ELECTROMECHANICAL STERILE SEPARATION

Abstract

A sterility separation element can be arranged between plug connectors of a plug connection/electro-mechanical lock to provide sterility separation of the plug connectors. The plug connection/electro-mechanical lock has at least one electrical contact pin that penetrates the sterility separation element such that the sterility separation element fits directly to the electrical contact pin over its entire circumference in a germ-tight manner. The electrical contact pin has two free pin ends configured to come into electro-mechanical or electroconductive plug contact with corresponding electrical plug sockets of at least two lines to be connected.

Claims

1.-11. (canceled)

12. A sterility barrier comprising: a sterility separation element; and an electro-mechanical lock that is integrated or insertable/positionable in the sterility separation element to electrically connect a first electrical line on a non-sterile side of the sterility separation element to a second electrical line on a sterile side of the sterility separation element, the electro-mechanical lock comprising at least one electrical contact pin that individually penetrates the sterility separation element such that the sterility separation element fits directly to the at least one electrical contact pin over its entire circumference in a germ-tight manner, the at least one electrical contact pin comprising a first pin end and a second pin end that are freely projecting and configured to come into electro-mechanical or electroconductive plug contact with corresponding electrical pins and/or plug sockets of the first electrical line and the second electrical line.

13. The sterility barrier according to claim 12, wherein the sterility separation element is foil-, drape- and/or plate-like.

14. The sterility barrier according to claim 12, wherein the electro-mechanical lock forms an electro-mechanical coupling module with a first module housing having an abutment side or abutment surface from which the first pin end projects freely.

15. The sterility barrier according to claim 14, wherein the first module housing forms an insertion shaft on a housing side facing away from the abutment side or abutment surface, the second pin end projecting into the insertion shaft, with at least one plug socket of the first electrical line or the second electrical line being insertible into the insertion shaft.

16. The sterility barrier according to claim 14, wherein the sterility separation element comprises a first end face and a second end face, wherein the electro-mechanical coupling module comprises a second module housing comprising a hollow cylinder that encloses an insertion shaft that is axially continuous and configured to be abutted to the sterility separation element on the first end face such that one of the first pin end and the second pin end of the at least one electrical contact pin projects into the insertion shaft of the second module housing, and wherein, on the second end face, a plug socket of the second electrical line is insertable.

17. The sterility barrier according to claim 14, wherein the at least one electrical contact pin comprises a plurality of contact pins that are spaced apart in parallel, and wherein at least one of the sterile side and the non-sterile side of the sterility separation element comprises a plurality of contact sockets corresponding to the plurality of contact pins, which are combined to form a plug.

18. The sterility barrier according to claim 17, wherein the first module housing or the plug is configured or equippable with a holder configured to be fixed to an external object.

19. The sterility barrier according to claim 12, wherein the first pin end and the second pin end, or sections of the first pin end and the second pin end, form a male plug configured and adapted to be connected to a female plug socket of a cable.

20. The sterility barrier according to claim 19, wherein the male plug is complementary to the female plug socket.

21. The sterility barrier according to claim 12, wherein the first pin end and the second pin end, or sections of the first pin end and the second pin end, form a female plug socket configured to be connected to a male plug of a cable.

22. The sterility barrier according to claim 12, wherein the sterility separation element is a flexible covering or separation sheet.

23. A system comprising: the sterility barrier according to claim 12; a medical instrument; and an energy source for the medical instrument, wherein the electro-mechanical lock comprises an intermediate plug between the medical instrument and the energy source.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the sterility separation element is sheet- or foil-like.

25. A sterility barrier comprising: a sterility separation element; and an electro-mechanical lock that is integrated or insertable/positionable in the sterility separation element to electrically connect a first electrical line on a non-sterile side of the sterility separation element to a second electrical line on a sterile side of the sterility separation element, the electro-mechanical lock comprising at least one electrical contact pin that individually penetrates the sterility separation element such that the sterility separation element fits over an entire circumference of the at least one electrical contact pin in a germ-tight manner, the at least one electrical contact pin having a first pin end and a second pin end, the first pin end freely projecting and configured to come into electro-mechanical or electroconductive plug contact with a corresponding electrical plug socket and/or an electrical pin on the first electrical line, and the second pin end being firmly connected to the second electrical line.

26. The sterility barrier according to claim 25, wherein the sterility separation element is foil-, drape- and/or plate-like.

