Connector and implantation device

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector and an implanting device. The connector comprises an electrode mounting core rod, a conducting ring array and a flexible electrode. And the electrode mounting core rod is of a columnar structure. The near end of the flexible electrode is provided with a thin and long sheet-shaped interface contact part, and the interface contact part is suitable for being attached to the periphery of the electrode installation core rod. The conducting ring array comprises at least one conducting ring, and the conducting ring is electrically connected with the interface contact part of the flexible electrode. According to the connector, the electrode mounting core rod provides support for the flexible electrode, and the conductive rings in the conductive ring array are attached to the flexible electrode, so that the risk of disconnection of electric conduction caused by infinitesimal displacement of the flexible electrode is reduced, the stability of the flexible electrode in the using process is improved, sealed conduction of the connector in an operation is facilitated, and the connector is convenient to use. And the safety of the operation can be improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular to a connector and an implant device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A flexible electrode connector is an electronic device that can adapt to the deformation of human tissues and achieve long-term stable interaction with biological tissues. It plays an irreplaceable role in the fields of neuroscience research, disease treatment, and prosthesis control. Its core advantage lies in flexibility and biocompatibility, which can minimize mechanical damage and rejection reactions to human tissues.

[0003] In related technologies, a flexible electrode connector often uses a rod-shaped electrode. The rod-shaped electrode is directly inserted into a spring contact, and electrical connection is achieved by the metal sheet on the rod-shaped electrode contacting the spring of the spring contact. However, the rod-shaped electrode has poor sealing and conduction in the implant device, which can further damage the patient. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present application is to provide a connector that reduces the risk of electrical conduction being disconnected due to the slight displacement of the flexible electrode, improves the stability of the flexible electrode during use, and facilitates the sealing and conduction of the connector during surgery, thereby improving the safety of the surgery.

[0005] Another object of the present application is to provide an implant device.

[0006] According to the connector of the first aspect of the present application, the electrode mounting core rod is in a columnar structure, the flexible electrode has an elongated sheet-shaped interface contact portion at the proximal end, the interface contact portion is attached to the outer periphery of the electrode mounting core rod, and the array of conductive rings includes at least one conductive ring that forms an electrical connection with the interface contact portion of the flexible electrode.

[0007] According to the connector of the present application, the electrode mounting core rod provides support for the flexible electrode, and at least part of the array of conductive rings is attached to the flexible electrode, which reduces the risk of electrical conduction being disconnected due to the slight displacement of the flexible electrode, improves the stability of the flexible electrode during use, and facilitates the sealing and conduction of the connector during surgery, thereby improving the safety of the surgery.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the interface contact portion of the flexible electrode includes a conductive contact that is arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting core rod.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, the distal end of the flexible electrode is provided with an electrode site part, the electrode site part is provided with an electrode site, the electrode site forms an electrical connection with the conductive contact, and the electrode site can apply electrical stimulation to the target tissue and / or collect the potential signal of the target tissue.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present application, the conductive ring array includes an outer conductive ring, the outer conductive ring is sleeved on the side surface of the flexible electrode away from the electrode mounting mandrel, and the flexible electrode is attached to at least part of the outer conductive ring in the radial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the conductive ring array includes an inner conductive ring, the inner conductive ring is arranged between the electrode mounting mandrel and the flexible electrode, and the flexible electrode is attached to at least part of the inner conductive ring in the radial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, the inner conductive ring is formed with a first opening extending in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the outer conductive ring is formed with a second opening extending in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, the outer conductive ring and the conductive contact are both a plurality of, a plurality of the outer conductive ring and a plurality of the conductive contact one-to-one corresponding and forming a plurality of outer conductive ring / conductive contact pairs, a plurality of the outer conductive ring / conductive contact pairs are arranged in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the inner conductive ring and the conductive contact are both a plurality of, a plurality of the inner conductive ring and a plurality of the conductive contact one-to-one corresponding and forming an electrical connection, constituting a plurality of inner conductive ring / conductive contact pairs; a plurality of the inner conductive ring / conductive contact pairs are arranged in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present application, the conductive ring array further includes a plurality of inner conductive rings, a plurality of the inner conductive rings and a plurality of the outer conductive rings one-to-one corresponding and forming an electrical connection.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode mounting mandrel further includes a plurality of connecting lines, a plurality of the connecting lines and a plurality of the inner conductive rings one-to-one corresponding and forming an electrical connection.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present application, a first insulating layer is arranged on the surface of the electrode mounting mandrel, the inner conductive ring is arranged on the side of the first insulating layer away from the electrode mounting mandrel; and / or, The second insulating layer is arranged on the surface of the flexible electrode and does not cover the conductive contact.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present application, the outer conductive rings, the inner conductive rings and the conductive contacts are in one-to-one correspondence and form a plurality of conductive ring / conductive contact pairs.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode mounting mandrel is provided with a first mounting groove extending in the radial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel, and the inner conductive ring is fitted in the first mounting groove.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present application, the connector further comprises a plurality of first insulating members, each of which is arranged between two adjacent outer conductive rings.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present application, the outer surface of each first insulating member is flush with the outer surface of the outer conductive ring in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present application, the connector further comprises a second insulating member arranged in the second opening, and the outer surface of the second insulating member is flush with the outer surface of the outer conductive ring in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode mounting mandrel is insulated from the conductive contacts of the flexible electrode, and the electrode mounting mandrel is insulated from the array of conductive rings.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present application, at least the surface of the electrode mounting mandrel is made of insulating material.

