Connector fixture and connector member

Abstract

To provide a connector fixture or the like suitable for fitting of a connector to an animal.SOLUTION: A connector fixture comprises: a main body 100 whose part is embedded in the body of an animal. The main body 100 comprises: a plate-shaped base plate part 10; a top plate part 20 provided above the base plate part 10; and a strut part 30 for connecting the base plate part 10 and the top plate part 20. The base plate part 10 is embedded in the body of an animal. The top plate part 20 has a connector installation area 23 on which a connector 50 is installed and which is provided on the upper side of the top plate part 20. The strut part 30 is narrower than the base plate part 10 and the top plate part 20. The main body 100 has an open hole 40 penetrating the base plate part 10, the strut part 30, and the top plate part 20, the open hole formed thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector fitting and a connector member. [Background technology]

[0002] When measuring bioelectrical signals such as an animal's electroencephalogram or electromyogram, or when electrically stimulating an animal's muscles or brain, signals are exchanged between an external device such as an external measuring device or stimulating device and electrodes placed inside the body.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connection structure between a stimulation electrode and a receiver having a stimulation output circuit for operating the stimulation electrode. In Patent Document 1, the stimulation electrode and the receiver are embedded in the body, and a control signal is wirelessly transmitted to the receiver from a control device outside the body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-57504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, communication is performed wirelessly between an external device outside the body and an electrode placed inside the body, but there are cases where it is desirable to connect the external device outside the body and the electrode placed inside the body with a wire. For example, in medium-sized and large animal experiments, the external device outside the body and the electrode placed inside the body are often connected with a wire. In this case, the lead wire used for the wired connection is easily damaged because it is connected to the animal and the external device. For example, in medium-sized and large animal experiments, disconnection can be prevented by immobilizing the animal with anesthesia during the experiment, or by wiring the lead wire in a place where the mouth and limbs of the medium-sized and large animal cannot reach, but during normal times other than the experiment, if the lead wire connecting the animal to the external device is not removed from the animal, it will easily be damaged by the mouth or limbs.

[0006] In order to prevent such damage to the lead wire, it is necessary to take measures such as making it possible to detachably connect the internal lead wire and the external lead wire with a connector at the position where the lead wire penetrates from the inside of the body to the outside of the body. In addition, it is also important that the connector attached to the animal cannot be easily removed. For example, a method for preventing damage to the lead wire is adopted in which the skin and muscle of the head of a medium-sized or large animal are stripped off to expose the skull at all times, a connector is firmly installed on the exposed skull with a screw and resin, and the external lead wire and the internal lead wire are electrically connected only during the experiment. In this method, the skin and muscle of the head are stripped off to expose the skull to a large extent, so that the medium-sized or large animal is always exposed to a state where the area is susceptible to infection, and there is also an ethical problem in that the appearance of the medium-sized or large animal is significantly damaged.

[0007] Even in cases other than medium- to large-sized animal experiments, when connecting an external device outside the body to an electrode placed inside the body with a wire, the animal's movements are restricted during the wired connection, so it is necessary to make the connection detachable with a connector. In such cases, it is undesirable to impose a large burden on the animal by making the connector difficult to remove as described above, and a method suitable for attaching the connector to the animal is required.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a connector attachment and a connector member suitable for attaching a connector to an animal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A connector attachment device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connector attachment device for attaching a connector to an animal, the connector being electrically connected to an electrode placed inside the animal's body, and comprising a main body a portion of which is embedded inside the animal's body, the main body comprising a plate-shaped base plate portion embedded inside the animal's body, a plate-shaped top plate portion located above the base plate portion, and a strut portion located between the base plate portion and the top plate portion, connecting the base plate portion and the top plate portion and being narrower than the base plate portion and the top plate portion, the top plate portion having a connector installation area for installing the connector provided on the upper side of the top plate portion, and a through hole is formed in the main body extending from the underside of the base plate portion toward the connector installation area and penetrating the base plate portion, the strut portion and the top plate portion.

[0010] A connector member according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned connector attachment tool and the connector fixed to the connector installation area. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector attachment and a connector member suitable for attaching a connector to an animal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body provided in a connector fastener according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a main body provided in the connector fastener according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector installation cap provided on the connector fastener according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the connector installation cap provided on the connector fastener according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sealing cap provided on the connector fastener according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the sealing cap provided on the connector fastener according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of a connector and a mating connector included in the connector member according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangements and connection forms of components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The various aspects described in this specification can be combined with each other as long as no contradiction occurs. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0015] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. Therefore, for example, the scales in each figure do not necessarily match. In addition, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0016] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements, such as parallel or perpendicular, terms indicating the shape of elements, such as rectangular or circular, and numerical ranges are not expressions that only express a strict meaning, but are expressions that include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

[0017] In addition, in this specification, the terms "upper" and "lower" do not refer to the upper direction (vertically upper) and lower direction (vertically lower) in absolute spatial recognition, but are used as terms defined by relative positional relationships. Similarly, the "upper surface" and "lower surface" of each part do not refer to the upper (vertically upper) side surface and the lower (vertically lower) side surface in absolute spatial recognition. In other words, terms such as "upper", "lower", "upper surface" and "lower surface" are used only to specify the relative arrangement between components, and are not intended to limit the posture of the connector fixture and connector member when used. In addition, the terms "upper" and "lower" are applied not only to the case where two components are arranged with a gap between them and another component is present between the two components, but also to the case where two components are arranged closely to each other and the two components are in contact with each other.

