KR102320852B1 - Apparatus for electrical stimulation - Google Patents

Abstract

An objective of the present invention is to provide various treatment modes by applying at least two channels of electrical current flow to at least two pairs of electrode units, thereby enabling the direction of an electrical current flow between the electrode units to be dynamically changed. Accordingly, the present invention relates to an electrical stimulation apparatus comprising: a first signal generator generating a carrier signal of a first channel; a second signal generator generating a carrier signal of a second channel; at least four electrode units outputting the electric current of the first channel and the electric current of the second channel; two electrode units disposed between the first and second signal generators and the four electrode units and outputting the electric current of the first channel; and a signal distribution processing unit enabling the connection of two electrode units that outputs the electric current of the second channel to be dynamically exchanged.

Description

Apparatus for electrical stimulation

The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device, and provides various treatment modes by applying a current flow of at least two channels or more to at least two pairs of electrode parts and dynamically changing the flow direction of current between the electrode parts.

In general, electrical stimulation devices that use low, medium, and high frequencies apply current flow to electrode parts such as ceramics, electrode pads, and adhesive patches that are attached to the body to cause contraction and relaxation of the skin and muscles of the body, or deep heat. make it

Unlike high frequencies that generate deep heat, low or medium frequencies cause contraction and relaxation of the skin and muscles of the body. is becoming

The low-frequency electrical stimulation device mainly generates electrical stimulation on the skin surface by applying a current flow to a pair of electrode parts, and the medium-frequency electrical stimulation device mainly applies a two-channel current flow to the two pairs of electrode parts, rather than the skin surface. Electrical stimulation can be generated in a more deep part.

In the mid-frequency electrical stimulation device, the two-channel current flow generates an interference wave in the deep part to cause muscle contraction and relaxation. Since it is applied only between the electrode parts of Since current flow and rhythm are limited, there is a problem that various treatment modes cannot be provided.

Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1169007 relates to a low-frequency treatment device using an interference wave current. It uses the interference wave current to increase the penetration rate of the deep part, and for the safety of the patient, it is possible to control the interference wave current gently and to provide a constant level to the patient. A relay is provided between the frequency output unit and the conductor in order not to apply more than a level of current so that the current flow from the frequency output unit to the conductor can be blocked when the current level of the frequency output unit for each channel is equal to or greater than a preset reference value. However, even if the frequency and intensity of the current are changed, the flow direction of the current between the conductors cannot be dynamically exchanged. have.

Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2007954 relates to an electric therapy device having RET and CET radio frequency treatment functions, and CET (Capacity Electric Transfer) using a capacitive current conduction method and RET (Resistive Electric) using a resistive current conduction method Transfer), the switching unit has a relay, and according to the control of the operation unit, the output of the second boosting unit is output to the CET output terminal or RET output terminal, but the frequency and strength of the current are changed. However, there is a problem that various treatment modes cannot be provided because the flow and rhythm of the current applied to the human body from the electrode pads are limited because the direction of current flow between the electrode pads cannot be dynamically exchanged.

Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2098056 relates to an electrical stimulation device, and in order to selectively provide electrical stimulation in a low frequency band, a medium frequency band, and a high frequency band according to the characteristics of the user, the user's gender included in the body fat index measurement result; Although electrical stimulation of different frequency bands is provided for each user or body part that provides electrical stimulation according to age and body fat index of the lower body, the electrode pad attached to the user's body and delivering electrical stimulation only changes the frequency of the electrical stimulation. Therefore, even if the frequency and intensity of the current are changed, the flow direction of the current between the electrode pads cannot be dynamically exchanged. Therefore, the flow and rhythm of the current applied to the body from the electrode pads are limited, so various treatment modes are not provided. There is a problem that it cannot.

Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0277132 relates to a low-frequency stimulator, which provides various stimulation modes using a modulation frequency that interferes with a basic sine wave and other sine waves, so that different output frequencies can be supplied according to the user's health condition. Although the frequency channels are diversified, even if the frequency and intensity of the current are changed, the flow direction of the current between the electrode pads cannot be dynamically exchanged. There is a problem that the mod is not provided.

Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1169007 Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2007954 Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2098056 Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0277132

An object of the present invention is to provide various treatment modes by applying at least two or more channels of current flow to at least two pairs of electrode parts and dynamically changing the flow direction of current between the electrode parts.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce pain by sending a current to a muscle tissue by applying different frequency signals to each pair alternately or at the same time using two pairs of electrode units.

