Medical treatment device with a filter cartridge having a cylindrical shape and method for mounting a filter cartridge

Abstract

A medical treatment device (1) for medical handpieces (8), in particular a medical milling, drilling and / or screwing handpiece, preferably for internal cleaning and / or maintenance of moving internal components of the medical handpiece (8), has the following elements: a common distribution tube (2) with a fluid line connection (4), a number of connection or plug-in positions (6) for the selective connection of a medical handpiece (8) to the common distribution tube (2), wherein the connection or plug-in positions (6) are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (10) of the common distribution tube (2) and are fluidically coupled to a distribution space (12) in the common distribution tube (2), and a filter device (14) for a cleaning fluid, which is supplied to the common distribution tube (2) via the fluid line connection (4), wherein the fluid line connection (4) is arranged or can be arranged on the common distribution tube (2) on the end side and the filter device (14) is or has a cylindrical filter cartridge (16), which extends axially from the fluid line connection (4) into the distribution space (12) up to beyond the last connection or plug-in position (6) relative to the fluid line connection (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a medical processing device for a medical handpiece, particularly preferably for cleaning and / or disinfecting and / or maintaining particularly moving internal components of the medical handpiece, a medical milling, drilling and / or screwing handpiece having a common / central distribution pipe (common rail principle) with at least one fluid line connector / fluid supply connector, a filtering device for cleaning fluid supplied to the common distribution pipe via at least one fluid line connector, and a number of (handpiece) connection or insertion positions for selectively connecting the medical handpiece to the common distribution pipe, wherein the connection or insertion positions are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the common distribution pipe and fluidly coupled to the distribution space in the common distribution pipe. Background Technology

[0002] Medical handheld devices, especially surgical instruments, require sterility, at least cleanliness, and, where necessary, disinfection, depending on their application, to minimize the risk of infection. Therefore, it is essential to remove contaminants and potential pathogens from reusable handheld devices after use. For this purpose, handheld devices are used in specialized processing units. These processing units, along with the medical products arranged within them, are placed in medical cleaning equipment, particularly sterilizers and rinsing devices. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the processing unit with and within a sterile container, thereby ensuring effective inhibition of new contamination of the medical products after sterilization in an autoclave.

[0003] Furthermore, it is common for (reusable) implants, such as surgical instruments, to be (re)processed in a similar manner. In the case of large quantities of these (repreneurial) implants, especially when they are made of titanium, frequent repreparation leads to a loss of quality in the corresponding medical product. This is, for example, in the case of titanium screws, where the thickness of the oxide layer protecting the screws from corrosion and biofilm formation is reduced due to frequent use of corrosive cleaning substances. Repreneurial implants are often present in sets, which undergo the same processing regardless of whether the individual components of the set are actually used. Therefore, it is essentially necessary to prepare medical products as economically as possible and, where necessary, to also care for them (lubricate, seal, etc.). Existing technology

[0004] Prior art, such as that described in the applicant's relevant products, provides knowledge of processing devices or retainers of the aforementioned type, which accompany and retain medical products throughout the cleaning and processing process. Such retainers are known, for example, from DE 102010 017 624. These retainers have a common distribution tube with a number of insertion points for connecting medical products and a central supply connector for supplying fluid into the distribution tube. Furthermore, a preferably funnel-shaped filter device is provided, having a disc-shaped filter element inserted into the central supply connector to filter the supplied fluid.

[0005] However, the disc-shaped filter element limits the filter surface area available for filtration. Furthermore, the filter element must be fitted to the size of the central supply connector, which significantly reduces the flow rate in the event of partial blockage and thus rapidly degrades cleaning performance. In addition, the choice of filter unit structure makes it difficult for users to identify areas for cleaning or replacing the filter element.

[0006] Furthermore, it has been found that filter elements, especially during installation and operation, can become contaminated (due to contact). This contamination reduces the filter's effectiveness and lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this disclosure is to overcome or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular to provide a medical processing device that allows for efficient filtration of fluids and simplified cleaning of the filtration device over even longer periods or for more frequent preparation cycles.

[0008] This task is solved according to the present disclosure by a medical processing device having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the task of the present disclosure is solved by a filtering device having the features of claim 15. Finally, the task is solved by a medical processing device according to claim 16 and a filter installation method having the steps of claim 19.

[0009] The advantageous designs disclosed herein are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The basic concept of this disclosure, according to an aspect (which may be independently claimed if necessary), is to equip a medical processing device with a filtration device, which is preferably constructed in a cylindrical / rod-shaped or tubular form according to the internal space or distribution space of a common distribution tube, or has a cylinder constructed according to the internal space of a common distribution tube, which is preferably removable from the processing device or the distribution tube (axially). This allows for a maximum filtration surface area because the internal space / distribution space provided by the distribution tube can be fully utilized as much as possible.

[0011] According to another aspect (which may be claimed independently), the fluid supply line of a medical processing device, particularly its supply line connecting sleeve, is constructed as a filter receiving bushing / filter retaining bushing. A preferred sleeve-shaped initiation / fluid inlet section (axially) of the filter element can be inserted / pressed / screwed into the filter receiving bushing / filter retaining bushing. The filter receiving bushing / filter retaining bushing preferably forms a plug with an outer coupling device, which can be axially introduced / introduced into a distribution tube (with the already inserted filter element in front), such that (in the installed state) the filter element is held / supported in the distribution tube in the initiation section (only) by the filter receiving bushing / filter retaining bushing. This structure provides the advantage that, for example, when the filter element is inserted into the filter receiving bushing / filter retaining bushing, the outer side of the filter element can be surrounded by packaging material if necessary, thus avoiding direct contact with the filter element. The packaging material can be removed just before being pushed into the distribution tube, in which case the filter element can be manually held only by the filter receiving bushing / filter retaining bushing (on its outer side). This minimizes the risk of filter contamination.

