JP4463506B2 - Multi-channel electrical stimulator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-channel electrical stimulation device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a low frequency treatment device is known as a treatment device using an electric signal.
In this low frequency treatment device, a low frequency electric signal (low frequency treatment signal) is applied between a pair of conductors mounted on the body surface of a patient. And as shown in patent document 1, the multichannel type low frequency treatment device which provided multiple pairs of a pair of conductors is also put into practical use.
[0003]
In the esthetic industry, slimming is also performed using a low-frequency treatment device. That is, by stimulating muscles with an electrical signal from a low-frequency treatment device, the same effect as that of exercising muscles is given and slimming is performed (muscle training). Furthermore, in the esthetic industry, a low-frequency treatment device is used to enhance the draining effect of lymph (lymph drainage).
[0004]
[Patent Literature]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-14800
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, it is convenient if muscle training and lymph drainage can be selectively performed with one multi-channel electrical stimulation device. in this case,
First signal generating means for generating a first electric signal suitable for muscle training and second signal generating means for generating a second electric signal suitable for draining lymph are provided, and output from a plurality of output units As the electrical signal, it is only necessary to provide mode selection means for manually selecting one of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.
[0006]
As described above, when one multi-channel electrical stimulation device is used for both muscle training and lymph drainage, some device is required for adjusting the output magnitude from each output unit. To elaborate on this point, there is usually an output adjustment means that manually adjusts the output level independently for each channel, but for the output level required for muscle training and for lymph drainage. The required output size is very different. In other words, the electrical signal waveform for muscle training is output to be quite large in order to give stimulation to the deep part of the muscle, while lymph drainage outputs only to the part relatively close to the skin surface. Is small.
[0007]
On the other hand, the number of output adjustment means is considerably large due to the relationship provided independently for each channel (10 output adjustment means are provided for 10 channels). If each channel is provided separately for muscle training and lymph drainage, the number of output adjusting means is doubled, which is too much.
[0008]
In order not to increase the number of output adjusting means, it is conceivable to use the output adjusting means for each channel for both muscle training and lymph drainage. However, in this case, when the mode is changed by the mode selection means, the output size greatly deviates from the size suitable for the changed mode, and the output size corresponding to the changed mode is obtained. It will take a lot of trouble to readjust.
[0009]
In addition to this, when changing from muscle training mode to lymph drainage mode, it is left with a large output suitable for muscle training, giving the user (patient) an unnecessarily large stimulus. There is also a risk.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above. The purpose of the present invention is to restore the output when the mode is changed while the output adjusting means is shared between the muscle training mode and the lymph drainage mode. An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel electrical stimulation device that can reduce the adjustment effort as much as possible.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions. That is, as described in claim 1 in the claims,
In a multi-channel electrical stimulation device having a plurality of output units that each output electrical signals for stimulation,
First signal generating means for generating a first electrical signal having a frequency suitable for muscle training;
A second signal generating means for generating a second electrical signal with a frequency suitable for the discharge of a frequency different lymph from the frequency of the first electrical signal,
Mode selection means for manually selecting one of the first electric signal and the second electric signal as an electric signal to be output from each output unit;
When the electrical signal selected between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal is changed by the mode selection means, the magnitude of the output voltage from the plurality of output units in conjunction with the change of the electrical signal Output changing means for automatically changing the length;
Independent output adjusting means for individually adjusting the magnitude of the output voltage from each output unit by manual operation;
With
The output changing means maintains the ratio of the magnitude of the output voltage from the plurality of output sections after being adjusted by the independent output adjusting means, and the first electric signal is selected when the second electric signal is selected. the output voltage from the output portion of the plurality of compared to when the electric signal is selected is set to change the size of the preset constant rate as small so as to output voltages, respectively,
It is like that.
[0012]
According to the above solution, when the mode is changed by the mode changing means, that is, when the frequency of the output electric signal is changed , the output voltage from each output unit becomes a magnitude suitable for the changed mode. It will be set automatically. This saves the trouble of adjusting the magnitude of the output voltage after the mode change, or reduces the adjustment amount even if readjustment is performed. Also, when changing from muscle training mode to lymph drainage mode, the output voltage is automatically reduced to a level suitable for lymph drainage, so it is suitable for muscle training mode A situation in which a large output voltage causes an unnecessarily large stimulus to the user is surely prevented. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically change the output voltage to a level suitable for the changed mode while utilizing the output adjustment state of the independent output adjustment means. Furthermore, in the lymph drainage mode, the output change amount when the independent output adjusting means is operated by a unit amount is smaller than that in the muscle training mode, which is preferable for finely adjusting the output voltage. .
