Sterilization container and control device

Abstract

A sterilization container for medical purposes has a base element, a lid which can be fixed on the base element, the lid together with the base element in a closed state of the lid defining an interior region of the sterilization container, a medium exchange mechanism which is configured to be able to selectively open and close at least one fluidic mechanical connection between the interior region and the surroundings in the closed state of the lid, and a control device which is configured to be able to control the medium exchange mechanism. According to the disclosure, the sterilization container has a ventilation device which is configured to be able to transport a medium in the interior region and / or a medium in the surroundings of the sterilization container to the medium exchange mechanism, and the control device is configured to be able to control the medium exchange mechanism and the ventilation device such that the at least one fluidic mechanical connection is open when the medium is transported. Furthermore, a control apparatus for externally controlling the control device of the sterilization container is concerned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to sterilization containers for medical purposes, and more particularly to such sterilization containers having a lid that can be fixed to a bottom element such that, in its closed state, the lid, together with the bottom element, defines an internal region of the sterilization container, from which at least one hydromechanical connection to the surrounding environment of the sterilization container is formed, said hydromechanical connection being selectively openable and closeable by a media exchange mechanism controlled by a controller. This disclosure also relates to a control device for externally controlling a controller of the sterilization container. Background Technology

[0002] This type of sterilization container is known, for example, from WO 2020 / 074 657A1 and has a bottom element and a lid. The lid can be fixed to the bottom element, thereby forming the internal area of ​​the sterilization container. Two openings are provided in the bottom element, which are hydromechanical connections from the internal area to the surrounding environment. The sterilization container according to WO 2020 / 074 657A1 has a valve unit equipped with an electromechanical actuator, by means of which the openings in the bottom element can be opened and closed according to control commands from the control unit.

[0003] The disadvantage of this type of sterilization container is that the instruments may still be very moist and / or very hot in this type of sterilization container after sterilization, which in some cases requires a long post-drying phase to be included in the instrument circulation loop. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this context, the objective of this disclosure is to provide a sterilization container that requires little or no post-drying stage.

[0005] This task is accomplished by the sterilization container and control device according to the present invention.

[0006] The sterilization container according to this disclosure is constructed for medical purposes and is particularly suitable for containing medical devices or surgical instruments. The sterilization container has a bottom element, a lid, a media exchange mechanism, and control devices.

[0007] The bottom element is specifically constructed in a basin shape.

[0008] The lid is configured to be installed at the bottom element in such a way that the lid and the bottom element define the internal area of ​​the sterilization container (the closed state of the lid).

[0009] The media exchange mechanism is configured to selectively open and close at least one fluid mechanical connection between the interior area and the surrounding environment during the closed state of the cover.

[0010] The media exchange mechanism may be constructed solely on the cover, solely on the bottom element, or partially on both the cover and the bottom element. The fluid mechanical connection is particularly an opening. To enable selective opening and closing of this opening, a valve body is particularly provided, which is preferably movable by means of an electromechanical actuator. The control device is particularly configured to control the actuator such that it can bring the valve body to a closed position, in which the valve body particularly airtight and / or liquid-tight and / or bacteria-impermeable closes at least one opening, and can be brought to an open position, in which the valve body allows flow of media from the internal region to the surrounding environment and / or flow of media from the surrounding environment to the internal region. The valve body is constructed as a bacteria-impermeable but air-permeable or gas-permeable filter. Preferably, the valve body or filter is configured to be replaceable or tool-free.

[0011] According to this disclosure, the sterilization container has a ventilation device configured to allow media to be transported from the interior region to the surrounding environment of the sterilization container via a media exchange mechanism, and / or media to be transported from the surrounding environment to the interior region of the sterilization container via a media exchange mechanism. In other words, the ventilation device is configured to transport media in the interior region and / or media in the surrounding environment of the sterilization container to the media exchange mechanism. The media in the interior region and / or in the surrounding environment is, in particular, sterile air. The air or media in the interior region is, in particular, humid. The air or media in the surrounding environment is, in particular, dry.

[0012] The ventilation device particularly includes a fan arranged at the opening. Preferably, the fan can be configured as an axial flow fan or a radial flow fan.

[0013] The control devices of the sterilization container are specifically configured to control the media exchange mechanism and ventilation device, such that at least one hydromechanical connection is open when the media is being transported.

[0014] According to this disclosure, the control device is configured to control the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device such that the fluid mechanical connection will open or close when the media in the internal region is transported to the surrounding environment, and the fluid mechanical connection will close or close by means of a filter that is impermeable to bacteria but permeable to air or gas when the media in the surrounding environment is transported to the internal region.

[0015] The media exchange mechanism can be configured to be opened via a ventilation device. In other words, the valve body or filter can be pre-tightened to its closed position using a pre-tightening mechanism that can be released by a negative pressure generated by the ventilation device or by a pressure gradient generated by the ventilation device.

[0016] A device for actively exchanging the medium within the internal area of ​​the sterilization container is provided in an advantageous manner via a ventilation system. This active exchange can shorten or eliminate the re-drying phase in the instrument circulation loop.

