WO2009046778A1

WO2009046778A1 - Disinfection apparatus and method for validated disinfection of objects

Info

Publication number: WO2009046778A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/005199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wolfgang Blum
Original assignee: Wolfgang Blum
Priority date: 2007-10-07
Filing date: 2008-06-26
Publication date: 2009-04-16

Abstract

In a disinfection apparatus (10) with a liquid container (12) into which objects to be disinfected can be immersed, and with a disinfection operating panel (17), a data memory is provided in which validation data concerning a disinfection procedure can be stored. In this way, a validated disinfection can easily be carried out.

Description

Disinfection device and method for the validated disinfection of objects

The invention relates to a disinfection device with a liquid container in which objects to be disinfected are immersed, and a disinfection panel, in particular with an associated display. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the validated disinfection of objects.

Medical items such as dental drills or tooth cutters must be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized. There are legal regulations for the individual processes. For example, it is mandatory to validate the disinfection of medical items. This means that the disinfection process is documented and data regarding the disinfection process are recorded, such. For example, the type of disinfectant, the practice data, the data of the employee who has performed the disinfection, the number of cleaned medical instruments, the definition of the cleaning, the cleaning time and, where appropriate, customer data.

With known disinfection devices, these data had to be created and entered manually. The object of the present invention is to provide a disinfection device with which the validation of a disinfection is facilitated.

5 This object is achieved according to the invention in a particularly simple manner by a disinfection device of the type mentioned, wherein a data memory is provided in the validation data relating to a disinfection process can be stored.

lo Through the disinfection panel and the associated display, it is possible to define a disinfection process, for example to set a disinfection time and start the disinfection process. In the data memory, on the one hand, data that does not change for different disinfection processes can be stored in advance, such as, for example, the practice data or the data of an employee performing the disinfection. The type of disinfectant can also be entered in advance. You can also enter if or when the disinfectant was last changed.

2o Preferably, the data stored in the data memory is readable and thus further processed. For this purpose, the data memory can be connected directly or indirectly via an interface and / or a computer with a validation data printer. A validation data printer may in particular be a label printer,

25 so that the validation data relating to a disinfection process can be printed on a label and then the label can be pasted onto, for example, a package of disinfected medical instruments. Via the interface or the computer can also from external data in the data memory

30, such as the type of disinfectant, Customer data, practice data, etc. On the other hand, the data can be read out of the data memory via the computer. An interface is particularly advantageous if the disinfection device itself has no computer. Thus, an external computer can be connected. In addition, it is possible to disconnect a computer from the disinfection device and operate the disinfection device away from a stationary computer, for example to perform the disinfection. Subsequently, the disinfection device can be reconnected to the computer and the validation data can be read out. However, it is also conceivable that the computer and / or the validation data printer are integrated in the disinfection device.

Further advantages result if the data memory is connected directly or indirectly via an interface and / or a computer to a second printer. Such a printer can be used, for example, to print out reports of disinfections performed on a single day.

The data memory can be connected directly or indirectly via an interface to a computer. This makes it possible, as already described above, to enter or read data. The read-out data can be subsequently processed in the computer or stored on another computer via the computer.

Preferably, the data store communicates with the disinfection panel. As a result, data that is entered via the disinfection panel and that are relevant for validation can be transferred to the data memory and then read out and / or printed out. Preferably, a control device for controlling the disinfection process is provided. About the controller, the duration of the disinfection process can be controlled. Also, a drive can be controlled, which serves to immerse a basket in which the objects to be disinfected are located in the disinfectant or to remove it from the disinfectant.

In a preferred embodiment it can be provided that a disinfection time can be set via the disinfection control panel and, after the disinfection time and possibly a predetermined dripping time have elapsed, a signal generator, in particular an acoustic signal generator, is actuated to emit a signal. In this case, the signal generator can be controlled via the control device for outputting the signal, if it is determined by the controller that the predetermined

Disinfection time and / or draining time has expired. The control can also control the drive for lowering the objects to be disinfected into the disinfectant on the basis of the entered disinfection time.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a network-independent power supply can be provided. As a result, the disinfection device can be operated with a number of functionalities independently of an IMetzanschiuss. For example, the disinfection can be carried out completely independent of the mains. The off-grid

Power supply can be configured for example as a battery.

Particular advantages arise when a particular motor-driven lifting / lowering device is provided to a basket of objects to be disinfected in the liquid container ψ immerse. The off-grid power supply may be sufficient to power the lift / lower device. In addition, the grid-independent power supply is sufficient to supply the disinfection control panel or the associated display with energy. The use of a lifting / lowering device, in particular a motor-driven lifting / lowering device, has the advantage that the objects to be disinfected can be immersed at a defined speed and the predetermined disinfection time can be maintained accurately.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, an ultrasound generator may be provided in particular below the liquid container. Thus, the objects in the disinfectant can not only be disinfected, but also cleaned. Thus, the device of the invention combines two functionalities.

