Electrode welding jig

Abstract

An electrode welding jig includes a base, a fixing cover and a fixing rod. The base has a first surface, a first slot, a second slot and a bearing seat. The first slot, the second slot and the bearing seat are formed on the first surface, and the bearing seat is located between the first slot and the second slot. The fixing cover has an opening and a clamping portion, the fixing cover covers the base, and the clamping portion is located in the opening, wherein the opening exposes the bearing seat, part of the first slot and part of the second slot, the clamping portion is located between the first slot and the bearing seat, and the clamping portion is suitable for clamping an annular electrode. The fixing rod has a long rod portion and a short rod portion, wherein the axial directions of the long rod portion and the short rod portion are perpendicular to each other, the long rod portion has a wire fixing end, and the short rod portion is located at the wire fixing end of the long rod portion, wherein the fixing rod is placed in the second slot and is limited by the fixing cover, the short rod portion bears on the bearing seat, and the long rod portion is inclined relative to the first surface, so that the annular electrode clamped by the clamping portion is in close contact with an electrode wire arranged in the annular electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a welding fixture, and more particularly to an electrode welding fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Implantable medical devices (IMDs) can be implanted into the human body for various treatments. For example, an implantable electrical stimulation device can provide electrical stimulation to a patient via electrodes, such as by stimulating nerves, muscles, brain tissue, or other tissues within the patient's body, to alleviate various symptoms or diseases. An electrical stimulation device may include an electrical stimulation generator (IPG: implantable pulse generator) and leads. The electrical stimulation generator is electrically connected to the leads, which have electrodes. The electrical stimulation device, through the electrodes on the leads, is placed close to organs such as the spinal cord, pelvic nerves, gastrointestinal organs, peripheral nerves, or the brain to provide electrical stimulation. Doctors can select electrical stimulation parameters to provide treatment to the patient via the device. These parameters include selecting one or more electrodes, selecting the polarity of the electrodes, the voltage or current value (such as amplitude), pulse width, and duty cycle.

[0003] Electrodes on a lead can take various forms, such as rings, paddles, and partially ringed electrodes. Taking a ring electrode as an example, multiple ring electrodes are individually positioned at the proximal and distal ends of the lead. The proximal ring electrode can be connected to an electrical stimulation generating device, while the distal ring electrode contacts the tissue. The lead has a cavity within which multiple electrode wires are placed. Each electrode wire connects a proximal ring electrode to a distal ring electrode, typically by welding (laser welding or resistance welding).

[0004] Because the conductors, electrode wires, and loop electrodes are all extremely small, and the more loop electrodes there are (i.e., the more electrode wires there are), the more complex the internal structure of the conductor becomes. Therefore, it is very easy to fail when welding loop electrodes to electrode wires. If the welding of one loop electrode to an electrode wire fails, the entire conductor may have to be discarded. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an electrode welding fixture that is easy to weld.

[0006] An electrode welding fixture of the present invention includes a base, a fixing cover, and a fixing rod. The base has a first surface, a first groove, a second groove, and a support seat. The first groove, the second groove, and the support seat are formed on the first surface, and the support seat is located between the first groove and the second groove. The fixing cover is fitted onto the base and has an opening and a clamping portion. The clamping portion is located within the opening, wherein the opening exposes the support seat, a portion of the first groove, and a portion of the second groove, and the clamping portion is located between the first groove and the support seat, and the clamping portion is adapted to clamp an annular electrode. The fixing rod has a long rod portion and a short rod portion, wherein the axial directions of the long rod portion and the short rod portion are perpendicular to each other, the long rod portion has a wire fixing end, and the short rod portion is located at the wire fixing end of the long rod portion, wherein the fixing rod is placed in the second groove and limited by the fixing cover, the short rod portion rests on the support seat, and the long rod portion is inclined relative to the first surface so that the annular electrode clamped by the clamping portion is in close contact with the electrode wire passing through the annular electrode.

[0007] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the clamping portion is an arc shape adapted to the ring electrode.

[0008] In one embodiment, the wire fixing end described above has an arcuate groove for accommodating the electrode wire.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aforementioned fixed end of the line is a trapezoid that is symmetrical from left to right.

[0010] In one embodiment, the width of the aforementioned short rod portion is greater than the inner diameter of the annular electrode.

[0011] In one embodiment, the base has a first positioning structure, and the fixing cover has a second positioning structure. When the fixing cover is closed on the base, the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure interfere with each other to position the fixing cover on the base. One of the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure is a protrusion, and the other is an opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, the base further includes a first magnet, and the fixing cover further includes a second magnet. When the fixing cover is closed on the base, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other to position the fixing cover on the base.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electrode welding fixture further includes a third magnet disposed on a second surface of the base opposite to the first surface. The third magnet is disposed on the base corresponding to the free end of the long rod, and the magnetic force of the third magnet attracts the free end of the long rod.

