Integrated RFID tag holder

Abstract

The present application relates to a medical instrument having an instrument body (10) provided with an RFID tag (2), in particular a glass tag, in which an under-floor tag holder (22) is provided and designed to securely receive the RFID tag (2) in a position where the RFID tag (2) is exposed to the surroundings of the instrument through an opening (14') formed in the surface of the instrument body, but is recessed from the surface of the instrument body toward the interior of the instrument body to preferably prevent the RFID tag (2) from protruding beyond the surface of the instrument body, and at least a portion of the under-floor tag holder (22) with the RFID tag (2) is encapsulated by a separate metal shield (16) having a signal-transparent aperture opening (18), the aperture opening (18) forming the opening (14') to the surroundings of the instrument. The present application further relates to a medical treatment system and an assembly method according to additional independent claims.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to a medical device for attaching an RFID tag to a medical instrument, including a holder or RFID tag carrier that is provided and adapted to receive an RFID tag. Additionally, the present application relates to a medical procedure system and a method of assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical (marking) devices with RFID tags are already known. For example, EP 3193284 A1 discloses an RFID marking element for equipping surgical instruments, which can then be retrofitted onto the surface side of such surgical instruments. The RFID marking element consists of a metal frame with a non-conductive cover, into whose interior space an RFID chip is inserted. Furthermore, one side of the metal frame is attached to the surgical element, for example by welding.

[0003] WO 2015 / 177538 also discloses an RFID tag assembly in which a radio frequency transparent cover is attached to a metal frame and an RFID chip is housed within a hollow space jointly formed by these two components, where the metal frame is retrofitted to the surface side of a surgical element.

[0004] Such RFID tags are relatively small components, however, the retrofitted RFID tag assemblies and devices of the prior art create additional surfaces for contaminants and also pose obstacles when handling surgical elements. The additional RFID tags can create gaps and crevices where bacteria and the like may accumulate, which is obviously very disadvantageous in medicine. Furthermore, the retrofitted RFID tags can limit the handling of ergonomically shaped surgical instruments and, in the worst case, can create corners and edges that can be damaged or punctured or torn when the surgeon's gloves come into contact with them.

[0005] Of course, in principle it is possible to place the RFID tag, or possibly a corresponding (marking) device, on the medical instrument at a corresponding location that can be expected to have the least possible negative effects on the handling of the instrument, but depending on the type of instrument this may severely limit the placement options and may even entail a reduction in, for example, data transmission capabilities.

[0006] A further drawback of the prior art is that passive RFID tags must sometimes be placed at a close distance from the reading device due to their short transmission range. For this reason, in the prior art, it is often only possible to retrofit the RFID tag to the outer surface of the surgical instrument in order to keep the distance between the RFID chip and the reading device as short as possible. For the above reasons, care must be taken to ensure that the outer surface provided for this purpose is placed at a site on the instrument that only slightly affects the handling of the instrument and still allows sufficient reading quality.

[0007] It has therefore become apparent that not all medical devices are suitable for retrofitting with RFID tags by this procedure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a medical device with an RFID tag, or possibly a medical / surgical instrument (of any type), a medical treatment system, as well as a method for mounting / assembly, which ensures proper and safe handling, not only with regard to the data transmission properties of the RFID tag, but also with regard to the properties of the instrument. Preferably, a further object of the present application is to ensure good cleaning and / or sterilization of the device according to the present application of the medical instrument equipped therewith. Preferably, a further object of the present application is to ensure enhanced reception of the inserted / attached RFID tag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above object is solved by a medical device or possibly a medical / surgical instrument having the features of claim 1.

[0010] The core of the present application essentially consists in forming or providing a medical device to be equipped at an individually selected surface location (particularly suitable for interference-free data transmission) with a holder either in the form of a (device-integral) receiving pocket or recess, preferably in the form of a groove / slit, or in the form of a preferably slit-shaped cutout in the hollow space of the device located therebelow, into which a tag carrier / holder, preferably having a receiving pocket or recess in the form of a groove / slit, is inserted.

[0011] The depth of the receiving pocket relative to the corresponding device surface as well as its (width, height) dimensions are preferably selected in such a way that a (single) RFID tag can be inserted / placed in the receiving pocket like a battery receptacle, with the RFID tag terminating at most with its jacket side on the plane of the corresponding device surface (being flush) or remaining recessed relative to this plane, i.e. recessed within the receiving pocket (so-called underfloor placement). In this way, the surface structure of the device (no protrusions / projections of the RFID tag above the device surface) remains essentially unaffected, while the data transmission properties are nevertheless (maximally) preserved.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the medical device thus comprises a holder integrated into the body of the medical instrument or (additionally) insertable therein, which is or forms the opening of the above-mentioned receiving pocket on the surface of the medical instrument, which opening is provided and adapted to receive at least one (single) RFID tag.

[0013] In other words, the medical device has a holder for at least one RFID tag that is integrated into the medical instrument or (additionally) inserted into the medical instrument. This means that the holder according to the present application does not affect the normal (outer) shape of the medical instrument with the subsequently attached RFID tag, but the holder for the RFID tag is integrated into the medical instrument or located under its outer surface. In further words, the holder is integrated / built-in / formed / shaped into (hereinafter simply "integrated") the housing / shape / structure / body (hereinafter simply "body") of the medical instrument, or possibly integrated / inserted into the body of the medical instrument. The holder may be integrated with the medical device as one / single piece of material within the body of the medical device itself, i.e. as a recess / cavity / groove / recess / hollow space / pocket (hereinafter simply referred to as a receiving pocket) (in which case the receiving pocket formed in the device body as well as the (tag insertion) opening formed on the surface of the device body are substantially adapted to the tag shape), or the holder may be integrated / inserted as an individual / separate component (tag carrier) within the body of the medical device (e.g. within a hollow space within the medical device) (in which case the shape of the (signal passage) opening formed on the surface of the device body may be essentially universal, since a separate holder is already equipped with the tag and the holder is inserted into the hollow space of the medical device (possibly via a separate access path)).

[0014] In other words, the medical device, or possibly the device body or part of the device itself, may be provided with a tag receiving pocket as a holder, or a separate tag carrier with a receiving pocket formed therein may be provided as a holder, which is / will be inserted into a (possibly already existing) hollow space in the medical device, where the medical device in this case has an opening / cutout into this hollow space, in this area where the RFID tag fits when the holder is inserted.

[0015] The under-floor tag holder with the RFID tag is at least partially surrounded by a separate metal shield with, in particular, a signal-transparent aperture opening, in particular forming a radially outer opening, facing the periphery of the appliance, thereby improving data transmission quality and increasing the effective transmission distance.

[0016] The RFID tag is preferably always installed in an under-floor manner (ie, recessed relative to the appliance surface) so that the RFID tag is located below the opening and does not protrude above it.

