NEW CONTACT PROTECTION DEVICE FOR MEDICAL FLUID-BEARING CASSETTE AND CASSETTE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical fluid-carrying cassette according to claim 1. An example from the prior art is disclosed in DE 10 2011 108 781 A1.

[0002] When handling fluid-containing cassettes, such as blood cassettes, medical personnel always face the risk of accidentally touching and contaminating the connection points used to add fluid to the cassette during patient treatment (fluid addition points of the cassette) with a finger or other object when unpacking the cassette from its sterile packaging. Several solutions to this problem are already known in practice, for example, in the form of removable adhesive protective films.

[0003] One object of the present invention is to propose a further medical fluid-carrying cassette.

[0004] The problem according to the invention is solved by a medical fluid-carrying cassette with the features of claim 1.

[0005] The disclosed touch protection device for covering a connection point of a fluid-carrying cassette, particularly a medical one, for medical fluid treatment, has at least one covering section for covering the connection point before use of the cassette, i.e., before the cassette is attached to a fluid treatment device. It further has at least one first connecting section for releasably connecting or holding the touch protection device to the cassette.

[0006] The at least one cover section of the contact protection device can be placed on or over at least one connection point of a fluid-carrying cassette and is preferably wide enough to cover this connection point, or several connection points, of the cassette in such a way that, when the contact protection device is in place, no part of the connection point can be contaminated by contact with fingers during normal use. The cover section can have any shape known in the prior art; for example, it can be plate-shaped. It can be rectangular, semicircular, or the like, etc. The size of the cover section can be selected depending on the size of the connection point to be protected in the specific case.

[0007] The touch protection device has a top and a bottom.

[0008] The invention relates to a medical, fluid-carrying cassette with at least one touch protection device.

[0009] In all the following explanations, the use of the expression "may be" or "may have" etc. is to be understood as synonymous with "is preferably" or "has preferably" etc. and is intended to explain embodiments according to the invention.

[0010] Embodiments according to the invention are further the subject of the dependent claims and embodiments.

[0011] Whenever numerical terms are used herein, a person skilled in the art understands them to indicate a lower numerical limit. Unless this leads to a contradiction apparent to a person skilled in the art, they will always interpret the use of "ein" or "einem" as meaning "at least one" or "at least one." This understanding is encompassed by the present invention, as is the interpretation that a numerical term such as "ein" can alternatively be meant as "exactly one," wherever this is technically feasible to a person skilled in the art. Both are encompassed by the present invention and apply to all numerical terms used herein.

[0012] In case of doubt by a person skilled in the art, the terms "top" and "bottom" are to be understood as absolute or relative spatial references relating to the orientation of the component in question during its normal use.

[0013] In case of doubt, the top of the contact protection device should be facing away from the hard part of the cassette during use, and the bottom should be facing it.

[0014] According to the invention, the first connecting section is a plug-in or snap-in connection or part thereof.

[0015] In certain embodiments of the invention, the cover section has at least one first structure – preferably rising or extending from the underside of the touch protection device – which is closed in its circumference.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the invention, the cover section has at least one second structure – preferably rising or extending from the underside of the touch protection device – which is closed in its circumference.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device has at least one handle section. The handle section preferably has at least one structure – in particular rising or extending from the underside of the touch protection device – which is preferably closed in its circumference.

[0018] In certain embodiments of the invention, the structure of the handle section, which may optionally also extend to the second connecting section, has at least one recess in its outermost edge.

[0019] A depression, as used herein, can be a section in which the structure containing the depression has a lower height than adjacent, or optionally both adjacent, sections of the structure. A depression can be an indentation, a recess, or a notch. A depression is preferably not a closed opening. A depression can be shaped similarly to a loophole.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device has at least one spacer, preferably adjacent to the handle section. The spacer projects from the touch protection device, preferably in a direction along the depth of the cassette, preferably from the underside of the touch protection device. The spacer thus ensures a minimum distance below which certain sections of the touch protection device, and in particular its handle section, on the one hand, and the hard part of the cassette, on the other hand, cannot come closer together.

[0021] In this way, the spacer allows the user to grasp the handle section on both sides, i.e., on its top as well as on its underside, between their fingers in order to remove the touch protection device.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the invention, the handle section optionally projects forward (i.e., in a direction corresponding to the main extent of the cassette) beyond the edge of the cassette or its hard part. This may also make it easier for the user to remove the protective cover.

[0023] According to the invention, the touch protection device has a second connecting section for detachably connecting the touch protection device to the cassette or for holding the touch protection device on the cassette.

[0024] According to the invention, the second connecting section has a protrusion for insertion into the centering opening of the fluid-carrying cassette.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the projection has one or more protrusions on its outer surface. These can facilitate a locking effect when the projection engages in the centering or retaining opening.

