleaning compartment.

[0075] Other cleaning devices, in the form of UV lamps 40, are provided to irradiate the chair 12 with UV light, particularly UV-C light (wavelengths of 100 to 280 nm). The UV lamps 40 may be arranged as a specific part or component of the irradiation chair 12, or they may be arranged as the entire irradiation chair 12. Multiple UV lamps 40 may be used for this purpose. By moving the chair 12 into the compartment 14, any potentially harmful effects of UV radiation (particularly UV-C) on any person within the examination room 1 during cleaning operations can be limited. Therefore, the present invention provides an alternative or additional method of cleaning by UV radiation, which is impractical and / or harmful in conventional examination rooms or other medical rooms.

[0076] like Figure 6 Most clearly, chair 12 includes several auxiliary components. These auxiliary components are common equipment in dental clinics. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary components include: a light 48 for illuminating patient areas (such as the face / mouth) during use; a stool 50 on which the dentist can sit during treatment or examination of the patient; a spittoon 52; an instrument table 54; and a suction unit 56 for removing bodily fluids and other waste generated in the patient's mouth during procedures. It should be understood that specific auxiliary components may vary depending on the type of clinic or other medical room where the system is installed.

[0077] Each auxiliary component is mounted on an arm 58, which is movable to position the auxiliary component in place for use, while also allowing the auxiliary component to be arranged substantially horizontally with other chair components. Compartment 14 is arranged to accommodate the chair 12 and its auxiliary components, allowing the auxiliary components to be cleaned and / or disinfected in the same operation as the chair 12. The specific mechanism for positioning the auxiliary components via the movement of the arm 58 is not particularly critical, and many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0078] With the above arrangement, all equipment used during dental procedures (treatment or examination) can be cleaned and disinfected in a single operation. This operation is more easily automated by removing the chair and its auxiliary components from the central space of the treatment room into the isolated cleaning compartment 14, thereby allowing the use of any suitable cleaning device, such as the cleaning device described above.

[0079] It should be understood that this invention allows for the automation of many tasks typically performed by dental nurses or assistants. Therefore, this invention has the potential to reduce the operating costs of dental clinics (or other medical facilities) by decreasing the number of staff required during a visit. In conjunction with other automation technologies, this invention can facilitate the operation of medical clinics by a single medical professional (such as a doctor or dentist). Consequently, operating costs can be minimized, allowing institutions to provide less expensive medical care, thereby improving the accessibility of said care.

[0080] The invention has been described above by way of example only with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the system can have different arrangements, all of which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for a medical room, the system comprising: A chair or table, said chair or table being arranged to receive a patient for treatment or examination, and A cleaning cubicle, arranged to accommodate the chair or table, the cleaning cubicle including means for cleaning the chair or table accommodated therein. in, The chair or table can be moved from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the chair or table is located outside the treatment compartment; in the second position, the chair or table is located inside the cleaning compartment. The chair or table is mounted on a support mechanism, which includes a support structure located at a fixed position inside the cleaning compartment. The chair or table is movably connected to the support structure, thereby enabling it to move between a first position and a second position.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The chair or table is foldable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the chair or table is arranged to receive a patient in use; in the second configuration, the chair or table is arranged to be housed within the cleaning compartment for cleaning.

3. The system of claim 2, comprising a chair, wherein the first configuration is an upright configuration, in which the chair provides a seat for a patient, and the second configuration is a flattened configuration, in which the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration, wherein... The chair is housed within the cleaning compartment in the flattened configuration.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The chair includes a backrest and a seat, wherein the angle between the backrest and the seat when the chair is in an upright configuration is smaller than the angle between the backrest and the seat when the chair is in a flattened configuration.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, When the chair is in the flattened configuration, the angle between the backrest and the seat is greater than 150 degrees, preferably greater than 160 degrees, and more preferably greater than 170 degrees.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, When the chair is in the flattened configuration, the angle between the backrest and the seat is less than 210 degrees, preferably less than 200 degrees, and more preferably less than 190 degrees.

7. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, When the chair is in the flattened configuration, at least the backrest and the seat are arranged substantially horizontally.

8. The system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, When in the flattened configuration, the chair defines a substantially flat upper surface.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cleaning cubicle includes an opening through which the chair or table enters or exits the cleaning cubicle. The chair or table defines a central axis extending longitudinally between the opposing longitudinal ends of the chair or table, and When the chair or table is in the first position, the central axis of the chair or table is inclined or parallel to the width direction of the opening of the cleaning cubicle.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, When the chair or table is in the first position, the central axis of the chair or table is at an angle of 75 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, optionally at an angle of 60 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, optionally at an angle of 45 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, or optionally approximately parallel to the width direction of the opening.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The chair or table defines a central axis extending longitudinally between the opposite longitudinal ends of the chair or table, and wherein the chair or table is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning compartment in a direction not parallel to the central axis.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the chair or table is in the first position, the relative longitudinal ends of the chair or table are allowed to move independently of the support mechanism.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cleaning compartment includes an opening through which the chair or table enters or exits the cleaning compartment, and the system further includes a shielding member arranged to cover the opening when the chair or table is in the first position and the second position.

14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support mechanism includes an arm attached to the chair or table and the support structure, the arm being movable relative to the support structure, thereby moving the chair or table between a first position and a second position.

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The chair or table includes one or more auxiliary components, each of which is mounted on an auxiliary arm that is movable to position the auxiliary component in a first position for use and in a second position separate from the first position, wherein the compartment is arranged to accommodate the chair or table and each of the auxiliary components when the auxiliary component is in the second position.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, when any one of claims 2 to 7 is referenced, When in the second configuration, each of the auxiliary components and the associated auxiliary arm are arranged substantially horizontally with the chair or table.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, when any one of claims 3 to 7 is referenced, When in the flattened configuration, the chair and auxiliary components define a substantially flat upper surface.

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cleaning device includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of: one or more rollers arranged to sweep across the surface of the chair or table; and one or more spraying systems arranged to spray a cleaning solution onto the surface of the chair or table. One or more ultraviolet lamps.

19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The compartment includes an air filter.

20. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The compartment is the cleaning compartment for the washing and disinfection machine.

21. A medical room comprising the system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When in the first position, the chair or table is located in the central space outside the cleanroom of the medical room, and is completely outside the cleanroom.

22. A method for cleaning a chair or table used in a medical room, the method comprising: (i) to provide a system according to any one of the preceding claims; (ii) Moving the chair or table from the first position to the second position; and (iii) Perform cleaning operations on the chair or table located in the cleaning compartment.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Prior to (ii), the chair or table is rearranged from a first configuration in which it is arranged to receive a patient during use to a second configuration in which it is housed within the cleaning compartment for cleaning.

24. The method for cleaning a chair according to claim 23, wherein, The first configuration is an upright configuration in which the chair provides a seat for the patient; the second configuration is a flattened configuration in which the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration; and wherein, prior to (ii), the chair is folded from the upright configuration to the flattened configuration.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, Step (iii) includes at least one of the following: (a) To sweep the roller across the surface of the chair or table; (b) Spray the surface of the chair or table with a cleaning or disinfecting solution; and (c) Irradiate the surface of the chair or table with ultraviolet radiation.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein, The cleaning compartment is a compartment for a washing and disinfecting device, and step (iii) includes performing a washing and disinfecting device cleaning cycle within the compartment, the compartment containing the chair or table.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, One or more medical devices are placed inside the compartment prior to step (iii), and step (iii) includes simultaneously cleaning the chair or table and the one or more medical devices.

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