[0017] Preferably, the medical instrument is a surgical instrument, a monopolar HF instrument, a bipolar HF instrument, an ultrasonic instrument, an electrosurgical or purely mechanical instrument, a surgical clamp, a surgical forceps, a container, a surgical scissors, a scalpel, etc. Particularly preferably, the medical instrument is a handpiece with an integrated motor and / or a tool which can be coupled by engagement with a handpiece.

[0018] More preferably, the RFID tag is an RFID transponder for storing information related to a particular object (in this case, the medical instrument). This so-called "identifier" can be individualized according to the requirements of the respective process. Preferably, the RFID tag comprises: At least one microchip, preferably of a size of a few millimeters in diameter, At least one antenna, preferably in the form of a coil; at least one carrier or housing, which is preferably waterproof and / or airtight and which preferably protects the transponder electronics from the surrounding environment; In the case of an active RFID tag it additionally comprises at least one energy source, preferably a battery / accumulator or a capacitor.

[0019] In the case of a passive transponder, the energy supply is provided externally via an antenna. Preferably, the RFID tag of the present application is a passive RFID tag. Preferably, the RFID tag further comprises a (rod-shaped) ferrite core with a coil wound around it. Preferably, the RFID tag may be in the form of an NFC tag or possibly an NFC chip (Near Field Communication).

[0020] The RFID tag is provided and adapted to store at least one of the following information, in particular encrypted information, or in some cases the following stored data: The general conditions and End of life / end of life, Maintenance intervals and Performance and suitability for subsequent operation; Where applicable, lack of product maintenance and product damage; Where applicable, temperature overshoots and undershoots and product damage; Product number, Serial number, The customer number is characterized by:

[0021] Preferably, in the medical device, at least one RFID tag is inserted into the holder or possibly into the receiving pocket, more preferably, the RFID tag has a cylindrical shape with rounded ends. In other words, in the medical device, the RFID tag is preferably already housed / installed / inserted. The shape of the RFID tag is further preferably in pill form.

[0022] More preferably, the receiving pocket in the medical device or in the tag carrier has the shape of an elongated slit or groove adapted to receive the cylindrical / pill-shaped RFID tag in a "lying" state, i.e. in the manner of a (flat) battery receptacle.

[0023] Preferably, the RFID tag has an exterior / housing made of a material that is transparent to radio frequencies, and more preferably is waterproof and / or airtight, In other words, the housing of the RFID tag is made of a radio frequency transparent / signal transparent material, such as glass, ceramic, plastic, thermoplastic, duroplast, regular plastic, and / or silicon, particularly preferably a non-metallic material, in which the ferrite core together with the coil and the chip wound thereon are encapsulated.

[0024] In principle, the geometric shape and material of the medical device and the RFID tag or, as the case may be, the body, as well as the orientation of the receiving pocket with respect to the corresponding device surface, can be freely selected. However, preferably, the receiving pocket is parallel to the RFID tag, in particular the coil of the RFID tag, so that the RFID tag is oriented in its longitudinal direction parallel (i.e. "lying") to the outer surface of the body of the medical device. The receiving pocket may optionally remain open / open to the outside or be filled / closed with a signal-transparent material. In other words, the receiving pocket formed in the medical device, or, as the case may be, the opening to the receiving pocket, may or may not be provided with a cover made of a signal-transparent material. Finally, the RFID tag may already be formed in the manner of a sealing cap, such that when the RFID tag is inserted into the receiving pocket, this pocket, or, as the case may be, its opening, is sealed (watertight / airtight) to the outside by the RFID tag itself.

[0025] The RFID tag or the cover may be flat / horizontal / terminating / flush with the (outer) surface of the medical device. The cover, as mentioned above, is preferably made of a radio-frequency transparent material and further preferably seals the receiving pocket / holder water-tight and / or air-tight to the outer surface of the medical device. Furthermore, in the case of a separate tag carrier, the opening / cutout in the device connecting the hollow space of the device to the outside and possibly the associated cover may of course have any geometric shape, since an additional separate holder / tag carrier is inserted into the hollow space of the device, apparently as an adapter, and a receiving pocket adapted for the RFID tag is formed in the tag carrier (i.e. no receiving pocket is formed in the medical device itself). In this case the opening no longer serves for inserting the RFID tag into the receiving pocket (necessarily similar to the device-integrated receiving pocket) but simply serves as an input / output (passage) for radio frequency signals.

[0026] If a signal-transparent core and / or socket is selected as a tag carrier / holder for an RFID tag (e.g. thermoplastic, duroplast, normal plastic, silicone, etc.), the reading and writing distance is optimized by a metal shield / reflector at least partially surrounding the carrier, which keeps the RFID tag away from the reading / writing device (hereinafter simply called the reading device) with a geometrically defined opening in the area of ​​a receiving pocket in a separate tag carrier. In other words, in one embodiment, the holder / tag carrier may be formed as a signal-transparent core (e.g. plastic) that is placed on the medical instrument or that is / will be inserted into the hollow space of the instrument. The holder (receiving pocket in the tag carrier) is provided and adapted to receive at least one RFID tag.

[0027] More preferably, the opening in the holder, i.e. the opening in the receiving pocket integrally formed in the device body, or the opening / slit / cut-out formed in the device in case of a separate holder / tag carrier, through which the radio signal passes, has a (slit) width corresponding to the product of the coil diameter and an ideality factor, where the ideality factor is in the range 1.3-2.2, more preferably in the range 1.6-1.9, and especially preferably 1.75. In other words, the opening on the medical device parallel to the RFID tag has a width larger than the coil diameter of the RFID tag and / or the coil diameter of the RFID tag itself.

[0028] More preferably, the opening in the holder in case of an integral receiving pocket in the device body, or the opening / slit / cutout in the device for the passage of the radio signal in case of a separate holder / tag carrier, has a length of -30% to +50% of the total length of the ferrite core, more preferably 0% to +30% of the total length of the ferrite core, and especially preferably +15% of the total length of the ferrite core. In other words, the opening on the medical device which is parallel to the RFID tag preferably has a length longer than the length of the ferrite core and / or the RFID tag.

[0029] Furthermore, the RFID tag preferably uses a frequency band in the range of 12-15 MHz, advantageously in the range of 13-14 MHz, even more preferably in the range of 13.4-13.7 MHz, particularly preferably 13.56 MHz.

[0030] More preferably, the present application relates to a system consisting of a medical device having the above characteristics and a reading device that can be coupled to said medical device. In other words, the medical device may be read by a reading device that can be brought close to the RFID tag, i.e. at a distance of less than one centimeter. In the case of medical devices having connections, for example connections for air / power supply and / or data exchange, this reading device may be attached to the medical device in a plug / socket that can be coupled to the connection partner.

