EP1077074A2 - Nose filter and process for producing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The nose filter consists of two filter housings(1,2) joined by a semicircular bridge piece (9). The top opening of the filter housing is preferably oval in shape and has an inwardly pointing rim holding a filter disc. The interior of the filter housing is smooth-surfaced and has a micro-roughened surface (5) on its outer part. The top end of the filter housing has lammelar incisions (10) in a lengthwise direction in relation to the axis of symmetry of the filter housing.

Description

The invention relates to a nasal filter and a method for its production, the nasal filter can be used in particular in people who are sensitive to pollen, dust, microspores etc. as allergy sufferers and can also be worn by people who are in sterile rooms, for. B. work in the hospital area (operating room).
Nasal filters are well known and are also described several times in the patent literature.

For example, WO 99/11326 discloses a nasal filter which is used as a compact body in each nasal passage separately. The filter body, in cylindrical form, is enclosed by a porous fabric and has a brim-like widening on the side facing the nostril. On this in turn there is an adhesive component, which thus positions the filter firmly at the edge of the nostril. If necessary or if the function deteriorates, the filter can be removed again by overcoming the plaster-like adhesion and disposed of accordingly if necessary.
The disadvantage of this solution lies in the fact that the shape of the nasal cavity (nasal passage) is not individually adapted to the wearer and the sealing against "foreign air" passing through is only achieved via the edge provided with an adhesive component. The comfort of this solution, which is very simple, takes some getting used to for the user.

A filter device is presented in WO 95/33520, the special feature of which is that 2 Filter elements are connected to one another in one plane using a handle. Every filter element consists of an annular frame made of deformable latex material, which is the real thing Holds the filter element in position. The bridge, which is kinked in the middle, lies on the nasal septum and is used to remove the filter device if necessary. The filter element is like this processed that it has a disc-shaped shape and by the flexible latex frame essentially adapts to the circumstances of the nasal passage. The disadvantage of this solution then there is that leaks can still be permitted due to inexact fit and the effect of collecting z. B. cereal pollen, dust mites or other microspores are not is guaranteed.

Furthermore, according to DE-GM G88 04 725.3, an air filter for insertion into the nostril is known, which consists of plug-in bodies connected in parallel, the filter effect being achieved by interchangeable filter elements. The dynamic pressure resulting from the complete filling of the filter housing space with the filter elements, in particular also with increasing accumulation of dust or other particles, results in a restriction of the wearing comfort.
A so-called "chimney effect" to increase the air throughput is not even effective. It is also to be feared that, due to the elastic connecting bridge between the two plug-in bodies, these are inclined towards one another, so that secondary air can pass unfiltered, especially since no further sealing measures are provided on the surfaces of the plug-in bodies.

Finally, with GB 886 056, an improved protective device for the respiratory tract can be presented. The outer shape and connection of the two filter housings comes closest to the solution according to the invention, with the wearing comfort being taken into account to the extent that the outer surfaces are roughened.
However, the equipment of the filter "cup" with filter fabric shown as loose is to be regarded as disadvantageous, since u. U. components of it are inhaled, since there are circular or punctiform openings in the direction of the nasal cavity directly at the tip of the filter "cup". It will be assumed that this solution only absorbs dusts, pollen or other particles in a coarser form and is in no way suitable for trapping pathogens and microspores. The "chimney effect" principle is not practiced here either. There are no additional measures to improve the fit of the combination with regard to slip resistance and ergonomic features.

The invention is therefore based on the object of offering a solution which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and is particularly aimed at realizing a secure fit of the filter with optimum filtering action and high wearing comfort.
According to the invention the object is achieved in that the nasal filter is designed in the combination of the individual components to form a filter unit and steps for its expedient manufacture are specified.

The two filter housings arranged parallel to each other essentially have one cylindrical shape and are ergonomically reshaped the nose interior, also for Support of holding the shape of so-called nasal olives can be used.

