Protective device for cleaning endoscopic medical instruments such as transesophageal probes or the like

Abstract

A protection device (10) for cleaning an endoscopic medical instrument (100) having a tubular component (120) to be cleaned and an electronic assembly (110) to be protected. The device (10) comprises a box-like main body (11) internally defining a housing chamber (12) consisting of a first bottom component (13) for housing the electronic assembly (110) and a second closing component (14) configured to be selectively coupled to the first bottom component (13), forming a closed condition and a separated condition. The first bottom component (13) comprises a first coupling edge (19) having a first unique coupling section (21), the second closing component (14) comprises a second coupling edge (20) configured to be coupled with the first coupling edge (19), the second coupling edge (20) having a second unique coupling section (22) configured to uniquely and matingly engage with the first unique coupling section (21) by a shape-matching coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a protective device for cleaning tubular medical devices made of various materials, particularly metals, plastics, and / or rubber. These devices are used in medicine for exploration, examination via optical devices, or to empty natural cavities of the human body and are introduced into the body naturally or artificially. This invention can be applied, for example, to the cleaning, heat sterilization, and / or chemical sterilization and drying of medical devices. These devices, in addition to typically flexible and elongated tubular components (called insertion tubes) inserted into the body during clinical examinations and requiring cleaning / sterilization for reuse, are also equipped with electronic components sensitive to moisture and water contact, such as transesophageal probes. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, endoscopic medical instruments become contaminated during use and require cleaning in a dedicated cleaning chamber. Endoscopic instruments are typically equipped with flexible tubing (also known as insertion cannulas), which is inserted into the patient's body. The length and diameter of this tubing vary depending on the application. Depending on the specific instrument model, the flexible cannulas can be configured or fabricated with channels of various sizes and functions, such as for biopsies, examination via video cameras, providing illumination, or spraying air and / or water. In the cleaning chamber, the outer and inner surfaces and channels of the endoscopic instruments undergo a complete cleaning process. In the first stage, cleaning liquids such as water and detergents are used; in the second stage, chemical disinfectants such as those based on glutaraldehyde or peracetic acid are used.

[0003] The cleaning chamber can be equipped with hoses that can be connected to any internal channel of the endoscopic instrument via a suitable liquid-tight connector, thereby connecting it to the cleaning fluid dispensing device built into the cleaning machine.

[0004] The outer surface of the endoscopic instruments needs to be treated in the cleaning chamber of a special cleaning machine, by spraying cleaning fluid to cover the entire outer surface of the insertion tube.

[0005] In addition, the auxiliary tube can protect the insertion tube from accidental impacts and friction during the cleaning process.

[0006] However, for medical devices containing highly humidity-sensitive electronic components, direct contact with water and moisture must be prevented to avoid damaging the functionality of these components. In fact, these very expensive electronic components are highly susceptible to damage or malfunction upon contact with water, which is unacceptable. A unique characteristic of these devices is that, for cleaning purposes, the electronic components located at the end of the insertion tube cannot be separated from the insertion tube itself.

[0007] These electronic components are typically located at one end of a tubular component and are highly sensitive to moisture, water, and other cleaning agents, so protective measures must be taken during the cleaning process.

[0008] In this regard, known protective devices include closed, liquid-tight box-like bodies with openings defining accommodating chambers that isolate the electronic components of the device from the external environment while in a protected state.

[0009] Other known solutions involve a box-like structure consisting of at least two interconnected components, including a first bottom component for accommodating electronic components to be protected, and a second closing component. These two components are selectively movable relative to each other between a closed and an open state, for example, by means of hinged interlocking: when closed, the second component completely covers the first component, providing protection for the electronic components within the accommodating space; when open, it allows the electronic components to be placed into the accommodating cavity.

[0010] These known solutions are particularly expensive to manufacture, both to ensure the required liquid tightness of the containment chamber (e.g., by setting up hinges and other auxiliary mechanical solutions that typically guide the mutual coupling of the two parts of the box-like body) and to ensure a complete and proper interconnection between the two closing parts, especially to avoid accidental misalignment that could damage the protective effect of the device itself.

