Medical preparation device with cylindrical filter cartridge and method for assembling the filter cartridge

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical preparation device (1) for medical handpieces (8), in particular medical milling, drilling and / or screwing handpieces, preferably for the internal cleaning and / or care of moving inner parts of the medical handpieces (8), comprising the following elements: a common distributor pipe (2) having a fluid line connection (4), a number of connection or plug-in points (6) for selectively connecting medical handpieces (8) to the common distributor pipe (2), wherein the connection or plug-in points (6) are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (10) of the common distributor pipe (2) and are fluidically coupled to a distributor chamber (12) in the common distributor pipe (2), and a filter device (14) for cleaning fluid which is supplied to the common distributor pipe (2) via the fluid line connection (4), wherein the fluid line connection (4) is arranged or can be arranged at the end of the common distributor pipe (2) 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 chamber (12) beyond the last connection or plug-in point (6) in relation to the fluid line connection (4).

Description

[0001] Medical reprocessing device with cylindrical filter cartridge and method for assembling the filter cartridge

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a medical processing device for medical handpieces, in particular medical milling, drilling and / or screwing handpieces, preferably for cleaning and / or disinfecting and / or caring for, in particular, moving internal parts of the medical handpieces, with a common / central distributor tube (common rail principle) with at least one fluid line connection / fluid supply connection, a filter device for cleaning fluid which is supplied to the common distributor tube via the at least one fluid line connection and a number of (handpiece) connection / socket locations for selectively connecting medical handpieces to the common distributor tube, wherein the connection or socket locations are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the common distributor tube and are fluidically coupled to a distributor space in the common distributor tube.

[0005] Background of the Revelation

[0006] Medical handpieces, especially surgical instruments, must be sterile, or at least cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected, depending on their intended use, to minimize the risk of infection. To achieve this, reusable handpieces must be cleaned of contaminants and, if necessary, germs after use. For this purpose, the handpieces are placed in special reprocessing devices. The reprocessing devices, along with medical devices located within them, are placed in medical cleaning systems, particularly sterilizers, rinsing systems, or similar. Furthermore, the reprocessing devices can also be used together with sterile containers and placed within them, ensuring that recontamination of the medical devices is effectively prevented after sterilization in an autoclave.

[0007] It is also common for (reusable) implants, for example, to be (re)processed in a similar way to the surgical instruments mentioned above. For many of these (reprocessable) implants, especially those made of titanium, frequent reprocessing leads to a loss of quality in the respective medical devices. For example, with titanium screws, the thickness of the oxide layer protecting the titanium screw from corrosion and biofilm formation is reduced by the frequent use of aggressive cleaning substances. Reprocessable implants are often available in sets that always undergo a reprocessing process together, regardless of whether individual elements of the set are actually used. It is therefore fundamentally necessary to reprocess medical devices as gently as possible and, if necessary, also to maintain them (lubricate, seal, etc.).

[0008] State of the art

[0009] From the prior art, for example, according to relevant products of the present applicant itself, processing devices or holders of the type described above are known, which accompany the medical devices held therein throughout the entire cleaning and processing process. Such a holder can be found, for example, in DE 102010 017 624. This holding device has a common distribution pipe with a number of slots for connecting medical products and a central supply connection for supplying fluids into the distribution pipe. Furthermore, a preferably funnel-shaped filter device with a circular disk-shaped filter element is provided, which is inserted into the central supply connection to filter the supplied fluids.

[0010] However, the circular disc-shaped filter element, which must also be adapted to the dimensions of the central supply connection, limits the available filter surface. This significantly reduces the flow rate if it becomes partially blocked, thus quickly diminishing the cleaning performance. The design of the filter device also makes it difficult for users to identify the filter element for cleaning or replacing.

[0011] Furthermore, it has been shown that filter elements can become contaminated, particularly during handling (through contact) during the assembly process. These contaminants reduce the filter's effectiveness and service life.

[0012] Summary of Revelation

[0013] It is the object of the present disclosure to overcome or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a medical processing device which allows efficient filtering of a fluid and simplified cleaning of a filter device even over a longer period of time or for more frequent processing cycles.

[0014] According to the disclosure, this object is achieved by a medical processing device having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object of the present disclosure is achieved by a filter device having the features of claim 15. Finally, the object is achieved by a medical processing device according to claim 16 and an associated filter assembly method with steps of claim 19.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the disclosure are the subject of the subclaims.

[0016] The basic idea of ​​the disclosure, according to one (possibly independently claimable) aspect, is to equip the medical processing device with a filter device, which is preferably cartridge-shaped / rod-shaped or tubular in accordance with the interior or distribution space of the common distribution pipe, or has a cartridge designed according to the interior of the common distribution pipe, which cartridge is preferably (axially) removable from the processing device or the distribution pipe. This enables a maximum filter surface, since the interior / distribution space provided by the distribution pipe can be utilized in the best possible way. According to a further (possiblyAn aspect which can be claimed independently is a fluid supply line belonging to the medical processing device, in particular its supply line connection piece designed as a filter receiving / filter holding bushing, into which a preferably sleeve-shaped initial fluid inlet section of the filter device can be (axially) inserted / pressed in / screwed in. The filter receiving / filter holding bushing in turn forms a plug, preferably with an external coupling means, which can be inserted / is inserted axially (with the filter device already inserted therein) into the distributor pipe, such that (in the fully assembled state) the filter device in the initial section is held / supported in the distributor pipe (exclusively) via the filter receiving / filter holding bushing.This design offers the advantage that, for example, when inserting the filter unit into the filter receptacle / filter retaining socket, the outside of the filter unit may still be surrounded by packaging material, so that the filter unit does not need to be touched directly. The packaging material can only be removed shortly before insertion into the distribution pipe, in which case the filter unit can only be held manually via the filter receptacle / filter retaining socket (on its outside). This optimally prevents contamination of the filter.

