Array comprising at least two unit parts and at least two container parts for forming an apparatus for negative-pressure wound therapy
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PAUL HARTMANN AG
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-06
AI Technical Summary
Current negative pressure wound treatment devices lack versatility and adaptability to varying wound types and patient needs, requiring multiple devices for different applications and being complex for mobile use.
An array of interchangeable aggregate and container parts that can be coupled to form devices tailored to specific wound treatment requirements, differing in power consumption, operating modes, and liquid holding volume, allowing for customizable and portable negative pressure treatment.
Enables optimal and economical negative pressure wound treatment by allowing users to select appropriate parts for different wound conditions, providing flexibility and ease of use, especially in mobile settings.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024061713_02012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Title: Array comprising at least two aggregate parts and at least two container parts for forming a device for negative pressure treatment of wounds
[0002] Description
[0003] The invention relates to the field of negative pressure treatment of wounds on the human or animal body. For this purpose, devices for negative pressure treatment of wounds are used, which can be used both stationary and, if necessary, carried on the body of a user. These devices comprise a device for generating negative pressure and a container, preferably a disposable container that can be discarded after use, for receiving wound fluids sucked out of a wound, and a connection for a suction line leading to the wound.
[0004] In such devices for the negative pressure treatment of wounds, the negative pressure generating device typically communicates with the wound or the wound space via the container and the suction line, wherein an air-impermeable covering material is provided as a negative pressure wound dressing for essentially closing the wound and the wound space in a negative pressure-tight manner, so that a negative pressure can be created in the wound space and fluids can be sucked out of the wound space into the container.
[0005] In the context of the present invention, the term "negative pressure" refers to an air pressure that is lower than the ambient air pressure (atmospheric air pressure) and is applied to the wound within a wound dressing. The covering material of a wound dressing for the airtight closure of a wound space must therefore be designed to withstand the resulting pressure difference so that the negative pressure in the wound space can be created and maintained.
[0006] In the field of negative pressure therapy in wound treatment, the negative pressure is quantitatively specified as the pressure difference between the ambient air pressure and the air pressure applied beneath the covering material. Typically, this pressure difference in the field of negative pressure therapy is a maximum of 250 mm Hg (mm of mercury) (1 mm Hg = 1 Torr = 133.322 Pa). This negative pressure range of up to a maximum of 250 mm Hg has proven suitable for wound healing. A preferred negative pressure range is between 20 and 200 mm Hg.
[0007] The negative pressure applied to the wound using the device can, in a typical negative pressure treatment, either be kept essentially constant over time, or it can be changed over time, in particular changed cyclically, which can be realized via a correspondingly designed and programmed control device in the device generating the negative pressure, in particular depending on further parameters.
[0008] To create negative pressure and to suck out liquids, a preferably flexible suction line is provided which communicates at one end, in particular via a so-called port in the area of the wound covering material, with the wound environment or the wound space and at the other end with the connection mentioned at the beginning and thus with the container and the device generating the negative pressure.
[0009] In the devices for negative pressure treatment under discussion here, the negative pressure generating device is accommodated in an aggregate part, and the container is formed by a container part. The aggregate part and the container part can be coupled to and detached from one another manually and without tools and have physically interacting interfaces for negative pressure communication, so that negative pressure communication can be established between the negative pressure generating device, the container part, and the suction line leading to the body. The container is preferably a disposable container.
[0010] The requirements for the best possible negative pressure treatment from a therapeutic point of view in each individual case are very diverse and naturally depend on the type and extent of the wound, its depth, its state of healing or the degree of impaired wound healing, in particular the degree of infection, as well as on the patient and their state of health. Accordingly, a large number of differently designed devices for negative pressure treatment must be available in order to cover and meet the needs that arise. Furthermore, negative pressure therapy can be carried out as an inpatient in a hospital or at the patient's home, although in the latter case the devices used should typically be suitable for mobile operation and should preferably be less complex and easier to operate.
[0011] Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of economically satisfying the above-mentioned need for the best possible and optimally suited negative pressure wound treatment in each individual case. This object is achieved according to the invention by an array having the features of claim 1.
[0012] It is therefore proposed according to the invention to provide an array with a plurality of unit parts and a plurality of container parts, the components of which, i.e. unit parts and container parts, can be coupled to one another in any desired pairs and brought into an operational connection, so that each pairing of a unit part with a container part results in a device for negative pressure treatment that is best suited to the respective intended purpose. For example, the unit parts can differ in the electrical power consumption of the device generating the negative pressure and thus in the achievable negative pressure and / or in the complexity of operating modes of the device generating the negative pressure. For example, the respective container parts can differ in particular in their absorption volume for fluid suctioned from the wound space.