[0012] According to another aspect (which may be claimed independently if necessary), the filter installation method for a medical treatment device according to one of the above aspects comprises the following steps, which shall be performed precisely in this order:

[0013] - (Optional first step) Remove the packaging material at least in the starting section of the filter device and manually retain the filter element only in the area where it is still covered by the packaging material.

[0014] - (Forced second step) The filter device is axially introduced / inserted / screwed into the filter receiving bushing / filter retaining bushing of the fluid supply line.

[0015] - (Optional third step) Completely remove packaging materials.

[0016] - (Optional fourth step) Manually hold the filter element only on the outside of the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing, and

[0017] - (Mandatory fifth step) Introduce the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing into the distribution tube and finally insert the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing into the distribution tube such that the filter device is supported in the distribution tube (only) by the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing in the starting section of the filter device.

[0018] By pre-installing the filter elements (in time) in the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing, a separate fluid supply line filter unit assembly for the medical treatment device is first created, which is then (integrally) inserted into the distribution line of the medical treatment device. This not only facilitates overall installation but also, as mentioned above, provides the possibility of reducing filter contamination during installation.

[0019] This disclosure specifically relates to a medical processing device for a medical handheld device, particularly a medical milling, drilling, and / or screwing handheld device preferably used for cleaning and / or maintaining preferred moving internal components of the medical handheld device, the medical processing device having

[0020] - Common distribution pipe with fluid lines (supply) fittings (filter receiving bushing / filter retaining bushing) that can be partially introduced into and removed from the distribution pipe.

[0021] - A number of connection or insertion points for selectively connecting a medical handheld device to a common dispensing tube, wherein the connection or insertion points are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the common dispensing tube and fluidly coupled to the dispensing space within the common dispensing tube, and

[0022] - A filtration device for filtering / cleaning fluids, wherein the fluids are supplied to a common distribution pipe via fluid line fittings, wherein...

[0023] - The filter device is or has a cylindrical / tubular filter cartridge that extends axially from the (end-side) fluid line connector into the distribution space, preferably beyond the last connection or insertion position relative to the fluid line connector.

[0024] Preferably, the filter is inserted / screwed into the fluid line connector such that the filter is supported on the inner wall of the distribution pipe at least in its initial / fluid inlet section (only) by the fluid line connector (in the case of a seal inserted in the middle if necessary, wherein the seal cannot be regarded as a support element).

[0025] More preferably, the initiation / fluid inlet section of the filtration device is configured as a sleeve.

[0026] The medical treatment device according to this disclosure has the following advantages:

[0027] Because the filter unit has a cylindrical / tubular filter cartridge, pulling the filter cartridge (along with the fluid line connector) out of the distribution pipe becomes simple, and the filter cartridge can be replaced more easily when worn. The cylindrical filter cartridge provides a particularly space-saving solution within the processing unit / distribution pipe, eliminating the need for (additional) external hoses / hose connectors to house the filter. With the cylindrical filter cartridge, the filter cartridge can have a significant extension along the longitudinal direction of the distribution pipe, thereby increasing the overall filtration surface area of ​​the filter cartridge, thus enabling significantly higher flow rates even in cases of partial clogging.

[0028] In other words, a medical processing device is a means for holding at least one sterilizable or cleanable medical product, particularly during sterilization or cleaning processes, and for storing medical products before and / or after sterilization or cleaning processes. It has a filtration system that cleans fluids introduced through the connector and is subsequently used to clean the internal space of the medical product. According to this disclosure, the internal space / distribution space provided by a common distribution pipe of the processing device is used to determine the size of the filtration system to achieve the largest possible filtration surface. Here, the filter may extend substantially along the entire length of the distribution pipe or terminate at a predetermined position in a middle section of the distribution pipe, depending on the desired filtration surface area. Therefore, this is no longer limited by the geometry of the fluid connector itself, as is known in the prior art.

[0029] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are set forth below.

[0030] Advantageously, the connection or plug-in positions are evenly distributed along the distribution space in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the processing device may have a total of three connection or plug-in positions, to which the medical handheld device can be connected or attached.

[0031] A gap extending longitudinally and circumferentially can be formed between the inner wall of the distribution space and the outer wall of the filter cartridge. Fluid can flow radially outward from the inner cavity on the filter side to the gap in the distribution space and then, depending on the fluid coupling, flow in the direction of the connector through the radial opening in the distribution pipe. In other words, the connection or insertion position can be coupled radially with the gap fluid through the corresponding (connection) opening.

[0032] The distribution tube can be implemented in multiple parts. Preferably, the distribution tube has a three-part structure, wherein the first and second parts are axially inserted into the intermediate part.

[0033] The fluid line connector may be a curved, preferably 90° curved, connector with a filter housing bushing on the (downstream) end side, wherein a one-sided Luer lock connector may be constructed on the other (upstream) end section of the fluid line connector, to which, for example, a hose may be connected / coupled.

[0034] The filter cartridge may have a retainer, a frame / frame, and a membrane, wherein the membrane may be held on the retainer in the longitudinal direction and the retainer may enclose the membrane. The retainer may preferably be made of plastic, which simplifies manufacturing.

[0035] The membrane can be made of metal, preferably stainless steel. Due to its metallic composition, the membrane can be reused multiple times or used as a reusable membrane. Therefore, the filter cartridge can also be reused. The metallic material also provides improved drying possibilities because the membrane is permeable to hot air. Therefore, residual water remaining in the internal space of the handheld component after the rinsing process can evaporate, leaving no residual water. Thus, the connector for the compressed air gun, which was originally used in the prior art to remove residual water, can also be eliminated.

