DE102021107542A1 - RFID transponder unit for attachment to a sterilization container - Google Patents

Abstract

RFID transponder unit (1), which is intended and designed to be attached to a (sterile goods) container (2). According to the disclosure, an RFID transponder unit (1) has an RFID transponder (3) and a carrier (4) and the RFID transponder (3) is introduced/inserted into the carrier (4) and the carrier (4) is therefor intended and designed to be attached to the (sterile goods) container (2) in a form-fitting, material-fitting, force-fitting manner and/or magnetically.

Description

technical field

The present disclosure relates to an RFID transponder unit that is intended and designed to be attached in particular to a sterilization container for medical products, for example to a storage location and / or a content of the (sterile goods) container during the cleaning and / or reprocessing process record, monitor and trace.

Background of the Invention

For the monitoring and traceability (tracking) of sterile goods during the cleaning process, it must be possible to determine whether medical/surgical instruments and/or equipment/devices and/or medical products have successfully gone through the entire reprocessing and all necessary maintenance steps have been (correctly) carried out. In this case, instruments with instrument holders (which can also be used to pre-clean the instruments) lie on a filter basket or a similar holding device and this filter basket is stored in a (sterile goods) container. This (sterile goods) container can in turn be parked/stored in a transport or storage device such as a shelf or a trolley.

However, existing electronic/digital solutions do not allow the content and location of a (sterile goods) container to be determined at any time and tracked essentially completely. In order to be able to trace where individual instruments are located in a reprocessing cycle, for example, or what the contents of a special (sterile goods) container are, the filter baskets and the instruments on the filter baskets are equipped with identification means. Such systems are, for example, in EP 3 302 340 B1 and DE 10 2018 126 969 A1 disclosed.

State of the art

The prior art describes detection systems to understand and detect the container contents of sterile goods systems. EP 3 302 340 B1 discloses such a detection system. Instruments in the (sterile goods) container have an identification element (RFID tag), for example in a handle. A perforated basket in the (sterile goods) container has a sensor that can read the data from the identification elements of the individual instruments and thereby record the contents of the (sterile goods) container. Intelligent instrument holders and/or trays are required for such detection systems.

Such an intelligent mount is, for example, in DE 10 2018 126 969 A1 disclosed. According to this publication, medical products for cleaning in medical cleaning systems, in particular sterilizers, rinsing systems or the like, are arranged on/on holders which are also designed as a pipe system and are used to supply cleaning and/or care fluids. These holders can also be used together with (sterile goods) containers and arranged in them to ensure that the medical devices that have already been cleaned on the holders are sterilized in the sterilization container and are not contaminated after sterilization. Sensors in the holder record (all) cleaning information such as the temperature, if necessary the pressure and if necessary the number of cleaning processes.

Such holders or strainer baskets use communication standards such as RFID to read and communicate information from identification elements or the like. RFID is a well-known technology for use in the medical technology field. So revealed EP 1 704 893 A1 the use of RFID to detect and identify implanted medical devices.

Disadvantages of the Prior Art

• - Verwenden eines Instruments beispielsweise im Rahmen einer OP,
• - Vorreinigen und Desinfizieren des Instruments insbesondere an einer entsprechend aufgebauten Instrumentenhalterung,
• - Pflegen (Ölen) des Instruments insbesondere an der Instrumentenhalterung,
• - Sterilisieren des Instruments in einem Sterilisationscontainer ggf. zusammen mit der Halterung innerhalb eines Autoklaven,
• - Lagern des Sterilisationscontainers im sterilen Zustand,
• - Transportieren des Sterilisationscontainers zum Verwendungsort,
• - Verwenden des Instruments.

A complete usage cycle of a medical instrument, for example, essentially consists of the following stations:

• - Use of an instrument, for example, as part of an operation,
• - Pre-cleaning and disinfecting the instrument, especially on a correspondingly constructed instrument holder,
• - maintenance (oiling) of the instrument, especially on the instrument holder,
• - Sterilize the instrument in a sterilization container, if necessary together with the holder in an autoclave,
• - Storing the sterilization container in a sterile condition,
• - Transporting the sterilization container to the place of use,
• - Using the instrument.

For example, to record and monitor the location and contents of a (sterile) container, a (sterile) container with transpon equipped with the identifier/identification of the (sterile goods) container. An attachment for the transponders on the (sterile goods) container is known from the prior art, but this has disadvantages with regard to the attachment method and the maintenance of the transponder.

Summary of Revelation

The object of the disclosure is to provide an RFID transponder unit which is intended and designed to be attached to a (sterile goods) container in a simple manner.

According to the disclosure, this object is achieved by an RFID transponder unit having the features specified in claim 1, which is intended and designed to be attached in particular to a (sterile goods) container. Advantageous developments of the disclosure are the subject matter of the appended dependent claims.