[0013] When reference is made above to an array, this is understood to mean a manufacturer-provided assortment of unit parts and container parts of the claimed type, which can therefore be combined in any mutual pairing to form a device for negative pressure treatment, in such a way that they can be physically coupled and thus each form a device for negative pressure treatment. The unit parts and container parts which form the claimed array can then also be recognized by the manufacturer as belonging to an assortment, in particular by their obvious design and presentation, in such a way that the purchaser or user can recognize the selectively selectable pairing of container parts with unit parts.However, for an array of the claimed type to belong to a product, it is not necessary that all container parts and all aggregate parts of the array can only be acquired together, as it were, in their entirety; rather, it is conceivable that a purchaser or user can also select and acquire parts of an array individually from the array. Therefore, it is not always necessary for all components of an array to be presented, kept or offered in a point of sale or in packaging, provided that it is clear that the array, as an assortment or entirety, comprises the claimed components which interact functionally and technically for the claimed purpose.
[0014] The concept of an assortment or array of container parts and aggregate parts requires a structural design of the various aggregate parts and container parts in question such that they can be brought into a physical, functional connection as intended to form the device for negative pressure wound treatment. The concept of an assortment also does not require that all components—that is, all different container parts and all different aggregate parts—physically appear together at the same point of sale or in the same packaging, or that they are offered, manufactured, or delivered.Rather, an assortment can be assumed if a purchaser, customer or user can imagine the possibility of acquiring or selecting a container part from the plurality of different container parts and an aggregate part from the plurality of different aggregate parts of the assortment or array in order to complement the container part and the aggregate part to form a device for negative pressure treatment.
[0015] For example, large and heavily exuding wounds, where a relatively large amount of fluid has to be drained from the wound space at any given time, require the container part to have a larger fluid absorption volume than smaller, less exuding wounds. If in the first case a container part with a large fluid absorption volume is available, a longer uninterrupted treatment time can be provided until the container needs to be changed. If, on the other hand, wound healing has progressed and the wound is therefore producing less wound secretion and, in particular, has become smaller, there is a particular need for mobile negative pressure therapy for patients who are generally mobile. In this case, a small container part and, at the same time, a small unit part that can be carried on the user's body are required.In this case, a container section and a small-sized unit section of the array will be selected and coupled together to form the device for negative pressure treatment and brought into operational connection. If the requirements for the negative pressure profile are relatively unproblematic for a mobile patient and can be provided by a simpler and therefore generally small-sized unit section, but the quantities of fluid accumulating and to be drained from the wound space are still considerable, it is also conceivable that a medium-sized or large-volume container section is brought into operational connection with a small-sized unit section that is particularly suitable for mobile operation. Depending on the user's preference, in the latter case several small-sized container sections could also be carried in mobile operation and, if necessary, coupled and used with the unit section that is also carried.In this way, an overall small-sized device for negative pressure treatment could be carried in mobile operation and in particular in body contact, and the small container parts could then be used one after the other and exchanged for one another. In any case, it is advantageous if one side of the device is formed by the respective container part. This means that the device, including the container part and the unit part, can be placed on a support surface or base by means of the container part and its side when used and operated as intended. The container part therefore comes to lie vertically between the support surface or base and the unit part when used and operated as intended. This means that the respective container part can be at least partially covered by the unit part coupled to it, and can therefore be made at least less visible visually.In addition, this makes one operating side of the unit more accessible by turning it towards the user, and the operating states and parameters displayed there can be more easily viewed and read.
[0016] In order to couple the unit parts and container parts to one another, it is advantageous if the unit parts and the container parts can be releasably fixed to one another by a snapping, latching or otherwise positively acting locking or engagement means, and the locking or engagement means can be moved, in particular manually, in a release direction, so that the unit part and the container part can be detached and removed from one another again (claim 2). Preferably, the unit part can be grasped with one hand of the user or a caregiver and brought into a coupling position on or with the container part and then transferred into a fixing position.
[0017] In this case, it proves advantageous if the locking or rear-engaging means can be deflected, particularly transversely to the joining direction, and brought into a locking or rear-engaging position when the parts are coupled (claim 3). In this case, the user or operator only needs to lightly press one part against the other to bring both parts into their fixed position, which preferably also represents the intended operational connection of the parts to one another.
