Filter unit for a foot care device, associated filter bag, and foot care device with a filter unit

Abstract

Filter device for a podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device, comprising a filter housing (10) which is configured to be supplied with an airflow (14) generated by a suction device (12) and which is to be filtered of particles arising during foot care, wherein at least one filter element (15, 25) is arranged in the airflow (14) which is received in at least one filter receptacle (18, 28) which can be attached in the filter housing (10) and which is associated with the at least one filter element, characterized in that the filter receptacle (18, 28) is removable from the filter housing (10) and that the filter receptacle (18, 28) and the filter housing (10) have manually operable locking means (20, 30) that are in operative contact with each other.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a filter device for a podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device with the features of claim 1, a filter bag for such a filter device with the features of claim 13, and a podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device with the features of claim 14 with such a filter device.

[0002] When this application refers to a "state of use", it means the operational state of the foot care device in which the filter unit and the filter bag are inserted and usable in the filter housing, in particular to filter particles generated during foot care from an airflow produced by a suction device. State of the art

[0003] From DE 100 38 445 A1, a foot care device in the form of a pedicure device with an integrated suction device is known. This device generates an airflow that extracts the nail and skin dust produced during use of the device and passes it through at least one suitable filter, which removes the dust from the airflow and prevents it from entering the ambient air. Both the suction device and the filter are integrated into the handpiece.

[0004] Filters for such foot care devices are known, for example, from DE 20 2015 007 253 U1. Summary of the invention

[0005] Based on this prior art, the present invention aims to provide a filter device, a filter bag, and a foot care device equipped with such a filter device, in which the filter element can be easily replaced by hand and yet is reliably and hygienically kept in working order.

[0006] This problem is solved with a filter device having the features of claim 1, a filter bag having the features of claim 13 and a foot care device having the features of claim 14.

[0007] The filter unit for a podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device comprises a filter housing designed to be permeated by an airflow generated by a suction device and filtered of particles produced during foot care. At least one filter element is positioned in the airflow and is held by at least one filter holder that can be attached to the filter housing. The filter holder is removable from the filter housing, and the filter holder and filter housing feature manually operated locking mechanisms that are operatively connected to each other. These locking mechanisms are advantageously designed to ensure reliable securing of the filter element to the filter housing during operation of the foot care device. However, they also allow for tool-free removal of the filter holder and filter element when the filter reaches a level of contamination requiring replacement.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the locking devices have manually releasable locking elements, so that when the filter holder is inserted, a locking mechanism automatically engages for the filter element, but the filter holder can be removed deliberately and intentionally. This advantageously ensures that the filter is reliably locked in the operating state.

[0009] In order to advantageously ensure that the filter holder does not open unintentionally, in a preferred embodiment the locking means have locking elements arranged on both sides of the filter holders that can be operated by both hands, in a further preferred embodiment.

[0010] To advantageously ensure a secure locking mechanism, in a preferred embodiment the locking elements are arranged on the filter holder and, in the locked state, are operatively connected to corresponding locking recesses on the filter housing. In principle, the arrangement of locking recesses and locking elements can also be reversed, i.e., the locking recesses can be provided on the filter holder and the locking elements on the filter housing. The essential point is simply their interaction to maintain the locking connection.

[0011] Preferably, the filter holder and the filter element together form a disposable filter bag, advantageously by structurally connecting these elements. This ensures hygienic disposal.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element, when in use, can be housed in a filter chamber within the filter housing, which is at least partially covered by the filter holder and through which the airflow passes. This arrangement advantageously creates an externally enclosed space in which the filter element can perform its function. At the same time, the escape of particles is prevented.

[0013] Preferably, in a further embodiment, the filter holder can have a closing flap that can be moved from an open position to a closed position after use of the filter element, preferably one that is movable along the filter holder. When the filter element or filter bag reaches a fill level that necessitates replacement, the closing flap can advantageously be moved to the closed position to prevent particles from escaping into the environment.

[0014] In order to advantageously obtain a design-wise appealing embodiment and at the same time protect the filter holder from unauthorized or unintentional access, in a preferred embodiment the filter holder can be sealed by a cover plate detachably attached to the filter housing.

[0015] Preferably, the filter holder and cover plate can form an air channel through which the airflow can flow in the operating state, directing the airflow to the filter element, while at the same time advantageously preventing particles from escaping the air channel into the environment.