[0013]
A preferred mode based on the above solution is as described in claim 2 and the following claims. That is,
The first electric signal generated by the first signal generating means and the second electric signal generated by the second signal generating means respectively output a high frequency carrier wave having a sine waveform at a low frequency period. A burst waveform,
The frequency of the carrier wave in the first electric signal is set smaller than the frequency of the carrier wave in the second electric signal,
(Claim 2). In this case, in the muscle training mode, the frequency of the carrier wave is low, which is preferable for giving a relatively strong stimulation to the deep part of the muscle, while in the lymph drainage mode, the frequency of the carrier wave is high. Therefore, it is preferable for stimulating relatively weakly near the body surface. In addition, it is common to use this burst wave by using a burst wave in which a high frequency sine waveform is used as a carrier wave and the carrier wave is output at a low frequency cycle for stimulation. The multi-channel electrical stimulation device according to the present invention can be configured by effectively using the treatment device.
[0014]
[0015]
While maintaining the ratio of the magnitude of each output voltage from the plurality of output sections after being manually operated and adjusted by the independent output adjusting means, the magnitude of the output voltage from the plurality of output sections is simultaneously adjusted. In addition, a common output adjusting means may be further provided (corresponding to claim 3). In this case, it is possible while maintaining the ratio of the size of the output voltage from the output unit is set in advance, it adjusts the magnitude of the output voltage from the output unit.
[0016]
[0017]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to greatly reduce the labor of readjustment of the output voltage after the mode change while suppressing an increase in the number of output adjustment means. In addition, when the mode is changed to the lymph drainage mode, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which a large stimulus is inadvertently given to the user. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically change the output voltage to a level suitable for the changed mode while utilizing the output adjustment state of the independent output adjustment means. Furthermore, in the lymph drainage mode, the output change amount when the independent output adjusting means is operated by a unit amount is smaller than that in the muscle training mode, which is preferable for finely adjusting the output voltage. .
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, H is the main body of the multi-channel electrical stimulation device. The main body H is a 10-channel type in the embodiment, and has a total of ten output units 1 to 10. A pair of conductors 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B can be independently connected to each of the output units 1 to 10.
[0019]
The main body H has an operation unit as an independent output adjusting means for independently adjusting the magnitude of the output from each of the output units 1 to 10 (the same is the magnitude of the output voltage unless otherwise noted). 21 to 30 are provided. The operation units 21 to 30 are manually operated, the operation unit 21 is for the output unit 1, the operation unit 22 is for the output unit 2, and the operation unit 23 is for the output unit 3. 24 is for the output unit 4, the operation unit 25 is for the output unit 5, the operation unit 26 is for the output unit 6, the operation unit 27 is for the output unit 7, and the operation unit 28 is for the output unit 8. The operation unit 29 is for the output unit 9, and the operation unit 30 is for the output unit 10.
[0020]
The main body H is further provided with one operation unit 35 as common output adjusting means. The operation unit 35 is manually operated, and maintains the ratio of the magnitude of the output from the output units 10 to 20 after being adjusted by the operation units 21 to 30, while the output units 1 to 10 are maintained. This adjusts the size of the output from all together. The output level adjusted by the operation unit 35 is displayed on the display unit 36. The adjustment level by the operation unit 35 can be adjusted stepwise or steplessly, for example, between level 1 having the smallest output level and level 10 having the largest output level.
[0021]
The magnitudes of outputs from the output units 1 to 10 are individually displayed on the display units 41 to 50. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 60 denotes a manually operated timer operation unit for setting a time for outputting an electric signal from the output units 1 to 10, and the display unit 61 displays the set time. When the output is started after the timer is set, the display unit 61 displays the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time after the output is started from the set time.
[0022]
The main body H is further provided with an operation unit 37 that is manually operated for mode selection (switching) and a display unit 38 that displays the current mode selected by the operation unit 37. The operation unit 37 selects one of a muscle training mode and a lymph drainage mode. When the selected mode is muscle training, for example, “muscle mode” is displayed on the display unit 38, and when the selected mode is lymph drainage, for example, “lymph mode” is displayed.
[0023]
FIG. 2 shows an example of position setting for the user of the conductors (10A, 10B) connected to the output units 1 to 10 when performing muscle training. Since all ten output units as each channel use all ten, a total of ten conductors are provided. Similarly, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an example of position setting of the conductors (10A, 10B) with respect to the user when performing lymph drainage, and shows a case where a total of 10 conductors are used. It is.
