STERILIZATION CONTAINER AND SYSTEM

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sterilization container for medical purposes according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular to a sterilization container whose lid can be secured to a base element, such that the lid, in its closed state, together with the base element, defines an interior region of the sterilization container, from which at least one fluid-mechanical connection to an environment of the sterilization container is formed, which can be selectively opened and closed by a media exchange mechanism controlled by a control device. The present disclosure further relates to a control device for externally controlling the control device of the sterilization container. State of the art

[0002] A conventional sterilization container is known, for example, from WO 2020 / 074 657 A1 or US 2021 / 0 379 227 A1 and comprises a base element and a lid. The lid can be secured to the base element, thereby forming an interior region of the sterilization container. Two openings are provided in the base element, each of which represents a fluid-mechanical connection from the interior region to an environment. The sterilization container according to WO 2020 / 074 657 A1 comprises valve units equipped with electromechanical actuators, by means of which the openings in the base element can be opened and closed according to control commands from a control unit.

[0003] A disadvantage of the conventional sterilization container is that instruments can still be very moist and / or very hot after sterilization in the generic sterilization container, so that long post-drying phases may have to be included in an instrument cycle.

[0004] A sterilization container of this type is known from EP 2 090 324 A1. The container of this type has a media exchange mechanism in the form of a valve. The valve is provided on a nozzle and enables media exchange between the container and its surroundings. The sterilization container of this type also has a ventilation device and a control device.

[0005] WO 2022 / 012751 A1 discloses a disinfection device. EP 3 194 150 A2 and WO 2016 / 162 114 A2 disclose, in connection with a bioreactor, a container for holding at least one biologically active fluid. IT 2020 000 09 004 A1 discloses a sterilization container with a fan and a removable filter. Summary of Revelation

[0006] Against this background, it is the object of the present disclosure to provide a sterilization container which requires no or only comparatively short post-drying phases.

[0007] This object is achieved by a sterilization container according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0008] The sterilization container according to the disclosure is designed for medical purposes and is particularly suitable for holding medical or surgical instruments. The sterilization container comprises a base element, a lid, a media exchange mechanism, and a control device.

[0009] The floor element is particularly trough-shaped.

[0010] The lid is designed to be able to be attached to the base element in such a way that the lid and the base element define an interior region of the sterilization container (closed state of the lid).

[0011] The media exchange mechanism is designed to be able to selectively open and close at least one fluid-mechanical connection between the interior and an environment while the lid is closed.

[0012] The media exchange mechanism can be formed exclusively on the lid, exclusively on the base element, or partially on the lid and partially on the base element. The fluid-mechanical connection is, in particular, an opening. In order to be able to selectively open and close this opening, a valve body is provided, which can preferably be moved by means of an electromechanical actuator. The control device is, in particular, designed to be able to control the actuator such that it can bring the valve body into a closed position, in which the valve body closes the at least one opening, in particular in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight and / or germ-impermeable manner, and into an open position, in which the valve body enables a flow of a medium from the interior into an environment and / or a flow of a medium from the environment into the interior.The valve body is designed as a germ-impermeable but air- and gas-permeable filter. Preferably, the valve body or filter is designed to be replaceable or replaceable without tools.

[0013] According to the disclosure, the sterilization container has a ventilation device with a fan, which is designed to be able to convey a medium in the interior region via the media exchange mechanism into the environment of the sterilization container and / or a medium in the environment via the media exchange mechanism into the interior region of the sterilization container. In other words, the ventilation device having the fan is designed to be able to convey a medium in the interior region and / or a medium in the environment of the sterilization container to the media exchange mechanism. The medium in the interior region and / or in the environment is in particular germ-free air. The air or the medium in the interior region is in particular humid. The air or the medium in the environment is in particular dry.

[0014] The ventilation device comprises, in particular, a fan arranged at the opening. The fan can preferably be designed as an axial fan or a radial fan.

[0015] The control device of the sterilization container is particularly designed to be able to control the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device in such a way that the at least one fluid-mechanical connection is open when a medium is conveyed.

[0016] According to the disclosure, the control device is designed to be able to control the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device in such a way that the fluid-mechanical connection is or is opened when a medium in the interior is conveyed into the environment and the fluid-mechanical connection is or is closed when a medium in the environment is conveyed into the interior by means of the germ-impermeable but air- or gas-permeable filter.

[0017] The media exchange mechanism can, in particular, be designed to be opened by the ventilation device. In other words, the valve body or filter can be preloaded into its closed position with a preload that can be canceled by a negative pressure generated by the ventilation device or by a pressure gradient generated by the ventilation device.

[0018] The ventilation device advantageously provides a means for actively exchanging a medium located in the interior of the sterilization container. This active exchange can shorten or eliminate a post-drying phase in an instrument cycle.

[0019] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the sterilization container can have a sensor device. The sensor device can be configured to measure a pressure, a temperature, and / or a humidity in the interior of the sterilization container and / or in the environment of the sterilization container. The control device can be configured to control the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device taking into account one or more measured values ​​of the sensor device. In particular, the control device can be configured to record measured values ​​of the sensor device and to compare them with comparison values ​​or comparison profiles stored in the control device, and to actuate the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device at times that are or will be predetermined based on the comparison values ​​or the comparison profiles.

