DE102015113420A1 - Arrangement and garment for electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves in body areas - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement (1) for electrostimulation of muscles and nerves in body regions (21) is disclosed. At least one item of clothing (3, 31, 32) is made of a textile material (100) having an outer side (101) and an inner side (102) facing the body areas (21) to be stimulated. At least one electrode pair (5) is attached to the inside (102). Each electrode pair (5) is composed of a cathode (51) and an anode (52). A respective local control device (10) can be assigned to at least one electrode pair (5) and can be arranged on the outside (101). In the assigned state, the respective local control device (10) is connected to the cathode (51) via a first electrical line (23) and to the anode (52) via a second electrical line (24). A central control device (50) is communicatively and wirelessly connected to the at least one local control device (10).

Description

The present application relates to an arrangement for electrostimulation of muscles and nerves in body regions, in particular comprising at least one item of clothing made of a textile material with an outer side and an inner side facing the muscles and nerves to be stimulated. Further, at least one pair of electrodes is attached to the inside of the at least one garment, so that the pairs of electrodes contact at least one body portion of a user when wearing the garment. Each pair of electrodes is composed of a cathode and an anode.

The present application also relates to a garment for electrostimulation of muscles and nerves in body areas of a user.

Various arrangements and garments for electrical stimulation (EMS, electrical muscles stimulation) of muscles are known from the prior art.

DE 10 2013 106 864 A1 discloses a garment of a textile material having at least two electrodes disposed on the garment. The electrodes are sewn or woven to the garment and, when the garment is worn, contact at least a body portion of the person wearing the garment. In the garment electrical line connections are arranged, which supply the electrodes with electrical energy. The item of clothing has a control device which also drives the electrodes with an alternating voltage via lines. Likewise, each electrode can be assigned a control device and its own battery. A data communication unit (Tablet PC) can communicate with the garment over a distance of up to 200 m and is used to set the drive program for the electrodes.

Other arrangements and garments for electrostimulation are out DE 10 2008 003 158 A1 . DE 10 2007 046 886 A1 . DE 20 2011 109 226 U1 . DE 20 2014 103 548 U1 . WO 2014/000736 A2 . WO 2009/138961 A2 . US 2008/0097530 A1 . KR 10 2010 0024265 A . WO 2014/123812 . DE 10 2009 013 627 A1 . DE 10 2009 013 627 A1 . DE 202 092 19 U1 . DE 202 092 19 U1 and DE 10 2005 058 850 A1 known.

The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for the electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves in the body areas of a user, which allows a user-friendly, orientation-free and reliable training, and wherein the setup of the arrangement or the application of the at least one piece of clothing takes place in a simple manner.

The above object is achieved by an arrangement for the electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves in body regions comprising the features of patent claim 1.

Another object of the invention is to provide a garment for electrostimulation of muscles and nerves in body areas, with which garment can be trained non-stationary, wherein the donning of the garment and other elements for training done in a simple manner.

The above object is achieved by a garment for electrostimulation of muscles and nerves, which sums the features of claim 9.

The inventive arrangement for electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves comprises at least one item of clothing (EMS clothing) made of a textile material with an outer side and an inner side facing the muscles and nerves to be stimulated. The arrangement according to the invention also comprises at least one electrode pair which is attached to the inside of the at least one garment, so that the pairs of electrodes when wearing the garment contact at least one body region with the muscles or muscle parts and nerves of a user wearing the garment. Each electrode pair is composed of a cathode and an anode.

With regard to the term "user", it should be noted that for the purposes of the invention, in all embodiments, in general, both a human and an animal, for example a horse, camel, dog or any other animal with a similar anatomy, may be meant. Accordingly, the term "garment" generally means a garment for a human or a garment for an animal.