[0011] Another drawback of these known solutions is that, in order to withstand operating pressure, temperature, humidity, and the presence of cleaning agents, the two shut-off components are directly injection molded from polyurethane material, and the production time and cost of this process negatively impact the production and management economics of the known devices.

[0012] In addition, the polyurethane material itself is mainly opaque, which effectively prevents the inspection of the electronic components of the device once the box is operably closed.

[0013] Another drawback is that the box-shaped structure provided by the known technical solutions is not always compatible with the cleaning chambers of commercially available cleaning machines, especially when the internal dimensions and volume of the cleaning chamber are limited. Therefore, its application range may be limited, which may lead to inconvenience and delays in operation during the cleaning process.

[0014] Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve a protection device that can overcome at least one defect in the existing technology.

[0015] This raises the question of how to clean the invasive parts of medical devices that are inserted into the human body and may come into contact with water without damaging sensitive and expensive electronic components.

[0016] Specifically, one objective of this invention is to provide a protective device for cleaning medical devices. This device is economical and efficient, ensuring that the accommodating chamber achieves the required liquid tightness, ensuring the complete and correct interconnection of the two closing components, and in particular, preventing accidental misalignment that could damage the protective effect of the device itself.

[0017] Another objective of this invention is to provide a protective device that can be adapted to the cleaning chambers of various commercial cleaning machines, especially suitable for cleaning chambers with limited internal dimensions and volume.

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to provide a protective device that can still effectively inspect the electronic components of the instrument even after the box-shaped body has been closed.

[0019] In order to overcome the defects of the prior art and achieve the above-mentioned objectives and other advantages, the applicant conceived, verified and implemented this utility model. Utility Model Content

[0020] The features of this utility model are set forth and defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of this utility model or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0021] In accordance with the above objectives and to solve the above technical problems in a novel and original manner, while achieving significant advantages over the prior art, the present invention provides a protective device for cleaning endoscopic medical instruments such as transesophageal probes or similar objects. The device has a tubular component to be cleaned, one end of which has an electronic component to be protected.

[0022] The device according to the present invention includes a closed, liquid-tight box-like body that defines an internal accommodating chamber for housing electronic components in a protected state isolated from the outside, allowing tubular components to extend, for example, through a suitable opening.

[0023] The box-like structure comprises a first bottom component for housing electronic components and a second closing component configured to selectively couple with the first bottom component. Specifically, the second component can be selectively in a closed or open state: in the closed state, the second component completely covers the first component, protecting the electronic components within the housing; in the open state, the second component is spaced apart from the first component, or in any case separated, thereby allowing access to the housing.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first component includes a first coupling edge having at least one first unique coupling segment. The second component also includes a second coupling edge configured to selectively couple with the first coupling edge, and has at least one second unique coupling segment configured to uniquely and matchingly engage with the first unique coupling segment by shape-matching coupling, at least in the closed state of the second component.

[0025] Therefore, the bottom component and the closing component of the box-shaped body can be connected to each other or selectively separated, while maintaining a unique and correct mutual positioning. In other words, the second component and the first component have only one possibility of mutual coupling, which is determined by the mutual configuration of the second unique coupling segment and the first unique coupling segment.

[0026] The solution according to this invention allows for complete separation of the two components of the box-like body. In the separated state, they can be handled separately, for example, for easy storage or specialized cleaning. Then, for operational purposes, they can be uniquely coupled in the closed state. This guarantee of unique positioning eliminates the need for common hinge components and other auxiliary mechanical solutions typically used to guide the coupling between the two components of the box-like body.

[0027] Therefore, the protective device for cleaning medical instruments according to this invention is not only economical to manufacture, but also highly effective in ensuring the complete and correct interconnection of the two closing parts, and in particular avoids accidental misalignment that could impair the protective effect of the device itself.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the first and second components can be made of polymer materials, specifically, they can be made by injection molding of polymer materials. This solution is particularly advantageous and cost-effective, reducing production costs, increasing production efficiency, and enabling the manufacture of the desired shape in a cost-effective manner.

