Method for maintaining an instrument handpiece, and device for carrying out said method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for maintaining an internal transmission mechanism (7) of an instrument handpiece (2), the method comprising a step of distributing fluid on the transmission mechanism (7) and said distribution step comprising at least one sub-step of moving the transmission mechanism (7), characterized in that the distribution step also comprises a sub-step of momentarily interrupting the movement of the transmission mechanism (7) between two movement sub-steps.

Description

METHOD FOR MAINTAINING DYNAMIC INSTRUMENT HOLDERS AND DEVICE IMPLEMENTING SUCH A METHOD

[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 a method for maintaining dynamic instrument holders and a device implementing such a method.

[0003] Dynamic instrument holders are reusable semi-critical medical devices, which may be contaminated during dental treatment 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 FR 2 958 852 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 for cleaning, disinfecting, and lubricating. 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 suspension means also incorporate motor means, for example such as those described in the patent document published under number FR 3 055 804. These motor means are intended to drive the mobile elements of the dynamic instrument holders in rotation to allow mixing of the lubricating fluid when it is injected into the dynamic instrument holders.

[0010] In other words, the driving means cooperate with the various transmission elements and the various rotating parts of the dynamic instrument holders so that the lubricating fluid can be distributed in the dynamic instrument holders.

[0011] The automaton also comprises means for spraying cleaning fluids into the enclosure, which in this case take the form of: spray bars intended to spray the cleaning fluids towards the dynamic instrument holders, and spray bars intended to produce spray jets to clean the enclosure after the operations of treating the dynamic instrument holders.

[0012] The automaton also comprises: 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 to the spraying means.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The machine also includes a drying system designed to dry the dynamic instrument holders after cleaning using an air flow injected inside the enclosure.

[0015] Although this automated device allows satisfactory maintenance of dynamic instrument holders, it has a major drawback.

[0016] In fact, it was found that when the automated device was released, maintenance was not optimal.

[0017] More specifically, certain internal parts of dynamic instrument holders are poorly or poorly maintained, which can lead to patient contamination and premature fatigue of the dynamic instrument holders, and therefore a risk of breakage.

[0018] This is particularly true for cleaning and disinfection, but also for the lubrication of moving parts inside dynamic instrument holders, i.e. the transmission mechanism.

[0019] Since the rotation of the moving parts inside the dynamic instrument holders is very high, it is necessary that the lubrication is optimal to avoid excessive heating of the moving parts.

[0020] Excessive heating of the moving parts can, over time and depending on the length of time the instrument holders are used, lead to deformation of the moving parts and, in the worst case, to several parts melting together, the parts then no longer being able to move in relation to each other, preventing the dynamic instrument holders from functioning.

[0021] Furthermore, poor cleaning can lead to the risk of damage to dynamic instrument holders due to drying of protein from dental operations, which causes unpleasant vibrations for patients. In addition, poor cleaning can lead to a risk of patient contamination.

[0022] One cause of suboptimal maintenance is the rotation of moving parts inside dynamic instrument holders, since rotation causes poor distribution of fluids, resulting in some areas not being reached by fluids, and therefore not being cleaned, disinfected and / or lubricated.

[0023] More specifically, the rotation of moving parts creates preferential fluid flow corridors, which prevent fluids from reaching certain internal areas.

[0024] One solution to this cause is to eliminate the rotation of moving parts inside the dynamic instrument holders.

[0025] However, this solution is not convincing.

[0026] Indeed, due to their viscosity, some fluids may not reach small spaces around moving parts.

[0027] Furthermore, it would then be necessary to add means of injecting pressurized air to evacuate fluids in order to prevent, when using dynamic instrument holders, fluids, which have a bad taste and are potentially harmful to health, from flowing into a patient's mouth.

[0028] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0029] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a method and a device for implementing the method, allowing optimal maintenance of dynamic instrument holders.

[0030] The invention also aims to provide such methods and devices which are configurable.

[0031] The invention further aims to provide such methods and devices which are simple and quick to implement.

[0032] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a method for maintaining an internal transmission mechanism of dynamic instrument holders, the method comprising a step of injecting fluid into a dynamic instrument holder and, simultaneously with the fluid injection step, a step of distributing fluid on the transmission mechanism, the distribution step comprising at least one sub-step of setting the transmission mechanism in motion, characterized in that the distribution step also comprises at least one sub-step of momentarily interrupting the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism.