According to the invention, a local control device can each be assigned to at least one pair of electrodes of the total of at least one pair of electrodes and can be arranged on the outside of the at least one piece of clothing. In the associated state, the respective local control device is connected to the cathode of the at least one pair of electrodes via a first electrical line and the respective local control device is connected to the anode of the at least one pair of electrodes via a second electrical line connected. In a preferred embodiment, the connection is produced magnetically, for example by magnets at the contact points of the first electrical line and the second electrical line and / or the local control device. The magnets facilitate attachment of the local controller to the garment. A single local control device together with the electrode pairs assigned to it is assigned to a specific body region which can be electrically stimulated via the electrode pairs.

In general, in all embodiments, the term "body area" within the meaning of the invention refers to either exclusively a muscle area (for electromyostimulation (EMS)), or exclusively a nerve area (for nerve stimulation) or a combination of a muscle and nerve area, depending on the chosen exercise program (see below). The body regions are, for example, but not limited to, neck areas, shoulder areas, shoulder blades, chest areas, back areas, biceps areas, triceps areas, front abdominal muscle areas, lateral abdominal muscle areas, front thigh areas, rear thigh areas, calf muscle areas and tibial areas, and / or individual muscles, muscle areas, individual nerves or groups of muscles and / or nerves of the user. Finally, with the arrangement according to the invention, each muscle and each nerve can be separately stimulated if the at least one electrode pair is arranged accordingly.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a central control device, which in one embodiment can also simultaneously function as a local control device, communicatively and wirelessly (wirelessly, contactlessly) is connected to the at least one local control device. The electrode pairs can be controlled independently of one another via the local control devices connected to them and the central control device.

An advantage of the described inventive arrangement is that the application of the garment or the plurality of garments by the user in a simple manner and without assistance, since the central control device and the local control devices are connected and communicate with each other without cables or wires. This also results in increased comfort and safety during training, for example, because the trainee does not get caught on obstacles with the external supply cables of the individual local control devices. Similarly, the connection and disconnection of supply cables and thus the risk of short circuits is therefore avoided. The placement of the local controllers and their associated electrodes on the at least one EMS garment is defined and unique. Simple and safe control and regulation is guaranteed. Further sensors, for example position and / or motion sensors and / or vital sensors for detecting at least one physical variable (for example pulse rate, heart rate, body temperature, fat burning, calorie consumption, muscle activity, muscle fatigue, muscle vibration, muscle injuries, nerve activity and the like) can be used in the arrangement according to the invention to get integrated.

The central control device is preferably configured to send, for example, the following to all local control devices or to a selection of the local control devices predetermined by the central control device: a program selection for a selection of body regions to be stimulated (training program), the types, durations, intensities ( Amperage and / or its voltage magnitude for the (alternating) voltage at the electrode pairs) and / or frequencies to the respective body areas to be stimulated and / or start, pause, stop signals for the body areas to be stimulated. As described above, each local control device is uniquely associated with a particular body region, such that said wireless and wireless transmission signals of the central control device, via the respective local control devices, drive the corresponding body regions for stimulation.

The central control device and the local control devices are also preferably designed so that the local control devices, for example, send the following data and signals to the central control device: the operating status (on or off) of a respective local control device, the state of charge of the power supply (battery) of a respective local control device and / or at least one signal if at least one electrode is no longer connected to its associated local control device.

A single user may wear one or more such garments. The garments are communicatively and wirelessly (wirelessly) connected to the central control device via their respective local control devices. The garments may be for example: long- or short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt, long- or short-sleeved trousers, hand and / or arm cuffs, socks or stockings or foot and / or leg cuffs or combinations thereof to the suit.

In one embodiment, the local control devices are detachably arranged on the outside of the at least one item of clothing, in particular removable or removable. In one embodiment, in each case a receiving pocket is formed on the outside of the item of clothing in the region of the at least one pair of electrodes, in each of which a local control device can be accommodated and removed. The receiving pockets may each be provided with a closure to prevent falling out of the respective local control devices during training. The receiving pockets are mounted in the region of the electrode pairs of the garment so that the electrically conductive connection of the local control devices to the corresponding pairs of electrodes can be made as short as possible.

In one embodiment of the arrangement, two pairs of electrodes are each assigned to a local control device.