27. The sterility barrier according to claim 25, wherein the electro-mechanical lock forms an electro-mechanical coupling module with a first module housing having a sterility separation element abutment side or abutment surface from which the first pin end projects freely.

28. The sterility barrier according to claim 27, wherein the first module housing is closed on a housing side facing away from the sterility separation element abutment side or abutment surface, with a passage opening for the first electrical line or the second electrical line.

29. The sterility barrier according to claim 27, wherein the sterility separation element comprises a first end face and a second end face, wherein the electro-mechanical coupling module has a second module housing comprising a hollow cylinder that encloses an insertion shaft that is axially continuous and configured to be abutted to the sterility separation element on the first end face such that one of the first pin end and the second pin end of the at least one electrical contact pin projects into the insertion shaft, and wherein, on the second end face, a plug socket of the second electrical line is insertable.

30. The sterility barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one electrical contact pin comprises a plurality of contact pins that are spaced apart in parallel, wherein at least one of the sterile side and the non-sterile side of the sterility separation element comprises a plurality of contact sockets corresponding to the plurality of contact pins, which are combined to form a plug.

31. The sterility barrier according to claim 30, wherein the first module housing or the plug is configured or equippable with a holder configured to be fixed to an external object.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0032] The disclosure is explained in more detail below based on a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures as follows:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a sterility barrier in form of a sterility separation element with an electro-mechanical lock in general illustration or, respectively, in a general basic structure for illustrating essential parts/components of an arrangement according to the disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a sterility barrier in form of a sterility separation element with the electro-mechanical lock according to a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure (with regard to the at least one electrical contact pin having two free pin ends), especially configured as a sterility separation module;

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a sterility barrier in form of a sterility separation element with the electro-mechanical lock according to a second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure (with regard to the at least one electrical contact pin having two free pin ends), especially configured as a sterility separation module; and

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a general arrangement/division of a sterile and non-sterile area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a sterility barrier in general illustration or, respectively, in a general basic structure for illustrating essential parts/components of an arrangement according to the disclosure, the arrangement having: [0038] a flexible, preferably drape- or sheet-like sterility separation element 1 (hereinafter referred to simply as sterility drape); [0039] an electro-mechanical lock 2 in/at the sterility drape 1, having at least one electrical contact pin 9 which individually penetrates the sterility separation element 1; and [0040] a (first) line bus 5, consisting of a number/plurality of lines/cables, which leads to the lock 2 in a non-sterile area, and a further (second) line bus 5, consisting of a corresponding number/plurality of lines/cables, which leads away from the lock 2 in the sterile area.

[0041] Specifically, the sterility drape 1 is a germ-tight fabric or a (germ-tight) foil that is provided and configured to separate a sterile area from a non-sterile area. For example, the sterile area may be an operating area/room in which a robot arm or various drive and/or control devices/medical devices are located, which in themselves constitute non-sterile areas and must therefore be isolated from the sterile area in a germ-tight manner. For this purpose, such non-sterile areas may be surrounded/sheathed by the sterility drape 1 shown, wherein it must however be ensured that, for example, electrical devices, energy sources or control systems within the non-sterile area have electrical contact through the sterility drape 1 to (medical technology or, respectively, surgical) devices, such as surgical electromotive handles, lighting means, etc. in the sterile area, without the germ-tight sterility barrier being damaged/disrupted.

[0042] This basic structure or general basic structure corresponds to the arrangement that is shown in FIG. 4, so that in relation thereto reference can be made to the above description with reference to FIG. 1. For the purpose of the maintenance of the sterility, the electro-mechanical lock 2 according to the disclosure is provided, as described in more detail below.

[0043] In principle, the electro-mechanical lock 2 according to the present disclosure has a number, preferably a plurality, of contact pins (lock contacts) 9, which are preferably supported/fixed in a first housing (sleeve) 10 such that they project from the first housing 10 in form of a mandrel on one housing side (hereinafter referred to as the abutment side). The contact pins 9 are arranged at a parallel distance from one another.

[0044] Each contact pin 9 has at least one free/freely projecting pin end or, respectively, free end section which is provided and configured/adapted to pierce the sterility drape 1. For this purpose, the one pin end of the corresponding contact pin 9 may, for example, be pointed or sharpened, or the respective contact pin 9 has such a small diameter that it can be pierced through the sterility drape 1 without the sterility drape 1 tearing. The decisive factor here is that a very narrow piercing hole is formed so that the pierced contact pin 9 is subsequently surrounded by the sterility drape 1 fitting over its entire circumference in a germ-tight manner.

