WO2021185809A1 - Plug-in connector port of an implantable medical device - Google Patents

Plug-in connector port of an implantable medical device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021185809A1
WO2021185809A1 PCT/EP2021/056629 EP2021056629W WO2021185809A1 WO 2021185809 A1 WO2021185809 A1 WO 2021185809A1 EP 2021056629 W EP2021056629 W EP 2021056629W WO 2021185809 A1 WO2021185809 A1 WO 2021185809A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plug
connector
elastic body
contact
connector port
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2021/056629
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ringo Mannhaupt
Original Assignee
Biotronik Se & Co. Kg
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Biotronik Se & Co. Kg filed Critical Biotronik Se & Co. Kg
Publication of WO2021185809A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021185809A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/15—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure
    • H01R13/187—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure with spring member in the socket
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
    • A61N1/375—Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
    • A61N1/3752—Details of casing-lead connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5224—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases for medical use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/362—Heart stimulators
    • A61N1/3621—Heart stimulators for treating or preventing abnormally high heart rate
    • A61N1/3622—Heart stimulators for treating or preventing abnormally high heart rate comprising two or more electrodes co-operating with different heart regions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/58—Contacts spaced along longitudinal axis of engagement

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a plug-in connector port of an implantable medical device for plug-in connection to a mating plug-in connector of an assembly to be connected to the implantable medical device, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such a plug-in connector port comprises a contacting device for establishing electrical contact with an electrical contact of the mating plug-in connector.
  • a plug-in connector port is used, which can be connected to an associated mating plug-in connector in a plug-in manner in order thus to establish an electrical connection between the assembly and the implantable medical device.
  • plug-in connector ports for use on medical devices.
  • plug-in connector ports should be biocompatible.
  • plug-in connector ports must be able to provide a good electrical connection with high conductivity and low, substantially invariable electrical resistance.
  • the connection of an assembly, for example an electrode, to an implantable medical device should be able to take place easily and conveniently while providing a reliable and secure connection during operation.
  • Conventional plug-in connector ports for use on implantable medical devices usually comprise a contacting device of the type where a spring element in the form of an annular, coiled spring is enclosed in a housing and is elastically deformable such that a mating plug-in connector in the form of a contact pin can be plugged into an insertion opening, which is formed by the housing and is circumferentially surrounded by the spring element, in order to establish contact with the housing via the spring element.
  • coils of the spring element are arranged at an angle, which means that, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, the coils of the spring element slide abrasively along the mating plug-in connector in order in this way to scratch off any oxide layer that is present on the mating plug-in connector and thus to improve an electrical contact between the mating plug-in connector and the plug-in connector port.
  • Such spring elements are also referred to as canted coil springs.
  • a spring element of a contacting device is manufactured for example from a platinum or iridium material.
  • a platinum or iridium material usually has a low elasticity, which makes it necessary to provide a spring element with a large number of coils in order to provide a sufficient elasticity on the spring element. This may make the spring element more difficult and more expensive to manufacture, particularly for sizes in the millimetre range which are customary in the case of medical plug-in connector ports.
  • the objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a plug-in connector port of an implantable medical device which can be manufactured easily and inexpensively and enables a reliable connection to an associated mating plug-in connector part.
  • the contacting device has an elastic body, which is made of a first material, and at least one contact element, which is arranged on the elastic body and is made of a second material different from the first material, for establishing electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector.
  • the contacting device of the plug-in connector port is therefore designed with an elastic body and one or more contact elements arranged on the elastic body.
  • the elastic body is elastically deformable and serves to carry the one or more contact elements.
  • the contact elements in turn serve to establish electrical contact with a mating plug-in connector, which is connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, so that the mating plug-in connector is electrically connected via the one or more contact elements.
  • the elastic body may be formed in one piece.
  • the elastic body may be formed of more than one piece, for example of multiple elastic parts, each elastic part carrying or supporting one or more contact elements.
  • the elastic body is manufactured from a first material, for example from an elastic plastics material, for example a polymer material, particularly an elastomer, for example a silicone material.
  • the first material may be electrically non-conductive.
  • the elastic body may be formed for example by means of injection moulding, advantageously plastic injection moulding.
  • injection moulding advantageously plastic injection moulding.
  • the at least one contact element is manufactured from an electrically conductive material, for example a biocompatible metal material, for example a platinum material, an iridium material or a platinum-iridium material.
  • the at least one contact element serves to establish electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector, so that the mating plug-in connector is electrically connected to the plug-in connector port, and thus to the implantable medical device, via the at least one contact element.
  • the at least one contact element arranged on the elastic body may be largely rigid and serves to establish electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector when the mating plug-in connector is connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner. Due to the elasticity of the elastic body, the at least one contact element is elastically position-adjustable so that the at least one contact element can be elastically deflected as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, and bears against the contact of the mating plug-in connector with an elastic clamping force once the mating plug-in connector is connected.
  • the elastic body extends annularly around a central axis, along which the mating plug-in connector is connectable to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner.
  • the elastic body thus surrounds an insertion opening, into which the mating plug in connector with the contact arranged thereon can be plugged.
  • the at least one contact element is arranged on the elastic body in such a way that the at least one contact element protrudes inwardly relative to the elastic body and thus can establish electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector as the plug-in connection takes place.
  • the contacting device has multiple contact elements which are arranged on the elastic body preferably in a manner distributed, for example evenly distributed, around the central axis.
  • the contact elements are thus arranged next to one another in a circumferential direction around the central axis and protrude inwardly from the elastic body so that the contact elements can bear against the contact of the mating plug-in connector in an electrically contacting manner when the mating plug-in connector is connected to the plug-in connector port.