[0016] Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment, the cover plate can itself have further locking means for detachable connection with the filter housing, so that easy removal in conjunction with a tight cover is advantageously ensured.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the cover plate can have connection means for a hose feed that connects the filter housing to a handpiece for podiatric and / or cosmetic treatment. This advantageously allows the airflow to be directed to the cover plate and thus to the filter element in a structurally simple manner.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment that improves hygiene requirements, several filter elements can be provided in the filter housing, at least one of which comprises a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) is defined as a highly effective air filter capable of removing at least 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 micrometers from the air. HEPA filters typically consist of a dense network of fibers arranged to allow air to pass through while trapping particles. They are particularly effective against small particles invisible to the human eye and contribute to improved indoor air quality and hygiene.

[0019] The problem is also solved by a filter bag with the features of claim 13 for such a filter device with a filter element arranged on a filter holder, wherein the filter holder has manually actuated locking means configured to engage with a filter housing. The filter bag is thus advantageously and reliably secured to the filter housing during operation of the foot care device. Nevertheless, tool-free removal of the filter holder and filter element is possible manually when the filter reaches a fill level at which a filter change is necessary. This results in reliable attachment of the filter bag and hygienic protection with simple operation.

[0020] The same principle applies to a podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device that includes a suction device for extracting particles generated during foot care and a filter housing for filtering the particles from the airflow generated by the suction device. If such a foot care device has a filter assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, the aforementioned advantages also apply to the foot care device.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the foot care device has a housing in which the suction device and the filter housing with the filter assembly are arranged. This allows the filter assembly to be advantageously integrated into the housing in a structurally sound manner, so that all components can be accommodated in a space-saving and aesthetically pleasing way. If the airflow within the foot care device is directed accordingly, the filtration efficiency can be further improved.

[0022] Preferably, the foot care device can include a handpiece connected to the housing via a hose. The airflow carries the particles generated during foot care to the filter housing via the hose. This advantageously results in a user-friendly arrangement that simultaneously meets the hygienic requirements for operating such a device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the foot care device can be provided with several filter devices according to the invention, through which the airflow passes sequentially, their locking mechanisms being constructed analogously. This has the advantage, on the one hand, that different types of filters, such as dust filters and HEPA filters, can be used to clean the airflow as completely as possible before it is released back into the ambient air. At the same time, it ensures that the operator can conveniently change the filters in the same way.

[0024] Further advantages arise from the dependent claims and the following description of an exemplary embodiment. Brief description of the characters

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1. A side view of a foot care device with closed cover panels, Fig. 2 a view according to Fig. 1 with the cover plates removed, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b enlarged sections from Fig. 2 in the area of ​​resting devices, Fig. 3 a top view of the representation according to Fig. 2, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b enlarged views from Fig. 3 in the area of ​​resting devices, Fig. 4 a representation according to Fig. 2 with removed cover plates and filter holders, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b enlarged illustrations from Fig. 4 in the area of ​​the resting devices for filter mounting, Fig. 5 a top view of the representation according to Fig. 4, Fig. 5a - 5d enlarged views from Fig. 5 on the locking mechanism of the filter holder, Fig. 6. A three-dimensional view of a filter bag, Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b a front view of the filter bag according to Fig. 6 with open and closed closure flap, Fig. 8 a side view of the filter bag according to Fig. 6, Fig. 9 a top view of the filter bag according to Fig. 6, Fig. 10 a graphic representation of the activation of the filter holder during removal, Fig. 11. A view of the foot care device showing the filter compartment for the filter bag before the filter bag is inserted. Fig. 12 a representation according to Fig. 11 with filter bag arranged in the filter slot and before attaching the cover plate, Fig. 13 a rear view of the foot care device with the cover removed, Fig. 14 a graphic representation of the actuation of the locking devices for the removal of the filter element. Fig. 15 a representation according to Fig. 13 with filter element removed from the filter shaft, Fig. 16 a three-dimensional representation of a filter element designed as a HEPA filter with filter holder, Fig. 17 a front view of the filter holder according to Fig. 16, Fig. 18, Fig. 19 a side view and a top view of the filter element according to Fig. 16. Description of preferred embodiments

[0026] Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the respective components of the device or the respective process steps, as these components and processes can vary. The terms used here are intended solely to describe particular embodiments and are not used restrictively. Furthermore, where the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or in the claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] The figures show a filter device for a podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device, the housing of which is 60 in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view. In this housing 60, in the exemplary embodiment, a filter housing 10 is provided in the lower area, which, however, can also be provided in a different location and in a different orientation than in this horizontal plane shown in the figures. On the in Fig. On the left side, a display 52 is provided for operating the foot care device.

