Device for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for disinfecting dynamic instrument holders (10) used in the dental field, comprising: - an enclosure (2) having a fluid-collecting base (21); - means (3) for suspending the dynamic instrument holders (10) in the enclosure (2); - means (4) for spraying cleaning fluid (40) into the enclosure (2); - a discharge outlet (5) provided for discharging cleaning fluid (40) and coupled fluidically to the collecting base (21); - a system (6) for supplying the spraying means (4) with the cleaning fluid (40) collected by the collecting base (21) and discharged via the discharge outlet (5); - a system (7) for filling the enclosure (2) with cleaning fluid (40), separate from the spraying means (4).

Description

Device for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of equipment for dental care.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to an automated device for washing, disinfecting, lubricating and drying dynamic instrument holders used in the dental field, such as handpieces or turbines.

[0003] Dynamic instrument holders are reusable semi-critical medical devices that may be contaminated during dental care by saliva, blood and tissue debris (dentin, enamel, bone, vascular and nervous tissues).

[0004] These dynamic instrument holders include contra-angles, handpieces, and turbines.

[0005] After use and prior to sterilization, maintenance of these devices requires pre-disinfection and cleaning of internal and external surfaces, lubrication of internal surfaces and disinfection of internal and external surfaces between each patient.

[0006] In the field of the invention, the patent document published under number FR2958852A1 describes an automatic disinfection system for surgical motors, i.e. dynamic instrument holders.

[0007] This automaton comprises an enclosure in which the dynamic instrument holders are intended to be positioned to be cleaned, disinfected and lubricated. For this purpose, the automaton also comprises means for suspending the dynamic instrument holders in the enclosure.

[0008] These suspension means are designed to supply cleaning fluids, air, and lubricant to suspended dynamic instrument holders during a cleaning cycle. Cleaning and lubrication of the internal surfaces is achieved by means of these suspension means during a cleaning cycle.

[0009] The automaton also comprises means for spraying cleaning fluids into the enclosure, which in this case take the form of: - spray bars intended to extend parallel to the suspended dynamic instrument holders, framing them, to spray the cleaning fluids towards the dynamic instrument holders, and - spray bars intended to produce spray jets from the sides of the enclosure, in particular to clean the enclosure after the operations of treating the dynamic instrument holders.

[0010] The automaton also includes:- a collecting bottom, taking the form of a hopper;- a pipe fluidly coupled to the collecting bottom;- a cleaning fluid management system fluidly coupled to the pipe and the spraying means.

[0011] The cleaning fluid management system is designed to:- allow the enclosure to be filled with cleaning fluids at the start of a cleaning cycle, via the pipe which then forms a cleaning fluid supply pipe;- allow the recirculation of cleaning fluids during a cleaning cycle, the cleaning fluids being collected by the collecting bottom, sucked up via the pipe which then forms a discharge pipe, and sent to the spraying means;- allow the cleaning fluids to be discharged at the end of a cleaning cycle, the pipe then forming a discharge pipe towards a sewer.

[0012] The machine also includes a drying system designed to dry the dynamic instrument holders after cleaning using an air flow injected inside the enclosure.

[0013] Although it allows for satisfactory cleaning of dynamic instrument holders, this automated device has disadvantages, particularly relating to excessive complexity.

[0014] For example, the various functions of the fluid management system require significant piping and the use of numerous fluid redirection mechanisms such as solenoid valves. The drying system uses a shut-off valve to seal the chamber during a cleaning cycle, the position of which is controlled using an electromagnet.

[0015] The invention aims in particular to overcome this drawback of the prior art.

[0016] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a device for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders which is less complex than that described previously.

[0017] This objective, as well as others which will appear subsequently, is achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a device for disinfecting dynamic instrument holders used in the dental field, comprising: - an enclosure having a fluid collecting bottom; - means for suspending the dynamic instrument holders in the enclosure; - means for spraying at least one fluid into the enclosure; - a fluid discharge outlet fluidly coupled to the collecting bottom; - a system for supplying the spraying means with the fluid collected by the collecting bottom and discharged through the discharge outlet; - a system for filling the enclosure with at least one fluid, in particular water, pre-disinfectant, detergent, and disinfectant, the filling system being separate from the spraying means;characterized in that the filling system comprises a supply line fluidically coupled to the enclosure and which is separate from the discharge outlet.;

[0018] Thanks to the system for filling the enclosure which is separate from the spraying means, and to the fact that the supply pipe of the filling system is separate from the evacuation outlet, then the device according to the invention has a system for supplying the spraying means which is much less complex than that according to the prior art previously described.