[0014] In one embodiment, the aforementioned support protrudes from the first surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aforementioned support seat is formed by the height difference between the first surface and the bottom of the second groove.

[0016] Based on the above, in the electrode welding fixture of the present invention, the annular electrode can be clamped by the clamping part, and the fixing rod is used to make the electrode wire passing through the annular electrode in close contact with the annular electrode, so that the annular electrode and the electrode wire can be welded easily and conveniently.

[0017] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the annular electrode and electrode wire placed in the electrode welding fixture of this embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an electrode welding fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the base of the electrode welding fixture.

[0021] Figure 4A for Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram.

[0022] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the support seat.

[0023] Figure 5A This is a top view of the fixed cover.

[0024] Figure 5B This is a top view of the fixed cover.

[0025] Figure 5C This is a cross-sectional view of the fixed cover.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode welding fixture.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed rod.

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional diagram of the A-A' section line.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the fixing rod placed on the base.

[0030] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0031] Component Symbol Explanation

[0032] 1: Electrode welding fixture

[0033] 2: Ring electrode

[0034] 3: Electrode wire

[0035] 11: Base

[0036] 111: First Surface

[0037] 112: First slot

[0038] 113: Second slot

[0039] 114, 114': Support seat

[0040] 115: First positioning structure

[0041] 116: First Magnet

[0042] 117: Second Surface

[0043] 12: Fixed cover

[0044] 121: Opening

[0045] 122: Clamping part

[0046] 123: Second positioning structure

[0047] 124: The Second Magnet

[0048] 13: Fixed rod

[0049] 131: Long pole section

[0050] 131a: Wire fixing end

[0051] 131b: Arc-shaped groove

[0052] 131c: Free End

[0053] 132: Short shaft section

[0054] 14: The Third Magnet

[0055] X1, X2: Axial direction

[0056] G: Direction of gravity

[0057] D: Inner diameter Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the placement of the annular electrode and electrode wire in the electrode welding fixture of this embodiment. The electrode welding fixture 1 of this embodiment is used to clamp the annular electrode 2 and fix the electrode wire 3 in close contact with the annular electrode 2, facilitating the welding of the annular electrode 2 and the electrode wire 3 to form a conductor.

[0059] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of an electrode welding fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the base of the electrode welding fixture, and Figure 4A for Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram. Please also refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4A The electrode welding fixture 1 includes a base 11, a fixing cover 12, and a fixing rod 13.

[0060] The base 11 has a first surface 111, a first groove 112, a second groove 113, and a support 114. The first groove 112, the second groove 113, and the support 114 are formed on the first surface 111, wherein the support 114 is located between the first groove 112 and the second groove 113. In this embodiment, the first groove 112, the second groove 113, and the support 114 are all formed in a manner that protrudes from the first surface 111, but this is not a limitation. Those skilled in the art can, according to their needs and with appropriate design, form all or part of the first groove 112, the second groove 113, and the support 114 into a structure recessed into the first surface 111, and achieve the same technical effect.

[0061] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the support. Please refer to... Figure 4B In another embodiment, the support seat 114' may not protrude from the first surface 111, but is defined by the height difference between the bottom of the first surface 111 and the bottom of the second groove 113. Furthermore, the height of the bottom of the first groove 112 is also lower than the height of the bottom of the second groove 113.

[0062] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aforementioned fixing cover 12 is used to cover the base 11 to fix the annular electrode 2. The fixing cover 12 has an opening 121 and a clamping part 122, which is located inside the opening 121. When the fixing cover 12 is closed on the base 11, the opening 121 exposes the support seat 114, a portion of the first groove 112 and a portion of the second groove 113, and the clamping part 122 is located between the first groove 112 and the support seat 114. The clamping part 122 is used to clamp and fix the annular electrode 2 placed on the base 11.

[0063] Figure 5A This is the top view of the fixed cover, and Figure 5B This is a top view of the fixed cover. Please also refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe aforementioned base 11 has a first positioning structure 115, and in this embodiment, the first positioning structure 115 is a protrusion; the aforementioned fixing cover 12 has a second positioning structure 123, and in this embodiment, the second positioning structure 123 is an opening. Figure 2 As shown, when the fixing cover 12 is placed on the base 11, the first positioning structure 115 and the second positioning structure 123 interfere with each other to position the fixing cover 12 on the base 11. Although this embodiment uses the first positioning structure 115 as a protrusion and the second positioning structure 123 as an opening as an example, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can change the structural design of the first positioning structure 115 and the second positioning structure 123 to achieve the same positioning effect. For example, the first positioning structure 115 can be an opening and the second positioning structure 123 can be a protrusion. The opening mentioned here can be a through hole or a blind hole, and the protrusion is only used to describe the shape of the positioning structure. However, other similar objects, such as ribs, can also achieve the same positioning effect. In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first positioning structure 115 and the second positioning structure 123 is two, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0064] By interfering with each other through the positioning structures, the fixed cover 12 can be restricted to moving only along the Z direction relative to the base 11.

