EP2879578A1

EP2879578A1 - Electrode and measuring device for acquiring biomedical vital parameters

Info

Publication number: EP2879578A1
Application number: EP13747641.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wilhelm Stork; Silvester FUHRHOP; Stefan LAMPARTH; Malte KIRST
Original assignee: Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie KIT
Current assignee: Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie KIT
Priority date: 2012-07-30
Filing date: 2013-07-25
Publication date: 2015-06-10
Also published as: US20150201856A1; DE102012106893B4; WO2014019662A1; DE102012106893A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a skin contact electrode (10) for acquiring biomedical vital parameters, having a first component (11) with a planar design formed from an electrically conductive material, wherein the first component (11) adjoins a second component (12), which is formed from an electrically insulating material. Together with the first component (11), said second component forms a component composite (10a), wherein the first component (11) has a more rigid design compared to the second component (12) and an outer edge (12a) of the component composite (10a) is only formed by the second component (12). Furthermore, the invention relates to a measuring device for acquiring biomedical vital parameters, comprising a support device (2) made of an elastic material, which is detachably connected to a data processing unit (6) and has at least one of the aforementioned skin contact electrodes (10), which can be electrically connected to the data processing unit (9).

Description

ELECTRODE AND MEASURING DEVICE FOR COLLECTING BIOMEDICAL VITAL PARAMETERS

The invention relates to a skin contact electrode for detecting biomedical vital signs. It comprises a flat-shaped first component, which is formed from an electrically conductive material, and a measuring device to detect the vital parameters, and a support means made of an elastic material, which is detachably connected to a data processing unit. This has at least one skin contact electrode that can be electrically connected to the data processing unit.

For the detection, analysis, transmission and feedback of vital parameters of a user, measuring devices with electrodes integrated in a carrying device are known, which are designed to detect the heartbeat of a user. Vital parameters are measures that reflect basic functions of the human body; These include, for example, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and respiratory rate. It also includes electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalography (EEG). Known types of carrying devices have, in addition to the electrodes as sensors, at least one receiving device which is in signal connection with the sensors in order to detect the parameters.

The known from the prior art carrying devices for long application periods are designed as a chest belt, or integrated into garments. Such a carrying device is known from DE 10 2005 004 443 A1, the sensors are integrated in a garment, here a T-shirt.

Different types of electrodes are known from the prior art, these often consisting of conductive, flexible films. These conductive sheet materials serve as an electrode on the one hand and on the other hand

CONFIRMATION COPY is disclosed as electrical leads for connection to the processing electronics, as well as in DE 1 1 2004 001 921 T5, which describes a sensor arrangement for measuring signals on the surface of the skin. The electrode surfaces or the electrical leads required for transmitting a signal are attached by coating on a textile material of a garment or an accessory and worn directly on the skin. From DE 10 2009 052 615 A1 sheet materials for electrical connection are known. DE 10 2009 052 615 A1 further describes a sensor for ECG signals with a transmitting unit and a breast belt made of an elastic material, wherein at least three electrodes are attached to the breast belt, which are electrically connected via a surface conductor with a measuring electronics. To insulate the electrical lead to the user's body, foils are also used. The covered area is not vapor permeable overall, which significantly reduces the wearing comfort, especially in long-term applications.

The electrically conductive conductor structures in the prior art are previously contacted with snaps. Due to their size, the number of electrical contacts and the number of contactable leads are limited. The surface conductors also have a certain minimum width, which further limits the in textiles, especially those placed in a chest strap leads. The introduction of more than two parallel juxtaposed strip conductors in the previously used technology (surface conductor) is difficult due to the manufacturing tolerances, whereby the number of electrodes or electrical connections in the textile are limited.

The use of films limits the extensibility of the support device in the area of the flat feed line. This is particularly important if, as in the prior art mostly the case, more than two electrodes are used. In addition to electrodes made of a conductive foil, Ag / AgCI electrodes are used for the medical vital data derivation. As also described in DE 693 00 625 T2, these electrodes consist of a substrate made of Ag / AgCl, which is adhered to the skin of the user by means of a self-adhesive edge. This type of electrode has a low durability and is no longer reusable after use. Such electrodes also have the disadvantage that, with a wearing time of more than 24 hours, skin softening and associated skin irritations occur.

In the prior art, measuring devices for recording of electrophysiological signals are equipped with flexible dry electrodes. Such are described, for example, in CA 2 620 578 A1. These are usually fixed to the user's body with a flexible, textile carrying device. Due to the electrode flexibility, the textile has a uniform contact pressure on the body of the user everywhere. In order to achieve a good signal quality, however, it is necessary for the textile to press the electrodes against the body with a high contact pressure. This is unpleasant in the long run and justifies the desire for a lower contact pressure, especially from an ergonomic point of view.