[0026] In certain embodiments according to the invention, the second connecting section has a structure – which in particular rises or extends from the underside of the touch protection device – and which is preferably closed in its circumference.

[0027] In certain embodiments of the invention, the structure has at least one depression in its outermost edge.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the second connecting section optionally has at least one first through-opening and / or one second through-opening.

[0029] In certain embodiments of the invention, the handle section is arranged between the first connecting section and the second connecting section and / or connects both.

[0030] In certain embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device has at least one first through-opening in the area of ​​the second connecting section. The through-openings connect, for example, the top of the touch protection device with its underside.

[0031] In certain embodiments according to the invention, the touch protection device has at least one spacer in the area of ​​the first connecting section.

[0032] The spacer extends, for example, adjacent to the connecting section and in the same spatial direction as the latter.

[0033] In some embodiments of the invention, the cover section is held to the cassette by means of tension or material stiffness, in particular exclusively. In these embodiments, there is no material bond between the cover section and the cassette.

[0034] In certain embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device is designed and / or connected to be removable from the cassette without damage. In some embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device is held on the cassette by means of the first connecting section. The connecting section ensures a detachable and stable connection between the touch protection device and the cassette. This connection can be made without adhesive. It can be a snap-fit, locking, insertion, clamping, screwing, holding by means of physical forces, or any other type of detachable connection known from the prior art. In some embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device is designed to be connected to and detached from the cassette as often as desired.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the touch protection device is plate-shaped. In some embodiments according to the invention, the touch protection device is one-piece or made in one piece. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the touch protection device can have any shape known from the prior art in order to fulfill its function, and can also be manufactured in one piece, in multiple pieces, or in parts.

[0036] In some embodiments according to the invention, the touch protection device is held on the cassette solely by the first and, if necessary, by a second connecting section.

[0037] In some embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device has at least one coding structure for the form-coded arrangement of the touch protection device on the fluid-carrying cassette. This coded arrangement can contribute to a stable connection of the touch protection device to the cassette. For this purpose, the coding structure has a shape that, for example, correlates with, complements, or is complementary to the shape or contour of an edge (or other section) of the cassette. This ensures, on the one hand, that the connection between the touch protection device and the cassette in the edge region, which is complementary to the coding structure, is stable. Thus, the coding structure can, for example, prevent the touch protection device from slipping or rotating about the axis of its connection with the cassette, for example, about the connecting section.On the other hand, the coding structure can advantageously prevent the touch protection device from being attached to the cassette in a position other than intended during the manufacturing process. This effectively prevents the touch protection device from being attached in a way that renders it ineffective for the intended purpose.

[0038] In some embodiments of the invention, the coding structure of the touch protection device is wave-shaped or has a wave-shaped section. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the coding structure can have any conceivable shape with which it can fulfill at least one of the aforementioned functions or advantages. For example, it can have a straight line, a zigzag pattern, or any other stepped pattern. It can have a continuous or a discontinuous pattern, etc.

[0039] In certain embodiments of the invention, the coding structure of the touch protection device is a recess provided for this purpose in at least one section or on one side of the touch protection device.

[0040] In some embodiments according to the invention, the contact protection device has at least one fixing device for releasably receiving, limiting or fixing inlet and / or outlet hoses of the fluid-carrying cassette.

[0041] In some embodiments of the invention, the fixing device holds the hoses in a desired position relative to the cassette. The fixing device can thus prevent damage to the hoses from kinking or contamination from unintentional detachment from the cassette.

[0042] In certain embodiments of the invention, the fixing device is designed in multiple parts. Between the individual sections of the multi-part fixing device, further objects, such as hose clamps, which in turn may be connected to the aforementioned hoses, can be temporarily held by means of frictional adhesion or a snap-fit ​​effect. This can serve to protect the objects at least until the cassette is used.

[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, the fixing device is arranged on only one side of the touch protection device. It extends only to one side.

[0044] In some embodiments of the invention, the contact protection device has a substantially flat, completely flat, or exclusively flat surface, while in other embodiments it does not. This surface faces away from the connection point during use of the contact protection device. Before use of the cassette, the flat surface advantageously prevents the contact protection device from unintentionally snagging on or getting caught on other objects, which could unintentionally detach the contact protection device from the cassette.

[0045] In certain embodiments of the invention, the protective device has at least one handle section for gripping the device in order to detach it from the fluid-carrying cassette by hand; however, in other embodiments, it does not. The user removes or detaches the protective device from the cassette by means of the handle section, e.g., before inserting the cassette into a fluid treatment device.

