TW201826625A - Connector and medical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector and a medical instrument allowing connecting operation of electric conductors to be easily and reliably performed. A connector unit 100 of an electrode catheter includes press-connecting covers 110, 140 for receiving each of a plurality of electric conductors 40 bundled in a bundle at the center in such a way that each of the plurality of electric conductors 40 radially expands, a housing 160 coupled with the press-connecting covers 110, 140, and a plurality of contacts 170 arranged substantially annularly around the central portion of the housing 160. When the press-connecting covers 110, 140 and the housing 160 are coupled, a plurality of electric wires 40 and the plurality of contacts 170 are press-connected to each other.

Description

   Connectors and medical instruments   

The present invention relates to medical instruments such as electrode catheters used for the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia, and connectors suitable for such medical instruments.

As described above, there is known the above-mentioned medical instrument for diagnosing or treating an arrhythmia electrode catheter such as the heart. The electrode catheter is generally configured by a cavity tube having a plurality of electrodes hollow on the front end side, and a handle provided on the base end side of the thin tube and held by an operator. Within the thin catheter, a plurality of electrical leads connected to each electrode are provided along its lumen. This electrical lead is formed by covering the outer periphery of a conductive core wire with an insulating coating. On the other hand, the handle is provided with a repeater (connector, etc.) that is connected to an external device such as a power supply device, an electrocardiograph, and the like to transmit and receive electric power and electrical signals, etc., and electrically connects a plurality of electrical wires With this repeater, each electrode is electrically conducted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

    [Prior technical literature]         [Patent Literature]    

(Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-268696

However, in the past, because the insulation coating on the ends of each electrical wire was removed to strip the core wire, and then the core wire was soldered to the connector terminals (contacts), there is a problem in electrical engineering. The work of connecting wires and terminals requires many steps. In particular, if the electrode catheter is used to measure a wide range of cardiac potentials in the heart at the same time, the number of electrodes for potential measurement is large, and the core wires to be connected to each electrode are also many. Therefore, in the connection operation of electrical wires and terminals, steps The number will also increase significantly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a connector and a medical instrument that can easily and surely connect electrical wires.

The connector of the present invention is provided between a first connection target member electrically connected to a plurality of electrical wires and a second connection target member to be connected to the first connection target member, so that the plurality of electrical wires and the device The second connection target member is electrically connected to the connection target, and power and / or electrical signals can be transmitted and received between the first connection target member and the second connection target member. The connector is configured to have : A connector cover member for accommodating each of a plurality of electrical wires wound in a bundle in the center in a radial shape; a connector shell member combined with the aforementioned connector cover member; and an approximately circular arrangement A plurality of contacts around a central portion of the connector housing member, and the connector is configured to connect the plurality of electrical wires when the connector cover member is combined with the connector housing member Make crimp connections with the aforementioned plurality of contacts, respectively.

The medical instrument of the present invention is provided with: a tube member having at least one lumen; a plurality of electrodes mounted on the tube member; and configured to extend in the axial direction of the tube member of the tube member along the axial direction, and a distal side thereof A plurality of electrical wires connected to each of the aforementioned electrodes; an operation member connected to the base end side of the tube member; and the plurality of electrical wires are electrically connected to a connection object provided on the operation member, and the plurality of electrical wires may be connected to the plurality of electrodes. A connector for transmitting and receiving electric power and / or electrical signals between each electrode and the aforementioned connection object, wherein the aforementioned connector is configured to include: each of a plurality of electric wires wound in a bundle at the center and expanded outward A connector cover member that is accommodated in a radial shape; a connector housing member that is combined with the connector cover member; and a plurality of contacts arranged in a ring shape around the center portion of the connector housing member And the connector is configured such that, when the connector cover member and the connector shell member are combined, the plurality of electrical wires are respectively connected to the connector A plurality of contacts make a crimp connection.

In the above-mentioned invention, the connector cover member is preferably configured to have a plurality of protrusions, and each of the plurality of electrical wires is formed to be radially outwardly formed in a concave shape between adjacent protrusions, respectively. A plurality of wire containing sections were contained.

In the above invention, it is preferable that the connector cover member is formed by making the heights of the adjacent protrusions different from each other.

In the above invention, the connector cover member is preferably provided with a first connector cover member coupled to the connector housing member, and a first connector cover member detachably attached to the first connector cover member. Two connector cover members, and the first connector cover member has the plurality of lead accommodating portions formed between the adjacent protrusions, and the second connector cover member has the plurality of lead accommodating portions abutting on the lead; The plurality of electric wires contained in the unit is configured by a wire holding portion that holds the plurality of electric wires.

According to the connector and the medical instrument of the present invention, when the connector cover member and the connector housing member are combined, each of the electrical wires held by the connector cover member and each contact member arranged on the connector housing member are crimped. The structure of connection and electrical conduction makes it possible to perform the connection work of the electrical wires simply and reliably, and to reduce the manufacturing cost.

In addition, according to the connector and the medical instrument of the present invention, each of the plurality of electrical wires wound in a bundle at the center is arranged to be expanded outwardly into a radial shape, and in a form capable of being crimped to each electrical wire. Since the plurality of contacts are arranged in a substantially ring shape around the center portion, the overall size of the connector can be reduced compared to a case where the contacts are arranged in a straight line. Therefore, the connector can be arranged in a space-saving manner. It is not limited by the internal space of the medical instrument, and it can improve the arrangement position of the connector inside the medical instrument and the freedom of drawing and winding the electrical wire.

Further, in the above-mentioned invention, a configuration is provided in which a plurality of recessed lead accommodating portions are provided between the plurality of protrusions, so that the plurality of electrical leads pulled out from the center can be arranged accurately and easily.

