JP5786797B2 - Biological stimulator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a living body stimulating apparatus that abuts an electrode on a living body and supplies a pulse voltage from the electrode to the living body to give stimulation.

  As this type of biostimulator, for example, in Patent Document 1, one common electrode and at least one counter electrode are brought into contact with each other at positions facing the living body, and a low-frequency wave is interposed between the common electrode and the counter electrode. The idea of applying electrical stimulation to muscles deep in the living body by supplying a pulse voltage is disclosed. In this case, for example, a positive or negative potential is applied to the skin layer of the skin where the counter electrode abuts, while the common electrode that abuts against the skin surface on the back side acts as a GND (ground), and the potential is applied. A low-frequency pulse voltage is generated between the outer skin layer.

JP 2010-131253 A

  However, since the living body stimulating device of Patent Document 1 defines a specific electrode (common electrode) as a ground among all the electrodes including the common electrode and the counter electrode, electrical stimulation to the living body is performed. It can be applied only between this specific electrode and the other electrode (counter electrode). For this reason, there is a problem that the stimulation site to the living body is restricted and a wider range of treatment effects cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a biostimulator capable of obtaining a wider range of treatment effects without being limited to a specific site. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a biostimulation apparatus for electrically stimulating a living body, wherein three or more electrodes are in contact with appropriate positions of the living body, and a stimulation signal is output to the electrodes. A stimulus generating means capable of supplying positive and negative output pulse voltages as the stimulus signal between one electrode connected to the connection portion and the other electrode with respect to all the electrodes. The connection section includes two or more output connection ports that form a pair and a common connection port, and the stimulus generating means is pulse-shaped in order to output the pulse voltage to the electrodes. A control unit for transmitting a signal and an output control signal, a waveform generation unit for receiving the pulse signal and generating the pulse voltage between a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal, and the output control signal Receiving the positive output terminal and the negative output Child, comprising an output switching unit that connects respectively to one of said output connection port or the common connection opening, wherein the output switching unit, the positive output terminal, one of the output connection port or A first output switching circuit that selectively connects the common connection port, the negative output terminal, and a second output that selectively connects any one of the output connection port or the common connection port. A first operation mode that controls the pulse voltage to be supplied between any two of the output connection ports among all the output connection ports. The second operation mode for controlling so that the pulse voltage can be supplied between any one of the output connection port and the common connection port can be changed, and the control unit can control the output switching circuit. Switching and setting change of the mode Controls, configured to allow outputting the pulse voltage of the positive output and the negative output.

In the invention of claim 2, the three or more electrodes are respectively connected to one common electrode connected to the common connection port and the two or more output connection ports, and two or more electrodes other than the common electrode are connected . And a counter electrode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the output switching section is configured to select the one electrode and the other electrode by switching at random from all the electrodes.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the output switching unit includes a photo moss relay.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, current flows from one electrode to the other electrode between one electrode selected from the electrodes and the other electrode, whichever is in contact with a proper position of the living body. A positive output pulse voltage and a negative output pulse voltage in which a current flows from another electrode toward one electrode can be supplied at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the stimulus to the living body can be applied to various parts without being limited to a specific part, and a wider range of treatment effects can be obtained.

  In the invention of claim 2, by supplying a pulse voltage between one counter electrode and one common electrode, not only can a stimulus be given to the deep part of the living body, but also a pulse can be generated between the two counter electrodes. A voltage can be supplied, and the surface layer of the living body can be stimulated as it is without changing the contact portion of the electrode.

  In the invention of claim 3, the output switching unit can supply a pulse voltage of positive output and negative output between any two electrodes randomly selected from all the electrodes, An effective treatment effect can be obtained over a wide range without concentrating on one part.

  In the invention of claim 4, by taking advantage of the characteristics of the photo-moss relay, it is possible to randomly switch between one electrode for supplying a pulse voltage and another electrode at high speed, and to obtain a long-life and reliable output switching unit. it can.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the biostimulation apparatus in this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows an example of the principal part of a stimulus generation means same as the above. It is a circuit diagram of the principal part which shows the example which uses only a counter electrode same as the above. It is a circuit diagram of the principal part which shows the example which uses a counter electrode and a common electrode same as the above. It is a circuit diagram of the principal part which shows another example which uses a counter electrode and a common electrode same as the above. It is a timing chart of a stimulus signal showing an example of an output pattern in the counter electrode mode. It is a timing chart of the stimulus signal which shows an example of the output pattern in combination mode same as the above. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the electrical structure in the conventional biological stimulation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows another example of the electrical structure in the conventional biological stimulation apparatus.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a biostimulator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a biostimulator that outlines the present embodiment. Referring to the figure, the biological stimulation apparatus is connected to the apparatus main body 10 that generates and outputs a low-frequency pulse voltage of positive output and negative output as a stimulation signal, and is connected to the output side of the apparatus main body 10 and comes into contact with the living body. It comprises at least three or more electrodes 12.