The present disclosure relates to an RFID transponder unit which is intended and designed to be attached preferably to a (sterile goods) container. According to the disclosure, the RFID transponder unit consists of an RFID transponder and a carrier. The RFID transponder is introduced/inserted into the carrier and the carrier is intended and designed to be attached to the (sterile goods) container in a form-fitting, material-bonding, force-fitting and/or magnetic manner, for example.

In other words, the RFID transponder is provided inside the carrier. The carrier is constructed in such a way that it can be fastened, for example, to a (sterile goods) container or similar (preferably metallic) box accommodating medical products. The attachment between the carrier and the container is carried out by means of a positive connection, a material connection, a force connection and/or magnetically. The attachment can be detachable or non-detachable. In this context, reference is made to the basic principle of the disclosure, which consists in using local or physical conditions on the object (preferably sterile goods container) to which the external carrier is to be attached in order to achieve stable attachment. In the case of a metallic object, for example, the magnetic force or the material connection, for example by soldering/gluing or welding, can be selected for attachment. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to use recesses that are already present structurally on the object for fastening the carrier. Depending on the type of object, it is also possible to manipulate it (e.g. by reshaping or separating) using minimal work steps in order to create corresponding attachment interfaces in the sense described above, to which the external support is/is attached. Finally, it is also conceivable to use external components such as signs, handles and the like, which are already provided for mounting on such objects, as external carriers for other purposes. What all variants have in common, however, is the fact that an external carrier is always used for attachment, the object (e.g. sterile goods container) itself is not converted into a carrier (e.g. by forming additional mounting holes or mounting slots).

The external carrier allows, for example, conventional (sterile goods) containers to be retrofitted with an RFID transponder. The carrier also protects the RFID transponder from environmental influences.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, it is provided that two or more RFID transponder units are provided and designed to be attached to the (sterile goods) container or a similar box . At least one RFID transponder unit is intended and designed to be attached to an outside of the container and at least the other RFID transponder unit is intended and designed to be attached to an inside of the container, preferably the (sterile goods) container.

In other words, at least two RFID transponder units are attached to the (sterile goods) container. Of the at least two RFID transponder units, at least one RFID transponder unit is attached to the outside of a container wall of the (sterile goods) container and at least one RFID transponder unit is attached to the inside of a or similar container wall of the (sterile goods) container.

The information on the RFID transponder unit can be read out digitally from outside and inside the (sterile goods) container due to the at least one RFID transponder unit on the outside and, if necessary, on the inside of the (sterile goods) container.

An advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, provides that the carrier has a housing and the RFID transponder is arranged inside the housing. In other words, is the carrier is enclosed by a housing or is formed by the housing and a receiving device is formed or arranged within the housing, in which the RFID transponder is provided or held. The housing is designed in such a way that it is radio-permeable for electromagnetic radiation. The RFID transponder is located completely within the housing and is therefore protected from environmental influences such as high temperatures during a cleaning process.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, it is provided that the carrier has snap-in prongs that are intended and designed to be inserted undercut into snap-in pockets of a recess of the (sterile goods) container .

In other words, the carrier has corners/prongs/noses or similar projections and/or recesses which are inserted/latch in a form-fitting manner in latching pockets of the recess of the (sterile goods) container. The snap-in prongs of the carrier form an undercut with the snap-in pockets of the recess of the (sterile goods) container. However, the carrier as a whole can also be shaped in such a way that the complete carrier is introduced in a form-fitting manner into the recess of the (sterile goods) container in a clamping or latching manner. The RFID transponder is in turn incorporated into the carrier. The recess on the (sterile goods) container can either be part of the shape of the (sterile goods) container or be produced by (cutting or plastically deforming) processing of the (sterile goods) container.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or also on its own, it is provided that the carrier is cast in the recess of the (sterile goods) container.

In other words, the carrier consists of a material, such as synthetic resin, which is moldable and radio-transparent. The material of the carrier can consist of two components that harden when mixed, such as an epoxy resin, or a material that is to be melted before casting, or can be hardened by radiation, such as UV radiation.

Due to the fact that the carrier is cast, a cost-effective form fit is produced without having to carry out further processing steps such as cutting. Furthermore, the RFID transponder is easy to fit into the carrier.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or also on its own, it is provided that the carrier is provided and designed to form accumulations of material on prongs in one or more recesses of the (sterile goods) container. The accumulations of material prevent encapsulation from being able to come loose from the recesses.

In other words, the recesses on the (sterile goods) container each have bulges/widenings in which casting material collects when the carrier is cast. As a result, the cast carrier has teeth protruding outwards from the carrier geometry in the form of bulges/widenings, which consequently represent a quasi-component of the casting mold of the carrier. The prongs protruding outwards from the carrier geometry hold the encapsulation in the respective recess of the (sterile goods) container after it has solidified.

