A connector, cochlear implant external device and cochlear implant system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of connector, cochlear implant external machine and cochlear implant system, connector includes male head and female head;Female head includes female head main part, first magnetic attraction piece, wear-resistant lining core and first pin foot;Female head main part is formed on the wall of plug-in recess;First magnetic attraction piece and wear-resistant lining core are located in the wall of plug-in recess;The inner wall of wear-resistant lining core is equipped with the clamping groove;First pin foot penetrates the groove bottom wall of plug-in recess;Male head includes male head main part, second magnetic attraction piece, clamping bump and second pin foot;Second magnetic attraction piece and clamping bump are spaced apart on the outer surface of male head main part along the axial direction of connector;Second pin foot penetrates male head main part;When male head and female head are plugged together, male head main part is partially inserted into plug-in recess, clamping bump is clamped into clamping groove, second pin foot contacts first pin foot, and second magnetic attraction piece and first magnetic attraction piece have magnetic attraction force between them. Connector is applied to cochlear implant external machine, reduces the design workload and development cost of the components of cochlear implant external machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to a connector, an external cochlear implant unit, and a cochlear implant system. Background Technology

[0002] The external unit of a cochlear implant consists of three parts: a first structural component including a sound processor, a second structural component including a battery, and cables for signal transmission. The first structural component and the cables are connected via connectors, and the second structural component and the first structural component are connected via connectors.

[0003] In practice, it is desirable that the insertion and extraction force between the first structural component and the cable meet certain requirements, so that the operator can easily connect and disconnect the first structural component and the cable, and that the connection between the first structural component and the cable has a certain degree of stability and will not disengage due to accidental contact. Additionally, it is desirable that the connector between the first structural component and the cable can withstand at least 1000 insertion and extraction cycles. For the connection between the second structural component and the first structural component, although there are no mandatory requirements for the insertion and extraction force, it is desirable that the connector between them can withstand more than 6000 insertion and extraction cycles.

[0004] In the prior art, because the insertion and removal requirements between the first structural component and the cable are different from those between the second structural component and the first structural component, one type of connector is generally used between the first structural component and the cable, while another type of connector is used between the first structural component and the second structural component. This increases the design workload and cost of the external components of the cochlear implant. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a connector, an external cochlear implant unit, and a cochlear implant system. The connector simultaneously meets the insertion and removal requirements between the first structural component and the cable of the external cochlear implant unit, and between the first structural component and the second structural component.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a connector, including a male head and a female head; wherein:

[0007] The female connector includes a female connector body, a first magnetic absorbing element, a wear-resistant liner, and a first pin. The female connector body has a recessed groove extending along the axial direction of the connector. The first magnetic absorbing element and the wear-resistant liner are both disposed on the side wall of the recessed groove, and the inner wall of the wear-resistant liner has a snap-fit ​​groove. The first pin passes through the bottom wall of the recessed groove along the axial direction of the connector.

[0008] The male connector includes a male connector body, a second magnetic clasp, a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and a second pin; the second magnetic clasp and the snap-fit ​​protrusion are spaced apart along the axial direction of the connector on the outer surface of the male connector body; the second pin passes through the male connector body along the axial direction of the connector.

[0009] When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the main body of the male connector is partially inserted into the insertion groove, the snap-fit ​​protrusion is engaged in the snap-fit ​​groove, the first pin is in contact with the second pin, and the second magnetic member and the first magnetic member have a magnetic attraction force along the axial direction of the connector.

[0010] Optionally, the wear-resistant liner is made of titanium alloy.

[0011] Optionally, the first magnetic element is made of a ferromagnetic material;

[0012] The second magnetic attractor includes a magnet and a magnetic reinforcement made of ferromagnetic material, the magnetic reinforcement being located on the side of the magnet away from the first magnetic attractor.

[0013] Optionally, the male connector body includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged along the axial direction of the connector, wherein the outer diameters of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment decrease sequentially; the magnetic reinforcement is disposed on the stepped surface at the junction of the first segment and the second segment; the magnet is disposed on the stepped surface at the junction of the second segment and the third segment; the snap-fit ​​protrusion is disposed on the third segment and located on the side of the magnet away from the second segment.

[0014] The insertion groove includes a first groove segment, a second groove segment, and a third groove segment arranged sequentially from the bottom of the groove to the opening of the groove, with the diameters of the first groove segment, the second groove segment, and the third groove segment increasing sequentially; the first magnetic suction element is disposed on the stepped surface at the junction of the second groove segment and the third groove segment; the wear-resistant liner extends from the stepped surface at the junction of the first groove segment and the second groove segment into the third groove segment, and the portion of the wear-resistant liner located in the third groove segment is on the side of the first magnetic suction element near the axis of the insertion groove; the snap-fit ​​groove is located on the portion of the wear-resistant liner located in the second groove segment.

