A skin confocal microscope probe protection cover

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of skin confocal microscope probe protective cover, the probe protective cover includes frame, end cap and protective film, the cavity for accommodating probe is equipped in the frame, the frame one end opening, the other end is equipped with bottom plate, bottom plate middle part is equipped with the through-hole for end cap to pass through, frame side wall is equipped with the corresponding elastic sheet of the clamping slot on probe, the elastic sheet is equipped with protrusion, the end cap is detachably connected with frame, end cap middle part is equipped with window, the protective film covers the window.The skin confocal microscope probe protective cover of the utility model can play a protective effect on the probe, prevent contamination, the protective cover is reused after disinfection, compared with the disposable protective cover in prior art, the cost is greatly reduced, and the generation of medical waste is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical devices, and in particular relates to a protective cover for a skin confocal microscope probe. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of medical imaging technology, the use of medical imaging equipment to examine patients, especially those with infectious diseases, is becoming increasingly common. To prevent infection, the probes need to be disinfected after each examination. Routine disinfection methods often involve soaking or fumigating the probes with disinfectant. However, prolonged soaking in disinfectant can corrode the probes, making them brittle or deformed over time, shortening their lifespan. Fumigation disinfection is time-consuming and inefficient, failing to meet daily needs. Therefore, probes on large medical imaging equipment in dermatology are now equipped with disposable transparent plastic protective covers. These covers effectively prevent cross-infection between patients, especially avoiding direct contact with skin or mucous membranes during examination. Simultaneously, the covers protect the probes from direct contact with contaminants, bodily fluids, or medications, extending their lifespan. Furthermore, using the protective cover prevents external contaminants from interfering with the images, improving the accuracy of the examination results.

[0003] While disposable probe covers are convenient to use and can be replaced directly after the examination, reducing the time spent cleaning and disinfecting the probe, disposable products also have several drawbacks. First, the clips on the disposable covers are made of non-deformable plastic, which often breaks during installation and removal, and can wear down the probe edges. Second, the probe cover may not fit the probe well, affecting operational flexibility. Third, disposable medical products increase medical waste generation, failing to meet environmental protection requirements. Finally, disposable probe covers are expensive, increasing examination costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a protective cover for a skin confocal microscope probe to overcome the defects of existing probe protective covers, reduce examination costs, and improve ease of use.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0006] A protective cover for a skin confocal microscope probe, the protective cover comprising a frame, an end cap, and a protective film, wherein the frame, end cap, and protective film are sequentially connected.

[0007] The frame has a cavity for accommodating the probe. One end of the frame has an opening communicating with the cavity, and the other end has a base plate. The base plate has a through hole in the middle for the end cap to pass through. The side wall of the frame has a spring piece corresponding to the slot on the probe. The spring piece is made of metal and has a protrusion for engaging with the slot.

[0008] The end cap is detachably connected to the frame, and a window is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the end cap, which is covered by the protective film.

[0009] Furthermore, the frame is approximately a truncated pyramid, conforming to the outer contour of the probe, with the side length at the opening end being greater than that at the end closest to the base plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the four corners of the frame opening are provided with inner grooves for easy gripping during disassembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the through hole in the middle of the base plate is a stepped hole, and the upper end of the end cap is provided with a boss corresponding to the stepped hole. The side length of the opening of the stepped hole is greater than the side length of the bottom of the end cap and less than the side length of the boss, so that the bottom of the end cap can pass through the stepped hole in the middle of the base plate, and the boss on the end cap overlaps with the stepped platform of the stepped hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the stepped hole is non-circular in shape to ensure that the end cap and the frame will not rotate relative to each other after installation. For example, it can be rectangular, square, triangular, pentagonal, etc.

[0013] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided inside the frame, and the sealing ring abuts against the boss. After the end cover and the frame are installed together, the sealing ring is inserted from the opening of the frame. The sealing ring is fixed to the side wall of the frame by friction, and the sealing ring presses the end cover and the frame together to prevent separation.

[0014] Furthermore, after the probe protective cover is installed with the probe, the lower end of the probe will press against the sealing ring, ensuring a tight connection between the end cover and the frame while improving the sealing performance. In addition, when the spring clip is inserted into the slot, the elasticity of the sealing ring can also apply a certain stress to prevent the probe protective cover from loosening with the probe, thus improving the accuracy of the detection.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner wall of the frame is provided with limiting blocks for fixing the sealing ring. Multiple limiting blocks are arranged around the ring. The upper end of the sealing ring abuts against the lower end of the limiting block, and the lower end of the sealing ring abuts against the base plate and the boss.

[0016] Furthermore, a sealing ring is fitted on the end cap between the boss and the stepped hole. The boss and the stepped platform on the stepped hole clamp the sealing ring, achieving a double seal with the sealing ring inside the frame, thus preventing dust or impurities from contaminating the probe.

[0017] Furthermore, the through hole in the middle of the base plate is a circular hole, and the inner wall of the through hole and the outer wall of the end cap are provided with corresponding threads, and the frame is threadedly connected to the end cap.

