Cleaning device and rinsing basket for a cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (WD) for medical instruments, wherein the cleaning device (WD) comprises a cleaning chamber (SK) for receiving the medical instruments, wherein at least one spray arm (SAO, SAU) is arranged in the cleaning chamber (SK) for dispensing a cleaning medium onto the medical instruments, and a rinsing chamber interface (SSP), wherein the rinsing chamber interface (SSP) comprises a liquor connector for connecting a liquor supply channel of a rinsing basket (K) to the rinsing chamber interface (SSP) and a care agent connector for connecting a care agent supply channel of the rinsing basket (K) to the rinsing chamber interface (SSP).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Cleaning device and dishwashing basket for a cleaning device

[0003] The invention relates to a cleaning device for medical instruments and a dishwashing basket for holding medical instruments according to the main claims.

[0004] WO 2011101396 A1 describes a device intended for disinfecting, sterilizing and / or maintaining medical instruments.

[0005] The approach presented here aims to create an improved cleaning device and an improved dishwashing basket for a cleaning device in accordance with the main requirements.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a cleaning device and a washing basket for a cleaning device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0007] The advantage achievable with the invention consists of a high pressure tightness, which minimizes the loss of cleaning medium and thus increases the efficiency of cleaning with the cleaning device.

[0008] A cleaning device for medical instruments is presented, comprising a cleaning chamber and a rinsing chamber interface. The cleaning chamber can be designed to hold the medical instruments, and at least one spray arm is arranged in the cleaning chamber to dispense a cleaning medium onto the medical instruments; preferably, several spray arms are provided. The rinsing chamber interface can include a liquor port for connecting a liquor supply channel of a rinsing basket to the rinsing chamber interface and a lubricant port for connecting a lubricant supply channel of the rinsing basket to the rinsing chamber interface.

[0009] The cleaning device can be a cleaning and disinfection unit, specifically a dental cleaning unit. The cleaning chamber can be a rinsing chamber in which a cleaning medium is distributed. At least one spray arm ensures that the cleaning agent is evenly distributed within the cleaning chamber. Medical instruments, such as dental handpieces, can be cleaned in this chamber. These instruments might include forceps, oral mirrors, turbines, handpieces, contra-angles, or similar items. The rinsing chamber interface can be located on a wall of the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, the rinsing chamber interface can be designed to accommodate or secure the rinsing basket at a specific point within the cleaning chamber.The cleaning solution inlet and the cleaning solution inlet can be designed separately and / or have a cylindrical or conical shape, or alternatively, they can be designed as a single tube. The cleaning solution supply channel can be connected to a cleaning agent line in the cleaning unit to deliver cleaning agents, rinsing liquids, or compressed air to the medical instruments. The cleaning solution supply channel can be connected to a cleaning agent line in the cleaning unit to deliver cleaning agents, such as white oil, into the cleaning chamber or to the medical instruments.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the detergent dispenser can have a different diameter and / or length than the detergent dispenser. Additionally or alternatively, the detergent dispenser and the detergent dispenser can be arranged or aligned essentially parallel to each other. The detergent dispenser can be longer and have a larger diameter than the detergent dispenser. This can advantageously result in the detergent dispenser being adapted or contacted earlier than the detergent dispenser. This allows the detergent dispenser to engage earlier and, for example, the larger diameter provides more stable guidance during contact and also delivers more detergent than detergent into the dish rack.

[0011] Furthermore, the fluid nozzle and the cleaning agent nozzle can be arranged or formed integrally on a nozzle support, particularly wherein the nozzle support is connected to a connection plate arranged on a side wall of the cleaning chamber by means of a sealing disc. The nozzle support can, for example, be a plate. The sealing disc can be made of plastic to prevent leakage of media. The connection plate can serve as a connection to the cleaning device.

[0012] The fluid inlet and the maintenance product inlet can each have at least one reinforcing rib. This reinforcing rib can, for example, be oriented at a right angle to the inlet support. The reinforcing rib can serve to readjust the inlets within a sealing element. The reinforcing rib can be made of plastic and / or be bonded to the fluid inlet or the maintenance product inlet.

