Electrode

Abstract

Electrode for application to human skin, comprising an electrically non-conductive support (1), wherein an electrically conductive, protruding fastening element (2) is provided with a fastening site (2a) for the releasable attachment of a signal conductor on an upper face of the support (1) facing away from the skin, wherein a conductor (3) is provided that is at least partially disposed on the opposite lower face of the support (1) and is electrically connected to the fastening element (2) and to a contact means (4) facing the skin, wherein the conductor (3) and the contact means (4) are disposed on the lower face of the support (1), below the fastening site (2a) of the fastening element (2), wherein an imaginary normal to the support (1), which preferably passes centrally through the fastening element (2), passes, also preferably centrally,through the conductor (3) or a gap (8) in the conductor (3) and through the contact medium (4) or a gap in the contact medium (4), wherein the conductor (3) has at least on parts of its surface, preferably on parts of the surface facing the skin, silver / silver chloride or tin / tin chloride or another suitable redox pair, for example, for electrode depolarization, wherein the fixing element (2) has at least one projection (2b) through the support (1) and having a flared region (BZ) at its end, wherein the conductor (3) is disposed at least partially between the flared region (BZ) and the support (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrode according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] These medical skin electrodes can be used as measuring electrodes to detect electrical signals from the human body. They can also be used as therapeutic electrodes to deliver electrical currents to the body. For this purpose, the electrodes are adhered to the skin and generally have an electrically conductive gel or other contact medium on their underside, which is galvanically connected to a terminal element of the electrode. An electrical signal conductor can be connected to this terminal element, allowing currents to be drawn from or supplied to the electrode.

[0003] One type of electrode has a protruding, electrically conductive connecting element on the upper side facing away from the skin, with a connection point that is usually essentially spherical, to which a neck is attached.

[0004] In the current design of electrodes of this type, the connection element is made in two parts. The upper part (upper stud) serves as a contact and anchor element for standard signal conductors, such as ECG leads. Essentially below the electrode carrier, i.e., on the side facing the skin, is a lower stud (eyelet) that serves to receive electrical potentials directly from the gel (contact medium) or to transfer them to the gel. The eyelet is connected to the stud both electrically and mechanically, generally by riveting the two parts together, such that the electrode carrier material is firmly clamped between a flange-like, laterally projecting retaining area of ​​the stud and a similar retaining area of ​​the eyelet.Such a design offers, on the one hand, good mechanical support of the connecting element on the electrode carrier and, on the other hand, allows the eyelet to be manufactured from materials that have electrically favorable properties for a signal electrode; for example, it can be coated with silver, whereby the silver layer is in turn completely or at least in a partial area that is in contact with the gel covered with a layer of silver / silver chloride (Ag / AgCl).

[0005] US 2017 / 0127969 A1 reveals such an electrode.

[0006] From the applicant's own patent specification WO 2018 / 071944 A2 it is further known to provide a single part as the connection element instead of a commonly used two-part construction in which the connection element consists of two riveted parts (stud and eyelet), which on the one hand provides the connection point for the detachable connection of a signal conductor and on the other hand is connected to the electrical transverse conductor (preferably galvanically).

[0007] Patent specifications WO 01 / 17423 A2 and US 5,150,708 A also disclose electrodes with such one-piece formed connection elements.

[0008] However, state-of-the-art electrodes are expensive – although even slight price differences are significant for such mass-produced items.

[0009] Furthermore, in state-of-the-art electrodes, the layer of, for example, silver / silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) is in full contact with the contact medium. This means that from the very beginning (the moment the contact medium first comes into contact with the silver / silver chloride layer), the silver / silver chloride layer is attacked by the contact medium. Thus, the silver is converted to silver chloride by the contact medium across the entire surface of the silver / silver chloride layer. Therefore, a relatively large amount of silver must be used to guarantee the functionality of the electrode. This, in turn, contributes to the high cost of state-of-the-art electrodes.

[0010] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved electrode which in particular avoids the problems mentioned above, as well as a method for manufacturing such an electrode.

[0011] According to the invention, this is achieved by an electrode according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13.

[0012] This makes it possible to replace the expensive and complex coating of the entire eyelet (terminating element) with, for example, silver / silver chloride with the significantly more cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture conductor.