[0045] Preferably, control electronics may be located already within the first housing 10, for example electronics 4 for controlling the battery of an electrical medical technology/surgical device located within the sterile area or of similar work equipment. In this case, each electrical medical technology/surgical device within the sterile area is assigned a device-specific lock 2, for example with device-specific control elements or power supplies or the like already within the first lock housing 10.

[0046] According to the further disclosed partial aspect as shown in FIG. 1, the at least one electrical contact pin 9 has a free pin end that is provided and configured to come into electro-mechanical or electroconductive plug contact with a corresponding electrical plug socket 12 of the at least one line 5 on the sterile or non-sterile side of the sterility separation element 1, whereas at the other pin end the at least other line 5 is firmly connected on the correspondingly other side of the sterility separation element 1. Thereby, a line (cable) is fixed to the other free pin end or, respectively, the other free end section of each contact pin 9, which are combined to form a line bus (cable harness) 5, which is led to the outside through a housing opening at a housing side facing away from the abutment side. This cable harness 5 is then electrically coupled within the sterile area to a corresponding medical device (not further shown).

[0047] Finally, in general (as shown in FIG. 1), a holder 6 may be arranged/configured at the first housing 10, with which the first housing 10 can be fixed to a (stationary) fixed object, for example an operating table, such as to stationarily hold the lock 2 and also the sterility drape 1.

[0048] On the side of the sterility drape 1 facing away from the first housing 10, a second housing 11 is shown which has a substantially hollow cylindrical/tubular shape, wherein one end face thereof abuts to the sterility drape, and wherein the sterility drape 1 is sandwiched between the first 10 and the second housing 11. Thereby, the one free pin ends/end sections of the contact pins 9 (which have already been pressed through the sterility drape 1) project into the interior of the hollow cylindrical second housing 11.

[0049] These free pin ends of the contact pins 9 are provided and configured to come into electrical plug contact with contact sockets 12, to which also lines/cables are attached, which are brought together to form a cable harness 5 comparable to the cable harness 5 on the other sterility drape side. As soon as these plug sockets 12 are plugged onto the free pin ends/end sections of the contact pins 9, they press the sterility drape 1 against the abutment side of the first housing 10 located on the other sterility drape side and thus hold the entire lock assembly together.

[0050] At this point, it should be noted that the contact sockets 12 shown individually in FIG. 1 may also be combined to form a plug whose shape is adapted to the hollow cylindrical second housing 12 so that it can be plugged into this.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the present disclosure, whereby in the following, essentially the design features different to the example according to FIG. 1 are discussed (all other above descriptions thus also apply to the first embodiment according to the disclosure); in this context, for the same components also the same terms and reference numerals are used.

[0052] In this case, the first housing 10 in contrast to the first housing 10 according to FIG. 1 (in accordance with the second housing 11) also forms an insertion shaft for a number of plug sockets or a plug 13, in which the plug sockets are combined and which is adapted to the insertion shaft of the first housing 10. That is, in the first embodiment according to the disclosure (or, respectively, the modification) according to FIG. 2, the fixed line connections 3 as shown in FIG. 1 are replaced by a further plug connection, so that the contact pins 9 in this case have two free pin ends/end sections which are provided and configured for a plug connection with corresponding lines/cables.

[0053] Furthermore, in the first embodiment according to the disclosure according to FIG. 2, the holder 6 for fixing the lock 2 to a (stationary) fixed object is not arranged/configured at the first housing 10, but at the plug 13. For that matter, in the first embodiment according to the disclosure in accordance with FIG. 2, that plug 8 is now also illustrated graphically, as it was previously mentioned as a replacement/alternative for the plug sockets 12 shown in FIG. 1.

[0054] In summary, the disclosure relates to a sterility separation element 1 for sterility separation, which is provided to be arranged between plus connectors 10, 11 of a plug connection/electro-mechanical lock and thus to provide sterility separation of the plug connectors 10, 11.

[0055] In FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown at least schematically, with only the differences from the first embodiment being described more specifically below.

