DE202007006112U1 - Electrode and connector for electrode - Google Patents

Abstract

electrode (100) for detecting electrical signals on a body surface (4) with a body-facing backing (2) and one on the carrier layer (2) arranged body-facing Electrolyte layer (3), wherein the carrier layer (2) has an opening (7), in which a connector (5) is inserted such that the connector forms an electrical contact with the electrolyte layer (2).

Description

The The present invention relates to an electrode, in particular for Use as an ECG electrode, a connector for such Electrode and an electrode assembly.

It is common necessary, in medical examinations also electrophysiological To record data, such as when taking an electrocardiogram (EKG). Thereby small potential differences, which are on the Measure body surface leave, recorded, and graphed.

A In particular, the difficulty lies in the corresponding measuring device for the ECG by means of suitable lines and electrodes in certain positions of the body to couple electrically. There are certain medical electrodes Insert, which between the measuring cable and the body surface an electrical connection produce. These measuring electrodes can be used several times or disposed of as disposable electrodes after use. there it is desirable the electrodes easily and quickly on the respective body parts to install, without multiple handles are required. In simple cases for example, snap button-like connections with corresponding coupling mechanisms between the electrode and used the cable. However, corresponding electrodes are going through such plugs and socket connections relatively large and by the many components expensive.

It It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electrode provide that quickly and easily with a corresponding Cable is connectable.

These The object is achieved by an electrode having the features of the claim 1 solved.

Accordingly, a Electrode for detecting electrical signals on a body surface with a outer-facing backing and one on the carrier layer arranged body-facing Electrolyte layer claimed. It is in an opening of the backing a connector plugged in such that the connector has an electrical Contact with the electrolyte layer forms.

A corresponding electrode requires no further means, such as a socket to firmly connect the plug of an ECG cable. Much more becomes the carrier layer with the opening provided by a connector, such as one of the opening adapted Metal or conductive plastic plug is inserted.

The opening in the carrier layer is preferably designed such that a latching device of the connector in the electrolyte layer below the carrier layer locked. This will create a secure electrical connection between the connector and the electrolyte layer, which ultimately on the Body surface arranged is created. A lock can be, for example, by certain dimensions of the connector and recesses below the carrier layer within the electrolyte layer of the electrode for a corresponding section create the connector.

Below the opening in the carrier layer can the electrolyte layer is interrupted, for example in the form of the opening be. This will leave enough space for the connector part inside created the electrolyte layer.

there the interruption of the electrolyte layer on the body side with a separating layer, in particular a contamination protection film to be provided covered. A corresponding foil insulates the inserted connector then from the body surface and prevents the transmission of germs, if the connector on several subjects with different Electrodes is used.

In a preferred embodiment are the carrier layer and / or the electrolyte layer of such flexible materials executed that the connector during insertion of the connector by the opening in the electrolyte layer, the opening enlarged and the latching device with the carrier layer locked. It is conceivable, for example, that the connector tapered is and thereby the opening during insertion through the opening in the carrier layer widened. A second section with a smaller cross-sectional diameter allows the connector then a flexible spring back the carrier layer in their original one Shape, ie a reduction of the widened opening in the carrier layer, so that a latching occurs.

In an embodiment is the opening in the carrier layer executed in such a way that a connector in the form of a clip with the carrier layer locked. Clips are used, for example, in the joining technique for connecting two flat objects, which are provided with a common hole or an opening used. In the execution a ent speaking connector in the form of a clip and the adapted opening in the carrier layer is a fixed mechanical connection between the electrode or the carrier layer and created the connector and at the same time an electrical Connection between the connector and the material of the electrolyte layer.

It is also possible on the electrolyte layer a removable protective layer, for example in Shape of a protective film to arrange.

When Material for the electrolyte layer is, for example, a conductive adhesive material in question. In this case, polymer gels for medical Applications can be used. It is also possible, preferably viscosity or elasticity Adjust the electrolyte layer by UV irradiation. It will the crosslinking of the corresponding polymer from which the electrolyte layer is constructed, induced by UV radiation and is thus controllable.

For the carrier layer Flexible adaptable material comes into question that adapts to the surface shape of the body, from which the electrical signals are to be recorded, can cling. Possible is also material with a fabric structure or polyvinyl chloride, Polypropylene, rubber, rubber, foam and / or silicone.

