Constriction device for body parts

Abstract

Constriction device for body parts, in particular tourniquets, comprising a locking housing (2) in which a longitudinally extending passage (230) is formed, bounded at the bottom by a base wall (27), laterally by two side walls (26, 26') and at the top by a cover wall (24), and comprising an elastic constriction band (3) which is detachably locked or lockable to a rear section of the locking housing (2) by means of a locking shoe (5) attached to one of its rear ends and which, with its other end, is guided or guideable from the rear through the passage (230) to form a loop (31) of variable size and can be clamped according to the size of a body part being held by means of a clamping means formed by a rocker (4) pivotally mounted in the locking housing (2) in a pivot bearing, characterized by that the constriction strap (3) is made of a rubber-elastic material such as natural rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or, in particular, silicone and that the rocker (4) is supported on its underside in its rear section located behind the pivot bearing towards the rear against the top of the bottom wall (27) by means of a spring arrangement, by which the rocker (4) is brought into its non-jamming rest position when the loop (31) is unloaded.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a constriction device for body parts, in particular tourniquets, comprising a lock housing in which a longitudinally extending passage is formed, bounded at the bottom by a base wall, laterally by two side walls and at the top by a cover wall, and comprising a constriction strap which is detachably locked or lockable to a rear section of the lock housing by means of a locking shoe attached to one of its rear ends and which, with its other end, is guided or guideable from the rear through the passage to form a loop of variable size and can be clamped according to the size of a body part received by means of a clamping means, in particular by means of a rocker pivotably mounted in the lock housing in a pivot bearing.

[0002] A constriction device of this type is described in EP 1 458 296 B1. In this known constriction device for body parts, a pass-through channel for a constriction strap is formed in a lock housing that has a bottom wall, two side walls, and a top wall. The pass-through channel is open at the rear and front of the lock housing. The constriction strap is provided with a locking shoe at its rear end and can be detachably locked into a rear section of the lock housing via this shoe. Its front end is guided through the pass-through channel from the rear of the lock housing, forming a loop of variable size. This allows a body part to be constricted to be held in the loop and constricted with the necessary tension, for example, to stop venous blood flow.The constriction strap is clamped against a partition molded into the lock housing by a rocker switch under a tension set by the operator. To release the tension, the rocker switch opens the loop. The locking shoe can then be pulled out of the lock housing, allowing the loop to be fully opened. From the perspective of both the patient and the operator, who must concentrate on the actual treatment, the optimal functionality of the constriction device, which also includes high hygiene standards, is of paramount importance.

[0003] A constriction device of a similar basic design to the one mentioned above is also shown in EP 0 633 747 B1.

[0004] A constriction device, particularly suitable for single use, which is more cost-effective and easier to manufacture, especially in the form of a venous tourniquet, is presented in EP 3 068 314 B1.

[0005] German patent DE 44 12 832 A1 discloses a tourniquet or blood pressure cuff in which a tube, shaped like an elongated hose, is glued to one side of a flat base. Both the base and the tube can be made of silicone, with the base being made of a harder silicone material than the tube. A locking mechanism for securing or easily adjusting the compression is not included.

[0006] EP 0 566 036 A2 discloses a constriction device for body parts, in particular tourniquets, comprising a constriction band and a locking housing, without further details being given regarding the design of the constriction band. A clamping rocker is pivotally mounted in the housing, the tensioned constriction band pivoting the clamping rocker into its clamping position, in which the band is pressed firmly against a housing wall. The clamping rocker is pivotally guided by means of lateral elongated holes and is also guided for limited longitudinal movement, with a spring supported on the axis and acting on a bent leg of the clamping rocker, attempting to push it into its open position.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a constriction device for body parts, in particular in the form of a venous tourniquet, of the type mentioned above, which has optimized functional properties from the point of view of both the person to be treated and the user.

[0008] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. In a constriction device, particularly a tourniquet, with the features mentioned in the preamble, the constriction band is made of elastic material, such as natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or, in particular, silicone, i.e., as a silicone band. The rubber-elastic constriction band, especially the silicone band, offers significant advantages for handling in conjunction with the locking mechanism, as well as for the functionality of the constriction device due to its conformability to the skin of the body part being constricted, its elasticity for regulating the constriction tension, and its hygienic properties.

[0009] If the constriction strap is designed to have a smooth and / or hardened surface, improved sliding properties are achieved both on the skin of the person being treated and in the lock housing.