Further, in the above-mentioned invention, since the heights of the adjacent protrusions are different from each other, the step between the protrusions can be used to easily locate the electric lead to the lead receiving portion formed between the protrusions. Simple connection of electrical wires.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned invention, the electric wire held by the wire accommodating portion is held by the wire holding portion so that the electric wire is not shifted or loosened due to a load generated when it is crimped to the contact. , More reliable connection of electrical wires.

1‧‧‧ electrode catheter (medical equipment)

10‧‧‧thin catheter (tube member)

20‧‧‧handle (operating member)

31‧‧‧ front electrode (electrode)

32‧‧‧ ring electrode (electrode)

40‧‧‧ lead (electrical lead)

50‧‧‧ Wire for operation

55‧‧‧ leaf spring

60‧‧‧Solder

70‧‧‧Base end connector (connected)

80‧‧‧FPC board (connected)

100‧‧‧ connector unit (connector)

110‧‧‧First crimp cover (first connector cover)

111‧‧‧ cover body

112‧‧‧Cylinder

113‧‧‧The first insertion hole

120‧‧‧ Complete Line Department

121‧‧‧ first protrusion

121G‧‧‧The first protruding group

122‧‧‧ second protrusion

122G‧‧‧Second protrusion group

123‧‧‧ Third protrusion

123G‧‧‧The third protrusion group

130‧‧‧ Conductor receiving groove (conductor receiving section)

131‧‧‧First Containment Ditch

132‧‧‧Second Containment Ditch

133‧‧‧Third Containment Ditch

134‧‧‧Inner recess

135‧‧‧fit recess

136‧‧‧ contact insert groove

137‧‧‧Outer recess

140‧‧‧Second crimp cover (second connector cover)

142‧‧‧Second engagement protrusion

143‧‧‧ Fitting opening

144‧‧‧Inside convex rib (wire holding part)

145‧‧‧Outside convex rib (wire holding part)

150‧‧‧ intermediate connector

160‧‧‧shell (connector shell)

161‧‧‧shell body

162‧‧‧Center hole

163‧‧‧fit recess

164‧‧‧ contact holding hole

165‧‧‧ inside retaining hole

166‧‧‧outer holding hole

167‧‧‧ sidewall

168‧‧‧ Engagement Section

169‧‧‧ Positioning Post

170‧‧‧Contact

176‧‧‧ protruded front end

177‧‧‧ Crimp groove

180‧‧‧ rigid substrate

181‧‧‧Terminal

182‧‧‧ substrate hole

O‧‧‧center axis

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrode catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a front end portion of the electrode catheter.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handle of the electrode catheter.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a connector unit mounted in the electrode catheter.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit as viewed from one end side.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit as viewed from the other end side.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the connector unit.

Fig. 8 is a side view showing the above-mentioned connector unit.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which wires are arranged between the first crimping cover and the second crimping cover of the connector unit.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the wires are arranged in the first crimping cover.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the first crimp cover.

Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a whole line portion provided in the first crimp cap.

Fig. 13 is a perspective sectional view showing the entire line portion.

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first crimping cap.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the second crimping cover as viewed from one end side.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the second crimping cover as viewed from the other end side.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the intermediate connector and the rigid substrate of the connector unit.

Fig. 18 is a plan view showing the above-mentioned intermediate connector.

Fig. 19 is a bottom view showing the intermediate connector.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a housing of the intermediate connector.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a contact member in the intermediate connector.

Fig. 22 is a side view showing the above-mentioned contact member.

FIG. 23 (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state before the wire is crimped to the above-mentioned contact, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing a state after the wire is crimped to the above-mentioned contact.

Fig. 24 is a perspective sectional view showing a state in which the lead wires are arranged in the first crimp cover.

Fig. 25 is an enlarged view showing the detailed structure of the part A in Fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is a perspective sectional view showing a state where the second crimping cover is assembled to the first crimping cover.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view showing a detailed configuration of a part B in FIG. 26.

Fig. 28 is a perspective sectional view showing a state where the intermediate connector is assembled to the first crimping cover and the second crimping cover.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view showing a detailed configuration of a portion C in FIG. 28. FIG.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show an electrode catheter 1 as an example of a medical instrument of the present invention. First, the overall configuration of the electrode catheter 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The electrode catheter 1 of the present invention is inserted into a patient's body (for example, the inside of the heart) through a blood vessel, and a high-frequency current is caused to flow between the catheter electrode and a counter electrode plate attached to the body surface of the patient to provide a mechanism for causing rhythm The so-called ablation catheter is used for the treatment of irregular heart tissues.

[Electrode catheter]

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode catheter 1 has a main body composed of a thin tube 10 having flexible thin wires and a handle 20 holding the thin tube 10.

The thin catheter 10 has a hollow structure (a so-called single lumen structure) having a lumen extending along the central axis O of the tube 10 as shown in FIG. 2. The fine duct 10 is formed using, for example, synthetic resins such as polyolefine, polyamide, polyether polyamide, and polyurethane. The length of the thin tube 10 in the axial direction is preferably about 400 to 1500 mm, and more preferably about 700 to 1200 mm. The outer diameter of the thin tube 10 is preferably about 0.6 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably about 1.3 to 3.0 mm. The inner diameter of the thin tube 10 is preferably about 0.5 to 2.5 mm, and more preferably about 1.0 to 1.5 mm.

