Sterile article container operating system and mechanical operating method of sterile article container

Abstract

The invention relates to a sterile article container handling system, in particular for automatically opening a sterile article container, said sterile article container handling system comprising at least one tool device for opening a sterile article container, said at least one tool device comprising at least one first tool element for engaging with a locking bow, the locking bow is pivotally supported on a sterile article container cover of the sterile article container around a pivot axis and is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to a cover top surface of the sterile article container cover in a storage position. And a first tool element for locking the sterile article container lid on a sterile article container slot comprised by the sterile article container in a closed position in which the sterile article container lid closes the sterile article container slot, the first tool element having a lifting wedge for grasping the locking bow from below. The invention also relates to a method for mechanically operating a sterile article container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sterile article container operating system, in particular to an operating system for automatically opening a sterile article container.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for mechanically operating a sterile container, which comprises a sterile container trough and a sterile container lid, wherein the sterile container lid comprises two locking bows which are pivotally held on the sterile container lid about a pivot axis for locking the sterile container lid to the sterile container trough in a closed position. Background Art

[0003] Sterile article container is known with various embodiments.About this point, for example, can refer to DE102020103131A1.

[0004] Sterile containers are used, in particular, for transporting and storing medical devices and implants. They typically include a sterile container trough and a sterile container lid that closes the trough in a closed position. However, medical devices and implants are typically not stored directly in these sterile containers, but rather in sieve baskets housed within them.

[0005] In the closed position, the sterile container is locked. For example, DE 10 2018 117 046 A1 describes a locking mechanism. To switch the sterile container from the locked closed position to the unlocked position, the locking bow of the locking mechanism must be operated, that is, pivoted. In addition, WO 2008 / 078169 A2 discloses a sterile container with a locking mechanism that can be operated with one hand.

[0006] Until now, after use in a sterile environment, such sterile containers have typically been unpacked manually on the so-called "dirty" side, i.e., in a non-sterile environment. This means that one or more closures on the sterile container lid, in particular the aforementioned locking mechanism, must be opened. The sterile container lid can then be removed from the sterile container trough. In a subsequent step, the sieve basket contained in the sterile container can be removed from the sterile container trough.

[0007] This manual unpacking of sterile containers is time-consuming and tiring for the personnel responsible. Sterile containers can easily weigh over 10 kg, so handling them all day can be physically taxing. Summary of the Invention

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a sterile container handling system and method of the type mentioned in the introduction in order to facilitate the handling of sterile containers.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a sterile container operating system of the type described at the outset in such a way that the sterile container operating system comprises at least one tool device for opening the sterile container, the at least one tool device comprising at least one first tool element for engaging with a locking bow, the locking bow being pivotally supported about a pivot axis on the sterile container lid of the sterile container and being oriented parallel or essentially parallel to a lid top surface of the sterile container lid in a storage position, for locking the sterile container lid on a sterile container slot comprised by the sterile container in a closed position, wherein in the closed position the sterile container lid closes the sterile container slot, the first tool element having a lifting wedge for gripping the locking bow from below.

[0010] Improvements to the sterile container operating system in the manner proposed can simplify and facilitate the operation of sterile containers, in particular. According to the at least one tool device proposed in the present invention, it is possible to simply grasp the free end or crossbar of the locking arch on the sterile container lid from below with a lifting wedge and then pivot the locking lifter about a pivot axis. This is achieved by moving the at least one tool device relative to the sterile container lid and, therefore, also relative to the locking lifter. In particular, during this relative movement, the locking lifter can slide on the lifting wedge, thereby being forcibly guided. The proposed tool device can, in particular, enable the mechanical opening and unlocking of sterile containers. Therefore, operators no longer need to manually open sterile containers that are sometimes difficult to operate and locked with a predetermined locking force. To this end, the operator can, for example, manually guide the at least one tool device. Alternatively, the at least one tool device can also be arranged or retained on a manipulation device, such as a robot, so that the locking arch can be fully automatically pivoted by engaging the at least one tool device with the lifting wedge it contains.

[0011] Advantageously, the lifting wedge has a lifting wedge contact surface and a lifting wedge sliding surface. When the at least one tool device is used as intended, the lifting wedge contact surface is oriented parallel to the lid top surface, and the lifting wedge contact surface and the lifting wedge sliding surface form a wedge angle. This design of the lifting wedge enables, in particular, the lifting wedge contact surface to be oriented parallel to the lid top surface and to be movable relative to the lid top surface, thereby enabling the lifting wedge to grip the locking bar on the sterile container lid from below. In this case, the lifting wedge sliding surface can contact the locking bar and force the locking bar to pivot when the at least one tool device and the locking bar are moved relative to each other.

[0012] To facilitate opening of the sterile container, the lifting wedge sliding surface is advantageously designed as a flat or curved surface. In particular, it can be designed to be concave or convex away from the lifting wedge. In particular, the concave curved design of the lifting wedge sliding surface allows for easy and secure gripping of the locking bar on the sterile container lid from below.

[0013] Preferably, the value of the wedge angle is in the range of about 10° to about 50°. With a lifting wedge defining such a wedge angle, the locking bow can be reliably grasped from below.

[0014] Advantageously, the lifting wedge contact surface and the lifting wedge sliding surface intersect at the wedge edge, and the length of the lifting wedge sliding surface parallel to the wedge edge is greater than the width of the lifting wedge sliding surface perpendicular to the wedge edge, in particular greater than five times. This design makes it possible in particular to design a narrow lifting wedge, so that the locking bow can be lifted only slightly from the storage position over a relatively short movement path, i.e., by relative movement between the at least one tool device and the locking bow. This makes it possible in particular to design the at least one tool device as compact as possible.

[0015] Advantageously, at least one tool element comprises a tool element base body, and the lifting wedge is arranged or formed on the tool element base body at the distal end. This makes it possible, in particular, to design the lifting wedge as small as possible, while the tool element base body can be designed to be larger and therefore more stable, so that, in particular, the locking bow (as described in more detail below) can be pivoted further outward from the storage position, even against the forces exerted by the locking mechanism. As a result, at least one tool device can be designed to be sufficiently stable for its intended purpose. In particular, the lifting wedge can be arranged or formed at the distal end such that it projects both forward from the tool element base body and distally from the top surface of the tool element base body. This ensures, in particular, that contact between the at least one tool device and the locking bow is always first achieved by means of the lifting wedge, before the tool element base body can come into contact with the locking bow.

[0016] Advantageously, the tool element base body has a base contact surface and a base sliding surface for lifting and opening the locking clip, and the base contact surface and the base sliding surface form a base wedge angle. This design particularly enables a wedge-shaped structure of the tool element base body. For example, to open the locking clip, the tool element base body can be moved with the base contact surface parallel to the lid top surface of the sterile container lid.

[0017] To optimally enable the at least one tool device to be moved in a direction parallel to the cover top surface, it is advantageous if the base body contact surface and the lifting wedge contact surface are parallel or substantially parallel. Preferably, the base body contact surface and the lifting wedge contact surface are spaced apart from each other. This allows the lifting wedge to extend forward and downward relative to the tool element base body.

[0018] Advantageously, the matrix abutment surface defines the abutment surface plane, and the lifting wedge stretches out this abutment surface plane. As previously mentioned, when at least one tool device contacts with the locking bow, at first the lifting wedge can be utilized to act on the locking bow, which is slightly lifted from the storage position.

