Device comprising components and plug for blood pump

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a device comprising a component for a blood pump and a plug, wherein the component has a receptacle for detachably receiving the plug in order to establish an electrical connection with the blood pump. The plug has a coupling portion arranged at the tip of the plug and insertable into the receptacle. Furthermore, the socket comprises an electrically insulating socket housing having a housing inlet and a housing interior connected to the housing inlet for receiving the coupling portion, in which an extension channel from the housing inlet to the housing interior defines an insertion direction of the plug. Furthermore, the socket comprises a locking unit designed to detachably lock the plug inserted into the socket, where the locking unit is designed to lock the plug within the socket housing without limiting rotation of the plug about the insertion direction within the socket housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical technology, in particular to the field of heart assist systems and electrical equipment manufacturing. Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, heart assist systems with blood pumps for maintaining blood circulation are known. Many such pumps, such as ventricular assist device (VAD) pumps, are at least partially implantable and also removable, allowing the person using such a system to move around at least to a certain extent.

[0003] In order to control the blood pump and provide it with electrical energy, the blood pump is usually connected to an external component (such as a control device). The electrical connection between the blood pump and the external component is achieved by a connecting cable (called "Driveline" in English). In order to be able to replace the component used (for example due to a component failure), the connecting cable is electrically and mechanically connected to the component via a detachable plug connection. Since the blood pump has a vital function for the patient, high requirements are placed on this plug connection. Therefore, this plug connection must not only be able to achieve a reliable electrical connection between the component and the blood pump, but also must include a mechanical locking device to prevent the connecting cable from being accidentally separated from the component. In addition, the design of this plug connection should be able to be connected and disconnected repeatedly. At the same time, it must be ensured that the inserted components can be cleaned and disinfected.

[0004] Separable connection systems are known from the prior art.

[0005] For example, U.S. patent application US2021 / 0361932 A1 describes systems and methods for connectivity in medical device systems.

[0006] US Patent No. 10,953,145 discloses a connector arrangement for connecting an external power source to an implantable medical device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved connection device between a blood pump and a component for the blood pump.

[0008] The device includes a component for a blood pump and a plug, wherein the component includes a socket for detachably receiving the plug to establish an electrical connection with the blood pump. The plug has a coupling portion at its distal end that is insertable into the socket. The socket itself includes an electrically insulating socket housing, which includes a housing inlet and an interior space connected to the housing inlet and adapted to receive the coupling portion. A passage extending from the housing inlet to the interior space defines an insertion direction for the plug. The socket also includes a locking unit designed to detachably lock the plug inserted into the socket. The locking unit is designed to lock the plug within the socket housing without restricting rotation of the plug within the socket housing about the insertion direction.

[0009] The plug and socket form a connection. As described above, the locking unit is designed to preferably mechanically secure the plug within the socket to prevent it from being accidentally removed from the socket, thereby improving the operational safety of the connection. The phrase "the locking unit is designed to lock the plug within the socket housing without restricting rotation of the plug within the socket housing about the insertion direction" means that the plug can be rotated within the socket within any angular range about its insertion direction.

[0010] The inventors have recognized that a hitherto unresolved medical problem is the avoidance of so-called drive line infection. A drive line infection refers to an infection of the tissue surrounding the drive line's exit point in the patient's body. The likelihood of a drive line infection increases when the connecting cable is subjected to numerous movements, such as rotation and twisting. Through research work, the inventors have recognized that rotation and twisting of the connecting cable can be reduced if the plug of the connecting cable can be freely rotated about the insertion direction when inserted and locked. In this way, when the patient operates a component for the blood pump, the plug can rotate accordingly in the socket according to the relative movement of the component relative to the patient's body, thereby reducing rotation or twisting of the connecting cable at the exit point into the patient's body. At the same time, operational safety is maintained by mechanically locking the plug in the socket.

[0011] Other possible implementations of the device will be described below.

[0012] In one embodiment, the component may be a control device configured to output a control signal and / or provide electrical energy for driving the blood pump via a socket. Alternatively, the component may be a power supply unit configured to provide electrical energy for driving the blood pump via a socket.

[0013] In another embodiment, the connection area of ​​the plug can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the insertion direction. This rotationally symmetrical design is a simple design option that simplifies the manufacture of the plug. In addition, it reduces friction when the plug is rotated in the socket.