[0017] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sterilization container may have a sensor device. The sensor device may be configured to measure pressure, temperature, and / or humidity in the internal area of ​​the sterilization container and / or in the surrounding environment. The control device may be configured to control the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device in consideration of one or more measurements from the sensor device. In particular, the control device may be configured to record the measurements from the sensor device and compare them with comparison values ​​or comparison curves stored in the control device, and to manipulate the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device at predetermined or predetermined time points using the comparison values ​​or comparison curves.

[0018] If the sterilization container is equipped with sensor devices, the automatic control of media exchange can be achieved in a favorable manner.

[0019] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the media exchange mechanism and ventilation device may be constructed solely on the cover. In particular, control devices and possibly sensor devices may also be constructed solely on the cover.

[0020] If the electronic or electromechanical components are only constructed on the cover, then the bottom element can continue to be used in the event of damage to these components.

[0021] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the media exchange mechanism may have two fluid mechanical connections or openings that are selectively openable and closable, and the control device may be configured to control a ventilation device such that the ventilation device delivers media from the surrounding environment of the sterilization container to the first fluid mechanical connection and media from the interior region of the sterilization container to the second fluid mechanical connection. In particular, a valve body or filter is provided for each fluid mechanical connection. The fluid mechanical connections are particularly arranged on two opposite sides of the sterilization container.

[0022] By providing two hydromechanical connections, optimized media exchange can be achieved in an advantageous manner.

[0023] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device may be configured to control the ventilation device such that the ventilation device alternately, on the one hand, delivers media from the surrounding environment of the sterilization container to the first fluid mechanical connection and media from the interior region of the sterilization container to the second fluid mechanical connection, and on the other hand, delivers media from the surrounding environment of the sterilization container to the second fluid mechanical connection and media from the interior region of the sterilization container to the first fluid mechanical connection.

[0024] If the sterilization container is constructed to allow for changes in the flow direction, the potential dead zone can be minimized.

[0025] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sterilization container may have a wirelessly rechargeable energy storage device configured to supply energy to the control device, the media exchange mechanism, and / or the ventilation device. This energy storage device may, in particular, be configured as a battery, a primary battery, or a rechargeable battery. The energy storage device is particularly equipped with an induction coil by means of which it can be wirelessly charged.

[0026] If the energy storage device is configured to be wirelessly rechargeable, it can be used advantageously with a small energy storage capacity without having to tolerate a reduction in functionality.

[0027] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device may have a receiver configured to receive an actuation signal that causes the control device to convey media from the interior area of ​​the sterilization container and / or the surrounding environment via the ventilation device. The receiver is particularly configured to wirelessly receive the actuation signal.

[0028] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device may have a transmitter configured to transmit a status signal containing information about the status of the media exchange mechanism and / or the ventilation device. The transmitter is particularly configured to transmit the status signal wirelessly.

[0029] Preferably, the transmitter and receiver of the control device are constructed as a transceiver unit.

[0030] By setting up receivers and / or transmitters, the automation level of the sterilization process can be increased and / or the monitoring of the sterilization process can be improved.

[0031] The control device according to this disclosure is suitable for external control of the control components of the sterilization container according to this disclosure. "External" specifically means that the control device is not part of the sterilization container or is not fixedly connected to the sterilization container.

[0032] The control device according to this disclosure has a transmitter (compared to the transmitter of a control device) configured to transmit manipulation signals to the control device, and / or a receiver (compared to the receiver of a control device) configured to receive status signals from the control device. Preferably, the transmitter and receiver of the control device are constructed integrally as a transceiver. In particular, the control device is configured to communicate wirelessly with the control device of the sterilization container. In other words, the control device is particularly configured as a remote control for the sterilization container. Especially, an external control device is constructed on or inside the autoclave.

[0033] The degree of automation in the sterilization process can be increased if an external control device is provided.

[0034] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device may include a charging device configured to wirelessly charge the energy storage of the sterilization container according to this disclosure. In particular, the charging device may include an induction coil that can cooperate with the induction coil of the control device.

[0035] By incorporating a charging device into the control unit, sterilization containers can be used without requiring separate charging time alongside the instrument circulation loop. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The drawings show a perspective view of a sterilization container according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Wherein: 2-sterilization container; 4-bottom element; 6-lid; 8-opening; 10-filter; 12-axial flow fan; 14-control device; 16-sensor device. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The sterilization container 2 according to the present disclosure, shown in the accompanying drawings, has a basin-shaped bottom element 4 and a lid 6. The sterilization container 2 has a generally rectangular outline.

[0039] The figure shows the sterilization container 2 in the closed state with lid 6. In this state, the bottom element 4 and lid 6 define an internal area (not shown). In the closed state, lid 6 is bacterially impermeable to the bottom element 4 by a seal (not shown) on the circumference of lid 6 or on the free edge of the side wall of the bottom element 4.

[0040] Two openings 8 are provided in the cover 6, which can be opened and closed by means of a media exchange mechanism. The media exchange mechanism has two replaceable, bacteria-impermeable but air-permeable filters 10 arranged in the openings 8. In the state shown in the figure, the filters 10 are in the closed position. With the filters 10 in the closed position and the cover 6 in the closed state, the internal area is sealed off from the surrounding environment of the sterilization container 2 by bacteria-impermeable means.