[0018] In the present specification and drawings, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis indicate the three axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. In the following embodiments, the z-axis direction is the up-down direction, with the negative side of the z-axis being "downward" and the positive side of the z-axis being "upward." In the following embodiments, the z-axis direction is the direction in which the base plate portion, the strut portion, and the top plate portion are aligned.

[0019] (Embodiment) A connector fastener and a connector member according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.

[0020] [overview] First, an overview of the connector attaching tool and connector member according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body 100 provided in the connector attaching tool according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the main body 100 provided in the connector attaching tool according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mating connector installation cap 101 provided in the connector attaching tool according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the mating connector installation cap 101 provided in the connector attaching tool according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sealing cap 102 provided in the connector attaching tool according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the sealing cap 102 provided in the connector attaching tool according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side view of a connector 50 and a mating connector 60 provided in the connector member according to the present embodiment.

[0021] The connector attaching tool according to this embodiment includes a main body 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, a mating connector installation cap 101 shown in Figures 3 and 4, and a sealing cap 102 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Each of the mating connector installation cap 101 and the sealing cap 102 is detachable from the main body 100. Figures 1 to 6 show a state in which the main body 100, the mating connector installation cap 101, and the sealing cap 102 are separated.

[0022] The connector attachment according to the present embodiment is a member for attaching a connector 50 to an animal, the connector 50 being electrically connected via a lead wire or the like to an electrode disposed inside the animal's body. The electrode is, for example, an electrode used for measuring bioelectrical signals such as electroencephalograms or electromyograms, or for electrically stimulating muscles or the brain. Such electrodes, lead wires, and connector attachment are attached to an animal, for example, by surgery. In the connector attachment according to the present embodiment, a part of the main body 100 is embedded in the animal's body for use. The animal is, for example, a medium-sized or large animal such as a monkey, but is not particularly limited, and may be a primate including a human, or may be a small animal. The connector attachment according to the present embodiment is suitable for animals with dexterous limbs, such as primates.

[0023] In the connector member according to the present embodiment, the connector 50 shown in Fig. 7 is installed in the main body 100, and the mating connector 60 shown in Fig. 7 that is paired with the connector 50 is installed in the mating connector installation cap 101. That is, the connector member according to the present embodiment includes the above-mentioned connector attachment, the connector 50, and the mating connector 60. Note that Figs. 1 to 4 and 7 show a state in which the connector 50 and the mating connector 60 are not installed in the main body 100 and the mating connector installation cap 101.

[0024] The connector 50 is connected to an electrode (not shown) arranged inside the animal's body via a lead wire (not shown) (hereinafter also referred to as an internal lead wire). The counter connector 60 is connected to an external device (not shown) outside the body via a lead wire (not shown) (hereinafter also referred to as an external lead wire). The external device is, for example, a measurement device or a stimulation device. The connector member according to this embodiment is a connector for electrically connecting an internal lead wire and an external lead wire, and by connecting the connector 50 and the counter connector 60, the external device and the electrode are electrically connected via the connector 50, the counter connector 60, the internal lead wire, and the external lead wire. In addition, since the connector 50 and the counter connector 60 are detachable, when electrical connection between the external device and the electrode is not required, the external lead wire can be in a state where it is not connected to the animal.

[0025] The configurations of the connector fastener and connector member according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0026] [Main unit] First, the specific configuration of the main body 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] The main body 100 is a member in which a connector 50 is installed, which is electrically connected to one or more electrodes arranged inside the body of an animal via an internal lead wire. A part of the main body 100 is embedded inside the body of an animal, for example, in subcutaneous soft tissue. In FIG. 2, the dashed line shows an example of the position of the surface of the animal's skin when a part of the main body 100 is embedded. In FIG. 2, the lower side of the dashed line is inside the body (subcutaneous), and the upper side of the dashed line is outside the body. In this way, the main body 100 penetrates the skin and is embedded partly inside the body and fixed to fascia, bone, or the like. The part of the animal in which the part of the main body 100 is embedded is determined depending on the purpose, and may be, for example, the limbs, back, or head.

[0028] 1 and 2, the main body 100 includes a base plate portion 10, a top plate portion 20, and a strut portion 30. The base plate portion 10, the top plate portion 20, and the strut portion 30 are names given to respective portions of a single member made of, for example, the same material.

[0029] The base plate portion 10, the top plate portion 20, and the strut portion 30 are integrally formed, for example, from a metal. This makes it possible to suppress breakage even with long-term use. Examples of metals include titanium and stainless steel, but are not particularly limited as long as they are biocompatible metals. The base plate portion 10, the top plate portion 20, and the strut portion 30 may be integrally formed from a resin. Examples of resins include engineering plastics, but are not particularly limited as long as they are biocompatible resins. Methods of integral formation include 3D printer molding and cutting processing. Note that a part of the main body 100 may be formed separately. For example, the main body 100 may be formed by connecting the base plate portion 10, the top plate portion 20, and the strut portion 30, each of which is composed of one or more members.

[0030] The base plate portion 10 is a plate-like portion that is embedded in the animal's body. The thickness of the base plate portion 10 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. In the example shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the corners of the base plate portion 10 are rounded. The base plate portion 10 is connected to the top plate portion 20 via the strut portion 30. When viewed from above, for example, the base plate portion 10, the strut portion 30, and the top plate portion 20 are arranged so that their centers coincide with each other. When viewed from above, the base plate portion 10 is larger than the top plate portion 20 and the strut portion 30.

