JP2021115404A - Current stimulation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a current stimulation apparatus that can give a feeling of relaxation and a feeling of refreshment to the whole body, and is worn in a foot.SOLUTION: A current stimulation apparatus is worn in a foot of a human body. The current stimulation apparatus includes a cyclic or belt-shaped main body aligned to the shape of the instep and the rear of the foot of the human body, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged in the main body, an output circuit for outputting an electric signal, a control unit for controlling the electric signal, and a power supply unit for supplying electric power to the output circuit and the control unit. When the main body is worn in a user's foot, the first electrode is arranged in the instep side or the sole side, and the second electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the foot to the first electrode. By adhering to the foot, the electric signal is supplied to the foot using the first electrode and the second electrode. The electric signal being output from the output circuit is a feeble electric signal which may not give muscular contraction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a method of applying an electric signal for current stimulation or a current stimulator that performs percutaneous stimulation of a limb by an electric current, particularly in the vicinity of a peripheral portion.

Technology for applying electrical signals to the human body has been put into practical use. Most commonly, as a percutaneous stimulator using an electric current, EMS is known, which improves muscle output by causing muscle contraction. EMS is an abbreviation for Electrical Muscle Stimulation, which is a device that stimulates electrical motor nerves from the outside to contract or release the muscles connected to those nerves to perform efficient strength training. Is. By applying a strong load to the muscle tissue and micro-temporarily destroying the muscle fibers, the destroyed muscle fibers are repaired as stronger muscle tissue to enlarge the muscle and improve the muscle output. It is a device that recovers the motor dysfunction of the body. On the other hand, for example, as in Patent Document 1, a technique has been proposed in which a weak current characteristic of a muscle is added to temporarily improve or decrease the muscle output.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-202445 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-025326

EMS contracts muscles by strong current stimulation to perform efficient strength training and enlarges muscles. As a result, the muscle output is improved, and the muscle output cannot be improved until the muscle is hypertrophied. Furthermore, regarding muscle relaxation, there is only a method of obtaining muscle relaxation as a result by repeating contraction and release of contraction, and conventional current stimulators cannot directly perform muscle relaxation. ..

On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to improve and relax the muscle strength of a specific muscle by attaching a guide to a specific muscle of interest and applying electrical stimulation with controlled ramp-up or lamp-down time. It was possible, but it was not possible to get an effect on many muscles at once. Furthermore, it was not possible to give a feeling of relaxation and refreshment to the whole body.

In Patent Document 2, in order to give a feeling of relaxation and refreshment to the whole body including a large number of muscles, a pair of electrodes are arranged facing each other on an annular or band-shaped conductor, and each electrode is attached to the wrist. It is placed on the back side or palm side of the wrist, and by supplying a non-feeling electrical signal to the wrist that does not give muscle contraction from the electrodes, it gives a feeling of relaxation and refreshment to the whole body, but the ankle. Since the structure was not taken into consideration when it was attached to the instep and back of the lower foot, it was not possible to give a feeling of relaxation or refreshment to the entire body by attaching it to the foot.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the following measures have been taken in the present invention. That is, the current stimulator of the present invention is a current stimulator to be attached to the foot of a human body, and has an annular or band-shaped main body that matches the shape of the instep and the sole of the human body, and a first arranged on the main body. The main body includes one electrode, a second electrode, an output circuit that outputs an electric signal, a control unit that controls the electric signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the output circuit and the control unit. When attached to the user's foot, the first electrode is arranged on the instep side or the sole side of the foot, and the second electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the foot with respect to the first electrode. The electric signal is supplied to the foot by using the first electrode and the second electrode in close contact with the foot, and the electric signal output from the output circuit is a weak electric signal that does not give muscle contraction. The electrical signal is a group of pulses composed of a plurality of pulses, and has a first pulse group in which the amplitude gradually increases, a second pulse group in which a constant amplitude is maintained, and a second pulse group in which the amplitude gradually decreases. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to include three pulse groups, and the durations of the first pulse group and the third pulse group are 0.1 seconds or more and 0.8 seconds or less, respectively. It is characterized in that a first electric signal is supplied to the foot.

As a result, it can be securely attached to the foot to supply an electric signal to the foot, and a relaxing effect can be given to the whole body.

(2) Further, the first electrode and the second electrode supply a second electric signal to the foot in addition to the first electric signal, and the second electric signal gives muscle contraction. It is not a weak electric signal, and is an electric signal of a magnitude that the user does not feel pain but can feel that the electric signal has been applied, and supplies the first electric signal to the foot. In some cases, the second electric signal is used to notify the user.

As a result, the user can know the start and end of the treatment by electrical stimulation, and can improve the treatment efficiency by actually feeling the normal operation.

The present invention can provide a current stimulator capable of obtaining a refreshing feeling and a relaxing feeling in the whole body by applying a weak current stimulus to the peripheral part of the limbs or the vicinity thereof, particularly the foot below the ankle.

It is explanatory drawing of the main body A1 which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram of the controller which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the output waveform by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the main body B2 which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram of the controller which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram of the controller which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another example which concerns on this invention.

[Example 1]
FIG. 1A shows an external aspect of the main body A1 of the current stimulator according to the present invention. The main body A1 includes a belt portion A101, a belt portion B102, an expansion / contraction portion A108, an expansion / contraction portion B109, and a controller A105. An electrode A103, which is a first electrode and an electrode B104, which is a second electrode, are arranged on the belt portion A101, and these electrodes pass through the insides of the belt portion A101, the telescopic portion A108, and the belt portion B102. It is connected to the controller A105 by the arranged harness A110. Since the harness A110 cannot be seen from the outside, only its position is shown by a dotted line. FIG. 1B is a front view of the main body A1 as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1A. Although the harness A110 is configured to pass through the telescopic portion A108 in this figure, it may be configured to pass through the telescopic portion B109. Further, the harness A110 is not embedded when passing through the space inside each of the belt portion A101, the telescopic portion A108, and the belt portion B102 so as not to break the main body A1 when the main body A1 is stretched by the extension of the expansion / contraction portion. A cavity is provided inside so that the cavity can be passed through the cavity to allow freedom of movement in the extension direction, and a length margin in anticipation of the length to be extended is stored inside the controller A105. It is assumed that there is. Therefore, the controller A105 has a space for storing the length margin of the harness.

The telescopic portion A108 and the telescopic portion B109 are made of, for example, silicon rubber and can be easily expanded and contracted. When the elastic portion A108 and the elastic portion B109 expand and contract, the main body portion is attached to the foot. In the mounted state, the electrodes A103 and B104 are in close contact with the skin of the foot and can apply the electrical stimulation described later because of the structure of the belt portion A101 and the belt portion B102 and the expansion and contraction of the expansion and contraction portions A108 and the expansion and contraction portion B109. .. The part to which the main body A1 is attached is the foot, and it is desirable to attach the main body A1 to or near the instep and the back of the foot. In particular, it is easy to put on the foot, it is hard to come off, and it is easy to handle when using it. In this embodiment, the main body A1 will be described as being attached to the foot. The elastic portions A108 and B109 are not limited to silicone rubber, but may be natural rubber or urethane rubber.

