A head comprising means for compensating for welding forces during resistance gap welding

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for welding at least one first electrical contact member (100) of a first component (2) of a medical device (1) to at least one second electrical contact member (200) of the medical device (1), comprising the following steps: arranging a separate support member (5) on a second component (3) of the medical device (1), arranging the first component (2) on the second component (3), thereby arranging the at least one first electrical contact member (100) on the support member (5) such that the support member (5) is arranged between the second component (3) and the at least one first electrical contact member (100) and, in particular, enables a mechanical force introduced into the at least one first electrical contact member (100) to be transmitted into the second component (3) and / or protects the second component (3) from heat via the support member (5), and welding the at least one first electrical contact member (100) to the at least one second electrical contact member (200) to produce an electrically conductive connection between the at least one first electrical contact member (100) and the at least one second electrical contact member (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for welding at least one first electrical contact member of a first component of a medical device to a second electrical contact member of the medical device. Furthermore, this invention relates to a medical device, particularly an implantable medical device. Background Technology

[0002] When welding one component to another, it is typically necessary to have access to both sides of the workpiece. This usually requires considerable effort to set up the welding equipment and can constitute a potential source of error. Furthermore, the feed motion of the welding supports used for each weld joint results in longer cycle times. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on the above, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a simple solution that enables at least one first electrical contact member to be welded to a second electrical contact member in an efficient manner.

[0004] This problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, one aspect of the invention relates to a medical device according to claim 10. Preferred embodiments of these aspects of the invention are set forth in the corresponding dependent claims and described below.

[0005] According to claim 1, a method is disclosed for welding at least one first electrical contact member of a first component of a medical device to a second electrical contact member of the medical device, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0006] - Arrange separate support components on the second part of the medical device;

[0007] - The first component is arranged on the second component, thereby arranging at least one first electrical contact component on the support member, such that the support member is arranged between the second component and the at least one first electrical contact component; and

[0008] - Weld at least one first electrical contact member to a second electrical contact member to create a conductive connection between at least one first electrical contact member and the second electrical contact member.

[0009] Specifically, the support member is arranged between the second component and at least one first electrical contact member, such that the support member enables the mechanical force introduced into the at least one first electrical contact member to be transmitted to the second component via the support member and / or protects the second component from the heat generated during the welding process via the support member.

[0010] In particular, in an embodiment, at least one first electrical contact member is arranged on the support member such that at least one electrical contact member abuts against the support member.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one first electrical contact component is welded to a second electrical contact component by means of parallel gap resistance welding.

[0012] Resistance welding includes various process variations. These variations differ in the arrangement of the welding electrodes relative to the workpiece and the resulting current flow. In a variation of parallel gap resistance welding, two welding electrodes are positioned parallel to each other on the workpiece (e.g., a second electrical contact member) from one side. Therefore, this variation is called parallel gap resistance welding. One advantage of this variation is that the workpiece only needs to be approached from one side. However, a disadvantage of this variation is the need to compensate for the required welding force applied to the workpiece (e.g., the corresponding first electrical contact member) to prevent damage, and / or to compensate for the heat generated on the second component, especially when the second component is made of or includes a heat-sensitive material (e.g., a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic). For example, the second component can be the head or head body of a medical device and can be made of or include a plastic material, particularly a thermoplastic material. Because of the separate support member, the welding force that presses, for example, the second electrical contact member onto at least one first electrical contact member (e.g., the pin of the feedthrough member) can be transferred to the second component via the support member, thereby preventing damage (e.g., bending) to at least one first electrical contact member due to the force, and / or preventing damage (e.g., thermal damage) to the second component by shielding the heat introduced into the second component during welding.

[0013] In other words, the present invention proposes the use of an auxiliary component, i.e. a support member, to absorb the welding force and / or the heat generated, which remains in the medical device after the welded connection is established.

[0014] Furthermore, the method includes welding each of a plurality of first electrical contact members of a first component of the medical device to an associated second electrical contact member of a plurality of second electrical contact members of the medical device. All embodiments described herein are also applicable to both the plurality of first electrical contact members and the plurality of second electrical contact members.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the support member is made of an electrically insulating material, particularly one of the following: ceramic material, Al2O3, zirconium oxide.

[0016] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the method, the support member forms a heat shield that protects the second component from the heat generated during welding. Specifically, the second component may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) protected by the heat shield. Specifically, the second component may be the head of an implantable medical device, and is specifically composed of or includes thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0017] In another embodiment, the support member is an elongated rod having, for example, a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support member.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the method, at least one first contact member is a feedthrough pin protruding from an electrical feedthrough, wherein, in particular, the first component forms or includes an electrical feedthrough. Furthermore, the first component may be a housing portion of a medical device or include the housing portion, the housing portion including the feedthrough. Additionally, the first component may be formed by or include a flange of the electrical feedthrough, wherein, in particular, the flange may also form the aforementioned housing portion.