The prongs are provided in the recesses of the (sterile goods) container. When the carrier is cast, undercuts are formed on the prongs that prevent the RFID transponder units from detaching from the respective recess.

An advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, provides that the carrier is intended and designed to be attached in a form-fitting manner in a fold of the (sterile goods) container.

The fold of the (sterile goods) container serves as a support on an insertion mechanism with which the (sterile goods) container is inserted into a transport or storage device. A carrier is fastened to this fold in a form-fitting manner. In this case, the carrier is a castable material that accommodates the RFID transponder and is inserted under the fold in a form-fitting manner. An antenna must be positioned in the transport or storage device in such a way that it is positioned at the smallest possible distance from the RFID transponder. By attaching it to the fold, it is not necessary to mill a separate recess on the (sterile goods) container.

An advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, provides that the RFID transponder unit has or is an RFID transponder and an identity identification plate on the outside of the (sterile goods) container and the RFID Transponder is introduced into the identity identification plate and the RFID transponder unit is intended and trained for it det is to be inserted into a slot on the outside of the (sterile goods) container.

Accordingly, the RFID transponder unit consists of an RFID transponder and an identity identification label. The RFID transponder is incorporated into the identity identification plate. The identity identification plate can be a name plate or label plate or the like, for example. The RFID transponder unit is designed to be inserted into a slide-in slot on the (sterile goods) container.

An advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, provides that the RFID transponder unit has a carrier in the form of an outline of the (sterile goods) container in a front view and the RFID transponder . The carrier is a front panel of the (sterile goods) container and is intended and designed to be attached to the (sterile goods) container. The RFID transponder is introduced into the carrier and fastened in the carrier in a material-to-material or form-fitting manner.

The front panel is designed as an extension of the (sterile goods) container, the shape of which corresponds to the outline of the (sterile goods) container in a front view of the (sterile goods) container. In addition, the front panel has a central tab that extends from the front panel in the direction of the bottom of the (sterile goods) container. The RFID transponder is housed in this central flag. The RFID transponder is thus as close as possible to the bottom of the (sterile goods) container and is at a small distance from antennas that are provided in the transport or storage system. The front panel has a recess to accommodate the RFID transponder. The indentation is near the bottom in the center vane. The RFID transponder is fixed in the recess of the front panel with a plug made of silicone, epoxy resin or similar.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or also on its own, it is provided that at least two magnetic carriers are provided and designed to be introduced in a form-fitting manner into two recesses of the (sterile goods) container. A recess is prepared on the inside of the (sterile goods) container and a recess on the outside of the (sterile goods) container so that the magnetic carriers attract each other magnetically and also against movement in a direction parallel to a wall of the (sterile goods -)Containers are secured.

In other words, a magnetic carrier on the inside of the (sterile goods) container and a magnetic carrier on the outside of the (sterile goods) container attract each other magnetically and thus prevent the magnetic carriers from moving in a direction perpendicular to the wall of the (Sterile goods) containers can fall off the (sterile goods) containers. Furthermore, the magnetic carriers are inserted in recesses in the wall of the (sterile goods) container in a form-fitting manner. As a result, the two carriers fitted with magnets cannot move parallel to the wall of the (sterile goods) container.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, it is provided that the RFID transponder unit is provided and designed to be attached to the (sterile goods) container in such a way that the RFID Transponder is digitally read out by an antenna that is attached inside or outside the (sterile goods) container.

In other words, a distance between the RFID transponder and the antenna is to be limited in such a way that the distance is not greater than a limit distance that limits the ability for the RFID transponder to be read out digitally by the antenna. The antenna is attached inside the (sterile goods) container, for example on a holding device, and on the outside of the (sterile goods) container, for example on an external transport or storage device.

The present disclosure relates to a (sterile goods) container which is provided and designed for an RFID transponder unit according to one of the above aspects to be attached to it. The disclosed (sterile goods) container has one or more fastening devices or fastening properties that are suitable for fastening the carrier of the RFID transponder unit to the (sterile goods) container in a form-fitting, material-locking, force-locking and/or magnetic manner.

In other words, the (sterile goods) container has devices such as the insertion shaft, the recesses and the fold, which are already present for container-specific functions, but to which the RFID transponder unit is attached in addition/inappropriately. Alternatively, however, fastening points can also be created on the container, at which the external carrier can be fixed. Furthermore, the (sterile goods) container also has surfaces to which the RFID transponder unit is glued, welded and/or the front panel is attached. The attachment between the (sterile goods) container and the carrier is carried out by a form fit, a material bond, a force fit and/or magnetically. The attachment can be detachable or non-detachable.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, it is provided that the (sterile goods) container has a recess that is provided and designed to receive an RFID transponder unit in a form-fitting manner in the recess .

