DE102009057968A1 - Spring clip for electrical connecting at ECG-electrodes for patient, has contact body arranged in region of recess of one of jaws or in opposite region of other jaw, where contact body is electrically connected with spacer - Google Patents

Abstract

The clip (1) has two clamping jaws (4, 5) that are spring-biased such that the jaws are fixed between two bodies, where the clip is formed from bio-compatible materials. The jaws have free ends (18, 19) that are arranged opposite to each other. One of the jaws has recesses (25, 26) adjacent to the free ends so that an electrode socket is clamped between the jaws. A contact body for contacting of the electrode socket is arranged in a region of the recess of one of the jaws or in an opposite region of the other jaw. The contact body is electrically connected with a spacer (42).

Description

The present invention relates to a spring clip for the mechanical and electrical connection to electrodes, in particular to ECG electrodes, for the removal of bioelectric signals.

Such spring clips are used to connect an electrical lead connected to an ECG device to electrodes. The electrodes are attached to a patient to detect, for example, his heart rate. This spring clamp is used to establish an electrical connection between the electrode and the detection device.

There are several types of ECG electrodes. One type of these electrodes has a planar electrode which is applied to the skin of a patient and at the back of which a small pedestal in the form of a ball of metal or other conductive material is formed. These types of electrodes are referred to below as pedestal electrodes. These pedestal electrodes are also called push-button electrodes. The other type of electrode, in turn, consists of a flat, flexible electrode designed for application to the skin of a patient. This electrode has a small planar, tab-like projection on the edge, which is formed integrally with the remaining electrode material. This tab-like projection is referred to as Tab, which is why this electrode type is referred to as tab electrode.

There are known spring terminals for connection to base electrodes and spring terminals for connection to tab electrodes. The suitable for pedestal electrodes spring terminals usually have two jaws, which can pinch between the spherical base of the base electrode and make an electrical connection with this. The jaws therefore have opposing edges which clampingly surround the adjacent to the electrode plate portion of the base. The jaws therefore form thin, elongated, running in the longitudinal direction of the spring clip edges.

The spring terminals for tab electrodes differ fundamentally from the structure of the spring terminals for base electrodes, because instead of a hard, spherical body, a flexible tab must be contacted. The corresponding spring clips usually have two spring jaws, which are printable with their front ends together. These ends extend a distance across the length of the spring clip so that the tab tab tabs can be clamped and contacted between the transversely extending spring jaws.

The spring clips are basically made in different colors, with each color assigned to a specific area of the patient's body, so that the terminals of the spring terminals are placed on correct outputs of the ECG device.

Such spring clips may also be designed as disposable articles that are discarded after a single use for reasons of hygiene. In practice, therefore, spring clips have prevailed, which consist essentially of a single plastic body, in which small metal inlays are used as the contact body. Spring clips as disposable items are subject to enormous cost pressure. In order to be successful in the market, it is necessary that the spring clips are very simple. Likewise, however, it is also necessary for the spring clips to establish a reliable mechanical and electrical connection to electrodes. It must be very easy and reliable to make a good electrical contact, as such spring clips are often applied by medical personnel in stressful situations to a patient to quickly capture the current medical data of the patient in a medical emergency can.

The invention has the object of developing such a spring clip such that it can always safely and reliably make an electrical contact with the existing ECG electrodes in emergency situations and yet is simple and inexpensive.

The object is achieved by a spring clip with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The spring clip according to the invention is used for electrically connecting electrodes, in particular ECG electrodes, in order to remove bioelectrical signals. It comprises two jaws which are spring-loaded so that they can fix a body between them by clamping, the jaws each having a free end, which are arranged opposite to each other, wherein at least one of the two jaws in the region of its free end on one another Baking opposite surface is provided with a contact body to contact a tab electrode, and at least one of the two jaws has a recess adjacent to the free ends such that between the two jaws an electrode socket is clamped receivable, wherein in the region of the recess of a the baking or in the opposite region of the other jaw, a contact body for contacting an electrode cap is arranged, and the or the contact body with a line are electrically connected.

With the spring clip according to the invention, the tabs of a tab electrode between the free ends of the jaws can be clamped, wherein by means of the arranged on one of the free ends of the contact body, an electrical connection to the electrical line is made. Base electrodes can be clamped with the spring clips according to the invention in the region between the jaws, on which at least one recess is formed, and are electrically connected to the line by means of the contact body arranged in this region.

