Connector female head, connector male head, connector assembly and medical equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector female head, a connector male head, a connector assembly and medical equipment. The connector female head is used for being connected with a connector male head, the connector female head comprises a female head shell, a metal protection part and a butt joint seat, the metal protection part is arranged at the far end of the female head shell, a containing cavity is formed in the metal protection part, the butt joint seat is located in the containing cavity, a connecting end is arranged on the butt joint seat, and the connecting end is connected with the metal protection part. The connecting end is provided with a connecting port, and the connecting end is connected with the connector male head through the connecting port. According to the connector female head provided by the invention, the signal of an external interference source can be shielded through the metal protection piece, and the stability of signal transmission of the connection end located in the metal protection piece is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connectors, and more particularly to a female connector, a male connector, a connector assembly, and a medical device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of ultrasound diagnostic technology, the use of ultrasound catheter devices for diagnosis has become increasingly common in the medical field. Related ultrasound catheter devices include an ultrasound system, a control handle, and a catheter. One end of the control handle is connected to the catheter, and the other end is connected to the ultrasound system. In the use of ultrasound catheter devices, an imaging catheter equipped with an ultrasound probe is typically placed at the patient's site of examination to visualize the anatomical and physiological structures of that area. During the examination, the ultrasound probe emits and receives ultrasound waves; the relevant signals are transmitted through the catheter and control handle to the ultrasound system, where they are processed to form an image.

[0003] The control handle is connected to the ultrasound system via a connector assembly, and signal transmission is accomplished through this assembly. However, interference sources in the environment, such as surgical equipment and monitors, can easily affect signal transmission. If the connector assembly's anti-interference performance is insufficient, it will not only interfere with normal signal transmission but may also affect the accuracy of examination and diagnosis. Therefore, its anti-interference performance has become an important concern in the field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a female connector, a male connector, a connector assembly, and a medical device. The female connector is equipped with a metal protective component, which uses its metal material to shield signals from external interference sources, thereby improving the stability of signal transmission in the connector assembly.

[0005] This application is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a female connector for connecting to a male connector. The female connector includes a female connector housing, a metal protective member, and a mating seat. The metal protective member is disposed at the distal end of the female connector housing and has a receiving cavity formed therein. The mating seat is located within the receiving cavity and has a connecting end on it. The connecting end has a connecting port and is connected to the male connector through the connecting port.

[0007] The connector female head provided in this application embodiment includes a metal protective member with a receiving cavity. The connecting end is disposed within the receiving cavity. The metal protective member is made of metal, which has a shielding effect, facilitating the shielding of signals from external interference sources, thereby ensuring the stability of signal transmission by the connecting end located within the metal protective member. Furthermore, the connecting end has a connection port, through which it connects to the connector male head. Compared to the connection method of pressing the connector female head and connector male head together in related technologies, the plug-in method using a connection port in this application embodiment simplifies assembly.

[0008] The second aspect of this application provides a male connector for connection with a female connector as described in any of the first aspects. The male connector includes a male connector housing, a support member, and a connecting terminal. A receiving cavity is formed inside the male connector housing. The support member is located inside the receiving cavity and connected to the inner wall of the male connector housing. An axial inner cavity is formed on the support member, penetrating its proximal and distal surfaces. The connecting terminal is located inside the receiving cavity and passes through the axial inner cavity. The proximal end of the connecting terminal protrudes from the proximal end of the support member.

[0009] The male connector provided in this application embodiment has a receiving cavity formed inside the male connector housing, and the connecting terminal is located inside the receiving cavity. The male connector housing can protect the connecting terminal and reduce damage to the connecting terminal from external forces and external impurities.

[0010] A third aspect of this application provides a connector assembly, including a female connector as described in any of the first aspects and a male connector as described in any of the second aspects, wherein when the female connector and the male connector are mated, the connecting terminal is inserted into the connecting port and connected to the connecting end.

[0011] The connector assembly provided in this application includes a female connector with a metal protective member forming a receiving cavity. A connecting end is disposed within the receiving cavity. When the female and male connectors are mated, a connecting terminal is inserted into the connecting port and connected to the connecting end. The metal material provides shielding, blocking signals from external interference sources and ensuring the stability of signal transmission between the connecting end and connecting terminal located within the metal protective member. Furthermore, compared to related technologies where the female and male connectors are connected via a pressing method, this application embodiment uses a connecting terminal inserted into the connecting port to connect to the connecting end. This plug-in method simplifies the assembly of the connector assembly.

