WO2020183929A1

WO2020183929A1 - Application device and application method

Info

Publication number: WO2020183929A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/002362
Authority: WO
Inventors: 直樹豊島; 矢口　喜明
Original assignee: テルモ株式会社
Priority date: 2019-03-14
Filing date: 2020-01-23
Publication date: 2020-09-17
Also published as: JPWO2020183929A1

Abstract

This application device applies electrostimulation and heat to a living body or biological tissue, and comprises: a temperature measuring unit which measures temperature; and a control unit which controls the alternating application of electrostimulation and heat to a living body or biological tissue.

Description

Applying device and applying method

The present disclosure relates to an application device and an application method.

Conventionally, there are known devices that treat various diseases by applying a weak electrical stimulus at a level that does not cause depolarization and heat to a living body or a living body tissue. For example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, by applying a weak current as an electrical stimulus and heat to a living body or a living body tissue, a neurodegenerative disease, a cancer disease, xeroderma pigmentosum, and systemic A device for treating diseases such as autoimmune diseases and organ-specific autoimmune diseases is disclosed.

International Publication No. 2017/065239 JP-A-2009-125549

It is desired that the above-mentioned device be miniaturized so that it can be easily used by a user at home, for example. When trying to miniaturize an apparatus, it is necessary to miniaturize a battery or the like that supplies electric power. However, small batteries may not have a sufficiently high output. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned device, the heater used for applying heat requires a large current for heat generation. Therefore, it is originally desired that an electric stimulus is applied at a constant intensity in treatment, but in a device equipped with a small battery, the output intensity of the electric stimulus is not stable due to the consumption of electric current by the heat generation of the heater. In some cases.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an application device and an application method capable of further stabilizing the intensity of the applied electrical stimulation when applying the electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or a living tissue.

The application device as the first aspect of the present disclosure is an application device that applies electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or a living tissue, and a temperature measuring unit for measuring temperature, and the electrical stimulation and the heat are alternated. Is provided with a control unit that controls the application to the living body or the living body tissue.

In the application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit determines the heat application time for applying the heat based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit.

In the application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit determines the heat application time based on the difference between the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit and the target temperature.

The application device as the second aspect of the present disclosure is an application device that applies electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or a living tissue, and is a temperature measuring unit for measuring temperature, and the above-mentioned electric stimulation and the heat. A control unit that controls application to a living body or a living tissue is provided, and the control unit applies the electrical stimulus at a constant cycle, and after applying the electrical stimulus, the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is The temperature measuring unit measures the temperature at the time when the heat is applied to the living body or the living body tissue until a predetermined target temperature is reached, the application of the heat is started, and then the electric stimulation is applied. When the temperature does not reach a predetermined target temperature, the application of the heat is stopped.

The application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a storage unit for storing information, and when the control unit stops applying the heat, the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit is the target temperature. When it is determined whether or not the temperature is lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature and the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is lower than the lower limit temperature, the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is the lower limit temperature. It is recorded in the storage unit that it was less than.

In the application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit continuously determines that the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit is less than the lower limit temperature in the process of applying the heat. If recorded, the application of the electrical stimulation and the heat is stopped.

In the application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit performs the electrical stimulation when the record that the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit is less than the lower limit temperature reaches a predetermined number of times. The application with the heat is stopped.

The application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a notification unit for notifying information, and when the application of the electrical stimulation and the heat is stopped, the control unit is stopped from the notification unit. Is notified.

In the application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is at least one of the temperature of the heater that outputs the heat and the living body or the living body tissue.

In the application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit applies the electrical stimulation as a weak pulsed direct current.

The application method as the third aspect of the present disclosure is an application method by an application device including a temperature measuring unit for measuring temperature and capable of alternately outputting electrical stimulation and heat, and the temperature measurement unit measures the temperature. It includes a step of determining the heat application time for applying the heat based on the temperature.

The application method as the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an application method by an application device having a temperature measuring unit for measuring temperature and capable of outputting electrical stimulation and heat, and the electrical stimulation is applied at regular intervals. After applying the electrical stimulus, the step of applying the heat to the living body or the living body tissue and the application of the heat were started until the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit reached a predetermined target temperature. Later, when it is time to apply the electrical stimulus, if the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit does not reach a predetermined target temperature, the step of stopping the application of the heat is included.

According to the present disclosure, when applying electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or a living tissue, it is possible to provide an application device and an application method capable of more stabilizing the intensity of the applied electrical stimulation.

It is a schematic external perspective view of the application device which concerns on one Embodiment. It is an external perspective view when the application device of FIG. 1 is seen from the back surface side. It is an external perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the sheet material used when the application device is attached to a living body or the like. It is a functional block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the application device of FIG. It is a control chart which shows typically an example of the control of the output of electrical stimulation and heat by the control unit of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the control part of FIG. 4 executes in a setting stage. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the control part of FIG. 4 executes in a treatment stage. It is a figure for demonstrating the thermal application time T ₂ . It is a figure which shows an example of the transition of the acquisition temperature. It is a flowchart which shows an example of another process which the control part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of another process which the control part of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the transition of the acquisition temperature.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the application device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The common members in each figure are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic external perspective view of the application device 1 according to the embodiment. The application device 1 applies electrical stimulation to a living body or a living tissue (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “living body or the like”). The disease is treated by applying electrical stimulation.

The electrical stimulus applied by the application device 1 may be a weak electrical stimulus. In the present specification, it will be described below assuming that the electrical stimulation applied by the application device 1 is a weak electrical stimulation. However, in the present disclosure, the electrical stimulation applied by the application device 1 is not limited to a weak electrical stimulation.

Weak electrical stimulation is a level of electrical stimulation that does not cause depolarization of the living body. Since a level of electrical stimulation that does not induce depolarization does not bring about muscle contraction or a feeling of stimulation to the living body, the user (patient) cannot sense the applied electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation is applied to a living body or the like as, for example, a pulsed direct current. The pulsed direct current is applied at a frequency of, for example, 55 Hz. The pulse width of the pulsed direct current is, for example, 100 μsec. However, the electrical stimulation is not limited to this, and an appropriate electrical stimulation effective in treating a disease may be used. For example, the frequency of the pulsed direct current may be other than 55 Hz, and the pulse width of the pulsed direct current may be other than 100 μsec.

The application device 1 further heats the living body and the like. That is, the application device 1 applies heat to a living body or the like. Therefore, the application device 1 can apply electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or the like in combination. In this case, the disease is treated by applying a weak electric stimulus and heat.

The heat is several degrees higher than the normal temperature of the living body. For example, when the application device 1 is applied to the human body, the heat may be a temperature of 38 ° C. or higher and 45 ° C. or lower, which is several degrees higher than the normal body temperature of the human body.

