JPH07284481A - Electrode assembly for taking out living body electric signal, electrode holder, living body electric signal taking-out apparatus and electrode assembly washing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To detect a stable living body electric signal without using electrode paste by forming a stepped part and a silver chloride film on the surface of the silver electrode bonded to the skin and arranging the fixing means connectable to the rear surface of the silver electrode in a freely detachable manner. CONSTITUTION:An electrode assembly 11 is used in the state bonded to the skin in order to take out the electric signal generated in a living body. In this case, a gently protruding surface 13 is formed to a silver electrode 12 having an edge part 15. A circular stepped part 14 is formed on the surface 13 of the silver electrode 12 by cutting processing using a lathe and a silver chloride film 16 is formed thereon by electroplating. A fixing means 17 having a screw part is arranged in the silver electrode 10. By this constitution, the contact resistance of the silver chloride film 16 and the skin is reduced and a stable living body electric signal can be detected without using electrode paste. Since the electrode assembly 11 is simply detached from an electrode holder through the fixing means 17, it can be easily and properly cleaned.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrode assembly for extracting a bioelectric signal, which is used in an inspection apparatus for extracting an electric signal generated in a living body and inspecting a disorder in the living body, an electrode holder, and a bioelectricity. The present invention relates to a signal extraction device, an electrode assembly cleaning device, and an electrode assembly cleaning method. Particularly, an electrode assembly for an electrocardiograph for inspecting a heart function, or an eye movement test device for inspecting a brain disorder or a balance function by an eye movement described later, and an electrode holder, a device for extracting a bioelectric signal, and an electrode assembly cleaning. The present invention relates to an apparatus and an electrode assembly cleaning method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An inspection device utilizing bioelectric signals is
In addition to the well-known electrocardiograph, there is an eye movement test device. This eye movement testing device is used for a test for finding a disorder of the visual organ, vestibule, brain stem, cerebrum, or cerebellum. An eye movement test device that focuses on causing dizziness or imbalance when there is a disorder in the visual system, vestibule, brainstem, cerebrum, or cerebellum, for example, slowly examines the screen of the subject 50 cm to 100 cm in front of the eye. Alternatively, a spot light or a light striped pattern that moves quickly is gazed at, and the movement of the eyeball that follows the light is extracted as a bioelectric signal. In recent years, the electrocardiograph and the eye movement test apparatus have been greatly improved in terms of performance such as stable test results being obtained along with the progress and development of medical electronics technology. However, even if the medical performance of each of the above-described inspection devices is improved, the quality of the inspection can be good or bad depending on how to use the inspection device.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an electrode for extracting a bioelectric signal in a conventional example. In FIG. 12, an electrode 121 is for taking out a bioelectric signal from the skin of the human body, and is made of, for example, a silver member. The electrode 121 is applied to the skin side of the human body in the concave portion 1
22, a silver chloride coating 123 which is a stable coating formed on the concave portion 122 with a low electric resistance, a lead wire 124 electrically attached to the opposite side of the concave portion 122 by a solder 125, and The insulating coating member 126 covers a part of the lead wire 124 and the solder 125.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a bioelectric signal extracting electrode in a conventional example is attached to an inspection site of a human body. In FIG. 13, a high protein (eg, keratin) that does not harm the skin 131, and salt (Nacl) are placed on the skin 131, which is the inspection site of the human body.
The electrode paste 132 containing as a main component is applied in an amount enough to fill the concave surface portion 122 of the electrode 121. Further, in order to reduce the contact resistance between the skin 131 and the silver chloride coating 123, the electrode 121 is applied to the skin 131 by a medical adhesive tape (not shown) after being applied by a predetermined amount. The weak bioelectric signal in the living body is transmitted from the skin 131 to the electrode paste 132 and the electrode 12.
1. It is sent to an electrocardiograph or an eye movement test device (not shown) through the lead wire 124.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a conventional bioelectric signal extraction electrode cleaning device. Figure 1
In FIG. 4, the bioelectric signal extraction electrode cleaning device includes, for example, a container 141 made of acrylic resin and a saline solution 142 contained in the container 141. Then, the electrodes 121 and 12 for which the inspection has been completed
1 ′, 121 ″, etc. are washed by being soaked in saline 142 in the washing device for the electrode for extracting bioelectric signals so that the electrode paste does not dry and the contact resistance between the skin 131 and the electrode 121 does not become high. Dry electrode paste 13
No. 2 is washed by applying it to saline, which is almost the same component.

[0006]

In recent years, the performance of an electrocardiograph, an eye movement test apparatus, or an electrode paste applied between the bioelectric signal extraction electrode and the skin has been improved. However, this type of inspection apparatus that does not use an electrode paste has not been available yet, and an object to be inspected by the electrode paste may be unpleasant during application or during subsequent cleaning. Further, when the amount of the electrode paste applied is small, the contact resistance increases, and a stable bioelectric signal cannot be taken out. When the amount is large, the electrode paste sticks out of the electrode, impairing the adhesiveness of the medical adhesive tape.