[0046] The handle section can have any design known to the prior art, in particular one that facilitates or enables a non-slip grip. For example, the handle section can be designed as a ring, knob, tab, etc., or have a ribbed or rough surface.

[0047] In some embodiments of the invention, the cover section is not located on the handle section, but on a different section of the touch guard. This means that the cover section does not need to be touched to detach the touch guard from the cassette. This thus minimizes the risk of accidental contamination during the detachment of the touch guard.

[0048] In certain embodiments of the protective cover, the handle section is located on a section of the protective cover opposite the cover section. This can contribute to the contamination-free removal of the protective cover from the cassette.

[0049] In some embodiments of the medical fluid-carrying cassette according to the invention, the contact protection device is connected to the cassette without adhesive.

[0050] In some embodiments according to the invention, the touch protection device has a section which projects beyond an edge of the cassette.

[0051] In some embodiments of the invention, the handle section of the touch protection device is arranged on the section projecting beyond the edge of the cassette to make it easier for the user to remove the touch protection device from the cassette.

[0052] According to the invention, the second connecting section can be inserted into a centering opening of the cassette to connect the touch protection device – optionally with the aid of this device – to the cassette. This centering opening of the cassette can be provided to be connected to a centering device of a fluid treatment unit. It serves, for example, to center the cassette on the fluid treatment unit during use, such as during dialysis treatment.

[0053] In some embodiments of the invention, the connecting section of the touch guard prevents the cassette from being attached to or inserted into a fluid treatment device during use. This is achieved, for example, by ensuring that when the touch guard is connected to the cassette, the connecting section is inserted into the centering opening of the cassette. Since the cassette with the touch guard attached cannot be attached to the fluid treatment device because its centering opening is obstructed, the touch guard must be deliberately removed beforehand.

[0054] In further embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device is designed, for example by its dimensions or its type of connection to the cassette, such that the cassette with the attached touch protection device can be mounted on the fluid treatment device, but a cover or, for example, a machine door of the device cannot be closed without first detaching the touch protection device from the cassette. This also serves to ensure that the touch protection device is reliably removed before the cassette is used.

[0055] In some advantageous embodiments of the invention, the contact protection device is sterilized together with the cassette. In these embodiments, the sterilization process of the cassette takes place with the contact protection device attached. This is possible according to the invention because, in such embodiments, there is no material-bonded or steam-impermeable connection between the cover section of the contact protection device—in its position above the connection point—and the cassette and / or the connection point. Thus, for example, the steam permeability of the contact protection device is ensured. The connection point can be successfully sterilized even with the contact protection device or cover section attached, for example, with hot steam.

[0056] This advantage can also arise if the touch protection device and the cassette are made of the same material or similar materials, in any case, materials that can be sterilized using the same sterilization method as the cassette.

[0057] In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one connection point which is or is covered by means of the cover section is a connection point for a substitute line.

[0058] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the medical fluid-carrying cassette is designed as a blood cassette, for example for dialysis treatment, in particular for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, peritoneal dialysis, acute dialysis, etc.

[0059] In some advantageous embodiments according to the invention, the depth of the centering opening of the fluid-carrying cassette is greater than the height of the elevation of the second connecting section.

[0060] In some advantageous embodiments according to the invention, the cassette has elevations in the area of ​​the second connecting section, the geometries of which are adapted to the shape of the first and / or the second through-opening.

[0061] In some embodiments according to the invention, the first structure of the contact protection device or the cover section, which is arranged like a concentric ring around the center of the cover section, together with a tubular channel structure of the connection point of the cassette, forms a labyrinth seal by having two ring-shaped structures inserted into one another.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the term "hard part" (also referred to as "hard body" or "substrate") refers to the body of the medical device, which is generally manufactured by injection molding and therefore referred to herein as "hard," and which may be covered with a comparatively "soft" film, and / or its appendages such as tubes, etc. The hard part may be made of PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PA, ABS, PMMA, PC, PVC, or other polymers or materials well known to those skilled in the art. It may also be made of insulating materials, such as, in particular, ceramics.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the first structure of the cover section, the second structure of the cover section, the circumferential structure of the second connecting section and / or the circumferential structure of the handle section has one or more recesses, incisions or depressions.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the fixing device is designed as a holder for the rinse port adapter, wherein it is provided that the latter is inserted into the former.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments according to the invention, the fixing device has one, two or more joints, in particular film joints, by means of which the fixing device is connected to the main body of the touch protection device, e.g. to the second connecting section.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the fixing device has a cylindrical insertion section surrounded by an annular structure. A gap exists between the cylindrical insertion section and the annular structure, in which the front end of the rinse port adapter can be held, either after or by insertion and, if necessary, by clamping.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the fixing device optionally has three circular structures or surfaces.