[0036] The thin film can be perforated with multiple holes across its entire surface, with perforations preferably omitted in the corresponding edge regions, thereby allowing the film to have higher stability. Preferably, the holes have the same diameter and are positioned evenly spaced apart from each other along the length and width of the film. Due to the longitudinally extending and circumferentially rolled-up film and the perforations, a higher flow rate through the film can be achieved.

[0037] Perforations in thin films can be introduced by etching. This can be achieved primarily through a small film thickness, resulting in cost-effective manufacturing. The small thickness allows for short manufacturing times, where all the perforations are introduced simultaneously. Etching enables the production of burr-free films, thereby minimizing the residue of metal particles.

[0038] According to the first embodiment, the film can be formed into a tube. Due to its small thickness, the film is flexible, which allows it to be pre-formed and introduced / pushed into a retainer.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the film may be formed from multiple individual segments held by a retainer. Preferably, the retainer may be directly attached to the individual segments using an injection molding tool. This forms a composite of the retainer and the film, which achieves a simple, advantageous, stable, and sealed connection.

[0040] The membrane arranged in a retainer can have multiple functional filtration zones. The retainer allows the membrane to be divided into filtration zones.

[0041] The retainer may have a starting section on a first end side and an end section on a second end side, wherein the starting section and the end section each have a retaining region at which the membrane is held on the retainer. The starting section and end section, extending in the axial direction, may be designed annularly, for example, in the form of a sleeve / tube. Here, the retainer may be integrally formed as a single component. The retaining regions on the inner walls of the respective starting section and end section may be laterally recessed. For this purpose, the starting section and end section may have stepped transitions / steps on their inner walls, wherein the first inner diameter at the axial first section may be smaller than the second inner diameter at the axial second section. The starting section and end section may be connected to each other by an axially tab-shaped connecting element, on which the membrane may abut. Combined with the lateral recess, a seal is created along the connecting element due to the inherent stress of the membrane.

[0042] The retainer may have an annular intermediate section with spaced lugs / protrusions spaced apart from each other and distributed circumferentially on the outer surface. These spaced lugs may protrude radially and have a hemispherical shape. The previously described gaps can be transitioned between the inner wall of the distribution space and the outer wall of the filter cartridge by means of the spaced lugs. The intermediate section preferably consists of two rings spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, each ring having spaced lugs distributed circumferentially. These two rings can be connected to each other in the axial direction by means of tab-shaped connecting elements. Preferably, the connecting elements can be formed by three independent tabs extending in the axial direction, which can be arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other. Thus, the connecting elements can be positioned in 120° increments in the circumferential direction.

[0043] Each ring preferably has three spacer lugs, which are evenly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the spacer lugs can be positioned in 120° increments in the circumferential direction. The spacer lugs are preferably integrally formed on the ring, which facilitates the manufacture of the cage.

[0044] The starting and end sections of the filter element can be connected to the intermediate section longitudinally by means of an axially extending connecting element. Preferably, the connecting element can be formed by three independent tabs extending axially, which can be arranged evenly spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Thus, the connecting element can be positioned in 120° increments in the circumferential direction.

[0045] The spacer lugs and tabs can be arranged at a common height in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] The filter unit can be coupled to (supported on) the distribution pipe on the second (downstream) axial end side by means of an annular (threaded) bushing (spacer ring). The bushing (spacer ring) can be positioned radially between the filter unit and the distribution pipe.

[0047] The fluid line fitting may be configured with a filter housing bushing on its downstream (towards the filter device) end section, into which the filter device can be inserted. This bushing (on the second / upstream end side of the filter device) further preferably also forms a support bushing, in which the filter device is uniquely radially supported on the distribution pipe in its upstream region.

[0048] The fluid line connector may have a number of coupling devices within the area of ​​its filter housing bushing, and the distribution pipe may have mating coupling devices, thereby allowing the fluid line connector and the filter device inserted therein to be fixed or secured within the distribution pipe. Preferably, the coupling devices and mating coupling devices may engage in a bayonet-locking manner, wherein a protrusion / raised shape may be formed on the outer wall of the filter housing bushing, and a groove profile / locking profile for locking the protrusion may be formed / arranged on the inner wall of the distribution pipe. The groove profile for locking may correspondingly include a groove with an extension in the axial direction for introduction, an extension in the circumferential direction for rotating the filter device, and an extension in the axial direction for holding the protrusion in that position. Preferably, a total of two or four coupling devices can be formed.

[0049] The distribution tube preferably has a total of four circumferentially distributed and evenly spaced groove profiles. Combined with the coupling device on the filter housing bushing, a total of four different positional orientations can be achieved. Thus, the groove profiles can be spaced apart circumferentially at 90° intervals. Therefore, by rotating the filter device (fluid line connector) circumferentially before insertion, the position of the filter device (and fluid line connector) relative to the distribution tube can be set circumferentially. Preferably, these four relative rotational positions can be varied. This is possible through the arrangement of the groove profiles, which are constructed to be spaced apart circumferentially at 90° increments. Thus, the filter device with the coupling device can be inserted into the distribution tube in four different relative positions (relative rotational positions). This allows for flexible and error-free insertion of the filter device.

[0050] In other words, the coupling devices and mating coupling devices can be arranged such that the fluid line connector in the distribution pipe can be determined / oriented in four main directions, preferably spaced apart from each other in 90° increments along the circumference. Thus, the fluid line connector can be optionally oriented above, in front, below, or behind, as illustrated. According to the side view of the fluid line connector, it can be positioned at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock according to pointer orientation. Generally, the fluid line connector can be shown in two directions, one vertical and one horizontal, with the vertical orientation at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and the horizontal orientation at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock.