[0029] Therefore, leveraging the economic and operational advantages of polymer injection molding technology, it is possible to reduce production time and costs while ensuring the required mechanical and hydraulic resistance characteristics of the two components of the box-shaped body, and to improve component production efficiency. In fact, utilizing the inherent characteristics of injection molding, other auxiliary components, such as inserts, handles, quick connectors for securing component couplings, or quick connectors for anchoring electronic components in medical devices, can be co-molded in the same mold along with one or both of the aforementioned box-shaped components.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the polymer material can be a transparent polymer, particularly a transparent polymer with a transparency factor greater than 0.8. Specifically, optical polymers having the aforementioned transparent properties can be used. The transparency factor is the ratio of the intensity of radiation passing through an object to the total radiation intensity of the object; for example, for glass, its transparency factor is typically between 0.8 and 0.9. This solution is advantageous because the transparency allows for quick and convenient inspection of the interior.

[0031] Examples of available transparent polymers include polycarbonate (which is also particularly compatible with the cleaning conditions within the cleaning machine discussed) or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate).

[0032] Optionally, the polymer material may also be a natively opaque or processed to become opaque polymer, used in one of the first component and / or the second component and / or the other.

[0033] Therefore, it is possible that one of the first and second components is made of a transparent polymer, while the other is opaque or has been treated to become opaque. For example, the second component could be a transparent polymer for ease of inspection, while the first component could be a transparent or opaque polymer or a polymer that has been treated to become opaque.

[0034] Therefore, according to the exemplary embodiment, at least the aforementioned first component, and possibly also the second component, can be made of a transparent polymer, such as polycarbonate or PMMA. Polycarbonate has the advantage that, in addition to being injection moldable, it is a transparent polymer with transparency approaching that of glass, particularly with a transparency coefficient between 0.86 and 0.89; PMMA is also a transparent polymer with a transparency coefficient of 0.93, even higher than that of glass.

[0035] According to other embodiments, at least the second component, and possibly also the first component, may be made of a polyurethane material. This polyurethane material may also be transparent.

[0036] Furthermore, the possibility of making one or two of the components of the box body into a transparent polymer material (such as polycarbonate or PMMA) allows for effective control and inspection of the device's electronic components even after the box body has been closed.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first component and the second component include a pair of long sidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls to define a basic quadrilateral or rectangular macroscopic shape. In this configuration, both the first unique coupling segment and the second unique coupling segment define corresponding first and second oblique cuts, which are formed continuously between the long sidewalls and the adjacent short sidewalls, respectively.

[0038] Advantageously, the first and second unique coupling segments define at least one corresponding second oblique cut, which is continuously formed between the other long sidewall and the adjacent short sidewall. Therefore, the second oblique cut is substantially opposite to the first oblique cut, thereby reducing the diagonal space occupied by the box-shaped body, which can advantageously be smaller than the distance between the two short sides.

[0039] Therefore, the box-shaped body can be inserted into the cleaning equipment along the direction defined by the two beveled sections, and its total footprint is smaller than the space defined by the two shorter sides. This advantageous solution makes the protective device compatible with the cleaning chamber of virtually any type of commercial cleaning machine, especially where internal dimensions and volume are limited.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device of the present invention, at least one liquid-tight element may be provided, which is associated with the box-shaped body and configured to allow the tubular components of the device to be placed outside the box-shaped body, while ensuring the required liquid tightness of the accommodating chamber, thereby protecting the electronic components of the device.

[0041] Advantageously, the liquid-tight element includes a pair of seals that together define a common through-hole configured for the passage and reception of tubular components of the instrument.

[0042] In some preferred solutions of this invention, the first coupling edge and the second coupling edge each include a corresponding peripheral groove whose shape matches that of the liquid-tight element in order to achieve operative accommodation. Attached Figure Description

[0043] These and other aspects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, which are given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 The illustration schematically shows the protective device for cleaning endoscopic medical instruments, such as transesophageal probes or the like, according to the present invention in the closed state.