[0014] In one embodiment, the coupling portion of the plug may include a (preferably electrically insulating) locking portion. Furthermore, the locking unit may include a locking element that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and, in the locked position, partially extends into an extension channel of the housing inlet and is designed to engage the locking portion of the plug when the plug is inserted, thereby preventing the plug from being removed. Various methods exist for locking the plug while ensuring that it can rotate in the socket. This implementation of the locking unit may be particularly suitable for preventing the plug from being accidentally removed from the socket.

[0015] In a variation of this embodiment, the locking portion may further include one or more lateral projections that at least partially surround the coupling portion in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction and are arranged so that, when the plug is inserted, the projections engage with the locking element in the locked position. The one or more projections should be arranged around the coupling portion so that they remain engaged by the locking element even if the plug is rotated at any angle relative to the socket. For example, the one or more projections may be a single projection that annularly surrounds the coupling portion.

[0016] In another variation of this embodiment, the locking portion may include a bearing surface that at least partially surrounds the coupling portion relative to the plug insertion direction. This bearing surface is arranged on the side of the one or more protrusions facing away from the plug tip. This may be advantageous in order to reduce friction of the locking element within the locking portion, thereby facilitating rotation of the plug in the socket. The bearing surface may extend over the entire circumference of the coupling portion. Alternatively, the bearing surface may be interrupted in sections, for example, by having one or more grooves. However, the design of these grooves should ensure that the locked plug remains rotatable in the socket, and that, for example, the locking element cannot completely or partially engage in one or more grooves.

[0017] In a variant of this embodiment, the bearing surface and the projection can, for example, be designed as part of a groove which surrounds the coupling part with respect to the insertion direction.

[0018] In another variation of this embodiment, the locking element may have a flat plate-shaped portion that is arranged transversely (preferably perpendicularly) to the insertion direction and includes a locking tongue edge, wherein the portion of the locking tongue edge that engages with the locking portion of the plug has a curved profile that extends into the extension channel of the housing inlet when the locking element is in the locked position. The curved profile of the locking tongue edge can reduce the force required to rotate the plug in the socket. The curved profile of the locking tongue edge can preferably be concave with respect to the locking tongue, that is, the connecting line between two points on the curved profile does not pass through the locking tongue. In one embodiment, the curved profile can additionally or alternatively have an arc segment of at least 120°, at least 160°, or at least 180°.

[0019] In another embodiment, the locking tongue edge may be the outer edge of the flat plate-shaped portion. For example, the locking tongue edge may be formed by a U-shaped groove in the flat plate-shaped portion to allow the plug to pass through. Alternatively, the flat plate-shaped portion may include a through hole for the plug to pass through, and the curved locking tongue edge may be formed by the edge of the through hole. The through hole may be designed to be elliptical, and the locking tongue edge may have two semicircular portions of equal radius, connected by two straight sections.

[0020] In another embodiment of the locking element having a flat plate-shaped portion, the flat plate-shaped portion may include an end surface oriented toward the housing inlet, and a transition portion between the end surface and the edge of the locking tongue may include a bevel. The bevel enables the locking element to temporarily move from the locked position to the unlocked position when the plug is inserted, or simplifies such movement, thereby facilitating insertion of the plug into the socket.

[0021] In another variant of this embodiment, the locking unit can additionally or alternatively comprise a reset unit which is designed to fix the locking element in the locked position when no external force is acting.

[0022] In another embodiment, the component may include an operating element connected to the locking unit, and the locking unit may be designed to unlock when the operating element is operated. In a variant of this embodiment (which also includes a reset unit), the locking unit may be designed to resist the force generated by the reset unit when the operating element is operated in order to move the locking tongue to the unlocked position. This may be advantageous because it provides a comfortable way for the patient or other user of the component to unlock the plug in the socket.

[0023] In another embodiment, one or more electrical contact elements may be arranged in each of the connection portion and the housing interior for establishing an electrical connection between the component and the plug.

[0024] In a variant of this embodiment, the one or more electrical contact elements can be arranged between the housing inlet and the locking unit in the socket, or on a side of the locking unit facing away from the housing inlet. The arrangement of the locking portion and the electrical contact elements along the plug coupling part can be realized accordingly.