[0015] The diameter of the first groove segment and the inner diameter of the wear-resistant liner are adapted to the outer diameter of the third segment and are smaller than the outer diameter of the snap-fit ​​protrusion.

[0016] Optionally, the magnetic reinforcement is attached to the magnet; the end of the first magnetic attractor away from the second groove is flush with the end of the wear-resistant liner away from the first groove.

[0017] Optionally, the outer diameter of the second segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the female head body; the outer diameter of the second magnetic member is smaller than the outer diameter of the first segment, and the outer diameter of the second magnetic member is also smaller than the outer diameter of the female head body;

[0018] The connector further includes a first seal, which is disposed between the stepped surface at the junction of the first segment and the second segment and the end face of the female head body away from the bottom of the insertion groove, and the first seal is located on the side of the second magnetic member away from the axis of the male head body.

[0019] Optionally, the connector further includes a second seal disposed between the outer wall of the third segment and the groove wall of the first groove segment.

[0020] Optionally, in the axial direction of the connector, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is F1, the force on the first sealing member is F3, and the force on the second sealing member is F4.

[0021] During the process of the snap-fit ​​protrusion moving in and out of the snap-fit ​​groove, the axial force between the wear-resistant liner and the snap-fit ​​protrusion along the connector is F2.

[0022] The following conditions must be met between F1, F2, F3, and F4: F2 + F3 + F4 - F1 < 25N, 7N < F1 + F2 + F4 - F3 < 25N.

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also provides an external cochlear implant unit, comprising: a first structural component, a second structural component, a cable, and a connector as described in any of the preceding claims; the first structural component includes a first housing and a sound processor disposed within the first housing; the second structural component includes a second housing and a battery disposed within the second housing; the number of connectors is two, namely a first connector and a second connector; one of the male and female connectors of the first connector is disposed on the first housing and communicates with the sound processor via corresponding pins, and the other is disposed at one end of the cable and communicates with the cable via corresponding pins; one of the male and female connectors of the second connector is disposed on the first housing and electrically connected to the sound processor via corresponding pins, and the other is disposed on the second housing and electrically connected to the battery via corresponding pins;

[0024] The first housing is further provided with a first guide portion, and the second housing is further provided with a second guide portion. The first guide portion and the second guide portion cooperate to align the male head and the female head of the second connector.

[0025] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also provides a cochlear implant system, including the external cochlear implant unit as described above.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the connector, cochlear implant external unit, and cochlear implant system of this utility model have the following advantages:

[0027] The aforementioned connector includes a male and a female connector; the female connector includes a female connector body, a first magnetic absorbing element, a wear-resistant liner, and a first pin; a recessed insertion groove extending axially along the connector is formed on the female connector body; the first magnetic absorbing element and the wear-resistant liner are both disposed on the sidewall of the recessed insertion groove; a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on the inner wall of the wear-resistant liner; the first pin penetrates the bottom wall of the recessed insertion groove axially along the connector; the male connector includes a male connector body, a second magnetic absorbing element, a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and a second pin; the second magnetic absorbing element and the snap-fit ​​protrusion are spaced apart axially along the outer surface of the male connector body; the second pin penetrates the male connector body axially along the connector; when the male connector and the female connector are engaged, the male connector body partially inserts into the recessed insertion groove, the snap-fit ​​protrusion snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove, the second pin contacts the first pin, and the second magnetic absorbing element and the first magnetic absorbing element have a magnetic attraction force axially along the connector. The connector is used in the external device of a cochlear implant, which includes a first structural component, a second structural component, a cable, and the connector. The first structural component includes a first housing and a sound processor disposed within the first housing; the second structural component includes a second housing and a battery disposed within the second housing; there are two connectors, a first connector and a second connector; one of the male and female connectors of the first connector is disposed on the first housing and communicates with the sound processor via corresponding pins, and the other is disposed at one end of the cable and communicates with the cable via corresponding pins; one of the male and female connectors of the second connector is disposed on the first housing and electrically connected to the sound processor via corresponding pins, and the other is disposed on the second housing and electrically connected to the battery via corresponding pins; the first housing also has a first guide portion, and the second housing also has a second guide portion, which cooperates with the first guide portion to axially align the male and female connectors of the second connector.By rationally setting the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor, the insertion and extraction force requirements of the male and female connectors of the connector between the first structural component and the cable can be met, and the male and female connectors of the connector between the first structural component and the cable can meet the requirement of more than 1,000 insertion and extraction cycles. By setting the wear-resistant liner, the first guide part, and the second guide part, the male and female connectors of the connector between the first structural component and the second structural component can meet the requirement of more than 6,000 insertion and extraction cycles. Thus, the same type of connector can be used for both the connection between the first structural component and the cable and the connection between the first structural component and the second structural component, thereby reducing the design workload and R&D cost of the cochlear implant external unit. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand this utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connector provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the male and female heads are inserted and mated.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connector provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the male and female heads are separated from each other;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the female connector head according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the male connector, the first sealing element, and the second sealing element of the connector provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the external cochlear implant device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the first structural component, the second structural component, and the cable are interconnected.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the external cochlear implant device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first structural component, the second structural component, and the cable are separated from each other in the diagram.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the external cochlear implant device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the external cochlear implant unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 and Figure 7 The observation directions are different.