The treatment by the application device 1 is performed with the application device 1 attached to at least a part of a living body or the like. For example, the application device 1 is attached to a living body or the like via a sticky sheet material. When the application device 1 is attached to a living body or the like, for example, when the user (patient) of the application device 1 inputs a predetermined operation input to the application device 1 to start the treatment by the application device 1. Treatment is performed by applying electrical stimulation and heat.

Here, the application device 1 according to the present embodiment sets the intensity of the weak electrical stimulation applied to the living body or the like before starting the actual treatment. In the present specification, the step of setting the output intensity of a weak electrical stimulus, which is performed before starting the treatment, is hereinafter simply referred to as a “setting step”. Further, in the present specification, the stage of actually performing treatment is also simply referred to as "therapeutic stage" below. Therefore, when the user of the application device 1 inputs a predetermined operation input to the application device 1 to start the treatment by the application device 1, the application device 1 executes the setting stage to perform the treatment stage. The user is treated by setting the intensity of the electrical stimulus and then performing a treatment step.

As shown in FIG. 1, the application device 1 is configured by combining the main body portion 10 and the application portion 20. The main body 10 is configured as a housing. The application unit 20 is formed in a flat plate shape. The main body portion 10 is coupled to the application portion 20 on one surface of the flat plate-shaped application portion 20. In the present specification, in the flat plate-shaped application portion 20, the surface to which the main body portion 10 is bonded is referred to as a surface. Further, in the flat plate-shaped application portion 20, the surface opposite to the front surface to which the main body portion 10 is not bonded is referred to as a back surface.

The main body 10 configured as a housing has various functional parts inside for controlling the operation of the applying device 1. Further, the main body unit 10 is provided with an input unit that receives an operation input from the user. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main body unit 10 includes a first input unit 101a, a second input unit 101b, and a third input unit 101c as input units.

The first input unit 101a, the second input unit 101b, and the third input unit 101c may all be configured as operation buttons (operation keys) that can be pressed, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. However, the form of the first input unit 101a, the second input unit 101b, and the third input unit 101c is not limited to the operation buttons that can be pressed. Further, the number of input units included in the main body unit 10 is not limited to three. Further, the arrangement of the first input unit 101a, the second input unit 101b, and the third input unit 101c is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the first input unit 101a, the second input unit 101b, and the third input unit 101c are operation buttons that execute different functions. Specifically, the first input unit 101a is an operation button for switching the power of the applying device 1 on and off. The second input unit 101b is an operation button for starting the treatment by the application device 1. The third input unit 101c is an operation button for the user to input the detection of the electrical stimulus. The sensing of electrical stimulation will be described later.

The back surface of the application unit 20 is attached to a living body or the like via a sticky sheet material. The application unit 20 includes an electrode unit that outputs an electrical stimulus and a heater that generates heat. The application unit 20 applies electrical stimulation and heat to the living body or the like with the back surface attached to the living body or the like.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the application device 1 of FIG. 1 when viewed from the back surface side. As shown in FIG. 2, the application unit 20 includes two electrodes, a first electrode 102a and a second electrode 102b, as an electrode unit. The first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b are exposed to the outside on the back surface side. The electrode unit outputs an electrical stimulus by, for example, grounding one of the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b and changing the voltage of the other electrode.

The application unit 20 is provided with a heater inside. That is, the application unit 20 includes a heater between the front surface and the back surface. By heating the heater, the heat is transmitted to the living body or the like with the back surface attached to the living body or the like, and the living body or the like is warmed.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sheet material 30 used when the application device 1 is attached to a living body or the like. The sheet material 30 includes a frame portion 31 and two conductive gels 32.

The frame portion 31 is made of a non-conductive material such as resin. The outer shape of the frame portion 31 is formed to be substantially the same size as the outer shape of the application portion 20. The frame portion 31 has two openings (through holes) for arranging the two conductive gels 32. The two openings are formed at positions corresponding to the positions where the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b are arranged when the sheet material 30 is attached to the back surface side of the application portion 20.

The two conductive gels 32 are arranged in the two openings of the frame portion 31. The space between the two conductive gels 32 is insulated by a non-conductive frame portion 31. Since the conductive gel 32 has adhesiveness, the applying device 1 can be attached to a living body or the like. In a state where the sheet material 30 is attached to the back surface side of the application portion 20, the two conductive gels 32 are in one-to-one contact with the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, respectively. As a result, when the application device 1 is attached to the living body or the like by the sheet material 30 and the electrical stimulation is output from the electrode portion, the electrical stimulation is applied to the living body or the like via the two conductive gels 32. To.

The user replaces and uses the sheet material 30 on a regular or irregular basis. That is, the user regularly or irregularly attaches the application device 1 to a living body or the like using a new sheet material 30 and uses it. As a result, it is possible to prevent the properties of the conductive gel 32 of the sheet material 30 from changing and the conductivity from deteriorating. Further, by using the new sheet material 30, it is possible to prevent the applying device 1 from being peeled off from the living body or the like due to deterioration of the adhesiveness.

In the present embodiment, as described above, two electrodes, the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, are arranged in one constituent device called the application unit 20. However, the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b may be arranged separately in different constituent devices, for example. When two electrodes are arranged in one constituent device as in the present embodiment, the two electrodes are attached to a living body or the like as compared with the case where the two electrodes are arranged separately in different constituent devices. Since the number of constituent devices to be used can be reduced, the convenience of the user is improved.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the application device 1 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the application device 1 includes an input unit 101, an electrode unit 102, a control unit 103, a display unit 104, a timer unit 105, a storage unit 106, a power supply unit 107, and a heater 108. , A temperature measuring unit 109 and an electrical stimulation output unit 110 are provided. The input unit 101, the control unit 103, the display unit 104, the timer unit 105, the storage unit 106, the power supply unit 107, and the electrical stimulation output unit 110 are provided in, for example, the main body unit 10. The electrode unit 102, the heater 108, and the temperature measuring unit 109 are provided in, for example, the applying unit 20. However, whether each functional unit is provided in the main body unit 10 or the application unit 20 is not limited to the example shown here as long as the functions described in the present specification are exhibited.

The input unit 101 receives an operation input from the user, and is composed of, for example, operation buttons. In the present embodiment, as described above, the input unit 101 is composed of three operation buttons, a first input unit 101a, a second input unit 101b, and a third input unit 101c. The input unit 101 may be configured by, for example, a touch screen, display an input area for receiving an operation input from the user on a part of the display device, and may accept the touch operation input by the user. When an operation input is made to the input unit 101 by the user, for example, an electric signal corresponding to the operation input is transmitted to the control unit 103.