[0019] This is because there are fewer conduits for connecting the elements of the fuel system, and the fuel system requires fewer fluid redirection mechanisms, such as solenoid valves.

[0020] In addition, tests have demonstrated that simplifying the feed system improves the cleaning performance of the device, in particular by improving the flow rate of the recirculation system which no longer has to integrate the functions dedicated to the filling system.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a support for cleaning and disinfecting dental instrumentation separate from dynamic instrument holders, the system for filling the enclosure comprising means for stopping the filling at a predetermined filling height, the support being housed in the enclosure while being located at least partially below the predetermined filling height, and the spraying means being configured to produce mixing of the fluid contained in the enclosure.

[0022] The supply system being simplified and then presenting a better performance and more precisely a better flow rate than that according to the prior art with equivalent structure, then it was found that the device can then clean dental instrumentation which would be distinct from the dynamic instrument holder and which would be, at least partially, immersed in the reserve of cleaning fluid contained in the enclosure.

[0023] More particularly, it has been found that, thanks to the simplification of the supply system, the spraying means can spray fluid at such a flow rate that it is possible to achieve mixing of the fluid reserve contained in the enclosure.

[0024] Compared to a device according to the prior art, and with the same time of presence inside the cleaning enclosure, dental instrumentation distinct from the dynamic instrument holder is cleaned within the device according to this embodiment, where it would not be cleaned in the device according to the prior art.

[0025] Preferably, the support is removably mounted in the enclosure.

[0026] In this way the stand can be removed from the enclosure.

[0027] This allows, for example, easier loading and unloading of dental instruments from the holder.

[0028] Advantageously, the support comprises at least one perforated basket.

[0029] Such a perforated basket makes it easy to immerse the contents of the basket.

[0030] According to a preferred characteristic, the filling stop means implement a float whose position in the enclosure determines the predetermined filling height.

[0031] Such a float forms a simple and robust mechanical device.

[0032] According to a preferred solution, the device comprises means for blowing air into the enclosure to expel the fluid and dry the contents of the enclosure, the air blowing means comprising an air passage opening into the enclosure.

[0033] These air blowing means allow, after a fluid spraying phase, to send an air flow capable of expelling the fluid towards the collector bottom and the evacuation outlet.

[0034] Preferably, the insufflation means comprise at least one valve closing the air passage, the valve being movable between a position closing the air passage, and a position releasing the air passage, the valve being configured to:- tend to maintain or return to its closing position in the absence of an air flow produced by the insufflation means;- be movable from its closing position to its release position under the effect of an air flow produced by the insufflation means.

[0035] Such a valve forms a mechanically simple and easy-to-implement solution.

[0036] This solution is notably much simpler and more reliable than solutions according to the prior art where electromagnets are used to keep the valve in a closed position.

[0037] Advantageously, the valve tends to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow under the effect of its weight.

[0038] The valve then naturally returns to its closed position.

[0039] According to a preferred solution, the insufflation means comprise an air turbine.

[0040] Advantageously, the air passage has a mouth at its interface with the enclosure, the mouth being configured to direct an air flow produced by the insufflation means towards dynamic instrument holders suspended in the enclosure, and towards the support.

[0041] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of different preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings among which:la is a schematic representation of a device for disinfecting dynamic instrument holders according to the invention;la is a partial schematic perspective representation of a device according to the invention;la is a partial schematic representation of air insufflation means of a device according to the invention.

[0042] With reference to figures 1 to 3, a device 1 for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders 10, used in the dental field, is described below.

[0043] As illustrated by the, the device 1 for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders 10 comprises a casing 11 containing most of the technical means of the device 1.