[0019] Preferably, the value of the base body wedge angle is identical or substantially identical to the wedge angle of the lifting wedge. This enables the locking bow to be continuously pivoted relative to the sterile container lid, in particular when at least one tool device acts on the locking bow.

[0020] Advantageously, the tool element base body has a base top surface that defines a base sliding surface, and a latching recess that is recessed relative to the base sliding surface is formed on the base top surface. This latching recess can, in particular, accommodate a portion of the locking bow, such as a crossbar of the locking bow that forms a gripping area, in order to temporarily couple the locking bow to the at least one tool device in a defined manner. For example, the crossbar can snap into the latching recess in the operating position.

[0021] In order to enable the sterile article container to be handled and manipulated in a particularly desired manner using the at least one tool device, the latching groove advantageously has a blocking surface directed away from the lifting wedge and a latching surface that is parallel or substantially parallel to the sliding surface of the base body. This design is particularly suitable for accommodating the crossbeam of the aforementioned locking bow and forcing it to rest against both the blocking surface and the latching surface. The blocking surface is particularly suitable for preventing the locking bow from accidentally slipping off the at least one tool device. Thus, when the locking bow is accommodated in the latching groove, the blocking surface forms a stop surface for a portion of the locking bow.

[0022] Preferably, the blocking surface extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the base body sliding surface and defines an intersection line with the base body sliding surface and the latching surface, respectively. In this way, depending on the depth of the latching groove, a defined and reliable stop surface for a portion of the locking bow can be formed by the blocking surface.

[0023] Advantageously, the latching surface has a latching surface width perpendicular to the blocking surface, and this latching surface width is greater than the beam width of the crossbar of the locking arch extending perpendicular to the pivot axis. Therefore, by selecting the latching surface width, it is particularly possible to ensure that the crossbar of the locking arch on the sterile container lid can be accommodated in the latching recess over its entire beam width. In this way, it is particularly possible to use the at least one tool device to hold the locking arch under preload relative to the sterile container lid when required, without the locking arch slipping off the at least one tool device.

[0024] Advantageously, the tool element base body defines a base width parallel to the wedge edge, and the latching surface extends over the entire base width. This allows, in particular, the crossbar of the locking bow to rest completely and, if necessary, flatly against the latching surface. Furthermore, the blocking surface can also exert its effect over its entire length, that is, over the entire base width.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the tool element base body to have a base bottom surface that faces away from the base top surface and includes a base bottom surface that extends parallel to the base sliding surface. This design enables the tool element base body to have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. This allows for a particularly compact design and minimizes the use of material. In particular, this minimizes the weight of the at least one tool device.

[0026] In order to optimally operate the sterile container using a sterile container handling system having a locking bow of the type described above, it is advantageous if the locking bow has an engagement portion that defines an engagement width parallel to the pivot axis, and the length of the lifting wedge sliding surface and the base width of the tool element parallel to the wedge edge are smaller than this engagement width. This design not only allows the first tool element to engage with the locking bow, but also allows the first tool element to pass through the engagement portion of the locking bow. In this way, in particular, the crossbar can engage with a latching groove (which, as described above, can optionally be provided on the first tool element).

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment, it can be provided that at least one tool device includes a first interface device for coupling directly or indirectly with a mechanical operating device in a force-locked and / or form-locked manner so as to move, in particular translate, rotate and / or pivot at least one tool device. The first interface device is particularly capable of selectively coupling at least one tool device to the operating device and, when necessary, being able to be separated from the operating device again. Alternatively, the first interface device can also be used to couple at least one tool device to a handle so that the user can also use the first tool device to ergonomically pivot the locking bow on the sterile container lid, thereby unlocking the sterile container lid. The first interface device is particularly capable of combining the first tool device with an operating device that is also used for other purposes. In addition, different tool devices can also be used together with the operating device, in particular for operating different types of sterile containers.

[0028] Preferably, the first interface device comprises at least one first interface element, which can be coupled in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner to a corresponding second interface element (which is arranged or formed on or associated with the operating device). The interface element can be designed in particular in the form of projections and recesses corresponding to these projections. In particular, the interface element can include threaded holes, through-holes and screw elements in order to couple the first tool device to the operating device, i.e., by means of a threaded connection. Alternatively, a bayonet-type interface element for forming a bayonet connection is also conceivable. However, a temporary force-locking connection (which can be achieved, for example, by means of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet) can also be used to couple the first interface element to the second interface element.

[0029] For handling sterile containers, the handling device advantageously comprises a robot. In particular, the robot can include a robot arm having a plurality of joint segments that can pivot relative to one another and, optionally, rotate about their respective longitudinal axes. This makes it possible, in particular, to align the at least one tool device with the robot in a desired manner and to position it spatially, for example, relative to the sterile container, in particular its sterile container lid.

[0030] Advantageously, the handling device includes an actuator device that is directly or indirectly coupled or couplable to the robot on the one hand and to at least one tool device on the other hand, and is designed to move the at least one tool device, in particular to translate, rotate, and / or pivot the tool device. The actuator device can, in particular, be coupled to the robot, as described above. This allows the actuator device to be positioned and aligned in space in a desired manner, in particular relative to the sterile container lid, as described above. Furthermore, the actuator device can cause at least one tool device to perform additional movements independently of the robot's movements. For example, the robot can position the actuator device relative to the sterile container lid. The movement of the at least one tool device can then be further effected by the actuator device. In particular, the actuator device can translate, rotate, and / or pivot the at least one tool device, for example, to move, in particular pivot, a locking clip on the sterile container lid in a desired manner.

[0031] In order to be able to move the at least one tool device in the desired manner, it is advantageous if the actuator device includes a drive. This drive can be designed, in particular, as an electric drive and / or a pneumatic drive. This makes it possible to achieve a translational movement of the at least one tool device in a particularly simple manner using the actuator device. The drive can, in particular, include a drive spindle and / or a piston-cylinder assembly to move the at least one tool device.

[0032] Preferably, the drive is designed in the form of a linear drive and / or a pivot drive and / or a rotary drive. Like this, the actuator device can be used to translate, rotate or pivot at least one tool device in a simple manner.

[0033] Advantageously, the actuator device includes a second interface device for direct or indirect force-locking and / or form-locking coupling to the robot. This design makes it possible, in particular, to disconnect the actuator device, including one or more tool devices coupled thereto, from the robot or reconnect it to the robot. The second interface device can, in particular, be a defined, standardized interface device, which is known for coupling various types of devices to robots.

[0034] In principle, it is conceivable to connect at least one tool device directly to the actuator device, for example, to the piston or threaded rod of a corresponding drive of the actuator device. Advantageously, at least one tool device and the actuator device are indirectly connected to each other via an adapter element. This makes it possible, for example, to couple a standardized actuator device to at least one tool device in order to operate the locking bow in the desired manner. In particular, this makes it possible to meet spatial or geometric requirements when using a sterile container handling system, for example, to operate different types of sterile container devices with the same tool device.

[0035] Advantageously, the sterile container handling system comprises two tool devices, which are held on the actuator device directly or indirectly, in particular by means of lifting wedges pointing away from or towards each other. This design makes it possible in particular to actuate two locking mechanisms arranged on the end faces of the sterile container pointing away from each other, simultaneously or successively, in particular to actuate corresponding locking hooks simultaneously or successively with the two tool devices, in order to unlock the sterile container lid and, if necessary, also lift it from the sterile container slot.