  The apparatus main body 10 includes a display unit 20, a switch input unit 22, a control unit 24, a waveform generation unit 26, an output switching unit 28, and a connection unit 30. In the present embodiment, as the connection portion 30 that outputs the stimulation signal from the apparatus main body 10 to the electrode 12, a total of six output connection ports OUT1A and OUT1B, output connection ports OUT2A and OUT2B, and output connection ports OUT3A and OUT3B And one common connection port COM. Correspondingly, the electrode 12 is also composed of three sets of counter electrodes 1A and 1B, counter electrodes 2A and 2B, counter electrodes 3A and 3B, and one common electrode 4. Note that the number of the common connection ports COM and the common electrodes 4 is limited to one, but the output connection ports OUT1A to OUT3A and OUT1B to OUT3B and the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B can be any number of one or more. As good as Use forms of the counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B and the common electrode 4 will be described later.

  The switch input unit 22 includes, for example, one or a plurality of operation buttons. By operating a specific operation button, in addition to the low frequency pulse voltage period and the off period output as a group waveform, the low frequency pulse Various parameters such as a cycle time of how many times the voltage is turned on / off, a cycle pattern of what pattern is output to the electrode 12 are changed, and the usage state of the common electrode 4 (common electrode 4) An operation signal for selecting “use or non-use)” is sent to the control unit 24. In addition, the display unit 20 is provided for receiving a display control signal from the control unit 24 and displaying such setting and selection states and confirmation of operation.

  As is well known, the control unit 24 is configured by connecting an input / output unit 34, a storage unit 36, and the like to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32, and the CPU 32 operates at a timing based on a reference clock signal from a crystal oscillator (not shown). It is supposed to be. Further, the switch input unit 22 is connected to the input port of the input / output unit 34, and the display unit 20, the waveform shaping unit 26, and the output switching unit 28 are connected to the output port of the input / output unit 34, respectively. The storage means 36 is provided with not only a program for causing the CPU 32 to perform the control necessary for the biostimulator, but also an area for storing and holding the various parameters described above and the use state of the common electrode 4.

  The CPU 32 outputs an appropriate low-frequency pulse voltage to the electrode 12 based on various parameters read from another area of the storage means 36 and the use state of the common electrode 4 according to the control sequence of the program read from the storage means 36. The low-frequency signal S1 and the output control signals S2 and S3 are transmitted to the waveform generation unit 26 and the output switching unit 28, respectively, and the display unit 20 is caused to perform appropriate display. A display control signal is transmitted. In addition, the CPU 32 also has a function of receiving an operation signal from the switch input unit 22 and rewriting various parameters stored in the storage unit 36 and the use state of the common electrode 4.

  The waveform generator 26 receives the low frequency signal S1 from the controller 24 and generates a predetermined low frequency pulse voltage between its output terminals + and −. Further, the output switching unit 28 receives the output control signals S2 and S3 from the control unit 24, and connects the output terminals + and − forming a pair of the waveform generation unit 26 to any of the output connection ports OUT1A to OUT3A and OUT1B of the connection unit 30. -OUT3B or common connection port COM is set.

  In this embodiment, in response to the output control signal S2 from the control unit 24, the output terminal + having a high potential and any one of the output connection ports OUT1A to OUT3A, OUT1B to OUT3B or the common connection port COM are selectively selected. In response to the first output switching circuit 38 to be connected, the output control signal S3 from the control unit 24, the output terminal − having a lower potential than the output terminal +, and any one of the output connection ports OUT1A to OUT3A, OUT1B. The output switching unit 28 is configured by the second output switching circuit 40 that selectively connects ~ OUT3B or the common connection port COM. The waveform generation unit 26, the output switching unit 28, and the above-described control unit 24 are arranged between any two electrodes selected from the counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B and the common electrode 4 which are all the electrodes 12. Even if it exists, it is provided as the stimulus generation means 14 which can supply the low frequency pulse voltage of a positive output and a negative output.