[0013] According to the invention, it is provided that the side of the conductor facing the contact medium is partially or completely covered by the connecting element.

[0014] This means that only a small portion, or just the outer layer, of the silver / silver chloride layer is in contact with the contact medium. Consequently, only this small portion, or just the outer layer, of the silver / silver chloride layer is attacked by the contact medium, and therefore less silver is converted to silver chloride in the same amount of time. The conversion thus occurs slowly, from the areas of the silver / silver chloride layer in contact to the hidden areas. It is therefore possible to reduce the amount of silver in the silver / silver chloride layer and thus save further costs.

[0015] It may be provided that the connection element consists of a single part which has the connection point for the detachable connection of a signal line.

[0016] However, it can also be provided that the connection element consists of at least two parts, one of which has the connection point for the detachable connection of a signal line.

[0017] The connecting element itself can consist of several materials, for example nickel-plated brass or a plastic doped with conductive material (especially carbon fibers).

[0018] A particularly preferred embodiment of the connecting element is one in which the connecting element is designed such that it has a substantially spherical head, a neck with a reduced diameter adjoining it, a flange-shaped holding area projecting laterally at the end of the neck, and at least one projection adjoining the holding area.

[0019] In a one-piece connecting element, the projection (preferably without lateral contact) is guided through an opening in the support, while the flange-shaped, laterally projecting retaining area rests on the top of the support. The laterally projecting, flange-shaped retaining area, which is enlarged in diameter, securely holds the connecting element to the support material even under high compressive loads.

[0020] The deformed, extended area of ​​the projection of the retaining element rests against the underside of the support or the conductor facing the skin, thus ensuring a good hold of the connecting element on the support even under pressure loads.

[0021] In a two-part connecting element, the projection (preferably without lateral contact) is guided through an opening in the beam, while the flange-shaped, laterally projecting retaining area rests on the underside (or top side) of the beam. The second part of the connecting element is then positioned on the projection and rests on the top (or underside) of the beam.

[0022] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one projection is designed as a mandrel tapering in a direction opposite to the holding area. This makes it possible to insert the connecting element into the support or conductor without first creating a through-hole through the conductor and the support. This eliminates one work step.

[0023] The electrical properties of the connecting element are not subject to stringent requirements in the invention. It can therefore be made of inexpensive material, such as a simple sheet of metal. The connecting element itself does not need to possess any special electrical properties, because only the conductor in contact with the electrical contact medium can exhibit these properties, which are advantageous for bioelectrodes.

[0024] This conductor can, in principle, have any geometry; however, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the conductor can be designed as a rotationally symmetrical or substantially cuboid-shaped conductor disk. This conductor disk can project at least partially beyond the deformed, expanded area.

[0025] To achieve low noise and depolarization in defibrillation at an electrode, redox couples are currently used. These can be oxidized or reduced, thereby accepting or donating at least one electron. Currently, a wide variety of substances are used for this depolarization. Silver / silver chloride and tin / tin chloride are the most common. However, for the present invention, any redox couple that enables electrode depolarization is conceivable. The redox couples can be actively added or possibly generated in situ through reactions.

[0026] Since, for example, silver / silver chloride is a relatively expensive substance, it is sufficient if, according to a further aspect of the invention, the conductor is preferably provided on one side with an electrically conductive material which is galvanically connected to the connecting element and to the contact medium.

[0027] Further cost savings can be achieved by coating the conductor, preferably on one side, with an electrically conductive material. The actual conductor can be made of cost-effective materials such as metal or plastic, while a second, electrically conductive material, such as silver / silver chloride, can be used at the transition area to the electrical contact medium (especially gel), which is critical for the favorable electrical properties of the bioelectrode. It is sufficient for this material to be present only locally in this area.

[0028] In particular, the conductor can consist of a plastic film coated with an electrically conductive material.

[0029] Overall, the invention is based on the fundamental idea of ​​designing the connection element for the signal conductor in such a way that it is securely anchored in the electrode, while the electrical properties are less important and thus cost-effective materials can be used.

