JP3736023B2 - Biological stimulator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a biostimulation apparatus that is used in, for example, a beauty device, particularly a facial device, and forcibly exercises muscles by applying electrical low-frequency stimulation to a living body such as a human face.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of biostimulation device forcibly moves the subcutaneous muscles by applying electrical low-frequency stimulation to a living body such as a human face with a stimulation pulse of a predetermined voltage, thereby strengthening the subcutaneous muscles In order to maintain its soundness and maintain the water retention ability of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles, it has been used to provide a firm and elastic skin. In addition to this electrical low-frequency stimulation, mechanical stimulation that strikes and vibrates the skin is applied to the subcutaneous tissue and muscles to loosen the subcutaneous tissue and muscles and improve blood circulation, and muscle exercise by electrical low-frequency stimulation I was relieved of the fatigue.
[0003]
For example, JP-A-4-31472 and JP-A-62-232973 disclose a pulse transmission conductor for applying electrical stimulation to a living body with a low-frequency stimulation pulse for the purpose of treating shoulder stiffness and beauty, There has been proposed a biostimulator provided with a stimulator for applying mechanical stimulation separately.
[0004]
These biostimulators strengthen muscles by forced muscle exercise with electrical low-frequency stimulation, improve blood circulation to the subcutaneous tissue and muscles, and promote metabolism to activate the epidermis. Electrical stimulation effects that improve the health of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles, improve the water retention capacity of the subcutaneous tissues and muscles, and increase the elasticity, and mechanical stimulation that strikes and vibrates the skin Both of the stimulating effects were realized at the same time with the mechanical stimulating effect to loosen the muscles and improve the blood circulation of the muscles by massage exercise.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional configuration, when a relaxation action is applied to a muscle by a loosening effect by mechanical stimulation during a contraction period of muscle movement by electrical low-frequency stimulation, muscle contraction movement is inhibited, There is a problem that the muscles cannot be effectively strengthened by the subcutaneous muscle exercise by the low frequency stimulation. Thus, the effect obtained even if electrical low-frequency stimulation is performed in the past has been suppressed. Especially in beauty equipment, how to efficiently exercise muscles in a short time to strengthen muscles under the skin. The important point was to make the skin elastic and firm.
[0006]
The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a biostimulator capable of effectively strengthening a muscle by muscle exercise and its metabolism.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The biostimulator according to the present invention is characterized in that no mechanical stimulation is given during the period of muscle contraction by electrical low-frequency stimulation.
[0008]
In this biostimulator, as a biostimulator that applies electrical low-frequency stimulation to the living body to forcibly move the muscle and mechanically stimulates the living body to loosen the muscle, During the muscle relaxation period after the muscle contraction period by the electrical low frequency stimulation It has a stimulus control means for controlling so as to give a mechanical stimulus to a living body. Specifically, the living body stimulation apparatus of the present invention is preferably connected to a stimulation signal generating means for generating a stimulation signal at a low frequency and the stimulation signal generating means, and outputs the stimulation signal to the living body to the living body. A stimulus signal transmission conductor that provides electrical low-frequency stimulation is provided, and a stimulator that provides mechanical stimulation to the living body and a vibration mechanism that vibrates the stimulator are provided.
[0009]
With this configuration, the mechanical stimulation tapping and vibration operations are not applied during electrical contraction muscle contraction due to low-frequency stimulation signals. It does not impede the contraction of the muscles by giving a relaxing action to the muscles due to the unraveling effect by mechanical stimulation, and the muscles can be strengthened effectively by the muscle movement. In addition, since the muscles are loosened by mechanical stimulation and the like, the circulation of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles is improved, so that the metabolism can be effectively performed and the muscle fatigue can be suppressed.
[0010]
Preferably, the stimulus control means in the living body stimulating device of the present invention controls to start applying mechanical stimulation to the living body during the muscle relaxation period after the muscle contraction period by electrical low frequency stimulation.
[0011]
With this configuration, mechanical stimulation begins to be applied to the living body during the period of muscle relaxation, improving the circulation of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles and effectively relaxing the muscles. Can be suppressed.
[0012]
Further preferably, in the living body stimulation apparatus of the present invention, the stimulation signal for applying electrical low frequency stimulation to the living body may be one pulse, or may be a pulse group composed of a plurality of stimulation pulses. In this case, the stimulation signal is adapted to contract and relax muscles for each pulse or pulse group.