[0031] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the shape of the base plate portion 10 when viewed from above is rectangular, but it may be other shapes such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal. In the example shown in Fig. 1, a first side of the rectangle is parallel to the x-axis direction, and a second side perpendicular to the first side of the rectangle is parallel to the y-axis direction. In addition, the length of one side of the rectangle is, for example, 1 cm or more and 5 cm or less.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the lower surface 11b of the base plate portion 10 is curved so that the end of the lower surface 11b is away from the top plate portion 20. This allows the base plate portion 10 to fit the surface shape of the muscle (fascia) when the base plate portion 10 is fixed to the fascia, and stress on the skin that causes skin fistulas can be reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, both ends of the lower surface 11b in the x-axis direction perpendicular to the z-axis direction, which is the up-down direction, are located below the center of the lower surface 11b. When moving along the y-axis direction, the position of the lower surface 11b in the up-down direction does not change. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the base plate portion 10 is a plate-like shape that is curved as a whole so that the top plate portion 20 side (upper side) is convex.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the bottom surface 11b of the base plate portion 10 has a groove 12 extending from an opening of a through hole 40 (described in detail later) for inserting an internal lead wire to the outer edge of the bottom surface 11b. This creates a gap between the base plate portion 10 and the fascia to which the base plate portion 10 is fixed, thereby preventing local stress concentration on the fascia when the internal lead wire passes between the base plate portion 10 and the fascia. In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 12 is an arc shape. The groove 12 extends along the y-axis direction. For example, the groove 12 crosses from one end to the other end of the bottom surface 11b along the y-axis direction.

[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of holes 13 are formed at the end of the base plate portion 10 when viewed from above, penetrating the base plate portion 10 in the thickness direction. This allows the base plate portion 10 to be stably sutured to the fascia over the long term using the plurality of holes 13 when fixing the base plate portion 10 to the fascia. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of holes 13 are lined up along two opposing sides of the rectangle of the base plate portion 10 when viewed from above. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the number of the plurality of holes 13 is eight, but is not particularly limited. Also, when viewed from above, each of the plurality of holes 13 is, for example, arranged at a position where at least a part of it does not overlap with the top plate portion 20. In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of holes 13 is arranged at a position where the entirety of the plurality of holes 13 does not overlap with the top plate portion 20. Note that the plurality of holes 13 may not be formed in the base plate portion 10. For example, the base plate portion 10 may be formed with a protrusion for winding a suture therearound, and the base plate portion 10 may simply be embedded in the animal's body.

[0035] The top plate portion 20 is a plate-like portion that is exposed to the outside of the body without being embedded in the body when the main body 100 is fixed to an animal. The thickness of the portion of the top plate portion 20 other than the vertical wall portion 22 described later is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the corners of the top plate portion 20 are rounded. The top plate portion 20 faces the base plate portion 10 via the strut portion 30 and is located above the base plate portion 10. The top plate portion 20 is connected to the base plate portion 10 via the strut portion 30. In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the top plate portion 20 is smaller than the base plate portion 10 and larger than the strut portion 30 when viewed from above.

[0036] 1, the shape of the top plate portion 20 when viewed from above is rectangular, but it may be other shapes such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 1, a first side of the rectangle is parallel to the x-axis direction, and a second side of the rectangle that is perpendicular to the first side is parallel to the y-axis direction.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the top plate portion 20 has a vertical wall portion 22 provided on the upper side of the top plate portion 20. The top plate portion 20 also has a connector installation area 23, which is an area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 22. In FIG. 2, the shape of the inside of the vertical wall portion 22 is shown by a dashed line. In the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the vertical wall portion 22 is a wall portion in which a part of the upper surface 21a rises at a position away from the outer edge of the upper surface 21a. The vertical wall portion 22 surrounds a connector installation area 23 for installing a connector 50. Therefore, the connector installation area 23 is located in a recess formed in the top plate portion 20 by the vertical wall portion 22. The connector 50 is installed in a recess space formed by the vertical wall portion 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a step 29 is formed in the recess space, and the connector 50 is installed on the step of the step 29. The top plate portion 20 does not necessarily have to have the standing wall portion 22, and the connector installation area 23 may be located within a recess formed by recessing a part of the upper surface 21a.

[0038] The standing wall portion 22 includes thick wall portions 24a and 24b at both ends in the y-axis direction of the standing wall portion 22. The thick wall portions 24a and 24b are portions where the ends in the y-axis direction of the standing wall portion 22 spread outward. The thick wall portions 24a and 24b are portions where the screw holes 25 are formed in the main body 100. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the two thick wall portions 24a and 24b each have a screw hole 25 formed therein.

[0039] The screw holes 25 are holes for fastening screws for fixing the mating connector installation cap 101 and the sealing cap 102 to the top plate portion 20, and have thread grooves (female threads) formed therein. Note that the thread grooves are not shown in Fig. 1. The screw holes 25 open on the upper surfaces of the thick wall portions 24a and 24b. The screw holes 25 may be bottomed or may not be bottomed.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a convex portion 26 protruding upward is formed on the upper surface of the vertical wall portion 22 (specifically, the thick wall portion 24a). The convex portion 26 fits into a concave portion 123 in the mating connector installation cap 101 and a concave portion 223 in the sealing cap 102, which will be described later. No convex portion is formed on the upper surface of the thick wall portion 24b, and the convex portion 26 is formed asymmetrically with respect to the center of the connector installation area 23 when viewed from above. This limits the installation direction of the mating connector installation cap 101, and ensures appropriate connection polarity between the connector 50 and the mating connector 60. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the convex portion 26 is formed at the position of the screw hole 25 in the thick wall portion 24a, but may be formed at a position different from the screw hole 25. Also, a concave portion may be formed instead of the convex portion 26. In this case, a convex portion that fits into the concave portion is formed in the mating connector installation cap 101 and the sealing cap 102 instead of the concave portion 123 and the concave portion 223.