[0017] According to a further (possibly independently claimable) aspect, a filter assembly method for the medical processing device according to any one of the above aspects provides the following steps, which are to be carried out in exactly this order:

[0018] - (optional first step) removing packaging material at least in the initial section of the filter device and manually holding the filter device exclusively in the area of ​​the filter device still covered by the packaging material,

[0019] - (mandatory second step) axial insertion / insertion / screwing of the filter device into the filter holder / filter support socket of the fluid supply line,

[0020] - (optional third step) complete removal of the packaging material, - (optional fourth step) manual holding of the filter device exclusively on the outside of the filter receiving / filter holding socket and

[0021] - (mandatory fifth step) Inserting the filter receiving / filter holding bushing into the distribution pipe and finally inserting the filter receiving / filter holding bushing into the distribution pipe in such a way that the filter device is supported at its initial section (exclusively) via the filter receiving / filter holding bushing in the distribution pipe.

[0022] By pre-assembling the filter assembly in the filter receptacle / filter support bushing, a separate fluid supply line / filter device assembly of the medical reprocessing device is created, which is then inserted (in its entirety) into the manifold of the medical reprocessing device. This not only simplifies the overall assembly but also offers the possibility of reducing filter contamination during assembly, as described above.

[0023] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a medical processing device for medical handpieces, in particular medical milling, drilling and / or screwing handpieces, preferably for cleaning and / or maintaining preferably moving internal parts of the medical handpieces, with

[0024] - a common distribution pipe with a fluid line (supply) connection (filter holder / filter support bushing) that can be partially inserted into the distribution pipe and removed from it,

[0025] - a number of connection or plug-in locations for selectively connecting medical handpieces to the common distribution pipe, wherein the connection or plug-in locations are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the common distribution pipe and fluidly coupled to a distribution space in the common distribution pipe, and

[0026] - a filter device for filtering / cleaning fluid which is supplied to the common distributor pipe via the fluid line connection, wherein - the filter device is or has a cylindrical-Z-tubular filter cartridge which extends axially from the (end-side) fluid line connection into the distributor space to preferably beyond the last connection or slot location with respect to the fluid line connection.

[0027] Preferably, the filter device is inserted / screwed into the fluid line connection such that the filter device is supported on the inner wall of the distributor pipe at least at its initial / fluid inlet section (exclusively) via the fluid line connection (if necessary with the interposition of a seal, wherein the seal is not to be regarded as a support element).

[0028] Further preferably, the initial fluid inlet section of the filter device is designed as a sleeve.

[0029] The medical processing device according to the disclosure has the following advantages:

[0030] Because the filter device has or is a cylindrical-tubular filter cartridge, pulling this filter cartridge (together with the fluid line connection) out of the distribution pipe is simplified, and it can be replaced more easily when worn. The cylindrical filter cartridge provides a particularly space-saving variant within the treatment device of the distribution pipe, eliminating the need for an (additional) external hose connector for accommodating a filter. The cylindrical filter cartridge allows the filter cartridge to extend considerably in the longitudinal direction of the distribution pipe, thereby increasing the overall filter surface of the filter cartridge and enabling a significantly higher flow rate even when partially blocked.

[0031] In other words, the medical processing device is a holding device for holding at least one sterilizable or cleanable medical device, in particular during a sterilization or cleaning process, as well as for storing the medical device before and / or after the sterilization or cleaning process, with a filter system that cleans the fluid that can be introduced via a connection and is then used to clean the interior of the medical devices. According to the disclosure, the internal distribution space available from the common distribution pipe of the processing device is utilized to dimension the filter system in order to achieve the largest possible filter surface. The filter can extend substantially over the entire length of the distribution pipe or end at a predetermined location in a central section of the distribution pipe, depending on how much filter surface is desired.This is therefore no longer limited by the geometry of the fluid connection itself, as is known in the prior art.

[0032] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the subclaims and are explained below.

[0033] It is advantageous if the connection or plug-in locations are evenly distributed longitudinally along the distribution chamber. Preferably, the reprocessing device can have a total of three connection or plug-in locations to which the medical handpieces can be connected or are connected.

[0034] A longitudinally extending and circumferentially extending gap can be formed between an inner wall of the distribution chamber and an outer wall of the filter cartridge. The fluid can flow radially outward from a filter-side inner chamber to the gap of the distribution chamber and can then flow, according to the fluid coupling, into radial openings in the distribution pipe toward the connections. In other words, the connection or plug-in locations can each be fluidly coupled to the gap in the radial direction via a respective (connection) opening.

[0035] The distributor pipe can be constructed in multiple parts. Preferably, the distributor pipe has a three-part design, with a first part and a second part each being axially inserted into a center piece.

[0036] The fluid line connection can be a curved, preferably 90° curved, connection part with a (downstream) end-side filter device receiving socket, wherein a one-sided Luer-Lock connection can be formed on the other (upstream) end section of the fluid line connection, to which, for example, a hose can be connected / coupled.

