Carrier element for supporting at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device - Patent application

Abstract

To enable a more secure data and / or energy transmission for medical, in particular dental, instruments to be cleaned or cared for which are located close to or in a cleaning or care device.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a carrier element (1) for supporting at least one medical or dental instrument (2) in a cleaning or care device (50), the instrument (2) comprising a first transmitting and receiving unit (3) for wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation having data and / or energy with a second transmitting and receiving unit (5). A coupling antenna (4) is provided on the carrier element (1), which coupling antenna (4) receives and in turn emits the electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted between the first and second transmitting and receiving units (3, 5) in order to support the wireless transmission of the electromagnetic radiation between the first transmitting and receiving unit (3) and the second transmitting and receiving unit (5). The invention also relates to a method for wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation with a corresponding carrier element (1) and a method for use of a corresponding carrier element (1) to support wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier element for supporting at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device, and to a method for the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy by means of such a carrier element. [Background technology]

[0002] US 2014 / 0212833 A1 discloses a coupling device for wireless transmission of data and / or energy between a medical, in particular dental, device and a coupling part connectable to the device, which can also be arranged in the cleaning or care device, for example in a chamber, so that data and / or energy can be wirelessly transmitted between the medical, in particular dental, device and the cleaning or care device.

[0003] Data and / or energy transmission in the cleaning or care device, especially within or from the cleaning or care device to the outside, is particularly difficult due to the metal components of the cleaning or care device or the electromagnetic fields during operation, which causes problems such as a reduction in the data and / or energy transmission range or interference and blockage.

[0004] The solution known from the above-mentioned patent document 1 avoids the above-mentioned problems by arranging the transmitting / receiving unit of the appliance and the transmitting / receiving unit of the cleaning or care device on each coupling, so that the two transmitting / receiving units are arranged as close as possible to each other. This solution works well in principle, but the number of appliances that can be cleaned or cared for and can exchange data and / or energy is limited to the number of coupling parts of the cleaning or care device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0212833 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to enable a reliable data and / or energy transmission with respect to a medical, in particular dental, device to be cleaned or cared for which is arranged in the vicinity of or in the cleaning or care device, whereby the data and / or energy transmission should be reliable and secure, even if the medical, in particular dental, device is not in particular connected to the cleaning or care device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a carrier element for supporting at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device having the features of claim 1, by a cleaning or care device having the features of claim 11, by a method for using a carrier element according to the invention having the features of claim 12 and by a method for data and / or energy transmission having the features of claim 13. Particularly advantageous embodiments are set out in the respective dependent claims.

[0008] The carrier element is configured to support or hold at least one medical or dental device in the cleaning or care device for cleaning or caring for the at least one medical or dental device in the cleaning or care device. The first transceiver unit is arranged on the medical or dental device and configured for wirelessly transmitting electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy with the second transceiver unit. At least one coupling antenna is provided on the carrier element, which coupling antenna is configured to receive and re-radiate the electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, whereby wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy is supported between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit.

[0009] Unless otherwise stated, wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit includes transmission in the direction of the first transceiver unit and / or in the direction of the second transceiver unit (which applies to all of the embodiments described herein). The first and second transceiver units are preferably configured to transmit data and / or energy in the UHF and / or SHF frequency range. The first transceiver unit of the medical or dental equipment comprises, for example, an RFID label. The second transceiver unit comprises, for example, a reader for reading the first transceiver unit.

[0010] By providing at least one coupling antenna on the carrier element, data and / or energy transmission between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit is advantageously improved and supported within the cleaning or care device or when the carrier element is introduced into the cleaning or care device or when the carrier element is removed from the cleaning or care device, whereby it is not necessary to connect the medical, in particular dental, equipment to the coupling part of the cleaning or care device for data and / or energy transmission.

[0011] The at least one coupling antenna is particularly configured to counteract or reduce the adverse effects of metallic components and electromagnetic fields of the above-mentioned cleaning or care device on the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. The at least one coupling antenna is particularly preferably communicatively coupled or connected to the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit.

[0012] The aiding and / or enhancing of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy by at least one coupled antenna may include, for example: Influencing or changing the direction of emission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy, in particular the direction of the first transceiver unit and / or the second transceiver unit, Increase in the energy density of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy, Concentration or focusing of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy; Increasing the range of transmission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy, in particular by influencing or changing the direction of radiation as mentioned above, by increasing the energy density and / or by concentrating or focusing, Reducing losses in electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy, in particular by influencing or changing the direction of radiation as mentioned above, by increasing the energy density and / or by concentrating or focusing, Includes:

[0013] The carrier element may, for example, comprise or be configured as a carrier plate, tray, basket, or cassette.

[0014] The carrier plate is configured in particular as a plate or grid plate without side walls and a cover or lid. The carrier plate is preferably configured as a substantially flat surface. The outer peripheral surface of the carrier plate is preferably formed by a frame with a number of side surfaces arranged at an angle to one another. The frame preferably surrounds a plate or grid with a number of openings or grid openings. The openings or grid openings are preferably provided as passages for a cleaning or care medium. The frame is preferably free of openings or grid openings. At least one coupling antenna is preferably provided on the carrier plate, in particular on the grid plate and / or on the frame.

[0015] The tray or basket in particular comprises a bottom plate or part and a number of side walls connected to and surrounding the bottom plate or part. The bottom plate and / or the side walls preferably have a number of openings. The tray or basket is preferably configured as a screen or mesh basket with a number of sieve openings. The openings or sieve openings are preferably provided as a passage for a cleaning or care medium. At least one antenna is preferably provided on the bottom plate or part and / or on at least one of the side walls.

[0016] The cassette has in particular a base or bottom, a number of side walls connected to the base or bottom and surrounding the bottom, and a lid or cover. The lid or cover is preferably configured to be movable, for example pivotable, relative to the bottom and / or the side walls or removable from the bottom and / or the side walls. The lid or cover preferably covers the side walls. The bottom, the side walls and the lid or cover preferably separate the interior of the cassette from the external environment. The bottom and / or the side walls and / or the lid or cover are preferably provided with a number of openings, for example elongated openings, which in particular serve as a passage for a cleaning or care medium. At least one antenna is preferably provided on the bottom and / or on one of the side walls and / or on the lid or cover.