The electrode unit 102 outputs an electrical stimulus based on the signal received from the electrical stimulus output unit 110. As described above, the electrode portion 102 is composed of two electrodes, a first electrode 102a and a second electrode 102b, for example.

The control unit 103 controls and manages the entire application device 1 including each function unit of the application device 1. The control unit 103 includes at least one processor. The control unit 103 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program that defines a control procedure, or a dedicated processor that specializes in processing each function. The control unit 103 controls the application of electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or the like.

Specifically, the control unit 103 controls the output of the electrical stimulus from the electrode unit 102. The control unit 103 can change the output intensity of the electrical stimulation. The control unit 103 can change the output intensity of the electrical stimulus by, for example, changing the magnitude of the pulsed direct current. The control unit 103 controls the processing of the treatment executed by the application device 1. Specifically, the control unit 103 controls the setting of the output intensity of the weak electrical stimulus in the setting stage and the treatment in the treatment stage by controlling each functional unit of the application device 1. The details of the process executed by the control unit 103 will be described later.

Specifically, the control unit 103 controls the heat generation of the heater 108. The control unit 103 controls the time during which the heater 108 is generating heat (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “heat generation time”) to apply heat to the living body or the like (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “heat application time”). To control. The control unit 103 controls the heat generation time based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 109, which will be described later. The details of the process executed by the control unit 103 will be described later.

The display unit 104 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 104 is an aspect of a notification unit that notifies information. The display unit 104 displays various information based on the control by the control unit 103. The display unit 104 may display, for example, the stage of processing executed by the applying device 1, that is, the setting stage or the treatment stage. In addition, the display unit 104 may display, for example, the progress of treatment. The degree of progression of treatment is the degree of progression at the stage of treatment. Specifically, the progress of treatment may be information indicating, for example, when the time of the treatment stage is set, how much of the time is completed. For example, when the control unit 103 detects an operation input to the input unit 101 by the user, the display unit 104 may display the content of the detected operation input. The display unit 104 may display any other information to be notified to the user in relation to the treatment. Note that in FIG. 1, the display unit 104 is not shown.

The application device 1 does not necessarily have to include the display unit 104. The application device 1 may include another mechanism instead of the display unit 104 or as a notification unit for notifying the user of information together with the display unit 104. For example, the applying device 1 may include a speaker that notifies the user of information by sound. For example, the applying device 1 may include an oscillator that notifies the user of information by vibration. The notification unit is not limited to the example shown here, and may be any mechanism capable of transmitting information to the user.

The timer unit 105 measures the time based on the control of the control unit 103. For example, the timer unit 105 measures the elapsed time from the start of the treatment stage. Further, for example, the timer unit 105 measures the elapsed time after applying the electrical stimulation of the pulsed direct current.

The storage unit 106 can be composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or the like. The storage unit 106 stores, for example, various information and a program for operating the application device 1. The storage unit 106 may also function as a work memory.

The power supply unit 107 is a battery that supplies electric power to each functional unit of the application device 1.

Heater 108 applies heat. The heater 108 is composed of a member that generates heat by supplying electric power, such as a heating wire. The heater 108 generates heat by receiving electric power from, for example, the power supply unit 107. When the heater 108 generates heat, the heat is transmitted to the living body or the like to which the applying device 1 is attached.

The temperature measuring unit 109 measures the temperature of the heater 108. The temperature measuring unit 109 is configured to include a sensor capable of detecting the temperature, such as a thermometer. The temperature measuring unit 109 transmits information regarding the measured temperature to the control unit 103 by transmitting an electric signal corresponding to the measured temperature to the control unit 103.

The electrical stimulation output unit 110 outputs an electrical stimulation from the electrode unit 102 based on the control of the control unit 103.

Next, the details of the control by the control unit 103 of the application device 1 will be described together with the usage method of the application device 1. Here, the application device 1 will be described as being used by being attached to the abdomen of a user who is a living body. That is, here, it is described that the treatment is performed in the abdomen of the user.

When using the application device 1, the user attaches the application device 1 to the abdomen using the sheet material 30. Then, the user turns on the power of the applying device 1 by, for example, pressing the first input unit 101a. The user can start the treatment by the application device 1 by pressing the second input unit 101b. That is, the application device 1 starts the treatment performed by the setting stage and the treatment stage.

FIG. 5 is a control chart schematically showing an example of control of the output of electrical stimulation and heat by the control unit 103 of FIG. FIG. 5 shows a chart of the output of the electrical stimulation and a chart of switching the heater 108 on and off. In the chart of FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents time. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis of the electrical stimulation output chart indicates the electrical stimulation output intensity. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis of the chart for switching the heater 108 on and off indicates the on and off states of the heater 108. Note that FIG. 5 does not necessarily accurately describe the state of application of electrical stimulation and heat. In particular, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, the length of time that the heater 108 is in the ON state changes.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 103 of FIG. 4 at the setting stage. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 103 of FIG. 4 in the treatment stage.

Here, the details of the processing executed by the control unit 103 in the setting stage will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The time t _{1 in} FIG. 5 is the start time of the setting stage. Further, it is assumed that the heater 108 is in the off state at the start of the setting stage.

At the setting stage, the control unit 103 outputs the electrical stimulus from the electrode unit 102 so as to gradually increase the output intensity of the electrical stimulus. Specifically, the control unit 103 first outputs an electrical stimulus (step S10). At this time, the control unit 103 outputs the electrical stimulus at the lowest output intensity P ₁ in the process of gradually increasing the output intensity of the electrical stimulus. The output intensity P ₁ is preferably a weak electrical stimulus at a level that does not cause depolarization for almost all users. That is, the output intensity P ₁ is preferably a weak electrical stimulus at a level at which almost all users do not perceive the electrical stimulus. The output intensity P ₁ may be preset in the applying device 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 103 may output the pulsed direct current of the electrical stimulation of the output intensity P ₁ a plurality of times in a predetermined cycle.

When the setting stage is started, the user presses the third input unit 101c when the electrical stimulus is detected. The control unit 103 determines whether or not an input indicating that the electrical stimulus has been detected by the user is detected when the output of the electrical stimulus in step S10 is executed (step S11). That is, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the third input unit 101c is pressed by the user when the output of the electrical stimulation in step S10 is executed.