[0026] The implant device according to the second aspect of the embodiments of the present application comprises the connector according to the first aspect of the embodiments of the present application.

[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the following description, become apparent from the following description, or be learned by practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1is a schematic view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 is a schematic view of the cooperation between an electrode mounting mandrel and an inner conductive ring of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is a schematic view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application along the axial length of an electrode mounting mandrel.

[0029] Reference Signs: 100: connector; 1: electrode mounting mandrel; 11: first mounting groove; 2: inner conductive ring; 21: first opening; 3: flexible electrode; 31: conductive contact; 4: outer conductive ring; 41: second opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-5 A connector 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present application is described below.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1-5 , the connector 100 according to the first aspect of the present application comprises an electrode mounting mandrel 1, an array of conductive rings and a flexible electrode 3.

[0032] In particular, the electrode mounting mandrel 1 is a columnar structure. The proximal end of the flexible electrode 3 is provided with an elongated sheet-shaped interface contact portion, which is adapted to be attached to the outer periphery of the electrode mounting mandrel 1; and the array of conductive rings comprises at least one conductive ring, which forms an electrical connection with the interface contact portion of the flexible electrode 3.

[0033] For example, in the examples of Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the electrode mounting mandrel 1 serves as a mounting carrier for the array of conductive rings and the flexible electrode 3, and can support the array of conductive rings and the flexible electrode 3, and can also be used to ensure the stability of the installation of the array of conductive rings and the flexible electrode 3. The cross section of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 is circular, which reduces the processing difficulty of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, and at the same time reduces the processing difficulty requirement of the array of conductive rings and the flexible electrode 3, and reduces the difficulty of setting the array of conductive rings and the flexible electrode 3 on the outer periphery of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency of the connector 100.

[0034] The configuration of the proximal end of the flexible electrode 3 and the interface contact part of the electrode mounting stem 1 in the shape of an elongated sheet that is attached to the electrode mounting stem 1 is conducive to improving the softness of the flexible electrode 3, helps to reduce mechanical damage to human tissue, reduce biological rejection, and ensure signal transmission stability, while improving the adaptability of the flexible electrode 3 to human tissue and the reliability of long-term implantation. At the same time, it is also conducive to the arrangement of the flexible electrode 3 on the periphery of the electrode mounting stem 1, and conducive to the sealed conduction of the connector 100.

[0035] The flexible electrode 3 is attached to the conductive ring of the conductive ring array, which helps to reduce the risk of the flexible electrode 3 being slightly displaced to cause the electrical conduction to be disconnected, and improves the stability of the flexible electrode 3 during use. At the same time, when the connector 100 is in action, it is conducive to the electrical conduction between the conductive ring and the flexible electrode 3, and conducive to improving the sealed conduction of the connector 100, thereby facilitating the stable operation of the connector 100 and improving the safety of the surgery.

[0036] In actual use, the electrode mounting stem 1 in the connector 100 can be installed into an implanted device to achieve sealed conduction connection during surgery. When there is current passing through, electrical conduction is formed between the conductive ring and the flexible electrode 3, thereby facilitating the stable function of the connector 100 to operate and improving the safety of the surgery.