[0041] 1, a convex portion 27 that protrudes inward is formed on the inner surface of the standing wall portion 22 surrounding the connector installation area 23. The convex portion 27 fits into a concave portion 53 in the substrate 52 of the connector 50. One convex portion 27 is formed on the inner surface of the standing wall portion 22, and when viewed from above, the convex portion 27 is formed asymmetrically with respect to the center of the connector installation area 23. This limits the installation direction of the connector 50 in the connector installation area 23, and ensures appropriate connection polarity between the connector 50 and the mating connector 60.

[0042] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of holes 28 are formed at the end of the top plate portion 20 when viewed from above, penetrating the top plate portion 20 in the thickness direction. This allows the top plate portion 20 to be firmly sutured and fixed to the skin using the plurality of holes 28. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of holes 28 are lined up along two opposing sides of the rectangle of the top plate portion 20 when viewed from above. Moreover, the plurality of holes 28 are not formed in the standing wall portion 22, and are located outside the standing wall portion 22 when viewed from above. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the number of the plurality of holes 28 is six, but is not particularly limited. Note that the plurality of holes 28 may not be formed in the top plate portion 20. For example, a protrusion for winding a thread for suturing may be formed in the top plate portion 20, and the top plate portion 20 may be exposed to the outside of the body without being sutured to the skin.

[0043] The strut portion 30 is a portion disposed between the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20 and connects the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the strut portion 30 is directly connected to the upper surface 11a of the base plate portion 10 and the lower surface 21b of the top plate portion 20. The strut portion 30 is narrower than the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20. That is, the strut portion 30 is smaller than the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20 when viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 2, in the main body 100, the strut portion 30 penetrates the skin of an animal. Therefore, by narrowing the strut portion 30 that penetrates the skin, the skin is sandwiched between the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20, and the base plate portion 10 is covered by the skin, and the adhesion between the main body 100 and the skin can be improved. Furthermore, the presence of constricted portions such as strut portions 30 in main body 100 allows the area that penetrates the skin to be made smaller, thereby reducing the stress on the animal.

[0044] Furthermore, the strut portion 30 is located inside the outer edge of the top plate portion 20 and the outer edge of the base plate portion 10 when viewed from above.

[0045] The strut portion 30 has a cylindrical shape, for example, but may have another columnar shape, such as a polygonal column. The length of the strut portion 30 in the vertical direction is, for example, 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less. The outer diameter of the strut portion 30 is, for example, 0.5 cm or more and 2 cm or less.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 100 is formed with a through hole 40 that extends from the lower surface 11b of the base plate portion 10 toward the connector installation area 23 and penetrates the base plate portion 10, the strut portion 30, and the top plate portion 20. In FIG. 2, the shape of the through hole 40 is shown typically by a broken line. The through hole 40 connects a space on the upper surface 21a side of the top plate portion 20 where the connector 50 is installed and a space on the lower surface 11b side of the base plate portion 10 through which an internal lead wire connected to an electrode disposed inside the body passes. The through hole 40 is a hole for inserting the internal lead wire. The through hole 40 is connected to the space where the connector 50 is installed, and the internal lead wire passes through the through hole 40 and is connected to the connector 50.

[0047] [Connector installation cap] Next, a specific configuration of the connector installation cap 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] The connector installation cap 101 is a member in which the connector 60 that is paired with the connector 50 is installed. The connector 50 and the connector 60 are electrically connected by connecting the main body 100 and the connector installation cap 101. The connector installation cap 101 is connected to the top plate part 20 of the main body 100 so as to cover the top plate part 20 of the main body 100 from above. The connector installation cap 101 can be attached and detached to the top plate part 20 of the main body 100 by screws. For example, when performing an experiment or measurement using an electrode placed inside the body of an animal, the main body 100 and the connector installation cap 101 are connected to electrically connect an external device and an electrode placed inside the body. On the other hand, when an electrical connection between an external device and an electrode placed inside the body is not required, the main body 100 and the connector installation cap 101 are not connected to each other, and the animal can be placed in a state in which an external lead wire is not connected.

[0049] The mating connector installation cap 101 includes a housing portion 110, protruding portions 120a and 120b, and a cylindrical portion 130. The housing portion 110, the protruding portions 120a and 120b, and the cylindrical portion 130 are names given to respective portions of a single member made of, for example, the same material.

[0050] The housing part 110, the protruding parts 120a and 120b, and the cylindrical part 130 are, for example, integrally formed. The housing part 110, the protruding parts 120a and 120b, and the cylindrical part 130 are, for example, formed by the same method and with the same material as the above-mentioned base plate part 10, the top plate part 20, and the strut part 30. Note that the mating connector installation cap 101 may be partially formed as a separate body. For example, the mating connector installation cap 101 may be formed by connecting the housing part 110, the protruding parts 120a and 120b, and the cylindrical part 130, each of which is made of one or more members.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the housing 110 is a container-like part having a mating connector installation area 111 for installing the mating connector 60 in the internal space. The mating connector 60 is installed in the internal space. The housing 110 has an opening on the lower side, and the opening is connected to the internal space. Therefore, it can be said that the mating connector installation area 111 is located in a recess formed in the housing 110. When the mating connector 60 is installed in the mating connector installation area 111, the terminal of the mating connector 60 is exposed in the opening. The mating connector installation area 111 is surrounded by a side wall constituting the housing 110. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a step 115 is formed in the internal space of the housing 110, and the mating connector 60 is installed on the step of the step 115. When viewed from above, the shape of the inner surface of the housing 110 corresponds to the shape of the inner surface of the standing wall portion 22 of the top plate portion 20, and for example, coincides with the shape of the inner surface of the standing wall portion 22.