The protruding electrode paste not only increases discomfort, but may penetrate into the soldered portion of the lead wire. When the electrode paste adheres to the lead wire and the soldered part, electromotive force is generated between different metals in this part,
Easily corrodes, increasing electrical resistance if not cut. If the contact resistance between the skin and the electrode is high, the movement of the body causes an unstable bioelectric signal, so an electrode paste that reduces the contact resistance between the skin and the electrode is essential for this type of test. It was something. Further, the electrode paste not only causes discomfort to the person to be inspected, but also needs to be applied to each inspection location, which deteriorates the efficiency of the inspection.

If not cleaned after use, the electrode paste dries and changes the electrical resistance between the skin and the electrodes. Therefore, after the medical examination, the electrode is washed by immersing it in a saline solution close to the main component of the electrode paste so that the electrode paste does not dry. However, washing the electrode with saline causes the saline to enter the lead wire portion and cause electrolysis at this portion, increasing the resistance of the electrode. After the electrode is washed with saline, the silver chloride film portion of the electrode is wiped with a cloth or the like. The silver chloride film is so thin that if it is frequently wiped with a cloth or the like, its surface will be scratched or abraded, increasing the resistance and failing to detect an accurate bioelectric signal. .

In order to solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrode assembly for extracting a bioelectric signal, which can obtain a stable bioelectric signal without using an electrode paste. And An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode holder to which a bioelectric signal extraction electrode assembly can be detachably attached. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for extracting a bioelectric signal, which is convenient for an eye movement inspection device and the like. The present invention is
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly cleaning apparatus for bioelectric signal extraction that does not damage the silver chloride coating formed on the electrode, and a cleaning method thereof.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(First Invention) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an electrode assembly for taking out bioelectric signals (11 in FIG. 1) of the present invention is one in which an electrode is attached to the skin to take out an electric signal generated in a living body. The silver electrode (12 in FIG. 1) having a step (14 in FIG. 1) formed on the surface (13 in FIG. 1) gently protruding from the skin and the silver electrode (12) It is composed of a silver chloride film formed on the surface (16 in FIG. 1) and a fixing means (17 in FIG. 1) provided on the back surface of the silver electrode (12) which can be detachably connected.

(Second invention) In order to achieve the above object,
The bioelectric signal extraction electrode assembly of the present invention (refer to FIG.
1 ') is for attaching an electrode to the skin to take out an electric signal generated in a living body, and has an uneven portion (Fig. 1 (b) and 1
4, 32 of FIG. 3) is provided on the surface of the silver electrode (12), and a silver chloride film (1) formed on the surface of the silver electrode (12).
6) and a fixing means (17 'in FIG. 1) which is provided on the back surface of the silver electrode (12) and which can be detachably connected.

(Third Invention) The electrode holder of the present invention (see FIG. 4)
41, 51 in FIG. 5, 61 in FIG. 6) is an electrode assembly (11, 11 ′ shown in FIG. 2) for attaching an electrode to the skin to extract an electrical signal generated in the living body.
1 and 31) of FIG. 3 are detachably attached,
The electrode assembly (11, 11 ', 21, 31) is detachably attached to the fixing means (17, 17', 18 in FIG. 1, 22, 23 in FIG. 2, 33, 34 in FIG. 3), and
Electrically connectable terminals (42 in FIG. 4, 52 in FIG. 5,
6 and 62) and the terminal portions (42, 52, 6).
2, 63) and a lead wire (45 in FIGS. 4 and 5 and 65 in FIG. 6) electrically connected to the inspection device.

(Fourth Invention) The bioelectric signal extraction electrode assembly of the present invention is one in which an electrode is attached to the skin to extract the electric signal generated in the living body, and the shape is such that it digs into the skin with a soft touch. Is provided on the surface of the silver electrode (12 in FIG. 7), the silver chloride film (16 in FIG. 7) formed on the surface of the silver electrode (12), and the back surface of the silver electrode (12). From the fixing means (17, 18 in FIG. 7) that can be detachably connected and the lead wire (45 in FIG. 7) that is detachably attached to the fixing means (17, 18) and is led to the inspection device. Terminal part (42 in FIG. 7)
And a sucker attached to the terminal portion (42) and containing the silver electrode (12) therein (71 in FIG. 7).
Composed of and.