  FIG. 2 shows a basic circuit configuration of the main part of the stimulus generating means 14 as an example in which the photo switching relays PM <b> 1 to PM <b> 14 are provided as the output switching unit 28. In the figure, the waveform generator 26 connects a series circuit of the primary winding of the transformer 42 and the MOSFET 44 between the DC operating voltage Vcc and the ground, and connects one end and the other end of the secondary winding of the transformer 42. , The output terminals + and − are connected to each other, and by applying a pulse-like low frequency signal S1 to the gate which is the control terminal of the MOSFET 44, the primary value of the transformer 42 with respect to the voltage value of the DC operating voltage Vcc. A low-frequency pulse voltage having a voltage value proportional to the number of turns of the winding and the secondary winding is generated between the output terminals + and −.

  Note that the waveform generator 26 shown in FIG. 2 employs an inverter configuration including a transformer 42 and a MOSFET 44 in order to electrically isolate the input and output, but amplifies the low-frequency signal S1 from the controller 24. However, an amplifier circuit that generates a low-frequency pulse voltage may be employed instead. In this case, one of the output terminals + and − may be connected to the output side of the amplifier circuit, and the other of the output terminals + and − may be connected to the ground. The MOSFET 44 is provided as a switching element of an inverter that converts the DC operating voltage Vcc into an AC low frequency pulse voltage, but a semiconductor switching element with a control terminal such as a bipolar transistor may be used instead.

  As described above, the output switching unit 28 includes the first output switching circuit 38 and the second output switching circuit 40. The first output switching circuit 38 is provided with photo MOS relays PM1 to PM7 having long life, high reliability, and high speed switching operation as the same number of switching elements as the number of electrodes 12, and for current limiting. A resistor R1 is provided. Similarly, the second output switching circuit 40 is also configured by photo MOS relays PM8 to PM14, which are the same number of switch elements as the number of electrodes 12, and a current limiting resistor R2. All the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM14 have the same configuration, and are configured by enclosing an input side light emitting element (LED) and an output side light receiving element (power MOSFET) in a package.

On the input side of the first output switching circuit 38, one end of the resistor R1 is connected to the DC operating voltage VDD line, and the other end of the resistor R1 is connected to the anode of each LED constituting the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM7. The communication line for the output control signal S2 is connected to the cathode of each LED. In addition, the output side of the first output switching circuit 38 is connected to the output terminal + of the waveform generation unit 26 at one end of each power MOSFET constituting the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM7, and to the other end of each power MOSFET. The output connection port OUT1A, the output connection port OUT1B, the output connection port OUT2A, the output connection port OUT2B, the output connection port OUT3A, the output connection port OUT3B, and the common connection port COM are connected to each other.

On the input side of the second output switching circuit 40, one end of the resistor R2 is connected to the DC operating voltage VDD line, and the anode of each LED constituting the photoMOS relays PM8 to PM14 is connected to the other end of the resistor R2. The communication line for the output control signal S3 is connected to the cathode of each LED. Further, the output side of the second output switching circuit 40 is connected to the output terminal + of the waveform generation unit 26 at one end of each power MOSFET constituting the photoMOS relays PM8 to PM14, and to the other end of each power MOSFET. The output connection port OUT1A, the output connection port OUT1B, the output connection port OUT2A, the output connection port OUT2B, the output connection port OUT3A, the output connection port OUT3B, and the common connection port COM are connected to each other.

  The control unit 24 applies the low frequency signal S1 to the gate of the MOSFET 44, and outputs the output control signal S2 to any one of the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM7 constituting the first output switching circuit 38 at predetermined time intervals. The output control signal S3 is switched and supplied to any one of the photoMOS relays PM8 to PM14 constituting the second output switching circuit 40 every predetermined time.

  As an example, if an L (low) level output control signal S2 is given only to the photo moss relay PM1, and an L level output control signal S3 is given only to the photo moss relay PM8, each of the photo moss relays PM1, PM8. The LED emits light, the gate of the opposing power MOSFET is charged, the output terminal + and the output connection port OUT1A are connected, and the output terminal − and the output connection port OUT1B of the connection unit 30 are connected. Therefore, in this case, a current flows from the counter electrode 1A toward the counter electrode 1B, and a positive output low-frequency pulse voltage is supplied between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B.

