Tear collector

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and provides a tear collector. The tear collector comprises a collection part and an extrusion part. The collection part comprises a shell, and a liquid suction channel and a first containing cavity which are communicated with each other are formed in the shell; the extrusion part is connected to the shell and can be switched among a first state, a second state and a third state; in the first state, the interior of the collecting part is in a negative pressure state; in the second state, the internal pressure of the acquisition part is the same as the atmospheric pressure, and in the third state, the internal pressure of the acquisition part is greater than the external atmospheric pressure. According to the tear collector, the defect that in the prior art, when collection is carried out, the liquid level overflows when too much liquid exists, the collected liquid exceeds the measuring range of the liquid, and then quantitative analysis of tear components is affected is overcome, and the tear collector can achieve accurate quantification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of medical equipment, in particular to a tear collector. Background Art

[0002] A tear collector is a device used to collect and sample tear fluid. It is often used in fields such as medical research, clinical diagnosis, and ophthalmic treatment to collect tear fluid samples for analysis and testing.

[0003] Existing tear collectors have the problem of poor accuracy: when collecting liquid, if there is too much liquid, the liquid surface will overflow, causing the collected liquid to exceed its measuring range, thereby affecting the quantitative analysis of tear components. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model provides a tear collector, which is used to solve the defect in the prior art that when collecting liquid, the liquid surface will overflow when there is too much liquid, causing the collected liquid to exceed its measuring range, thereby affecting the quantitative analysis of tear components, and realizes a tear collector capable of accurate quantitative analysis.

[0005] The utility model provides a tear collector, comprising:

[0006] The collecting component comprises a shell, wherein the interior of the shell is provided with a liquid suction channel and a first cavity which are interconnected;

[0007] An extrusion component is connected to the shell and can be switched between a first state, a second state and a third state; in the first state, the interior of the collection component is in a negative pressure state; in the second state, the internal pressure of the collection component is the same as the atmospheric pressure; in the third state, the internal pressure of the collection component is greater than the external atmospheric pressure.

[0008] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, the liquid suction channel includes a first liquid suction channel section and a second liquid suction channel section;

[0009] The first section of the suction channel and the second section of the suction channel are sequentially arranged from the proximal end of the suction channel to the distal end of the suction channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first section of the suction channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second section of the suction channel;

[0010] A step is provided at a connection transition between the first section of the liquid suction channel and the second section of the liquid suction channel.

[0011] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, the distal end of the suction channel extends to the inside of the first cavity and protrudes from the inside of the first cavity, so that a recessed area is formed at the junction of the suction channel and the first cavity.

[0012] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, the extrusion component includes a connecting piece and an extrusion piece that are connected to each other;

[0013] The connecting member is sleeved on the housing, and the extruding member is used to switch between the first state and the second state;

[0014] An extrusion cavity is provided inside the extrusion piece, and the extrusion cavity is communicated with the liquid suction channel.

[0015] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, a pressing portion is provided on the outer side of the extrusion piece, and the pressing portion is provided with a recessed portion, and the shape of the recessed portion is adapted to the characteristics of human fingers.

[0016] According to the tear collector provided by the utility model, the recessed portion is provided with a vent hole, and the vent hole is communicated with the extrusion cavity.

[0017] According to the tear collector provided by the utility model, the extrusion piece is a flexible piece.

[0018] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, a second cavity is further provided inside the shell, and the second cavity is communicated with an end of the first cavity away from the liquid suction channel.

[0019] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, the shell includes a capillary, the liquid suction channel is arranged inside the capillary, and a silica gel layer is arranged outside the capillary.

[0020] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, the shell includes a capillary, the liquid suction channel is arranged inside the capillary, and the end of the capillary in contact with the human body is arranged to be arc-shaped or smooth.

[0021] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, the shell comprises a capillary, a first liquid storage part, a clamping part and a second liquid storage part which are connected in sequence, and the liquid suction channel is arranged inside the capillary;

[0022] The side of the clamping portion facing the first liquid storage portion is provided with a first retaining edge, and the side of the clamping portion facing the second liquid storage portion is provided with a second retaining edge;

[0023] The connecting piece is sleeved on the outside of the second liquid storage portion and is limited to the second rib.

[0024] According to a tear collector provided by the utility model, the tear collector further comprises a cover body, wherein the cover body is sleeved on the outside of the capillary tube and the first liquid storage part and is limited to the first dam.