[0068] In some advantageous embodiments, the touch protection device has a drainage structure.

[0069] In some advantageous embodiments, the drainage structure has or consists of grooves or slots which extend, for example, radially from the fixing device, here, for example, the insertion section for receiving, for example, a rinse port adapter.

[0070] In some advantageous embodiments, the grooves or slots extend on the bottom side between the raised insertion section and the ring-shaped structure surrounding the insertion section.

[0071] Some or all embodiments of the invention may have one, several or all of the advantages mentioned above and / or below.

[0072] The advantage is that the contact protection device can be released without significant force due to the above design of the contact protection device.

[0073] In some advantageous embodiments, there is a reduced risk of unintentional contamination of the cassette's connection point, for example by touching it with the hand, because the handle section of the touch protection device is sufficiently far away from the cover section.

[0074] In advantageous embodiments, the touch protection device is made of the same material as the cassette. Therefore, the touch protection device can be subjected to the same sterilization processes as the cassette. Furthermore, it can be disposed of in the same way as the cassette or together with it.

[0075] In advantageous embodiments, the release of the touch protection device from the cassette can be done with one hand.

[0076] In certain embodiments according to the invention, the touch protection device has correspondingly soft or flexible materials or rounded edges such that the risk of injury to the user during its operation, as well as the risk of damage to other components of the touch protection device or the cassette by, for example, sharp contours, is minimized.

[0077] By potentially eliminating the need for adhesive to attach the touch protection device to the cassette, no adhesive residue can remain on the cassette when it is removed and potentially enter the cassette interior via the connection point.

[0078] Unlike, for example, the use of sterility caps, according to the invention there is no risk of accidentally touching the connection point when unpacking the cassette.

[0079] Unlike protective films and sterility caps, the touch protection device according to the invention can be attached to the cassette during sterilization. Separate sterilization of the touch protection device and the cassette followed by assembly is advantageously not required.

[0080] The present invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the same reference numerals denote identical or similar components. In the figures: Fig. 1 shows the touch protection device in a first embodiment from a low angle, looking at its underside which faces the fluid-carrying cassette during use; Fig. 2 shows the touch protection device of the Fig. 1 from an oblique angle above (i.e., looking at the top), connected to the cassette shown only in sections; Fig. 3 shows the touch protection device of the Fig. 1 and 2from below, connected to the cassette shown only in sections; Fig. 4 shows in one of the Fig. 2 In a similar perspective view, the touch protection device 100 is shown in a longitudinal section, connected to the cassette, which is only shown in sections; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the touch protection device of the preceding figures in use on a fluid-carrying cassette; Figs. 6a-6c show the first connection section of the touch protection device of the first embodiment in three stages of the transition from the latched state ( Fig. 6a ) until the de-energized state ( Fig. 6c ); Fig. 7 shows the touch protection device according to the invention in a second embodiment; Fig. 8 shows the touch protection device of the Fig. 7 , with rinse port adapter attached to the fixing device; Fig. 9 shows the touch protection device in perspective and from below in a third embodiment with a holding or fixing device; Fig. 10 shows the touch protection device of the Fig. 9 in a section, with a slightly perspective view of the section plane; Fig. 11 shows the touch protection device of the Fig. 9 und 10 , connected to the hard part of the cassette; and Fig. 12 shows part of the touch protection device in perspective and from the underside in a fourth embodiment.

[0081] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a possible first embodiment of the touch protection device 100. The touch protection device 100 has a cover section 110, a connecting section 120, an optional coding structure 130 and a gripping or handle section 150.

[0082] In this context, the cover section 110 serves to create a Fig. 1 Connection point 241 not shown (see Fig. 4 ) to cover. The cover section 110 is wide enough to cover the connection point 241 of a fluid-carrying cassette 200 (in Fig. 1 also not shown, see but Fig. 2 bis Fig. 6c The cover section 110 completely covers the connection point 241 of the cassette 200, by means of which a fluid connection can be established. This prevents unintentional contact with the connection point 241 of the cassette 200 before its use, i.e., before the cassette 200 is attached to a fluid treatment device. The cover section 110 also preferably prevents unintentional contact with the connection point 241 during the removal of the protective cover 100.

[0083] The cover section 110 is held to the cassette 200 by means of tension or by the material stiffness of the touch protection device 100. The touch protection device 100 is in turn held to a rigid part of the cassette 200 by means of, for example, the connecting section 120.

[0084] The connecting section 120 provides a detachable and stable connection between the touch protection device 100 and the cassette 200. This connection is adhesive-free and can be achieved by snapping, locking, inserting, clamping, screwing, or any other type of detachable connection known from the prior art. The connecting section 120 is shown in the example of the Fig. 1 a plug-in or snap-in connection.