[0025] In another variation of this embodiment, the electrical contact elements of the plug can be arranged on the outside of the coupling portion, while the contact elements of the socket can be arranged in a (preferably partially cylindrical) portion of the housing interior. Alternatively, the coupling portion of the plug can be designed in the form of a hollow cylinder with a hollow cylindrical opening in the insertion direction, and the contact elements of the plug can be arranged within this hollow cylinder. In this case, the socket includes pins, and the contact elements of the socket are arranged on the surface of these pins.

[0026] In another variant, the contact elements can be arranged sequentially on or within the plug and within the socket along the insertion direction. Furthermore, the contact elements can be designed as contact surfaces on the plug and as spring-loaded contact tips on the socket, or vice versa. The spring-loaded contact tips can be, for example, ring-shaped spring contacts or pin-shaped spring contacts.

[0027] In a variant of this embodiment, the plug may include a plug sealing element in the coupling portion, and a socket sealing element may be arranged between the housing inlet and one or more electrical contact elements of the socket, the socket sealing element being designed to interact with the plug sealing element when the plug is inserted to prevent liquids and / or particles from entering the housing interior. The sealing element of the plug may also be designed, for example, as an annular seal, while the sealing element of the socket may be designed as a sealing bearing surface, or vice versa.

[0028] In one implementation of this variant, a sealing element of the socket can be arranged between the housing inlet and the locking unit. This helps to protect not only the electrical contact elements but also the locking unit from particles and liquids.

[0029] In another embodiment, the interior space of the housing may include a stop surface for limiting insertion of the plug into the socket housing, the stop surface being oriented toward the housing inlet, and the plug may include at least one lateral projection having an end surface oriented toward the tip of the plug, the end surface abutting against the stop surface when the plug is inserted. The stop surface may, for example, be oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0030] In a variant of this embodiment, the stop surface can be realized, for example, by an interface between two adjacent portions of the housing interior, the two portions having different diameters, wherein the portion with the larger diameter is arranged closer to the housing inlet. The protrusion of the plug can be the same protrusion as the protrusion of the locking area.

[0031] As an alternative or in addition, the plug can also have an optically visible marking, by means of which it can be determined whether the plug has been fully inserted into the socket.

[0032] In a variation of this embodiment, the end face of the projection may have a bevel, which at least partially surrounds the end face from the side. This can simplify the operation of inserting the plug into the socket.

[0033] In another embodiment of the device, the device can include a blood pump and a connecting cable, which includes a plug and via which the blood pump can be electrically connected to the component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Next, a specific embodiment of the device consisting of components and plugs will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an overview of the contents shown in the accompanying drawings will be given.

[0035] Figure 1 A device is shown, comprising a component with a socket and a connecting cable with a plug for establishing an electrical connection between the component and a blood pump;

[0036] Figure 2 Shown in enlarged form Figure 1 Cross-section of the plug and socket;

[0037] Figure 3 Shown in enlarged form Figure 1 a cross section of the middle socket along the insertion direction;

[0038] Figure 4 Shown for Figure 1 An embodiment of the locking element of the middle socket;

[0039] Figure 5 Shown separately in enlarged form Figure 1 The plug in

[0040] Figures 6 to 8 Shown Figure 1 The plug and socket in the different stages of insertion and removal of the plug from the socket;

[0041] Figure 9 Shown with Figure 1 Different embodiments of a plug and a socket;

[0042] Figure 10 Shown for Figure 9 Alternative embodiments of locking elements for the central socket;

[0043] Figure 11 Shown Figure 1The plug in Figure 1 An alternative embodiment of the middle socket;

[0044] Figure 12 The device 1 is shown in connection with a blood pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Next, the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail. In the following description and drawings, the same features are represented by the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, even if relevant features are shown in the corresponding figures, they are not marked with reference numerals in every example.

[0046] First, refer to Figures 1 to 8 A first embodiment of the device will be described. Figure 9 and Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 Two alternative embodiments are described. Finally, reference will be made to Figure 12 describe Figures 1 to 8 Regarding the first embodiment, first refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A first embodiment of the device is summarized.