When the control unit 103 does not detect the input indicating that the electrical stimulus has been detected (No in step S11), the control unit 103 increases the output intensity of the electrical stimulus (step S12). Then, the process proceeds to step S10, and the electrical stimulus is output again with the output intensity increased in step S12 (step S10). In step S12, the control unit 103 may increase the output intensity of the electrical stimulation by, for example, a predetermined intensity range set in advance. In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the control unit 103 outputs an electrical stimulus at the output intensity P ₁ and does not detect an input indicating that the electrical stimulus is detected, the control unit 103 then outputs the electrical stimulus at the output intensity P _2. doing. Further, the control unit 103 may start the output of the electric stimulus in the step S10 with the intensity of the electric stimulus increased in the step S12 after a predetermined time after starting the output of the electric stimulus in the step S10. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 103 starts the output of the electrical stimulation of the output intensity P ₁ in step S10 at the time t ₁ , and then the electrical stimulation of the output intensity P ₂ at the time t ₂ after a predetermined time. Is starting to output.

The control unit 103 repeats the increase in the intensity of the electrical stimulus in step S12 and the output of the electrical stimulus in step S10 until it is determined in step S11 that the input indicating that the electrical stimulus has been detected has been detected. By repeating this, the control unit 103 can gradually increase the output intensity of the electrical stimulation. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 103 increases the output intensity of the electrical stimulation in the order of P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , P ₄ , and P ₅ , and outputs the power. FIG time t ₁ at _{_{5, t 2, t 3,}} t 4 and t ₅ indicates the respective output intensity _{_{_{P 1, P 2, P 3}}} , P 4 and the time that starts outputting the electrical stimulation of P _5.

When the control unit 103 detects a predetermined operation input to the input unit 101, the control unit 103 sets the output intensity of the electrical stimulation used in the treatment stage. The output intensity of the electrical stimulus used in the treatment stage is also hereinafter referred to as "therapeutic intensity" in the present specification. In the present embodiment, the control unit 103 sets the treatment intensity when the operation input of pressing the third input unit 101c is detected.

That is, when the control unit 103 detects an input indicating that the electrical stimulus has been detected (Yes in step S11), the control unit 103 sets the treatment intensity (step S13). That is, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 103 detects an input indicating that the electrical stimulus is detected while gradually increasing the output intensity of the electrical stimulus, the control unit 103 sets the treatment intensity (step S13). In the chart of FIG. 5, when the electric stimulus is output at the output intensity P ₅ , the user senses the electric stimulus and presses the third input unit 101c, and the control unit 103 indicates that the third input unit 101c is pressed. Shows an example when is detected.

In step S13, the control unit 103 is based on the output intensity of the electrical stimulus output when the control unit 103 detects a predetermined operation input to the input unit 101 (in this example, the operation input of pressing the third input unit 101c). A predetermined output intensity, which is also low, is set as the therapeutic intensity. Here, in the present specification, the output intensity of the electrical stimulus output when a predetermined operation input to the input unit 101 is detected is referred to as a detection output intensity Ps. In the example here, the output intensity at the time of detection Ps = P ₅ is established.

The method for setting the treatment intensity may be appropriately determined. For example, the control unit 103 may set an output intensity lower than the detection output intensity Ps by a predetermined intensity as the therapeutic intensity. Further, for example, the control unit 103 may set the output intensity obtained by multiplying the detected output intensity Ps by a coefficient less than 1 as the therapeutic intensity. Here, the control unit 103 will be described below assuming that the treatment intensity Pm is set to the output intensity obtained by multiplying the detection output intensity Ps by 0.8 as a coefficient. That is, in the example described here, the therapeutic intensity Pm = 0.8 × the output intensity P ₅ is established.

The treatment intensity setting in step S13 does not necessarily have to be executed before step S14. The setting of the treatment intensity in step S13 may be completed by the end of the setting step, that is, by the end of the flow of FIG.

After detecting a predetermined operation input to the input unit 101 (in this example, the operation input of pressing the third input unit 101c), the control unit 103 heats the living body or the like by the heater 108, and the heater 108 The treatment phase may be initiated when the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature. Such heating by the heater 108 may be performed at the setting stage.

Specifically, the control unit 103 detects an input indicating that an electrical stimulus has been detected, sets the treatment intensity, and turns on the heater 108 (step S14). Chart shown in Figure 5, at time t _6, shows that the heater 108 is turned on state. As a result, electric power is supplied to the heater 108, and the heater 108 starts to generate heat. The heat generated by the heater 108 warms the abdomen of the user who is a living body.

The control unit 103 monitors the temperature of the heater 108 based on the signal transmitted from the temperature measurement unit 109. Specifically, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the temperature of the heater 108 has reached a predetermined temperature (step S15). The predetermined temperature is, for example, a temperature suitable for treatment by the application device 1, and may be predetermined.

When the control unit 103 determines that the temperature of the heater 108 has not reached the predetermined temperature (No in step S15), the control unit 103 repeats step S15 while keeping the heater 108 on.

When the control unit 103 determines that the temperature of the heater 108 has reached a predetermined temperature (Yes in step S15), the control unit 103 turns off the heater 108 (step S16). Chart shown in Figure 5, at time t _7, indicating that the heater 108 is turned off.

When the control unit 103 turns off the heater 108 in step S16, the setting step ends. That is, in the chart shown in FIG. 5, the setting stage ends at time t ₇ . When the setting stage is completed, the control unit 103 then starts processing in the treatment stage.

In the application device 1, the treatment intensity Pm may be predetermined and stored in, for example, the storage unit 106. In this case, the control unit 103 may execute the processing of the treatment stage by the treatment intensity Pm stored in the storage unit 106 without executing the processing of the setting stage described with reference to FIG.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, details of the process executed by the control unit 103 in the treatment stage will be described. The treatment stage may be automatically started by the control unit 103, for example, when the setting stage is completed.

First, the control unit 103 starts the treatment time timer by the timer unit 105 (step S20). The treatment time timer is a timer that measures the treatment time. The treatment time may be, for example, the elapsed time from the start of the treatment stage, or the time during which the output processing of the pulsed direct current is performed in the treatment stage. However, in the present embodiment, since the output processing of the pulsed direct current is not interrupted in the treatment stage, the elapsed time from the start of the treatment stage is equal to the time during which the output processing of the pulsed direct current is performed in the treatment stage. Become.

The control unit 103 outputs a pulsed direct current as an electrical stimulus (step S21). At this time, the control unit 103 outputs the pulsed direct current at the treatment intensity set in the setting stage, that is, the treatment intensity Pm set in step S13 of the flow of FIG.

When the control unit 103 outputs the pulsed direct current in step S21, the control unit 103 starts the electrical stimulation interval timer by the timer unit 105 (step S22). The electrical stimulation interval timer is a timer for measuring an interval for outputting a pulsed direct current as an electrical stimulation. In other words, the electrical stimulation interval timer is a timer for measuring the time from the output of the pulsed direct current to the output of the next pulsed direct current.

