Sterile container unit with rigid fixable information carrier by means of locking element

Abstract

The invention relates to a sterile container unit (1) for accommodating sterilized objects or objects to be sterilized, having a container pan (2) and a container lid (3) and an information carrier (5) which is preferably fastenable in a form-fit on the container pan (2), the container lid (3) being sealably coupled with the container pan (2) via a locking element (4) which is operable by means of a pivoting movement (21, 22), the information carrier (5) being intended to reveal information about the contents of the sterile container unit (1), wherein the container pan (2), the locking element (4) and the information carrier (5) match one another in such a way that the information carrier (5) is rigidly fixed / clamped on the container pan (2) after the pivoting movement (21, 22) of the locking element (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sterile container unit, such as a sterile container. General-purpose sterile container units are used in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, or similar facilities for, for example, transporting sterilized or to-be-sterilized objects, such as medical instruments / devices, particularly surgical instruments / devices. Background Technology

[0002] A sterile container unit represents a sterile barrier to the contents and the environment, preventing contamination of the transported object. Once the container lid is opened, this sterile barrier is rendered ineffective, necessitating resterilization or immediate use of the transported object. To inform the operator / observer of the contents of the sterile container unit while it is closed, an information carrier is attached to the exterior of the container unit.

[0003] During transport, sterile container units are exposed to external factors such as shock, vibration, and airflow. This can cause information carriers to detach from remaining sterile container units, making it impossible to identify from the outside what contents filled the container. This necessitates opening the container unit, resulting in contamination of the contents and requiring further aseptic processing in a sterilizer / autoclave. This leads to additional costs (processing, transportation) and time losses (operative delays), reducing the economics and logistical support of the relevant hospital, clinic, laboratory, or similar facility.

[0004] To prevent information carriers from detaching, they can be attached to the container unit, for example, by adhesives, riveting, or welding. While this achieves secure retention of the information carriers, they are correspondingly heavy and can usually only be detached from the sterile container unit through destructive means.

[0005] Alternatively, the information carrier, for example in the form of a tag or RFID mark, may be placed in the containment device that is integrally attached to the sterile container unit, such as an insert or clamping clamp, as known from document DE 10 2012 215 121 A1. This either has the disadvantage of the information carrier being easily detached, or, if not, it can only be cumbersome to attach to the container unit.

[0006] Attaching external information carriers via luggage tags is also a known solution from existing technology. However, this cannot guarantee a long service life because they lack sustained stability due to their flexibility.

[0007] To avoid the problem of information carriers falling off, direct labeling of sterile container units could also be considered. However, this approach has the drawback that, due to the durability of the label, the sterile container unit can only be used for a single batch of items, thus significantly reducing its flexibility.

[0008] Finally, document DE 10 2016 123 864 A1 discloses an information carrier that can be form-locked to a container basin. However, that document includes statements about the possibility of reliably securing the information carrier to the container basin or the entire remaining container unit even in the transport state. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the prior art, the present invention aims to eliminate or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art, and specifically provides a sterile container unit that, on the one hand, reliably, firmly and permanently fixes the information carrier, and on the other hand, is designed so that the information carrier can be reversibly released from the remaining sterile container unit, so that different information can be set on the information carrier in different states during its service life.

[0010] This is achieved through the aseptic container unit according to the invention.

[0011] Therefore, the main body of the present invention is a sterile container unit for containing sterilized or to be sterilized objects. The sterile container unit includes a container basin, a container lid that is aseptically and sealingly connected to or locks the container basin via a pivoting locking element, and an information carrier preferably form-lockingly fastened / attached to the container basin. This information carrier may also be represented as an accessory or front panel and is prepared for receiving / carrying and revealing information about the contents of the sterile container unit. The information carrier thus has a surface such that, for example, a label can be effectively attached to and released from it, or it is suitable for direct marking. The label may optionally be designed as a persistent label or a disposable label. Optionally, a clamp may also be attached to the information carrier, in which the label can be (temporarily) clamped.

[0012] According to the present invention, the container, the locking element, and the information carrier are matched to each other such that, after the pivoting movement of the locking element for sealing and locking, at least in the state of the pivoted locking element, the information carrier is rigidly fixed / locked onto the container by the locking element; or, together with the pivoting movement of the locking element for sealing and locking, at least in the state of the pivoted locking element, the information carrier is rigidly fixed / locked onto the container by the locking element.