[0036] Advantageously, the actuator device is designed to move the at least one tool device in a stroke-controlled and / or force-controlled manner. This allows, on the one hand, to predetermine the position of the at least one tool device relative to the sterile container, and, on the other hand, to predetermine the force that the at least one tool device exerts on the sterile container, in particular the force exerted on the locking bar of the sterile container lid. This minimizes the risk of damage to the sterile container caused by the sterile container handling system.

[0037] In order to make the tool device simple and compact, it is advantageous if at least one tool device is designed symmetrically with respect to a center plane extending perpendicularly to the wedge edge. In particular, at least one tool device can be constructed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the center plane.

[0038] According to another preferred embodiment, it can be provided that at least one tool device includes a carrier element, and at least one first tool element is arranged or constructed to protrude laterally, in particular perpendicularly, relative to a longitudinal axis of the carrier element defined by the carrier element. With such a carrier element, it is particularly possible to arrange and position the at least one first tool element in a desired manner. In addition, such a carrier element also enables a simple construction and arrangement of the above-mentioned first interface device. The at least one first tool element can optionally be constructed so as to be connectable to the carrier element in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. Alternatively, the at least one first tool element and the carrier element can also be constructed as one piece, in particular as a single piece.

[0039] Advantageously, at least one tool device includes at least one second tool element for forming a positive or substantially positive engagement with a pivot bow of a sieve basket that can be inserted into a sterile article container and / or with a pivot bow holding element that pivotally holds the pivot bow on the sieve basket about a pivot bow axis. For example, the pivot bow holding element can be designed in the form of a recess for accommodating the free ends of the two parallel or substantially parallel legs of the overall U-shaped pivot bow, which are bent at 90 degrees. The pivot bow holding element can be arranged in particular on an end wall of the sieve basket, i.e., on the side surface of the end wall facing the interior of the sieve basket. Optionally, a support can also be provided on the pivot bow holding element that defines the orientation of the pivot bow in the rest position (i.e., when no external forces other than gravity act on the pivot bow). In the rest position, the pivot bow is preferably oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the bottom of the sieve basket. The at least one second tool element is designed to engage with the pivot bow holding element, which has the particular advantage of enabling direct access to the sieve basket. If the pivot bow holding element is immovably held on the screen basket, the screen basket can be actuated reliably and safely in the desired manner by engaging the pivot bow holding element with the at least one second tool element.

[0040] In order to make the tool device compact, it is particularly advantageous that at least one second tool element is arranged or formed on the carrier element. In particular, the second tool element can be arranged or formed, for example, parallel to the first tool element, that is, extending from the carrier element in the same direction as the first tool element.

[0041] Advantageously, the at least one second tool element includes a coupling receptacle for forming a positive-locking engagement with the pivot bow holding element of the screen basket. This allows the pivot bow holding element to engage with the at least one second tool element in a particularly simple manner. This eliminates the need for complex mechanisms with movable parts on the at least one second tool element to achieve a non-positive coupling. In particular, gravity can be used to couple the pivot bow holding element and the at least one second tool element.

[0042] Advantageously, the at least one second tool element has a tool element top surface, and the coupling receptacle is arranged or formed on the tool element top surface. Thus, for example, the pivot bow holding element can be inserted or engaged into the coupling receptacle from above, in order to achieve a positive-locking engagement between the pivot bow holding element and the at least one second tool element.

[0043] Advantageously, the at least one first tool element and the at least one second tool element are separated from one another by a recess. Such a recess enables, in particular, the at least one first tool element to fully engage with the engagement portion on the locking bow, even if the at least one tool device is provided with at least one second tool element. Thus, for example, when the at least one first tool element passes through the engagement portion on the locking bow, the legs of the substantially U-shaped or O-shaped locking bow can engage with the recess between the at least one first tool element and the at least one second tool element.

[0044] Preferably, at least one tool device includes two second tool elements. This design makes it possible, in particular, to simultaneously engage two second tool elements with a pivoting bow holding element, each associated with a common pivoting bow, using at least one tool device. If two tool devices of this type are provided, the four pivoting bow holding elements of the two pivoting bows of the screen basket can engage with the two tool devices in a defined manner. The tool device coupled to the screen basket in this manner can, in particular, be used to remove the screen basket from a sterile article container, such as a sterile article container slot, by appropriate manipulation (i.e., moving it in space, for example, using an operating device). This can be done fully automatically, in particular, if the operating device is positioned in a predetermined coordinate system. For example, this coordinate system can be predetermined by the sterile article container, such as corresponding mechanical or electronic components that define a coordinate system in three-dimensional space in a defined manner.

[0045] Advantageously, the coupling receptacles of the two second tool elements define a common coupling receptacle longitudinal axis, and this coupling receptacle longitudinal axis extends parallel or substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot bow, if a pivot bow holding element is accommodated in each coupling receptacle of the two second tool elements. As previously described, in this manner, at least one tool device acts not on the pivot bow itself, but rather on the pivot bow holding device, i.e., the pivot bow holding elements contained by this holding device. If these holding elements are directly fastened to the sieve basket and cannot be moved, the sieve basket can be directly manipulated by engaging the at least one tool device with the two pivot bow holding elements. In particular, the sterile article container can be operated even if the pivot bow is deformed or damaged. For example, the coupling of the at least one tool device to the sieve basket can be independent of the shape of the pivot bow. If the pivot bow holding elements are arranged or formed on the sieve basket in a standardized manner, a variety of sieve baskets can be easily and safely brought into engagement using the same tool device.

[0046] Advantageously, at least one first tool element is arranged between two second tool elements. This allows for a particularly symmetrical design of the tool arrangement. In particular, a tool arrangement comprising two second tool elements and one first tool element can mechanically operate both a sterile container lid and a sieve basket.

[0047] A simple and compact design of the at least one tool device can be achieved in particular by virtue of the two second tool elements being arranged or formed symmetrically with respect to the central plane.

[0048] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if a transverse stop is arranged or formed on each coupling receptacle, for limiting a movement of the at least one tool device relative to the sterile article container in a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot bow when the pivot bow holding element is received in the coupling receptacle. Thus, such a transverse stop can prevent an undesired movement of the sieve basket relative to the at least one tool device in a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot bow.

[0049] In order to minimize relative movements between the screen basket and the at least one tool device, in particular apart from unavoidable play, it is advantageous if a transverse stop delimits the coupling receptacle laterally in the direction of the at least one first tool element.

[0050] Advantageously, the at least one second tool element has a tool element contact surface, which defines a portion of the tool element bottom surface of the at least one second tool element and extends parallel or essentially parallel to the base body contact surface and / or the lifting wedge contact surface. Such a tool element contact surface can be used, in particular, to align the at least one second tool element parallel to the lid top surface of the sterile container lid.

[0051] Preferably, the tool element contact surface lies within the contact surface plane or defines it. This design ensures, in particular, that only the lifting wedge projects beyond the contact surface plane. Thus, even with two second tool elements, reliable actuation of the locking bar on the sterile container lid is ensured, even with two additional second tool elements, which can be used to engage the sieve basket.