(Embodiment 5) The bioelectric signal extraction device of the present invention extracts the electric signal generated in the living body in the eye movement inspection in which the eyeball is made to follow the rapid movement of the light source projected on the screen. , A silver electrode with a shape that softly touches the skin (12)
And a silver chloride coating (16 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) formed on the surface of the silver electrode (12) and a detachable connection provided on the back surface of the silver electrode (12). The electrode assembly (11 'in FIG. 9) comprising means (17, 17', 18, 22, 23, 33, 34) is symmetrical with respect to the eye on the inner surface of the inspection goggles (81 in FIG. 8). In position, the fixing means (17, 17 ', 18, 22, 23, 33, 3
4) A terminal part (42, 52, 62, 63) that is detachably attached to and electrically connectable to the terminal part (42, 52, 62, 63), and to an inspection device. It is characterized in that it is detachably attached to an electrode holder (41, 51, 51 ', 61) composed of lead wires (45, 65) led out.

(Sixth Invention) In the electrode assembly cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the electrode is attached to the skin to extract the electrical signal generated in the living body, and the electrode assembly for extracting the bioelectric signal (1)
1, 11 ', 21, 31) is for cleaning the surface of the silver electrode (12), and a physiological saline solution (Fig.
1) 112) in the container (111 in FIG. 11)
And a power supply (see FIG. 11) via a switch (114 in FIG. 11).
113) connected to the positive side of the silver plate (11 in FIG. 11).
5) and the negative side of the power source (113),
At least one electrode assembly (11, 11 ', 21, 3
1) and a mounting portion (116 in FIG. 11) to which the mounting portion 1) can be detachably mounted.

(Seventh Invention) In the electrode assembly cleaning method of the present invention, the electrode is attached to the skin to take out an electric signal generated in the living body, and the bioelectric signal taking-out electrode assembly (1) is used.
1, 11 ', 21, 31) is a method of cleaning the surface of an electrode, and the same metal as the electrode is used as a cathode electrode, and an electrode assembly (11, 11', 21, 3) for extracting bioelectric signals is used.
1) is used as an anode electrode, and electrolysis is performed by applying a low voltage to both electrodes.

[0018]

[Work]

(First Invention) The present applicant has focused on making the electrode assembly removable and providing a silver chloride coating on the surface of the silver electrode for easy cleaning. For example, before performing an electrocardiograph or an eye movement test device, the electrode assembly attached to the electrode holder is attached by a medical adhesive tape or the like in a state of being pressed against the examination location of the subject.
When the electrode assembly is pressed against the skin of the person to be inspected, for example, a circular step portion is formed on the surface that gently protrudes from the skin. Therefore, the silver electrode does not cause discomfort to the skin and has a small electric resistance during this period, and thus a stable bioelectric signal can be obtained without using the conventional electrode paste. In addition, the fixing means provided on the back surface of the silver electrode, which can be detachably connected, allows the electrode assembly to be easily removed from the electrode holder, so that it can be cleaned without damaging the surface during cleaning, increasing the electrical resistance. There is no.

(Second Invention) The present applicant has tried to change the surface of the silver electrode to obtain a biological signal from the skin. The surface of the silver electrode, when pressed against the skin of the person to be inspected, does not cause discomfort to the skin by the protrusion formed on the surface of the electrode,
It consists of uneven parts that are shaped so as to dig in with a soft touch.
Therefore, the contact area between the silver chloride film formed on the surface of the silver electrode in the electrode assembly and the skin is increased, and a stable bioelectric signal can be obtained without using the conventional electrode paste. it can. Further, as in the first aspect of the invention, the attachment / detachment of the electrode assembly to / from the electrode holder is provided with a fixing means on the back surface of the silver electrode so that the silver electrode can be easily removed. It is possible and does not increase the electric resistance.

Further, the present applicant does not simply provide a protrusion on the surface of the silver electrode, but does not feel any pain on the skin,
Moreover, it was discovered that a bioelectric signal can be stably obtained when it has a shape that bites into it. For example, the first invention and the second
The invention is that the surface of the silver electrode has a plurality of stepped portions, mountain-shaped irregularities,
Alternatively, columnar irregularities can be arranged randomly. Further, the surface of the silver electrode can be provided by combining various shapes. The surface of the silver electrode as described above reduces the contact resistance between the electrode and the skin without feeling pain, even if the test subject softly touches the skin, and uses the electrode paste. Even without doing so, a stable bioelectric signal can be taken out.

(Third Invention) In the third invention, the bioelectric signal extracting electrode assembly and the electrode holder are detachably attached by, for example, screws, hooks, snaps, clips, or the like. Therefore, the electrode assembly can be easily removed from the electrode holder for cleaning. And the lead wire part of the electrode holder is
Since it does not need to be washed and it does not corrode, a stable bioelectric signal can be taken out.

(Fourth invention) A fourth invention is that a bioelectric signal extraction electrode assembly and a terminal portion to which a lead wire leading to an inspection device is attached are detachable, and a sucker accommodating a silver electrode. Is attached to the terminal. Therefore, the electrode assembly is attached to the skin at the inspection site by the suction cup without being pressed by the medical adhesive tape. The pressing by the suction cup keeps the silver electrode and the skin in contact with each other with a constant pressure during the inspection, so that the electrode paste becomes unnecessary and a stable bioelectric signal can be obtained.