  • the elastic body forms intermediate portions, each intermediate portion being arranged for example between two slots of the elastic body.
  • Each contact element is thus adjoined by two intermediate portions (as viewed in a circumferential direction around the central axis).
  • a contact element is accommodated between adjacent intermediate portions so that the contact elements and the intermediate portions are arranged next to one another in an alternating manner in the circumferential direction and adjacent contact elements are separated and uncoupled from one another by a respective intermediate portion.
  • the at least one contact element is arranged inclined to a radial direction or at an angle to the radial direction, which is directed radially with respect to the central axis. Due to the angled or inclined position, the at least one contact element can be tilted and thus moved radially as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, so that the at least one contact element, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, is elastically strained due to deformation of the elastic body and thus bears against the contact of the mating plug-in connector with an elastic clamping or tensioning force once the mating plug-in connector assumes an intended plug-in position on the plug-in connector port.
  • the at least one contact element has a head portion which protrudes from the elastic body on a first side in order to establish electrical contact with the electrical contact of the mating plug-in connector.
  • the head portion is shaped or designed in such a way that, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, said head portion can come to bear electrically against the contact of the mating plug-in connector so as to establish an electrical connection.
  • the at least one contact element protrudes with the head portion from the elastic body so that, when the mating plug-in connector is plugged for example into an insertion opening formed by the contacting device, the at least one contact element comes to bear with its head portion against the contact of the mating plug-in connector in such a way as to establish electrical contact.
  • the contacting device has an electrically conductive housing which is electrically connected to the at least one contact element so that an electrical connection between a mating plug-in connector, which is connected to the plug-in connector port, and the housing is established via the at least one contact element.
  • the at least one contact element may for example bear with a foot portion against the housing, the foot portion being exposed for example on a second side of the elastic body, which faces away from the first side, and being in electrical contact with the housing.
  • the contacting device is preferably held on the housing.
  • the housing may have for example a housing part and a housing cover connected to the housing part, which together form an accommodating space, in which the elastic body with the at least one contact element arranged thereon is accommodated.
  • An electrical connection to a higher-level electrical assembly of the implantable medical device can be established for example via the housing, for example by connecting an electrical lead to the housing.
  • the at least one contact element is formed by a flat contact plate.
  • the contact plate may have for example a flat, oval shape and is designed substantially rigid. Since the at least one contact element is arranged on the elastic body, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, the at least one contact element can be elastically deflected and bears against the contact of the mating plug-in connector with an elastic clamping or tensioning force so as to establish electrical contact once the mating plug-in connector is connected to the plug-in connector port.
  • the at least one contact element may be U-shaped in that the at least one contact element is formed by two legs connected to one another at a head portion.
  • the contact element may in this case be formed for example as a bent wire element, with foot portions, by which the contact element bears against an associated housing, being formed for example at ends of the legs of the contact element remote from or opposite to the head portion.
  • the at least one contact element is arrested on the housing by way of the foot portions formed on the legs in that the foot portions are in engagement with an associated locking portion of the housing and thus a form-fitting connection is established between the at least one contact element and the housing.
  • the at least one contact element may be annular or may be D-shaped.
  • a plug-in connector port of the type described may be arranged on an implantable medical device in the form of a pulse generator of a stimulation system, for example of a pacemaker or defibrillation system or of a neurostimulation system.
  • a pulse generator may be implanted for example subcutaneously in a patient, wherein an electrical assembly, for example in the form of an electrode, can be connected to a pulse generator, which electrode is routed to an intended location, for example in the heart of a patient, in order to provide stimulation at the intended location.
  • Fig. 1 shows a view of the human heart with an implanted stimulation system
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a connection block of a pulse generator of the stimulation system
  • Fig. 3 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a contacting device of a plug in connector port for establishing electrical contact with a contact of a mating plug-in connector
  • Fig. 4 shows a front view of the contacting device
  • Fig. 5 shows a view of an elastic body with contact elements of the contacting device arranged thereon
  • Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 shows a partial sectional view of the contacting device
  • Fig. 8 shows a view of another exemplary embodiment of a contacting device of a plug-in connector port for establishing electrical contact with a contact of a mating plug-in connector
  • Fig. 9 shows a front view of the contacting device
  • Fig. 10 shows a view of an elastic body with contact elements of the contacting device arranged thereon
  • Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 10;
  • Fig. 12 shows an end view of the arrangement shown in Figs. 10 and 11;
  • Fig. 13 shows a partial sectional view of the contacting device;
  • Fig. 14A shows a front view of the contacting device with a mating plug-in connector plugged into it; and
  • Fig. 14B shows a sectional view along the line A-A in Fig. 14A.
  • Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic view, the heart H of a patient with an implanted stimulation system, for example in the form of a so-called CRT system.
  • the stimulation system 1 has a pulse generator 10, to which electrodes 11, 12, 13 are connected.
  • the pulse generator 10 together with the electrodes 11, 12, 13 is implanted in the patient in such a way that the electrodes 11, 12, 13 extend from the pulse generator 10, through a superior vena cava V, to the heart H and are routed to various stimulation locations in the heart H.
  • three electrodes 11, 12, 13 are connected to the pulse generator 10.