[0024]
FIG. 5 shows a circuit for selecting electrical signals output from the output units 1 to 10 for muscle training and lymph drainage, and a circuit for adjusting and changing the magnitude of the output. . First, it has a first waveform generation circuit 71 for generating a waveform of an electrical signal for muscle training and a second waveform generation circuit 72 for generating a waveform of an electrical signal for lymph drainage.
[0025]
When the muscle training mode is selected by the operation unit 37 for mode selection (switching), the selector switch contact 37a is connected to the first waveform generation circuit 71, and the waveform generated by the first waveform generation circuit 71 is Input to the D / A conversion circuit 73. When the lymph drainage mode is selected by the operation unit 37, the changeover switch contact 37a is connected to the second waveform generation circuit 72, and the waveform generated by the second waveform generation circuit 72 is D / A converted. Input to the circuit 73. The waveform generation circuits 71 and 72 are used for the output units 1 to 10 in common. However, the selector switch contact 37a and the D / A conversion circuit 73 are provided independently for each output unit 1-10.
[0026]
The signals from the operation units 21 to 30 as independent output adjusting means provided independently for each of the output units 1 to 10 pass through the A / D conversion circuit 74 and then the first coefficient setting circuit (output conversion circuit). ) 75 and the second coefficient setting circuit 76. The first coefficient setting circuit 75 is for the muscle training mode, and the coefficient set here is “1”. That is, the magnitude of the output selected by the operation unit 21 (22 to 30) is output as it is. On the other hand, the second coefficient setting circuit 76 is for the lymph drainage mode, and the coefficient set here is “0.6”. That is, the output selected by the operation unit 21 (22 to 30) is changed to a small value such as 0.6 times. The A / D conversion circuit 74 and the coefficient setting circuits 75 and 76 are provided independently for each of the output units 1 to 10.
[0027]
When the mode selection operation unit 37 selects the muscle training mode, the changeover switch contact 37b linked to this is connected to the first coefficient setting circuit 75, and the output of the first coefficient circuit 76 is D / A. This is input to the conversion circuit 73. On the other hand, when the mode selection operation unit 37 selects the lymph drainage mode, the changeover switch contact 37b linked to this is connected to the second coefficient setting circuit 76, and the output of the second coefficient circuit 76 is D. / A conversion circuit 73. The changeover switch contact 37b is also provided independently for each output unit 1-10.
[0028]
As described above, when the muscle training mode is selected, the waveform from the first waveform generation circuit 71 and the output from the first coefficient setting circuit 75 are input to the D / A conversion circuit 73. . As a result, the D / A conversion circuit 73 outputs the waveform generated by the first waveform generation circuit 71 at a level corresponding to the output set by the first coefficient setting circuit 75, and this D / A conversion. The output from the circuit 73 is amplified by the amplifier 77 and then output to the output unit 1 (2 to 10). The amplifier 77 is also provided independently for each output unit 1-10.
[0029]
Similarly, when the lymph drainage mode is selected, the waveform from the second waveform generation circuit 72 and the output from the second coefficient setting circuit 76 are input to the D / A conversion circuit 73. As a result, the D / A conversion circuit 73 outputs the waveform generated by the second waveform generation circuit 72 at a level corresponding to the output set by the second coefficient setting circuit 76, and this D / A conversion. The output from the circuit 73 is amplified by the amplifier 77 and then output to the output unit 1 (2 to 10).
[0030]
As is apparent from the above description, even when the operation amount in the operation unit 21 (22-30) is the same, the output unit 1 (2-10) is more effective in the lymph drainage mode than in the muscle training mode. ) Is automatically set to a small value such as 0.6 times. That is, when the muscle training mode is switched to the lymph drainage mode, the magnitude of the output from the output unit 1 (2 to 10) is automatically reduced to 0.6 times that before the switching. The Conversely, when the mode is switched from the lymph drainage mode to the muscle training mode, the magnitude of the output from each output unit 1 (2 to 10) is about 1.7 times (1/0) that before the switching. .6 times) is automatically set large.
[0031]
Here, an example of a waveform generated by the first waveform generation circuit 71 for muscle training, that is, an output waveform from each of the output units 1 to 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Note that the waveform (size) is a voltage value in the embodiment, but may be a current value. First, the waveform is basically a low-frequency electrical signal in which a pulse having a predetermined width (time width) is output at a low frequency (the period of the pulse interval in FIG. 6 corresponds to a low frequency, For example, the frequency is 1 Hz to 999 Hz). In the embodiment, a high frequency (referred to as a high frequency compared to a low frequency for stimulation) is superposed on this low frequency electrical signal (for example, in the range of 2 KHZ to 5 KHZ in frequency). Then set to 3KHZ). That is, a high frequency electric signal is superposed within a pulse width that becomes a low frequency signal, and a burst duty ratio that is a superposition ratio is always a constant value (for example, 30%) in the embodiment. Thereby, it becomes effective in giving the stimulus to the part which goes deep from the body surface of the user (patient) while having a low frequency component.