[0013] Furthermore, a rinsing basket for holding medical instruments to be cleaned is presented in a cleaning device proposed herein. The rinsing basket has a rinsing basket interface with a nozzle designed to receive the cleaning solution nozzle and the cleaning agent nozzle. This allows cleaning agent supplied via the cleaning solution nozzle to be directed into the cleaning solution supply channel and cleaning agent supplied via the cleaning agent nozzle to be directed into the cleaning agent supply channel. The rinsing basket can hold medical instruments using a plug-in adapter. The rinsing basket can also have multiple connections to clean several medical instruments simultaneously. The rinsing basket interface can be made of stainless steel, for example, to ensure rust resistance and durability.Such a dishwashing basket interface allows for the efficient intake of cleaning agents and care products without the agents mixing in a long common channel.

[0014] The dishwashing basket interface can be multi-part and include a closure plate designed to receive and / or guide the cleaning solution nozzle and the cleaning agent nozzle when the dishwashing basket is inserted into the cleaning chamber. In particular, the closure plate has at least one chamfered edge to align the cleaning solution nozzle and / or the cleaning agent nozzle. The closure plate can be made of stainless steel and have at least one opening for a cleaning agent nozzle or a cleaning solution nozzle. According to one embodiment, the chamfered edge can be located on the end face of the closure plate. The chamfered edge can be arranged radially around the cleaning solution nozzle or the cleaning agent nozzle.This allows for a highly modular and, for example, easy-to-maintain dish basket interface, and also enables the simple insertion of nozzles from the dishwashing chamber interface into the dish basket interface.

[0015] Furthermore, the dishwashing basket interface can have at least one sealing element to seal a cleaning agent nozzle and / or cleaning agent nozzle inserted into the dishwashing basket interface, in particular wherein the at least one sealing element is arranged in the nozzle receptacle and / or is cylindrically shaped. The sealing element is, for example, made of plastic. The sealing element ensures a high tolerance to non-axial insertion or alignment of the nozzles. The sealing element can seal the cleaning agent supply channel, and the dishwashing basket interface includes a further sealing element to seal the cleaning agent supply channel.

[0016] At least one sealing element can have at least one sealing rib on its inner side. This sealing element can provide a particularly reliable seal for the cleaning fluid supply channel and the maintenance product supply channel, even if the cleaning fluid nozzle and the maintenance product nozzle are inserted at an angle.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the nozzle receptacle can be mounted in a floating manner relative to a receiving area for the medical instruments. A floating mounting can be understood, for example, to mean that the nozzle receptacle is designed to be movable within a tolerance range, such as 10 mm. This prevents bending of the dispensing nozzle and / or the dispensing nozzle and enables a particularly stable design.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a cleaning device is presented which has a rinsing basket according to a variant presented here, wherein the rinsing basket is movably mounted and / or mountable in the cleaning chamber. This allows medical instruments to be removed and stored more easily and to be safely cleaned using the rinsing chamber interface and the rinsing basket interface.

[0019] Furthermore, the cleaning device can include a door located on the cleaning chamber, on which a dish rack can be moved when the door is open. The door is preferably designed to press the dish rack interface into the dish chamber interface when the door is closed. The pressure exerted by the closed door ensures that the dish rack interface is firmly pressed against the dish chamber interface, creating a tight seal. Additionally, the closed door acts as a counterweight against the pressure generated inside the interface, thus ensuring sufficient immersion of the nozzles into the nozzle receptacle. This arrangement of the door, rack, and interface components therefore prevents the nozzles from slipping out of the nozzle receptacle.

[0020] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the cleaning device can include a dosing unit for process chemicals, wherein the dosing unit is connected to the wash chamber interface via a chemical supply connection and / or a chemical dosing nozzle. This ensures a very safe and reliable supply to the wash basket interface.