[0052] 4, a convex portion 112 that protrudes inward is formed on the inner side surface of the housing portion 110 surrounding the mating connector installation area 111. The convex portion 112 fits into a concave portion 63 in the substrate 62 of the mating connector 60. Also, one convex portion 112 is formed on the inner side surface of the housing portion 110, and when viewed from above, the convex portion 112 is formed asymmetrically with respect to the center of the mating connector installation area 111. This limits the installation direction of the mating connector 60 in the mating connector installation area 111, and ensures appropriate connection polarity between the connector 50 and the mating connector 60.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the protrusions 120a and 120b are portions that protrude outward from the housing unit 110 in the y-axis direction. The protrusions 120a and 120b are connected to the side walls of the housing unit 110 on both sides in the y-axis direction. The protrusions 120a and 120b are also connected to the housing unit 110 at the lower end side of the housing unit 110. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the lower end of the side wall of the housing unit 110 and the lower end of the protrusions 120a and 120b coincide with each other in the up-down direction. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the length of the protrusions 120a and 120b in the up-down direction is shorter than the length of the side wall of the housing unit 110 in the up-down direction.

[0054] Moreover, the protrusions 120a and 120b are portions in which the screw holes 121 are formed in the mating connector installation cap 101. In the example shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the two protrusions 120a and 120b each have a screw hole 121. Moreover, the shape of the protrusions 120a and 120b is a rectangular parallelepiped, but is not particularly limited to this.

[0055] The screw holes 121 are holes through which screws are inserted to fix the connector installation cap 101 to the top plate portion 20. The screw holes 121 penetrate the protruding portions 120a and 120b in the up-down direction. The screw holes 121 are provided in correspondence with the positions of the screw holes 25 of the top plate portion 20. When fixing the connector installation cap 101 to the top plate portion 20, the screws inserted into the screw holes 121 are fastened to the screw holes 25.

[0056] 3, protruding portions 120a and 120b are formed with recesses 122 at the bottom of which screw holes 121 open. This allows the screw heads to be embedded in recesses 122, preventing the animal from loosening the screws. Recesses 122 are provided on the upper surfaces of protruding portions 120a and 120b, and are recessed downward.

[0057] 4, a recess 123 recessed upward is formed on the lower surface of the protruding portion 120a. When the connector installation cap 101 is fixed to the top plate portion 20, the recess 123 engages with the protrusion 26 of the top plate portion 20. No recess is formed on the lower surface of the protruding portion 120b, and the recess 123 is formed asymmetrically with respect to the center of the connector installation region 111 when viewed from below.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, the cylindrical portion 130 is a cylindrical portion connected to the housing portion 110. The cylindrical portion 130 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the housing portion 110. The cylindrical portion 130 is connected to the upper end of the side wall of the housing portion 110. The cylindrical portion 130 may be connected to the upper wall of the housing portion 110. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the cylindrical portion 130 is a cylindrical portion that extends linearly, but the cylindrical portion 130 may be curved.

[0059] The cylindrical portion 130 has a through hole 131 formed therein, which passes through the center of the cylindrical portion 130 in the axial direction. The through hole 131 connects the internal space of the housing portion 110 to the outside. The through hole 131 is a hole for inserting an external lead wire, and the external lead wire passes through the through hole 131 and is connected to the counter connector 60. Note that instead of the cylindrical portion 130, a through hole penetrating a side wall or an upper wall of the housing portion 110 may be provided in the housing portion 110, and the external lead wire may be inserted into the through hole.

[0060] [Sealing cap] Next, a specific configuration of the sealing cap 102 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0061] The sealing cap 102 is a member for sealing the space in the main body 100 in which the connector 50 is installed. By connecting the main body 100 and the sealing cap 102, a recessed space surrounded by the vertical wall portion 22, which is the space in which the connector 50 is installed, is sealed. The sealing cap 102 is connected to the top plate portion 20 of the main body 100 so as to cover the top plate portion 20 of the main body 100 from above. When the connector 50 and the mating connector 60 are not connected, the sealing cap 102 seals the space in which the connector 50 is installed to prevent the connector 50 from being exposed to moisture, etc. This can extend the life of the connector 50. The sealing cap 102 is attachable to and detachable from the top plate portion 20 of the main body 100 by a screw.

[0062] 5 and 6, the sealing cap 102 includes a sealing portion 210 and protruding portions 220a and 220b. The sealing portion 210 and the protruding portions 220a and 220b are names given to respective portions of a single member made of the same material, for example.

[0063] The sealing portion 210 and the protruding portions 220a and 220b are, for example, integrally formed. The sealing portion 210 and the protruding portions 220a and 220b are, for example, formed by the same method and with the same material as the above-mentioned base plate portion 10, top plate portion 20, and strut portion 30. Note that the sealing cap 102 may be partially formed as a separate body. For example, the sealing cap 102 may be formed by connecting the sealing portion 210 and the protruding portions 220a and 220b, which are made of separate members.