[0019] Furthermore, in embodiments, the conductive structure includes a second electrical contact member, and the conductive structure particularly includes at least one or more such wiring strips. In embodiments, the conductive structure is electrically connected to a second component, particularly to at least one first electrical contact member of the first component in a conductive manner. The conductive structure may include multiple wiring strips, each first electrical contact member being soldered to a second electrical contact member formed by the wiring strip. Additionally, the corresponding wiring strips may be connected to electrical components provided by the second component (e.g., connectors housed in the head body of the second component, see below).

[0020] In an embodiment of the method, the second component may be the head of a medical device, the head including a head body and at least one connector for connecting the second component to electrode leads of the medical device, wherein, in particular, the head body accommodates at least one connector, and wherein, in particular, a conductive structure is electrically connected, in particular soldered to, at least one connector of the head.

[0021] In one embodiment, the head body includes a recess or groove configured to receive a separate support member and at least one first contact member, wherein the separate support member is arranged in the recess or groove of the head body.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first component is formed of an electrical feeder, or the housing portion includes an electrical feeder, wherein the first component includes a first connecting member specifically designed as a mounting track. In another embodiment, the second component is formed of or includes a head body, wherein the second component includes a second connecting member specifically configured to receive the first connecting member designed as a mounting track or a groove engaging with the first connecting member. In another embodiment, the first connecting member engages slidably with the second connecting member. In yet another embodiment, arranging the first component on the second component includes mounting the second component on the first component using the first and second connecting members, wherein, specifically, the first connecting member designed as a mounting track slidably engages with the second component designed as a groove in the head body, wherein, specifically, the first connecting member slides into the second connecting member.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a medical device, particularly an implantable medical device, comprising:

[0024] - A first component having at least one first electrical contact member, wherein the at least one first electrical contact member is connected to a second electrical contact member via a welding connection; and

[0025] - A second component, wherein the second component is connected to the first component.

[0026] The medical device includes a separate support member disposed on the second component between the second component and at least one first electrical contact member, such that mechanical forces introduced into the at least one first electrical contact member can be transmitted to the second component via the support member.

[0027] Specifically, in an embodiment, at least one first electrical contact member abuts against a support member.

[0028] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the medical device includes a plurality of first electrical contact members and a plurality of second electrical contact members, each of the first electrical contact members being connected to an associated second electrical contact member by welding, wherein a support member is disposed on the second component between the second component and the plurality of first electrical contact members, such that mechanical forces introduced into the respective first electrical contact member can be transmitted to the second component via the support member and / or the second component is protected or shielded from the heat generated during connection (e.g., welding) by the support member.

[0029] In embodiments of the medical device, the support members are made of electrically insulating materials, particularly one of the following: ceramic materials, Al2O3, and zirconium oxide.

[0030] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the medical device, the support member forms a heat shield that protects the second component from the heat generated during the welding process.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the medical device, the support member is an elongated rod having, for example, a rectangular cross-section (see also above).

[0032] According to another embodiment of the medical device, at least one first contact member is a feedthrough pin protruding from an electrical feedthrough member of the medical device included in a first component of the medical device. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the medical device, the first component is a housing portion of the medical device. Additionally, in an embodiment of the medical device, the first component may be formed by or include a flange of the electrical feedthrough member, wherein the flange may also form the aforementioned housing portion.

[0033] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the medical device, the second component may be the head of the medical device, which includes at least one connector for connecting the second component to the electrode leads of the medical device, and the head body specifically accommodates at least one connector.

[0034] Furthermore, in embodiments of the medical device, the conductive structure includes a second electrical contact member, which in particular includes at least one wiring strip forming the second electrical contact member, wherein the conductive structure is electrically connected to a second component, and wherein, in particular, the conductive structure is electrically connected to the at least one connector.

[0035] In one embodiment, the head body includes a recess or groove configured to receive a separate support member and at least one first contact member, wherein the separate support member is arranged in the recess or groove of the head body.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first component is formed of an electrical feeder, or the housing portion includes an electrical feeder, wherein the first component includes a first connecting member specifically designed as a mounting rail. In another embodiment, the second component is formed of or includes a head body, wherein the second component includes a second connecting member specifically configured to receive the first connecting member designed as a mounting rail or a groove engaging with the first connecting member. In another embodiment, the first connecting member engages slidably with the second connecting member.

[0037] The method according to the invention may also be characterized by the features and embodiments described above in conjunction with the implantable medical device, and vice versa.

[0038] This invention can be applied to various medical devices, particularly implantable medical devices, wherein the medical device can be one of the following: pacemaker, cardiac pacemaker, cardioverter defibrillator, neurostimulator, or cardiac monitor. This also applies to the medical device described in the method according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0039] In the following description, embodiments of various aspects of the invention, as well as other features and advantages of the invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein...

