JP4038797B2 - Animal electrode and its mounting structure - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is for measuring the electrocardiographic waveform of an animal by using, for example, an electrocardiograph for the purpose of diagnosing the health condition of animals other than humans, such as pets and livestock covered with body hair such as dogs and cats. The present invention relates to an animal electrode and an animal electrode mounting structure for mounting the same on an animal body .
More particularly, to an animal electrostatic Goku及 beauty its mounting structure Fit the the animal body in order to measure the physiological electrical activity in the animal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a method of attaching an electrode of an animal electrocardiograph for measuring an electrocardiographic waveform in an animal body and an electrode structure for an animal, conventionally, when attaching an electrode to an extremity, conventionally, the animal hair of the extremity is shaved beforehand to expose the skin. Or, the animal hair was scraped to expose the skin, and an electrocardiograph electrode was directly attached to the skin. At this time, in order to increase the electrical conductivity between the skin and the electrocardiograph (in order to reduce the impedance), a cream or liquid substance to which an electrolyte that is hypoallergenic to the skin, such as sodium chloride, is added. Is applied to the electrode at the attachment portion or sprayed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In addition, since the electrocardiograph electrodes used for animals have body hair on the skin of the animals and the electrodes for the human body cannot be used at all, the electrocardiograph electrodes can be roughly divided into two types from the beginning of using the electrocardiographs for animals. Electrodes have been used. That is, an incision clip-type electrode attached with the animal skin sandwiched between them as shown in FIG. 3 and a needle-type electrode attached through the animal skin as shown in FIG. Although these two types of animal electrodes have undergone some design changes to date, basically, the skin is sandwiched with a metal with excellent electrical conductivity (conductivity), penetrated with a needle, etc. directly, and more The current situation is that it continues to be used for the purpose of adhering to the skin.
In FIG. 4, the tip of the needle-shaped electrode that penetrates the skin is pierced with an elastic member that is difficult to remove, such as a synthetic resin sponge. Prevents falling off.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-238868 (pages 2 and 3, FIG. 1)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional animal electrode attachment method and animal electrode structure, the animal must be attached as strongly and securely as possible, because the animal is easily displaced or disengaged even if the animal is somewhat violent. Using either a mouth clip-type electrode that is attached to the animal's skin as an animal-specific electrode or a needle-type electrode that is inserted through the animal's skin, the pain of the animal's skin is stimulated and causes some pain. Especially in the case of nervous dogs and cats and small pets, during the installation of the electrode for the animal, the animal rampages due to pain and screams, and unavoidably stops measuring the electrocardiogram waveform. There is a problem that it may be unavoidable.
Moreover, from the pet owner's point of view, the veterinarian who should help the lives of sick and weak animals, the pet's skin that he loves for the measurement of electrocardiograms, a painful metal mouth clip type electrode The act of pinching with a needle or penetrating with a needle electrode looks very cruel and is never trusted. For this reason, there are so many owners who appeal to stop measuring the electrocardiogram waveform.
Furthermore, the animals to be measured for electrocardiograms are all very old, have no physical strength, have some kind of disease, and most of them are nervous animals. It can be a burden.
That is, the animal-dedicated electrodes up to now have the following characteristics.
(1) There was a drawback of causing pain to animals to some extent.
(2) It has been considered that hair is an unfavorable condition for measuring an electrocardiographic waveform.
(3) The purpose is to attach the electrode directly and closely to the skin, so the more you try to hold the electrode on the skin, the more painful the animal will be and the less pain it will have. The more the effort was made, the more inconvenient that the electrode was more likely to fall off the skin.
(4) The owner's feelings were not considered much.
Under such circumstances, veterinary medicine has long been desired for animal electrode attachment methods and animal electrode structures that have solved some of the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0005]
According to one aspect of the present invention is intended to securely sandwich that the hair without separately adding an elastic component to the electrode.
The invention of claim 7, wherein is intended that reliably measure the physiological electrical activity in the body without giving an entirely pain to the animal.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an animal electrode attached to an animal body for measuring physiological electrical activity in the animal body, wherein the electrode is elastic. Bending a deformable and conductive material and elastically pressing it in a direction to sandwich only the animal's body hair, and an operation to open the gripping part in an anti-elastic direction in accordance with a manual pressing operation And an inductive cord connected to the electrode .