[0056] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the contact pins 9 are configured as uniform rods which form insertion ends on both sides of the sterility separation element 1 which are insertable in the manner of a plug into insertion sockets in the manner of a socket. This means that sockets must be provided on both sides of the sterility separation element 1 which can be brought into contact engagement with plugs of the electrical/electro-mechanical lock 2 which are configured on both sides.

[0057] However, it has been shown that medical electrical instruments are already equipped with electrical cables at which plugs with simple contact pins are usually already mounted. In order to connect these to the lock 2 according to FIG. 2, an additional adapter would have to be provided. In order to avoid such an additional component, it is provided in the second embodiment of the disclosure that, at least on the sterile side of the sterility separation element 1, the at least one contact pin 9 is configured in form of a sleeve/plug socket at the end, such that the lock 2 on the sterile side of the sterility separation element 1 forms a type of socket into which a plug with at least a single, simple contact pin is insertable then, as shown for example in FIG. 1. This variant has the advantage over the variant according to FIG. 2 that a plug already present on the medical instrument can be brought directly into plug contact with the lock 2.

[0058] According to the further partial aspect of the disclosure, especially with reference to the schematic illustration of FIG. 1 (especially with regard to the feature of the at least one electrical contact pin having a free pin end and another pin end firmly connected to a respective line), which is not the subject matter of this present application but may be prosecuted in a later divisional application, the object is (alternatively) solved by the following features or, respectively, combination of features:

[0059] 1st embodiment according to the further partial aspect: Sterility barrier with a flat sterility separation element 1, preferably in form of a covering or separation sheet, and an electro-mechanical lock 2, which is integrated or insertable/positionable in the sterility separation element 1, for the electrical connection of at least one electrical line 5 on the one, non-sterile side of the sterility separation element 1 to at least one electrical line 5 on the other, sterile side of the sterility separation element 1, the electro-mechanical lock 2 having at least one electrical contact pin 9 which individually penetrates the sterility separation element 1, such that the sterility separation element 1 fits over its entire circumference in a germ-tight manner directly to the at least one electrical contact pin 9; where the at least one electrical contact pin 9 has a freely projecting pin end which is provided and configured to come into electro-mechanical or electroconductive plug contact with a corresponding electrical plug socket and/or an electrical pin 12 of the at least one line 5 on the sterile or non-sterile side of the sterility separation element 1, whereas on the other pin end the at least other line 5 is firmly connected on the corresponding other side of the sterility separation element 1.

[0060] 2nd embodiment according to the further partial aspect: Sterility barrier according to the 1st embodiment according to the further partial aspect, where the sterility separation element 1 is foil-, drape- and/or plate-like.

[0061] 3rd embodiment according to the further partial aspect: Sterility barrier according to any of the preceding 1st or 2nd embodiments according to the further partial aspect, where the electro-mechanical lock 2 forms an electro-mechanical coupling module with at least one first module housing 10 having a sterility separation element abutment side or abutment surface from which the one free pin end of the at least one electrical contact pin 9 projects freely.

[0062] 4th embodiment according to the further partial aspect: Sterility barrier according to the 3rd embodiment according to the further partial aspect, where the first housing is closed on the housing side facing away from the abutment side, with a passage opening for the at least one line 5 on the sterile or non-sterile side of the sterility separation element 1, that is firmly connected to the at least one contact pin 9.

[0063] 5th embodiment according to the further partial aspect: Sterility barrier according to any of the preceding 3rd to 4th embodiments according to the further partial aspect, where the electro-mechanical coupling module has a second module housing 11 in form of a hollow cylinder which encloses an axially continuous insertion shaft and which is provided and configured to be abutted to the sterility separation element 1 on one end face such that the free end of the at least one contact pin 9, that has already penetrated the sterility separation element 1, projects into the insertion shaft of the second module housing 11, wherein, on the other end face, the plug socket 12 of the at least one other line 5 is insertable.

[0064] 6th embodiment according to the further partial aspect: Sterility barrier according to any of the preceding 1st to 5th embodiments according to the further partial aspect, where a plurality of contact pins 9 is provided which are spaced apart in parallel, wherein a corresponding number of contact sockets 12 is provided on at least one side of the sterility separation element 1, which are combined to form a single plug 8, 13.

[0065] 7th embodiment according to the further partial aspect: Sterility barrier according to the 6th embodiment according to the further partial aspect, where the first module housing 10 or the plug 13 is configured or equippable with a holder 6 which is provided and configured to be fixed to an external object, especially an operating table.