Although the whole of the thin catheter 10 may be constituted by a tube having the same characteristics, it is preferable that the front-end side system exerts a relatively soft function (having flexibility), and the base-end side system exhibits a relatively hard function (having rigidity). In other words, the thin catheter 10 preferably has both the flexibility required for bending with respect to the central axis O and the rigidity required to be able to maintain its posture to some extent. Although the present embodiment exemplifies a single-lumen structure in which a lumen is formed in the thin catheter 10, a multi-lumen structure in which a plurality of lumens are formed in the thin catheter 10 or mixed in one thin catheter 10 A composite structure of a region with a single cavity structure and a region with a multiple cavity structure.

A distal electrode 31 is fixed to the distal end of the thin catheter 10. In the vicinity of the tip electrode 31, a plurality of ring-shaped electrodes 32 are fixed at regular intervals in the axial direction. The tip electrode 31 and the ring electrode 32 are fixed on the surface side of the thin tube 10 in an exposed state. The electrode catheter 1 of this embodiment measures a cardiac potential by using a ring-shaped electrode 32, and applies high-frequency energy to internal body tissues by a front-end electrode 31 to burn heart tissue. The tip electrode 31 and the ring electrode 32 are formed of a metal material having good electrical conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, gold, and platinum. The outer diameters of the tip electrode 31 and the ring electrode 32 are preferably about the same as the outer diameter of the thin tube 10, and generally about 0.5 to 3.0 mm.

A plurality of electrical wires (hereinafter simply referred to as "wires") 40, operation wires 50, and leaf springs 55 are inserted through the inner cavity of the thin catheter 10 in a state of being electrically insulated from each other. Here, the inside of the front-end electrode 31 is filled with a solder 60 that fixes the lead 40, the operating wire 50, and the plate spring 55 to the front-end electrode 31. The material of the solder 60 is not particularly limited. Generally, for example, tin and lead are used, but tin-lead-silver or tin-lead-copper may be used, and lead-free tin-silver-copper, tin-copper, and tin may also be used. -Silver, tin-silver-copper-bismuth and the like. The tube wall of the thin tube 10 is formed with a side hole 18 penetrating the tube wall in a radial direction at a position corresponding to the arrangement position of the ring electrode 32. The front end side of the lead wire 40 is inserted through this side hole 18 and connected to the ring electrode 32 by spot welding or the like.

Each lead 40 is connected to each electrode 31, 32 fixed to the thin tube 10. In this embodiment, 20 lead wires 40 are provided for 20 electrodes 31, 32, and each electrode 31, 32 and each lead wire 40 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence relationship. The front end side of the lead wire 40 is connected to the electrodes 31 and 32 by welding or spot welding, and the base end side of the lead wire 40 is connected to the connector unit 100 (described later in detail) arranged in the handle 20 by crimping. The detailed structure of each lead wire 40 will be described later. In brief, an electrically insulating resin is coated around a metal core wire such as a copper wire.

On the other hand, the operation wire 50 extends across the thin tube 10 and the handle 20. The front end side of the operation wire 50 is fixed inside the distal electrode 31 provided at the distal end of the thin catheter 10 by welding or the like, and the base end side of the operation wire 50 is fixed to the grip 21 of the handle 20. internal. The operation wire 50 is formed using a superelastic metal material such as SUS (stainless steel) or NiTi (nickel-titanium alloy). The diameter of the operation wire 50 is preferably about 100 to 200 μm (for example, 200 μm).

A leaf spring 55 is provided in the inner cavity of the thin catheter 10, and the leaf spring 55 is formed as a swinging member that can be deformed in a bending direction with respect to the central axis O. The leaf spring 55 is along the central axis O of the thin catheter 10. In addition, the front end side of the plate spring 55 is fixed inside the front end electrode 31 by welding, and the base end side of the plate spring 55 is fixed inside the thin tube 10. The length of the leaf spring 55 in the axial direction is not particularly limited, and is, for example, about 40 to 300 mm. The width of the plate spring 55 is not limited as long as it can be accommodated in the inner cavity of the thin tube 10. The material of the leaf spring 55 is preferably a metal material such as stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy, cobalt-nickel alloy, or a polymer material such as fluororesin or polyamide resin.

As shown in FIG. 3, the handle 20 includes a handle 21 formed in a shape that can be held by an operator, and an operation head (nob) 22 that is attached to the handle 21 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. Make up. When the operator holds the handle 20 configured in this way and slides the operation head 22 in the Y direction in FIG. 1, the operation wire 50 is stretched toward the proximal end side, and the front end portion (flexible portion) of the thin tube 10 is stretched. It is bent (biased) in the X direction in FIG. 1. That is, the operator can cause the thin catheter 10 to perform a head-biasing operation by sliding the operation head 22. In the present specification, the term "thin tube 10 curved" means that the central axis O of the thin tube 10 is deformed in a zigzag line or in a continuous curve.

The grip 21 and the operation head 22 are formed of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS).

The operation head 22 includes a first head member 23 through which the thin catheter 10 is inserted, and a second head member 24 coupled to the first head member 23. The operation head 22 inserts the base end side of the second head member 24 into the grip 21 in a state where it cannot be pulled out, and can slide in the axial direction relative to the grip 21.

Inside the operation head 22 (between the first head member 23 and the second head member 24), the connector unit 100 is housed and held. The detailed structure of the connector unit 100 will be described later, but in brief, the plurality of wires 40 inserted into the thin conduit 10 of the first head member 23 and the FPC board 80 inserted into the second head member 24 are electrically connected. Sexual connection.

The outer shape of the grip 21 forms an ergonomic shape that matches the hand of the operator. The grip 21 is formed in a hollow structure with each end portion opening in the axial direction, and an FPC board 80 extending in the axial direction is housed inside the hollow. On the proximal end side of the handle 21, a proximal end side connector 70 that is connected to an external device such as a power supply device (a device for high-frequency generation and potential measurement) through a wire is provided.