  Further, if the L level output control signal S2 is given only to the photo MOS relay PM4 and the L level output control signal S3 is given only to the photo MOS relay PM11, the LEDs of the photo MOS relays PM4 and PM11 emit light. Thus, the gates of the opposing power MOSFETs are charged so that the output terminal + and the output connection port OUT1B are connected, and the output terminal − and the output connection port OUT1A of the connection unit 30 are connected. Therefore, in this case, a current flows from the counter electrode 1B toward the counter electrode 1A, and a negative output low frequency pulse voltage is supplied between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B.

  As described above, the stimulus generating means 14 in this embodiment is configured so that any one of the photo moss relays PM1 to PM7 and any one of the photo moss relays PM8 to PM14 according to the output control signals S2 and S3 from the control unit 24. , The counter electrode 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B or the common electrode 4 which is the selected one electrode, and the counter electrode 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B or the common electrode which is the other electrode. The low-frequency pulse voltage of positive output and negative output can be supplied as a stimulus signal between any of the four.

  Note that the circuit configuration of the output switching unit 28 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example. Semiconductor switch elements other than the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM14 may be used, or the DC operating voltages Vcc and VDD may be shared.

  3 to 5 show usage forms of the counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B and the common electrode 4 constituting the electrode 12, respectively. In each of these drawings, the counter electrodes 1A and 1B, the counter electrodes 2A and 2B, and the counter electrodes 3A and 3B are connected to each other regardless of the use state of the common electrode 4 stored in the storage means 36 of the control unit 24. The output connection ports OUT1A and OUT1B, the output connection ports OUT2A and OUT2B, and the output connection ports OUT3A and OUT3B of the unit 30 are always connected. The counter electrodes 1A, 1B, the counter electrodes 2A, 2B, and the counter electrodes 3A, 3B are arranged and fixed at predetermined intervals along the edge of the flexible fixing pad 50 formed in a sheet shape. Is done.

  On the other hand, the common electrode 4 does not need to be always connected to the common connection port COM, and the use state of the common electrode 4 stored in the storage unit 36 of the control unit 24 is also used depending on whether the common electrode 4 is used or not used. The setting is changed to either (combination mode) or non-use (counter electrode mode). FIG. 3 shows the use state in the counter electrode mode in which the low frequency pulse voltage is supplied between the two selected from the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B without connecting the common electrode 4 to the common connection port COM. 4 and 5 show a combination mode in which the common electrode 4 is connected to the common connection port COM, and a low-frequency pulse voltage is supplied between one of the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B and the common electrode 4. The usage state of is shown.

  The common electrode 4 is detachably provided on a fixed pad 50 to which the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B are fixed. A mounting portion 52 is provided at the center of the fixed pad 50. When the common electrode 4 is used, the common electrode 4 is connected to the common connection port COM of the connecting portion 30, and the fixed pad 50 is mounted on the mounting portion 52. Or perform the treatment without wearing it. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the fixed pad 50 and the common electrode 4 are brought into contact with opposite positions of a human body that is a living body in a state where the common electrode 4 is detached from the fixed pad 50. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the fixed pad 50 is used in contact with the treatment site of the human body with the common electrode 4 attached to the fixed pad 50.

  In the present embodiment, regarding the use or non-use of the common electrode 4, the setting change of the above-described counter electrode mode or combination mode is determined by the operation of the switch input unit 22. However, considering the number of pairs of counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B, the presence or absence of the common electrode 4, etc., various electrodes 12 are assumed. By connecting the connection port for receiving the connector to the input port of the control unit 24, the control unit 24 may identify what kind of electrode 12 is attached to the connection unit 30. In this case, the connector with the additional electrode 12 incorporates a resistance having different characteristics depending on the type of the electrode 12, a capacitance, an identification element such as a data ROM, and the like, for example, on the control unit 24 on the apparatus body 10 side. The configuration may be such that it is read by.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to timing charts shown in FIGS.

  When using the device, the user connects the counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B to the output connection ports OUT1A to 3A and OUT1B to 3B of the connection unit 30 in advance, and selects whether to use the common electrode 4 or not. To do. That is, when the common electrode 4 is used, the common electrode 4 is connected to the common connection port COM of the connection unit 30. When the common electrode 4 is not used, the common electrode 4 is removed from the common connection port COM. Further, when the common electrode 4 is used, as shown in FIG. 4, the counter electrode 1 </ b> A to 3 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B is not placed on the fixed pad 50, for example, on the abdomen and back, which are opposite positions of the human body. The fixed electrode 50 having 3B and the common electrode 4 are brought into contact with each other, or as shown in FIG. 5, the common electrode 4 is attached to the mounting portion 52 of the fixed pad 50, and the fixed pad 50 is attached to the human body. Contact the treatment site. The usage state of the electrode 12 can be appropriately changed even during operation of the apparatus.