[0025] The above one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0026] The utility model allows the distal end of the suction channel to extend to the inside of the first cavity, and then the distal end of the suction channel can be suspended inside the first cavity, so that a convex structure can be formed at the junction of the suction channel and the first cavity, and the convex structure is the part of the distal extension of the suction channel, and a concave area will also be formed at the first cavity. When the tear reaches the proximal end of the suction channel, the tear will stay at the convex structure under the action of the liquid surface tension of the teardrop. If the tear increases further, due to the setting of the convex structure, the excess tear will break at the convex structure, and the excess tear will flow to the concave area after the break. The utility model always ensures that the amount of tear inside the suction channel is constant when the tear is sufficient. Secondly, when the tear is collected and needs to be squeezed out, the excess tear cannot be discharged with the tear inside the suction channel under the obstruction of the concave area, so it is ensured that the amount of squeezed tear is the amount contained in the suction channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of the tear collector provided by the utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 It is an assembly diagram of the tear collector provided by the utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the collection component of the tear collector provided by the utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 The utility model provides Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A.

[0032] Reference numerals:

[0033] 100: collection component; 110: housing; 111: capillary; 112: first liquid storage part; 113: clamping part; 1131: first rib; 1132: second rib; 114: second liquid storage part; 120: liquid suction channel; 121: first section of liquid suction channel; 122: second section of liquid suction channel; 123: step; 130: first cavity; 131: recessed area; 140: second cavity;

[0034] 200: extrusion component; 210: connection member; 220: extrusion member; 221: pressing portion; 222: vent hole; 223: recessed portion;

[0035] 300: Cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the utility model will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the drawings in the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are numbered for the purpose of clearly explaining the product components and do not represent any substantial difference. The directions of "upper" and "lower" shall be based on the directions shown in the accompanying drawings. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more. In the specification, "and / or" means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0039] In clinical practice and research, tear analysis plays an important role in the assessment of eye health, disease diagnosis and treatment plan formulation. It can provide rich information to help doctors better understand eye diseases and provide personalized treatment and management for patients. For example, tear analysis can help doctors diagnose eye diseases such as dry eyes, conjunctivitis, keratitis, etc. By detecting changes in cells, proteins, enzyme activity and other biomarkers in tears, the type and severity of the disease can be determined.

[0040] A tear collector is a device used to collect and collect tears, so it is often used in medical research, clinical diagnosis, and ophthalmic treatment to collect tear samples for analysis and testing. Tear collectors include microtubes, Schirmer strips, and advanced ophthalmic instruments. Among them, a microtube is a small tubular device that usually has micropores or capillaries. When using a microtube, the mouth of the tube is placed at the source of tears, such as under the conjunctiva, and then a trace amount of tear samples is sucked in through a liquid pump or capillary effect. This method can collect very small amounts of tear samples for subsequent laboratory analysis.

[0041] However, the existing micro-tube type tear collector has the problem of poor accuracy: when collecting, if there is too much liquid, the liquid surface will overflow, causing the collected liquid to exceed its range, thus affecting the quantitative analysis of tear components. Figures 1 to 4 , the utility model provides a tear collector.

[0042] Figure 1 An exploded view of the tear collector provided by an embodiment of the utility model is illustrated. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a collection component of a tear collector provided by an embodiment of the utility model is illustrated.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the tear collector includes a collection component 100 and an extrusion component 200. The collection component 100 includes a housing 110, and the interior of the housing 110 is provided with a liquid suction channel 120 and a first chamber 130 that are interconnected. The extrusion component 200 is connected to the housing 110 and can be switched between a first state, a second state, and a third state; in the first state, the interior of the collection component 100 is in a negative pressure state; in the second state, the internal pressure of the collection component 100 is the same as the atmospheric pressure; in the third state, the internal pressure of the collection component 100 is greater than the external atmospheric pressure.

[0044] It should be noted that the connection between the collecting component 100 and the extruding component 200 is a tight connection, that is, after the two are connected, a cavity with good airtightness is formed inside the two, and the internal gas can be discharged through the collecting component 100 by squeezing the extruding component 200.