Disadvantages of the abovementioned electrodes, in addition to poor wearing comfort in the case of long-term use, are the poor signal quality of these electrodes, since signal interferences in the form of motion artifacts are caused during the measurement of the surface signals of moving skin segments.

Motion artifacts have long been a problem in the measurement of long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring of diseased patients and in the exercise ECG, and arise at the interface between the electrode and the body surface, reducing the quality of the derived Reduce signal and complicate the signal processing or further processing. The causes are mainly relative movements between the electrode and the body surface, as well as skin potentials, which result from pressure changes on the body surface. The disturbing potentials are greater in the edge region than in the center of the electrically conductive electrode surface, since shear forces increasingly occur in the edge region. A movement produces an external output on the monitor which either masks the desired bio-potential or shifts the baseline, thereby reducing the usefulness of the electrode, the diagnosis or the clinical instrument itself.

The intensity of motion artifacts is approximately antiproportional to humidity, i. the electrolyte between electrode surface and body surface, so that these artifacts occur especially in dry electrodes. In these, the moisture between the electrode and the skin to make electrical contact, achieved by perspiration. However, in the peripheral region of the electrode, the moisture evaporates more than in the center, which is why there is less moisture there. This has the consequence that the existing edge effects, that is, movement artifacts, are exacerbated.

It is therefore useful to reduce the motion artifacts on the electronics and to improve the wearing comfort to increase the contact pressure at the electrode and to minimize the necessary contact pressure of Tragetextiis in all areas.

Based on this prior art, the present invention therefore has for its object to provide an electrode which makes it possible to record electrophysiological surface signals with high signal quality and allows a long period of use.

The above object is achieved by an electrode for measuring biological medical vital parameters with the features of independent claim 1 solved.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a measuring device which has good ergonomics and is simple and inexpensive to produce.

The above object is achieved by a measuring device with an electrode according to the invention having the features of independent claim 9.

Further developments of the objects are set forth in the subclaims.

The invention relates to a skin contact electrode for detecting biomedical vital parameters, which has a flat-shaped first component, which is formed from an electrically conductive material. In this case, the first component rests against a second component which is formed from an electrically insulating material and forms a component composite with the first component. The first component is more rigid relative to the second component, wherein an outer edge of the composite component is formed only by the second component.

The first component of the electrode is preferably rigid and surrounded by a soft second component. Rigid means in this case a certain strength of the first component relative to the second component and the support device itself. The invention particularly preferably provides that the electrode can be fastened to a carrier device, the component composite of the electrode being made more rigid relative to the carrier device.

The first component may be in different embodiments, wherein it may be formed in one piece or in several parts. All However, embodiments is the same that they are relatively rigid relative to the second component and record no movement of the applied skin surface as such. Particularly preferably, the first component of the electrode may comprise metal, in particular stainless steel or titanium. This embodiment is particularly skin-friendly and is suitable for long-term use. It is also possible to use other metallic surfaces with a smooth or porous structure, in particular conductive textile, which as a fiber composite contains conductive woven fabrics, knitted fabrics or knitted fabrics.

In an alternative preferred embodiment it can be provided that the first component has a flexible, conductive film or conductive textile and the film or the textile is connected at a contact surface with a comparatively rigid substrate to the film, thereby forming the first component. Suitable materials are, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to which carbon or carbon has been added as the conductive medium, or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) as plates or films and other thermally deformable plastics as plates or films. Also, vulcanizable plastics can be used.

Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the first component is composed of two film layers, wherein between the two layers a conductive textile is pressed or glued, which is electrically connected to an electrical supply line. The gluing can also be done by thermoplastic methods, which rather melted the conductive fabric between the thermoplastics. The first component lies wholly over the first component. The second component can furthermore be arranged so as to lie completely flat on the substrate for reaching an overall rigid electrode. The conductive textile can be present as a silvered, low-impedance conductor. The embodiment of the electrode is comfortable to wear and inexpensive to produce. By different strengths of the second component, any hardness / hardness of the electrode can be adjusted, so the optimum between ergonomics and to achieve signal quality.

It is preferably provided that the second component comprises a static friction coefficient for adhering the component composite to biomedical skin. The second component advantageously has a flexible material, preferably silicone. The second component is thus formed as an adhesive edge, which is indeed suitable to adhere, but does not stick. Thus, a good investment of the electrode on a skin portion of the user is possible, wherein in relative movement between body and electrode, the electrically active electrode surface of the first component is always completely in contact with the body. Due to the electrical insulation of the adhesive edge signal interference in the region of the edge, such. B. shearing loads and movement artifacts of the over the electrically active electrode surface of the first component derived electrophysiological signal prevented.