  Next, when a power switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 10 is turned on to activate the control unit 24, the CPU 32 sets an appropriate low frequency for the electrode 12 based on the program read from the storage unit 36. A series of control sequences for supplying the pulse voltage is executed. Specifically, the CPU 32 reads various parameters stored in the storage unit 36 and the usage state of the common electrode 4 and displays them on the display unit 20. At this time, when the operation button of the switch input section 22 is pushed, various parameters stored in the storage means 36 and the use state of the common electrode 4 are rewritten by an operation signal from the switch input section 22 to the control section 24. The effect is also displayed on the display unit 20.

  In the present embodiment, when the common electrode 4 described above is used by operating the switch input unit 22, the combination mode is set as the use state of the common electrode 4, and when the common electrode 4 is not used, the common electrode 4 is used. The counter electrode mode is set as the state of use 4. Further, when a common electrode is used, a mixed mode in which a combination mode and a counter electrode mode are mixed at random may be set.

  Thereafter, when an instruction to start output of the low frequency pulse voltage is given by another operation button of the switch input unit 22, the control unit 24 sets the electrode according to various parameters stored in the storage means 36 and the use state of the common electrode 4. 12 outputs a low frequency pulse voltage as a stimulus signal.

  FIG. 6 shows an output example of the stimulation signal in the counter electrode mode. At the time of setting the counter electrode mode, the stimulation signal generating means 14 applies a low frequency pulse voltage between any two electrodes of the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B excluding the common electrode 4 from all the electrodes 12. Supply.

  For example, in the output pattern shown in FIG. 6, the counter electrodes 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B are provided by giving L-level output control signals S <b> 2 and S <b> 3 to the two selected photoMOS relays PM <b> 1 and PM <b> 8 at the first timing. A low-frequency pulse voltage of a positive output is supplied between them, and at a second timing, output control signals S2 and S3 of L level are respectively sent to two photoMOS relays PM2 and PM9 that are selected separately. By supplying the low-frequency pulse voltage of the positive output between the counter electrodes 2A and 2B, the L level is applied to the two photoMOS relays PM3 and PM10 separately selected at the third timing. By providing the output control signals S2 and S3, a positive output low-frequency pulse voltage can be supplied between the counter electrodes 3A and 3B.

  At the first timing, L level output control signals S2 and S3 are applied to the two selected photoMOS relays PM4 and PM11, respectively, so that a low-frequency pulse having a negative output is provided between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B. A voltage is supplied and, at a second timing, output control signals S2 and S3 of L level are respectively applied to two photoMOS relays PM5 and PM12 that are selected separately, so that the counter electrode 2A, The low-frequency pulse voltage of negative output is supplied between 2B, and at the third timing, L level output control signals S2 and S3 are sent to the two photoMOS relays PM6 and PM13 selected separately. By giving each, the low frequency pulse voltage of a negative output can also be supplied between counter electrode 3A, 3B.

  In the above-described series of operations, a pause period in which the output control signals S2 and S3 are not applied to all the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM14 is provided at the timing when the supply of the low frequency pulse voltage is switched to a different electrode. In this idle period, all the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM14 are turned off, and the supply of the low frequency pulse voltage to all the electrodes 12 is temporarily stopped.

  In the counter electrode mode, the positive output between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B → the positive output between the counter electrodes 2A and 2B → the positive output between the counter electrodes 3A and 3B → the positive output between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B is repeatedly reduced in this order. Frequency pulse voltage is supplied or negative output between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B → negative output between the counter electrodes 2A and 2B → negative output between the counter electrodes 3A and 3B → negative output between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B in this order. , Repeatedly supplying a low-frequency pulse voltage, positive output between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B → negative output between the counter electrodes 1A and 1B → positive output between the counter electrodes 2A and 2B → negative output between the counter electrodes 2A and 2B → Positive output between counter electrodes 3A and 3B → Negative output between counter electrodes 3A and 3B → Positive output between counter electrodes 1A and 1B → Negative output between counter electrodes 1A and 1B Or can be supplied.