[0085] In some embodiments of the invention, the touch protection device 100 is held on the cassette 200 solely by the connecting section 120. In others, as also shown in the figures, a second connecting section 160 is provided.

[0086] In some embodiments of the invention, there is no material-bonded connection between the cover section 110 and the cassette 200.

[0087] The touch protection device 100 has a first structure 111 around the cover section 110. The latter is designed as a closed structure, i.e. with a continuous, uninterrupted perimeter.

[0088] An optional, second structure 113 surrounds the first structure 111 and is, again optionally, also designed as a closed structure.

[0089] While the first structure 111 preferably serves as a seal, as can be seen in Figs. 4 to 6d, the second structure 113 preferably serves to stiffen the contact protection device 100 and in particular the cover section 110.

[0090] Furthermore, the second structure 113 can serve to center or align the touch protection device 100 on the cassette 200, which in turn can help to ensure that the touch protection device 100 is correctly placed on the cassette 200.

[0091] The first connecting section 120 is designed here as an exemplary resting section, which leads into a corresponding opening or passage opening (in Fig. 3 shown) the cassette 200 can engage and lock into place.

[0092] Furthermore, the example of Fig. 1 an optionally provided spacer 121. It optionally ensures a desired distance between touch protection device 100 and cassette 200.

[0093] The spacer 121 can optionally have an angled or triangular cross-section. This shape serves to center or align the touch protection device 100 on the cassette 200; it is adapted to, or corresponds to, a geometric feature of the hard part of the cassette 200. In this specific embodiment, the spacer 121 can therefore also be understood as a coding structure.

[0094] The handle section 150 has a structure 151, which can optionally be designed with a closed perimeter similar to the first and second structures 111 or 113 mentioned above.

[0095] The structure 151 can optionally be raised entirely, i.e., stand above a floor surface. This results in increased rigidity along the entire handle section 150 or even the entire protective cover 100, which ensures that the protective cover 100 can be removed from the cassette 200 without tilting or jamming, regardless of where the user applies pressure or grasps the handle section 150 with their fingers to remove the protective cover 100 from the cassette 200.

[0096] The structure 151 can have one or more recesses, similar to or identical with the recesses 151a and / or 151b shown here as examples. Such recesses, where the raised edge of the structure 151 is lower than at the recesses of the adjacent sections of the structure 151, can in turn serve to center or align the touch guard 100 on the cassette 200 via webs of the hard part of the cassette 200, see, for example, web 251 of the Fig. 2 .

[0097] Furthermore, recesses such as the recesses 151a and / or 151b shown here as examples can allow the contact protection device 100 to be arranged at the level of the upper edge of the hard part, approximately in the area of ​​its circumferential structure 252, to which a film (not shown in the figures) is welded. This makes it advantageously possible to keep the thickness of the cassette 200, on which the contact protection device 100 is mounted, small.

[0098] The touch protection device 100, in its exemplary embodiment, features Fig. 1 Furthermore, at least the aforementioned second connecting section 160. The second connecting section 160 can – like the first connecting section 120 – detachably connect the touch protection device 100 to the cassette 200.

[0099] The second connecting section 160 features a raised section 161 for this purpose. It can, as in the example of the Fig. 1 , be shaped accordingly to be inserted into a centering opening 242 of the cassette 200, which is in Fig. 3 The centering opening 242 can be designed with any number of locking lugs or lugs 261a, 261b, 261c, which can serve for the detachable connection between the elevation 161 and the centering opening 242.

[0100] The elevation 161 may have external projections such as the projections 161a, 161b shown here as examples, which can serve for locking.

[0101] The second connecting section 160 can have a structure 163, which can optionally be designed similarly to the first and second structures 111 or 113 mentioned above, with a closed perimeter.

[0102] Structure 163 can also have one or more recesses 163a, 163b with the aforementioned advantages and features.

[0103] Fig. 1 Finally, it shows that the second connecting section 160 optionally has at least one first through-opening 165 and one second through-opening 167. These can be used to accommodate elevations 265, 267 (see Fig. 2 ) of the cassette 200. They can be used for centering and aligning as described above.

[0104] The coding structure 130 contributes to a stable connection of the touch protection device 100 to the cassette 200.

[0105] The coding structure 130 has a shape that correlates with, complements, or is complementary to the shape or contour of an edge or section of the hard part of the cassette 200.

[0106] All of the aforementioned structures are present in the example of the Fig. 1 exclusively provided on the underside of the touch protection device 100.

[0107] Fig. 2 The touch protection device shows 100 of the Fig. 1 from a slightly elevated angle (i.e., looking at the top).