Preferably, a control panel, in particular with an associated display, is provided for the ultrasound generator. It is conceivable to provide two different control panels. However, it is also conceivable that the ultrasound generator and the disinfection process can be manipulated via the same control panel and only one display.

If handles are provided on the disinfection device, it can be transported very easily.

The scope of the invention also includes a method for the validated disinfection of objects, in particular medical instruments, with the method steps: a. Introducing objects to be disinfected into a basket; b. Immersing the basket in a liquid container containing disinfectant for a predetermined time; c. Storing validation data; d. Print the validation data on a label.

This procedure makes validation data much easier to identify and add to the disinfected items. Preferably, the process steps are carried out in the order given.

It can be provided that at least part of the validation data is written to a data store before the start of the disinfection process. This can be, for example, the type of disinfectant, customer data, practice data, definition of the items to be cleaned and the

Be cleaning time. After the disinfection, a note can be saved as to whether the disinfection was error-free or not.

A defined disinfection process can be ensured by hanging the basket in a holder and immersing it in the liquid container by means of a motor. An accidental spilling out of disinfectant from the liquid container can be avoided. Furthermore, it can be provided that, after the disinfection process, the basket is moved out of the fluid container by a motor and is then held over the liquid container for a predetermined dripping time.

Special advantages result from the fact that the validation data can be printed with a time delay. For example, several disinfections can be performed in a laboratory, the Disinfection device with which the disinfections are carried out is not connected to a printer. Subsequently, the disinfection device can be connected to a printer and the validation data can be printed out.

5

It is particularly preferred if the objects to be disinfected are cleaned by means of ultrasound when the basket is immersed in the disinfectant. This can be done in the same liquid as the disinfection. There are no separate operations for cleaning and disinfecting lo necessary. In addition, a visual inspection before disinfection can be omitted.

Data regarding the ultrasonic cleaning can also be stored in the data memory and then read out. This makes it particularly easy to document ultrasonic cleaning.

According to a variant of the method, it can be provided that a report relating to the disinfections carried out is printed out. For example, this report may contain more validated data

Disinfections that were performed with the device in one day included. This ensures complete documentation.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, the essential details of the invention shows, and from the claims. The features shown there are not necessarily to scale and presented in such a way that the features of the invention can be made clearly visible 3o. The different features can be individually be implemented by itself or to several in any combination in variants of the invention.

In the schematic drawing an embodiment of the invention is shown and explained in more detail in the following description.

Show it:

1 shows a first perspective view of a disinfection device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a second perspective view of an inventive

Disinfection equipment;

3 is a view of the back of the disinfection device.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the disinfecting apparatus;

Fig. 5 is a view of a part of a lifting / lowering device.

In Fig. 1, the reference numeral 10, a disinfection device is shown. The left side wall, the top and the front side wall of the housing 11 have been hidden to make the items inside the disinfecting device 10 more visible. The housing walls are made of aluminum and painted with a paint resistant to disinfectants (medical varnish).

The disinfection device 10 comprises a liquid container 12 made of stainless steel, which can be filled with a disinfectant. In the disinfectant can be a basket 13 in which to be disinfected Medical instruments are immersed. The immersion of the basket 13 and the upward movement of the basket 13 is effected by a motor-driven lifting / lowering device 14.

s At the liquid container 12 is an overflow 15. Liquid, which exits from the liquid container 12, for example via the overflow 15, can be collected in a collecting tray 16.

About a disinfection panel 17 with associated display 18, wherein lo the viewing window of the display 18 is formed scratch-resistant, the disinfection process can be controlled. For example, can be entered via the control panel 17, a time during which the objects to be disinfected must be in the disinfectant. By the control panel 17 and the lifting / lowering device 14, i5 in particular indirectly via a control device, are controlled to lower the objects to be cleaned in the disinfectant. The control panel 17 is connected via an interface 19 with a control device not shown here and a data memory in connection. Validation data can be stored in the data store.

To power the control panel 17 and the display 18 and the lifting / lowering device 14 designed as a battery-independent power supply 20 is provided. Below the liquid container 12 25 is an ultrasonic generator, not visible in FIG. 1, which can be switched on or off via the second control panel 21. The supply voltage for the ultrasound generator is provided by transforming the mains voltage through a transformer arranged on the plate 22.

30 The disinfection device 10 can be easily transported via handles 23, 24. In a holder 25, a roll of paper can be clamped so that leaking liquid can be easily eliminated with the help of the absorbent paper.