This post-forming is made possible by physiologically harmless and thermally or machinable materials, such as. B. polymeric plastics are used. These also have the advantage that they are odorless and can be individually colored. Inside there is a cylindrical to oval cavity with a predominantly oval opening at the lower end. As a special feature, the opening facing the inside of the nose has a circumferential edge directed inwards by 90 °, to which a filter disk is attached by means of injection molding or thermal welding. This ensures that the absolute tightness between the filter housing and the filter disc is permanently ensured. The filter disk also takes on an oval shape, following the shape of the lower opening of the filter housing.

However, it can also be provided that the filter disk in the opposite manner, on Entrance of the filter housing (s) is placed and thus an increase in the filter area and of the volume is accessible. At the same time, the thickness of the filter disc can be varied to achieve a volume filter can be increased.

The filter housing has 3 basic shapes, which are based on the typical peculiarities of the nasal passages of male and female adults and children, these basic shapes being individually adaptable. The cavity of each filter housing has a very smooth surface, which has a positive influence on the flow resistance. For an optimal fit of the filter housings to be inserted in parallel, their outer surface is micro-roughened, this effect being supported by elongated lamellar incisions in the upper area of the filter housings. This constructive training and the individual post-forming particularly exclude the passage of "secondary air".
The micro-roughening of the two filter housings can also be omitted if a concentric corrugation is provided on the circumference thereof instead.

Ultimately, it is possible to use filter bodies made of physiologically and physically suitable plastic foam, without filter housing, to form, which are only connected to each other with a web. The plastic foam fulfills all requirements with regard to the filter properties in the micron range and also the mechanical properties with regard to flexibility, dimensional stability Compressibility.

The inside of the filter disc contains a thin fleece made of split filter fibers can also be assigned to the polymeric plastics, which have a cover fleece on both Sides are enclosed. The permanent static charge of the "inner" fibers causes maximum adhesion of microspores and others contained in the air we breathe Particle. The material used for the filter discs corresponds to that for medical Purposes z. B. is used in operations on humans and animals.

The design of the filter housing and especially the use of split filter fibers in the filter disk increases the filter effect through "spatial effect" and offers a comparatively higher filter capacity and service life as well as more comfortable wearing properties than with conventional surface filters.
So that an optimal and even fit of 2 filter housings and filter disks is guaranteed, these are connected to each other via a web, which is also made of polymer plastic.
The web length is adapted to the corresponding conditions of the wearer, the web width being up to approx. 5 mm and the thickness of the web being up to approx. 0.5 mm. The thickness of the web always corresponds to the wall thickness of the filter housing. The two ends of a web, which is curved approximately in a semicircle, sit flush on the lower part of each filter housing and are fixed there thermally or by gluing to the filter unit.

The manufacture of the nasal filter should be illustrated by the steps described below: As a material for the filter housing and web, polymeric plastic, such as. B. polyethylene, Polyprophylen used. This material is easy to treat thermally and by machining. The outer basic shape of the filter housing corresponds essentially to the design of the Nasal cavity of male and female adults and children and is on the way of a previous "model impression" of the nasal passage and the nasal septum reshaped to the special circumstances. Elastomeric are used as impression materials irreversible materials based on silicone are used.

These are well tolerated, have a short curing time and high dimensional stability, and they offer good mold durability over a longer period, to name just a few advantages. In a further step, this "model impression" is used to adapt the basic shape (outer shape) of the filter housing to the individual circumstances of the wearer, by means of a corresponding casting of the polymer plastic over this "model impression".
In a further step, the surface of the filter housing is micro-roughened, for example by spark erosion, as a result of which a precise, non-slip fit is achieved.

The "inner" surface of the filter housing is kept very smooth and it is on the top Side of the filter housing by means of thermal shaping an inward-facing circumferential Support edge for the filter disc to be applied there. The latter is then either during or after injection molding or during or after a deep-drawing process by means of thermal welding firmly connected to the filter housing. The last step is the Positioning and fastening of the web that connects the two filter housings to each other, on the lower and inner side of the filter housing in flush form by means of thermal Welding or gluing.