[0018] Furthermore, a flange is provided in the middle of the outer wall of the end cap, and a sealing ring is provided between the flange and the frame. When the end cap is threadedly connected to the frame, the flange and the bottom plate clamp the sealing ring to achieve a sealed connection between the end cap and the frame.

[0019] Furthermore, the sidewall of the frame is provided with a notch corresponding to the spring piece, and the two ends of the spring piece are fixedly connected to the notch. The notch provides clearance for the deformation of the spring piece and prevents the spring piece from breaking due to obstruction by the sidewall.

[0020] Furthermore, the frame is made of metal material, such as medical stainless steel, and the end cap is made of medical silicone or medical plastic, such as PE, PP, PVC, PU, ​​PTFE, PC, PS, TPU plastic, etc.

[0021] Furthermore, the end cap is provided with a groove. During the inspection process, the camera of the probe needs to rotate. The groove provides room for the camera to rotate. The distance between the bottom of the groove and the end of the probe is 0.5-1mm to avoid interference with the probe signal due to excessive distance, which would affect the inspection results.

[0022] Furthermore, the protective film includes a transparent layer and an adhesive layer surrounding the transparent layer. The transparent layer covers the window, and the adhesive layer bonds the transparent layer to the end cap. Preferably, the outer contour of the adhesive layer matches the shape of the bottom of the end cap, and the shape of the transparent layer matches the shape of the window. More preferably, both the window and the transparent layer are square.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, the skin confocal microscope probe protective cover of this invention has the following advantages:

[0024] (1) The skin confocal microscope probe protective cover described in this utility model can protect the probe and prevent it from being contaminated. The protective cover can be reused after disinfection, which greatly reduces the cost and the generation of medical waste compared with the disposable protective cover in the prior art.

[0025] (2) The skin confocal microscope probe protective cover of this utility model adopts the connection method of metal spring sheet, which can be stably connected with the probe and will not break. It can also improve the sealing performance when combined with the sealing ring, further preventing the probe from being contaminated. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front view of the protective cover for the skin confocal microscope probe described in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective film described in this utility model.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 1. Frame; 2. End cap; 3. Base plate; 4. Through hole; 5. Spring; 6. Window; 7. Inner groove; 8. Boss; 9. Flange; 10. Transparent layer; 11. Adhesive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0035] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the skin confocal microscope probe protective cover of this embodiment includes a frame 1, an end cap 2, and a protective film connected in sequence, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the frame 1 is approximately a truncated pyramid, with a side length of 3.7cm on the upper face, 3.3cm on the lower face, a length of 1.5cm on the oblique edge, and a height of 1.4cm, conforming to the outer contour of the probe. The frame 1 has a cavity to accommodate the probe. One end of the frame 1 has an opening communicating with the cavity, and the other end has a base plate 3. The side length of the opening end is greater than the end closest to the base plate 3. The four corners of the opening in the frame 1 have recessed grooves 7 for easy gripping during disassembly. The radius of the recessed grooves is... The base plate 3 has a square stepped hole in the middle for the end cap 2 to pass through, with an inner diameter of 1.3 cm. The side wall of the frame 1 has a spring piece 5 corresponding to the slot on the probe. Both the frame 1 and the spring piece 5 are made of medical-grade stainless steel with a thickness of 1 mm. The spring piece 5 has a protrusion for engaging with the slot. The side wall of the frame 1 has a notch corresponding to the spring piece 5. Both ends of the spring piece 5 are fixed to the notch, which provides clearance for the deformation of the spring piece 5, preventing it from breaking due to obstruction by the side wall.

[0039] End cap 2 is made of TPU plastic with a thickness of 1mm, such as Figure 3 As shown, the upper end of the end cap 2 is provided with a boss 8 corresponding to the stepped hole. The side length of the opening of the stepped hole is greater than the side length of the bottom of the end cap 2 and less than the side length of the boss 8, so that the bottom of the end cap 2 can pass through the stepped hole in the middle of the base plate 3. The boss 8 on the end cap 2 overlaps with the stepped platform of the stepped hole. The outer contour of the end cap 2 below the boss 8 is a square that matches the stepped hole, ensuring that the end cap 2 will not rotate relative to the frame 1 after it is installed. A sealing ring is also fitted on the end cap 2 below the boss 8. The inner wall of the frame 1 is provided with multiple limiting blocks for fixing the sealing ring. Before the end cap 2 is installed with the frame 1, the sealing ring is fitted on the end cap 2. Then the end cap 2 is placed into the frame 1, with the lower end of the end cap 2 extending through the stepped hole. Then, the sealing ring is placed into the frame 1 between the limiting block and the boss 8. The sealing ring is clamped and fixed by the limiting block and the boss 8. At the same time, the sealing ring abuts the end cap 2 against the stepped platform of the stepped hole. The end cap 2 has a groove inside. During the inspection process, the probe's camera needs to rotate, and the groove provides room for this rotation. The distance between the bottom of the groove and the probe tip is 0.5mm to prevent interference with the probe signal (laser signal) due to excessive distance, which would affect the inspection results. A square window 6 is located in the center of the bottom surface of the end cap 2. Figure 6 As shown, the protective film includes a transparent layer 10 and an adhesive layer 11 surrounding the transparent layer 10. The transparent layer 10 is bonded to the bottom of the end cap 2 through the adhesive layer 11. The transparent layer 10 covers the window 6 for examination of the lesion area. The side length of the transparent layer is 1.3cm, and the side length of the adhesive layer 11 is adapted to the side length of the base plate 3.