[0010] An advantageous measure for achieving a smooth and hardened surface is to carry out the surface smoothing and hardening by fluoride treatment of a rubber-elastic band, in particular a silicone band, from which the constriction band is made.

[0011] For the manufacture and function, it is also advantageous that the constriction strap has a rectangular cross-section, wherein the width of the constriction strap is between 10 and 40 mm, preferably between 20 and 30 mm, and the thickness of the constriction strap is between 0.8 and 3 mm, preferably between 1 and 2.5 mm.

[0012] Good grip combined with good sliding properties is further achieved by providing the top and / or bottom of the belt with a friction-reducing relief-shaped structure.

[0013] In order to enable the operator to easily control the tension exerted on the body part to be constricted via the loop of the constriction strap, it is advantageously provided that the constriction strap is equipped with a marking that changes as it is stretched, by means of which a tension state of the constriction strap corresponding to a constriction tension can be recognized.

[0014] To meet hygienic requirements, it may be advantageous for the constriction strap to be transparent, especially for radiation in the UV range, with transparency in the UVC range being particularly advantageous for hygienic reasons.

[0015] Accordingly, the measures taken to make the lock housing transparent to UV radiation, especially UVC radiation, also contribute to advantageous hygienic treatment of the constriction device, since harmful germs, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and other pollutants, are reached and rendered harmless by the UV radiation even in areas of the lock housing that are difficult to access with cleaning fluid or mechanical cleaning agents.

[0016] Furthermore, UV radiation can be used to induce intentional aging, particularly as a result of a noticeable change in transparency or color effect, in order to discard older constriction devices.

[0017] To achieve favorable sliding properties of the clamping strap in the feedthrough shaft of the lock housing, it is further advantageously provided that rib-like sliding structures projecting longitudinally along the lock housing are arranged in the feedthrough shaft on at least one side of wall sections or any rocker arm facing the top and / or bottom of the strap. This avoids large, unfavorable friction surfaces between the clamping strap and the opposing contact surfaces in the lock housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the measures according to the invention are advantageous for function and handling in that the rocker is supported on its underside in its rear section located behind the pivot bearing against the upper side of the base wall by means of a spring arrangement, which brings the rocker (4) into its non-jamming rest position when the loop is unloaded. This allows the constriction strap to be easily moved within the lock housing when the tension is released, for example, to preset a suitable loop size or to position the lock housing relative to the constriction strap as desired, e.g., for putting on, taking off, or storing it.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment consists in the spring arrangement being designed as a return spring molded onto the rocker and projecting towards the bottom wall.

[0020] Further advantages for handling, such as storage, result from the fact that the lacing strap is provided with a retaining piece at its other end, the front end, which is away from the ratchet shoe.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a constriction device with a constriction strap guided through a lock housing and forming a loop in perspective view, Fig. 2A a top view of the constriction device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2B a cut side view of the constriction device along a section line AA to Fig. 2A, Fig. 2C an enlarged section Z of the constriction device according to Fig. 2B in the area of ​​the lock housing, Fig. 3A a perspective view of the lock housing from the rear, at an angle from below, Fig. 3B the lock housing from the back, Fig. 3C the lock housing from above, Fig. 4A a rocker switch that can be inserted into the lock housing for clamping the cinching strap, in top view, Fig. 4B the seesaw after Fig. 4A in perspective view, obliquely from the front and above, Fig. 4C the seesaw after Fig. 4A in perspective view, obliquely from the front below, Fig. 4D a cross-section of the seesaw according to Fig. 4A along a section line BB, Fig. 4E a front view of the rocker Fig. 4A and Fig. 4F a longitudinal section of the seesaw along a section line AA to Fig. 4E.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows, in a perspective view obliquely from the front and above, an embodiment of a constriction device 1 with its essential components, namely a lock housing 2, a rocker 4 pivotally mounted therein, and a constriction strap 3, which is guided longitudinally through a feedthrough shaft inside the lock housing 2, open at its rear and front, and is detachably locked to a ratchet shoe 5 in a rear section of the lock housing 2, forming a loop 31 of variable size. The constriction strap 3 is attached to the ratchet shoe at its rear end and, forming the loop 31, passes from the rear of the lock housing 2 through the feedthrough shaft, open at its rear, above a (in Fig. 1. The rocker plate of a rocker 4 (not visible) extends longitudinally through the lock housing 2 and out of the lock housing 2 through a through-opening 43 provided in the front of the rocker 4. At its other, front end or end section, the clamping strap 3 is provided with an end piece 6 serving as a holder. According to Fig. 1 The lock housing 2 has a cover wall 24 on its upper side, and a side wall on each side (of which in Fig. 1 only one is visible) and one (in Fig. 1. A barely visible) floor wall surrounds the passage shaft above, to the sides and below.