[0037] According to the connector 100 of the embodiment of the present application, the electrode mounting stem 1 provides support for the flexible electrode 3, the conductive ring of the conductive ring array is attached to the flexible electrode 3, which reduces the risk of the flexible electrode 3 being slightly displaced to cause the electrical conduction to be disconnected, and improves the stability of the flexible electrode 3 during use. It is conducive to achieving sealed conduction of the connector 100 during surgery, and conducive to improving the safety of the surgery.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present application, with reference to Figure 2 , the interface contact part of the flexible electrode 3 includes a conductive contact 31, and the conductive contact is arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting stem 1. In the radial direction of the electrode mounting stem 1, the conductive ring is attached to the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3, and when the connector 100 is in action, it is conducive to the conduction of the conductive ring and the flexible electrode 3. One conductive contact 31 is arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting stem 1, and / or a plurality of conductive contacts 31 are arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting stem 1. While ensuring the normal electrical conduction function of the flexible electrode 3, the use of conductive materials is reduced, which is conducive to controlling the cost of the flexible electrode 3.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present application, with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5The distal end of the flexible electrode 3 comprises an electrode site part (not shown in the figure) provided with an electrode site, which forms an electrical connection with the conductive contact 31, and can apply electrical stimulation to the target tissue and / or collect the potential signal of the target tissue. Along the axial direction of the electrode mounting core rod 1, the electrode site of the distal end of the flexible electrode 3 is adapted to extend to the target tissue to apply electrical stimulation to the target tissue and / or collect the potential signal of the target tissue through the electrode site. In actual use, the distal end of the flexible electrode 3 applies electrical stimulation to the target tissue and / or collects the potential signal of the target tissue through the electrode site, and the electrical stimulation indication and / or electrical signal is transmitted between the flexible electrode 3 and the array of conductive rings electrically connected thereto through the conductive contact 31, so as to realize the transmission of the electrical stimulation indication and / or electrical signal between the target tissue and the implanted device.

[0040] Therefore, the effectiveness and stability of the electrical conduction of the connector 100 during use are ensured. When the distal end of the flexible electrode 3 extends into the human body, due to the flexible characteristics and biocompatibility of the flexible electrode 3, as well as the relatively stable sealing conduction of the flexible electrode 3, it helps to reduce the mechanical damage to the human tissue, reduce the biological rejection reaction, ensure the stability of signal transmission, and at the same time improve the adaptability of the flexible electrode 3 to the human tissue and the reliability of long-term implantation.

[0041] The flexible electrode 3 further comprises, along the axial direction of the electrode mounting core rod 1, a lead connection section comprising at least one lead wire electrically connected to the conductive contact 31 at the proximal end and the electrode site at the distal end, respectively.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present application, with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the array of conductive rings comprises an outer conductive ring 4, which is sleeved on the side surface of the flexible electrode 3 away from the electrode mounting core rod 1, and the flexible electrode 3 is attached to at least part of the outer conductive ring 4 in the radial direction of the electrode mounting core rod 1. In this way, the outer conductive ring 4 can limit the structure of the flexible electrode 3 on the side of the flexible electrode 3 away from the electrode mounting core rod 1, so as to reduce the displacement of the flexible electrode 3, thereby improving the structural stability of the connector 100 and the reliability of the electrical conduction of the connector 100.

[0043] Further, with reference to Figure 2 , the array of conductive rings comprises an inner conductive ring 2, which is arranged between the electrode mounting core rod 1 and the flexible electrode 3, and the flexible electrode 3 is attached to at least part of the inner conductive ring 2 in the radial direction of the electrode mounting core rod 1. In this way, the side of the flexible electrode 3 towards the electrode mounting core rod 1 can realize electrical conduction through the inner conductive ring 2, thereby further ensuring the electrical conduction of the connector 100 and helping to ensure the normal use of the connector 100.

[0044] In the present application, the inner conductive ring 2 and the outer conductive ring 4 are both made of conductive material.