Using the modern CAD-CAM technology, the 3 basic shapes mentioned at the beginning can be created the filter housing with regard to the manufacture of the filter housing from the known Nose olives can be varied in a total of up to 36 basic forms. It is also provided here that CAD models in the injection molding process with simultaneous injection molding of the web and with produce simultaneous or subsequent welding of the filter material.

Fig. 1:

Vorderansicht

Fig. 2:

Untere Draufsicht

Fig. 3:

Darstellung Schnitt A-A

Fig. 4:

Darstellung beim Benutzer

Fig. 5:

Filterscheibe im Schnitt

Fig. 6:

Filtergehäuse mit Riffelung Schnitt B-B

The invention will be explained in more detail in an embodiment. Reference is made to the following figures:

Fig. 1:

Front view

Fig. 2:

Bottom top view

Fig. 3:

Representation section AA

Fig. 4:

Representation to the user

Fig. 5:

Filter disc in the cut

Fig. 6:

Filter housing with corrugation cut BB

The nasal filter is understood as a combination of individual elements that form a filter unit merge.

The nasal filter has 2 connected to one another in parallel via a semicircular web 9 Filter housings 1, 2. These filter housings 1, 2 consist primarily of polymeric plastics, especially polyolefins, such as. B. polyethylene, polypropylene or other thermally have it reworked. The walls of the filter housings 1, 2 have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, which also corresponds to the thickness of the semicircular web 9.

Inside, the filter housings 1, 2 have a smooth surface 4, with their lower end an edge 3 directed inwards by 90 ° is arranged. With this, a filter disc 6 is fixed connected. This filter disc 6 consists of split filter fibers 8, each on both Sides are covered by the cover fleece 7.

For better adhesion in the nasal passage 11, the filter housings 1, 2 have a micro-roughened Surface 5, in order to improve the fit at the lower end in the filter housing 1, 2nd lamellar incisions 10 are introduced. The inward peripheral edge 3 has a width of approx. 1 mm. The connection of the filter housing 1, 2 by means of a semicircular Web 9 is designed so that no offset to the outer wall of the filter housing 1, 2 occurs.

The inlet opening of the filter housing 1, 2, the inward edge 3 and thus also the Filter disc 6 have an oval shape to ensure maximum air passage on.

In a further variant, the filter disk 6 can also be located at the outward opening the filter housing 1, 2 may be attached in variable thickness. This can advantageously the filter area and the filter volume are increased and the "spatial effect" is increased. Finally, the tight fit of the filter housings 1, 2 can be further improved in that instead of micro-roughening the surfaces, the filter housings 1, 2 are arranged concentrically Ripple 13 received.

• Das Prinzip der "Raumform" realisiert eine längere Nutzung als es bei "Oberflächenfiltern" der Fall ist.
• Der Effekt der Raumform wird meistens dadurch verstärkt, daß gesplittete Mikrofasern verwendet werden, wodurch eine vergrößerte Filterkapazität erreicht wird.
• maximaler Luftdurchlaß bei minimalem Strömungswiderstand
• gute Atembarkeit
• vollkommen dichte Verbindung zur Naseninnenwand des Nasenganges und der Außenwandung der Filtergehäuse 1, 2 einerseits und zwischen dem nach innen gerichteten Rand 3 und Filterscheibe 6 andererseits.
• Schutz vor Mikrosporen etc. bei nicht nur entsprechend empfindlichen Personen, sondern auch Schutz von Personen, die in medizinisch sensiblen Bereichen tätig sind oder ähnliches.
• Endgültige Gestaltung nach einem "Modellabdruck" mittels elastomerer Abformwerkstoffe auf Vinylpolysiloxan-Basis.
• Wiederholbarkeit einer maßgenauen Nasenfertigung wird gegeben durch gute Lagerfähigkeit des "Formlings".