[0051] As an alternative to the aforementioned bayonet lock, the coupling device and the cooperating coupling device can work together in the form of a screw lock.

[0052] The distribution tube may have a tapered / reduced inner diameter in the longitudinal direction on the first axial end side, which makes it easy to introduce the filter into the distribution tube in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] The distribution tube may have an inwardly extending circumferential protrusion with a radially reduced cross-section constructed on its first axial end side, or may have a corresponding bushing of the distribution tube itself (as a fixed component of the distribution tube), in which the aforementioned mating coupling device is constructed.

[0054] The bushing of the distribution pipe itself is preferably formed by machining. Here, the bushing may have an additional groove to retain the connection between the raised groove and the end side of the bushing. Alternatively, the bushing may be manufactured using methods for drilling and pile driving or by 3D printing, in which case the additional groove can be omitted.

[0055] The distribution pipe may have an open section in which its own bushing is positioned. The open section may have a large inner diameter forming a distribution space to limit the axial structural length of the distribution pipe.

[0056] On the second (downstream) axial end side, a resiliently loaded closure element, preferably also constructed as a spacer ring, can be arranged in the distribution tube. By means of the resiliently loaded closure element, the filter device can be axially held / secured in the bushing by means of a coupling element in the form of a protrusion held in a groove by means of elastic loading in the longitudinal direction. Here, the spring force holds the protrusion in position, thereby preventing the coupling element from releasing itself. The closure element can also be used to seal the distribution tube on the second axial end side. Preferably, the distribution tube has a coupling region on the second axial end side, and the closure element is fixed or can be fixed to said coupling region by means of a matching mating coupling region. Preferably, the closure element can be constructed with a mating coupling region in the form of an external thread, and the coupling region of the distribution tube is constructed with an internal thread. Therefore, the closure element is screwed into or can be screwed into the distribution tube. This enables a simple and quick fixation of the filter device in the distribution tube.

[0057] The closure may have a radially inwardly arranged bushing (spacer ring) that can be tensioned in the axial direction by means of a spring. The bushing (spacer ring) may abut an end section of the cage in the axial direction, thereby allowing the spring to transmit axial spring force through the cage, thus enabling the filter device to be held in the bushing on the first axial end side by holding the protrusion in the groove profile.

[0058] The treatment unit may have an indicator for identification to facilitate cleaning / replacing the filter cartridge. When using the treatment unit, the membrane may become clogged / blocked due to dirt particles after a certain period of time. This indicator ensures early identification for removing dirt particles and timely cleaning of the filter cartridge.

[0059] Here, the indicator can be designed according to two different implementations. In the first embodiment, the indicator can be constructed by means of a piston / pin arranged in the closure and movable in the longitudinal direction. Here, the piston can be equipped with a spring that allows the piston to move in the longitudinal direction. The closure can be constructed to be hollow, in which the piston can be arranged in the cavity. The closure can therefore be axially open on its outer side oriented towards the surrounding environment, so that the piston can move outward from the cavity in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the piston has a signal color on its outer wall, such as red, which is clearly identifiable to the user. The piston can have two arms / locking arms / locking lugs that can open / extend in the radial direction. If the internal pressure in the internal space / cavity of the filter cartridge increases and the pressure is higher than the spring force of the piston, the piston can move in the axial direction and be held in the surrounding environment by the arms on the outer side. By means of the user applying force from the outside to the piston, the piston can move back into the cavity in the axial direction.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the indicator for identification can be implemented in the form of a sensor with an (external) signal indicator arranged within the electronic box. For this purpose, a hose can be connected from the internal space / cavity of the filter device to a pressure sensor arranged within the electronic box. A preset threshold pressure existing in the internal space can be displayed by means of a signal indicator (e.g., in the form of a signal light (LED indicator) or a nozzle) to indicate the need for filter replacement. This signal can then notify the user. Advantageously, in this variant, the pressure value can be preset, and specific values ​​can be easily changed, thus making the indicator flexibly configurable. For example, a connection to the electronic box can be established via an app and a shortwave connection, such as Bluetooth, which is user-defined and configurable. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 A perspective view of the medical treatment device is shown.

[0062] Figure 2 A side view shows a filtration device with fluid line connectors and a filter cartridge.

[0063] Figure 3 Shown in a three-dimensional view according to Figure 2 The filter cartridge,

[0064] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 The filter cartridge holder,

[0065] Figure 5 The thin film is shown.

[0066] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 Fragments of the thin film,

[0067] Figure 7 The basis shown in the rolled-up state Figure 5 film,

[0068] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge.

[0069] Figure 9 The rinsing of the filter device is shown.

[0070] Figure 10 This shows the separation of the filter cartridge from the fluid connector.

[0071] Figure 11 shows different cross-sectional views of the processing device.

[0072] Figure 12 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a processing device having a focal point on the bushing is shown.

[0073] Figure 13 Shown in a three-dimensional view according to Figure 12 bushing,

[0074] Figure 14 shows different orientations of fluid connectors in the processing unit.

[0075] Figure 15 shows the processing device in a three-dimensional rear view.

[0076] Figure 16 shows the movement of the piston within the enclosure of the processing device.