[0030] On the other hand, the more expensive materials intended for efficient electrical signal transmission can only be used in the electrically critical area at the interface with the electrical contact medium (gel). This task is performed by the conductor. In short, one could say that the electrically conductive connection element, apart from the fundamental property of electrical conductivity, is primarily responsible for the "mechanics." The conductor is the opposite: it does not need to fulfill any special mechanical requirements and only needs to be made of suitable materials in the area of ​​the interface with the electrical contact medium (gel). Therefore, the conductor, without any special mechanical functions, is responsible for the "electrical" aspects.

[0031] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following description of figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic underside view (later the side facing the skin) of the manufacturing steps of an embodiment of an electrode according to the invention up to the finished electrode, Fig. 2 a schematic top view of the manufacturing steps of an embodiment of an electrode according to the invention up to the finished electrode, wherein only a part of the process steps are shown in a top view, Fig. 3 a sequence of sections along line AA of the Figure 1, where the representation is to be understood as a schematic representation for better visualization, Fig. 4 omitted, Fig. 5 omitted, Fig. 6 omitted, Fig. 7 a schematic underside view (later the side facing the skin) of the manufacturing steps of a further embodiment of an electrode according to the invention up to the finished electrode, Fig. 8 a schematic top view of the manufacturing steps of a further embodiment of an electrode according to the invention up to the finished electrode, wherein only a part of the process steps are shown in a top view, Fig. 9 a sequence of sections according to line AA of the Figure 7, wherein the illustration is to be understood as a schematic representation for better visualization, Fig. 10 a schematic underside view of an embodiment of a carrier according to the invention with an adhesive layer, Fig. 11 a schematic underside view of a further embodiment of a carrier according to the invention with an adhesive layer, Fig. 12a a schematic side view of an embodiment of a connection element according to the invention, Fig. 12b a schematic top view of an embodiment of a connection element according to the invention, Fig. 13a a schematic side view of an anchoring process of a connection element according to the invention in a carrier, Fig. 13b a schematic top view (later the side facing away from the skin) of an anchoring process of a connection element according to the invention in a carrier, Fig. 14a a schematic view of a further embodiment of a connection element according to the invention, Fig.Fig. 14: Schematic view of a further embodiment of a connection element according to the invention; Fig. 15a: Schematic side view of a further embodiment of a connection element according to the invention; Fig. 15a: Schematic top view of a further embodiment of a connection element according to the invention; Fig. 16a: Schematic side view of a further embodiment of a connection element according to the invention; Fig. 16a: Schematic top view of a further embodiment of a connection element according to the invention; Fig. 17a: Schematic side view of a further embodiment of a connection element according to the invention; Fig. 17b: Schematic top view of a further embodiment of a connection element according to the invention; Fig. 18: Exploded view of a further embodiment with a two-part connection element.Fig. 19 a schematic underside view (later the side facing the skin) of the manufacturing steps of an embodiment (two-part connection element) of an electrode according to the invention up to the finished electrode, Fig. 20 a schematic top view of the manufacturing steps of an embodiment of an electrode according to the invention up to the finished electrode, wherein only a part of the process steps is shown in a top view, and Fig. 21 a sequence of sections according to line AA of the . Figure 18 , whereby the representation is to be understood as a schematic representation for better visualization.

[0032] With reference to the Figures 1 to 3 The process for manufacturing an embodiment of an electrode according to the invention for application to human skin will now be explained in more detail.

[0033] The starting point is an electrically non-conductive substrate 1. The substrate material serves to anchor the electrical components of the electrode. It can, for example, consist of a (flexible) film (e.g., made of PET or TPU) which is applied to the substrate shown in the drawing. Figure 1 The underside facing upwards is completely or partially coated with an adhesive, which may be, for example, self-adhesive (pressure sensitive adhesive) or thermo-activated (hot melt).

[0034] In a next step, a rotationally symmetrical conductor 3 is attached to this carrier material, in particular by gluing or printing. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conductor comprises two differently electrically conductive materials or an electrically non-conductive material 3b and an electrically conductive material 3a, wherein the electrically conductive material 3a or one of the two electrically conductive materials is subsequently galvanically connected to the electrical connection element 2 and to the contact medium 4 (gel).

[0035] The illustrated embodiment is a circular conductor 3, shown in black or gray, made of a plastic film. However, the conductor 3 can also be made of a metal or a conductive plastic doped with carbon fibers.

