Fastening clip for attaching holders for medical instruments in a sterilization basket and arrangement with a sterilization basket and a fastening clip

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the fastening of storage elements or holders for medical instruments, in particular for minimally invasive surgery, in sterilization sieve baskets. Background of the invention

[0002] In minimally invasive surgery, medical instruments are provided and placed in sterilization baskets. These sterilization baskets containing the instruments are then placed in sealable sterilization containers and, if necessary, stacked within them. State of the art

[0003] Fastening clips are disclosed in EP 2 860 126 A1 and in US 2010 / 176016 A1.

[0004] A sterilization basket designated Aicon® by the applicant is known from the prior art. It has a trapezoidal stepped corrugated base in cross-section, which eliminates the need for feet on the sterilization basket. The corrugated base features a perforated grid, with the bars angled at 45 degrees to the edge of the corrugated base and the edge of the sterilization basket.

[0005] It is also known from the prior art to attach instrument holders to the top of the base of sterilization baskets using fastening clips. These can also be repositioned to increase flexibility. Such a fastening clip, designated JG301R, is disclosed by the applicant on the internet at https: / / endoskopie.bbraun.com / p / PRID00006221. A similar fastening clip is also disclosed in DE 10 2005 047187 A1. Two rows of arms opposite each other with respect to a central axis are arranged on a main section of the fastening clip. Each row of arms has a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm, each with a lateral locking lug formed on it, the locking lugs of the two retaining arms of each row facing each other. The retaining arms of the fastening clip are inserted from below through the perforated grid of the base of the sterilization basket.The retaining clip is attached to the perforated grid using the locking tabs. A silicone strip of the instrument holder can then be inserted between the retaining arms.

[0006] However, it has been observed that such mounting clips cannot be horizontally installed on the corrugated base of a footless sterilization basket (e.g., the aforementioned Aicon® basket), and that they protrude relatively far downwards from the corrugated base. As a result, depending on the distribution of the mounting clips on the base, the sterilization basket is not stable (e.g., in the sterilization container). Furthermore, the downward-protruding mounting clips can scratch or even damage objects located underneath (e.g., the base of the sterilization container). Brief description of the invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fastening clip for the corrugated base of a sterilization sieve basket and an arrangement comprising a sterilization sieve basket and at least one such fastening clip, in which the sterilization sieve basket remains stable in all configurations or positions of the fastening clips. Furthermore, the fastening clip should not scratch or damage the object underneath (e.g., the base of the sterilization container).

[0008] This problem is solved with regard to the fastening clamp with the combination of features of claim 1 and with regard to the arrangement with the combination of features of claim 11.

[0009] The fastening clip according to the disclosure is designed and configured for tool-free attachment to a perforated corrugated base of a preferably footless sterilization sieve basket. The fastening clip has a main section on which two rows of arms are arranged opposite each other with respect to a central axis, each row having a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm, each with a lateral locking lug. The locking lugs of the two retaining arms of each arm row point towards each other and serve to clip the fastening clip onto the perforated grid of the corrugated base. On the main section of the fastening clip, a first rim extends transversely to the central axis between the two first retaining arms and a second rim extends between the two second retaining arms. According to the invention, a recess or indentation is formed on each of these two rims.This ensures that the main section of the mounted fastening clip does not protrude downwards from the corrugated base, but rather is completely recessed into it from below, because the lower cross-ribs of the corrugated base slide into the recesses of the skin section from above. This prevents the main section from scratching or damaging objects underneath (e.g., the bottom of a sterilization container).

[0010] Preferably, the two edges of the main section extend transversely to the central axis.

[0011] In a smaller version of the mounting bracket, the two recesses or indentations extend transversely to the central axis, preferably over at least one-third of the respective width of the main section or the respective distance between the (opposing) retaining arms. This allows a crossbar to penetrate deeply into the respective recess, enabling the mounting bracket to be installed particularly high and / or the main section to have an advantageous thickness without protruding downwards from the corrugated base.

[0012] In the smaller version of the mounting bracket, the two recesses or indentations along the central axis preferably each extend over at least one-eighth of the length of the main section. This allows a crossbar to penetrate deeply into the respective recess, enabling the mounting bracket to be installed particularly high and / or allowing the main section to have the advantageous thickness without protruding downwards from the corrugated base.