[0023] By means of the rocker 4, which is pivotally mounted in a pivot bearing in the lock housing 2, the constriction strap 3 can be pulled on the following Fig. 1. The section of loop 31 adjacent to the rear of the lock housing 2 (with a force component) is clamped downwards. By pulling the section of the clamping band 3 extending from loop 31 into the guide shaft, the section of rocker 4 located behind the pivot bearing is pivoted downwards and the section of rocker 4 located in front of the pivot bearing is pivoted upwards, and the clamping band 3 running over the rocker 4 is pulled through the front part of the rocker plate against a fixed component above the clamping band 3 in the lock housing 2 (in Fig. (1 not visible) abutment pressed and thereby clamped. This allows the loop width required for constricting a body part held in the loop to be fixedly adjusted, since by pulling on the section of the constriction strap 3 leading out on the front of the lock housing 2, the body part to be constricted itself pulls downwards the section of the constriction strap 3 entering on the back of the lock housing 2 above the rocker 4.

[0024] The front section of the rocker 4 is provided with an actuating section 42 molded onto the rocker plate 41. This actuating section projects upwards and backwards from the front transition area between the rocker plate and the actuating section 42, with a convex curve, into a recess of corresponding contour molded into the front area of ​​the cover wall 24 of the lock housing 2. By pressing on the actuating section 42, the constricting band 3, which is pressed against the abutment of the lock housing 2 by the front section of the rocker plate located in front of the pivot bearing and thus clamped in place, can be released or clamped in a controlled manner. This allows the loop 31 to be varied in its width (diameter or circumference), and thus the constricting band 3 can be fixed in a corresponding state of tension on the body part to be constricted, with the desired constricting tension.By releasing the locking shoe 5, the loop 31 can be fully opened, thus removing the constricting device 1 from the body part to be constricted. Conversely, by locking the locking shoe 5 in the locking housing 2, the device can be applied to a body part to be constricted by selecting the appropriate loop size. The upper surface 33 of the constricting strap 3 forms the inner side of the loop 31 facing the body part. This design and function are also shown in the aforementioned EP 1 458 296 B1.

[0025] In the following Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C; Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B; Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C, Fig. 4D, Fig. 4E and Fig. 4F are the essential components of the constriction device 1 and also show in detail the differences compared to the constriction device 1 presented in EP 1 458 296 B1.

[0026] In contrast to the version shown in EP 1 458 296 B1 and also in EP 0 633 747 B1, the version in Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B and Fig. In the constriction device shown in Figure 2C according to the present invention, the constriction band 3 is made of an elastic material, such as natural rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or, most preferably, silicone. The constriction band thus designed, particularly the silicone band, inherently possesses, with a typical band width of, for example, 10 to 40 mm, preferably 20 to 30 mm, and a band thickness of, for example, 0.8 to 3 mm, preferably 1 to 2.5 mm, as is particularly advantageous when designed as a venous tourniquet, a flexibility and elasticity, in particular rubber elasticity, that are advantageous for its function. This allows the constriction band 3 to advantageously adapt its shape to different circumferential contours and tissue properties of the skin and skin surface, and, especially as a silicone band, also exhibits good conformability and / or good haptic properties.

[0027] To improve gliding on the skin and between adjacent wall areas within the lock housing 2 and the rocker 4, the constriction band 3, made of silicone or rubber-elastic material, is smoothed and / or hardened (compared to its inner surface) on its upper surface 32 and / or lower surface 33 by chemical, mechanical, or physical treatment. This treatment may, for example, consist of a fluoride treatment. The upper surface 32 and / or lower surface 33 of the band may also be provided with relief-like, molded structures that improve grip. These structures offer advantages in terms of haptics for both the user and the person being treated, and also improve the gliding and clamping of the constriction band 3 within the lock housing 2.The upper side of the belt 32 and the lower side of the belt 33 are designed in a smooth or relief-structured version to ensure good, easy cleaning in order to meet high hygienic requirements.