[0033] The shut-off sub-step allows the fluid to spread more easily inside a dynamic instrument carrier, particularly on the transmission mechanism, gears and bearings.

[0034] Indeed, the shutdown sub-step makes it possible to limit overpressure phenomena inside the dynamic instrument holders. These overpressures are due to the movement of the transmission mechanism, which creates preferential fluid flow corridors, thus preventing the fluid from reaching certain areas.

[0035] All areas are then reached by the different fluids, the fluids then being mixed to act on all the internal parts of the dynamic instrument holders, during the sub-stages of setting into motion.

[0036] Furthermore, this also has an effect on energy consumption since the duration of the energy-consuming motion sub-steps is reduced by the presence of the interruption sub-step.

[0037] According to an advantageous aspect, the sub-step of momentarily interrupting the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism is interposed between two setting in motion sub-steps.

[0038] This ensures good distribution of fluids, particularly on internal bearings, while limiting the risk of internal overpressure.

[0039] According to another advantageous aspect, the sub-step of setting the transmission mechanism in motion is interposed between two sub-steps of momentary interruption.

[0040] In addition to improving the distribution of fluids in the dynamic instrument holder, this allows for increased mixing of the fluids after their distribution during the temporary interruption sub-step.

[0041] The invention also relates to an automated device for the maintenance of dynamic instrument holders, intended to implement the method as previously described, the device comprising an enclosure inside which are housed means for suspending dynamic instrument holders, the suspension means comprising: motor means, intended to set in motion a transmission mechanism of the dynamic instrument holders, fluid supply means intended to diffuse fluid into the dynamic instrument holders, the device also comprising a control unit intended to control the motor means and the supply means,

[0042] characterized in that the control unit is configured to ensure distribution of the fluid on the transmission mechanism, by controlling the motor means to, alternately, set the transmission mechanism in motion, and interrupt the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism.

[0043] Such a device allows more efficient maintenance of dynamic instrument holders than prior art devices.

[0044] This is due in particular to the configuration of the control unit which, by controlling the motor means, limits overpressure phenomena inside the dynamic instrument holders. These overpressures are due to the movement of the transmission mechanism, which creates preferential fluid flow corridors, thus preventing the fluid from reaching certain areas.

[0045] According to an advantageous aspect, the control unit is configured to control the motor means according to at least one sequence successively comprising: a first instruction for setting the transmission mechanism in motion; an instruction for interrupting the setting the transmission mechanism in motion, and a second instruction for setting the transmission mechanism in motion.

[0046] Such a sequence can be applied repeatedly during a processing loop which includes in particular a pre-disinfection cycle, a cleaning cycle, a disinfection cycle, a lubrication cycle, and a drying cycle.

[0047] According to another advantageous aspect, the control unit is also configured to control the supply means so as to carry out a diffusion of fluid at least partly simultaneously with the first movement instruction or the second movement instruction, and with the interruption instruction.

[0048] This makes it possible to limit the quantity of fluid used so as to avoid waste and, above all, an abundance of fluid which would have a counterproductive effect since it would prevent optimal circulation in the dynamic instrument holders.

[0049] According to another advantageous aspect, the device also comprises a communication interface coupled to the control unit, the communication interface allowing the adjustment of a duration of application of each of the first movement instruction, the interruption instruction and the second movement instruction.

[0050] Thus, depending on the type of cleaning required, for example daily and quick or periodic and long, the device can be adapted.

[0051] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given as an illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, presented below.

[0052] This is a schematic front representation of an automated device for the maintenance of dynamic instrument holders, according to the invention.

[0053] This is a schematic representation of a method of maintaining an internal transmission mechanism of dynamic instrument carriers, according to the invention.

[0054] Illustrates an automated device 1 for the maintenance of dynamic instrument holders 2.

[0055] More precisely, the device 1 comprises an enclosure 3 inside which are housed means 4 for suspending dynamic instrument holders 2.

[0056] As illustrated by the, the suspension means 4 comprise: motor means 5, fluid supply means 6.

[0057] The motor means 5 are intended to set in motion an internal transmission mechanism 7 of the dynamic instrument holders 2.