[0013] In a larger version of the mounting clip, an intermediate arm is provided between each pair of retaining arms in a row. Furthermore, an additional recess, designed as a through-hole, is provided approximately in the center of the main section. This allows a total of three cross-shaped supports to be inserted into each recess. In the larger version of the mounting clip, retaining sections for the silicone bridge are preferably also formed at the free end sections of the intermediate arms.

[0014] Preferably, retaining sections for a silicone bridge of an instrument holder are formed at the free end sections of the retaining arms and / or intermediate arms. Preferably, the retaining sections are arranged in pairs opposite each other, and more preferably, facing each other in pairs. That is, preferably, the retaining sections of the first two retaining arms point towards each other, and / or the retaining sections of the second two retaining arms point towards each other, and / or the retaining sections of the intermediate arms point towards each other. In a manufacturing-simple design, the mounting clip is a bent sheet metal part. In a manufacturing- and assembly-simple further development, the central axis is also an axis of symmetry.

[0015] In a first variant of the larger version of the mounting bracket, each of the two intermediate arms has an additional locking lug extending opposite the locking lug of the first retaining arm. Preferably, each of the two intermediate arms also has an additional locking lug extending opposite the locking lug of the second retaining arm. This allows two crossbars per arm row to be held on both sides, thus improving the holding power of the mounting bracket.

[0016] In a second variant of the larger version, the intermediate arm is a tab without locking lugs. Specifically, a straight edge section is formed on each side opposite the locking lugs of the two adjacent retaining arms. This allows two crossbars to be clipped in place per arm row, but only on one side of the retaining arm's locking lug. The two edge sections of each tab can be parallel to each other.

[0017] The installation of the mounting bracket is simplified if an insertion ramp is formed above the locking tabs on each of the four retaining arms, and, in the case of the first variant of the larger version of the mounting bracket, also on the intermediate arms. Opposing insertion ramps can form funnel-shaped recesses into which the crossbars are inserted.

[0018] The arrangement according to the disclosure has a sterilization sieve basket that can be designed and configured for insertion into a preferably baseless sterilization container. A corrugated base of the sterilization sieve basket has a perforated grid, with four bars of the perforated grid forming cross-shaped sections. The cross-shaped sections are arranged at two different heights on the corrugated base. At least one previously described fastening clip can be attached to the corrugated base without tools or is already attached. The main section of the mounted fastening clip can then be completely immersed in the corrugated base from below because the lower cross-shaped sections of the corrugated base extend from above into the recesses of the main section. In this way, the main section does not protrude downwards from the corrugated base but is immersed within it. This prevents the main section from scratching or damaging objects located below it (e.g., the base of the sterilization container).

[0019] Preferably, the crossbars are arranged in rows of crossbars that alternate at the two different heights, with the rows of crossbars extending along the entire corrugated base and parallel to an edge of the corrugated base or the sterilization sieve basket.

[0020] Between the two retaining arms of each arm row, which contains at least one mounting clip, one or two crossbars from a row of crossbars can be accommodated or held. The one or both crossbars rest against the locking lugs and are thus held in place. In the case of two crossbars per arm row, the intermediate arm of the larger version of the mounting clip extends between the two crossbars.

[0021] In the smaller version of the fastening clamp, two adjacent crossbars of a lower row of crossbars can each be inserted into a recess or notch formed at the edge of the main section.

[0022] In the larger version of the mounting bracket, three adjacent crossbars of a lower row of crossbars can each be inserted into a recess of the main section. More precisely, two crossbars are inserted into the two recesses or indentations formed at the edge, while one crossbar is inserted into the central recess, which serves as a through-hole.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the disclosed arrangement, the ribs of the corrugated base are angled at 45 degrees to the edge of the corrugated base or the sterilization basket. Due to the arrangement of the rib crosses between the retaining arms of an arm row, despite the 45-degree angle of the ribs on the upper surface of the corrugated base, the (respective central axis of) at least one retaining clip is attached parallel to or at 90 degrees to the edge of the corrugated base or the sterilization basket. This also allows the silicone rib of the instrument holder to be inserted between the retaining arms parallel to or at 90 degrees to the edge of the corrugated base or the sterilization basket.

[0024] By angling the ribs of the corrugated base at a 45-degree angle to the edge of the corrugated base, a particularly deep immersion of the two rib crosses into the two edge-adjacent recesses or cutouts is possible, and minimal weakening of the main section is achieved if the two edge-adjacent recesses or cutouts are mirror-symmetrical to the central axis and each has three edges angled approximately at right angles to each other. Then, two of the four ribs of the affected rib cross can be positioned in the two corners of the respective edge-adjacent recess or cutout. The two recesses or cutouts can also serve as a positioning aid.