The main body A1 is inserted between the electrodes A103 and B104, and between the telescopic portion A108 and the telescopic portion B109 from the toes, and the controller A105 is mounted so as to be on the instep side, and the electrode A103 is attached to the foot. On the instep side of the foot, the electrode B104 comes into contact with the sole side of the foot. The belt portion B102 has a convex curved surface that matches the arch of the foot, and fits the sole of the foot to ensure that the sole of the foot and the electrode B104 are in contact with each other.

The belt portion may be formed into a band shape instead of an endless ring shape, and fixing means such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a button, or a hook may be attached to both ends. good. Alternatively, a belt-shaped belt portion that partially becomes an open end is formed by using, for example, an elastic leaf spring that does not become endless and has an open end even at the time of mounting, and is mounted by the elasticity of the leaf spring. The structure may be such that the contact between the electrode and the skin can be easily and surely performed.

The electrode A103 and the electrode B104 are made of, for example, a solid gel having high conductivity or low electrical resistance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as the electrode fits the part where the main body A1 is attached and an appropriate electric signal can be applied to the skin, it may be a well-molded metal such as a stainless steel plate, or a silver thread or the like is used. It may be a conductive cloth or a conductive paint. Alternatively, a conductive rubber may be used. For example, a conductive rubber obtained by mixing a conductive material typified by carbon powder with a silicon rubber or urethane rubber as a base material to have conductivity can be used.

A switch A106 and an LED-A107 are arranged on the controller A105 to control an electric signal applied to the electrodes A103 and B104. When the switch A106 is pressed, the LED-A107 lights up, and the electrical stimulation described later is supplied to the foot by the electrodes A103 and B104 in this embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the controller A105. The controller A105 includes at least a part or all of a control unit A202, a waveform generation unit A204 which is an output circuit, a timer 207, a user IF unit 201, a power supply unit 206, a battery 203, and the like. In this embodiment, the controller A105 will be described as being composed of all of them.

In addition to the CPU and memory, the control unit A202 has a built-in interface unit for connecting to each unit, a waveform generation unit A204 that generates an electric signal that gives a current stimulus, a timer 207 for managing the output for a certain period of time, and a switch A106. And the user IF unit 201 connected to the LED-A107 to control them.

The electric power supplied from the battery 203 is controlled by the power supply unit 206 to a predetermined constant voltage value, for example, 5V, and is supplied to each unit via the control unit A202.

When the user presses the switch A106 after wearing the main body A1 on the wrist, the information is sent to the control unit A202 via the user IF unit 201, and the control unit A202 outputs a waveform generation unit so as to output an electric signal described later. Give instructions to A204. Alternatively, the control unit A202 may be configured to cause the waveform generation unit A204 to start generating an electric signal by supplying electric power to the waveform generation unit A204.

The control unit A202 reads the parameters of the electric signal to be generated from the memory forming a part of the control unit A202 or the memory provided outside the control unit A202 and supplies the parameters to the waveform generation unit A204, and supplies the waveform generation unit A204. May output an electrical signal according to the parameter.

The electric signal output by the waveform generation unit A204 is supplied to the electrode A103 connected to the terminal A208 by the harness A110 and to the electrode B104 connected to the terminal B209 by the harness A110. In synchronization with the output instruction to the waveform generation unit A204, the timer 207 is instructed to measure the time, and the timer 207 starts measurement for a predetermined time, for example, 15 minutes or 1 hour. Information related to the measurement of the timer 207, for example, information on the lapse of a predetermined time is fed back to the control unit A202, and the control unit A202 instructs the waveform generation unit A204 to stop generating an electric signal, or the waveform. By stopping the power supply to the generation unit A204, the output of the electric signal is stopped.

The control unit A202 instructs the user IF unit 201 to turn on the LED-A107 in accordance with the power supply to the waveform generation unit A204, and the user IF unit 201 supplies power to the LED-A107 to supply the LED-A107. Turn on. On the contrary, when the control unit A202 is instructed to stop the power supply to the waveform generation unit A204 or to stop the generation of the electric signal, the control unit A202 instructs the user IF unit 201 to turn off the LED-A107, and the user IF unit 201 Stops the power supply to the LED-A107 and turns off the LED-A107.

As the battery 203, since the main body A1 uses a weak current, a battery having a relatively small capacity can be used, and for example, a button type battery may be used. Alternatively, it may be a battery that can be repeatedly used by charging, such as a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, it may be configured so that it can be used by connecting to a DC power source using a household outlet instead of the battery 203.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an electrical signal supplied to the foot according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents current value. When a set of a plurality of pulses is referred to as a pulse group, as shown in FIG. 3A, in this embodiment, a second pulse group composed of a plurality of pulses having a constant amplitude is used, and a time (T4) elapses during which no electric signal is output. Later, the second pulse group is output again, and this is repeated. In FIG. 3, the vertical axis indicates the current value, and in the present specification, the amplitude is used as a wording meaning the amplitude of the current value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the amplitude is a pulse. It also means the amplitude of the current value, the voltage value, or the power with respect to the amplitude, and the amplitude is not limited to the amplitude of the current, the voltage, or the power.

As an example, the second pulse group is output at a frequency of 50 Hz, a pulse width of 200 μsec, and an output of 50 μA. Therefore, more pulses than the ones shown in the figure are actually given, but some of them are used for the sake of clarity and simplicity.

The pulse of this embodiment uses an output (hereinafter referred to as "insensitive output") in which the human body cannot detect an electrical stimulus. Generally, when the current value exceeds 20 mA, pain due to the current is likely to occur. As can be read from P242 of EBM Physical Therapy Original 2nd Edition (Ishiyaku Publications, Inc.), Fig. 8-20, an output of 20 mA or more is required to cause muscle contraction, and conversely, if it is 20 mA or less. Although I feel that an electric signal is applied, muscle contraction is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, by setting it to about 50 μA as in this example, not only muscle contraction does not normally occur, but unless there are special conditions, a person cannot normally feel that an electric signal is being supplied, and of course. I don't feel any pain from electrical signals. In this embodiment, by applying the electric signal set to the above parameters to the vicinity of the peripheral part of the limbs using only one set of electrodes, the tension is alleviated throughout the body and a comfortable feeling of relaxation is obtained. be able to. Therefore, use after exercise is desirable because more efficient cool-down can be expected, or use before bedtime is also desirable.