Particularly advantageously, the first and second components may have skin abutment surfaces formed in a plane. The first and second components are thus flat with their contact surface on the skin of the user. Alternatively, the skin-contact surface of the first component can also be raised to the second component, wherein an outer edge of the first and second component composite component can be formed by the second component and the first component can be increased relative to the second component. In any case, a full-surface edition of the first component and an adhesion of the second component to the skin of the user are given.

For a good contacting of the electrode with the skin portion of the user, the surface of the first component may be flat or have regular or irregularly formed elevations. A section of the skin may, in spite of severe hairiness or other skin- units are well contacted.

In order to achieve a kink protection of the first component, it can be provided that the second component completely or partially surrounds an edge section of the first component. Alternatively, a laterally formed limb can be encompassed by the second component. As a result, the first component is not only protected against kinking but also electrically insulated on the edge. For a comfortable fit and as a kink protection, the edge of the second component may be designed to be sloping at a side facing away from the skin contact surface, wherein the second component may be designed to be thinner towards Rarid and thus more flexible. This shape of the second component can be created by simply melting it with the carrier device, wherein the material of the second component partially sinks into the material of the carrier device and completely surrounds the edge of the first component.

Electrical contacting takes place by means of soldering, welding or (thermal) bonding to the first component, preferably on its underside, by means of a cable, soldering lugs or lugs or other fastening means being able to be formed on the first component for this purpose. Furthermore, other individually insulated electrical leads are also suitable.

If electrically conductive thermoplastic films are used as the active electrode surface, then the supply line can also be contacted mechanically and electrically by inserting and thermally pressing its stripped end between the thermoplastic films.

A measuring device according to the invention for detecting biomedical vital signs comprises a carrying device made of an elastic material, which is preferably releasably connected to a data processing unit and has at least one skin contact electrode which can be electrically connected to the data processing unit. The electrode may be in various embodiments as described above. Advantageously, the electrode is substantially more rigid than the underlying support means, which mostly consists of an elastic material, due to the comparatively rigid first component of the component composite. A user's body surface is always convex in the skin area, which causes the electrode to deform the softer body surfaces into a particular area of its abutment surface. Due to the rigid electrode, the carrying device is also lifted off the body in the edge region of the electrode, which increases the contact pressure in the region of the active electrode surface, ie the first component.

The invention may further provide that the skin contact electrode is mounted with its support surface on the support means raised, so that the skin-contact surface of the first component is increased relative to a surface of the support means. Also, it may be formed flat to the body-facing side of the support device. After installation, the electrically active surface is then not below the surface of the support means, whereby this can be worn with less contact pressure, which means a significant improvement in wearing comfort.

It is in particular provided that two, three or more skin contact electrodes can be attached to the carrying device, wherein at least one skin contact electrode is arranged on a section of the carrying device which can be applied to a back of the user. Precisely for an exact ECG lead, four electrodes are necessary. With more electrodes, the rest can be used for measurements of other vital parameters. The electrodes used for the ECG can also be used twice for the acquisition of other vital signs. Depending on the position and arrangement of the electrodes, as a result of this and because of the redundancy of the electrodes, particularly robust and exact measurements of the vital parameters can be carried out. In addition to a skin-contact electrode for detecting vital parameters, which is at least provided, further sensors can be provided which, in an alternative embodiment, may in particular be acceleration sensors which are arranged on or within the carrying device. The measuring device can thus be used for many different measurement applications of vital parameters of a user.

The measuring device should be able to record vital parameters of a user, whereby at least the ECG can be derived. By using multiple electrodes, redundant signal channels are achieved, which further improves signal quality. Furthermore, the measuring device can in particular make the following measurements: With at least two electrodes or resistive, inductive or capacitive structures, an impedance of the body or of a body part, such as the thorax, can advantageously be measured. By means of an activity sensor, in particular an acceleration sensor, the physical activity and the current body position can be recorded. A development of a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a plethysmograph or an EDA sensor. Thus, in addition to ECG parameters, the pulse transit time or the blood pressure or blood pressure equivalent can be recorded. It can also be provided a sensor which is suitable for temperature measurement.

In order to fix the electrode on a measuring device or another surface, it is provided according to the invention that the edge of the electrode has at least one opening which serves to secure the electrode. Thus, different connection means can be used, it can be connected circumferentially by sewing, crimping or gluing electrode with a measuring device. Preferably, a plurality of such openings is provided in the edge of the first component, wherein it is also possible for the second component over the edge portion of the first Form component extending and merge the second component in these edge regions and by means of the openings with a lying below the first component thermoplastic bonding layer. Furthermore, further fastening means, such as. As screws, rivets o. Ä. Be provided, which are arranged in the edge region of the first component or the electrode.