In a further, preferred embodiment of the arrangement, each local control device is assigned its own and local energy supply, which preferably supplies both the electronic components of the local control device and the electrodes assigned to it with current. The power supply is for example a rechargeable battery. In addition, if, as described above, two pairs of electrodes are each assigned to a local control device, then in this way four electrodes can be controlled by a single local control device, be supplied with electrical energy and form a unit. The power supply for a local control device can be designed as an accumulator. In addition, a central charging station can be designed to charge at least one local power supply. For this purpose, each local control device can be provided with a connection, for example a USB connection, which is connected to a cable of the central charging station for charging the local power supply. The central charging station can be designed such that a plurality of local control devices can be charged simultaneously.

In a further embodiment of the arrangement, the central control device is implemented in an external device, which is arranged externally with respect to the at least one item of clothing. The external device is, for example, a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, a wristwatch, in particular a smartwatch, or a tablet (tablet computer, tablet PC). The central controller communicates wirelessly with the local controls on the garment. The external device can be used to specify the settings and training programs, which are then sent from the external device to the individual local control devices. The external device can also be used to specify the position of the individual local control devices on the item of clothing. Only in this way can an electrical stimulation tailored to specific muscle groups and groups of nerves be ensured by the local control devices.

In another embodiment of the arrangement, an external adjustment device is provided, with which settings can be undertaken and which communicates with a single local control device, so that overall the central control device and at least one further local control device can be controlled. In particular, therefore, the central control device can be assigned only to a single predetermined local control device. The remaining local control devices, the central control device is therefore not assigned. In this way, the central control device can be switched as a reading and input device together with the local control devices in a non-contact master / slave circuit. In this case, the single predetermined local control device is the master and the remaining local control devices are the slaves. Master and slaves communicate with each other without contact. At the master by means of an application software (App) of the central control device, a training program, as described above, retrievable from the central control device and the individual local control circuits are adjusted via the master accordingly.

The term "app" (abbreviation for "application" (English)) is an "application" or application software of any kind, especially for mobile devices or mobile operating systems ("Mobile App", "Mobile Application" (English)), for example for smartphones, smartwatches and tablet computers.

In a further embodiment of the arrangement, the cathodes and the anodes are formed as stretchable (elastic) and woven silver electrodes. Also, the at least one garment is elastically stretchable to ensure that the garment, and thus the electrodes, fit snugly against the user's body during all phases of the workout.

In a further embodiment of the arrangement, an RFID means is provided at each position of the respective local control devices on the item of clothing, for example an RFID chip. In addition, each includes local Control device, a reader, so that the respective positions of the local control devices on the garment can be determined and transmitted to the central control device. In this way, a transceiver system for automatic and non-contact identification, localization and specific driving of the electrodes is formed. The RFID means is incorporated in one embodiment on or in a receiving pocket for the associated local control device. The receiving pockets are preferably made of a stretchable material and, in a preferred embodiment, incorporated seamlessly into the textile material. Alternatively, the RFID means may be mounted on or in the local controller. An advantage of this embodiment is that the garment and the user no further position detection devices for detecting the respective local position are necessary. He thus takes place an automatic setup of the arrangement and a position-appropriate control of the local control devices is ensured.

In a further embodiment of the arrangement, the electrodes and the local control devices on and / or in the item of clothing form a regular, preferably very fine, mesh. It is thus conceivable to control selected areas of the body with very high precision, in particular also very small areas of the body, in an arbitrary manner for electrical stimulation. It is therefore also conceivable that the entire item of clothing in one embodiment, together with the attached local control devices, forms a suit comprising a network of electrodes which are arranged at short intervals in the textile net of the suit and in contact with the body. For example, the distance between two adjacent electrodes may be up to 0.5 mm or even less. For this purpose, it is preferable to use electrodes which operate with very little current and minimize the piezoelectric effect. Such an embodiment is particularly interesting in the field of medical rehabilitation and elite sports.