[0047] Figure 1 A device 1 is shown, comprising a component 100 with a socket 102 and a connecting cable 300 with a plug 200 for establishing an electrical connection between the component 100 and a blood pump. Figure 2 Shown in enlarged form Figure 1 2 and 3. Cross-section of the plug 200 and the socket 102 in FIG.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, component 100 is a control device for a blood pump, which is designed to provide electrical energy to the blood pump via a socket 102 and a connecting cable 300 with a plug 200. Furthermore, operating parameters for the blood pump can be selected via input interfaces (not shown) on the control device 100. Furthermore, the control device 100 is designed to transmit control signals to the blood pump via the socket 102 based on the selected operating parameters.

[0049] The plug 200 comprises a coupling portion 204 which is arranged at its distal end, i.e. at the tip 202 of the plug 200, and which can be inserted into the socket 102. By means of the coupling portion 204, a mechanical connection as well as an electrically conductive connection can be established between the plug 200 and the socket 102. The socket 102 is designed to detachably accommodate the plug 200 and, for this purpose, comprises an electrically insulating socket housing 104, which comprises a housing inlet 106 and a housing interior space 108 connected to the housing inlet 106 for accommodating the coupling portion 204. The extension channel from the housing inlet 106 to the housing interior space 108 defines an insertion direction 110 of the plug 200 into the socket 102. For the socket 102, the insertion direction 110 coincides with the longitudinal axis 109 of the housing interior space 108, and for the plug 200, the insertion direction 110 coincides with the longitudinal axis 208 of the plug 200. In order to better describe the extension and arrangement of the various components of the device 1 in the different figures, Figure 2 A coordinate system 290 is also drawn in FIG, whose z-axis is parallel to the insertion direction 110 .

[0050] The socket 102 further includes a locking unit 112 designed to detachably lock the plug 200 inserted into the socket 102. The locking unit 112 is designed to lock the plug 200 in the socket housing 104 without restricting the plug 200 from rotating around the insertion direction 110 in the socket housing 104.

[0051] The phrase "rotation of the plug 200 within the receptacle 102 about the insertion direction 110 is unrestricted" means that the plug 200's rotation within the receptacle 102 is not hindered by end stops. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug 200 can rotate within any angular range. However, the term "restricted" does not mean that friction will not be generated between the plug 200 and the receptacle 102 during rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, friction does exist. However, this friction does not, in principle, restrict the rotation of the plug 200; it simply requires greater force to rotate the plug 200 within the receptacle 102.

[0052] There are many ways to design the locking unit 112 and the plug 200 to ensure that the plug 200 can rotate within the socket housing 104. Figures 1 to 8In the embodiment of the device 1 shown, this is achieved in the following manner: the coupling portion 204 of the plug 200 includes an electrically insulating locking portion 206, and the locking unit 112 has a locking element 113, wherein the locking element 113 is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and in the locking position partially extends into the extension channel of the housing inlet 106 and is designed to engage with the locking portion 206 of the plug 200 when the plug 200 is inserted, so as to prevent the plug 200 from being pulled out. The details of the locking portion 206 of the plug 200 and the locking unit 112 will be referred to below. Figures 3 to 8 Describe it. First, let's look at Figures 3 to 5 .

[0053] Figure 3 Shown in enlarged form Figure 1 Cross section of the middle socket 102 along the insertion direction 110 . Figure 4 Shown as Figure 1 One embodiment of a locking element 113 used with the socket 102 . Figure 5 Shown separately in enlarged form Figure 1 Plug 200 in.

[0054] First, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The locking unit 112 of the socket 102 will be explained in more detail. The locking unit 112 includes a locking element 113. The locking element 113 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking element 113 partially extends into the extension channel of the housing inlet 106 and is designed to engage with the locking portion 206 of the plug 200 when the plug 200 is inserted, thereby preventing the plug 200 from being removed. In the locked position, the upper area of ​​the locking element 113 extends into the extension channel of the housing inlet 106. To move from the locked position to the unlocked position, the locking element 113 must be moved in the positive x-axis direction. In the unlocked position, due to the through hole, no portion of the locking element 113 extends into the extension channel of the housing inlet 106.