[0064] 5 and 6, the sealing portion 210 is a plate-like portion that seals the space in the main body 100 in which the connector 50 is installed. Note that the shape of the sealing portion 210 is not limited to a plate-like shape, and may be another shape such as a container-like shape.

[0065] 6, an annular groove 211 is formed on the lower surface of the sealing portion 210. When the sealing cap 102 is fixed to the top plate portion 20, a packing such as an O-ring is placed in the groove 211. This can improve the sealing performance of the sealing cap 102.

[0066] 6, a recess 212 is formed on the lower surface of the sealing portion 210. When viewed from above, the shape of the inner side surface forming the recess 212 corresponds to the shape of the inner side surface of the standing wall portion 22 of the top plate portion 20, and for example, coincides with the shape of the inner side surface of the standing wall portion 22. The recess 212 is disposed inside the annular groove 211. Note that at least one of the groove 211 and the recess 212 does not necessarily have to be provided on the lower surface of the sealing portion 210.

[0067] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, protrusions 220a and 220b are portions that protrude outward from sealing portion 210 in the y-axis direction. Protrusions 220a and 220b are connected to both side surfaces of sealing portion 210 in the y-axis direction. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sealing portion 210 and protrusions 220a and 220b are at the same vertical position, and form a single plate-like member with no step at the boundary portion.

[0068] Moreover, the protruding parts 220a and 220b are parts in which the screw holes 221 are formed in the sealing cap 102. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the two protruding parts 220a and 220b each have a screw hole 221 formed therein.

[0069] The screw holes 221 are holes through which screws are inserted to fix the sealing cap 102 to the top plate portion 20. The screw holes 221 penetrate the protruding portions 220a and 220b in the up-down direction. The screw holes 221 are provided in correspondence with the positions of the screw holes 25 of the top plate portion 20. When fixing the sealing cap 102 to the top plate portion 20, the screws inserted into the screw holes 221 are fastened to the screw holes 25.

[0070] 5, protruding portions 220a and 220b are formed with recesses 222 in which screw holes 221 open at the bottom. This allows the screw heads to be embedded in recesses 222, preventing the animal from loosening the screws. Recesses 222 are provided on the upper surfaces of protruding portions 220a and 220b, and are recessed downward.

[0071] 6, a recess 223 recessed upward is formed on the lower surface of each of the protrusions 220a and 220b. When the sealing cap 102 is fixed to the top plate portion 20, one of the two recesses 223 fits with the protrusion 26 of the top plate portion 20. As a result, when the sealing cap 102 is fixed to the top plate portion 20, the installation direction of the sealing cap 102 is not limited by the fit between the protrusion 26 and the recess 223, and the sealing cap 102 can be easily fixed to the top plate portion 20.

[0072] [Connectors and mating connectors] Next, a specific configuration of the connector 50 and the mating connector 60 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] The connector 50 and the counter connector 60 are, for example, a set of spring connectors. Specifically, the counter connector 60 has a plurality of spring pins 61 for electrical connection with the connector 50, and the connector 50 has a plurality of opposing pads 51 against which the plurality of spring pins 61 are pressed when electrically connecting with the counter connector 60. The connector 50 and the counter connector 60 are electrically connected by contacting the spring pins 61 with the opposing pads 51. In order to repair the connector 50, it is necessary to remove the main body 100 embedded in the animal's body by surgery or the like, but since the connector 50 is provided with the opposing pads 51 that are less susceptible to damage than the spring pins 61, even if the spring pins 61 are damaged, the connector 50 can be repaired by simply replacing the counter connector installation cap 101 on which the counter connector 60 is installed, for example.

[0074] The multiple spring pins 61 and the multiple opposing pads 51 correspond one-to-one and are the same in number. The number of spring pins 61 and opposing pads 51 in the connector 50 and the counter connector 60 is set according to the number of electrodes to be placed inside the animal's body, and is not particularly limited. For the connector 50 and the counter connector 60, a commercially available spring connector set can be used.

[0075] The connector 50 and the mating connector 60 will now be described in detail.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, the connector 50 has a plurality of opposing pads 51 and a substrate 52. The connector 50 is fixed to the connector installation area 23 of the top plate portion 20 by filling a resin member 70 between the connector 50 and the standing wall portion 22. The connector 50 is fixed to the connector installation area 23 of the top plate portion 20 so that the plurality of opposing pads 51 face upward. In FIG. 7, the resin member 70 is transparent and is illustrated in a state in which the connector 50 is visible, but the resin member 70 may be opaque. The resin member 70 is formed of, for example, a thermosetting resin, but may be formed of other resins such as a photocurable resin or a thermoplastic resin. The connector 50 may be fixed to the top plate portion 20 by other methods such as screwing.

[0077] Each of the multiple opposing pads 51 is connected to an internal lead wire (not shown). The multiple opposing pads 51 are, for example, two-dimensionally arranged on a substrate 52. The opposing pads 51 are fixed pad terminals whose shape does not change. This can increase the robustness of the connector 50. The upper part of the opposing pad 51 against which the spring pin 61 is pressed has a gently curved concave receptacle shape.

[0078] The substrate 52 is a substrate on which a plurality of opposing pads 51 are mounted. Each of the plurality of opposing pads 51 is connected to an internal lead wire via the substrate 52. A recess 53 is formed on a side surface of the substrate 52. The recess 53 is engaged with the protrusion 27 when the connector 50 is installed on the top plate portion 20.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, the mating connector 60 has a plurality of spring pins 61 and a substrate 62. The mating connector 60 is fixed to the mating connector installation area 111 of the mating connector installation cap 101 by filling a resin member 71 between the mating connector 60 and a side wall of the housing part 110. The mating connector 60 is fixed to the mating connector installation area 111 of the mating connector installation cap 101 so that the plurality of spring pins 61 face downward. In FIG. 7, the resin member 71 is transparent and is illustrated in a state in which the connector 50 can be seen, but the resin member 71 may be opaque. The resin member 71 is formed of, for example, a thermosetting resin, but may be formed of other resins such as a photosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin. The mating connector 60 may be fixed to the mating connector installation cap 101 by other methods such as screwing.