  • the pulse generator 10 is implanted for example subcutaneously in the region of the patient’s collarbone. From the pulse generator 10, the electrodes 11, 12, 13 are routed in such a way that the electrodes 11, 12, 13 come to lie with their distal ends 110, 120, 130 for example in the right atrium RA (electrode 11 with the distal end 110), in the left ventricle LV (electrode 12 with the distal end 120) and in the right ventricle RV (electrode 13 with the distal end 130) and thus a stimulation at various stimulation locations in the heart H can take place via stimulation pulses which are generated by the pulse generator 10 and are introduced into the 11, 12, 13.
  • the pulse generator 10 has a housing 100, in which electrical and electronic components in the form of a control device 105 and a power supply means 106 in the form of a battery are enclosed and encapsulated.
  • connection block 101 Arranged on the housing 100 is a connection block 101 which has plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104 in the form of socket-type connectors, into which the electrodes 11, 12, 13, which have associated mating plug-in connectors 112, 122, 132 in the form of plugs, can be plugged so as to establish electrical contact between the electrodes 11, 12, 13 and the plug in connector ports 102, 103, 104 and thus the pulse generator 10.
  • the plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104 are for example standardized and are configured for example as IS-1 or IS4 ports according to ISO 27186:2010.
  • the plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104 each have electrical contacting device 2 for establishing electrical contact with contacts 3 of mating plug-in connectors 112, 122, 132, wherein a first plug-in connector port 102 may have for example two contacting device 2 and the other two plug-in connector ports 103, 104 may each have four contacting device 2.
  • the plug-in connector port 102 is thus configured as a two-pole port, while the other plug in connector ports 103, 104 are configured as four-pole port.
  • the mating plug-in connectors 112, 122, 132 of the electrodes 11, 12, 13 are configured for example as IS-1 plugs (mating plug-in connector 112) or IS4 plugs (mating plug-in connectors 122, 132) and have two electrical contacts 3 (two-pole mating plug-in connector 112) or four electrical contacts 3 (four-pole mating plug-in connectors 122, 132).
  • the contacting device 2 on the plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104 and the contacts 3 on the mating plug-in connectors 112, 122, 132 are configured in such a way that, as they are being connected in a plug-in manner, pair-wise electrical contact is established between the respective associated contacting device 2 and contacts 3.
  • Each contacting device 2 thus serves to establish an electrical connection to an associated contact 3 of the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 as a mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is being connected to an associated plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104 in a plug-in manner.
  • Figs. 3 to 7 show a first exemplary embodiment of a contacting device 2 which has an annular basic shape and forms an insertion opening, into which an associated mating plug in connector 112, 122, 132 can be plugged in a plug-in direction E along a central axis M concentric to the contacting device 2, so that a contact 3 arranged on the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 comes to lie radially inside the contacting device 2.
  • the contacting device 2 has a housing 20 which encloses an elastic body 21, on which electrical contact elements 22 for establishing contact with the contact 3 of the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 are arranged.
  • the contact elements 22 and the housing 20 are manufactured from an electrically conductive material, for example a biocompatible platinum and/or iridium material
  • the elastic body 21 is made of an electrically non-conductive, elastic material, for example an elastic plastics material, for example an elastomer.
  • the housing 20 and the contact elements 22 can thus be substantially inelastic
  • the elastic body 21 is elastically deformable.
  • the contact elements 22 are accommodated in slots 212 of the elastic body 21 so that the elastic body 21 carries the contact elements 22 and holds the latter in position on the contacting device 2.
  • the slots 212 separate successive intermediate portions 211 of the elastic body 21, which are connected to one another by way of an annular body portion 210. Since a contact element 22 is arranged in each slot 212, adjacent contact elements 212 are separated from one another and kept at a defined spacing from one another by an intermediate portion 211 located therebetween.
  • the contact elements 22 have an oval, flat plate shape. With a head portion 221, the contact elements 22 each protrude inwardly relative to the elastic body 21 so that, as an associated mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is being connected to the plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104 in a plug-in manner, the contact elements 22 of the contacting device 2 can come to bear against a contact 3 of the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 in such a way as to establish electrical contact.
  • the contact elements 22 bear against the housing 20 in such a way as to establish electrical contact, so that the contact elements 22 are electrically connected to the housing 20 and establish an electrical connection between the contact 3 and the housing 20 when the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is connected to the plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104.
  • the contact elements 22 are arranged or placed each inclined or at an angle to a radial direction R. Therefore, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central axis M, the contact elements 22 extend inclined or at an angle to the radial direction R, which means that a radially acting force leads to a deflection on the contact elements 22, with the elastic body 21 being elastically deformed.
  • the contact elements 22 are held elastically on the elastic body 21, the contact elements 22 can thus be elastically deflected so that, when the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is connected to the plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104, the contact elements 22 bear against the associated contact 3 with an elastic clamping force.
  • the housing 20 is formed by a housing part 200, onto which a housing cover 201 is placed.
  • the two-part design of the housing 20 enables the elastic body 21 with the contact elements 22 arranged thereon to be arranged on the housing part 200, the housing cover 201 then being placed onto the housing part 200 and the elastic body 21 thus being fixed to the housing 20.
  • the contact elements 22 bear with the foot portions 220 against the housing 20 in such a way as to establish electrical contact, as can be seen from Fig. 7.
  • the contact elements 22, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 7, are formed by bent wire elements which are U-shaped.
  • Each contact element 22 has two legs 222, 223 which are connected to one another at a head portion 221 and are in each case inserted in an associated slot 212 of the elastic body 21, as can be seen for example in Fig. 11.
  • the contact elements 22 point inwards from the elastic body 21 and protrude beyond the elastic body 21 so that the head portions 221 can be brought to bear against a contact 3 of a mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 in such a way as to establish electrical contact.