The recess of the (sterile goods) container can be shaped in such a way that the complete carrier is introduced into the recess of the (sterile goods) container in a form-fitting manner. However, the recess can also be shaped in such a way that only a part/section of the carrier that is intended to be introduced into the recess fits positively into the recess. The recess on the (sterile goods) container can either be part of the shape of the (sterile goods) container or be produced by (for example machining) processing of the (sterile goods) container.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, it is provided that the recess of the (sterile goods) container has snap-in pockets that are designed and designed to accommodate the snap-in prongs of the carrier.

In other words, the recess of the (sterile goods) container has snap-in pockets. The snap pockets widen the recess in a manner that creates an undercut. The snap-in pockets are shaped in such a way that the corners/prongs/noses of the carrier of the RFID transponder unit form a form fit with the snap-in pockets of the recess of the (sterile goods) container and are inserted in a clamping or locking manner. When the carrier is cast into the recess, accumulations of material form at the snap-in pockets of the recess, forming an undercut which prevents the casting from being able to detach from the recess after curing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or also on its own, it is provided that the (sterile goods) container has a fold that is provided and designed for positively attaching an RFID transponder unit underneath.

In other words, the outer wall of the (sterile goods) container is bent outwards at the end that is positioned closer to an opening of the (sterile goods) container and thereby forms a fold. This fold can serve as a support for the (sterile goods) container in the storage or transport device with the slide-in mechanism. The carrier of the RFID transponder unit is inserted under the fold in a form-fitting manner. The carrier can be cast under the fold, but a form-fitting carrier can also be glued under the fold or fastened in some other way.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, it is provided that the (sterile goods) container has one or more slide-in slots on the outside, which are intended and designed for an identity identification label such as a name tag or something similar is placed in it. The slot is positioned in such a way that it is easily accessible from the outside and can be read by a reader.

Known (sterile goods) containers have identification labels that are attached to the (sterile goods) container in the insertion slots. Since the slide-in shafts are known from commercially available (sterile goods) containers, existing (sterile goods) containers can be easily retrofitted. The existing slide-in slots are also easily accessible. The RFID transponder unit can thus be read, for example, using a hand-held device as the reading device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or also on its own, it is provided that the (sterile goods) container has a surface to which a front panel is fastened. The surface is preferably positioned on one of the short side walls of the (sterile goods) container. The front panel can be attached to the (sterile goods) container, for example, by gluing or welding or by a non-positive method.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or on its own, it is provided that the (sterile goods) container has two recesses, one on the inside and one on the outside of the (sterile goods) container. which are provided and designed so that one carrier is introduced into the recess in a form-fitting manner and the recesses prevent movement of the carrier in a direction parallel to the wall of the (sterile goods) container. The two recesses are each positioned in such a way that the distance between the recesses is as small as possible.

In other words, the (sterile goods) container has a recess on the inside and a recess on the outside of the (sterile goods) container. A magnetic carrier is introduced in a form-fitting manner into each of the recesses. The magnetic carriers attract each other through the wall of the (sterile goods) container. The form-fitting recess prevents movement parallel to the (sterile goods) container wall.

Finally, the present disclosure relates to a method for fastening the RFID transponder unit according to one of the above aspects to the (sterile goods) container according to one of the above aspects. According to the disclosure, the carrier has a carrier part and a receiving part. The carrier part is attached to the (sterile goods) container, the RFID transponder is placed in the receiving part and the receiving part is clipped/inserted into the carrier part using a snap connection/hook connection.

The above method for attaching the RFID transponder unit to the (sterile goods) container ensures that the RFID transponder is detachably attached to the (sterile goods) container.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or also on its own, it is provided that the carrier is attached to the (sterile goods) container by gluing.

Before gluing, the RFID transponder is inserted into an opening in the carrier. The opening is attached to the underside of the carrier, in other words, the opening is attached to the side of the carrier that is glued to the (sterile goods) container.

An advantage of gluing is that the opening of the carrier is attached to the underside of the carrier. This means that no germs can get into the opening and survive the cleaning process in the opening.

In an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or also on its own, it is provided that the carrier is attached to the (sterile goods) container by ultrasonic welding and/or friction welding.

In order to make the RFID transponder detachable from the (sterile goods) container, the carrier is divided into two. A carrier part is welded to the (sterile goods) container, a receiving part holds the RFID transponder and is inserted into the carrier part. Snap hooks on the receiving part keep the receiving part fixed in the carrier part.

An advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, which can be designed in combination with other features or also on its own, provides that the RFID transponder is materially attached directly to the (sterile goods) container.