[0018] Furthermore, it proves advantageous if the unit part and the container part can be detached from each other again with one hand. To this end, it would be conceivable for the user to grasp one part with his hand and press a release element with a finger, so that the locking or engaging means is moved in the release direction and the respective part can be removed from the other part.
[0019] An array is further proposed in which at least one unit part and / or at least one container part is cuboid-shaped, in particular disc-shaped, or forms a wedge shape (claim 4). With a cuboid-shaped design, in particular of the unit parts, two opposite flat sides and four circumferential edge sides are formed, wherein a preferably flat design, at least of the smaller unit parts, can be advantageous. The unit parts can in particular be designed in the manner of a flat mobile phone or tablet, insofar as this allows the accommodation of the suppression-generating device. In contrast, with the container parts, in particular with container parts of medium or larger holding volumes, a wedge-shaped or ramp-shaped design can prove advantageous.In this case, a downward-facing flat side, which also forms a standing side of the container part, and an opposite flat side forming a coupling side run at an acute angle to one another. If such a wedge-shaped container part is placed with its standing side on a flat surface, such as a patient table surface, during stationary operation, an aggregate part arranged on it is also inclined due to the wedge shape, making it easier to see a control or display panel and to operate the device as a whole.
[0020] In order to couple the parts of the array to one another, it proves to be advantageous if the aggregate parts and the container parts are arranged side by side in the operating connection and for this purpose each have a coupling side which contact one another and are designed to be complementary to one another (claim 5).
[0021] If the parts are essentially disc-shaped or cuboid-shaped, they can be arranged next to one another, preferably with their larger flat sides facing one another, and can be coupled and fixed to one another. It is advantageous in this case that one part can completely or partially cover the other part, depending on how the parts are paired together.
[0022] It is also advantageous if each coupling side of the container parts and the assembly parts forms a side of greatest surface area or largest top view of the container parts and the assembly parts (claim 6). The coupling side in question is then formed by the respective largest flat side in the case of a cuboid or disc-shaped design. Advantageously, the parts are arranged relative to one another in the coupled state such that the assembly part, which typically has an operating side with operating elements and display devices, forms a visible side of the device created by the coupling of the parts.
[0023] It is therefore advantageous if the coupling side of a container part is arranged opposite its stationary side, and if an operating side of an aggregate part is arranged opposite its coupling side and thus opposite the stationary side of the container part (claim 7). This operating side is then preferably facing upwards in the intended positioning of the device for intended operation.
[0024] It is also advantageous if the unit parts and / or the container parts can be placed against one another via a respective substantially flat or convex or concave coupling side (claim 8). In the present case, a substantially flat or convex or concave coupling side is understood to mean that the unit part or container part in question is flat, convex or concave on this side with at least 50%, in particular with at least 60%, in particular with at least 70% of the top surface; however, the term does not exclude the possibility that the coupling side can have centering means or other projections or recesses or even steps in order to interact in a self-centering manner or with a form-fitting connection with the coupling side of the other part. In particular, it is advantageous if the coupling side of the unit part is substantially flat.
[0025] It is also advantageous if the interface between the respective unit part and the respective container part is formed on a respective coupling side (claim 9). In this case, when joining and coupling the respective parts to one another, an operational connection between the interfaces on both sides can be brought about at the same time, without the need for additional operating or assembly measures. It is also advantageous if the respective interface is designed in a somewhat island-shaped manner on a coupling side of the unit part or the container part. In this case, it can function as a centering aid when coupling the parts.
[0026] It would in principle be conceivable to design the interfaces of the unit parts and container parts as desired, in that the unit parts and container parts each have interacting line means or connection openings which allow fluid and / or vacuum communication. They could each be designed individually and in particular as one piece with the container part or unit part. However, it proves to be advantageous if the interface of at least one container part and / or at least one unit part is designed as an assembly which can be inserted, in particular snapped into, a receiving opening in the respective container part or the respective unit part and has a wall component and at least one vacuum communication opening formed therein (claim 10). In this case, for example,It is possible to design the respective interface for several or even all container parts or for several or all assembly parts identically as a prefabricated assembly. In this case, for example, the container parts can be manufactured using a simple manufacturing process, in particular an injection molding process, and the respective interface, with possibly more complex design and additional components, such as sealing elements, can be manufactured separately as an assembly. The interface can advantageously form a wall component of the relevant container part or assembly part and have at least one communication suppression opening formed in the wall component.
