Patent ID: 12201826

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Since the present invention can have various changes and various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention are included.

Terms including an ordinal number such as second, first, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a second component may be referred to as a first component, and similarly, a first component may also be referred to as a second component. The term and/or includes a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “contacted” to another component, it should be understood that the other component may be directly connected or contacted to the other component, but other components may exist in between them. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a certain element is “directly connected” or “directly contacted” to another element, it should be understood that no other element is present in the middle.

The terms used in the present application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the existence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but it should be understood that this does not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more of other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present application.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG.1is a conceptual view of an implantable device according to an embodiment.FIG.2is an exemplary view showing that a second unit of an implantable device according to an embodiment is applied to a human body.

FIGS.1and2, an implantable device1according to an embodiment may include a first unit100and a second unit200that can communicate with each other. Hereinafter, one of the implantable devices, a cochlear implant system, will be described as example. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the second unit200may be a device that provides electrical signals to other organs or organs of the human body.

The first unit100may convert a sound signal into an electrical signal and provide it, and may include a first coil140for supplying power. The first unit100may be disposed on an outside of a skin. That is, the first unit100may be an external device mounted outside a body without being implanted in the body.

The first unit100may include a sender110, a voice processor120, a transmitter130, and a first coil140.

The sender110may detect an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal may include a voice signal or a sound signal. Various electronic devices capable of detecting the acoustic signal may be selected for the sender110. In an embodiment, the sender110may be a microphone, but is not limited thereto. The sender110may include a volume adjuster that adjusts the volume of the received acoustic signal.

The voice processor120may receive the acoustic signal sensed by the sender110and convert it into an electrical signal. The voice processor120may include a speech processor.

The transmitter130may receive the electrical signal from the voice processor120and transmit it. The first coil140may supply power. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the transmitter130may be omitted. That is, the first unit100may not include a separate transmitter130. In this case, the first unit100may receive the electrical signal from the voice processor120and transmit the electrical signal to the second unit200while power is being transmitted thereto through the first coil140.

The first unit100may include a power source (not shown). The power source is a configuration for supplying power to the first unit100and may include a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery and the like.

The power source may receive power from an outside and store the power. For example, the power source may include a capacitive element such as a capacitor. The capacitive element may receive power from an external power source via a wire and store it, or wirelessly receive power from an external power source through the first coil140of the first unit100.

For example, in a charging mode, the first coil140may receive power wirelessly from the coil of the external power source through electromagnetic induction and store it in the capacitive element, and in a transmission mode, the power of the capacitive element may be wirelessly transmitted to the second coil210of the second unit200.

Here, although the electromagnetic induction phenomenon may be used for transmitting power through the coil, embodiments are not limited thereto, and other wireless power transmission techniques may also be used.

The second unit200may be an internal implant inserted inside a skin. In one embodiment, the second unit200may be inserted into a subcutaneous fat layer, but is not limited thereto.

The second unit200may receive an electrical signal from the first unit100, and stimulate auditory nerve fibers in a cochlea10.

The second unit200may include a receiver220, a circuit230configured to process a signal received from the first unit100to generate a stimulation signal, and an electrode array1000having a plurality of electrodes (not shown) configured to stimulate the auditory nerve fibers in the cochlea10with a current signal in response to the stimulation signal transmitted from the circuit230.

The receiver220may receive a signal from the first unit100. For example, the receiver220may include the second coil210that receives a signal along with power through the first coil140. When transmitting power, the first coil140of the first unit100may transmit a data signal for electrical stimulation together with the power signal. For example, the first coil140may vary the amplitude or phase of the power signal and transmit the data signal along with the power signal.

Alternatively, the receiver220may directly receive a signal from the transmitter130of the first unit100. The transmitter130and the receiver220may communicate using various communication techniques that are not limited to a specific communication technique. In addition, the data signal may be communicated separately from the power signal through a separate communication means or a separate frequency not described above.

The circuit230may generate a stimulation signal by processing the electrical signal received from the receiver220. The circuit230may have an integrated circuit (IC) for generating the stimulation signal. The circuit230may perform various functions necessary for the normal operation of the implantable device1, such as signal processing, communication and the like, and be composed of one or more functional modules.

Also, the circuit230may include a terminal electrically connected to one end of the electrode array1000, and a signal (e.g., current, voltage, etc.) may be provided to the circuit230or the electrode array1000through the terminal.

The electrode array1000may have a structure in which a plurality of electrodes (not shown) is disposed on an insulation layer. The electrode array1000may be thinly formed to be inserted into the cochlea10of a human body. The electrode array1000may transmit the stimulation signal generated from the circuit230to the cochlea10, and the stimulation signal may stimulate the auditory nerve of the cochlea10. The user of the body-implantable device1may sense an external sound through stimulation of the auditory nerve.

FIG.3is a view showing an electrode array according to an embodiment.FIG.4is an enlarged view of X inFIG.3.FIG.5is an enlarged view of A inFIG.4.FIG.6is a view taken along line I-I′ inFIG.5.FIG.7is a schematic view showing a cross-section of a pad part inFIG.3.FIG.8is a view viewed from a side ofFIG.4.

Hereinafter, an electrode array according to an embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.3to8.

Referring toFIG.3, the electrode array1000according to an embodiment includes a first housing1100, a second housing1200, and an electrode structure (not shown) disposed in the first housing1100and the second housing1200. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the electrode array1000will be described, and a detailed description of the electrode structure will be described later.

Referring toFIGS.3to6, a plurality of wires1701,1703, and1704and a plurality of contact electrodes1801may be disposed in the first housing1100. More specifically, the first housing1100may include a first groove1110. The plurality of wires1701,1703, and1704, and the plurality of contact electrodes1801may be disposed in the first groove1110.

The contact electrodes1801may be exposed to an outside of the electrode array. More specifically, the first housing1100may include a first cover layer1301to cover the first wire1701, the third wire1703, the connection wire1704, and the contact electrodes1801disposed on the first groove1110. The first cover layer1301may include a plurality of electrode holes1310to expose at least a portion of the plurality of contact electrodes1801. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrode holes1310may be matched one-to-one with the plurality of contact electrodes1801to expose one first electrode1801per one electrode hole1310, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The electrode hole1310may serve as an inlet for a biometric signal to be collected when the body-implantable device1collects the biometric signal, and an outlet for a biometric stimulation signal when the body-implantable device1transmits the biometric stimulation signal to a body. There may be a plurality of such electrode holes1310, and the number may be the same as the number of terminals of the circuit230, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Also, as described above, the number of electrode holes1310may be the same as the number of contact electrodes1801, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The number of electrode holes1310may be appropriately adjusted as necessary.