[0108] In Fig. 2 The touch protection device 100 is detachably attached to the cassette 200, which is only shown in section, as intended. The cover section 110 provides protective cover to the connection point 241.

[0109] Connectors 253 and 255 for connecting the optional substitute hose to the cassette 200 can be seen.

[0110] How Fig. 2 As can be seen, in some embodiments according to the invention, the touch protection device 100 has no raised structures at all on one side (here on the top), or at least no structures rising above a main extension plane of the top.

[0111] Fig. 3 The touch protection device shows 100 of the Fig. 1 and 2 from below, connected to cassette 200, which is only shown in sections.

[0112] The first connecting section 120 protrudes with an end section through an opening in the hard part of the cassette 200, whereby in the example of the Fig. 3 locked into place with the hard part.

[0113] By grasping the handle section 150, the user removes or detaches the touch protection device 100 from the cassette 200 before inserting the cassette 200 into a fluid treatment device.

[0114] It can be seen that the elevation 161 is optionally held detachably in the centering opening 242 by (here optionally three) elastic lugs 261a, 261b and 261c. The centering opening 242 is optionally surrounded or bounded by the locking lugs or lugs 261a, 261b, 261c.

[0115] Fig. 4 shows in a perspective view which of the Fig. 2 Similarly, the touch protection device 100 is shown in a longitudinal section.

[0116] The first connecting section 120 is in Fig. 4 The second connecting section 160 (see its projection 161) is also locked to the hard part of the cassette 200. The projection 161 is held detachably in a lower area by the elastic lugs 261a (not visible), 261b and 261c. These optionally have tapered ends in cross-section as locking projections (see Fig. 4 ), which the longitudinal movement of the in Fig. 1 shown projections or locking projections 161a, 161b inhibit.

[0117] Fig. 4 It can further be deduced that the depth of the centering opening 242, to which the elastic noses 261a, 261b and 261c can also contribute, is greater than the height of the elevation 161 of the second connecting section 160. Therefore, the elevation 161 is not (with respect to the arrangement in Fig. 4 ) protrudes downwards from the centering opening 242. An advantage achievable with this size ratio between the depth of the centering opening 242 and the height of the protrusion 161 can be that the contact protection device 100 cannot be unintentionally removed by accidental pressure on the protrusion 161, which in other embodiments protrudes from the centering opening 242.

[0118] It can also be seen that the first structure 111, which is arranged like a concentric ring around the center of the cover section 110, together with a tubular channel structure 241a of the connection point 241 of the cassette 200, forms a (optionally simple) labyrinth seal by having two ring-shaped structures inserted into one another.

[0119] Fig. 5 The illustration shows the touch protection device 100. Fig. 4 , no longer connected to the hard part of the 200 cassette. The locking mechanism with the hard part, which is in Fig. 4 what is still given is in Fig. 5 The problem is clearly resolved. This applies to both the first connecting section 120 and the optional second connecting section 160. The labyrinth seal of the first connecting section 120 is on the verge of disintegrating. The bottom section of the protrusion 161 has already been guided upwards past the locking projections of the elastic lugs 261a (not visible), 261b, and 261c.

[0120] When the touch protection device 100 is connected to the cassette 200, as shown in Fig. 4 As shown, the second connecting section 160 is inserted into the centering opening 242 or retaining opening of the cassette 200, designed for centering or holding it in a fluid treatment device. In this state, the cassette 200 cannot be attached to the fluid treatment device because the centering opening 242 is not freely accessible. However, since free access to the centering opening 242 is a prerequisite for attaching the cassette 200 to the fluid treatment device, the protective cover 100 must be deliberately removed.

[0121] The touch protection device 100 can also be designed, for example by its dimensions or its type of connection to the cassette 200, such that the cassette 200 with the touch protection device 100 attached can be mounted on the fluid treatment device, but the device door cannot be closed before the touch protection device 100 is detached from the cassette 200. This also serves to ensure that the touch protection device 100 has been reliably removed before the cassette 200 is used.

[0122] The release of the protective device 100 is achieved without the application of significant force. Furthermore, it is carried out with a reduced risk of unintentional contamination of the connection point 241 of the cassette 200, for example by touching it with the hand, since the handle section 150 of the protective device 100 is spaced apart from the cover section 110.

[0123] The handle section 150, due in part to the spacer 121, extends in a direction corresponding to the depth of the cassette 200 (i.e., in the direction in which the projection 161 extends longitudinally) away from or at a distance from the hard part of the cassette 200. This allows the user to grip the handle section 150 on both sides, i.e., on its top and bottom, between their fingers in order to remove the protective cover 100.