[0012] A fourth aspect of this application provides a medical device comprising: a host system; a control handle, the distal end of which is connected to a catheter; and a connector female as described in any of the first aspects, a connector male as described in any of the second aspects, or a connector assembly as described in any of the third aspects, wherein the connector female is connected to the host system and the connector male is connected to the proximal end of the control handle. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connection state of a connector assembly provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of the connector assembly in a separated state provided for some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This application provides schematic diagrams of the structure of the docking seat in some embodiments; Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of a connector assembly provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 Schematic diagrams of the protective components provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the separated state of the female head shell provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection state of the connection terminal and the connection head provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the separated state of the male connector housing provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along section line AA; Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of part C1; Figure 11 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along section line BB; Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of part C2; Figure 13 This is an exploded structural diagram of the support member and connecting terminal provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 100. Connector assembly; 1. Male connector; 11. Male outer shell; 111. Receiving cavity; 112. Third outer shell; 113. Fourth outer shell; 114. Second pin; 115. Second pin hole; 116. First guide block; 117. Protrusion; 118. Marking part; 119. Anti-slip part; 12. Support component; 121. Axial inner cavity; 122. First through hole; 13. Connecting terminal; 131. Second through hole; 14. Connector; 141. Groove; 2. Female connector; 21. Female head outer shell; 211. Receiving cavity; 212. First outer shell; 213. Second outer shell; 214. First pin; 215. First pin hole; 216. Through hole; 217. Second positioning part; 22. Metal protective component; 221. First positioning part; 222. Protective surface; 2221. Opening; 2222. Through hole; 223. Protective shell; 2231. First part; 2232. Second part; 224. First guide groove; 225. Bearing component; 23. Connecting seat; 24. Connector; 241. Connector port; 242. Pin group; 25. Circuit board; 26. Button assembly; 261. Button part; 262. Locking part; 2621. Locking protrusion; 263. Reset part; 27. Sheath; S, the avoidance section. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0016] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0017] For ease of description and understanding, the term "proximal end" as defined herein refers to the end of the connector assembly or its related components that is furthest from the treatment device or closest to the host system, while "distal end" refers to the end of the connector assembly or its related components that is closest to the treatment device or furthest from the host system. "Axial" refers to the length direction of the connector assembly or its related components during use, "radial" refers to the direction of the connector assembly or its related components perpendicular to its "axial" direction, and "circumferential" generally refers to the direction surrounding the "axial" direction. These definitions are for convenience only and do not constitute a limitation of this application. In case of exceptions, reasonable interpretations can be made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the common understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0018] Please refer to Figure 1 This application provides a connector assembly 100, which may be generally cylindrical. The connector assembly 100 may include a male connector 1 and a female connector 2, with the male connector 1 located at the distal end of the female connector 2. The male connector 1 is used for electrical connection with active structural components within a treatment device, such as an ultrasound imaging catheter or an ablation catheter. The female connector 2 is used for electrical connection with a host system. Through the connection between the male connector 1 and the female connector 2, electrical connection and / or signal transmission between the treatment device and the host system can be achieved.

[0019] See Figures 2 to 4 The male connector 1 may include a male connector housing 11, a support member 12, and a connecting terminal 13. A receiving cavity 111 is formed inside the male connector housing 11. The support member 12 is located inside the receiving cavity 111 and is connected to the inner wall of the male connector housing 11. An axial inner cavity 121 is formed on the support member 12, penetrating its proximal end face and distal end face. The connecting terminal 13 is located inside the receiving cavity 111 and passes through the axial inner cavity 121 of the support member 12. The proximal end of the connecting terminal 13 is exposed at the proximal end of the support member 12.

[0020] The female connector 2 may include a female connector housing 21, a metal protective member 22, and a mating seat 23. The metal protective member 22 is located at the far end of the female connector housing 21, and a receiving cavity 211 is formed inside the metal protective member 22. The mating seat 23 is located inside the receiving cavity 211, and a connecting end 24 is provided on the mating seat 23. A connecting port 241 is formed between the connecting ends 24, and the connecting ends 24 are connected to the male connector 1 through the connecting port 241.

[0021] In some embodiments, the male connector housing 11, serving as the external protective structure of the male connector 1, can be integrally molded or assembled from insulating material, and its overall shape can schematically resemble... Figure 2The cylindrical shape shown is adapted to the interface of the female connector 2. The interior of the male connector housing 11 forms an axially oriented receiving cavity 111, the cross-sectional shape of which is adapted to the shape of the support member 12 to accommodate and position the internal components.

[0022] The support member 12 is located within the aforementioned receiving cavity 111. The support member 12 has axial inner cavities 121 extending through its proximal and distal ends. The number of these axial inner cavities 121 corresponds one-to-one with the number of connecting terminals 13, and their diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting terminals 13. This allows for radial positioning of the connecting terminals 13 through interference or tight fit, preventing them from shaking or shifting during insertion and removal. Furthermore, the inner wall of the axial inner cavity 121 may be provided with a wear-resistant coating (such as a nickel plating) to reduce wear on the connecting terminals 13 during insertion and removal, extending their service life.

[0023] In some embodiments, the connecting terminal 13 can be a gold finger, i.e., a flat conductive contact with a gold-plated surface. The overall length of the connecting terminal 13 is greater than the axial length of the support member 12, wherein the proximal end of the connecting terminal 13 protrudes from the proximal end face of the support member 12, and the length of the protruding portion is adapted to the depth of the corresponding connecting port 241 in the connector female head 2.

[0024] In some embodiments, to ensure the stability of the mating of the male connector 1 and the female connector 2, the axial length of the connecting end 24 and the axial length of the proximal end of the connecting terminal 13 protruding from the proximal end of the support member 12 can be set within the range of 5mm to 18mm, and the specific values ​​can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual situation. The axial length of the connecting end 24 is the same as the depth of the connecting port 241.

[0025] In some embodiments, the axial length of the connecting end 24 can be between 5 mm and 18 mm. Similarly, the axial length of the proximal end of the connecting terminal 13 protruding from the proximal end of the support member 12 can also be between 5 mm and 18 mm.