Accordingly, the RFID transponder is not incorporated into a carrier, but rather the RFID transponder is materially attached directly to the (sterile goods) container by means of adhesive. However, other connection methods are also conceivable. In this embodiment, a glass pill is not used as the RFID transponder, but an RFID transponder encapsulated with an epoxy resin is used. This epoxy resin transponder is attached directly to the (sterile goods) container.

character list

• 1 shows an RFID transponder unit on the outside of a (sterile goods) container according to a first embodiment.
• 2 12 illustrates a carrier according to the first embodiment.
• 3a shows the positions of the RFID transponder units on the outside of the (sterile goods) container and the positions of the associated antennas.
• 3b provides positions of associated antennas to the RFID transponder units 3a represent.
• 4a represents positions of RFID transponders on an inside of the (sterile goods) container according to the first embodiment.
• 4b provides positions of associated antennas to the RFID transponder units 4a represent.
• 5 shows an RFID transponder unit on a (sterile goods) container according to a second embodiment.
• 6 shows an RFID transponder unit on a (sterile goods) container according to a third embodiment.
• 7 12 shows an RFID transponder unit according to a fourth embodiment.
• 8th shows an RFID transponder unit in a fold of the (sterile goods) container according to a fifth embodiment.
• 9 shows an RFID transponder unit on a (sterile goods) container according to a sixth embodiment.
• 10 shows an RFID transponder unit on a (sterile goods) container in a front panel according to a seventh embodiment.
• 11 12 illustrates an in-panel RFID transponder according to the seventh embodiment.
• 12 shows a cross section through an RFID transponder unit, which has a magnetic carrier, on a (sterile goods) container according to an eighth embodiment.
• 13 represents a (sterile goods) container with a recess according to the eighth embodiment.
• 14 shows a cross section of two RFID transponder units on a (sterile goods) container with a cast carrier according to a ninth embodiment.
• 15 shows a side view of an RFID transponder unit on a (sterile goods) container with a cast carrier according to the ninth embodiment.

Description of the embodiments

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying figures.

First embodiment

1 shows an RFID transponder unit 1, which is attached to a (sterile goods) container 2 according to a first embodiment. An RFID transponder 3 in the form of a glass pill is introduced into the RFID transponder unit 1 . The RFID transponder unit 1 is attached to the (sterile goods) container 2 . The (sterile goods) container 2 is a known container for receiving sterile medical products and instruments. The fastening device is a carrier 4 made of a radio-permeable material such as plastic, ceramic, silicone or the like.

2 12 shows the structure of the external support 4 . The support 4 has a support part (housing) 6 and a receiving part 8 . The carrier part 6 is attached or fastened to the (sterile goods) container 2 by welding, for example ultrasonic welding or friction welding or the like or another, non-detachable connection technique. A surface of the (sterile goods) container 2 together with the carrier part 6 is processed after the welding. the RFID transponder 3 in the form of a glass pill is intended to be inserted into the carrier 4 after the surface treatment. For this purpose, the glass pill 3 is inserted into the receiving part 8 of the carrier 4 and the receiving part 8 is clipped/hooked/snapped into the carrier part 6 with the aid of latching hooks/snap hooks 10 . Through an elongated opening 12 of the carrier 4, the carrier 4 forms a slot antenna.

3 shows a positioning of the RFID transponder units 1 on an outside of the (sterile goods) container 2 and an associated positioning and an associated alignment of antennas 14 relative to the RFID transponders 3.

The RFID transponder units 1 can be attached to any/different locations on the outside of the (sterile goods) container 2 . The position of the RFID transponder units 1 is determined by the position of the RFID reading devices (not shown), which are each provided with antennas 14 and which are attached to a transport or storage device (not shown) in which the (sterile goods) Container 2 is stored. The antennas 14 of the RFID reading devices and the RFID transponders 3 of the RFID transponder units 1 on the (sterile goods) container 2 are each aligned with one another in such a way that the distance between the antennas 14 of the RFID reading devices and the RFID transponders 3 is as small as possible is low.

The small distance between the antennas 14 of the RFID reading devices and the RFID transponders 3 ensures that communication/information transmission via RFID between the RFID transponders 3 and the antennas 14 is possible. In other words, the short distance between the antenna 14 and the RFID transponder 3 makes it possible for the antenna 14 to read out the RFID transponder 3 digitally. A digital reading is only possible if the distance between one of the RFID transponders 3 and the associated antenna 14 is less than a limit distance that limits the range of radio waves of the RFID technology. When reading out digitally, information such as a (sterile goods) container designation/identification of the (sterile goods) container 2 is transmitted. The transmitted information is processed by a control unit of the transport or storage device. It should be noted that in addition to the name of the (sterile goods) container, other information that describes or identifies the (sterile goods) container can also be transmitted.

A single RFID transponder unit 1 is preferably attached to the outside of the (sterile goods) container 2 in order to transmit the required information. In a further embodiment, however, several RFID transponder units 1 can also be attached to the outside of the (sterile goods) container 2 . In this case, the multiple RFID transponders 3 of the RFID Transponder units 1 each have identical information as the container designation.