By means of the thermoplastic compound layer, the skin contact electrode can be completely or partially fused with the carrying device. A permanent, cohesive connection is thereby created. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the electrode is not fixed on, but in the interior of the support device.

Preferred dimensions of the electrodes show a thickness of the electrodes of 0.2 to 3 mm. However, thicker or thinner electrodes can also be realized with the invention. In the planar dimension, the electrodes can have, for example, the following dimensions: 2x2 cm, 3.5x4 cm, 4x6 cm, 5x7 cm, 7x9 cm. But there are other dimensions possible.

The invention provides that with the support means a body part of a user can be wholly or partly included. For this purpose, the carrying device may be a chest belt, a bracelet, a foot band or a bracelet. The skin contact electrodes can also be integrated in garments, in particular in stockings, gloves or T-shirts. Especially in one embodiment as a breast belt, the carrying device provides two free ends, which can be connected to a closure. The closure can be so pronounced that a length adjustment of the carrying device is possible with this.

Particularly preferably, the invention provides that the carrying device is formed from a textile made of synthetic material. The textile can as Woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, knitted fabrics, in particular as net-like plastic. In addition to synthetic materials and natural materials, such as cotton can be used. Due to the choice of material, the carrying device is made highly flexible between the electrodes, whereby it can be achieved that the electrodes remain in place and the carrying device absorbs the expansion or compression coupled in by body movement. Particularly textile materials are advantageously machine-washable and have a high vapor permeability.

In order to electrically and mechanically connect the electrodes or the further sensors of the carrying device to the data processing unit, the carrying device has electrical and mechanical connection means. At least one connecting means can be designed as a multi-pole plug, which is electrically connected to the at least one skin contact electrode and possibly further sensors by means of individually guided cables or a wiring harness. Thus, the number of leads and directly the number of usable sensors and electrodes can be increased without achieving the aforementioned disadvantages. Such a plug is space-saving, advantageously machine washable and biocompatible, especially biotolerant. It is protected against polarity reversal and its insulation has defined clearances and creepage distances, which meets the corresponding standard requirements, especially in the medical device sector. Furthermore, it can be thermally fixed or sewn into a slot within the carrying device and, in addition to an electrical contact, simultaneously serves for a mechanical fixation of the data processing unit.

The plug can be equipped with a mechanical connection means as a lock, by which an accidental release of the connection is prevented. A further connection to the carrier material is produced by a connecting device, wherein this second mechanical connection provides for an additional fixation of the data processing unit. This connection can be achieved by means of snap fasteners or snap locks. be realized. It is provided that in a further embodiment, the mechanical connection means attaches the data processing unit to the carrying device on a side of the data processing unit opposite the electrical connection means, wherein an electrical connection means can be arranged on the other side on the edge of the data processing unit. Also, the mechanical connection means can be arranged to save space below the data processing unit. This connection means can be glued, crimped or therr misch fixed and preferably designed as a push button. In an alternative embodiment, the aforementioned connecting means may also be provided as a second, additional electrical connecting means. ,

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the carrying device is designed to be double-layered for receiving the wiring; therein the plug and associated individual electrical leads can be kept loose. The loose, tubular connection reduces parasitic couplings in the electrode lines, since the individual conductors move only slightly against each other and are guided at a small distance from each other. The length of the leads is advantageously determined at a strong elongation of the support device. Thus, the carrying device remains elastic around the area of the electrodes in use.

Advantageously, the cabling by means of individual electrical conductors allows a maximum permeability of vapor to all areas, except below the electrodes, since the individual electrical conductors have only diameters in the millimeter range. Furthermore, defined insulation values are possible, which are particularly relevant for medical devices. These isolation values are preferably between 60 V AC and 1500 V AC peak values. Stretchability and vapor permeability of the support means are thus determined only by the material used for this purpose. Ranges of electrical leads to the individual Electrodes and other sensors have no influence on ductility or vapor permeability.

Another advantage of the individually guided electrical supply lines within the carrying device is that a larger number of lines or then also electrodes and sensors can be connected. Thus, redundant signal measurements can be taken from several ECG leads and the overall signal quality can be further improved.

The data processing unit has a memory device, at least one processor and a power supply, wherein the data processing unit can preferably be releasably connected to the carrying device via the plug. It is therefore mobile and can be removed if necessary by the support means, so that the support device itself can be washed independently of the electronic components.

A power supply takes place by means of, for example, a battery, wherein the power supply can also have a module for generating energy from the environment, such as a solar cell.

The data processing unit further includes a telemetry device for communicating with the environment. Thus, the data processing unit can be connected to a network device, a conventional PC and to the Internet. An amplifier circuit within the data processing unit ensures the conversion and preprocessing of the measured signals from the electrodes. The data processing unit should finally be designed to determine the GPS position of the user or the measuring device. For detecting further parameters, the data processing unit may comprise further sensors, eg. B. acceleration sensors. Furthermore, a data store and a User interface to be provided. Thus, a small display can be mounted, with which a user can set by means of controls parameters such as measuring times of the measuring device itself.