[Example 2]
In this embodiment, the application of electrical stimulation to the foot is the same as that of the main body A1 described above, but the electrical signal to be applied is different, and specifically, the electrical signal as shown in FIG. 3 (b) is used. do. This electric signal is composed of a plurality of pulse groups. In particular, the electric signal in this embodiment is composed of a first pulse group whose output increases in a certain time, a second pulse group in which a constant output is maintained, and a third pulse group in which the output decreases in a certain time. In other words, the first pulse group is a pulse group in which the amplitude of each pulse constituting the pulse group is increased, or the first pulse due to the first pulse of the first output and an output larger than the first output. It can be said that it is a pulse group containing at least a pulse output after the first pulse, or a pulse group containing at least a first pulse having a first amplitude and a pulse output after the first pulse due to an amplitude not smaller than the first amplitude. .. The second pulse group is a pulse group in which the amplitude of the plurality of pulse groups is constant in the second pulse group, a pulse group composed of a plurality of pulses of the second output, or a plurality of second pulse groups. It can be said that it is a pulse group composed of the pulses of. The third pulse group is a pulse group in which the amplitude of each pulse constituting the pulse group becomes smaller in a certain period of time, or the third pulse of the third output and an output not larger than the third output cause the third pulse group. A pulse group containing at least a pulse output after the third pulse, or a third pulse having a third amplitude and a pulse group containing at least a pulse output after the third pulse with an amplitude smaller than the third amplitude. I can say. Further, a pulse group composed of a first pulse group, a second pulse group, and a third pulse group is referred to as a fourth pulse group. The fourth pulse group is repeated at regular time intervals for a predetermined time, for example, one hour. Here, the duration of the first pulse group is T1, the duration of the second pulse group is T2, the duration of the third pulse group is T3, the pause time of the fourth pulse group, that is, the output end of the third pulse group. Later, the time interval until the output of the first pulse group is started again is set to T4. In this embodiment, the first pulse group and the third pulse group are used in combination to be used for a purpose different from that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows the main body B2 in this embodiment. Since the main body B2 has the same appearance as the main body A1, the front view is omitted. Since the same code as that of the main body A1 is applied to the same code as that of the main body A1, the description thereof will be omitted. The difference between the main body A1 and the main body B2 is that the controller B405 is used.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of controller B405. Since the controller B405 differs from the controller A105 only in the waveform generation unit B504, other description thereof will be omitted. The waveform generation unit B504 outputs an electric signal as shown in FIG. 3 (b). In this embodiment, T1 is set to 1.8 seconds, T2 is set to 3 seconds, and T3 is set to 1.8 seconds. Other parameters related to electric signals such as frequency, pulse width, and current value may be the same as those of the main body A1. Therefore, more pulses than the ones shown in the figure are actually given, but some of them are used schematically for the sake of clarity and simplicity.

A set of parameters may be applied to each pulse group, but different parameters may be applied to each pulse group. For example, the frequency and pulse width may be controlled to be different for each pulse group. Alternatively, the parameters may be changed in units of the fourth pulse group, for example, the frequency, amplitude, pulse width, and the like.

In the main body B2, T1 and T3 are set to 1.8 seconds, which is 1.5 seconds or more. Such electrical stimulation, that is, T1 and T3 is set to 1 second or longer, 1.2 seconds or longer when the effect starts to be obtained more stably, and preferably 1.5 seconds or longer when the effect tends to be surely obtained, for example. By applying a pulse group in which T1 and T3 are set to 1.8 seconds to the foot or its vicinity, an appropriate feeling of tension can be obtained in the whole body, and a comfortable refreshing feeling can be obtained by the feeling of tension. Therefore, it is desirable to use it when waking up in the morning, when tired, or before starting exercise.

The present invention is not limited to the above examples. A modification of each of the above examples is shown below as another example. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the following modified examples may be used in combination with the above-mentioned main body A1 and the above-mentioned main body B2, and at least from the following modified examples and the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2 The two may be combined.

[Modification example]
FIG. 6 shows a main body C3 which is a modified example. In the first and second embodiments, the controller A105 and the controller B405 are mounted so as to be on the instep side, and the electrodes A103 and B104 are also arranged on the instep side and the sole side of the foot. In C3, there is a belt part C601 on the instep side, a belt part D602 on one side of the foot, a belt part E603 on the sole side of the foot, and a belt part F604 on the other side of the foot. It is composed of an expansion / contraction portion C605, an expansion / contraction portion D606, an expansion / contraction portion E607, and an expansion / contraction portion F608 so as to correspond to the size of the above. The electrode A103, the electrode B104 and the controller B405 are connected through the harness B609. Similar to the above, in order to prevent disconnection during expansion and contraction, the harness passes through the cavities of the belt portion and the expansion and contraction portion, and a space is provided inside the controller to store the length margin. With such a configuration, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the electrodes is improved, and the electrodes A103 and B104 are not on the instep side and the sole side of the foot, but on the right side of the foot toward the instep and the sole of the foot. It may be arranged on the left side, the belt portion D602, and the belt portion F604, that is, the legs may be arranged so as to be sandwiched from the left and right sides. Alternatively, they may be arranged side by side on the same surface of the instep or sole of the foot, the belt portion C601, and the belt portion E603. For example, in the belt portion C601, the electrodes A103 and B104 may be arranged side by side so as to be adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction of the foot, or may be arranged on the belt portion C601 and the belt portion D602 in the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction. As described above, regarding the arrangement of the electrodes, since the present invention does not aim at direct muscle contraction or stimulation of a specific acupoint by an electric signal, the present invention is irrespective of the direction of the muscle or the position of the acupoint, or the muscle. Electrodes can be placed with or without acupuncture points or with or without muscle mass along the current path. FIG. 6 shows the main body C3 in which the electrode position of the main body B2 is changed as an example. May be arranged in this way, and can be applied to each main body described later.

Another modification is shown. Each of the above-described embodiments is a single main body, and the second pulse group or FIG. The configuration is such that the fourth pulse group can be given as an electric signal (hereinafter referred to as "second signal") that gives a feeling of tension to the whole body as in b), but the present invention is not limited to this, and one main body can be used as the first signal. The configuration may be such that both electric signals of the second signal are output. In this case, for example, when the switch A106 is pressed first, the first signal is output, and when the switch A106 is pressed again, the second signal may be output. Further, when the switch A106 is pressed, the output is output. May be configured to stop. That is, the signal may be sequentially switched or the output may be stopped each time the switch A106 is pressed.

Pressing the switch A106 is not limited to simply pressing it, but may be a so-called double-click or long-press. Double-click when switching the output signal, long-press to start or stop the signal output, etc. The operation method may be divided. In such a configuration, it is desirable to avoid malfunction of the device when the switch A106 is erroneously touched.

Here, when changing the output signal, for example, the parameter of the first signal is output by pressing the switch A106, and the parameter of the second signal is output from the control unit A202 by pressing the switch A106 again. The configuration may be such that it is supplied to the circuit and the output circuit can output signals such as the first signal and the second signal according to the respective parameters.

Another modification is shown. The output of the pulse used in the above is 50 μA, but the output is not limited to this, and may be, for example, 70 μA or 100 μA. Alternatively, the output value may be adjusted so that a desired effect can be obtained, for example, the output may be adjusted by giving the controller A105, the controller B405, or the like a volume function. The above effects may vary from person to person, and it is desirable for the user to be able to adjust the output by himself / herself.