The FPC board 80 is configured by forming a plurality of lead layers (metal foils) on an insulating film. The FPC board 80 extends to the arrangement position of the operation head 22 through the inside of the grip 21. The base end side of the FPC board 80 is a circular multi-core terminal that connects the base end side wire layer portion to the base end side connector 70. On the other hand, the front end side of the FPC board 80 is formed as a connection area (connector portion) obtained by peeling off an insulating film, and can be opposed to a socket (FPC connector) (not shown) provided in the thin pipe 10. Plug and unplug. Therefore, the plurality of lead wires 40 and the FPC board 80 (the base-end-side connector 70) are electrically connected through the connector unit 100.

[Connector unit]

Next, the connector unit 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 23.

The main system of the connector unit 100 consists of a first crimping cover 110 for organizing a plurality of wires 40, a second crimping cover detachably mounted to the first crimping cover 110 and pressing the plurality of wires 40 into it 140. The intermediate connector 150 to which each lead 40 held by the two crimp covers 110, 140 is connected, and the rigid substrate 180 to which the intermediate connector 150 is connected by solder. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the upper side (the base end side of the electrode catheter 1) of FIGS. 4 to 6 is referred to as the “one end side” based on the arrangement posture of the connector unit 100 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. The lower side (front end side of the electrode catheter 1) of FIGS. 4 to 6 is referred to as the “other end side”.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 and the like, the first crimp cover 110 includes a cover body 111 formed in a substantially circular plate shape, and a hollow cylindrical portion 112 provided at the center of the other end side of the cover body 111. The first crimp cover 110 is formed by using an electrically insulating material such as a synthetic resin. On one end side of the cover body 111, four engaging grooves 118 for engaging the second crimping cover 140 are provided. In addition, one end of the cover body 111 is provided with four first engaging protrusions 119 extending in the axial direction for engaging with the side wall of the intermediate connector 150.

At the axial center position of the first crimping cover 110, a first insertion hole 113 is formed in the axial direction so as to penetrate through the thin tube 10 (a plurality of lead wires 40 and an operating wire 50). The base end portion of the thin tube 10 is fixed in the middle of the first insertion hole 113, and the plurality of wires 40 and the operation wire 50 are pulled out from the base end portion through the first insertion hole 113. On the end surface of one end side of the cover body 111, a plurality of wires 40 for pulling out from the first insertion hole 113 are arranged around the first insertion hole 113 (four sides) to form a radial shape substantially radially outward. The whole-line part 120 in each part is used to organize the five wires 40 respectively.

The entire line portion 120 is configured by a plurality of protrusions (protrusion groups) standing on one end side of the cover body 111. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 12, the lateral arrangement direction among the arrangement directions of the plurality of protrusions in one entire line portion 120 is referred to as a “column direction”, and the longitudinal arrangement direction is referred to as a “row direction”. Therefore, each of the entire line portions 120 is configured to have 18 (3 columns × 6 rows) protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals in the column direction and the row direction.

As shown in FIG. 12, the entire line portion 120 is provided with six first protrusions 121 in the first row and six second protrusions 122 in the second row in the order from the inside to the outside in the radial direction. There are six third protrusions 123 in the third column. Hereinafter, the six first protrusions 121 are collectively referred to as "first protrusion group 121G", the six second protrusions 122 are collectively referred to as "second protrusion group 122G", and the six third protrusions 123 are collectively referred to as "third protrusion group". 123G ".

In each of the entire line portions 120, five lead receiving grooves 130 are formed for receiving each lead 40 pulled out radially outward from the first insertion hole 113. As shown in FIG. 13, the lead receiving groove 130 has a first receiving groove 131 provided between adjacent first protrusions 121, a second receiving groove 132 provided between adjacent second protrusions 122, And a third receiving groove 133 provided between the adjacent third protrusions 123. The bottom surfaces of each of the receiving trenches 131 to 133 are located in the same surface, and each of the wires 40 can be placed on the bottom surface. The groove width (width in the column direction) of the wire receiving groove 130 is slightly larger than the diameter of one wire portion, so that the wire 40 accommodated therein does not shake in the width direction of the groove.

Here, between the first protrusion group 121G and the first insertion hole 113, an inner recessed portion 134 that is open to one end side of the cover body 111 is formed.

A fitting recessed portion 135 is formed between the first protrusion group 121G and the second protrusion group 122G and is open to one end side of the cover body 111. A contact insertion groove 136 is recessed in the fitting recess 135 so that the bottom surface of the wire receiving groove 130 is divided in the row direction. Therefore, the lead wire 40 received in the lead wire receiving groove 130 crosses the contact member insertion groove 136 in the row direction.