[0027] It also proves advantageous if the wall component has a particularly flat and particularly trough-shaped recess into which a complementary projecting wall region of the respective other unit part or container part can engage (claim 11). This can assist the coupling of the container part and the unit part by, to a certain extent, enforcing a self-centering and correctly intended arrangement of the parts relative to one another during joining and establishing the operational connection.
[0028] As already indicated, it is advantageous for one support side of the device to be formed by the container part. In a further development of this proposal, it is advantageous for an array to be characterized by at least one container part with a support side and a coupling side opposite the support side, which is inclined, in particular inclined at an angle of 5-40°, particularly preferably inclined at an angle of 10-30°, to the support side (claim 12).
[0029] In order to meet the most frequent requirements, it proves to be advantageous if all container parts differ in their liquid absorption volume and their areal extension projected onto a base surface, and if all aggregate parts also differ in their areal extension projected onto a base surface (claim 13).The former proves to be advantageous in order to be able to drain different quantities of fluid per unit time from the wound space depending on the application, and the latter proves to be advantageous because a different surface area of the unit parts also goes hand in hand with their installation space and thus more spatially expansive technology can be accommodated in it, such as in particular different powerful suppression generating devices, control devices, further interface technology for data exchange with external monitoring and control devices, including wireless transmitting and / or receiving devices.
[0030] To enable mobile operation of a device for negative pressure wound treatment, it could be accommodated and carried in separate carrying devices, such as a bag or a backpack. However, it is proposed that the array be designed such that at least one unit part and / or at least one container part has fastening means, so that the device can be worn and carried on the user's body or fastened in the patient's environment (claim 14). The fastening means intended in this way can, for example, comprise at least one flexible strip-shaped section as a carrying strap, in particular with an additional clip or a buckle closure, which is provided on the container part or the unit part or on both, in order to releasably fasten the device to the body of a user, for example on the thigh, in the hip area or on the arm of the user.
[0031] It has proven advantageous if the container part is provided facing towards the body and the unit part is provided facing away from the body when the device is carried on the user's body as intended (claim 15). As already mentioned, this offers the possibility that the more attractive unit part can at least partially cover the container part. It has also proven advantageous if one container part or more container parts and / or one unit part or more unit parts have a rounded, in particular concave, body contact area for contact with the body of a user when the device is carried on the user's body as intended (claim 16). This makes it possible to avoid any localized pressure load or the formation of pressure points on the user's body when the device is carried on the user's body.In particular, the relevant body contact area could be formed or provided with a flexible, cushioning material, particularly based on polymers, in particular polymer foam. Such a material could be connectable to the relevant container part or unit part via detachable fastening means, in particular adhesive strips, hook-and-loop strips, snap fasteners, or the like, and in particular could be detachable again.
[0032] To support the intended joining of the container part and the unit part, it is advantageous if the coupling sides of the unit parts and the container parts are designed to complement one another in such a way that, when physically coupled in pairs, by bringing together any unit part and any container part, exactly one intended operational connection is established (claim 17). Such a complementary design can be realized, for example, by rib-shaped or pin-shaped projections on one part and corresponding receptacles or depressions of a complementary shape on the other part and / or by a complementary design of the interfaces.
[0033] In a further development of this idea, it proves to be advantageous if at least one container part and at least one aggregate part are designed such that the aggregate part can be placed in a slightly oblique orientation of its coupling side to a coupling side of the container part with an edge region or a support region projecting from the coupling side against a complementarily designed bearing region of the container part and, starting from this oblique orientation, can be folded or pivoted into the operating position (claim 18). In particular, the parts can be placed obliquely against one another and then folded or pivoted into a substantially parallel orientation of their respective extension planes and in particular their coupling sides.
[0034] It is further advantageous if, when coupling the container part to the unit part, a vacuum communication is simultaneously established between the container part and the vacuum-generating device (claim 19). This can be achieved by simultaneously and inevitably bringing the interfaces on both sides into a cooperating operational connection when joining the container part and the unit part.
[0035] Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if the connection for the suction line leading to the wound is also designed to produce an additional suppression or flow communication between the unit part and a measuring or rinsing lumen leading to the wound (claim 20).
[0036] As already mentioned, it is advantageous if operating and display elements are provided on a visible side of the unit part facing away from the container part. The operating elements can be designed in the form of a touchscreen.
[0037] In view of the need to be able to control, monitor and document therapeutic measures, it proves to be advantageous if at least one unit part has an interface for data exchange, in particular a USB interface, and / or a wireless transmitting and / or receiving device for data and information exchange (claim 21).