[0124] Furthermore, the handle section 150 optionally projects forward beyond the edge of the cassette 200 (i.e., in one direction of the main extension of the cassette 200). This also serves to make it easier for the user to remove the protective cover 100.

[0125] Fig. 6a bis 6c show the first connecting section 120 of the touch protection device 100 of the first embodiment in three stages of the transition from the latched state ( Fig. 6a ) until the de-energized state ( Fig. 6c ).

[0126] This can be clearly seen from the sequence of Fig. 6a bis 6c The connecting section 120, designed as a locking arm, is locked in the connected state under bending preload. This can advantageously allow compensation for a distance tolerance between the connection point 241 and the centering opening 242 or retaining opening.

[0127] In Fig. 6c It can also be seen that the labyrinth seal, which is designed from or with the first structure 111 and the tubular channel structure 241a, is provided or designed with sufficient radial distance between the first structure 111 and the tubular channel structure 241a in order to also compensate for a tolerance in the distance between the connection point 241 and the centering opening 242 or retaining opening.

[0128] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows the touch protection device 100 in a second embodiment with a holding or fixing device 140. Apart from the fixing device 140, the touch protection device 100 differs from the Fig. 7 not from that of the preceding figures.

[0129] The fixing device 140 is optional. If present, it serves for the direct or indirect, detachable securing of, for example, inlet and outlet hoses. The fixing device 140 holds such hoses in a desired position relative to the cassette 200. It thus prevents damage to the hoses from kinking, as well as contamination from unintentional detachment of the hoses from the cassette 200.

[0130] As an example of hoses that can be held by means of the fixing device 140, hoses are mentioned here which, in their use, are connected at least once to a rinse port of the fluid treatment device by means of a rinse port adapter 300, which is located, for example, in Fig. 8 and Fig. 11 shown.

[0131] The fixing device 140 is shown in the example of the Fig. 7 designed as a holder for the Rinse-Port-Adapter 300, with the latter being plugged into the former.

[0132] In Fig. 7 The fixing device 140 is connected to the main body of the contact protection device 100 by means of (here optionally) two film hinges 141, 143. The film hinges 141, 143 are located at opposite ends of a spacer 145, which is firmer or stiffer than the film hinges 141, 143. They allow the fixing device 140 to be bent by 90° into a position which is Fig. 8 This can be seen. It is evident that no more than one film joint 141 or 143 is required for this. However, the flexibility and articulation of the fixation device 140 increases with an increasing number of film joints.

[0133] In the example of the Fig. 7 Film joints 141 and 143 are provided as examples of joints. They are manufactured by injection molding together with the main body of the contact protection device 100, with the known advantages. Embodiments with joints that were not injection molded are also encompassed by the present invention.

[0134] The specific design of the film joints 141, 143 further advantageously allows the use of injection molds without slides.

[0135] The fixing device 140 has a cylindrical insertion section 147, which is surrounded by an annular structure 149. Between the cylindrical insertion section 147 and the annular structure 149 is a gap in which the front end of the rinse port adapter 300 can be held, either after or by insertion and, if necessary, by clamping it.

[0136] Fig. 8 The touch protection device shows 100 of the Fig. 7 A rinse port adapter 300 is detachably attached to the fixing device 140.

[0137] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows the touch protection device 100 in perspective and from below in a third embodiment with a holding or fixing device 140a. Apart from the fixing device 140a, the touch protection device 100 differs from the Fig. 9 not from that of the preceding figures.

[0138] The embodiment of the Fig. 9 It can be injection molded without a slide. Advantageously, it also eliminates the need for an undercut that requires core removal.

[0139] The embodiment of the Fig. 9 allows a flexible connection between the fixing device 140a and the main body of the touch protection device 100. A bending of the flexible holder by 45° is possible in Fig. 9 shown.

[0140] The fixing device 140a can optionally have three circular structures or surfaces 146a, 146b, 146c. For reasons of centering and improved clamping, preferably at least two of them are provided for engagement with a cavity of the rinse port adapter 300.

[0141] Optionally, the touch protection device 100 may be provided with one, two or more elastic locking arms 148 in any embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9 Shown as an example. They may be designed to snap into the circumferential groove provided on the Rinse Port Adapter 300.

[0142] Even non-elastic clamping sections can allow for a detachable fixation of the Rinse Port Adapter 300 to the

[0143] Alternatively or additionally favor the use of fixation device 140a.

[0144] Both clamping sections and locking arms 148 can, as in Fig. 9 shown as an example, in a longitudinal direction of the rinse port adapter 300.

[0145] Fig. 10 The touch protection device shows 100 of the Fig. 9 , cut through both the second connecting section 160 and the holding or fixing device 140a, with a slightly perspectival view of the section plane with rinse port adapter 300 attached (also in section).