[0028] Advantageously, the constriction strap 3 can be provided with a marking 70 so that the user can easily check the tension of the loop 31 applied to the body part being constricted. For example, the marking 70 consists of a geometric pattern embossed or printed on the upper side 32 of the strap facing the user, such as an ellipse with a large diameter running transversely (perpendicularly) to the longitudinal direction of the constriction strap 3. When the required constriction tension is applied, and the resulting tension of the loop 31 is established, the elasticity of the constriction strap 3 causes the pattern to deform into a clearly recognizable circle. Other geometric patterns with easily recognizable, defined changes in marking (such as a rectangle changing into a square) are also suitable.For example, such a tension state achieved in a venous tourniquet corresponds to a constriction tension that withstands a pressure required to stop venous blood flow between 5 mm Hg and 40 mm Hg, for example 10 mm Hg or less than 25 mm Hg, as is described, for example, in the aforementioned EP 3 068 314 B1.

[0029] As the Fig. As can be seen in the top view of the constricting device 1 shown in Figure 2A, the actuating section 42 of the rocker 4, which curves upwards and backwards from the front with a continuous convex curvature, projects into a recess symmetrical to the longitudinal direction of the constricting band 3 and to the longitudinal axis of the lock housing 2. In the unactuated rest state of the rocker 4, the upper surface of the actuating section 42 and the cover wall 24 of the lock housing 2 merge essentially flush with each other via a narrow but perceptible gap. Similarly, the detent shoe 5, which is inserted into the rear section of the lock housing 2 in a latching manner, also merges essentially flush with the upper surface of the cover wall 24 in its front-facing edge region via a corresponding recess symmetrical to the longitudinal axis.This design results in advantageous usability of the constriction device 1 when applying the constriction device 1 in a metered, tension-appropriate manner to a body part to be constricted, or when releasing and / or loosening the constriction device 1.

[0030] Advantages in terms of operation, handling, and storage also result from the attachment of the end piece 6 to the front end of the strap 3. This serves, for example, as a stop to prevent the strap 3 from being unintentionally pulled out of the lock housing 2 and is, for example, as shown in Fig. 2A shows that the end piece 6 is provided with a clamping tongue and / or a retaining opening for storage. The attachment of the end piece 6 to the tie-off strap 3 is achieved, for example, via a clamping receptacle formed on the back of the end piece 6 (see figure). Fig. 2B) and / or alone or additionally via a material-bonded connection such as gluing or welding.

[0031] How Fig. 2B and in an enlarged section Z the Fig. As further shown in Figure 2C, the constriction strap, as described above, is guided from the rear into the passage 230 formed inside the lock housing 2 between the top of the rocker plate 41 and the underside of an intermediate wall 25 molded into the lock housing 2, forming the loop 31, and is led out on the front through a passage opening 43 in the transition area between the front of the rocker plate 41 and the actuating section 42 of the rocker 4.The partition wall 25 is provided on its underside, in its front section located in front of the pivot bearing, which extends to the inside of the actuating section 42 except for a small gap for actuating the rocker 4, with a retaining structure in the form of a front lower edge 241 running transversely (preferably at right angles) to the longitudinal extent of the lock housing 2. This lower edge projects towards the top 32 of the clamping band 3 and forms a ramp towards the rear and a steep retaining flank towards the front. Thus, when the elastic, rubber-like clamping band is pressed against the partition wall and the rocker 4 is pivoted, the downward pull on the loop section 3 inserted from the rear is achieved by the penetrating lower edge 251 and is secured against retraction by the steep front flank. By pressing on the actuating section 42, the user can release the clamping force of the clamping band 3 in a controlled manner.The partition wall 25 with the aforementioned retaining structure in the form of the front lower edge 251 thus forms a support for clamping the constriction strap 3 by means of the rocker 4.

[0032] As the Fig. As shown in Figures 2B and especially 2C, in this embodiment the pivot bearing is located approximately midway between the front and rear of the lock housing 2 in the area of ​​the underside of the rocker plate 41, also approximately midway with respect to this underside. The elements forming the pivot bearing on the bottom side of the lock housing 2 and the underside of the rocker plate 41 are described below with reference to the Fig. 3A to 3C and 4A to 4F are described in more detail.