[0031] Furthermore, the present application relates to a method for mounting / assembling a medical device according to the present application. The problem of the present application regarding the mounting method is solved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 15. Firstly, a step of positioning the RFID tag, the medical device and the metal shield with respect to each other is carried out. In particular, the end connection of the medical device, or possibly the device body, has a longitudinal / axial axis, on whose extension the metal shield is preferably coaxially arranged. After this, the RFID tag is placed in the under-bed tag holder of the medical device provided for it, in particular by positioning it radially and preferably by pressing it radially into the under-bed tag holder. Furthermore, the step of rotating the metal shield around the longitudinal / axial axis of the medical device may preferably be carried out until the signal-transparent aperture opening and the RFID tag are in the same position in the circumferential direction. Then, viewed in the longitudinal direction, the aperture opening and the RFID tag are at the same angle to each other in the circumferential direction or possibly in the radial extension. Finally, the metal shield is slid axially (in the longitudinal direction of the portion of the instrument body that receives the RFID tag) onto the medical instrument so that the aperture opening and the RFID tag extend radially from each other, in particular so that they are coaxially positioned relative to each other, and the metal shield fixes the position of the RFID tag within the medical instrument so that the RFID tag is not lost. Preferably, the method may comprise the step of fixing the metal shield to the medical instrument, or possibly to the instrument body.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the method may further comprise, in particular, the steps of positioning the signal-transparent cover against the metal shield prior to the sliding step, and arranging the cover in the signal-transparent aperture opening by sliding the cover axially from the radial inside into the metal shield and sliding the cover radially outwardly towards the aperture opening, such that the cover is inserted into the aperture opening and that after the sliding step on the metal shield, the position of the cover is fixed in the medical device so that the cover is not lost. Due to the coordinated geometry of the cover with the undercut relative to the aperture opening, the cover cannot be displaced radially outward or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is held securely against loss, because after the sliding step, the RFID tag remains radially inward and in the axial direction the cover abuts against the edge of the aperture opening. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] The present application is explained in more detail below based on preferred configuration examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an RFID tag that can be used in accordance with the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another diagram illustrating an RFID tag that can be used in accordance with the present application. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical device having an RFID tag integrated within the body of the medical device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is another diagram illustrating an example of a medical device having an RFID tag integrated within the body of the medical device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is another diagram illustrating an example of a medical device having an RFID tag integrated into the body and outer housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is another diagram illustrating an example of a medical device having an RFID tag integrated into the body and outer housing. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical device having an RFID tag and cover integrated into the body of the medical device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag and cover integrated within the body of the medical device. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows an example of a medical device with a holder integrated into the body of the medical device. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram of the holder of FIG. 9 having an RFID tag integrated into the holder. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram of an RFID tag in the holder of FIG. 9 with a cover over the holder. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is another diagram illustrating an example of a medical device having an RFID tag integrated into the body of the medical implement. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is another diagram illustrating an example of a medical device having a spring-loaded RFID tag integrated into the body of the medical device. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is another perspective view of an example medical device having an RFID tag integrated into the body of the medical device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system of a medical device and a coupling portion that can be coupled to the device, shown in a disconnected state. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 shows an example of a system of a medical device and a coupling portion that can be coupled to the medical device, shown in a connected state. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 shows an example of a system consisting of a medical instrument and a reading device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a detailed view of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder. [Diagram 23]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder. [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder. [Figure 27] 1A-1C are partial perspective views of a medical device according to another preferred embodiment, illustrating the step-by-step assembly of said medical device according to a method for implementing the preferred embodiment. [Figure 28] 13A-13C are partial perspective views of a medical device according to another preferred embodiment, illustrating the step-by-step assembly of said medical device according to a method for installing the preferred embodiment. [Figure 29] 1A-1C are partial perspective views of a medical device according to another preferred embodiment, illustrating the step-by-step assembly of said medical device according to a method for implementing the preferred embodiment. [Diagram 30] 1A-1C are partial perspective views of a medical device according to another preferred embodiment, illustrating the step-by-step assembly of said medical device according to a method for implementing the preferred embodiment. [Diagram 31] 1A-1C are partial perspective views of a medical device according to another preferred embodiment, illustrating the step-by-step assembly of said medical device according to a method for implementing the preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] (Detailed Description of Preferred Configuration Examples)

[0036] Configuration examples of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows an RFID tag 2 usable according to the present application. Here, different sizes of RFID tags 2, in particular so-called glass RFID tags, are shown next to commercially available matchsticks. The RFID tag 2 thus has a cylindrical shape with rounded ends, resembling a rod or pill shape. Such RFID tags essentially belong to the prior art and therefore do not require further explanation. Nevertheless, FIG. 2 shows another view for at least a basic illustration of an RFID tag 2 usable according to the present application in a closed / enclosed state (FIG. 2, top) and the components located in the (glass) housing of the RFID tag (FIG. 2, bottom). Thus, a coil 4 is provided, which is wound around a rod-shaped ferrite core 6 and is in contact with an RFID chip 8. The RFID chip 8 is here arranged at the axial end of the ferrite core 6. This structure consisting of the ferrite core 6, the coil 4 partially surrounding it and the RFID chip 8 arranged axially at the end is enveloped in a radio-transparent material, for example a glass material, which forms the housing of the RFID tag 2.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustrating a first example of a medical device according to the present application for a medical instrument not further shown in FIG. 3, which has a holder formed as a separate component or possibly a tag carrier 22, which is provided for insertion into an (already existing) hollow space 12 in the medical instrument and, if adapted, is adapted so that a (single) slit-shaped / groove-shaped receiving pocket 14 for an RFID tag 2 is formed in said separate holder / tag carrier 22. The cartridge-shaped separate holder / tag carrier 22 in this embodiment consists in this case of a (cylindrical) metal block, on the outer surface of which an elongated groove / receiving pocket 14 is introduced parallel to the longitudinal axis of the metal block, into which the RFID tag 2 is axially inserted / slid. The elongated receiving pocket / groove 14 is provided and adapted to receive the RFID tag 2 and therefore has a shape corresponding to the shape of the RFID tag 2. The receiving pocket 14 is designed to penetrate the outer surface of the metal block and thus form an elongated slit. The slit or possibly groove opening is narrower than the receiving pocket 14 itself, so that the RFID tag 2 inserted in the receiving pocket 14 cannot fall out or, as the case may be, be pushed out of the slit-like opening. At least one axial end of the elongated receiving pocket / groove 14 is thus open at the front side of the metal block, so that the RFID tag 2 can be inserted axially into the receiving pocket / groove 14. The RFID tag 2 is therefore visible from the outside, through the slit / groove opening, along the outer jacket-side surface of the metal block.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a further view of a second example of a medical instrument or possibly a medical device with a separate tag carrier 22 which can be inserted into the body or possibly into the hollow space 12 of the medical instrument (not shown in Fig. 4) formed thereby, in which the tag carrier 22 is also formed with a groove-shaped receiving pocket 14 for the RFID tag 2 according to the previous configuration example. In contrast to the previous configuration example, however, the tag carrier 22 in this case consists of a non-metallic or possibly signal-transparent, preferably plastic, block, into which the elongated groove-shaped receiving pocket 14 is inserted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plastic block, into which the RFID tag 2 is inserted axially. The embodiment (configuration) according to Fig. 4 is therefore similar to Fig. 3, except for the material of the tag carrier 22. Due to the signal-transparent material of the tag carrier 22, a better reception of the RFID tag 2 is achieved.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a further view showing a third example of a medical instrument or possibly a medical device with a separate tag carrier 22 insertable into the body (or possibly its hollow space 12) of the medical instrument (not further shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6), in which the tag carrier 22 is formed with a groove-like receiving pocket 14 for an RFID tag 2 according to the second configuration example described above. In this case, the tag carrier 22 consists of a cylindrical non-metallic, preferably plastic block, with an additional outer housing or outer sleeve 16 made of a metallic material, equivalent to the second configuration example just described according to FIG. 4. The outer housing 16 has a slit-like outer housing opening 18, which runs parallel to or possibly overlaps / covers the receiving pocket 14 in the plastic block and thus parallel to the RFID tag 2 placed in the receiving pocket 14. However, in this third example, the length of the outer housing opening 18 is longer than the RFID tag 2, and the width of the outer housing opening 18 corresponds (exactly) to the width of the slit-like opening of the receiving pocket 14. Thus, as mentioned above, in order to prevent the RFID tag 2 from falling out of the tag carrier (separate holder) 22 or possibly from the receiving pocket 14 formed therein, the width of the slit-shaped opening of the receiving pocket 14 and thus the outer housing opening 18 is smaller than the diameter of the RFID tag 2. However, due to the longer length of the outer housing opening 18 compared to the receiving pocket 14, the reception is improved compared to the first configuration example according to Fig. 3. The metallic outer sleeve 16 also serves as a reflector or metal shield to further improve the transmission and reception characteristics (directivity) of the RFID tag 2 in the direction of a reading device (not shown in Figs. 5 and 6).