The washing of the suit or garment is not a problem since the local controls are removed before washing. During the washing process, only the electrodes or electrode pairs firmly connected to the item of clothing and their supply lines are present within the textile fabric of the item of clothing.

The item of clothing according to the invention for electrostimulation of body regions made of a textile material has an outer side and an inner side facing the body regions (muscle parts, muscle groups, nerves) to be stimulated. The garment comprises at least one pair of electrodes affixed to the inside of the garment so that the at least one pair of electrodes, upon wearing of the garment, contacts at least one body portion of a user wearing that garment. Each electrode pair is composed of a cathode and an anode, which are provided with corresponding electrical lines. According to the invention, the cathode and the anode are formed as expandable silver electrodes.

In one embodiment of the item of clothing according to the invention, two pairs of electrodes on the inside of the item of clothing are combined into one unit.

The textile material preferably has a similar or identical elasticity, at least in the regions of the expandable electrodes. In one embodiment, the cathodes and anodes are formed flat, matching the respective muscles and nerves to be stimulated (see 1 . 2 . 4 . 5 ). In particular, the two-dimensional cathodes and anodes can consist of extensible threads. The threads are incorporated on, in and / or with the textile material and thus form the flat electrodes. In particular, the textile material may comprise a knitted fabric (woven fabric, knitted material) into which the electrons are incorporated. It is also conceivable that the conductivity of the cathodes and anodes is produced with a conductive material other than silver.

In another embodiment, the textile material of the garment is breathable.

In a further embodiment of the item of clothing, in each case a receiving pocket is formed on its outer side in the region of the at least one pair of electrodes, in each of which a local control device can be accommodated. In a further embodiment of the item of clothing, an RFID means is provided in the region of each receiving pocket of the item of clothing, the RFID means being readable and writable via a reading device of the respective local control unit. The advantages are already described above.

In further embodiments, devices for the short-circuit protection for the circuits of the arrangement according to the invention, for an emergency stop, a power management and / or to regulate the voltage are provided.

As already described above, in one embodiment of the item of clothing according to the invention and of the item of clothing of the arrangement according to the invention, the electrodes are formed in a planar manner, matching the respective ones stimulating muscles and nerves (see 1 . 2 . 4 . 5 ). In a further embodiment, the electrodes (anodes, cathodes) of a respective pair of electrodes are formed so flat that adjacent edges of the two electrodes of the respective pair of electrodes directly adjoin one another, ie without space and not spaced apart. The edges, including the electrodes of the pair of electrodes, are electrically isolated from each other. In a preferred embodiment, even only a single electrode pair is provided which covers substantially the entire inside of the garment. In this way, the entire garment can selectively and selectively electrically stimulate all of the user's body areas covered by the garment.

In a further embodiment of the item of clothing according to the invention and of the item of clothing of the arrangement according to the invention, at least the cathodes and the anodes are incorporated seamlessly into the textile material. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving pockets can be seamlessly incorporated in the textile material.

In the following, the invention and its advantages will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive arrangement with a front view of a user wearing an embodiment of the at least one article of clothing according to the invention, in which a plurality of pairs of electrodes on the inside of the garment contact front body regions of the user;

2 schematic representation of the arrangement according to 1 with a rear view of the user, in which a plurality of pairs of electrodes on the inside of the garment according to the invention contact rear body regions of the user;

3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention in side view, wherein in each case a local control device is assigned to the outside of the at least one garment in the regions of the electrode pairs not visible here;

4 a schematic plan view of the inside of a textile material from which the garment according to the invention is made;

5 a schematic plan view of the inside of a textile material with two combined into a unit electrode pairs;

6 a cross-section through an embodiment of a local control device, which is arranged on an outer side of an embodiment of a textile material;

7 a cross-section through another embodiment of a local control device;

8th a schematic diagram for the connection of a voltage source, a step-up converter, a pulse generator and electrodes; and

9 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive arrangement, each piece of clothing provided a single electrode pair, so that the entire inner side of the respective garment is covered by the one respective planar electrode pair.