4a shows a positioning of the RFID transponder unit 1 with the RFID transponders 3 on the inside of the (sterile goods) container 2. A holding device such as a perforated basket (not shown) is provided and designed for this purpose inside the (sterile goods) container 2 to be included. The holding device has an RFID reading device with an antenna 14 . The positioning of antenna 14 is in 4b shown. The positioning of the one or more RFID transponder unit(s) 1 on the inside of the (sterile goods) container 2 is also important in order to digitally read out one of the RFID transponders 3 from the respectively associated antenna 14 . The RFID transponder must be placed in such a way that the RFID transponder 3 is positioned at the smallest possible distance from the antenna 14 of the holding device. The distance must be smaller than the limit distance from which the RFID transponder 3 can no longer be read out digitally by the antenna 14 of the holding device.

A single RFID transponder unit 1 is preferably attached to the inside of the (sterile goods) container. In a further embodiment, however, several RFID transponder units 1 can also be attached to the inside of the (sterile goods) container 2 .

The positioning and orientation of the antennas 14 on the inside of the (sterile goods) container 2 in relation to the positioning of the RFID transponder units 1 corresponds to the positioning and orientation of the antennas 14 corresponding to the positioning of the RFID transponder units 1 in 3b . These antenna positions and antenna orientations are also the same as in the following embodiments and are no longer shown below.

Second embodiment

5 shows an RFID transponder unit 1 according to a second embodiment. The RFID transponder unit 1 on the outside of the (sterile goods) container 2 has an identity identification tag 15 such as a name tag or the like and an RFID transponder 3, with the RFID transponder 3 in the identity identification plate 15 is introduced as a carrier. Common (sterile goods) containers already have identity identification labels 15 and slide-in slots 17 into which the identity identification labels 15 are inserted. At least one identification tag 15 with an RFID transponder 3 is placed in at least one slot 17 . The identity identification label 15 is preferably provided and designed so that after it has been inserted into the insertion slot 17 it cannot be removed from the insertion slot 17 without causing visible damage to the identity identification label 15 or the insertion slot 17 . The need for damage during subsequent removal ensures that no identity identification tag 15 is exchanged unnoticed and confusion is thus ruled out.

Since known (sterile goods) containers have an insertion shaft 17 and the RFID transponder unit 1 in the insertion shaft 17 is easily accessible with an RFID reading device, known (sterile goods) containers can easily be retrofitted. The slot 17 is easily accessible from the outside, so the transponder unit 1 can be easily read from the outside using a reading device.

Third embodiment

6 represents an RFID transponder 3 according to a third embodiment. In addition to the above-described RFID transponders 3 in the form of a glass pill, RFID transponders 3 are also known which are cast/molded with an epoxy resin or a similar, radio-permeable material, in which If the casting/spraying material forms the carrier 4. RFID transponders cast in epoxy resin are referred to below as piccolino transponders. In the third embodiment, piccolino transponders are glued directly to the inside and the outside of the (sterile goods) container 2 . In addition to gluing, the piccolino transponders can also be attached using another known, non-detachable connection method. The positioning of the RFID transponders is the same as in the first embodiment.

Fourth embodiment

7 shows an RFID transponder unit 1 with a carrier 4 for an RFID transponder 3 according to a fourth embodiment. The RFID transponder unit 1 consists of a carrier 4, which is preferably made of silicone. However, the carrier 4 can also be made of another radio-permeable, flexible material.

The carrier 4 has a recess with an oval opening 16 on one side. The RFID transponder 3 in the form of a glass pill is introduced into the recess. The oval opening 16 forms a lip of material. Material extends beyond the footprint of the recess and forms a pocket with the recess. Since the protruding material lip is soft/flexible, the material lip can move to the side when inserting the RFID transponder 3 in the form of the glass pill into the recess be pushed. The material lip keeps the RFID transponder 3 firmly positioned in the carrier 4 in the form of the glass pill after it has been introduced. After the introduction of the RFID transponder 3 in the form of the glass pill into the carrier 4, the carrier 4 is glued to the (sterile goods) container 2 or fastened by another, non-detachable connection method. In this case, the side of the carrier 4 on which the opening 16 is located is glued to the (sterile goods) container 2 . The positioning of the RFID transponder unit 1 corresponds to the first embodiment.

Because the opening 16 is on the side of the carrier 4 that is glued to the (sterile goods) container 2, no germs can get into the opening 16. This is advantageous since germs in the opening 16 could survive the sterilization process.

Fifth embodiment

The transport or storage device in which a (sterile goods) container 2 is stored can be a shelf into which one or more (sterile goods) containers can be pushed with a slide-in mechanism. In this case, the (sterile goods) container has a fold 18 that rests on the slide-in mechanism. The slide-in mechanism is designed similarly to a known drawer and consists of a rail in which a support element 20 can move axially. The fold 18 rests on the support element 20 .