[0017] The carrier element is in particular configured to be accommodated in the cleaning or care device. The carrier element is, for example, arranged inside the base or bottom of the cleaning or care device or configured to be introduced into the chamber of the cleaning or care device. The carrier element is preferably configured to be supported or removably fixed to one or more holding elements in the cleaning or care device. The holding elements include, for example, guide rails or ridges or protrusions, on which the carrier element, in particular a support element of the carrier element which is compatible or complementary to the holding element or connectable to the holding element, can be supported or fixed. The holding element of the cleaning or care device is in particular arranged inside the chamber. The support element of the carrier element is in particular arranged on the bottom and / or at least one of the side walls of the carrier element.

[0018] The carrier element is preferably at least partially made of metal and / or plastic and / or glass and / or ceramic. Metals include, for example, steel or steel alloys. The choice of material for the carrier element, in particular with regard to the part on which the at least one coupling antenna is provided or arranged in the carrier element, preferably depends on the type of coupling antenna. In the function of a flat-top antenna, in particular a coupling antenna configured as a slot antenna, it is therefore particularly advantageous to surround it with a metal component of the carrier element. The metal component can, for example, be a metal frame surrounding the slot or the slot antenna, or a metal coating of the carrier element part surrounding the slot, for example a metal coating of the bottom part, at least one side wall or the cover. The metal component can also include a metal part of the carrier element surrounding the slot, for example a metal part of at least the bottom, at least one side wall or the cover. In the function of a metallic (geometrically) linear antenna, for example a coupling antenna configured as a rod antenna, it is advantageous to surround it with a non-conductive material, such as glass or plastic. Therefore, preferably, the part of the carrier element on which the (geometrically) linear antenna is arranged, for example the bottom part, at least one side wall or the cover, is made of a non-conductive material.

[0019] The first transceiver unit or transponder unit, in particular an RFID label, arranged on the medical or dental equipment preferably comprises an antenna, in particular an oscillator circuit, for receiving and / or transmitting electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy. The first transceiver unit further comprises a capacitor and / or a memory element, in particular operably connected to the antenna. The memory element in particular stores data for identifying the equipment, for example a (unique) identification code that can be assigned to the equipment to which the first transceiver unit is attached, or a code according to e.g. the GS1 or HIBC standard for identifying the equipment via an external database.

[0020] The first transceiver unit is preferably configured as a passive first transceiver unit and receives the energy required for communication and internal processes exclusively from the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second transceiver unit. The first transceiver unit particularly preferably comprises one or more RFID labels.

[0021] The second transceiver unit, located away from the first transceiver unit, comprises in particular a reading device for reading and / or receiving device-specific data, in particular an identification code, stored in a memory element of the first transceiver unit. The second transceiver unit further comprises an antenna, in particular an oscillator circuit, an electromagnetic radiation source, e.g. a radio frequency module, for receiving and / or transmitting electromagnetic radiation, and a controller. The second transceiver unit preferably also comprises an interface to a processing unit for further processing of the received data. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second transceiver unit provides energy for operating the first transceiver unit. The second transceiver unit is attached to the cleaning or care unit or is physically separated from the cleaning or care unit.

[0022] When the first and second transceiver units are communicatively connected to one another, i.e. when the first transceiver unit is located within the reading range of the second transceiver unit or within the electromagnetic field emitted by the second transceiver unit, in particular when the medical or dental equipment is housed or placed in a cleaning or care device, for example in a chamber of the cleaning or care device, the second transceiver unit is configured to determine or recognize equipment-specific data, in particular an identification code, by wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy. The equipment-specific data thus determined is preferably transferred to a processing unit, for example a processor or microcontroller, communicatively connected to the second transceiver unit. The processing unit is preferably configured to store or process these transferred equipment-specific data, so as to prove that the equipment-specific data, in particular the identification code, of the medical or dental equipment has been received and transferred, housed in the cleaning or care device and / or has been cleaned or cared for.

[0023] The medical or dental equipment to which the first transceiver unit is attached may include, for example, a medical or dental diagnostic instrument, a medical or dental treatment instrument, an instrument for supplying a medium and / or energy to a diagnostic or treatment site, an instrument for rotating or oscillating or vibratingly driving a tool, a drive such as a motor, an adapter, a coupling device, a connector, an active instrument that requires power from a power source to operate, a passive instrument that does not require power such as a scraper, tweezers, or scissors, a handpiece, a handle element, or a contra-angle handpiece, a drill, a blade, a saw blade, a scaler tip, a shaver, a nozzle, a light or laser emitting tip, and similar tools.

[0024] At least one mechanical positioning element, for example a holder, is preferably provided on the carrier element, by means of which at least one medical or dental device is positioned, in particular fixed, on the carrier element. The positioning element is particularly preferably configured such that the medical or dental device has a predefined position, orientation and / or arrangement with respect to the carrier element and / or the at least one coupling antenna. The first transceiver unit thereby faces the at least one coupling antenna and / or extends in the direction of the at least one coupling antenna. The positioning element or the holder has dimensions or a shape such that the medical or dental device assumes a predefined position, arrangement or orientation, for example by only being able to accommodate a specific part of the medical or dental device. Alternatively or additionally, the medical or dental device and the positioning element are each provided with at least one mechanical engagement element, so that when the engagement element engages or locks, a predefined position, arrangement or orientation is assumed. Such a positioning element advantageously improves the wireless communication, in particular the transmission of electromagnetic radiation, between the first transceiver unit and the at least one coupling antenna.

[0025] The at least one positioning element preferably has a plug-in element with a receptacle into which the medical or dental equipment to be cleaned or cared for can be plugged. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one positioning element has a clamping element into which the medical or dental equipment to be cleaned or cared for can be clamped or the plug-in receptacle is configured as a clamping element. The plug-in receptacle or the clamping element preferably defines an accommodation space in which at least a part of the medical or dental equipment can be accommodated, in particular clamped. The walls defining the accommodation space are preferably curved or have an arc shape. The accommodation space or the walls defining the space particularly preferably have dimensions or shapes such that the medical or dental equipment is positioned in a predetermined position as described above or have one of the engagement elements. The receptacle or clamping element preferably has two spring or support arms between which the plug-in receptacle is provided. The two spring or support arms preferably have a common base. The two spring or support arms are preferably curved. The two spring or support arms preferably each have a free end.

[0026] The at least one positioning element is preferably constructed integrally with the carrier element, for example arranged on its bottom, on the base or on the grid plate and / or on one of the side walls. Alternatively, the at least one positioning element is removably fixed on the carrier element. For this purpose, preferably a number of small, for example substantially circular, openings are provided on the carrier element, into which a connecting element, for example an extension of the at least one positioning element, can be inserted in order to fix the at least one positioning element on the carrier element. If the carrier element has a grid or grid plate as described above, it is also possible to fix the at least one positioning element to the grid or grid plate, in particular by inserting an extension of the carrier element into one or more grid openings, in order to fix the at least one positioning element to the grid or grid plate.