[0038] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the appended patent claims and from the drawing and subsequent description of a preferred embodiment of the array according to the invention.
[0039] The drawing shows:
[0040] Figure 1 shows two aggregate parts of an array according to the invention, each in two views; Figure 2 shows two container parts of the array according to the invention, each in two views;
[0041] Figures 3 and 4 show further views of the assembly parts according to Figure 1;
[0042] Figures 5, 6 and 7 show further views of the container parts according to Figure 2;
[0043] Figure 8 illustrates the coupling of a first unit part with a first container part;
[0044] Figure 9 illustrates the coupling of the first unit part according to Figure 8 with a further second container part;
[0045] Figure 10 illustrates the coupling of a second unit part with the first container part according to Figure 8;
[0046] Figure 11 illustrates the coupling of the second unit part according to Figure 10 with the second container part.
[0047] Figures 1 and 2 show components of an array 2 forming the subject matter of the present invention, with Figure 1 showing two differently designed unit parts 4a, 4b and Figure 2 showing three differently designed container parts 6a, 6b and 6c. The unit parts 4a, 4b differ from one another in at least one of the technical properties mentioned at the outset, and the container parts 6a, 6b and 6c also differ from one another in at least one of the technical properties mentioned at the outset. In the case shown as an example, they differ at least in terms of size and in particular in further technical properties mentioned in the introduction to the description. Each unit part 4a, 4b shown in Figure 1 can be physically coupled to each container part 6a, 6b, 6c shown in Figure 2 and brought into an operational connection, as shown in Figures 8-11 which are still to be explained.In this physical coupling of an aggregate part 4a, 4b with a container part 6a, 6b, 6c, a device 8 for the negative pressure treatment of wounds on the human or animal body is formed. This device 8 further requires and comprises a negative pressure generating device 10, which is accommodated in the respective aggregate part 4a, 4b, as well as a container 12 for receiving fluid sucked out of a wound. This container 12, which is preferably a disposable container, is formed by the container part 6a, 6b, 6c. In order to suck out and absorb fluid from the wound or the wound space, a negative pressure can be created in the interior of the container part 6a, 6b, 6c when an aggregate part 4a, 4b is coupled to a container part 6a, 6b, 6c. Each respective container part 6a, 6b, 6c has a connection 14 for a suction line 16 not shown in Figure 2 (but indicated in Figure 5), which leads to.
[0048] wound and is in fluid communication with the wound space in a manner known per se, the wound space being essentially sealed in a vacuum-tight manner by a vacuum wound dressing known per se. The respective unit parts 4a, 4b and the respective container parts 6a, 6b, 6c can each be coupled to and detached from one another manually and without tools. They have interfaces 18, 20 which physically interact with one another for establishing vacuum communication. If a unit part 4a, 4b is physically coupled to a container part 6a, 6b, 6c, the interfaces 18 and 20 also come into physical coupling and operational connection in such a way that a vacuum can be created in the container part 6a, 6b, 6c by means of the vacuum-generating device 10, which vacuum is also fed to the wound or the wound space can be conveyed.
[0049] A locking connection is provided for bringing about and releasing the physical coupling of an aggregate part 4a, 4b with or from a container part 6a, 6b, 6c, wherein in the case shown as an example, a respective aggregate part 4a, 4b has a spring-loaded locking or rear engagement means 22 which is deflected when the parts are joined together and then engages in a locking or rear engagement position on the other part. In the case shown as an example, an elongated rib-shaped projection 24 is provided on the respective container part 6a, 6b, 6c, which projects from an outer side of the container part and can engage in a correspondingly elongated housing opening 26 in the unit part and there deflect the resilient locking or rear engagement means 22 so that it can reach the locking position with the projection 24, which has a region that can be engaged behind for this purpose.By applying finger pressure to an actuating element 28 on the unit part 4a, 4b, the locking or rear engagement means 22 can be moved in the release direction so that the two parts can be released and removed from one another. A snapping, latching or otherwise positively acting locking or rear engagement connection can be implemented in any desired manner, wherein preferably only one of the parts, in particular the unit part 4a, 4b, is grasped with one hand of the user and placed on the other part, in particular the container part 6a, 6b, 6c, which can in particular be placed on a surface, and lightly pressed, thereby automatically coming into operation. The same hand of the user can then preferably also be used to unlock and remove the part in question from the other part.