[0021] The described approach is demonstrated using a cleaning device, and the proposal can be used particularly in a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small sterilizer, a large-capacity disinfector, or a container washing system. An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 shows another schematic representation of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a cleaning chamber of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 shows another perspective view of a cleaning chamber of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a rinsing chamber interface of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a rinsing chamber interface of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a dishwashing basket interface of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a dishwashing basket interface according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 9 shows a sectional view of a sealing element of a dishwashing basket interface according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a dishwashing basket interface according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 11 shows a sectional view of an interface assembly of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of an interface assembly of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0034] Figure 13 shows another schematic representation of an interface assembly of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device WD according to an exemplary embodiment. The cleaning device WD comprises a cleaning chamber SK with a spray arm SAO, another spray arm SAU, a distribution element VK with various connection positions AS1, ASn, and a rinsing basket K. A cleaning agent line 100 is designed to convey cleaning agent from a cleaning agent supply unit OIL via a cleaning agent valve OIV2 to a rinsing chamber interface SSP in the cleaning chamber SK. A cleaning agent connection 110 allows cleaning agent to be drawn into the cleaning device WD, where it is distributed or circulated by a cleaning agent conveying device UP.Additionally, the WD cleaning device includes a compressed air supply unit DVR, which is designed to supply compressed air to the distribution element VK in order to, for example, blow out cleaning agent residues from corresponding components of the WD cleaning device or the connected medical instruments by means of a compressed air pulse. The cleaning agent line 120 and a compressed air line 140 are coupled or connected via the rinsing agent valve SV, so that the supply of cleaning agent or compressed air to the distribution element VK can be set via the rinsing agent valve SV.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device WD described here is designed as a dental care device that cleans, disinfects, and maintains medical instruments. The medical instruments are received in the cleaning chamber SK, for example, by the distribution element VK. The medical instruments are cleaned by cleaning agent supplied by the cleaning agent connection 110. According to one embodiment, the cleaning agent is conveyed from the cleaning agent conveying unit UP via a branch point a, the rinsing agent valve SV, and another branch point b to the rinsing chamber interface SSP. The cleaning agent is then conveyed to the rinsing chamber interface SSP via the maintenance agent valve ÖV2. In both cases, however, the cleaning agent is conveyed further into the cleaning chamber SK. In the cleaning chamber SK, the cleaning agent is then conveyed via the rinsing basket interface SKK into the distribution element VK.After a cleaning process, the cleaning agent used can be drained or pumped out of the WD cleaning device by a pump 150.

[0037] The maintenance product, for example, a maintenance oil, is supplied or pumped from the maintenance product supply unit (OIL) into the maintenance product line (100) after a cleaning process. The maintenance product supply unit (OIL) is designed, for example, as an oil cartridge or an oil canister with propellant gas. The maintenance product is first fed by an oil plunger (ÖS) into an oil cartridge adapter (ÖA), which then dispenses the product. To prevent the maintenance product from flowing back into the oil cartridge adapter (ÖA), an oil valve (ÖV1) is installed in the maintenance product line (100). The maintenance product then follows the same path as the cleaning agent through the maintenance product line (100) into the cleaning chamber (SK).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the compressed air supply unit DVR is designed to supply compressed air to the compressed air line 140 of the cleaning device WD. The compressed air in the cleaning device WD is first cleaned by a filter F to prevent germs from entering the device. To generate a constant pressure, the cleaning device WD includes a pressure regulating valve DRV. The pressure regulating valve DRV sets a pressure of, for example, 3 to 5 bar. The compressed air is then passed through a compressed air valve DV. The compressed air is then either directed to the rinsing agent valve SV or discharged from the cleaning device WD to prevent pressure build-up and to vent the system.

[0039] The cleaning agent, detergent, or compressed air is routed through the SSP wash chamber interface and the SKK wash basket interface into the SK cleaning chamber and then into the wash basket K. The SSP wash chamber interface and the SKK wash basket interface serve to accommodate and seal the supply lines of the wash basket K. The SSP wash chamber interface includes a liquor port for connecting a liquor supply channel to the wash basket K. It also includes a cleaning agent port for connecting a cleaning agent supply channel to the wash basket K. The SSP wash chamber interface includes a port holder, and the SKK wash basket interface includes a port receptacle.