Another modification is shown. The output of the pulse used in the above is, for example, the output used for the second pulse group is 50 μA as described above, and one value is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. The output values of the first signal and the second signal may be changed. For example, the first signal is 50 μA, but the second signal may be 100 μA. Alternatively, in the first signal and the second signal, the output value may be changed from 50 μA in units of the fourth pulse group. For example, immediately after the switch A106 is pressed, that is, the output of the second pulse group in the first fourth pulse group is 50 μA, but the output of the second pulse group in the next fourth pulse group is 52 μA, and thereafter. The output value may be gradually changed in units of the fourth pulse. Alternatively, the output value may be increased or decreased.

Another modification is shown. As for the output of the pulse used in the above, for example, the output used for the second pulse group is 50 μA as described above, and the output that the human body cannot detect the electrical stimulus was used. Not limited to. An output that can sense an electrical stimulus on the foot and that does not cause muscle contraction or pain due to the electrical stimulus (hereinafter referred to as "feeling output"), for example, 950 μA. The output may be about the same. Further, both the first signal and the second signal may be sensible outputs, but at least one of them may be sensible outputs. For example, the first signal is an insensitive output and the second signal is a sensible output. The configuration may be such that, or vice versa. This makes it easier for the user to determine whether the signal is the first signal or the second signal. As described above, when the current value of the electric signal is 20 mA or less, muscle contraction does not occur, and when it is several mA or less, pain is less likely to be felt. Of course, the sensitivity to pain depends on the place where the electric signal is supplied and individual differences, but by setting it to 950 μA as described above, it is considered that a person hardly feels pain if there is no scratch on the foot.

Another modification is shown. The output of the pulse used in the above is, for example, the output used for the second pulse group is a constant output as described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Immediately after the start of output, a sensational output, for example, 500 μA, is set as the output of the second pulse group, and after a certain period of time has passed from the start of output, for example, 30 seconds after the start of output, the output of the second pulse group is an insensitive output. For example, the configuration may be changed to 50 μA. The output may be changed, for example, from a felt output to an insensitive output, that is, from 500 μA to 50 μA, or gradually changed from 500 μA to 400 μA, 300 μA, and finally to 50 μA. It may be controlled so as to be. Since the sensational output is a very weak power that does not cause pain as described above, it can be used as a second signal, and the sensational output using the 500 μA is used in combination with the insensitive output. Even so, when the output is relatively small or for a relatively short time like the sensational output, the same effect as the insensitive output can be obtained, and the effect of the insensitive output is hindered. There is no. For example, there are no problems or harmful effects due to the use of the felt output, such as the use of the felt output reduces the effect of the insensitive output. Therefore, the temporary use of the sensational output leads to the more effective effect of the insensitive output as follows.

When using the insensitive output, it is possible to know that the output is not appropriate, such as when the user cannot detect the output and fails to press the switch A106, or when the remaining battery 203 is low. However, there is a problem that the user does not notice. However, by using the sensational output after the start of output as described above, the user can easily know that the electric signal is being output, and conversely, the sensational electrical stimulus is obtained immediately after the start of output. If this is not the case, the user can easily know that the output is not output, and the problem can be easily avoided. For example, it is possible to easily make improvements such as redoing the operation by easily noticing an erroneous switch operation or running out of battery, or replacing or charging the battery 203. Furthermore, when only the insensitive output is used, the user cannot feel the electrical stimulus, so it may be doubtful whether the electrical signal is really output, that is, whether the device is operating normally. However, since there is a temporary sensation of electrical stimulation, the user can easily know the normal operation of the device, and the effect can be improved by actually feeling the output.

The temporary sensational output as described above can be used not only immediately after the start of output but also before the end of output. For example, it is possible to notify the user that the output will end soon by switching from the insensitive output to the felt output 30 seconds before the output ends. When the insensitive output was used, there was a problem that the user could not know when the output ended, but since the felt output is used just before the end of the output, the user can easily You can know the end. It should be noted that the insensitive output may be suddenly changed from the insensitive output to the felt output, for example, when the insensitive output is 50 μA, the output may be suddenly changed from 50 μA to, for example, 500 μA, or gradually changed from 50 μA to 200 μA, 300 μA, and 400 μA to finalize. It may be controlled so as to be 500 μA.

The temporary sensational output as described above can be used not only at the start or end of the output, but also at the start and end of the output. Alternatively, by using a temporary sensational output on a regular basis, the user can be informed that the device is operating normally and that time has passed. For example, a sensible output may be used in the first or second signal each time the output is continued for 5 minutes. Furthermore, by changing the duration of the felt output used when the output is subsequently performed (indicating the passage of time) to the duration of the felt output used when the output ends, It is more desirable because when the user feels a sensational stimulus, it can be easily determined whether the output ends or simply indicates the passage of time.

It is more desirable to use the sensible output at the start or end of the output, or periodically for a short period of time, that is, to temporarily use the sensible output as described above in the following points. Although the sensational output does not make a person feel pain, feeling this stimulus for a long time does not necessarily cause stress to a person. Therefore, even if the sensational output does not cause pain, it is desirable to limit the sensational output to short-term use or temporary use, and such sensational output is temporary instead of insensitive output. It is more desirable to use it in the sense that it does not stress the user. As described above, when the insensitive output is used, the temporarily felt output can be used as a notification means for transmitting information such as the start and end of the output of the electric signal and the passage of time to the user.

Another modification is shown. In the above, the first signal is the output of only the second pulse group as shown in FIG. 3A, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use an electric signal as shown in FIG. 3B, that is, a fourth pulse group as the first signal. However, in this case, it is desirable that T1 and T3 are set to 1 second or less, 0.8 seconds or less when the effect starts to be stably obtained, and 0.5 seconds or less, which tends to obtain the effect more reliably. As described above, by setting T1 and T3 of the fourth pulse group to 1 second or less, the fourth pulse group can be used as the first signal, which is an electric signal that can alleviate the tension in the whole body.

Another modification is shown. In the present invention, the first signal is a fourth pulse group in which T1 and T3 are set to 1 second or less (for example, 0.3 seconds), and the second signal is set to T1 and T3 in 1 second or more (for example, 1.8 seconds). The main body F having a configuration capable of outputting a 4-pulse group (the appearance of the main body F is the same as that of the main body A1 and the main body B2, so that the appearance of the main body F is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) may be used.

In this case, for example, when the switch A106 is pressed first, the fourth pulse group of 0.3 seconds is output as T1 and T3 as the first signal, and when the switch A106 is pressed again, the fourth pulse group of 1.8 seconds is output as T1 and T3. The pulse group may be output as a second signal, or the output may be stopped by pressing the switch A106.

When outputting the first signal and the second signal, the waveform generation unit F804 capable of outputting both is used, and the controller F801 using the waveform generation unit F804 is shown in FIG. Like the waveform generator F804, by setting T1 and T3 to, for example, 0.1 seconds or 0.3 seconds, the circuit configuration is the same as that of the output circuit that outputs the second signal even when the first signal is output. Can be done. That is, both the first signal and the second signal can be output by one output circuit.