In an embodiment the electrode is the same only from the electrolyte layer, the opening and the carrier layer built up. There are thus no further coupling means, the one Making the corresponding electrode more expensive, necessary. Further is a corresponding electrode having a conductive adhesive material as the electrolyte layer, easy to attach to the body surface and especially flat.

In a preferred embodiment has the carrier layer several openings for plugging in several connectors. By the arrangement several openings and corresponding connector assemblies can be prevented Electrodes for certain applications are provided, coupled to connectors be that for of which different applications have been specially designed. Also the shape of the opening can be used as a detection means for to use the respective electrode. It is thus possible the openings in appropriate disposable electrodes and connectors connected to ECG cables are coupled, according to a key-lock principle too shape. This prevents, for example, wrong electrodes be used.

In a preferred embodiment the electrode are the opening, the carrier layer and / or the electrolyte layer is formed such that the carrier layer when removing the connector from the electrode to a Locking with the carrier layer tears. It is equally possible that the opening the carrier layer and / or the electro-layer are formed such that the carrier layer when removing the connector from the electrode to a Locking with the carrier layer the opening is increased in such a way that a re-latching of the connector with the carrier layer is prevented. This will ensure the safety of corresponding electrodes further improved, because impossible is already used electrodes, so in the past already with electrodes coupled and removed again electrodes multiple use. This provides in particular a better hygiene and ensures that corresponding unused electrodes always deliver a high signal quality.

The The invention further relates to a connector for electrical Connection with an electrode having the features of claim 17.

Therefore the connector has a first portion with a first one Cross section and a second section with a second cross section, wherein the first cross section corresponds to an opening cross section of the opening, and the second portion for locking with the carrier layer one opposite the first section enlarged cross-section having.

In In a simple case, the connector can be made of two cylindrical Be carried out sections with different diameters which are concentrically connected. Im in the electrode or through the opening in the carrier layer the electrode introduced Condition of the connector encloses the opening then the section with smaller diameter, wherein the cylindrical portion of larger diameter pressed from within the electrode on the support layer or is locked.

Of the Connector may also be, for example, in the form of a plug accomplished become. Also conceivable is the design of the connector in the type of an expanding rivet. When expanding rivet is when inserting the Expanding rivet in an opening and Nudge the same at the opening edges, for example the volume of rivets below the opening increases, so a catch occurs. Transfer on the electrode and the connector when inserting the Connector through the opening in the carrier layer the volume of the connector inside the electrode, so between the backing and the body facing side of the electrolyte layer jamming of the connector realized.

Of the Connector is in preferred embodiments of a conductive material executed in particular stainless steel, a plastic with graphite insert, a noble metal and / or a metal which is protected against corrosion by the electrolyte layer are conceivable.

The invention also relates to a Electrode assembly with a prescribed electrode and at least one connector described above. In this case, the connector is preferably in the manner of a plug in the opening of the carrier layer inserted and locked with this.

In a preferred embodiment the electrode assembly form the latching device of the connector and the edge of the opening on the body-facing Side of the carrier layer in the inserted state of the connector in the electrode a Flange off. Because the flange is formed on the inside of the electrode is, takes place so that a latching of the connector with the carrier layer from within the electrode.

The Invention relates to this an ECG meter, which is equipped with a corresponding electrode arrangement. In this case, preferably several connectors in a housing of the ECG measuring device integrated, on the corresponding electrodes are plugged.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the in the further described embodiments.

in the The invention is based on preferred embodiments explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

It shows:

1 : An illustration of a first embodiment of the electrode and a connector;

2 A second embodiment of an electrode and a connector; and

3 : A precise representation of an ECG device with electrodes and connectors;

4 A third embodiment of an electrode and a connector.

In The figures are the same or functionally identical elements with the same Reference signs have been provided unless otherwise stated.

In the 1 is an electrode assembly 1 with an electrode 100 and a connector 5 shown schematically.

The electrode 100 serves to receive or pass through the smallest electrical voltage signals on a body surface 4 for example, an ECG cable 6 , The electrode 100 is from a carrier layer 2 which is flexible but strong, for example made of a flexible plastic material such as silicone or polypropylene. However, other materials are also conceivable that are flexible enough to conform to a body surface 4 which may be irregularly shaped to cling.