[0037] [The following are explanations of the reference numerals in the attached diagram]: 1-External cochlear implant unit, 10-Connector, 10a-First connector, 10b-Second connector, 100-Female connector, 111-Insertion groove, 1111-First groove segment, 1112-Second groove segment, 1113-Third groove segment, 110-Main body of the female connector, 120-First magnetic chuck, 130-Wear-resistant liner, 131-Snap-fit ​​groove, 140-First pin, 200-Male connector Head, 210-Male head body, 211-First segment, 212-Second segment, 213-Third segment, 220-Second magnetic chuck, 221-Magnet, 222-Magnetic reinforcement, 230-Snap-fit ​​protrusion, 240-Second pin, 300-First seal, 400-Second seal, 20-Second structural component, 21-First guide, 30-Second structural component, 31-Second guide, 40-Cable. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Therefore, the drawings only show components related to this utility model and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape, and size of the components in implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity, and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the component layout may also be more complex.

[0039] Furthermore, while each embodiment described below possesses one or more technical features, this does not imply that users of this utility model must simultaneously implement all technical features in any embodiment, or can only separately implement some or all technical features in different embodiments. In other words, provided it is feasible, those skilled in the art can selectively implement some or all technical features in any embodiment, or selectively implement a combination of some or all technical features in multiple embodiments, based on the disclosure of this utility model and depending on design specifications or implementation requirements, thereby increasing the flexibility in implementing this utility model.

[0040] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural objects, and the plural form “a plurality” includes two or more objects, unless otherwise expressly indicated. As used herein, the term “or” is generally used to include the meaning of “and / or,” unless otherwise expressly indicated, and the terms “install,” “connect,” and “link” should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Connections can be mechanical or electrical. Connections can be direct or indirect through an intermediate medium, and can represent internal communication between two elements or an interaction between two elements. Relational terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor do they indicate relative importance or implicitly specify the number of indicated technical features. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] One of the objectives of this utility model embodiment is to provide a connector suitable for connecting different components of the cochlear implant external unit, reducing the types of components of the cochlear implant external unit, thereby reducing the design workload and R&D costs of the components of the cochlear implant external unit.

[0042] To make the objectives, advantages, and features of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to conveniently and clearly illustrate the objectives of the embodiments of this utility model. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar parts.

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the connector 10 provided in some embodiments of the present invention. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 includes a female head 100 and a male head 200 that are mated together. The structure of the female head 100 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the structure of the male connector 200 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0044] The female connector 100 includes a female connector body 110, a first magnetic absorbing element 120, a wear-resistant liner 130, and a first pin 140. The female connector body 110 has a recessed groove 111 extending axially along the connector 10. The first magnetic absorbing element 120 and the wear-resistant liner 130 are both disposed on the sidewall of the recessed groove 111, and the inner wall of the wear-resistant liner 130 also has a snap-fit ​​groove 131. The first pin 140 penetrates the bottom wall of the recessed groove 111 axially along the connector 10.

[0045] The male connector 200 includes a male connector body 210, a second magnetic member 220, a snap-fit ​​protrusion 230, and a second pin 240. The second magnetic member 220 and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the connector 10 on the outer surface of the male connector body 210; the second pin 240 passes through the male connector body 210 along the axial direction of the connector 10.

[0046] When the male connector 200 is inserted into the female connector 100, the main body 210 of the male connector partially inserts into the insertion recess 111, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove 131, and the first pin 140 and the second pin 240 contact each other to enable the transmission of electrical energy or signals. Furthermore, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the first magnetic member 120 and the second magnetic member 220 along the axial direction of the connector 10.