[0027] The at least one coupling antenna is preferably formed as part of the carrier element, in particular inseparably connected to the carrier element and / or formed integrally or in one piece with the carrier element, in particular as a flat-top antenna or a slot antenna. Alternatively, the at least one coupling antenna can also be configured as a separate component which is plugged into and / or connected to the carrier element and in particular can be detached again from the carrier element. This allows advantageous realization of retrofitting of the carrier element. Preferably, a holder is provided, for example a plate on which the at least one coupling antenna is provided, in which the at least one coupling antenna is provided, for example in the form of a slot to form a slot antenna, or a (geometrically) linear antenna is formed, for example in the form of a rod antenna or wire antenna, as will be explained below.

[0028] At least one coupling antenna is preferably configured as a (geometrically) linear antenna, the conductor of which in particular comprises a metal wire or a metal rod. The (geometrically) linear antenna is in particular configured as a rod antenna, a wire antenna or a dipole antenna. If the coupling antenna is configured as a linear antenna, it is advantageously possible that the dimensions, in particular the length of the antenna, can be selected independently of the length of the carrier element, in particular that the length of the antenna can be made larger than the longest dimension or the longest outermost dimension of the carrier element.

[0029] The (geometrically) linear antenna is preferably arranged in a recess of the carrier element, in particular in an opening in an outer wall of the carrier element, for example a bottom or base plate, a side wall or a cover. This simplifies the handling of the carrier element, since the linear antenna is advantageously integrated into the carrier element, in particular into its body. For better integration, the recess in which the linear antenna is arranged is preferably filled with a non-conductive filling material, for example plastic or glass or ceramic. The linear antenna is preferably surrounded by a non-conductive material, for example plastic or glass or ceramic, to form an antenna envelope that is accommodated in the recess of the carrier element. This reduces the risk that a small device to be cleaned or cared for will fall through the recess and be lost.

[0030] At least one coupling antenna is preferably configured as a flat-top antenna, preferably with an opening or aperture in the outer wall of the carrier element. The flat-top antenna is preferably configured as a slotted antenna or as a slot antenna. The flat-top antenna advantageously greatly facilitates the manufacture of the coupling antenna, for example by forming an opening, break or slot in a part of the carrier element.

[0031] The flat-top antenna preferably comprises an elongated slot or opening, for example of straight or curved or rectangular or spiral shape. These different shapes allow advantageously to vary the direction and / or shape and / or intensity of the emitted electromagnetic radiation. The slot or opening is preferably provided in a recess of the carrier element, in particular in an outer wall of the carrier element, for example in a bottom or base plate, a side wall or a cover.

[0032] The slots or apertures are preferably filled with a non-conductive material such as plastic or glass or ceramic, in order to form a particularly continuous carrier element body, which reduces the risk that a small device to be cleaned or cared for will fall through the slot and become lost.

[0033] The length of the coupling antenna, in particular the slot, break or opening, is preferably adapted to the wavelength or frequency of the electromagnetic radiation containing the data and / or energy to be transmitted, in particular to the frequency or wavelength range of UHF and / or SHF, preferably to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 25 cm to about 40 cm, more preferably about 29 cm to about 35 cm, particularly preferably about 34.6 cm or about 33 cm. The slot or aperture has a length of at least one wavelength to be transmitted, in particular a half or a quarter of the aforementioned wavelength, which advantageously ensures a reliable transmission of the electromagnetic radiation containing the data and / or energy. The length of the slot or aperture is, for example, at least about 6.25 cm, preferably at least about 7.5 cm, preferably about 8.25 cm or about 8.65 cm or about 16.5 cm or about 17.3 cm. The slot preferably has an elongated shape with at least one long side and a short side.

[0034] The openings or breaks or slots of the flat-top antenna are preferably larger, in particular significantly larger, than the grid openings or (circular) openings for fastening at least one positioning element or at least one holder or the openings or elongated openings in the carrier element, which in particular serve as a passage for cleaning products or care products. These grid openings or (elongated) openings particularly preferably do not serve as coupling antennas for electromagnetic radiation, in particular radiation with SHF and / or UHF frequencies or wavelengths, which contain data and / or energy and are transmitted between the first and second transceiver units. These grid openings or (elongated) openings particularly preferably are dimensioned in such a way that they do not serve as antennas for the wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, in particular radiation with SHF and / or UHF frequencies and which contain data and / or energy and are transmitted between the first and second transceiver units. In this case, the wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation are in particular within the above-mentioned ranges. This advantageously at least reduces or avoids undesirable influences of the grid openings or (elongated) openings on the transmission of electromagnetic radiation between the first and second transceiver units.

[0035] In particular, the number of openings or breaks or slots of the flat-top antenna is significantly less than the number of grid openings or (circular) openings for fixing at least one positioning element or the (elongated) openings in the carrier element, which in particular serve as a passage for cleaning or care products. The number of grid openings or (circular or elongated) openings is preferably at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, the number of openings or breaks or slots of the flat-top antenna or flat-top antenna. The openings or breaks or slots of the flat-top antenna or flat-top antenna are preferably surrounded by a plurality of grid openings or (circular or elongated) openings in the carrier element.

[0036] Preferably, a plurality of coupled antennas are provided on the carrier element, which advantageously further improves the transmission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy, as will be detailed below according to various possible variants.

[0037] The multiple coupling antennas are preferably provided on different sections or walls, for example on the bottom or on the base or on the grid plate and / or on one of the side walls and / or on the cover, which improves the transmission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy, for example when multiple medical or dental instruments to be cleaned or cared for are placed on the carrier element and their first transceiver units are pointed in different directions.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, two of the multiple coupling antennas are arranged one inside the other. For example, at least one of the multiple coupling antennas comprises a flat-top antenna including an elongated slot in a side wall of a metallic carrier element, and another of the multiple coupling antennas comprises a (geometrically) linear antenna arranged in the elongated slot of the flat-top antenna. In particular, the opening or slot of the flat-top antenna is filled with a filling material, in particular a non-conductive material, in which the linear antenna is accommodated or embedded. This arrangement advantageously provides a compact and space-saving arrangement for the multiple coupling antennas in addition to improving the transmission of electromagnetic radiation.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, at least two of the multiple coupling antennas are configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation of different frequencies. In particular, these coupling antennas for transmitting different frequencies have different dimensions, in particular different lengths. This is advantageous for obtaining a carrier element that can be sold and used in different countries where different frequencies are used for data and / or energy transmission. Thus, manufacturers of such carrier elements do not have to manufacture different carrier elements for different countries.