In the figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are only examples of how the inventive arrangement and the garment according to the invention can be configured and are not to be understood as a final limitation. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive arrangement 1 with a front view of a user 20 , The user 20 carries an embodiment of the at least one item of clothing according to the invention 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , which can not be seen in this illustration and its limitations 31 in the head, arm, hip and foot area are shown by dashed lines. The reason is that in the 1 and 2 the attention to the assignment of the electrode pairs 5 on insides 102 of the at least one item of clothing 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ to the body areas 21 the user 20 is laid.

A variety of electrode pairs 5 on an inside 102 of the garment 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ Contact anterior muscles or muscle groups of user's body areas 20 , In the illustrated embodiment according to 1 carries the user 20 two pieces of clothing: a shirt 3 ₁ and a pair of pants 3 ₂ . The clothes 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ are made of a textile material 100 with an outside 101 (please refer 3 ) and the muscles and nerves to be stimulated in body areas 21 facing inside 102 (please refer 4 or 5 ). Each electrode pair 5 is from a cathode 51 and an anode 52 built up.

One local control device each 10 is at least one electrode pair 5 assignable and in the area of the electrode pairs 5 on the outside 101 (please refer 3 ) of the respective item of clothing 3 ₁ , 3 _{2 can be} arranged. In the illustrated embodiment according to 1 are exactly two electrode pairs 5 each of a local control device 10 associated, which also from the synopsis with 2 evident. Such two pairs of electrodes on the inside 102 of the garment 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ are in one unit 55 summarized. The unit 55 is in each case a local control device 10 assigned.

In the assigned state is the respective local control device 10 with the cathode 51 of the at least one electrode pair assigned to it 5 via a first electrical line 23 and with the anode 52 of the at least one electrode pair assigned to it 5 via a second electrical line 24 connected.

A central control device 50 is with the at least one local controller 10 communicatively and wirelessly connected. The central control device 50 can wirelessly by means of signals 60 with the local control devices 10 communicate, the communication is possible in both directions, depending on whether the central control device 50 initiative initiates a process (for example, selection of the training program to submit) or a local control device 10 initiatively initiates a process (for example, that its associated energy supply 16 (please refer 6 and 7 ) must be charged).

In the illustration after 1 is the central control device 50 implemented in an external device external to the at least one garment 3 ₁ , 3 _{2 is} arranged. Alternatively, the central control device 50 but also on or in at least one piece of clothing 3 ₁ , 3 _{2 be} arranged. In the event that the central control device 50 is realized by means of a smart watch, a smartphone or a tablet o. Ä., The central control device 50 Also in a special recording (not shown here) on the garment 3 ₁ , 3 _{2 are} housed. If the user 20 trained on or on a training device, such as treadmill, ergometer, the central control device 50 attached to the training device and also used in parallel for entertainment purposes.

2 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement 1 to 1 with a rear view of the user 20 to 1 in which a plurality of pairs of electrodes San the inside 102 the at least one item of clothing according to the invention 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ rear body areas of the user 20 to contact. All elements shown are already in 1 described.

3 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement 1 to 1 and 2 with a side view of the user 20 , The electrode pairs 5 (please refer 4 or 5 ) associated with local control devices 10 are on the outside 101 of the at least one item of clothing 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ arranged.

4 shows a schematic plan view of the inside 102 a textile material 100 with a pair of electrodes 5 on the inside 102 an embodiment of a garment according to the invention. The electrode pair 5 is from a cathode 51 and an anode 52 built up. In the assigned state is the cathode 51 of the electrode pair 5 via a first electrical line 23 and the anode 52 of the electrode pair 5 via a second electrical line 24 with a local control device, not shown here 10 on the outside 101 connected to the textile material.

5 shows a schematic plan view of the inside 102 a textile material 100 with two to a unity 55 combined electrode pairs 5 on the inside 102 of the textile material 100 another embodiment of a garment according to the invention. Each electrode pair 5 is again from a cathode 51 and an anode 52 built up. In the assigned state is the cathode 51 of the respective electrode pair 5 via a first electrical line 23 and the anode 52 this pair of electrodes 5 via a second electrical line 24 with a local control device, not shown here 10 on the outside 101 connected to the textile material. Both electrode pairs 5 is a single local controller 10 assignable.