8th 1 shows an RFID transponder unit 1 for the outside of a (sterile goods) container 2, with a carrier 4 being attached under the fold 18 according to a fifth embodiment. The carrier 4 is attached under the fold 18 in a form-fitting manner. The carrier 4 can be cast from a castable material such as epoxy resin. The RFID transponder 3 is cast into the carrier 4 . However, the RFID transponder 3 can also be introduced into the carrier 4 in a different way. Likewise, the carrier 4 can also be clamped or glued under the fold 18 or attached in some other way and does not have to be cast.

An RFID reading device with an antenna 14 is attached to or in the rail of the slide-in mechanism or in the support element 20 . The antenna 14 is positioned in such a way that the RFID transponder unit 1 is positioned under the fold 18 next to the antenna 14 when the (sterile goods) container 2 rests on the support element 20 . A communication capability between the RFID transponder 3 and the antenna 14 is thus ensured.

Sixth embodiment

9 12 shows an RFID transponder unit 1 according to a sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the RFID transponder unit 1 has a carrier 4 with a housing 21. The housing 21 has latching prongs 22 protruding from the carrier geometry. An RFID transponder 3 is let into or introduced into the carrier 4 . The snap-in prongs 22 are shaped in such a way that they fit positively into snap-in pockets 24 that are prepared in recesses 25 on the outside and/or the inside of the (sterile goods) container. The carrier is introduced into the snap-in pockets 24 in a form-fitting manner and is thus positioned. The snap prongs 22 and snap pockets 24 together form a dovetail joint. The carrier is attached to the (sterile goods) container by snapping in the dovetail connection.

It should be noted that in the embodiment the connection is referred to as a dovetail connection. However, the connection is not limited to this; other suitable form-fitting connections can also be used in order to attach the carrier to the (sterile goods) container.

Seventh embodiment

10 1 shows an RFID transponder unit 1 with a front panel 26 attached to a (sterile goods) container 2 according to a seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, an external RFID transponder 3 is integrated into a front panel 26. The front panel 26 is attached to the (sterile goods) container 2, for example, but not exclusively, screwed or glued. The front panel 26 is a panel that corresponds to an outline of the (sterile goods) container 2 in a front view. Viewed in the longitudinal direction of the plate, the front panel 26 forms a central lug 28 in the middle. The middle tab 28 extends from the front panel 26 downwards in the direction of the bottom of the (sterile goods) container.

11 shows how the RFID transponder 3 in the form of a glass pill is introduced into a depression/recess 29 which is located on the central lug 28 at the bottom near the bottom of the (sterile goods) container. As a result, the RFID transponder 3 is at a small distance from the bottom of the (sterile goods) container and thus from an antenna 14 of a transport or storage device (not shown). The recess for the RFID transponder 3 is closed with a cover 31 . The closure cover 31 is connected to the front panel 26 by plastic welding or clamped by an undercut. The closure cap can also be replaced by other suitable ones Methods are connected to the front panel 26. In the same way, the RFID transponder 3 can also be cast or glued into the depression 29 in the front panel 26 or otherwise fastened in the depression.

Eighth embodiment

12 shows an RFID transponder unit 1 for attachment to a (sterile goods) container with two magnetic carriers 4 according to an eighth embodiment. An RFID transponder 3 is introduced into a carrier 4 which is equipped with one or more magnets. The RFID transponder 3 is held in the carrier 5 by a plug made of adhesive, silicone or epoxy resin, for example. In each case, an RFID transponder unit 1 is attached to the inside and an RFID transponder unit 1 to the outside of the (sterile goods) container 2 . The two RFID transponder units 1 attract each other magnetically and are thereby pressed/pulled/pressed onto the possibly non-magnetic wall of the (sterile goods) container 2 .

In the wall of the (sterile goods) container 2, there are cutouts 30, 31 on the inside and outside, into which the carriers 4 are inserted in a form-fitting manner. The recess 30 is in 13 shown. Due to the recesses 30, 31, the two carriers 4 each have a fixed position and cannot move in a direction parallel to the wall of the (sterile goods) container 2. The recesses 30, 31 are as small as possible when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the wall of the (sterile goods) container 2.

Ninth embodiment

14 , 15 show an RFID transponder unit 1 with a form-fitting carrier 4 according to a ninth embodiment. The carrier 4 contains an RFID transponder 3. The carrier is fitted in a recess 32 in the (sterile goods) container 2 in a form-fitting manner. The carrier 4 is cast into the recess 32 with epoxy resin. The recess 32 has snap-in pockets 36 projecting laterally. Material accumulations/prongs 34 are formed in the snap-in pockets 36 during casting. The prong-shaped material accumulations 34 each form an undercut that prevents the encapsulation from detaching from the recess 32 . Such a recess 32 is present both on the inside of the (sterile goods) container 2 and on the outside of the (sterile goods) container 2 .

Reference List

1.

RFID transponder unit

2.