[0033] As the Fig. 2B and Fig. As shown further in Figure 2C, the rocker plate 41 is provided in its rear lower region with a spring arrangement in the form of a return spring 44, which is preferably integrally formed on the rocker plate 41 in the region behind the pivot bearing and extends obliquely rearward and downward to near the rear end of the rocker plate 41. The return spring 44, which is thus tongue-shaped, is supported at its rear end region with its underside on the upper surface of the bottom wall 27 of the lock housing 2, the distance between the underside of the return spring 44 and the upper surface of the rocker plate 41 being dimensioned such that the rocker plate 41 in the unloaded state of the clamping strap 3 (i.e.,Without downward pull on the section of the loop 31 inserted from the rear, the constriction strap 3 is aligned at least largely parallel to the underside of the partition 25, so that the constriction strap 3 can be easily moved in the passage 230 without any clamping force being exerted by the rocker 4. This allows, for example, the loop width to be varied largely without force before it is precisely tightened on the body part to be constricted. Even after the loop 31 is opened by releasing the locking shoe 5, the constriction strap 3 can thus be easily moved in the passage 230.

[0034] Furthermore, it is from the Fig. 2B and Fig. Figure 2C shows the insertion and locking of the locking shoe 5 in the lock housing 2 and the securing of the rear end of the constriction strap 3 in the locking shoe 5. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking shoe 5 with a plug-in section 51 is inserted into a receiving shaft 231 formed between the upper side of the partition wall 25 and the lower side of the cover wall 24 through a rear insertion opening 23 on the rear side 22 of the lock housing 2 (see also Figure 2C). Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C) is inserted and locked in place by means of a locking lug projecting upwards on its rear side, bearing against a counter-locking lug projecting downwards from the inside of the cover wall 24. The locking shoe 5 is thereby brought into contact with a rear edge of a rearwardly projecting actuating part 51 against a rear edge of the cover wall 24 of the lock housing 2, possibly with slight play. The rear end of the constricting strap 3 is inserted into an insertion slot in the actuating part 50 via a downwardly open passage on its front side and clamped in the insertion slot, and may additionally be fixed therein by a material bond, for example by gluing or welding.The constricting strap 3, which extends downwards from the actuating part 50 through the passage, forms the rear section of the loop 31. This loop then transitions into the front section and subsequently into the section guided through the lock housing 2 as described above. By applying relatively light pressure to the upper surface of the actuating part 50, which is advantageously provided with a slight indentation, the detent shoe 5 can be easily disengaged and pulled out of the lock housing 2 to open the loop 31.

[0035] The Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. Figure 3C shows the lock housing 2 in more detail. The lock housing 2, preferably made of a grippy plastic material with good tactile feel for operation, is sized to fit in the hand of the operator and to be easily positioned against a part of the body. Its external transition areas between the side walls and the front, top, and bottom feature gently curving edges for ease of handling. The recess 240 in the front area of ​​the cover wall 24, into which the convexly upward-southward extending actuating section 42 of the rocker 2 projects, is shaped according to the contour of the upper edge of the actuating section 42 and is symmetrical to the vertical central longitudinal plane of the lock housing 2, with a rounded contour avoiding abrupt edges.On the rear side 22, the rear edge of the cover wall 24 and the adjoining side walls 26, 26' is formed as a slightly forward-concave indentation, symmetrical to the vertical central longitudinal plane of the lock housing 2, and adapted to the contour of the front edge of the actuating part 50 of the detent shoe 5. The concave indentations of the front recess 240 and the rear recess of the cover wall 24 provide good guidance for the insertion of the actuating section 42 and also of the detent shoe 5.

[0036] The partition wall 25, which here defines the receiving shaft 231 downwards and the passage shaft 230 upwards, is provided on its underside with molded sliding ribs 250 extending longitudinally along the lock housing 2 and rounded downwards in cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). These ribs interact with the upper surface 32 of the clamping strap 3 to reduce friction, so that the strap, when not clamped, can be easily moved within the passage shaft 230 to the desired extent, practically without hindrance. In the transverse direction between the sliding ribs 250, as Fig. 3B can be seen, in particular in the front area on the underside of the partition wall 25 sections of the retaining structure in the form of the front lower edge 251, which, when pulled downwards, clamps and fixes the clamping band 3 against the underside of the partition wall 45 with its front section lying in front of the pivot bearing, on the section running into the passage shaft from the loop 31 and thus pivoting the rocker 4. Fig. Figure 3C also shows the front edge 252 of the partition 25, at which the sliding ribs and retaining structure also terminate, in the exemplary embodiment as a toothed front edge 252 in top view with retaining structures (projections, ribs or the like) that are offset in the longitudinal direction and engage in the elastic constriction band for fixing.