  Further, a low frequency pulse voltage of positive output or negative output is not provided between the adjacent counter electrodes 1A to 3A and the counter electrodes 1B to 3B but between the distant counter electrodes 1A to 3A and the counter electrodes 1B to 3B. You may supply. For example, a positive output between the counter electrodes 1A and 2A that are spaced apart one by one, a positive output between the counter electrodes 1B and 2B, a positive output between the counter electrodes 2A and 3A, and a positive output between the counter electrodes 2B and 3B. → A low-frequency pulse voltage is repeatedly supplied in the order of positive output between the counter electrodes 1A and 2A, or a positive output is provided between the counter electrodes 1A and 2B that are opposed to each other, and a positive output is provided between the counter electrodes 1B and 3A. Positive output between electrodes 2A and 3B → Positive output between counter electrodes 2B and 1A → Positive output between counter electrodes 3A and 1B → Positive output between counter electrodes 3B and 2A → Positive output between counter electrodes 1A and 2B Thus, the low frequency pulse voltage can be repeatedly supplied.

  In addition, in the counter electrode mode, any one of the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B and the other counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B are not arranged in a predetermined order but in a random order. A low-frequency pulse voltage of positive output or negative output may be supplied between the heels.

  On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows an output example of the stimulation signal in the combination electrode mode. At the time of setting the combination electrode mode, the stimulation signal generating means 14 is a low frequency pulse voltage between any two electrodes among all the electrodes 12 including the counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B and the common electrode 4. Supply.

  For example, FIG. 7 shows a periodic pattern in which one of the counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B and the other common electrode 4 sounds are switched in a predetermined order to supply a positive output low frequency pulse voltage. (Pattern 1), a periodic pattern (Pattern 2) for supplying a negative output low frequency pulse voltage by switching in a predetermined order, and a periodic pattern (Pattern 2) for supplying a positive output low frequency pulse voltage by switching in a random order Pattern 3), periodic pattern (pattern 4) that supplies low-frequency pulse voltage of both outputs (positive output followed by negative output) by switching in the determined order, and switching between positive and negative outputs in the determined order The periodic patterns (pattern 5) for supplying the low-frequency pulse voltage are shown in FIG. In this embodiment, any one of these periodic patterns is stored in the storage means 36 so that the setting can be changed, and a low-frequency pulse voltage is supplied to the electrode 12 according to the periodic pattern read from the storage means 36. The Further, instead of one periodic pattern, a plurality of periodic patterns may be stored in the storage means 36, and the low-frequency pulse voltage may be supplied to the electrode 12 in accordance with a predetermined or random order periodic pattern.

  In the above series of operations, a pause period is provided as an off period in which the output control signals S2 and S3 are not applied to all the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM14 at the timing of switching the supply of the low-frequency pulse voltage to a different electrode. It is done. In this idle period, all the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM14 are turned off, and the supply of the low frequency pulse voltage to all the electrodes 12 is temporarily stopped.

  In the combination electrode mode, a positive output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4 → a positive output between the counter electrode 1B and the common electrode 4 → a positive output between the counter electrode 2A and the common electrode 4 → the counter electrode 2B Output between the counter electrode 3A and the common electrode 4. Positive output between the counter electrode 3A and the common electrode 4. Positive output between the counter electrode 3B and the common electrode 4. Between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4. A low-frequency pulse voltage is repeatedly supplied in the order of positive output, or a positive output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4, a positive output between the counter electrode 2A and the common electrode 4, and a counter electrode 3A and a common electrode. 4 → Positive output between the counter electrode 1B and the common electrode 4 → Positive output between the counter electrode 2B and the common electrode 4 → Positive output between the counter electrode 3B and the common electrode 4 → A low frequency pulse voltage is repeatedly supplied in the order of positive output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4, or the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4 Positive output between the counter electrode 2B and the common electrode 4 Positive output between the counter electrode 1B and the common electrode 4 Positive output between the counter electrode 3A and the common electrode 4 Counter electrode 2A The low frequency pulse voltage is repeatedly supplied in the order of positive output between the common electrode 4 and positive output between the counter electrode 3B and the common electrode 4 and positive output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4. Can be.

  Also, negative output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4 → negative output between the counter electrode 1B and the common electrode 4 → negative output between the counter electrode 2A and the common electrode 4 → the counter electrode 2B and the common electrode Negative output between the counter electrode 3A and the common electrode 4, negative output between the counter electrode 3B and the common electrode 4, and a negative output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4. In sequence, a low-frequency pulse voltage is repeatedly supplied or negative output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4 → negative output between the counter electrode 2A and the common electrode 4 → the counter electrode 3A and the common electrode 4 Negative output in between → Negative output between counter electrode 1B and common electrode 4 → Negative output between counter electrode 2B and common electrode 4 → Negative output between counter electrode 3B and common electrode 4 → Counter electrode 1A The low-frequency pulse voltage is repeatedly supplied in the order of negative output between the common electrode 4 and the negative electrode, or the negative output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4 Negative output between the pole 2B and the common electrode 4 → Negative output between the counter electrode 1B and the common electrode 4 → Negative output between the counter electrode 3A and the common electrode 4 → The counter electrode 2A and the common electrode 4 The low frequency pulse voltage can be repeatedly supplied in the order of negative output between the counter electrode 3B and the common electrode 4 and negative output between the counter electrode 1A and the common electrode 4 in the order of negative output.