  • a respective foot portion 220 is formed in that the end of the respective leg 222, 223 is bent approximately at right angles and points substantially parallel to the central axis M of the contacting device 2
  • the foot portions 220 protrude axially beyond the elastic body 21.
  • the foot portions 220 serve to establish electrical contact with the housing 20
  • the elastic body 21 is located in an accommodating space 202 which is delimited by circumferentially extending locking portions 203, 204 between a housing part 201 and a housing cover 201 and is thus accommodated in the housing 20 and fixed on the housing 20.
  • the foot portions 220 engage behind locking portions 205, 206 which are formed radially outside of the locking portions 203, 204 and which are formed by axially recessed steps, so that each contact element 22 is fixed to the housing 20 and also is electrically contacted with the housing 20 by way of the foot portions 220.
  • the contact elements 22, in a manner analogous to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 7, are at an angle to the radial direction R and thus can be radially deflected, by elastic deformation of the elastic body 21, as a mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is being connected to an associated plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104 in a plug-in manner, so as to bear against an associated contact 3 with an elastic clamping force once the connection is established, as can be seen from Figs. 14A and 14B.
  • a plug-in connector port of the type described can be used on an implantable medical device which is part of a stimulation system.
  • a plug-in connector port can be used on a therapeutic system or also on a diagnostic system, for example a sensor system or a recording system, wherein such a plug-in connector port can be used to connect an electrode or also another (electrical) assembly.
  • the contacting device Due to the design of the contacting device with an elastic body and one or more contact elements arranged thereon, it is possible to establish advantageous electrical contact with a contact as a plug-in connector port is being connected to a mating plug-in connector in a plug-in manner.
  • the contacting device enables multiple, repeated insertion while achieving low-resistance contacting with substantially invariable contacting properties.
  • the contacting device Since the function of the elasticity and the function of the electrical contacting are separated from one another and are provided by different components, the contacting device can be manufactured inexpensively while possibly providing improved operational reliability. List of reference signs
  • stimulation system 10 implantable medical device (pulse generator)

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A plug-in connector port (102-104) of an implantable medical device (10) for plug-in connection to a mating plug-in connector (112, 122, 132) of an assembly (11, 12, 13) to be connected to the implantable medical device (10) comprises a contacting device (2) for establishing electrical contact with an electrical contact (3) of the mating plug-in connector (112, 122, 132). The contacting device (2) has an elastic body (21), which is made of a first material, and at least one contact element (22), which is arranged on the elastic body (21) and is made of a second material different from the first material, for establishing electrical contact with the contact (3) of the mating plug-in connector (112, 122, 132).

Description

Plug-in connector port of an implantable medical device
The present invention relates to a plug-in connector port of an implantable medical device for plug-in connection to a mating plug-in connector of an assembly to be connected to the implantable medical device, according to the preamble of claim 1.
Such a plug-in connector port comprises a contacting device for establishing electrical contact with an electrical contact of the mating plug-in connector.
An implantable medical device may be formed for example by a pulse generator of a stimulation system, for example of a pacemaker or defibrillation system or of a neurostimulation system. Such a pulse generator may be implanted for example subcutaneously in a patient, wherein electrodes are usually connected to the pulse generator, which electrodes are to be routed to an intended location, for example in the patient’s heart, in order to provide stimulation at the intended location.
To connect an assembly, for example an electrode, to an implantable medical device, for example a pulse generator, a plug-in connector port is used, which can be connected to an associated mating plug-in connector in a plug-in manner in order thus to establish an electrical connection between the assembly and the implantable medical device.
High demands are placed on such plug-in connector ports for use on medical devices. For instance, such plug-in connector ports should be biocompatible. In addition, such plug-in connector ports must be able to provide a good electrical connection with high conductivity and low, substantially invariable electrical resistance. The connection of an assembly, for example an electrode, to an implantable medical device should be able to take place easily and conveniently while providing a reliable and secure connection during operation. Conventional plug-in connector ports for use on implantable medical devices, as known for example from US 2003/0157846 A1 or US 2005/0234521 Al, usually comprise a contacting device of the type where a spring element in the form of an annular, coiled spring is enclosed in a housing and is elastically deformable such that a mating plug-in connector in the form of a contact pin can be plugged into an insertion opening, which is formed by the housing and is circumferentially surrounded by the spring element, in order to establish contact with the housing via the spring element. In the case of the plug-in connector port of US 2005/0234521 Al, coils of the spring element are arranged at an angle, which means that, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, the coils of the spring element slide abrasively along the mating plug-in connector in order in this way to scratch off any oxide layer that is present on the mating plug-in connector and thus to improve an electrical contact between the mating plug-in connector and the plug-in connector port. Such spring elements are also referred to as canted coil springs.
To make the plug-in connector port biocompatible, a spring element of a contacting device is manufactured for example from a platinum or iridium material. Such a material usually has a low elasticity, which makes it necessary to provide a spring element with a large number of coils in order to provide a sufficient elasticity on the spring element. This may make the spring element more difficult and more expensive to manufacture, particularly for sizes in the millimetre range which are customary in the case of medical plug-in connector ports.
The objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a plug-in connector port of an implantable medical device which can be manufactured easily and inexpensively and enables a reliable connection to an associated mating plug-in connector part.
This objective is achieved by a subject matter having the features of claim 1.
According thereto, the contacting device has an elastic body, which is made of a first material, and at least one contact element, which is arranged on the elastic body and is made of a second material different from the first material, for establishing electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector.