Between the second protrusion group 122G and the third protrusion group 123G, an outer-side recessed portion 137 is formed which is open to one end side of the cover body 111. The bottom surface of the undercut portion 137 is formed at a position deeper than the bottom surface of the lead receiving groove 130. Therefore, the lead wire 40 received in the lead wire receiving groove 130 crosses the outer concave portion 137 in the row direction.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14 and the like, in the first protrusion group 121G, the first protrusion 121 having a lower height is arranged more outward in the column direction (lateral direction), and the height is arranged more inwardly in the column direction (lateral direction).高 之 第一 projection 121. Therefore, the first protrusion group 121G is formed such that the first protrusion 121 gradually increases in height from the outside (the first protrusion 121 having a low height) to the inside (the first protrusion 121 having a high height) in the column direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the lead 40 is moved substantially horizontally from the outside in the column direction to the inside by the step difference between the first protrusions 121 adjacent to the column direction, and the lead 40 is pulled against it. It is easy to position the side wall of the first protrusion 121 into the wire receiving groove 130.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the second crimping cover 140 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The second crimp cover 140 is formed by using an electrically insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The second crimp cover 140 is formed to have a size of the entire line portion 120 that can cover four parts of the first crimp cover 110 from one end side. The second crimping cover 140 is formed at a position (axial position) aligned with the first insertion hole 113 of the first crimping cover 110, and a second insertion hole 141 is formed in a circular shape penetrating in the axial direction. At the four corners of the other end side of the second crimping cover 140, second engaging protrusions 142 that can be engaged with the engaging grooves 118 of the first crimping cover 110 are provided. In addition, the second crimping cover 140 is formed at a position aligned with the fitting recessed portion 135 of the first crimping cover 110, and has inserts extending from the front surface to the back surface extending along the sides of the second crimping cover 140. The opening portion 143 is closed, and the second fitting opening portion 143 functions as a communication port of the intermediate connector 150.

On the other end side of the second crimping cover 140, an inner recessed portion 134 (inside the first protruding group 121G) inserted into the first crimping cover 110 is protruded around the second insertion hole 141 and is disposed on the inner side. A rectangular ring-shaped inner rib 144 that abuts the lead wire portion of the recess 134 and pushes the inner recess 134. In addition, on the other end side of the second crimping cover 140, an outer recess 137 (the second protrusion group 122G and the third protrusion) inserted into the first crimping cover 110 is provided along each side direction of the second crimping cover 140. Between the groups 123G) and the four outer ribs 145 that abut the lead wires arranged in the outer concave portion 137 and push the outer concave portion 137 into the outer convex portion 145. Therefore, the lead wire 40 accommodated in the lead wire receiving groove 130 is held in a pressed state where the inner rib 144 and the outer rib 145 are pushed in. At this time, the outer recess 137 is formed deeper than the lead receiving groove 130 (first to third receiving grooves 131 to 133) as shown in FIG. 13 and the like. Therefore, when the lead 40 is pushed to the outside by the outer rib 145 When the recesses 137 are inside, the slack of the wire portion disposed between the inner ribs 144 and the outer ribs 145 is absorbed in the outer recesses 137, and the wires 40 are stretched between the ribs 144, 145 without slack. State (suitable for the state of the crimp connection described later).

As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the intermediate connector 150 is provided with a plurality of contacts 160 formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, and a plurality of contacts held in a state of being aligned along the sides of the case 160. ) 170.

The case 160 is formed by using an electrically insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The case 160 includes a flat plate-shaped case body 161 for holding a plurality of contacts 170 and a rectangular frame-shaped side wall portion 167 provided around the case body 161. A center hole 162 is formed in the case body 161 in a position aligned with each of the insertion holes 131 and 141 of each of the crimping covers 110 and 140 along the axial direction from the front surface to the back surface. On the other end side of the case body 161, four fitting convex portions 163 extending along the respective sides of the case 160 are erected around (quartet) the center hole 162. The fitting convex portion 163 is formed in a size that can be inserted into the fitting concave portion 135 of the first crimp cover 110 and the fitting opening portion 143 of the second crimp plate 140.

A contact holding hole 164 for holding the contact 170 is formed in the case body 161 as shown in FIG. 20. The contact holding hole 164 has an inner holding hole 165 that penetrates from the front surface to the back surface of the case body 161 and is opened at one end side and the other end side of the case body 161 (fitting convex portion 163), and only at one end side of the case body 161 Outside opening holding hole 166.

The side wall portion 167 is formed with an engaging segment portion 168 to which the first engaging protrusion 119 of the first crimping cover 110 is engaged. Further, on one end side of the side wall portion 167, a cylindrical boss 169 for positioning the intermediate connector 150 on the rigid substrate 180 is provided.

The contact 170 is formed into a predetermined shape as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 by applying a punching process (blanking process, bending process, etc.) to a thin flat plate of a conductive material such as a metal. The contact 170 has a connecting portion 171 extending in the axial direction with a two-stroke shape (forked into two shapes) at the front end, a connecting portion 172 connected to the connecting portion 171 and extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and The connecting portion 172 is connected and bent into a substantially U-shaped bent portion 173 and a lead portion 174 of the terminal 181 connected to the bent portion 173 and connected to the rigid substrate 180 by solder. The contact 170 is provided on its surface with a surface treatment (plating treatment) required to coat the film with, for example, gold (Au). In the connecting portion 171 and the flexion portion 173 of the contact member 170, pressing protrusions 175 protruding outward are formed at both ends in the width direction of the contact member 170. The connecting portion 171 is pressed into the inner holding hole 165, and the flexion portion 173 is pressed into the outside固 孔 孔 166. The press-in protrusions 175 bite into the inner surfaces of the holding holes 165, 166 when inserted into the holding holes 165, 166, and play a role of preventing removal.

The front end portion of the connection portion 171 is provided with a pair of front end protrusions 176 formed in one of two shapes. Between the pair of front end protrusions 176, a crimping groove 177 is provided which opens toward the other end side (upward in FIG. 21). The crimping groove 177 of each contact piece 170 is used for crimping the conductive wire 40 held by the two crimping covers 110 and 140.

As shown in FIG. 23, the lead wire 40 is formed by covering a core wire 41 made of a conductive material such as copper with an insulating coating 42 made of an electrically insulating resin material. The diameter of the lead wire 40 is preferably about 50 to 200 m. For example, when the diameter of the lead wire 40 is approximately 100 μm, the diameter of the core wire 41 is approximately 80 μm.

