Sterile-product container handling device and method for automatically handling a sterile-product container

EP4646167A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-11-12AESCULAP AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025714048
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-25
Filing Date
2025-03-18
Publication Date
2025-11-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current filter replacement in sterile goods containers is manual, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, posing a risk of infection for personnel handling contaminated material.

Method used

A sterile goods container handling device with a tool device that automatically removes and inserts a filter holder using controllable actuators to engage and disengage a fastening mechanism, featuring linear and rotational movements, and includes sensors for detection and vacuum/air assistance.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates efficient, automated filter replacement, reducing human contact with contaminated material and minimizing infection risk while ensuring proper handling and timely filter changes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a sterile-product container handling device (10) for automatically handling, in particular removing and / or inserting, a filter holder (12) of a cover (14) of a sterile-product container. The invention also relates to a method for automatically handling, in particular removing and / or inserting, a filter holder of a cover of a sterile-product container.
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Description

[0001] Sterile goods container handling device and method for automatically handling a filter holder of a sterile goods container

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a sterile goods container handling device for the automatic handling, in particular removal and / or insertion, of a filter holder of a lid of a sterile goods container.

[0004] Sterile goods containers are used in particular for the reception and sterile storage of surgical instruments or material, and usually comprise a receiving space formed by a container base and container walls, a lid for closing the receiving space and a gas exchange opening which can be closed by a filter, in particular a sterile filter, held in a filter holder.

[0005] Such sterile supply containers are sterilized in a sterilizer together with any surgical instruments or materials stored there. They can then be brought to a sterile operating area and opened there. The filter is required to prevent germs from entering the container's holding space after the sterilization process. A filter is available, for example, as a disposable filter or a permanent filter suitable for multiple use. The filter must be replaced regularly, for example, after the sterile supply container has been used once or repeatedly.

[0006] Currently, filter replacement is done manually. This is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, personnel working in the medical device reprocessing unit may come into contact with contaminated material, which poses a risk of infection.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of overcoming these disadvantages.

[0008] This object is achieved with a sterile goods container handling device having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Furthermore, this object is also achieved by a method according to claim 17.

[0010] An embodiment of the invention relates to a sterile goods container handling device for automatically handling, in particular removing and / or inserting, a filter holder of a lid of a sterile goods container, comprising a tool device for removing the filter holder from the lid and / or for inserting the filter holder into the lid, wherein the tool device and the lid of the sterile goods container are movable relative to one another, in particular toward or away from one another, wherein the tool device comprises at least one controllable actuator for actuating and / or releasing a fastening mechanism of the filter holder, wherein the filter holder is fixed to the lid in a locking position of the fastening mechanism and is released from the lid in a release position of the fastening mechanism,so that the filter holder can be detached from the lid or secured to the lid by actuating and / or releasing the fastening mechanism.

[0011] The tool device and the lid of the sterile goods container can be moved relative to one another, in particular towards or away from one another, for example with a linear movement and / or a pivoting movement and / or a rotational movement by means of a suitable gripping device.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the controllable actuator for actuating and / or releasing the fastening mechanism, in particular for actuating and / or releasing at least one displaceable locking body of the fastening mechanism, is linearly adjustable along a linear axis. The actuator can be controlled, for example, by means of appropriate control electronics and is pneumatically and / or hydraulically and / or mechatronically adjustable in at least one degree of freedom.

[0013] The fastening mechanism is, for example, a latching or clamping mechanism. The fastening mechanism comprises, for example, at least one locking body displaceable against a spring, preferably two oppositely arranged and resiliently displaceable against each other, which, in the locked position, engage behind a holding element of the filter holder or the sterile goods container, in particular the lid of the sterile goods container, and, when displaced, release this in the released position. The locking body(s) protrude from the housing in the form of push buttons, for example, in the locked position when they are pressed into the maximum extended position by a compression spring(s) acting between them. The actuator of the tool device preferably actuates the push button(s).