The contacting device of the plug-in connector port is therefore designed with an elastic body and one or more contact elements arranged on the elastic body. The elastic body is elastically deformable and serves to carry the one or more contact elements. The contact elements in turn serve to establish electrical contact with a mating plug-in connector, which is connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, so that the mating plug-in connector is electrically connected via the one or more contact elements.
The elastic body may be formed in one piece. Alternatively, the elastic body may be formed of more than one piece, for example of multiple elastic parts, each elastic part carrying or supporting one or more contact elements.
The elastic body is manufactured from a first material, for example from an elastic plastics material, for example a polymer material, particularly an elastomer, for example a silicone material. The first material may be electrically non-conductive.
The elastic body may be formed for example by means of injection moulding, advantageously plastic injection moulding. In this case, it is conceivable to form the elastic body as a separate element and to arrange the one or more contact elements on the elastic body subsequently in a further work step. However, it is also conceivable to place the one or more contact elements in an injection mould and to form the elastic body directly on the contact elements by injection moulding.
In contrast, the at least one contact element is manufactured from an electrically conductive material, for example a biocompatible metal material, for example a platinum material, an iridium material or a platinum-iridium material. The at least one contact element serves to establish electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector, so that the mating plug-in connector is electrically connected to the plug-in connector port, and thus to the implantable medical device, via the at least one contact element. By providing the elastic body to carry the at least one electrical contact element, a function for providing an elasticity on the contacting device and a function for establishing electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector part are separated from one another. The elastic body is comparatively soft and provides elasticity on account of its deformability. In contrast, the at least one contact element arranged on the elastic body may be largely rigid and serves to establish electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector when the mating plug-in connector is connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner. Due to the elasticity of the elastic body, the at least one contact element is elastically position-adjustable so that the at least one contact element can be elastically deflected as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, and bears against the contact of the mating plug-in connector with an elastic clamping force once the mating plug-in connector is connected.
In one embodiment, the elastic body extends annularly around a central axis, along which the mating plug-in connector is connectable to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner. The elastic body thus surrounds an insertion opening, into which the mating plug in connector with the contact arranged thereon can be plugged. The at least one contact element is arranged on the elastic body in such a way that the at least one contact element protrudes inwardly relative to the elastic body and thus can establish electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector as the plug-in connection takes place.
Advantageously, the contacting device has multiple contact elements which are arranged on the elastic body preferably in a manner distributed, for example evenly distributed, around the central axis. The contact elements are thus arranged next to one another in a circumferential direction around the central axis and protrude inwardly from the elastic body so that the contact elements can bear against the contact of the mating plug-in connector in an electrically contacting manner when the mating plug-in connector is connected to the plug-in connector port.
In one embodiment, the elastic body of the contacting device has at least one slot, in which the at least one contact element is accommodated. By way of example, each contact element may be inserted into an associated slot of the elastic body and thus may be held or received on the elastic body. The elastic body thus carries one or more contact elements, wherein, when force is applied to the contact elements, the elastic body can elastically deform and the contact elements can thus be elastically deflected.
In one embodiment, the elastic body forms intermediate portions, each intermediate portion being arranged for example between two slots of the elastic body. Each contact element is thus adjoined by two intermediate portions (as viewed in a circumferential direction around the central axis). A contact element is accommodated between adjacent intermediate portions so that the contact elements and the intermediate portions are arranged next to one another in an alternating manner in the circumferential direction and adjacent contact elements are separated and uncoupled from one another by a respective intermediate portion.
In one embodiment, the at least one contact element is arranged inclined to a radial direction or at an angle to the radial direction, which is directed radially with respect to the central axis. Due to the angled or inclined position, the at least one contact element can be tilted and thus moved radially as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, so that the at least one contact element, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, is elastically strained due to deformation of the elastic body and thus bears against the contact of the mating plug-in connector with an elastic clamping or tensioning force once the mating plug-in connector assumes an intended plug-in position on the plug-in connector port.
Due to the angled or inclined position, a defined elasticity is thus provided on the contact elements by the elastic deformability of the elastic body.
In one embodiment, the at least one contact element has a head portion which protrudes from the elastic body on a first side in order to establish electrical contact with the electrical contact of the mating plug-in connector. The head portion is shaped or designed in such a way that, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, said head portion can come to bear electrically against the contact of the mating plug-in connector so as to establish an electrical connection. The at least one contact element protrudes with the head portion from the elastic body so that, when the mating plug-in connector is plugged for example into an insertion opening formed by the contacting device, the at least one contact element comes to bear with its head portion against the contact of the mating plug-in connector in such a way as to establish electrical contact. In one embodiment, the contacting device has an electrically conductive housing which is electrically connected to the at least one contact element so that an electrical connection between a mating plug-in connector, which is connected to the plug-in connector port, and the housing is established via the at least one contact element. The at least one contact element may for example bear with a foot portion against the housing, the foot portion being exposed for example on a second side of the elastic body, which faces away from the first side, and being in electrical contact with the housing.
The contacting device is preferably held on the housing. The housing may have for example a housing part and a housing cover connected to the housing part, which together form an accommodating space, in which the elastic body with the at least one contact element arranged thereon is accommodated. By placing it in the housing, the contacting device is thus arrested relative to the housing so that, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, electrical contact with the contact of the mating plug-in connector can be established via the contacting device and an electrical connection between the electrically conductive housing and the contact of the mating plug-in connector is established via the at least one contact element of the contacting device.
An electrical connection to a higher-level electrical assembly of the implantable medical device can be established for example via the housing, for example by connecting an electrical lead to the housing.