6 shows a cross section through an embodiment of a local control device 10 on an outside 101 an embodiment of a textile material 100 is arranged. An electrode pair 5 with a cathode 51 and an anode 52 is shown on an inside 102 of the textile material 100 a body area 21 a user 20 contacted. In the assigned state is the local control device 10 with the cathode 51 via a first electrical line 23 and with the anode 52 via a second electrical line 24 connected.

In the embodiment illustrated here, the local control device comprises 10 various elements that are described below.

An operation switch (power button) 14 for manually actuating the local control device 10 is appropriate. The local control device 10 is from a housing 26 surrounded and protected. An RFID agent 12 For example, an RFID chip, for identifying and determining the location of the local control device 10 in relation to the body of the user 20 is planned. A single RFID agent 12 is preferred in the area of a receiving pocket 11 of the garment 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ provided, in which receiving pocket 11 in each case a local control device 10 can be accommodated. Preferably, this includes each local control device 10 a reader (not shown) or any local controller 10 is associated with a reader, so that the respective positions of the local control devices 10 on the garment 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ determinable and to the central control device 50 are transferable.

A local energy supply 16 (Electric power source), for example, a rechargeable battery, for the local control device 10 and the electrode pairs that can be connected to it 5 is planned. On the garment 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ are the local control devices 10 preferably in each case in a receiving pocket designed for this purpose 11 accommodated. The receiving bag 11 can also be closed to a falling out of the local control equipment 10 to prevent.

A processor device 15 (Microcontroller) for driving the local control device 10 connectable electrode pairs 5 is also provided. Usually, the processor device comprises 15 a program with an algorithm for determining and generating the alternating voltage to be applied to the pairs of electrodes according to the respectively selected training program (see above). The processor device 15 In addition, it preferably controls a pulse width modulation ("PWM" for short) for the corresponding electrode pairs 5 For example, 20Khz, 2Khz, 20Khz, and so on, according to the training program selected.

The processor device 15 In addition, preferably includes the determination of the state of charge of the power supply 16 and / or the communication via Bluetooth technology with the central control device 50 and other local control facilities 10 (see also 7 ).

The processor device 15 Further, preferably controls the monitoring of the circuits of the local control device 10 and electrode pairs 5 , in particular also the circuits for charging the power supply 16 ,

At the local control facility 10 is a connection 53 for the electrical connections from the local power supply 16 and the processor device 15 to the first electrical line 23 to the cathode 51 and a connection 53 for the electrical connection from the local power supply 16 and the processor device 15 to the second electrical line 24 to the anode 52 intended. The connections 53 . 54 act in a preferred embodiment, magnetically with the respective first electrical line 23 or second electrical line 24 together. This facilitates the attachment of the local control devices 10 on the garment 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ . For example, have the connections 53 . 54 Magnets on.

7 shows a cross section through another embodiment of a local control device 10 ,

In or at each local controller 10 is preferably a Bluetooth means 13 , for example, a Bluetooth chip 13 , integrated, via the with the central control device 50 and the other local control devices 10 can be communicated wirelessly. For example, according to the current standard, up to twelve local control devices 10 at least one piece of clothing 3 wirelessly connected to each other via Bluetooth. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that there are also more than twelve local control devices 10 can be connected via Bluetooth. For example, a smartphone according to the current standard, in which the central control device 50 integrated with up to seven Bluetooth devices 13 the respective local control devices 10 get connected. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that more than seven local control devices 10 via their respective Bluetooth means 13 be controlled simultaneously. It may be useful to provide the above-described master / slave circuit for it.

With every local control device 10 is also preferred a power connection 17 intended. The power connection 17 can be connected to a power source to charge the power supply 16 be connected, for example via a charging adapter (charging station) for up to twelve power connections 17 , In one embodiment, the power connector 17 a USB port.