Originally, the first pulse group and the third pulse group are intended to reduce pain caused by a large current flowing through the muscle and pain caused by strong muscle contraction, but a weak current that does not cause muscle contraction. Even so, if the skin is injured or inflamed, the pain or discomfort caused by the current flowing through the affected area such as the skin injury or inflammation instead of the muscle can be reduced.

Alternatively, when the skin is scratched or inflamed, even if the output is insensitive, the given electrical stimulus can be felt even if the output is not painful, and the insensitive output can act as a felt output. Even if you do not feel pain as described above, long-term sensory stimulation is not desirable because it can stress the user. In this case, by using the above-mentioned fourth pulse group as the first signal, it becomes difficult for the user to detect the supplied electrical stimulus even when there is a wound or inflammation on the skin. Therefore, it is desirable to use the fourth pulse group as the first signal, and in this case, it is realistic that T1 and T3 are 0.8 seconds or less and 0.1 seconds or more. When the control unit F802 is arranged in the controller F801 and the first signal is used, the information indicating that T1 and T3 are, for example, 0.3 seconds, and when the second signal is used, T1 and T3 are, for example, 1. The waveform generation unit F804 may be notified of information indicating that the time is 0.8 seconds, and the first signal or the second signal may be output from the waveform generation unit F804.

FIG. 7A shows a main body D4 which is another modification. In the main body A1 and the main body B2 as described above, various circuit parts built in the controller A105 or the controller B405 are arranged in the belt part A101, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other than the belt part A101. For example, the controller D705 may be provided separately from the main body D4. FIG. 7 (b) shows a state seen from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 7 (a). Although the controller D705 is omitted in FIG. 7A, it is shown in FIG. 7B. In this case, the separate controller D705 may be used by being attached to a belt of clothes by a holder, for example, or may be used by putting it in a pocket. In this case, the controller D705 is connected to the terminal portion A702 and the terminal portion B703 of the mount portion 701 provided on the belt portion A101 by the cable A704 and the connector 708, so that the electric signal is connected to the electrode A103 connected to the terminal portion A702. , It may be configured so that it can be supplied to the foot by the electrode B104 connected to the terminal portion B703. Each terminal portion and the electrode are connected by a belt portion A101, a belt portion B102, and a harness C709 in the telescopic portion A108. Similar to FIG. 1, the harness C709 can freely move in the extension direction by passing through the cavities provided inside each of the belt portion A101, the expansion / contraction portion A108, and the belt portion B102 so as not to break the wire due to the extension of the expansion / contraction portion. It is assumed that the mount portion 701 is designed to have a certain degree and that a length margin is stored in the mount portion 701 in anticipation of the length to be extended. Therefore, the mount portion 701 has a space for accommodating the length margin of the harness. Switch B706 and LED-B707 are arranged on the controller D705, and are used in the same manner as switches A106 and LED-A107.

FIG. 9 shows the main body H5 which is another modification. In each of the above examples, it is assumed that the foot is worn, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an object of the present invention is to be worn on the toes. In the case of fingers, it can be attached where it stops between the fingertips and the base, so unless the size does not match extremely, even if the ring shape is made of a uniform material and structure with a low degree of freedom of deformation, the electrode and skin There is no problem with contact and fixation, but in the case of toes, the difference between the fingertips and the joints is large, so it is necessary to have a structure that has a degree of freedom of deformation that allows it to pass through the fingertips and stop between the joints. be. Therefore, the ring-shaped portion having the electrode is composed of the ring A901 and the expansion / contraction portion G907, and the electrode C902 and the electrode D903 corresponding to the electrode A103 and the electrode B104 are arranged on the ring A901, and the electrode C902 is a terminal portion via the harness D908. It is connected to C904, the electrode D903 is connected to the terminal portion D905 via the harness E909, the terminal portion C904 and the terminal portion D905 are connected to the cable B910 by the connector H906, and are connected to the main body H5 in which the controller is arranged. .. The controller may be any of the above controllers, and FIG. 9B shows a case where the controller F801 is used. As shown in FIG. 9C, the main body H5 has a belt portion A101 like the main body A1. The main body H5 is attached to the foot, and the ring A901 is attached to the toes like a ring for use.

The ring A901 may be an insulating material such as resin, and may be rubber, silicon, or the like. Since FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of each part, the ring A901 of FIG. 9A and the main body H5 of FIG. 9C are shown in the same size, but both are of the same size. It does not mean that there is. The stretchable portion G907 is made of, for example, silicone rubber, natural rubber, or urethane rubber as described above, and is easily stretchable and can be attached to the toes. Further, since the main body H5 can be attached to the foot so as to wrap the instep and the back with a fixing force that does not shift, a series of configurations including the belt portion A101, the belt portion B102, the telescopic portion A108, and the telescopic portion B109. The electrode C902 and the electrode D903 may be arranged as a ring that expands and contracts as a whole. Further, since the main body H5 does not require an electrode, the degree of close contact with the skin surface is not so strict. Therefore, the main body H5 may be configured to be fixed to the ankle in a ring shape. As shown in FIG. 9D, the main body H5 is composed of a ring-shaped ring B911 and a controller F801, and the ring B911 is made of an insulator such as silicon rubber, natural rubber or urethane rubber, and is easily expanded and contracted and fixed to the ankle. I hope I can.

FIG. 10 shows a modified example of FIG. In FIG. 9, two electrodes are arranged on the ring A901, but in the present invention, the current may be applied to the end of the limb or in the vicinity thereof, and the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, for example, in FIG. As described above, only one of the two electrodes used to supply a weak current may be arranged in the ring-shaped ring J1001, and the other electrode may be attached to another part, for example, an ankle. FIG. 10A shows a ring shape including the ring J1001 and the telescopic portion G907, as in FIG. 9A. However, the electrode C902 and the harness D908 in FIG. 9A are arranged not as the ring J1001 but as the electrode A103 and the harness F1009 on the main body J6 as shown in FIG. 10C. The main body J6 is composed of a belt portion A101, a belt portion B102, an expansion / contraction portion A108, an expansion / contraction portion B109, and a controller F801. The electrode D903 is connected to the terminal portion D905 via the harness E909, and the terminal portion D905 is connected to the cable J1007 by the connector J1006 and is connected to the controller. The main body J6 is attached so as to be in contact with the instep and the sole of the foot, and the ring body including the ring J1001 and the telescopic portion G907 is attached to the toe ring for use. As the configuration of the ring J1001, the case where an insulating material such as the ring A901 is used is shown as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the ring J1001 is made of a conductor such as platinum or silver or a highly conductive material. The ring K1002 may be configured as shown in FIG. 10D. In this case, the electrode D903 and the harness E909 are not required, and a simpler configuration is possible. In FIG. 10B, the ring K1002 is used instead of the ring J1001. Can be used. The ring K1002 is connected to the main body J6 by a cable J1007 and a terminal portion D905.