The design of the nasal filter has the following advantages over the prior art:

• The principle of the "spatial shape" realizes a longer use than is the case with "surface filters".
• The effect of the spatial shape is usually enhanced by using split microfibers, which results in an increased filter capacity.
• maximum air flow with minimum flow resistance
• good breathability
• completely tight connection to the inner wall of the nasal passage and the outer wall of the filter housings 1, 2 on the one hand and between the inwardly directed edge 3 and filter disc 6 on the other.
• Protection against microspores etc. not only for appropriately sensitive people, but also for people working in medically sensitive areas or the like.
• Final design based on a "model impression" using elastomeric impression materials based on vinyl polysiloxane.
• Repeatability of a dimensionally accurate nose production is given by the good shelf life of the "molding".

1. Vornahme eines Abdruckes der Nasenöffnung sowie des Naseninnenraumes(-ganges) nebst Nasenscheidewand mittels einer geeigneten Abdruckmasse.
   oder alternativ

2. Mittels CAD-CAM-Technologie Erfassung und Formgebung der Filtergehäuse.

3. Abformung des vorliegenden Grundkörpers (Filtergehäuses) 1, 2 nach dem "Modellabdruck" auf thermischem Wege.
   oder alternativ

4. Modellierung der tatsächlichen Gegebenheiten des Naseninnenraumes nebst vorhandener Abflachungen durch vorherige optische Digitalisierung und nachfolgend eingesetzter CAD-Technologie.

5. Positionieren der Filterscheiben 6 im Inneren oder an der nach außen weisenden Öffnung der Filtergehäuse 1, 2 auf dem nach innen gerichteten Rand 3, (nach einem Tiefziehvorgang der Filtergehäuse 1, 2).

6. Thermisches Verschweißen der Randzonen der Filterscheiben 6 mit dem nach innen gerichteten Rand 3.
   oder alternativ

7. Während des Spritzgießens der Filtergehäuse 1, 2 gleichzeitiges Verbinden mit den Filterscheiben 6 oder späteres thermisches Einschweißen.

8. Funkenerosive Behandlung des Werkzeuges durch Aufrauhungen, damit diese Aufrauhungen bei der Bearbeitung der Außenwandungen des Filtergehäuses 1, 2 auf diese übertragen werden.
   oder alternativ

9. Einbringen von konzentrischen Riffelungen 13 am Umfang der Filtergehause 1, 2.

10. Thermisches Verbinden oder alternativ eine Verklebung der beiden Filtergehäuse 1, 2 mit den Stegenden des halbkreisförmigen Steges 9.

11. Filtergehäuse 1, 2, Steg 9 können auch als komplette Filtereinheiten tiefgezogen oder spritzgegossen werden, wobei die Filterscheibe 6 entweder gleichzeitig eingearbeitet oder später separat thermisch eingeschweißt wird und dies insbesondere auch nach den CAD-Modellen.

Appropriate process steps for the manufacture of the nasal filter are the following:

1. Make an impression of the nostril and the nasal cavity (duct) and nasal septum using a suitable impression material.
or alternatively

2. Using CAD-CAM technology to capture and shape the filter housing.

3. Impression of the present base body (filter housing) 1, 2 according to the "model impression" by thermal means.
or alternatively

4. Modeling of the actual conditions of the nose interior, along with existing flattened areas, through prior optical digitization and subsequent CAD technology.

5. Position the filter disks 6 inside or at the outward opening of the filter housings 1, 2 on the inward edge 3 (after a deep-drawing process of the filter housings 1, 2).

6.Thermal welding of the edge zones of the filter disks 6 to the inward edge 3.
or alternatively

7. During the injection molding of the filter housing 1, 2 simultaneous connection with the filter discs 6 or later thermal welding.

8. Spark erosive treatment of the tool by roughening, so that these roughenings are transferred to the filter housing 1, 2 when machining the outer walls.
or alternatively

9. Introduction of concentric corrugations 13 on the circumference of the filter housing 1, 2.

10. Thermal connection or alternatively a gluing of the two filter housings 1, 2 to the web ends of the semicircular web 9.