[0013]
With this configuration, the higher the frequency of the stimulation signal, the stronger the muscle contraction strength and the higher the muscle exercise efficiency.
[0014]
Preferably, the stimulation signal transmission conductor and the stimulation body in the biological stimulation device of the present invention are integrally configured, and an electrical low-frequency stimulation and a mechanical stimulation can be applied to the living body via the stimulation body. Yes.
[0015]
With this configuration, an electrical low-frequency stimulus and a mechanical stimulus are applied from the same member to the subcutaneous muscle, etc., in an integrated configuration of the stimulus signal transmission conductor and the stimulator, so that the configuration is simple and handled. Easy to manage.
[0016]
Further, preferably, the stimulation signal transmission conductor in the living body stimulation apparatus of the present invention is provided with at least one set of an anode and a cathode.
[0017]
With this configuration, if at least one pair of stimulation signal transmission conductors is an anode and a cathode, it is possible to give a stimulation signal to each motor point between the anode and the cathode and perform muscle movement by electrical low frequency stimulation. Become.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the biological stimulation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.
[0019]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the biological stimulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing muscle contraction and relaxation with respect to a stimulation pulse as seen from a contraction intensity curve. FIGS. 3A and 3B are time charts showing an example of the output timing of the stimulation pulse a1 for electrical stimulation and the driving pulse b1 for mechanical stimulation in the biological stimulation device of FIG.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, a power source means 1 such as a battery includes a stimulus control means 2 that controls each part, a rotation drive means 3 such as a motor, and a stimulus signal generation means 4 that generates a low-frequency stimulus pulse a1 shown in FIG. And DC power is supplied to them. Further, the stimulus control means 2 to which the operation means 5 is connected includes a rotation drive means 3 for driving the tapping mechanism section 6 and a stimulus signal generation means 4 connected to a set of pulse transmission conductors 7 for the anode and the cathode, respectively. And a low-frequency stimulation pulse a1 having a predetermined pulse width with a predetermined voltage is generated from the stimulation signal generating means 4 and output to a set of pulse transmission conductors 7 for electrical low-frequency stimulation to a living body. The muscle is forced to exercise and the striking mechanism 6 is driven by the rotational driving force of the rotational driving means 3 to mechanically stimulate the living body to loosen the subcutaneous muscle. The operation means 5 includes a power on / off key, a start key, an intensity setting key for electrical low frequency stimulation, an intensity setting key for mechanical stimulation, various drive program keys, and the like. The stimulus control means 2 is controlled by operation. Further, a stimulator 10 is detachably configured on the pulse transmission conductor 7, and the stimulator 10 is attached to the pulse transmission conductor 7 to be integrated, and electrical low frequency stimulation is performed via the stimulator 10. And mechanical stimulation can be applied to the living body.
[0021]
At this time, for example, the intensity control of the electrical low frequency stimulation is controlled by the stimulation control means 2 by varying the pulse width of the stimulation pulse a1 from the stimulation signal generation means 4 or the voltage value and current value of the stimulation pulse a1. Yes. In short, control is performed by limiting the maximum current to 1 mA so that there is no discomfort such as painful electrical stimulation. The limitation of 1 mA is performed by both a constant current diode (not shown) and an output stop circuit (not shown) that stops the pulse output when 1 mA is exceeded. When the intensity of the electrical low frequency stimulation is controlled by varying the voltage value or current value of the stimulation pulse a1, the pulse width of the low frequency stimulation pulse a1 is 0.4 msec, but from 0.1 msec to It may be 0.4 msec. The voltage value or current value of the stimulation pulse a is varied by amplifying the reference pulse by changing the gain of an operational amplifier (not shown). Further, the pulse width of the stimulation pulse a can be varied by a microcomputer. If the pulse width of the stimulation pulse a1 is smaller than 0.1 msec, sufficient stimulation cannot be given to the subcutaneous muscle. That is, it takes about 0.1 msec for the muscle to contract. In addition, if the pulse width of the stimulation pulse a1 exceeds 0.4 msec, depending on the user and the state of use, the stimulation to the subcutaneous muscles may become strong and feel painful or uncomfortable. . The stimulus control means 2 controls the stimulus signal generation means 4 to generate a low-frequency stimulus pulse a1, but the frequency of the stimulus pulse a1 is selected by a selection operation from the operation means 5. It is controlled or variably controlled.