[0014] Preferably, the tool device for actuating and / or releasing two locking bodies of the fastening mechanism that can be resiliently pushed against each other comprises two controllable actuators that can be linearly adjusted toward or away from each other along the linear axis. In this way, the locking bodies of the fastening mechanism can be actuated simultaneously on both sides.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one actuator is designed such that the filter holder removed from the lid and / or inserted into the lid can be held by the tool device by means of the actuator when the fastening mechanism is actuated. Advantageously, the filter holder can be held between two actuators of the tool device when the fastening mechanism is actuated, in particular gripped in the manner of a parallel gripper.

[0016] For example, at least one pressure surface is formed on the actuator, which can be brought into contact with a corresponding pressure surface of the fastening mechanism, in particular of the locking body, in order to actuate the fastening mechanism by linear adjustment of the actuator.

[0017] It may prove advantageous if the actuator's pressure surface is inclined relative to a surface, particularly one that is orthogonal to the linear axis. The actuator thus comprises, for example, an inclined pressure surface. A corresponding pressure surface of the fastening mechanism, particularly on the locking body or a push button, is advantageously designed to be complementary. A locking body or a push button of the fastening mechanism thus comprises, for example, an inclined pressure surface.

[0018] It can prove advantageous if the pressure surface of the actuator is arranged in a recess on the actuator. The locking body or push button of the fastening mechanism engages in the recess when the fastening mechanism is actuated. An end of the locking body or push button that engages in the recess can be designed to complement the shape of the recess on the actuator. In this way, for example, a force-fitting and form-fitting holder can be enabled. It can prove advantageous if an edge region of the recess on the actuator comprises a chamfer, in particular a circumferential chamfer. Such a chamfer can facilitate insertion of the locking body or push button into the recess on the actuator.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the tool device comprises a stop, wherein the filter holder can be brought into contact with the stop by moving the tool device and the lid of the sterile goods container relative to each other. The stop serves, for example, to position the filter holder or the lid relative to the tool device and enables correct positioning of the filter holder or the lid relative to the tool device, in which the fastening mechanism can be actuated by means of the actuator(s).

[0020] It proves to be advantageous if the stop is at least partially adapted to a geometry of the filter holder.

[0021] In a further development of this inventive concept, it is provided that the stop of the tool device comprises a, in particular continuous, groove, and a web of the filter holder can be brought into engagement with the groove by moving the tool device and the lid of the sterile goods container relative to each other.

[0022] It proves advantageous if at least one inner edge of the groove includes a chamfer. Such a chamfer can facilitate the insertion of the filter holder or the web of the filter holder into the groove of the tool device.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the tool device, in particular the stop, comprises at least one air outlet for providing a) compressed air and / or b) a vacuum. The provision of compressed air serves, for example, to detach a filter from the filter holder, in particular by emitting a burst of compressed air. The provision of the vacuum serves, for example, to suction the filter holder onto the tool device and / or to suction a filter. By suctioning the filter, an uncontrolled detachment of the filter can be prevented. A new filter inserted into the filter holder can, for example, be sucked onto the filter holder by providing the vacuum until the filter holder is reinserted into the lid. A filter to be removed can be sucked onto the filter holder on a filter holder that has been detached from the lid and / or removed, in order to prevent it from falling out uncontrollably.By suctioning the filter holder, it can be held to the tool device, for example. The stop can be provided with an air duct that opens into at least two air outlets. Advantageously, more than two air outlets, in particular three, four, five, or more, can also be provided.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, the sterile goods container handling device comprises sensors, in particular for detecting i) filters and / or filter holders, and / or ii) removal and / or insertion of a filter holder, and / or iii) removal and / or insertion of a filter. The sensors are, for example, image-capturing sensors, such as a camera, a contact sensor, a code scanner, such as a barcode or data matrix code, or an RFID scanner. Particularly in the case of permanent filters, a service life or a number of service cycles can be determined by capturing a data matrix code of the filter and comparing it with a database. Based on the determined service life or the number of service cycles, a filter change can then be initiated as needed.Particularly in the case of disposable filters, a new, sterile filter can include a corresponding colored marker, which can be detected, for example, by means of an optical detection device.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the tool device is fixed, and the cover or filter holder can be moved toward or away from the tool device by means of a correspondingly movable device. This can be, for example, a corresponding gripping device.