[0080] Each of the multiple spring pins 61 is connected to an external lead wire (not shown). The multiple spring pins 61 are, for example, two-dimensionally arranged on a substrate 62. The spring pins 61 are terminals having a pin at the tip that is pushed out by a spring. Since the pin portion at the tip of the spring pin 61 is pressed against the opposing pad 51, the connector 50 and the mating connector 60 can be easily attached and detached, and an electrical connection that is resistant to vibrations and the like can be formed. Furthermore, by using the spring pins 61, damage is less likely to occur compared to connectors that use plug-in type pins.

[0081] The substrate 62 is a substrate on which a plurality of spring pins 61 are mounted. Each of the plurality of spring pins 61 is connected to an intracorporeal lead wire via the substrate 62. A recess 63 is formed on a side surface of the substrate 62. The recess 63 is engaged with the protrusion 112 when the mating connector 60 is installed in the mating connector installation cap 101.

[0082] The above-described structures of connector 50 and mating connector 60 are merely examples, and connectors having structures other than those described above may be used.

[0083] [summary] As described above, the connector attaching tool according to the present embodiment is a connector attaching tool for attaching the connector 50, which is electrically connected to an electrode arranged inside the body of the animal, to an animal, and includes a main body 100, a part of which is embedded in the body of the animal. The main body 100 includes a plate-shaped base plate portion 10, a top plate portion 20 located above the base plate portion 10, and a strut portion 30 arranged between the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20 and connecting the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20. The base plate portion 10 is embedded in the body of the animal. The top plate portion 20 has a connector installation region 23 for installing the connector 50 provided on the upper side of the top plate portion 20. The strut portion 30 is narrower than the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20. The main body 100 is formed with a through hole 40 that extends from the lower surface 11b of the base plate portion 10 toward the connector installation region 23 and penetrates the base plate portion 10, the strut portion 30, and the top plate portion 20.

[0084] As a result, in the main body 100 for installing the connector 50, the base plate portion 10 is embedded in the body of the animal, and the narrowed strut portion 30 can be used as a penetration portion for the animal's skin. Therefore, the main body 100 can be attached to the animal in a state in which the animal's skin is sandwiched between the base plate portion 10 and the top plate portion 20 and the skin covers the base plate portion 10, so that the adhesion between the main body 100 and the skin can be improved. In addition, by penetrating the skin with the narrowed strut portion 30, the penetration portion of the skin in the main body 100 can be made small. Therefore, the connector attachment according to this embodiment can firmly attach the main body 100 to the animal, so that the main body 100 on which the connector 50 is installed cannot be easily removed, and the load on the animal due to the attachment of the main body 100 can be reduced, making it suitable for attaching the connector 50 to an animal. For example, the connector attachment according to this embodiment can be used for a long period of time.

[0085] The connector member according to the present embodiment also comprises a connector fastener having a main body 100, and a connector 50 fixed to a connector installation area 23 in the main body 100.

[0086] The connector member of this embodiment is suitable for attaching the connector 50 to an animal, like the connector attachment of this embodiment, since the connector 50 is fixed to the main body 100 of the connector attachment of this embodiment.

[0087] (others) Although the connector attachment and connector member according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the respective embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] For example, in the above embodiment, the main body 100, the pair connector installation cap 101, and the sealing cap 102 are connected using screws, but this is not limited to this. The main body 100, the pair connector installation cap 101, and the sealing cap 102 may be connected by other methods such as using a clamp, a magnet, a band, or a snap lock.

[0089] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the base plate portion 10 is a curved plate, but may be a flat plate that is not curved. In addition, the groove 12 is formed in the lower surface 11b of the base plate portion 10, but the groove 12 does not have to be formed.

[0090] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the connector attaching tool includes the main body 100, the mating connector installing cap 101, and the sealing cap 102, but is not limited to this. The connector attaching tool does not have to include at least one of the mating connector installing cap 101 and the sealing cap 102. For example, a mating connector 60 that is not installed in the mating connector installing cap 101 may be connected to the connector 50. Also, when the mating connector 60 is not connected to the connector 50, the connector 50 may be protected with tape or the like.

[0091] Below, examples of the connector fastener and connector member according to the present disclosure described based on the above embodiment are shown. The connector fastener and connector member according to the present disclosure are not limited to the following examples.

[0092] For example, a connector attachment device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a connector attachment device for attaching a connector to an animal, which is electrically connected to an electrode placed inside the animal's body, and comprises a main body a part of which is embedded inside the animal's body, the main body comprising a plate-shaped base plate portion embedded inside the animal's body, a plate-shaped top plate portion located above the base plate portion, and a strut portion located between the base plate portion and the top plate portion, connecting the base plate portion and the top plate portion and being narrower than the base plate portion and the top plate portion, the top plate portion having a connector installation area for installing the connector provided on the upper side of the top plate portion, and a through hole is formed in the main body extending from the underside of the base plate portion toward the connector installation area and penetrating the base plate portion, the strut portion and the top plate portion.