[0022]
The mechanical stimulation is performed by supplying power to the rotation driving means 3 by the drive pulse b1, but the stimulation is performed by a hitting mechanism section such as an eccentric cam, which will be described later, by the rotation driving of the rotation driving means 3 such as a motor. The tip of the probe 9 swings and is struck through a stimulator 10 that presses against the skin, so that the subcutaneous tissue and muscles are loosened to promote blood circulation and muscle relaxation. In this case, the pulse width of the drive pulse b1 for supplying power to the rotation drive means 3 is set to a pulse width that causes an eccentric cam (described later) to rotate at least approximately one time via the motor rotation shaft of the rotation drive means 3 or the like. The stimulator 10 is configured to tap the skin only once to loosen the subcutaneous muscles. In this embodiment, this hitting operation is performed once after muscle relaxation, but may be performed a plurality of times continuously until the next low-frequency stimulation pulse a1 is output from the stimulation signal generating means 4. Further, the hitting operation may be a vibration operation that has an effect of relaxing muscles with a smaller amplitude and a higher frequency. Further, the intensity control of the mechanical stimulus can be controlled by varying the rotational speed of the rotation driving means 3 in the case of an eccentric cam described later.
[0023]
The power supply means 1, the stimulus control means 2, the stimulus signal generating means 4 and the operation means 5 are disposed in the apparatus main body 8, and the rotation driving means 3, the hitting mechanism portion 6 and a set of pulses of the anode and the cathode. The transmission conductor 7 is disposed on the stimulation probe 9, and the apparatus main body 8 and the stimulation probe 9 are connected by a four-core cable 11. This four-core cable 11 is configured in a spiral shape that can be expanded and contracted. The device main body 8 is placed on a desk or the like, and a grip portion (to be described later) of the stimulation probe 9 is gripped by hand to form a set of pulse transmission conductors 7. For example, by applying a stimulation pulse a1 between a set of pulse transmission conductors 7 by pressing on the target skin such as the eyes, electrical low-frequency stimulation is applied to the skin tissue and muscles for muscle movement and metabolism. It is supposed to be done.
[0024]
Here, the power supply timing to the rotation driving means 3 for driving the hitting mechanism unit 6 with respect to the timing of the muscular motion by the electrical low frequency stimulation will be described in detail below.
[0025]
In the muscle movement by the electrical low frequency stimulation of the stimulation pulse a1, as shown in FIG. 2, the muscle contraction intensity curve indicating the contraction and relaxation state of the muscle is obtained when one pulse of the stimulation pulse a1 is applied to the muscle. The muscle begins to contract by delaying by a predetermined time. The muscle contraction intensity reaches a peak by a time of about 50 msec after the stimulation pulse a1 is applied to the muscle, and then the muscle starts to relax. In addition, the relaxation of the muscle is completed in about 120 msec after the stimulation pulse a1 is given to the muscle. In this case, the muscle contraction period is a period of about 50 msec after the stimulation pulse a1 is given to the muscle, and the muscle relaxation period is a period of about 70 msec that follows. In this way, every time a continuous low-frequency stimulation pulse a1 is applied to the muscle, the muscle contraction and relaxation reactions are repeated. On the other hand, when a mechanical stimulus, such as a tapping stimulus or a vibration stimulus, is given to the living body, the subcutaneous muscles improve blood circulation and are loosened, and also have a relaxing action.
[0026]
Therefore, if the muscles are relaxed by mechanical relaxation during the contraction period of the muscle movement by electrical low-frequency stimulation, the muscle contraction movement is inhibited and the muscle strengthening effect is suppressed. The control means 2 sets the power supply timing to the rotation driving means 3 for driving the hitting mechanism section 6 after the timing when the muscle starts to relax after the muscle contraction by the stimulation pulse a1 output from the stimulation signal generating means 4 ends. It is designed to control as much as possible. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, driving for supplying power to the rotational driving means 3 such as a motor 50 msec after the low-frequency stimulation pulse a <b> 1 is output from the stimulation signal generating means 4. The pulse b1 is output. If it is 50 msec after the stimulation pulse a1 is output, as shown in FIG. 2, it is during the muscle relaxation period after the muscle contraction period by the stimulation pulse a1. In the present embodiment, both the stimulation pulse a1 and the drive pulse b1 are one pulse.