[0020] If the sterilization container is equipped with a sensor device, an automatic control of a media exchange can be advantageously realized.

[0021] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the media exchange mechanism and the ventilation device can be formed exclusively on the cover. In particular, the control device and, if applicable, also the sensor device can be formed exclusively on the cover.

[0022] If electronic or electromechanical components are only installed on the cover, the base element can be reused in the event of a defect in these components.

[0023] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the media exchange mechanism can have two fluid-mechanical connections or openings that can each be selectively opened and closed, and the control device can be configured to control the ventilation device such that the ventilation device conveys a medium in the environment of the sterilization container to a first of the two fluid-mechanical connections and conveys a medium in the interior of the sterilization container to a second of the two fluid-mechanical connections. In particular, a valve body or a filter is provided for each fluid-mechanical connection. The fluid-mechanical connections are arranged, in particular, on two opposite sides of the sterilization container.

[0024] By providing two fluid-mechanical connections, an optimized media exchange can be realized in an advantageous manner.

[0025] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the control device can be designed to be able to control the ventilation device in such a way that the ventilation device alternately, on the one hand, conveys a medium in the environment of the sterilization container to the first fluid-mechanical connection and conveys a medium in the interior of the sterilization container to the second fluid-mechanical connection and, on the other hand, conveys a medium in the environment of the sterilization container to the second fluid-mechanical connection and conveys a medium in the interior of the sterilization container to the first fluid-mechanical connection.

[0026] If the sterilization container is designed in such a way that the flow direction can be varied, possible dead zones can be minimized.

[0027] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the sterilization container can have a wirelessly rechargeable energy storage device configured to supply the control device, the media exchange mechanism, and / or the ventilation device with energy. The energy storage device can be configured, in particular, as a battery, galvanic cell, or accumulator. The energy storage device is, in particular, equipped with an induction coil, by means of which wireless charging of the energy storage device is possible.

[0028] If the energy storage device is designed in such a way that it can be charged wirelessly, it is advantageously possible to use an energy storage device with a low energy storage capacity without having to accept any compromises in functionality.

[0029] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the control device can have a receiver configured to receive actuation signals that cause the control device to convey medium from the interior and / or the surroundings of the sterilization container by means of the ventilation device. The receiver is, in particular, configured to receive actuation signals wirelessly.

[0030] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the control device may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit status signals containing information about a status of the media exchange mechanism and / or the ventilation device. The transmitter is, in particular, configured to transmit status signals wirelessly.

[0031] Preferably, the transmitter and the receiver of the control device are integrally formed in the form of a transceiver.

[0032] By providing a receiver and / or a transmitter, the degree of automation of a sterilization process can be increased and / or the monitoring of the sterilization process can be improved.

[0033] A control device according to the disclosure is suitable for externally controlling a control device of a sterilization container according to the disclosure. "External" means, in particular, that the control device is not part of the sterilization container or is not permanently connected to the sterilization container.

[0034] The control device according to the disclosure has a transmitter (transmitter of the control device as opposed to the transmitter of the control unit) designed to send actuation signals to the control unit, and / or has a receiver (receiver of the control device as opposed to the receiver of the control unit) designed to receive status signals from the control unit. Preferably, the transmitter and the receiver of the control device are integrally formed in the form of a transceiver. In particular, the control device is designed to be able to communicate wirelessly with the control unit of the sterilization container. In other words, the control device is designed, in particular, as a remote control for the sterilization container. In particular, the external control device is designed on or in an autoclave.

[0035] If an external control device is provided, the degree of automation of a sterilization process can be increased.

[0036] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the control device may comprise a charging device configured to wirelessly charge an energy storage device of a sterilization container according to the disclosure. In particular, the charging device may comprise an induction coil that may interact with the induction coil of the control device.

[0037] By providing a charging device in the control unit, the sterilization container can be used without separate charging times taking place away from an instrument circuit. Short description of the drawing

[0038] The present invention is described in more detail below using a preferred embodiment with reference to the attached figure. The figure shows a perspective view of a sterilization container according to the disclosure. Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0039] The sterilization container 2 shown in the figure according to the disclosure has a tub-shaped base element 4 and a lid 6. The sterilization container 2 has a substantially rectangular outline.

[0040] The figure shows the sterilization container 2 with the lid 6 closed. In this state, the base element 4 and the lid 6 define an interior area (not shown). In the closed state, the lid 6 is connected to the base element 4 in a germ-tight manner via a seal (not shown) on the periphery of the lid 6 or on the free edges of the side walls of the base element 4.

[0041] Two openings 8 are provided in the lid 6, which can be opened and closed by means of a media exchange mechanism. The media exchange mechanism has two replaceable, germ-impermeable but air-permeable filters 10 arranged in the openings 8. In the state shown in the figure, the filters 10 are in a closed position. In the closed position of the filters 10 and in the closed state of the lid 6, the interior area is sealed off from the environment of the sterilization container 2, preventing germs from entering.