[0032]
In FIG. 6, a square (rectangular) wave is shown for the purpose of understanding that the electrical signal for stimulation is basically a low-frequency signal, but in reality, a high-frequency sine wave is output at a low-frequency cycle. (A signal with a constant output value that connects the upper ends of the high-frequency waves that are sine waves in FIG. 6 does not actually appear). FIG. 6 shows a case where the burst duty ratio is 30%, but the pulse width may be a fixed value (for example, for each low frequency period, for example, a high frequency for a certain time of 2 msec). Output a carrier wave).
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 7, one waveform is in a continuous output state in which a constant value is maintained for a predetermined time, but is in a gradually increasing output state in which the output gradually increases until the continuous output state is reached. A gradually decreasing output state in which the output gradually decreases from the state. In this case, the output increase rate (output increase rate per unit time) in the gradually increasing output state is smaller than the output decrease rate (output decrease rate per unit time) in the gradually decreasing output state. In other words, the increase in output is slow and the decrease in output is rapid. Note that the output increase ratios in the gradually increasing output state among the output units 1 to 10 are set to be substantially equal to each other, and similarly, the output decrease ratios in the gradually decreasing output state are also set to be substantially equal to each other. In FIG. 7, the waveform is shown in a pulse shape, but actually, a high frequency as a carrier wave is output within the range of the pulse width.
[0034]
Outputs from the output units 1 to 10 are sequentially performed while shifting the time. For example,
The first output unit 1, the second output unit 2, the third output unit 3, the fourth output unit 4,. FIG. 2 also shows the order of this output. The numbers are output sequentially from the smallest numerical value to the largest, and after output from the output unit having the largest numerical value, the output unit returns to the output unit having the smallest numerical value. In the middle of repeating such a cycle, the outputs from all the output units 1 to 10 can be simultaneously performed, or the outputs from all the output units 1 to 10 can be temporarily stopped. It is possible to eliminate or reduce the paralysis to the stimulus and enhance the effect of giving the stimulus.
[0035]
The waveform generated by the second waveform generation circuit 72 for lymph drainage is basically the same as the waveform for muscle training. However, a high-frequency carrier having a higher frequency band than that in the muscle training mode is used (for example, 5KHZ to 10KHZ, and 8KHZ in the embodiment). Further, the magnitude of the output is made smaller than that in the muscle training mode (for example, the waveform amplitude shown in FIG. 6 is smaller than that in the muscle training mode). In both the muscle training mode and the lymph drainage mode, the frequency of the low frequency can be set substantially the same, and the frequency of the low frequency is, for example, in the range of 5 to 80 Hz, for example, stepwise or steplessly by manual operation. Adjustment (change) is possible.
[0036]
Also in the lymph drainage mode, as in the muscle training mode, the outputs from the output units 1 to 10 are sequentially performed while shifting the time. For example, the first output unit 1, the second output unit 2, the third output unit 3, the fourth output unit 4,. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 also show the order of this output. The order is output in ascending order of numerical values, and after output from the output unit having the largest numerical value, the output unit returns to the output unit having the smallest numerical value. become. In the middle of repeating such a cycle, the outputs from all the output units 1 to 10 can be simultaneously performed, or the outputs from all the output units 1 to 10 can be temporarily stopped. It is possible to eliminate or reduce the paralysis to the stimulus and enhance the effect of giving the stimulus.
[0037]
When the outputs from the respective output units 1 to 10 are performed while shifting the time, a preferable shifting method is indicated by a wavy line in FIG. That is, the output from the output unit (for example, the second output unit 2) to be output next is started while the current output unit (for example, the first output unit 1) that is currently output is being performed. Is done. More specifically, the output from the next output unit is started while the output state of the output unit at this time is in the continuous output state described above. At the time when the output from the current output unit is stopped (output zero) (the end of the gradually decreasing output state), the output state at the next output unit is set to the continuous output state. By such setting, in particular, a strong sense that the stimulus continuously moves from one pair of output conductors to another conductor to be output next is obtained. In addition to the above, the next output is performed in the transitional period in which the output state of the current output unit among the plurality of output units 1 to 10 shifts from the continuous output state to the gradually decreasing output state. The output from the next output unit is the start time of the continuous output state.