[0027]
4A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the stimulation probe 9 in the biological stimulation apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
[0028]
In FIG. 4A, the stimulation probe 9 of this living body stimulation apparatus also serves as the grip portion 22 with an outer wall member 21 that is an upper plastic cover member and a substantially elliptical cross section that is a lower plastic cover member. The outer wall member 23 is connected so as to be swingable with a connecting member 24 made of an elastic body such as rubber. These outer wall members 21 and 23 are each configured in a housing shape that is divided so as to open in the vertical direction, and these divided housing-like outer wall members 21 pass through through holes 21a and are not shown screws and nuts. It can be fixed from both sides. Similarly, these divided housing-like outer wall members 23 are configured to be fixed from both sides with screws and nuts (not shown) through the through holes 23a. Of course, these screws and nuts (not shown) enter the recesses of the outer wall members 21 and 23 and do not come out of the outer wall surfaces of the outer wall members 21 and 23. Moreover, the connection member 24 is comprised by the cylinder shape which has a through-hole up and down in the center part, and the external shape is a cross-sectional substantially ellipse shape similar to the outer wall members 21 and 23. As shown in FIG. Further, on the outer peripheral portion of the connecting member 24, groove portions 24a and 24b are formed in the upper and lower positions, respectively, so that the flange portions 21b and 23b of the outer wall members 21 and 23 can be fitted over the outer periphery.
[0029]
In this lower outer wall member 23, a four-core cable 11 of a driving pulse b <b> 1 for mechanical stimulation and a stimulation pulse a <b> 1 for electrical stimulation is drawn from the lower end thereof, and the four-core cable 11. And a motor 26 as a rotational drive means 3 for rotating the motor rotating shaft 25 extending upward. Further, in the upper outer wall member 21, a rotating shaft 28 connected via a connecting member 27 made of an elastic body that transmits the rotating force of the rotating shaft 25 of the motor 26, and the rotating shaft 28 are rotatable. The bearing members 29 that are pivotally supported at two locations, and the rotating shafts 28 between these bearing members 29 are attached so as to pass through in an eccentric state as shown in FIG. Are connected to an eccentric cam 30 that is an eccentric weight that swings the pulse transmission conductor 7 together with the outer wall member 21 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation, and the remaining two lead wires for stimulation pulses of the four-core cable 11. A pair of an anode and a cathode, which is disposed so as to protrude outside at two positions with a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the probe 9 and in which a mounting hole 31 for a stimulator having an open protruding tip is formed. The pulse transmission conductor 7 is disposed. In this embodiment, the tip end portion 32 of the cotton swab is inserted into the attachment hole 31 of the pulse transmission conductor 7 in a state of containing moisture, and can be attached. The tapping mechanism 6 is constituted by the rotating shaft 28, each bearing member 29 and the eccentric cam 30, and the eccentric cam 30 is caused by the centrifugal force by the rotation of the eccentric cam 30 attached to the rotating shaft 28 in an eccentric state. At the same time, the outer wall member 21 and the pulse transmission conductor 7 are swung around the distal end portion of the stimulation probe 9 with the connecting member 24 as a boundary, and a cotton swab distal end portion 32 attached to the pulse transmission conductor 7 is struck against a subcutaneous muscle or the like. Is configured to give.
[0030]
The operation of the above configuration will be described below.
[0031]
Many people in their 40s who feel old are wrinkles and sagging in their eyes, and the cause of the wrinkles and sagging is that the muscles under the skin weaken. Here, the muscles around the eyes and the frontal muscle of the forehead that lifts the eyelid muscles are subjected to electrical low-frequency stimulation treatment and mechanical stimulation treatment to strengthen the muscles and improve their metabolism. The case where wrinkles and sagging in the eyes are prevented by aiming at the above will be described.
[0032]
First, the tip end portions 32 of water swabs are respectively inserted and set in the mounting holes 31 of the two pulse transmission conductors 7 of the stimulation probe 9 in FIG. As described above, the water is contained in the tip end portion 32 of the cotton swab as the stimulator 10 in order to transmit the stimulation pulse a1 output to both pulse transmission conductors 7 to the living body through the tip end portion 32 of the cotton swab.