[0037] As the Fig. Figure 3B shows the open rear side 22 of the lock housing 2 with the rear insertion opening 23 into the receiving shaft 231 and the through-shaft 230, and the pivot bearing is formed on the top of the bottom wall 27 by means of sections of a rib-like pivot support 270 extending transversely at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the lock housing 2, on the front and back of which complementary pivot bearing sections are positioned on the underside of the rocker plate 41 when the rocker 4 is inserted.The height of the pivot support 270 to the underside of the rocker plate 41 between the complementary pivot bearing sections is selected such that, in the rocker 4's rest position, the clear width of the passage 230 between the top of the rocker plate 41 and the underside of the partition wall 25, in accordance with the thickness of the clamping band 3, allows for virtually unimpeded passage of the clamping band 3. Furthermore, the pivot angle is large enough that, by pivoting the rocker 4, the clamping band 3 is securely clamped between the top of the front section of the rocker 4 and the facing underside of the partition wall 25 against the retaining structure. Alternatively, for example, a pivot bearing of the rocker 4 with bearing elements arranged laterally, e.g., on the inside of the two side walls 26, 26', into which complementary bearing elements attached to the rocker 4 engage, is also conceivable.

[0038] The Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C, Fig. 4D, Fig. 4E and Fig. Figure 4F shows an embodiment of the rocker 4 with further details. In the front area of ​​the rocker plate 41, the actuating section 42, extending upwards and rearwards under a convex curvature, is integrally formed, wherein the through-hole 43, adapted to the cross-section of the constricting band 3 for easy insertion, is provided in the front transition section between the rocker plate 41 and the actuating section 42, as shown in particular by the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C and Fig. Show 4F. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, a slight actuating recess 420, easily felt by the operator, is formed on the upper side of the rearward-extending part of the actuating section 42. Projecting from the underside of the rocker plate 41, in its transversely central region behind the relevant elements of the pivot bearing, is the return spring 44, which projects obliquely downwards and backwards in the form of a spring tongue molded onto the rocker plate 41. Perpendicular to the longitudinal extent in the transverse direction, the parts of the pivot bearing that interact with the sections of the pivot support 270 on the upper side of the bottom wall 27 of the lock housing 2 are molded downwards, with the sections of the pivot support 240 being received between the front and rear sections of the complementary pivot bearing sections.The rear sections are formed as tongue-like sections which, to insert the rocker 4 into the interior of the lock housing 2, can be deflected upwards via lead-in ramps, with the relevant sections bearing against the underside of the partition wall 25 on the upper side of the rocker plate 41. To insert the rocker plate 41, the return spring 44 can also be deflected upwards sufficiently far against its preload. For easy insertion or mounting of the rocker plate 41 in the lock housing 2, longitudinally extending guide ribs with insertion grooves are also formed on the underside of the rocker plate 41, which interact in a guiding manner with corresponding complementary guide structures on the inside of the base wall 27. The resiliently designed rear complementary pivot bearing sections are in . Fig. 4C is shown as spring tongues 46.

[0039] As the Fig.As shown in Figure 4A in a top view of the rocker 4, additional sliding ribs 45 are advantageously molded onto the upper surface of the rocker plate 41 to minimize friction between the underside 33 of the constriction strap 3 and the rocker plate. The return spring 44 is arranged in a corresponding recess 451 of the rocker plate 41. For insertion and easy insertion of the constriction strap 3, the rear edge 450 of the rocker 4 is advantageously chamfered or rounded. The rocker 4 is also preferably made entirely of plastic material, thus providing favorable sliding properties for the constriction strap 3 and ensuring secure clamping. In particular, the actuating section 42 offers good grip and tactile feedback for operation by the user.

[0040] Advantageously, the lock housing 2, the rocker 4 and / or the tie-off strap 3 are designed to be transparent to UV radiation, especially in the UVC spectral range, so that the killing of harmful germs by means of UV radiation is made possible even in areas that are difficult to access mechanically.

[0041] The constriction band 3 described above, made of a rubber-elastic material, in particular as a silicone band, and preferably smoothed and hardened on its outer surface by means of a fluoride treatment, offers significant advantages in use when combined with the described lock housing 2 and the rocker 4. It can also be used advantageously with other designs of the lock housing 2 and the clamping mechanism.

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