[0025] In a fundamentally similar way, the larger version allows for a particularly deep immersion of the central crossbar into the further recess designed as a through-cut and / or minimal weakening of the main section if the through-cut is rectangular and if the four crossbars of the affected crossbar are arranged in the four corners of the through-cut. In this configuration as well, the through-cut can serve as a positioning aid.

[0026] The silicone bridge of the instrument holder is preferably held under the holding sections formed at the free end sections of the four holding arms and, if applicable, also the two intermediate arms.

[0027] As an alternative to the advantageous insertion of the main section into the corrugated base from below, a lower mounting position for the at least one mounting bracket on the corrugated base is also possible. In this position, lower crossbars are incorporated between the retaining arms of the two arm rows. This lower mounting position is also mechanically defined and provides a secure hold for the mounting bracket on the corrugated base. In this lower mounting position, the main section of the mounting bracket is also flat. However, it protrudes downwards from the corrugated base and essentially serves as a base. Brief description of the characters

[0028] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above to illustrate an arrangement according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a further representation of the first embodiment of the arrangement made up of Figur 1 ; Fig. 3 is a representation of a fastening clamp according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a side view of an arrangement with the second embodiment of the fastening clamp made of Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 is a further representation of the second embodiment of the arrangement from Fig. 4 from underneath; Fig. 6 is a representation of a fastening clamp according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a side view of an arrangement with the third embodiment of the fastening clamp made of Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8 is a further representation of the third embodiment of the arrangement from Fig. 7 from underneath. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0029] Below, three exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described on the basis of the associated figures.

[0030] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an arrangement according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. It has a sterilization sieve basket 1, of which only one of its edges 2 and a section of its corrugated base 3 are shown. The corrugated base 3 has a perforated grid formed from (in a top view) ribs 4 arranged at right angles to each other. The ribs 4 are preferably set at an angle of 45° to the edge 2. Four ribs 4 together form a rib cross 6.

[0031] Parallel to the edge 2 of the sterilization sieve basket 1, rows of cross-ribbed ribs 8a and 8b extend at two different heights, alternating between a lower row of cross-ribbed ribs 8a and an upper row of cross-ribbed ribs 8b. Therefore, the angle mentioned can naturally be adjusted upwards or downwards, as long as a corresponding wave shape results.

[0032] The perforation grid has right-angled openings (as seen from above) according to Fig. 1 A larger version of the disclosed fastening clip 10 is inserted and clipped in place. More precisely, a first row of arms and a second row of arms extend parallel to the rows of crossbars 8a, 8b and parallel to the edge 2, each arm row having a first retaining arm 12, an intermediate arm 14 designed as a tab, and a second retaining arm 16. The two intermediate arms 14 are designed to be so narrow that they extend through a respective opening in the perforated grid without directly contacting the bars 4 or the crossbars 6. The four retaining arms 12, 16 each have a locking lug 18 that rests against the upper side of a crossbar 6. Thus, the fastening clip 10 is clipped to the corrugated base 3 of the sterilization sieve basket 1.

[0033] On the four retaining arms 12, 16, insertion ramps 21 are formed above the respective locking lugs 18. This provides an insertion aid for each of the four affected crossbars 6.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a further representation of the first embodiment of the arrangement made up of Figur 1 with a viewing direction along the rows of crossbars 8a, 8b. At the upper end sections of the holding arms 12, 16 and the intermediate arms 14, holding sections 19 are formed which grip a silicone bridge of the (not shown) instrument holder, which is thus also arranged parallel to the rows of crossbars 8a, 8b.

[0035] According to Fig. 2 The fastening clip 10 is clipped to two lower cross-rib rows 8a, so that a flat main section 22 of the fastening clip 10 is arranged under the corrugated base 3. This so-called lower mounting position of the fastening clip 10 is also possible.

[0036] If, on the other hand, an upper mounting position is chosen, it is possible that the main section 22 is arranged above the lower cross-rib row 8a and thus completely immerses itself in the corrugated base 3. Figuren 4 and 7Mounting brackets 110 and 210 are shown in the upper mounting position.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a representation of a fastening clamp 110 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure and according to the invention.