Since the spring clip according to the invention is suitable for contacting base electrodes and tab electrodes, it is ensured that an electrical connection can be produced equally whether a tab electrode or a base electrode is available. With the spring clip according to the invention thus can always be made a good electrical connection. The medical staff can use any electrodes in a stressful situation without problems in taking down bioelectrical signals. It may also be freely selected by medical personnel as needed, whether a pedestal or tab electrode is used, and yet reliable electrical contact is always ensured.

In addition, due to the electrode according to the invention, it is not necessary to stock two different electrode types, which leads to considerable cost savings for the manufacturer, supplier and the customer or user.

The spring clip preferably has a single electrical contact body extending from the free end of one of the two jaws to the region to which an electrode base is clampably receivable.

The contact body or bodies are electrically conductive bodies, which are formed in particular from metal or an electrically conductive plastic. The contact body may also be part of a so-called MID part (Molded Interconnect Device). An MID part is a plastic part, wherein the plastic part is formed from two different plastics and one of the two plastics absorbs metal particles in a galvanic bath and becomes conductive. This electrically conductive plastic part forms the contact body or bodies.

Preferably, the spring clip on a plastic body in which integrally a spring clip is formed, which acts on the two jaws with a spring force. The Federkarft is, for example, in the range of 20 N to 100 N. In this plastic body and the jaws can be integrally formed. Such an embodiment is particularly inexpensive and simple.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, one of the two jaws on a flat outer surface and a portion of the line is received in a recess in these jaws, wherein the recess adjacent to the planar outer surface has an opening through which the line is led out of the jaws , This combination of the planar outer surface and the arrangement of the conduit adjacent to this planar outer surface allows the spring clamp to rest on the surface of the patient when clamped to a tab electrode with its planar surface, and the conduit also continues on the surface of the patient , As a result, the weight of the line hardly exerts any force on the terminal. Preferably, the recess for receiving the line is arranged on the edge of the spring clip, which rests on the contact surface of the patient's body or on the electrode when contacting a base electrode. This also keeps the force with which the cable pulls on the spring clamp due to its own weight kept low.

The contact body or bodies may be formed from a stamped sheet metal part. The stamped sheet metal part may comprise both the contact body and connecting elements, in particular soldering lugs or crimping lugs, for connecting the electrical line. The rest of the body of the spring clip is preferably a one-piece plastic body, in which the electrical contact body is fixed by means of adhesion and / or positive engagement. The positive connection can be generated, for example, by means of barbs formed on the electrical body, which hook into the plastic body.

The spring clip according to the invention can also be an integral part of a cable. Such a cable may also comprise a plurality of lines, which are each provided with a spring clip according to the invention. In use, the individual spring terminals can be coupled to different types of electrodes (base electrode or tab electrode).

Preferably, the contact body is formed integrally with Crimplaschen for mechanically and electrically connecting the line. As a result, a single component is provided, both for contacting the electrodes as well as for electrical and mechanical connection to the line. This makes the construction of the spring clip easy and inexpensive.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the drawings. The drawings show in:

1 a spring clip according to the invention in a side view,

2 a perspective view of the spring clip 1 .

3 a perspective view of a base electrode,

4 the spring clamp off 1 and the socket electrode off 3 in perspective,

5 a tab electrode in perspective,

6 the spring clamp off 1 and the tab electrode off 5 in perspective,

7 an electrical contact body of the spring clip 1 in perspective,

8th the contact body 7 in a plan view,

9 the spring clamp off 1 in the region of their jaws with a clamped between the jaws base electrode in plan view,

10 the jaws with socket electrode according to 9 in a partial section in perspective,

11 the spring clamp off 1 in a side view with a clamped between the jaws tab electrode,

12 the jaws and tab electrode according to 11 in a partial section in perspective, and

13 the spring clip according to 1 in the area of their jaws in partial section in a perspective view.

A spring clamp 1 According to the present invention is for electrical connection to electrodes, in particular ECG electrodes formed. The ECG electrodes can be both tab electrodes 24 as well as socket electrodes 28 be.