[0045] Further, referring to Figure 2 , the inner conductive ring 2 is formed with a first opening 21 extending along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. The inner conductive ring 2 is formed with the first opening 21, which helps to simplify the assembly and disassembly steps of the inner conductive ring 2, is suitable for flexible adaptation to the size deviation of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, has strong versatility, and helps to reduce the maintenance cost of the connector 100. Optionally, the first opening 21 on the inner conductive ring 2 is spaced apart from the conductive contact 31, which helps to ensure that as much area of the inner conductive ring 2 as possible is in contact with the conductive contact 31, so that the conductive path between the inner conductive ring 2 and the flexible electrode 3 is sufficient, which helps to improve the current transmission stability, reduce the contact resistance, and reduce energy loss.

[0046] According to some specific embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the outer conductive ring 4 is formed with a second opening 41 extending along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. The outer conductive ring 4 is quickly positioned and mounted outside the flexible electrode 3 through elastic deformation of the position of the second opening 41, and the second opening 41 is fixed after elastic recovery, which is easy to form a stable fit outside the flexible electrode 3. In this way, the outer conductive ring 4 is quickly fixed, accurately positioned, and conveniently maintained, while being compatible with structural errors, ensuring the stability and sealing of the outer conductive ring 4.

[0047] The second opening 41 and the first opening 21 are spaced apart in the radial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. This helps to increase the stress balance of the connector 100 in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, avoid local stress concentration, thereby helping to prolong the service life of the first connector 100, while improving the motion accuracy and working reliability of the connector 100.

[0048] According to some specific embodiments of the present application, the outer conductive ring 4 and the conductive contact 31 are both multiple. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more. The multiple outer conductive rings 4 and the multiple conductive contacts 31 correspond one-to-one and form electrical connections, constituting multiple outer conductive ring / conductive contact pairs; the multiple outer conductive ring / conductive contact pairs are arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. That is, any outer conductive ring 4 and the corresponding conductive contact 31 form an outer conductive ring / conductive contact pair, and the multiple outer conductive ring / conductive contact pairs are regularly arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, which helps to ensure uniform and stable transmission of the electrical stimulation signal and / or the potential signal, and helps to improve the safety of the connector 100.

[0049] Further, the array of conductive rings further comprises a plurality of inner conductive rings 2, and the plurality of inner conductive rings 2 and the plurality of outer conductive rings 4 are in one-to-one correspondence and form electrical connection. In this way, through the correspondence and cooperation of the plurality of inner conductive rings 2 and the plurality of outer conductive rings 4, the electrical connection stability and reliability of the flexible electrode 3 and the array of conductive rings are improved, and at the same time, the setting stability of the flexible electrode 3 is further improved through the cooperation of the inner conductive rings 2 and the outer conductive rings 4, which is conducive to improving the reliability of the connector 100 and prolonging the service life of the connector 100.

[0050] Further, the electrode mounting mandrel 1 further comprises a plurality of connecting lines (not shown in the figure), and the plurality of connecting lines and the plurality of inner conductive rings 2 are in one-to-one correspondence and form electrical connection. The plurality of connecting lines of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 can cooperate with the conductive rings 2 to realize electrical connection, which is conducive to reducing the occupied volume of the connecting components of the conductive rings 2 and the corresponding components in the implanted device, thereby improving the applicability of the connector 100, and at the same time, it is also helpful to further improve the sealing conductivity of the connector 100 and further improve the use safety of the connector 100.

[0051] According to another specific embodiment of the present application, a first insulating layer is arranged on the surface of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, and the inner conductive ring 2 is arranged on the side of the first insulating layer away from the electrode mounting mandrel 1. The arrangement of the first insulating layer is conducive to spacing and insulating the electrode mounting mandrel 1 and the conductive ring 2, thereby avoiding the electrical interference of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 on the conductive ring 2, and improving the use reliability of the connector 100.

[0052] A second insulating layer is arranged on the surface of the flexible electrode 3, and the second insulating layer does not cover the conductive contact 31. That is to say, the surface of the flexible electrode 3 except the conductive contact 31 can be covered with the second insulating layer, thereby avoiding the interference of the above-mentioned other parts of the flexible electrode 3 with the normal electrical connection of the conductive contact 31 and the conductive ring 2.