[0040] Figure 1 The illustration shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an implantable medical device according to the invention, the device having a head body connected to the housing of the device, particularly via an electrical feedthrough, wherein the device includes a support member extending adjacent to a plurality of first electrical contact members formed by pins of the feedthrough, wherein the support member is capable of transferring forces and heat introduced into the pins to the head body to protect the pins from deformation and to protect the head from melting and discoloration during soldering.

[0041] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Details of the supporting components,

[0042] Figure 3 The cross-sections of the support member and the adjacent first electrical contact member (e.g., the feedthrough pin) are shown; and

[0043] Figure 4 An embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown, which includes arranging a support member on the head body (second component). Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 Combination Figures 2 to 3 An embodiment of a medical device 1 according to the present invention is shown. The medical device 1 may be an implantable medical device, particularly a pacemaker, a cardioverter defibrillator, a neurostimulator, or a cardiac monitoring device.

[0045] Specifically, the implantable medical device 1 includes a first component 2 having at least one first electrical contact member 100, specifically a plurality of such contact members in the form of feed pins 100 of an electrical feeder, which is included in or forms part of the first component 2. The feeder 4 may include a flange 40 holding an electrical insulator 41, with the pins 100 extending through the electrical insulator 41.

[0046] Specifically, the first component 2 may be a first housing portion 2 of the housing 400 of the medical device 1, the housing 400 being formed by the first housing portion 2 and the second housing portion 2a. The housing 400 houses the battery and electronic circuitry of the medical device 1, wherein the electronic circuitry may be connected to components outside the housing 400 via electrical feeders 4 of the housing 400. Corresponding first electrical contact members (e.g., pins) 100 are connected to second electrical contact members 200 via soldering connections (particularly through resistance welding).

[0047] Furthermore, the medical device 1 includes a second component 3 connected to the first component 2. The second component 3 may be a head 3 of the medical device 1 and may include a head body 30 made specifically of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0048] The implantable medical device 1 also includes a separate support member 5 disposed on the second component 3, particularly between the head body 30 and the pin 100, such that the mechanical force F introduced into the pin 100 during the welding of the connection between the corresponding pin 100 and the associated second electrical contact member 200 can be transmitted through the support member 5 to the second component 3 / head body 30. Specifically, the separate support member 5 is disposed in a recess or groove in the head body 30. In particular, the dimensions of the recess or groove in the head body 30 are designed to also accommodate the feedthrough pin 100 within the recess or groove.

[0049] Specifically, the pin 100 protrudes axially from the insulator 41 of the feedthrough 4, wherein a support member 5 is arranged on the side of the pin 100 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, enabling it to absorb forces F perpendicular to the axial direction of the pin 100 and transmit these forces to the head body 30. Therefore, the support member 5 prevents the pin from bending away from the corresponding axial direction due to welding forces applied by the welding system (e.g., parallel gap resistance welding) (or even prevents the pin 100 from breaking).

[0050] Since the head body 30 can be made of a plastic material such as TPU, the support member 5 also serves as a heat shield. Furthermore, the support member 5 is specifically an electrical insulator. The support member 5 can be made of materials such as ceramics, Al2O3, or zirconium oxide.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the support member 5 can be a slender rod with a rectangular cross-section (see Figure 5). Figure 3 ).

[0052] Furthermore, the head body 40 may accommodate at least one connector, in this case, for example, two connectors 7 and 8. Specifically, the medical device 1 may be configured to provide treatment in the form of electrical stimulation. In this case, connectors 7 and 8 are specifically configured as plugs for receiving electrode leads through which treatment can be applied to the patient and / or sensing can be achieved.

[0053] Furthermore, the implantable medical device 1 includes a conductive structure 6. The conductive structure 6 may include wiring strips 60, wherein each wiring strip 60 includes a first end forming a corresponding second electrical contact member 200, the second electrical contact member 200 being soldered to an associated pin 100 of the feedthrough 4 / first component 2 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 The opposite second end of the corresponding wiring strip 60 is connected to one of the contacts 70, 71, 80, and 81 of connectors 7 and 8 (see...). Figure 1 This allows the conductive structure 6 to connect connectors 7 and 8 to pin 100. The feedthrough pin 100 and the second electrical contact member 200 can be formed of titanium alloy or other suitable metal. Other electrical conductors can also be used instead of the aforementioned wiring strip.