(Fifth Invention) The fifth invention is applied to an eye movement inspection apparatus for causing the eye to follow the rapid movement of the light source projected on the screen. Since the electrode assembly provided with the detachable fixing means is detachably attached to the inner surface of the inspection goggles in a symmetrical position with respect to the eyeball,
There is no need to attach a plurality of electrode assemblies through the electrode paste during the inspection. Further, the electrode assembly attached to the inspection goggles comes into contact with the skin at a constant pressure by the band, so that a stable bioelectric signal can be obtained.

(Sixth Invention and Seventh Invention)
We have found that low voltage electrolysis using a power supply cleans the silver chloride coating on the electrode assembly and forms a silver chloride plating to repair the worn silver chloride coating. . The electrode assembly can be cleaned by inserting it into a container containing physiological saline and connecting a silver plate to the positive side and the negative side of a 1.5-volt dry cell, for example. Therefore, the surface of the silver chloride coating is
Since it is always clean and the damaged portion is repaired by electrolysis, a stable bioelectric signal can be obtained.

[0025]

[Examples] FIGS. 1A and 1B are views for explaining an electrode assembly according to first and second embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 1A, the electrode assembly 11 is
On the silver electrode 12 having the edge portion 15 and the gently protruding surface 13 formed on the surface of the silver electrode 12, for example,
A circular step 14 formed by cutting with a lathe,
On the surface 13, a silver chloride coating 16 formed by electroplating, for example, and a fixing means 17 having a screw inside the silver electrode 12 are formed. Silver electrode 12
Since is a soft material, it is easy to mold the stepped portion 14 and the screw portion.

In FIG. 1B, the electrode assembly 11 '.
Is a silver electrode 12 having an edge portion 15, a gentle convex surface 13 formed on the surface of the silver electrode 12, and a mountain-shaped protrusion that is soft-touched by the convex surface 13 when pressed against the skin. 14 ', and the silver chloride coating 16 formed on the convex surface 13 and the protruding portion 14', for example, by electroplating.
And a terminal electrode 17 'attached to the silver electrode 12, and a recess 18 serving as a fixing means. Silver electrode 1
Since 2 is soft as a material, it is easy to change the shape of the protrusion 14 '. In addition, the protrusion 14 'is shown in FIG.
It is possible to form a mountain shape with a gentle slope or to make the height higher than that shown in (b) so that the skin does not feel pain. Further, the protrusions 14 ′ are provided so as to be distributed evenly on the convex surface 13. As for the processing of the protrusion 14 'shown in FIG. 1B, since the silver is relatively soft, the cutting processing,
Alternatively, pressing can be done easily. In addition to the above processing method, there is also a method in which a powder alloy of silver is molded with a mold and then sintered. Furthermore, as another method, the protrusions 14 'can be provided on the surface by using a knurling machine.

FIG. 2 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in FIG.
It is a figure for demonstrating an electrode assembly different from (B).
In FIG. 2, the difference from the second embodiment lies in the fixing means of the electrode assembly 21. That is, the electrode assembly 21
Has a screw portion 22 on the terminal electrode 23 as a fixing means. Further, a knurl 24 is cut on the edge portion 15 of the silver electrode 12 so that the electrode assembly 21 can be detachably detached from an electrode holder described later. Therefore, when the electrode assembly 21 is attached and detached, the electrode assembly 21 and the electrode holder can be easily attached and detached by grasping the part of the knurl 24 with a finger and rotating it.

FIG. 3 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in FIG.
FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining an electrode assembly different from FIG. 2B. The silver chloride coating 16 shown in FIGS.
Is drawn by a line, but is the same as in FIG. In FIG. 3, what is different from the second and third embodiments is the shape of the projection of the electrode assembly 31 and the structure of the fixing means. That is, the electrode assembly 31
Has a columnar protrusion 32 formed on the convex surface 13 of the silver electrode 12. When the electrode assembly 31 is pressed against the skin, the columnar protrusion 32 bites into the skin with a soft touch and reduces the contact resistance between the skin and the silver electrode 12 at this portion.