When the body-implantable device1is inserted into the cochlea, the plurality of exposed contact electrodes1801may contact auditory nerve fibers. The contact electrode1801in contact with the auditory nerve fibers may transmit an external signal to the auditory nerve fibers or, conversely, may transmit a signal from the auditory nerve fibers to an outside. However, this is only an example, and as described above, the body-implantable device according to the embodiment may be implanted and used in other body organs. Since the plurality of contact electrodes1801is in contact with a body, they may be made of a material that is not harmful to the body. For example, the plurality of contact electrodes1801may include platinum iridium (ptIr), but is not limited thereto.

InFIG.7, (a) is a view showing a second housing, (b) is a view showing a plurality of second wires and a plurality of pads disposed in a second groove of the second housing, (c) is a view showing a cover layer covering the second housing.

Referring toFIG.7, a plurality of second wires1702and a plurality of pads1802may be disposed in the second housing1200. More specifically, the second housing1200may include a second groove1120. The plurality of second wires1702and the plurality of pads1802may be disposed in the second groove1120. A second cover layer1302may be disposed on the second groove1120in which the plurality of second wires1702and the plurality of pads1802are disposed. That is, the second cover layer1302may cover the second groove1120.

The second cover layer1302may be disposed on the second groove1120of the second housing1200and cover all or part of the pad1802disposed inside the second groove. The pad1802may be connected to the circuit230disposed on the second housing1200. There is no limitation in the manner in which the pad1802and the circuit230are connected. In one embodiment, a contact hole may be formed in the second housing1200, and the pad and the circuit may be connected using this or a feed-through.

The circuit230transmits an electrical signal to the pad1802connected to the circuit, and the pad1802may transmit the electrical signal to the auditory nerve fibers through the second wire1702, the third wire1703, the first wire1701, the connection wire1704, the contact electrode1801that are sequentially connected. In addition, in a reverse mechanism, the biometric signal may be transmitted to the circuit230through the contact electrode1801, the connection wire1704, the first wire1701, the third wire1703, the second wire1702, and the pad1802. Such an electrical signal may be an electrical signal necessary for the operation of the implantable device1.

The first housing1100, the second housing1200, and the cover layers1301and1302may be integrally formed. That is, the first housing1100, the second housing1200, and the cover layers1301and1302may include the same insulation material. In addition, since the first housing1100, the second housing1200, and the cover layers1301and1302may come into contact with a body, they may be made of a material not harmful to the body.

For example, the insulation material may include a silicone elastomer. The insulation material can prevent an unwanted short from occurring between the respective components of the contact electrode1801, the pad1802, and the wires1701,1702,1703, and1704, and block the inflow of an electrical signal from an outside.

As one embodiment, referring toFIGS.6and7, the insulation material may be disposed between the contact electrode1801and the first wire1701to serve as an insulation layer. That is, the inside of the first groove1110inFIGS.6and7may be filled with the insulation material. Similarly, the inside of the second groove1120may be filled with the insulation material. At the same time, the insulation material may play a role of the housing1100,1200, which surrounds the contact electrode1801, the pad1802, the first to third wires1701,1702,1703, and the connection wire1704to block the inflow of unnecessary electrical signals from an outside.

Referring toFIGS.3,4, and8, the thickness of the electrode array1000according to the embodiment may become smaller as it is farther from the second housing1200. The thickness is a length in a third direction, that is, a z-direction. More specifically, according to the embodiment, a size in the third direction of the first housing1100may be inversely proportional to a distance from the second housing1200. In other words, the thickness of the first housing1100positioned farther from the second housing1200in the first direction may gradually decrease. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the thickness of the first housing1100in the first direction may be the same.

In addition, according to the embodiment, the width of the electrode array1000may become smaller as it is farther from the second housing. The width is a length in a second direction, that is, a y-direction. More specifically, the size in the second direction of the first housing1100according to the embodiment may be inversely proportional to a distance from the second housing1200. In other words, the width of the first housing1100located farther from the second housing1200in the first direction may gradually decrease. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the width of the first housing1100in the first direction may be the same.

The reason why the width and thickness of the first housing1100are inversely proportional to the distance from the second housing1200will be described with reference toFIGS.2and9.

FIG.9is an enlarged view of a contact electrode disposed inside a cochlea inFIG.2.

Referring toFIGS.2and9, when the electrode array according to the embodiment is implanted in a body, it may be bent to be implanted so as to be properly connected to a nerve according to a body organ. For example, in order for the body-implantable device1according to the embodiment to be implanted in the cochlea10, it is necessary to be bent according to the shape of the cochlea10for implanting. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the first housing1100in which the electrode to be connected to the body is positioned to have flexibility.

In order to increase the flexibility of the electrode array1000according to the embodiment, a flexible material may be used. In addition, if the width and thickness of the first housing1100are formed to be inversely proportional to the distance from the second housing1200, the flexibility of the electrode array1000may be further increased.

Hereinafter, a basic shape and structure of an electrode structure disposed inside an electrode array according to an embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.10to13.

FIG.10is a view showing an electrode structure according to an embodiment.FIG.11is an enlarged view of part B inFIG.10.FIG.12is an enlarged view of part C inFIG.10.FIG.13is an enlarged view of part D inFIG.10.

Referring toFIGS.10to13, an electrode structure1500according to an embodiment may include a contact electrode part1601, a pad part1602, and a connection part1603.

The contact electrode part1601may be a region in which the plurality of contact electrodes1801, the plurality of first wires1701, and the plurality of connection wires1704are disposed. The pad part1602may be a region in which the plurality of pads1802and the second wire1702are disposed. The connection part1603may be a region in which the plurality of third wires1703are disposed and a folding part1400is positioned.

The contact electrode1801, the pad1802, the first wire1701, the second wire1702, the third wire1703, and the connection wire1704may form an integral body. In other words, the contact electrode1801, the pad1802, the first wire1701, the second wire1702, the third wire1703, and the connection wire1704may all be connected.

That is, the contact electrode1801is connected to the connection wire1704, the connection wire1704is connected to the first wire1701, the first wire1701is connected to the third wire1703, the third wire1703is connected to the second wire1702, and the second wire1702is connected to the pad1802, so that they may be integrally formed.