[0052] Advantageously, at least one second tool element has a tool element sliding surface for lifting the pivot bow of the screen basket, and the tool element contact surface and the tool element sliding surface form a tool element wedge angle. The tool element sliding surface enables, in particular, the pivot bow, which is oriented parallel to the screen basket bottom in the rest position or transport position as described above, to slide thereon, so that the pivot bow holding element can engage reliably and unimpeded with the coupling receptacle.

[0053] Preferably, the wedge angle of the tool element is identical or substantially identical to the wedge angle of the base body. This allows, in particular, the sliding surface of the tool element and the sliding surface of the base body to define a common sliding surface plane. This prevents the pivot bow from being inserted into the latching recess with a crossbar extending parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot bow.

[0054] As mentioned above, it is advantageous if the tool element sliding surface and the basic body sliding surface define a common sliding surface plane. This can in particular prevent a crossbeam of the pivot bow extending parallel to the pivot bow pivot axis from entering the latching groove.

[0055] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one second tool element has a tool element bottom surface that points away from the tool element top surface, and the tool element bottom surface includes a tool element bottom surface that extends parallel to the tool element sliding surface. This design particularly enables the at least one second tool element to have a substantially cuboid shape except for the free end. The coupling receptacle can be arranged or formed in the region of the free end. This minimizes the weight of the at least one tool device.

[0056] The at least one tool device can be designed to be particularly robust if it is integral, in particular one-piece.

[0057] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one tool device is made of a metal material. In particular, it can be a steam-sterilizable tool steel. This allows the at least one tool device to be optimally cleaned and, if necessary, used in a sterile environment.

[0058] The object set out at the outset is also achieved according to the invention by a method of the type described at the outset in that any of the above-described sterile container operating systems is provided, and at least one tool device is engaged with the locking bow in order to pivot it from a closed position about a pivot axis to an unlocked position, in which the locking bow is oriented parallel or essentially parallel to the lid top surface of the sterile container, and in which the sterile container lid is unlocked from the sterile container slot.

[0059] The proposed method enables, in particular, fully automatic unlocking and opening of sterile containers. For this purpose, any of the advantageous embodiments of the aforementioned sterile container handling system can be used. This allows sterile containers to be opened in a manner that is sustainable, comfortable, and physically stress-free for the operator.

[0060] Advantageously, the crossbar of the locking bow is accommodated in a latching recess on at least one first tool element and is held therein under stress against a blocking surface. In this way, in particular, the sterile container lid can be prevented from sliding off at least one tool device of the sterile container handling system. For example, if two tool devices are provided, each of which engages with a locking bow in the manner described, the sterile container lid can be grasped and manipulated accordingly using the two tool devices in a defined manner, for example, lifted from the sterile container slot and stored in a predefined storage position.

[0061] In order to be able to access the contents of the sterile container and, if necessary, remove it from the sterile container well, it is advantageous if the sterile container lid is lifted from the sterile container well by means of an operating device.

[0062] Furthermore, it is advantageous to automatically remove the sieve basket contained in the sterile container using the sterile container handling system. This eliminates the need for an operator to remove the sieve basket from the sterile container, particularly from the sterile container trough it comprises. This automated handling of the sterile container is particularly useful with highly contaminated sterile containers, such as those containing highly infectious materials.

[0063] For optimal operation of the sieve basket, it is advantageous if a tool device engages in a form-locking or substantially form-locking manner with the two pivoting bow holding elements of the sieve basket (on which the pivoting bows are pivotally held about the pivoting bow axis). As previously mentioned, if, in particular, two tool devices engage in this manner with the two pivoting bow holding elements of the two pivoting bows, the sieve basket can be removed from the sterile material container in a defined and safe manner. Furthermore, it is advantageous if a tool device engages in a non-positive manner with the two pivoting bow holding elements of the sieve basket (on which the pivoting bows are pivotally held about the pivoting bow axis). This allows the sieve basket to be operated even if the tool device is not specifically designed to engage in a form-locking or substantially form-locking manner with the two pivoting bow holding elements. This allows the tool device to be used universally.

[0064] Advantageously, the sieve basket is lifted from the sterile material container by means of the handling device. This allows the sterile material container to be completely emptied. In particular, two or more sieve baskets can be removed from a correspondingly larger sterile material container.

[0065] Furthermore, a use of any of the above-described embodiments of a sterile container handling system for carrying out any of the above-described methods is proposed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0067] Figure 1 : A schematic partial perspective view of one embodiment of a sterile item container handling system, wherein a closed sterile item container is in a storage position;

[0068] Figure 2 :and Figure 1 A similar view shows the state in which the tool device of the sterile container operating system is engaged with the locking arch on the sterile container cover;

[0069] Figure 3 : Figure 2Enlarged partial view of middle area A;

[0070] Figure 4 :along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4;

[0071] Figure 5 :and Figure 3 A similar schematic perspective view showing the locking bow after pivoting with the tool device;

[0072] Figure 6 :along Figure 5 A sectional view taken along line 6-6;

[0073] Figure 7 :and Figure 2 A similar schematic diagram shows the state when the sterile item container cover is lifted from the sterile item container slot using the sterile item container operating system;

[0074] Figure 8 : Figure 7 An enlarged partial perspective view of the device;

[0075] Figure 9 : An enlarged perspective partially exploded view of an embodiment of a sterile container lid in the area of ​​a locking mechanism;

[0076] Figure 10 : A schematic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an actuator device of a sterile article container operating system;

[0077] Figure 11 : A schematic overall perspective view of one embodiment of a sterile article container operating system when removing a screen basket from a sterile article container slot;

[0078] Figure 12 : Figure 11 Enlarged partial view of middle area B;

[0079] Figure 13 : Figure 12 a top view of the arrangement; and

[0080] Figure 14 :along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The figure schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a sterile container handling system 10 , which is designed in particular for automatically opening a sterile container 14 .

[0082] Figure 1The sterile article container 14 schematically shown in FIG. 1 comprises a sterile article container slot 16 and a sterile article container cover 20 , wherein the sterile article container slot defines a receiving space 18 .

[0083] Depending on its size, one or more screen baskets 22 can be accommodated in the sterile container 14. For clarity, the medical instruments and / or implants that can be accommodated in these screen baskets are not shown in the figures and can be used for cleaning, sterilization purposes, as well as for storage and transportation purposes.

[0084] The essential element of the sterile container handling system 10 is the tool device denoted by reference numeral 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the sterile container handling system 10 comprises two identically constructed tool devices 12. These tool devices are particularly designed for opening the sterile container 14, lifting the sterile container lid 20 unlocked from the sterile container slot 16, and removing the sieve basket 22 accommodated in the receiving space 18 of the sterile container slot 16.

[0085] For the sake of simplicity, only one of the two tool devices 12 will be described in detail below.

[0086] The tool device 12 comprises a first tool element 24 for engaging with a locking bow 26 of a container closure 28, generally designated by reference numeral 28. The structure of the container closure 28 is described in detail in DE 10 2018 117 046 A1, to which reference is therefore made.

[0087] A locking bow 26 is used for actuating the container closure 28 and is pivotably mounted on the sterile container lid 20 about a pivot axis 30 . The pivot axis 30 extends parallel to a lid top surface 32 of the sterile container lid 20 .

[0088] exist Figure 1 In the schematically illustrated storage position, the locking arch 26 is oriented substantially parallel to the lid top surface 32 for locking the sterile container 20 on the sterile container slot 16 in the closed position, in which the sterile container lid 20 closes the sterile container slot 16 .