[0050] Figures 3 and 4 show different views of the unit parts 4a and 4b respectively. Both parts have an essentially cuboidal design with two protruding, opposing flat sides 34 and 36 and a smaller, circumferential edge side 38 in comparison, so that a disc shape is formed which is reminiscent of the shape of a modern mobile phone or tablet. However, the unit part 4b shown in Figure 4 is larger and more protruding than the unit part 4a shown in Figure 3. This enables in particular and by way of example the inclusion of a more powerful suppression generating device and likewise by way of example the accommodation of more protruding electrical and electronic components, in particular control devices. Furthermore, different storage devices and in particular interface technology for data exchange can be accommodated.With the more expansive design of the unit part 4b, it is also easier to provide an operating side with a user interface, in particular operating elements in the form of a touchscreen, and / or to provide differently designed visual display devices.
[0051] Figures 5, 6 and 7 then show different views of the container parts 6a, 6b and 6c respectively. In the case shown as an example, the container part 6a has a liquid absorption volume of approximately 100 ml, the container part 6b has a liquid absorption volume of approximately 300 ml and the container part 6c has a liquid absorption volume of approximately 900 ml. In each case, the previously mentioned connection 14 for the suction line 16, which is only indicated in Figure 5, can be seen. The connection 14 and also the suction line 16 are designed with two lumens in the case shown as an example, with one lumen serving as the suction lumen and transmitting or applying the negative pressure required for negative pressure wound treatment and for suctioning fluids from the wound space to the wound space. The other lumen can serve as a so-called "measuring lumen" for measuring the negative pressure at the wound or as a rinsing lumen in order to be able to supply a rinsing medium such as air continuously or intermittently.
[0052] It can also be seen that the smallest container part 6a, like the exemplary assembly parts, has an essentially cuboidal basic geometry and is also flat and disc-shaped and appears to be so. The two other container parts 6b and 6c, which have a larger volume, are in contrast wedge-shaped or ramp-shaped and have two flat sides or flat side sections 42, 44 which run at an acute angle a to one another. A respective flat side or a respective flat side section 44 of the container parts 6a, 6b, 6c forms a standing side 46 or standing surface of the respective container part 6a, 6b, 6c and of the respective entire device 8 for depositing, setting up or laying the device 8 on a surface or base for the intended use and operation of the device 8.The respective container part 6a, 6b, 6c is then arranged in the vertical direction between the base and the respective aggregate part 4a, 4b and is at least partially covered by the respective aggregate part 4a, 4b, which can be seen from the other figures.
[0053] Figures 8 to 11 show the interconnected
[0054] Unit parts 4a, 4b and container parts 6a, 6c, namely Figure 8 illustrates the coupling of the small unit part 4a with the small container part 6a and Figure 9 illustrates the coupling of the small unit part 4a with the large container part 6c. Furthermore, Figure 10 illustrates the coupling of the large unit part 4b with the small container part 6a and Figure 11 illustrates the coupling of the large unit part 4b with the large container part 6c. In each case, this forms a device 8 for negative pressure wound treatment, although a suction hose leading to the wound is not shown. In the case of the respective large container parts 6c, the connection provided at the corresponding point as in the middle container part 6b is also not shown, but is nevertheless present at the corresponding point.
[0055] It can be seen from Figures 3 to 7 and 8 to 11 that the aggregate parts 4a, 4b and the container parts 6a, 6b, 6c are each arranged side by side in the operational connection. In this case, a respective flat side 34 of the aggregate parts 4a, 4b and a flat side 42 of the container parts 6a, 6b, 6c forms a coupling side 52 of the aggregate parts 4a, 4b and a coupling side 54 of the container parts 6a, 6b, 6c, respectively. The respective coupling sides 52, 54 are essentially flat, i.e. they have a flat basic shape, even if self-centering ribs, troughs or raised areas are formed on this coupling side 52, 54. As can be further seen from the drawings, a respective interface 18 of the aggregate parts 4a, 4b and a respective interface 20 of the container parts 6a, 6b, 6c are also provided in a respective coupling side 52 or.54, specifically in the example shown in an island shape at or in the respective coupling side 52, 54. If one looks at the respective representations of the unit parts 4a, 4b, it can be seen that the respective interface 18 is designed as a slightly raised, but overall flat and projecting wall region 56, in which openings 58 for negative pressure communication are provided or open. Furthermore, it can be seen that in the respective container parts 6a, 6b, 6c a flat trough-shaped depression 60 is formed which is complementary to the wall region 56 and into which the wall region 56 of the respective unit part 4a, 4b can engage when the parts are coupled. Openings 62 for vacuum communication or fluidic communication also open into the shallow trough-shaped depression 60.