[0026] The core consideration in designing the axial length of the connector end 24 and the axial length of the proximal end of the connector terminal 13 exposed near the support member 12 is to balance contact stability and structural miniaturization. If the length is less than 5mm, the effective contact area between the connector end and the connector terminal will be greatly reduced, which may not only lead to increased contact resistance (easily causing heat generation problems), but may also cause the two to lose contact due to slight axial misalignment during insertion and removal, directly causing signal interruption or current transmission failure. On the other hand, if the length exceeds 18mm, it will excessively increase the overall axial dimension of the connector assembly, which violates the miniaturization design goal. At the same time, it may lead to a decrease in the rigidity of the connector terminal, causing bending deformation during insertion and removal, which will affect the reliability of the mating.

[0027] In some embodiments, the axial length of the connector tip 24 may be slightly longer than the exposed length of the connector terminal 13. After the connector terminal 13 is inserted into the connector tip 24, the redundant length of the connector tip 24 can offset assembly errors, ensuring sufficient contact depth even with minor axial deviations, and further improving mating stability. This precise length matching design reduces the risk of poor contact due to excessively short dimensions, and controls the volume of the connector assembly 100 through a reasonable upper limit of length, achieving a balance between functional reliability and structural compactness.

[0028] In some embodiments, the female connector housing 21, as the housing structure of the connector female connector 2, can be integrally molded or assembled from insulating material. The female connector housing 21 can be exemplarily a single, integral structure as shown below. Figure 2 The cylindrical female head shell 21 shown can also be any other shape that is compatible with the shape of the male head shell 11.

[0029] A metal protective component 22 is located at the distal end of the female connector housing 21. The metal protective component 22 can be made of metal materials such as copper alloy or stainless steel. The metal protective component 22 can be detachably connected or fixedly connected to the distal end of the female connector housing 21. The metal protective component 22 is cylindrical in shape, and an axially formed receiving cavity 211 is formed inside. The receiving cavity 211 is used to provide a certain degree of mechanical protection and electromagnetic shielding for the internal structure of the connector female connector 2, thereby improving the anti-interference ability of signal transmission.

[0030] The mating seat 23 is provided with a connecting end 24, which is a conductive terminal. The connecting end 24 has a connecting port 241, which is a channel structure extending axially along the mating seat 23. Its cross-sectional shape is adapted to the exposed portion of the connecting terminal 13 of the male connector 1, and its depth is slightly greater than the insertion length of the connecting terminal 13 of the male connector 1, so as to ensure sufficient contact.

[0031] When the male connector 1 mates with the female connector 2, the connecting terminal 13 of the male connector 1 is inserted into the connecting port 241 of the female connector 2, forming a tight electrical connection with the connecting end 24. Simultaneously, the metal protective component 22 of the female connector 2 creates an electromagnetic shielding environment, improving the stability of signal transmission in the connector assembly 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting terminal 13 is placed in the connecting port 241 and connected to the connecting end 24. Compared to the connection method of pressing the male and female connectors together in related technologies, this plug-in method simplifies the assembly of the connector assembly 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the metal protective component 22 may include a protective surface 222 and a protective shell 223. The two can be fixedly connected by integral molding or welding. Together, they form a complete shield to shield interference signals in the internal structure signal transmission and reduce the impact of electromagnetic radiation and external interference on transmission performance.

[0033] In some embodiments, the protective surface 222 may be flat and vertically connected to the distal port of the protective housing 223. The protective surface 222 and the protective housing 223 together form a receiving cavity 211 for accommodating the docking seat 23. The metal protective member 22 can provide circumferential and axial dual mechanical protection for the docking seat 23 and the connecting end 24. The protective housing 223 can be connected to the female head housing 21 to ensure that the relative positions of the metal protective member 22 and the female head housing 21 are fixed.

[0034] An opening 2221 is provided on the protective surface 222. The opening 2221 can be located in the central area of ​​the protective surface 222 or in a non-central area of ​​the protective surface 222. The opening 2221 corresponds one-to-one with the connection port 241 and is coaxially arranged. The two are internally connected. The cross-sectional dimension of the opening 2221 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the connection port 241, and also slightly larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the connection terminal 13 of the male connector 1. This helps to reduce the risk of jamming when the connection terminal 13 is inserted, ensuring smooth docking, and also helps to minimize the gap of the opening 2221, reducing the loss of shielding performance.

[0035] When the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 are inserted, the connecting terminal 13 of the male connector 1 can be precisely inserted into the receiving cavity 211 along the guide of the opening 2221, and finally smoothly inserted into the corresponding connecting port 241, forming a tight and stable electrical contact with the connecting end 24. At the same time, the complete shielding structure of the metal protective part 22 continues to play a role, which helps to ensure the anti-interference of signal transmission.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the protective shell 223 may include a first part 2231 and a second part 2232 connected to each other. The first part 2231 and the second part 2232 may be integrally formed or fixedly connected. The distal end of the first part 2231 extends beyond the distal end of the female connector shell 21. The outer periphery of the second part 2232 is adapted to the inner wall of the female connector shell 21. The second part 2232 is completely housed and fixed inside the distal end of the female connector shell 21, forming a stable connection with the female connector shell 21. When the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 are inserted, the proximal end of the male connector shell 11 is sleeved on the outside of the first part 2231, so that the first part 2231 is completely housed in the receiving cavity 111 of the male connector shell 11. At this time, the inner wall of the male connector shell 11 and the outer wall of the first part 2231 form a radially fitted nested structure.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, to further improve the accuracy and smoothness of the mating between the male connector 1 and the female connector 2, a first guide block 116 extending axially is provided protruding from the inner wall of the male connector housing 11. The first guide block 116 can be made of the same insulating material as the male connector housing 11, and the first guide block 116 can be integrally formed with the male connector housing 11. The cross-section of the first guide block 116 can be rectangular or trapezoidal, and the first guide block 116 extends to the proximal end of the male connector housing 11.