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the gripping portion is configured by a pair of pinching pieces having a parallel plane that face each other in an openable and closable manner. Features.
The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the structure of the invention described in claim 2 is provided with a structure in which a convex portion and a concave portion that are fitted to each other at the time of closing are formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of clip pieces. To do.
The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that a structure in which a locking groove is formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of sandwiching pieces is added to the structure of the invention described in claim 2 or 3.
The invention according to claim 5 adds a configuration in which an inclined guide portion is formed so as to spread slightly over at least one of the pair of sandwiching pieces to the configuration according to any one of claims 2 to 4. It is characterized by that.
The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that a configuration in which either one or both of the pair of sandwiching pieces is formed in a comb shape is added to the configuration of the invention described in any one of claims 2 to 5.
The invention according to claim 7 suspends the electrode near the skin of the animal in a state where only the hair is sandwiched by the grip portion of the animal electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the electrode and the skin And a fluidized conductive body containing an electrolyte attached or filled in the gap.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the animal-dedicated electrode B attached to the body of the animal A in order to measure physiological electrical activity in the animal A is elastically deformable such as metal. A gripping portion 1 for bending only one band A1 of animal A by bending a single strip-shaped plate B 'made of a material having excellent electrical conductivity (conductivity) and an operation portion 2 for opening the gripping portion 1 are provided. The case where it forms integrally is shown.
[0009]
The gripping portion 1 of the electrode B is composed of a pair of sandwiching pieces 1a and 1a that are openably and closably opposed to each other, and these sandwiching pieces 1a and 1a are disposed so as to be closed in a normal state. In order to increase the frictional resistance of the animal A with the body hair A1 sandwiched between 1a and 1a, the area of both the sandwiched pieces 1a and 1a in contact with the body hair A1 is increased or the body hair A1 is easily caught. It is preferable to form a concavo-convex pattern on both sandwiching pieces 1a and 1a.
[0010]
In the case of the present embodiment, the sandwiching pieces 1a and 1a are formed in parallel planes, and the opposing surfaces are formed by forming a convex portion 1b and a concave portion 1c that are fitted to each other at the time of closing. The curly hair A1 is bent along the convex portion 1b and the concave portion 1c to increase the contact area, and a locking groove 1d such as a lattice pattern is formed over the entire opposing surface, so that the sandwiched hair A1 has a frictional resistance. To make it harder to come off.
[0011]
Further, in the illustrated example, a necessary number of through holes 1e are opened in either one or both of the pinching pieces 1a and 1a, and the pinching state of the hair A1 can be visually confirmed through the through holes 1e.
[0012]
Then, either one of the sandwiching pieces 1a, 1a is bent at both ends in the width direction, or both of the end portions in the width direction are alternately bent to form the guide portions 1f, 1f that are inclined so as to spread slightly.
[0013]
Further, the operation part 2 of the electrode B is composed of a pair of pressing surfaces 2a, 2a provided so as to be movable in the direction of approaching or moving away from each other in succession to the sandwiching pieces 1a, 1a of the gripping part 1. The surfaces 2a and 2a are arranged apart from each other in a normal state, and are brought close to each other by a manual pressurizing operation.
[0014]
In the case of the present embodiment, the body of the electrode B is formed by bending a single belt-like plate B ′ made of an elastically deformable material such as metal, so that the pressing surfaces 2a and 2a are elastically formed in a normal state. And the clamping pieces 1a, 1a of the gripper 1 are closed, and the pressing surfaces 2a, 2a are manually pressed to approach each other, thereby opening both clamping pieces 1a, 1a in the anti-elastic direction. Let
[0015]
As a specific structure, the longitudinal center portion of the belt-like plate B ′ is bent into a U-shaped cross section, and narrow portions continuous at both ends of the bent portion 3 are crossed into a side X shape. The clip pieces 1a and 1a of the grip portion 1 are connected to the tip of the pin 4, respectively, and the clip pieces 1a and 1a are closed by using the elastic force that the bent portion 3 tries to restore to the original state before the bending. It is in surface contact by moving.
[0016]
On the other hand, the tip of the induction cord C is wired to the electrode B, and in the case of this embodiment, an electrocardiograph (not shown) is used as a measuring instrument for measuring physiological electrical activity in the animal A body. Is used, and the distal end of the guide cord C communicating with the electrocardiograph is connected to the bent portion 3 which does not interfere with the manual operation of the operation portion 2 described above.