[0040] Figure 2 shows another schematic representation of a cleaning device WD according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cleaning device WD is designed like the cleaning device described in Figure 1. The cleaning device WD includes a dosing unit DP for dispensing process chemicals. The dosing unit DP is connected, for example, to the rinsing chamber interface SSP. Specifically, the dosing unit DP is connected to a chemical supply connection and a chemical dosing nozzle to the rinsing chamber interface SSP. The dosing unit DP includes, for example, a pump to deliver process chemicals into the rinsing chamber via the rinsing chamber interface. The rinsing chamber interface SSP is designed for the automated cleaning and disinfection of dental instruments in the cleaning and disinfection unit.

[0041] There is a requirement that during the automated reprocessing of dental instruments or other medical instruments, which are fully or partially immersed in lubricating oil or an alternative lubricating medium within the rinsing chamber, and additionally dried internally, a multi-channel, manually operated interface is used in the rinsing chamber of the corresponding cleaning and disinfection unit to meet this requirement.

[0042] The interface is designed to connect the oil supply system within the cleaning and disinfection unit itself to the instrument adapter points in the upper and lower baskets, respectively, within a minimal installation space. This requires, for example, at least two supply channels within the interface to ensure the most efficient distribution of the cleaning agent within the instruments. One channel supplies the internal geometries of the instruments with rinsing solution or compressed air for cleaning and drying, while the other transports the cleaning agent.

[0043] Furthermore, the interface incorporates the basket coupling function. It is accordingly divided into a component mounted on the wash chamber and one located in the wash basket K. The coupling process itself takes place by inserting the basket into the wash chamber.

[0044] Further requirements include minimal mechanical wear during connection and disconnection, even with very high usage frequencies, thanks to specially designed sealing elements. These elements also allow for significantly higher system pressures compared to current flushing applications. This is intended to ensure long-term leak-proof performance and pressure tightness while maintaining consistent usability and minimizing maintenance costs.

[0045] When processing items with open internal geometries, such as suction tubes, nozzles, etc., special basket inserts, often with internal filtration, are used. These inserts direct the wash water to the internal areas of the items being processed and are also manually connected to the hydraulic system by inserting the basket.

[0046] An exception to these manual interface systems is the semi-automatic adaptation of flexible endoscopes via adapter plates and electromechanical actuators within manufactured endoscope reprocessing devices. This interface, for example, has up to six rinsing channels.

[0047] The frequent, yet essential, insertion and removal of the basket during loading and unloading places considerable stress on the sealing elements used to adapt the cleaning inserts. This is due to the tight dimensional tolerances between the components of the sealing system installed on the wash chamber and the wash basket K, which are necessary to minimize leakage. This stress leads to increased wear at these points and consequently to leaks, which in turn negatively affect the achievable washing pressure within the items being processed.

[0048] Ultimately, this reduces hygiene performance unless counteracted by regular maintenance and system checks.

[0049] Under certain conditions, leaks at precisely defined locations and in precisely defined quantities are even desirable, as they serve to prevent pressure spikes in the hydraulic system, insufficiently flushed sections of the hydraulic system, or to completely empty it.

[0050] Despite their respective application-related justifications, both of these two contrasting system designs suffer from the significant disadvantage of relatively low pressure tightness. The transmission of the necessary high pressures through the respective process media, such as hydraulic fluid pressure, pneumatic drying pressure, or the pressure of the maintenance medium for certain instrument applications, is therefore severely limited. This precludes the use of the interfaces employed to date, even with substantial design modifications, for both economic and purely technical reasons.