That in the figures ( 1 - 13 ) illustrated embodiment comprises a one-piece plastic body 2 in which an electrically conductive contact body 3 is used. The plastic body 2 has two jaws 4 . 5 on. At the jaws are two approximately straight handlebars 6 . 7 tethered. The two handle bars 6 . 7 are arranged approximately parallel to each other in their initial position. Adjacent to the jaws 4 . 5 are the handlebars 6 . 7 with a spacer 8th connected, something in the direction of the jaws 4 . 5 is arched. The of the jaws 4 . 5 remote ends of the handle bars 6 . 7 are with a loop-shaped spring clip 9 connected. The through the spring clip 9 Trained loop extends into the area between the two handle bars 6 . 7 ,

The handle bars 6 . 7 are on their outer surface each with ribs 10 provided a gripping the handle bars 6 . 7 without slipping.

The jaws 4 . 5 are each made of an approximately triangular frame with an outer boundary web 11 . 12 , with an inner clamping bar 13 . 14 and a connecting bridge 15 . 16 educated.

The boundary webs 11 . 12 extend from the handle bars 6 . 7 forward, with the boundary bar 11 arcuately bent inward and the boundary web 12 with a kink 17 bent inwards so that the free ends 18 . 19 the boundary webs 11 . 12 are arranged opposite one another. The curved boundary web 11 is with a face 20 opposite to the inner side surface 21 of the boundary bar 12 arranged.

Between the face 20 and said side surface 21 is a gap 22 formed in the unloaded initial position of the spring clip 1 narrower than the thickness of a tab 23 a tab electrode 24 is.

It is also possible that the gap width is equal to zero, so that in the initial position, the end face 20 the curved boundary bridge 11 on the inner side surface 21 of the boundary bar 12 rests. This gap 22 is used to grip a tab 23 a tab electrode 24 , At the frontal area 20 is a barb 1.20 molded to the tab 23 against slipping out of the gap 22 to secure.

From these free ends 18 . 19 the boundary webs 11 . 12 each extend clamping webs 13 . 14 to the rear. In that to the free ends 18 . 19 adjacent area form the two clamping webs 13 . 14 one sheet each 25 . 26 so they each have a recess for receiving and clamping a socket 27 a pedestal electrode 28 limit. In the present embodiment, the two sheets 25 . 26 curved in a circle segment. In the context of the invention, however, it is not necessary that the sheets are formed in a circular segment. It is essential that at least one of the two jaws 4 . 5 a recess provides, leaving a pedestal 27 a pedestal electrode 28 can be clamped between the two jaws.

From the rear ends of the clamping bars 13 . 14 each extend the connecting webs 15 . 16 outwards to the boundary webs 11 . 12 ,

All the bridges 6 . 7 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 are formed of a wall whose width b is considerably larger than the thickness d. The width b extends, for example, across the outer surfaces of the boundary webs 11 . 12 and the handle bars 6 . 7 , In the present embodiment, the width b is 8 mm. Basically, the width b should not be greater than 10 mm.

The boundary bridge 12 with the kink 17 is hereinafter referred to as the lower boundary bridge 12 and accordingly the curved boundary web 11 as the upper boundary bridge 11 referred to as when gripping a tab 23 a tab electrode 24 the lower boundary web 12 from the bottom of the tab 23 is created ( 6 ). The lower boundary web 12 has two straight sections 29 . 30 on, at the kink 17 connected to each other. As a result, has the lower boundary web 12 a flat outer surface 31 ,

In the lower boundary bridge 12 is a passage opening in the longitudinal direction 32 introduced, which in the area of the front, inner side surface 21 and the bow 26 of the lower boundary web 12 is open to the inside ( 10 . 13 ). The passage opening 32 is a substantially circular bore, with the circular bore in the bow 26 adjacent area is widened, leaving a step 33 in the passage opening 32 educated. In the area of the arch 26 is in the plastic body 2 a recess provided by a rearward, perpendicular to the outer surface 31 extending boundary surface 34 is limited.

The electrically conductive contact body 3 ( 7 and 8th ) is a sheet metal stamping with a substantially rectangular contact portion 35 whose height is such that the contact section 35 in the area of the inner side surface 21 and the bow 26 of the lower boundary web 12 a piece over the inner side surface 21 protrudes. The in the interior between the two jaws 4 . 5 projecting edge of the contact section 35 is called contact edge 36 designated. The contact edge extends from the front edge of the contact portion 35 straight back and around the bow 26 it is arched towards the interior between the two jaws 4 . 5 curved. At the contact section 35 is thus an internally projecting projection 37 formed. This lead 37 is on the rear side by a perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the contact body 3 sloping boundary surface 38 limited.