Another object of the present invention is to use two pairs of electrode parts to apply different frequency signals to each pair alternately or at the same time to flow a current to the muscle tissue to contract and relax the stiffened muscle due to pain or damage Its purpose is to help restore movement by stimulating stimulation.

Another object of the present invention is to increase user satisfaction and treatment effect by applying different frequency signals to each electrode unit and sending a more complex rhythmic signal to the muscle tissue.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited only to the above purpose, and other technical problems not explicitly shown above can be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs through the configuration and operation of the present invention below. will be able

In this invention, in order to solve the said subject, the following structure is included.

The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation apparatus, comprising: a first signal generator for generating a carrier signal of a first channel; a second signal generator for generating a carrier signal of a second channel; at least four electrode units for outputting the current of the first channel and the current of the second channel; A signal distribution processing unit for dynamically exchanging connections between the first and second signal generators and the two electrode units for outputting the current of the first channel and the two electrode units for outputting the current of the second channel between the first and second signal generators and the four electrode units It is characterized in that it includes.

The signal distribution processing unit of the present invention includes a signal distribution controller and a plurality of switches, the signal distribution controller controls on/off of the plurality of switches, and the plurality of switches outputs a current of a first channel. It is characterized in that the two electrode parts and the two electrode parts outputting the current of the second channel are turned on/off so that connections are dynamically exchanged.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that it further includes at least one output variable unit for variably adjusting the intensity and/or phase of the current of the first channel and/or the second channel.

The signal distribution processing unit of the present invention dynamically exchanges connections between the two electrode units for outputting the current of the first channel and the two electrode units for outputting the current of the second channel so that the current of the first channel is transferred to the first electrode. The first mode is output to the negative and third electrode units, and the second channel current is output to the second and fourth electrode units, the first channel current is output to the first electrode unit and the fourth electrode unit, and A second mode in which the current of the second channel is output to the second electrode part and the third electrode part, the current of the first channel is output to the first electrode part and the second electrode part, and the current of the second channel is output to the third electrode part It is characterized in that it operates in the third mode to be output to the fourth electrode unit.

The first signal generator of the present invention generates by multiplying the carrier signal of the first channel by the first rhythm signal, and the second signal generator multiplies the carrier signal of the second channel by the second rhythm signal.

An effect of the present invention is to apply a current flow of at least two channels or more to at least two pairs of electrode parts and dynamically change the flow direction of current between the electrode parts, thereby making it possible to provide various treatment modes.

Another effect of the present invention is to make it possible to reduce pain by sending a current to a muscle tissue by applying different frequency signals to each pair alternately or at the same time using two pairs of electrode units.

In addition, another effect of the present invention is that by applying different frequency signals to each pair alternately or at the same time using two pairs of electrodes, current flows through the muscle tissue to contract and contract the stiffened muscles due to pain or damage. It makes it possible to help restore movement with relaxing stimuli.

In addition, another effect of the present invention is to apply different frequency signals to each electrode unit to flow a more complex rhythmic signal to the muscle tissue to increase user satisfaction and treatment effect.

The effects of the present invention are not limited only to the above effects, and other effects not explicitly shown above will be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains through the configuration and operation of the present invention below.

1 shows a circuit diagram of a conventional electrical stimulation device.
Figure 2 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the electrical stimulation device of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of the electrical stimulation device of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows three modes according to the flow direction of the current between the electrode parts during the operation of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows three modes of applying a two-channel current flow to two pairs of electrodes during operation of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the present invention.
6 exemplarily shows a signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators.
7 exemplarily shows signal waveform diagrams from the first and second output variable units.
8 exemplarily shows a signal waveform diagram of a fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators and a signal waveform diagram from the first and second output variable units.
Fig. 9 shows a case in which a signal waveform diagram of a fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators is multiplied by a rhythm signal changing in units of one minute.
Fig. 10 shows a case in which the signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators is multiplied by another rhythm signal.
11 shows a case in which another rhythm signal is multiplied by a signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators.
12 shows a case where another rhythm signal is multiplied by a signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators.
Fig. 13 shows a case where another rhythm signal is multiplied by the signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators.

Hereinafter, the overall configuration and operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. These embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the configuration and operation of the present invention, and other configurations and operations not explicitly shown in the embodiments are also provided below through the embodiments of the present invention. A case that can be easily understood by the possessor will be regarded as the technical idea of the present invention.

1 shows a circuit diagram of a conventional electrical stimulation device.

Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional electrical stimulation apparatus transmits signals from the first and second output variable units 11 and 12, and the first and second signal generators 21 and 22 to the four electrode units 210, 220, 230, and 240. When the two connectors (JP10, JP14) are connected, these connections are fixed and the two-channel signals connected to the four electrode units 210, 220, 230, 240 cannot be dynamically exchanged, so that the frequency and strength of the current can be changed. Therefore, since the flow and rhythm of the current applied to the human body is limited, various treatment modes cannot be provided.

Figure 2 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the electrical stimulation device of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 2, the electrical stimulation apparatus of the present invention, the first and second output variable units (110, 120), the first and second signal generators (210, 220) from the four electrode parts (210, 220, 230, 240) to transmit a signal In order to do this, a signal distribution processing unit 300 is included therebetween.

The first and second output variable units 110 and 120 may adjust the strength and phase of the current applied to the human body from the four electrode units 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 by variably adjusting the signal strength and phase.

The first and second output variable units 110 and 120 can adjust the intensity of the current applied to the human body by adjusting the intensity of the signal from the first step to the tenth step, and the user can vary the intensity of muscle contraction and relaxation. can experience

The first and second output variable units 110 and 120 adjust the phase of the signal so that the phase of the first output variable unit 110 and the phase of the second output variable unit 110 and 120 are between 0 and 360 degrees. can be adjusted.

For example, when the phase of the first variable output unit 110 and the phase of the second output variable unit 110 and 120 are identical to each other, the user may feel the same as tapping simultaneously at each electrode unit in which the muscle is contracted and relaxed. When the phase of the first output variable unit 110 and the phase of the second output variable unit 110 and 120 are 180 degrees different from each other, the user alternately taps each electrode in which the muscle contracts and relaxes. You may feel the same way.

In the signal distribution processing unit 300, the connection from the first and second output variable units 110 and 120, and the first and second signal generators 210 and 220 to the four electrode units 210, 220, 230, and 240 is not fixed, but to be exchanged. Thus, it is possible to dynamically change the direction of current flow between the four electrode parts 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 .

If the direction of current flow is dynamically changed between the four electrode parts 210, 220, 230, and 240, the user feels the same as tapping while moving the treatment area by tapping simultaneously or alternately on each electrode part where the muscle is contracted and relaxed. can receive

Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of the electrical stimulation device of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the signals of the first channel and the second channel are connected to the first connector JP10 and the second connector JP11, the signal distribution controller 310 so that the connection is not fixed and can be dynamically exchanged. The on/off operation of the first switch S1 to the fourth switch S4 may be controlled.

The first switch S1 may turn on/off the connection between the first channel and the second terminal of the first connector JP10 or turn on/off the connection between the first channel and the second switch.

The second switch S2 may turn on/off the connection between the first switch and the first and second terminals of the second connector JP11.

The third switch S3 may turn on/off the connection between the second channel and the first terminal of the second connector JP11 or turn on/off the connection between the second channel and the second terminal of the first connector 10 . have.

The fourth switch S4 may turn on/off the connection between the second channel and the first terminal or the second terminal of the second connector JP11.

The signal distribution controller 310 is driven in one piece of hardware or individual hardware in that it can be implemented in hardware or software to control the on/off operation of the first switch S1 to the fourth switch S4. It may be implemented in software.

3 exemplarily illustrates a case in which the first to fourth switches S1 to S4 are relay switches, in addition to the relay switches, switching elements such as semiconductor switches may be used.

When the relay switch of FIG. 3 is used in more detail, FIG. 3 shows a case in which all of the first switches S1 to S4 are in an off state.

The signal distribution controller 310 controls the on/off operation of the first switch S1 to the fourth switch S4 so that the first switch S1 is in the on state, the second switch S2 is in the off state, and the When the third switch S3 is in the on state and the fourth switch S4 is in the off state, the first channel current is output from the first electrode part 210 and the third electrode part 230 and the second electrode part The current of the second channel is output from 220 and the fourth electrode unit 240 so that the two currents cross each other to be applied to the user's muscles.

When the signal distribution controller 310 controls the on/off operation of the first switch S1 to the fourth switch S4 and the first switch S1 to the fourth switch S4 are all in the on state, The first channel current is output from the first electrode part 210 and the fourth electrode part 240 , and the second channel current is output from the second electrode part 220 and the third electrode part 230 . Currents may be applied to the user's muscles horizontally and parallel to each other.

When the signal distribution controller 310 controls the on/off operation of the first switch S1 to the fourth switch S4 and the first switch S1 to the fourth switch S4 are all in the off state, When the four electrode units are attached to the user's skin, the first channel current is output from the first electrode unit 210 and the second electrode unit 220 , and the third electrode unit 230 and the fourth electrode unit 240 . The current of the second channel is output from the , so that the two currents may be applied to the user's muscles in parallel and perpendicular to each other.