[0051] The interface presented in this approach is wear-resistant due to its special sealing elements and can transmit the media pressures required for dental care applications. Integration into the existing hydraulic system of the cleaning and disinfection devices takes place at a position on the rear wall of the rinsing chamber that is already designated for the mounting of the dosing nozzles. This functional integration into an existing component is economically advantageous and is characterized by the fact that there is no loss of usability within the user process.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a cleaning chamber SK of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cleaning chamber SK is shaped like the cleaning chamber described in Figure 1. Here, the cleaning chamber SK includes a device door ST and is placed on a device base GS. A body KO, which has an opening for the device door ST, encloses the cleaning chamber SK. The device door ST is shown open, and the dishwashing basket K is arranged on the device door ST.

[0053] The dishwashing basket K is not inserted into the cleaning chamber SK, but is in an extended position. According to one embodiment of the dishwashing basket K, the dishwashing basket interface SKK faces a rear wall 300 of the cleaning chamber SK. Because the dishwashing basket K is extended, the dishwashing basket interface SKK is neither inserted into nor in contact with the dishwashing chamber interface SSP. According to one embodiment of the cleaning device, both the device door ST and the body KO are made of stainless steel.

[0054] Figure 4 shows another perspective view of a cleaning chamber SK of a cleaning machine according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cleaning chamber SK is shaped like the cleaning chamber described in Figure 1. Here, the machine door ST is also open, but the dishwashing basket K is arranged in the cleaning chamber SK. According to this embodiment, the dishwashing basket interface SKK is received by the dishwashing chamber interface SSP. By closing the machine door ST, it is possible, according to this embodiment, to press the dishwashing basket interface SKK into the dishwashing basket K by applying pressure from the machine door ST, and to leave it in the dishwashing chamber interface SSP until the machine door ST is opened again.

[0055] The assemblies are positively and tightly connected by inserting the basket K. For reasons of usability and tolerance compensation, the adaptation or contact of the wash fluid nozzle occurs earlier than the adaptation of the cleaning agent nozzle due to the nozzle geometry. This results in a centering of the wash chamber interface SSP by the inlet chamfers on the basket-side wash basket interface SKK, and consequently in a coupling situation with minimized force and wear. The positioning of the interface unit within the wash chamber itself also contributes to this. It is chosen so that possible distances between force application points are minimal, thus virtually eliminating leverage moments. This design also results in significantly reduced wear and requires considerably lower insertion forces compared to previous fully pressure-tight interfaces.

[0056] Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a rinsing chamber interface SSP of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the rinsing chamber interface SSP is shaped like the rinsing chamber interface described in Figure 1. The rinsing chamber interface SSP comprises a liquor inlet FVS and a cleaning agent inlet PMV. In this embodiment, the liquor inlet FVS is wider than the cleaning agent inlet PMV.

[0057] Furthermore, the FVS liquor inlet is longer than the PMV cleaning agent inlet. In this case, the FVS liquor inlet is inserted into the dish rack interface earlier and is designed to deliver more cleaning agent to the dish rack more quickly. Additionally, the FVS liquor inlet and the PMV cleaning agent inlet are aligned parallel to each other in this embodiment. Figure 5 shows a more detailed assembly of the SSP wash chamber interface. The SSP wash chamber interface also includes a connection to a wash chamber of the cleaning device, and is located in the rear wall of the cleaning chamber.

[0058] Figure 6 shows a detailed view or exploded view of a rinsing chamber interface SSP of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, it is shaped like the rinsing chamber interface described in Figure 1. The rinsing chamber interface SSP consists of a nozzle carrier S, a sealing disc D, and a connection plate AP.

[0059] The nozzle support S, the sealing disc D, and the connection plate AP form a nozzle support assembly, which is, for example, arranged in a wash chamber rear wall. The nozzle support S comprises the liquor nozzle FVS and the cleaning agent nozzle PMV. According to one embodiment, the liquor nozzle FVS and the cleaning agent nozzle PMV have several reinforcing ribs 600, which are arranged at connection points between the liquor nozzle FVS or the cleaning agent nozzle PMV and the nozzle support S. The reinforcing ribs 600 are distributed radially around the liquor nozzle FVS or the cleaning agent nozzle PMV. The reinforcing ribs 600 are shaped to ensure increased stability of the liquor nozzle FVS and the cleaning agent nozzle PMV and to ensure that they are correctly positioned or inserted into the cleaning agent nozzle.Here, the PMV maintenance fluid inlet also includes a backflow preventer (RFV) to prevent maintenance oil from flowing back into the maintenance fluid line. According to an alternative or additional embodiment, the FVS fluid inlet can also have a backflow preventer.