[0044] With reference to figures 1 to 3, the device 1 comprises an enclosure 2 in which the dynamic instrument holders 10 are intended to be positioned to be cleaned and disinfected there.

[0045] The enclosure 2 has side walls and defines a volume for receiving the dynamic instrument holders. Although this is not shown, the enclosure 2 also has an opening, provided on one of its walls, allowing the insertion and extraction of the dynamic instrument holders 10, and a door allowing the opening to be closed during a maintenance cycle of the device, or when the latter is not in use.

[0046] Enclosure 2 also has a fluid collection bottom 21.

[0047] As detailed below, the collecting bottom 21 is intended to allow the routing of collected fluids towards an evacuation outlet 5.

[0048] Indeed, the device 1 comprises an evacuation outlet 5 for the cleaning fluid 40, this evacuation outlet 5 being fluidically coupled to the collecting bottom 21.

[0049] The collecting bottom 21 takes the form of a hopper, that is to say that it has a funnel shape making it possible to redirect collected fluids towards a zone for evacuating these fluids, in particular towards the evacuation outlet 5.

[0050] The device 1 further comprises means 3 for suspending the dynamic instrument holders 10 in the enclosure 2.

[0051] As illustrated by the, these suspension means 3 comprise different modules, each of which allows the suspension of a dynamic instrument holder 10.

[0052] In a manner well known in the field of the invention, these suspension means 3 are designed to allow the suspension of the dynamic instrument holders 10 but also their supply with fluids, air, lubricant, as well as electricity if necessary.

[0053] To enable the dynamic instrument holders 10 to be cleaned in the enclosure 2, the device 1 further comprises means 4 for spraying at least one fluid 40 into the enclosure 2.

[0054] These spraying means 4 comprise spraying rods 41 extending from the suspension means 3 framing the dynamic instrument holders 10.

[0055] The spraying means 4 also comprise a spray ramp 42 positioned inside the enclosure 2 on a lateral side of the enclosure 2 and producing a spray which can take different orientations, for example via a back-and-forth movement.

[0056] To supply fluids to the spraying means 4, as well as to the dynamic instrument holders 10, the device 1 comprises a system 6 for supplying the spraying means 4 with the fluid 40 which is collected by the collecting bottom 21 and discharged through the discharge outlet 5.

[0057] The supply system 6 notably comprises a pump 61.

[0058] The supply system 6 further comprises: - a first pipe 62 connecting the discharge outlet 5 to the pump 61; - a supply pipe 63 connecting the pump 61 to the spraying means 4, and to the suspension means 3 to supply the dynamic instrument holders 10 which are suspended there.

[0059] This pump 61 is configured to pump fluid 40 contained in the enclosure 2 via the discharge outlet 5 via the first pipe 62 which connects the discharge outlet 5 to the pump 61, to return this fluid 40 to the spraying means 4 as well as to the dynamic instrument holders 10 suspended from the suspension means 3.

[0060] According to the embodiment illustrated by the, the device 1 further comprises a drain outlet 60 allowing fluids to be evacuated from the device 1. This drain outlet 60 can receive fluids from the pump 61.

[0061] For this purpose, the supply system 6 comprises means for redirecting the fluids pumped by the pump 61, either towards the pipe 63, or towards the drain outlet 60.

[0062] During a cleaning cycle, the supply system 6 comes into operation to continuously supply the spraying means 4 with a fluid 40 contained inside the enclosure 2.

[0063] Indeed, at the start of a cleaning cycle, the enclosure 2 is partially filled with at least one fluid 40 which will be used during the cleaning cycle.

[0064] For this purpose, the device 1 comprises a system 7 for filling the enclosure 2 with at least one fluid 40.

[0065] This filling system 7 is distinct from the spraying means 4. That is to say that, at least essentially, the technical means of the filling system are different from the technical means of the spraying means 4.

[0066] As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the filling system 7 comprises a supply line 71 which is fluidically coupled to the enclosure 2.

[0067] In other words, supply line 7 opens into enclosure 2.

[0068] This supply line 71 is separate from the discharge outlet 5.

[0069] In other words, the supply line 71 cannot be assimilated to the evacuation outlet 5, unlike the prior art in which the evacuation outlet 5 is also used to allow the filling of an enclosure of a disinfection device.