[0047] By setting the first magnetic suction member 120 and the second magnetic suction member 220, the insertion force between the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 can be reduced, and the pull-out force between the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 can be increased. This ensures that the operator can smoothly insert the male connector 200 partially into the insertion groove 111, and also guarantees the stability and firmness of the connection between the male connector 200 and the female connector 100, preventing undesirable separation due to accidental contact. The wear-resistant liner 130 can improve the service life of the female connector 100, thereby increasing the insertion and removal life of the male connector 200 and the female connector 100. In this way, the connector 10 has the function of being applied to the external unit 1 of a cochlear implant (such as...). Figure 5 The possibilities for connecting different components (as shown). It should be noted that the insertion force and extraction force here refer to the forces applied by the operator when partially inserting the male head body 210 into the insertion groove 111 and when pulling the male head 200 out of the female head 100.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 5 to 8The cochlear implant external unit 1 includes a first structural component 20, a second structural component 30, a cable 40, and a connector 10. The first structural component 20 includes a first housing (not shown) and a sound processor (not shown) disposed within the first housing. The second structural component 30 includes a second housing (not shown) and a battery disposed within the second housing. The first structural component and the cable 40 are communicatively connected via the connector 10 to transmit sound signals. The first structural component and the second structural component are electrically connected via another connector 10, enabling the battery to power the sound processor.

[0049] For ease of description, the connector 10 connecting the first structural member 20 and the cable 40 is referred to as the first connector 10a, and the connector 10b connecting the first structural member 20 and the second structural member 30 is referred to as the connector 10b.

[0050] In this connector, one of the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 is disposed on the first housing and communicates with the sound processor via a corresponding pin; the other is disposed at one end of the cable 40 and communicates with the cable via a corresponding pin. Specifically, if the male connector of the first connector is disposed on the first housing and the female connector is disposed at one end of the cable (not shown in the figure), then the second pin of the first connector communicates with the sound processor, and the first pin communicates with the cable; conversely, if... Figure 6 As shown, if the female connector 100 of the first connector 10a is disposed on the first housing and the male connector 200 is disposed at one end of the cable 40, then the first pin 140 of the first connector 10a is communicatively connected to the sound processor and the second pin 240 is communicatively connected to the cable 40.

[0051] Similarly, one of the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 of the second connector 10b is disposed on the first housing and electrically connected to the sound processor via a corresponding pin, while the other is disposed on the second housing and electrically connected to the battery via a corresponding pin. Specifically, if the male connector of the second connector is disposed on the first housing and the female connector is disposed on the second housing, then the second pin of the second connector is electrically connected to the sound processor and the first pin is electrically connected to the battery (not shown in the figure); conversely, if... Figure 6As shown, if the female connector 100 of the second connector 10b is disposed on the first housing and the male connector 200 is disposed on the second housing, then the first pin 140 of the second connector 10b is electrically connected to the sound processor and the second pin 240 is electrically connected to the battery.

[0052] Furthermore, the first housing is also provided with a first guide portion 21, and the second housing is also provided with a second guide portion 31. Through the sliding engagement of the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 31, the male head 200 of the second connector 10b can be axially aligned with the female head 100, thereby enabling the male head 200 to accurately achieve the effect of partially inserting into the insertion groove 111. This avoids damage to components in the male head 200, such as the second pin 240, during insertion into the insertion groove 111 due to misalignment, thereby improving the insertion life of the male head 200 and the female head 100.

[0053] In practice, by rationally configuring the first magnetic suction member 120 and the second magnetic suction member 220, the magnetic attraction force between them along the axial direction of the connector 10 is appropriate, which can meet the insertion and extraction force requirements between the first structural member 20 and the cable 40. The design of the wear-resistant liner 130 meets the requirement of over 1000 insertion and extraction cycles between the first structural member 20 and the cable 40. The design of the wear-resistant liner 130, combined with the cooperation of the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 31, can achieve a insertion and extraction life of over 6000 cycles between the first structural member 20 and the second structural member 30. Thus, a single model of connector 10 can meet both the insertion and extraction requirements between the first structural member 20 and the cable 40 and between the first structural member 20 and the second structural member 30, reducing the types of components in the cochlear implant external unit 1, thereby reducing the design workload and R&D costs of the components.

[0054] In an optional embodiment, one of the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 31 is a guide block and the other is a guide groove, and the guide groove extends along the axial direction of the second connector 10b. When connecting the first structural member 20 and the second structural member 30, the cooperation of the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 31 causes the first structural member 20 and the second structural member 30 to gradually approach each other along the axial direction of the second connector 10b, ensuring that the male head 200 of the second flexible connector 10b is aligned with the female head 100.