The electrode 100 also has an electrolyte layer 3 on, which is preferably made of a conductive electrode adhesive. Electrolyte materials are known that have polymers and provide desired ionic conductivity. It is also possible that the crosslinking of the corresponding polymer material is controlled by irradiation of UV light and thus the elasticity, strength or viscosity of the electrolyte layer 3 to the respective application area of the electrode 100 is customizable.

The carrier layer 2 the electrode 100 has on the side facing away from the body an opening 7 on. The shape of the opening is in principle arbitrary, but may be formed circular in a simple case. In a plan view of the electrode, not shown here 100 is therefore a perforation or a hole in the carrier layer 2 to recognize. The opening 7 is formed such that a connector 5 through the opening 7 in the interior of the electrode 100 , ie in the area of the electrolyte layer 3 is insertable.

There is the connector 5 from two sections 5A . 5B , The one in here 1 upper section 5A has a cross section that is substantially the cross section of the opening 7 equivalent. In a simple case, this is a circular cross section with the same diameter of the opening. A second section 5B in the presentation of the 1 already in the inserted state into the electrode 100 is shown, has a larger cross section than the opening 7 in the carrier layer 2 on. With it lock on the inner edges of the opening 7 on the body-facing side, the carrier layer 2 and the second section 5B of the connector 5 together.

The broadening in the cross-section of the connector 5 can thus be understood as a locking device. One can see the area at the places where the backing layer 2 and the corresponding section 5B of the connector 5 on top of each other, also as a flange 10 describe. There is thus a contact between the conductive connector 5 and the electrolyte material 3 and thus on the electrolytic properties of the electrolyte layer 3 with the body surface 4 , The corresponding electrical signals, for example ECG potentials, can thus be tapped and evaluated via an ECG cable coupled to the connector.

Characterized in that a connection directly through an opening in the carrier layer 2 between the connector and the electrolyte layer 3 is the electrode 100 particularly easy to produce, since only a suitable electrolyte layer and the carrier layer 2 needed. Other complicated means, such as plugs and sockets or metal components within the electrode are not needed. Thus, the electrode also has a particularly low design and can be worn, for example, in long-term ECGs below the clothing of the patient, without the electrodes are perceived as disturbing.

In the 2 is another embodiment of an electrode assembly 101 shown. The electrode 102 has a carrier layer 2 with an opening 7 , an electrolyte layer 3A . 3B and a protective film 9 on the electrolyte layer 3 is applied and when using the electrode 102 can be removed. The protective film 9 prevents, for example, a drying out of the electrolyte layer 3A . 3B ,

In the 2 is a connector 5 which is connected to an ECG cable 6 is coupled, in the inserted state in the electrode 102 shown. The 2 in this case essentially represents a cross section through an electrode with inserted plug connector. In the embodiment according to the 2 is below the carrier layer 2 a recess 8th provided without electrolyte material to provide sufficient space for the connector with a latching mechanism. Between the opening 7 in the carrier layer 2 and the protective film 9 is the electrolyte layer 3A . 3B thus interrupted. Because the 2 shows a cross-section, the drawings show two areas of the electrolyte layer 3A . 3B ,

The connector has two sections 5A . 5B on, which have different cross-sectional sizes. Furthermore, the lower section 5B a tapered shape. The lower section thus has a largest diameter d ₂ and a smallest diameter d ₁ . The smallest diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 7 in the carrier layer 2 , This will allow that when inserting the connector 5A . 5B through the opening 7 the opening 7 initially because of the conical shape of the section 5b is pressed apart and then returns to its original size when the lower range 5b completely in the recess 8th below the carrier layer 2 is present. This locks the connector 5A . 5B with the carrier layer 2 inside the electrode 102 ,

Removal of the connector leads in the embodiment of 2 to that the carrier layer 2 tear down or tear up. This allows the electrode 102 with the torn backing 2 no longer be used. This may be desirable for hygienic reasons to reuse multiple disposable electrodes 102 to prevent. The user of corresponding electrodes is thus forced to use always new ready-to-use electrodes, which ensures a constant signal quality when measuring, for example, ECG curves.