Since the contact electrode1801, the pad1802, the first wire1701, the second wire1702, the third wire1703, and the connection wire1704are integrally formed, they may be made of the same material. For example, the contact electrode1801, the pad1802, the first wire1701, the second wire1702, the third wire1703, and the connection wire1704may include a conductive material, in one embodiment, the conductive material may include platinum iridium (PtIr).

The folding part1400may be positioned in the connection part1603and may be a reference region for folding the electrode structure1500. As one embodiment, the folding part1400may be a space extending in the first direction, that is, in the longitudinal direction, after passing through the center of the connection part1603. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the folding part1400may not pass through the center of the connection part1603.

The folding part1400may be appropriately changed and formed to include a portion that needs to be folded. For example, when the electrode structure1500needs to be folded twice or more, the electrode structure1500may include two or more folding parts1400.

In this case, each folding part1400may be formed to include a section to be folded, respectively. In the manufacturing process of the electrode array1000according to the embodiment, the electrode structure1500may be folded and disposed in the housings1100and1200, and the folding part1400may a space formed to facilitate folding in the corresponding process.

The contact electrode part1601and the connection part1603may be disposed in the first housing1100, and the pad part1602may be disposed in the second housing1200.

Referring toFIG.11, the contact electrode1801, the first wire1701, and the connection wire1704may be disposed in the contact electrode part1601. In one embodiment, the contact electrode1801may be matched one-to-one with the first wire1701. That is, one contact electrode may be connected to one wire. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

More specifically, the first wire1701and the contact electrode1801may be connected through the connection wire1704. The connection wire1704may be a wire formed to face the second direction from the end of the first wire1701extending in the first direction to connect the contact electrode1801and the first wire1701. That is, the electrode structure1500according to the embodiment may include the connection wire1704that connects the first wire1701and the contact electrode1801and is bent from the first wire1701in the second direction.

As described above, the first wire1701, the connection wire1704, and the contact electrode1801may form an integral structure as one structure connected to each other.

When the electrode structure1500is folded around the folding part1400to form the electrode array1000, all or part of the connection wire1704may be folded. The contact electrode part1601may be folded around the connection wire1704so that the contact electrode1801and the first wire1701are disposed to face each other. An insulation layer may be disposed between the opposing contact electrode1801and the first wire1701. The insulation layer may include an insulation material such as the silicone elastomer described above.

The connection wire1704may have various structures for facilitating folding. In one embodiment, the connection wire1704may include a zigzag pattern. In another embodiment, the connection wire1704may include a concave-convex pattern. In still another embodiment, the connection wire1704may include a moire pattern. When the connection wire1704includes such a pattern, the amount of tension applied to the corresponding wire during bending can be reduced compared to that of a straight wire, so that flexibility can be increased. If the flexibility of the wire is improved, the risk of wire short due to the tension applied during bending is reduced, so that stability can be provided to the device. However, any various structures capable of increasing flexibility may be applied to the connection wire1704, and the embodiment is not limited to a zigzag pattern, a concave-convex pattern, or a moire pattern. Also, the connection wire1704may have a straight shape.

Referring toFIG.12, the third wire1703and the folding part1400may be positioned in the connection part1603.

As described above, the folding part1400may be a space formed to easily facilitate the folding of the electrode structure1500and may be a space through which a wire does not pass.

In order to form the folding part1400, the first and third wires1701and1703positioned in the region where the contact electrode part1601and the connection part1603are connected may have bent patterns BP1and BP2in some regions.

In other words, the first wire1701and the third wire1703may include a bent pattern at a predetermined angle at a place where the two wires are connected to each other, and the space formed by the bent pattern may be the folding part1400. For forming the folding part1400, the first wire1701and the third wire1703may be bent a plurality of times.

The third wire1703may include a first wire group TG1and a second wire group TG2partitioned by a virtual line L1passing through the center of the folding part1400, and the first wire group TG1and the second wire group TG2may have bent patterns BP1and BP2, respectively. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the bent pattern may be formed only in one of the first wire group TG1and the second wire group TG2.

From another point of view, the wires1701,1702, and1703may include a pattern bypassing the folding part1400. That is, a space in which the wires1701,1702, and1703arranged at regular intervals in the second direction move away in the second direction and return to the original interval in the third electrode unit1603may be the folding part1400.

More specifically, the interval between the first wire group TG1and the second wire group TG2may be different in the contact electrode part1601, in the connection part1603, and in the pad part1602. The interval between the first wire group TG1and the second wire group TG2in the connection part1603may be greater than that in the contact electrode part1601and the pad part1602. The folding part1400may include a space formed by a pattern spaced apart by a predetermined distance formed by the first wire group TG1and the second wire group TG2in the connection part1603.

Referring toFIG.13, the pad part1602may include the plurality of second wires1702and the plurality of pads1802. The second wire1702is a wire extending from the third wire1703and may have a pattern bent at a predetermined angle in the second direction in a region where the two wires are connected. That is, the plurality of pads1802may be disposed on one side of the virtual line L1.

This is to prevent the pads1802from overlapping each other in the third direction when the electrode array1000is formed by folding the electrode structure1500. The pads1802are configured to be connected to respective terminals of the circuit230disposed on the second housing, and thus they should not overlap each other in the third direction. The bending angle may be appropriately adjusted for each specific shape of the electrode structure1500. For example, as in the case of the embodiment shown inFIG.24, in the case of the electrode structure1500that does not interfere with being connected to the circuit230even when the pad1802and the second wire1702partially overlap, the bending angle may be smaller than that in the embodiment ofFIG.13. Also, even if the pads1802overlap in the third direction, it may not be bent if there is no problem in its connection according to a specific design of the circuit230.

The pad1802and the second wire1702may be matched one-to-one. The second wire1702and the third wire1703may also be matched one-to-one. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and may be matched one-to-many. As described above, the pad1802, the second wire1702, and the third wire1703may form an integral body. That is, it may be one configuration.

As described above, the pads1802may be connected to the electrodes of the circuit230through a contact hole formed in the second housing1200or using a feed-through. Here, the electrodes of the circuit230may constitute individual channels. Accordingly, each of the contact electrodes1801extending from the pads1802may form an independent channel, and the number of contact electrodes1801and the number of pads1802may correspond to the number of channels, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the electrode array1000according to an embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.14to25.