[0055] The specific configuration of the connector 10 will be further described below.

[0056] Optionally, the first magnetic member 120 is at least partially made of a magnetic material, and the second magnetic member 220 is also at least partially made of a magnetic material. Alternatively, one of the first magnetic member 120 and the second magnetic member 220 may be at least partially made of a magnetic material, and the other may be made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first magnetic chuck 120 is made of a ferromagnetic material, and the second magnetic chuck 220 includes a magnet 221 made of a magnetic material and a magnetic force enhancer 222 made of a ferromagnetic material. In the connector 10, the magnetic force enhancer 222 is located on the side of the magnet 221 away from the first magnetic chuck 120. This arrangement can increase the magnetic force between the first magnetic chuck 120 and the second magnetic chuck 220 without changing the volume of the magnet 221. Therefore, given a fixed magnetic force between the first magnetic chuck 120 and the second magnetic chuck 220, a smaller magnet 221 can be used, thereby achieving miniaturization and weight reduction of the connector 10. This, in turn, improves wearer comfort when the connector 10 is applied to the external cochlear implant 1. Optional ferromagnetic materials include, for example, stainless steel sheets, which have the advantage of corrosion resistance.

[0058] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 4 The male connector body 210 includes a first segment 211, a second segment 212, and a third segment 213 arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the connector 10. The first segment 211, the second segment 212, and the third segment 213 decrease in size sequentially, such that the junction of the first segment 211 and the second segment 212 forms a first stepped surface (not shown in the figure), and the junction of the second segment 212 and the third segment 213 forms a second stepped surface (not shown in the figure).

[0059] The magnetic reinforcement 222 is disposed on the first step surface at the junction of the first segment 211 and the second segment 212, and preferably, the outer diameter of the magnetic reinforcement 222 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first segment 211. The magnet 221 is disposed on the second step surface at the junction of the second segment 212 and the third segment 213, and the outer diameter of the magnet 221 is larger than the outer diameter of the second segment 212 and smaller than the outer diameter of the first segment 211. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the magnet 221 may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the magnetic reinforcement 222. In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the magnet 221 is equal to the outer diameter of the magnetic reinforcement platform 222.

[0060] It is readily understood that the magnet 221 is a ring-shaped structure and is fitted onto the outer wall of the third segment 213; or, the magnet 221 comprises multiple sub-magnets, which are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the third segment 212. Similarly, the magnetic force enhancer 222 is a ring-shaped structure and is fitted onto the outer wall of the second segment 212; or, the magnetic force enhancer 222 comprises multiple sub-magnetic force enhancers, which are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the second node 212.

[0061] The snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 is disposed on the outer wall of the third segment 213 and located on the side of the magnet 221 away from the magnetic force enhancer 222. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 protrudes radially outward along the third segment 213. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 can extend 360° circumferentially along the third segment 213 to form a ring structure, or the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 includes multiple sub-protrusions, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the third segment 230. The male head body 210 and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 thereon can be made of high-strength, abrasion-resistant modified plastic to ensure a long service life. Those skilled in the art can select suitable modified plastics from the prior art according to their needs. One possible raw material for the modified plastic includes polyamide 9T, polytetrafluoroethylene, and talc. The method of preparing high-strength, abrasion-resistant modified plastics using polyamide 9T, polytetrafluoroethylene, and talc is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 3 The insertion groove 111 includes a first groove segment 1111, a second groove segment 1112, and a third groove segment 1113 arranged sequentially from the bottom to the opening. The diameters of the first groove segment 1111, the second groove segment 1112, and the third groove segment 1113 increase sequentially, such that the junction of the first groove segment 1111 and the second groove segment 1112 forms a third stepped surface (not shown in the figure), and the junction of the second groove segment 1112 and the third groove segment 1113 forms a fourth stepped surface (not shown in the figure).

[0063] The first magnetic attractor 120 is disposed on the fourth step surface at the junction of the second groove segment 1112 and the third groove segment 1113. The first magnetic attractor 120 may be an annular structure arranged coaxially with the insertion groove 111, or the first magnetic attractor 120 may include a plurality of sub-magnetic attractors, which are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the insertion groove 111.

[0064] The wear-resistant liner 130 has a ring structure. One end of the wear-resistant liner 130 is disposed on the third step surface at the junction of the first groove segment 1111 and the second groove segment 1112, and the other end extends into the third groove segment 1113. The portion of the wear-resistant liner 130 located in the third groove segment 1113 is located on the side of the first magnetic member 120 near the axis of the insertion groove 111.