[0093] Also, for example, a connector fastener according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a connector fastener according to the first aspect, wherein the underside of the base plate portion is curved so that an end of the underside is curved away from the top plate portion.

[0094] Also, for example, a connector attachment device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a connector attachment device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the end of the base plate portion when viewed from above is formed with a plurality of holes penetrating the base plate portion in the thickness direction.

[0095] Also, for example, a connector attachment device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a connector attachment device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the end of the top plate portion when viewed from above has a plurality of holes formed therein that penetrate the top plate portion in the thickness direction.

[0096] Also, for example, a connector attachment device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a connector attachment device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a groove is formed on the underside of the base plate portion, extending from an opening provided on the underside of the through hole to the outer edge of the underside.

[0097] Also, for example, a connector attachment device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a connector attachment device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a mating connector installation cap that is detachable from the top plate portion and in which a mating connector that forms a pair with the connector is installed.

[0098] Also, for example, a connector attachment according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a connector attachment according to the sixth aspect, wherein the mating connector installation cap is attachable and detachable to the top plate portion by a screw, and has a portion formed with a screw hole for inserting the screw, and the portion is formed with a recess at the bottom into which the screw hole opens.

[0099] Also, for example, a connector attachment device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a connector attachment device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a sealing cap that is detachable from the top plate portion and seals the space in which the connector is installed.

[0100] Also, for example, a connector attachment according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the connector attachment according to the eighth aspect, wherein the sealing cap is attachable and detachable by screws, has a portion formed with a screw hole for inserting the screw, and the portion is formed with a recess at the bottom into which the screw hole opens.

[0101] Also, for example, a connector fitting according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a connector fitting according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the base plate portion, the top plate portion and the strut portion are integrally formed from metal.

[0102] Also, for example, a connector member according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure includes the connector attachment according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and the connector fixed to the connector installation area.

[0103] Also, for example, a connector member according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a connector member according to the eleventh aspect, further comprising a counter connector that forms a pair with the connector, the counter connector having a spring pin for electrical connection with the connector, and the connector having an opposing pad against which the spring pin is pressed when electrically connecting with the counter connector. [Industrial Applicability]

[0104] The connector attachment and connector member according to the present disclosure can be used as a connector attachment and connector member in cases such as connecting an external measuring device or stimulation device outside the body to electrodes implanted inside the body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10 Base plate part 11a, 21a top surface 11b, 21b bottom surface 12, 211 groove 13, 28 holes 20 Top plate section 22 Vertical wall 23 Connector installation area 24a, 24b Thick wall section 25, 121, 221 screw holes 26, 27, 112 Convex 29, 115 steps 30 Strut section 40, 131 Through hole 50 Connectors 51 Opposing Pad 52, 62 board 53, 63, 122, 123, 212, 222, 223 Recess 60 Pair Connector 61 Spring pin 70, 71 Resin material 100 Body 101 Connector installation cap 102 Sealing cap 110 Housing 111 Connector installation area 120a, 120b, 220a, 220b protrusion 130 Cylindrical part 210 Sealing section

Claims

1. A connector attachment for attaching a connector to an animal, the connector being electrically connected to an electrode disposed inside the animal, the connector attachment comprising: a body that is partially implanted within the animal's body; The body includes: A plate-shaped base plate portion to be embedded in the animal's body; A plate-shaped top plate portion located above the base plate portion; a strut portion disposed between the base plate portion and the top plate portion, connecting the base plate portion and the top plate portion, and narrower than the base plate portion and the top plate portion, the top plate portion has a connector installation area for installing the connector provided on an upper side of the top plate portion, The main body is formed with a through hole extending from a lower surface of the base plate portion toward the connector installation area and penetrating the base plate portion, the strut portion, and the top plate portion. Connector fitting.

2. The lower surface of the base plate portion is curved so that an end of the lower surface is away from the top plate portion.

2. The connector fitting of claim 1.

3. A plurality of holes are formed at the end of the base plate portion when viewed from above, penetrating the base plate portion in a thickness direction.

2. The connector fitting of claim 1.

4. A plurality of holes are formed at the end of the top plate portion when viewed from above, penetrating the top plate portion in a thickness direction.

2. The connector fitting of claim 1.

5. A groove is formed on the lower surface of the base plate portion, the groove extending from an opening of the through hole provided on the lower surface to an outer edge of the lower surface.

2. The connector fitting of claim 1.

6. The connector further includes a connector-mate installation cap that is detachably attached to the top plate portion and in which a connector-mate that is paired with the connector is installed.

2. The connector fitting of claim 1.

7. The mating connector installation cap is The top plate portion is detachable by a screw. A portion having a screw hole for inserting the screw therethrough is provided, A recess is formed in the portion, and the screw hole opens at the bottom.

7. A connector fitting according to claim 6.

8. Further, a sealing cap is provided which is detachable from the top plate portion and seals a space in which the connector is installed.

2. The connector fitting of claim 1.

9. The sealing cap is It can be attached and detached by screws. A portion having a screw hole for inserting the screw therethrough is provided, A recess is formed in the portion, and the screw hole opens at the bottom.

9. A connector fitting according to claim 8.

10. the base plate portion, the top plate portion, and the strut portion are integrally formed of metal.

2. The connector fitting of claim 1.

11. A connector attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The connector is fixed to the connector installation area. Connector parts.

12. A mating connector that is mated with the connector is further provided, the mating connector has a spring pin for electrical connection with the connector, The connector has an opposing pad against which the spring pin is pressed when electrically connected to the mating connector. A connector member according to claim 11.

Images