[0056] In the container parts 6a, 6b, 6c, the respective interface 20 is designed as an assembly 66, specifically as a wall component 68 that can be inserted, in particular snapped, into a receiving opening 70. This wall component 68 also includes and forms the shallow, trough-shaped recess 60 in which the openings 62 for vacuum communication are formed.
[0057] It can also be seen that all container parts 6a, 6b, 6c differ from one another in terms of their areal extension projected onto a base. The same applies to the two aggregate parts 4a, 4b. In particular, it can be seen that the small aggregate part 4a, when projected onto the small container part 6a, is able to completely cover the small container part 6a (Figure 8). The small container part 4a, on the other hand, is only able to partially cover the large container part 6c. In contrast, the large aggregate part 4b completely covers the small container part (Figure 10) and the large container part 6c (Figure 11).
[0058] By providing the array 2 according to the invention, a pairing of aggregate part 4a, 4b and container part 6a, 6b, 6c that perfectly matches the respective individual requirements can be selected and combined to form a device 8 for the negative pressure treatment of wounds.
[0059] The unit parts 4a, 4b comprise, on their visible side facing the user, an operating side 40 with a user interface with operating elements 41. In this context, it is also conceivable for the operating sides 40 or user interfaces of the container parts 4a, 4b to differ from one another and for the operating side 40 or user interface to be designed in a reduced form, particularly in the case of the smaller unit part 4a. In any case, it proves to be advantageous for a respective operating side 40 with user interface and operating elements 41 to face away from the user interface and point upwards when the device 2 is positioned as intended on the respective base surface 46 of the respective container part 6a, 6b, 6c.Furthermore, it is conceivable and advantageous for many applications if at least two unit parts 4a, 4b are provided within the array 2, which unit parts differ with regard to the technical type of the device generating the negative pressure and in particular with regard to the power consumption and power output of the device generating the negative pressure, which as a rule also entails different installation space requirements. It can also prove advantageous if the unit parts 4a, 4b differ with regard to the operating parameters and the operating modes of the device and its device generating the negative pressure. This can typically be achieved by correspondingly different designs of the control device. In particular, it is conceivable for different operating software to be present in the control device and, in particular, for it to be stored there in an unchangeable or changeable manner for the operation of the device as a whole.
Claims
Patent claims 1. Array (2) comprising at least two unit parts (4a, 4b) and at least two, in particular at least three container parts (6a, 6b, 6c), wherein each unit part (4a, 4b) can be physically coupled to each container part (6a, 6b, 6c) and brought into an operative connection to form a device (8) for the negative pressure treatment of wounds on the human or animal body, with a negative pressure generating device (10) which is accommodated in the respective unit part (4a, 4b), and with a container (12), preferably a disposable container (12) which can be thrown away after use, for receiving liquids sucked out of a wound, in particular wound secretions, which is formed by the respective container part (6a, 6b, 6c), and with a connection (14) for a suction line (16) leading to the wound, wherein the respective unit parts (4a, 4b) and the respective container parts (6a, 6b,6c) can be coupled and detached from one another manually and without tools and have interfaces (18, 20) that interact with one another for suppressing communication, wherein a stand side (46) of the device (8) is formed by the container part (6a, 6b, 6c) when the device (8) is used as intended, and wherein the aggregate parts (4a, 4b) can be separated from one another in, at least one of the following properties, namely from the group technical type of the suppression generating device, energy supply of the suppression generating device, electrical power consumption of the suppression generating device, achievable negative pressure or negative pressure range of the suppression generating device, operating parameters and operating modes of the suppression generating device, design of a control device for the suppression generating device, interactivity of the suppression generating device and its control device, geometric dimensions of the aggregate parts, and wherein the container parts (6a, 6b, 6c) differ from each other in at least one of the following properties, namely from the group geometric dimensions and geometric shape of the container parts, receiving volume of the container parts, size and design of a coupling side or coupling surface, material of the container parts,Transparency of the container parts., 2 . Array ( 2 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the aggregate parts ( 4a, 4b ) and the container parts ( 6a, 6b, 6c ) are releasably fixable relative to one another by a snapping, locking or otherwise positively acting locking or rear gripping means ( 22 ) and that the locking or rear gripping means ( 22 ) can be manually moved into a release direction so that the The container part (6a, 6b, 6c) and the unit part (4a, 4b) can be detached and removed from each other.