[0077] The accompanying drawings are schematic in nature and are for illustrative purposes only. The same elements are given the same reference numerals. Features of different embodiments are interchangeable. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Figure 1 A medical processing device 1 is shown. The medical processing device 1 has a common distribution tube 2 with a fluid line connector 4. A number of (three in this case) connection or insertion positions 6 for a medical handpiece 8 are formed on the distribution tube 2, these connection or insertion positions being arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 10. The connection positions 6 are fluidly coupled to a distribution space 12 in the common distribution tube 2. Furthermore, the processing device 1 has a filtration device 14 for cleaning fluid, wherein the fluid can be supplied to the distribution tube 2 through the fluid line connector 4. The filtration device 14 has a cylindrical filter cartridge 16 that extends axially from the fluid line connector 4 into the distribution space 12 beyond the last connection position of the reference fluid line connector 4.

[0079] The handheld component 8 is arranged within and held by the processing device 1, ensuring that its position remains unchanged during the cleaning process and during transport. The processing device 1 shown is designed to be arranged within a sieve basket (not shown) when needed for use in ultrasonic baths and cleaning and sterilization equipment. For this purpose, the processing device 1 has a stage-like (grid) frame 18 with supporting legs, such as a sheet metal frame, to which the distribution tube 2 is fixed. An electronic box is also centrally arranged within the frame 18.

[0080] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the filter device 14 is shown. Figure 2 The side view shows the filter cartridge 16 connected to the fluid line connector 4 and... Figure 3 The filter cartridge 16 is shown in a perspective view without the fluid line connector 4. The fluid line connector 4 is currently a bent / folded connector, here bent at 90°, which has a Luer lock connector 26 on the first end side 24 for connecting a hose (not shown). On the second end side 28, the fluid line connector 4 is connected to the filter cartridge 16.

[0081] A radially projecting protrusion is formed on the outer wall 30 of the fluid line connector 4, which forms a coupling device 32. These coupling devices 32 can be used to arrange the filter device 14 on the processing device 1, more precisely on the distribution pipe 2.

[0082] The filter cartridge 16 consists of a retainer 34 extending in the longitudinal direction 10 and a membrane 35. A view of the retainer 34 without the membrane 35 is shown below. Figure 4 And for the view of the unfolded film 35, refer to Figure 5 And for detailed view reference Figure 6 The retainer 34 has a starting section 36, an intermediate section 38, and an end section 40. The starting section 36 is an annular sleeve 42. The sleeve 42 has three axial, radially outer partial regions, wherein the first and third partial regions have the same outer diameter. A second partial region, positioned longitudinally between the first and third partial regions, has a smaller outer diameter. The second partial region is formed between these partial regions in the form of an axial groove 44 extending circumferentially. A tab-shaped connecting element 48 is formed on the first axial end side 46 of the sleeve 42, the connecting element extending longitudinally.

[0083] The intermediate section 38 has two rings 50 and 52 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The first ring 50 is oriented in the axial direction relative to the starting section 36, while the second ring 52 is oriented in the axial direction relative to the end section 40. The rings 50 and 52 each have a radially extending / protruding protrusion in the form of spacer lugs 54. In the circumferential direction, each ring 50 and 52 forms a total of three spacer lugs 54, which are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, such that the spacer lugs 54 are spaced 120° apart from each other.

[0084] The first ring 50 is connected to the first axial end side 46 of the sleeve 42 at the first axial end side 56 by means of a tab-shaped connecting element 48 extending in the axial direction. In addition, the first ring 50 is connected to the first axial end side 60 of the second ring 52 at the second axial end side 58 by a tab-shaped connecting element 62.

[0085] The second ring 52 is connected to the end section 40 on the second axial end side 64 (the side opposite to the starting section 36) by means of a tab-shaped connecting element 68 extending in the axial direction on the first axial end side 70, which is also configured as a sleeve 66. The sleeve 66 extends in the axial direction and has an outer diameter.

[0086] The connecting elements 48, 62, 68 are integrated with the sections 36, 38, 40, sleeves 42, 66, and rings 50, 52.

[0087] The spacer lug 54 and connecting elements 48, 62, and 68 are arranged at a common height along the longitudinal direction 10.

[0088] The film 35 is rolled up in a tubular shape here (see Figure 7 The membrane 35 is arranged radially inside the retainer 34. The membrane 35 is radially arranged within the retainer 34, and is divided into functional sections 72 and inactive sections. This division is based on the tab-shaped connecting elements 48, 62, 68 and rings 50, 52, as these rest on the membrane 35 with their inner walls. The filter cartridge 16 has a total of nine functional sections 72, of which three sections are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction 10 and three sections are distributed circumferentially.

[0089] exist Figure 5 The image shows the film 35 in its unfolded state. The film 35 has a rectangular shape, wherein the longest extension is given in the axial direction. The length is much longer than the width.

[0090] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 A detailed view of the film 35, focusing on the design of the film 35. The film 35 is perforated and has a plurality of holes 74, which are evenly spaced, positioned, and oriented relative to each other. The holes 74 have a uniform diameter.

[0091] Figure 7 The film 35 is shown in a rolled-up state, wherein the film is tubular. Depending on the shape of the tube, a gap 76 is formed between the two end sides in the longitudinal direction 10. This gap is created by rolling up the film 35.

[0092] exist Figures 8a to 8c The image shows a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge 16. Figure 8a The entire filter cartridge 16 is shown in cross-section, while... Figure 8b The view showing details with starting section 36 is shown in the image. Figure 8c The view shown in the middle has details of the end section 40.

[0093] The sleeve 42 of the initial section 40 is constructed radially hollow and has three radially inwardly extending axially portion regions. The first portion region, oriented towards the surrounding environment, has a funnel-shaped inner profile 78, whereby the inner diameter decreases / narrows along the longitudinal direction 10 and transitions to a constant inner diameter in the second portion region. The third portion region, adjacent to the second portion region in the axial direction, has an inner diameter larger than that of the second portion region. The first edge region 80 of the tubular rolled-up film 35 is held on the third portion region. The third portion region forms a type of lateral concavity in the form of a step 82 with the second portion region, whereby the film 35 is self-retaining.