[0060] The sealing disc D, which is arranged between the nozzle support S and the connection plate AP, is, according to one embodiment, made of an elastomer. Furthermore, the sealing disc D includes several openings to allow cleaning agents and lubricants to pass to the support support without these media escaping from an unwanted point on the rinsing chamber interface SSP.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the AP connection plate serves as a connection for cleaning media and compressed air for the SSP rinsing chamber interface. The AP connection plate includes a PMA supply connection for cleaning agents, such as white oil, which supplies cleaning agents for the cleaning chamber. Cleaning agents are supplied to the FVS liquor port via a FA connection. Compressed air is also supplied to the FVS liquor port via a DVA connection, which directs compressed air from the cleaning unit to the cleaning chamber. The AP connection plate also includes a CVA chemical supply connection and a CDS chemical dosing port. The pressure-tight and wear-resistant coupling of the basket insert for automated dental instrument cleaning consists, for example, of two related assemblies.The nozzle assembly integrated at the rear of the wash chamber consists of a connection plate AP, a sealing element D, and a double nozzle geometry on a nozzle support S. Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a wash basket interface SKK according to an exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, the wash basket interface SKK is shaped like the wash basket interface described in Figure 1. This wash basket interface SKK has a cleaning agent supply channel PMK and a liquor supply channel FVK. The cleaning agent supply channel PMK and the liquor supply channel FVK are arranged parallel to each other, for example.

[0062] Furthermore, the PMK care product supply channel and the FVK fleet supply channel, for example, each have a sealing element with several sealing ribs.

[0063] Figure 8 shows a detailed view or exploded view of a dishwashing basket interface SKK of a dishwashing basket K according to an exemplary embodiment. The dishwashing basket interface SKK is shaped like the dishwashing basket interface described in Figure 1. Here, the dishwashing basket interface SKK comprises a sealing plate VP, at least one sealing element DR, and a nozzle receptacle SA.

[0064] Together, the sealing plate VP, the at least one sealing element DR, and the nozzle receptacle SA form a nozzle receptacle assembly. The sealing plate VP has two openings. A first opening 800 is intended for cleaning agents, and a second opening 810 for maintenance agents. The first opening 800, which is larger than the second opening 810, has a chamfered edge 820. This chamfered edge 820 is, for example, arranged circularly around the first opening 800.

[0065] The sealing plate VP is, for example, screwed onto the nozzle receptacle SA. The sealing plate VP comprises a liquid supply channel FVK and a cleaning agent supply channel PMK. The liquid supply channel FVK accommodates, for example, the liquid nozzle when the dishwashing basket interface SKK is integrated into the wash chamber interface. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the cleaning agent nozzle is also accommodated in the cleaning agent supply channel when the dishwashing basket interface SKK is integrated into the wash chamber interface. When the nozzle receptacle assembly is assembled, a first sealing ring 830 is arranged in the liquid supply channel FVK, and a second sealing ring 840 is arranged in the cleaning agent supply channel.

[0066] Once the rinsing basket is inserted, the two nozzles on the rear wall of the rinsing chamber are immersed in the rinsing basket interface SKK and are pressure-tightly enclosed by the sealing elements DR with a special radial sealing contour. The sealing contour of the sealing elements DR is specifically designed for this application and, thanks to its cylindrical construction with sealing ribs, allows for a very high tolerance to non-perfectly axial insertion of the nozzles while simultaneously ensuring a highly reliable seal even at high rinsing and drying pressures. The nozzle receptacle assembly attached to the rinsing basket consists of a nozzle receptacle SA, sealing elements DR, and a sealing plate VP. It directs the rinsing solution, compressed air, and cleaning agents to the instrument adapter VK downstream in the rinsing basket, which has adapter positions AS1 to ASn.