The contact body 3 has a contact with the section 35 behind connecting section 39 on, in the present embodiment with two Crimplaschen 40 . 41 is provided. The Crimplaschen 40 . 41 serve to connect the contact body 3 with a line 42 , where with the first Crimplasche 40 a vein 43 the line 42 and with the second Crimplasche 42 a coat 44 the line 42 with the contact body 3 connected is. In the area of the second Crimplasche 41 has the passage opening 32 an annular recess 45 for picking up the second crimping bag 41 on ( 13 ). The contact section 35 is at his with the plastic body 3 in contact with barbed edges 46 . 47 provided that slipping out of the contact body 3 prevent to the front.

When making the spring clip according to the invention with a line 42 connected contact bodies 3 from the free end 19 of the lower boundary web 12 in the passage opening 32 introduced, first, the line 42 through the passage opening 32 is pulled until the electrical contact body 3 with its rear boundary surface 38 of the lead 37 at the rear boundary surface 34 the recess abuts and / or the rear edge of the contact portion 35 at the stage 33 the passage opening 32 strikes. At the same time the second Crimplasche locks 41 in the annular recess 45 one. Furthermore, the barbs get caught 46 . 47 such with the plastic body that slipping forward is prevented.

Furthermore, the electrical contact body 3 so thick that he presses into the through hole 32 is fitted and fixed by traction.

The passage opening 32 is laterally offset with respect to the width b of the spring clip, so that the contact body 3 with a predetermined distance to a lateral edge of the spring clip 1 or the lower boundary web 12 is arranged. This predetermined distance is at least 4 mm. Such a distance is expedient, since this ensures that the contact body 3 not closer than 4 mm can be arranged on a defibrillator, so that the so-called 5 kV resistance according to DIN EN 60601-1 given is.

When clamping the spring clip 1 to a pedestal 27 a pedestal electrode 28 is the lateral edge of the lower boundary web 12 that is adjacent to the contact body 3 is arranged at the base electrode 28 arranged so that the electrical contact body 3 in the adjacent electrode of the pedestal electrode 28 undercut area of the base 27 this is stuck. This means that the clamping body 3 the pedestal 27 in the area between the electrode of the base electrode 28 and the maximum diameter of the socket 27 contacted, bringing the socket 27 is engaged behind and the spring clip 1 at the base electrode 28 is fixed ( 9 . 10 ).

To open the spring clip 1 This will be at the rear ends of the handle bars 6 . 7 compressed so that the jaws 4 . 5 spread to each other. In this open position, an electrode between the two jaws 4 . 5 be introduced. Will the on the handlebars 6 . 7 applied force released again, so are the jaws 4 . 5 compressed by the action of the spring clip, so that they fix the electrodes between them.

The plastic part is a mass-produced injection-molded part. The plastic is preferably a biocompatible plastic.

The invention is described above with reference to an embodiment. In the context of the invention, various modifications are possible. So z. B. the connecting portion 39 of the electrical contact body 3 as a plug contact element, such as. As socket or pin, be designed so that the line is detachably fastened by means of a mating plug contact element.

Furthermore, it is possible, the electrical contact body integrally as MID part on the plastic body 2 train. The electrical contact body may also be made of an electrically conductive plastic as a separate component, in particular of a carbon-containing plastic. Such a plastic contact body is not magnetic and therefore suitable for MRI examinations. As non-magnetic materials for the contact body are also non-magnetic metals into consideration.

Instead of the integral spring element in the form of the spring clip 9 can also be provided a separate spring element.

In the above embodiment, the electrical contact body is inserted into an existing plastic body. In the context of the invention it is also possible to produce the spring clip by encapsulation of the contact body.

In the context of the invention, it is also possible to have a groove in the handle bar 7 provide for receiving the line. The groove is preferably provided with nubs that hold the line with frictional engagement in the groove. Since the line is fixed in this groove, a strain relief with respect to. Connected to the line contact body is effected.

In the above embodiment, only a single contact body is provided, which is designed both for contacting a tab electrode and for contacting a base electrode. In the context of the invention, the spring clip may also have a plurality of contact bodies, wherein z. B. for contacting a tab electrode and for contacting a base electrode separate contact bodies are present and / or each jaw is formed with a separate electrode.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

spring clip

2

Plastic body

3

Contact body

4

jaw

5

jaw

6

Connecting bridge

7

Connecting bridge

8th

distance bow

9

spring clip

10

rib

11

limiting web

12

limiting web

13

clamping web

14

clamping web

15

connecting web

16

connecting web

17

kink

18

Free end

19

Free end

20

face

21

Inner side surface

22

gap

23

flap

24

Tab electrode

25

bow

26

bow

27

base

28

Base electrode

29

Straight line section

30

Straight line section

31

Flat outer surface

32

Through opening

33

Ring land?