[0054] also, Figure 4 An embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown, wherein a separate support member 5 is placed on the second component 3, i.e., on the head body 30, particularly in a recess of the head body 30, and a first component 2 is arranged on the second component 3 (e.g., on its head body 30). This first component 2 may be constituted by or include the feedthrough 4, the feedthrough flange 40, and the housing portion 2, or may also include the entire housing 400, thereby arranging the electrical contact member (feedthrough pin) 100 on the support member 5 (see [link]). Figure 3 The support member 5 is arranged between the head body 30 of the second component 3 and the pin 100. Then, a conductive structure 6, including a plurality of wiring strips 60, is arranged on the second component 3, particularly on the head body 30, such that a second electrical contact member 200 formed by the first end of the wiring strip 60 rests on the pin 100, and the opposite second end of the wiring strip 60 rests on the contacts 70, 71, 80, 81 of the connectors 7, 8 housed in the head body 30. At this time, the second electrical contact member 200 can be soldered to the pin 100, particularly by parallel gap resistance soldering, wherein a mechanical force F is introduced into the corresponding pin 100 during the soldering process (see...). Figure 3The heat generated during welding can be transferred to the head body via the support member 5, which also protects the head body 30 from the heat generated during welding. The support member 5 remains in place after welding. After the conductive structure 6 is connected to the pins 100 and contacts 70, 71, 80, 81 of the head body, the head body 30 can be further processed, for example, by covering the conductive structure 6.

[0055] The advantages of this invention are that the workpiece (e.g., the first and second electrical contact members) only needs to be approached from one side (e.g., from above). Furthermore, the work required for configuring supports integrated into the welding apparatus can be eliminated. The risk of collisions and consequently waste generation can be reduced. In addition, this invention can shorten the cycle time of the method.

Claims

1. A method for welding at least one first electrical contact member (100) of a first component (2) of a medical device (1) to at least one second electrical contact member (200) of the medical device (1), the method comprising the steps of: - A separate support member (5) is arranged on the second component (3) of the medical device (1); - The first component (4) is arranged on the second component (3), thereby arranging the at least one first electrical contact component (100) on the support member (5), such that the support member (5) is arranged between the second component (3) and the at least one first electrical contact component (100), and in particular, the support member (5) enables the mechanical force introduced into the at least one first electrical contact component (100) to be transmitted to the second component (3) and / or protects the second component (3) from the heat generated by the welding process through the support member (5); as well as - The at least one first electrical contact member (100) is welded to the at least one second electrical contact member (200) to create a conductive connection between the at least one first electrical contact member (100) and the at least one second electrical contact member (200).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one first electrical contact member (100) is welded to the at least one second electrical contact member (200) by parallel gap resistance welding.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support member (5) is made of an electrically insulating material, particularly one of the following: ceramic material, Al2O3, zirconium oxide.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support member (5) forms a heat shield that protects the second component (200) from the heat generated during the welding process.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The supporting member (5) is a slender rod.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one first contact member (100) is a feed pin of the electrical feeder (4) included in the first component (4), wherein, in particular, the first component (2) is formed as or includes a housing portion (4) or flange (40) of the electrical feeder (4).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second electrical contact member (200) is included in a conductive structure (6), wherein, in particular, the conductive structure (6) includes at least one wiring strip (60) forming the second electrical contact member (200).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The conductive structure (6) is electrically connected to the second component (3).

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The second component (3) includes a head body (30), wherein, in particular, the head body (30) accommodates at least one connector (7, 8) for electrode leads of the medical device (1), and wherein, in particular, the conductive structure (6) is electrically connected to the at least one connector (7, 8).

10. A medical device (1), comprising: - A first component (2) having at least one first electrical contact member (100), wherein the at least one first electrical contact member (100) is connected to a second electrical contact member (200) via a welding connection; and - Second component (3), wherein the second component (3) is connected to the first component (2). Its features are, The medical device (1) includes a separate support member (5) arranged on the second part (3) between the second part (3) and the at least one first electrical contact member (100), in particular, such that mechanical forces introduced into the at least one first electrical contact member (100) can be transmitted to the second part (3) via the support member (5) and / or the second part (3) is protected from heat by the support member (5).

11. The medical device according to claim 10, wherein, The support member (5) is made of an electrically insulating material, particularly one of the following: ceramic material, Al2O3, zirconium oxide.

12. The medical device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The support member (5) forms a heat shield that protects the second component (3) from the heat generated during the welding process.

13. The medical device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The supporting member (5) is a slender rod.

14. The medical device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The at least one first contact member (100) is a feed pin of the electrical feeder (4) included in the first component (2), wherein, in particular, the first component (2) is formed by or includes the housing portion (2) or flange (40) of the electrical feeder (4), and / or wherein the second component (3) includes a head body (30), wherein, in particular, the head body (30) accommodates at least one connector (7, 8) for the electrode leads of the medical device (1).

15. The medical device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The second electrical contact member (200) is included in a conductive structure (6), wherein, in particular, the conductive structure (6) includes at least one wiring strip (60) forming the second electrical contact member (200), wherein the conductive structure (6) is electrically connected to the second component, wherein, in particular, the conductive structure (6) is electrically connected to the at least one connector (7, 8).

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