[0038] First, the features of the fastening clamp 10 are explained. Fig. 1 The fastening clip 10, 110 is a sheet metal bent part. Along a central axis 20, which is an axis of symmetry, extend two rows of arms, each with a first retaining arm 12, an intermediate arm 14, 114, and a second retaining arm 16. The main section 22 is arranged between the two rows of arms. Three recesses 24a, 24b are provided in the main section 22, into each of which a web cross 6 of a lower web cross row 8a can be inserted from above. More precisely, two outer recesses 24a and a further recess 24b, formed as a central through-recess, are provided. The two outer recesses 24a are U-shaped and arranged at the edge of the main section 22.

[0039] In contrast to the first embodiment of the mounting chamber 10 made of Fig. 1 The second mounting bracket 110 according to Figs. 3 bis 5 Not only on the retaining arms 12, 16 locking lugs 18, but also on each intermediate arm 114, there is a further locking lug 18 on both sides. Each locking lug 18 of the intermediate arm 114 extends opposite a locking lug 18 of a retaining arm 12, 16.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a side view of an arrangement with the wave base 3 made of Fig. 1 and with the second embodiment of the fastening clamp 110 made of Fig. 3 , in which the four locking lugs 18 of an arm row are clearly shown. Thus, each arm row can be connected with two crossbars 6 and hold the crossbar 6 on both sides.

[0041] On the four retaining arms 12, 16 and on the two intermediate arms 114, respective insertion ramps 21 are formed above the locking lugs 18. This creates a V-shaped insertion funnel for each of the four affected web crosses 6.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a further representation of the second embodiment of the arrangement from Fig. 4 From below. Here, the main section 22 is shown in its entirety, with each of the three recesses 24a, 24b accommodating a crossbar 6 of the lower row of crossbars 8a. This achieves the upper mounting position, in which the main section 22 does not affect the resting position of the sterilization sieve basket 1, even though it is without a base.

[0043] Fig. 6 Figure 1 is a representation of a fastening clip 210 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure and according to the invention. It is the so-called smaller version, which is shorter along the central axis 20 than the two shown in the previous figures. Figs. 1 bis 5 The larger version shown. In the third embodiment, the two intermediate arms 14 have been omitted.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a side view of an arrangement with the third embodiment of the fastening clamp 210 made of Fig. 6 It can be seen that the two retaining arms 12, 16 of each arm row directly accommodate only one crossbar 6 between them.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a further representation of the third embodiment of the arrangement from Fig. 7 from below. In the third embodiment, the further recess 24b on the main section 22 has been omitted, since only two crossbars 6 of the lower row of crossbars 8a need to dip into a respective recess 24a.

[0046] The Figuren 4, 5 , 7 und 8 The fastening clamps 110; 210 are shown in the preferred higher mounting position on the wave base 3 of the sterilization sieve basket 1, in which the two rows of arms are each in operative connection with an upper row of crossbars 8b, while the recesses 24a, 24b accommodate crossbars 6 of a lower row of crossbars 8a.

[0047] In summary, the preceding embodiments show a fastening clip designed for tool-free attachment to the perforated or grid-like corrugated base 3 of a sterilization sieve basket. For this purpose, the fastening clip has at least the following features: A preferably plate- or tongue-shaped main section or base plate 22, on which two rows of arms opposite each other are arranged or formed with respect to a central or longitudinal axis 20 of the tongue-shaped (essentially rectangular in plan view) main section. That is, several preferably plate-shaped arms are formed or arranged on each longitudinal side of the tongue-shaped main section, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the main section. Each row of arms has at least one first retaining arm 12 and a second retaining arm 16, which extend essentially perpendicularly or at an angle of about 90° to the plate- / tongue-shaped main section 22. On the facing side edges of at least two of the arms of each longitudinal side / arm row, a locking lug or locking projection 18 is formed, which are opposite each other and point towards each other.A first edge extends along the main section 22 between the two first retaining arms 12, and a second edge extends between the two second retaining arms 16, with a recess or indentation 24a being formed at each of these edges. In other words, preferably rectangular recesses or indentations 24a are formed on the longitudinally spaced end edges of the (plate / tongue-shaped) main section, extending in the longitudinal direction. The corners of the preferably rectangular recesses are preferably rounded.