[0146] Fig. 11 The touch protection device shows 100 of the Fig. 9 und 10 , connected to the hard part of the cassette 200. The rinse port adapter 300 is mounted on the fixing device 140a.

[0147] The Rinse Port Adapter 300 features two integrated Luer connectors for the patient lines. This allows the holding or fixation device 140a to be attached. Fig. 11 Not only does the contact protection device 100 help to keep the patient lines in the desired position on the cassette 200 without contamination, but it also helps to save the separate lid for closing the rinse port adapter 300, which is known from the prior art.

[0148] Fig. 12 shows a part of the touch protection device 100 in perspective and from below in a fourth embodiment.

[0149] Unlike the previous embodiments, the touch protection device 100 has a drainage structure 170.

[0150] The drainage structure 170 here has, for example, grooves or slots 171, or consists of such grooves or slots, which extend, for example, radially from the in Fig. 12 The fixing device 140 (not shown, found in preceding figures), here the insertion section 147, extends.

[0151] In the example of the Fig. 12 The grooves or slots 171 extend on the bottom side between the raised insertion section 147 and the ring-shaped structure 149 that surrounds the insertion section 147.

[0152] The grooves or slots 171 advantageously allow sterile steam, or another sterilizing gas, to reach various - if not all - surfaces of the rinse port adapter 300 during the sterilization of the cassette 200 with attached touch protection device 100, even when it is plugged onto the insertion section 147. Bezugszeichenliste

[0153] 100 Touch protection device 110 Cover section 111 First structure 113 Second structure 120 First connecting section 121 Spacer 130 Coding structure 140 Fixing device 140a Fixing device 141 Film joint 143 Film joint 145 Spacer 146a Circular area 146b Circular area 146c Circular area 147 Insertion section 148 Elastic locking arms 149 Ring-shaped structure 150 Handle section 151 Structure 151a Recess 151b Recess 160 Second connecting section 161 Raise 161a Projection 161b Projection 163 Structure 163a Recess 163b Recess 165 First through opening 167 Second through opening 170 Drainage structure 171 grooves or slots 200 Fluid-carrying cassette 241 Connection point 241a Channel structure 242 Centering or holding opening 251 Web 252 Circumferential structure 253 Connector 255 Connector 261a Nose 261b Nose 261c Nose 265 Raise 267 Raise 300 rinse port adapter

Claims

1. A medical fluid-guiding cassette (200) for a medical fluid treatment, comprising a connection point (241), a centering opening (242), and at least a contact protection device (100) for covering the connection point (241), wherein the contact protection device (100) comprises a top side and a bottom side with at least one cover section (110) for covering the connection point (241) before use of the cassette (200), and wherein the contact protection device (100) comprises at least a first (120) and a second (160) connecting portion for releasably connecting the contact protection device (100) to the cassette (200) or for releasably holding the contact protection device (100) at the cassette (200), wherein the first connecting section is a plug-in or snap-in connection or part thereof, and wherein the second connecting section (160) comprises a projection (161) for insertion into the centering opening (242) of the fluid-carrying cassette (200).

2. The cassette (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cover section (110) comprises at least one first structure (111) which is closed in its circumference.

3. The cassette (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover section (110) comprises at least one second structure (113) which is closed in its circumference.

4. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact protection device (100) comprises at least one handle portion (150), and wherein the handle portion (150) comprises at least a third structure (151) which is closed in its circumference.

5. The cassette (200) according to claim 4, wherein the third structure (151) comprises at least one indentation (151a, 151b) in its outermost rim.

6. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting portion (160) comprises a fourth structure (163) which is closed in its circumference.

7. The cassette (200) according to claim 6, wherein the fourth structure (163) comprises at least one indentation (163a, 163b) in its outermost rim.

8. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle portion (150) is arranged between the first connecting portion (120) and the second connecting portion (160).

9. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact protection device (100) comprises at least one first through-opening (165) in the region of the second connecting portion (160).

10. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact protection device (100) comprises at least one spacer (121) in the region of the first connecting portion (120).

11. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact protection device (100) comprises at least one coding structure (130) for the shape-induced coded arrangement of the contact protection device (100) at the fluid-guiding cassette (200).

12. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact protection device (100) is integrally formed.

13. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion (120) of the contact protection device (100) connects the latter to a retaining opening or to the centering opening (242) of the cassette (200) for its reception on a blood treatment apparatus.

14. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection point (241) is a connection point for a substitute line.

15. The cassette (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the depth of the centering opening (242) of the fluid-carrying cassette (200) is greater than the height of the projection (161) of the second connecting portion (160).