  In addition, in the combination electrode mode, a low positive output or negative output is provided between any one of the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B and the common electrode 4 in a random order, not in a predetermined order. A frequency pulse voltage may be supplied. Basically, in this embodiment, the positive and negative of the output pair are switched for the two electrodes selected from the electrodes 12, or the output is output to all the electrodes 12 connected to the stimulus generating means 14. The purpose is to enable connection regardless of the polarity.

  Note that the timing charts shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 describe a simple uneven pulse waveform for the purpose of easy understanding, but actually, a low-frequency pulse is a group waveform in the portion of this pulse waveform. Is output as The pulse width and frequency of this low frequency pulse group depend on the pulse width and frequency of the low frequency signal S1. As shown in FIG. 2, when a transformer 42 is used as the waveform shaping unit 26, output control is performed so that the low frequency pulse is not biased to one side (positive output or negative output) in order to avoid biasing the transformer 42. Signals S2 and S3 are provided to the output switching unit 28.

  As an example, the amplitude of the low-frequency pulse voltage is several hundreds Vp-p (peak-peak value), and the ON period during which the group waveform of the low-frequency pulse voltage is output is determined by the operation of the switch input unit 22 for example. The OFF period for switching can be varied within a predetermined range of, for example, 1 mS to 100 mS by operating the switch input unit 22. Further, when the number of times of turning on / off the group waveform of the low frequency pulse voltage between the two selected electrodes is set as the set state number, the switching cycle period of the electrode 12 is (on period + off period). ) × the number of set states, and this switching cycle period can also be changed to an arbitrary predetermined range by operating the switch input unit 22.

  For reference, circuit examples of a conventional biostimulator are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively. 8 is configured to switch the connection between the output terminal + of the waveform shaping unit 26 and the output connection ports OUT1A to OUT3A and OUT1B to OUT3B by the output switching unit 28. The terminal-is always connected to the common connection port COM. 9 is an example in which the waveform shaping unit 26 also functions as the output switching unit 28. In this case, the waveform shaping unit 26 is always connected to the output connection ports OUT1A to OUT3A and OUT1B to OUT3B. The first waveform shaping section 26a to the sixth waveform shaping section 26f, and any one of the first waveform shaping section 26a to the sixth waveform shaping section 26f is selectively operated to output the output connection port OUT1A. A positive output low frequency pulse voltage is generated between any one of -OUT3A, OUT1B-OUT3B and the common connection port COM.

  However, any of the biostimulators shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can supply a positive output low-frequency pulse voltage only between the counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B and the common electrode. A low frequency pulse voltage cannot be applied to a living body with the common electrode 4 removed from the common connection port COM. The biostimulator in the present embodiment can eliminate such problems and obtain a wider range of treatment effects.

  As described above, the present embodiment is a biological stimulation device for electrically stimulating a treatment site of a human body by applying a low frequency pulse voltage as a pulse voltage to the electrode 12 that contacts the human body as a living body. Stimulus generation capable of supplying positive and negative output pulse voltages between the selected one electrode and the other electrode with respect to all the electrodes 12 and three or more electrodes 12 in contact with appropriate positions of the living body And means 14.

  In this case, for any electrode 12 in contact with an appropriate place on the human body, a positive output in which a current flows from one electrode to the other electrode between one electrode selected from the other electrode and the other electrode. A low-frequency pulse voltage and a negative-output low-frequency pulse voltage in which a current flows from another electrode toward one electrode can be supplied at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the stimulation to the human body can be applied to various parts without being limited to a specific part, and a wider range of treatment effects can be obtained.

  In addition, the three or more electrodes 12 in this embodiment are configured by one common electrode 4 and two or more counter electrodes 1A to 3A, 1B to 3B other than the common electrode 4.