[0045] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The protection device is in the disconnected state.

[0046] Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 1 A plan view of the protective device.

[0047] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 1 Front view of the protective device.

[0048] Figure 5 In the diagram, A schematically shows Figure 1A schematic plan view of the first detail of the protective device, shown in Figure B. Figure 1 A second detailed plan view of the protective device.

[0049] It should be noted that the wording and terminology used in this specification, as well as the accompanying drawings, are solely for the purpose of better illustrating and explaining this utility model. Their function is to provide non-limiting examples of the utility model, and the actual scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0050] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible to identify the same common elements in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that elements and features in one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the device 10 according to this invention can be used to protect endoscopic medical devices such as transesophageal probes (shown as dashed lines in the figures, denoted as 100), particularly to protect their electronic components 110, and also allows for cleaning, heat sterilization, and drying of their tubular components or insertion tubes 120. These operations are typically performed in a dedicated cleaning machine (…). Figure 3 The cleaning process, shown in the middle section (reference numeral 200), takes place in a cleaning chamber. Therefore, the device 10 can serve as a receiving device to handle endoscopic devices or instruments in a protected manner.

[0052] The device 10 of this invention includes an openable and closable box-shaped body or container 11, which defines a receiving chamber 12 inside. When closed, the box-shaped body 11 is in a liquid-tight state, and the receiving chamber 12 formed inside can place the electronic components 110 of the aforementioned instrument 100 in a protected state isolated from the outside. These electronic components are typically not separable from the insertion tube 120 of the instrument to be cleaned.

[0053] The box-shaped body 11 consists of at least two interconnected components: a first (or lower) bottom component 13 for accommodating the portion of the electronic component 110 to be protected, and a second (or upper) closing component 14.

[0054] Figure 5 In the diagram, A is the second closing component 14, and B is the first bottom component 13. The first bottom component 13 and the second closing component 14 can be made into a housing with a matching shape.

[0055] In particular, the first component 13 and the second component 14 are selectively associated with each other in a closed state and a disconnected state, respectively. In the closed state, the second component 14 completely covers the first component 13, protecting the electronic components 110 (see [reference]) within the accommodating chamber 12. Figure 1 In the separated state (especially when spaced apart), the box-shaped body 11 opens, thereby allowing access to the receiving chamber 12 (see...). Figure 2This allows the electronic component 110 and the insertion tube 120 of the instrument to be cleaned 100 to be inserted together. In particular, the first component 13 and the second component 14 are separable and can be spaced apart from each other by simple linear translation without rotation, thus eliminating the need for a hinge mechanism and further reducing production costs. In fact, in the separated state, the first component 13 and the second component 14 are completely disconnected from each other.

[0056] In this case, the first component 13 and the second component 14 can be defined by corresponding pairs of short sidewalls 15a, 16a and long sidewalls 15b, 16b, and opposing base walls 17, 18, in which case the base walls serve as the bottom wall and the top wall, respectively (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0057] The assembly between the short sidewall 15a and the long sidewall 15b of the first component 13 together defines a lower coupling edge 19, which also defines at least one first unique coupling segment 21, in this example two opposing first unique coupling segments 21. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each first unique coupling segment 21 is specifically embodied as a corresponding bevel 23, each bevel 23 being continuously formed between the corresponding short sidewall 15a and long sidewall 15b.

[0058] Similarly, the short sidewall 16a and long sidewall 16b of the second component 14 together form an upper coupling edge 20 in a substantially mirror-image correspondence, which defines two opposing second unique coupling segments 22. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each second unique coupling segment 22 is specifically embodied as a corresponding chamfer 24, and each chamfer 23 is continuously formed between the corresponding short sidewall 16a and long sidewall 16b.

[0059] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the box-shaped body 11 is constructed as a portable case. As previously described, the first component 13 and the second component 14, which can be made into a shape-matched shell, may include semi-handles 25a and 25b protruding from the respective long sidewalls 15b and 16b, respectively. When the two components 13 and 14 are in the closed state, the semi-handles 25a and 25b together form a complete handle 25. Alternatively, the handle 25 may also be provided on the top of the second component 14.