FIG.14is a plan view showing a substrate and a conductive material disposed on the substrate.FIG.15is a cross-sectional view showing a substrate and a conductive material disposed on the substrate.

First, a patterning preparation step will be described. Referring toFIGS.14and15, the patterning preparation step is a step of forming a conductive material1520on a substrate1511. In one embodiment, the substrate1511may be a self-adhesive film, and the conductive material may be a platinum iridium foil (PtIr foil). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, any material that can be used in the patterning process may be used as the substrate1511, and any material having conductivity that is easy to be patterned and harmless to a human body may be used as the conductive material1520.

FIG.16is a view showing a process of forming an electrode structure by patterning a conductive material disposed on a substrate.FIG.17is a cross-sectional view showing a process of forming an electrode structure by patterning a conductive material disposed on a substrate.

Next, the patterning step is performed. Referring toFIGS.16and17, the patterning step is a step of forming an electrode structure1500by patterning the conductive material1520disposed on a substrate. In one embodiment, the conductive material1520may be patterned using a laser. However, it is not limited to the laser patterning.

When the patterning step is completed, the conductive material1520may have the shape of the electrode structure1500as shown inFIG.16.

FIG.18ais a rear view of a substrate in which folding guide grooves and alignment holes are formed on a rear surface thereof.FIG.18bis a front view ofFIG.18a.FIG.19is a cross-sectional view ofFIG.18b.

Next, a substrate processing step may be performed. Referring toFIGS.18a,18band19, the substrate processing step is the step of forming a folding guide groove1513and an alignment hole1514by processing the rear surface of the substrate1511. The rear surface of the substrate1511is a surface facing the opposite direction to the surface on which the electrode structure1500is formed.

The folding guide groove1513is a groove formed on the rear surface of the substrate1511to facilitate folding when the electrode structure1500is folded along a line to be folded. The spacing of the grooves may be appropriately modified and applied according to the body-implantable device1to be manufactured.

The alignment hole1514is a configuration that guides the electrode structure1500to be accurately folded when the electrode structure1500is folded. By checking whether the alignment holes1514facing each other correctly face each other when folded, the folding can be performed accurately.

The alignment hole1514may be formed outside a region where the electrode structure1500is formed on the substrate1511. Since the alignment hole1514is formed to completely penetrate the substrate1511unlike the folding guide groove1513, the electrode structure1500may be damaged if when the alignment hole is formed in a region where the electrode structure1500is positioned. The specific number or position of the alignment holes1514may be appropriately modified and applied according to the purpose and size of the body-implantable device1to be manufactured.

FIG.20is a cross-sectional view showing a process of applying an insulation material on a substrate and an electrode structure.

After the substrate processing step, an insulation material application step may be performed.

Referring toFIG.20, the insulation material application step is the step for applying the insulation material1540on the substrate1511and the electrode structure1500formed on the substrate1511. The insulation material1540may be applied using an insulation material applying device1530. The insulation material1540may include a silicone elastomer. The applied insulation material1540can prevent a short between the contact electrode1801and the contact electrode1801, between the pad1802and the pad1802, or between the contact electrode1801, the pad1802, and the wires1701,1702,1703and1704, and block an unnecessary electrical signal from being introduced from an outside. In addition, the insulation material1540may not only insulate between components, but also strongly bond each component and fix the components at a desired position.

FIG.21is a cross-sectional view showing that a substrate and an electrode structure are folded.

After the insulation material1540is applied, a folding step may be performed. Referring toFIG.21, the folding step is the step for folding the substrate1511and the electrode structure1500by using the alignment hole1514and the folding guide groove1513, after the insulation material1540is applied on the substrate1511and the electrode structure1500.

The alignment hole1514may be configured to check whether folding is correctly performed, and the folding guide groove1513may be configured to facilitate folding of the substrate1511. Such folding may be formed along the virtual line L1in which the folding guide groove1513is formed. A direction in which the substrate1511and the electrode structure1500are folded may be folded in a direction in which the substrate1511is exposed to an outside. In other words, the substrate1511and the electrode structure1500may be folded in a direction in which the applied insulation material1540contacts each other. Accordingly, portions of the electrode structure1500may face each other and then insulation material1540may be positioned therebetween. The insulation material1540positioned between the folded and facing electrode structure1500may serve as an insulation layer. That is, the insulation layer may serve to prevent an unnecessary short between the contact electrode1801and the plurality of wires.

Additionally, in order to improve insulation performance and bonding strength, the insulation material1540may be reapplied one or more times just before the folding step.

FIG.22is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode structure from which a substrate is removed.

After the folding step, a substrate removal step may be performed. Referring toFIG.22, the substrate removal step is a step of removing the substrate1511from the folded electrode structure1500and the insulation layer positioned between the folded electrode structure1500. When the substrate1511is removed, a portion of the electrode structure1500may be exposed to the outside. A portion of the exposed electrode structure1500may be the contact electrode1801.

FIG.23is a cross-sectional view showing that a housing is formed in an electrode structure from which a substrate is removed.

Next, a housing forming step may be performed. Referring toFIG.23, after the substrate1511is removed, the housings1100and1200surrounding the folded electrode structure1500may be formed. The housings1100and1200may include the first housing1100and the second housing1200as described above, and each of the housings1100and1200may include the cover layers1301and1302. The cover layers1301and1302may serve to cover the electrode structure1500folded as a part of the housings1100and1200.

The electrode hole1310may be formed on a portion of the first cover layer1301. The electrode hole1310is an opening exposing the contact electrode1801below the first cover layer1301to an outside. The electrode hole1310may be formed for each of the plurality of contact electrodes1801. That is, one electrode hole1310may expose one contact electrode1801. In this case, the number of electrode holes1310may be the same as the number of contact electrodes1801. The number of electrode holes1310may be the same as the number of channels of the circuit230.

The housings1100and1200and the cover layers1301and1302may all include the same material. In one embodiment, the housings1100and1200and the cover layers1301and1302may include the insulation material1540applied in the insulation material application step. More specifically, the housings1100and1200and the cover layers1301and1302may include a silicone elastomer. The housings1100and1200and the cover layers1301and1302formed of the same insulation material1540, and the insulation layer may form an integral body.

FIG.24is a view showing an electrode structure according to another embodiment. With respect to the electrode structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, the description of the configuration substantially the same as that described above will be simplified, and the difference will be mainly described.

Referring toFIG.24, the electrode structure1500may include a contact electrode part1601, a pad part1602, and a connection part1603.