[0042] An axial fan 12 is provided above each of the two filters 10 or on an outer side of each of the two filters 10 facing the environment.

[0043] Each of the two axial fans 12 is enclosed by a control device 14 or by a housing of the control device 14. An energy storage device (not shown) is provided in the control device 14, which supplies energy to electric motors (not shown) also provided in the control device for driving the axial fans 12.

[0044] On the outside of the control device 14, between the axial fans 12, a sensor device 16 with two sensors for measuring a temperature, a pressure and / or a humidity of the environment and the interior is arranged.

[0045] The control device 14 is designed to control one of the two axial fans 12 such that a pressure gradient is generated in the direction of the environment, and to control the other of the two axial fans 12 such that a pressure gradient is generated in the direction of the interior, when a predetermined measured value or a plurality of predetermined measured values ​​is measured by the sensor device 16.

[0046] The filters 10 are designed such that they open automatically when a pressure gradient toward the ambient is applied to the respective filter 10, and that they remain in the closed position when a pressure gradient toward the interior is applied to the respective filter 10. Thus, a medium or air conveyed into the interior by an axial fan 12 is filtered by the corresponding filter 10. In contrast, a medium or air conveyed into the ambient by an axial fan 12 is not filtered.

[0047] The control device 14 is designed to control the one of the two axial fans 12 that conveys medium into the interior in such a way that the flow resistance generated by the corresponding filter 10 is overcome. The axial fans 12 are, in particular, controlled in such a way that a medium or air flow into the interior is equal to a medium or air flow out of the interior. List of reference symbols

[0048] 2Sterilization container 4Base element 6Lid 8Opening 10Filter 12Axial fan 14Control device 16Sensor device

Claims

1. A sterilization container (2) for medical purposes, comprising a bottom element (4), a lid (6) fixable to the bottom element (4) and which, in a closed state of the lid (6), together with the bottom element (4), defines an inner region of the sterilization container (2), a media exchange mechanism, a control device (14), and a ventilating device, which comprises a fan (12) and which is configured to be able to convey a medium in the inner region of the sterilization container (2) to the media exchange mechanism, characterized in that the media exchange mechanism is configured to be able to selectively open and close at least one fluid-mechanical connection (8) between the inner region and an environment via a germ-impermeable but air-permeable or gas-permeable filter (10) in the closed state of the lid (6), the ventilating device (12) is configured to be able to convey a medium in the environment of the sterilization container (2) to the media exchange mechanism, and the control device (14) is configured to control the media exchange mechanism and the ventilating device (12) in such a way that the at least one fluid-mechanical connection (8) is opened when a medium in the inner region is conveyed into the environment and is closed when a medium in the environment is conveyed into the inner region via the germ-impermeable but air-permeable or gas-permeable filter (10).

2. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sterilization container (2) has a sensor device (16) configured to be able to measure pressure, temperature and / or humidity in the inner region of the sterilization container (2) and / or in the environment of the sterilization container (2), and the control device (14) is configured to control the media exchange mechanism and the ventilating device (12) taking into account one measurement value or several measurement values of the sensor device (16).

3. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the media exchange mechanism and the ventilating device (12) are configured on the lid (6).

4. The sterilization container (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the media exchange mechanism has two fluid-mechanical connections (8) that can each be selectively opened and closed, and the control device (14) is configured to control the ventilating device (12) in such a way that the ventilating device (12) conveys a medium in the environment of the sterilization container (2) to a first one of the two fluid-mechanical connections (8) and conveys a medium in the inner region of the sterilization container (2) to a second one of the two fluid-mechanical connections (8).

5. The sterilization container (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the control device (14) is configured to be able to control the ventilating device (12) in such a way that the ventilating device (12) alternately conveys a medium in the environment of the sterilization container (2) to the first fluid-mechanical connection (8) as well as conveys a medium in the inner region of the sterilization container (2) to the second fluid-mechanical connection (8) and, on the other hand, a medium in the environment of the sterilization container (2) to the second fluid-mechanical connection (8) as well as a medium in the inner region of the sterilization container (2) to the first fluid-mechanical connection (8).

6. The sterilization container (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a wirelessly chargeable energy storage configured to be able to supply the control device (14), the media exchange mechanism, and / or the ventilating device (12) with energy.

7. The sterilization container (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control device (14) has a receiver configured to receive actuation signals that cause the control device to convey medium out of the inner region and / or out of the environment of the sterilization container (2) via the ventilating device (12).

8. The sterilization container (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control device (14) comprises a transmitter configured to be able to send status signals containing information about a status of the media exchange mechanism and / or of the ventilating device (12).

9. A system comprising a sterilization container (2) according to claim 7 or 8 and a control apparatus for externally controlling the control device (14) of the sterilization container (2), characterized by a transmitter configured to be able to send actuation signals to the control device, and / or a receiver configured to be able to receive status signals from the control device (14).

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized by a charging device for wireless charging of an energy storage of a sterilization container (2) according to claim 6.