[0065] The diameter of the first groove segment 1111 and the inner diameter of the wear-resistant liner 130 are both adapted to the outer diameter of the third segment 213. The diameter of the first groove segment 1111 and the inner diameter of the wear-resistant liner 130 are also smaller than the outer diameter of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230. In this way, all parts of the third segment 213 except for the part where the magnet 221 is provided can be inserted into the inner cavity of the first groove segment 1111 and the wear-resistant liner 130. Furthermore, during the process of inserting the male head 200 into the insertion groove 111, before the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 enters the snap-fit ​​groove 131, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 is in an interference fit with the wear-resistant liner 130.

[0066] It should be noted that the inner diameter of the wear-resistant liner 130 refers to the inner diameter of the area of ​​the wear-resistant liner 130 where the snap-fit ​​groove 131 is not provided.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, the wear-resistant liner 130 is preferably made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and high strength. Materials that can be used to prepare the wear-resistant liner 130 include, but are not limited to, titanium alloys. The wear-resistant liner 130 is preferably formed by die casting because die casting offers high precision.

[0068] Preferably, the diameter of the third groove segment 1113 matches the outer diameter of the magnet 221, such that the magnet 221 is at least partially located within the third groove segment 1113.

[0069] Preferably, the magnetic reinforcement 222 is attached to the magnet 221, and the end of the first magnetic suction member 120 away from the second slot 1112 is flush with the end of the wear-resistant liner 130 away from the first slot 1111. The diameter of the third slot 1113 is not less than the outer diameter of the magnet 221, so that the first magnetic suction member 120 is attached to the magnet 221 when the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 are inserted and mated. In this way, the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic suction member 120 and the second magnetic suction member 220 can be increased without changing the volume and weight of the magnet 221. Therefore, when the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic suction member 120 and the second magnetic suction member 220 is determined, a smaller magnet 221 can be used, which is beneficial to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the connector 10.

[0070] Preferably, the magnet 221 is fully inserted into the third groove segment 1113, and the surface of the magnet 221 facing the magnetic force enhancer 222 is flush with the end face of the female head body 110 away from the bottom of the groove.

[0071] Optionally, the outer diameter of the second segment 212 is smaller than the outer diameter of the female head body 110, and the outer diameter of the second magnetic member 220 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first segment 211, and also smaller than the outer diameter of the female head body 110. In a specific example, the outer diameter of the second magnetic member 220 is equal to the diameter of the third groove segment 1113, and the outer diameter of the first segment 211 is equal to the outer diameter of the female head body 110.

[0072] Preferably, the connector 10 further includes a first sealing element 300, which is an annular structure and is disposed on the end face of the first stepped surface and the end of the female head body 110 away from the bottom of the insertion groove 111, and is located on the side of the second magnetic suction element 220 away from the axis of the connector 10.

[0073] The first seal 300 can be connected to the first step surface (e.g. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, it can also be connected to the end face of the female head body portion away from the bottom of the insertion groove (not shown in the figure). This embodiment of the utility model does not limit this, as long as when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and engaged, the first stepped surface and the end face of the female head body portion 110 away from the bottom of the insertion groove 111 jointly press the first sealing member 300 to achieve a seal between the male head 200 and the female head 100. To achieve this purpose, in a specific embodiment, when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and engaged, the end of the magnet 221 facing the magnetic force enhancer 222 is flush with the end face of the female head body portion 110 away from the bottom of the insertion groove 111, and the natural thickness of the first sealing member 300 is greater than the thickness of the magnetic force enhancer 222. The term "natural thickness of the first seal 300" refers to the axial dimension of the first seal 300 in the connector 10 when it is not subjected to compressive force along the axial direction of the connector 10. The thickness of the magnetic reinforcement 222 refers to the axial dimension of the magnetic reinforcement 222 in the connector 10.

[0074] Furthermore, the connector 10 also includes a second seal 400, which is disposed between the outer wall of the third segment 213 and the groove wall of the first groove segment 1111, and is pressed by both to achieve a seal between the male head 200 and the female head 100. The second seal 400 can be sleeved on the outer wall of the third segment 213 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown in the figure, it can also be connected to the wall of the first groove segment (not shown in the figure), but this embodiment of the present invention does not limit this.

[0075] The second seal 400, together with the first seal 300, forms a double-sealing structure, enabling the connector 10 to meet IPX8 waterproof and dustproof requirements, thus improving the reliability of the connector 10. Both the first seal 300 and the second seal 400 can be made of rubber, such as nitrile rubber (NBR).