[0045] In the above structure, by extending the distal end of the suction channel 120 to the inside of the first cavity 130, the distal end of the suction channel 120 can be protruded from the inside of the first cavity 130, so that a convex structure can be formed at the junction of the suction channel 120 and the first cavity 130, and the convex structure is the part of the distal extension of the suction channel 120. When the tear reaches the proximal end of the suction channel 120, the tear will stay at the convex structure under the action of the liquid surface tension of the teardrop. If the tear increases further, due to the setting of the convex structure, the excess tear will break at the convex structure, and the excess tear after the break will flow to the recessed area 131. When the tear is sufficient, the utility model always ensures that the amount of tear inside the suction channel 120 is constant. Secondly, when the tears are collected and need to be squeezed out (the squeezing component 200 is in the third state at this time), the excess tears cannot be discharged along with the tears in the suction channel 120 due to the blockage of the recessed area 131, thus ensuring that the amount of squeezed tears is the amount contained in the suction channel 120. It should be noted that the proximal end in this article refers to the end of the tear collector that contacts or is close to the patient's eye when collecting tears, and the distal end refers to the end away from the patient's eye.

[0046] In some possible embodiments, the capillary 111 is a transparent member made of polystyrene, and a layer of silicone is provided on the outside of the capillary 111. Taking advantage of the softness and good liquid wettability of silicone, silicone is used as a coating on the eye contact end of the collector, which improves the comfort of the eye contact end while ensuring the tear infiltration speed, reduces irritation to the patient's eyes, and can also reduce the patient's fear. In addition, an extremely thin silicone sleeve can be directly sheathed on the outside of the capillary 111. Alternatively, the proximal end of the capillary 111 can be made of a material with a certain degree of flexibility. In other words, the proximal end of the capillary 111 is softer or more deformable than other parts.

[0047] In addition, in order to prevent the end of the capillary 111 that contacts the human body (for example, the patient's eyes) from being too sharp and causing accidental injury to the human body (the patient's eyes), the end of the capillary 111 that contacts the human body (the patient's eyes) can be set to an arc shape or a smooth shape.

[0048] During specific use, the squeezing component 200 can be squeezed so that the squeezing component 200 can be switched between the first state and the second state. It should be noted that when the utility model is used to absorb a small amount of tears, there is no need to perform corresponding operations on the squeezing component 200. When a small amount of tears is absorbed, the capillary effect is used. The capillary 111 is placed at the corner of the human eye. When it contacts the tears, the tears will automatically enter the inside of the suction channel 120 under the capillary effect. When a large amount of tears needs to be absorbed, it is necessary to squeeze the squeezing component 200 for absorption. When squeezing the squeezing component 200, the squeezing component 200 will be in the first state. When the squeezing component 200 is released, it will return to its original state under the elastic action of the squeezing component 200 itself, which is the second state. When the squeezing component 200 is restored from the first state to the second state, the tears will enter the inside of the collection component 100 under the action of atmospheric pressure. In summary, the present invention has at least the following three functions: Function 1, automatically absorbing a small amount of tear liquid through the capillary effect; Function 2, absorbing a large amount of tear liquid by repeatedly squeezing the squeezing component 200; Function 3, expelling the tear liquid stored in the present invention by squeezing the squeezing component 200.

[0049] Figure 4 The utility model embodiment provides an example Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments of the present invention, the suction channel 120 includes a first suction channel section 121 and a second suction channel section 122; the first suction channel section 121 and the second suction channel section 122 are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the tear collector from the proximal end to the distal end. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first suction channel section 121 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second suction channel section 122, thereby forming a step 123 connecting the first suction channel section 121 and the second suction channel section 122 at the connection between the first suction channel section 121 and the second suction channel section 122. Specifically, the cross-sections of the first suction channel section 121 and the second suction channel section 122 can be circular, and the diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the second suction channel section 122 is 0.35 mm larger than the diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the first suction channel section 121.

[0051] Since the amount of tears of each patient is different during actual use, some patients have less tears. Therefore, by setting the first section 121 of the suction channel and the second section 122 of the suction channel, when the patient has less tears, the doctor can stop the operation when observing that the tears fill the first section 121 of the suction channel. Since there is a step 123 between the first section 121 of the suction channel and the second section 122 of the suction channel, when the first section 121 of the suction channel is full of tears, the excess tears will form a bulge under the action of the surface tension of the liquid under the action of the step 123, preventing the tears from entering further. As a result, only the first section 121 of the suction channel remains with tears inside the suction channel 120, and the tears fill the first section 121 of the suction channel, that is, the amount of tears absorbed by the first section 121 of the suction channel is equal to the capacity of the first section 121 of the suction channel.