In detail about each circuit element, the diodes D1 and D2 prevent back electromotive force, and the capacitors C1 and C2 and resistors R2 and R4 function to smooth the output waveform of the secondary side of the transformers T1 and T2.

Figure 4 shows three modes according to the flow direction of the current between the electrode parts during the operation of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , FIG. 4( a ) shows that when the four electrode parts are attached to the user's skin, the first channel current is output from the first electrode part 210 and the third electrode part 230 and the second electrode part. The current of the second channel is output from the unit 220 and the fourth electrode unit 240 so that the two currents cross each other and are applied to the user's muscles.

In this case, the user's muscle may be contracted and relaxed in a direction in which the two currents cross each other.

FIG. 4(b) shows that when the four electrode parts are attached to the user's skin, the first channel current is output from the first electrode part 210 and the fourth electrode part 240, and the second electrode part 220 and the second electrode part 220 and the second electrode part The current of the second channel is output from the three-electrode unit 230, and the two currents are applied to the user's muscles in parallel and horizontally with each other.

In this case, the user's muscle may be contracted and relaxed in a direction parallel to the two currents being horizontal to each other.

FIG. 4(c) shows that when the four electrode parts are attached to the user's skin, the current of the first channel is output from the first electrode part 210 and the second electrode part 220, and the third electrode part 230 and the second electrode part 220 The current of the second channel is output from the 4 electrode unit 240 so that the two currents are applied to the user's muscles in parallel and perpendicular to each other.

In this case, the user's muscles may contract and relax in a direction perpendicular to and parallel to two currents.

The present invention is a mode in which the user's muscles contract and relax in a direction where the two currents intersect each other around the treatment site by being attached to the user's skin when the currents of the two channels are connected to the four electrode units, and the two currents includes a mode in which the user's muscles contract and relax in a direction horizontally parallel to each other, a mode in which two electric currents contract and relax the user's muscles in a direction perpendicular to each other, and these three modes are repeatedly alternated will work with

Figure 5 shows three modes of applying a current flow of two channels to two pairs of electrodes during operation of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , FIG. 5( a ) shows that when four electrode parts are attached to the user's skin, the first channel current is output from the first electrode part 210 and the third electrode part 230 and the second electrode part. It is a circuit diagram when the current of the second channel is output from the unit 220 and the fourth electrode unit 240 .

In this case, the user's muscle may be contracted and relaxed in a direction in which the two currents cross each other.

FIG. 5(b) shows that when the four electrode parts are attached to the user's skin, the current of the first channel is output from the first electrode part 210 and the fourth electrode part 240, and the second electrode part 220 and the second electrode part It is a circuit diagram when the current of the second channel is output from the three-electrode unit 230 .

In this case, the user's muscle may be contracted and relaxed in a direction parallel to the two currents being horizontal to each other.

FIG. 5( c ) shows that when the four electrode parts are attached to the user's skin, the current of the first channel is output from the first electrode part 210 and the second electrode part 220 , and the third electrode part 230 and the second electrode part 220 . It is a circuit diagram when the current of the second channel is output from the fourth electrode unit 240 .

In this case, the user's muscles may contract and relax in a direction perpendicular to and parallel to two currents.

According to the three modes according to the circuit diagram, when the user starts the operation of the electrical stimulation device, it is repeatedly operated alternately for a predetermined time, so that the current flow can be variously applied to increase the therapeutic effect.

In addition, as the flow of current applied to the human body is varied, it is possible to provide more diverse treatment modes by combining this with rhythm and current strength/phase change.

6 exemplarily shows a signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the horizontal axis of the signal waveform diagram means time and the vertical axis means voltage, and the basic carrier frequency of the first signal generator or the second signal generator is 4.10 kHz, which is an intermediate frequency signal.

7 exemplarily shows signal waveform diagrams from the first and second output variable units.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the phase of the signal from the first variable output unit and the phase of the signal from the second output variable unit have a difference of about 180 degrees and have a frequency of 410 mHz, and this signal is a carrier frequency. When modulated and applied, the user may feel as if tapping alternately at each electrode part where the muscle contracts and relaxes.

8 exemplarily shows a signal waveform diagram of a fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators and a signal waveform diagram from the first and second output variable units.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in order to show the signal waveform diagram of the basic carrier frequency and the signal waveform diagram from the first and second output variable units, the time unit of the horizontal axis is set to 1 second, so that the low-frequency signals from the first and second output variable units are set to 1 second. and the high-frequency signals of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators are shown together.