Therefore, the columnar projections 32 have various deformations other than the above-mentioned shapes as long as they do not cause pain on the skin. In addition, the mountain-shaped projection 1 of the second embodiment
It is also possible to combine 4'and the columnar protrusion 32. Further, the fixing means is provided with a recess 34 and an insertion protrusion 35 in the terminal electrode 33, and has a shape that facilitates insertion when the terminal electrode 33 is inserted into the counterpart electrode holder. Further, the shape of the insertion projection 35 is not higher or lower than the shape of the silver electrode 12, and the work of attachment / detachment is easy.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an electrode holder detachably connected to an electrode assembly in a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the electrode holder 41 includes a terminal portion 42 to which the electrode assembly 11 ′ or 31 is attached,
It is composed of a lead wire 45 that is electrically connected to the terminal portion 42 and is led to an inspection device. The terminal portion 42 is the terminal electrode 1 of the electrode assembly 11 'or 31.
It is composed of an insertion recess 43 into which 7'or 33 is inserted and, for example, a snap ring 44 provided inside the insertion recess 43. The terminal electrode 17 'or 33 of the electrode assembly 11' or 31 is the electrode holder 4 described above.
When it is inserted into the insertion recess 43 of No. 1, the snap ring 44
Engages in the recess 18 or 34 of the terminal electrode 17 ′ or 33, once expanded. Electrode assembly 11 'or 3
When removing 1 from the electrode holder 41, the electrode assembly 11 '
Alternatively, the engagement between the recess 18 or 34 and the snap ring 44 is released by a force such that the edge 15 of 31 is pulled out.

Further, the snap ring 44 and the terminal electrode 1
The electrical resistance with 7'or 33 is not a problem because the contact resistance between the skin and the silver electrode 12 is several kilo-ohms. On the terminal portion 42 as described above, a lead wire 45 that leads to an inspection device (not shown) is electrically connected, for example,
After the solder 46 has been applied, it is covered with an insulating cover member 47. The electrode assemblies 21 to 31 are
Since it can be easily attached and detached from the electrode holder 41 as described above, it is possible to wash only a necessary portion. Therefore, the connecting portion between the electrode holder 41 and the lead wire 45 is
Eliminates damage from cleaning fluid.

FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention, which are views for explaining an electrode holder different from the fifth embodiment in which the electrode assembly is detachably connected. is there. In FIG. 5A, in the electrode holder 51 of the sixth embodiment, the female screw portion 5 is inserted into the insertion recess 53 of the terminal portion 52.
4 is provided, which is different from the fifth embodiment. For example, the screw portion 22 of the electrode assembly 21 shown in FIG. 2 is screwed into the screw portion 54 of the electrode holder 51. Electrode assembly 2
In the case of No. 1, since the knurl 24 is cut on the edge portion 15, the knurl 24 is easily screwed into the screw portion 54 of the electrode holder 51 by grasping and rotating the knurl 24.
In FIG. 5B, the electrode holder 51 'of the seventh embodiment.
What is different from the electrode holder 51 of the sixth embodiment is that
The point is that a male screw portion 54 'is provided on the protrusion 53'. Then, the male screw portion 54 'of the electrode holder 51'
Is screwed onto the screw portion of the fixing means 17 of the silver electrode 12 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an eighth embodiment of the present invention and is a view for explaining an electrode holder different from those shown in FIGS. 4, 5 (a) and 5 (b). 6 is different from the fifth to seventh embodiments in that the electrode holder 61 is of a clip type. That is, the electrode holder 61 of the eighth embodiment has the electrode assembly 11 'or 3 provided at the tip of the sandwiching member 62 made of an insulating member.
Electrode assembly holding portion 63 made of a conductive member for holding 1
And the sandwiching member 62 causes the electrode assembly 11 'or 31
It comprises a spring member 64 that serves as a force for clamping the electrode assembly, a lead wire 65 that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly clamping portion 63, and a plug 66 that connects the lead wire 65 to an inspection device (not shown). Has been done. Electrode assembly 11 '
Or the concave portion 1 of the terminal electrode 17 'or 33 in 31
8 or 34 is held by the electrode assembly holding portion 63 of the electrode holder 61. Then, the electrode holder 61 sandwiching the electrode assembly 11 'or 31 is placed on the skin at the inspected site and attached by a medical adhesive tape. The electrode holder 61 of the eighth embodiment has a holding member 62.
The electrode assembly 11 ′ or 31 can be easily attached and detached by simply pushing against the spring member 64.

FIG. 7 is a ninth embodiment of the present invention and is a view for explaining an unnecessary electrode holder for a medical adhesive tape. 7 is different from the first to seventh embodiments in that a suction cup 71 is attached to the terminal portion 42 or 52 of the electrode holder 41 or 51 '. The suction cup 71 is made of, for example, a plastic member and has a size capable of accommodating the electrode assemblies 11 to 31. FIG. 7 shows the electrode assembly 1 of the second embodiment.
Although 1'is shown, it may be the electrode assemblies 11, 21, 31 of the first, third and fourth embodiments. When the one in the state shown in FIG. 7 is pressed against the skin of the subject, the air in the suction cup 71 escapes to the outside of the suction cup 71 and becomes a vacuum state, whereby it is attached to the skin. The suction force of the suction cup 71 is
It is always constant, and the protrusion 14 'of the silver electrode 12 bites into the skin with a soft touch to reduce the electric resistance of this portion and obtain a stable bioelectric signal.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the inspection goggles used in the eye movement inspection apparatus in the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a state in which a silver electrode is attached inside the inspection goggles shown in FIG. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the inspection goggles 81 used in the eye movement inspection apparatus include a frame member 82 along both eyes and a peripheral portion in the vicinity thereof, and a spot light source that moves when the eyeball moves up, down, left and right. It is composed of a transparent portion 83 having a transparent portion in a range where the band can be moved, a band 84 for stopping the inspection goggles 81 behind the head, and a detachable portion 85 for the band 84. As shown in FIG. 9, inside the inspection goggles 81, for example, electrode assemblies 11 'are attached to the left and right of the frame member 82 at positions corresponding to temples. The electrode assembly 11 '
Is detachably attached to an electrode holder (not shown) fixed to the inspection goggles 81 via a lead wire (not shown). The bioelectric signal detected from the electrode assembly 11 'passes through the frame member 82 and is led via the lead wire 86 to an eye movement test apparatus (not shown).