[0036] In the area of ​​the later contact point with the electrical contact medium 4 (gel), this conductor 3 is coated with a layer 3a of, for example, silver / silver chloride or tin / tin chloride or another redox couple.

[0037] In a further step, an opening 8 is provided through the electrical conductor 3 and the support 1. This can be done, for example, by punching. The connecting element 2, which has a projection 2b extending beyond the underside of the support 1 and the conductor 3, is then inserted.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 2 has a neck 2d with a reduced diameter following the essentially spherical head 2c, to which a flange-shaped, laterally projecting retaining area 2e and a projection 2b are attached.

[0039] Overall, the laterally projecting, flange-shaped retaining area 2e is essentially plate-shaped. It is responsible for distributing and transferring compressive forces applied to the connecting element 2 to the support 1.

[0040] If a connection element 2 is used, consisting of a single part that is connected to the electrical conductor 3 on one side and has the connection point 2a for the detachable connection of a signal conductor (not shown here) on the other, cost-effective manufacturing of the electrode is possible because the usually expensive eyelet (bottom knob) can be omitted. The one-piece design of the connection element is sufficient for mechanical anchoring.

[0041] The requirements for the electrical properties are low. This allows for the use of simple designs, such as a deep-drawn metal part as the connection element 2. The somewhat more complex electrical tasks are therefore not performed by the usual eyelet (bottom button) but by the conductor 3, which is in contact with the subsequently applied electrical contact medium 4 (gel).

[0042] Thus, the tasks are separated. Apart from its basic property of being electrically conductive, the electrical connection element 2 is essentially responsible for the mechanical hold in the electrode, while conductor 3 is largely relieved of mechanical functions. This allows for a more favorable choice of material. In particular, it is possible to use more expensive – and electrically advantageous – materials only where (point 3a) contact with the gel later occurs.

[0043] The electrically conductive connection element 2 can – as already mentioned – consist of a deep-drawn metal sheet. In this case, it is at least partially hollow inside. However, it can also consist of a conductive plastic, for example ABS doped with conductive carbon fibers.

[0044] Ideally, the connecting element should be designed to be essentially rotationally symmetrical. Other variations are also possible.

[0045] In order to finally fix the electrical connection element 2 in the electrode and in particular to secure it against tensile loads, in a next step the projection 2b is deformed in such a way that a deformed, extended area BZ is produced.

[0046] The deformation of the projection 2b can be achieved by melting, crimping, spreading, or bending. However, any other suitable method is also applicable.

[0047] By deforming the projection 2b, a galvanic connection is established between the connecting element 2 and the conductive material 3a of the conductor 3 via the deformed, extended area BZ, and on the other hand, a mechanical fastening of the connecting element 2 to the carrier 1 is established by means of form and / or force locking.

[0048] A layer of adhesive tape 7 is now applied to the underside of the carrier 1, in particular by gluing, wherein the adhesive tape layer is preferably able to be adhered to the skin by means of a patient-side coating of biocompatible adhesive in order to fix the electrode.

[0049] It is also possible to bond the plaster layer to the carrier 1 via a layer of self-adhesive or a thermo-activated adhesive applied to it.

[0050] The adhesive material ultimately serves to fix the electrode to the patient's skin. Suitable adhesive materials can consist of, for example, a film (e.g., PE), a foam strip (e.g., PE foam), or non-woven fabrics. The adhesive materials are usually coated on the patient side with a biocompatible adhesive.

[0051] In a final manufacturing step of the electrode according to the Figures 1 to 3The electrical contact medium 4 is introduced into a designated recess in the patch material 7. The electrical contact medium 4 enables the (preferably ion-based) conduction of body-generated electrical potentials or device-generated measurement or stimulation currents from the body surface (skin) to the electrical connection element 2 and vice versa. The contact medium 4 can, for example, consist of a chloride-doped gel, which is either in a more or less liquid form (more or less gelled) or as a cross-linked polymer matrix (hydrogel). However, it is also possible to produce the electrical contact medium 4 using other means, such as a conductive adhesive or a sponge filled with saline solution.