[0026] It can be provided that the tool device, in particular in the fixed configuration, is aligned such that the cover, in particular with filter holder, can be moved in a vertical alignment towards or away from the tool device, and / or the actuation and / or release of the fastening mechanism of the filter holder by means of the actuator takes place in the vertical alignment of the cover and / or the filter holder.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the sterile goods container handling device can comprise additional handling components, for example, a gripping device with which the lid or the filter holder can be moved toward or away from the tool device, and / or a supply device for supplying filters. A supply device comprises, for example, a corresponding gripping system, in particular with a pneumatic gripper, and a corresponding magazine from which a respective filter can be removed.

[0028] Further embodiments relate to a method for automatically handling, in particular removing and / or inserting, a filter holder of a lid of a sterile goods container, with a sterile goods container handling device according to the described embodiments, the method comprising:

[0029] Moving a lid with a filter holder of a sterile goods container and the tool device of the sterile goods container handling device towards each other;

[0030] Actuating the fastening mechanism of the filter holder with the controllable actuator and removing the filter holder from the lid;

[0031] Moving the lid of the sterile container and the tool device of the sterile container handling device away from each other;

[0032] Removing a filter from the filter holder or inserting a filter into the filter holder;

[0033] Moving the lid of the sterile goods container and the tool device of the sterile goods container handling device towards each other;

[0034] Insert the filter holder into the lid.

[0035] It can further be provided that the method comprises the following step: holding the filter holder removed from the lid and / or the filter holder to be inserted on the lid with the fastening mechanism actuated by means of the actuator of the tool device.

[0036] It can further be provided that the method comprises at least one of the following steps: a) providing compressed air for detaching a filter from the filter holder, and / or b) providing a vacuum for sucking the filter holder onto the tool device and / or for sucking a filter, and / or c) detecting i) filter and / or filter holder, and / or ii) removal and / or insertion of a filter holder, and / or iii) removal and / or insertion of a filter.

[0037] The described sequence of process steps is exemplary; a different sequence of process steps than the one described is conceivable.

[0038] Further embodiments relate to a system comprising a sterile goods container handling device according to one of the preceding claims and a filter holder and / or a lid of a sterile goods container and / or a sterile goods container and / or a filter. The filter holder comprises, for example, a fastening mechanism, for example a latching or clamping mechanism. The fastening mechanism comprises, for example, at least one locking body which is displaceable against a spring, preferably two locking bodies arranged opposite one another and resiliently displaceable against one another, which, in the locked position, engage behind a holding element of the filter holder or of the sterile goods container, in particular the lid of the sterile goods container, and release this when displaced in the release position. The locking body orFor example, in the locking position, the locking bodies protrude from the housing in the form of push buttons when they are pressed into the maximum extended position by a compression spring or springs acting between them.

[0039] Further advantages will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. Identical reference numerals in different figures designate identical or at least functionally comparable elements. When describing individual figures, reference may also be made to elements from other figures. The drawings schematically show:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a sterile goods container handling device according to the invention;

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a sterile goods container handling device according to the invention with a filter holder;

[0042] Fig. 3 shows a filter holder in a first view;

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a filter holder in a further view;

[0044] Fig. 5 a lid of a sterile goods container with a filter holder;

[0045] Fig. 6 a detailed view of the sterile container handling device,

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a further detailed view of the sterile container handling device,

[0047] Fig. 8 shows a further detailed view of the sterile container handling device, and

[0048] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary sequence of steps of a method for handling a sterile goods container, and

[0049] Fig. 10 shows an exemplary sequence of steps of another method for handling a sterile goods container.

[0050] In the drawing, Figure 1 shows a sterile goods container handling device, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 10, for automatically handling, in particular removing and / or inserting, a filter holder 12 of a lid 14 of a sterile goods container. An exemplary filter holder is shown in Figures 2 to 5. An exemplary lid is shown in Figure 5.