3. Array (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking or engaging means (22) can be deflected when coupling the parts, in particular transversely to the joining direction, and can be brought into a locking or engaging position.
4. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one aggregate part (4a, 4b) and / or at least one container part (6, 6b, 6c) which is cuboid-shaped or disc-shaped or forms a wedge shape.
5. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aggregate parts (4a, 4b) and the container parts (6a, 6b, 6c) are arranged side by side in the operating connection and for this purpose each have a coupling side (52, 54) which contact one another and are designed to be complementary to one another.
6. Array (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that a respective coupling side (52, 54) of the container parts (6a, 6b, 6c) and the aggregate parts (4a, 4b) each has a side of the largest areal extent and the largest top surface of the Container parts (6a, 6b, 6c) and the aggregate parts (4a, 4b).
7. Array (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the coupling side (54) of a container part (6a, 6b, 6c) is arranged opposite its standing side (46) and that an operating side (40) of an aggregate part (4a, 4b) is arranged opposite its coupling side (52) and thus opposite the standing side (46) of the container part (6a, 6b, 6c).
8. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aggregate parts (4a, 4b) and / or the container parts (6a, 6b, 6c) can be placed against one another via a respective substantially flat or convex or concave coupling side (52, 54).
9. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (18, 20) of the respective aggregate part (4a, 4b) and the respective container part (6a, 6b, 6c) is formed in a respective coupling side (52, 54).
10. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (18) of at least one container part (6a, 6b, 6c) and / or at least one unit part (4a, 4b) is designed as an assembly (66) which is inserted into a Receiving opening (70) of the respective container part (6a, 6b, 6c) or of the respective unit part (4a, 4b) can be inserted, in particular latched, and has a wall component (68) and at least one vacuum communication opening (62) formed therein.
11. Array (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that the wall component (68) has a particularly flat and particularly trough-shaped depression (60) into which a complementary projecting wall region (56) of the respective other aggregate part (4a, 4b) or container part (6a, 6b, 6c) can engage.
12. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one container part (6a, 6b, 6c) with a standing side (46) and a coupling side (54) opposite the standing side (46), which is inclined, in particular inclined at an angle of 5-40°, particularly preferably inclined at an angle of 10-30° to the standing side.
13. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that all container parts (6a, 6b, 6c) differ in their liquid absorption volume and their areal extension and / or thickness projected onto a standing surface, and in that all aggregate parts (4a, 4b) also differ in their The projected area and / or thickness of the stand may differ.
14. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one unit part (4a, 4b) and / or at least one container part (6a, 6b, 6c) has fastening means so that the device (8) can be worn and carried on the body of the user.
15. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container part (6a, 6b, 6c) is provided facing the body and the aggregate part (4a, 4b) is provided facing away from the body when the device (8) is carried on the body of the user as intended.
16. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that one container part (6a, 6b, 6c) or several container parts (6a, 6b, 6c) and / or one aggregate part (4a, 4b) or several aggregate parts (4a, 4b) have a rounded, in particular concave, body contact area for contact with the body of a user.
17. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling sides (52, 54) of the aggregate parts (4a, 4b) and the container parts (6a, 6b, 6c) are designed to be complementary in shape to one another in such a way that when physically coupled in pairs by Bringing together any unit part (4a, 4b) and any container part (6a, 6b, 6c) creates exactly one intended operational connection.
18. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one container part (6a, 6b, 6c) and at least one aggregate part (4a, 4b) are designed such that the aggregate part (4a, 4b) can be placed in a slightly oblique orientation of its coupling side (52) to a coupling side (54) of the container part (6a, 6b, 6c) with an edge region or a support region projecting from the coupling side (52) against a complementarily designed bearing region of the container part (4a, 4b) and can be folded or pivoted from this starting from the oblique orientation into the operating position.
19. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the container part (6a, 6b, 6c) is coupled to the aggregate part (4a, 4b), a negative pressure communication is simultaneously established between the container part (6a, 6b, 6c) and the negative pressure generating device (10).
20. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection for the suction line (16) leading to the wound is also used to produce an additional suppression or Flow communication is formed between the unit part (4a, 4b) and a measuring or rinsing lumen leading to the wound.
21. Array (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one Aggregate part (4a, 4b) has a communication interface for data exchange, in particular a USB interface, and / or a wireless transmitting and / or receiving device for data and information exchange.