The size of the local controller 10 For example, in one embodiment, it is 3 cm in depth, 5 cm in width, and 1 cm in height.

The other elements 11 . 12 . 14 . 15 . 16 are already for 6 described in detail.

8th shows a schematic diagram for the connection of a voltage source 18 , an up-converter 19 (Boost regulator, boost converter, boost converter, step-up converter), a pulse generator 25 and electrodes 51 . 52 , As described above (see 6 and 7 ) is in each local controller 10 preferably a processor device 15 (Microcontroller) for driving the local control device 10 connectable electrode pairs 5 intended. The processor device 15 comprises a program with an algorithm for determining and generating the AC voltage to be applied to the electrode pairs according to the respectively selected training program (see above). The processor device 15 In addition, it preferably controls a pulse width modulation ("PWM" for short) for the corresponding electrode pairs 5 according to the selected training program. Provided accordingly 8th the voltage source 18 the up-converter 19 with an input voltage, for example 3.7 V. The boost converter 18 has an output voltage that is higher than the input voltage, for example 50 V to 60 V, connected to the pulse generator 25 is created. The pulse generator 25 gives a pulse according to PWM (see above) to the electrodes 51 . 52 (Anodes and cathodes) connected to the respective local control device 10 are connected. The output current of the electrodes 51 . 52 for the stimulation of the respective body area is then up to 100 mAmp at 500 ohm resistance. The bidirectional pulsed output voltage is then alternately zero, positive, zero, negative, zero, positive, zero, negative, ...

9 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive arrangement 1 , here, without limiting the invention, two pieces of clothing 3 ₁ (shirt) and 3 ₂ (pants) are provided. Per piece of clothing 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ is a single pair of electrodes 5 intended. The entire inside 102 of the respective item of clothing 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ is from the one respective two-dimensional electrode pair 5 so covered. It is one half of the respective inside 102 from the cathode 51 of the respective electrode pair 5 covered and the other half of the inside 102 is from the anode 52 of the electrode pair 5 covered. The respective edge 103 the respective cathode 51 is adjacent to each edge 104 the respective anode 52 of the respective one pair of electrodes 5 of the garment 3 ₁ respectively 3 ₂ . The matching edges 103 and 104 border directly on each other, so that no gap between the cathode 51 and the anode 52 arises. Accordingly, a single local control device is sufficient 10 for the one pair of electrodes 5 of the garment 3 ₁ respectively 3 ₂ off. The respective adjacent edges 103 . 104 the cathode 51 and anode 52 of the respective electrode pair 5 are electrically isolated from each other.

In the illustration after 9 is the front of the arrangement 1 and the user 20 shown. For a person skilled in the art, it is obvious that the rear of the arrangement 1 constructed analogously, so the electrodes described above 51 . 52 the above-described pairs of electrodes 5 of the garment 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ according to the inside 102 Cover in half on the back.

The application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

All of the above-described embodiments of the arrangement and the garment can be used both individually and in any combination. In particular, all described features and embodiments of the garment according to the invention are to be understood as features and embodiments of the garment of the arrangement according to the invention, even if this is not explicitly mentioned at each point.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

arrangement

3, 3 ₁ , 3 ₂

garment

31

limit

5

electrode pair

51

cathode

52

anode

53

connection

54

connection

55

unit

10

local control device

11

receiving pocket

12

RFID means, RFID chip

13

Bluetooth means, bluetooth chip

14

Operation switch (Power Button)

15

Processor device (microcontroller, μC)

16

Power supply, electrical energy source (rechargeable battery)

17

Power connection (USB port)

18

voltage source

19

Boost converter (boost regulator, boost converter, boost converter, step-up converter)