[0070] According to the present embodiments, the filling system 7 also comprises secondary fluid supply lines 72. These secondary supply lines 72 are separate from the discharge outlet 5 and the supply line 72.

[0071] The supply line 71 is dedicated to the supply of water, while the secondary supply lines 72 are dedicated to the supply of pre-disinfectant, detergent, and disinfectant.

[0072] Indeed, according to the present embodiments, the fluids 40 are water, as well as pre-disinfectant, detergent, and disinfectant each intended to be mixed with the water in the enclosure 2.

[0073] To enable the enclosure 2 to be filled, the filling system 7 comprises at least one source 70 of fluids 40 fluidically coupled to the supply line 71, and in this case one source 70 of fluids 40 for each fluid intended to be supplied into the enclosure, the sources 70 other than those of water being fluidically coupled to the secondary supply lines 72.

[0074] Consequently, the filling system 7 comprises: - a source 70 of water fluidly coupled to the supply pipe 71, this source being advantageously formed by an inlet of treated water from an urban distribution network; - a source 70 of pre-disinfectant fluidly coupled to one of the secondary supply pipes 72; - a source 70 of detergent fluidly coupled to another of the secondary supply pipes 72; - a source 70 of disinfectant fluidly coupled to a last of the secondary supply pipes 72.

[0075] Also, the filling system 7 may also comprise pumps, preferably peristaltic, for pumping the fluids 40 into the enclosure 2 from the sources 70.

[0076] However, the filling system 7 can also be provided with a simple controlled valve to supply the enclosure 2 with fluid 40 using gravity by means of a height positioning of the sources 70 relative to the enclosure 2.

[0077] With reference to the, the filling system 7 of the enclosure 2 comprises means 72 for stopping the filling.

[0078] These stopping means 72 are configured to stop the filling of the enclosure 2 at a predetermined filling height 720.

[0079] The stopping means 72 in this case implement a float 721 whose position in the enclosure 2 determines the predetermined filling height 720.

[0080] More precisely, the float 721 floats on the surface of the fluid injected inside the enclosure 2 and, from a certain height, causes the filling to stop.

[0081] For example, the float can be coupled to an actuator lever, the tilting of which into a predetermined position controls the stopping of the filling of the enclosure 2 by the filling system.

[0082] With reference to figures 1, 2, and 3, the device 1 comprises a support 8 for cleaning and disinfecting dental instruments.

[0083] This dental instrumentation is distinct from the dynamic instrument holders 10.

[0084] This dental instrumentation corresponds more precisely to non-motorized manual tools and can, for example, take the form of tweezers, probes, mirrors, or even tools intended to be mounted on the dynamic instrument holders 10 such as a bur.

[0085] Support 8 is housed in enclosure 2.

[0086] This support 8 is housed in the enclosure 2 while being located, at least partially, below the predetermined filling height 720.

[0087] The support 8 is thus at least partially immersed in the cleaning fluid after the enclosure has been filled by the filling system 7.

[0088] In this way, a dental instrument positioned on the support 8 is immersed in the fluid 40 during a cleaning cycle.

[0089] Advantageously, the support 8 is completely immersed to ensure that a dental instrument will be completely immersed in the fluid 40.

[0090] The spraying means 4 are configured to produce a mixing of the fluid 40 contained in the enclosure 2, for example using their fluid spraying flow rate 40.

[0091] This mixing is such that cleaning of the dental instrumentation positioned on the support 8 is carried out during a cleaning cycle.

[0092] According to the embodiment illustrated by the, the support 8 comprises in this case a frame 80 and a perforated basket 81 supported by the frame 80.

[0093] The support 8 further comprises two pierced plates 82 supported by the frame 80.

[0094] According to the present embodiment and with reference to the, the device 1 comprises means 9 for blowing air into the enclosure 2.

[0095] These air blowing means 9 are designed to expel the fluid 40 at the end of each cleaning, disinfection, and rinsing cycle, etc. and to dry the contents of the enclosure 2.

[0096] The air blowing means 9 comprise an air turbine 91.