FIG. 11 shows another modified example. 9 and 10 above show an example in which only one ring-shaped ring A901, ring J1001, or ring K1002 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this, for example, of conductive or electrical resistance. A configuration may be used in which a plurality of low rings K1002 are used. FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which two rings K1002 are used. In this figure, a main body K7 having a configuration in which a plurality of rings K1002 can be used instead of the main body J6 is used, and two rings K1002 acting as electrodes are connected by a cable K1107. Further, since the main body K7 does not require an electrode, the degree of close contact with the skin surface is not so strict. Therefore, the main body K7 may be configured to be fixed to the ankle in a ring shape. As shown in FIG. 11D, the ring B911 is made of an insulator such as silicon rubber, natural rubber or urethane rubber, and it is sufficient that the ring B911 can be easily expanded and contracted and can be fixed to the ankle.

FIG. 12 shows another modified example. In the above, it is assumed that the object is attached to the foot, ankle or toe, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a supporter shape, and the main body L8 is shown as an example. The main body L8 has a supporter 1201, and an electrode E1203 and an electrode F1204 corresponding to an electrode A103 and an electrode B104 are arranged, and the electrode E1203 and the electrode F1204 are connected to a controller via a harness G1208. In the figure, the electrode E1203 and the electrode F1204 are arranged so as to be in contact with the instep, and since the harness G1208 is also provided inside the supporter 1201, it cannot be seen directly from the outside, and its position is indicated by a dotted line. ing. The controller may be any of the above controllers, and FIG. 12A shows a case where the controller F801 is used, and the main body L8 is attached and used as shown in FIG. The supporter 1201 may be made of an insulating material, for example, a cloth such as cotton, leather, rubber, silicon, or the like.

In FIG. 12, the electrode E1203 and the electrode F1204 are arranged at the positions shown in FIG. 12A, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In FIG. 12A, the electrodes may be arranged on the thumb side and the little finger side, that is, on the left and right sides of the arch, but on the finger side and the heel side of the arch. Alternatively, as a position for arranging the electrodes, a plurality of regions surrounded by the dotted lines in FIGS. 12 (b) and 12 (c) are desirable because the electrodes can surely come into contact with the skin. When each of the desirable regions for arranging the electrodes is referred to as an electrode region, two electrode regions are selected from these electrode regions and one electrode is arranged for each, or one region of these electrode regions is used. Place two electrodes. For example, the electrodes may be arranged at the position of the base of the big toe on the back side of the foot and the position of the ankle. FIG. 12B shows the electrode region on the sole side of the foot, and FIG. 12C shows the electrode region on the instep side of the foot. If the surface of the foot that comes into contact with the floor when walking barefoot is set as the electrode region, for example, a large force is applied to the electrode when walking, so that there is an advantage that the electrode and the foot can be reliably contacted. On the other hand, since a large force is applied, it is expected that new problems such as the electrode being easily damaged or the electrode being slippery with respect to the foot may occur. Therefore, the electrode region may be a region other than the surface of the foot that comes into contact with the floor when walking barefoot on the floor. That is, the arch may be the second joint of the toe or its vicinity, or the side surface of the toe, the instep, the side surface of the foot, or the ankle. The arch of the foot is firmly pressed against the sole of the foot by the sole of the foot when the shoe is put on, but it is difficult to apply a large force, so it is suitable as an electrode region.

FIG. 13 shows another modified example. FIG. 12 shows a configuration in which an electrode is arranged on the supporter 1201, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the main body M9 using the ring J1001 or the ring K1002 as one of the electrodes may be used, and FIG. 13 shows the electrode in FIG. Although the case where the ring K1002 is used instead of the E1203 is shown, the ring K1002 may be used instead of the electrode F1204.

FIG. 14 shows another modified example. 12 and 13 show an example of a supporter shape used from the foot to the ankle, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an example of a tabi shape as shown in FIG. 14 is shown. In the above, it is assumed that it is attached to an ankle or toes, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a tabi shape, and the main body N10 is shown as an example. The main body N10 has tabi 1401, electrodes E1203 and electrodes F1204 corresponding to electrodes A103 and B104 are arranged, and electrodes E1203 and F1204 are connected to a controller via a harness M1402. The controller may be any of the above controllers, and FIG. 14 shows a case where the controller F801 is used, and the main body N10 is mounted and used as shown in the figure. The tabi 1401 may be made of a cloth such as cotton, leather, rubber, silicon, or the like, as long as it is an insulating material like the supporter 1201. When a foot bag-shaped body as shown in FIG. 14 is used, the electrode region in which the electrodes shown in FIG. 12 can be placed extends to the surface of each finger covered with the foot bag, and the electrodes can also be placed on each finger. Since the ring-shaped ring A901, ring J1001 and ring K1002 are not required, the electrodes can be easily attached.

As another modification, FIG. 15 may have a belt-type supporter shape as shown in FIG. 15 (b), and the main body Q11 is shown as an example. The main body Q11 has a supporter belt 1501 and is used in a form of being wrapped around the foot and ankle as shown in FIG. 15 (a). The part where the supporter belt 1501 overlaps and cannot be seen is indicated by a dotted line to indicate that the supporter belt 1501 is wound. The controller may be any of the above controllers. For example, the controller F801 is arranged in the main body Q11 and is connected to the electrode E1203 and the electrode F1204 via the harness N1502. In this example, the electrode E1203 and the electrode F1204 are arranged so as to be in contact with the sole of the foot and cannot be seen at the time of wearing. Therefore, they are shown by broken lines in FIG. 15A. Since the harness N1502 is provided inside the supporter belt 1501, it cannot be directly seen from the outside, and its position is indicated by a broken line in both FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b). As shown in the figure, the electrodes may be arranged on the soles of the feet, as well as on the insteps and ankles. When winding the supporter belt 1501, for example, surface fasteners may be provided at both ends of the supporter belt in the longitudinal direction to realize attachment / detachment after winding. The supporter belt 1501 may be made of an insulating material, for example, a cloth such as cotton, leather, rubber, silicon, or the like. By making it a wrapping type, it becomes possible to make the contact of the electrode with the skin surface more firmly and surely.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the case where the present invention is applied to the sandals, and the main body P12 is shown as an example. As shown in FIG. 16, electrodes G1603 and electrodes H1604 are arranged on the sandals at a portion where the heels of the soles 1601 are in contact with each other, and are connected to a controller arranged on the instep portion 1602 of the sandals. The controller may be any of the above controllers. For example, the controller F801 may be arranged on the instep portion 1602 of the sandals, and may be connected to the electrode G1603 or the electrode H1604 through the harness P1605 through the inside of the sole 1601. .. In FIG. 16, the electrodes are arranged at the portion of the sole 1601 in contact with the heel of the foot, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the electrodes may be arranged on the left and right sides of the instep cover portion 1602. An electrode may be arranged at any of the portions in contact with the foot to supply the above-mentioned first signal and second signal. The controller F801 is not limited to the arrangement of the sandals on the instep portion 1602, and may be arranged on the side surface of the sole 1601, for example. The above-mentioned modification to the present invention exemplifies sandals (main body P12), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to all so-called shoe-shaped footwear. The present invention is not limited to such sandals, and the above-mentioned electrodes such as electrodes G1603 and electrodes H1604 may be arranged on the insole of the shoe, and the controller may be fixed to the ankle by a belt, for example. It can be used for shoes for which the present invention is desired to be worn. Furthermore, an annular or band-shaped belt having a recess corresponding to the ankle is attached to the ankle by applying the ankle to the recess, and by arranging the above two electrodes and a controller on the belt, footwear and supporters can be attached. Without using it, the first signal and the second signal can be supplied to the ankle to give refreshment and relaxation to the whole body. Since the recess corresponds to the ankle, it is possible to prevent the belt from slipping, coming off, or loosening with respect to the movement of the foot.