[0041] Fig. 6 is another view showing a fourth example of a medical instrument or possibly a medical device with a separate tag carrier, which can be inserted into the body of the medical instrument or possibly a hollow space 12, and in which a groove-like receiving pocket 14 for an RFID tag 2 according to the third configuration example described immediately above is formed, and which thus comprises a metallic outer sleeve or outer housing 16. The structure is thus similar to the third embodiment according to Fig. 5, except that the width of the slit-shaped outer housing opening 18 according to Fig. 6 is larger than the width of the opening of the receiving pocket 14 in the plastic block and / or the width of the RFID tag 2 itself. Since the material of the tag carrier 22 is signal-transparent (e.g. a plastic material) and the outer housing opening 18 is wider than the slit width in the tag carrier 22, an even better reception of the RFID tag 2 is achieved, while the directivity is still maintained by the metallic outer sleeve 16 acting as a reflector.

[0042] 7 shows a fifth example of a medical instrument having a hollow space 12 of the instrument, in this case a (motorized / attachable) handpiece, with an RFID tag (not shown) integrated in the body 10 of the medical instrument / handpiece, and (optionally) a cover 20 over the RFID tag. The cover 20 is preferably inserted into an opening 14' formed on the outer surface of the medical instrument / handpiece or, as the case may be, its body 10, flush with the outer surface of the body 10.

[0043] Such handpieces are sufficiently known from the prior art and therefore do not require a detailed description. However, as a rule, the handpiece according to FIG. 7 has a preferably cylindrical / sleeve-shaped grip, at the distal end of which the tool coupling is arranged and at the proximal end of which the motor coupling is arranged. In these always identically designed connection / coupling parts of the handpiece, and in particular in the proximal coupling area of ​​the motor, the RFID tag can be integrated or possibly inserted. Preferably, a separate RFID tag carrier 22 according to one of the first to fourth configuration examples is used for this purpose, which is however even more preferably a plastic core with a surrounding metal shield according to the above description. As already explained, the plastic core incorporates a groove-shaped receiving pocket 14, in which the RFID tag is inserted and which has a slit-like opening.

[0044] The handpiece is also formed with a longitudinal slit 14' in its proximal coupling part, which connects the hollow space 12 of the instrument formed by the proximal coupling part with the surroundings and overlaps with a slit-like opening in an RFID tag carrier already inserted in the hollow space 12 (see Figures 3 to 6), thus exposing the RFID tag to the outside. The longitudinal slit 14' formed in the handpiece or possibly in its proximal coupling part and optionally in the receiving pocket 14 located thereunder in the inserted tag carrier 10 is preferably closed by a plastic part / cover 20 in such a way that a substantially smooth / flat surface results on the outside of the handpiece in the region of the longitudinal slit 14'.

[0045] Figure 8 is another view of the overall view of the fifth example of the medical instrument, more particularly of the handpiece according to Figure 7 with a connectable motor not shown in Figure 8, from which the arrangement of the RFID tag on / in the handpiece is more clearly visible. The RFID tag is thus arranged in the handpiece, or possibly in its hollow space 12, so as to be located proximal to the handle portion of the handpiece, in particular its axial portion or, possibly, the axial portion of the body 10, which is inserted in a mating manner into the motor housing, as will be described in more detail below.

[0046] FIG. 9 shows a sixth example of a medical device with a tag carrier / holder 22 integrated in the body 10 of the medical device. The tag carrier 22 is a separate component per se and is placed / inserted in the manner of an adapter in a preferably slit-like opening 14' of the body 10. That is to say, the medical device according to FIG. 9 corresponds to the one according to FIG. 8, where a receiving pocket in the form of the aforementioned tag carrier / holder 22 is integrated into the body of the medical device or, as the case may be, is inserted into a slit in the body itself, whereby the inserted separate receiving pocket opens on the outer surface of the device. The device-integral or, as the case may be, body-integral slit / opening 14' is not individually adapted (too large) for the tag to be placed therein. For this reason, an additional tag carrier 22 is inserted into the slit / opening 14' as a receiving pocket, where the tag carrier 22 forms a receptacle substantially adapted for the tag.

[0047] The holder / tag carrier 22 is thus equipped and adapted to receive an RFID tag (not shown) in the manner of an adapter or intermediate piece between the (universal sized) slit 14' in the instrument body and a (separately formed) receptacle in the holder / tag carrier 22. In the present case, the holder / tag carrier 22 is located below, i.e. recessed relative to, the outer surface of the body 10. The shape of the insert / opening formed by the receptacle in the holder 22 corresponds to the shape of the RFID tag, which can be simply inserted into the insert / opening of the holder / tag carrier 22 and possibly held there, independently of the shape of the slit 14' formed in the instrument body.