[0033]
Next, the anode and cathode swab tip portions 32 are pressed against the skin of the eyes, and electrical low-frequency stimulation processing and mechanical stimulation processing are performed via the both swab tip portions 32.
[0034]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of stimulation points for applying electrical stimulation and mechanical stimulation to the muscle of the eye with the stimulation probe 9 in FIG. 4A. These stimulation points (● is a cathode position and ○ is an anode). Position) is a stimulation position called a motor point that can move the muscles efficiently.
[0035]
First, each cotton swab tip 32 is pressed against the skin position of the eye shown in X (1) of FIG. 5 and the start key of the operating means 5 of the apparatus body 8 is pressed. Gradually increase the intensity of the stimulus and set it at a moderate stimulus intensity. Thereafter, each appropriate swab tip 32 is pressed against the skin position of the eye shown in X (1) to X (6) of FIG. 5 at appropriate intervals, and the muscles of the eye are electrically stimulated by the low-frequency stimulation pulse a1. In the subsequent period of muscle relaxation, mechanical stimulation is repeatedly performed to loosen the subcutaneous muscles by performing a tapping operation through the tip 32 of each swab pressed against the skin.
[0036]
At this time, the stimulus control means 2 generates a low frequency pulse of a predetermined frequency (5 Hz in the present embodiment) to the stimulus signal generation means 4 based on the operation content such as the stimulus intensity from the operation means 5, and moisture is supplied. The contraction motion is forcibly caused to occur in the subcutaneous muscle of the eye portion at a predetermined position through each of the included swab tip portions 32. The stimulus control means 2 outputs the drive pulse b1 to the motor 26 when the muscle relaxation exercise after the muscle contraction exercise starts, here, 50 msec after the output time of the low frequency stimulus pulse a1. The rotation shaft 25 of the motor 26 is rotated by the drive pulse b1, and the eccentric cam 30 that is an eccentric weight rotates. The distal end portion of the stimulation probe 9 is swung around the connecting member 24 made of an elastic body of the stimulation probe 9 by the centrifugal force due to the eccentric rotation of the center of gravity of the eccentric cam 30 constituting the hitting mechanism portion 6. Swing. By this swinging, a hitting operation is performed on the skin of the eye portion at a predetermined position via each tip end portion 32 of each cotton swab to loosen the subcutaneous tissue and muscles and improve blood circulation.
[0037]
Thus, the low-frequency stimulation pulse a1 is output from the stimulation signal generating means 4, and the drive pulse b1 is supplied to the motor 26 after 50 msec from the pulse output. The pulse transmission conductor 7 and the cotton swab tips 32 are used to apply electrical low-frequency stimulation to the subcutaneous muscles while the cotton swab tips 32 are pressed against each other to cause muscle contraction, and the muscles after 50 msec. During the period when the relaxation starts, power is supplied to the motor 26, and the distal end portion of the stimulation probe 9 is swung by the centrifugal force of the eccentric cam 30 by the rotational drive, and the tip portion 32 of each cotton swab strikes the skin. , Muscles are relaxed and muscle relaxation is promoted. In this case, since the power supply timing to the motor 26 is the timing when the muscle contraction due to the low frequency stimulation pulse a1 from the stimulation signal generating means 4 starts to relax, the tip of each swab tip 32 applies to the actual skin. Although the tapping operation is further delayed, it is performed during the muscle relaxation period, and this tapping operation is not reliably performed during the muscle contraction period.
[0038]
As a result, electrical low frequency stimulation is applied to the muscles under the skin while the low frequency stimulation pulse a1 is pressing each cotton swab tip 32 through the pulse transmission conductor 7 and the cotton swab tip 32. When muscle contraction occurs and muscle relaxation after 50 msec has started, power is supplied to the motor 7 and the distal end of the stimulation probe 9 swings due to the centrifugal force of the eccentric cam 30 driven by the rotation. When the tip of each swab 32 hits the skin, the muscles are loosened to improve blood circulation and promote relaxation of the muscles.