[0058] The supply means 6 are intended to diffuse fluid into the dynamic instrument holders 2. The supply means 6 are also intended to supply, with fluid, spray ramps 8 of the dynamic instrument holders 2.

[0059] The fluids coming from the supply means 6 are: a pre-disinfectant product, a disinfectant product, a cleaning product, water, a lubricant product, air.

[0060] More specifically, the device 1 is connected to a plurality of fluid reserves among those mentioned previously, and valves are interposed between the supply means and the reserves to allow the injection, into the enclosure 3, of at least one of the fluids, and the retention of the other fluids in the reserves.

[0061] As illustrated by the, the suspension means 4 are positioned in an upper part of the enclosure 3. Thus, the fluids which spray the dynamic instrument holders 2, via the spray ramps 8, can flow along the dynamic instrument holders 2, then fall into the bottom of the enclosure 3 from where they will be extracted from the enclosure 3, for example by suction.

[0062] The device 1 also comprises a control unit 9.

[0063] The control unit 9 is intended to control the motor means 5 and the supply means 6, by means of a method described below.

[0064] The control unit 9 is notably configured to ensure distribution of the fluid on the transmission mechanism 7, by controlling the motor means 5.

[0065] More specifically, the control unit 9 is configured to, alternately, set the transmission mechanism 7 in motion, and interrupt the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism 7.

[0066] The control unit 9 is also configured to control the supply means 6 so as to carry out a diffusion of fluid at least partially simultaneously with the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism 7 and with the interruption of the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism 7.

[0067] Finally, the device 1 also comprises a communication interface 10.

[0068] The communication interface 10 is coupled to the control unit 9.

[0069] The communication interface 10 allows in particular the adjustment of a duration for setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion, and of interrupting the setting of the transmission mechanism 7 in motion.

[0070] The communication interface 10 may, for example, take the form of a keyboard, a touch screen, or a communication device intended to cooperate, via a dedicated communication channel, with a portable electronic device held by a user.

[0071] The device 1 allows the implementation of a maintenance method of the internal transmission mechanism 7 of dynamic instrument holders 2.

[0072] With reference to the, this process is now described.

[0073] The process forms a loop including in particular a pre-disinfection cycle C1, a cleaning cycle C2, a disinfection cycle C3, a rinsing cycle C4, a lubrication cycle C5, and a drying cycle C6.

[0074] The different cycles are carried out successively to form a processing loop.

[0075] During the different cycles, the method comprises a step R of distributing fluid on the transmission mechanism 7.

[0076] This distribution step R is carried out both by the motor means 5 and the supply means 6, and by the control unit 9.

[0077] More specifically, the distribution step R comprises at least one sub-step of setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion, and at least one sub-step of momentarily interrupting the setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion.

[0078] More precisely, the or each sub-step of momentary interruption of the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism 7 can in particular be interposed between two sub-steps of setting in motion.

[0079] Alternatively, the or each sub-step of momentary interruption of the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism 7 may in particular be placed between two sub-steps of setting in motion. In other words, the or each sub-step of setting in motion of the transmission mechanism 7 may in particular be inserted between two sub-steps of momentary interruption.

[0080] This distribution step R is carried out repeatedly throughout the processing loop. On the, the distribution step R is represented by a rectangle symbolizing the alternation of the different sub-steps mentioned above.

[0081] For example, the or each sub-step of momentary interruption of the movement of the transmission mechanism 7 is carried out between 6 and 8 seconds every 10 seconds.

[0082] In other words, the or each sub-step of setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion is carried out for 2 to 4 seconds every 10 seconds.

[0083] Preferably, the or each sub-step of momentary interruption of the movement of the transmission mechanism 7 is carried out 7 seconds every 10 seconds.

[0084] In other words, the or each sub-step of setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion is carried out for 3 seconds every 10 seconds.

[0085] In operation, a user uses the communication interface 10 to set the parameters of the processing loop.

[0086] The user uses the communication interface 10, in particular to enter the duration of the or each sub-step of setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion and / or the duration of the or each sub-step of momentary interruption of the setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion.

[0087] Once defined by the user, the parameters are saved in the control unit 9.