Further, when the control unit 103 outputs the pulsed direct current in step S21, the control unit 103 starts the heater ON interval timer by the timer unit 105 (step S23). The heater ON interval timer is a timer for measuring the interval (time) from the output of the pulsed direct current as an electrical stimulus to the turning on of the heater 108.

It is preferable that the control unit 103 executes steps S22 and S23 at the same time. That is, it is preferable that the control unit 103 starts the electrical stimulation interval timer and the heater ON interval timer at the same time. Further, it is preferable that the control unit 103 executes step S22 and step S23 at the same time as step S21. That is, it is preferable that the control unit 103 starts the electrical stimulation interval timer and the heater ON interval timer at the same time when the pulsed direct current is output.

The control unit 103 determines whether or not a predetermined time T ₁ has elapsed since the heater ON interval timer was started (step S24). The predetermined time T ₁ is the time from when the pulsed direct current as the electrical stimulus is output until the heater 108 is turned on, and may be set in advance, for example.

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₁ has not elapsed since the heater ON interval timer was started (No in step S24), the predetermined time T ₁ has elapsed since the heater ON interval timer was started. Step S24 is repeated until it is determined.

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₁ has elapsed since the heater ON interval timer was started (Yes in step S24), the control unit 103 turns on the heater 108 and heats the heater 108 to generate heat, such as a living body. Apply heat to the. Here, the control unit 103 determines the heat application time based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 109, and the heater 108 may be turned on for the determined heat application time.

Specifically, the control unit 103 acquires information on the temperature transmitted from the temperature measurement unit 109 (step S25).

The control unit 103 determines the heat application time T ₂ based on the temperature information acquired in step S25 (step S26). The temperature acquired in step S25 is the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 109 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “acquired temperature”). For example, the control unit 103 stores a mathematical formula for calculating the thermal application time T ₂ from the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 109 in the storage unit 106, and uses the mathematical formula to store the thermal application time T from the acquisition temperature. ₂ can be calculated. The control unit 103 stores, for example, a table in which the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 109 and the heat application time T ₂ are associated with each other in the storage unit 106, and refers to the table to obtain the heat application time from the acquisition temperature. T ₂ can be determined. Such formulas and tables may be set so that the lower the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 109, the longer the heat application time T ₂ is determined.

As an example of a specific method for determining the heat application time T ₂ , the control unit 103 may determine the heat application time T ₂ based on the difference between the acquisition temperature and the target temperature, for example. The target temperature is, for example, a temperature suitable for treatment by the application device 1, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 106. The target temperature may be, for example, the same temperature as the predetermined temperature used for the determination in step S15 of FIG.

Specifically, the control unit 103 calculates, for example, the difference between the target temperature and the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 109. Then, the control unit 103 uses the formula for calculating the thermal application time T ₂ from the difference, or, with reference to the table to determine the thermal application time T ₂ from the difference, heat application time T Determine ₂ Such formulas and tables may be set so that the larger the difference, the longer the heat application time T ₂ is determined.

When the control unit 103 determines the heat application time T ₂ , the heater 108 is turned on (step S27).

Then, the control unit 103 turns on the heater 108, and after the lapse of the heat application time T ₂ determined in step S26, turns the heater 108 off (step S28).

Next, the control unit 103 determines whether or not a predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the electrical stimulation interval timer was started (step S29). The predetermined time T ₃ is the time from the output of the pulsed direct current as the electrical stimulus to the output of the next pulsed direct current, and may be set in advance, for example.

Control unit 103, when it is determined from the start electrical stimulation interval timer that the predetermined time T ₃ has not elapsed (No in step S29), a predetermined time T ₃ from the start electrical stimulation interval timer has elapsed Step S29 is repeated until it is determined.

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the start of the electrical stimulation interval timer (Yes in step S29), whether or not the predetermined time T ₄ has elapsed since the start of the treatment time timer. Is determined (step S30). The predetermined time T ₄ is a treatment time, and may be set in advance, for example. The predetermined time T ₄ is, for example, one hour.

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₄ has not elapsed since the treatment time timer was started (No in step S30), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S21 and outputs a pulsed direct current. In this way, the control unit 103 repeats steps S21 to S30 from the start of the treatment time timer in step S30 until it is determined that the predetermined time T ₄ has elapsed. In this way, by repeating steps S21 to S30, a weak electrical stimulus having a therapeutic intensity of Pm and heat are alternately applied to the user to perform the treatment. Further, at this time, since the heater 108 is turned on in step S27, appropriate heat is applied, which makes it easier to maintain the temperature of the abdomen. Further, since the heat application time T ₂ by the heater 108 is determined based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 109, the heat application time T ₂ changes according to the current temperature of the heater 108. As a result, the heater 108 is less likely to be too low or too high, and tends to reach a desired temperature.

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₄ has elapsed since the treatment time timer was started (Yes in step S30), the control unit 103 ends the flow of FIG. 7. This ends the treatment phase. At this time, the control unit 103 may notify the user that the treatment stage has been completed by displaying it on the display unit 104 or driving another mechanism. When the treatment stage is completed, the user peels off the application device 1 from the abdomen to end the treatment.

Here, the length of the heat application time T ₂ will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a portion surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 5, for example. As shown in FIG. 8, the time when the output of the nth pulse DC current in the treatment stage is started is defined as t ₁₁ . After the output of the nth pulse DC current, the time when the heater 108 is turned on is set to t _12, and the time when the heater 108 is turned off after that is set to t ₁₃ . Further, the time at which the output of the n + 1th pulse DC current in the treatment stage is started is t ₁₄ . Times t ₁₁ , t ₁₂ , t ₁₃ and t ₁₄ are arranged in chronological order in this order.

At this time, the predetermined time T ₁ is represented by t _{12 −} t ₁₁ because it is the time from the output of the pulsed direct current as the electrical stimulus to the turning on of the heater 108. Further, since the predetermined time T ₃ is the time from the output of the pulsed direct current as the electrical stimulus to the output of the next pulsed direct current, it is represented by t _{14 −} t ₁₁ . The predetermined times T ₁ and T ₃ are fixed lengths of time, i.e. invariant. The specific lengths of the predetermined times T ₁ and T ₃ may be appropriately determined according to the purpose, means, method, etc. of the treatment.

8, heat is applied at time t ₁₂ is started, during the heat application time T _2, is applied state is continued. Application of hyperthermia, which ends at time t _13. That is, the heat application time T ₂ is represented by t _{13 −} t ₁₂ . The heat application time T ₂ is determined by the control unit 103 as described above. The control unit 103 determines the heat application time T ₂ each time before applying the heat. Therefore, the heat application time T ₂ may change each time the heat is applied. The heat application time T ₂ is larger than 0 and smaller than T _3- T ₁ . That is, 0 <T ₂ <T _3- T ₁ is established, and t ₁₂ <t ₁₃ <t ₁₄ is established. That is, the application of heat is completed before the electrical stimulation is applied. In this way, the control unit 103 can determine the heat application time T ₂ in the range of 0 <T ₂ <T _{3 −} T ₁ .