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of electrodes in the eye movement inspection apparatus. In FIG. 10, the electrode assemblies are arranged symmetrically around the pupil of the eyeball. For example, the electrode assembly 11 'shown in FIG. 9 is indicated by the symbols a and b in FIG. 10 at the position corresponding to the temple. In addition, the positions at which the electrode assembly 11 'is arranged are combinations such as code d and code e, code f and code g, code a and code ch, code ch and code b, and the like. Then, the common electrode is arranged at a position corresponding to the center of the forehead indicated by symbol C.

For example, the person to be inspected has the electrode assembly 11 '.
Attached to the test goggles 81 and a band 84 behind the head adjusts a predetermined pressure between the electrode assembly 11 'and the skin. Then, when the examinee gazes at the spot light or the light stripe pattern that moves slowly or quickly on the screen of 50 cm to 100 cm in front of the eye, the movement of the eyeball causes
A bioelectric signal is detected. Inspected person, sight, vestibule,
When the brain stem, cerebrum, or cerebellum is damaged, dizziness or imbalance occurs, so when the above eye movements are examined,
The waveform of the bioelectric signal differs from that of a healthy person. The bioelectric signal from the person to be inspected is the silver electrode 12 of the electrode assembly 11 '.
If the silver chloride coating 16 formed above is damaged, it becomes unstable and causes noise of unknown cause, which appears in the eye movement inspection apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure for demonstrating the washing | cleaning apparatus which wash | cleans an electrode assembly. In FIG. 11, the cleaning device includes, for example, a liquid storage tank 111 made of acrylic resin, a saline solution 112 stored in the liquid storage tank 111 as an electrolytic solution, and a negative electrode of a 1.5-volt dry battery 113. , Is connected to the silver plate 115 in the physiological saline 112 and the positive electrode of the 1.5-volt dry battery 113, and is in the physiological saline 112. The mounting member 116 is made of a conductive member. In addition, the mounting member 116 allows the plurality of electrode assemblies 21 to be easily and removably mounted.
A mounting portion (not shown) is provided. In addition,
If the voltage of the power supply is 1.5 V, the electrode assembly 21
It takes a long time to wash, and if it is raised to about 9 volts, it can be washed in a short time. In addition, the power supply is not limited to dry batteries, but can be designed with special specifications and can have a built-in timer.

After the inspection is completed, the electrode assembly 21 is removed from the electrode holder, mounted on the mounting member 116, and then immersed in the liquid storage tank 111 in which the physiological saline 112 is stored. Then, when the switch 114 is closed, a potential difference is generated between the silver plate 115 and both electrodes of the electrode assembly 21, and electrolysis occurs. That is, the above electrolysis cleans and strengthens the silver chloride coating 16 formed on the surface of the silver electrode 12 in the electrode assembly 21, where silver chloride is generated. In addition, the applicant of the present invention has made the electrode assembly 21
With the switch 114 of the dry battery 113 open,
It was discovered that when soaked in physiological saline 112 for a long time, the same effect as described above can be obtained with a slight discharge current.

FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) show the eighth embodiment to which the electrode assembly according to the present invention is attached, and the goggles for inspection in the eighth embodiment are attached with the conventional electrodes to inspect the eye movement. It is a figure for comparing a result. The data shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) are obtained by allowing a healthy subject to wear test goggles to which the electrode assembly of the first embodiment and the conventional electrode shown in FIG. 12 are attached. 5
When a spot light slowly moving on a 0 cm screen is gazed, it represents a bioelectric signal detected by the movement of the eyeball. In the above experiment, both the first embodiment and the conventional one were inspected depending on the case where the electrode paste was not used. Further, the arrangement of the electrodes in the electrode assembly of the first embodiment or the conventional example is indicated by the symbols a and b shown in FIG. 10, and the earth electrode is indicated by the symbol c.