The contact electrode part1601may be a region in which the plurality of contact electrodes1801, the plurality of first wires1701, and the plurality of connection wires1704are disposed. The pad part1602may be a region in which the plurality of pads1802and the second wire1702are disposed. The connection part1603may be a region in which the plurality of third wires1703is disposed and the folding part1400is positioned. The first wire1701, the second wire1702, and the third wire1703may be a single wire connecting the contact electrode1801and the pad1802.

The electrode structure1500may include the virtual line L1crossing the electrode structure1500in the first direction. The virtual line L1may divide the electrode structure1500into two regions adjacent in the second direction. The virtual line L1may cross the folding part1400.

As described above, the electrode structure1500may be folded using the virtual line L1as a reference line so as to form the electrode array1000. Referring to an enlarged view of the pad part1602inFIG.24, the virtual line L1may cross the pad part1602. When folded around the imaginary line L1, a portion of the pad part1602may be bent and overlapped with each other.

For example, the second wire group TG2connected to the plurality of pads1802may be bent and disposed on the upper portion of the pads1802. That is, the plurality of pads1802may be disposed on the lower portion, and the bent second wire group TG2may be disposed on the upper portion. However, since an insulation layer is disposed between the plurality of pads1802and the second wire group TG2, they may be electrically insulated.

In the present embodiment, there is no problem in connecting the electrodes of the circuit230and the pads1802even when a portion of the pad part1602overlaps. This is because the pad1802and the pad1802do not overlap even if the portion of the pad part1602partially overlaps due to folding.

The electrode structure1500according to the present embodiment may be folded twice or more as needed when forming the electrode array1500. When the electrode structure1500is folded n−1 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) times, the electrode structure1500may include a first line to n−1-th lines L1, L2, which are imaginary lines dividing the region into n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) regions along the second direction. The first line to the n−1-th lines do not cross each other and may be virtual lines extending in the first direction, respectively.

In the folding process, the electrode structure1500may be folded alternately by in-folding and out-folding based on the first line to the n−1-th line.

FIG.24shows an electrode structure1500that requires folding twice, that is, when n is 3. Referring toFIG.24, the electrode structure1500may first be in-folded around the first line L1. Then, the electrode structure1500may be out-folded along the second line L2as a center. The reason for alternately performing in-folding and out-folding is to expose the contact electrode1801at the outside of the completed electrode array1000. Although it has been described that the electrode structure1500is folded twice inFIG.24as an example, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

FIGS.25aand25bare views showing an electrode structure according to another embodiment.

The electrode structure according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of electrode structures separated from each other. Hereinafter, a set of a plurality of electrode structures will be referred to as an electrode structure group.

The electrode structure group may include a first electrode structure to an n-th (n is an integer of 2 or more) electrode structure. The first electrode structure to the n-th electrode structure may be electrode structures separated from each other.

The i-th (i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) electrode structure may include an i-th contact electrode part, an i-th pad part, and an i-th connection part. The i-th contact electrode part, the i-th pad part, and the i-th connection part correspond to the contact electrode part1601, the pad part1602, and the connection part1603in the embodiment ofFIG.10, respectively.

The i-th contact electrode part may include a plurality of i-th connection wires extending from the plurality of i-th contact electrodes, a plurality of first-i-th wires, and a plurality of i-th connection wire to connect the plurality of i-th contact electrodes and the plurality of first-i-th wires. The i-th contact electrode, the first-i-th wire, and the i-th connection wire correspond to the contact electrode1801, the first wire1701, and the connection wire1704in the embodiment ofFIG.11, respectively.

The i-th pad part may include a plurality of i-th pads and a plurality of second-i-th wires connected to the plurality of i-th pads. The i-th pad and the second i-th wire correspond to the pad1802and the second wire1702of the embodiment ofFIG.13, respectively.

The i-th connection part may include a plurality of third-i-th wires connecting the plurality of first-i-th wires and the plurality of second-i-th wires. The third-i-th wire corresponds to the third wire1703of the embodiment ofFIG.12. The i-th connection part may be disposed between the i-th contact electrode part and the i-th pad part.

A length of the i-th electrode structure in the first direction may be inversely proportional to i. That is, the distance between the i-th contact electrode among the plurality of i-th contact electrodes closest to the i-th pad part and the i-th pad part may be greater than the distance between the i+1-th contact electrode among the plurality of i+1-th contact electrodes farthest from the i+1-th pad part and the i+1-th pad. This is to prevent overlapping between the first to n-th contact electrodes while overlapping a plurality of electrode structures when forming the electrode array1000.

FIGS.25aand25bshow forming an electrode structure group having two electrode structures, that is, when n is 2. For convenience of description, a case in which n is 2 will be described as an example, but n is not limited to 2.

When n is 2, the electrode structure group may include a first electrode structure1500aand a second electrode structure1500b.

FIG.25ais a view showing a first electrode structure.

Referring toFIG.25a, the first electrode structure1500amay include a first contact electrode part1601a, a first pad part1602a, and a first connection part1603a.

The first contact electrode part1601amay include a plurality of first contact electrodes1801a, a plurality of first-1 wires1701a, and a plurality of first connection wire1704aextending from the plurality of first contact electrodes1801ato connect the plurality of first contact electrodes1801aand the plurality of first-1 wires1701a. The first pad part1602amay include a plurality of first pads1802aand a plurality of second-1 wires1702aconnected to the plurality of first pads1802a.

The first connection part1603amay include a plurality of third-1 wires1703aconnecting the plurality of first-1 wires1701aand the plurality of second-1 wires1702a. The first connection part1603amay be disposed between the first contact electrode part1601aand the first pad part1602a.

The first electrode structure1500amay undergo the same process as in the above-described embodiments until the substrate removal step shown inFIG.22to form the electrode array1000.

The first electrode structure1500amay include the first line L1that is the virtual line crossing the plurality of first connection wires1704ain the first direction. In the process of forming the electrode array1000, the first electrode structure1500amay be folded based on the first line L1. More specifically, the first contact electrode part1601aof the first electrode structure1500amay be folded based on the first line L1. When the first contact electrode part1601ais folded based on the first line L1, the plurality of first contact electrodes1801aand the plurality of first-1 wires1701amay be overlapped in the third direction with the insulation film interposed therebetween. The first contact electrode part1601aand the first connection part1603amay be disposed in the first groove of the first housing, and the first pad part1602amay be disposed in the second groove of the second housing.