[0076] The insertion force F of the connector 10 provided in this embodiment of the invention c The force F1, along the axial direction of the connector 10, is determined by the magnetic attraction force F1 between the first magnetic member 120 and the second magnetic member 220 when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and engaged; the axial force F4, along the axial direction of the connector 10, experienced by the second sealing member 400 when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and engaged; the axial force F2, along the axial direction of the connector 10, between the wear-resistant liner 130 and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 when the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 moves in and out of the snap-fit ​​groove 131; and the axial force F3, along the axial direction of the connector 10, experienced by the first sealing member 300 when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and engaged. Specifically, F1 is the magnetic attraction force F1 between the first magnetic member 120 and the second magnetic member 220 when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and engaged. c =F2++F3+F4-F1. The pull-out force F of the connector 10. b The force F1, along the axial direction of the connector 10, is determined by the magnetic attraction force F1 between the first magnetic member 120 and the second magnetic member 220 when the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 are inserted and engaged; the axial force F3, along the axial direction of the connector 10, experienced by the first sealing member 300 when the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 are inserted and engaged; the axial force F4, along the axial direction of the connector 10, experienced by the second sealing member 400 when the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 are inserted and engaged; and the axial force F2, along the axial direction of the connector 10, between the wear-resistant liner 130 and the locking protrusion 230 when the locking protrusion 230 moves in and out of the locking groove 131. Specifically, F... b = F1 + F2 + F4 - F3. In practice, F c It should be less than the first rated value a to ensure that the operator can smoothly connect the cable 40 to the first structural member 20.b It should be greater than the second rated value b and less than the third rated value c to ensure that the cable 40 in the connected state will not be undesirably separated from the first structural member 20 due to accidental contact, and that the operator can also easily separate the cable 40 from the first structural member 20.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the external cochlear implant 1, the insertion force of the connector 10 used to connect the first structural member 20 and the cable 40 should be less than 25N, and the extraction force should be between 7N and 25N; that is, a can be equal to 25N, b can be equal to 7N, and c can be equal to 25N, thereby F c <25N, 7N<F b <25N.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet 221 is made of N52 magnetic material, and has an inner diameter of 3 mm, an outer diameter of 7 mm, and an axial dimension of 1 mm. The magnet 221 is also in contact with the magnetic reinforcement 22. The end of the wear-resistant liner 130 away from the first groove 1111 is flush with the end of the first magnetic attractor 120 away from the second groove 1112. Both the first seal 300 and the second seal 400 are made of NBR, with the first seal 300 having a natural thickness of 0.6 mm and the second seal 400 having a natural wire diameter of 0.5 mm. The interference fit between the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 and the wear-resistant liner 130 is 0.2 mm.

[0079] When the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 are inserted and mated, the thickness of the first sealing member 300 is reduced to 0.5 mm. The wire diameter of the second sealing member 400 is reduced to 0.3 mm.