In FIGS. 9 to 16 above, a weak, insensitive current is used as the electric signal to be supplied, so that the user does not feel pain or discomfort, and the current is not felt to be supplied. Therefore, even if the user is performing, for example, driving, office work, or detailed manual work (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as simply work), the electric signal supplied may be completely affected. These operations can be easily and reasonably continued even while supplying an electric signal, and can be continued without receiving any stress due to the electric signal.

Further, even during these operations, the first signal and the second signal can be used to continue the work while constantly refreshing or relaxing, so that not only the work efficiency is improved but also the safe work can be continued. For example, when driving for a long time or at night, the second signal can be used to constantly refresh and drive, and in a traffic jam, the first signal can be used to relax while driving, and safe driving can be continued. If you use your computer for a long time or at night, you can always refresh yourself using the second signal, or you can relax while working with the first signal, so you can continue to work without mistakes. Can be done without.

In each of the above examples and various modifications, the electric signal used is a pulse group using a rectangular wave, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a triangular wave may be used instead of a rectangular wave, an impulse train using a plurality of impulses may be used, or a sine wave may be used instead of a pulse group. Further, it may be an electric signal having positive and negative amplitudes, or it may be a unipolar waveform having only positive or negative amplitudes. Alternatively, the electrical signal is not limited to an electric signal having the same positive and negative amplitudes, and the positive and negative amplitudes may be different, the shape of the positive and negative waveforms may be changed, or the waveform may be offset.

All of the above examples are examples when used on the human body, but the present invention is also applicable to living organisms other than the human body (hereinafter, simply referred to as "living organisms"). Examples of living organisms may be living organisms kept in zoos such as lions and giraffes, living organisms kept in ordinary households as pets such as dogs and cats, and cows and horses. The present invention can also be applied to livestock such as pigs, chickens, goats and sheep. Here, livestock will be described as an example. Livestock are often kept in relatively small spaces, such as cattle, in barns, and are often stressed by lack of exercise, confinement in tight spaces, or other factors, or due to other factors. By continuing the period, the growth and health condition, the quantity and quality of milk in the case of dairy cows, and the meat quality in the case of beef cattle are greatly affected.

Therefore, by using the device to which the present invention has been applied to a living body, for example, a cow, stress and tension can be alleviated and milk quality and meat quality can be improved. As the device used in this case, the main body A and the main body B used in the above example, and modified examples thereof can be used. However, it is necessary to change the size and shape of the belt portion A101 and the belt portion B102 and the material for increasing the strength so that the belt portion A101 and the belt portion B102 can be used, for example, according to the living body.

The main body as described above does not require a particularly large circuit configuration or battery, and the living body does not feel stress related to its size or weight. Not only is the new stress caused by wearing it relieved immediately, but the above-mentioned insensitive output cannot be perceived even in the living body, so there is no consciousness of being given electrical stimulation. There is no further stress due to the use of the device according to the present invention.

However, at the beginning of wearing, it is worrisome that a device that is unfamiliar to the living body is installed, so it is assumed that it may be licked or chewed, and it is assumed that the switches will be pressed or destroyed unintentionally. It is considered necessary to cover the types with a cover and to increase the strength of the controller and belt. Alternatively, a configuration in which the switch is abolished from the main body and remote control is performed wirelessly from the outside is more suitable because it is possible to avoid unintended operation of the switches and damage to the switches due to the living body licking or biting. be.

When the device of the present invention is used for a living body, the electrodes to be used, for example, the above-mentioned electrodes A103 and B104, may not be suitable for use as they are. Since the limbs of a living body are usually covered with hair, sufficient current is not supplied to the limbs. Therefore, instead of using an electrode made of a conductive resin or metal as the electrode A103 or the electrode B104, an elastic body having strong elasticity, for example, a conductive rubber or a conductive fiber is used, and the current from the electrode is generated. It is desirable to ensure sufficient supply to the limbs. Alternatively, a conductive and highly viscous gel may be applied to the surfaces of the electrodes A103 and B104 so that a sufficient electric current can be supplied to the limbs of the living body.

By using the apparatus of the present invention on a living body, the following effects can be expected. The effects listed below can be expected not only individually but also as multiple effects at the same time. One of the effects is the relief of tension. The reason for the tension is not limited to a specific reason, and examples thereof include tension due to stress caused by being trapped in a narrow room or in a room. In addition, there are stresses caused by weather such as typhoons and strong winds, long rains and dryness such as abnormally low temperature and high temperature, and tensions caused by caution due to construction work carried out in the neighborhood. Alternatively, tension caused by a change in physical condition due to poor physical condition or pregnancy can be mentioned.

By supplying the first signal to the limbs of the living body by using the main body A1, the main body B2, the main body C3, or the like or by a device having a function capable of outputting a pulse equivalent to these for the above tension relaxation. , It can be used to relieve the tension of the living body, release it from stress, and maintain and manage the physical condition of the living body such as improving and maintaining the health condition of the living body. Alternatively, it is effective to anticipate the occurrence of tension, or to supply these first signals to the limbs of the living body in advance to an individual who is prone to tension. Furthermore, it is also effective to suppress the activity by supplying the first signal to the overactive individual. As an example, it can be expected to have the effect of supplying the first signal to an individual with an injury or illness, suppressing the activity, and accelerating the healing of the injury or illness.

Other effects can be expected by using the apparatus of the present invention on a living body. Another effect is the promotion of activity. For example, in an elderly living body, the activity itself is reduced, resulting in lack of exercise, which induces muscle weakness, joint disorders, and visceral diseases caused by lack of exercise. The same applies to living organisms in zoos, whose activities are restricted within the cage, and because food can be easily obtained on a regular basis, opportunities for exercising are reduced, resulting in lack of exercise. Lack of exercise is more likely to cause illness or injury. Therefore, the living body is given a refreshing feeling by supplying a second signal to the limbs of the living body by using the current stimulating device provided with the present invention or by a device having a function capable of outputting pulses equivalent to these. It can be used to improve the activity and activity of the body, eliminate lack of exercise, and maintain and manage the physical condition of the living body. For example, in the case of cows, pigs, sheep and goats, it is possible to maintain and manage meat quality and improve and maintain and manage milk quality and milk yield. By supplying a second signal to a living body with reduced activity or activity to increase activity, for example, by preventing muscle deterioration in an elderly living body and maintaining strong muscles, or by improving lack of exercise. Even if you are old, you can prevent injuries and illnesses and maintain your health.