Referring toFIG.25b, the second electrode structure1500bmay include a second contact electrode part1601b, a second pad part1602b, and a second connection part1603b.

The second contact electrode part1601bmay include a plurality of second contact electrodes1801b, a plurality of first-2 wires1701b, and a plurality of second connection wires1704bextending from the plurality of second contact electrodes1801bto connect the plurality of second contact electrodes1801band the plurality of first-2 wires1701b.

The second pad part1602bmay include a plurality of second pads1802band a plurality of second-2 wires1702bconnected to the plurality of second pads1802b.

The second connection part1603bmay include a plurality of third-2 wires1703bconnecting the plurality of first-2 wires1701band the plurality of second-2 wires1702b. The second connection part1603bmay be disposed between the second contact electrode part1601band the second pad part1602b.

Similarly, the second electrode structure1500bmay undergo the same process as in the above-described embodiments until the substrate removal step shown inFIG.22to form the electrode array1000.

The second electrode structure1500bmay include the first line L1that is the virtual line crossing the plurality of second connection wires1704bin the first direction. In the process of forming the electrode array1000, the second electrode structure1500bmay be folded based on the first line L1. More specifically, the second contact electrode part1601bof the second electrode structure1500bmay be folded based on the first line L1. When the second contact electrode part1601bis folded based on the first line L1, the plurality of second contact electrodes1801band the plurality of first-2 wires1701bmay be overlapped in the third direction with the insulation layer interposed therebetween. The second contact electrode part1601band the second connection part1603bmay be disposed in the first groove of the first housing, and the second pad part1602amay be disposed in the second groove of the second housing.

In the present embodiment, a process of stacking the first electrode structure1500aand the second electrode structure1500bis further performed to form the electrode array1000.

FIG.26is a view showing a process of stacking the first electrode structure1500aand the second electrode structure1500b.

Referring to (a) ofFIG.26, the second electrode structure1500bmay be disposed on the first electrode structure1500a. In order to minimize the step difference between the first contact electrode1801aand the second contact electrode1801bafter the electrode structures1500aand1500bare stacked, some of the insulation material1540covering the first electrode structure1500amay be removed. The insulation material1540may serve as an insulation layer between the respective components. When the second electrode structure1500ais disposed at the place where the insulation material1540is removed, the step difference between the first contact electrode1801aand the second contact electrode1801bmay be minimized as shown in (b) ofFIG.26.

Hereinafter, the lengths of the first electrode structure1500aand the second electrode structure1500bin the first direction will be described with reference toFIGS.25a,25b, and26.

The plurality of first contact electrodes1801amay include a first-1 contact electrode to a first-s (s is an integer greater than or equal to 1) contact electrode that are sequentially arranged in the first direction from a point far from the first pad part1602a. That is, the first-1 contact electrode may be a contact electrode furthest from the first pad part1602a, and the first-s-th contact electrode may be a contact electrode closest to the first pad part1602a.

The plurality of second contact electrodes1801bmay include a second-1 contact electrode to a second-t-th contact electrode (t is an integer greater than or equal to 1) that are sequentially arranged in the first direction from a point far from the second pad part1602b. That is, the second-1 contact electrode may be a contact electrode furthest from the second pad part1602b, and the second-t-th contact electrode may be a contact electrode closest to the second pad part1602b.

A distance between the first-s-th contact electrode and the first pad part1602amay be greater than a distance between the second-1 contact electrode and the second pad part1602b. That is, the distance between the first-s-th contact electrode positioned closest to the first pad part1602aand the first pad part1602amay be greater than the distance between the first-s-th contact electrode positioned farthest from the second pad part1602band the second pad part1602b. Otherwise, that is, if the distance between the second-1 contact electrode and the second pad part1602bis greater than the distance between the first-s-th contact electrode and the first pad part, some of the plurality of the second contact electrode1801bmay overlap some of the plurality of first contact electrodes1801a.

The length of the first electrode structure1500ain the first direction may be greater than the length of the second electrode structure1500bin the first direction. It is because the plurality of second contact electrodes1801bmay overlap the plurality of first contact electrodes1801aif the length of the first electrode structure1500ain the first direction is smaller than the length of the second electrode structure1500bin the first direction.

The plurality of first-2 wires1701band the plurality of second contact electrodes1801bmay be stacked with the third-1 wire1703cwith an insulation layer interposed therebetween. Also, the plurality of third-1 wires1703aand the plurality of third-2 wires1703bmay overlap in the third direction with an insulation layer interposed therebetween.

Referring toFIGS.25aand25b, the first connection wire1704aand the second connection wire1704bmay include a moire pattern or a zigzag pattern.

Referring toFIGS.25aand25b, the first pad part1602aand the second pad part1602bmay have a pattern so that the first pad part1602aand the second pad part1602bdo not overlap each other when the second electrode structure1500bis stacked on the first electrode structure1500a. For example, as shown inFIG.25a, the first pad part1602amay be patterned such that the first pad1802aand the second-1 wire1702aface the X1 direction and the Y2 direction, As shown inFIG.25b, the second pad part1602bmay be patterned such that the second pad1802band the second-2 wire1702bface the X2 direction and the Y1 direction.

FIG.27is a view showing an electrode structure according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.27, the electrode structure1500may include the contact electrode part1601, the pad part1602, and the connection part1603.

The contact electrode part1601may be a region in which the plurality of contact electrodes1801, the plurality of first wires1701, and the plurality of connection wires1704are disposed. The pad part1602may be a region in which the plurality of pads1802and the second wire1702are disposed. The connection part1603may be a region in which the plurality of third wires1703is disposed.

The electrode structure1500may include the virtual line L1that crosses the electrode structure1500in the first direction. The virtual line L1may divide the electrode structure1500into two regions adjacent in the second direction.

FIG.28is a view showing a process of manufacturing an electrode array according to an embodiment.

The manufacturing process in (a) to (f) ofFIG.28may be substantially the same as the manufacturing process described with reference toFIGS.14to22.

Step (a) is a step of forming the conductive material1520on the substrate1511. Step (b) shows the step of forming the electrode structure1500by patterning the conductive material1520into a desired shape. Step (c) is a step of forming the alignment hole1514and the folding guide groove1513by processing the substrate1511. Step (d) shows a process of covering the patterned electrode structure1500by applying the insulation material1540on the substrate1511. Step (e) shows a process of folding the substrate1511, the insulation material1540, and the electrode structure1500. The folding may be formed based on the virtual line L1ofFIG.27. Step (f) shows a process of removing the substrate1511from the folded electrode structure1500. In this process, the contact electrode1801may be exposed to an outside.