[0038]
In addition, after the output from the output unit that has been output this time is completely stopped (output zero), if the output from the next output unit is started, the feeling of smashing will be interrupted It will be. In particular, it is preferable to obtain a sense of brushing in the lymph drainage mode. Moreover, although it is also considered that only the continuous output state is set as the output state from each output unit 1 to 10 (when both the gradually increasing output state and the gradually decreasing output state are absent), in this case, the stimulation is gradually and gradually increased. It becomes difficult to get the feeling of moving to.
[0039]
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes, for example, the following cases. The number of pairs of conductors (the number of output units) may be plural or more. However, in order to efficiently perform muscle training and lymph drainage over almost the whole body, at least eight pairs are required. Is preferred.
[0040]
The order of output from the plurality of output units is not limited to the case of repeating in the same order. The output order may be reversed so that the tenth output unit 10, the ninth output unit 9, the eighth output unit 8,... As described above, a switch for manually selecting a repeat mode in which the same output order is repeated without changing the output order of the plurality of output units and an inversion mode in which the rubbing direction is reversed as described above are provided. You can also
[0041]
It may be possible to change the time per cycle until the sequential output from all the output units is completed once. In this case, a manually operated switch is provided separately for instructing to change the time per cycle. Just do it. In this case, in particular, the duration of the continuous output state is changed, so that it is possible to arbitrarily change the speed of the brushing, that is, the sensation of performing the brushing early or the time of slowing down.
[0042]
The low frequency electrical signal may be one that does not superimpose a high frequency carrier wave. Of course, the object of the present invention is not limited to what is explicitly stated, but also implicitly includes providing what is substantially preferred or expressed as an advantage.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a main part external view showing an example of a device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a simplified explanatory diagram illustrating an example of position setting for a user of a conductor (output unit) in a muscle training mode.
FIG. 3 is a simplified explanatory diagram showing a position setting example for a user of an introducer (output unit) in a lymph drainage mode.
FIG. 4 is a simplified explanatory diagram showing a position setting example for a user of an introducer (output unit) in a lymph drainage mode.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit used in the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a waveform example of an electric signal in a muscle training mode.
7 is an enlarged view of a main part of the waveform shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
H: Main body 1 to 10 of multi-channel electrical stimulation device: Output unit 10A, 10B: Conductors 21 to 30: Operation unit (for independent adjustment of output)
35: Operation unit (for common output adjustment)
37: Operation unit (for mode selection)
71: First waveform generation circuit (for muscle training mode)
72: Second waveform generation circuit (for lymph drainage mode)
75: First coefficient setting circuit (for muscle training mode)
76: Second coefficient setting circuit (for lymph drainage)

Claims (3)

In a multi-channel electrical stimulation device having a plurality of output units that each output electrical signals for stimulation,
First signal generating means for generating a first electrical signal having a frequency suitable for muscle training;
Second signal generating means for generating a second electric signal having a frequency different from that of the first electric signal and having a frequency suitable for lymphatic discharge;
Mode selection means for manually selecting one of the first electric signal and the second electric signal as an electric signal to be output from each output unit;
When the electric signal selected between the first electric signal and the second electric signal is changed by the mode selection means, the magnitude of the output voltage from the plurality of output units is interlocked with the change of the electric signal. Output changing means for automatically changing the length;
Independent output adjusting means for individually adjusting the magnitude of the output voltage from each output unit by manual operation;
With
The output changing means maintains the ratio of the magnitude of the output voltage from the plurality of output sections after being adjusted by the independent output adjusting means, and the first electric signal is selected when the second electric signal is selected. the output voltage from the output portion of the plurality of compared to when the electric signal is selected is set to change the size of the preset constant rate as small so as to output voltages, respectively,
A multi-channel electrical stimulation device characterized by that. In claim 1,
The first electric signal generated by the first signal generation means and the second electric signal generated by the second signal generation means respectively output a high frequency carrier wave having a sine waveform at a low frequency period. A burst waveform,
The frequency of the carrier wave in the first electric signal is set smaller than the frequency of the carrier wave in the second electric signal,
A multi-channel electrical stimulation device characterized by that. In claim 2,
While maintaining the ratio of the magnitudes of the output voltages from the plurality of output units after being manually operated and adjusted by the independent output adjusting means, the magnitudes of the output voltages from the plurality of output units are simultaneously adjusted. A multi-channel electrical stimulation device, further comprising common output adjusting means for performing the operation.

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