Fig. 9 shows a case in which a signal waveform diagram of a fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators is multiplied by a rhythm signal changing in units of one minute.

Referring to FIG. 9 , when a rhythm signal that changes in units of 1 minute is multiplied and applied to the electrode part while the signal waveform diagram of the basic carrier frequency is inverted, the user taps at regular time intervals at each electrode part where the muscle is contracted and relaxed. You may feel the same way.

Fig. 10 shows a case in which the signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators is multiplied by another rhythm signal.

Referring to FIG. 10 , when the signal waveform diagram of the basic carrier frequency is inverted and the 5 rhythm signals are repeated twice, then the 10 rhythm signals are multiplied and applied to the electrode part, the user can use each electrode part where the muscle is contracted and relaxed. You may experience the same sensation of tapping five times twice, followed by the same sensation of tapping 10 times.

Fig. 11 shows a case where another rhythm signal is multiplied by a signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators.

Referring to FIG. 11 , when a rhythm signal that changes in units of 10 seconds is multiplied and applied to an electrode part while the signal waveform diagram of the basic carrier frequency is inverted, the user may see a little more than the case of FIG. 9 in each electrode part where the muscle contracts and relaxes. It can feel like tapping faster at regular intervals of time.

In addition, the output variable unit adjusts the intensity of the current to be larger than in the case of FIG. 9 , so that the user can experience the strength of muscle contraction and relaxation more strongly.

Fig. 12 shows a case where another rhythm signal is multiplied by the signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators.

Referring to FIG. 12 , when the three rhythm signals are repeated and applied to the electrodes at a predetermined time interval while the signal waveform diagram of the basic carrier frequency is inverted, the user taps three times at each electrode in which the muscle contracts and relaxes. The same feeling can be received at predetermined time intervals.

Fig. 13 shows a case where another rhythm signal is multiplied by the signal waveform diagram of the fundamental carrier frequency from the first and second signal generators.

Referring to FIG. 13 , when the signal waveform diagram of the basic carrier frequency is inverted and 3 rhythm signals are repeated twice, then 9 to 10 rhythm signals are multiplied and applied to the electrode unit, the user can determine the angle at which the muscles contract and relax. After repeatedly receiving the same feeling as tapping 3 times on the electrode part, you may feel the same as tapping 9 to 10 times.

11, 110: first output variable unit
12, 120: second output variable unit
21, 210: first signal generator
22, 220: second signal generator
210 to 240: first to fourth electrode parts
300: signal distribution processing unit
310: signal distribution controller
S1~S4: 1st~4th switch

Claims (5)

In the electrical stimulation device,
a first signal generator for generating a carrier signal of a first channel;
a second signal generator for generating a carrier signal of a second channel;
at least four electrode units for outputting the current of the first channel and the current of the second channel;
between the first and second signal generators and the four electrode units.
Two electrode parts for outputting a current of a first channel and a signal distribution processing part for dynamically exchanging a connection between two electrode parts for outputting a current of a second channel ,
The signal distribution processing unit dynamically exchanges connections between the two electrode units for outputting the current of the first channel and the two electrode units for outputting the current of the second channel.
a first mode in which the current of the first channel is output to the first electrode part and the third electrode part, and the current of the second channel is output to the second electrode part and the fourth electrode part;
a second mode in which the current of the first channel is output to the first electrode part and the fourth electrode part, and the current of the second channel is output to the second electrode part and the third electrode part;
Electrical stimulation apparatus, characterized in that it operates in a third mode in which the current of the first channel is output to the first electrode part and the second electrode part, and the current of the second channel is output to the third electrode part and the fourth electrode part .
The method of claim 1,
The signal distribution processing unit includes a signal distribution controller and a plurality of switches,
The signal distribution controller controls on/off of the plurality of switches,
The plurality of switches is an electrical stimulation device, characterized in that the two electrode parts for outputting the current of the first channel and the two electrode parts for outputting the current of the second channel are turned on/off so that the connection is dynamically exchanged.
The method of claim 1,
Electrical stimulation apparatus, characterized in that it further comprises at least one output variable for variably adjusting the intensity and/or phase of the current of the first channel and/or the second channel.
delete The method of claim 1,
The first signal generator multiplies the carrier signal of the first channel and generates the first rhythm signal,
Electrical stimulation device, characterized in that the second signal generator multiplies the carrier signal of the second channel with the second rhythm signal.

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