[0040] Advantageously, a cleaning or care device, in particular for at least one medical or dental instrument, is provided, which cleaning or care device is provided with a carrier element as described above as well as with a second transceiver unit.

[0041] The cleaning or care device preferably comprises a housing, the second transceiver unit being arranged inside or outside the housing.

[0042] The cleaning or care device, in particular for medical or dental use, preferably further comprises at least one of the following elements: a transport device for transporting the cleaning or care medium, in particular a discharge device connected to the transport device and for discharging the cleaning or care medium onto or into the medical or dental equipment, at least one chamber for accommodating the medical or dental equipment and / or carrier element to be cleaned or cared for, an adjusting device for setting and / or selecting operating parameters or operating programs, a controller or microcontroller for controlling the operation of the cleaning or care device, in particular the cleaning or care device, and an evaporator for generating steam which serves as the cleaning medium.

[0043] The conveying device for the cleaning or care device preferably comprises at least one of the following components: a pump, a connection to a medium source, in particular a connection to a container, a connection to a compressed air line, a valve and a conveying tube for conveying the cleaning or care medium from a medium source, in particular a container for storing the cleaning or care medium, to the appliance to be cleaned or cared for.

[0044] The dispensing device for dispensing the cleaning or care medium is preferably configured to supply the cleaning or care medium to the outside and / or inside of the appliance to be cleaned or cared for.

[0045] The cleaning or care device, in particular for medical or dental use, preferably comprises at least one of the following devices: a sterilizer, a thermal or chemical disinfection device, a cleaning and / or disinfection device (having a structure similar to a dishwasher) and a care device for dispensing a maintenance medium, for example a lubricant. The cleaning or care device is thus configured to clean, disinfect, sterilize the inside and / or the outside of at least one device to be cleaned or cared for and / or to supply a lubricant to the inside and / or the outside of the device.

[0046] According to one embodiment, there is provided a combination consisting of at least one medical or dental device, in particular as described above, with a first transceiver unit and a carrier element as described above, where at least one coupling antenna on the carrier element is configured to receive and re-radiate electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy wirelessly transmittable between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, whereby wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation is supported between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, the combination preferably also comprising a cleaning or care device as described above.

[0047] According to one embodiment there is provided a use of the above mentioned carrier element for cleaning or caring for at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device, in order to support wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy between a first transceiver unit and a second transceiver unit arranged on the medical or dental instrument, the carrier element being in particular used in or together with the above mentioned cleaning or care device and / or together with the above mentioned medical or dental instrument having a first transceiver unit.

[0048] According to one embodiment, a method for wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy between a first transceiver unit and a second transceiver unit arranged on a medical or dental device is provided, in which a carrier element for supporting the medical or dental device is provided, on which at least one coupling antenna is arranged for receiving and re-radiating the electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, thereby supporting the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit. The carrier element with the medical or dental device having the first transceiver unit mounted thereon is introduced into a cleaning or care device, in particular a medical or dental cleaning or care device for cleaning or caring for the medical or dental device. The electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy is wirelessly transmitted between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit via the at least one coupling antenna. The carrier element preferably comprises a carrier element as described above. This process of the method of the invention is preferably carried out outside or inside the cleaning or care device as described above.

[0049] Electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy is preferably transmitted from the at least one coupled antenna to the first transceiver unit and / or electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from the first transceiver unit to the at least one coupled antenna.

[0050] The transmission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy is preferably carried out before, during or after the carrier element with the medical or dental equipment to be cleaned or cared for having the first transceiver unit is introduced into the cleaning or care device, in particular into a chamber for the medical or dental equipment to be cleaned or cared for. The transmission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy is preferably carried out before, during or after the opening of the cleaning or care device through which the carrier element with the medical or dental equipment to be cleaned or cared for having the first transceiver unit is introduced into the cleaning or care device is closed or locked. The opening is connected to a chamber for receiving the medical or dental equipment to be cleaned or cared for. The opening can be closed or locked, in particular by a lid or door. The lid or door is in particular mounted movable, preferably rotatable or pivotable, relative to, for example, a housing of the cleaning or care device. The transmission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy is particularly preferably carried out after the cleaning or care of the medical or dental equipment has been completed. The transmission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy is particularly preferably completed before the lid or door is opened to remove the cleaned or cared for device. These measures advantageously ensure that the electromagnetic radiation, in particular the data, in particular a code that can be clearly assigned to the device, is only transmitted when the device to be cleaned or cared for is placed in the cleaning or care device or when the cleaning or care is completed.

[0051] The at least one medical or dental device is preferably fixed to the carrier element by a (mechanical) positioning element, in particular a holder, in particular the above-mentioned positioning element. The medical or dental device is particularly preferably fixed in a predetermined position in the holder or fixed in a predetermined position by the positioning element such that the first transceiver unit faces the at least one coupling antenna and / or extends in the direction of the at least one coupling antenna. This advantageously improves the wireless communication, in particular the transmission of electromagnetic radiation, between the first transceiver unit and the at least one coupling antenna.

[0052] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] An illustrative diagram showing a carrier element for supporting or holding at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device in the form of a tray with a slot-like coupling antenna located at the bottom. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a tray-form carrier element with multiple slot-like coupling antennas located at the bottom. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a carrier element in tray form with a slotted curved coupling antenna located at the bottom. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a carrier element in the form of a tray with multiple slot-like coupling antennas arranged at an angle to one another at the bottom. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a carrier element for supporting or holding at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care apparatus in a cassette form with multiple coupling antennas on the base and cover. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a carrier element in cassette form with multiple curved coupling antennas on the base and cover. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a carrier element in cassette form with a coupling antenna mounted on a side wall. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a carrier element in cassette form with a slot-shaped coupling antenna in a side wall of the cassette, the slot-shaped coupling antenna housing a linear coupling antenna; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a tray-form carrier element with a slotted coupling antenna in the bottom of the tray housing a linear coupling antenna. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a carrier element in the form of a tray with a bottom plate of non-conductive material fitted within the tray. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 is an illustration of a carrier element in the form of a tray with a bottom plate of non-conductive material fitted within the tray and containing a linear coupling antenna in the bottom plate. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing one embodiment of a cleaning or care device for at least one medical or dental instrument used with a carrier element comprising at least one coupled antenna. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Figures 1 to 11 show different carrier elements 1 for supporting or holding at least one medical or dental instrument 2 (see Figures 4 and 6) in a cleaning or care device 50, by means of which the at least one medical or dental instrument 2 is cleaned or cared for in the cleaning or care device 50. The carrier element 1 is configured to be accommodated in the cleaning or care device 50.