34

boundary surface

35

Contact section

36

contact edge

37

head Start

38

boundary surface

39

connecting portion

40

Crimplasche

41

Crimplasche

42

management

43

Vein

44

coat

45

Annular recess

46

barb

47

barb

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• DIN EN 60601-1 [0051]

Claims (15)

Spring terminal for electrical connection to electrodes, in particular ECG electrodes, comprising two clamping jaws ( 4 . 5 ), which are spring loaded so that they between a body ( 24 . 28 ) can fix in a clamping manner, whereby the clamping jaws ( 4 . 5 ) each have a free end ( 18 . 19 ), which are arranged opposite one another, wherein at least one of the two clamping jaws ( 4 . 5 ) in the region of its free end on a surface opposite the other clamping jaws with a contact body ( 3 ) for contacting a tab electrode ( 24 ) is provided, and at least one of the two jaws a recess ( 25 . 26 ) adjacent to the free ends ( 18 . 19 ) such that between the two jaws ( 4 . 5 ) an electrode socket ( 27 ) is clamped receivable, wherein in the region of the recess ( 25 . 26 ) one of the jaws ( 4 . 5 ) or in the opposite region of the other jaw, a contact body ( 3 ) for contacting an electrode socket ( 27 ), and the contact body or bodies ( 3 ) with a line ( 42 ) are electrically connected. Spring clip according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring clip ( 1 ) a single contact body ( 3 ) having. Spring clip according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring clip ( 1 ) a plastic body ( 2 ), on which integrally a spring clip ( 9 ), wherein the clamping jaws ( 4 . 5 ) preferably integrally on the plastic body ( 2 ) are formed, and the plastic body ( 2 ), in particular an injection-molded plastic body ( 2 ). Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one of the two clamping jaws ( 5 ) a flat outer surface ( 31 ), and a portion of the line ( 42 ) in a recess ( 32 ) on this jaw ( 5 ), wherein the recess ( 32 ) adjacent to the planar outer surface ( 31 ) has an opening through which the conduit from the jaw ( 5 ) is led out. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that both jaws ( 4 . 5 ) a recess ( 25 . 26 ) adjacent to the free ends ( 18 . 19 ), so that between the two jaws ( 4 . 5 ) an electrode socket ( 27 ) is clamped receivable, wherein the two recesses are preferably formed circular-segment-shaped. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two clamping jaws ( 4 . 5 ) in the region of the recess (s) ( 25 . 26 ) one to each opposite jaws ( 4 . 5 ) projecting in the longitudinal direction of the spring clip ( 1 ) extending edge for mechanically contacting an electrode ( 28 ) and the free ends ( 18 . 19 ) of the jaws ( 4 . 5 ) extend transversely to the longitudinal direction. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the clamping jaws ( 4 . 5 ) at their free ends ( 18 . 19 ) have a distance which is smaller than the thickness of a tab ( 23 ) of a tab electrode ( 24 ) and preferably less than 2 mm and in particular less than 1 mm. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the contact body ( 3 ) is formed from a stamped sheet metal part or formed from a conductive plastic body. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the contact body ( 3 ) positively and / or positively in one of the jaws ( 4 . 5 ), wherein the contact body ( 3 ), in particular at least one barb ( 47 ) for fixing on the jaws. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spring clip completely made of non-magnetic material, such. B. plastic is formed, wherein the contact body ( 3 ) is formed in particular of carbon-containing plastic or other electrically conductive plastic, or the entire spring clip is designed as an MID part. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the contact part ( 3 ) in the area of the free end ( 18 . 19 ) one of the jaws ( 4 . 5 ) is formed flat for contacting a tab of a tab electrode. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the spring clip is formed of biocompatible material. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the contact body ( 3 ) integral with Crimplaschen ( 40 . 41 ) for mechanically and electrically connecting the line ( 42 ) is trained. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the spring clip a handle bar ( 7 ), and in the handle bar ( 7 ) a groove for receiving the line ( 42 ) is trained. Spring clip according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at one of the free ends of the clamping jaws ( 4 . 5 ) a barb ( 1.20 ) is formed, with which a slipping out between the free ends of the jaws ( 4 . 5 ) clamped tab electrode ( 24 ) is prevented.

Images