[0053] According to still another specific embodiment of the present application, the inner conductive ring 2 and the conductive contact 31 are both a plurality of, and the plurality of inner conductive rings 2 and the plurality of conductive contacts 31 are in one-to-one correspondence and form electrical connection, constituting a plurality of inner conductive ring / conductive contact pairs, and the plurality of inner conductive ring / conductive contact pairs are arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. That is to say, any inner conductive ring 2 and the conductive contact 31 corresponding thereto constitute an inner conductive ring / conductive contact pair, and the plurality of inner conductive ring / conductive contact pairs are regularly arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, which is also conducive to ensuring the uniform and stable transmission of the electrical stimulation signal and / or the potential signal, and improving the safety of the connector 100.

[0054] According to still another specific embodiment of the present application, referring to Figure 2The plurality of inner conductive rings 2, the plurality of outer conductive rings 4 and the plurality of conductive contacts 31 are arranged in an array along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. In this way, the arrangement regularity of the plurality of inner conductive rings 2, the plurality of outer conductive rings 4 and the plurality of conductive contacts 31 is increased, which is conducive to the preparation and assembly of the connector 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the connector 100 includes eight corresponding inner conductive rings 2, eight outer conductive rings 4 and eight conductive contacts 31, and eight conductive ring / conductive contact pairs are formed and spaced apart along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. In this way, signal crosstalk between adjacent two conductive ring / conductive contact pairs is avoided, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of electrical conduction of each conductive ring / conductive contact pair and improving the safety of use of the connector 100.

[0055] The plurality of inner conductive rings 2, the plurality of outer conductive rings 4 and the plurality of conductive contacts 31 are arranged in an array along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. In this way, the arrangement regularity of the plurality of inner conductive rings 2, the plurality of outer conductive rings 4 and the plurality of conductive contacts 31 is increased, which is conducive to the preparation and assembly of the connector 100.

[0056] Further, referring to Figure 5 In the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, the length of each conductive contact 31 is greater than or equal to the length of each inner conductive ring 2. In this way, it is helpful to ensure that each inner conductive ring 2 can stably and reliably adhere to one conductive contact 31, thereby helping to ensure stable electrical connection between the conductive contact 31 and the inner conductive ring 2 during use of the connector 100.

[0057] Referring to Figure 5 In the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, the length of each outer conductive ring 4 is greater than or equal to the length of each conductive contact 31. In this way, it is helpful to ensure that each conductive contact 31 can stably and reliably adhere to one outer conductive ring 4, thereby helping to ensure stable electrical connection between the conductive contact 31 and the outer conductive ring 4 during use of the connector 100.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first mounting groove 11 is formed on the electrode mounting mandrel 1 and extends in the radial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, and the inner conductive ring 2 is fitted in the first mounting groove 11. The first mounting groove 11 on the electrode mounting mandrel 1 provides a mounting position for the inner conductive ring 2, which is conducive to positioning and limiting the inner conductive ring 2, thereby helping to ensure that the inner conductive ring 2 corresponds to the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3, realizes stable and reliable adhesion, and further ensures stable electrical connection of the connector 100 during use.

[0059] In the radial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, the outer circumferential surface of the inner conductive ring 2 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. In this way, the inner conductive ring 2 is facilitated to protrude towards the flexible electrode 3, and the adhesion of the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3 to the inner conductive ring 2 is facilitated, thereby facilitating the stable electrical connection between the inner conductive ring 2 and the conductive contact 31 during the operation of the connector 100.

[0060] For example, during the manufacturing process, the first mounting groove 11 can be formed on the surface of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 first, and then the inner conductive ring 2 can be clamped into the first mounting groove 11 by mechanical deformation to complete the sleeving of the inner conductive ring 2 on the electrode mounting mandrel 1. Then, the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3 is aligned with the inner conductive ring 2, and the flexible electrode 3 is combined with the inner conductive ring 2. Finally, the outer conductive ring 4 is aligned with the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3 and the inner conductive ring 2, and the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3 is clamped between the inner conductive ring 2 and the outer conductive ring 4. Alternatively, the adhesion of the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3, the inner conductive ring 2 and the outer conductive ring 4 can be achieved by welding, so as to facilitate the electrical conduction during use.