[0089] In order to be able to lift the sterile article container lid 20 from the sterile article container slot 16, the container closure 28 must be unlocked. For this reason, the locking bow 26 must be pivoted from the storage position around the pivot axis 30 in the direction away from the lid top surface 32.

[0090] In the embodiment of the sterile article container 14 shown in the figures, the locking bow 26 is essentially plate-shaped and comprises an essentially rectangular engagement portion 34, which is delimited by a crossbar 36 extending away from and parallel to the pivot axis 30. The crossbar 36 approximately forms the free end of the locking bow 26, which in the storage position points towards the other, identically constructed container closure 28.

[0091] The tool device 12 is generally mirror-symmetrical about a center plane 38. It includes an elongated, cuboid-shaped support element 40 that defines a support element longitudinal axis 42. An L-shaped angle piece 46 projects from a support element top surface 44 and has a first leg 48 that projects upward and a second leg 50 that projects perpendicularly forward from the first leg.

[0092] The corner piece 46 is designed to be mirror-symmetrical to itself with respect to the center plane 38 .

[0093] The first tool element 24 projects obliquely forward and downward from the carrier element 40 and is symmetrical about itself with respect to the center plane 38 . The first tool element has a tool element basic body 52 .

[0094] The tool element base body 52 has a base top surface 54 and a base bottom surface 56 pointing away from the base top surface. The base top surface 54 defines a base sliding surface 58. The base bottom surface 56 defines a base bottom surface 60. The base bottom surface 60 extends parallel to the base sliding surface 58.

[0095] The base bottom surface 60 forms a base angle 62 with the first leg 50, and the value of the base angle is in the range of about 30° to about 60°. Figure 14 As schematically depicted in FIG, the base body angle 62 is approximately 55°.

[0096] In addition to the base body sliding surface 58 for lifting and opening the locking bow 26 , the tool element base body 52 also comprises a base body contact surface 64 which extends parallel or essentially parallel to the second leg 50 .

[0097] The base body contact surface 64 and the base body sliding surface 58 form a base body wedge angle 66. The value of this base body wedge angle is in the range of about 10 ° to about 50 °. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base body wedge angle 66 is slightly less than 40 °.

[0098] The base body contact surface 64 defines a contact surface plane 68 .

[0099] The first tool element 24 comprises a lifting wedge 70 configured to grip the locking bow 26 in the storage position from below. Figure 4 The lifting wedge 70 is arranged or constructed at the distal end of the tool element base body 52 , ie, the free end of the tool element base body.

[0100] The lifting wedge 70 has a lifting wedge contact surface 72 and a lifting wedge sliding surface 74. The lifting wedge contact surface 72 extends parallel to the base body contact surface 64.

[0101] For example, from Figure 4 It can be clearly seen in FIG. 5 that the lifting wedge 70 projects downward from the tool element basic body 52 beyond the contact surface plane 68 .

[0102] The rear side 76 of the lifting wedge 70 extends parallel to the lifting wedge sliding surface 74 .

[0103] The lifting wedge contact surface 72 and the lifting wedge sliding surface 74 intersect at a wedge edge 78 , which is slightly flattened in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures.

[0104] like Figure 4 It can be seen schematically in FIG that, when the tool device 12 is used as intended, the lifting wedge contact surface 72 is oriented parallel to the cover top surface 32 .

[0105] The lifting wedge contact surface 72 and the lifting wedge sliding surface 74 form a wedge angle 80. The value of this wedge angle is in the range of about 10° to about 50°. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the wedge angle 80 is slightly less than 40°. In the embodiment shown in the figures, this wedge angle is consistent with the base body wedge angle 66.

[0106] The rear surface 76 extends parallel to the base bottom surface 60. The lifting wedge sliding surface 74 extends parallel to the base sliding surface 58, but is set back in the direction of the base bottom surface 60 relative to the base sliding surface.

[0107] The lifting wedge sliding surface 74 is planar starting from the wedge edge 78 but then transitions concavely away from the lifting wedge 70 into an orientation parallel to the first leg 48 , forming an edge 82 at the transition between the lifting wedge sliding surface 74 and the base body sliding surface 58 .

[0108] The lifting wedge sliding surface 74 has a lifting wedge sliding surface length 84 that is parallel to the wedge edge 78. Figure 4 Schematically, a lifting wedge sliding surface width 86 is drawn perpendicular to the wedge edge 78 and parallel to the base body sliding surface 58. The lifting wedge sliding surface length 84 is significantly greater than the lifting wedge sliding surface width 86. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the lifting wedge sliding surface length 84 is more than five times the lifting wedge sliding surface width 86.

[0109] The tool element base body 52 defines a base body width 88 that is parallel to the wedge edge 78. The wedge edge 78 extends over the entire width of the tool element base body 52. ​​Therefore, the lifting wedge sliding surface length 84 corresponds to the base body width 88.

[0110] A latching groove 90 is formed on the tool element base body 52 on the base body top surface 56, recessed relative to the base body sliding surface 58. The latching groove has a blocking surface 92 pointing away from the lifting wedge 70 and a latching surface 94 extending parallel or substantially parallel to the base body sliding surface 58. The blocking surface 92 extends transversely to, or in the embodiment shown in the figures, perpendicularly to, the base body sliding surface 58. The blocking surface forms a first intersection line with the base body sliding surface 58 and a second intersection line 98 with the latching surface 94.

[0111] The latching surface 94 has a latching surface width 100 that is perpendicular to the blocking surface 92. In the tool device 12, the latching surface width 100 is selected to be greater than a beam width 102 of the crossbar 36 of the locking bow 26 that extends perpendicularly to the pivot axis 30. In this way, the crossbar 36 can be accommodated in the latching recess 90 over the entire beam width 102.

[0112] The engagement portion 34 on the locking bow 26 defines an engagement width 104 parallel to the pivot axis 30. In order to allow both the lifting wedge 70 and the tool element base 52 to be inserted through the engagement portion 34, the tool element base 52 is dimensioned such that the lifting wedge sliding surface length 84 and the base width 88 are both smaller than the engagement width 104.

[0113] The cross member 36 can be inserted into the latching groove 90 up to the latching surface 94 and contact the latching surface 94 , since the latching surface 94 extends over the entire basic body width 88 .

[0114] The embodiment of the sterile article container handling system 10 shown in the figures further comprises an operating device 106 for moving, in particular for translating, rotating and / or pivoting the tool device 12. The operating device 106 comprises an actuator device 108, which is configured to move the tool device 12, in particular for translating, rotating and / or pivoting the tool device.

[0115] The operating device 106 also includes a robot 110 (in Figure 1 (The robot is only partially schematically shown with dashed lines). The robot may be a robot 110 comprising a plurality of articulated arms, which can pivot relative to each other and optionally also rotate about their longitudinal axis.

[0116] For direct or indirect force-locking and / or form-locking coupling with the mechanical operating device 106, the tool device 12 includes a first interface device 112. This first interface device includes two first interface elements 118 in the form of blind holes 116. The two internally threaded blind holes 116 are arranged or formed on the angle piece 46, that is, on the end face 114 of the angle piece 46.