[0097] A turbine is capable of producing a sufficient air flow to expel residual fluids 40 from dynamic instrument holders 10 and from dental instrumentation resting on the support 8.

[0098] The insufflation means 9 comprise an air passage 93 opening into the enclosure 2.

[0099] These insufflation means 9 also comprise at least one valve 92 which closes the air passage 93.

[0100] The valve 92 is movable between a position for closing (shown in a solid line) the air passage 93, and a position for releasing (shown in a dotted line) the air passage 93.

[0101] This valve 92 is configured to tend to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow produced by the insufflation means 9.

[0102] The valve 92 is also configured to be movable from its closed position to its released position, under the effect of an air flow produced by the insufflation means 9.

[0103] The valve 92 takes the form of a plate mounted to rotate around a pivot axis 920.

[0104] More specifically, this valve 92 is positioned and configured so that it tends to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow under the effect of its own weight.

[0105] As schematically illustrated by the, the air passage 93 has a mouth 931 at its interface with the enclosure 2.

[0106] This mouthpiece 931 is configured to direct a flow of air produced by the blowing means 9 towards dynamic instrument holders 10 suspended in the enclosure 2, but also towards the support 8.

[0107] In this way, an air flow can effectively dry dynamic instrument holders, but also dental instruments positioned on the support 8.

[0108] This configuration may take the form of deflectors positioned in the mouth 931.

[0109] The configuration can also take the form of curved walls, delimiting the mouth, with shapes adapted to redirect the air flow.

[0110] The device described above has a lower structural complexity than that of dynamic instrument holder disinfection devices according to the prior art. This lower structural complexity allows the cleaning carried out by the device to be more efficient and also offers the possibility of cleaning additional dental instrumentation.

Claims

Device (1) for cleaning and disinfecting dynamic instrument holders (10) used in the dental field, comprising: - an enclosure (2) having a fluid collecting bottom (21); - means (3) for suspending the dynamic instrument holders (10) in the enclosure (2); - means (4) for spraying at least one fluid (40) into the enclosure (2); - a discharge outlet (5) for fluids (40) fluidically coupled to the collecting bottom (21); - a system (6) for supplying the spraying means (4) with the fluid (40) collected by the collecting bottom (21) and discharged through the discharge outlet (5); - a system (7) for filling the enclosure (2) with at least one fluid (40), in particular water, pre-disinfectant, detergent, and disinfectant, the filling system (7) being separate from the spraying means (4);characterized in that the filling system (7) comprises a supply line (71) fluidically coupled to the enclosure (2) and which is separate from the discharge outlet (5).; Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a support (8) for cleaning and disinfecting dental instrumentation separate from dynamic instrument holders (10), the filling system (7) of the enclosure (2) comprising means (72) for stopping the filling at a predetermined filling height (720), the support (8) being housed in the enclosure (2) while being located at least partially below the predetermined filling height (720), and the spraying means (4) being configured to produce a mixing of the fluid (40) contained in the enclosure (2). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (8) is removably mounted in the enclosure (2). Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the support (8) comprises at least one perforated basket (81). Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the filling stopping means (72) implement a float (721) whose position in the enclosure (2) determines the predetermined filling height (720). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (9) for blowing air into the enclosure (2) to expel the fluid (40) and dry a content of the enclosure (2), the means (9) for blowing air comprising an air passage (93) opening into the enclosure (2). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the insufflation means (9) comprise at least one valve (92) closing the air passage (93), the valve (92) being movable between a position for closing the air passage (93), and a position for releasing the air passage (93), the valve (92) being configured to:- tend to maintain or return to its closing position in the absence of an air flow produced by the insufflation means (9);- be movable from its closing position to its release position under the effect of an air flow produced by the insufflation means (9). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the valve (92) tends to maintain or return to its closed position in the absence of an air flow under the effect of its weight. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the insufflation means (9) comprise an air turbine (91). Device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, and any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the air passage (93) has a mouth (931) at its interface with the enclosure (2), the mouth (931) being configured to direct a flow of air produced by the insufflation means (9) in the direction of dynamic instrument holders (10) suspended in the enclosure (2), and in the direction of the support (8).

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