In one embodiment, the at least one contact element is formed by a flat contact plate. The contact plate may have for example a flat, oval shape and is designed substantially rigid. Since the at least one contact element is arranged on the elastic body, as the mating plug-in connector is being connected to the plug-in connector port in a plug-in manner, the at least one contact element can be elastically deflected and bears against the contact of the mating plug-in connector with an elastic clamping or tensioning force so as to establish electrical contact once the mating plug-in connector is connected to the plug-in connector port.
In another embodiment, the at least one contact element may be U-shaped in that the at least one contact element is formed by two legs connected to one another at a head portion. The contact element may in this case be formed for example as a bent wire element, with foot portions, by which the contact element bears against an associated housing, being formed for example at ends of the legs of the contact element remote from or opposite to the head portion.
In one embodiment, the at least one contact element is arrested on the housing by way of the foot portions formed on the legs in that the foot portions are in engagement with an associated locking portion of the housing and thus a form-fitting connection is established between the at least one contact element and the housing.
In another embodiment, the at least one contact element may be annular or may be D-shaped.
A plug-in connector port of the type described may be arranged on an implantable medical device in the form of a pulse generator of a stimulation system, for example of a pacemaker or defibrillation system or of a neurostimulation system. Such a pulse generator may be implanted for example subcutaneously in a patient, wherein an electrical assembly, for example in the form of an electrode, can be connected to a pulse generator, which electrode is routed to an intended location, for example in the heart of a patient, in order to provide stimulation at the intended location.
The concept on which the invention is based will be explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a view of the human heart with an implanted stimulation system;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a connection block of a pulse generator of the stimulation system; Fig. 3 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a contacting device of a plug in connector port for establishing electrical contact with a contact of a mating plug-in connector;
Fig. 4 shows a front view of the contacting device;
Fig. 5 shows a view of an elastic body with contact elements of the contacting device arranged thereon;
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 shows a partial sectional view of the contacting device; Fig. 8 shows a view of another exemplary embodiment of a contacting device of a plug-in connector port for establishing electrical contact with a contact of a mating plug-in connector;
Fig. 9 shows a front view of the contacting device;
Fig. 10 shows a view of an elastic body with contact elements of the contacting device arranged thereon;
Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 shows an end view of the arrangement shown in Figs. 10 and 11; Fig. 13 shows a partial sectional view of the contacting device; Fig. 14A shows a front view of the contacting device with a mating plug-in connector plugged into it; and Fig. 14B shows a sectional view along the line A-A in Fig. 14A.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. In the figures, components that have the same function are provided with the same reference signs.
Already at this point, it should be noted that the described exemplary embodiments are not to be understood as limiting for the present invention, but rather serve merely for illustration purposes.
Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic view, the heart H of a patient with an implanted stimulation system, for example in the form of a so-called CRT system. The stimulation system 1 has a pulse generator 10, to which electrodes 11, 12, 13 are connected. The pulse generator 10 together with the electrodes 11, 12, 13 is implanted in the patient in such a way that the electrodes 11, 12, 13 extend from the pulse generator 10, through a superior vena cava V, to the heart H and are routed to various stimulation locations in the heart H.
In the example shown, three electrodes 11, 12, 13 are connected to the pulse generator 10. The pulse generator 10 is implanted for example subcutaneously in the region of the patient’s collarbone. From the pulse generator 10, the electrodes 11, 12, 13 are routed in such a way that the electrodes 11, 12, 13 come to lie with their distal ends 110, 120, 130 for example in the right atrium RA (electrode 11 with the distal end 110), in the left ventricle LV (electrode 12 with the distal end 120) and in the right ventricle RV (electrode 13 with the distal end 130) and thus a stimulation at various stimulation locations in the heart H can take place via stimulation pulses which are generated by the pulse generator 10 and are introduced into the 11, 12, 13.
In the context of cardiac resynchronization therapy, for example, a stimulation takes place in the left ventricle LV and in the right ventricle RV so that the ventricle activity can be synchronized as a result of the stimulation. The aim is thus to increase the pumping capacity of the heart in patients suffering from chronic heart failure (cardiac insufficiency). As shown schematically in an exemplary embodiment in Fig. 2, the pulse generator 10 has a housing 100, in which electrical and electronic components in the form of a control device 105 and a power supply means 106 in the form of a battery are enclosed and encapsulated.
Arranged on the housing 100 is a connection block 101 which has plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104 in the form of socket-type connectors, into which the electrodes 11, 12, 13, which have associated mating plug-in connectors 112, 122, 132 in the form of plugs, can be plugged so as to establish electrical contact between the electrodes 11, 12, 13 and the plug in connector ports 102, 103, 104 and thus the pulse generator 10.
The plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104 are for example standardized and are configured for example as IS-1 or IS4 ports according to ISO 27186:2010.
The plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104 each have electrical contacting device 2 for establishing electrical contact with contacts 3 of mating plug-in connectors 112, 122, 132, wherein a first plug-in connector port 102 may have for example two contacting device 2 and the other two plug-in connector ports 103, 104 may each have four contacting device 2. The plug-in connector port 102 is thus configured as a two-pole port, while the other plug in connector ports 103, 104 are configured as four-pole port.
Depending on the design of the plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104, the mating plug-in connectors 112, 122, 132 of the electrodes 11, 12, 13 are configured for example as IS-1 plugs (mating plug-in connector 112) or IS4 plugs (mating plug-in connectors 122, 132) and have two electrical contacts 3 (two-pole mating plug-in connector 112) or four electrical contacts 3 (four-pole mating plug-in connectors 122, 132).