[0038] In some embodiments, a first guide groove 224 extending axially is formed on the outer wall of the first portion 2231 of the metal protective member 22, which is adapted to the first guide block 116. The width of the first guide groove 224 is slightly larger than the width of the first guide block 116, and the depth matches the thickness of the first guide block 116. The first guide groove 224 extends to the far end of the first portion 2231. When the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 are mated, the first guide block 116 will first be embedded in the first guide groove 224. The cooperation between the first guide block 116 and the first guide groove 224 can ensure that the entire mating process is guided and constrained, guiding the male connector 1 to smoothly insert into the female connector 2, providing advance positioning guarantee for the subsequent accurate mating of the connecting terminal 13 and the connecting end 24. In the embodiments of this application, a single set of guide structures can meet the basic positioning requirements. If higher accuracy is required, two sets of guide blocks and guide grooves can be symmetrically arranged circumferentially to further improve the mating stability through bidirectional constraints.

[0039] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The metal protective component 22 is provided with at least one first positioning part 221 at intervals along its circumference. Specifically, the number of first positioning parts 221 can be one or more, and the multiple first positioning parts 221 can be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the metal protective component 22, and can be evenly distributed along the circumference (e.g., at a 120° angle), or can be non-uniformly distributed according to positioning requirements. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, three first positioning parts 221 are schematically shown. The three first positioning parts 221 are evenly spaced at equal angles along the circumference of the second part 2232 to achieve a positioning effect with balanced force.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the female head housing 21 is provided with at least one second positioning part 217 at intervals along its circumference. The second positioning part 217 can be located on the inner wall of the female head housing 21. The number of first positioning parts 221 and the number of second positioning parts 217 can correspond one-to-one, and their shapes and contours are complementary and adapted to achieve precise connection and circumferential positioning of the female head housing 21 and the second part 2232 of the metal protective member 22.

[0041] In some embodiments, a plurality of second positioning parts 217 may be evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the female head housing 21 or non-uniformly distributed according to assembly guidance requirements. The cooperative design of the first positioning part 221 and the second positioning part 217 can effectively reduce the possibility of relative rotation between the metal protective part 22 and the female head housing 21 during assembly or use, and significantly improve the accuracy of the connection between the two and the assembly efficiency.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first positioning part 221 can be a groove, and the second positioning part 217 can be a matching protrusion. Alternatively, the first positioning part 221 can be a protrusion, and the second positioning part 217 can be a matching groove. A hybrid design can also be adopted, where some of the first positioning parts 221 are grooves and the rest are protrusions. Correspondingly, some of the second positioning parts 217 are matching protrusions and the rest are matching grooves.

[0043] The aforementioned groove and protrusion mating structure not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also provides a reliable circumferential stop while achieving precise positioning, ensuring the relative position stability of the metal protective component 22 and the female head shell 21.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the female connector housing 21 may include a first housing 212 and a second housing 213. The first housing 212 and the second housing 213 may be fixedly connected by means of welding, fastener connection, snap-fit ​​connection, adhesive bonding, etc. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first housing 212 and the second housing 213 may also be detachably connected to facilitate subsequent maintenance.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, to achieve precise assembly of the first outer shell 212 and the second outer shell 213, a first pin hole 215 can be provided on the inner wall of the first outer shell 212, and a corresponding first pin post 214 can be provided on the inner wall of the second outer shell 213. During assembly, the first pin post 214 and the first pin hole 215 provide pre-positioning guidance for the assembly of the first outer shell 212 and the second outer shell 213, which helps to ensure that the circumferential angle and axial position are accurately aligned during the splicing process, reducing the risk of assembly misalignment. After the first outer shell 212 and the second outer shell 213 are positioned, the first outer shell 212 and the second outer shell 213 are fixedly connected by welding, fastener connection, snap-fit ​​connection, adhesive bonding, etc. In other embodiments, a first pin post 214 can also be provided on the inner wall of the first outer shell 212, and a first pin hole 215 can be provided on the inner wall of the second outer shell 213.

[0046] In some embodiments, please continue to see Figure 3 To achieve a miniaturized design of the female connector 2 while also meeting the pin count requirements, multiple mating seats 23 can be provided. These multiple mating seats 23 can be arranged side by side in the radial direction within the receiving cavity 211, and each mating seat 23 is independently provided with a connecting end 24 for mating with the connecting terminal 13 of the male connector 1.