[0037] The filter cartridge may include a cage / frame / frame and a film, wherein the film may be held longitudinally to the cage, and the cage may enclose the film. The cage may preferably be formed from a plastic, which simplifies manufacturing.

[0038] The foil can be made of metal, preferably stainless steel. Due to its metallic nature, the foil can be used multiple times or as a reusable foil. This also allows the filter cartridge to be reused. The metal material also provides improved drying capabilities, as the foil is permeable to hot air. This allows residual water remaining in the interior of the handpieces after a rinsing process to evaporate, preventing any residual water from remaining. This also eliminates the need for a compressed air gun, which is typically used to remove residual water in the prior art.

[0039] The film can be perforated with a plurality of holes across its entire surface, with perforations preferably being omitted in certain edge regions to allow the film to exhibit greater stability. The holes preferably have the same diameter and are evenly spaced along the length and width of the film. Due to the film extending longitudinally and being rolled in the circumferential direction, as well as the perforations, a higher flow rate through the film can be achieved.

[0040] The perforations in the foil can be created by etching. This is primarily achieved by using a thin foil, which allows for cost-effective production of the foil overall. Using a thin foil, a short production time can be achieved, with all perforation holes being created simultaneously. Etching allows for the production of a burr-free foil, which minimizes the residue of metal particles. According to a first embodiment, the foil can be formed into a tube. Due to its thin foil, the foil has a flexibility that allows it to be preformed and inserted / inserted into the cage.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the film can be formed from a plurality of individual segments held by the cage. Preferably, the cage can be attached directly to the individual segments using an overmolding tool. This creates a composite of cage and film, enabling a simple, inexpensive, stable, and tight connection.

[0042] The film arranged in the cage can have a plurality of active filter areas. The cage can divide the film into filter areas.

[0043] The cage can 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 holding regions at which the film is held on the cage. The starting section and the end section, which extend in the axial direction, can be annular, for example in the form of a sleeve / tube. The cage as a whole can be formed as an integral component. The holding regions can be formed in the form of an undercut on a respective inner wall of the starting section and the end section. For this purpose, the starting section and the end section can have a stepped transition / step on an inner wall, in which a first inner diameter at an axial first section can be smaller than a second inner diameter at an axial second section.The initial and final sections can be connected via an axially rib-shaped connecting element, against which the film can rest. In combination with the undercuts, a seal is created along this connecting element due to the film's inherent tension.

[0044] The cage can have an annular central section, which has spaced-apart and circumferentially distributed spacing lugs / projections on an outer surface. These spacer lugs can project / project in the radial direction and have a hemisphere shape. The previously described gap between the inner wall of the distribution chamber and the outer wall of the filter cartridge can be implemented by means of the spacer lugs. Preferably, the central section can be formed from two rings spaced apart in the axial direction, each of which can have spacer lugs distributed in the circumferential direction. The two rings can be connected to one another in the axial direction by means of a web-shaped connecting element.Preferably, the connecting element can be formed from three separate webs extending in the axial direction, which can be arranged at equal distances from one another in the circumferential direction. Thus, the connecting elements can be positioned in 120° increments in the circumferential direction.

[0045] Preferably, three spacer lugs can be arranged per ring, which can be evenly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. This allows the spacer lugs to be positioned in 120° increments in the circumferential direction. The spacer lugs are preferably formed integrally on the rings, which facilitates the manufacture of the cage.

[0046] The initial section and the end section of the filter device can be connected to the central section in the longitudinal direction by means of axially extending connecting elements. Preferably, the connecting element can be formed from three separate, axially extending webs, which can be arranged at equal distances from one another in the circumferential direction. Thus, the connecting elements can be positioned in 120° increments in the circumferential direction.

[0047] The spacing lugs and the webs can be arranged at a common height in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] The filter device can be coupled to (supported by) the distributor pipe at the second (downstream) axial end by means of an annular (screw) bushing (spacer ring). The bushing (spacer ring) can be positioned radially between the filter device and the distributor pipe.

[0049] The fluid line connection can form a filter device receiving socket at its downstream end portion (facing the filter device), into which the filter device can be inserted. This socket (on the second / upstream end of the filter device) further preferably also forms a support sleeve, on which the filter device is radially supported in its upstream region solely on the distributor pipe.

[0050] The fluid line connection can have a number of coupling means in the region of its filter device receiving socket, and the distributor pipe can have counter-coupling means, with which the fluid line connection and the filter device inserted therein can be or are fixed in the distributor pipe. Preferably, the coupling means and the counter-coupling means can interact together in the form of a bayonet lock, in which projections / elevations can be formed on an outer wall of the filter device receiving socket, and groove contours / locking contours for locking the projections can be formed / arranged on an inner wall of the distributor pipe. A groove contour for locking can be a groove with an extension in the axial direction for insertion, an extension in the circumferential direction for rotating the filter device, and an extension in the axial direction for holding the projections in position. Preferably, a total of two or four coupling means can be formed.