[0051] The sterile goods container handling device 10 comprises a tool device 16 for removing the filter holder 12 from the lid 14 and / or for inserting the filter holder 12 into the lid 14. The tool device 16 and the lid 14 of the sterile goods container can be moved relative to one another, in particular towards or away from one another, for example by means of a corresponding gripping device (not shown). For example, the tool device 16 is fixed, for example attached to a correspondingly fixed holding device. The lid 14 of the sterile goods container can then be moved towards the tool device 16 or away from the tool device 16, for example by means of the gripping device (not shown), in a linear movement and / or a pivoting movement and / or a rotational movement.

[0052] In the example shown, the tool device 16 comprises two controllable actuators 18 for actuating and / or releasing a fastening mechanism 20 of the filter holder 12.

[0053] The filter holder 12 is fixed to the cover 14 in a locking position of the fastening mechanism 20 and is released from the cover 12 in a release position of the fastening mechanism 20, so that the filter holder 12 can be released from the cover 14 or fixed to the cover 14 by actuating and / or releasing the fastening mechanism 20 by means of the controllable actuators 18.

[0054] In the example, the fastening mechanism 20 comprises two oppositely arranged and resiliently displaceable locking bodies 22. Only one end region of the locking bodies 22 is visible in the figures. The remaining part of the locking bodies 22 extends into the filter holder 12, see Figures 3 and 4.

[0055] When the filter holder 12 is secured to the lid 14, the locking bodies 22 engage, in the locked position, with a retaining element (not shown) of the filter holder 12 or the sterile goods container, in particular the lid 14 of the sterile goods container, without being displaced. The locking bodies 22 release the retaining element when displaced in the release position.

[0056] In the example, the locking bodies 22 protrude from the filter holder 12 in the locking position in the form of push buttons 24 when they are pressed into the extended position (undisplaced) by compression springs acting between them (not further shown), see Figures 3 and 4.

[0057] The actuators 18 are linearly adjustable toward or away from each other along a linear axis 26, see Figures 1 and 2.

[0058] In this way, the locking bodies 22 or the push buttons 24 of the fastening mechanism 20 can be actuated simultaneously on both sides.

[0059] The actuators 18 are designed such that the filter holder removed from the lid and / or to be inserted on the lid can be held by the tool device 16 by means of the actuators 18 when the fastening mechanism 20 is actuated, in particular can be gripped in the form of a parallel gripper, see Figure 2.

[0060] In the example, a pressure surface 28 is formed on a respective actuator 18, which can be brought into contact with a corresponding pressure surface 30 of the locking body 22 or the push button 24 by linear adjustment of the actuator 18.

[0061] In the example according to Figures 6 and 7, the pressure surface 28 of the actuator 18 is inclined relative to a surface that is, in particular, imaginarily orthogonal to the linear axis 26. The actuator thus comprises an inclined pressure surface 28. The corresponding pressure surface 30 on the locking body 22 or on the push button 24 is designed to complement the example. The locking body 22 or the push button 24 thus comprises an inclined pressure surface 30, see Figures 3 and 7.

[0062] In the example, the pressure surface 28 of the actuator 18 is arranged in a recess 32 on the actuator 18, see Figures 6 and 7. The locking body or push button of the fastening mechanism engages in the recess 32 when the fastening mechanism is actuated. An end of the locking body 22 or the push button 24 engaging in the recess can be designed to complement the shape of the recess 32 on the actuator 18.

[0063] It may prove advantageous if an edge region 34 of the recess 32 on the actuator 18 comprises a chamfer 36, in particular a circumferential one. Such a chamfer 36 can facilitate insertion of the locking body 22 or the push button 24 into the recess 32 on the actuator 18.

[0064] According to the examples, the tool device 16 includes a stop 38 (see Figures 1 and 8). The filter holder 12 can be brought into contact with the stop 38 by moving the tool device 16 and the lid 14 of the sterile goods container relative to each other. The stop 38 serves, for example, to position the filter holder 12 or the lid 14 relative to the tool device 16 and enables correct positioning of the filter holder 12 or the lid 14 relative to the tool device 16, in which the fastening mechanism 20 can be actuated by means of the actuators 18.