[0052] In any case, the electrical contact medium 4, as described in the last step in the Figures 1 to 3The figure shows that it is inserted into the recess in the paving material 7. It makes contact with the electrically conductive material 3a (especially silver / silver chloride) within it.

[0053] The interaction of the electrically conductive material 3a, in particular the coating with silver / silver chloride or another suitable material, on the one hand, and the material of the electrically conductive contact medium 4, on the other hand, makes it possible to achieve favorable electrical properties of the electrode, such as noise-free signal transmission or depolarizing effects, whereby the use of the relatively expensive electrically conductive material 3a of the conductor 3 can be limited to the area where contact with the contact medium 4 takes place. This further reduces costs.

[0054] Overall, the manufacturing process according to the Figures 1 to 3 a "central" electrode in which the connection element 2 and the contact medium 4 (gel) are arranged directly on top of each other.

[0055] The embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 3 The essential procedural steps are as follows: Arranging, preferably by gluing or printing, a conductor (3) on the underside of an electrically non-conductive carrier (1) facing the skin, inserting a connection element (2) through the carrier (1) such that the projection (2b) of the connection element (2) protrudes on the underside or the top side of the carrier (1) and the connection element (2) – preferably with a laterally projecting, plate-shaped retaining area (2e) – rests against the top side or the underside of the carrier (1), anchoring the connection element (2) in the carrier (1) such that an electrically conductive connection is established between the connection element (2) and the conductor (3) and a mechanical fastening of the connection element (2) to the carrier (1) is established.

[0056] Finally, the following steps are taken to complete the electrode: Attaching - preferably bonding - a skin-side adhesive patch layer 7 to the carrier 1, introducing an electrical contact medium 4 - preferably a gel - into a recess of the patch layer 7, such that the underlying conductor 3 is contacted.

[0057] The deformed, enlarged area BZ can also be non-circular, but rather lamellar in shape. In principle, the deformed, enlarged area BZ can have any shape.

[0058] In the Figures 7 to 9 In the illustrated embodiment, most of the process steps correspond to those in Figures 1 to 3 They are identical, which is why the same reference symbols denote the same parts.

[0059] The main difference is that the carrier 1 has a biocompatible adhesive layer 11 for attaching the electrode to a patient's skin. This eliminates the need for the adhesive layer 7 and saves a further process step.

[0060] The adhesive layer 11 can be applied before or after the conductor 3 is applied to the carrier 1, or the adhesive layer 11 may already be present on the base material of the carrier 1.

[0061] In the Figures 10 and 11 The above-mentioned variants for applying the adhesive 11 are shown.

[0062] In Figure 10 The adhesive 11 is already present on the carrier 1 or is applied before the conductor 3 is applied. The conductor 3 is then applied to the adhesive layer 11. The adhesive layer 11 holds the conductor 3 in place, eliminating the need for additional bonding to the carrier 1.

[0063] In Figure 11 The conductor 3 is applied to the carrier 1, and then the adhesive 11 is applied to the carrier 1. A recess 11a is provided so that the conductor 3 is not covered by the adhesive 11.

[0064] The Figures 12a and 12b Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a connecting element 2 according to the invention. It can be seen that the connecting element 2 has wing segments 9, which form both the projection and the holding area of ​​the connecting element 2. The wing segment sections 9a, which are inclined relative to a horizontal position H, can be of the same or different lengths. It is also conceivable that the wing segments 9 are at least partially sharp-edged to facilitate penetration of a support 1 and a conductor 3.

[0065] The Figures 13a and 13bThe schematic views show an anchoring process of a connection element according to the invention in a support, with a [missing information] as in the Figures 12a and 12b shown connection element 2.

[0066] In a first step, the connecting element 2 is pressed from the upper side of a support 1 (which will later face away from the skin) through the support 1 and the conductor 3 (not shown) attached to the underside of the support 1. That is, the connecting element 2 penetrates the support 1 and the conductor 3 with the wing segment sections 9a.

[0067] In the next step, the connecting element 2 is rotated in direction D. This results in better anchoring of the connecting element 2 in the support 1.

[0068] In a final step, the wing segment sections 9a are bent upwards towards the underside of the support 1 beyond a horizontal position H, thereby clamping the support 1 and the conductor 3. This ensures both an electrical connection between the connecting element 2 and the conductor 3, as well as a mechanical fastening of the connecting element 2 to the support 1. However, it is also possible to bend the wing segment sections upwards only until they reach a horizontal position H.