Steps (g) and (h) are steps of forming the folded electrode structure1500in a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the electrode structure1500may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape in which the contact electrode1801exposed to the outside by step (f) is positioned on the outer circumferential surface. A core bundle1900may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface (or inside) of the cylindrical shape. The core bundle1900may serve as a skeleton for maintaining the shape of the completed electrode array1000. At the same time, the core bundle1900may serve to guide a stylette, as will be described later, in the body implantation stage of the electrode array1000.

The core bundle1900may have flexibility. This is to suppress excessive pressure on surrounding tissues after implantation into the body. To this end, the core bundle1900may include a coil spring having stainless steel.

The core bundle1900may serve to assist the electrode array1000to be implanted at an accurate site in the body. More specifically, the core bundle1900may form a hole penetrating the center of the electrode array1000, and may be implanted at an accurate site using the stylette disposed in the hole. The stylette is an auxiliary tool having straightness and rigidity above a certain level, and may serve to assist the electrode array1000having flexibility to reach an accurate position. The stylette is used only in the implantation stage, and may be removed from the electrode array1000after implantation. This is to prevent the stylette with straightness from causing damage by applying pressure on the surrounding tissue.

FIG.29is a view showing an electrode array according to an embodiment.

Referring to (h) ofFIG.28andFIG.29, the core bundle1900serving as a skeleton may be positioned on the inner circumferential surface (or inside) of the electrode array1000. The wires1701,1702,1703, and1704may be positioned outside the core bundle1900. An insulation layer may be positioned outside the core bundle1900and the wires1701,1702,1703, and1704. The plurality of contact electrodes1801exposed to the outside may be positioned outside the insulation layer.

A plurality of contact electrodes may be positioned at one end of the cylindrical electrode array1000. The plurality of pads1802exposed to the outside and connected to the circuit230may be positioned at the other end of the cylindrical electrode array1000.

FIG.30is a view showing an electrode array according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.30, the electrode array1000may be bent in a body as necessary. For flexibility and stability, the wires may include a moire pattern or a wave pattern. InFIG.30, the third wires1703have a moire pattern or a wave pattern as an example, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and all wires of the above-described embodiments may include such a pattern to improve flexibility and stability. The patterns that the wires may have may include not only a moire pattern or a wave pattern, but also various patterns that help improve flexibility and stability.

FIG.31is a view showing an embodiment of a contact electrode.

Referring toFIG.31, the contact electrode1801may have a rectangular shape with curved vertices. Also, the contact electrode1801may include a plurality of fixing holes1811a. In an embodiment, the fixing hole1811amay be formed at each vertex of the contact electrode1801. However, the shape of the contact electrode1801and the number and position of the fixing holes1811aare exemplary and may be appropriately modified according to circumstances.

FIG.32is a view showing a contact electrode coated with an insulation material.FIG.33is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III′ ofFIG.32.

Referring toFIGS.32and33, the fixing hole1811ais configured to more strongly fix the contact electrode1801. More specifically, in fixing each configuration of the electrode array1000by applying the insulation material1540, the fixing hole1811amay play a role in more stably fixing by introducing the insulation material1540into the fixing hole1811aformed in the contact electrode1801.

FIG.34is a view showing another embodiment of a contact electrode.FIG.35is a view showing still another embodiment of a contact electrode.

Referring toFIGS.34and35, the fixing holes1811band1811cmay be disposed on both sides of the contact electrode1801. That is, the fixing holes may be formed in a long bar shape in the left and right or upper and lower regions of the contact electrode1801.

FIG.36is a view showing still another embodiment of a contact electrode.

Referring toFIG.36, the fixing hole1811dmay be formed in a long bar shape in all four regions of upper, lower, left and right of the contact electrode1801.

Conventionally, in manufacturing a body-implantable device, the electrodes in contact with a body and the wires connected to the electrodes are individually welded. In this case, there is a limit in increasing the number of electrodes per unit length.

In the electrode structure1500according to the above-described embodiment, the contact electrode1801and the wire are integrally formed, and they are folded or bended in a cylindrical shape to manufacture the electrode array1000and the body-implantable device1including the same. Therefore, manufacturing precision is increased, and thus the number of electrodes per unit length can be significantly increased. That is, the electrode structure1500, the electrode array1000, and the body-implantable device1according to the embodiment can increase the number of first electrodes1801that can be disposed per unit length, so that the performance and precision can be improved.

FIG.37is a view showing a first electrode structure of an electrode array according to a sixth embodiment.FIG.38is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A direction ofFIG.37.FIG.39is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B direction ofFIG.37.

According to an embodiment, a first electrode structure EG1and a second electrode structure EG2may be respectively manufactured, and an electrode array may be manufactured by combining them.

Referring toFIGS.37and38, in a first electrode structure EG1a first electrode pattern may be formed by forming a conductive material on the first substrate1511aand then performing a patterning. The first electrode pattern may include the first wire group TG1and the plurality of first contact electrodes1801a. The wire group may include the above-described first wire, second wire, and third wire.

For example, the first contact electrode1801aof sixteen may be formed, but the number of first contact electrodes1801ais not necessarily limited thereto.

The first connection wire1704amay be formed between the first wire group TG1and the first contact electrode1801a, respectively. As described above, the first connection wire1704amay have various curved shapes for flexibility and stability when bending. The first insulation layer1540amay be formed on the first wire group TG1and the plurality of first contact electrodes1801a. Also, the alignment hole1514may be formed in the first substrate1511a.

Referring toFIG.39, a through hole1541in which the second contact electrode1801bof the second electrode structure EG2is disposed may be formed in the first insulation layer1540a. The through hole1541may be formed to correspond to or larger than the area of the second contact electrode in order to expose the second contact electrode.

FIG.40is a view showing a second electrode structure of an electrode array according to a sixth embodiment.FIG.41is a view showing a state in which the second electrode structure is folded based on an imaginary line.FIG.42is a cross-sectional view in C-C direction.FIG.43is a view showing a state in which the second electrode structure is separated from the substrate.

Referring toFIG.40, in the second electrode structure EG2, a second electrode pattern may be formed by forming a conductive material on the second substrate1511band performing a patterning. The second electrode pattern may include the second wire group TG2and the plurality of second contact electrodes1801b. For example, the second contact electrode1801bof sixteen may be formed, but the number is not limited thereto.