The measuring device thus has the advantages of being particularly flexible and ergonomic, it being possible for the electrodes according to the invention to record electrophysiological surface signals and thus vital biomedical parameters with particularly high signal quality. Movement artifacts that result from the user's body movement are significantly reduced, if not completely avoided. The mechanical interference input by the movement changes in a first approximation only the contact surface of the electrically inactive edge, d. H. the second component. The electrically active surface of the first component remains unaffected. Especially by the shape of the electrode in conjunction with the support means an optimal contact pressure is achieved, which is optimal in terms of measurement and at the same time ergonomic and comfortable to wear.

Other embodiments, as well as some of the advantages associated with these and other embodiments, will become apparent and better understood by the following detailed description. Supporting here is the reference to the figures in the description. Items or parts thereof that are substantially the same or very similar may be given the same reference numerals.

Showing:

1 is a schematic view of a measuring device according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a first embodiment of an electrode according to the invention;

3 shows a plan view of an alternative, second embodiment of the electrode according to the invention; Fig. 4-7 cross-sections through various embodiments of the electrode according to the invention;

8-11 cross sections through various embodiments of a mounting of the electrode according to the invention;

Fig. 12,13 cross sections through a fitting to a skin of a user

Carrying device with electrode according to the invention;

Fig. 14 Perspective side view of the measuring device according to the invention;

Fig. 15-17schematic side views of the measuring device according to the invention.

In Fig. 1, an embodiment of a measuring device 1 according to the invention is shown, which includes a designed as a chest strap carrying device 2, which is designed as a chest strap in rectangular elongated shape. The carrying device 2 may consist of a textile or other synthetic material which has a certain vapor permeability and at the same time is elastic. On the chest belt 2 are at predetermined areas two electrodes 10 and other sensors 3, such. B. a breathing sensor arranged.

Basically, the more electrodes 10 are provided, the more robust and accurate the measurement of the vital parameters will be. Advantageously, three electrodes 10 may be used to minimize measurement errors and other disturbances. In this case, two electrodes 10 should be applied in the chest area and one electrode 10 in the back area of the user.

The electrodes 10 and the sensor 3 are electrically connected via cable 4 to a plug 5. The cables 4 are present as isolated individual electrical conductors, which are individually guided by associated contacts (eg connector pins, spring contacts) to the electrodes 10 and the sensor 3, wherein they are guided within the support means 2, which is designed to be double-layered to to pick up the wiring. They are not strict with the connected ends, so that the support device 2 in the areas in which the cable 4 are guided, remains elastic and movement of the user does not damage the contact also.

The carrying device 2 is associated with a data processing unit 6, which is releasably connectable to the plug 5 and serves as measuring electronics. The plug 5 serves the data processing unit 6 not only as an electrical connection to the wiring, but also as a mechanical fixation, what he is integrated into the support means 2 by being sewn, glued or thermally fixed. For ease of use, the plug 5 is protected against reverse polarity, d. H. the data processing unit 6 can not be inserted laterally.

The data processing unit 6 includes a measurement circuit in the form of an amplifier circuit, a processor for signal processing, a memory device, and a telemetry device for communication with the environment. Furthermore, the data processing unit 6 has a battery as a mobile power supply. But it can also be a module for energy production from the environment, eg. As a solar cell installed.

The electrodes 10 can also be connected except to the carrying device 2 with other devices and can be used arbitrarily. In a further embodiment, the electrodes 10 can also be applied individually to the skin of a user and electrically connected to a measuring unit by means of suitable connecting means. This is made possible by the electrode 10 according to the invention, which may be present in different embodiments.

2 and 3 show plan views of two selected embodiments of the electrodes 10 according to the invention, which essentially consist of a composite component 10a with two nested surfaces trained components are constructed, in Fig. 2, a first component 1 1 is completely surrounded by a second component 12. The second component 12 forms an edge around the first component 1 1, the width of which varies depending on the dimension of the first component 1 1 arranged inside. The first component 1 1 is made of an electrically conductive material, wherein both a metallic sheet and a conductive foil is usable. The second component 12 is made of an electrically non-conductive material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), other plastics or silicone. The first component 11 is made more rigid in comparison to the second component 12, whereby the entire electrode 10 is rigidly formed, especially in comparison to the underlying carrying device 2.