[0065] In the example, the stop 38 is at least partially adapted to the geometry of the filter holder 12. Accordingly, the stop 38 comprises a continuous groove 40 with two open ends. A web 42 of the filter holder 12 can be brought into engagement with the groove 40 by moving the tool device 16 and the lid 14 of the sterile goods container relative to each other, see Figure 2.

[0066] In the example, an inner edge 44 of the groove 40 includes a chamfer 46. Such a chamfer 46 can facilitate insertion of the filter holder 12 or the web 42 of the filter holder 12 into the groove 40 of the tool device 16. In the example, it is provided that the tool device 16, namely the stop 38, includes an air channel 48 that opens into several air outlets 50 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0067] The air channel 48 and the air outlets 50 are designed, for example, to provide a) compressed air and / or b) a vacuum. Providing compressed air serves, for example, to detach a filter from the filter holder 12, in particular by emitting a burst of compressed air. Providing the vacuum serves, for example, to draw air from the filter holder 12 to the tool device 10 (see, for example, Figure 2), and / or to draw a filter.

[0068] The sterile goods container handling device 10 can include sensors (not shown), in particular for detecting i) a filter and / or filter holder 12, and / or ii) the removal and / or insertion of a filter holder 12, and / or iii) the removal and / or insertion of a filter. The sensors are, for example, image-capturing sensors, such as a camera, a contact sensor, a code scanner, such as a barcode or data matrix code, or an RFID scanner.

[0069] It can be provided that the tool device 16 is oriented such that the cover 14, in particular with the filter holder 12, can be moved in a vertical orientation toward or away from the tool device 16, and / or the actuation and / or release of the fastening mechanism 20 of the filter holder by means of the actuator 18 takes place in the vertical orientation of the cover and / or the filter holder. An exemplary orientation of the tool device 16 is shown, for example, in Figures 1 and 2.

[0070] According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the sterile goods container handling device 10 comprises further handling components not shown, for example a gripping device with which the lid 14 or the filter holder 12 can be moved towards or away from the tool device 16, and / or a provision device for providing filters.

[0071] Further embodiments relate to a method for automatically handling, in particular removing and / or inserting, a filter holder 12 of a lid 14 of a sterile goods container, with a sterile goods container handling device 10 according to the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0072] Embodiments of the method are described below with reference to Figures 9 (removing a filter) and 10 (inserting a filter).

[0073] According to Fig. 9, the method 60 includes a step 62 for moving the tool device 10 and the lid 14 of the sterile goods container, with a filter holder 12 secured to the lid and a filter inserted in the filter holder 12, relative to each other. The fastening mechanism 20 of the filter holder 12 is in a locked position. The tool device 10 and the lid 14 with the filter holder 12 are preferably moved toward each other until the filter holder 12 is brought into contact with the stop 38.

[0074] According to Fig. 9, the method 60 comprises a step 64 for actuating the fastening mechanism 20 of the filter holder 12 and for removing the filter holder 12 from the cover 14. The actuators 18 of the tool device 16 are adjusted linearly towards one another along the linear axis 26 by suitable control via corresponding control electronics.

[0075] By linearly adjusting the actuators 18, for example, the pressure surfaces 28 of the actuators 18 come into contact with the pressure surfaces 30 of the locking bodies 22 or the push buttons 24. By further linear adjustment, the locking bodies 22 are moved against the spring force, so that the fastening mechanism 20 moves from the locking position into a release position, so that the filter holder 12 can be detached from the cover 14.

[0076] According to Fig. 9, the method 60 includes a step 66 for moving the lid 14 and the tooling device 16 away from each other, with the filter holder 12 still being held on the tooling device 16. For example, when the fastening mechanism 20 is actuated, the filter holder 12 is held between the actuators 18 by the tooling device 16 and / or is suctioned in place by providing a vacuum. Alternatively or additionally, the filter to be removed can be temporarily suctioned in place to prevent it from falling uncontrollably.