[0047] Specifically, regarding the structure of the connection terminal 24, in some embodiments, the connection terminal 24 may include a double-row pin group 242. The double-row pin groups 242 may be arranged opposite each other along the radial direction of the mating seat 23, and the double-row pin groups 242 naturally surround each other to form a connection port 241 that accommodates the connection terminal 13 of the connector male head 1. Each row of pin groups 242 contains a plurality of spaced pins. Generally, a pin can be referred to as a pin, which is an interface for electrical connection with other electronic components. In some embodiments, depending on the signal transmission requirements, the number of pins in each row of pin groups 242 may be 16, 20, or 25. A connection terminal 24 containing a double-row pin group 242 may contain 32, 40, or 50 pins. Two connection terminals 24 may contain 64, 80, or 100 pins.

[0048] To further adapt to miniaturization requirements, the spacing between two adjacent pins can be controlled between 0.5mm and 1.5mm. This size design maximizes the pin density per unit area while ensuring a safe insulation distance between pins, reducing the possibility of defects such as dimensional redundancy of the mating seat 23 due to excessive spacing. In some embodiments, the spacing between two adjacent pins can range from 0.5mm to 1.5mm.

[0049] This application embodiment employs a layout of multiple mating sockets 23, which reduces the problem of excessive overall size caused by the integration of too many pins on the connection end 24 of a single mating socket 23. If a single mating socket is used, its overall size needs to be increased to accommodate all the pins, thus forcing the size of the female connector housing and metal protective component to increase accordingly. However, when multiple mating sockets 23 are used, the connection end 24 of a single mating socket 23 only needs to include a portion of the pins. For example, the connection end on a single mating socket originally needs to be provided with 32 pins, while with two mating sockets 23, the connection end 24 on each mating socket 23 only needs to be provided with 16 pins. This can significantly reduce the overall size of the mating sockets 23, ultimately compressing the external contour size of the entire connector female connector 2, achieving a balance between miniaturization and high integration.

[0050] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Two mating seats 23 are schematically shown, arranged side by side in the receiving cavity 211 along the radial direction. The length and thickness of the two mating seats 23 are exactly the same. It can be understood that... Figure 3 The number of docking seats 23 shown is merely illustrative. The number of docking seats 23 can be any other suitable number, as long as it can meet the spatial adaptability of the receiving cavity 211.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connector female head 2 may also include a circuit board 25. The circuit board 25 may be a rigid PCB (Printed Circuit Board) or a flexible circuit board. The circuit board 25 is housed in the receiving cavity 211 of the metal protective member 22. The full-enclosed structure of the metal protective member 22 achieves dual protection. It resists external impact and dust intrusion by means of the physical barrier of the metal shell, and reduces the impact of external interference on the signal transmission on the circuit board 25 by means of its electromagnetic shielding performance, thus significantly improving the stability of signal transmission.

[0052] The connector 24 forms a reliable electrical connection with the circuit board 25. Specifically, circuit soldering points are designed on both the far end face and the near end face of the circuit board 25 according to signal transmission requirements. The soldering points on the far end face correspond one-to-one with the number and arrangement of the pins on the connector 24, and multiple pins on the connector 24 can be soldered to this end face. The near end face has soldering points for interfacing with the host system. One end of the signal transmission line can be soldered to the soldering point on the near end face of the circuit board 25, and the other end of the signal transmission line is connected to the host system to transmit the signal to the host system.

[0053] In some embodiments, please continue to see Figure 4The connector female head 2 also includes a sheath 27, which can be made of an elastic insulating material. Its distal end and the proximal end of the female head housing 21 can be detachably connected via a threaded structure. Specifically, the distal end of the sheath 27 has external threads on its outer periphery, and the proximal end of the female head housing 21 has matching internal threads on its inner wall. During assembly, the external and internal threads are screwed together to achieve a tight connection. It is understood that the connection between the distal end of the sheath 27 and the proximal end of the female head housing 21 can also be achieved through welding, fastener connection, snap-fit ​​connection, adhesive bonding, etc.

[0054] The sheath 27 has an axially extending inner cavity for the signal transmission line to pass through. The diameter of the inner cavity is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the signal transmission line to ensure the smooth passage of the signal transmission line. The sheath 27 can protect the signal transmission line passing through its inner cavity.

[0055] In some embodiments, the radial dimension of the sheath 27 gradually decreases from the distal end to the proximal end in a stepped or smooth transition, forming a tapered structure similar to a cone. The advantages of this design are: firstly, the larger diameter at the distal end matches the proximal dimension of the female housing 21, ensuring the structural strength of the threaded connection; secondly, the narrowed diameter at the proximal end fits tightly against the outer periphery of the signal transmission line, reducing the intrusion of external impurities through the gap between the sheath 27 and the signal transmission line; and thirdly, the tapered transition gives the sheath 27 better flexible bending performance, allowing the tapered structure to disperse stress concentration points and reduce the risk of wire breakage when the signal transmission line shakes or bends with the equipment.

[0056] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 7 The female connector 2 may also include a button assembly 26 for locking and unlocking the male connector 1 and the female connector 2. The button assembly 26 may include a button part 261 and a locking part 262 connected to each other. The locking part 262 is entirely housed within the receiving cavity 211 of the metal protective member 22, while the button part 261 is exposed outside the female connector housing 21. Under external pressure, the locking part 262 can be moved radially to switch between the locked and unlocked positions, thereby precisely controlling the connection state of the male connector 1 and the female connector 2.