[0051] The distributor pipe can preferably have a total of four groove contours distributed in the circumferential direction and evenly spaced from one another. In combination with the coupling means on the filter device receiving bushing, a total of four different positional orientations can be implemented. The groove contours can thus be spaced 90° apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The position of the filter device (and the fluid line connection) with respect to the distributor pipe can thus be adjusted in the circumferential direction by rotating the filter device (the fluid line connection) in the circumferential direction before insertion. Preferably, it is possible to switch between a total of four relative rotational positions. This is possible due to the arrangement of the groove contours, which are spaced 90° apart from one another in the circumferential direction.This allows the filter device with the coupling means to be inserted into the distributor pipe in four different relative positions (relative rotational positions). This enables flexible and less error-prone insertion of the filter device. In other words, the coupling means and the counter-coupling means can be arranged such that the fluid line connection in the distributor pipe can be fixed / aligned in four main directions, preferably spaced from one another in the circumferential direction in 90° increments. This allows the fluid line connection to be selectively aligned, as shown, at the top, front, bottom, or rear. According to a side view of the fluid line connection, it can be positioned according to a pointer orientation at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock.Overall, the fluid line connection can point in two directions vertically and horizontally, with the vertical directions being aligned at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and the horizontal directions being aligned at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock.

[0052] As an alternative to the bayonet closure mentioned above, the coupling means and the counter-coupling means can interact in the form of a screw closure.

[0053] The distributor pipe may have a tapered / reducing inner diameter at a first axial end side in the longitudinal direction, which facilitates the longitudinal insertion of the filter device into the distributor pipe.

[0054] The distributor pipe can form a radially cross-sectionally narrowing, inwardly projecting circumferential projection on its first axial end side or can be formed with a corresponding distributor pipe-specific bushing (as an integral part of the distributor pipe) in which the counter-coupling means described above is formed.

[0055] This bushing, which is part of the manifold, can preferably be formed by machining. The bushing can have additional grooves that connect the groove for holding the projections to one end of the bushing. Alternatively, the bushing can be manufactured using a die-sinking process or by 3D printing, in which case the additional grooves are omitted.

[0056] The distributor pipe may have an opening portion in which the distributor pipe's own bushing is positioned. The opening portion may have a larger inner diameter forming the distribution chamber in order to limit the axial length of the distributor pipe.

[0057] At the second (downstream) axial end, a spring-loaded closure part can be arranged in the distributor pipe, which preferably also forms the spacer ring. With the aid of the spring-loaded closure part, the filter device can be held / fastened axially in the bushing by the coupling means in the form of the projections being held in the grooves by means of the springing in the longitudinal direction. A spring force of a spring can hold the projections in position, so that spontaneous loosening of the coupling means can be prevented. The closure part can also be used to seal the distributor pipe at the second axial end. The distributor pipe preferably has a coupling region at the second axial end, to which the closure element is or can be secured by means of a suitable counter-coupling region.Preferably, the closure element can be designed with a counter-coupling area in the form of an external thread, and the coupling area of ​​the distributor pipe can be designed with an internal thread. This allows the closure part to be screwed or screwable into the distributor pipe. This enables uncomplicated and quick securing of the filter device in the distributor pipe.

[0058] The closure part can have a radially inner bushing (spacer ring), which can be tensioned in the axial direction by means of a spring. The bushing (spacer ring) can be axially adjacent to the end section of the cage, allowing the spring to transmit an axial spring force via the cage, thereby allowing the filter device to be held in the bushing at the first axial end side by retaining the projections in the groove contours.

[0059] The processing device can have an indicator for identification purposes for cleaning / replacing the filter cartridge. When the processing device is used, it can happen that after a certain period of time the film becomes clogged / blocked due to dirt particles. The indicator can ensure that the dirt particles can be detected early enough to be removed and that the filter cartridge can be cleaned in a timely manner. The indicator can be designed according to two different embodiments. In a first embodiment, the indicator can be formed by a piston / pin arranged in the closure part and movable in the longitudinal direction. The piston can be equipped with a spring that enables the piston to be displaced in the longitudinal direction. In the present case, the closure part can be hollow, and the piston can be arranged in the hollow space.The closure part can therefore be open in the axial direction on its outer side facing the environment, so that the piston can move longitudinally outwards from the cavity. The piston preferably has a signal color on its outer wall, for example red, which is clearly visible to a user. The piston can have two arms / locking arms / locking lugs that can be spread open / expanded in the radial direction. If the internal pressure in an interior space / inner chamber of the filter cartridge increases and the pressure force is greater than the spring force of the piston, the piston can be moved in the axial direction and is held in the environment by the arms on the outside. By means of a user applying a force to the piston from the outside, the piston can be moved back into the cavity in the axial direction.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the indicator for identification for cleaning can be implemented in the form of a sensor arranged in an electronics box with an (external) signal display. For this purpose, a hose can be connected from an interior space / inner chamber of the filter device to a pressure sensor arranged in the electronics box. For a preset threshold value of a pressure prevailing in the interior, a signal for replacing the filter can be displayed by means of a signal display, for example in the form of a signal lamp (LED display) or a buzzer. The user can thus be notified based on this signal. The advantage of this variant is that a pressure value can be specified, so that a specific value can also be easily changed, allowing the display to be flexibly adjusted.For example, using an app and a shortwave connection, such as Bluetooth, a connection can be established with the electronics box, which receives a specific value from the user and is adjustable.

[0061] Brief description of the figures Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a medical processing device,

[0062] Fig. 2 shows a filter device with a fluid line connection and a filter cartridge in a side view,

[0063] Fig. 3 shows the filter cartridge according to Fig. 2 in a perspective view,

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a cage of the filter cartridge according to Fig. 3,

[0065] Fig. 5 shows a foil,

[0066] Fig. 6 shows a section of a film according to Fig. 5,

[0067] Fig. 7 shows the film according to Fig. 5 in a rolled-up state,

[0068] Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the filter cartridge,

[0069] Fig. 9 shows a flushing of the filter device,

[0070] Fig. 10 shows a separation of the filter cartridge from the fluid connection,

[0071] Fig. 11 shows various sectional views of the processing device,

[0072] Fig. 12 shows a perspective sectional view of the processing device with focus on a bushing,

[0073] Fig. 13 shows the socket according to Fig. 12 in a perspective view,

[0074] Fig. 14 shows different orientations of the fluid connection in the treatment device,

[0075] Fig. 15 shows the processing device in a perspective rear view, Fig. 16 shows the movement process of a piston in a closure part in the processing device.