[0067] Since the FVS / PMV nozzles and the SA nozzle receptacle are not always perfectly aligned axially due to manufacturing tolerances within the basket and wash chamber assemblies, as well as slightly differing force directions during insertion caused by varying user physiques, the floating basket interface SKK features radial insertion chamfers on its end face. These chamfers align the SKK basket interface axially with the FVS / PMV nozzles and thus also with the DR sealing elements. This ensures the necessary tolerance compensation between the two assemblies installed on the basket and wash chamber sides, minimizing wear on the DR sealing elements.

[0068] The immersion depth of the FVS / PMV nozzles is limited by the stop point located on the back of the basket against the rear wall of the wash chamber. When pressure is applied through the closed wash chamber door, the SSP wash chamber interface cannot slip out of the SKK wash basket interface. This also prevents the FVS / PMV nozzles from being forgotten during the coupling process, from being operated incorrectly, or from being incompletely immersed.

[0069] Furthermore, the mechanical force distribution has been optimized by aligning the coupling point at the level of the basket. The force flow during the attachment and detachment of the basket with the dental care insert lies almost entirely on one plane within the rinsing chamber. This results in significantly improved usability and considerably enhanced ergonomics for the user due to the very low insertion forces. Additionally, the functional integration of the interface into the existing dosing nozzle for the process chemicals offers a significant economic and space-saving advantage.

[0070] Another key space-optimizing design feature of the interface presented in this invention is the functional integration of the fluid and compressed air supply, or the cleaning agent and compressed air supply, into the existing component, which represents the transition point for the process chemicals required for reprocessing into the rinsing chamber. For this reason, in addition to the cleaning agent and fluid supply ports PMV and FVS, the chemical supply ports CVS and the chemical dosing ports CDS are optionally also located on the connection plate AP. The process chemicals enter the rinsing chamber directly at the rinsing chamber interface SSP via the chemical dosing ports. The rinsing basket interface SKK, attached to the rinsing basket, serves as the connection point for the supply lines running in the rinsing basket to the basket insert for instrument adaptation. The connecting line can have different dimensions.It is possible to screw in a hose connection fitting with a DR sealing element for the respective supply line and to implement the supply of cleaning fluid, compressed air, and cleaning agents to the basket insert using hose connections. Alternatively, a stainless steel pipe connection can be used for this purpose, either permanently installed in the basket insert and welded to the SKK rinsing basket interface and the basket insert, or adapted via compression fittings. Another option is a printed or injection-molded component made of a durable plastic suitable for the application.

[0071] Figure 9 shows a sectional view of a sealing element DR and a dishwashing basket interface according to an exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, the sealing element DR is shaped like the sealing element described in Figure 1. Here, the sealing element DR comprises, for example, four sealing ribs 900, which are aligned at right angles to a longitudinal axis 910 of the sealing element DR. According to this embodiment, the sealing element DR is formed from an elastomer.

[0072] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a dishwashing basket interface SKK according to an exemplary embodiment. The dishwashing basket interface SKK is shaped like the dishwashing basket interface described in Figure 1. A detergent dispenser 1000 and a care product dispenser 1010 are located on the rear side of the dishwashing basket interface SKK.

[0073] It is clearly visible that the cleaning agent dispenser 1000, like the liquor nozzle FVS and the care product nozzle, is longer and larger than the care product dispenser. The cleaning agent dispenser 1000 and the care product dispenser 1010 are designed to extend into the cleaning chamber and to the dishwashing basket. The cleaning agent dispenser 1000 and the care product dispenser 1010 are designed as connecting lines to the dishwashing basket or a basket insert. According to the embodiment described here, the cleaning agent dispenser 1000 and the care product dispenser 1010 are also designed as hose connection nozzles.