[0117] The first interface element 118 can be engaged with a corresponding second interface element (e.g., a screw 120 shown as an example in the figure) to screw a plate-shaped adapter element 122 (which is provided with a bore 124 corresponding to the threaded section of the screw 120). Figure 14 Thus, a second interface element 126 associated with the operating device 106 is formed by the screw 120 together with the bore 124 .

[0118] The actuator device 108 comprises a second interface device 128 for direct or indirect non-positive and / or positive coupling to the robot 110 .

[0119] As described, in the exemplary embodiment of the sterile container handling system 10 shown in the figures, the actuator device 108 is indirectly coupled or coupleable to two tool devices 12 via the adapter element 122 .

[0120] The actuator device 108 includes a base body 130 on which a drive 132 is arranged. The drive 132 includes four drive units 134, which are shown only schematically in the figure. These drive units are linear drive components, so in the illustrated embodiment, the drive 132 is designed as a linear drive. In embodiments not shown, the drive 132 includes a linear drive and / or a pivot drive and / or a rotary drive. The drive 132 can be designed, in particular, as an electric and / or pneumatic drive 132.

[0121] The four drive units 134 are each coupled to the adapter element 122 via a further screw 138 .

[0122] As particularly schematically illustrated in the figures, the described actuator device 108 is capable of moving two tool devices 12 toward or away from each other in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis 140 of a drive unit 134 .

[0123] As described, the two tool devices 12 are indirectly coupled to the actuator device 108 via the adapter element 122 in such a way that the lifting wedges 70 point in opposite directions.

[0124] The actuator device 108 is optionally designed so that two drive units connected to the same adapter element 122 are always movable synchronously. This allows, in particular, two tool devices 12 to be moved independently of each other relative to the base body 130. Of course, they can also optionally be moved jointly, in particular synchronously, relative to the base body 130, i.e., they can be selectively moved away from or toward each other, or simultaneously in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0125] The actuator device 108 is designed, in a manner not shown in detail, for moving the tool device 12 in a path-controlled and / or force-controlled manner. For this purpose, a force sensor can be provided, in particular, on the drive unit 134 or on the tool device 12. Path control means, in particular, that given the known position and orientation of the sterile container 14 in space and, correspondingly, the known position and orientation of the actuator device 108 in space, the drive 132 can be controlled in such a way that the tool device 12 can be brought into a specific position in the desired manner, in particular for engagement with the locking bar 26 on the sterile container lid 20.

[0126] The tool device 12 is designed overall symmetrically with respect to a center plane 38 extending perpendicularly to the wedge edge 78 . Furthermore, the first tool element 24 is arranged or designed to project transversely with respect to a support element longitudinal axis 42 defined by the support element 40 .

[0127] The two tool devices 12 also each include two second tool elements 142. These second tool elements are intended to engage in a positive or substantially positive-locking manner with pivot bow holding elements 144 arranged or formed on the screen basket 22. Two pivot bow holding elements 144 are arranged in pairs on end faces 146 extending parallel to one another, facing the interior 148 of the screen basket 22. These essentially define an elongated, hole-like receptacle 150 for accommodating the mutually facing end sections 152 of a pivot bow 154. The mutually facing end sections 152 define a pivot bow pivot axis 156, about which the pivot bow 154 can pivot.

[0128] The pivot bow 154 comprises a rectilinear grip section 158 extending parallel to the end face 146 , and two mirror-symmetrically arranged connecting sections 160 which connect the end section 152 to the grip section 158 .

[0129] exist Figure 7 In the storage position schematically shown in the figure, the pivot bow 154 is supported on lateral supports, each end face 146 of which is constructed on one of the pivot bow retaining elements 144 so that the area of ​​the pivot bow 154 that defines the common plane (i.e. the gripping section 158 and the two connecting sections 160) is oriented parallel or essentially parallel to the bottom 164 of the screen basket 22.

[0130] The two second tool elements 142 are likewise arranged or formed on the carrier element 40 and extend from the carrier element 40 essentially parallel to the first tool element 24 .

[0131] Each second tool element 142 includes a tool element top surface 166 and a tool element bottom surface 168 directed away from the top surface. The tool element top surface 166 defines a tool element sliding surface 170. The tool element bottom surface 168 defines a tool element bottom surface 172 extending parallel to the tool element sliding surface 170.

[0132] The second tool element 142 also has a tool element contact surface 174. This tool element contact surface forms part of the tool element bottom surface 168. Figure 14 As schematically illustrated in FIG, the tool element contact surface is inclined relative to the tool element bottom surface 172 and forms an obtuse angle with the bottom surface.

[0133] The tool element contact surface 174 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the basic body contact surface 64 and the lifting wedge contact surface 72. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the tool element contact surface 174 is located in the contact surface plane 68.

[0134] The tool element contact surface 174 and the tool element sliding surface 170 intersect at a front edge 176 of the second tool element 142. The front edge 176 and the wedge edge 78 together define a plane 178 that extends parallel to the first leg 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool device 12 includes two second tool elements 142. These second tool elements are arranged or configured in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the center plane 38.

[0135] A recess 180 is formed between the first tool element 24 and the two second tool elements 142 . The recess width 182 corresponds to the distance between the tool elements 24 and 142 . The first tool element 24 is therefore arranged or formed between the two second tool elements 142 .

[0136] The locking bow 26 comprises two legs 184 extending parallel to one another from the crossbar 36 and having a leg width 186 in a direction parallel to the crossbar 36. The recess width 182 is selected such that the legs 184 can each engage in one of the two recesses 180. Therefore, the leg width 186 is smaller than the recess width 182.

[0137] The recess 180 extends from the free end of the tool element 24 or 142 to the carrier element 40 .

[0138] For positive engagement with the pivot bow holding element 144, a coupling receptacle 188 is formed on each of the two second tool elements 142 of each tool device 12. These coupling receptacles have an inner contour adapted to the outer contour of the pivot bow holding element 144, so that the pivot bow holding element can be inserted into the coupling receptacle 188 when the tool device 12 is aligned and moved parallel to the bottom 164 of the screen basket 22.

[0139] The coupling receptacles 144 are each arranged or formed on a tool element top side 166 .

[0140] The coupling receptacles 188 of the two second tool elements 142 of the same tool device 12 define a common coupling receptacle longitudinal axis 190. This longitudinal axis extends parallel or substantially parallel to the pivot bow pivot axis 156 when a pivot bow holding element 144 is accommodated in each coupling receptacle 188 of the two second tool elements 142.

[0141] A transverse stop 192 is arranged or formed on each coupling receptacle 188 for limiting a movement of the tool device 12 relative to the sterile object container 14 or the sieve basket 22 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 156 of the pivot bow when the pivot bow holding element 144 is received in the coupling receptacle 188. The transverse stop 192 laterally limits the coupling receptacle 188 in each case in the direction toward the first tool element 24.

[0142] The tool element sliding surface 170 of the second tool element 142 is used to lift the pivot bow 154 of the screen basket 22. The tool element contact surface 174 and the tool element sliding surface 170 form a tool element wedge angle 194. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the tool element wedge angle 194 corresponds to the base body wedge angle 66.

[0143] Furthermore, the tool element sliding surface 170 and the basic body sliding surface 58 define a common sliding surface plane 196. The tool element bottom surface 172 and the basic body bottom surface 60 also lie in a common plane.

[0144] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the tool device 12 is designed as a single piece, ie, as a one-piece structure.