With the device of the present invention, not only the health management of the living body can be performed by using the first signal and the second signal, but also the quality can be controlled in the case of livestock. For example, the second signal is used for beef cattle to increase the activity of the beef cattle to increase the proportion of so-called lean meat, or the first signal is frequently used to limit the activity of the beef cattle to adjust the hardness and lipid of the meat. It is also possible to control the meat quality, for example, to increase or control the tender meat quality and the so-called marbling rate. In this case, since the movement of the livestock is forcibly restricted and the movement is not forced, no stress is given to the livestock.

In the above, by applying the electric signal as shown in FIG. 3 to the ankle, a feeling of relaxation and refreshment can be given to the whole body. For example, by setting the frequency and pulse width to a frequency of 5 Hz, a pulse width of 50 msec, etc. The invention can be used to balance the autonomic nerves. For example, when the sympathetic nerve is excessively dominant, the function of the sympathetic nerve is suppressed or the parasympathetic nerve is activated, and conversely, when the parasympathetic nerve is excessively dominant, the function of the parasympathetic nerve is suppressed to activate the sympathetic nerve and sympathetic nerve is activated. The balance between nerves and parasympathetic nerves can be adjusted. Due to various causes, if the sympathetic nerve is dominant, you may not be able to get enough sleep, and you may get sick further due to lack of sleep or stress due to lack of sleep. It is desirable to use the invented device to balance the autonomic nerves and obtain good sleep, and thus to relieve mental stress. On the contrary, when the parasympathetic nerve is excessively dominant, the parasympathetic nerve can be suppressed to activate the sympathetic nerve, suppress drowsiness, and improve the stress on drowsiness. That is, since the device of the present invention can be used during the work to continue the work while always balancing the autonomic nerves, not only the work efficiency is improved but also the safe work can be continued. For example, when driving for a long time or at night, the electric signal of the present invention can be used to drive while always balancing the autonomic nerves. Therefore, by preventing the parasympathetic nerves from becoming dominant, the driver does not feel drowsy and falls asleep. Safe driving can be continued, such as prevention of driving. The parasympathetic nerve is superior because the personal computer can be used for a long time or even at night by using the electric signal of the present invention and always using the electric signal of the present invention while always balancing the autonomic nerves. By preventing this from happening, you will not feel drowsy and your concentration will increase, so you can continue to work without mistakes without difficulty. Furthermore, due to the balance of the autonomic nerves, secondary effects such as increased concentration can be expected, and it is desirable to use it for office work, manual work, or driving. The parameter of the electric signal used for adjusting the balance of the autonomic nerve is set to 5 Hz, but the present invention is not limited to this. A low frequency is desirable as an ultra-low frequency that can be expected to improve the balance of the autonomic nerves, and specifically, the effect begins to appear when the frequency is set to 20 Hz or less. At 10 Hz or less, the influence of individual differences is lessened, and at 8 Hz or less, the most remarkable effect tends to be obtained. Therefore, in this embodiment, 5 Hz is adopted as the frequency.

The use of the device of the present invention for the adjustment of the autonomic nerve can be satisfactorily applied to the ecology other than the human body as described above, and as a result, the stress, tension, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep due to the imbalance of the autonomic nerve are caused. It is used for maintaining and managing the physical condition of the living body by eliminating stress and poor health, and for example, in the case of cows, pigs, sheep and goats, maintaining and managing meat quality and improving milk quality and milk yield. And maintenance and management are also possible.

1 Body A
2 Body B
3 Body C
4 Body D
5 Body H
6 Body J
7 Body K
8 Body L
9 Body M
10 Body N
11 Body Q
12 Body P
101 Belt part A
102 Belt part B
103 Electrode A
104 Electrode B
105 Controller A
106 Switch A
107 LED-A
108 Telescopic part A
109 Telescopic part B
110 Harness A
201 User IF unit 202 Control unit A
203 Battery 204 Waveform generator A
206 Power supply 207 Timer 208 Terminal A
209 terminal B
405 Controller 504 Waveform generator B
601 Belt part C
602 Belt part D
603 Belt part E
604 Belt part F
605 Telescopic part C
606 Telescopic part D
607 Telescopic part E
608 Telescopic part F
609 Harness B
701 Mount part 702 Terminal part A
703 terminal part B
704 Cable A
705 controller D
706 Switch B
707 LED-B
708 Connector 709 Harness C
801 controller F
802 Control unit F
804 Waveform generator F
901 Ring A
902 Electrode C
903 Electrode D
904 terminal part C
905 terminal part D
906 Connector H
907 Telescopic part G
908 Harness D
909 Harness E
910 Cable B
911 Ring B
1001 Ring J
1002 ring K
1006 connector J
1007 Cable J
1009 Harness F
1107 cable K
1201 Supporter 1203 Electrode E
1204 Electrode F
1208 Harness G
1308 Harness H
1401 Tabi 1402 Harness M
1501 Supporter Belt 1502 Harness N
1601 Sole 1602 Instep 1603 Electrode G
1604 Electrode H
1605 Harness P

Claims (2)

It is a current stimulator that is worn on the feet of the human body.
An annular or band-shaped body that matches the shape of the instep and sole of the human body,
The first electrode and the second electrode arranged on the main body,
An output circuit that outputs electrical signals and
A control unit that controls the electrical signal and
A power supply unit that supplies electric power to the output circuit and the control unit is provided.
When the main body is attached to the user's foot, the first electrode is arranged on the instep side or the sole side of the foot, and the second electrode is on the opposite side of the foot with respect to the first electrode. Arranged and in close contact with the foot, the electrical signal is supplied to the foot using the first electrode and the second electrode.
The electric signal output from the output circuit is a weak electric signal that does not give muscle contraction.
The electric signal is a pulse group composed of a plurality of pulses, and is a first pulse group in which the amplitude gradually increases, a second pulse group in which a constant amplitude is maintained, and a third pulse group in which the amplitude gradually decreases. Consists of including a pulse group,
The first electrode and the second electrode transmit a first electric signal having a duration of 0.1 seconds or more and 0.8 seconds or less, respectively, for the first pulse group and the third pulse group. Supply to
A current stimulator characterized by that. The first electrode and the second electrode supply a second electric signal to the foot in addition to the first electric signal.
The second electric signal is a weak electric signal that does not give muscle contraction, and is an electric signal having a magnitude that allows the user to feel that the electric signal has been applied without causing pain.
The current stimulator according to claim 1, wherein when the first electric signal is supplied to the foot, the second electric signal is used to notify the user.

Images