[0094] The sleeve 66 forming the end section 40 is constructed to be hollow and has two partial regions radially internally, extending in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the first partial region is smaller than the inner diameter of the second partial region. The second edge region 86 of the tubular rolled-up film 35 is held on the first partial region. The first and second partial regions form a type of lateral recess in the form of a step 84, thereby making the film 35 self-retaining.

[0095] Furthermore, the sleeve 42 of the starting section 36 and the sleeve 66 of the end section 40 are directly connected to each other in the longitudinal direction 10 by a tab-shaped connecting element 88 extending in the axial direction. The inner portion of the diaphragm 35 rests against the outer side of the connecting tab.

[0096] exist Figure 9 In the diagram, the filtration device 14 is shown separately from the processing device 1. The flushing of the filter cartridge 16 is shown here. Fluid is introduced into the opening via the first end side 24 of the fluid connector 4, and the fluid flows through the internal region 96 of the fluid connector 4 (according to the flow direction 94). The filter cartridge 16 is connected to the retainer 34 by means of a ball seal 90. Here, the ball seal 90 engages in the groove 44 of the sleeve 42. The retainer 34 is thus held on the fluid connector 4. The end section of the internal region 96 is designed in a funnel shape, thereby increasing the flow rate and allowing fluid to flow into the inner cavity 92 of the filter cartridge 16. Fluid can be released axially along the end side of the filter cartridge 16 via an opening in the sleeve 66 along with the contaminant particles collected in the inner cavity 92.

[0097] exist Figure 10 In the diagram, the fluid line connector 4 and the filter cartridge 16 are shown separately from each other, wherein the filter cartridge is pulled off from the fluid line connector 4 according to the direction of movement 98.

[0098] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the processing device 1. Figure 11a The image shows a cross-section running through the entire processing device 1, while... Figure 11bThe focal point is located on the first axial end side 100 of the processing device 1 and in Figure 11c The focal point is located on the second axial end side 102 of the processing device 1. The distribution tube 2 is composed of three parts. The starting member 106 is inserted into the intermediate member 104 on the first side along the axial direction, and the second member 106 is inserted into the intermediate member on the second side along the axial direction. The starting member 106 and the end member 108 are sealed to the intermediate member 104 by means of sealing rings 110 and 112, respectively. The intermediate member 104 has a radial opening 114 in the middle in the longitudinal direction 10, which connects the distribution space 2 to the connection position 6. Here, a so-called gap is formed between the outer wall 113 of the filter cartridge 16 and the inner wall 115 of the distribution tube 2. The starting member 106 and the end member 106 of the distribution tube 2 also have radial openings 116 and 118, which connect the distribution space 12 to the connection position 6. The openings 114, 116, and 118 in the distribution tube 2 are evenly spaced from each other in the axial direction. The opening 114 in the center member 104 is oriented such that it is centered in the axial direction relative to the two rings 50, 52 of the cage 34.

[0099] On the first axial end side 100, a bushing 120 is arranged radially between the distribution pipe 2 and the fluid line connector 4. The distribution pipe 2 (here, the first piece 106) has a shoulder / step portion 122, in which the bushing 120 is positioned. For sealing, a sealing ring 125 is positioned in the gap formed by the bushing 120 and the distribution pipe 2, here, the first piece 106. The bushing 120 has a groove profile 124, a so-called mating coupling device, in which the coupling device 32 of the fluid line connector 4, and thereby the filter device 14, is fastened to the bushing 120. In the axial direction, the first piece 106 abuts against a portion of the frame 18, in which a retainer 126 is positioned axially toward the surrounding environment on said portion of the frame, the retainer securing the bushing 120 to the frame 18.

[0100] A closure 128 is arranged on the second axial end side 102, closing the opening on the second end side 102 and being positioned in the second piece 108 of the distribution tube 2. The closure 128 has external threads, which are used to screw the closure into internal threads formed on the inner wall. Radially inside the closure 128, a bushing 130 with an axial spring 132 is arranged in the intermediate space 136. When the closure 128 is screwed in according to direction 134, the spring is tensioned and presses the bushing 130 axially against the sleeve 66 constituting the end section 40 of the filter cartridge 16. In the cavity 138 located within the central axis, a movable piston 140 with a spring 146, i.e., a pressure spring, is arranged, wherein the piston 140 has two symmetrically arranged locking lugs / arms 142, through which a pin 144 is held axially. In this figure, the pin 144 and the locking arms 142 are arranged in an external position.

[0101] exist Figure 12 The diagram shows a perspective view in cross-section of a bushing 120 positioned in the processing device 1. The bushing 120 has a groove profile 124 configured to engage the coupling device 32 of the fluid line connector 4. The bushing 120 has a total of four groove profiles 124, all having the same profile. Each groove profile has three interconnected grooves 148, 150, and 152, wherein the first groove 148 extends axially. The second groove 150 extends circumferentially adjacent to the first groove 148, and the third groove 152 extends axially toward the surrounding environment. The filter device 14, more specifically the fluid line connector 4 with the coupling device 32, is introduced axially through the first groove 148, is twisted according to the rotational direction along the second groove 150, and held in the third groove 152. The third groove 152 connects to a fourth groove 154, which extends axially toward the distribution space 12. The fourth groove 154 is introduced by means of machining during manufacturing.