5

2 shows the disinfection device 10 in a different perspective. Like elements are designated by the same reference numerals. In addition to FIG. 1, a motor 30 can be seen here, by means of which the lifting / lowering device 14 is driven.

10

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the disinfection device 10, with the rear wall of the device being hidden. In addition to the overflow 15, a drain cock 31 is provided on the liquid container 12, via which the disinfectant can be discharged. Below the i5 liquid container 12, as already mentioned, an ultrasound generator 32 is arranged. Thus, an ultrasonic cleaning of the objects in the liquid container 12 can take place. In order to operate the ultrasonic generator 32, a mains voltage is required. Therefore, a power supply 33 is provided. In addition, an engine block 34 of the lifting

20 / sinking device to recognize.

Via a serial interface 35, a computer can be connected. In turn, a printer can be connected to the computer to print the validation data on labels

25 can. In addition, reports on the disinfection processes can be printed out via the computer, which reads out the data memory via the interface 35. The data memory and a control device are arranged on the circuit board 36. The control device can drive an acoustic and / or optical signal transmitter, not shown, in order to

3o indicate the end of a disinfection process. Via a charging socket 37, the power supply 20 can be charged. In addition, there is a main switch 38 on the back of the device.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the disinfection device 10. Here it can be seen that a paper roll 40 is clamped in the holder 35. In the liquid container 12 of the basket 13 is inserted. The basket 13, which is often referred to as a network, has openings 41 in its bottom, so that the disinfectant can get into the interior of the basket 13. Objects to be cleaned are not shown in this case. The basket 13 hangs on arms 42, 43 which are non-rotatably connected to a deflection axis 44. By a rotation of the deflection axis 44, the arms 42, 43 can thus be pivoted upwards or downwards and thus lower or raise the basket 13.

In Fig. 5, a part of the lifting / lowering device 14 is shown. By the motor 30, a lift shaft 50 is driven. When the lift shaft 50 rotates, the threaded lift block 51 is moved up and down, respectively. With the threaded lifting block 51, a rocker arm 52 is pivotally connected, wherein the rocker arm 52 has a fork-shaped free end. This cooperates with the deflection axis 44. Characterized in that the deflection axis 44 is arranged only rotatable, and the free end of the rocker arm 52 must remain stationary in the vertical direction. This means that in an upward movement of the threaded lifting block 51, the opening of the fork is pivoted counterclockwise and thereby the deflection axis 44 is rotated. The arms 42, 43 are thereby pivoted downwards. When the threaded lift block 51 reaches its end positions, microswitches 53, 54 are actuated.

Claims

claims

1. disinfection device (10) with a liquid container (12) into which objects to be disinfected are immersed, and a

5 disinfection panel (17), characterized in that a

Data storage is provided in the validation data relating to a disinfection process can be stored.

2. Disinfection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that lo the data stored in the data memory are readable.

3. Disinfection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data memory is connected directly or indirectly via an interface (35) and / or a computer with i5 a validation data printer.

4. Disinfecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data memory directly or indirectly via an interface (35) and / or a computer with

20 is connected to a second printer.

5. Disinfection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data memory directly or indirectly via an interface (35) with a computer

25 is connected.

6. Disinfecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data storage with the disinfection panel (17) is in communication.

30

7. Disinfection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device is provided for controlling the disinfection process.

8. disinfection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the disinfection panel (17) a disinfection time is adjustable and after the disinfection time and optionally a predetermined dripping time a signal generator, in particular an acoustic signal generator, is driven to deliver a signal.

9. Disinfection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a network-independent power supply (20) is provided.

10. Disinfection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lifting / lowering device (14) is provided to immerse a basket (13) to be disinfected objects in the liquid container (12).

11. Disinfecting apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the lifting / lowering device (14) is driven by a motor.

12. Disinfection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an ultrasound generator (32) is provided in particular below the liquid container (12).

13. Disinfection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control panel (21), in particular with associated display, is provided for the ultrasonic generator (32).

14. Disinfecting device according to one of the preceding claims, 5 characterized in that handles (23, 24) are provided.

15. Method for the validated disinfection of objects, in particular medical instruments, with the lo method steps:

a. Introducing objects to be disinfected into a basket (13); b. Immersing the basket (13) in a liquid container (12) containing a disinfectant i5 for a predetermined time; c. Storing validation data; d. Print the validation data on a label.

20 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that at least part of the validation data is written to a data memory before the beginning of the disinfection process.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized

25 that the basket (13) is mounted in a holder (42, 43) and is immersed by motor in the liquid container (12).

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the validation data offset in time

30 are printed.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the objects to be disinfected are cleaned by immersed in the disinfectant basket (13) by means of ultrasound.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that data regarding the ultrasonic cleaning are stored in the data memory.

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 20, characterized in that a report is printed out regarding the performed disinfections.