[0057] Specifically, in some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the outer shell 21 of the female connector has a through hole 216 that matches the shape of the button part 261, and the button part 261 can be adapted to be inserted into the through hole 216. Its operating surface can be exposed to the outside through the through hole 216 to facilitate pressing operation. At the same time, the edge of the through hole 216 forms a circumferential limit, which helps to prevent the button part 261 from excessive displacement and also helps to prevent impurities from entering the interior.

[0058] Indicatively, in some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the through hole 216 is formed on the first housing 212. However, this application is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the through hole 216 may also be formed on the second housing 213. In some embodiments, the through hole 216 may also be formed at the joint between the first housing 212 and the second housing 213, as long as the ease of operation and structural stability of the button part 261 are satisfied.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the protective shell 223 of the metal protective member 22 can be provided with a corresponding avoidance part S to avoid the button part 261. The avoidance part S can overlap with the through hole 216 in the radial direction, leaving enough space for the movement of the button part 261 and reducing the risk of interference between the button part 261 and the metal protective member 22.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the male connector 1 also includes a connector 14, which is connected to the proximal end face of the support member 12 and located in the receiving cavity 111 of the male connector housing 11. The connector 14 and the locking part 262 are used to cooperate to lock and unlock the male connector 1 and the female connector 2.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a through hole 2222 is provided on the protective surface 222, which communicates with the receiving cavity 211, providing a channel for the engagement of the locking part 262 and the connector 14. The distal end of the locking part 262 extends toward the through hole 2222. When the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 are mated, the connector 14 passes through the through hole 2222 and enters the receiving cavity 211, forming a locking engagement with the locking part 262.

[0062] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 7 The metal protective member 22 may further include a carrier member 225, which may be located within the receiving cavity 211. The carrier member 225 is connected to the protective surface 222 and extends proximally in the axial direction. The button portion 261 is capable of radial movement under external force and drives the locking portion 262 to move radially. For example, when the locking portion 262 is in the locked position locked with the connector 14, the button portion 261 can move radially toward a position closer to the carrier member 225 under external force, and the button portion 261 can drive the locking portion 262 to move radially toward a position closer to the carrier member 225. Thus, the locking portion 262 can be in the unlocked position unlocked from the connector 14.

[0063] It should be noted that the fact that the locking part 262 and the connector 14 are in the unlocked position does not necessarily mean that the connector female 2 and the connector male 1 are separated. When the locking part 262 and the connector 14 are in the unlocked position, the connector female 2 and the connector male 1 may still be in contact with each other or may appear to be in contact. For example, during use, if the operator applies external force to the button part 261, the button part 261 will move the locking part 262 to the unlocked position where it can be separated from the connector 14. In this state, the connector female 2 and the connector male 1 may still remain in contact due to the nested structure of the metal protective part 22 and the male housing 11, only releasing the mechanical locking constraint.

[0064] Of course, when the locking part 262 and the connector 14 are in the unlocked state, the connector female head 2 and the connector male head 1 can also be in the following position: Figure 2 The state of separation is shown.

[0065] In some embodiments, please continue to see Figure 4 The locking part 262 has a locking protrusion 2621 at its distal end and a groove 141 at its proximal end. When the locking part 262 is in the locked position, the locking protrusion 2621 can abut against the groove wall of the groove 141, mechanically restricting the axial separation of the male connector 1 and the female connector 2. When the button part 261 is pressed, the locking part 262 moves radially toward the support member 225 near the metal protective member 22, and the locking protrusion 2621 separates from the groove wall of the groove 141, entering the unlocked position. At this time, the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 can be freely inserted and removed. This concave-convex mating structure not only provides a reliable connection but also occupies little space, effectively saving the internal space of the receiving cavity 211.

[0066] For example, in some embodiments, the proximal end of the connector 14 may have a through hole or a blind hole. When the locking part 262 is in the locked position, the locking protrusion 2621 may abut against the hole wall of the through hole or blind hole. When the locking part 262 is in the unlocked position, the locking protrusion 2621 separates from the hole wall of the through hole or blind hole.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the button assembly 26 may further include a reset member 263, which may be disposed on the carrier 225 and connected to the button portion 261. For example, the button portion 261 may form a protrusion toward the carrier 225 in a radial direction, and the reset member 263 may be sleeved on the protrusion. In some embodiments, the reset member 263 may be a spring. However, this application is not limited thereto; in some embodiments, the reset member 263 may be any component with a reset force.

[0068] In some embodiments, when the locking part 262 and the connecting member 14 are locked, when the button part 261 is moved toward the support member 225 by an external force, it can compress the reset member 263. The reset member 263 thereby applies a reset force to the button part 261, causing the button part 261 to move away from the support member 225. The reset force thus formed can move the button part 261 to the position before the external force was applied (i.e., the locked position) after the external force disappears. When the locking part 262 is in the unlocked position, the reset member 263 can have a force that causes the button part 261 to move the locking part 262 to the locked position.