[0055] exist Figures 1 to 8In the illustrated embodiment, the locking unit 112 also includes a spring 114 as a reset element, designed to secure the locking element 113 in the locked position when no external force is applied. Furthermore, the component includes an operating element 116 connected to the locking unit 113. Furthermore, the locking unit 113 is designed to be unlocked when the operating element 116 is operated. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 114 is connected to the locking element 113 so that it always exerts a reset force in the negative x-axis direction. This ensures that the locking element 113 remains in the locked position when no external force is applied, or is pulled back to the locked position by the spring 114 after being moved to the unlocked position. Furthermore, the spring 114 is disposed within the operating element 116. In this embodiment, the operating element 116 is a mechanical button. Applying a force in the positive x-axis direction to the operating element 116 compresses the spring 114, simultaneously moving the locking element 113 from the locked position to the unlocked position in the positive x-axis direction. This allows the plug 200 to be separated from the receptacle 102. In this embodiment, spring 114 has a dual function: returning locking element 113 to the locked position and returning operating element 116 to the initial position. However, the illustrated arrangement of locking element, reset unit, and operating element is merely an example. The operating element may not be purely mechanical but may include electronic components, so that, for example, the operating element has no mechanical connection to the reset unit and locking element.

[0056] exist Figure 4 , the locking element 113 is shown separately in a front view, that is, from a perspective along the positive direction of the z-axis. In this embodiment of the device 1, the locking element 113 has a flat plate-shaped portion 118, which is arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction, that is, in the xy plane, when the locking element 113 is installed in the socket 102. The locking element 113 also includes a pin 119 for transmitting mechanical force between the operating element 116 and the locking element 113. In addition, the locking element 113 includes a through hole 120, the edge area of ​​which forms a locking tongue edge 122. The locking tongue edge 122 consists of two opposite semicircular parts 122B with the same radius, which are connected to each other by two equally opposite straight line parts 122A. The through hole 120 is used to allow the connection part 204 of the plug 200 to partially pass through. When the locking element 113 is in the locked position, the upper region 121 of the arcuate locking tongue edge 122 extends into the extension channel of the housing inlet 106 and is used to engage the locking unit 112 with the locking portion 206 of the plug 200. Figure 5 A more detailed explanation of this is given.

[0057] Figure 5 An enlarged view of the plug 200 is shown. Figure 5As shown, locking portion 206 is disposed within grip element 205 of plug 200. Gripping element 205 can be made of an electrically insulating material. In the illustrated embodiment, grip element 205 is made of a polymer. Locking portion 206 is located at the end of grip element 205 facing plug tip 202 and includes a recess 210 embedded in grip element 205 that completely surrounds plug 200 symmetrically with respect to longitudinal axis 208. The sides of recess 210 form two lateral projections 212 and 214, which surround coupling portion 204 in a plane perpendicular to insertion direction 110. The arrangement of recess 210 allows region 121 of tongue edge 122 of locking element 113 to engage recess 210 and retain projection 212 when in the locked position. The surface 211 formed within the recess also provides a support surface for tongue edge 122. In this example, the entire plug 200 is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to insertion direction 110. However, this is not a requirement. For example, in addition to the integrally arranged lateral projections 212, a plurality of lateral projections spaced apart from one another may also be provided. The only prerequisite here is that, despite the spacing between the projections, even if the plug 200 is rotated in the socket 102, the locking element can still engage at least one projection without interruption.

[0058] The following will refer to Figures 6 to 8 The following describes in more detail the interaction between the plug 200 and the socket 102 during the insertion of the plug 200 into the socket 102 .

[0059] Figures 6 to 8 Shown Figures 1 to 5 The plug 200 and the socket 102 in FIG. 1 are in different stages of the plug 200 being inserted into the socket 102 and being pulled out from the socket 102 .

[0060] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows a stage in which the plug 200 is inserted into the socket 102. Figure 1 In the stage shown, the protrusion 212 of the plug 200 has just been pushed into the opening 120 of the locking element 113. It can be seen how the inclined surface 213 on the end face of the gripping element 205 of the plug 200 interacts with the inclined surface 123 of the locking element 113, so that when the plug 200 is inserted in the z-axis direction, the locking element 113 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the lateral protrusion 212 to pass through the through hole 120 of the locking element 113.