[0028] The filter housing 10 is designed to be permeated by an airflow 14 generated by a suction device 12 and filtered of particles produced during foot care. The suction device 12 is in Fig. 1 shown schematically. Their arrangement in the housing 60 of the foot care device is known to the person skilled in the art.

[0029] These types of foot care devices are generally used to treat patients in podiatric and / or cosmetic settings. During treatment, larger particles are generated, such as clipped toenails or callus particles. However, the use of such devices can also produce particles that pose a hygiene risk, for example, in cases of fungal nail infections. When nails are filed down, the particles are atomized and extracted by the airflow, which then needs to be filtered to remove these particles.

[0030] Airflow 14 is in Fig. Figure 12 is shown schematically. In this airflow 14, at least one filter element 15, 25 is arranged, which is received in a filter holder 18, 28 that can be attached to the filter housing 10. As will be explained later, several filter elements 15, 25 are preferably provided in the filter housing 10, at least one of which comprises a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) is a highly effective air filter capable of removing at least 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 micrometers from the air. HEPA filters generally consist of a dense network of fibers arranged to allow air to pass through while trapping particles. They are particularly effective against small particles invisible to the human eye and contribute to improved air quality and hygiene in indoor spaces.

[0031] The filter holder 18, 28 according to Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 is removable from the filter housing 10. Filter holder 18, 28 and filter housing 10 have manually actuated locking means 20, 30 that are operatively connected to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, magnetic means 27 can also be added ( Fig. 12) are provided, but these are generally not sufficient on their own to hold the filter holder 18, 28 in place in the filter housing 10, since the filter shaft 22, 32 which receives the filter elements 15, 25 is sealed to the outside by a sealing lip on the filter holder 18, 28 which is not shown in the drawing and which must be brought into a sealing system.

[0032] The manually operated locking devices 20, 30 therefore have the task, on the one hand, of reliably ensuring that the filter holder 18, 28 can be inserted into its filter shaft 22, 32 with the tightest possible seal. On the other hand, they should also enable convenient operation for the user, as shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 14 shows the two filters provided in the exemplary embodiment.

[0033] The locking devices 20, 30 preferably have manually releasable locking elements 20a, 30a. This means that when filter element 15, 25 and filter holder 18, 28 are inserted into the filter shaft 22, 32, the locking devices 20, 30, i.e. locking element 20a, 30a on the one hand and locking recess 20b, 30b on the other hand, automatically lock together; however, to remove the filter element, the locking elements 20a, 30a must be manually released.

[0034] For this purpose, the resting devices are in accordance with the Fig. 10 and Fig. 14 preferably arranged on both sides of the filter holder 18, 28, so that these locking elements 20a, 30a can be operated with both hands by means of the tabs 21, 31. This ensures that removal can only be carried out deliberately with both hands.

[0035] As particularly in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 and especially in the magnifications according to Fig. As can be seen from figures 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a to 5d, the locking means 20, 30 comprise the locking elements 20a, 30a and the locking recesses 20b, 30b, wherein, in the exemplary embodiment, the locking elements 20a, 30a are arranged on the filter holder 18, 28 and, in the locked state, are operatively connected to corresponding locking recesses 20b, 30b, which are arranged on the filter housing 10. However, it is fundamentally possible to interchange the arrangement of the locking elements 20a, 20b and the locking recesses 20b, 30b.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the filter holder 18 and the filter element 15 together form a disposable filter bag 17 according to Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. This also applies analogously to the HEPA filter, consisting of the filter element 25 and the filter holder 28 according to Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18 to Fig. 19. This allows the filter element with filter holder to be easily disposed of as a filter bag 17 without the risk of particles being released into the ambient air.

[0037] Preferably, the filter element in its used state is in a filter shaft 22, 32 which is at least partially covered by the filter holder 18, 28 according to Fig. 10 and Fig. 15 is accommodated in the filter housing 10, through which the airflow flows. This allows, on the one hand, the airflow through the filter element 15, 25 to be controlled in a targeted manner, and on the other hand, results in a sealed filter shaft 22, 32 for accommodating the filter element 15, 25.