[0069] The reset member 263 has a force that causes the button part 261 to move the locking part 262 to the locked position, thereby the button part 261 has a force to keep the locking part 262 in the locked position. This arrangement helps to ensure a stable connection between the connector female head 2 and the connector male head 1.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, to improve ease of operation, the male connector housing 11 also integrates a marking section 118. The marking section 118 can be arrow-shaped, with the direction from the far end of the male connector housing 11 towards the near end, visually indicating the docking direction. In addition, the male connector housing 11 can also be provided with an anti-slip section 119, which can include multiple evenly distributed anti-slip protrusions to increase grip friction. The combined use of the marking section 118 and the anti-slip section 119 helps the operator quickly identify the connection position and provides a stable grip when pressing the button assembly 26 to unlock, significantly improving operational efficiency.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the male connector housing 11 may include a third housing 112 and a fourth housing 113. The third housing 112 and the fourth housing 113 may be fixedly connected by means of welding, fastener connection, snap-fit ​​connection, adhesive bonding, etc. It is understood that in other embodiments, the third housing 112 and the fourth housing 113 may also be detachably connected to facilitate subsequent maintenance.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, combined with Figures 9 to 11To achieve precise assembly of the third outer shell 112 and the fourth outer shell 113, a second pin hole 115 can be provided on the inner wall of the third outer shell 112, and a second pin post 114 can be provided on the inner wall of the fourth outer shell 113. During assembly, the second pin post 114 and the second pin hole 115 provide pre-positioning guidance for the assembly of the third outer shell 112 and the fourth outer shell 113, ensuring that the circumferential angle and axial position are precisely aligned during the splicing process, reducing the possibility of assembly misalignment. After positioning is completed, the third outer shell 112 and the fourth outer shell 113 are fixedly connected by welding, fastener connection, snap-fit ​​connection, adhesive bonding, etc. In other embodiments, a second pin post 114 can also be provided on the inner wall of the third outer shell 112, and a second pin hole 115 can be provided on the inner wall of the fourth outer shell 113.

[0073] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 10 to 13 To achieve integrated fixation of the male connector housing 11, support member 12 and connecting terminal 13, and to improve the relative positional accuracy of the three, the inner wall of the male connector housing 11 may be provided with a protrusion 117 extending in its radial direction. The protrusion 117 and the male connector housing 11 may be integrally formed, and its radial length is adapted to the superimposed thickness of the support member 12 and the connecting terminal 13, ensuring that they can pass through each other to form a stable connection.

[0074] Correspondingly, the support member 12 has a first through hole 122 communicating with its own axial inner cavity 121, and the connecting terminal 13 has a second through hole 131 coaxial with the first through hole 122 and matching in diameter. During assembly, the protrusion 117 is sequentially inserted into the first through hole 122 and the second through hole 131. The mechanical fixation of the three is achieved by interference fit or tight fit, which can not only restrict the circumferential rotation of the male head shell 11 and the support member 12, but also reduce the possibility of axial movement of the connecting terminal 13 in the axial inner cavity 121 of the support member 12, thus ensuring the positional stability of the connecting terminal 13 from a structural perspective.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, the second pin hole 115 of the third housing 112 and the second pin post 114 of the fourth housing 113 first achieve precise docking of the third housing 112 and the fourth housing 113. Then, the cooperation between the protrusion 117 and the double through holes (first through hole 122 and second through hole 131) completes the position locking of the male housing 11, the support member 12, and the connecting terminal 13. By using these two methods, assembly deviations are eliminated as much as possible, effectively reducing the problem of contact failure between the connecting terminal 13 and the connecting end 24 due to component misalignment when the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 are mated, and significantly improving the reliability of the docking.

[0076] Based on the same or similar concept, this application provides a medical device, including: a host system; a control handle, the distal end of which is connected to a catheter; and a female connector 2 as in any of the foregoing embodiments, or a male connector 1 as in any of the foregoing embodiments, or a connector assembly 100 as in the foregoing embodiments, wherein the female connector 2 is connected to the host system and the male connector 1 is connected to the proximal end of the control handle.

[0077] Medical devices can refer to instruments used alone or in combination on the human body. For example, a medical device can be an ultrasound catheter device, which may include a main unit system, a control handle, and any of the connector male head 1 or connector female head 2 or connector assembly 100 in the foregoing embodiments. The main unit system can be an intracardiac ultrasound device, an intravascular ultrasound device, an extracorporeal ultrasound device, or other ultrasound devices capable of controlling the transmission and reception of ultrasound signals and having ultrasound image processing functions. The control handle can be a handle capable of controlling the rotation, retraction, and tip bending of the catheter.

[0078] In the embodiments of this application, the female connector 2, the male connector 1, or the connector assembly 100 is connected between the host system and the control handle of the medical device. The male connector 1 is used for electrical connection with active structural components within a treatment device, such as an ultrasound imaging catheter or an ablation catheter, while the female connector 2 is used for electrical connection with the host system. The connection between the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 enables electrical connection and / or signal transmission between the treatment device and the host system.

[0079] Whenever a range of values ​​is indicated in this application, it refers to any of the listed values ​​(fractions and integers) that fall within the indicated range. The phrases “range between the first indicated value and the second indicated value” and “range from the first indicated value to the second indicated value” are used interchangeably in this application and refer to the values ​​indicated by the first and second indications, as well as all fractional and integer values ​​in between.

[0080] It should be understood that certain features of this application described in the context of a single implementation for clarity can also be provided in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, multiple features of this application described in the context of a single implementation for brevity can also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination or, as appropriate, in any other described implementation of this application. Certain features described in the context of multiple implementations should not be considered essential features of those implementations unless the implementation does not function without these elements.

