JP4126182B2 - Multi-channel low frequency treatment device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-channel low frequency treatment device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a low frequency treatment device is known as a treatment device using an electric signal. In this low frequency treatment device, a low frequency electric signal (low frequency treatment signal) is applied between a pair of conductors mounted on the body surface of a patient. A multi-channel type low frequency treatment device having a plurality of pairs of conductors has been put into practical use. However, in this multi-channel type low frequency treatment device, a low frequency electrical signal is simultaneously applied to a plurality of locations on the patient's body surface, and the low frequency electrical signal is applied to many locations at once. It is for granting.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, as a kind of massage, there is "suri" that traces the patient's body surface with a hand with an appropriate force. This “suri” is considered impossible to achieve with low-frequency treatment devices in which the conductor is used while it is fixed to the patient's body surface, because the part that stimulates the patient must move sequentially. It was done.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel type low-frequency treatment device that can obtain a massage sensation.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions. That is, as described in claim 1 in the claims,
[ 0006 ]
In a multi-channel type low frequency treatment device having a plurality of output units each outputting a low frequency signal for treatment,
A specific mode in which outputs from the plurality of output units are sequentially performed with a time shift from each other ;
Among the outputs from the plurality of output units, the output from the next output unit that is output next time is set to start before the output from the current output unit that is currently being output becomes zero. And
The output from each of the output units is initially set to a gradually increasing output state in which the output gradually increases toward a predetermined value, and then the output at the predetermined value is set to a continuous output state in which the output continues for a predetermined time. The output is gradually reduced so that the output is gradually reduced.
The output from the next output unit to be output next is started while the output state at the current output unit in which the current output is performed among the plurality of output units is the continuous output state,
The output from the next output unit that performs the next output when the output state at the current output unit among the plurality of output units becomes the output zero at which the output of the gradually decreasing output state ends. The state is the continuous output state,
The output increase rate in the gradually increasing output state is smaller than the output decrease rate in the gradually decreasing output state,
Ru Citea so.
[ 0007 ]
According to the above-described solution, there are a plurality of pairs of conductors provided for each output unit. However, between the plurality of pairs of conductors, the applied low-frequency electric signals are temporally related to each other. Will have a gap. For this reason, by dispersing and mounting a plurality of pairs of conductors on the patient's body surface, the stimulus given to the patient moves sequentially from one pair of conductors to the next pair of conductors. I will go and receive a sense of brushing.
[ 0008 ]
Further, the output from each of the output units is initially set to a gradually increasing output state in which the output gradually increases toward a predetermined value, and then the output at the predetermined value is set to a continuous output state in which the output continues for a predetermined time. because gradually output from the value is set to gradually decrease the output state to be smaller, as compared with the case where increased at once the output to a predetermined value, and assuming no output at once from the predetermined value, stimulation sequence The sensation of moving becomes stronger, and you can get a sense of brushing more fully.
[ 0009 ]
Furthermore, between the output state at the current output section for the current output is being performed among the plurality of output portions of the sustained output state, the output from the next output unit to be next output is started, thorn The movement of the intensified sensation can be made more close to the sense of graffiti.
[ 0010 ]
Furthermore, when the output state at the current output unit that is currently output among the plurality of output units is the end of the gradually decreasing output state, the output state from the next output unit that is next output is the output state. because it is sustained output state, which is preferable in order to be close to the sense of rub movement sensations stimulated more fully.
[0011]
In addition to the above, the output increase rate in the increasing output state, because it is smaller than the output reduction ratio in the decreasing output state, it is possible to emphasize the transition sensation to the portion receiving the newly stimulation.
[0012]
A preferred mode based on the above solution is as described in claim 2 and the following claims.
[ 0013 ]
Independent adjustment means for adjusting the output magnitudes from the plurality of output sections individually and manually operated, and from the plurality of output sections after being manually operated and adjusted by the independent adjustment means And a common adjustment means for simultaneously adjusting the magnitudes of the outputs from the plurality of output units while maintaining the ratio of the magnitudes of the outputs (corresponding to claim 2 ). ). In this case, it is possible to easily change the strength of the stimulus while maintaining the same level of stimulation by the plurality of pairs of conductors.
[ 0014 ]
The apparatus further comprises storage means for storing a ratio of the magnitudes of the outputs from the plurality of output units adjusted by the independent adjustment means, and the common adjustment means has an output magnitude stored in the storage means. Based on the ratio, the magnitude of the output from each output unit can be adjusted (corresponding to claim 3 ). In this case, since the ratio of the output magnitude between a plurality of pairs of conductors is stored, it is possible to adjust the output magnitude by the common adjustment means at a desired time. Is preferable.
[ 0015 ]
The low frequency signals output from the plurality of output units may be output by superimposing a medium frequency carrier wave (corresponding to claim 4 ). In this case, a medium frequency carrier wave is preferable for stimulating the deep part of the body and maintaining the stimulation effect for a long time.
[ 0016 ]
The number of the plurality of output units may be at least 3 or more (claim 5 ). In this case, the number of the plurality of output units, that is, the pair of conductors to be paired is at least three or more, and the number of parts to be directly stimulated by each pair of conductors is increased, over a wide area range. This is preferable for obtaining the massage effect of the ground.
[ 0017 ]
Within the set treatment time, the output state in the specific mode can be repeatedly performed (corresponding to claim 6 ). In this case, a massage masage sensation can be repeatedly given within a set treatment time.
[0018]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to give the patient a massage sensation of brushing while emphasizing the movement of the stimulated sensation that is sufficiently close to the sensation of sensation, in particular, the transition sensation to the newly stimulated part. .