[0055] Figures 1 to 4 and 9 to 11 show a carrier element 1 configured as a tray 6. The tray 6 has a number of outer walls 10, e.g. a flat and / or plate-like bottom 12, and a number of side walls 13 connected to and surrounding the plate bottom 12. The bottom 12 has a number of openings 14 or screen openings which serve as passageways for cleaning or care products. The openings 14 are preferably circular, elliptical or polygonal with the corners all arranged on a common circumference.

[0056] Figures 5 to 8 show a carrier element 1 in the form of a cassette 7. The cassette 7 comprises a number of outer walls 10, for example a bottom 15, a number of side walls 16 connected to the bottom 15 and surrounding the bottom 15, and a lid 17 arranged to pivot relative to the bottom 15 and the side walls 16. The bottom 15, the side walls 16 and the lid 17 delimit an internal space 18 of the cassette from the surroundings. On the bottom 15 and on the lid 17 a number of openings 19, preferably elongated openings, are provided which serve as the passage of cleaning or care products.

[0057] At least one positioning element 8, in particular a holder 8A, can be provided on the carrier element 1, 6, 7, by means of which at least one medical or dental device 2 can be positioned and / or fixed on the carrier element 1, 6, 7 (see in particular Figures 1, 2, 4, 6, 9). Alternatively, no positioning element 8 can be provided on the carrier element 1, 6, 7 or (in the case of the positioning element 8 and the carrier element 1, 6, 7 being detachable from each other) the positioning element 8 can be detached from the carrier element 1, 6, 7, so that the at least one medical or dental device 2 is accommodated loosely on the carrier element 1, 6, 7 or without a defined position or fixation.

[0058] For releasably connecting at least one positioning element 8,8A with the carrier element 1,6,7 it is in particular envisaged that a connecting element of the positioning element, for example an extension, is plugged into one of the openings 14,19 in the carrier element 1,6,7.

[0059] The at least one positioning element 8 is configured as a holder 8A with a plug-in receptacle or clamping element, into which the medical or dental device 2 to be cleaned or cared for is plugged. The positioning element 8 is in particular configured such that the medical or dental device 2 is provided in a specific or predefined position, orientation and / or arrangement relative to the carrier elements 1, 6, 7 and / or the coupling antenna 4 of the carrier elements 1, 6, 7, whereby preferably the transceiver unit 3 of the device 2 faces the at least one coupling antenna 4.

[0060] Figures 4 and 6 show an instrument 2 to be cleaned or cared for, positioned and fixed on a carrier element 1 by positioning elements 8, 8A. The instrument 2 is configured as a dental handpiece or contra-angle handpiece. The handpiece or contra-angle handpiece 2 has a head part 20, which includes a tool holder for fixing a treatment tool and / or a treatment medium delivery device, and a handle part 21 adjacent to the head part 20 and which is preferably bent along a longitudinal axis. The handle part 21 preferably terminates in a coupling 22 for connecting the instrument 2 to a control and / or supply unit which supplies energy and / or treatment medium.

[0061] A first transceiver unit 3, e.g. an RFID label, for wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation, in particular in the UHF and / or SHF frequency or wavelength range and containing data and / or energy, is arranged on the device 2. The first transceiver unit 3 can be arranged on the outside of the device 2, in particular on its outer sleeve, or on the inside of the device 2, in particular in its hollow outer sleeve. The first transceiver unit 3 can be arranged in the head part 20 or in the handle part 21, i.e. in the part of the handle part 21 extending between the head part 20 and the bend, or in the part of the handle part 21 extending between the bend and the coupling connection part 22, or directly in the bend region of the handle part 21.

[0062] The first transceiver unit 3 and a second transceiver unit 5 (see FIG. 1), which is remote from the first transceiver unit 3, are arranged to communicate with each other (see reference numeral 23), whereby a wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy is established between the transceiver units 3, 5, in particular in the UHF and / or SHF frequency or wavelength range. The second transceiver unit 5 is arranged, for example, as a reading device and / or a receiving device. The second transceiver unit 5 can be arranged as a separate, independent device (see FIG. 1) or as part of a device, for example a cleaning or care device 50 (see FIG. 12), which is operatively and / or communicatively connected to the medical or dental equipment 2.

[0063] The energy transmitted between the first and second transceiver units 3,5 comprises in particular energy for operating the first transceiver unit 3. The data transmitted between the first and second transceiver units 3,5 comprises in particular data for identifying the device 2, e.g. a code for identifying the device 2, and optionally further data, e.g. data relating to the cleaning or care state of the device 2, the number and / or type of cleaning or care processes the device 2 has already undergone or will undergo, an operating program or at least one operating parameter to be automatically set in the cleaning or care device 50 during the cleaning or care of the device 2.

[0064] The carrier elements 1, 6, 7 shown in figures 1 to 9 and 11 comprise at least one coupling antenna 4 configured to receive and re-radiate electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted between the first and second transceiver units 3, 5, so that the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy is supported or improved between the first and second transceiver units 3, 5. The at least one coupling antenna 4 can for example influence the radiation direction of the electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy and / or increase the energy density of the electromagnetic radiation and / or concentrate the electromagnetic radiation.

[0065] The at least one coupling antenna 4 can have various dimensions and / or shapes and / or configurations, some of which are shown in Figs. 1 to 9 and 11 and described below. All of the coupling antennas 4 according to the invention are configured to receive and re-radiate electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted between the first and second transceiver units 3, 5, thereby supporting wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy between the first and second transceiver units 3, 5. What these coupling antennas 4 have in common is that they are configured with dimensions and shapes that are particularly suited to the electromagnetic radiation or electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted between the first and second transceiver units 3, 5, in particular in the UHF and / or SHF frequency or wavelength range. The coupling antenna 4 according to the invention is preferably configured such that its effect improves the transmission of electromagnetic radiation between the first and second transceiver units 3, 5 compared to the transmission of electromagnetic radiation without the coupling antenna 4. By means of the coupled antenna 4, for example, at least one of the following effects can be achieved during wireless transmission (compared to the transmission of electromagnetic radiation without the coupled antenna 4): reduction of the influence of interference variables on the electromagnetic radiation or its transmission, reduction of data and / or energy loss transmitted by the electromagnetic radiation, reduction of noise in the transmitted data, increase in the amount of transmitted energy and / or data (per unit time), and faster transmission of a certain amount of energy and / or data (per unit time).