The horizontal axis shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) is
The time (sec) axis and the vertical axis represent the magnitude of the bioelectric signal (μV). The data of this embodiment shown in FIG. 15 (a) is a healthy subject without any noise of unknown cause, and therefore bioelectric signals that follow the regular eye movements are detected alternately with respect to the reference voltage. Has been done. The contact resistance between the skin and the electrode assembly was found to be 6K ohms to 7.5K ohms from the detected bioelectric signal. On the other hand, when the conventional electrode shown in FIG. 15B is used, the data does not follow the regular eye movements even though the subject is healthy.
Moreover, there is a drift of which the cause is unknown (an electric signal is not alternately generated with respect to the reference voltage). The contact resistance between the skin and the electrode was found to be about 70K ohms from the detected bioelectric signal. That is, it can be seen that unless the electrode paste is used in the conventional electrode, noise of unknown cause is included and a correct inspection result cannot be obtained.

Although this embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to this embodiment. Various design changes can be made without departing from the present invention described in the claims. For example, in the embodiments, the silver electrode of the electrode assembly has been described as having a curved surface on the skin side, but it is not limited to this shape, and may include a flat surface, a curved surface having a different inclination, and the like. . The shape of the protrusion formed on the silver electrode is described as a stepped portion, a mountain shape, or a column shape in the examples, but the shape is not limited to this, and the contact area with the skin is large, and the shape is soft to the skin. It goes without saying that various modifications and the like are included as long as they can be bitten by touch. Further, the fixing means for the electrode assembly and the electrode holder has been described in the embodiment by using the snap ring and the screw, but the fixing means is not limited to this and includes known or known fixing means. Further, the film formed on the surface of the silver electrode is not limited to silver chloride, and may be any member that is rich in conductivity and can be easily electrolyzed.

In this embodiment, an electrocardiograph for examining heart function,
Alternatively, the electrode assembly for the eye movement inspection device for inspecting the brain damage and the balance function by the eye movement, the electrode holder, and the device for extracting the bioelectric signal have been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to these inspections. As long as it is used for a medical device for extracting a bioelectric signal, it can be applied to other devices. Further, in the embodiment, a 1.5 volt dry battery was used for cleaning the electrode assembly, but the invention is not limited to this, and a dedicated power source may be provided. Further, when another conductive coating is provided on the surface of the silver electrode, it is needless to say that the electrode including the conductive member and the electrolytic solution are used for cleaning the electrode assembly. It should be noted that the present invention provides a soft type without any discomfort to the skin by providing a gently projecting surface, a protrusion, or a plurality of steps to the conventional type having no detachable fixing means. It goes without saying that it also includes an electrode having a shape that digs into the skin when touched.

[0043]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, since the entire surface of the electrode is provided with a gently projecting surface or a protrusion, the electrode is formed so as to dig into the skin with a soft touch without causing discomfort to the skin. Decrease the contact resistance between the silver chloride film formed on the surface of the silver electrode in the electrode assembly and the skin,
A stable bioelectric signal can be detected without using a conventional electrode paste. Further, since the silver electrode bites into the skin, it is possible to stably detect the bioelectric signal even if it moves a little during the examination. In addition, the detachable connection fixing means provided on the back surface of the silver electrode allows the electrode assembly to be easily removed from the electrode holder, increasing the electrical resistance without damaging the surface of the silver chloride film during cleaning. There is nothing to do.

According to the present invention, since the electrode assembly is detachably attached between the electrode assembly and the electrode holder, the electrode assembly can be easily removed from the electrode holder for cleaning. The lead wire portion of the electrode holder does not need to be washed, and saline solution enters this portion so that the electric conductivity is not deteriorated and a stable bioelectric signal can be taken out. According to the present invention, since the suction cup is attached to the terminal portion of the electrode holder, the electrode assembly brings the silver electrode and the skin into contact with each other with a constant pressure by the suction cup without pressing with the medical adhesive tape. be able to.

According to the present invention, since the electrode assembly is detachably attached to the inspection goggles, there is no need to attach the electrode assembly through the electrode paste, and the band attached to the inspection goggles can be applied to the skin under a constant pressure. Due to the contact, a stable bioelectric signal is detected. According to the present invention, by performing electrolysis at a low voltage using a power source such as a dry battery, the silver chloride coating on the electrode assembly can be washed and the worn silver chloride coating can be repaired. A stable bioelectric signal can be detected.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A and 1B are views for explaining an electrode assembly in first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an electrode assembly different from that in FIG. 1B in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an electrode assembly different from those in FIGS. 1B and 2 in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an electrode holder detachably connected to an electrode assembly in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

5 (a) and 5 (b) are sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention, showing a fifth embodiment for detachably connecting to an electrode assembly.
It is a figure for demonstrating the electrode holder different from an Example.

FIG. 6 is an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS.
It is a figure for demonstrating an electrode holder different from (a) and (b).