[0048] This means that the fastening clip has at least four clip arms 12, 16 with opposing locking lugs 18, which are formed or arranged on the common base plate (main section) 22 and extend at an angle of approximately 90° (plus / minus 20°), with at least two clip arms always arranged longitudinally apart from each other on two opposite longitudinal sides of the base plate 22. At least one, preferably rectangular, recess 24a, 24b is formed in the base plate 22. This can be designed as a completely closed, hole-like recess 24b in a central region of the base plate 22 and / or as a partially open, notch-like recess 24a on at least one end edge (transverse side) connecting the two longitudinal sides or on both end edges (transverse sides) of the base plate 22. Reference symbol list:

[0049] 1 Sterilization sieve basket 2 Edge of the sterilization sieve basket 3 Corrugated base 4 Bar 6 Bar cross 8a Lower bar cross row 8 Upper bar cross row 10 Larger version of the fastening clip (first variant) 12 First retaining arm 14 Intermediate arm 16 Second retaining arm 18 Locking lug 19 Retaining section 20 Center axis 21 Inset ramp 22 Main section 24a Recess 24b Further recess 110 Larger version of the fastening clip (second variant) 114 Intermediate arm 210 Smaller version of the fastening clip

Claims

1. A fastening clamp that is adapted and configured for attachment without tools to a perforated undulating base (3) of a sterilization sieve basket (1), wherein the fastening clamp has a main portion (22) on which two rows of arms are arranged opposite each other with respect to a central axis (20), wherein each row of arms has a first retaining arm (12) and a second retaining arm (16), on each of which a respective latching nose (18) is formed, wherein the latching noses (18) of the two retaining arms (12, 16) of each row of arms face toward each other, and wherein a first edge extends on the main portion (22) between the two first retaining arms (12) and a second edge extends between the two second retaining arms (16), characterized in that a cutout or recess (24a) is formed on each of the two edges.

2. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, wherein the two cutouts or recesses (24a) extend transversely to the central axis (20) over at least one third of a respective width of the main portion (22) or of a respective distance of the opposite retaining arms (12, 16).

3. The fastening clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two cutouts or recesses (24a) along the central axis (20) each extend over at least one-eighth of a length of the main portion (22).

4. The fastening clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective intermediate arm (14; 114) is provided between the two retaining arms (12, 16) of a row of arms, and wherein a further recess (24b) is provided approximately in the center of the main portion (20), which is configured as a passage recess.

5. The fastening clamp according to claim 4, wherein holding portions (19), preferably at least three holding portions (19), are formed on free end portions of the intermediate arms (14; 114) and / or on first retaining arms (12) and / or on second retaining arms (16).

6. The fastening clamp according to claim 5, wherein the holding portions (19) are provided opposite each other in pairs, preferably facing each other in pairs.

7. The fastening clamp according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a further latching nose (18) is provided on each of the two intermediate arms (114), which extends counter to the latching nose (18) of the first retaining arm (12).

8. The fastening clamp according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the intermediate arm (14) is a tab on which a respective straight edge portion is formed opposite the latching noses (18) of the two adjacent retaining arms (12, 16).

9. The fastening clamp according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the passage recess is substantially rectangular.

10. The fastening clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein insertion chamfers (21) are formed above the latching noses (18).

11. An arrangement comprising at least one fastening clamp (10; 110; 210) according to one of the preceding claims and a sterilization sieve basket (1), wherein an undulating base (3) of the sterilization sieve basket (1) comprises a perforated grid, wherein respectively four crosspieces (4) of the perforated grid form crosspiece junctions (6), wherein the crosspiece junctions (6) are arranged at two different heights of the undulating base (3), wherein the at least one fastening clamp (10; 110; 210) is clippable or clipped to the undulating base (3).

12. The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the crosspiece junctions (6) are arranged in crosspiece junction rows (8a, 8b) which are alternately arranged on the two different heights of the undulating base (3), wherein the crosspiece junction rows (8a, 8b) extend along the entire undulating base (3) and parallel to an edge (2) of the undulating base (3) or of the sterilization sieve basket (1).

13. The arrangement according to claim 12, wherein in each case one or two between the two retaining arms (12, 16) of each row of arms, and wherein the crosspiece junction (6) or the two crosspiece junctions (6) abut on the latching noses (18).

14. The arrangement according to claim 13, wherein two or three crosspiece junctions (6) of a lower crosspiece junction row (8b) adjacent to each other each dip into a recess (24a, 24b) of the main portion (22).

15. The arrangement according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the crosspieces (4) of the undulating base (3) are angled at 45° to an edge (2) of the undulating base (3) or of the sterilization sieve basket (1), and wherein the respective central axis (20) of the at least one fastening clamp (10; 110; 210) is arranged approximately parallel to the edge (2) of the undulating base (3) or of the sterilization sieve basket (1).