In the 3 an ECG measuring device with a corresponding electrode arrangement is shown schematically. The schematic diagram of the ECG measuring device 400 has a measuring device 401 on that over ECG lines 206 . 306 . 506 to corresponding electrodes 200 . 300 . 500 connected is.

The electrode 200 is for example with several openings 207 . 208 . 209 equipped in their carrier layer, not shown here. There are three connectors connected to the ECG lead 206 are coupled there insertable and provide an electrical connection with the electrolyte material of the electrode 200 dar. The geometric arrangement of the openings 207 . 208 . 209 can be used for example for certain electrodes, for example, large-area back electrodes for ECG measurements. Different geometries or arrangements of openings or slots or connectors may refer to different fields of application of electrodes.

The electrode 500 which in the 3 for example, is shown as a plan view, has a triangular opening 507 in which also a triangular connector 505 Introduce is ren, which preferably within the electrode 500 locked with the carrier layer and thus an electrical signal transmission between the electrode 500 and the measuring device 401 over the cable 506 allows. Also the geometry of the openings 507 may be characteristic of certain types of electrodes. It is therefore impossible that not compatible electrodes are connected to specially adapted ECG measuring instruments.

The ECG measuring device 400 also has a third electrode 300 on with an electrolyte layer 303 and a carrier layer 302 which, for example, as regards the 1 and 2 has been explained. Through an opening in the carrier layer 302 can be the connector 305 into the electrode 300 insert, leaving a wide section of the connector 305 , which is larger in cross-section than the opening in the carrier layer 302 , a latching of the connector 305 realized.

Finally, in the 4 a third embodiment of an electrode 103 and a plug connector 5 shown. The connector 5 is in a holder 12 arranged, for example, in plastic potted, and to an ECG cable 6 connected. The in the electrode 103 reaching in with the lower section 5B which can lock with the carrier layer protrudes from the holder. In addition to those in the 2 shown elements that will not be discussed here is a contamination protection film 11 provided the opening or interruption 8th in the electrolyte layer 3 to the body surface 4 covering. Above that is the removable protective film 9 intended. The contamination protection film 11 prevents the transmission of germs that are on the contact pin 5B of the connector 5 can have accumulated on the body 4 , This contamination protection film or insulation film 11 has substantially the same size or is slightly larger than the opening 7 in the carrier layer 3 , It completes the interruption in the electrolyte layer with respect to the body.

The Invention thus provides electrodes in particular for use ECG measurements and corresponding connectors for coupling the electrodes that are easy to manufacture because only a few layers necessary. By enclosing the inserted into the electrodes connector The electrolyte material becomes a reliable electrical connection between the respective body surface and an ECG cable connected to the connector reaches the electrolyte layer. The electrodes are because of their simple construction particularly flat and offer a high wearing comfort. A special safety and reliability of disposable electrodes is achieved by the locking of the connector with the electrode or carrier layer of Electrode only possible once is because the connection between electrode and connector by removing of the connector is irreversibly destroyed.

Even though the present invention with reference to preferred embodiments was explained in more detail, is she not limited to but diverse modifiable. The geometric shapes of the electrodes or connectors are only given by way of example. Also the relative thicknesses and Sizes of Layers or corner connectors and openings to each other in the figures are not shown to scale. The electrodes can for example, openings in their carrier layers between 0.01-10 mm diameter and the backing layer thicknesses of 0.01-5 mm thickness exhibit. As materials for the carrier layer and the electrolyte layer come a variety of commercially available materials question.

1

electrode assembly

2

backing

3

electrolyte layer

4

body surface

5

Connectors

5A, 5B

section

6

ECG cable

7

opening

8th

recess

9

protective layer

10

flange

11

Contamination protective film

12

holder

100

electrode

101

electrode assembly

102

electrode

103

electrode

200

electrode

206

ECG cable

207 208, 209

opening

300

electrode

302

backing

303

electrolyte layer

304

Connectors

305

Connectors

400

ECG monitor

401

measuring device

500

electrode

505

Connectors

506

ECG cable

507

opening

d ₁ , d ₂

diameter

Claims (26)