[0102] The bushing 120 has two sections 156 and 158 on its outer wall, wherein the first section 156 has a smaller outer diameter than the second section 158. In the first section, the bushing is held on the frame 18 of the processing device 1. A retainer is oriented and abuts against the front side in the axial direction relative to the environment, securing the bushing 120 to the frame 18. Additionally, see reference... Figure 13 The bushing 120 is shown as a separate component in a perspective view.

[0103] exist Figures 14a to 14dThe diagram shows the different orientations of the filter device 14 within the processing unit 1. According to the previously described embodiment, the fluid line connector 4 is a curved connector. The filter device 14 can be arranged in a total of four different orientations within the bushing 120 via a total of four recessed profiles 124 in the bushing 120. These orientations are generally offset from each other by 90°, thus two orientations are horizontal and two are vertical. Figure 14a and Figure 14c The orientation on the horizontal line is shown in the diagram. Figure 14b and Figure 14d The orientation on the vertical line is shown in the figure.

[0104] exist Figure 15a The figure shows a perspective rear view of the processing device 1, with the piston 140 removed from its surroundings. It can be seen from this figure that... Figure 11c The indicator in the form of pin 144 is described in the text. Figure 15b Show Figure 15a The segment in which the piston 140, which moves in the axial direction, extends into the surrounding environment using a pin 144 and thereby forms a state of motion. Figure 15c A piston 140 with pin 144 is shown in a non-moving state, wherein the piston 140 is positioned in a cavity 138 of a closure 128.

[0105] Figure 16 illustrates the operation of piston 140. When the pressure present in the cavity (according to...) Figure 16a When the applied pressure (direction 162) exceeds a force threshold determined by the design of the built-in spring 146, the piston 140 moves axially toward the surrounding environment because the force acting on the spring 140 is greater than the spring force of the spring 140 itself. As long as this threshold is not exceeded, the piston 140 cannot move axially toward the surrounding environment. The piston 140 is held on the outside of the closure 128 by two locking arms 142. Figure 16b In this arrangement, piston 140 is positioned within cavity 138. To allow piston 140 to move from... Figure 16a Return to position based on Figure 16b The position allows the user to move the piston 140 back into the cavity 138 by pressing in the axial direction.

[0106] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0107] 1. Medical processing device

[0108] 2. Distribution pipe

[0109] 4. Fluid line fittings / fluid supply lines / supply line connection sleeves

[0110] 6. Connection points / connectors for products to be cleaned

[0111] 8. Medical handheld devices

[0112] 10. Vertical direction

[0113] 12. Allocate space

[0114] 14 Filtration device

[0115] 16. Filter cartridges / cylindrical / tubular filter elements

[0116] 18 Frames

[0117] 20. Feet

[0118] 22 Electronic Boxes

[0119] 24 First end side

[0120] 26 Luer lock connector

[0121] 28 Second end side

[0122] 30 outer wall

[0123] 32 Coupler

[0124] 34. Cage

[0125] 35 films

[0126] 36. Starting section / filter housing bushing / retaining bushing

[0127] 38. Intermediate Section / Filtering Area

[0128] 40 End section / sealing area

[0129] 42 sleeve

[0130] 44 Grooves

[0131] 46 First end side

[0132] 48 Connecting elements

[0133] 50 First Ring

[0134] 52 Second Ring

[0135] 54 Interval protrusions

[0136] 56 First end side

[0137] 58 Second end side

[0138] 60 First end side

[0139] 62 Connecting elements

[0140] 64 Second end side

[0141] 66 sleeve

[0142] 68 Connecting elements

[0143] 70 First end side

[0144] 72. The section that functions

[0145] 74 holes

[0146] 76 gap

[0147] 78. Funnel-shaped inner contour

[0148] 80 First Edge Region

[0149] 82 steps

[0150] 84 steps

[0151] 86 Second Edge Region

[0152] 88 Connecting elements

[0153] 90 ball seal

[0154] 92. Inner cavity

[0155] 94 Flow direction

[0156] 96 Internal Area

[0157] 98. Direction of motion

[0158] 100 First axial end side

[0159] 102 Second axial end side

[0160] 104 Central Components

[0161] 106 First item

[0162] 108 Second item

[0163] 110 Sealing Ring

[0164] 112 Sealing ring

[0165] 113 outer wall

[0166] 114 Radial opening

[0167] 115 Inner Wall

[0168] 116 Radial opening

[0169] 118 Radial opening

[0170] 120 bushing

[0171] 122 steps

[0172] 124 Groove Profile

[0173] 125 sealing ring

[0174] 126 Retainer

[0175] 128 Enclosure

[0176] 130 bushing

[0177] 132 Spring

[0178] 134 direction

[0179] 136 Intermediate Space

[0180] 138 cavity

[0181] 140 Piston

[0182] 142 locking arm

[0183] 144 sales

[0184] 146 Spring

[0185] 148 First Groove

[0186] 150 Second Groove

[0187] 152 Third Groove

[0188] 154 Fourth Groove

[0189] 156 outer wall

[0190] 158 First Section

[0191] 160 Second Section

[0192] 162 direction.

Claims

1. A medical processing device (1) for a medical handpiece (8), particularly preferably for internal cleaning and / or maintenance of the internal components of the moving parts of the medical handpiece (8), the medical processing device having the following elements - A common distribution pipe (2) with fluid line connector (4). - For selectively connecting the medical handpiece (8) to a number of connection or plug positions (6) on a common dispensing tube (2), wherein, The connection or insertion positions (6) are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (10) of the common distribution pipe (2) and fluidly coupled to the distribution space (12) in the common distribution pipe (2), and - A filter device (14) for cleaning fluid, which is supplied to the common distribution pipe (2) through the fluid line connector (4). Its features are, The fluid line connector (4) is arranged on the end side or can be arranged on the common distribution pipe (2), and the filter device (14) is or has a cylindrical filter cartridge (16) that extends axially from the fluid line connector (4) into the distribution space (12) until it exceeds the last connection or insertion position (6) relative to the fluid line connector (4).