[0017]
Furthermore, the electrode B is hung in close proximity to the skin A2 near the skin A2 of the animal A by holding only the body hair A1 with the pinching pieces 1a, 1a of the gripping part 1 and then releasing it from the hand. A gap between the electrode B and the skin A2 of the animal A is filled with, for example, by applying or filling a fluidized electric current D made of, for example, liquid or cream containing at least an electrolyte.
Here, the fluidized electric current D is obtained not only in a commercially available electrocardiograph electrode cream or a chemical solution sprayed by a spray as described in JP-A No. 2002-238868, but also in clinical settings. Almost all electrolyte solutions are included, such as possible lactolin gel and physiological saline.
[0018]
Next, such an animal electrode mounting method and an animal electrode structure will be described in the order of work steps.
First, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), if the operation part 2 of the electrode B is picked up and pressed by a finger, for example, the clip pieces 1a, 1a of the grip part 1 are automatically opened and are brought close to the animal A as they are. Then, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), if only the hair A1 is sandwiched and then released, the electrode B is suspended beside the skin A2 as shown in FIG. It is set close to the body hair A1 and air in between.
[0019]
As a result, the hair A1, which has been a disadvantageous condition in the conventional method of directly attaching the electrode to the skin, is effectively used as an attachment means for the animal-dedicated electrode B, and is securely held regardless of the length of the hair A1. Even if animal A is rampant a little, it will not come off.
[0020]
Further, the flowing electric conductor D containing the electrolyte is attached from the suspended electrode B to the skin A2, or the gap between the electrode B and the skin A2 is filled with the flowing electric conductor D and buried.
[0021]
As a result, various tests were attempted using the impedance between the electrode B and the skin A2 as a guideline. Even if the skin A2 and the electrode B were not in contact with each other, It was found that sufficient electrical conductivity sufficient to measure the electrocardiographic waveform was secured.
[0022]
As a result, since the pain sensation of animal A is not stimulated at all and there is no pain, animal A measures the electrocardiogram waveform gently, and as a result, an unnecessary electric potential such as a myoelectric waveform due to the excitement of the muscles in the body is obtained. It is not affected, and even a weak heart physiological electrical activity (voltage) can be reliably received, whereby an electrocardiogram can be measured to reliably collect an electrocardiogram.
[0023]
Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the elastically deformable material is bent, and the gripping portion 1 that is elastically pressed in the direction of sandwiching the hair A1 of the animal A, and the gripping portion 1 is moved in the anti-elastic direction. Since the operation unit 2 is integrally formed, if the operation unit 2 is manually pressurized, the grip 1 is opened, and the body hair A1 is inserted between the grips 1, and the operation unit 2 is added. If the pressure operation is released, the hair A1 is elastically sandwiched between the gripping portions 1 and hardly leaves the hair A1 until the gripping portion 1 is pressed again.
[0024]
As a result, there is an advantage that the hair A1 can be securely sandwiched using the elastic force of the electrode B itself without adding an additional elastic component to the electrode B.
[0025]
In particular, when the body of the electrode B is manufactured by bending a single belt-like plate B ′ made of an elastically deformable material such as metal instead of a combination of components, heat (boiling) or Any sterilization method such as gas (ethylene oxide gas) can be used, and no elastic parts such as a spring coil are used. Therefore, no germs remain even in gas sterilization.
[0026]
Further, as shown in the figure, the pinching state of the hair A1 is visually confirmed through the through hole 1e opened in at least one of the pinching pieces 1a and 1a, so that the number of the hairs A1 pinched is small and the electrode B falls. When it is likely, the operator can be alerted to re-pin.
[0027]
Furthermore, by forming guide portions 1f and 1f that are inclined so as to spread slightly over at least one of the sandwiching pieces 1a and 1a, the body hair A1 sandwiched between the sandwiching pieces 1a and 1a is formed at both ends in the width direction. It plays the role of a bank so as not to run away from the side, and also has a role of protection to prevent the skin A2 from being accidentally pinched by the pinching pieces 1a, 1a.
[0028]
In the above-described embodiment, the entire electrode B is formed by bending a single belt-like plate B ′ made of a material that can be elastically deformed, such as metal, and has excellent electrical conductivity (conductivity). Although an operation unit 2 shows a case that is integrally formed, not limited to this, may be plated and superior silver and gold, especially in electric conductivity (conductivity) as needed.