The second connection wire1704bmay be formed between the second wire group TG2and the second contact electrode1801b, respectively. The second insulation layer1540bmay be formed on the second wire group TG2and the plurality of second contact electrodes1801b. The second electrode structure EG2may be folded along the virtual line L1crossing the plurality of second connection wires1704b.

Referring toFIGS.41and42, in the process of folding the second electrode structure EG2along the virtual line, the second connection wire1704bmay be disposed on a different plane from the second contact electrode1801b. Here, the meaning of different plane may be defined as a horizontal plane having a different height based on a reference plane.

Since the second electrode structure EG2is bent so that the upper surface of the second insulation layer1540bfaces each other, the interface EB1of the folded second insulation layer1540bmay not be observed. Thereafter, as shown inFIG.43, the second electrode structure EG2may be manufactured by removing the second substrate1511b.

FIG.44is a view showing a state in which a second electrode structure is stacked on a first electrode structure.FIG.45is a view showing a state in which the first electrode structure is folded based on an imaginary line.FIG.46ais a cross-sectional view in F-F direction ofFIG.45.FIG.46bis a cross-sectional view in G-G direction ofFIG.46.

Referring toFIG.44, the second electrode structure EG2may be stacked on a stack area SA1of the first electrode structure EG1. The second contact electrode1801bof the second electrode structure EG2may be disposed at a position corresponding to the through hole1541of the first insulation layer1540a. The second contact electrode1801bmay be exposed though the through hole1541.

The second contact electrode1801bmay be inserted into the through hole1541, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second contact electrode1801bmay be disposed on the upper portion of the through hole1541.

Thereafter, the first electrode structure EG1may be folded to surround the second electrode structure EG2. After the first electrode structure EG1is folded to surround the second electrode structure EG2, the first substrate1511amay be removed.

Referring toFIG.45, the first wire group TG1and the second wire group TG2may be bent in a plan view to partially overlap the first and second contact electrodes1801aand1801b. In this case, the width of the electrode array may be made narrower by the overlapping width. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first and second wire groups TG1and TG2may not overlap the first and second contact electrodes1801aand1801bin a plan view.

Referring toFIG.46a, in a cross-section of a portion where only the first electrode structure EG1is disposed, the first contact electrode1801ais disposed on one side of the first insulation layer1540a, and the first connection wire1704ais bent. Thus, the first wire group TG1may be disposed on the other side of the first insulation layer1540a.

Referring toFIG.46b, in a cross-section of a portion where the first electrode structure EG1and the second electrode structure EG2are stacked, the second contact electrode1801bis disposed on one side S1of the second insulation layer1540b, and the second connection wire1704bis bent, so that the second wire group TG2may be disposed on the other side of the second insulation layer1540b. A thickness T2of a stack area may be greater than a thickness T1of the first electrode structure EG1.

In this case, the first insulation layer1540amay be stacked on the second insulation layer1540band the first wire group TG1may be disposed on the other side S2of the first insulation layer1540a. In this case, an interface EB2between the first insulation layer1540aand the second insulation layer1540bmay form one insulation layer that is not observed.

According to the embodiment, the first wire group TG1and the second wire group TG2may be disposed on different planes. For example, the second wire group TG2may be disposed on the interface EB2between the insulation layers, and the first wire group TG1may be disposed on the upper surface of the insulation layer. That is, in the thickness direction, the second wire group TG2may be disposed in a region between the second contact electrode1801band the first wire group TG1.

According to this configuration, the wires can be disposed on different planes, so that the width and/or thickness of the electrode array may be reduced.

When manufactured in the same configuration as in the embodiment, since a smaller number of wires is disposed within the same width, it is possible to increase the thickness of each wire and the spacing and pitch between wires. Accordingly, as the thickness of each wire increases, mechanical stability can increase, and as the interval between each wire increases, the possibility of short occurrence between the wires can be reduced.

Although the specification has been described as a structure in which the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure are stacked, the number of the stacked electrode structures is not particularly limited. In order to facilitate wire design, the number of stacking of the electrode structure may be appropriately adjusted.

FIG.47is a view showing an electrode array according to a sixth embodiment.FIG.48ais a cross-sectional view taken in H-H direction ofFIG.47.FIG.48bis a cross-sectional view taken along I-I direction ofFIG.47.

Referring toFIGS.47and48a, in the electrode array1000, the first contact electrode1801amay form first to 16th channels, and the second contact electrode1801bmay form 17th to 32nd channels. However, the number of contact electrodes may be variously adjusted as needed. The first contact electrode1801amay be exposed to the outside through the electrode hole1310formed in the housing1110.

Referring toFIG.48b, the second contact electrode1801bmay be exposed through the electrode hole1310formed in the housing1110. In this case, the second wire group TG2may be disposed in a region between the second contact electrode1801band the first wire group TG1in a cross-section of the region where the second contact electrode1801bis disposed. In this case, the cross-sections of the first contact electrode1801aand the first connection wire1704amay not be observed.

A first insulation region ILD1may be formed between the second contact electrode1801band the second wire group TG2, and a second insulation region ILD2may be formed between the second wire group TG2and the first wire group TG1. In this case, the thickness of the first insulation region ILD1may be thicker than the thickness of the second insulation region ILD2. Also, the vertical distance d1between the second contact electrode1801band the second wire group TG2may be greater than the vertical distance d2between the second wire group TG2and the first wire group TG1.

This is because the first insulation region ILD1is formed by folding the second insulation layer on the second contact electrode1801band the second insulation layer on the second wire group TG2, while the second insulating region ILD2has the thickness of the first insulation layer formed on the first wire group TG1.

However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the thicknesses of the first insulation region ILD1and the second insulation region ILD2may become the same or the thickness of the second insulation region ILD2may be thicker by additionally forming an insulation layer for bonding between the insulation layers.

In addition, although not shown, the first pad part electrically connected to the first wire group TG1and the second pad part electrically connected to the second wire group TG2may be included at the end of the electrode array. The first pad part and the second pad part may be disposed on the same plane to facilitate electrical connection with the circuit. Here, being on the same plane may mean being disposed at the same height from a reference plane. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first pad part and the second pad part may be disposed on different planes.

In the above, the embodiment has been mainly described, but this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be implemented by modification. And the differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.