[0013] In other words, the invention can be structurally described as follows: a flat portion of the container lid protrudes / extends beyond the lateral side of the container basin; the information carrier is designed to be at least partially complementary to the sidewall of the container basin; and at least partially, a clip-like locking element is tensioned / clamped / held to the flat portion and its protrusion via this sidewall, such that the information carrier is rigidly held to the sidewall by the locking element. Therefore, the locking element is at least partially designed as a pre-tensioned table clip / tablecloth clip to ensure that the information carrier is stably secured / clamped / fixed to the container basin.

[0014] More specifically, the locking element involves a claw (clamp) movably held on the upper / outer side, protruding beyond the outer edge of the container lid, and manually movable in directions toward and away from the outer edge. The container basin also has a collar or edge constructed, at least in the area of ​​the claw and on its periphery facing the container lid, which is engaged from below by the claw when the claw is moved toward the outer edge, thereby pulling the container lid toward the periphery of the basin to seal and lock the internal space of the container. As described above, the information carrier is attached / held / attached / pressed, etc., on the side of the container basin in the area of ​​action of the claw (in a released / not yet secured position), and is engaged / pressed (secured position) against the side of the container wall by the claw moving in a direction toward the outer edge. It should be noted that the aforementioned claw mechanism can also be replaced, for example, by a locking clamp, sliding locking pin, or pivoting locking pin, or pawl of the same locking element, as long as the locking element is adapted to appear to also (the initially loose) information carrier be fastened to the side of the container wall when it moves from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0015] This design enables the prevention of unintended detachment of the information carrier during the transport of the aseptic container unit, while simultaneously ensuring easy and uncomplicated attachment and removal of the information carrier under different usage conditions (such as attaching information to the contents during container loading and removing information during cleaning or separation of the contents). Therefore, the operator-readable information revealed by the information carrier can be easily altered according to the changing container contents without having to transform / move the entire container unit to a marked location. In this way, the opposing effects of easy release / reversibility and reliable retention are strategically combined.

[0016] Within the framework of this invention, the term "rigid" describes a fixation in which no relative movement is permitted between the fixed components. Therefore, "immovable" or "fixed" can be used synonymously. "Rigid" is by no means a statement about whether it is a temporary or permanent state. Upon observing the general teachings, those skilled in the art will immediately understand that the fixation of the locking element on the container basin is temporary.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element is configured with at least one locking protrusion, which is prepared to clamp into an engagement pouch made of an information carrier after pivoting movement of the locking container unit. This enables the locking element to engage / penetrate / immerse into an opening in the engagement pouch provided for this purpose, which further serves to define the abutment position and subsequently secure retention. More preferably, the locking element is configured with two or more such locking protrusions, which correspondingly enhance / strengthen their retention. To prevent pivoting / tilting of the locking element, the number of locking protrusions is distributed on the locking element as far apart from each other as possible.

[0018] In this embodiment, at least one locking latch protrusion also advantageously has an arcuate / curved tongue shape through a defined abutment point. This tongue shape or abutment point causes pre-tension of the locking latch protrusion during abutment with the connecting pouch on the information carrier side, such that the locking latch protrusion forcefully clamps the information carrier. This achieves force-locking between the locking element and the information carrier caused by pre-tensioning, supported by the interaction of the connecting pouch and the (safety) shape-locking of the tongue shape. This shape-locking, or at least immersion of the locking latch protrusion into the connecting pouch, also implements a Poka-Yoke principle when securing the locking element, as the locking element can only be correctly locked onto the container when engaged in the connecting pouch.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the container basin is formed with sides from which a container collar protrudes, such that the container collar constitutes an abutment edge / shoulder for an information carrier that extends at least partially complementary to the sides. In this way, the position of the information carrier is defined along the height direction of the container basin, which further facilitates the uncomplicated assembly of the aseptic container unit.

[0020] In addition to the container collar, the information carrier is also preferably formed into abutment shoulders, which are then prepared to at least partially abut against the surface of the container collar. This surface abutment prevents the information carrier from tilting / wedge-ing relative to the container and also provides a corresponding click sound when both surfaces are touched, informing the operator of the correct position of the two components relative to each other. The at least partially surface design also includes a face with a tongue, where only the tongue contacts the container collar.