[0040] The method for using the skin confocal microscope probe protective cover in this embodiment is as follows:

[0041] (1) Place the sealing ring on the end cap 2, insert the end cap 2 from the opening of the frame 1 until the sealing ring is tightly against the stepped platform of the stepped hole, then install the sealing ring, and place the bottom of the sealing ring against the protrusion 8 of the end cap 2 and the upper end of the sealing ring against the limiting block, and fix the sealing ring by friction.

[0042] (2) Align the transparent layer 10 with the window 6 at the bottom of the end cap 2, and use the adhesive layer 11 to bond the protective film to the end cap 2;

[0043] (3) Hold the frame 1, align the opening of the end cap 2 with the probe, and push the end cap 2 to make the protrusion on the spring 5 fit into the slot on the probe. At this time, the lower end of the probe abuts against the sealing ring, the sealing ring is deformed under pressure, and the protrusion on the spring 5 is firmly connected to the slot to prevent it from falling off. Medical staff can then perform the examination.

[0044] In this embodiment, the protective film of the skin confocal microscope probe cover can be removed before sterilization. The end cap 2 can be separated from the frame 1 before sterilization. The sterilization methods can be categorized into three types depending on the sterilization requirements:

[0045] a) Low-level disinfection: Use 70% isopropanol solution for disinfection, and disinfect for at least 10 minutes;

[0046] b) Medium-level disinfection: Use glutaraldehyde solution with a concentration of 2.0% or higher, and disinfect for at least 20 minutes;

[0047] c) High-level disinfection: High-temperature and high-pressure sterilization is set at 121℃ for 15-20 minutes.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] like Figure 4-5 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, the bottom plate 3 has a circular hole in the middle, the end cap 2 has a circle at the top corresponding to the circular hole, the inner wall of the through hole 4 and the outer wall of the end cap 2 are provided with corresponding threads, the frame 1 is threadedly connected to the end cap 2, the outer wall of the end cap 2 is provided with a flange 9 in the middle, and a sealing ring is fitted on the end cap 2 above the flange 9. When the end cap 2 is threadedly connected to the frame 1, the bottom of the frame 1 and the flange 9 clamp and fix the sealing ring, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the end cap 2 and the frame 1.

[0050] The method for using the skin confocal microscope probe protective cover in this embodiment is as follows:

[0051] (1) Place the sealing ring on the end cap 2, align the upper end of the end cap 2 with the circular hole at the bottom of the frame 1, and twist the end cap 2 until the sealing ring is tightly against the base plate 3. At this time, the upper end of the end cap 2 is flush with the upper surface of the base plate 3, and the base plate 3 and the flange 9 clamp the sealing ring, and the end cap 2 is sealed to the frame 1.

[0052] (2) Align the transparent layer 10 with the window 6 at the bottom of the end cap 2, and use the adhesive layer 11 to bond the protective film to the end cap 2;

[0053] (3) Hold the frame 1, align the opening of the end cover 2 with the probe, and push the end cover 2 to make the protrusion on the spring 5 snap into the slot on the probe, thus completing the installation of the probe protective cover. At this time, the distance between the lower end of the probe and the bottom of the groove of the end cover 2 is 1mm, and medical staff can perform the examination.

[0054] The disinfection method for the skin confocal microscope probe protective cover in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] The embodiments described above are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective cover for a skin confocal microscope probe, characterized in that: The probe protective cover includes a frame, an end cap, and a protective film. The frame has a cavity for accommodating the probe. One end of the frame is open, and the other end has a base plate. The base plate has a through hole in the middle for the end cap to pass through. The side wall of the frame has a spring tab that corresponds to the slot on the probe, and the spring tab has a protrusion. The end cap is detachably connected to the frame, and a window is provided in the middle of the end cap, which is covered by the protective film.

2. The probe protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The through hole in the middle of the base plate is a stepped hole, and the end cap is provided with a boss corresponding to the stepped hole.

3. The probe protective cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided inside the frame, and the sealing ring abuts against the boss.

4. The probe protective cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided between the boss and the stepped hole.

5. The probe protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the through hole and the outer wall of the end cap are provided with corresponding threads, and the frame is threadedly connected to the end cap.

6. The probe protective cover according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end cap has a flange in the middle of its outer wall, and a sealing ring is provided between the flange and the frame.

7. The probe protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sidewall of the frame has a notch corresponding to the spring piece, and the two ends of the spring piece are fixedly connected to the notch.

8. The probe protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame is made of metal, and the end caps are made of medical-grade silicone or medical-grade plastic.

9. The probe protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap has a groove, and the distance between the bottom of the groove and the end of the probe is 0.5-1mm.

10. The protective cover for the skin confocal microscope probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective film includes a transparent layer and an adhesive layer surrounding the transparent layer, the transparent layer covering the window.

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