[0145] They are made of metal material, promptly are processed from solid material block by cutting.In described embodiment, metal material is instrument steel that can be sterilized by hot steam.Yet other corrosion-resistant metal material is also suitable for constructing tool device 12.

[0146] The sterile container handling system 10 described can be used to perform a method for mechanically handling a sterile container 14. The sterile container can be the sterile container 14 having the sterile container cover 20 and the sterile container slot 16 described above.

[0147] If the sterile container 14 is provided in a closed position, the sterile container 14 can first be transferred from this closed position to an unlocked position using the sterile container handling system 10. To this end, the tool device 12 is engaged with each of the two locking arches 26 to pivot it from the closed position (in which the locking arches 26 are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the lid top surface 32) about the pivot axis 32 to an unlocked position (in which the sterile container lid 20 and the sterile container slot 16 are unlocked).

[0148] Figure 1 The sterile article container 14 is shown in the closed position. The two tool devices 12 are moved toward the locking bow 26 by means of the operating device 106, either simultaneously or sequentially, so that the lifting wedge 70 grabs the crossbar 36 of the locking bow 26 from below, as shown. Figures 2 to 4 As shown schematically in .

[0149] When the tool device 12, which contacts the crossbeam 36 with its lifting wedge 70, is translated parallel to the cover top surface 32 in the direction of the pivot axis 30, the crossbeam 36 first slides on the lifting wedge sliding surface 74 and, as it is advanced further, moves over the edge 82 onto the base body sliding surface 58. When the tool device 12 is advanced until the crossbeam 36 crosses the first intersection line 96, the crossbeam 36 engages in the locking groove 90 and rests on the locking surface 94.

[0150] When the tool device 12 is now slightly moved back in the direction of the other tool device 12 , the cross member 36 is tensioned against the blocking surface 92 .

[0151] In this way, the sterile container lid 20 is held on the two tool devices 12 and clamped in place.

[0152] The sterile container lid 20 can now be lifted from the sterile container slot 16 using the handling device 106 and placed in the desired storage position.

[0153] In order to release the sterile container lid 20 from the two tool devices 12 , the tool devices are moved relative to the sterile container lid 20 in the opposite direction to the above-described engagement process.

[0154] The crossbeam 36 slides on the first tool element 24 Figure 5 and Figure 6 Shown in. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The engagement of the cross member 36 into the latching recess 90 on the first tool element 24 is shown. Figure 7 The process of lifting the sterile container cover 20 from the sterile container slot 16 is shown.

[0155] The now opened sterile article container 14 releases the sieve basket 22. In order to remove the sieve basket from the receiving space 18 using the operating device 106, the two tool devices 12 (as described and Figures 11 to 14 144 ). The tool device 12 (shown by way of example) contacts the grip section 158 with its tool element sliding surface 170. When the tool device 12 is subsequently moved parallel to the base 164 in the direction of the pivot bow holding elements 144, the pivot bow holding elements 144 can be inserted into the coupling receptacles 188 provided for this purpose. A total of four pivot bow holding elements 144 are held in these coupling receptacles by the weight of the screen basket 22.

[0156] On the one hand, by the construction of the coupling receptacles 188 (which are oriented in pairs in different directions towards the two end faces 146 of the screen basket 22) and by the transverse stops 192 (which prevent the screen basket 22 from moving relative to the operating device 106 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 156 of the pivot bow), the screen basket 22 is fixed in a plane parallel to the bottom 164 and prevented from moving relative to the operating device 106.

[0157] When the tool device 12 is moved toward the end face 146 of the screen basket 22, the grip section 158 slides on the tool element sliding surface 170. The grip section 158 cannot be inserted into the latching groove 90 because the length of the grip section 158 is such that it always rests on both sides of the first tool element 24 arranged between the two second tool elements 142 on the two tool element sliding surfaces 170.

[0158] The sieve basket 22 coupled to the tool device 12 as described can now be lifted from the sterile material container slot 16, as shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In a next step, it can be placed in a position where its contents are removed manually by a user or mechanically by another operating device.

[0159] The sterile material container handling system 10 enables, in particular, fully automatic handling of the sterile material containers 14 and the screen baskets 22 accommodated therein.

[0160] The sterile container 14 and the screen basket 22 can optionally be provided with optical and / or electronic identification, so that the correspondingly configured sterile container operating system 10 can automatically identify their size and position and / or orientation in space, thereby being able to operate all components of the sterile container 14 accordingly and fully automatically.

[0161] The sterile container handling system 10 simplifies and facilitates the handling of sterile containers 14 and is particularly suitable for use by personnel in re-handling facilities, such as hospitals or companies specializing in the cleaning and sterilization of sterile containers 14 and their contents.

[0162] Reference Signs List

[0163] 10Sterile Article Container Operating System

[0164] 12 tool devices

[0165] 14 Sterile Containers

[0166] 16 sterile container slots

[0167] 18 Accommodation Space

[0168] 20 sterile container caps

[0169] 22 sieve baskets

[0170] 24 First tool element

[0171] 26 Locking Bow

[0172] 28 container closures

[0173] 30 pivot axis

[0174] 32 cover top surface

[0175] 34 meshing part

[0176] 36 beams

[0177] 38 center plane

[0178] 40 load-bearing components

[0179] 42 longitudinal axis of the load-bearing element

[0180] 44 top surface of load-bearing component

[0181] 46 corner pieces

[0182] 48 First Leg

[0183] 50 Second Leg

[0184] 52 tool element base

[0185] 54 base top surface

[0186] 56 base bottom

[0187] 58 base sliding surface

[0188] 60 base bottom surface

[0189] 62 base angle

[0190] 64 base body contact surface

[0191] 66 base wedge angle

[0192] 68 contact surface plane

[0193] 70 lifting wedge

[0194] 72 lifting wedge contact surface

[0195] 74 lifting wedge sliding surface

[0196] 76 back

[0197] 78 wedge edge

[0198] 80 wedge angle

[0199] 82 edges

[0200] 84 lifting wedge sliding surface length

[0201] 86 lifting wedge sliding surface width

[0202] 88 base width

[0203] 90 locking groove

[0204] 92 blocking surface

[0205] 94 card lock surface

[0206] 96 first intersection

[0207] 98 Second Intersection

[0208] 100 card lock surface width

[0209] 102 beam width

[0210] 104 meshing width

[0211] 106 operating device

[0212] 108 actuator device

[0213] 110 Robot

[0214] 112 first interface device

[0215] 114 end face

[0216] 116 blind holes

[0217] 118 first interface element

[0218] 120 screws

[0219] 122 adapter element

[0220] 124 drilling

[0221] 126 second interface element

[0222] 128 second interface device

[0223] 130 base

[0224] 132 Driver

[0225] 134 drive units

[0226] 136 linear actuators

[0227] 138 screws

[0228] 140 vertical axis

[0229] 142 second tool element

[0230] 144 pivoting bow retaining element

[0231] 146 end face

[0232] 148 interior space

[0233] 150 accommodation unit

[0234] 152 end section

[0235] 154 pivoting bow

[0236] 156 pivot bow pivot axis

[0237] 158 grip section

[0238] 160 connection section

[0239] 162 support parts

[0240] 164 bottom

[0241] 166 tool component top surface

[0242] 168 tool component bottom surface

[0243] 170 tool element sliding surface

[0244] 172 tool element bottom surface

[0245] 174 tool element contact surface

[0246] 176 front edge

[0247] 178 plane

[0248] 180 vacant department

[0249] 182 gap width

[0250] 184 legs

[0251] 186 leg width

[0252] 188 coupling accommodating portion

[0253] 190 coupling receiving portion longitudinal axis

[0254] 192 lateral stop

[0255] 194 tool element wedge angle

[0256] 196Sliding surface plane.