[0038] In Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows such a filter bag 17, which includes the filter element 15 and the filter holder 18. In order to prevent particles from escaping the filter during filter changes, the filter holder 18 has an opening according to Fig. 7a into a closed position after use of the filter element 15 according to Fig. 7b transferable closure flap 24 on. While in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7a When the locking tab on the left side releases the opening 23 to the filter element, this locking tab 24 can be removed from the position in Fig. 7a into the position according to Fig. 7b be moved and thus close the filter bag 17.

[0039] After the filter bag 17 according to Fig. 10 by actuating the tabs 21 (in the case of the filter according to Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. 15 removed from the filter shaft 22 or 32 by actuating the tabs 31), the following image results: Fig. 11. Now a new filter bag 17 can be inserted into the filter shaft 22. The locking devices 20 engage, so that the filter bag 17 is reliably locked in the filter housing 10. This corresponds to the illustration according to Fig. 12, where the in Fig. The still-closed closure flap 24 is shifted to the left to expose the opening 23 of the filter bag 17. In the next step, the cover plate 35 can be attached to the filter housing 10 to seal the access to the filter bag 17 both aesthetically and in a watertight manner. The area between the cover plate 35 and the filter housing 10 forms the Fig. The indicated air channel 42 is formed between the filter holder 18 and the cover plate 35.

[0040] The Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. Figure 15 shows the corresponding arrangement and design for the filter element 25, which is housed in a filter compartment 32 on the rear of the housing 60 of the foot care device. After removing the cover plate 45, which can also be secured magnetically, the following image is obtained: Fig. 13. Here too, the locking devices 30 of the filter holder 28 can be manually actuated by the operator 54 according to 14 by actuating the tabs 31, so that the filter holder 28 with filter element 25 according to Fig. 15 can be removed from the filter shaft 32. The filter element 25 is preferably a HEPA filter.

[0041] Preferably, the cover plates 35, 45 themselves have further locking means for releasably locking the cover plate to the filter housing 10. These are not shown in the drawing, but are designed analogously to the locking means 20, 30.

[0042] In Fig. 12 can be seen that the cover plate 35 preferably has connection means 44 for a hose feed 46, which connects the filter housing 10 to a handpiece not shown in the drawing for podiatric and / or cosmetic treatment.

[0043] Filter holder 18 and filter element 15 arranged thereon form a filter bag 17, as shown in the figures Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 9 shows that this filter bag 17 has manually actuated locking devices on its filter holder 18, which, in the operating state, are designed to engage with the filter housing 10. In this specific embodiment, locking elements 20a are provided on the filter element 17. An analogous situation arises for the HEPA filters according to Fig. 16 to Fig. 19, i.e., there too, filter holder 28 and filter element 25 can be connected to each other in such a way that they can be disposed of together.

[0044] The filter assembly is part of a podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device, which includes the suction device 12 for extracting particles generated during foot care and the filter housing 10 for filtering the particles from the airflow 14 generated by the suction device 12. The filter assembly described above is used in this foot care device.

[0045] Preferably the foot care device has a housing 60 in which the suction device 12 and the filter housing 10 with the filter assembly are arranged.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the foot care device further comprises a handpiece that is connected to the housing 60 via the hose inlet 46. The handpiece can be used to treat a patient's feet and nails during foot care. The particles generated during this process are conveyed to the filter housing 10 via the hose inlet 46 by the airflow 14 produced by the suction device.

[0047] In principle, the foot care device can have several filter devices arranged in such a way that they are successively passed through by the airflow 14, with the locking devices 20, 30 being constructed analogously to enable the user to operate them conveniently.

[0048] Filter holders 18 and 28 have a "nose" as an actuating element which, when filter element 15 or 25 is inserted, activates a push button on the device side to ensure that a dust filter and a HEPA filter are present in the device. If a push button is not activated, the device displays the error message "Insert filter bag" or "Insert HEPA filter".

[0049] Filter holder 18 has two such lugs, arranged symmetrically around the central filter inlet. This allows filter element 15 to be inserted rotated by 180°. It is reasonable to assume that, due to the bag's symmetry, this could happen to the user despite the labeling. Filter element 25 has only one lug, as it cannot be inserted rotated by 180°.

[0050] Filter bag 17 should be changed when it reaches a fill level of 80%. Above 80%, the suction power of the foot care device decreases progressively. The device will issue a notification to schedule a filter change when the filter reaches a fill level of 60%. A respirator should be worn during filter changes to reduce the risk of infection from potentially infectious dust.