[0066] The combined antenna 4 shown in Figures 1 to 9 and 11 includes only at least one flat-top antenna (see Figures 1 to 7), or only at least one linear (geometrically) antenna, the conductor 26 of which in particular comprises a metal wire or rod (see Figure 11), or includes at least one flat-top antenna and at least one linear antenna, the conductor 26 of which in particular comprises a metal wire or rod (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0067] The tray 6 shown in figures 1 to 4 and 9 comprises one or more coupling antennas 4 formed as flat-top antennas, which are formed as elongated slots 11 in the outer wall 10, i.e. bottom 12, of the carrier element 1, 6. At least the bottom 12 of the tray 6, preferably the entire tray 6, is formed from metal, which additionally improves the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy.

[0068] The cassette 7 shown in Figures 5 to 8 comprises one or more coupling antennas 4. The coupling antennas 4 are formed as elongated slots 11 in the outer wall 10 of the carrier element 1, 7, i.e. in the bottom 15 and / or the lid 17 and / or in the side wall 16 (long or short side). At least the outer wall 10 of the cassette 7 provided with the flat-top antenna, preferably the entire cassette 7, is formed from metal, which additionally improves the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy.

[0069] The positioning elements 8, 8A are preferably arranged on the tray 6 or cassette 7 in such a way that the medical or dental device 2 provided on the positioning elements 8, 8A projects above the flat-top antenna or slot 11 and in particular the first transceiver unit 3 is located near or above the flat-top antenna or slot 11 (see in particular Figures 4 and 6; such an arrangement of the positioning elements 8, 8A is also possible for the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 9). This further improves the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy.

[0070] The slot 11 is formed as a passage or opening through the outer wall 10 (12; 15-17) and in particular does not contain any solid matter. Alternatively, the slot 11 may be filled with a non-conductive material such as plastic or glass or ceramic to form a continuous outer wall 10, in particular a continuous bottom 12, 15, thereby avoiding that the instrument 2 to be cleaned or cared for falls through the slot 11 and possibly gets lost. The non-conductive material is for example a continuous plate or a perforated plate which fills the slot 11 partially or completely.

[0071] The slots 11 shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7-9 have a straight and / or substantially rectangular shape. The slots 11 shown in Figures 3 and 6 are curved and therefore may be longer than the long sides of the tray 6 or cassette 7, e.g., may have a length appropriate for the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted. In addition to the arc shape shown in Figures 3 and 6, the curved slots 11 may have a variety of other shapes, such as an S-shape, a spiral shape, or similar shapes.

[0072] The slot 11 or at least one of the slots 11 of the flat-top antenna may have different arrangements relative to the longitudinal axis 24 of the tray 6 or relative to the longitudinal axis 25 of the cassette 7 and may have one or more of the following arrangements: an arrangement in the center of the carrier element 1, 6, 7 (long slot in Figures 2, 3, 4, see Figure 9), an arrangement away from the center (short slot in Figures 2, 3, 4, see Figures 5 to 8), preferably an arrangement parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 (see Figures 2, 5 to 8), especially in the case of several slots 11, as well as an arrangement at an angle, for example perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 (short slot in Figures 3, 4, see Figure 6), in particular so that the longitudinal axes 24, 25 also form the central axis of the slot 11. Different arrangements and shapes of the slots 11 can be advantageously utilized to configure the carrier element 1 , 6 , 7 to suit a particular device 2 , for example the length of the device 2 and / or the position of the first transceiver unit 3 in the device 2 .

[0073] The carrier elements 1, 6, 7 shown in Figures 1, 3, 7 and 11 comprise a single coupled antenna 4 configured in particular as a flat-top antenna including a slot 11 (see Figures 1, 3 and 7) or as a metallic linear antenna including a rod or wire-like conductor 26.

[0074] The carrier elements 1, 6, 7 shown in Fig. 2, 4-6, 8, 9 comprise a plurality of coupling antennas 4 configured only as slotted flat-top antennas 11 (see Fig. 2, 4-6) or a plurality of coupling antennas 4 comprising at least one slotted flat-top antenna and at least one metallic linear antenna comprising a rod-shaped or wire-shaped conductor 26 (see Fig. 8, 9). It is of course also possible to manufacture the carrier elements 1, 6, 7 comprising only a plurality of metallic linear antennas each comprising a rod-shaped or wire-shaped conductor 26. As clearly shown in the figures, the plurality of coupling antennas 4 can all be provided on a single and / or common outer wall 10, in particular on the bottom 12, 15 or on the side wall 16 (see Fig. 2, 4, 8, 9) or on different outer walls 10, in particular on the bottom 12, 15 and on the cover 17 (see Fig. 5, 6).

[0075] In Figures 8 and 9, the metallic wire antenna is arranged in a recess 9 formed by a slot 11 in the flat-top antenna. This is advantageous for producing a carrier element 1 with two coupling antennas 4. The slot 11 is at least partially filled with a non-conductive material (as described above) and the metallic wire antenna is received or embedded in the slot 11. However, it is of course also possible to arrange the flat-top antenna formed by the slot 11 and the metallic wire antenna at a distance from each other on the same or different external walls 10. If the two coupling antennas 4 are arranged separately and at a distance from each other, the metallic wire antenna is arranged in a separate receptacle 9.

[0076] If several coupling antennas 4 of the same type, i.e. only flat-top antennas or only metallic wire antennas, are arranged on the carrier element 1, these several coupling antennas 4 of the same type may be configured identically (see Figs. 2, 5, 6) or may differ with respect to at least one parameter or characteristic, for example shape and size (see Fig. 4). In the case of the two slot antennas 11 in the tray 6 shown in Fig. 4, they are, for example, of different length. It is of course also possible for the same type coupling antennas 4 with at least one different characteristic to be provided on the cassette 7 as well.

[0077] Providing multiple coupled antennas 4 on the carrier element 1 has several advantages: for example, if the coupled antennas 4 have different lengths, different frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation can be transmitted (see Figures 4, 8, 9) and / or the exact positioning of the at least one device 2 relative to the coupled antennas 4 is less important, since multiple coupled antennas 4 ensure that the first transceiver unit 3 of the device 2 is at least sufficiently close to one of the multiple coupled antennas 4 (see Figures 4 to 6).