At least one of the skin-contact surfaces 1 1 c, 12c of the electrode 10 is substantially rectangular in shape, with other geometric shapes, such as rectangular with rounded corners, oval, circular, or even triangular are possible. The electrodes 10 can be fastened on the carrying device 2 by providing an opening 15 for fixing the electrode 10 in an edge section 11a of the first component 11, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, instead, a thermoplastic substrate 14 is arranged underneath the electrode 10, which can be glued or fused to the electrode 10 and the carrying device 2. The mounting lugs will be explained in more detail below.

Different embodiments of the electrode 10 according to the invention are shown in the following FIGS. 4 to 7 and each show a cross section along section A-A according to FIG. 1.

In Fig. 4 it is shown that the first component 1 1 is formed axially symmetrical stepped in section to a central axis, wherein free legs 1 1 a defining edge regions on which the second component 12 is arranged. Furthermore, end sections 11 b are connected to the second component. 12, so that they are protected against damage and kinking.

An edge portion 12a of the second component 12 is further sloping to the side, so a smooth transition between the electrode and support means is achieved, whereby the electrode 10 is ergonomically placed on the skin of a user. The first component 1 1 in this

Embodiment is made of metal and is thermoformed from a thin sheet. The legs 1 1 a serve to secure the second component 12, which can be safely and permanently adhered.

The first component 1 1 and the second component 12 are arranged relative to each other, so that their skin contact surfaces 1 1 c, 12c lie in a plane; There is no gap between the components 1 1, 12 provided. Thus, the surface of the electrode 10 is flat and can fully abut the skin of a user.

The electrode 10 is connected to the underside of the first component 1 1 by means of an electrical connection means, such as an electrical lead 13 to the measuring electronics, wherein the electrical lead 13 by means of soldering, welding or gluing on the first component 1 1 is connectable. The electrode can be attached to a carrying device 2 via a support surface 10b.

5, a further electrode 10 is shown, which corresponds to a sectional view of the electrode 10 of FIG. 3. The first component 1 1 is made of a flexible, conductive electrode surface 14 a, such as a conductive film, such as TPU-based films, which carbon or carbon was added as a conductive medium or conductive textile, such as, woven, knitted and knitted. The second component 12 is formed from electrically insulating material and surrounds the first component 1 1 in turn at the edge completely, be it in a view from above (FIG. 3) or laterally (FIG. 5). In order to achieve a rigidity of the first component 11, a rigid substrate 14b, to which the electrode surface 14a and the second component 12 are glued, is arranged on the underside of the conductive electrode surface 14a. The electrode surface 14a and the substrate 14b in this case form the first component 11. The substrate 14b may be formed of a thermoplastic material, whereby the components 1 1, 12 are melted or glued to each other on their adjacent surfaces and with the support means 2. The skin contact surfaces 1 1 c, 12 c are in turn in a plane, whereby the first component 1 1 is completely surrounded by the second component 12. An electrical contacting 13 takes place again on the electrode surface 14a.

Furthermore, a development of the electrode 10 from FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 6, wherein the second component 12 is not formed at the edge only on the substrate 14b, but beyond its edges, and thus laterally engages around it. In the section, the second component 12 is partially formed sloping in the region of the edges of the substrate 14b. This is due to the fact that the second component 12 is thermally treated and loses its height due to temporary melting in its edge region 12a. In a section facing the user, the second component 12 is formed flush with the first component 1 1, so that the contact surfaces 1 1c, 12c of the two components 1 1, 12 come to rest in one plane.

In FIG. 7, in an alternative electrode 10, the first component 1 1 is formed by a multi-layered structure, wherein an upper layer 16 and a lower layer 17 are connected to each other at the edge. The layers 16, 17 are made of conductive, flexible films. Between the two layers 16, 17, a conductive textile 18 is provided, which is electrically connected to the electrical lead 13 and is pressed between the upper layer 16 and the lower layer 17. In order to achieve the rigidity, a substrate 14b is again provided as the lowest layer of the first component 11.

To stabilize and solidify the first component 1 1, the second component 12 is arranged over the entire surface of a substrate 14 b. The layers 16, 17, 18 the glued or melted on this. In order to connect the thus manufactured electrode 1 1 with the support means 2 and the electrode 10 stiffer design, a thermoplastic bonding layer 19 is also provided. In particular, the second component 12 extends over this entire surface.

FIGS. 8 to 11 show various attachment variants of the electrode 10 according to the invention on the carrying device 2.

In Fig. 8, the electrode 10 according to the invention, as shown in Fig. 4, adhered to the surface of the support means 2. The carrying device 2 has a side 2a facing away from the body and a side 2b facing away from the body. In this case, the support surface 10b bears against the body-side 2a on the support device 2 over its entire surface. For this purpose, the lower-side regions of the electrode 10 are connected to the carrying device 2 by a permanent, water-insoluble and temperature-resistant compound, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive bond. The electrode 10 is thus raised mounted on the support means 2, so that the skin contact surface 1 1 c of the first component 1 1 is increased relative to the body-facing side 2a of the support means 2. After installation, the electrically active surface is then not below the surface of the body facing side 2a of the support device 2, whereby this can be worn with less contact pressure.