[0052] When the patient has a lot of tears, the tears will rush out of the resistance of the step 123 and fill the second section 122 of the suction channel, but the excess tears will be cut off under the action of the recessed area 131, and the cut-off tears enter the interior of the first cavity 130. The tears inside the first section 121 and the second section 122 of the suction channel are retained under the action of the surface tension of the liquid, so that the tears inside the suction channel 120 are filled, that is, the amount of tears is equal to the total capacity of the first section 121 and the second section 122 of the suction channel. It should be noted that the capacity of the first section 121 and the second section 122 of the suction channel can be set accordingly. In this embodiment, the capacity of the first section 121 and the second section 122 of the suction channel is 1μL.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the utility model, the extrusion component 200 includes a connecting member 210 and an extrusion member 220 that are interconnected; the connecting member 210 is sleeved on the shell 110, and the extrusion member 220 is used to switch between a first state and a second state; an extrusion cavity is provided inside the extrusion member 220, and the extrusion cavity is connected to the liquid suction channel 120.

[0054] Among them, the connection between the connector 210 and the shell 110 can be a socket connection, a threaded connection, etc., and no specific restrictions are made here. The extrusion piece 220 is a flexible piece, which can be made of a flexible material with a certain elasticity such as silicone. The interior of the connector 210 and the extrusion piece 220 are both hollow, and the two can be assembled as one. When it is necessary to absorb tears, just press the vent 222 and squeeze the extrusion piece 220 to discharge the air inside the shell 110, so that the interior is in a negative pressure state, and then place the capillary 111 at the corner of the patient's eye, press the vent 222 and release the extrusion piece 220, the extrusion piece 220 returns to its original state under the action of its own elasticity, and under the action of atmospheric pressure, the tears enter the interior of the first cavity 130. It should be noted that this process is used to absorb a large amount of tears. When it is necessary to discharge tears, press the vent 222 and squeeze the extrusion piece 220 to discharge the tears.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the present invention, a pressing portion 221 is provided on the outer side of the extrusion member 220 , and a recessed portion 223 is provided on the pressing portion 221 . The shape of the recessed portion 223 is adapted to the characteristics of a human finger.

[0056] The pressing portion 221 and the recessed portion 223 can provide better grip and control, making operation more convenient and easy. The natural curve and shape of the finger can perfectly match the extrusion piece 220, reducing the user's effort and discomfort and improving the convenience of use. In addition, it can also provide better finger touch and flexibility, making the operation more precise and accurate. The user can better grasp the pressing force and direction to ensure the correct use of the tear collector and the accurate collection of samples. The recessed portion 223 is set on the outside of the extrusion piece 220 to reduce finger fatigue and discomfort during long-term use. The design that conforms to the shape of the finger can evenly disperse the pressure, reduce the burden on the finger, and make the operation easier and more comfortable.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the present invention, the recessed portion 223 is provided with a vent hole 222, and the vent hole 222 is communicated with the extrusion cavity.

[0058] By setting the vent hole 222 at the recessed portion 223, the disadvantage of setting the vent hole 222 at the tail of the extrusion piece 220 in the prior art is avoided, and when in use, the index finger needs to be used to block the small hole, and the thumb and middle finger need to be squeezed to squeeze out the liquid in the collection device. In this embodiment, when squeezing, only pressing on the recessed portion 223 can simultaneously block the vent hole 222, and no other fingers are needed to block the vent hole 222. This greatly facilitates the use of medical staff.

[0059] Reference Figure 3In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing 110 further includes a second cavity 140, which is connected to the first cavity 130 and is located away from the liquid suction channel 120. The second cavity 140 is used to increase the capacity of the collection component 100.

[0060] Figure 2 The assembly diagram of the tear collector provided by the embodiment of the utility model is illustrated.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the utility model, the shell 110 includes a capillary 111, a first liquid storage part 112, a clamping part 113 and a second liquid storage part 114 connected in sequence, and the liquid suction channel 120 is arranged inside the capillary 111; the clamping part 113 is provided with a first rib 1131 on the side facing the first liquid storage part 112, and the clamping part 113 is provided with a second rib 1132 on the side facing the second liquid storage part 114; the connecting member 210 is sleeved on the second liquid storage part 114 and is limited at the second rib 1132.