[0051] To change the filter bag, grasp the cover 35 of the filter bag 17 on the left and right sides and pull it out of the foot care device together with the hose inlet 46. Now, slide the sealing tab 24 over the opening 23 of the filter bag 17 to seal it. Next, bend the side tabs 21 of the filter bag 17 slightly outwards (using your index fingers) to unlock the filter bag. This requires some force. The filter bag 17 can then be removed from the filter chamber 22 and disposed of.

[0052] The filter bag 17 is inserted in reverse order, whereby the locking devices 20 audibly click into place when the new filter bag 17 is inserted into the filter shaft 22.

[0053] The filter element 25 is replaced in an analogous manner; however, a locking tab is neither provided nor required. Reference symbol list 10 filter housings 12 Extraction device 14 Airflow 15, 25 filter element 17 filter bags 18, 28 filter holder 19, 29 Actuating elements 20, 30 Resting agents 20a, 30a Raster elements 20b, 30b rest recesses 21, 31 tabs 22, 32 Filter shaft 23 Opening 24 closure flap 27 Magnetic media 35, 45 Cover plate 42 Air duct 44 Connecting devices 46 Hose feed 52 Display 54 operators 60 cases QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 100 38 445 A1

[0003] DE 20 2015 007 253 U1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Filter device for a podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device, comprising a filter housing (10) which is configured to be supplied with an airflow (14) generated by a suction device (12) and which is to be filtered of particles arising during foot care, wherein at least one filter element (15, 25) is arranged in the airflow (14) which is received in at least one filter receptacle (18, 28) which can be attached in the filter housing (10) and is associated with the at least one filter element, characterized by , that the filter holder (18, 28) is removable from the filter housing (10) and that the filter holder (18, 28) and the filter housing (10) have manually operable locking means (20, 30) that are operatively connected to each other. [2] Filter device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking means (20, 30) have manually unlockable locking elements (20a, 30a). [3] Filter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the locking means (20, 30) have locking elements (20a, 30a) arranged on both sides of the filter holder (18, 28) that can be operated by both hands. [4] Filter device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the locking elements (20a, 30a) are arranged on the filter holder (18, 28) and, in the locked state, are in operative contact with opposing locking recesses (20b, 30b) on the filter housing (10). [5] Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the filter holder (18) and the filter element (15) together form a filter bag (17) that can be disposed of after use. [6] Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the filter element (15, 25) in the state of use is received in a filter shaft (22, 32) in the filter housing (10) which is at least partially covered by the filter holder (18, 28) and through which the airflow flows. [7] Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the filter holder (18) has a closing tab (24) which can be moved from an open position to a closed position after use of the filter element (15) and is preferably movable on the filter holder (18). [8] Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the filter holder (18, 28) can be sealed by a cover plate (35, 45) which is detachably attached to the filter housing (10). [9] Filter device according to claim 8, characterized by , that the filter holder (18) and the cover plate (35) form an air channel (42) through which the airflow can flow when in use. [10] Filter device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the cover plate (35, 45) in turn has further locking means for detachable connection with the filter housing (10). [11] Filter device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that the cover plate (35) has connection means (44) for a hose feed (46) which is designed to connect the filter housing (10) to a handpiece for podiatric and / or cosmetic treatment. [12] Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that several filter elements (15, 25) are provided, at least one of which comprises a HEPA filter. [13] Filter bag (17) for a filter device according to one of the preceding claims with a filter element (15) arranged on a filter holder (18), characterized by , that the filter holder (18) has manually operable locking means (20) which are designed to engage with a filter housing (10). [14] Podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device with a suction device (12) for suctioning particles generated during foot care and with a filter housing (10) for filtering the particles from the airflow (14) generated by the suction device (12), characterized by that it has at least one filter device according to one of claims 1 to 12. [15] Podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device according to claim 14, characterized by , that it has a housing (60) in which the extraction device (12) and the filter housing (10) with the filter assembly are arranged. [16] Podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device according to claim 15, characterized by , that it includes a handpiece which is connected to the housing (60) via a hose supply (46) which is designed to supply the particles generated during foot care to the filter housing (10) with the airflow (14). [17] Podiatric and / or cosmetic foot care device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized by , that several filter devices according to one of claims 1 to 12 are provided, which are arranged in such a way that they are successively flowed through by the airflow (14), and whose locking means (20, 30) are constructed analogously.

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