[0029]
Further, the sandwiching pieces 1a and 1a of the gripping portion 1 are not limited to the illustrated shapes, but although not shown, for example, one or both of the sandwiching pieces 1a and 1a are formed in a comb shape so as to have a different contact area. And a measure for preventing the hair A1 from detaching.
[0030]
Furthermore, when an electrocardiogram is measured and an electrocardiogram is collected by connecting a lead cord C communicating with the electrocardiograph to the electrode B as a measuring instrument for measuring physiological electrical activity in the animal A body. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be used for measurements other than the electrocardiographic waveform, such as a brain waveform and a myoelectric waveform.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a gripping portion that is elastically pressed in a direction of sandwiching animal hair by bending an elastically deformable and conductive material. By integrally forming an operating part that opens the gripping part in the anti-elastic direction, if the operating part is manually pressed, the gripping part opens and the hair is inserted between the gripping parts. If the pressure operation of the operation part is released, the body hair is elastically sandwiched in the gripping part, and it hardly detaches from the hair until the gripping part is pressed again, so an additional elastic part is added to the electrode Even if it does not do, it can pinch a hair reliably.
Therefore, the structure of the electrode can be simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the sterilization can be facilitated to reduce the maintenance cost.
[0032]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, only the animal body hair is sandwiched between the electrode gripping portions, and the electrode hair is suspended near the animal skin. On the other hand, by effectively filling the gap between the suspended electrode and the skin and filling it with a fluidized current conductor, the conductivity is promoted and even if the electrode is not contacted with the skin, Since energization is possible, physiological electrical activity in the body can be reliably measured without causing any pain to the animal.
Therefore, compared to the conventional animal electrode structure that uses a mouth clip-type electrode attached across the animal's skin or a needle-type electrode attached through the animal's skin, the electrode does not necessarily come into direct contact with the skin. Therefore, there is no stress such as hurt or suffering to animals, and it is possible to easily measure electrocardiographic waveforms even in elderly animals with serious illness, and it is impossible to measure with conventional animal electrodes Even so nervous animals can measure ECG waveforms, and the owner does not see cruel behavior, so not only will there be no one who refuses to measure ECG waveforms for their pets Furthermore, since it is not necessary to shave body hair or scrape it to expose the skin, it is easy for a veterinarian to perform medical care.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A and 1B are explanatory views of an animal electrode structure showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a state before attachment, FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state after attachment, ) Is a partially enlarged sectional view.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an electrode, where (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where a gripping portion is closed, and (b) is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where the gripping portion is opened.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional animal electrode structure.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional animal electrode structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
A Animal A1 Hair A2 Skin B Electrode B 'Elastically deformable material (strip-shaped plate) D Fluidized current body 1 Gripping part 2 Operating part

Claims (7)

Animals (A) within the physiological electrical activity Oite the animal electrodes to Fit the body of the animal (A) in order to measure,
The electrode (B) is a gripping part (1) that is elastically pressed in a direction in which only the animal hair (A1) is sandwiched by bending an elastically deformable and conductive material (B ′). And an operating portion (2) for opening the gripping portion (1) in an anti-elastic direction in accordance with a manual pressurizing operation, and an induction cord (C) is attached to the electrode (B). animal electrodes, characterized in that connected. The animal electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping part (1) is composed of a pair of sandwiching pieces (1a, 1a) facing each other so as to be openable and closable and having parallel planes. The animal electrode according to claim 2, wherein a convex part (1b) and a concave part (1c) which are fitted to each other at the time of closing are formed on opposing surfaces of the pair of clip pieces (1a, 1a). The animal electrode according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a locking groove (1d) is formed in an opposing surface of the pair of sandwich pieces (1a, 1a). 5. The veterinary product according to claim 2, wherein a guide portion (1 f, 1 f) inclined so as to spread slightly is formed on at least one of the pair of sandwiching pieces (1 a, 1 a). electrode. The animal electrode according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein one or both of the pair of sandwich pieces (1a, 1a) are formed in a comb shape. The electrode (B) is hung near the skin (A2) of the animal (A) in a state where only the hair (A1) is sandwiched by the gripping part (1) for the animal electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An animal electrode mounting structure characterized by being lowered and adhering or filling a fluidized conductive body (D) containing an electrolyte in a gap between the electrode (B) and the skin (A2).

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