[0048] Figure 10 is a diagram of the holder 22 in the body 10 of the medical instrument 12 of Figure 9, with the RFID tag 2 integrated / inserted in the holder 22. As can be seen from this Figure 10, the receptacle in the holder / tag carrier 22, which is formed as a separate part and inserted into the slit 14' in the instrument body 10, was dimensioned so that the RFID tag is located behind the exterior surface of the instrument body 10. This is necessary in this configuration in that it leaves an area of ​​the receptacle into which a covering material can be loaded, which on the one hand ensures a flat instrument surface and on the other hand holds the RFID tag 2 in the receptacle.

[0049] Figure 11 is a view of this cover 20 on / in a holder 22 (not shown in Figure 11) in the body 10 of the medical instrument of Figure 10, with an RFID tag integrated / inserted into the holder 22. The cover 22 is flush with the outer surface of the body 10.

[0050] Figure 12 is another view showing an example of a medical instrument with an RFID tag 2 integrated / inserted in the body 10 of the medical instrument. In this example, a holder 22, in the form of a tag carrier according to one of the examples shown in Figures 3 to 6, is inserted in the hollow space 12 of the instrument, in particular in the proximal coupling part of the handpiece as shown in Figure 8. Thus, a slit 14' is formed in the instrument body 10, connecting the hollow space 12 to the surroundings. Furthermore, a coupling part 10' of a motor attached to the housing or, as the case may be, to the coupling part of the handpiece is shown in Figure 12.

[0051] The cover 20 is applied to the holder 22 or, as the case may be, inserted into the slit 14'. The surface of the cover 20 is flush / planar with the outer surface of the body 10, whereby the cover 20 together with the outer surface of the body 10 forms a flat / horizontal surface or, as the case may be, a gap-free / step-free surface. The holder 22 according to Fig. 12, or, as the case may be, the tag carrier, also has elastic properties, which has the effect that, with the holder 22 installed in the hollow space 12 of the instrument, a spring force acts on the RFID tag, pressing it radially outwards against the cover 20 and clamping it between itself and the cover 20.

[0052] Figure 13 is a diagram to show an example according to figure 12 with an RFID tag 2 inserted into the body 10 of the medical instrument via a (cartridge-like) holder 22 and subjected to the above-mentioned spring force. The structure is similar to the representation of figure 12, but the holder 22 is deformed by applying or possibly pressing the cover 20 into the slit 14', so that the spring force F presses the RFID tag 2 against the cover 20, preventing its free movement and thus preventing mechanical damage. It is explicitly mentioned that the spring force does not necessarily have to be generated by the elastic properties of the tag carrier 22, but also a separate spring, for example a gas cushion or the like, can be arranged in the slit-shaped receiving pocket 14 in the tag carrier 22. It is also possible to manufacture the tag housing from an elastic material.

[0053] Fig. 14 is a further perspective and partially exploded view to show an example of a medical instrument with a tag carrier (holder) 22 (in the form of a cartridge) inserted in the body 10 of the medical instrument or possibly in its hollow space 12 according to one of the embodiments according to Figs. 3 to 6, where an RFID tag 2 has already been inserted in a receiving pocket 14. On the outer surface of the body 10 there is a slit-shaped opening 14', which is located above the RFID tag 2 in the holder / tag carrier 22 and is larger in terms of its dimensions in width and length than the receiving pocket 14. Only the opening 14' in the instrument body 10 is provided in this embodiment and is adapted to receive a cover (not shown). That is to say, the opening 14' forms an offset / step-like recess together with the holder / tag carrier 22 inserted in the hollow space 12 of the instrument, whereby an RFID tag 2 can be inserted via the opening 14' in the receiving pocket 14 in the inserted holder 22 and a cover can be inserted afterwards in the opening 14' in the instrument body 10. In other words, the RFID tag 2 can also be inserted into the opening / receiving pocket 14 in the holder / tag carrier 22 after being inserted into the hollow space 12 of the instrument, and the holder 22 of the RFID tag 2, or the possibly formed receiving pocket 14, ensures a safe holding of the RFID tag 2 without the need for an additional holding device. The base material of the holder 22, or in this case the tag carrier 22 as the case may be, is ideally made of a signal-transparent material, as shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 2 is placed sub-floor with respect to the inner diameter of the body 10 forming the hollow space 12.

[0054] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the medical instrument of Fig. 14 and further shows an example of a medical instrument according to Fig. 14 with an RFID tag 2 integrated in the body 10 of the medical instrument or possibly inserted in the hollow space 12 of the instrument. As can be seen, the receiving pocket 14 formed in the tag carrier (holder) 22 forms a longitudinal groove with an opening slit that is slightly narrower than the inserted RFID tag 2, while the slit 14' in the instrument body 10 is significantly wider than the receiving pocket 14 and the RFID tag 2 located therein. This embodiment makes it possible to push the RFID tag 2 through the slit 14' of the instrument into the receiving pocket 14 (slightly widening the pocket opening 14), where the RFID tag is subsequently held in the receiving pocket 14 with its open cross-section.

[0055] 16 and 17 show an example of a system 24 consisting of a medical instrument as already shown in FIG. 8 and a motor 26 connectable thereto in a separate (as shown in FIG. 16) and connected (as shown in FIG. 17) state. Alternatively, instead of a connectable motor 26, a connecting connector or connecting element may be provided, via which a driving force is operatively connected and introduced into the medical instrument. The motor 26, or possibly its connecting part, is provided and adapted to receive a part of the medical instrument, namely its proximal connecting part according to FIGS. 7 to 11. The motor 26 has, in the region of its connecting part, preferably on its inside, a reading device (not shown) which is arranged in such a way that in the connected state according to FIG. 17, the reading device and the RFID tag (not shown) are located in close radial proximity, facing / parallel to each other. Alternatively, the reading device may not be integrated in the motor 26, in which case the RFID tag is readable only for the time before the plugging process. During handling of the instrument, the (motor) coupling 26 is pressed against the motor connector / body / part of the medical instrument and the RFID tag 2 is shielded from being read and at the same time mechanically protected.

[0056] 18 and 19 each show a diagram of an exemplary instrument system consisting of a medical instrument having an instrument body 10 configured as a (powered) handpiece and a reading device 28 configured as an instrument holder. The location on the medical instrument where the RFID tag is located is brought as close as possible to the reading device 28 so that the RFID tag can be read.