[0061] According to still another embodiment of the present application, the connector 100 further comprises a plurality of first insulating members (not shown in the figure), each of which is arranged between two adjacent outer conductive rings 4. The two adjacent outer conductive rings 4 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, and the insulation of the plurality of outer conductive rings 4 is facilitated by arranging the first insulating members between the two adjacent outer conductive rings 4. In this way, the signal crosstalk between the two adjacent outer conductive rings 4 is avoided, and the accuracy of the conductive signal of each outer conductive ring 4 is facilitated to be improved. At the same time, different outer conductive rings 4 can be loaded with different potentials during the operation of the connector 100, and if there is no insulation between adjacent outer conductive rings 4, a cross-contact current loop can be formed. On the one hand, the stimulation current can bypass the target tissue and directly short-circuit through the adjacent outer conductive rings 4, resulting in a sharp decrease in stimulation efficiency, such as insufficient nerve stimulation intensity and ineffective treatment; on the other hand, abnormal current can flow through unrelated tissues, causing local electrical heat damage. However, the abnormal current can be blocked by the first insulating members between the adjacent outer conductive rings 4, so as to ensure that the current only forms an effective loop, thereby improving the safety of the connector 100 in use.

[0062] In addition, in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, the outer surface of each first insulating member is flush with the outer surface of the outer conductive ring 4. In this way, the structural integrity of the connector 100 is facilitated to be improved, the stability of the arrangement of the plurality of outer conductive rings 4 is maintained, and the long-term stability of the performance of the connector 100 is ensured.

[0063] According to still some embodiments of the present application, the connector 100 further comprises a second insulating member (not shown in the figure) arranged in the second opening 41, and the outer surface of the second insulating member is flush with the outer surface of the outer conductive ring 4 in the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1. The arrangement of the second insulating member in the second opening 41 avoids the risk of the movement of the outer conductive ring 4 in the radial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel 1, thereby facilitating the guarantee of the adhesion of the inner conductive ring 2 to the conductive contact 31 and the adhesion of the conductive contact 31 to the outer conductive ring 4, and further ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical connection of the connector 100 during use. Meanwhile, the flush of the outer surface of the second insulating member with the outer surface of the outer conductive ring 4 helps to further improve the structural integrity of the connector 100.

[0064] The first insulating member and the second insulating member can be independently selected from epoxy resin and silica gel, etc., which can effectively increase the flatness of the connector 100 on the side of the outer surface of the outer conductive ring 4.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode mounting mandrel 1 is insulated from the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3. Thus, it is conducive to avoiding the electrical interference of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 to the conductive contact 31 of the flexible electrode 3, and helps to the stable use of the connector 100.

[0066] The electrode mounting mandrel 1 is insulated from the array of conductive rings. Thus, it is conducive to avoiding the electrical interference of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 to the array of conductive rings, and helps to the stable use of the connector 100.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the present application, at least the surface of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 is of insulating material. That is, the electrode mounting mandrel 1 can be an insulating rod, or the center of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 is of non-insulating material, and only the surface is of insulating material. As the setting carrier of the array of conductive rings and the flexible electrode 3, the electrode mounting mandrel 1 is an insulating rod, which is conducive to avoiding the electrical interference of the electrode mounting mandrel 1 to the array of conductive rings and the flexible electrode 3, thereby facilitating the guarantee of the use safety of the connector 100 and the operation stability and reliability of the connector 100.

[0068] According to the implantation device (not shown in the figure) of the second aspect of the embodiments of the present application, it comprises the connector 100 according to the first aspect of the embodiments of the present application.

[0069] The implantation device according to the embodiments of the present application needs to be in the human body fluid environment for a long time, and the sealing property of the flexible electrode 3 is the core barrier against the invasion of the body fluid. The use of the above-mentioned connector 100 improves the sealed and connected connection of the implantation device. On the one hand, it can block the invasion of the body fluid and avoid the failure of the function of the implantation device; on the other hand, it is conducive to reducing the biological rejection reaction and improving the long-term biological compatibility of the implantation device; and on the other hand, it is conducive to prolonging the service life of the implantation device and reducing the clinical maintenance cost.

[0070] The other configurations and operations of the connector 100 and the implant device according to the embodiments of the present application are known to those skilled in the art, and thus will not be described in detail.