[0080] Simulation results show that F1 is approximately 19.44 N, F2 is approximately 3.7 N, F3 is approximately 3.83 N, and F4 is approximately 3.5 N. Therefore, F... c equals -8.41, F b It equals 22.81. This is understandable, F... c A value of -8.41 indicates that the male connector 200 can be inserted into the female connector 100 by the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member 120 and the second magnetic member 220, with zero insertion force applied by the operator. Furthermore, the simulation method involved here is well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0081] It is easy to understand that if the connector does not have the first magnetic attraction element and the second magnetic attraction element, then the insertion force of the connector is equal to the axial force F4 exerted on the second sealing member 400 along the connector 10 when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and engaged, the axial force F2 exerted between the wear-resistant liner 130 and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 along the connector 10 when the snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 moves in and out of the snap-fit ​​groove 131, and the axial force F2 exerted on the first sealing member 300 along the connector 10 when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and engaged. The sum of the axial forces F3, the pull-out force of the connector is equal to the sum of the axial forces F2 of the snap-fit ​​protrusion when it enters and exits the snap-fit ​​groove and the axial forces F4 of the second seal when the male and female heads are inserted and mated, minus the axial forces F3 of the first seal 300 of the connector 10 when the male head 200 and the female head 100 are inserted and mated. Its insertion force is significantly greater than the insertion force of the connector provided in this embodiment of the present invention, and its pull-out force is significantly less than the pull-out force of the connector provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The second objective of this utility model embodiment is to provide an external cochlear implant 1, the structure of which is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0083] A third objective of this utility model embodiment is to provide a cochlear implant system, which includes the external cochlear implant unit as described above. Further, the cochlear implant system also includes a cochlear implantation device for implantation into the body and for use in conjunction with the external cochlear implant unit. The composition of the cochlear implantation device and the method of cooperation between the cochlear implantation device and the external cochlear implant unit are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0084] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, Includes male and female heads; among which: The female connector includes a female connector body, a first magnetic absorbing element, a wear-resistant liner, and a first pin. The female connector body has a recessed groove extending along the axial direction of the connector. The first magnetic absorbing element and the wear-resistant liner are both disposed on the side wall of the recessed groove, and the inner wall of the wear-resistant liner has a snap-fit ​​groove. The first pin passes through the bottom wall of the recessed groove along the axial direction of the connector. The male connector includes a male connector body, a second magnetic clasp, a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and a second pin; the second magnetic clasp and the snap-fit ​​protrusion are spaced apart along the axial direction of the connector on the outer surface of the male connector body; the second pin passes through the male connector body along the axial direction of the connector. When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the main body of the male connector is partially inserted into the insertion groove, the snap-fit ​​protrusion is engaged in the snap-fit ​​groove, the first pin is in contact with the second pin, and the second magnetic member and the first magnetic member have a magnetic attraction force along the axial direction of the connector.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wear-resistant liner is made of titanium alloy.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first magnetic element is made of ferromagnetic material; The second magnetic attractor includes a magnet and a magnetic reinforcement made of ferromagnetic material, the magnetic reinforcement being located on the side of the magnet away from the first magnetic attractor.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The male connector body includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged along the axial direction of the connector, with the outer diameters of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment decreasing sequentially. A magnetic reinforcement is disposed on a stepped surface at the junction of the first segment and the second segment. A magnet is disposed on the stepped surface at the junction of the second segment and the third segment. A snap-fit ​​protrusion is disposed on the third segment and located on the side of the magnet away from the second segment. The insertion groove includes a first groove segment, a second groove segment, and a third groove segment arranged sequentially from the bottom of the groove to the opening of the groove, with the diameters of the first groove segment, the second groove segment, and the third groove segment increasing sequentially; the first magnetic suction element is disposed on the stepped surface at the junction of the second groove segment and the third groove segment; the wear-resistant liner extends from the stepped surface at the junction of the first groove segment and the second groove segment into the third groove segment, and the portion of the wear-resistant liner located in the third groove segment is on the side of the first magnetic suction element near the axis of the insertion groove; the snap-fit ​​groove is located on the portion of the wear-resistant liner located in the second groove segment. The diameter of the first groove segment and the inner diameter of the wear-resistant liner are adapted to the outer diameter of the third segment and are smaller than the outer diameter of the snap-fit ​​protrusion.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The magnetic reinforcement is attached to the magnet; the end of the first magnetic attractor away from the second groove is flush with the end of the wear-resistant liner away from the first groove.

6. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the second segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body of the female head; the outer diameter of the second magnetic chuck is smaller than the outer diameter of the first segment, and the outer diameter of the second magnetic chuck is also smaller than the outer diameter of the main body of the female head; The connector further includes a first seal, which is disposed between the stepped surface at the junction of the first segment and the second segment and the end face of the female head body away from the bottom of the insertion groove, and the first seal is located on the side of the second magnetic member away from the axis of the male head body.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector further includes a second seal disposed between the outer wall of the third segment and the groove wall of the first groove segment.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the connector, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is F1, the force on the first sealing member is F3, and the force on the second sealing member is F4. During the process of the snap-fit ​​protrusion moving in and out of the snap-fit ​​groove, the axial force between the wear-resistant liner and the snap-fit ​​protrusion along the connector is F2. The relationships between F1, F2, F3, and F4 satisfy: F2++F3+F4-F1<25N, 7N<F1+F2+F4-F3< 25N。 9. An external cochlear implant unit, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a first structural component, a second structural component, a cable, and a connector as described in any one of claims 1-8; the first structural component includes a first housing and a sound processor disposed within the first housing; the second structural component includes a second housing and a battery disposed within the second housing; the number of connectors is two, namely a first connector and a second connector; one of the male and female connectors of the first connector is disposed on the first housing and communicates with the sound processor via corresponding pins, and the other is disposed at one end of the cable and communicates with the cable via corresponding pins; one of the male and female connectors of the second connector is disposed on the first housing and electrically connected to the sound processor via corresponding pins, and the other is disposed on the second housing and electrically connected to the battery via corresponding pins; The first housing is further provided with a first guide portion, and the second housing is further provided with a second guide portion. The first guide portion and the second guide portion cooperate to align the male head and the female head of the second connector.

10. A cochlear implant system, characterized in that, Including the external cochlear implant unit as described in claim 9.

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