[0057] Fig. 19 is a detailed view of the system of Fig. 18 consisting of a medical instrument and a reading device 28. The reading device 28 according to this preferred embodiment thus has a rack or frame 28a to which at least one instrument attachment is fixed, preferably in the form of a clamp or clip 28b, into which the medical instrument, or possibly its instrument body 10, can be clamped (this clamped state is shown enlarged in Fig. 19). Furthermore, in Fig. 19 the reading device 28 can be seen, which is located below the medical instrument when the latter is inserted in the instrument attachment 28b. The crucial factor here is that due to its arrangement on the medical instrument according to the invention, i.e. under the floor, the RFID tag can be arranged (as desired) so that when the instrument is inserted in the instrument attachment 28b, the RFID tag is just above the reading device 28, thus minimizing the transmission distance between the RFID tag and the reading device 28.

[0058] 20 shows an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder 22, the medical instrument being a cordless drill. In this preferred example, the holder 22 is provided by a receptacle adapter embedded in the instrument slit, into which the RFID tag is inserted and covered by the loading material. The location of the RFID tag is not arbitrary, but is selected to allow the data to be read out as easily and precisely as possible with a reading device.

[0059] In particular, in this example, the cordless drill is provided with a removable accumulator / battery which is insertable into a mounting slot formed in the handle of the cordless drill, whereby a reading device, or at least an antenna of the reading device, can be located at the distal / end of the accumulator and fully inserted into the mounting shaft, such that the reading device / antenna rests close to the RFID tag, thus allowing interference-free data transmission.

[0060] Fig. 21 shows an example of a medical instrument in the form of scissors, the two handle branches of which are suitable as an instrument body 10 for receiving an RFID tag in an underfloor manner. In this preferred example, a holder 22 is formed in the form of a receiving pocket in one of the two handle branches, in particular in the region of the branch between the scissor hinge and the finger hole. In conjunction with a suitable holding system equivalent to the holder according to Fig. 18, a defined position of the scissors (e.g. half-open) can be specified, so that when the scissors are inserted into the holder, the reading device is necessarily located under the RFID tag.

[0061] 22 and 23 respectively show views of another medical instrument in the form of a punch consisting of a forceps handle and a punch carriage, which is guided longitudinally in the carriage shaft and actuated via the forceps handle. In this example, the RFID tag holder 22 is preferably in the form of a receptacle adapter inserted in the instrument slit, which is located in the carriage shaft. This is particularly suitable in that it has a sufficient wall thickness for an "under-bed" receptacle of the RFID tag, and also does not change its position when the forceps handle is moved. This instrument can therefore be inserted into an instrument holder with a reading device as shown in FIG. 18, without having to take into account the current operating state of the forceps handle, where the RFID tag is always located above the reading device.

[0062] Figure 24 shows an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder 22 in the instrument body 10, said medical instrument being an angle pliers. In the case of the angle pliers, the RFID tag is inserted on the surface of one of the two prongs of the pliers "under the floor" in the area of ​​the engagement part of the pliers and can be read by a suitable reading device equivalent to the instrument holder as described in Figure 18 above.

[0063] Fig. 25 shows an example of a medical instrument with an RFID tag holder 22 in the instrument body 10, said instrument being a cutting or grasping forceps. In the shown cutting or grasping forceps, the RFID tag is embedded in an "underbed" manner on the surface of the prongs of the forceps, in particular in the handle part of said forceps prongs, and can be read by a suitable reading device. In connection with a storage system in the sense of Fig. 18, or possibly a holding system, a defined working position of the forceps may also be specified in this case, which allows the RFID tag to be placed directly above the reading device.

[0064] 26 shows an example of a medical instrument having an RFID tag holder 22 in the instrument body 10, said medical instrument being a pair of tweezers, in which the RFID tag is inserted in an "underbed" manner on the surface of the prongs of the tweezers, in particular in the central part of the prongs between the proximal tweezers handle and the distal engagement part, and can be read by a suitable reading device in the sense of FIG.

[0065] Figures 27 to 31 show a further preferred embodiment of the present medical device as well as the present method for mounting the medical device according to the preferred embodiment in partial perspective views, with the step-by-step assembly illustrated in Figures 27 to 31. First the medical device and then the assembly method are described below.

[0066] Specifically, the medical device comprises a device body 10, an RFID tag 2 in the form of a pill-shaped glass tag, a separate metal shield 16 in the form of a clippable or possibly form-fittingly latchable metal bushing, and a signal-transparent cover 20 made of rubber, silicone and / or plastic, the components being shown in an exploded view in FIG. 27 in a separate, uncombined state. The device body 10 has a distal, proximal, substantially cylindrical joint with a longitudinal axis, in whose radially outer wall is provided a sub-floor tag holder 22 in the form of a slit-like groove or possibly a recess as a receiving pocket 14. In this embodiment, the radially outer part of the joint of the device body 10 is made of plastic and is therefore signal-transparent. The groove-shaped receiving pocket 14 is adapted to receive (at least partially) the pill-shaped RFID tag 2 or the RFID tag 2 can be inserted into the receiving pocket 14 as the case may be.

[0067] The metal shield 16 is divided in its axial direction into a proximal shield part 30 and a distal latch part 31. The sleeve-shaped shield part 30 has an elongated axially extending signal-transparent aperture opening 18 in the form of an elongated hole and is used for signal shielding due to its metallic material and, with the defined signal-transparent aperture opening 18, increases the effective distance to a reading and / or writing device (not shown) as well as the data transmission quality. On the one hand, the latch part 31 is used to fix the metal shield 16 to the instrument body 10 in the axial direction and, on the other hand, to define the relative position in the circumferential direction.

[0068] In particular, the shield 30 is bushing-shaped / sleeve-shaped with a closed shell, in which defined openings or recesses are introduced only at individual points. These are mainly the aperture opening 18 and the cutout 33, which extends axially from the proximal end to the distal direction. This cutout 33, which is rotated 90° about the longitudinal axis from the aperture opening 18, can be used, for example, to define a relative circumferential position, for example when a coupling part, which has a defined protrusion extending radially inwards and is complementary to said coupling part, is introduced into the cutout 33 to geometrically predetermine the relative rotational position of the handpiece with respect to the connection partner.

[0069] The latch part 31 is directly adjacent distally to the shield part 30 and has four axially extending part-circular latch arms 32, which are equally spaced apart when viewed in particular in the circumferential direction. Each latch arm 32 has a detent projecting radially outwards at its distal end for form-fitting engagement via an undercut. In the extension of the aperture opening 18, a longitudinal recess 34 is provided between two such latch arms 32, so that the metal shield 16 can be pressed onto the instrument body 10 only in this circumferentially fixed position when the RFID tag 2 is inserted. The metal shield 16 is thus adapted to be slid and fixed only in one predetermined position in the rotational direction. As shown in FIG. 31, the RFID tag 2 and the aperture opening 18 are parallel to each other and extend radially from each other. This ensures that the aperture opening 18 is symmetrically and centrally located with respect to the RFID tag 2, where it forms an opening 14' facing the periphery of the instrument. Due to their geometric design, the latch arms 32 have a certain inherent elasticity in the radial direction in order to be temporarily distorted against their inherent tension. Preferably, only the shield part 30 may be made of metal, while the latch part 31 may be made of other materials, e.g. plastic.