Claims

1. A sterile article container operating system (10), in particular for automatically opening a sterile article container (14), characterized in that: The sterile article container operating system (10) includes at least one tool device (12) for opening a sterile article container (14), the at least one tool device (12) including at least one first tool element (24) for engaging with a locking bow (26), the locking bow being pivotally supported about a pivot axis (30) on a sterile article container lid (20) of the sterile article container (14) and being oriented parallel or substantially parallel to a lid top surface (32) of the sterile article container lid (20) in a storage position, for locking the sterile article container lid (20) on a sterile article container slot (16) comprised by the sterile article container (14) in a closed position, in which the sterile article container lid (20) closes the sterile article container slot (16), the first tool element (24) having a lifting wedge (70) for grasping the locking bow (26) from below.

2. The sterile article container operating system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting wedge (70) has a lifting wedge contact surface (72) and a lifting wedge sliding surface (74), wherein when the at least one tool device (12) is used as intended, the lifting wedge contact surface (72) is oriented parallel to the cover top surface (32), and the lifting wedge contact surface (72) and the lifting wedge sliding surface (74) form a wedge angle (80), wherein in particular a) the lifting wedge sliding surface (74) is configured as a plane or a curved surface, in particular, concave or convex in a direction away from the lifting wedge (70); and / or b) the wedge angle (80) has a value in the range of about 10° to about 50°; and / or c) The lifting wedge abutment surface (72) and the lifting wedge sliding surface (74) intersect at the wedge edge (78), and the lifting wedge sliding surface length (84) of the lifting wedge sliding surface (74) parallel to the wedge edge (78) is greater than the lifting wedge sliding surface width (86) perpendicular to the wedge edge (78), in particular greater than five times.

3. A sterile container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The at least one first tool element (24) has a tool element base body (52), and the lifting wedge (70) is arranged or formed distally on the tool element base body (52). In particular, the tool element base (52) has a base contact surface (64) and a base sliding surface (58) for lifting and opening the locking bow (26), the base contact surface (64) and the base sliding surface (58) forming a base wedge angle (66).

4. The sterile article container operating system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tool element base (52) has a base top surface (54) which defines the base sliding surface (58), and a latching groove (90) which is recessed relative to the base sliding surface (58) is formed on the base top surface (56). In particular, the latching groove (90) has a blocking surface (92) pointing away from the lifting wedge (70) and a latching surface (94) extending parallel or substantially parallel to the base body sliding surface (58).

5. A sterile container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The locking bow (26) has an engagement portion (34) which defines an engagement width (104) parallel to the pivot axis (30), the lifting wedge sliding surface length (84) and the base width (88) of the tool element base (52) parallel to the wedge edge being smaller than the engagement width (104).

6. A sterile container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The at least one tool device (12) comprises a first interface device (112) for direct or indirect force-locking and / or form-locking coupling to an operating device (106) of a machine in order to move, in particular translate, rotate and / or pivot, the at least one tool device (12). In particular, the operating device (106) comprises a robot (110), The operating device (106) furthermore particularly comprises an actuator device (108), wherein the actuator device (108) is directly or indirectly coupled or can be coupled to the robot (110) on the one hand and to the at least one tool device (12) on the other hand, and the actuator device (108) is designed to move, in particular translate, rotate and / or pivot, the at least one tool device (12).

7. A sterile container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sterile container handling system (10) comprises two tool devices (12) which are held directly or indirectly on the actuator device (108), in particular by means of lifting wedges (70) pointing away from or towards each other.

8. A sterile container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The at least one tool device (12) is designed symmetrically with respect to a center plane (38) extending perpendicularly to the wedge edge (78).

9. A sterile container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The at least one tool device (12) comprises at least one second tool element (142) for forming a positive or substantially positive engagement with a pivot bow (154) of a screen basket (22) that can be inserted into a sterile article container (14) and / or with a pivot bow holding element (144) that holds the pivot bow (154) pivotably on the screen basket (22) about a pivot bow pivot axis (156).

10. The sterile article container operating system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The at least one second tool element (142) comprises a coupling receptacle (188) for forming a positive engagement with a pivot bow holding element (144) of the screen basket (22). In particular, the at least one second tool element (142) has a tool element top surface (166), and the coupling receptacle (188) is arranged or formed on the tool element top surface (166).

11. The sterile article container operating system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The at least one first tool element (24) and the at least one second tool element (142) are separated from one another by a recess (180).

12. The sterile article container operating system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The at least one tool device (12) comprises two second tool elements (142), In particular, the coupling receptacles (188) of the two second tool elements (142) define a common coupling receptacle longitudinal axis (190), which extends parallel or essentially parallel to the pivoting bow pivot axis (156) when a pivoting bow holding element (144) is accommodated in each coupling receptacle (188) of the two second tool elements (142).

13. The sterile article container operating system according to claim 12, characterized in that: A transverse stop (192) is arranged or constructed on each coupling receptacle (188) for limiting the movement of the at least one tool device (12) relative to the sterile article container (14) in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (156) of the pivot bow when the pivot bow holding element (144) is accommodated in the coupling receptacle (188). In particular, the transverse stop (192) delimits the coupling receptacle (188) laterally in the direction of the at least one first tool element (24).

14. A sterile container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The at least one tool device (12) a) constructed in one piece, in particular in a monolithic manner; and / or b) Made of metal material, in particular, made of instrument steel that can be sterilized by hot steam.

15. A method for mechanically manipulating a sterile article container (14), the sterile article container comprising a sterile article container slot (16) and a sterile article container cover (20), wherein: The sterile container lid (20) comprises two locking bows (26) pivotably retained on the sterile container lid (20) about a pivot axis (30), for locking the sterile container lid (20) on the sterile container slot (16) in a closed position, characterized in that a sterile container operating system (10) according to any of the preceding claims is provided, and the at least one tool device (12) is engaged with the locking bow (26) to pivot the locking bow from the closed position about the pivot axis (30) to an unlocked position, in which the locking bow (26) is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the lid top surface (32) of the sterile container lid (20), and in the unlocked position, the sterile container lid (20) and the sterile container slot (16) are unlocked.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that a) the crossbar of the locking bow (26) is received in a latching recess (90) on the at least one first tool element (24) and is held in the latching recess under tension against the blocking surface (92), In particular, the operating device (106) is used to lift the sterile container cover (20) from the sterile container slot (16); and / or b) automatically taking out the sieve basket (22) contained in the sterile article container (14) by using the sterile article container operating system (10); In particular, the at least one tool device (12) is brought into positive or substantially positive engagement with two pivot bow holding elements (144) of the screen basket (22), wherein the pivot bow (154) is held on the pivot bow holding elements so as to be pivotable about a pivot bow pivot axis (156). Furthermore, the screen basket (22) is removed from the sterile material container (14), in particular by means of the handling device (106).

17. Use of the sterile container handling system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for performing the method according to claim 15 or 16.

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