[0021] The locking element preferably has a clamping section that is configured to at least partially surround / secure from below the container collar and container lid by clamping the information carrier. This enclosure is functionally similar to a table clip / tablecloth clip and thus creates forces oriented toward each other between the container lid and the container bowl, which at least supportively act on the sterile barrier they create.

[0022] Once the side of the container basin has a bay window-like corner ridge at its corresponding transition to the adjacent side of the container basin, which is preferably constructed as a rectangular basic shape, in which at least one pit-shaped container recess or notch is formed, which is then prepared to form-lockingly accommodate the information carrier protrusion, the position of the information carrier relative to the container basin is determined not only by the advantageous surface contact in the height direction between the abutment shoulder and the container collar, but also by the lateral fixation between the container recess and the information carrier protrusion. This strengthens the positional definition of the information carrier relative to the container basin and thus simplifies their connection. More preferably, in each corner ridge that contacts the information carrier, i.e., in two corner ridges, two container recesses in the form of pits / deep recesses / cavities are respectively constructed.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, the information carrier can be reversibly released from the container basin after a pivoting movement of the locking element in the opposite direction to the closing pivoting movement. Thus, pivoting of the locking element in one direction results in a rigid connection between the information carrier and the container basin, while pivoting of the locking element in the other direction releases this rigid connection. This intuitive operational concept simplifies the handling of the aseptic container unit according to the invention.

[0024] The container lid preferably forms a primary seal and a separate secondary seal, each designed to abut against the container basin, thus reliably establishing a sterile barrier between the sterile container unit and the environment. Both the primary and secondary seals preferably extend transversely, substantially perpendicularly, to the surface of the container basin against which they abut, thereby achieving an effective seal.

[0025] The locking element securing the container lid and information carrier preferably also has a locking lever (e.g., separate from the clamp section), the pivoting of which rigidly connects the information carrier to the container bowl and lid. Thus, two functions are achieved with a single locking element: the clamp section rigidly clamps the container lid to the container bowl upon insertion of the information carrier, while the locking lever ensures the locking element's fixation. Preferably, a lead seal is applied around the locking element after sterilization, allowing direct external identification of whether the sterile container unit has been opened, preventing unauthorized retrieval. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The drawings are merely illustrative and are intended only to understand the invention. Identical elements are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0027] In the attached image:

[0028] Figure 1A perspective view of a locked sterile container unit is shown, in which the container lid and information carrier are rigidly connected to the container basin by means of locking elements;

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A bottom view of the sterile container unit;

[0030] Figure 3 A perspective sectional view of a sterile container unit is shown, in which locking elements secure the container lid to the container basin;

[0031] Figure 4 The image shows the state before the locking element secures the container lid and information carrier to the container bowl;

[0032] Figure 5 A perspective view of the information carrier as seen from the front is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A perspective view of the information carrier as seen from the rear is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 The locking element is shown before it comes into contact with the container basin.

[0035] Figures 8 to 11 The diagram illustrates a sterile container unit in different operating states, wherein the sterile container unit is in an open state by means of the pivoting movement of a locking element. Figure 8 ) Change to the locked state ( Figure 11 ). Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 A sterile container unit 1 is shown for containing sterilized or unsterilized instruments. The sterile container unit includes a container basin 2, a container lid 3, a locking element 4, and an information carrier 5. The container lid 3 can be aseptically and sealingly placed onto the container basin 2. A locking element 4 is also provided to secure the connection between the container lid 3 and the container basin 2. The information carrier 5 is needed to allow external identification of which instruments are located in the (opaque) container basin 2. The locking element 4 can optionally be designed as a separate component or integrally designed with the container lid 3.

[0037] According to the present invention, the information carrier 5 is attached to / closed to the container basin 2 in such a way that the locking element 4 simultaneously secures the information carrier when the container lid 3 is fixed / locked onto the container basin 2.

[0038] Referring to the preferred embodiment, see Figure 2The functional principle will then become clear. In this case, the locking element 4 will surround / include the protrusion between the container lid 3 and the container basin 2, such that the information carrier 5, which is complementary to the sidewall of the container basin 2, is clamped. The sidewall of the container basin 2 includes two corner ridges 12 and a container end face section 13 disposed therebetween. When the corner ridges 12 protrude spherically / outward / away from the interior of the sterile container / convexly / outward / away from the interior of the sterile container, the container end face section is configured to be offset inward against this. The information carrier 5 is designed to fit this shape, such that at least a partial ground-like abutment is achieved not only between the information carrier 5 and the corner ridges 12 but also between the information carrier 5 and the container end face section 13.