[0070] The rubber cover 20 has a radially stepped perimeter or, in some cases, two rectangular plates, one on top of the other, with rounded corners and decreasing dimensions toward the outside, the outermost rectangle having the exact same dimensions as the aperture opening 18 to close it with a snug fit. The inner, larger rectangle abuts the inner wall of the shield 30. This design allows the cover 20 to be inserted inside the metal shield 16 in the aperture opening 18, and in the assembled state, the cover 20 is held in place in the opening 18 only by the corresponding RFID tag 2. The metal shield 16 has a rounded edge 34 at its proximal end to facilitate insertion into the handpiece mating.

[0071] The assembly method according to the present application is described below. In Fig. 27, a first step of positioning the RFID tag 2, the medical device, the metal shield 16 and the signal-transparent cover 20 relative to each other is shown. The metal shield is positioned coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the device body. In Fig. 28, a step of radially positioning the RFID tag 2 in the under-bed tag holder 22 of the medical device, in this case by radially pressing it into the under-bed tag holder 22, is shown. Of course, the step of positioning the RFID tag 2 may be performed first, followed by the step of positioning. Since the metal shield 16 is already in the correct rotational position with respect to the device body 10, the step of rotating the metal shield 16 around the axial / longitudinal axis of the medical device, or possibly the device body 10, until the signal-transparent aperture opening 18 and the RFID tag 2 are in the same circumferential position can be omitted. FIG 29 shows the cover 20 being partially positioned within the signal transparent aperture opening 18 by moving the cover 20 axially from the radial inside into the metal shield 16 and then moving the cover 20 radially outward into the aperture opening 16. The cover 20 has not yet been fully inserted into the aperture opening 18. In addition, FIG 29 shows the metal shield 16 being partially slid onto the handpiece, or possibly the medical instrument, with the inserted RFID tag 2 axially positioned. Finally, FIG 30 shows the finished step of inserting the cover 20 into the aperture opening 18, which is now flush and closed.

[0072] 31 shows the assembled state after sliding the metal shield 16 onto the instrument body 1 so that the aperture opening 18 and the RFID tag 2 are aligned parallel and radially to one another, the RFID tag 2 thus being fixed in position within the medical instrument so that it cannot be lost. The metal shield 16 is also secured to the instrument body 10 by latching the detents 32.

[0073] Finally, it is noted that the terms "holder" and "tag carrier" are synonymous and denote the same component. Moreover, the exemplary illustrated medical instrument is not limiting and any other instrument, and possibly even prostheses or implants such as cardiac pacemakers, artificial joints, etc., can be equipped with an RFID tag arranged in an "underbed" manner. In summary, the present application relates to a medical instrument having an instrument body 10 provided with an RFID tag 2. According to the present application, an RFID tag holder 22 is provided or formed in the instrument body 10 and is intended and formed / adapted to receive the RFID tag 2 in a positionally fixed manner such that the RFID tag 2 is exposed to the surroundings of the instrument through an opening 14' formed in the instrument body surface, while retracting in a direction toward the inside of the instrument body surface relative to this instrument body surface, preferably avoiding the RFID tag 2 protruding beyond the instrument body surface. The following items were included in the claims as originally filed: (Item 1) 1. A medical instrument having an instrument body (10) provided with an RFID tag (2), in particular a glass tag, characterized by an underfloor tag holder (22) provided and configured to receive the RFID tag (2) in a positionally fixed manner such that the RFID tag (2) is exposed to the surroundings of the instrument through an opening (14') formed in the instrument body surface, while retracting towards the interior of the instrument body relative to said surface, preferably to avoid protruding beyond said surface, and wherein the underfloor tag holder (22) provided with the RFID tag (2) is at least partially surrounded by a separate metal shield (16) provided with a signal-transparent aperture opening (18), which forms the opening (14') facing towards the surroundings of the instrument. (Item 2) 2. The medical device according to item 1, characterized in that the device body (10) encloses or has a hollow space (12) through which the surroundings of the device can be accessed via the opening (14'), and the underfloor tag holder (22), preferably in the form of a cartridge-like or cylindrical tag carrier, is inserted into the hollow space (12), preferably without play. (Item 3) 3. The medical device of item 2, characterized in that the tag carrier has a receiving pocket (14) for the RFID tag (2), the receiving pocket (14) being formed on the outside, preferably on the outer surface, of the preferably cartridge-shaped or cylindrical tag carrier, the receiving pocket (14) opening towards the outside of the tag carrier, and the receiving pocket (14) being arranged on the tag carrier such that its opening overlaps with the opening (14') in the device body (10) when the tag carrier is inserted into the hollow space (12). (Item 4) 4. The medical device of item 3, wherein the opening (14') in the device body (10) is larger, preferably wider and more preferably longer, than the opening of the receiving pocket (14), and the opening of the receiving pocket (14) is smaller, preferably narrower, than the RFID tag (2) inserted into the receiving pocket (14). (Item 5) The medical instrument according to item 4, wherein the opening (14') in the instrument body (10) formed on the outside of the medical instrument has a width corresponding to the product of the coil diameter of the RFID tag (2) and an ideality factor, the ideality factor being within a range of 1.3 to 2.2, preferably within a range of 1.6 to 1.9, and particularly preferably 1.75. (Item 6) 6. The medical device according to item 4 or 5, characterized in that the opening (14') in the device body (10) formed on the outside of the medical device has a length of -30% to +50%, preferably 0% to +30%, particularly preferably +15% of the total length of the ferrite core (6) of the RFID tag (2) or the total length of the entire RFID tag (2). (Item 7) 2. The medical device according to item 1, characterized in that the device body (10) is formed with a receiving pocket (14) opening to its outside for positionally fixed direct or indirect reception of the RFID tag (2). (Item 8) 8. The medical instrument of item 7, further comprising a receptacle adapter that is inserted into the receiving pocket (14) of the instrument body (10) and forms the underfloor tag holder (22) for inserting the RFID tag (2). (Item 9) 9. The medical device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a cover or cover-shaped loading material (20) made of a signal-transparent material, the cover or cover-shaped loading material (20) being inserted or loaded into the receiving pocket (14) in such a way that the cover (20) externally covers the inserted RFID tag (2) and forms a flush transition with the surface of the device body (10) surrounding the opening (14') in the device body. (Item 10) 10. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the underbed tag holder (22) comprises metal or a signal-transparent material, preferably plastic, in particular is made entirely of this material. (Item 11) 11. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the metal shield (16) is formed as a sleeve or bushing having a circumferential outer surface, the aperture opening (18) being formed in the outer surface. (Item 12) 11. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the metal shield is in the form of an elongated washer or in the form of an annular metal sheet. (Item 13) 13. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the aperture opening (18) is elongated or slot-like, in particular with rounded corners, has a longitudinal axis of the aperture opening, and the longitudinal axis of the RFID tag (2) is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the aperture opening. (Item 14) 14. A medical treatment system comprising a medical instrument according to any one of items 1 to 13 and a reading and / or writing device (28) which can be signal-technically coupled to the RFID tag (2) of the medical instrument and which comprises or is designed as an instrument holder, which is provided and adapted to hold or temporarily fix the medical instrument in a predetermined position and / or to orient it towards the reading and / or writing device (28), wherein a signal transmission between the RFID tag (2) and the reading and / or writing device (28) is possible, preferably with a minimal distance between the RFID tag (2) and the reading and / or writing device (26). (Item 15) A method for assembling the medical device of any one of items 1 to 13, in particular for assembling an RFID tag and a metal shield in the medical device, comprising the steps of: positioning the RFID tag (2), the medical device and the metal shield (16) relative to one another; - placing the RFID tag (2) in the under-floor tag holder (22) of the medical device, in particular in a radial direction, preferably by pressing it in the radial direction into the under-floor tag holder (22); Preferably, rotating the metal shield (16) about the axis of the medical instrument until the signal-transparent aperture opening (18) and the RFID tag (2) are in the same circumferential position; sliding the metal shield (16) axially onto the medical device such that the aperture opening (18) and the RFID tag (2) are arranged to extend radially from one another in a longitudinal direction, and the position of the RFID tag (2) is fixed within the medical device to prevent the RFID tag (2) from being lost; Preferably, the method further comprises the step of: fixing said metal shield (16). (Item 16) In particular, prior to the sliding step, positioning a signal-transparent cover (20) against the metal shield (18); 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: placing the cover (20) in the signal transparent aperture opening (18) by sliding the cover (20) axially into the metal shield (16) from the radially inner side and sliding the cover (20) radially outwardly into the aperture opening (18), such that the cover (20) is inserted into the aperture opening (18) and the position of the cover (20) is fixed within the medical device after the step of sliding over the metal shield (16) to prevent the cover (20) from being lost.