[0081] While this application has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Because this application can be embodied in many forms without departing from its spirit or substance, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by this application. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of this application or its equivalents should be covered by this application.

Claims

1. A female connector head, characterized in that, For connection with the male connector head, the female connector head includes: Female head casing; A metal protective component is disposed at the distal end of the female head shell, and a receiving cavity is formed within the metal protective component; A mating seat is located within the receiving cavity. The mating seat is provided with a connecting end, which has a connecting port. The connecting end is connected to the male connector through the connecting port.

2. The connector female head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking seats are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple docking seats are arranged side by side in the radial direction within the receiving cavity.

3. The connector female head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connection end includes a double row of pins arranged side by side along the radial direction of the mating seat, forming the connection port between the double row of pins. Each row of pins includes multiple pins, and the spacing between two adjacent pins is between 0.5mm and 1.5mm.

4. The connector female head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector female also includes a circuit board, which is located within the receiving cavity and electrically connected to the connection end.

5. The connector female head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector female also includes a sheath, the distal end of which is connected to the proximal end of the female housing. The sheath has an inner cavity extending through it along its axial direction, and the radial dimension of the sheath gradually decreases from the distal end to the proximal end.

6. The connector female head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal protective component is provided with at least one first positioning part at intervals along its circumference, and the female head housing is provided with at least one second positioning part at intervals along its circumference. The shape of the first positioning part is adapted to the shape of the second positioning part to connect the metal protective component to the distal end of the female head housing.

7. A male connector, characterized in that, For connection with a female connector head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the male connector head includes: Male connector housing, wherein a receiving cavity is formed within the male connector housing; A support member is located within the receiving cavity and connected to the inner wall of the male head housing. The support member has an axial inner cavity extending through its proximal and distal surfaces. A connecting terminal is located within the receiving cavity, and the connecting terminal passes through the axial inner cavity, with the proximal end of the connecting terminal protruding from the proximal end of the support member.

8. The male connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connection terminal is provided in multiple ways, and the axial inner cavity is provided in multiple ways in the radial direction, with each connection terminal passing through the corresponding axial inner cavity.

9. The male connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner wall of the male head housing has a protruding protrusion extending in the radial direction. The support member has a first through hole communicating with the axial inner cavity. The connecting terminal has a second through hole communicating with the first through hole. The protrusion passes through the first through hole and the second through hole.

10. A connector assembly, characterized in that, The connector includes a female connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 and a male connector as described in any one of claims 7 to 9. When the female connector and the male connector are inserted together, the connection terminal is inserted into the connection port and connected to the connection end.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The axial length of the connecting end and the axial length of the proximal end of the connecting terminal protruding from the proximal end of the support are between 5 mm and 18 mm.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The metal protective component includes a protective surface and a protective shell. The protective surface is connected to the far end of the protective shell. The protective surface and the protective shell surround the receiving cavity. The protective shell is connected to the female connector shell. An opening is provided on the protective surface. The opening communicates with the connection port. When the female connector and the male connector are inserted into each other, the connection terminal passes through the opening and is inserted into the connection port and connected to the connection end.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The protective shell includes a first part and a second part connected to each other. The protective surface is connected to the distal end of the first part. The distal end of the first part extends beyond the distal end of the female connector shell. The second part is housed within the female connector shell. When the female connector and the male connector are inserted into each other, the first part is housed within the male connector shell.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first part is provided with a first guide groove extending along its axial direction to the far end of the first part. The inner wall of the male connector housing is provided with a first guide block extending along its axial direction to the near end of the male connector housing. When the female connector and the male connector are inserted into each other, the first guide block is received in the first guide groove.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The female connector also includes a button assembly, which includes a button part and a locking part connected to each other. The locking part is located in the receiving cavity, and the button part can drive the locking part to move between a locked position and an unlocked position when subjected to external force.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The male connector also includes a connector, which is connected to the proximal end face of the support and located within the receiving cavity. The connector and the locking part are used to cooperate to lock and unlock the male connector and the female connector.

17. The connector assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The locking part includes a locking protrusion, and the connecting member includes a groove. When the locking part is in the locked position, the locking protrusion abuts against the groove wall. When the locking part is in the unlocked position, the locking protrusion separates from the groove wall.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, A through hole is provided on the protective surface, which communicates with the receiving cavity. The proximal end of the locking part is connected to the button part, and the distal end of the locking part extends toward the through hole. When the female connector and the male connector are mated, the connector passes through the through hole and cooperates with the locking part in the receiving cavity to lock and unlock the male connector and the female connector.

19. The connector assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The metal protective component also includes a carrier component, which is located within the receiving cavity and connected to the protective surface, and the button assembly is disposed on the carrier component.

20. The connector assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that, The button assembly further includes a reset member, which is disposed on the carrier and connected to the button portion; when the locking portion is in the unlocked position, the reset member has a force that causes the button portion to move the locking portion to the locked position.

21. The connector assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The female connector housing has a through hole, through which the operating surface of the button is exposed to the female connector housing.

22. A medical device, characterized in that, include: Host system; A control handle, the distal end of which is connected to a conduit; and The female connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, the male connector as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, or the connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein the female connector is connected to the host system and the male connector is connected to the proximal end of the control handle.

Images