[0078] Providing at least one slot antenna 11 on the side wall 16 (see Figs. 7 and 8) reduces the risk of at least one device 2 unintentionally falling through the slot 11 compared to arranging the slot 11 on the bottom 12, 15. Arranging the slot antenna 11 on the side wall 13 is also conceivable for the tray 6.

[0079] Figure 11 shows a tray 6 with a metallic wire antenna arranged in a recess 9. However, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the recess 9 shown in Figure 11 is not dimensioned to serve as a coupling antenna 4 or a flat-top antenna, in particular a coupling antenna 4 for electromagnetic radiation in the UHF and / or SHF frequency or wavelength range. Thus, wireless transmission in the illustrated embodiment, i.e. reception and emission of electromagnetic radiation containing data and / or energy, occurs only by the metallic wire antenna according to the embodiment of Figure 11.

[0080] The recess 9 is also at least partially filled with a non-conductive material (as described above) and has a metallic wire antenna housed or embedded in the recess 9. The tray 6, and in particular the bottom 12 and side walls 13, may be constructed of metal, plastic, glass, or ceramic.

[0081] The coupling antenna 4, configured in the embodiment of Fig. 11 as a (geometrically) linear antenna, comprises a conductor 26, in particular in the form of a metal wire or rod. The (geometrically) linear antenna is configured in particular as a rod antenna or as a wire antenna or as a dipole antenna. An electrical component 27 is preferably connected to the conductor 26. The electrical component 27 comprises, for example, a signal amplifier for assisting the transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and / or energy and / or a memory element for storing an identification code of the carrier element 1 or a code for identifying the carrier element 1, in particular via an external database.

[0082] The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 and described above can be applied to the cassette 7 as well.

[0083] The tray 6 shown in Fig. 10 does not comprise a coupling antenna 4, in particular a coupling antenna 4 for electromagnetic radiation in the UHF and / or SHF frequency or wavelength range. It is envisaged that the tray 6 is preferably used together with the above-mentioned carrier elements 1, 6, 7 which are provided with a coupling antenna 4, in particular together in a cleaning or care device 50. In this case, the tray 6 is configured for wireless transmission, as far as possible without interference, of electromagnetic radiation, preferably including data and / or energy in the UHF and / or SHF frequency or wavelength range, in particular between the first transceiver unit 3 and the second transceiver unit 5, in particular preferably with the aid of the coupling antenna 4.

[0084] For that purpose, at least a part of the bottom 12, preferably the whole of the bottom 12, is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic or glass or ceramic. The non-conductive material is preferably formed as a plate which is fitted in particular in a recess 29 of the tray 6. The recess 29 is formed, for example, by the side wall 13 and / or by a part of the bottom 12. The side wall 13 and / or the part of the bottom 12 can be made of metal or alternatively of one of the non-conductive materials mentioned above.

[0085] The cleaning or care device 50 for at least one medical or dental instrument 2 shown in Fig. 12 is configured as a sterilizer, in particular a steam sterilizer. It is envisaged that the cleaning or care device 50 is used together with at least one coupling antenna 4 and / or a carrier 1 with a tray as shown in Fig. 10.

[0086] The sterilizer 50 comprises an outer housing 51 having several walls and a cover 52 movable relative to these walls. One of the walls of the housing 51 is provided with an opening 53 connected to a cleaning or care compartment 54 of the sterilizer 50. Through this opening 53, the instruments 2 to be cleaned or cared for and the carrier elements 1, 6, 7 can be introduced into or removed from the cleaning or care compartment 54.

[0087] The housing 51 is provided with one or more operating elements 55, which are used, for example, to select different operating programs or to set operating parameters. A display 56 shows the selected operating program or the operating parameters or other data or characteristic values ​​related to the operation of the sterilizer 50.

[0088] Inside the housing 51, in addition to the cleaning or care chamber 54 configured as a pressure vessel, a supply device for introducing at least one cleaning or care medium, in particular steam, into the cleaning or care chamber 54, as well as a control device 57 are provided. The cleaning or care chamber 54 is configured to accommodate at least one carrier element 1. As mentioned above, the second transceiver unit 5, in particular the reader, can also be arranged on the sterilizer 50, in particular on or inside the housing 51.

[0089] The control device 57 is configured to control and / or regulate the cleaning or care unit 50, in particular the course of the cleaning and / or care procedure and the maintenance of parameters during the cleaning and / or care procedure. The second transceiver unit 5 is configured integrally with the control device 57 and / or is at least communicatively connected to the control device 57. One or more antennas of the second transceiver unit 5 are arranged on the outer housing 51, for example on one of the walls of the outer housing 51, in particular at least one antenna is arranged on the wall having the opening 53 and / or on the cover 52 and / or on a protrusion 58 protruding from a wall of the outer housing 51, in particular the wall having the opening 53.

[0090] The second transceiver unit 5, in particular a reader, is configured to communicate with the first transceiver unit 3, in particular an RFID label, to transmit energy to the first transceiver unit 3 via the coupled antenna 4 of the carrier element 1 if necessary, and to wirelessly interrogate data stored in the first transceiver unit 3 via the coupled antenna 4 of the carrier element 1. The second transceiver unit 5 can preferably further comprise, in particular, electrical components, such as a signal amplifier for the transmittable data, a signal processing unit, an energy source or a connection to an energy source. Alternatively, one or more of these components may be part of the control device 57.

[0091] The control device 57 is preferably configured to receive data read by the second transceiver unit 5 from the first transceiver unit 3, and on the basis of which the at least one medical or dental device 2 arranged on the carrier element 1 is identified. The control device 57 may further be configured to operate the cleaning or care device 50, in particular to select a cleaning or care procedure or to automatically set parameters for the operation of the cleaning or care device 50, on the basis of the received data.

[0092] The control device 57 is preferably configured to transmit information regarding the cleaning or care procedure performed by the cleaning or care device 50 to the second transceiver unit 5, which in turn transmits these data via the coupling antenna 4 to the first transceiver unit 3, in particular to the RFID label of the device 2. The data transmitted to the first transceiver unit 3 comprises in particular information regarding whether the device 2 has been cleaned or cared for, the procedure used for cleaning or caring for the device 2, the parameters (temperature, pressure, etc.) under which the device 2 has been cleaned or cared for or the total number of times the device 2 has been cleaned or cared for.

[0093] The embodiments described or illustrated herein are particularly intended to illustrate the present invention. Thus, features disclosed in one embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, but may be combined individually or together with one or more features in one of the other embodiments. In particular, the types, numbers, shapes, and positions of the coupling antennas in each embodiment are exemplary and may be combined between the embodiments.