[0069] The Figure 14a Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a connecting element 2 in which the projection 2b is designed as a tapered mandrel. This makes it possible to insert the connecting element 2 into the support 1 or the conductor 3 without first creating a through opening 8 through the conductor 3 and the support 1. This eliminates one work step.

[0070] Figure 14bFigure 1 shows an embodiment of a connecting element 2 in which two projections 2b are designed as tapered mandrels. However, any number of projections 2b can be provided. Furthermore, several projections 2b that are not mandrel-shaped can also be provided. The majority of projections 2b can be arranged rotationally symmetrically or non-rotationally symmetrically on the connecting element 2.

[0071] The Figures 15a to 17b Figure 1 shows exemplary embodiments of a connecting element 2 in which the projection and the flange-like holding area of ​​the connecting element 2 are formed from at least a first segment 5 and at least a second segment 6.

[0072] It is also evident that the second segments 6 are longer than the first segments 5. Segments 5 and 6 can also be of the same length, or segments 5 can be longer than segments 6.

[0073] Figure 15a The connecting element is shown in a frontal view when all segments 5, 6 are in a horizontal position H. Figure 15b shows the corresponding top view.

[0074] Figure 16a The diagram shows the connection element in a frontal view when segments 5 are in a horizontal position H and segments 6 are in a vertical position V. Figure 16b shows the corresponding top view.

[0075] Figure 17a The connecting element is shown in a frontal view when all segments 5, 6 are in a vertical position H. Figure 17b shows the corresponding top view.

[0076] In the case of a connection element 2 according to the Figures 15a and 15bBefore the connection element 2 is inserted into the support 1, at least one first segment 5 of the at least two segments 5,6 is transferred into a vertical position V and after the connection element 2 is inserted into the support 1, at least one first segment 5 is transferred back into a horizontal position H.

[0077] In an embodiment of a connecting element 2 according to the Figures 17a and 17b Before the connection element 2 is inserted into the support 1, at least a first segment 5 is transferred into a horizontal position H, and after the connection element 2 is inserted into the support 1, at least a second segment 6 is transferred into a horizontal position H.

[0078] At the in Figure 18In the further embodiment shown, a central electrode with a two-part connection element is depicted. The two parts of the connection element 2 are designated 2' and 2". For assembly, these two parts 2' and 2" of the connection element 2 are inserted into the opening 8, carrier 1, and conductor 3 from different sides and plugged together. They can be simply clamped together. However, it is also possible to connect these two parts 2' and 2" in other ways – for example, by clamping the neck together, by gluing, welding, or soldering.

[0079] In Figure 18Furthermore, an imaginary normal N extending onto the carrier 1 is shown, preferably passing centrally or centrically through the connecting element 2. This imaginary normal N also preferably passes centrically through the annular conductor 3 (more precisely: through the opening of the conductor ring) and through the contact medium 4, preferably also centrally. Thus, at this central electrode, the connecting element 2, conductor 3, and contact medium 4 lie directly one above the other and are not laterally offset from each other, preferably not at all as shown in [reference missing]. Figure 18 or only slightly, so that the normal N still passes through or intersects all three parts 2, 3 and 4 (or openings in them).

[0080] For rotationally symmetric components, "centric" means passing through the center point. For non-rotationally symmetric components, "centric" means passing through the centroid of the top-view surface.

[0081] In the Figures 19 to 21 In the illustrated embodiment, most of the process steps correspond to those in Figures 1 to 3 They are identical, which is why the same reference symbols denote the same parts.

[0082] The main difference is that a two-part connecting element 2 is provided. A first part 2' and a second part 2" are brought from different sides of the support 1 and plugged together.