2. The medical processing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection or plug-in positions (6) are evenly distributed along the allocation space (12) in the longitudinal direction (10).

3. The medical treatment device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A gap extending in the longitudinal direction (10) and in the circumferential direction is formed between the inner wall (115) of the distribution space (12) and the outer wall (113) of the filter cylinder (16).

4. The medical processing device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connection or plug-in position (6) is respectively coupled to the gap fluid in the radial direction through openings (114, 116, 118).

5. The medical treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The filter cartridge (16) has a retainer (34) and a membrane (35), wherein the membrane (35) is held on the retainer (34) in the longitudinal direction (10) and the retainer (34) encloses the membrane (35).

6. The medical processing device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The retainer (34) has a preferred sleeve-shaped starting section (36) on the first end side and an end section (40) on the second end side, wherein the starting section (36) and the end section (40) each have a holding region, and the film (35) is held on the retainer (34) at the holding region.

7. The medical treatment device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The retainer (34) has an annular intermediate section (38) with spaced lugs (54) on the outer surface that are spaced apart from each other and distributed in a circumferential direction.

8. The medical treatment device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The starting section (36) and the end section (40) are connected to the intermediate section (38) in the longitudinal direction (10) by means of axially extending connecting elements (48, 68).

9. The medical treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The starting section (36) of the filter device is inserted into the fluid line connector (4), which is preferably coupled to the distribution pipe (2) via an annular bushing (120), wherein the annular bushing (120) is machined into or fixedly installed in the distribution pipe (2) and is thus a fixed component of the distribution pipe (2).

10. The medical processing device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fluid line connector (4) has a coupling device (32), and the distribution pipe (2), especially the bushing (120), has a matching coupling device, thereby the fluid line connector (4) together with the filter device (14) can be fixed or secured in the distribution pipe and especially in the bushing (120) in the circumferential direction and preferably in the axial direction.

11. The medical processing device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The coupling device (32) and the mating coupling device are arranged such that the fluid line connector (4) can be fixed relative to the distribution pipe (2) in a plurality of, preferably four, circumferential positions, preferably circumferential positions spaced apart by 90° increments.

12. The medical treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that, On the second end side, an elastically loaded closure (128) is arranged in the distribution pipe (2).

13. The medical treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The processing device (1) has an indicator for identifying the cleaning of the filter cartridge (16).

14. The medical processing device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The indicator is either a piston (140) arranged in the enclosure (128) and capable of moving in the longitudinal direction (10), or a sensor with a signal indicator arranged in the electronic box (22).

15. A filtration device (14), characterized in that Application of the filtration device in a medical treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. A medical processing device for a medical product, i.e., a medical handpiece (8), preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the medical handpiece is particularly a medical milling, drilling, and / or turning handpiece, preferably an internal component for internal cleaning and / or maintenance of the movement of the medical handpiece (8), having the following elements - A common distribution pipe (2) with a fluid inlet section, - Fluid line connector (4), which is capable of coupling with the fluid inlet section of the distribution pipe (2). - For selectively connecting the medical handpiece (8) to a number of connection or plug positions (6) on a common dispensing tube (2), wherein, The connection or insertion positions (6) are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (10) of the common distribution pipe (2) and fluidly coupled to the distribution space (12) in the common distribution pipe (2), and - A filter device (14) for cleaning fluid, which is supplied or can be supplied to the common distribution pipe (2) through the fluid line connector (4). Its features are, The fluid line connector is constructed as a filter housing bushing or filter retaining bushing, wherein the preferred sleeve-shaped fluid inlet section of the filter device (14) is particularly axially inserted or can be inserted into the filter housing bushing or filter retaining bushing, wherein the filter housing bushing or filter retaining bushing further forms a plug, the plug being axially introduced or introduced forward into the distribution pipe (2) such that the filter element (14) is radially and preferably also axially held or supported in the distribution pipe (2) by the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing in the fluid inlet section of the filter element.

17. The medical processing device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The fluid line connector (4) has a coupling device (32) and the distribution pipe (2) or the bushing (120) inserted into or formed by the distribution pipe (2) has a mating coupling device, thereby the fluid line connector (4) together with the filter device (14) can be fixed or fixed in the distribution pipe (2) or the distribution pipe bushing (120) along the circumferential direction and preferably along the axial direction.

18. The medical processing device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The coupling device (32) and the mating coupling device are arranged such that the fluid line connector (4) can be fixed in the distribution pipe (2) in a plurality of, preferably four, circumferential positions, preferably circumferential positions spaced apart by 90° increments.

19. A method for installing a filter for a medical treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and 18, characterized in that... The following steps are performed in this exact order: - Preferred first step: Remove the packaging material at least in the initial section of the filter device and manually retain the filter element only in the area where it is still covered by the packaging material. - Second step: axially introduce, insert, or screw the filter device into the filter receiving bushing or filter retaining bushing of the fluid pipeline connector. - Preferred third step: Completely remove the packaging material. - Preferred fourth step: Manually hold the filter device only on the outside of the fluid supply connector, especially on the filter receiving bushing or filter retaining bushing, and - Fifth step: Introduce, in particular screw into, the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing into the distribution tube and finally insert the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing into the distribution tube such that the filter device is supported in the distribution tube (only) by the filter housing bushing / filter retaining bushing in the starting section of the filter device.

Images