[0076] The figures are schematic in nature and serve only to facilitate understanding of the invention. Identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The features of the various embodiments can be interchanged.

[0077] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0078] Fig. 1 shows a medical processing device 1. The medical processing device 1 has a common distributor pipe 2 with a fluid line connection 4. A number, in this case three, of connection or plug-in locations 6 for medical handpieces 8 are formed on the distributor pipe 2 and are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction 10. The connection locations 6 are fluidly coupled to one another via a distributor space 12 in the common distributor pipe 2. In addition, the processing device 1 has a filter device 14 for cleaning fluid, wherein the fluid can be supplied to the distributor pipe 2 via the fluid line connection 4. The filter device 14 has a cylindrical filter cartridge 16 which extends axially from the fluid line connection 4 into the distributor space 12 up to beyond the last connection location with respect to the fluid line connection 4.

[0079] The handpiece 8 is arranged in the processing device 1 and is held by the latter in such a way that it cannot change its position either during the cleaning process or during transport. The processing device 1 shown is designed such that it can be arranged within a sieve basket (not shown) if necessary, in order to be used in an ultrasonic bath as well as a cleaning and disinfection device. For this purpose, the processing device 1 has a pedestal-like (grid) frame 18, for example a sheet metal frame, with support feet, to which the distributor pipe 2 is fixed. An electronics box is also arranged centrally in the frame 18. Figs. 2 and 3 show the structure of the filter device 14. In Fig. 2, the filter cartridge 16 is shown in a side view connecting it to the fluid line connection 4, and in Fig.3 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge 16 without the fluid line connector 4. The fluid line connector 4 is a curved / bent connector, here curved by 90°, which has a Luer-Lock connector 26 for connecting a hose (not shown here) at a first end 24. The fluid line connector 4 is connected to the filter cartridge 16 at a second end 28.

[0080] On an outer wall 30 of the fluid line connection 4, radially projecting projections are formed, which form coupling means 32. These coupling means 32 can be used to arrange the filter device 14 on the treatment device 1, more precisely, the distribution pipe 2.

[0081] The filter cartridge 16 is formed from a cage 34 extending in the longitudinal direction 10 and a film 35. For a view of the cage 34 without the film 35, reference is made to Fig. 4, for a view of the unrolled film 35, reference is made to Fig. 5 and for a detailed view to Fig. 6. The cage 34 has a starting section 36, a middle section 38 and an end section 40. The starting section 36 is an annular sleeve 42. The sleeve 42 has three axial, radially outer sections, wherein a first and a third section have the same outer diameter. The second section, which is positioned longitudinally between the first section and third section, has a smaller outer diameter. The second section is formed in the form of an axial groove 44 running circumferentially between the sections.On a first axial end side 46 of the sleeve 42, web-shaped connecting elements 48 are formed which extend in the longitudinal direction 10.

[0082] The central section 38 has two rings 50, 52 spaced apart from one another in the axial direction. A first ring 50 is aligned axially with the initial section 36, while a second ring 52 is oriented axially with the end section 40. The rings 50, 52 each have radially projecting / protruding projections in the form of spacing lugs 54. A total of three spacing lugs 54 are formed per ring 50, 52 and are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, so that the spacing lugs 54 are spaced apart by 120° from one another.

[0083] The first ring 50 is connected at a first axial end 56 to the first axial end 46 of the sleeve 42 by means of the web-shaped connecting elements 48, which extend in the axial direction. Furthermore, the first ring 50 is connected at a second axial end 58 to a first axial end 60 of the second ring 52 via web-shaped connecting elements 62.

[0084] The second ring 52 is connected at a second axial end side 64, a side facing away from the initial section 36, to the end section 40, which in this case is also formed as a sleeve 66, by means of web-shaped connecting elements 68 extending in the axial direction, at a first axial end side 70. The sleeve 66 extends in the axial direction and has an outer diameter.

[0085] The connecting elements 48, 62, 68 are formed integrally with the sections 36, 38, 40, ergo the sleeves 42, 66 and the rings 50, 52.

[0086] The spacing lugs 54 and the connecting elements 48, 62, 68 are arranged at a common height in the longitudinal direction 10.

[0087] The film 35 is rolled up in a tubular shape (see Fig. 7) and arranged radially within the cage 34. Due to the radial internal arrangement of the film 35 in the cage 34, the film 35 is divided into active sections 72 and inactive sections. This division is achieved according to the web-shaped connecting elements 48, 62, 68 and the rings 50, 52, since their inner walls rest on the film 35. In total, the filter cartridge 16 has nine active sections 72, with three sections arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction 10 and three sections distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0088] Fig. 5 shows the film 35 in an unrolled state. The film 35 has a rectangular shape, with the longest extension in the axial direction. The length is many times greater than the width. Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the film 35 according to Fig. 5, focusing on the design of the film 35. The film 35 is perforated and has a plurality of holes 74 that are evenly spaced and aligned. The holes 74 have a uniform diameter.