[0074] Figure 11 shows a sectional view of an interface assembly 1100 of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment. The interface assembly 1100 comprises the wash chamber interface SSP and the wash basket interface SKK, which are coupled together. Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of an interface assembly 1100 of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the interface assembly 1100 is shaped like the interface assembly described in Figure 11. Here, the wash chamber interface SSP and the wash basket interface SKK are shown in a disconnected state.

[0075] Figure 13 shows another schematic representation of an interface assembly 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the interface assembly 1100 is shaped like the interface assembly described in Figure 11. Here, the wash chamber interface SSP and the wash basket interface SKK are shown in a connected state.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cleaning device (WD) for medical instruments, wherein the cleaning device (WD) has the following features: a cleaning chamber (SC) for receiving the medical instruments, wherein at least one spray arm (SAO, SAU) is arranged in the cleaning chamber (SC) for dispensing a cleaning medium onto the medical instruments; and a wash chamber interface (SSP), with a liquor nozzle (FVS) for connecting a liquor supply channel (FVK) of a wash basket (K) to the wash chamber interface (SSP) and a care product nozzle (PMV) for connecting a care product supply channel (PMK) of the wash basket (K) to the wash chamber interface (SSP).

2. Cleaning device (WD) according to claim 1, wherein the liquor nozzle (FVS) has a diameter and / or length different from the care product nozzle (PMV), and / or wherein the liquor nozzle (FVS) and the care product nozzle are arranged or aligned substantially parallel to each other.

3. Cleaning device (WD) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the liquor nozzle (FVS) and the care product nozzle (PMV) are arranged or formed on a nozzle carrier (S), in particular in one piece, and in particular wherein the nozzle carrier (S) is connected by means of a sealing disc (D) to a connecting plate (AP) arranged on a side wall of the cleaning chamber (SK).

4. Cleaning device (WD) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquor nozzle (FVS) and / or the care product nozzle (PMV) has at least one reinforcing rib (600).

5. Washing basket (K) for receiving medical instruments in a cleaning device (WD) according to one of claims 1 to 4 for cleaning the medical instruments, wherein the washing basket (K) has a washing basket interface (SKK) which has a nozzle receptacle (SA) which is designed to receive the liquor nozzle (FVS) and the care product nozzle (PMV) in order to direct a cleaning agent provided via the liquor nozzle (FVS) into the liquor supply channel (FVK) and to direct a care product provided via the care product nozzle (PMV) into the care product supply channel (PMK).

6. Dishwashing basket (K) according to claim 5, wherein the dishwashing basket interface (SKK) is multi-part and has a closing plate (VP) which is designed to receive and / or guide the liquor nozzle and the care product nozzle (PMV) when the dishwashing basket (K) is inserted into the cleaning chamber (SK), in particular wherein the closing plate (VP) has at least one insertion ramp to align the liquor nozzle (FVS) and / or the care product nozzle (PMV) to be received.

7. Dishwashing basket (K) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the dishwashing basket interface (SKK) has at least one sealing element (DR) to seal a liquor nozzle (FVS) and / or care product nozzle (PMV) inserted into the dishwashing basket interface (SKK), in particular wherein the at least one sealing element (DR) is arranged in the nozzle receptacle (SA) and / or is cylindrically shaped.

8. Dishwashing basket (K) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one sealing element (DR) has at least one sealing rib (900) on an inner side.

9. Washing basket (K) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle receptacle (SA) is mounted floating relative to a receiving area for the medical instruments.

10. Cleaning device (WD) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, with a washing basket (K) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the washing basket (K) is movably mounted and / or mountable in the cleaning chamber (SK).

11. Cleaning device (WD) according to claim 10, with a device door (ST) which is arranged on the cleaning chamber (SK) and is aligned to press the dish basket interface (SKK) into the dish chamber interface (SSP) when the device door (ST) is closed.

12. Cleaning device (WD) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a dosing unit (DP) of process chemistry, wherein the dosing unit (DP) is connected to the rinsing chamber interface (SSP) by means of a chemical supply connection (CVA) and / or a chemical dosing nozzle (CDS).

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