[0077] According to Fig. 9, the method 60 includes a step 68 for removing the filter from the filter holder 12. For example, the filter can be released from the filter holder 12 by emitting a burst of compressed air. Alternatively, the filter can be dropped from the filter holder 12. For example, the filter holder 12 can be raised from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0078] According to Fig. 9, the method 60 includes a step 70 for moving the lid 14 of the sterile goods container and the tool device 16 of the sterile goods container handling device 10 toward each other. This step can be performed analogously to step 62, in this case without the filter holder 12.

[0079] According to Fig. 9, the method 60 comprises a step 72 for inserting the filter holder 12 into the cover 14. The fastening mechanism 20 is released by linearly moving the actuators 18 away from each other, so that the fastening mechanism 20 returns to the locking position.

[0080] After step 72, the filter holder 12 is reinserted onto the lid 14, with the filter removed from the filter. The lid 14 can then be subjected to a cleaning process, for example, together with the sterile goods container.

[0081] According to Fig. 10, the method 60 includes a step 74 for moving the tool device 10 and the lid 14 of the sterile goods container, with a filter holder 12 secured to the lid, toward each other without a filter. This step is performed analogously to step 62, in this case without a filter.

[0082] According to Fig. 10, the method 60 comprises, analogously to step 62, a step 76 for actuating the fastening mechanism 20 of the filter holder 12 and for removing the filter holder 12 from the cover 14.

[0083] According to Fig. 10, the method 60 comprises, analogously to step 66, a step 78 for moving the lid 14 and the tool device 16 away from each other, wherein the filter holder 12 continues to be held on the tool device 16.

[0084] According to Fig. 10, the method 60 comprises a step 80 for inserting a filter into the filter holder 12. For example, the filter can be removed from a corresponding magazine, in particular by means of a corresponding gripping system, and inserted into the filter holder 12. It can be provided that the filter is sucked onto the filter holder 12 by providing a vacuum until the filter holder 12 is reinserted into the cover 14. It can be provided that the filter holder 12 is moved from a vertical position to a horizontal position before inserting the filter, in which position the filter can be inserted from above.

[0085] According to Fig. 10, the method 60, analogous to step 70, includes a step 82 for moving the lid 14 of the sterile goods container and the tool device 16 of the sterile goods container handling device 10 toward each other. If the filter holder 12 was brought into a horizontal position in the previous step, it can be provided that the filter holder 12 is now erected into a vertical position.

[0086] According to Fig. 10, the method 60 comprises, analogously to step 72, a step 84 for inserting the filter holder 12 into the lid 14, in this case with a filter inserted into the filter holder 12.

[0087] In addition, the method described with reference to Figures 9 and 10 may comprise further steps, for example one or more steps for detecting i) filter and / or filter holder (12), and / or ii) removal and / or insertion of a filter holder (12), and / or iii) removal and / or insertion of a filter.

[0088] The removal and / or insertion of a filter holder 12, and / or the removal and / or insertion of a filter, can be detected, for example, using an image-capturing sensor. Particularly with permanent filters, a service life or a number of usage cycles can be determined by capturing a data matrix code of the filter and comparing it with a database. Based on the determined service life or the number of usage cycles, a filter change can then be initiated as needed. Particularly with disposable filters, a new, sterile filter can include a corresponding colored marker, which can be detected, for example, using an optical detection device.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Sterile goods container handling device (10) for automatically handling, in particular removing and / or inserting, a filter holder (12) of a lid (14) of a sterile goods container, comprising a tool device (16) for removing the filter holder (12) from the lid (14) and / or for inserting the filter holder (12) into the lid (14), wherein the tool device (16) and the lid (14) of the sterile goods container are movable relative to one another, in particular toward or away from one another, wherein the tool device (16) comprises at least one controllable actuator (18) for actuating and / or releasing a fastening mechanism (20) of the filter holder (12), wherein the filter holder (12) is secured to the lid (14) in a locking position of the fastening mechanism (20) and is released from the lid (14) in a release position of the fastening mechanism (20).so that the filter holder (12) can be detached from the cover (14) or fixed to the cover (14) by actuating and / or releasing the fastening mechanism (20).

2. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the controllable actuator (18) for actuating and / or releasing the fastening mechanism (20), in particular for actuating and / or releasing at least one displaceable locking body (22) of the fastening mechanism (20), is linearly adjustable along a linear axis (26).

3. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the tool device (16) for actuating and / or releasing two locking bodies (22) of the fastening mechanism (20) which can be resiliently pushed against one another comprises two controllable actuators (18) which can be linearly adjusted towards or away from one another along the linear axis (26).

4. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuator (18) is designed such that the filter holder (12) removed from the lid (14) and / or to be inserted on the lid (14) can be held by the tool device (16) by means of the actuator (18) when the fastening mechanism (20) is actuated.

5. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one pressure surface (28) is formed on the actuator (18) which is designed to actuate the fastening mechanism (20) by linearly adjusting the actuator (18) in contact with a corresponding pressure surface (30) of the fastening mechanism (20), in particular of the locking body (22).

6. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the pressure surface (28) of the actuator (18) is inclined with respect to a surface that is orthogonal to the linear axis (26), in particular an imaginary one.

7. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the pressure surface (28) of the actuator (18) is arranged in a recess (32).

8. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to claim 7, wherein an edge region (34) of the recess (32) comprises a, in particular circumferential, chamfer (36).

9. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool device (16) comprises a stop (38), wherein the filter holder (12) can be brought into contact with the stop (38) by moving the tool device (16) and the lid (14) of the sterile goods container relative to each other.

10. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the stop (38) comprises a, in particular continuous, groove (40), and a web (42) of the filter holder (12) can be brought into engagement with the groove (40) by moving the tool device (16) and the lid (14) of the sterile goods container relative to one another.

11. Sterile container handling device (10) according to claim 10, wherein at least one inner edge (44) of the groove (40) comprises a chamfer (46).

12. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool device (16), in particular the stop (38), comprises at least one air outlet (50) for providing a) compressed air and / or b) a vacuum.

13. Sterile container handling device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the stop (38) comprises an air channel (48) which opens into at least two air outlets (50).

14. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sterile goods container handling device (10) comprises sensors, in particular for detecting i) a filter and / or filter holder (12), and / or ii) a removal and / or insertion of a filter holder (12), and / or iii) a removal and / or insertion of a filter. 15- Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool device (16) is fixed, and the lid (14) or the filter holder (12) can be moved towards or away from the tool device (16) by means of a correspondingly movable device.

16. Sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool device (16) is oriented such that the lid (14), in particular with filter holder (12), can be moved in a vertical orientation towards the tool device (16) or away from the tool device (16), and / or the actuation and / or release of the fastening mechanism (20) of the filter holder by means of the actuator (18) takes place in the vertical orientation of the lid and / or the filter holder.

17. Method (60) for automatically handling, in particular removing and / or inserting, a filter holder (12) of a lid (14) of a sterile goods container, with a sterile goods container handling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (60) comprises: Moving (62, 74) a lid (14) with a filter holder (12) of a sterile goods container and the tool device (16) of the sterile goods container handling device (10) toward each other; actuating (64, 76) the fastening mechanism (20) of the filter holder (12) with the controllable actuator (18) and removing the filter holder (12) from the lid (14); Moving (66, 78) the lid (14) of the sterile goods container and the tool device (16) of the sterile goods container handling device (10) away from each other; Removing (68) a filter from the filter holder (12) or inserting (80) a filter into the filter holder (12); Moving (70, 82) the lid (14) of the sterile goods container and the tool device (16) of the sterile goods container handling device (10) towards each other; Insert (72, 84) the filter holder (12) into the cover (14).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method comprises the following step: holding the filter holder (12) removed from the lid (14) and / or the filter holder to be inserted on the lid, in particular when the fastening mechanism (20) is actuated by means of the actuator (18) of the tool device (16).

19. Method (60) according to one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the method (60) comprises at least one of the following steps: a) providing compressed air for releasing a filter from the filter holder (12), and / or b) providing a vacuum for sucking the filter holder (12) onto the tool device (16) and / or for sucking in a filter, and / or c) detecting i) filter and / or filter holder (12), and / or ii) removal and / or insertion of a filter holder (12), and / or iii) removal and / or insertion of a filter.