Electrode ( 100 ) for detecting electrical signals on a body surface ( 4 ) with a body-facing carrier layer ( 2 ) and one on the carrier layer ( 2 ) arranged body-facing electrolyte layer ( 3 ), wherein the carrier layer ( 2 ) an opening ( 7 ) into which a connector ( 5 ) is insertable such that the connector makes electrical contact with the electrolyte layer ( 2 ). Electrode ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the opening ( 7 ) in the carrier layer ( 2 ) is designed such that a latching device ( 5B ) of the connector ( 5 ) in the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) below the carrier layer ( 2 ) locked. Electrode ( 101 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein below the opening ( 7 ) in the carrier layer ( 2 ) the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) in the shape of the opening ( 7 ) is interrupted ( 8th ). Electrode ( 100 ) according to claim 3, wherein the interruption ( 8th ) of the electrolyte layer on the body side with a separating layer, in particular a contamination protection film ( 11 ). Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier layer ( 2 ) and / or the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) are made of such flexible materials that the connector ( 5 ) when inserting the connector ( 5 ) through the opening ( 7 ) into the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) increases the opening and the locking device with the carrier layer ( 2 ) locked. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening ( 7 ) in the carrier layer ( 2 ) is designed such that a connector ( 5 ) in the form of a clip with the carrier layer ( 2 ) locked. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier layer ( 2 ) has a thickness between 0.001 mm and 5 mm. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening ( 7 ) has a diameter between 0.001 mm and 5 mm. Electrode ( 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) a removable protective layer ( 9 ), in particular a protective film, is arranged. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) has a conductive adhesive material. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) has a polymer gel. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a viscosity or elasticity electrolyte layer ( 3 ) is adjustable by UV irradiation. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier layer ( 2 ) has flexible conformable material, in particular with a fabric structure, PVC, PP, rubber, rubber, foam and / or silicone. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode ( 100 . 101 ) exclusively from the electrolyte layer ( 3 ), the opening ( 7 ) and the carrier layer ( 2 ) is constructed. Electrode ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier layer has a plurality of openings ( 207 . 208 . 209 ) for inserting a plurality of connectors. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening ( 7 ), the carrier layer ( 2 ) and / or the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) are formed such that the carrier layer ( 2 ) when removing the connector ( 5 ) from the electrode ( 100 . 101 ) after latching with the carrier layer ( 2 ) tears. Electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening ( 7 ), the carrier layer ( 2 ) and / or the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) are formed such that the carrier layer ( 2 ) when removing the connector ( 5 ) from the electrode ( 100 . 101 ) after latching with the carrier layer ( 2 ) the opening ( 7 ) is increased such that a re-latching of the connector ( 5 ) with the carrier layer ( 2 ) is prevented. Connector ( 5 ) for the electrical connection of the electrolyte layer ( 3 ) of an electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims with a measuring device ( 401 ), wherein the connector ( 5 ) a first section ( 5A ) with a first cross section and a second section ( 5B ) having a second cross section, wherein the first cross section of an opening cross section of the opening ( 7 ) and the second section ( 5B ) for locking with the carrier layer ( 2 ) one opposite the first section ( 5A ) has enlarged cross-section. Connector ( 5 ) according to claim 18, wherein the connector is in the form of a plug. Connector ( 5 ) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the connector is designed in the manner of a Spreitzniete. Connector ( 5 ) according to any one of claims 18-20, wherein the connector ( 5 ) is made of a conductive material, and in particular stainless steel, a plastic with graphite insert, a noble metal and / or has a against the electrolyte layer corrosion-protected metal. Electrode arrangement ( 1 . 102 ) with an electrode ( 100 . 101 ) according to any one of claims 1-17 and at least one connector ( 5 ) according to any one of claims 18-21. Electrode arrangement ( 1 . 102 ) according to claim 22, wherein the connector ( 5 ) in the manner of a plug in the opening ( 7 ) in the carrier layer ( 2 ) is inserted and locked with this. Electrode arrangement ( 1 . 102 ) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein in the inserted state of the connector ( 5 ) in the electrode ( 100 . 101 ) the latching device of the connector ( 5 ) and the Edge of the opening ( 7 ) on the body-facing side of the carrier layer ( 2 ) a flange ( 10 ) train. ECG measuring device ( 400 ) with an electrode arrangement ( 1 . 102 ) according to any one of claims 22-24. ECG measuring device ( 400 ) according to claim 25, wherein a plurality of plug connectors are integrated in a housing of the ECG measuring device can be plugged onto the corresponding electrodes.