[0065] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode welding fixture. Please refer to it. Figure 5A and Figure 6 The base 11 further includes a first magnet 116, and the fixing cover 12 further includes a second magnet 124. When the fixing cover 12 is closed on the base 11, the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 124 magnetically attract each other to position the fixing cover 12 on the base 11. In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 124 is two, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] The magnetic attraction of the magnet not only allows the fixing cover 12 to be easily positioned on the base 11, but also further restricts the ability of the fixing cover 12 to move relative to the base 11 along the Z direction. Specifically, a force greater than the magnetic attraction force is required to remove the fixing cover 12 from the base 11.

[0067] The positioning method of the fixed cover 12 and the base 11 can be set by selecting one of the above-mentioned positioning structures and magnets, or the positioning structure and magnet can be set at the same time. Furthermore, the first positioning structure and the first magnet can be set at the base at the same time, and the second positioning structure and the second magnet can be set at the fixed cover at the same time. When the fixed cover is closed on the base, the centers of each first positioning structure, the first magnet, the corresponding second positioning structure, and the corresponding second magnet are located on the same axis.

[0068] Figure 5C This is a cross-sectional view of the fixed cover. Please refer to it. Figure 5C In particular, in order to properly hold the annular electrode 2, the cross-section of the clamping part 122 is formed into an arc shape, and this arc shape is adapted to the outer contour of the annular electrode 2.

[0069] The aforementioned fixing cover 12 can be made of galvanized iron or stainless steel, such as SUS304.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed rod, and Figure 8 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional diagram of section line A-A'. Please also refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The fixing rod 13 has a long rod portion 131 and a short rod portion 132, wherein the axial direction X1 of the long rod portion 131 and the axial direction X2 of the short rod portion 132 are perpendicular to each other. The long rod portion 131 has a wire fixing end 131a, and the short rod portion 132 is located at the wire fixing end 131a of the long rod portion 131. The fixing rod 13 also has an arc-shaped groove 131b for accommodating the electrode wire 3, so that the electrode wire 3 can be initially positioned in the arc-shaped groove 131b.

[0071] The length of the arc-shaped groove 131b that it occupies on the fixing rod 13 can be determined according to requirements. Specifically, the arc-shaped groove 131b may be formed only in a part of the fixing rod 13 along the axial direction X1, for example, formed at the wire fixing end 131a, or the arc-shaped groove 131b may extend through the entire length of the fixing rod 13 along the axial direction X1. In one embodiment, the fixing rod 13 may not be provided with the arc-shaped groove 131b, and the electrode wire 3 may be fixed by the clamping of the fixing rod 13 and the annular electrode 2.

[0072] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the wire fixing end 131a is approximately a trapezoid with bilateral symmetry. This shape is more suitable for the shape of the annular electrode 2, allowing the electrode wire 3 to be in closer contact with the annular electrode 2. In addition, the length of the short rod portion 132 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the annular electrode 2, which facilitates its positioning within the annular electrode 2.

[0073] The aforementioned long rod portion 131 can be made of a material that is not easily fused to the electrode wire 3, such as ceramic or stainless steel, like SU430. The short rod portion 132 can be made of stainless steel, such as SU430.

[0074] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the fixing rod placed on the base. Please also refer to... Figure 8 and Figure 9The electrode welding fixture 1 also includes a third magnet 14, which is disposed on the second surface 117 of the base 11 opposite the first surface 111. The third magnet 14 is disposed on the base 11 corresponding to the free end 131c of the long rod portion 131, and the magnetic force of the third magnet 14 attracts the long rod portion 131, so that the wire fixing end 131a of the long rod portion 131 can be raised relative to the free end 131c of the long rod portion 131.

[0075] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section. Please also refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 When welding using the electrode welding fixture 1 of this embodiment, first remove the fixing cover 12 relative to the base 11.

[0076] After the electrode wire 3 passes through the annular electrode 2, the annular electrode 2 is placed in the first groove 112, and a part of the annular electrode 2 protrudes outside the first groove 112, wherein the electrode wire 3 and the annular electrode 2 located at the short rod portion 132 of the fixing rod 13 are welded.