The contacting of the first component 1 1 can take place in a previous assembly step, wherein the electrical lead 13 can be passed through a small slot or other opening in the support means 2. The electrical lead 13 is connected to the cable 6 by means of soldering or crimping or is integrally formed with the cable 6, wherein the cable 6 for making an electrical connection to the free end to be fastened is stripped a certain portion. So that the electrical connection does not break off by stretching the carrying device 2, it can additionally be secured to the underside of the first component 11. The support device 2 is double-layered, wherein the electrical leads or cable 6 individual within the double layer lie and so are protected from external influences and damage.

FIG. 9 shows an electrode 10 designed to be raised on the carrying device 2, the connecting layer 19 being arranged below the first component 11. The first component 1 1 further has a plurality of openings 15 a, wherein in the illustration of FIG. 9, only one opening 15 a is shown. About the opening 15a, the second component 12 is launched. The edge region 1 1 b is laterally encompassed by the second component 12 and extends beyond such that the second component 12 rests with its underside on an upper side of the connecting layer 19. Together with this section of the opening 15a for a positive fastening of the leg 1 1 a with the connection layer 19 is used by the second component 12 is fused at their overlap points with the thermoplastic Verbindungslage19 by means of a heat treatment. The connection layer 19 is also in one step with the body-facing side 2a of the support device 2 partially or completely merged. As a result, the electrode 10 is connected to the support means 2 in sections cohesively and thus permanently. The support surface 10b is in this case on the entire surface on the support device.

Fig. 10 shows an alternative attachment of the electrode 10 to the support means 2. The first component 1 1 has in its laterally formed legs 1 1 a means for attachment to a connection point 15. The edge portions 12a of the second component 12 are designed to be narrower, so that a randsei- tiger projection of the edge portion 1 1 b remains free. This projection is included with an edge 2c of the support means 2 and connected at the connection point 15 by sewing, gluing or by other types of connecting means with the edge 2a. The support device 2 in this case surrounds the edge portions 1 1 b of the first component 1 1 and thereby provides additional protection. The wiring is accommodated in the space formed between the material of the support 2 and the bottom of the electrode 10.

FIG. 11 shows a development of the embodiment of FIG. 10, wherein the first component 1 1 is bonded to the thermoplastic bonding layer 19. The second component 12 comprises the first component 1 1 on the edge side and surrounds the edge sections 11 b. For holding the first component 1 1 on the connecting layer 19, the second component 12 is merged at the edge with the connecting layer 19, that is, materially connected. The edges 2a of the carrying device 2 surround the edge portions 12a of the second component 12 and are connected to them so by fusion or gluing cohesively.

Figures 12 and 13 show an electrode 10 mounted on the support means 2, the support means 2 being applied by a user. The electrode 10 in this case touches a skin section 20 of the user with its electrically active surface. In Fig. 12, the user is at rest and does not move. The skin portion 20 has with the support means 2 two points of contact 21 a, 21 b and is convexly formed therebetween, wherein the electrode 10, in particular the skin contact surfaces 1 1c, 12c of the first component 1 1 and the second components 12, on the skin portion 20th lie flat. Between the contact points 21 a, 21 b sections 22 a, 22 b extend. If the user moves, the carrying device 2 is also moved with the electrode 10 remaining in place by the adhesive second component 12. As a result of the electrode 10, which is rigid in comparison to the carrying device 2, the sections 22a, 22b are lifted off the body at the edge 12a of the electrode 10, whereby the contact pressure in the region of the active electrode surface, ie. H. of the first component 1 1 increases. Therefore, the carrying device 2 can be worn overall with less contact pressure, which improves the wearing comfort.

The sections 22a, 22b are shortened or extended during movement; in this case, section 22a is shortened and section 22b is extended. The adjacent to the second component 12 skin portion 20 also moves, wherein on the side facing the portion 22 a slight lifting or on the other, the portion 22 b side facing increased contact pressure on the skin portion 20 is formed. However, the first component 11 is not one of the mo- gene subjected. The skin portion 20 resting there remains in its position. Movement artifacts are thereby reduced, if not completely prevented.

In Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the measuring device 1 according to the invention is shown. On the carrying device 2, the data processing unit via the plug 5 is electrically and with a connecting device 23 mechanically attached to the support device 2, wherein the connecting device 23 is glued into the data processing unit, crimped or thermally fixed.

Fig. 15 shows a side view of the measuring device 1 in partial section.