[0061] Once the projection 112 has passed through the through hole 120, the locking element 113 returns to the locked position due to the restoring force of the spring 114, in which the upper area 121 of the locking tongue edge 122 engages in the groove 210. Figure 7As shown in FIG. The upper area 121 of the locking tongue edge 122 catches the protrusion 212, thereby preventing the plug 200 from being pulled out of the socket 102. The plug 200 will not be accidentally pulled out of the socket 102. Figure 6 , how the end face 216 of the plug 200 interacts with the stop surface 124 of the receptacle to limit the depth of insertion of the plug 200 into the receptacle 102 along the insertion direction 110. The stop surface 124 is the interface between two adjacent, generally cylindrical regions of different radii within the housing interior 108.

[0062] Thus, lateral projection 212 has a dual function. On the one hand, projection 212 cooperates with locking element 113 to prevent plug 200 from being accidentally removed from receptacle 102. On the other hand, end surface 216 of lateral projection 212 limits the depth to which plug 200 can be inserted into receptacle 102, thereby preventing damage to housing interior 108. Furthermore, the arrangement of end surface 216 and stop surface 124 relative to locking element 113 and recess 210 ensures that locking element 113 engages recess 210 in plug 200 when plug 200 is fully inserted.

[0063] at last, Figure 8 The first stage of pulling the plug 200 out of the socket 102 is shown. If the plug 200 is to be pulled out of the socket 102, the locking element 113 of the socket 102 must first be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. This can be achieved by pressing the operating element 116. The pressure must be strong enough to overcome the restoring force of the spring 114 and move the locking element 113 a sufficient distance in the z-axis direction so that the locking tongue edge 122 no longer engages the groove 210 of the plug 200. This stage is shown in FIG. Figure 8 Subsequently, the plug 200 can be removed from the socket 102 by moving in a direction opposite to the insertion direction 110 .

[0064] After describing the working principle of the locking unit 112 in detail, the method of establishing the electrical connection between the plug 200 and the socket 102 will be described next. Figure 3 and Figure 5 .

[0065] from Figure 3 As can be seen in the figure, the socket 102 has a total of eight contact elements 130A-130H, which are designed as annular spring contacts and are arranged one after the other in the insertion direction in the rear area of ​​the housing interior 108. The annular spring contacts 130A-130H are electrically isolated from each other by electrically insulating annular elements 132A-132H, and an insulating annular element is always arranged between two adjacent annular spring contacts. Figure 5The diagram shows a plurality of contact surfaces 220A-220H arranged along the insertion direction 110 of the plug 200 within the contact portion 218 of the coupling portion 204 at the plug tip 202. These contact surfaces are electrically isolated from one another by electrically insulating annular elements 222A-222G. The contact surfaces 220A-220H are arranged along the plug 200 such that, when the plug is fully inserted, each annular spring contact 130A-130H establishes an electrical connection with the corresponding contact surface 220A-220H. In this example, there are eight contact elements. However, the number of contact elements can be varied as desired. In the illustrated example, the locking element 112 is arranged in the receptacle 102 between the housing inlet 106 and the annular contacts 130A-130H. However, as will be shown in another example later, this arrangement is not required.

[0066] Finally, the following will refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 7 The use of sealing elements can be used to prevent the ingress of liquids and dirt particles. For this purpose, a sealing lip 103 is provided in the socket 102, which also forms the housing inlet 106. Correspondingly, the plug 200 includes a sealing surface 203, which is located on the side of the grip element 205 facing away from the plug tip 208. The sealing lip 103 of the socket 102 is made of soft plastic and is Figure 7 As shown, when plug 200 is inserted, sealing lip 103 engages sealing surface 203 of plug 200. Sealing lip 103 and sealing surface 203 work together to minimize the ingress of dirt and liquid into housing interior 108. However, in other embodiments, an annular sealing ring may be used in place of sealing lip 103. Furthermore, the sealing lips and sealing surfaces on the plug and receptacle may be interchanged as an alternative or additional option.

[0067] In the last part of this disclosure, reference will be made to Figures 9 to 11 Other alternative embodiments of the components and plugs are described. First, reference will be made to Figure 9 and Figure 10 Describe the first alternative structure.

[0068] Figure 9 Shown with Figure 1 A plug 200' and a socket 102' for a component are shown in different embodiments. Figure 9 In FIG. 1 , the plug 200 ′ and the receptacle 102 ′ are shown in cross-section along an insertion direction 110 of the plug 200 ′ into the receptacle 102 ′. Figure 10 Shown for Figure 9 An alternative embodiment of a locking element 113 ′ of the central socket 102 ′.