[0062] The capillary 111, the first liquid storage part 112, the clamping part 113 and the second liquid storage part 114 are integrally formed and are all made of polystyrene. The capillary 111, the first liquid storage part 112, the clamping part 113 and the second liquid storage part 114 are all transparent. Figure 2 and Figure 3 During assembly, the connector 210 can be sleeved on the second liquid storage portion 114 and limited by the second retaining edge 1132. It should be noted that the outer diameter of the connector 210 is the same as the outer diameter of the end of the clamping portion 113 provided with the second retaining edge 1132, so that the outer peripheries of the two are flush after assembly.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the present invention, the tear collector further includes a cover body 300 , which is sleeved on the outside of the capillary 111 and the first liquid storage portion 112 and is limited to the first retaining edge 1131 .

[0064] After use, the cover 300 can be snapped onto the outside of the capillary 111 and the first liquid storage portion 112 to protect the capillary 111 and the first liquid storage portion 112 .

[0065] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the utility model, rather than to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the utility model.

Claims

1. A tear collector, characterized in that: include: The collecting component (100) comprises a housing (110), wherein the housing (110) is provided with a liquid suction channel (120) and a first chamber (130) which are interconnected; An extrusion component (200) connected to the housing (110) and capable of switching between a first state, a second state and a third state; In the first state, the interior of the collecting component (100) is in a negative pressure state; In the second state, the internal pressure of the collecting component (100) is the same as the atmospheric pressure, and in the third state, the internal pressure of the collecting component (100) is greater than the external atmospheric pressure.

2. The tear collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid suction channel (120) comprises a first liquid suction channel section (121) and a second liquid suction channel section (122); The first section (121) of the liquid suction channel and the second section (122) of the liquid suction channel are arranged in sequence from the proximal end of the liquid suction channel (120) to the distal end of the liquid suction channel (120), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first section (121) of the liquid suction channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second section (122) of the liquid suction channel; A step (123) is provided at the connection transition between the first section (121) of the liquid suction channel and the second section (122) of the liquid suction channel.

3. The tear collector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The distal end of the liquid suction channel (120) extends to the interior of the first cavity (130) and protrudes from the interior of the first cavity (130), so that a recessed area (131) is formed at the junction of the liquid suction channel (120) and the first cavity (130).

4. The tear collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extrusion component (200) comprises a connecting piece (210) and an extrusion piece (220) which are connected to each other; The connecting member (210) is sleeved on the housing (110), and the extruding member (220) is used to switch between the first state and the second state; An extrusion cavity is provided inside the extrusion piece (220), and the extrusion cavity is communicated with the liquid suction channel (120).

5. The tear collector according to claim 4, characterized in that: A pressing portion (221) is provided on the outer side of the extrusion piece (220), and the pressing portion (221) is provided with a recessed portion (223), and the shape of the recessed portion (223) is adapted to the characteristics of a human finger.

6. The tear collector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The recessed portion (223) is provided with a vent hole (222), and the vent hole (222) is communicated with the extrusion cavity.

7. The tear collector according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The extrusion member (220) is a flexible member.

8. The tear collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second cavity (140) is further provided inside the shell (110), and the second cavity (140) is communicated with an end of the first cavity (130) away from the liquid suction channel (120).

9. The tear collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (110) comprises a capillary (111), the liquid suction channel (120) is arranged inside the capillary (111), and a silica gel layer is arranged outside the capillary (111).

10. The tear collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (110) comprises a capillary tube (111), the liquid suction channel (120) is arranged inside the capillary tube (111), and the end of the capillary tube (111) in contact with the human body is arranged to be arc-shaped or smooth.

11. The tear collector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing (110) comprises a capillary (111), a first liquid storage portion (112), a clamping portion (113) and a second liquid storage portion (114) which are connected in sequence, and the liquid suction channel (120) is arranged inside the capillary (111); A first retaining edge (1131) is provided on the side of the clamping portion (113) facing the first liquid storage portion (112), and a second retaining edge (1132) is provided on the side of the clamping portion (113) facing the second liquid storage portion (114); The connecting member (210) is sleeved on the outside of the second liquid storage portion (114) and is limited to the second retaining edge (1132).

12. The tear collector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The tear collector further comprises a cover body (300), wherein the cover body (300) is sleeved on the outside of the capillary tube (111) and the first liquid storage portion (112), and is limited to the first retaining edge (1131).

Images