[0060] According to this invention, the first component 13 and the second component 14 are made of polymer by injection molding, for example using a universal mold. This solution is efficient, economical, productive, and reliable.

[0061] The polymer materials used in the first component 13 and the second component 14 can be of the same type or different types. For example, a transparent polymer material can be used in both the first component 13 and the second component 14; an opaque or treated opaque polymer material can also be used in the first component 13 and possibly in the second component 14. Therefore, a transparent polymer material or an opaque or treated opaque polymer material can be used.

[0062] In particular, polymeric materials can therefore be used, such as transparent polymers with a transparency factor greater than 0.8. For example, optical polymers, such as polycarbonate or PMMA, can be used. Polycarbonate is particularly suitable for the cleaning conditions of the aforementioned cleaning machine. Alternatively, polyurethane-based polymeric materials, which can be selected to be transparent or opaque, can also be used, for example.

[0063] In one example, the second component 14 and possibly the first component 13 may be made of a transparent polymer by injection molding, such as polycarbonate or PMMA, which allows for visual inspection of the accommodating chamber 12 even when the two components 13, 14 of the box-shaped body 11 are closed.

[0064] Optionally, the first component 13 may be made of a transparent polymer material (such as the material described above) or an opaque polymer material by injection molding.

[0065] Different implementations can be combined with each other. In one example, the first component 13 may be an opaque polymer material, either naturally or after treatment to become opaque, while the second component 14 may be a transparent polymer material. For example, the first component 13 may use polyurethane or opaque polycarbonate, and the second component 14 may use transparent polycarbonate or PMMA. In one specific example, at least the second component 14 is made of transparent polycarbonate. In another example, both the first component 13 and the second component 14 may be made of transparent polymers, such as both polycarbonate or PMMA. Those skilled in the art can conceive of other examples by combining polymer types and transparent and opaque properties, depending on the requirements of injection molding the first component 13 and the second component 14.

[0066] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the peripheral sealing gasket 26 is connected to the lower edge 19, which is made of silicone, elastomer, or a similar material. The peripheral sealing gasket 26 is used to ensure the required liquid tightness. In fact, the sealing ring 26 is configured to seal and couple with the upper edge 20 when the two components 13 and 14 of the box-shaped body 11 are closed.

[0067] Furthermore, the box-shaped body 11 is equipped with four sets of sealing coupling mechanisms, typically designated 27. These mechanisms generally consist of a lever system fixed to the long sidewall 15b of the first component 13, which can selectively cooperate with corresponding hook grooves provided one by one on the long sidewall 16b of the second component 14. The dimensions, configuration, and mutual rotation radius of the lever system, combined with the specific positions of the coupling grooves, ensure that the sealing coupling mechanism 27 provides the expected coupling tension when both components 13 and 14 are closed, thereby achieving optimal sealing of the peripheral sealing ring 26.

[0068] Obviously, in addition to the four sets of sealing coupling mechanisms, other solutions can be adopted, such as screws, elastic elements, racks, etc., to ensure the required mutual closing tension of the two components 13 and 14 of the box-shaped body 11.

[0069] In addition, in some embodiments, a support foot 28 and a positioning shape 29 may be provided on the first component 13, which serves as the support base of the device 10, to ensure that the instrument 100 to be cleaned can achieve a unique and carefully considered positioning.

[0070] The box-shaped body 11 is also provided with an opening 30, which is defined by a lower groove 30a on the lower edge 19 of the first component 13 and a corresponding upper groove 30b on the upper edge 20 of the second component 14. A liquid-tight element 31 is associated with the opening 30, which is configured to receive a tubular component 120 of the device 100, so that it extends out of the box-shaped body 11 while maintaining a liquid-tight state.

[0071] The liquid-tight element 31 includes a first seal 31a associated with a groove 30a on the lower edge 19 and a second seal 31b associated with a groove 30b on the upper edge 20. The first seal 31a and the second seal 31b together define a through hole 32 in the coupled state, through which a tubular component 120 of the device 100 is received.