Here, as shown in FIG. 17 etc., the front-end protrusion 176 of each contact 170 is arrange | positioned so that it may protrude outward from one end side of the case main body 161 (fitting convex part 163). Therefore, when the intermediate connector 150 is mounted to the two crimp covers 110 and 140 and the fitting convex portion 163 of the intermediate connector 150 is fitted into the fitting recess 135 of the first crimp cover 110, the protruding portion (front end protrusion 176) ) Will be inserted into the contact inserting groove 136, and the portion of the wire spanning the contact inserting groove 136 will be inserted into the crimping groove 177 of the contact 170. At this time, the width of the crimping groove 177 of each contact 170 is formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the core wire 41. When the wire 40 is inserted into the crimping groove 177, the insulation coating 42 of the wire 40 will be crimped by the crimping groove 177. The inner edge is cut open, so the core wire portion in the peeled state will contact (crimp connection) the inner edge of the crimping groove 177, so that the lead wire 40 and the contact 170 are electrically connected.

The rigid substrate 180 is a rigid printed wiring board on which a predetermined wiring pattern is formed. The rigid substrate 180 is formed in a substantially disk shape having a size substantially the same as that of the cover body 111 of the first crimp cover 110. On the other end side of the rigid substrate 180, a plurality of terminals 181 of a plurality of contacts 170 (lead portions 174) connected to the intermediate connector 150 by soldering are arranged in line. Further, in this rigid substrate 180, a protruding hole 183 is formed which penetrates from the front surface to the rear surface and into which the positioning protrusion 169 of the intermediate connector 150 is inserted. On the other hand, an unillustrated jack (connector for FPC) connected to the plurality of terminals 181 through a wiring pattern (not shown) is mounted on the other end side of the rigid substrate 180. By mounting the connector portion of the FPC substrate 80 to this socket, the FPC substrate 80 is electrically connected to the rigid substrate 180. In the center of the rigid substrate 180, a substrate hole 182 is formed in a rectangular shape as viewed in plan from the front to the back. The first insertion hole 113 of the first crimp cover 110, the second insertion hole 141 of the second crimp cover 140, the center hole 162 of the intermediate connector 150, and the substrate hole 182 of the rigid substrate 180 are aligned relatively in the axial direction. They communicate with each other, and the deflection mechanism (operating wire 50) is drawn around the handle 20 through these holes.

<Action>

Next, operations of the connector unit 100 and the electrode catheter 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 29 in addition. Hereinafter, steps for assembling the connector unit 100 will be described. Figures 24, 26, and 28 are cross-sectional views for easy understanding of this embodiment, and Figures 25, 27, and 29 show the detailed structure of the cross-section.

First, each electrode 31, 32 is attached to the thin tube 10, and a thin tube assembly (in the state in which 20 wires are used) and a wire 50 for operation is pulled out from the base end portion of the thin tube 10 ( catheter tube assembly), and then the base end portion of this thin catheter assembly is adhesively fixed to the first crimp cover 110. At this time, the lead wire 40 and the operation wire 50 are inserted through the first insertion hole 113 of the first crimp cover 110. Therefore, the lead wire 40 passing through the inner cavity of the thin catheter 10 is pulled out from the first insertion hole 113 of the first crimping cover 110 to the outside. Then, as shown in Figs. 24 and 25, the 20 wires 40 originally wound in a bundle form are expanded radially outward from the first insertion hole 113 of the first crimp cover 110 and are received in each wire receiving groove. 130. As a result, the lead wires 40 are allocated to each of the entire wire portions 120 in units of five lines, and a total of 20 lead wires 40 extend radially from the first insertion hole 113 in the four directions. In addition, as shown in FIG. 25, the lead wires 40 accommodated in the respective lead wire receiving grooves 130 are in a state of straddling the contact insertion grooves 136 and the outer concave portions 137 along the radial direction.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the positions of the first crimp cover 110 and the second crimp cover 140 are aligned, and the engaging groove 118 of the first crimp cover 110 and the second crimp cover are aligned. The second engaging protrusions 142 of 140 are engaged with each other, and the second crimping cover 140 is mounted on the first crimping cover 110. At this time, the inner rib 144 of the second crimp cover 140 is inserted into the inner recess 134 of the first crimp cover 110, and the outer rib 145 of the second crimp cover 140 is inserted into the outer recess 137 of the first crimp cover 110. . At this time, the portion of the lead wire disposed in the radial direction in the lead wire 40 accommodated in the lead receiving groove 130 is clamped and fixed between the front end surface of the inner rib 144 and the bottom surface of the inner recess 134, and is arranged in the radial direction. The outer lead portion is pressed into the outer recessed portion 137 by the front end surface of the outer rib 145 and tightened. Therefore, the portion of the wire extending between the two ribs 144, 145 will be straddled on the contact member insertion groove 136 in a state of being taut without slack and being firmly held. In addition, in a state where the second crimping cover 140 is mounted on the first crimping cover 110, the fitting recessed portion 135 of the first crimping cover 110 and the fitting opening 143 of the second crimping cover 140 are opposed to each other. The fitting recessed portion 135 is opened toward the one end side (upward in FIG. 27) through the fitting opening portion 143, and the fitting protruding portion 163 (front end protrusion 176) of the intermediate connector 150 can be received from the one end side. .