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining an unnecessary electrode holder of the medical adhesive tape in the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the inspection goggles used in the eye movement inspection apparatus in the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a view for explaining a state in which a silver electrode is attached inside the inspection goggles shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of electrodes in the eye movement test apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a cleaning device for cleaning an electrode assembly according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an electrode for extracting a bioelectric signal in a conventional example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a bioelectric signal extracting electrode in a conventional example is attached to an inspection site of a human body.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a bioelectric signal extraction electrode cleaning device in a conventional example.

15 (a) and 15 (b) are results of eye movement test by attaching a conventional electrode to the eighth embodiment to which the electrode assembly according to the present invention is attached and the inspection goggles in the eighth embodiment. It is a figure for comparing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11, 11'21, 31 ... Electrode assembly 12 ... Silver electrode 13 ... Convex surface 14, 14 ', 32 ... Projection 15 ... Edge 16 ... Silver chloride coating 17, 17'23, 33 ... Terminal electrode 18, 34 ... Recessed portion 22 ... Screw portion 24 ... Knurl 41, 51, 51 ', 61 ... Electrode holder 42, 52 ... Terminal portion 43 , 53 ... Inserting recess 44 ... Snap ring 45, 65 ... Lead wire 46 ... Solder 47 ... Insulating coating member 71 ... Sucker 81 ... Inspection goggles 111 ... Storage Liquid tank 112 ... Saline solution 113 ... Dry battery 114 ... Switch 115 ... Silver plate 116 ... Mounting member

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 4, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 15

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 15

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An electrode assembly for bioelectric signal extraction, wherein an electrode is attached to the skin to extract an electrical signal generated in a living body, wherein a step is formed on a surface of the whole body that gently protrudes with respect to the skin. A bioelectric signal comprising: a silver electrode, a silver chloride coating formed on the surface of the silver electrode, and a fixing means provided on the back surface of the silver electrode, which is detachably connectable. Extraction electrode assembly. 2. A bioelectric signal extraction electrode assembly for extracting an electric signal generated in a living body by attaching an electrode to the skin, the silver having an uneven portion formed on the surface so as to bite into the skin by a soft touch. A bioelectric signal extracting device, comprising: an electrode, a silver chloride film formed on the surface of the silver electrode, and a fixing means provided on the back surface of the silver electrode, which is detachably connectable. Electrode assembly. 3. An electrode holder removably attached to an electrode assembly for bioelectric signal extraction for taking out an electrical signal generated in a living body by attaching an electrode to skin, the electrode holder being detachable from a fixing means of the electrode assembly. An electrode holder comprising: a terminal part that can be electrically connected to the terminal part and a lead wire that is electrically connected to the terminal part and is led to an inspection apparatus. 4. A bioelectric signal extraction electrode assembly for extracting an electric signal generated in a living body by attaching the electrode to the skin, and a silver electrode having a shape formed so as to dig into the skin by soft touch, A silver chloride film formed on the surface of the silver electrode, a fixing means provided on the back surface of the silver electrode that can be detachably connected, and a fixing means that is detachably attached to the fixing means and is led to an inspection device. An electrode assembly for extracting a bioelectric signal, comprising: a terminal portion including a lead wire; and a suction cup that is attached to the terminal portion and that houses the silver electrode therein. 5. A bioelectric signal extracting device for extracting an electric signal generated in a living body in an eye movement inspection in which an eyeball is made to follow the rapid movement of a light source projected on a screen, such as digging into the skin with a soft touch. An electrode assembly comprising a silver electrode having a shape provided on the surface, a silver chloride coating formed on the surface of the silver electrode, and a detachably connectable fixing means provided on the back surface of the silver electrode, A terminal part which is detachably attached to the fixing means and electrically connectable to the inner surface of the inspection goggles with respect to the eyeball, and which is electrically connected to the terminal part and is led to the inspection device. A bioelectric signal extracting device, which is detachably attached to an electrode holder composed of a lead wire. 6. An electrode assembly cleaning apparatus for cleaning the surface of a silver electrode in a bioelectric signal extraction electrode assembly, which comprises attaching an electrode to skin and extracting an electrical signal generated in a living body, wherein a physiological solution is used as an electrolyte solution. A container containing saline solution, a silver plate connected to the positive side of the power source through a switch, and an attachment to which at least one electrode assembly is detachably attached, which is connected to the negative side of the power source An electrode assembly cleaning apparatus, characterized in that the electrode assembly cleaning apparatus comprises: 7. An electrode assembly cleaning method for cleaning an electrode surface of an electrode assembly for bioelectric signal extraction for extracting an electrical signal generated in a living body by attaching the electrode to skin, wherein the same metal as the electrode is used. A method for cleaning an electrode assembly, characterized in that a cathode electrode is used, and a bioelectric signal extraction electrode assembly is used as an anode electrode, and a low voltage is applied to both electrodes to perform electrolysis.