The control unit 103 may set the heat application time T ₂ to 0. In this case, after applying the nth electrical stimulation, the control unit 103 applies the n + 1th electrical stimulation without applying heat.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the acquisition temperature. FIG. 9 schematically shows a chart of the output of the electrical stimulation, a chart of switching the heater 108 on and off, and a chart of the transition of the acquisition temperature. In FIG. 9, for the sake of brevity, the pulse width of the pulsed direct current as an electrical stimulus is assumed to be substantially 0.

As shown in FIG. 9, the electrical stimulation is outputted at a constant period T _3. Further, the heat output starts after a predetermined time T ₁ after the electrical stimulation is output. The thermal application time T ₂ is determined according to the acquisition temperature at the start of the thermal output. For example, as can be understood from FIG. 9, the heat application time T ₂ becomes longer as the acquisition temperature at the start of the heat output deviates from the target temperature. In this way, the temperature at the heater 108 is likely to be maintained at a temperature suitable for treatment.

As described above, according to the application device 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 103 controls to alternately apply electrical stimulation and heat to the living body or the like. Therefore, heat is not applied at the timing when the electrical stimulation is applied. That is, the heat is applied at the timing when the electrical stimulation is not applied. Therefore, while the electrical stimulation is applied, power is not consumed due to the heat generated by the heater 108. As a result, the power consumption for heat generation of the heater 108 does not affect the output intensity of the electric stimulus, and the output intensity of the electric stimulus can be made more stable.

Further, according to the application device 1, the control unit 103 determines the heat application time T ₂ based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 109. Therefore, the control unit 103 can apply heat with a length corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 109. In particular, according to the application device 1, the control unit 103 can determine the heat application time T ₂ based on the difference between the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 109 and the target temperature. Therefore, the control unit 103 can determine the heat application time T ₂ so that the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 109 (the temperature of the heater 108 in this embodiment) approaches the target temperature.

Further, the control unit 103 applies a weak electric stimulus to the living body or the like at the treatment stage by outputting the electric stimulus at the treatment intensity Pm lower than the output intensity Ps at the time of detection. Therefore, by inputting a predetermined operation input when the user senses the electrical stimulus, the control unit 103 outputs the electrical stimulus at the treatment stage with a strength weaker than the intensity of the electrical stimulus sensed by the user. Can be done. In this way, the application device 1 can easily set the intensity of the electrical stimulus to an appropriate level when applying a stimulus that combines a weak electrical stimulus and heat to a living body or the like.

In particular, as described with reference to the flow of FIG. 6, when the output intensity of the electrical stimulus is gradually increased in the setting stage, the control unit 103 inputs a predetermined operation input when the user senses the electrical stimulus. Therefore, the treatment intensity Pm is set to be weaker than the output intensity Ps at the time of detection. As a result, the control unit 103 can set the treatment intensity Pm to a weak level that the user does not detect.

The process executed by the control unit 103 of the application device 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned process. The control unit 103 may perform further processing depending on the purpose, means, method, etc. of the treatment.

For example, in the treatment stage, the control unit 103 may apply electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or the like by a treatment different from the above-mentioned treatment. Details of examples of other processes in the treatment stage performed by the control unit 103 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of other processing executed by the control unit 103 of FIG. 4 in the treatment stage. The flow shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be executed in place of the flow shown in FIG. That is, the control unit 103 may start the flow shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 after executing the flow of the setting stage shown in FIG. 6, for example.

In the other process shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 103 starts the treatment time timer by the timer unit 105 (step S40).

Further, the control unit 103 outputs a pulsed direct current as an electrical stimulus (step S41). At this time, the control unit 103 outputs a pulsed direct current at the treatment intensity Pm set in step S13 of the flow of FIG.

When the control unit 103 outputs the pulsed direct current in step S41, the control unit 103 starts the electrical stimulation interval timer by the timer unit 105 (step S42).

Further, when the control unit 103 outputs the pulsed direct current in step S41, the control unit 103 starts the heater ON interval timer by the timer unit 105 (step S43).

The control unit 103 determines whether or not a predetermined time T ₁ has elapsed since the heater ON interval timer was started (step S44).

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₁ has not elapsed since the heater ON interval timer was started (No in step S44), the predetermined time T ₁ has elapsed since the heater ON interval timer was started. Step S44 is repeated until it is determined.

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₁ has elapsed since the heater ON interval timer was started (Yes in step S44), the control unit 103 acquires the temperature information transmitted from the temperature measurement unit 109 (step S45). .. The processing from step S40 to step S45 is the same as the processing from step S20 to step S25 described with reference to FIG. 7.

In the example of the treatment step described here, the control unit 103 applies heat to the living body or the like until the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 109 reaches a predetermined target temperature after applying the electrical stimulation in step S41. Apply. The target temperature is, for example, a temperature suitable for treatment by the application device 1, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 106. The target temperature may be, for example, the same temperature as the predetermined temperature used for the determination in step S15 of FIG.

Specifically, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the acquisition temperature is lower than the target temperature (step S46).

When the control unit 103 determines that the acquisition temperature is lower than the target temperature (Yes in step S46), the control unit 103 turns on the heater 108 (step S47).

Then, the control unit 103 determines whether or not a predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the electrical stimulation interval timer was started (step S48).

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₃ has not elapsed since the start of the electrical stimulation interval timer (No in step S48), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S45. In this case, the control unit 103 again determines whether or not the acquisition temperature is lower than the target temperature, and when it is determined that the acquisition temperature is lower than the target temperature (Yes in step S46), the heater 108 is turned on. (Step S47). Therefore, step S47 means to turn on the heater 108 when it is in the off state, and to maintain the on state when the heater 108 is in the on state. ..

In this way, the control unit 103 determines in step S46 that the acquisition temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, or in step S48 until it determines that the predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed from the start of the electrical stimulation interval timer. Steps S45 to S48 are repeated.

When the control unit 103 determines that the acquisition temperature has reached the target temperature, the control unit 103 turns off the heater 108. That is, when the control unit 103 determines in step S46 that the acquisition temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature (No in step S46), the control unit 103 turns off the heater 108 (step S49). As a result, the control unit 103 stops applying heat.

When the control unit 103 determines in step S46 that the acquisition temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature after outputting the pulsed direct current in step S41 without turning on the heater 108 (No. in step S46). ), The heater 108 is maintained in the off state (step S49). Therefore, step S49 means to turn off the heater 108 when it is in the on state, and to maintain the off state when the heater 108 is in the off state. ..