  In this case, by supplying a pulse voltage between any one of the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B and one common electrode 4, not only can the stimulation be given to the deep part of the living body, A pulse voltage can be supplied between the counter electrodes, and the surface layer portion of the living body can be stimulated without changing the contact portion of the electrodes.

  Further, the stimulus generating means 14 of the present embodiment includes an output switching unit 28 that selects and selects one selected electrode and another electrode at random from all the electrodes.

  In this case, the output switching unit 28 can supply positive and negative output pulse voltages between any two electrodes randomly selected from all the electrodes 12. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effective treatment effect over a wide range without concentrating on one part.

  Further, the output switching unit 28 in the present embodiment is configured to include the photo moss relays PM1 to PM14 as switching elements.

  In this case, taking advantage of the features of the photoMOS relays PM1 to PM14, one electrode for supplying a low-frequency pulse voltage and the other electrode can be randomly switched at high speed, and a long-life and highly reliable output switching unit 28 is obtained. be able to.

  Further, the stimulus generating means 14 includes a counter electrode mode as a first operation mode in which the one electrode and the other electrode are selected from the counter electrodes 1A to 3A and 1B to 3B, A low frequency pulse voltage is supplied to the electrode 12 by a combination mode as a second operation mode in which one of the one electrode and the other electrode is the common electrode 4.

  In this case, since different stimulation electrode modes and combination modes are prepared in advance in the stimulus generation means 14 as to which of the electrodes 12 the low frequency pulse voltage is supplied to, the two operations are performed as necessary. It is possible to obtain a treatment effect effectively on the human body by combining one of the modes or two operation modes.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of counter electrodes 1 </ b> A to 3 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B to 3 </ b> B are fixed to one fixed pad 50, while the common electrode 4 is detachably provided on the fixed pad 50.

  In this way, by removing the common electrode 4 from the fixed pad 50, the counter electrodes 1 </ b> A to 3 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B to 3 </ b> B and the common electrode 4 can be easily arranged at positions facing the human body, and are also common to the fixed pad 50. By mounting the electrode 4, the counter electrodes 1 </ b> A to 3 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B to 3 </ b> B and the common electrode 4 can be arranged on one side of the human body.

  The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the output pattern of the stimulation signal shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is merely an example, and the stimulation signal may be generated between two electrodes that are randomly selected at an arbitrary timing. Moreover, you may generate | occur | produce a stimulation signal simultaneously between several pairs of electrodes.

1A-3A, 1B-3B Counter electrode 4 Common electrode 12 Electrode 14 Stimulus generating means
24 control unit 28 output switching unit
30 connections
38 First output switching circuit
40 Second output switching circuit
OUT1A to OUT3A, OUT1B to OUT3B Output connection port
COM Common connection port PM1 to PM14 Photo moss relay
S1 Pulsed low frequency signal (pulse signal)
S2, S3 output control signal
+ Output terminal (positive output terminal)
− Output terminal (negative output terminal)

Claims (4)

A biostimulator for electrically stimulating a living body,
Three or more electrodes in contact with the appropriate place of the living body;
A connection for outputting a stimulation signal to the electrode;
A stimulus generating means capable of supplying a positive output and a negative output pulse voltage as the stimulus signal between one electrode connected to the connecting portion and another electrode for all the electrodes ;
The connection portion includes two or more output connection ports that form a pair, and one common connection port,
The stimulus generating means includes
In order to output the pulse voltage to the electrode, a control unit for sending a pulse signal and an output control signal, respectively,
A waveform generator that receives the pulse signal and generates the pulse voltage between a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal;
An output switching unit that receives the output control signal and connects the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal to any one of the output connection port or the common connection port, and
The output switching unit
A first output switching circuit for selectively connecting the positive output terminal and any one of the output connection port or the common connection port;
A second output switching circuit that selectively connects the negative output terminal and any one of the output connection port or the common connection port;
The controller is
A first operation mode for controlling the pulse voltage to be supplied between any two of the output connection ports, and any one of the output connection ports and the common connection. The second operation mode for controlling the pulse voltage to be supplied between the mouth and the second operation mode can be changed.
The biological stimulation device , wherein the control unit controls switching of the output switching circuit and setting change of the mode so that the pulse voltage of positive output and negative output can be output . The three or more electrodes are composed of one common electrode connected to the common connection port and two or more counter electrodes connected to the two or more output connection ports, respectively, other than the common electrode. The biostimulator according to claim 1. The biostimulation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output switching unit is configured to randomly switch and select the one electrode and the other electrode from all the electrodes.   The biostimulation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the output switching unit includes a photo moss relay.

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