[0089] Figure 7 shows the film 35 in a rolled-up state, in which the film is tubular. According to a tubular shape, a gap / gap 76 is formed in the longitudinal direction 10 between two end sides. This gap is created by the rolling of the film 35.

[0090] Figs. 8a to 8c show sectional views of the filter cartridge 16. Fig. 8a shows the complete filter cartridge 16 in a sectional view, while Fig. 8b shows the view with details of the initial section 36 and Fig. 8c shows the view with details of the end section 40.

[0091] The sleeve 42 of the initial section 40 is hollow on the inside radially and has three radially inner, axially extending sections. The first section, which is oriented towards the surroundings, has a funnel-shaped inner contour 78, whereby the inner diameter decreases / narrows in the longitudinal direction 10 and merges into a constant inner diameter at the second section. The third section, which adjoins the second section in the axial direction, has a larger inner diameter than the inner diameter of the second section. A first edge region 80 of the tubularly rolled film 35 is held on the third section. The third section forms a type of undercut in the form of a step 82 with the second section, whereby the film 35 is self-retaining.

[0092] The sleeve 66 forming the end section 40 is hollow and has two partial regions radially within it, which extend in the axial direction. The first partial region has an inner diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the second partial region. A second edge region 86 of the tubularly rolled film 35 is held on the first partial region. The first partial region forms a type of undercut in the form of a step 84 with the second partial region, whereby the film 35 is self-retaining. The sleeve 42 of the initial section 36 and the sleeve 66 of the end section 40 are furthermore connected directly to one another in the longitudinal direction 10 via a web-shaped connecting element 88, which extends in the axial direction. The film 35 rests with a part of its inner side against an outer side of the connecting web.

[0093] In Fig. 9, the filter device 14 is shown separately from the treatment device 1. In this case, a flushing of the filter cartridge 16 is shown. A fluid is introduced into an opening via the first end 24 of the fluid line connection 4, which fluid flows through an interior region 96 of the fluid line connection 4 (according to flow direction 94). The filter cartridge 16 is connected to the cage 34 by means of a ball seal 90. The ball seal 90 engages in the groove 44 of the sleeve 42. The cage 34 is thus held on the fluid line connection 4. An end section of the interior region 96 is funnel-shaped so that the flow rate is increased and the fluid can flow into an interior chamber 92 of the filter cartridge 16. At the axial end of the filter cartridge 16, the fluid with the dirt particles collected in the inner chamber 92 can be released via the opening in the sleeve 66.

[0094] In Fig. 10, the fluid line connection 4 and the filter cartridge 16 are shown separated from each other, in which the filter cartridge is withdrawn from the fluid line connection 4 according to the direction of movement 98.

[0095] Fig. 11 shows a sectional view of the processing device 1. Fig. 11a shows a section through the entire processing device 1, while in Fig. 11b the focus is on a first axial end side 100 of the processing device 1 and in Fig. 11c on a second axial end side 102 of the processing device 1. The distributor pipe 2 has a three-part construction. In a middle piece 104, a starting piece 106 is inserted in the axial direction on a first side and a second piece 106 is inserted in the axial direction on a second side. The starting piece 106 and the end piece 108 are each sealed to the middle piece 104 by means of a sealing ring 110, 112. The middle piece 104 has a radial opening 114 centrally in the longitudinal direction 10, which connects the distribution chamber 2 to the connection point 6.A so-called gap is formed between an outer wall 113 of the filter cartridge 16 and an inner wall 115 of the distributor pipe 2. The starting piece 106 and the end piece 106 of the distributor pipe 2 also have a radial opening 116, 118, which connect the distributor chamber 12 to the connection point 6. The openings 114, 116, 118 in the distributor pipe 2 are evenly spaced from one another in the axial direction. The opening 14 in the middle piece 104 is aligned such that it is axially centered relative to the two rings 50, 52 of the cage 34.

[0096] On the first axial end 100, a bushing 120 is arranged in the radial direction between the distributor pipe 2 and the fluid line connection 4. The distributor pipe 2, here the first piece 106, has a shoulder / step 122 in which the bushing 120 is positioned. For sealing, a sealing ring 125 is positioned in a gap formed by the bushing 120 and the distributor pipe 2, here the first piece 106. The bushing 120 has a groove contour 124, so-called counter-coupling means, in which the coupling means 32 of the fluid line connection 4 and thus the filter device 14 are fastened to the bushing 120. In the axial direction, the first piece 106 rests against a part of the frame 18, wherein a holding part 126 is positioned in the axial direction on the part of the frame oriented towards the environment, which fixes the bushing 120 to the frame 18.