Claims

1. 1. A medical instrument having an instrument body with an RFID tag provided thereon, the medical instrument comprising: an underfloor tag holder configured and configured to receive the RFID tag in a positionally fixed manner such that the RFID tag is exposed to the surroundings of the instrument through an opening formed in a surface of the instrument body, while retracting toward the interior of the instrument body relative to the surface of the instrument body to avoid protruding beyond the surface of the instrument body; the medical instrument comprising a metal shield having a signal-transparent aperture opening, the underfloor tag holder with the RFID tag is at least partially surrounded by the metal shield, and the aperture opening is positioned to communicate with the opening formed in the surface of the instrument body.

2. The medical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a signal-transparent cover separate from the metal shield, wherein when the medical instrument is in a fully assembled state, the opening formed in the surface of the instrument body is closed by the signal-transparent cover.

3. 2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the opening formed in the surface of the device body is open to the outside of the device body when the medical device is in a fully assembled state.

4. 4. A medical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the instrument body has a hollow space accessible to the periphery of the instrument body through the opening, and the under-floor tag holder in the form of a cartridge-like or cylindrical tag carrier is inserted into the hollow space.

5. 5. The medical device of claim 4, wherein the tag carrier has a receiving pocket for the RFID tag, the receiving pocket being formed on the outside of the tag carrier, the receiving pocket opening toward the outside of the tag carrier, and the receiving pocket being positioned on the tag carrier such that its opening overlaps with the opening in the device body when the tag carrier is inserted into the hollow space.

6. 6. The medical instrument of claim 5, wherein the opening in the instrument body is larger than the opening in the receiving pocket, and the opening in the receiving pocket is smaller than the RFID tag inserted within the receiving pocket.

7. The medical device of claim 6, wherein the opening in the device body has a width corresponding to the product of the coil diameter of the RFID tag and an ideality factor, the ideality factor being within the range of 1.3 to 2.

2.

8. The medical instrument of claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the opening in the instrument body has a length of -30% to +50% of the total length of the ferrite core of the RFID tag or the total length of the entire RFID tag.

9. 2. The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the instrument body is formed with a receiving pocket opening to its outside for positionally fixed direct or indirect reception of the RFID tag.

10. 10. The medical instrument of claim 9, further comprising a receptacle adapter inserted into the receiving pocket of the instrument body to form the underfloor tag holder for inserting the RFID tag.

11. 11. The medical device of claim 5, further comprising a cover or cover-shaped loading material made of a signal-transparent material, the cover or cover-shaped loading material being inserted or loaded into the receiving pocket such that the cover externally covers the inserted RFID tag and forms a flush transition with the surface of the device body surrounding the opening in the device body.

12. 12. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the underbed tag holder comprises a metal or signal transparent material and is made entirely from this material.

13. 13. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the metal shield is formed as a sleeve or bushing having a circumferential outer surface, the aperture opening being formed in the outer surface.

14. 14. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the aperture opening is elongated or slot-like and has a longitudinal axis of the aperture opening, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the RFID tag is disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the aperture opening.

15. 15. A medical treatment system comprising a medical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a reading and / or writing device which can be signal-technically coupled to the RFID tag of the medical instrument and which comprises or is designed as an instrument holder, which is provided and adapted to hold or temporarily fix the medical instrument in a predetermined position and / or to point it towards the reading and / or writing device, wherein a signal transmission between the RFID tag and the reading and / or writing device is possible.

16. A method for assembling a medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the steps of: positioning the RFID tag, the medical device and the metal shield relative to one another; placing the RFID tag in the under-bed tag holder of the medical device in a radial direction; and sliding the metal shield axially onto the medical device such that the aperture opening and the RFID tag are positioned to extend radially from one another in a longitudinal direction, and the position of the RFID tag is fixed within the medical device to prevent the RFID tag from being lost.

17. After the positioning step, rotating the metal shield about an axis of the medical instrument until the signal-transmissive aperture opening and the RFID tag are in the same circumferential position; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of: securing the metal shield after the step of sliding the metal shield over the medical instrument.

18. Prior to the sliding step, positioning a signal transparent cover against the metallic shield; 18. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising the step of placing the cover within the signal transparent aperture opening by sliding the cover axially from a radially inner side into the metal shield and sliding the cover radially outwardly into the aperture opening, such that the cover is inserted into the aperture opening and the position of the cover is fixed within the medical device after the sliding over the metal shield step to prevent the cover from being lost.

Images