20

Person, user

21

body area

23

first electrical line

24

second electrical line

25

pulse generator

26

casing

50

central control device

60

signal

100

textile material

101

outside

102

inside

103

edge

104

edge

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

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• DE 102005058850 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Arrangement ( 1 ) for the electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves in areas of the body ( 21 ) comprising: at least one item of clothing ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) of a textile material ( 100 ) with an outside ( 101 ) and a body areas to be stimulated ( 21 ) facing inside ( 102 ), and at least one electrode pair ( 5 ), on the inside ( 102 ) of the at least one item of clothing ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) is mounted, so that the at least one electrode pair ( 5 ) while wearing the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) at least one body region ( 21 ) one of the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) carrying user ( 20 ), each pair of electrodes ( 5 ) from a cathode ( 51 ) and an anode ( 52 ) is constructed; characterized by a respective local control device ( 10 ) is at least one of the at least one pair of electrodes ( 5 ) and on the outside ( 101 ) of the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) can be arranged; in the assigned state, the respective local control device ( 10 ) with the cathode ( 51 ) of the at least one electrode pair ( 5 ) via a first electrical line ( 23 ) and with the anode ( 52 ) of the at least one electrode pair ( 5 ) via a second electrical line ( 24 ) connected; and a central control device ( 50 ) is connected to the at least one local control device ( 10 ) communicatively and wirelessly connected. Arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein two pairs of electrodes ( 5 ) each of a local control device ( 10 ) assigned. Arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each local control device ( 10 ) own and local energy supply ( 16 ) assigned. Arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central control device ( 50 ) is implemented in an external device external to the at least one item of clothing ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ), and wherein the central control device ( 50 ) wirelessly with the local control devices ( 10 ) on the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) communicates. Arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an external adjustment device is provided, with which settings can be made and which are provided with a single local control device ( 10 ), so that the central control device ( 50 ) and at least one further local control device ( 10 ) are controllable. Arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cathodes ( 51 ) and the anodes ( 52 ) are formed as stretchable and woven silver electrodes. Arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at each position for the local control device ( 10 ) on the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) an RFID agent ( 12 ), and wherein each local control device ( 10 ) comprises a reading device so that the respective positions of the local control devices ( 10 ) on the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) and to the central control device ( 50 ) are transferable. Arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode pairs ( 5 ) and the local control facilities ( 10 ) on and / or in the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) form a regular network. Garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) for the electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves in areas of the body ( 21 ) of a textile material ( 100 ), with an outside ( 101 ) and a body areas to be stimulated ( 21 ) facing inside ( 102 ) comprising at least one pair of electrodes ( 5 ), on the inside ( 102 ) of the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) are mounted so that the at least one electrode pair ( 5 ) while wearing the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) at least one body region ( 21 ) of this item of clothing ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) carrying user ( 20 ), each pair of electrodes ( 5 ) from a cathode ( 51 ) and an anode ( 52 ) is constructed, which with corresponding electrical lines ( 23 . 24 ) are provided; characterized in that the cathode ( 51 ) and the anode ( 52 ) are formed as stretchable silver electrodes. Garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) according to claim 9, wherein two pairs of electrodes ( 5 ) on the inside ( 102 ) of the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) into a single entity ( 55 ) are summarized. Garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein on the outside ( 101 ) of the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) in the region of the electrode pairs ( 5 ) each a receiving bag ( 11 ) is formed, in each of which a local control device ( 10 ) is accommodated. Garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) according to claim 11, wherein an RFID means ( 12 ) in the area of each receptacle ( 11 ) of the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ), the RFID means ( 12 ) via a reading device of the respective local control device ( 10 ) is readable and writable. Garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the cathodes ( 51 ) and the anodes ( 52 ) and / or the receiving pockets ( 11 ) seamlessly in the textile material ( 100 ) are incorporated. Garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the cathodes ( 51 ) and the anodes ( 52 ) are formed flat, and wherein adjacent edges ( 103 . 104 ) the cathode ( 51 ) and anode ( 52 ) of a respective pair of electrodes ( 5 ) are immediately adjacent to each other and are electrically isolated from each other. Garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) according to claim 14, wherein a single pair of electrodes ( 5 ), which essentially covers the entire inside ( 102 ) of the garment ( 3 . 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) covered.

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