Then, the control unit 103 determines whether or not a predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the start of the electrical stimulation interval timer (step S50).

Control unit 103, when it is determined from the start electrical stimulation interval timer that the predetermined time T ₃ has not elapsed (No in step S50), a predetermined time T ₃ from the start electrical stimulation interval timer has elapsed Step S50 is repeated until it is determined.

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the start of the electrical stimulation interval timer (Yes in step S50), whether or not the predetermined time T ₄ has elapsed since the start of the treatment time timer. Is determined (step S51).

When the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₄ has not elapsed since the treatment time timer was started (No in step S51), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S41 and outputs a pulsed direct current. In this way, the control unit 103 repeats steps S41 to S51 from the start of the treatment time timer in step S51 until it is determined that the predetermined time T ₄ has elapsed. Thus, by repeating the step S51 from step S41, the user, at a fixed period T _3, weak electrical stimulation of continuous treatment intensity Pm is applied, the treatment is made.

In the example of the treatment stage process described here, the control unit 103 starts applying the heat, and when it is time to apply the next electrical stimulus, if the acquired temperature does not reach the target temperature, the heat is generated. Stop the application of.

Specifically, the control unit 103 determines in step S46 that the acquisition temperature is lower than the target temperature (Yes in step S46), turns on the heater 108 (step S47), and then steps S45 to S48. It is assumed that it is determined in step S48 that a predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the start of the electrical stimulation interval timer while the heat is being applied by repeating the above steps (Yes in step S48). The fact that the predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the start of the electrical stimulation interval timer means that it is time to output the next pulsed DC current. However, here, since the acquisition temperature is lower than the target temperature, the acquisition temperature has not reached the target temperature. In this case, the control unit 103 turns off the heater 108 (step S52). In this way, the control unit 103 stops the application of heat.

When the application of heat is stopped in this way, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the acquisition temperature is lower than the predetermined lower limit temperature as shown in the flow of FIG. 11 (step S53). .. The lower limit temperature is a lower limit value of the temperature desired for continuing the treatment by applying a weak electric stimulus, and is stored in the storage unit 106 in advance. The lower limit temperature is set as a temperature lower than the target temperature.

When the control unit 103 determines that the acquisition temperature is equal to or higher than the lower limit temperature (No in step S53), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S51 in FIG. In this case, if the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₄ has not elapsed since the treatment time timer was started (No in step S51), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S41 and outputs a pulsed direct current.

On the other hand, when the control unit 103 determines that the acquisition temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature (Yes in step S53), the control unit 103 stores in the storage unit 106 that the acquisition temperature is less than the lower limit temperature. In this way, the control unit 103 records that the acquisition temperature has not reached the lower limit temperature (step S54).

When the control unit 103 continuously records that the heat application has not been achieved in the heat application process in step S47 a predetermined number of times, the control unit 103 stops the application of the electrical stimulation and the heat, thereby canceling the treatment stage process. To do. The predetermined number of times is the number of times over a period of time when it is determined that it is not appropriate to continue the treatment. For example, when the predetermined number of times is three, the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the heater 108 was turned on in step S47 and the electrical stimulation interval timer was started in step S48. The process of turning off the heater 108 in step S52 and recording that the acquisition temperature was not reached in step S54 by determining that the acquisition temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature in step S53 is performed three times in a row. When it is executed every time the current is output, it is determined that the non-achievement is continuously recorded a predetermined number of times.

Specifically, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the record that the record has not been reached has been continued a predetermined number of times (step S55).

When the control unit 103 determines that the record of non-delivery has been continued a predetermined number of times (Yes in step S55), even if the predetermined time T ₄ has not elapsed since the start of the treatment time timer, the electrical stimulation is performed. By discontinuing the application with heat, the treatment in the treatment stage is terminated. That is, in this case, the control unit 103 does not apply electrical stimulation or heat.

In this case, the control unit 103 notifies from the notification unit that the treatment has been stopped, for example, by displaying it on the display unit 104 (step S57). The notification from the notification unit allows the user to recognize that the treatment has been stopped.

Further, when the total number of recordings of non-achievement reaches a predetermined number of times, the control unit 103 stops the processing in the treatment stage by stopping the application of the electrical stimulation and the heat. The predetermined number of times here is a number of times that it can be determined that it is not appropriate to continue the treatment. For example, when the predetermined number of times is 5, the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₃ has elapsed since the heater 108 was turned on in step S47 and the electrical stimulation interval timer was started in step S48. The process of turning off the heater 108 in step S52 and recording that the acquisition temperature was not reached in step S54 by determining that the acquisition temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature in step S53 is started in the treatment stage. When the execution is performed 5 times in total, it is determined that the total number of records of non-achievement has reached the predetermined number of times. The control unit 103 can confirm the total number of times by referring to, for example, the recording in the storage unit 106.

Specifically, when the control unit 103 determines that the record that the record has not been reached has not been continuously reached a predetermined number of times (No in step S55), the total number of records that the record has not been reached reaches the predetermined number of times. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S56).

When the control unit 103 determines that the total number of records that the treatment has not been reached has reached the predetermined number of times (Yes in step S56), even if the predetermined time T ₄ has not elapsed since the treatment time timer was started. , The treatment of the treatment stage is terminated by discontinuing the application of electrical stimulation and heat.

In this case, the control unit 103 notifies from the notification unit that the treatment has been stopped, for example, by displaying it on the display unit 104 (step S57).

When the control unit 103 determines that the total number of recordings that have not been reached has not reached the predetermined number (No in step S56), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S51 in FIG. In this case, if the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined time T ₄ has not elapsed since the treatment time timer was started (No in step S51), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S41 and outputs a pulsed direct current.

The control unit 103 performs the treatment by performing the processing described so far. Then, in step S51 of FIG. 10, when it is determined that the predetermined time T ₄ has elapsed since the treatment time timer was started (Yes in step S51), the flow of FIGS. 10 and 11 is terminated. This ends the treatment phase. At this time, the control unit 103 may notify the user that the treatment stage has been completed by displaying it on the display unit 104 or driving another mechanism. When the treatment stage is completed, the user peels off the application device 1 from the abdomen to end the treatment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the transition of the acquisition temperature. FIG. 12 schematically shows a chart of the output of the electrical stimulation, a chart of switching the heater 108 on and off, and a chart of the transition of the acquisition temperature. Note that, in FIG. 12, for the sake of brevity, as in FIG. 9, the pulse width of the pulsed direct current as the electrical stimulus is assumed to be substantially 0.