[0088] The control unit 9 is then configured to generate instructions 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 for controlling the motor means 5 and the supply means 6.

[0089] More particularly, the control unit 9 controls the motor means 5 according to at least one sequence successively comprising: a first instruction 90 for setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion; an instruction 91 for interrupting the setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion, and a second instruction 92 for setting the transmission mechanism 7 in motion.

[0090] Likewise, the control unit 9 controls the supply means 6 according to at least one sequence comprising: an authorization instruction 93 for fluid circulation, and a stop instruction 94 for fluid circulation.

[0091] The authorization instruction 93 is in particular transmitted to the supply means 6 at the same time as at least part of the interruption instruction 91 and the first instruction 90 and / or the second instruction 92.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 9 is also configured to control the valves (not shown) located between the reserves and the supply means 6.

[0093] The valves are controlled simultaneously with the control of the motor means 5 and the supply means 6.

[0094] The automated device 1 and the method which have just been described make it possible to carry out maintenance of dynamic instrument holders 2 more efficiently than with known automated devices.

[0095] Indeed, thanks to the control of the motor means 5 and the supply means 6 by the control unit 9, according to the method previously explained, the disinfection, cleaning and lubrication fluids can reach all the internal zones of the dynamic instrument holders 2, in particular the entire transmission mechanism 7.

[0096] This is explained by the fact that the interruption instruction 91 allows the different fluids to spread inside the dynamic instrument holders 2, and in particular between the different parts having a relative movement.

[0097] In other words, the interruption instruction 91 makes it possible to limit the overpressure phenomena inside the dynamic instrument holders 2, overpressures due to the movement of the transmission mechanism 7, which create preferential fluid flow corridors, thus preventing the fluid from reaching certain zones.

[0098] Furthermore, using the communication interface 10, a user can adjust the duration of application of each of the first movement instruction 90, the interruption instruction 91 and the second movement instruction 93.

[0099] The user can also adjust the duration of application of the authorization instruction 93, and the stop instruction 94.

[0100] Thus, depending on the dirt or periodic maintenance instructions, for example daily maintenance or in-depth maintenance, the automated device 1 can carry out maintenance cycles of different durations.

Claims

Method for maintaining an internal transmission mechanism (7) of dynamic instrument holders (2), the method comprising a step of injecting fluid into a dynamic instrument holder and, simultaneously with the fluid injection step, a step of distributing fluid on the transmission mechanism (7), the distribution step comprising at least one sub-step of setting the transmission mechanism (7) in motion, characterized in that the distribution step also comprises at least one sub-step of momentarily interrupting the setting the transmission mechanism (7) in motion. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the sub-step of momentarily interrupting the setting in motion of the transmission mechanism (7) is interposed between two sub-steps of setting in motion. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the sub-step of setting the transmission mechanism (7) in motion is interposed between two sub-steps of momentary interruption. Automated device (1) for the maintenance of dynamic instrument holders (2), intended to implement the method according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (1) comprising an enclosure (3) inside which are housed suspension means (4) for dynamic instrument holders (2), the suspension means (4) comprising: motor means (5), intended to set in motion a transmission mechanism (7) of the dynamic instrument holders (2), fluid supply means (6) intended to diffuse fluid into the dynamic instrument holders (2), the device (1) also comprising a control unit (9) intended to control the motor means (5) and the supply means (6), characterized in that the control unit (9) is configured to ensure a distribution of the fluid on the transmission mechanism (7), by controlling the motor means (5) to, alternately, set in motion the transmission mechanism (7),and interrupt the movement of the transmission mechanism (7)., Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control unit (9) is configured to control the motor means (5) according to at least one sequence successively comprising: a first instruction (90) for setting the transmission mechanism (7) in motion; an instruction (91) for interrupting the setting the transmission mechanism (7) in motion, and a second instruction (92) for setting the transmission mechanism (7) in motion. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control unit (9) is also configured to control the supply means (6) so as to carry out a diffusion of fluid at least partly simultaneously with the first movement instruction (90) or the second movement instruction (92), and with the interruption instruction (92). Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it also comprises a communication interface (10) coupled to the control unit (9), the communication interface (10) allowing the adjustment of a duration of application of each of the first movement instruction (90), the interruption instruction (91) and the second movement instruction (92).

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