[0039]
Accordingly, the stimulus control means 2 outputs the drive pulse b1 to the rotation drive means 3 during the muscle contraction of the electrical low frequency stimulation by the stimulus pulse a1 supplied from the stimulus signal generating means 4 and the pulse transmission conductor 7. First, during the subsequent muscle relaxation period, the drive pulse b1 to the rotation driving means 3 is output and the mechanical stimulation by the hitting mechanism unit 6 is controlled to be applied to the subcutaneous muscle. During muscle contraction during low-frequency stimulation, the muscles are not relaxed due to the relaxation effect of mechanical stimulation and the muscle contraction is not inhibited. In addition to being able to improve the circulation of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles and effectively metabolize the muscles by the mechanical relaxation effect of the mechanical stimulation during the muscle relaxation period, It is possible to perform the relaxation of muscles effectively.
[0040]
(Embodiment 2)
The period during which the muscle contracts and relaxes must be at least about 100 msec. In this period, the frequency of the stimulation pulse is 10 Hz. In the first embodiment, the case where the frequency of the stimulation pulse a1 is a low frequency stimulation of 5 Hz, which is 10 Hz or less, is described as an example. A case of high frequency stimulation with a frequency of 20 Hz or more will be described as an example.
[0041]
FIGS. 6A and 6B are time charts showing an example of output timings of the stimulation pulse a2 for electrical low frequency stimulation and the driving pulse b2 for mechanical stimulation in the biological stimulation apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The members having the same functions and effects as those of the members of the biological stimulation device according to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the stimulation pulse in the electrical low-frequency stimulation has an output period of the stimulation pulse group a2 whose frequency is 20 Hz and a period in which no pulse is output alternately every 1 sec. It is repeated to exist. Further, the drive pulse b2 to the motor 26 is output within a period in which the stimulation pulse for electrical low frequency stimulation is not output, and the rising time point is 50 msec after the falling time point of the stimulation pulse group a2. In addition, the drive pulse b2 is applied to the motor 26 so that the electrical low-frequency stimulus and the mechanical stimulus do not overlap in time between the falling point and the rising point of the next stimulation pulse group a2. It is necessary at least for the time required for the eccentric cam 30 to rotate and tap the skin through each swab tip 32 as input.
[0043]
In the case of high-frequency stimulation with the stimulation pulse group a2 having a stimulation pulse frequency of 20 Hz or more, the subcutaneous muscle that has received the electrical stimulation receives electrical stimulation with the first stimulation pulse of the stimulation pulse group a2. However, before the muscle relaxes, the muscle is further contracted because the electrical stimulation by the next stimulation pulse is applied to the muscle. For this reason, the muscle contracts more strongly, and this muscle contraction state is maintained during the stimulation pulse group a2. As described above, strong muscle contraction is caused by the strong electrical stimulation by the stimulation pulse group a2, so that the muscle relaxation after the strong muscle contraction is longer than the time required for the muscle relaxation after the muscle contraction by the one pulse stimulation pulse. Will be required. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the period during which the stimulation pulse group a2 having a frequency of 20 Hz is not output is set longer. Here, by forcing the pulse output of the stimulation pulse group a2 on and off every 1 sec, the muscle contraction and relaxation are repeated to perform forced muscle exercise.
[0044]
In the second embodiment, the case of high-frequency stimulation using the stimulation pulse group a2 having a frequency of 20 Hz has been described. In FIG. 7, a stimulation pulse group having a frequency of 80 Hz, a stimulation pulse group having a frequency of 100 Hz, and a stimulation having a frequency of 120 Hz are illustrated. Like the pulse group, the higher the frequency of the stimulation pulse constituting the stimulation pulse group, the stronger the muscle contraction strength and the shorter the time required for muscle contraction. Thus, the stronger the muscle contraction strength, the longer the time required for muscle relaxation after muscle contraction.
[0045]
In the first and second embodiments, the pulse transmission conductor 7 and the stimulator 10 are integrally configured, and an electrical low-frequency stimulus and a mechanical stimulus can be applied to the living body via the stimulator 10. However, the pulse transmission conductor 7 and the stimulator 10 may be configured separately and independently.