[0077] Next, the fixing cover 12 is placed on the base 11, wherein the second positioning structure 123 of the fixing cover 12 and the first positioning structure 115 of the base 11 interfere with each other to initially restrict the position of the fixing cover 12 relative to the base 11, so that the fixing cover 12 will not move in the planar direction relative to the base 11.

[0078] Furthermore, the fixing cover 12 is fixed to the base 11 by the magnetic attraction of the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 124, and the fixing cover 12 is not easy to move relative to the base 11 along the direction of gravity G or in the opposite direction without the application of other external forces.

[0079] It is worth mentioning that, such as Figure 8 As shown, since the cross-sectional shape of the clamping part 122 of the fixing cover 12 is formed to conform to the arc shape of the annular electrode 2, when the fixing cover 12 is closed on the base 11, the clamping part 122 of the fixing cover 12 can apply uniform pressure to the annular electrode 2 to be welded, avoid the annular electrode 2 from being deformed due to uneven force, and at the same time, it can also prevent the annular electrode 2 from being tilted when fixed, which would cause uneven force during welding.

[0080] In addition, the length of the short rod portion 132 is slightly larger than the inner diameter D of the annular electrode 2, so as to position the annular electrode 2.

[0081] Meanwhile, the fixing rod 13 is placed in the second groove 113 and is limited by the fixing cover 12, so the fixing rod 13 cannot be removed from the base 11. In addition, by the short rod portion 132 resting on the support seat 114, the height difference between the support seat 114 and the bottom of the second groove 113 causes the long rod portion 131 to be inclined relative to the first surface 111. The wire fixing end 131a of the long rod portion 131 is raised, thereby causing the electrode wire 3, which passes through the annular electrode 2 and is placed in the arc-shaped groove 131b of the wire fixing end 131a, to come into contact with the annular electrode 2 held by the clamping portion 122. Furthermore, the attraction of the third magnet 14 to the free end 131c of the long rod portion 131 not only fixes the inclined state of the fixing rod 13, but also makes the electrode wire 3 and the annular electrode 2 in closer contact.

[0082] Subsequently, the operator can easily and conveniently weld the annular electrode 2 and the electrode wire 3 through the opening 121.

[0083] After one annular electrode 2 is welded to the electrode wire 3, the above steps are repeated to weld the next annular electrode 2 to the electrode wire 3. In this way, a wire with multiple annular electrodes 2 can be formed.

[0084] In summary, the electrode welding fixture of the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, easy operation and assembly. Furthermore, using the electrode welding fixture of the present invention, the ring electrode can be well fixed and clamped by the clamping part, and the fixing rod is used to ensure that the electrode wire passing through the ring electrode is in close contact with the ring electrode. Therefore, the operator can easily and conveniently weld the ring electrode and the electrode wire to form a conductor.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrode welding fixture, characterized in that, include: The base has a first surface, a first groove, a second groove, and a support seat, wherein the first groove, the second groove, and the support seat are formed on the first surface, and the support seat is located between the first groove and the second groove. A fixing cover having an opening and a clamping portion, the fixing cover being fitted onto the base, the clamping portion being located within the opening, wherein the opening exposes the support seat, a portion of the first groove and a portion of the second groove, the clamping portion being located between the first groove and the support seat, the clamping portion being adapted to clamp an annular electrode; A fixing rod has a long rod portion and a short rod portion, wherein the axial directions of the long rod portion and the short rod portion are perpendicular to each other. The long rod portion has a wire fixing end, and the short rod portion is located at the wire fixing end of the long rod portion. The wire fixing end has an arc-shaped groove for accommodating electrode wires. The fixing rod is placed in the second groove and limited by the fixing cover. The short rod rests on the support seat, and the long rod is inclined relative to the first surface, so that the annular electrode held by the clamping part is in close contact with the electrode wire passing through the annular electrode. as well as A third magnet is disposed on the second surface of the base opposite to the first surface. The third magnet is disposed on the base corresponding to the free end of the long rod, and the magnetic force of the third magnet attracts the free end of the long rod.

2. The electrode welding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the clamping part is an arc shape adapted to the annular electrode.

3. The electrode welding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the fixed end of the line is a trapezoid that is symmetrical from left to right.

4. The electrode welding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the short rod is greater than the inner diameter of the annular electrode.

5. The electrode welding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has a first positioning structure, the fixing cover has a second positioning structure, and when the fixing cover is closed on the base, the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure interfere with each other to position the fixing cover on the base.

6. The electrode welding fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, One of the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure is a protrusion, and the other of the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure is an opening.

7. The electrode welding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base also includes a first magnet, and the fixing cover also includes a second magnet. When the fixing cover is closed on the base, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other to position the fixing cover on the base.

8. The electrode welding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support seat protrudes from the first surface.

9. The electrode welding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support seat is formed by the height difference between the first surface and the bottom of the second groove.

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