The plug 5 is formed from a plug-in part 5a of the data processing unit 6 and from a socket part 5b, the latter being fixed in the carrying device 2. The connecting device is designed as a push button 23, which is fastened to a counterpart 24 which is arranged on the body-facing side 2b of the carrying device 2 and is firmly connected thereto. The push button 23 is arranged at the edge of the data processing unit 6 on a side opposite the plug 5 side. This connection may additionally be designed as additional, second electrical contact. Within the carrying device 2, the leads 4 are guided loose, being guided around the junction of the push button 23 with its counterpart 24.

In Fig. 16, the push button 23 is not attached next to, but below the data processing unit 6 in an edge region. This reduces the space requirement of the data processing unit 6 as a whole.

Fig. 17 shows a variant of Fig. 15, wherein the counterpart 24 is disposed within the support means 2 on the underside of the body-facing side 2a. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 measuring device

2 carrying device

2a body side facing away from the carrying device

2b body-facing side of the carrying device

2c edge

3 sensor

4 electrical line

5 plugs

5a plug-in part

5b female part

6 data processing unit

7 closure

10 electrode

10a component network

10b bearing surface

1 1 first component

1 1 a leg

1 1 b edge section

1 1 c contact surface first component

12 second component

12a edge

12c contact surface second component

13 electrical supply line

14a conductive electrode surface

14b substrate

15 connection point

15a breakthrough

16 upper position

17 lower position conductive textile

connecting means

Skin surface of a user a, b points of contact

a, b sections carrying device

push-button

counterpart

Claims

1 . Skin contact electrode (10) for detecting biomedical vital parameters, which has a flat-shaped first component (11), which is formed from an electrically conductive material,

characterized in that

the first component (1 1) on a second component (12) is applied, which is formed of an electrically insulating material, and with the first component (1 1) forms a composite component (10 a), wherein the first component (1 1) relative to the second component (12) is formed rigid and an outer edge (12) of the composite component (10a) is formed only by the second component (12).

2. skin contact electrode according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the electrode (10) can be fastened on a carrier device (2), the component composite (10a) of the electrode (10) being made more rigid relative to the carrier device (2).

3. skin contact electrode according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

the second component (12) has a static friction coefficient for adhering the composite component (10a) to a skin surface, wherein the second component (12) comprises a flexible material, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane or silicone.

4. skin contact electrode according to claim 1 to 3,

characterized in that

the first component (1 1) comprises metal, in particular stainless steel, and / or a flexible, conductive film and / or a conductive textile.

5. skin contact electrode according to claim 4,

characterized in that

the film or the textile is connected to a support surface (10b) with a substrate (1) that is comparatively rigid to the film or to the textile.

6. skin contact electrode according to claim 4 or 5,

characterized in that

the first component (1 1) of two film layers (16, 17) is constructed, wherein between the two layers (16, 17) a conductive textile (18) is pressed or glued, which with an electrical supply line (13) electrically connected is.

7. skin contact electrode according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that

the first and second components (1 1, 12) skin-contact surfaces (1 1 c, 12c) which are formed lying in a plane.

8. Hautköntakt electrode according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

the second component (12) completely or partially surrounds an edge section (11 b) and / or a laterally formed limb (11a) of the first component (11).

9. Measuring device for detecting biomedical vital signs with a carrying device (2) made of an elastic material, which is detachably connected to a data processing unit (6) and at least one with the data processing unit (9) electrically connectable skin contact electrode (10),

characterized in that

the at least one skin contact electrode (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8 is formed.

10. Measuring device according to claim 9,

characterized in that

at least two skin contact electrodes (10), preferably at least three skin contact electrodes (10) are mounted on the carrying device (2), wherein at least one skin contact electrode (10) is arranged on a portion of the carrying device (2) which is attached to a Back of the user can be applied.

1 1. Measuring device according to claim 9 or 10,

characterized in that

the skin contact electrode (10) is completely or partially fused to the carrying device (2) by means of a thermoplastic connecting layer (19).

12. Measuring device according to at least one of claims 9 to 1 1,

characterized in that

the skin-contact electrode (10) with its support surface (10b) is mounted raised on the support device (2), so that the skin contact surface (c) of the first component (1) flat or elevated relative to a surface of the support device (2) is.

13. Measuring device according to at least one of claims 9 to 12,

characterized in that

the carrying device (2) comprises a woven, knitted or knitted fabric made of synthetic material.

14. Measuring device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the carrying device (2) is designed to completely or partially enclose a body part of a user, the carrying device (2) being a breast belt and / or a bracelet, a bracelet, a foot band and / or a garment, in particular a stocking.

15. Measuring device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the carrying device (2) has connecting means, wherein at least one connecting means produces electrical and mechanical contact and is designed as a plug (5) which is electrically connected to the at least one skin contact electrode (10) by means of individually guided cables (4).