Then, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the intermediate connector 150 and the two crimping covers 110, 140 in the connected state are opposed to each other, and the first engaging projection 119 of the first crimping cover 110 and the card of the intermediate connector 150 are aligned. The joint sections 168 are engaged with each other, thereby mounting the intermediate connector 150 to the two crimp covers 110 and 140. Although the illustration of the rigid substrate 180 is omitted in FIGS. 28 and 29 for convenience, the rigid substrate 180 is actually mounted on the other end side of the intermediate connector 150. The fitting convex portion 163 of the intermediate connector 150 is fitted to the fitting convex portion 135 of the first crimping cover 110 through the fitting opening portion 143 of the second crimping cover 140. At this time, since the front end protrusion 176 (the crimping groove 177) of the contact 170 protrudes outward from the fitting convex portion 163, the front end protrusion 176 is inserted into the contact insertion groove 136 of the fitting recess 135. As described above, when the lead wire 40 crosses the contact member insertion groove 136, and when the front end protrusion 176 is inserted into the contact member insertion groove 136, the lead wire 40 enters the crimping groove 177 between the front end protrusions 176. At this time, the insulation coating 42 is cut by the inner edge of the crimping groove 177, so the core wire 41 in a peeled state will contact the inner edge of the crimping groove 177, so that the wire 40 and the contact 170 are crimped together. . Therefore, each of the electrodes 31 and 32 to which each lead 40 is connected, and each terminal of the base-end-side connector 70 to which the FPC board 80 is connected are electrically connected (electrically conductive) through the intermediate connector 150, and can be connected at Electricity and / or electrical signals are transmitted and received between the electrodes 31 and 32 and the base-end-side connector 70. As described above, the assembled connector unit 100 is in a state of being adhered and fixed to the proximal end side of the thin catheter 10 as described above. Then, this thin catheter 10 is mounted to the handle 20, and the base-end-side connector 70 is connected to an external power source device (a device for high-frequency generation and potential measurement) through a wire, thereby enabling the electrode catheter 1 to operate (can be High-frequency current is applied between the electrode 31 and the counter electrode plate attached to the body surface of the patient, and cardiac potential measurement is performed by the ring electrode 32) to perform medical actions such as treatment and diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia.

<Effect>

As described above, according to the connector unit 100 and the electrode guide 1 of this embodiment, when the two crimp covers 110 and 140 are combined with the intermediate connector 150, the lead wires 40 held by the two crimp covers 110 and 140 and the middle are arranged in the middle. Each contact 170 of the connector 150 is configured to be crimped and electrically connected, so that the connection operation of the lead wire 40 can be performed simply and reliably, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In addition, according to the connector unit 100 and the electrode catheter 1 of the present embodiment, each of the plurality of lead wires 40 which were originally wound in the center in a bundle is arranged to be expanded outwardly and radially, and can be pressed with each lead wire 40. In the connection form, the plurality of contacts 170 are arranged in a substantially ring shape around the center hole 162. Therefore, compared with a case where the contacts are arranged in a straight line direction, the entire connector unit 100 can be miniaturized. The connector unit 100 can be arranged in a space-saving manner without being restricted by the internal space of the handle 20, and the arrangement position of the connector unit 100 inside the handle 20 and the degree of freedom of drawing the lead wire 40 can be improved.

In addition, according to the connector unit 100 and the electrode catheter 1 of the present embodiment, the recessed lead receiving groove 130 is provided between the plurality of protrusions arranged around the first insertion hole 113, so that the central lead can be accurately and easily arranged. The plurality of wires 40 are drawn out by the insertion holes 113.

In addition, according to the connector unit 100 and the electrode catheter 1 of this embodiment, the heights of the adjacent first protrusions 121 are different from each other, and the step 40 between the protrusions 121 can be used to easily position the lead wire 40 to the protrusions. The lead wire receiving grooves 130 between 121 make it easier to connect the lead wires 40.

In addition, according to the connector unit 100 and the electrode catheter 1 of this embodiment, the inner conductor ribs 144 and the outer convex ribs 145 are used to hold the conductors 40 accommodated in the conductor accommodation grooves 130 so that the conductors 40 are not crimped to the contacts 170 by crimping. As a result of the load, the displacement or slack occurs, and the connection work of the lead wire 40 can be performed more reliably.

<Modifications>

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be appropriately changed and improved without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the configuration in which a plurality of (20) contacts are arranged in a rectangle around the axis is taken as an example, the configuration is not limited to this, and the arrangement, shape, and number of the contacts, etc. It is not limited to those exemplified in the above embodiment, and other arrangements, shapes, numbers, and the like may be adopted. Specific examples thereof may be a plurality of contacts arranged in a polygonal ring shape other than a rectangle, or a plurality of contacts arranged in a circular or oval ring around the axis, or a plurality of contacts arranged The peculiarly shaped loops of the curved and straight parts. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the configuration in which one wire is connected (crimped) to one contact is described as an example, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, one wire may be connected (crimped) to A plurality of contacts, or a plurality of crimping grooves formed by connecting a wire to a contact.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the electric wire comprised by covering the core wire with an insulation coating was described as an example of a wire, it is not limited to this structure, For example, you may use another electric wire, such as a coaxial wire. As the material of the core wire, various conductors such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy can be used. The material of the core wire may be subjected to a surface treatment such as tin plating. At this time, the structure of the core wire may be a single wire or a twisted wire. On the other hand, the insulating coating material is preferably an insulating synthetic rubber such as nitrile rubber, an insulating synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polypropylene (PP). The insulating coating material may contain additives such as a flame retardant, a filler, and a colorant.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which a plurality of protrusions (protrusion groups) are arranged on the first crimping cover of the connector unit is described as an example, but the arrangement, shape, and number of each protrusion are not limited to the above. Those exemplified in the embodiment may also adopt other arrangements, shapes, and numbers. For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration of the first to third protrusions having mutually different shapes and configurations has been described, but it is not limited to this configuration, and the structure in which all the protrusions are all arranged in the same shape may be used.