The contacting device 2 on the plug-in connector ports 102, 103, 104 and the contacts 3 on the mating plug-in connectors 112, 122, 132 are configured in such a way that, as they are being connected in a plug-in manner, pair-wise electrical contact is established between the respective associated contacting device 2 and contacts 3. Each contacting device 2 thus serves to establish an electrical connection to an associated contact 3 of the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 as a mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is being connected to an associated plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104 in a plug-in manner.
Figs. 3 to 7 show a first exemplary embodiment of a contacting device 2 which has an annular basic shape and forms an insertion opening, into which an associated mating plug in connector 112, 122, 132 can be plugged in a plug-in direction E along a central axis M concentric to the contacting device 2, so that a contact 3 arranged on the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 comes to lie radially inside the contacting device 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contacting device 2 has a housing 20 which encloses an elastic body 21, on which electrical contact elements 22 for establishing contact with the contact 3 of the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 are arranged.
While the contact elements 22 and the housing 20 are manufactured from an electrically conductive material, for example a biocompatible platinum and/or iridium material, the elastic body 21 is made of an electrically non-conductive, elastic material, for example an elastic plastics material, for example an elastomer. While the housing 20 and the contact elements 22 can thus be substantially inelastic, the elastic body 21 is elastically deformable. As can be seen for example from the perspective view shown in Fig. 6, the contact elements 22 are accommodated in slots 212 of the elastic body 21 so that the elastic body 21 carries the contact elements 22 and holds the latter in position on the contacting device 2. The slots 212 separate successive intermediate portions 211 of the elastic body 21, which are connected to one another by way of an annular body portion 210. Since a contact element 22 is arranged in each slot 212, adjacent contact elements 212 are separated from one another and kept at a defined spacing from one another by an intermediate portion 211 located therebetween.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 7, the contact elements 22 have an oval, flat plate shape. With a head portion 221, the contact elements 22 each protrude inwardly relative to the elastic body 21 so that, as an associated mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is being connected to the plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104 in a plug-in manner, the contact elements 22 of the contacting device 2 can come to bear against a contact 3 of the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 in such a way as to establish electrical contact.
In contrast, with a foot portion 220, which is remote from the head portion 221 and protrudes from the elastic body 21 on a side remote from the head portion 221, the contact elements 22 bear against the housing 20 in such a way as to establish electrical contact, so that the contact elements 22 are electrically connected to the housing 20 and establish an electrical connection between the contact 3 and the housing 20 when the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is connected to the plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104.
As can be seen from the views shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the contact elements 22 are arranged or placed each inclined or at an angle to a radial direction R. Therefore, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central axis M, the contact elements 22 extend inclined or at an angle to the radial direction R, which means that a radially acting force leads to a deflection on the contact elements 22, with the elastic body 21 being elastically deformed.
Since the contact elements 22 are held elastically on the elastic body 21, the contact elements 22 can thus be elastically deflected so that, when the mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is connected to the plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104, the contact elements 22 bear against the associated contact 3 with an elastic clamping force.
As can be seen from the partial sectional view in Fig. 7, the housing 20 is formed by a housing part 200, onto which a housing cover 201 is placed. The two-part design of the housing 20 enables the elastic body 21 with the contact elements 22 arranged thereon to be arranged on the housing part 200, the housing cover 201 then being placed onto the housing part 200 and the elastic body 21 thus being fixed to the housing 20.
The housing part 200 and the housing cover 201 together form an accommodating space 202, in which the elastic body 21 is accommodated and enclosed when the housing 20 is assembled, so that the elastic body 21 is fixed relative to the housing 20. The position of the elastic body 21 on the housing 20 and additionally the orientation of the contact elements 22 on the elastic body 21 is in this case secured by way of locking portions 203, 204 which surround the elastic body 201 and additionally laterally support the contact elements 22.
When the housing 20 is assembled, the contact elements 22 bear with the foot portions 220 against the housing 20 in such a way as to establish electrical contact, as can be seen from Fig. 7.
In an exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 8 to 15, the contact elements 22, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 7, are formed by bent wire elements which are U-shaped. Each contact element 22 has two legs 222, 223 which are connected to one another at a head portion 221 and are in each case inserted in an associated slot 212 of the elastic body 21, as can be seen for example in Fig. 11.
With the head portion 221, the contact elements 22 point inwards from the elastic body 21 and protrude beyond the elastic body 21 so that the head portions 221 can be brought to bear against a contact 3 of a mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 in such a way as to establish electrical contact.
At the ends of the legs 222, 223 remote from or opposite to the head portion 221, a respective foot portion 220 is formed in that the end of the respective leg 222, 223 is bent approximately at right angles and points substantially parallel to the central axis M of the contacting device 2
As can be seen from Fig. 12, the foot portions 220 (slightly) protrude axially beyond the elastic body 21. The foot portions 220 serve to establish electrical contact with the housing 20
As can be seen from Fig. 13, the elastic body 21 is located in an accommodating space 202 which is delimited by circumferentially extending locking portions 203, 204 between a housing part 201 and a housing cover 201 and is thus accommodated in the housing 20 and fixed on the housing 20. In addition, as can be seen from Fig. 13, the foot portions 220 engage behind locking portions 205, 206 which are formed radially outside of the locking portions 203, 204 and which are formed by axially recessed steps, so that each contact element 22 is fixed to the housing 20 and also is electrically contacted with the housing 20 by way of the foot portions 220.
As can be seen from a combination of Fig. 10 with Fig. 14A, the contact elements 22, in a manner analogous to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 7, are at an angle to the radial direction R and thus can be radially deflected, by elastic deformation of the elastic body 21, as a mating plug-in connector 112, 122, 132 is being connected to an associated plug-in connector port 102, 103, 104 in a plug-in manner, so as to bear against an associated contact 3 with an elastic clamping force once the connection is established, as can be seen from Figs. 14A and 14B.