[0072] For example, to meet the needs of instrument 100 or cleaning operations, additional openings may be provided on the box-shaped body 11 to allow other tubular components 120, external probes, supply or control elements, etc., to pass through. In these alternatives, there is always a corresponding liquid-tight element designed and shaped to protect the accommodating chamber 12 from the ingress of water or general moisture, thereby protecting the electronic components 110 of instrument 100.

[0073] Obviously, modifications and / or additions may be made to the aforementioned device 10 without departing from the scope and field of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0074] Obviously, although this invention has been described by specific examples, those skilled in the art can certainly implement other equivalent forms of protective devices for cleaning endoscopic medical instruments such as transesophageal probes or the like, as long as they have the features described in the claims, and thus fall within the scope of protection defined in the claims.

[0075] In the following claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are for ease of reading only and should not be regarded as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A protective device (10) for cleaning an endoscopic medical device (100), such as a transesophageal probe or the like, said device (100) having a tubular component (120) to be cleaned, one end of which is provided with an electronic component (110) to be protected, said protective device (10) comprising a closed, liquid-tight box-shaped body (11) defining a receiving chamber (12) therein for housing said electronic component (110) in a protected state isolated from the outside, said box-shaped body (11) being composed of a slab for housing said electronic component. The component (110) comprises a first bottom component (13) and a second closing component (14) configured to be selectively coupled to the first bottom component (13), and is selectively in a closed state or a separated state: in the closed state, the second closing component (14) completely covers the first bottom component (13), protecting the electronic components (110) within the accommodating chamber (12); in the separated state, the second closing component (14) is spaced apart from the first bottom component (13), and the accommodating chamber (12) is allowed to be entered; characterized in that, The first bottom component (13) includes a first coupling edge (19) having at least one first unique coupling segment (21), and the second closing component (14) includes a second coupling edge (20) configured to selectively couple with the first coupling edge (19), the second coupling edge (20) having at least one second unique coupling segment (22), the second unique coupling segment (22) being configured to uniquely and matchingly engage with the first unique coupling segment (21) by shape-matching coupling.

2. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first bottom component (13) and the second closing component (14) are made of polymer material by injection molding.

3. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, At least for the second closing component (14), and optionally for the first bottom component (13), the polymer material is transparent, particularly with a transparency factor greater than 0.

8.

4. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The transparent polymer material is an optical polymer.

5. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The first bottom component (13) is made of a transparent polymer, particularly polycarbonate or PMMA, or an opaque polymer material by injection molding.

6. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The second closing component (14) is made of a transparent polymer, particularly polycarbonate or PMMA.

7. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bottom member (13) and the second closing member (14) each comprise a pair of long sidewalls (15b, 16b) and a pair of short sidewalls (15a, 16a), characterized in that, Each of the first and second unique coupling segments (21, 22) defines at least one corresponding first oblique cut (23, 24), the first oblique cut (23, 24) being continuously formed between a long sidewall (15b, 16b) and an adjacent short sidewall (15a, 16a).

8. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the first and second unique coupling segments (21, 22) defines at least one corresponding second oblique cut (23, 24), which is continuously formed between another long sidewall (15b, 16b) and an adjacent short sidewall (15a, 16a).

9. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes at least one liquid-tight element (31) associated with the box-shaped body (11), the liquid-tight element (31) being configured to allow the tubular component (120) of the device (100) to be placed outside the box-shaped body (11).

10. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The liquid-tight element (31) includes a first seal (31a) associated with the first coupling edge (19) and a second seal (31b) associated with the second coupling edge (20), the first seal (31a) and the second seal (31b) together defining a through hole (32) configured for passage of the tubular component (120) of the instrument (100).

11. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The first coupling edge (19) and the second coupling edge (20) each include a corresponding peripheral groove (30a, 30b), which are configured to collectively define at least one opening (30) that matches the shape of the liquid-tight element (31).

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