11. Filter housings 1, 2, web 9 can also be thermoformed or injection molded as complete filter units, the filter disk 6 either being incorporated at the same time or later thermally welded in, and in particular also according to the CAD models.

Reference numerals:

1

- filter housing

2nd

- filter housing

3rd

- inward edge

4th

- smooth surface

5

- micro-roughened surface

6

- filter disc

7

- cover fleece

8th

- Split filter fibers

9

- semicircular bridge

10th

- lamellar incisions

11

- nasal passage

12th

- nasal septum

13

- concentric corrugation

Claims (16)

Nasal filter, characterized in that it consists of 2 over the semicircular web (9) interconnected filter housings (1, 2), the upper opening of the Filter housing (1, 2) has a preferably oval shape and in this area inside edge (3) which is directed inwards by 90 ° and which holds the filter disc (6) serves and the inner cavity of the filter housing (1, 2) a smooth surface (4) and ergonomically based on the nasal passage (11) and the nasal septum (12) Contour has a micro-roughened surface (5) and at the top of the Filter housing (1, 2) lamellar incisions (10) in the longitudinal direction to the axis of symmetry Filter housing (1, 2) are introduced. Nasal filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter disc (6) also opposite, at the lower end of the filter housing (1, 2) pointing outwards, with the is connected by 90 ° inward edge (3) and the outer contour of the Filter housing (1, 2) has concentric corrugations (13). Nasal filter according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the filter disc (6) with the is inextricably connected by 90 ° inward edge (3). Nasal filter according to Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter disc (6) contains split filter fibers (8), these being covered by 2 plates of cover fleece (7) each at the top and are covered at the bottom and there is a seal in the edge area of the filter disc (6). Nasal filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the semicircular web (9) with the two filter housings (1, 2) is connected such that its two ends are blunt on the sit on the lower side of the filter housing (1, 2) and have a firm connection, whereby Flush between the ends of the web (9) and the outer contour of the filter housing (1, 2) is given. Nasal filter according to claim 1 to 5, characterized in that as materials for Filter housing (1, 2) and semicircular web (9) polymeric plastics are used and also for the split filter fibers (8). Nasal filter according to claim 4 and 6, characterized in that the split filter fibers (8) have a permanent electrostatic charge. Nasal filter characterized in that the application for allergy sufferers, in sensitive Hospital areas or in clean rooms of the chip industry is possible. A method of manufacturing the nasal filter according to claim 1, characterized in that preferably 3 filter housings (1, 2) given as basic shapes, thermally exactly individual shapes of the nasal passage (11) and the nasal septum (12) are formed be, this final shaping of the outer contour with a "model impression" an impression mass precedes. A method of manufacturing the nasal filter according to claim 9, characterized in that the filter housings (1, 2) using CAD technology with regard to their strengths and the spatial Position of given flattened areas of the nose interior can be designed. A method of manufacturing the nasal filter according to claim 9, characterized in that the filter disc (6) sealed in the edge area onto the edge directed inwards by 90 ° (3) is positioned and either immediately during a deep-drawing process for the Filter housing (1, 2) is thermally welded to this or in a later step. A method of manufacturing the nasal filter according to claim 11, characterized in that the filter disc (6) is either introduced during the injection molding or in one later step is thermally welded. A method of manufacturing the nasal filter according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer surfaces of the filter housings (1, 2) are micro-roughened or concentric Corrugations (13) are provided. A method of manufacturing the nasal filter according to claim 9, characterized in that the finished filter housing (1, 2) by means of a web (9) with a rectangular cross section, which is curved in a semicircle, thermally firmly connected or else can be glued. A method of manufacturing the nasal filter according to claims 9 and 14, characterized characterized in that the filter housing (1, 2) with web (9) is also completely deep-drawn or be injection molded so that a filter unit is prefabricated with simultaneous or later incorporation of the filter disc (6). A method of manufacturing the nasal filter according to claim 11, 12 and 15, characterized in that the filter disc (6) by means of mechanical cutting or cutting is produced with laser from filter fleece.

Images