The concept on which the invention is based is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but rather can also be implemented in other ways.
A plug-in connector port of the type described can be used on an implantable medical device which is part of a stimulation system. In general, a plug-in connector port can be used on a therapeutic system or also on a diagnostic system, for example a sensor system or a recording system, wherein such a plug-in connector port can be used to connect an electrode or also another (electrical) assembly.
Due to the design of the contacting device with an elastic body and one or more contact elements arranged thereon, it is possible to establish advantageous electrical contact with a contact as a plug-in connector port is being connected to a mating plug-in connector in a plug-in manner. The contacting device enables multiple, repeated insertion while achieving low-resistance contacting with substantially invariable contacting properties.
Since the function of the elasticity and the function of the electrical contacting are separated from one another and are provided by different components, the contacting device can be manufactured inexpensively while possibly providing improved operational reliability. List of reference signs
1 stimulation system 10 implantable medical device (pulse generator)
100 housing 101 connection block
102-104 plug-in connector port 105 control device 106 power supply means 11 assembly (electrode) 110 distal end 111 proximal end 112 mating plug-in connector 12 assembly (electrode)
120 distal end 121 proximal end 122 mating plug-in connector 13 assembly (electrode) 130 distal end
131 proximal end
132 mating plug-in connector 2 contacting device
20 housing 200 housing part
201 housing cover 202 accommodating space
203-206 locking portion
21 elastic body 210 body portion 211 intermediate portion 212 slot 22 contact elements
220 foot portion
221 head portion
222, 223 leg 3 electrical contact
E plug-in direction H heart LA left atrium LV left ventricle M central axis R radial direction RA right atrium RV right ventricle V superior vena cava

Claims

Claims
1. Plug-in connector port (102-104) of an implantable medical device (10) for plug-in connection to a mating plug-in connector (112, 122, 132) of an assembly (11, 12, 13) to be connected to the implantable medical device (10), comprising a contacting device (2) for establishing electrical contact with an electrical contact (3) of the mating plug in connector (112, 122, 132), characterized in that the contacting device (2) has an elastic body (21), which is made of a first material, and at least one contact element (22), which is arranged on the elastic body (21) and is made of a second material different from the first material, for establishing electrical contact with the contact (3) of the mating plug-in connector (112, 122, 132), and the at least one contact element (22) is arranged inclined to a radial direction (R), which is directed radially with respect to a central axis (M) along which the mating plug-in connector (112, 122, 132) is connectable to the plug-in connector port (102-104) in a plug-in manner.
2. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first material is non-conductive.
3. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first material is a plastics material, particularly a polymer material.
4. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the elastic body (21) extends annularly around a central axis (M), along which the mating plug-in connector (112, 122, 132) is connectable to the plug-in connector port (102-104) in a plug-in manner, and the at least one contact element (22) is arranged on the elastic body (21) in such a way that the at least one contact element (22) protrudes inwardly relative to the elastic body (21).
5. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to claim 4, characterized in that multiple contact elements (22) are arranged on the elastic body (21) in a manner distributed around the central axis (M).
6. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic body (21) has at least one slot (212), in which the at least one contact element (22) is accommodated.
7. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic body (21) forms intermediate portions (211), the at least one contact element (22) being arranged between two adjacent intermediate portions (211).
8. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one contact element (22) has a head portion (221) which protrudes from the elastic body (21) on a first side in order to establish electrical contact with the electrical contact (3) of the mating plug-in connector (112, 122, 132).
9. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to claim 8, characterized in that the contacting device (2) has an electrically conductive housing (20) and the at least one contact element (22) has a foot portion (220), the foot portion (220) establishing electrical contact with the housing (20).
10. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to claim 9, characterized in that the foot portion (220) bears against the housing (20) on a second side of the elastic body (21), which faces away from the first side.
11. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the housing (20) has a housing part (200) and a housing cover (201) connected to the housing part (200), which together form an accommodating space (202), in which the elastic body (21) with the at least one contact element (22) arranged thereon is accommodated.
12. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one contact element (22) is formed by a flat contact plate.
13. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one contact element (22) has two legs (222, 223) connected to one another at a head portion (221).
14. Plug-in connector port (102-104) according to claim 13, characterized in that a foot portion (220) is formed on each leg (222, 223).
PCT/EP2021/056629 2020-03-18 2021-03-16 Plug-in connector port of an implantable medical device WO2021185809A1 (en)

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EP20163804.6 2020-03-18
EP20163804 2020-03-18

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Citations (8)

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DE102017119615A1 (en) * 2016-09-09 2018-03-15 Kingfont Precision Industrial Co., Ltd. High current connector and socket for it
EP3359254A1 (en) * 2015-10-09 2018-08-15 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Connector block assembly

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0747999A1 (en) * 1995-06-06 1996-12-11 Pacesetter AB An electrical connector jack
WO2000064535A1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2000-11-02 Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. Lead connector
US20030157846A1 (en) 2002-02-15 2003-08-21 Daniel Poon Medically implantable electrical connector with constant conductivity
US20040215303A1 (en) * 2003-04-25 2004-10-28 Sage Shahn S. Implantable biomedical electrical connectors having integral side and inner walls
US20050234521A1 (en) 2004-04-16 2005-10-20 Balsells Peter J Use of an axial canted coil spring as an electrical contact to minimize resistivity variations under dynamic loads
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