Claims

Claim 1 A carrier element (1) for supporting at least one medical or dental device (2) for cleaning or care within a cleaning or care device (50), wherein a first transceiver unit (3) is arranged on the medical or dental device (2) and is configured to wirelessly transmit electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy to a second transceiver unit (5), at least one coupling antenna (4) is provided on the carrier element (1), the at least one coupling antenna (4) being configured to receive and re-radiate electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted between the first transceiver unit (3) and the second transceiver unit (5), thereby assisting in the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy between the first transceiver unit (3) and the second transceiver unit (5), and the at least one coupling antenna (4) includes a slot antenna formed by an opening, break, or slot (11) in an outer wall (10; 12; 15; 16; 17) of the carrier element (1), the slot antenna assisting in the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy between the first transceiver unit (3) and the second transceiver unit (5), the carrier element (1) includes at least one positioning element (8) for positioning the at least one medical or dental device (2) on the carrier element (1), and the carrier element (1) includes a plurality of small openings (14, 19) for removably connecting the at least one positioning element (8) to the carrier element (1) so as to position the at least one positioning element (8) at various positions relative to the at least one coupling antenna (4). Carrier element, characterized in that. Claim 2 For cleaning or caring for at least one medical or dental device (2) within a cleaning or care device (50), a carrier element (1) for supporting the at least one medical or dental device (2) within the cleaning or care device (50), the carrier element (1) having a plurality of outer walls (10) defining an internal space of the carrier element (1), and a first transceiver unit (3) being arranged on the medical or dental device (2) and configured to wirelessly transmit electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy to and from a second transceiver unit (5). In the carrier element, at least one coupling antenna (4) is provided on the carrier element (1), the at least one coupling antenna (4) being configured to receive and re-radiate electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted between the first transceiver unit (3) and the second transceiver unit (5), thereby assisting in the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy between the first transceiver unit (3) and the second transceiver unit (5), and the at least one coupling antenna (4) includes a slot antenna formed by an opening, break, or slot (11) in a plate, the plate being a separate component arranged in the internal space of the carrier element (1), and the carrier element being characterized by assisting in the wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy between the first transceiver unit (3) and the second transceiver unit (5).

3. The carrier element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrier element (1) includes either a tray (6) having a plate bottom (12) and a plurality of side walls (13) connected to and surrounding the plate bottom (12), or a cassette (7) including a bottom (15), a plurality of side walls (16) connected to and surrounding the bottom (15), and a lid (17) movable relative to the bottom (15) and / or the side walls (16).

4. The carrier element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning element (8) includes a holder (8A), and the holder (8A) is configured to position the at least one medical or dental device (2) at various positions with respect to the at least one coupling antenna (4) in the carrier element (1), and the carrier element is characterized in that it has a connecting element that can be inserted into the openings of the plurality of small openings (14, 19).

5. The carrier element (1) according to claim 4, wherein the positioning element (8) is configured such that a medical or dental device (2) can be arranged at a predetermined position, orientation, and / or arrangement with respect to the at least one coupling antenna (4), and the first transceiver unit (3) faces the at least one coupling antenna (4) and is located on the coupling antenna (4). The carrier element is characterized by this.

6. The carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening, the break, or the slot (11) of the slot antenna is surrounded by a metal component of the carrier element (1). The carrier element is characterized by this.

7. The carrier element (1) according to claim 6, wherein the metal component includes at least any one of a metal frame, a partial metal coating of the carrier element (1), and a metal part of the carrier element (1). The carrier element is characterized by this.

8. The carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the opening, the break, or the slot (11) of the slot antenna is filled with a non-conductive material. The carrier element is characterized by this.

9. The carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one coupling antenna (4) is configured to achieve at least any one of a change in the radiation direction of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy, an increase in the energy density of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy, and a focusing of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy. The carrier element is characterized by this.

10. The carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the length of the opening, the break, or the slot (11) of the at least one coupling antenna (4) coincides with the wavelength or frequency of the electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy transmitted between the first transceiver unit (3) and the second transceiver unit (5), and the length of the opening, the break, or the slot (11) is at least about 6.25 cm. Carrier element characterized by this.

11. The carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by an additional coupling antenna including a linear antenna disposed in the opening, the break, or the slot (11) of the at least one coupling antenna (4). Carrier element.

12. The carrier element (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the linear antenna is formed as a rod antenna or a wire antenna (26). Carrier element.

13. The carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one coupling antenna (4) including the slot antenna is one of a plurality of coupling antennas of the carrier element (1), and at least two of the plurality of coupling antennas are configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation of different frequencies. Carrier element characterized by this.

14. The carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one coupling antenna (4) including the slot antenna is one of a plurality of coupling antennas of the carrier element (1), and different antennas among the plurality of antennas are provided on different walls (10) of the carrier element (1). Carrier element characterized by this.

15. The carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the carrier element (1) is removable from a cleaning or care device (50). Carrier element.

16. A cleaning or care device (50) for at least one medical or dental device (2), characterized by the carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and a second transceiver unit (5) being provided. Cleaning or care device.

17. The method of using the carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for assisting wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy between a first transceiver unit (3) and a second transceiver unit (5) disposed on a medical or dental device (2) when cleaning or caring for the at least one medical or dental device (2) in a cleaning or care device.

18. A method for wirelessly transmitting electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy between a transceiver unit (3) disposed on a medical or dental device (2) and a second transceiver unit (5), comprising: providing a carrier element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for supporting the medical or dental device (2); introducing the carrier element (1) to which the medical or dental device (2) having the first transceiver unit (3) is attached into a cleaning or care device for cleaning or caring for the medical or dental device (2); wirelessly transmitting electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy between the first transceiver unit (3) and the second transceiver unit (5) via the at least one coupling antenna (4).

19. The method for wirelessly transmitting electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy according to claim 18, wherein the electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy is transmitted before or after closing an opening of the cleaning or care device, the carrier element (1) has the first transceiver unit (3) together with the medical or dental device (2) to be cleaned or cared for, and is introduced into the cleaning or care device through the opening.

20. The method for wirelessly transmitting electromagnetic radiation including data and / or energy according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one medical or dental device (2) is fixed to the carrier element (1) by a holder (8A) such that the at least one medical or dental instrument (2) is disposed at a predetermined position, orientation and / or arrangement with respect to the at least one coupling antenna (4), and the first transceiver unit (3) faces and is located on the at least one coupling antenna (4).

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