[0039] The two latch-like and / or tongue-like locking protrusions 6 formed by the locking element 4 have a positive effect on the clamping caused by the surrounding locking element 4 between the container lid 3 and the container bowl 2. These locking protrusions 6 extend substantially in a direction transverse to the container end face section 13.

[0040] For a more detailed description of clamping, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 The accompanying drawing shows a perspective sectional view of the locked sterile container unit 1 along its sagittal plane. The container lid 3 has a flat portion 10, which has a recessed portion compared to the remaining outer surface of the container lid 3. The flat portion 10 is configured such that the clamping section 24 of the locking element 4, designed in a table clamp manner, occupies the contact point / contact surface on the container lid via the clamping lug 7. The clamping lug 7 of the clamping section 24 ensures that the locking element 4 is securely held on the container lid 3.

[0041] To induce clamping, one of the following settings is configured: Figure 3 The locking protrusion 6 is shown in cross-section in the sectional view. The locking protrusion 6 is snapped back onto the container collar 11, which is integrally formed by the container basin 2. The clamping section 24 of the locking element 4 is manufactured such that a preload is filled between the locking protrusion 6 and the clamping lug 7, so that the clamping section 24, due to this tension, counteracts the force that causes the locking protrusion 6 and the clamping lug 7 to move away from each other. The container collar 11 stands laterally, preferably vertically, on the container end face section 13, thereby achieving effective snapping back by the locking element 4. For clarity, in Figure 3 Information carrier 5 is not shown in the figure.

[0042] In addition, the container lid 3 is constructed with a main seal 8 and a secondary seal 9, which are respectively prepared to make contact with the container basin 2, and due to the successive two-stage seal caused by them, they achieve a reliable sterile barrier for the sterile container unit 1 to the environment.

[0043] exist Figure 4The image shows the sterile container unit 1 in the open state of the locking element 4, and therefore, it has not yet undergone locking pivoting. This locking pivoting can be caused by operating the locking lever 14. The locking lever 14 and the clamp section 24 together constitute the locking element 4. Although the clamp section 24 is responsible for securing the information carrier 5 and the container lid 3 to the container basin 2, the locking lever 14 can achieve comfortable pivoting movement about the pivot axis 15 for closing and opening.

[0044] exist Figure 5 The image shows a perspective view of the information carrier 5 from a first direction. This information carrier comprises a shoulder portion 16, which is prepared to establish planar contact with the container collar 11. The shoulder portion 16 extends substantially perpendicular to the end face section 18 of the information carrier 5, which is prepared to planarly abut against the end face section 13 of the container basin. At each of the two side ends of the information carrier 5, arm sections 17 are respectively constructed adjacent to the end face section 18. These arm sections are also prepared for planar abutment on corresponding corner protrusions 12.

[0045] Figure 6 It shows the line and Figure 5 In contrast to the information carrier 5 in the opposite direction, two information carrier protrusions 19 are respectively provided on the rear side of the corresponding arm segment 18. These information carrier protrusions are designed, for example, to be wedge-shaped and are prepared to be integrated into the opposite geometry of the corresponding corner ridge 12 in the container basin 2.

[0046] Conversely, geometric shapes can... Figure 7 Identification. These are referred to as container recesses 20. This is used to define the position of the information carrier 5 on the side wall of the container basin 2 in a shape-locking manner. Already combined Figures 1 to 6 This explains the other aspects. Figure 7 The components shown are why their descriptions are omitted here.

[0047] Figures 8 to 11 This illustrates placing the container lid 3 onto the container basin 2 via pivoting and securing / clamping the information carrier 5 using locking element 4. Figure 8 In this state, the locking lever 14 of the locking element 4 operates to cause the clamp section 24 to protrude. Furthermore, the information carrier 5 has not yet been applied to the container basin 2.

[0048] The first step for locking is... Figure 9In the middle stage: the information carrier 5 is applied / pressed against the container basin 2. The information carrier protrusion 19 thus engages in the container recess 20 (not visible). Furthermore, the container lid 3 is placed on the container basin 2 without performing the pivoting movement of the locking element 4. The locking latch protrusions 6 have contact points, contact lines, or contact surfaces 25 in their tongue shape, which are configured such that a preload is introduced into the clamping lugs 7 via them.