In the above embodiment, although the configuration in which the connector unit is disposed inside the operating head of the handle is described as an example, the configuration is not limited to this, and the connector unit may be disposed in another position inside the handle. . In other words, the position of the connector unit is not particularly limited as long as it is a position where the lead can be electrically connected to the FPC board (base-end-side connector).

Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the structure which arrange | positions an electrode (front-end electrode, ring-shaped electrode) in the front-end | tip part (region of a distal end and the vicinity of a distal end) of a thin catheter is demonstrated as an example, the arrangement and shape of an electrode The number, number, etc. are not limited to those exemplified in the above embodiment, and other arrangements, shapes, numbers, etc. may be adopted. For example, the distal end portion of the thin catheter may be formed into a substantially circular ring shape. In addition, the distal end portion of the thin tube is formed by arranging a plurality of arc-shaped branches at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the core material, and combining the core material and the two ends in the axial direction of each arm. , And formed into a basketball shape (spherical or egg-shaped). In addition, the distal end portion of the thin catheter may be branched into a plurality of branches so that the distal ends of the branches are free ends.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the sliding handle is used as an example to slide the operation head in the axial direction relative to the handle to perform the operation of bending (deflecting) the thin catheter. However, the structure is not limited to this, and may be used. (A) A turning type having a rotation axis coaxial with the center axis of the thin catheter, and rotating a dial disposed around the handle around the rotation axis, thereby performing a turning operation for bending the thin catheter. (B) a turntable type handle having a rotation axis orthogonal to the center axis of the thin tube, and rotating the turntable disposed on the handle around the rotation axis to perform the operation of bending the thin tube, or (C) Sliding levers arranged on the handles are slid in a predetermined direction, and a handle having other operation methods such as a push-rod type handle for bending the thin catheter is performed.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a biasing mechanism (a wire for operation, a leaf spring, etc.) is provided to bend the distal end portion of the thin catheter in a predetermined direction (for example, the X direction in the first figure) according to the operation of the handle. The electrode guide is described as an example, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, an electrode guide including a rod spring as a spring member, an electrode guide including a deflection mechanism that does not use a spring member, or the above-mentioned deflection mechanism may not be used. Electrode tubing. However, even an electrode catheter without a deflection mechanism, the thin catheter itself is preferably flexible and can be appropriately deformed (bent) according to the shape of the insertion path, the diagnosis site, the treatment site, and the like. In this case, there is no need for an operating wire or a leaf spring, and the shape of the handle is different (that is, only the grip).

In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the electrode catheter (so-called cautery catheter) used for the treatment of arrhythmia and the like is described as an example of a medical device, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a device for arrhythmia or the like may be used. Diagnostic electrode catheters (so-called EP catheters) and catheters for eliminating atrial fibrillation (so-called intraventricular defibrillation catheters) are used as medical instruments.

In addition to medical instruments used for heart examination (diagnosis) and treatment, it can also be applied to esophageal catheters used to measure the temperature inside the esophagus, and cauterized catheters used to burn and remove lesions such as tumor tissue. And other medical equipment. The above-mentioned cauterization catheter is used for treating a lung disease such as lung cancer by inserting a trachea and cauterizing a target site.

In addition, the connector unit can be applied to various electrical equipment other than medical equipment. Examples of electrical equipment include various electrical equipment such as electrical equipment used in production plants, electrical equipment used in homes, and electrical equipment used in offices.

Claims (5)

    A connector is provided between a first connection object member electrically connected to a plurality of electrical wires and a second connection object member to be connected to the first connection object member, so that the plurality of electrical wires and the The connection target of the second connection target member is electrically connected, and power and / or electrical signals can be transmitted and received between the first connection target member and the second connection target member. The connector is provided with: Each of a plurality of electrical wires wound into a bundle form a connector cover member which is expanded outward to be accommodated in a radial shape; a connector shell member combined with the connector cover member; and a substantially circular arrangement on the connector A plurality of contacts around the central portion of the shell member, and the connector is configured to, when the connector cover member and the connector shell member are combined, the plurality of electrical wires and the plurality of contacts, respectively, Make a crimp connection.         The connector according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the connector cover member is configured to have a plurality of protrusions, and is formed in a concave shape between adjacent protrusions, so that each of the plurality of electrical wires is provided. The plurality of wire receiving portions were expanded outward and contained.         The connector according to item 2 of the scope of patent application, wherein the connector cover member is formed by making the heights of the adjacent protrusions different from each other.         The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector cover member is provided with a first connector cover member combined with the connector housing member, and is detachably mounted. To the second connector cover member of the first connector cover member, and the first connector cover member has the plurality of lead accommodating portions formed between the adjacent protrusions, and the second connector cover member It is a wire holding part which abuts the said plurality of electric wires accommodated in the said plurality of wire accommodating parts, and holds the said plurality of electric wires.         A medical instrument is provided with: a tube member having at least one lumen; a plurality of electrodes installed on the tube member; and configured to extend axially in the lumen of the tube member and have respective distal sides A plurality of electrical leads connected to each of the plurality of electrodes; an operation member connected to a base end side of the tube member; and the plurality of electrical wires are electrically connected to a connection object provided on the operation member, and A connector capable of transmitting and receiving electric power and / or electrical signals between the plurality of electric wires and the connection object, wherein the connector includes each of the plurality of electric wires wound in a bundle at the center. A connector cover member that expands outwardly to be accommodated in a radial shape; a connector housing member that is combined with the connector cover member; and a plurality of contacts that are arranged substantially in a ring around the center portion of the connector housing member And the connector is configured to: when the connector cover member is combined with the connector shell member, the plurality of electrical wires are respectively connected to the front A plurality of contacts make a crimp connection.