[0097] A closure part 128 is arranged on the second axial end 102, which closes the opening at the second end 102 and is positioned in the second section 108 of the distributor pipe 2. The closure part 128 has an external thread with which it is screwed into an internal thread formed on an inner wall. A bushing 130 with an axial spring 132 is arranged radially inside the closure part 128, in a space 136. When the closure part 128 is screwed in according to the direction 134, the spring is tensioned and presses the bushing 130 in the axial direction against the sleeve 66 of the filter cartridge 16 forming the end section 40. In a cavity 138, which lies in a central axis, a movable piston 140 with a spring 146, a compression spring, is arranged, wherein the piston 140 has two symmetrically arranged locking lugs / arms 142, wherein a pin 144 is held by these in the axial direction.In the present illustration, the pin 144 and the locking arms 142 are arranged in an external position. Fig. 12 shows a perspective view in section of the bushing 120 positioned in the processing device 1. The bushing 120 has the groove contour 124, which is provided for locking the coupling means 32 of the fluid line connection 4. The present bushing 120 has a total of four groove contours 124 that have the same contour. Each groove contour has three interconnected grooves 148, 150, 152, wherein a first groove 148 runs in the axial direction, the second groove 150 runs in the circumferential direction adjacent to the first groove 148, and the third groove 152 runs in the axial direction toward the surroundings.The filter device 14, more precisely the fluid line connection 4 with the coupling means 32, is inserted in the axial direction via the first groove 148. The filter device 14 is rotated along the second groove 150 in a direction of rotation and is held in the third groove 152. The third groove 152 is connected to a fourth groove 154, which extends in the axial direction toward the distribution chamber 12. This fourth groove 154 is introduced by machining according to a manufacturing process.

[0098] The bushing 120 has two sections 156, 158 on an outer wall, with a first section 156 having a smaller outer diameter than a second section 158. The bushing is held on the frame 18 of the processing device 1 at the first section. Oriented in the axial direction toward the surroundings, the holding part rests on a front side, which fixes the bushing 120 to the frame 18. Reference is also made to Fig. 13, which shows the bushing 120 as an individual part in a perspective view.

[0099] Figs. 14a to 14d show the different orientation positions of the filter device 14 in the processing device 1. According to the previously described embodiment, the fluid line connection 4 is a curved connection part. Due to the total of four groove contours 124 in the bushing 120, the filter device 14 can be arranged in a total of four different orientations in the bushing 120. The orientations are offset by a total of 90° from one another, whereby two orientations are horizontal and two orientations are vertical. The horizontal orientations are shown in Figs. 14a and 14c, and the vertical orientations are shown in Figs. 14b and 14d. Fig. 15a shows a perspective rear view of the processing device 1 with the pistons 140 extended in the surrounding area. In this illustration you can see the display already described in Fig. 11c in the form of a pin 144. Fig.Figure 15b shows a section of Figure 15a, in which the piston 140 with pin 144, which is moved in the axial direction, protrudes into the surrounding area, thus depicting a moving state. Figure 15c shows the piston 140 with pin 144 in a stationary state, in which the piston 140 is positioned in the cavity 138 of the closure part 128.

[0100] Fig. 16 illustrates the operation of piston 140. If a pressure prevails in the inner chamber (as shown in Fig. 16a, direction 162 of the applied pressure) that exceeds a threshold value of a force determined by the design of the built-in spring 146, piston 140 is moved in the axial direction toward the environment, since the force acting on spring 140 is greater than the inherent spring force of spring 140. As long as this threshold value is not exceeded, piston 140 cannot move in the axial direction toward the environment. Piston 140 is held on the outside of closure part 128 by the two locking arms 142. In Fig. 16b, piston 140 is arranged in cavity 138. To return the piston 140 from the position shown in Fig. 16a to the position shown in Fig. 16b, a user can move the piston 140 back into the cavity 138 by a pushing movement in the axial direction.

[0101] List of reference symbols:

[0102] 1 medical processing device

[0103] 2 distribution pipe

[0104] 4 Fluid line connection / fluid supply line / supply line connection piece

[0105] 6 connection points / plug-in connections for products to be cleaned

[0106] 8 medical handpiece

[0107] 10 Longitudinal direction

[0108] 12 Distribution room

[0109] 14 Filter device

[0110] 16 Filter cartridgeZcylinder-Ztubular filter insert

[0111] 18 frames

[0112] 20 feet

[0113] 22 Electronics box

[0114] 24 first end page

[0115] 26 Luer-Lock connector

[0116] 28 second end page

[0117] 30 exterior wall

[0118] 32 couplants

[0119] 34 cage

[0120] 35 slides

[0121] 36 Initial sectionZFilter holderZHolding bushing

[0122] 38 Middle sectionZFilter area

[0123] 40 End sectionZSealing area

[0124] 42 sleeve

[0125] 44 groove

[0126] 46 first end page

[0127] 48 connecting element

[0128] 50 first ring

[0129] 52 second ring

[0130] 54 spacing lug

[0131] 56 first end page

[0132] 58 second end side first end side connecting element second end side sleeve

[0133] Connecting element first end side active section hole gap funnel-shaped inner contour first edge area

[0134] Level

[0135] Step second edge area connecting element Ballseal

[0136] Inner chamber Flow direction Interior Movement direction First axial end side Second axial end side Middle section First section Second section

[0137] Sealing ring Sealing ring Outer wall Radial opening Inner wall Radial opening Radial opening Bushing Step Groove contour

[0138] sealing ring

[0139] Holding part

[0140] locking part

[0141] socket

[0142] Feather

[0143] Direction

[0144] space

[0145] cavity

[0146] Pistons

[0147] locking arm

[0148] Pin

[0149] Spring first groove second groove third groove fourth groove

[0150] Exterior wall first section second section

[0151] Direction

Claims

Claims 1 . Medical processing device (1) for medical handpieces (8), in particular medical milling, drilling and / or screwing handpieces, preferably for the internal cleaning and / or care of moving internal parts of the medical handpieces (8) with the following elements, - a common distribution pipe (2) with a fluid line connection (4), - a number of connection or plug-in locations (6) for selectively connecting medical handpieces (8) to the common distributor pipe (2), wherein the connection or plug-in locations (6) are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (10) of the common distributor pipe (2) and are fluidly coupled to a distributor space (12) in the common distributor pipe (2), and - a filter device (14) for cleaning fluid which is supplied to the common distributor pipe (2) via the fluid line connection (4), characterized in that the fluid line connection (4) is arranged or can be arranged at the end of the common distributor pipe (2) and the filter device (14) is or has a cylindrical filter cartridge (16) which extends axially from the fluid line connection (4) into the distributor space (12) to beyond the last connection or plug-in location (6) with respect to the fluid line connection (4).