As shown in FIG. 12, the electrical stimulation is outputted at a constant period T _3. Further, the heat output starts after a predetermined time T ₁ after the electrical stimulation is output. The heat application time T ₂ is determined as a result of the heater 108 being continuously turned on or turned off according to the acquired temperature acquired during the output of heat. As can be seen from FIG. 12, when the acquisition temperature reaches the target temperature due to the application of heat, the application of heat is stopped at that point. Further, even when the heat is applied, the application of the heat is stopped when the acquisition temperature is lower than the target temperature at the time when the next electrical stimulation is applied. At this time, if the acquisition temperature is equal to or higher than the lower limit temperature, the control unit 103 outputs an electrical stimulus. On the other hand, when the acquisition temperature is less than the lower limit temperature, the control unit 103 records that the temperature has not been reached.

As described above, according to the application device 1 that executes the other processing, after applying the electrical stimulus, the heat is applied until the acquisition temperature reaches the target temperature, and then when the time for applying the electrical stimulus comes. If the acquisition temperature does not reach the target temperature, the application of heat is stopped. Therefore, heat is not applied at the timing when the electrical stimulation is applied. That is, the heat is applied at the timing when the electrical stimulation is not applied. Therefore, while the electrical stimulation is applied, power is not consumed due to the heat generated by the heater 108. As a result, the power consumption for heat generation of the heater 108 does not affect the output intensity of the electric stimulus, and the output intensity of the electric stimulus can be made more stable.

Further, according to the application device 1, if the acquisition temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature after applying the electrical stimulus, no heat is applied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heater 108 from becoming excessively high.

Further, according to the application device 1, the control unit 103 did not reach the acquisition temperature when the acquisition temperature was less than the lower limit temperature when the application of heat was stopped because the acquisition temperature did not reach the target temperature. Record that. This makes it possible to record the occurrence of inadequate temperature conditions during treatment.

Further, according to the application device 1, when the control unit 103 continuously records that the result has not been reached a predetermined number of times, the application of the electrical stimulation and the heat is stopped. As a result, when it is not appropriate to continue the treatment, the treatment can be stopped and the waste of power consumption can be suppressed.

Further, according to the application device 1, the control unit 103 stops the application of electrical stimulation and heat when the total number of recordings of non-achievement reaches a predetermined number of times. As a result, when it is not appropriate to continue the treatment, the treatment can be stopped and the waste of power consumption can be suppressed.

For example, if the applying device 1 is not properly attached to the abdomen or is peeled off from the abdomen, the temperature of the heater 108 may be difficult to rise due to the back surface side of the applying device 1 coming into contact with the outside air. It is easy to fall. In this case, even if the applying device 1 outputs electrical stimulation and heat, appropriate treatment is not performed. Therefore, it is appropriate to discontinue the treatment as described in the above-mentioned treatment.

In addition, in the application device 1, even if it is recorded that it has not been reached, the control unit 103 has not continuously recorded that it has not been reached a predetermined number of times, or has not reached it. Treatment can be continued if the total number of records of events has not reached the prescribed number. As a result, it is possible to prevent the treatment that should be continued from being stopped due to a temporary false detection or the like.

It was explained that in the above embodiment, the temperature measuring unit 109 measures the temperature of the heater 108. However, for example, the temperature measuring unit 109 may measure the temperature of a living body or the like. Specifically, for example, the temperature measuring unit 109 may measure the temperature of a place where heat is applied by the heater 108. In this case, since the temperature measuring unit 109 directly measures the temperature of the place where the heat is applied, the control unit 103 can more accurately determine whether the temperature of the living body or the like is appropriate for the treatment. In this case, the temperature measuring unit 109 may be arranged at an appropriate position where the temperature of the living body or the like can be measured in the applying device 1.

The application device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration specified in the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention described in the claims. For example, the functions included in each component and each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and a plurality of components or steps can be combined or divided into one. Is.

The present disclosure relates to an application device.

1: Applying device 10: Main body 20: Applying part 30: Sheet material 31: Frame part 32: Conductive gel 101: Input part 101a: First input part 101b: Second input part 101c: Third input part 102: Electrode Unit 102a: First electrode 102b: Second electrode 103: Control unit 104: Display unit 105: Timer unit 106: Storage unit 107: Power supply unit 108: Heater 109: Temperature measurement unit 110: Electrical stimulation output unit

Claims

An application device that applies electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or tissue.
A temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature and
A control unit that controls the electrical stimulation and the heat to be alternately applied to the living body or the living body tissue.
The application device.
The application device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a heat application time for applying the heat based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit.
The application device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines the heat application time based on the difference between the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit and the target temperature.
An application device that applies electrical stimulation and heat to a living body or tissue.
A temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature and
A control unit that controls the application of the electrical stimulation and the heat to the living body or living tissue,
With
The control unit
The electrical stimulation is applied at regular intervals,
After applying the electrical stimulus, the heat is applied to the living body or the living tissue until the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit reaches a predetermined target temperature.
After starting the application of the heat, when it is time to apply the electric stimulus next time, if the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit does not reach a predetermined target temperature, the application of the heat is stopped.
Applying device.
It also has a storage unit to store information.
The control unit
When the application of the heat is stopped, it is determined whether or not the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is less than a predetermined lower limit temperature lower than the target temperature.
When it is determined that the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is less than the lower limit temperature, the storage unit records that the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is less than the lower limit temperature.
The application device according to claim 4.
When the control unit continuously records that the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is less than the lower limit temperature in the process of applying the heat a predetermined number of times, the electric stimulation and the heat are applied. The application device according to claim 5, wherein the application device is stopped.
The control unit stops applying the electrical stimulus and the heat when the record that the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is less than the lower limit temperature reaches a predetermined number of times, according to claim 5. The application device described.
It also has a notification unit that notifies information.
When the control unit stops applying the electrical stimulation and the heat, the notification unit notifies that the application has been stopped.
The application device according to claim 6 or 7.
The applying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is at least one of the temperature of the heater that outputs the heat and the living body or the living body tissue.
The application device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit applies the electrical stimulation as a weak pulsed direct current.
It is an application method using an application device that has a temperature measurement unit that measures temperature and can output electrical stimulation and heat alternately.
An application method comprising the step of determining the heat application time for applying the heat based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit.
It is an application method using an application device that has a temperature measurement unit that measures temperature and can output electrical stimulation and heat.
The step of applying the electrical stimulus at regular intervals and
After applying the electrical stimulus, a step of applying the heat to a living body or a living tissue until the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit reaches a predetermined target temperature.
After starting the application of the heat, when it is time to apply the electric stimulus next time, if the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit does not reach a predetermined target temperature, the step of stopping the application of the heat. When,
The application method including.