[0071] In the description of the present application, it needs to be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial" and the like is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0072] In the description of the present application, it needs to be explained that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connecting" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, can be fixedly connected, or can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; can be mechanically connected, or can be electrically connected; can be directly connected, or can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; can be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0073] In the description of the present application, the description referring to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the present application, the exemplary description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0074] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, replacements and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application, and the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A connector (100), characterized in that, include: Electrode mounting core (1), wherein the electrode mounting core (1) is a columnar structure; A flexible electrode (3) has a long, thin, sheet-like interface contact portion at its proximal end, the interface contact portion being adapted to fit against the outer periphery of the electrode mounting mandrel (1); and, A conductive ring array, the conductive ring array including at least one conductive ring, the conductive ring forming an electrical connection with the interface contact portion of the flexible electrode (3).

2. The connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface contact portion of the flexible electrode (3) includes conductive contacts (31), which are arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting core (1).

3. The connector (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible electrode (3) has an electrode site at its distal end. The electrode site is provided with an electrode point, and the electrode point is electrically connected to the conductive contact (31). The electrode point can apply electrical stimulation to the target tissue and / or collect the potential signal of the target tissue.

4. The connector (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conductive ring array includes an outer conductive ring (4), which is sleeved on the side surface of the flexible electrode (3) away from the electrode mounting mandrel (1), and the flexible electrode (3) is in radial contact with at least a portion of the outer conductive ring (4) on the electrode mounting mandrel (1).

5. The connector (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conductive ring array includes an inner conductive ring (2) disposed between the electrode mounting mandrel (1) and the flexible electrode (3), and the flexible electrode (3) is in radial contact with at least a portion of the inner conductive ring (2) on the electrode mounting mandrel (1).

6. The connector (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, A first opening (21) is formed on the inner conductive ring (2), and the first opening (21) extends along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel (1).

7. The connector (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, A second opening (41) is formed on the outer conductive ring (4), and the second opening (41) extends along the axial direction of the electrode mounting core (1).

8. The connector (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, There are multiple outer conductive rings (4) and multiple conductive contacts (31). The multiple outer conductive rings (4) and multiple conductive contacts (31) correspond one-to-one and form an electrical connection, constituting multiple pairs of outer conductive rings / conductive contacts. Multiple outer conductive rings / conductive contacts are arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel (1).

9. The connector (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The conductive ring array also includes multiple inner conductive rings (2), and the multiple inner conductive rings (2) and the multiple outer conductive rings (4) correspond one-to-one and form an electrical connection.

10. The connector (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electrode mounting core (1) also includes multiple connecting lines, and the multiple connecting lines and the multiple inner conductive rings (2) correspond one-to-one and form an electrical connection.

11. The connector (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The electrode mounting mandrel (1) has a first insulating layer on its surface, and the inner conductive ring (2) is located on the side of the first insulating layer away from the electrode mounting mandrel (1); and / or, The flexible electrode (3) has a second insulating layer on its surface, and the second insulating layer does not cover the conductive contact (31).

12. The connector (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, There are multiple inner conductive rings (2) and multiple conductive contacts (31). The multiple inner conductive rings (2) and multiple conductive contacts (31) correspond one-to-one and form an electrical connection, constituting multiple inner conductive ring / conductive contact pairs. The multiple inner conductive ring / conductive contact pairs are arranged along the axial direction of the electrode mounting core rod (1).

13. The connector (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, A first mounting groove (11) is formed on the electrode mounting core (1), the first mounting groove (11) extends radially along the electrode mounting core (1), and the inner conductive ring (2) is fitted in the first mounting groove (11). In the radial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel (1), the outer peripheral surface of the inner conductive ring (2) protrudes beyond the outer peripheral surface of the electrode mounting mandrel (1).

14. The connector (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple first insulating elements, each of which is disposed between two adjacent outer conductive rings (4).

15. The connector (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The outer surface of each of the first insulating elements is flush with the outer surface of the outer conductive ring (4) along the axial direction of the electrode mounting mandrel (1).

16. The connector (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The second insulating element is disposed in the second opening (41), and the outer surface of the second insulating element is flush with the outer surface of the outer conductive ring (4) in the axial direction of the electrode mounting core (1).

17. The connector (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode mounting core (1) is insulated from the conductive contact (31) of the flexible electrode (3); The electrode mounting core (1) is insulated from the conductive ring array.

18. The connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one surface of the electrode mounting core (1) is made of insulating material.

19. An implantable device, characterized in that, Includes the connector (100) as described in any one of claims 1-18.

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