[0046]
Further, in the first and second embodiments, only one set of the pulse transmission conductor 7 for the cathode and the pulse transmission conductor 7 for the anode is provided, but two or more sets of each of the pulse transmission conductors 7 for the anode and the cathode are provided. Alternatively, one set or two or more sets of pulse transmission conductors in which the pulse transmission conductor 7 for the cathode, the pulse transmission conductor 7 for the anode, and the pulse transmission conductor 7 for the cathode are arranged may be provided.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first and second aspects, the mechanical stimulation tapping operation and the vibration operation are not given during the electrical contraction muscle contraction by the low frequency stimulation signal. It is possible to effectively strengthen muscles by muscular exercise without giving a relaxing action by stimulation. In addition, the muscle loosening effect of the mechanical stimulation beating action improves the circulation of the subcutaneous tissue and muscle, so that metabolism can be effectively performed and muscle fatigue can be suppressed.
[0048]
According to claim 3, since mechanical stimulation is started to be given to the living body during the muscle relaxation period, the blood circulation of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles can be improved and the muscle relaxation action can be effectively performed. Can be performed more speedily and muscle fatigue can be suppressed.
[0049]
Furthermore, according to the fourth and fifth aspects, the higher the frequency of the stimulation signal, the stronger the muscle contraction strength and the higher the muscle exercise efficiency.
[0050]
Further, according to the sixth aspect, since the electrical low frequency stimulation and the mechanical stimulation are applied to the subcutaneous muscle from the same member by the integrated configuration of the stimulation signal transmission conductor and the stimulation body, the configuration is simple. Yes, it is easy to handle and manage.
[0051]
Further, according to claim 7, if at least one pair of stimulation signal transmission conductors is an anode and a cathode, a stimulation signal is given to each motor point between the anode and the cathode to perform muscle movement by electrical low frequency stimulation. It can be carried out.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a biological stimulation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing muscle contraction and relaxation with respect to a stimulation pulse as a contraction intensity curve.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are time charts showing examples of output timings of an electrical stimulation pulse a1 and a mechanical stimulation pulse b1 in the biological stimulation apparatus of FIG.
4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the stimulation probe of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of stimulation points for stimulating muscles of the eyes with the stimulation probe of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 6A and 6B are time charts showing examples of output timings of a stimulation pulse a2 for electrical low frequency stimulation and a driving pulse b2 for mechanical stimulation in the biological stimulation apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a muscle contraction intensity curve when the frequency of a stimulation pulse is used as a parameter.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Power supply means
2 Stimulation control means
3 Rotation drive means
4 Stimulus signal generation means
5 Operating means
6 Tapping mechanism
7 Pulse transmission conductor
8 Device body
9 Stimulation probe
10 Stimulator
11 4-core cable
21, 23 Outer wall member
22 Grip part
24 connecting member
25 Motor rotating shaft
26 Motor
27 Connecting member
28 Rotating shaft
29 Bearing member
30 Eccentric cam
31 Mounting hole
32 Cotton swab tip

Claims (7)

In a biological stimulation apparatus that performs electrical low-frequency stimulation processing that gives electrical low-frequency stimulation to a living body and mechanical stimulation processing that gives mechanical stimulation to a living body,
A biostimulation apparatus, comprising: a stimulation control unit that performs control so as to apply mechanical stimulation to a living body during a muscle relaxation period after a muscle contraction period by the electrical low-frequency stimulation . There is provided a stimulation signal generating means for generating a stimulation signal at a low frequency, and a stimulation signal transmitting conductor connected to the stimulation signal generating means and outputting the stimulation signal to a living body to give an electrical low frequency stimulation to the living body. And
The living body stimulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stimulating body that gives mechanical stimulation to the living body and a vibration mechanism unit that vibrates the stimulating body.   The biostimulation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stimulation control means performs control so that mechanical stimulation is started to be applied to the living body during a muscle relaxation period after a muscle contraction period by the electrical low frequency stimulation. apparatus.   The biostimulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stimulation signal that gives the electrical low-frequency stimulation to the living body is configured to contract and relax muscles for each pulse.   The biostimulation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stimulation signal that gives the electrical low-frequency stimulation to the living body is configured to contract and relax muscles for each pulse group including a plurality of stimulation pulses. apparatus.   3. The stimulation signal transmission conductor and a stimulator are integrally configured, and an electrical low-frequency stimulus and a mechanical stimulus are configured to be applied to a living body via the stimulator. The biostimulator according to 1.   The living body stimulation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the stimulation signal transmission conductor is provided with at least one set of an anode and a cathode.

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