[0041] An axial flow fan 12 is provided above each of the two filters 10, or on the outer side of each of the two filters 10 facing the surrounding environment.

[0042] Each of the two axial flow fans 12 is housed by a control unit 14, or rather by the housing of the control unit 14. An energy storage device (not shown) is provided in the control unit 14, which also supplies energy to an electric motor (not shown) located within the control unit to drive the axial flow fan 12.

[0043] On the outside of the control device 14, between the axial flow fans 12, there is a sensor device 16, which has two sensors for measuring the temperature, pressure and / or humidity of the surrounding environment and the interior area.

[0044] The controller 14 is configured to control one of the two axial flow fans 12 to generate a pressure gradient toward the surrounding environment when a predetermined measurement value or multiple predetermined measurement values ​​are measured by the sensor device 16, and to control the other of the two axial flow fans 12 to generate a pressure gradient toward the interior space.

[0045] Filter 10 is configured to automatically open when a pressure gradient towards the surrounding environment is present on the corresponding filter 10, and to remain in a closed position when a pressure gradient towards the interior area is present on the corresponding filter 10. Therefore, the medium or air delivered to the interior area by the axial flow fan 12 is filtered by the corresponding filter 10. In contrast, the medium or air delivered to the surrounding environment by the axial flow fan 12 is not filtered.

[0046] The controller 14 is configured to control the axial fan 12 of the two axial fans 12 that deliver the medium to the interior area, thereby overcoming the flow resistance generated by the corresponding filter 10. The axial fan 12 is controlled in particular to ensure that the flow of medium or air into the interior area is as large as the flow of medium or air out of the interior area.

Claims

1. A sterilization container (2) for medical purposes, having Bottom component (4). A cover (6) can be fixed to the bottom element (4), the cover (6) together with the bottom element (4) defining the internal area of ​​the sterilization container (2) when the cover (6) is closed. Media switching mechanism Controller (14), and A ventilation device having a fan (12) and configured to transport media exiting from the internal area of ​​the sterilization container (2) to the media exchange mechanism. Its features are, The media exchange mechanism is configured such that, in the closed state of the cover (6), at least one hydromechanical connection (8) between the internal area and the surrounding environment can be selectively opened and closed by means of a filter (10) that is impermeable to bacteria but permeable to air or gas. The ventilation device is configured to transport the medium from the surrounding environment of the sterilization container (2) to the medium exchange mechanism. The control device (14) controls the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device such that the at least one hydromechanical connection (8) opens when the media from the interior region is transported to the surrounding environment and closes by means of the bacteria-impermeable but air- or gas-permeable filter (10) when the media from the surrounding environment is transported to the interior region. The medium exchange mechanism is configured to be opened via the ventilation device.

2. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bacteria-impermeable but air or gas-permeable filter (10) is pre-tightened into its closed position, such that it is configured to open by negative pressure or pressure gradient generated by the ventilation device.

3. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sterilization container (2) has a sensor device (16) configured to measure pressure, temperature and / or humidity in the internal region of the sterilization container (2) and / or in the surrounding environment of the sterilization container (2). The control device (14) is configured to control the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device in consideration of one or more measurements of the sensor device (16).

4. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The medium exchange mechanism and the ventilation device are constructed on the cover (6).

5. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The medium exchange mechanism has two hydromechanical connections (8) that can be selectively opened and closed, and The control device (14) is configured to control the ventilation device such that the ventilation device delivers the medium from the surrounding environment of the sterilization container (2) to the first fluid mechanical connector of the two fluid mechanical connectors (8) and delivers the medium from the internal region of the sterilization container (2) to the second fluid mechanical connector of the two fluid mechanical connectors (8).

6. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control device (14) is configured to control the ventilation device such that the ventilation device alternately delivers, on the one hand, media from the surrounding environment of the sterilization container (2) to the first fluid mechanical connector (8) and media from the internal region of the sterilization container (2) to the second fluid mechanical connector (8), and on the other hand, media from the surrounding environment of the sterilization container (2) to the second fluid mechanical connector (8) and media from the internal region of the sterilization container (2) to the first fluid mechanical connector (8).

7. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... A wirelessly rechargeable energy storage device, configured to supply energy to the control device (14), the medium exchange mechanism, and / or the ventilation device.

8. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device (14) has a receiver configured to receive an manipulation signal that causes the control device to deliver the medium from the internal area of ​​the sterilization container (2) and / or the surrounding environment via the ventilation device.

9. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device (14) has a transmitter configured to transmit a status signal containing information about the status of the medium exchange mechanism and / or the ventilation device.

10. A system having a sterilization container (2) according to claim 8 or 9 and a control device (14) for external control of the sterilization container (2), characterized in that... A transmitter and / or receiver, the transmitter being configured to send manipulation signals to the controller and the receiver being configured to receive status signals from the controller (14).

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that... A charging device for wirelessly charging the energy storage of the sterilization container (2), wherein the energy storage is wirelessly rechargeable and configured to supply energy to the control device (14), the media exchange mechanism and / or the ventilation device.

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