[0083] A lower retaining area 2f of the second part 2" of the connecting element 2 then rests against the support 1 or the conductor 3 and thus conceals the side of the conductor 3 that will later face a contact medium 4. This also establishes the galvanic connection between the contact element 2 and the conductor 3. This lower retaining area 2f essentially corresponds functionally to the deformed, extended area BZ of the preceding embodiments. Reference symbol list:

[0084] 1 Carrier 2 Connection element 2' First part of the connection element 2 2" Second part of the connection element 2 2a Connection point 2b Projection 2c Head 2d Neck 2e Retaining area 2f Lower retaining area 3 Conductor 3a Electrically conductive material 3b Electrically non-conductive material 4 Contact medium 5 First segment 6 Second segment 7 Patch layer 8 Opening 9 Wing segment 9a Wing segment section 11 Adhesive layer (skin adhesive) 11a Recess H Horizontal N Normal V Vertical B Z Deformed, expanded area

Claims

1. An electrode for application to the human skin having an electrically non-conducting carrier (1), wherein provided on a top side of the carrier (1) that faces away from the skin is a projecting electrically conducting connecting element (2) having a connecting location (2a) for releasable connection of a signal conductor, wherein there is provided a conductor (3) which is arranged at least partially on the opposite underside of the carrier (1) and which is electrically connected to the connecting element (2) and to a contact medium (4) that faces towards the skin, wherein the conductor (3) and the contact medium (4) are arranged on the underside of the carrier (1) beneath the connecting location (2a) of the connecting element (2), wherein a notional normal to the carrier (1) which extends through the connecting element (2) runs through the conductor (3) or an opening (8) in the conductor (3) and the contact medium (4) or an opening in the contact medium (4), wherein the conductor (3) at its surface - preferably at the surface facing towards the skin - at least region-wise has silver / silver chloride or tin / tin chloride or another redox couple which is suitable for example for depolarization of the electrode, wherein the connecting element (2) has at least one projection (2b) which extends through the carrier (1) and which at its end has an enlarged region (BZ) and the conductor (3) is arranged at least partially between the enlarged region (BZ) and the carrier (1), wherein the connecting element (2) at its surface is free from silver or silver / silver chloride and free from tin or tin / tin chloride and free from another redox couple - which is preferably suitable for depolarization of an electrode - or one of its components, and wherein the connecting element (2) is connected on the underside and / or the top side of the carrier (1) to same - preferably with the interposition of a conductor (3) of a planar configuration, and wherein the side of the conductor (3) facing the contact medium (4) is partially or completely covered by the connecting element (2).

2. Electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that the region of the conductor (3) having silver / silver chloride or tin / tin chloride or other redox couple suitable for depolarization of the electrode is electrically in contact with the connecting element (2) and / or with the contact medium (4).

3. Electrode according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the conductor (3) is in the form of a layer comprising a first material (3b) which is provided, preferably coated, with a second electrically conducting material (3a) in the region of the contact medium (4).

4. Electrode according to claim 3, characterized in that the second material (3a) is arranged in ring form on the first material (3b), or that the second material (3a) is arranged substantially over the full surface area on the first material (3b).

5. Electrode according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first material (3b) is a plastic, in particular a plastic film, or a conductor, for example of steel, wherein the second material (3a) is preferably silver / silver chloride, tin / tin chloride or another redox couple suitable for depolarization of the electrode.

6. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conductor (3) is formed by a layer of a conductive material that is applied to, preferably printed on, the carrier (1).

7. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the conductor (3) is of a substantially rotationally symmetrical, in particular ring-shaped, configuration, or that the conductor (3) is of a substantially cuboidal configuration.

8. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting element (2) comprises at least two parts (2', 2''), wherein one of the two parts (2') has the connecting location (2a) for releasably connecting a signal conductor, or that the connecting element (2) comprises a single part which has the connecting location (2a) for releasably connecting a signal conductor.

9. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the enlarged region (BZ) is formed by deformation, wherein on the one hand an electrical connection between the conductor (3) and the connecting element (2a) and on the other hand a mechanical fixing of the connecting element (2) to the carrier (1) can be made by that deformed enlarged region (BZ).

10. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the notional normal to the carrier (1) passes centrally through the connecting element (2) and also centrally through the conductor (3) or an opening (8) in the conductor (3) and the contact medium (4) or an opening in the contact medium (4).

11. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the carrier (1) is coated on the side facing the skin with adhesive, preferably a skin adhesive (11), which is preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive or is thermo-activatable, or has a plaster layer (7) provided with an adhesive, preferably a skin adhesive.

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