[0049] exist Figure 9 The diagram shows the first pivoting movement 21 to be performed at this moment for locking. The state resulting from this first pivoting movement is shown in... Figure 10 As shown in the diagram. In this case, the locking protrusion 6 of the locking element 4 has come close to the vicinity of the engagement pouch 23 formed by the information carrier 5. The corresponding contact point 25 of the clamp section 24 is prepared to form contact with the corresponding opposite surface of the engagement pouch 23.

[0050] For final locking, the second pivoting motion 22 is now performed (see...) Figure 10 This establishes a sterile locking state (see...). Figure 11 In this state, the locking latch 6 clamps into the connecting pouch 23, securing the information carrier 5 to the remaining sterile container unit 1. To release the information carrier 5, only a pivoting motion opposite to arrows 21 and 22 is required by means of the locking lever 14.

[0051] List of reference numerals

[0052] 1. Aseptic container unit

[0053] 2 container pots

[0054] 3. Container lid

[0055] 4 Locking elements

[0056] 5. Information carriers

[0057] 6. Locking latch protrusion

[0058] 7. Clamp the lugs

[0059] 8. Main seal

[0060] 9 sets of seals

[0061] 10. Flat area

[0062] 11. Container collar

[0063] 12. Corner bulge

[0064] 13 Container end face section

[0065] 14 Locking lever

[0066] 15 Pivot axis

[0067] 16. Lean against the shoulder

[0068] 17-arm section

[0069] 18. Information carrier end face section

[0070] 19. Information carrier protrusion

[0071] 20 Container recess

[0072] 21 First pivotal motion

[0073] 22 Second pivotal motion

[0074] 23. Joining bag

[0075] 24. Hoop Section

[0076] 25 points of contact

Claims

1. A sterile container unit (1) for containing sterilized or unsterilized objects, the sterile container unit (1) having a container basin (2) and a container lid (3) and an information carrier (5) fastened to the container basin (2), the container lid (3) being sealably connected to the container basin (2) by an operable locking element (4), the information carrier (5) being prepared to provide information about the contents of the sterile container unit (1), wherein the information carrier (5) is releasably held directly to the container basin (2) only before the locking element (4) is operated for sealing the container lid (3) to the container basin (2). Its features are, The container basin (2), the locking element (4), and the information carrier (5) are matched to each other such that the information carrier (5) is secured to the container basin (2) by the locking element (4) only when the locking element (4) is closed during the sealing connection operation between the container lid (3) and the container basin (2), and cannot be removed from the container basin (2), wherein the locking element (4) is configured with at least one locking protrusion (6) which is prepared to engage with, upon reaching the sealing locking position, a connecting pouch (23) formed by the information carrier (5) or constructed on the information carrier (5); The container basin (2) has a side surface, and a container collar (11) protrudes from the side surface such that the container collar forms an abutting edge / shoulder for an information carrier (5) that extends at least partially complementary to the side surface, and also serves as a basin-side engagement section for a locking element for the lid side. The locking element (4) has a clamp section (24) which is prepared to at least partially surround / fasten the container collar (11) and the container lid (3) by clamping the information carrier (5).

2. The aseptic container unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one locking protrusion (6) is constructed with a contact point (25) that is or has an arc-shaped elastic tongue, which causes the locking protrusion (6) to be pre-tightened in pressure contact with the connecting bag (23), so that the locking protrusion (6) clamps the information carrier (5) between itself and the container basin.

3. The aseptic container unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information carrier (5) has a shoulder (16) that is prepared to be at least partially ground-like against the collar (11) of the container.

4. The aseptic container unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the container (2) has a corner ridge (12) at the corresponding transition to the adjacent side of the container (2), and at least one pit-shaped container recess (20) is formed in the corner ridge (12), the container recess (20) being prepared for shape-locking reception of a protrusion (19) constructed / set on the information carrier.

5. The aseptic container unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the locking element (4) is operated in the reverse direction of opening, the information carrier is unlocked, and thus the information carrier (5) can be reversibly released from the container (2).

6. The aseptic container unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container lid (3) forms / has a main seal (8) and a secondary seal (9), which are prepared to be abutted against the container basin (2) and thus establish a sterile barrier between the sterile container unit (1) and the environment.

7. The aseptic container unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking element (4) has a locking rod (14), the pivoting (22) of which rigidly connects the information carrier (5) to the container basin (2) and the container lid (3).

Images