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

3. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a gap extending in the longitudinal direction (10) and running in the circumferential direction is formed between an inner wall (115) of the distribution space (12) and an outer wall (113) of the filter cartridge (16).

4. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection or plug-in locations (6) are each fluid-coupled in the radial direction with the gap via an opening (114, 116, 118).

5. Medical processing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter cartridge (16) has a cage (34) and a film (35), wherein the film (35) is held on the cage (34) in the longitudinal direction (10) and the cage (34) encloses the film (35).

6. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cage (34) has a preferably sleeve-shaped initial section (36) on a first end side and an end section (40) on a second end side, wherein the initial section (36) and the end section (40) each have holding regions at which the film (35) is held on the cage (34).

7. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the cage (34) has an annular central section (38) which has spaced-apart and circumferentially distributed spacing lugs (54) on an outer circumferential surface.

8. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the initial section (36) and the end section (40) are each connected to the middle section (38) by means of axially extending connecting elements (48, 68) in the longitudinal direction (10).

9. Medical processing device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the initial section (36) of the filter device is inserted into the fluid line connection (4), which is coupled to the distributor pipe (2), preferably via an annular bushing (120), wherein the annular bushing (120) is machined out of the distributor pipe (2) or is firmly inserted into the distributor pipe (2) and is thus an integral part of the distributor pipe (2).

10. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the fluid line connection (4) has coupling means (32) and the distributor pipe (2), in particular the bushing (120) has counter-coupling means, whereby the fluid line connection (4) together with the filter device (14) can be or is fixed in the distributor pipe and in particular in the bushing (120) in the circumferential direction and preferably in the axial direction.

11. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the coupling means (32) and the counter-coupling means are arranged such that the fluid line connection (4) can be fixed in several, preferably in four circumferential direction positions, preferably in 90° steps spaced from one another, relative to the distributor pipe (2).

12. Medical processing device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that a spring-loaded closure part (128) is arranged in the distributor pipe (2) at the second end side.

13. Medical processing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing device (1) has a display for identification for cleaning the filter cartridge (16).

14. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the display is a piston (140) arranged in the closure part (128) and movable in the longitudinal direction (10) or is a sensor arranged in an electronics box (22) with a signal display.

15. Filter device (14) characterized by its use in a medical processing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

16. Medical processing device for medical products, medical handpieces (8), in particular medical milling, drilling and / or screwing handpieces, preferably for the internal cleaning and / or care of moving internal parts of the medical handpieces (8), preferably according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, with the following elements, - a common distribution pipe (2) with a fluid inlet section, - a fluid line connection (4) which can be coupled to the fluid inlet section of the distributor pipe (2), - a number of connection or plug-in locations (6) for selectively connecting medical handpieces (8) to the common distributor pipe (2), wherein the connection or plug-in locations (6) are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (10) of the common distributor pipe (2) and are fluidly coupled to a distributor space (12) in the common distributor pipe (2), and - a filter device (14) for cleaning fluid which is or can be fed to the common distributor pipe (2) via the fluid line connection (4), characterized in that the fluid line connection is designed as a filter receiving or filter holding bushing, into which the preferably sleeve-shaped fluid inlet section of the filter device (14) is or can be inserted, in particular axially, wherein the filter receiving or filter holding bushing in turn forms a plug which can be or is inserted axially into the distributor pipe (2) with the filter device (14) already inserted therein, in such a way that the filter device (14) is held or supported in its fluid inlet section radially and preferably also axially in the distributor pipe (2) via the filter receiving / filter holding bushing.

17. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the fluid line connection (4) has coupling means (32) and the distributor pipe (2) or a bushing (120) inserted into the distributor pipe (2) or formed from the distributor pipe (2) has counter-coupling means, with which the fluid line connection (4) together with the filter device (14) can be or is fixed in the distributor pipe (2) or in the distributor pipe bushing (120) in the circumferential direction and preferably in the axial direction.

18. Medical processing device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the coupling means (32) and the counter-coupling means are arranged such that the fluid line connection (4) can be fixed in the distributor pipe (2) in several, preferably in four circumferential direction positions, preferably in 90° steps spaced from one another.

9. Filter assembly method for the medical processing device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14 and 18, characterized by the following steps, which are to be carried out exactly in this order: - preferably first step: removing packaging material at least in the initial section of the filter device and manually holding the filter device exclusively in the area of ​​the filter device still covered by the packaging material, - second step: axial insertion, insertion or screwing of the filter device into the filter receiving or filter holding socket of the fluid line connection, - preferably third step: Complete removal of the packaging material, - preferably fourth step: Manually holding the filter device exclusively on the outside of the fluid supply connection, in particular on the filter receiving or filter holding socket and - Fifth step: Inserting, in particular screwing in the filter receiving / filter holding bushing into the distribution pipe and finally inserting the filter receiving / filter holding bushing into the distribution pipe in such a way that the filter device is supported at its initial section (exclusively) via the filter receiving / filter holding bushing in the distribution pipe.

Images