[0069] Plug 200' includes a gripping element 105', which is elongated and can be inserted into receptacle 102' along the z-axis (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of plug 200'). Unlike plug 200, gripping element 105' is hollow cylindrical along longitudinal axis 208 and includes a hollow opening 228', with cavity 226' connected to the hollow opening. Within this cavity are eight contact elements 220A'-220H', each designed as annular springs. Each pair of adjacent annular springs 220A'-220H' is separated by an electrically insulating ring 222A'-222H'. Plug 200' also includes a locking portion 206'. However, unlike plug 200, this locking portion is not located at the end of gripping element 205' facing away from plug tip 202, but rather is located immediately adjacent to plug tip 202.

[0070] The socket 102' includes a housing entrance 106, similar to the socket 102, and the housing interior space 108 is connected to the housing entrance 106. Similar to the socket 102, the housing entrance 106 is formed by a sealing element 103. In addition, the socket 102' also includes a locking unit, but in Figure 8 Only the locking element 113' is shown in the figure. Unlike the socket 102, in the socket 102', the locking element 113' is arranged at the end of the housing interior space 108 away from the housing inlet 106. In order to arrange contact elements compatible with the plug 200', a pin 140' is provided in the housing interior space 108. Figure 8 The pin can be seen in the cross section of FIG. Figure 8 ), eight contact elements in the form of contact surfaces are arranged, which, when the plug 200' is inserted, establish an electrically conductive connection between the plug 200' and the socket 102' together with the annular elements 220A'-220H'. Figure 10 The locking element 113 ′ is described in more detail.

[0071] Figure 10 The locking element 113' is shown in the xy plane, ie, a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction 110. The locking element 113' is also drawn from the perspective of the plug 200' to be inserted, ie, from the positive z-axis.

[0072] Like locking element 113, locking element 113' also includes a flat portion 118', but instead of a through-hole, this portion has a U-shaped recess 120'. This U-shaped recess 120' is arranged within locking element 113' so that it also has an upper region 121. This upper region is designed as an arcuate edge region 122' of recess 120' and is arranged so that it snaps into recess 110 of plug 200' when plug 200' is inserted. Furthermore, like locking element 113, locking element 113' also includes a beveled surface 123' at the transition between flat portion 118' and edge region 122' to facilitate insertion of plug 200' into socket 102'. Furthermore, locking element 113' includes two pins 119' for transmitting force between locking element 113' and the operating element.

[0073] Finally, the following will refer to Figure 11 Another alternative embodiment of the socket is described.

[0074] Figure 11 Shown Figure 1 Plug 200 and Figure 1 Another alternative embodiment of a different socket 102".

[0075] Figure 11 The plug 200 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The plug shown in is identical and therefore will not be described further here. Figure 11 The socket 102" shown in FIG. Figure 1 The socket 102 shown in FIG is largely identical. The only difference between the socket 102 and the socket 102″ is that the socket 102″ includes pin spring contacts 130A″-130H″ instead of ring spring contacts 130A-130H. The pin spring contacts 130A″-130H″ are arranged in such a way that, when the plug 200 is inserted, they press against the contact surfaces 220A-220H of the plug 200 in the negative x-direction. However, in other embodiments, the orientation of the contact pins may also be different. In addition, it is also possible that one of the contact surfaces at the tip of the plug 200 is connected by a contact pin arranged in the insertion direction 110.

[0076] In the last figure, the device 1 is shown in use in combination with a blood pump 1000. The blood pump 1000 can be electrically connected to the socket 102 of the component 100 via a connection cable 300 comprising a plug 200.

[0077] In summary, the present disclosure describes a device 1 comprising a component 100 for a blood pump and a plug 200, wherein the component 100 has a receptacle 102 for detachably receiving the plug 200 for establishing an electrical connection with the blood pump. The plug 200 has a coupling portion 204 arranged at a tip 202 of the plug 200 and insertable into the receptacle 102. Furthermore, the receptacle 102 includes an electrically insulating receptacle housing 104 having a housing inlet 106 and a housing interior 108 connected to the housing inlet 106 for receiving the coupling portion 204, wherein a passage extending from the housing inlet 106 to the housing interior 108 defines an insertion direction 110 for the plug 200. Furthermore, the receptacle 102 includes a locking unit 112 designed to detachably lock the plug 200 inserted into the receptacle 102, wherein the locking unit is designed to lock the plug 200 within the receptacle housing 104 without restricting the plug 200 from rotating about the insertion direction 110 within the receptacle housing 104.