(Sterile goods) container

3.

RFID transponder

4.

carrier

6.

carrier part

8th.

recording part

10

latch hook

12.

opening

14

antenna

15

Identity Identification Sign

16

opening

17

slot

18

fold

20

support element

21

Housing

22

snap prongs

24

snap pocket

26

front panel

28

center flag

29

deepening

25, 30, 31, 32.

recess

34

Pink

36

snap pocket

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 3302340 B1 [0003, 0004]
• DE 102018126969 A1 [0003, 0005]
• EP 1704893 A1 [0006]

Claims (15)

RFID transponder unit (1) which is intended and designed to be attached to a (sterile goods) container (2), characterized in that the RFID transponder unit (1) has an RFID transponder (3) and a carrier ( 4), wherein the RFID transponder (3) is introduced/inserted into the carrier (4) and the carrier (4) is provided and designed for this purpose to be positively, materially, non-positively and/or magnetically attached to the (sterile goods) Container (2) to be attached. RFID transponder unit (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that two or more RFID transponder units (1) are provided and designed to be attached to the (sterile goods) container (2), with at least one RFID transponder unit (1) being provided and designed for this an outside of the (sterile goods) container (2) and at least one RFID transponder unit (1) is provided and designed to be attached to an inside of the (sterile goods) container (2). RFID transponder unit (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the carrier (4) has a housing (21) and the RFID transponder (3) is arranged within the housing (21). RFID transponder unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the carrier (4) has latching prongs (22, 34) which are provided and designed for this purpose, undercut into latching pockets (24, 36) of a recess (30, 32) of the (sterile goods) container (2) introduced to be. RFID transponder unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the carrier (4) is cast into the recess (32) of the (sterile goods) container (2). RFID transponder unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the carrier (4) is provided and designed to be fitted in a form-fitting manner in a fold (18) of the (sterile goods) container (2), the carrier (4) being adapted to the shape of the fold (18 ) is adjusted so that it fills it without a gap. RFID transponder unit (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the RFID transponder unit (1) has an RFID transponder (3) and an identity identification tag (15) and the RFID transponder (3) is incorporated into the identity identification tag (15) and the RFID transponder unit (1) is intended and designed to be inserted into an insertion shaft (17) on the outside of the (sterile goods) container (2). RFID transponder unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the carrier (4) of the RFID transponder unit (1) is or forms a front panel (26) of the (sterile goods) container (2), the shape of which corresponds to a front view of the (sterile goods) container (2), and the carrier (4) is intended and designed to be attached to the (sterile goods) container (2), and the RFID transponder (3) is introduced into the carrier (4) and in the carrier (4) materially or is positively attached. RFID transponder unit according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that at least two magnetic carriers (4) are provided and designed to be inserted in a form-fitting manner in two recesses (30, 31) of the (sterile goods) container (2), one recess (30) on the inside of the (Sterile goods) container (2) and a recess (31) on the outside of the (sterile goods) container (2) is prepared so that the two magnetic carriers (4) mutually magnetically in a direction perpendicular to a wall of the (sterile goods -) Tighten the container (2) and are also secured against slipping in a direction parallel to the wall of the (sterile goods) container (2). RFID transponder unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the RFID transponder unit (1) is intended and designed to be attached in such a way to the (sterile goods) container (2) that the RFID transponder (3) by an antenna (14) which is within and/or is attached outside the (sterile goods) container (2), can be read out digitally. (Sterile goods) container (2), which is provided and designed for the (sterile goods) container (2) to have an RFID transponder unit (3) according to one of Claims 1 until 10 is attached, characterized in that the (sterile goods) container (2) has one or more attachment devices (17, 18, 25, 30, 31, 32) which are provided and designed for the carrier (4) of the RFID Transponder unit (3) to be attached to the (sterile goods) container in a form-fitting, cohesive, force-fitting and/or magnetic manner. (Sterile goods) container (2) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the (sterile goods) container (2) has a recess (25, 30, 31, 32) which is intended and designed to receive an RFID transponder unit in a form-fitting manner. (Sterile goods) container (2) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the recess (22, 32) of the (sterile goods) container (2) has snap-in pockets (24, 36) which are provided and designed to accommodate the snap-in prongs (22, 34) of the carrier (4) with an undercut . (Sterile goods) container (2) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the (sterile goods) container (2) has a fold (18) which is provided and designed to attach an RFID transponder unit (1) underneath in a form-fitting manner. Method for attaching the RFID transponder unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 10 on the (sterile goods) container (2) according to one of Claims 11 until 14 , characterized in that the carrier (4) has a carrier part (6) and a receiving part (8), wherein the carrier part (6) is attached to the (sterile goods) container (2) and the RFID transponder (3) in the receiving part (8) is inserted and the receiving part (8) is clipped/introduced into the carrier part (6) by a snap connection/hook connection (10).

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