Claims

1. A device (1), comprising a component (100) and a plug (200) for a blood pump, wherein: The component (100) has a socket (102) for detachably receiving the plug (200) for establishing an electrical connection with the blood pump, wherein: The plug (200) has a coupling portion (204) arranged at a tip (202) of the plug (200) and insertable into the socket (102), and The socket (102) has: An electrically insulating socket housing (104) having a housing entrance (106) and a housing interior space (108) connected to the housing entrance (106) for accommodating the coupling portion (204), wherein an extension passage from the housing entrance (106) to the housing interior space (108) defines an insertion direction (110) of the plug (200), and A locking unit (112) is designed to detachably lock a plug (200) inserted into the socket (102); wherein, The locking unit is designed to lock the plug (200) in the socket housing (104) without restricting the plug (200) from rotating around the insertion direction (110) in the socket housing (104).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The coupling portion (204) of the plug (200) includes a locking portion (206), which is preferably electrically insulating, and The locking unit (112) has a locking element (113), wherein the locking element (113) is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and partially extends into the extension channel of the housing inlet (106) in the locking position, and is designed to engage with the locking portion (206) of the plug (200) when the plug (200) is inserted, so as to prevent the plug (200) from being pulled out.

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein The locking portion (206) has one or more lateral protrusions (212) which at least partially surround the coupling portion (204) in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction (110) and are arranged so as to engage the protrusions when the locking element (113) is in the locking position when the plug (200) is inserted.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The locking portion (206) has a bearing surface (211) surrounding the coupling portion (204) relative to the insertion direction (110) of the plug (200), which is arranged on a side of the projection (212) facing away from the plug tip (208).

5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The locking element (212) has a flat plate-shaped portion (118) which is arranged transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the insertion direction (110) and comprises a locking tongue edge (122), wherein: The portion of the locking tongue edge (122) for engaging with the locking portion (206) of the plug (200) has an arcuate profile portion (121), and when the locking element (113) is in the locked position, the arcuate profile portion extends into the extension channel of the housing inlet (106).

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein The locking tongue edge (122) is the outer edge of the flat plate portion (118).

7. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein The flat plate portion (118) includes a through hole (120) for the plug (200) to pass through, and The arc-shaped locking tongue edge (121) is formed by the edge of the through hole (118).

8. The device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein The flat plate portion (118) comprises an end surface oriented toward the housing inlet (106), and a transition portion between the end surface and the locking tongue edge (118) has a bevel (123).

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein The locking unit (112) comprises a reset unit (114) which is designed to fix the locking element (113) in the locked position when no external force is applied.

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The component (100) has an operating element (116) connected to the locking unit (112), and The locking unit (112) is designed to be unlocked when the operating element (116) is operated.

11. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein One or more electrical contact elements (130A-H, 220A-H) are arranged in the coupling portion (204) and in the housing interior space (108), respectively, for establishing an electrical connection between the component (100) and the plug (200).

12. The device (1) according to claim 11, wherein The plug (200) comprises a plug sealing element (203) at the coupling portion, and A socket sealing element (103) is arranged between the housing inlet (106) and the one or more electrical contact elements (130A-H) of the socket (102), and is designed to interact with the plug sealing element (203) when the plug (200) is inserted to prevent liquid and / or particles from entering the housing interior space (108).

13. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The housing interior (108) includes a stop surface (124) for limiting insertion of the plug (200) into the receptacle housing (104), the stop surface being oriented in the direction of the housing inlet (108), and The plug (200) includes at least one lateral projection (212) having an end surface (216) oriented toward a tip (208) of the plug (200), the end surface abutting against the stop surface (124) when the plug (200) is inserted.

14. The device (1) according to claim 13, wherein The end surface (216) of the protrusion (212) has a slope (213).

15. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a blood pump (1000) and a connecting cable (300), the connecting cable comprising the plug (200), and the blood pump (1000) being electrically connectable to the component (100) via the connecting cable.

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