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, H is a main body of a multi-channel type low frequency treatment device. The main body H is a four-channel type in the embodiment, and has a total of four output units 1 to 4. Each of the output units 1 to 4 can be connected to a pair of conductors. In other words, the pair of conductors 1a and 1b are connected to the first output unit 1 serving as the first channel via the wirings 1A and 1B. Similarly, a pair of conductors 2a and 2b are connected to the second output section 2 serving as the second channel via wirings 2A and 2B. A pair of conductors 3a and 3b are connected to the third output section 3 serving as the third channel via wirings 3A and 3B. A pair of conductors 4a and 4b are connected to the fourth output section 4 serving as the fourth channel via wirings 4A and 4B.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, T is a treatment table, and K is a patient lying on the treatment table T. The above-described conductors 1a, 1b to 4a, 4b are attached to, for example, the back as the treatment site of the patient K using an adsorption board or the like. Thereby, by outputting a low-frequency signal for treatment (low-frequency electrical signal) described later from the output units 1 to 4, between each pair of conductors 1a and 1b, between 2a and 2b, Stimulation is applied to each site between 3a and 3b and between 4a and 4b.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system used in the present invention, and in particular, focuses on a specific mode for performing a massage with a sense of touch (a circuit for normal low-frequency treatment). Some parts are not shown). In FIG. 2, U is a control unit (controller) configured using a microcomputer. The control unit U includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a system timer, and the like. The control unit U receives signals from switches 11 to 14 as independent adjustment means for manually adjusting the magnitudes of outputs from the output units 1 to 4. The switches 11 to 14 include lower operation units 11a to 14a that decrease output and increase operation units 11b to 14b that increase output. The reduction operation unit 11a outputs a command signal for reducing the output to the control unit U by, for example, a pressing operation (the same applies to 12a to 14a). Further, the increase operation unit 11b outputs a command signal to increase the output to the control unit U by, for example, a pressing operation (the same applies to 12b to 14b).
[0022]
The switch 5 is a decision switch that is manually operated. For example, when the switch 5 is pressed, a command to store the current output state from each output unit 1 to 4, particularly between each output unit 1 to 4, is stored. A command signal for storing a ratio of the current output magnitude is output to the control unit U. The switch 6 is a manually operated common switch as common adjustment means, and commands the control unit U to command signals for simultaneously changing the magnitudes of outputs from the output units 1 to 4. The common switch 6 is, for example, a volume type, and an output increase request is made by rotating in a predetermined direction, and an output decrease request is made by rotating in the other direction. When receiving a request to change the output of each of the output units 1 to 4 by the common switch 6, the control unit U outputs in a state where the output ratio stored at the time when the determination switch 5 is operated is maintained. Control is performed to change the size of. The common switch 6 can be automatically returned to the output zero state by the motor 7 controlled by the control unit U.
[0023]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 8 is a manually operated switch for setting a treatment time, and commands a desired treatment time (for example, 15 minutes). The control unit U outputs a control signal corresponding to the therapeutic low-frequency electrical signal to the D / A circuits (digital-analog conversion circuits) 21 to 24. That is, the output units 1 to 4 output electrical signals (therapeutic low-frequency electrical signals) from the amplifiers 31 to 34 to the outside, and control signals from the control unit U to the amplifiers 31 to 34 The D / A conversion circuits 21 to 31 are used. Further, the control unit U outputs a signal indicating the output state from each of the output units 1 to 4 to the display 9 provided in a place where the main body H is easily visible. The display 9 displays the output states of the output units 1 to 4 independently. In the embodiment, the voltage and current output from the output units 1 to 4 are displayed. ing. Further, the control unit U outputs to a speaker (buzzer) 36 via an amplifier 35.
[0024]
Next, output waves from the output units 1 to 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, although the output from the output units 1 to 4 is a voltage value in the embodiment, it can be a current value. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrical signals output from the output units 1 to 4 are basically a low-frequency electrical signal that is output with a low-frequency square pulse having a predetermined width (time width). (The period corresponding to the pulse interval in FIG. 3 corresponds to a low frequency, for example, 1HZ to 999HZ in frequency). In the embodiment, a medium frequency as a carrier wave is superposed on the low frequency electric signal (for example, 2 KHZ to 10 KHZ in frequency). That is, an electric signal of medium frequency is superposed within a square pulse width that becomes a low frequency signal, and a burst duty ratio that becomes a superposition ratio is always a constant value (for example, 30%) in the embodiment. Thereby, it becomes effective for giving a stimulus to the part which goes deep from the body surface of the patient K while having a low frequency component.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 4, the outputs from the output units 1 to 4 are in a continuous output state where a constant value is maintained for a predetermined time, but the output gradually increases until the continuous output state is reached. In addition, the output is gradually decreased from the continuous output state to the gradually decreasing output state. In this case, the output increase rate (output increase rate per unit time) in the gradually increasing output state is smaller than the output decrease rate (output decrease rate per unit time) in the gradually decreasing output state. In other words, the increase in output is slow and the decrease in output is rapid. The output increase ratios in the gradually increasing output state between the output units 1 to 4 are set to be substantially equal to each other, and similarly, the output decrease ratios in the gradually decreasing output state are also set to be substantially equal to each other.
[0026]
The outputs from the output units 1 to 4 are sequentially performed with a time shift. For example, the 1st output part 2 (conductor 1a, 1b), the 2nd output part 2 (conductor 2a, 2b), the 3rd output part 3 (conductor 3a, 3b), the 4th output part 4 (conductor 4a) 4b). The order of the outputs corresponds to the direction of the brushing. For example, in the case of FIG. 1, a sense of touching counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in the output order is given. Contrary to the above output order, when output is performed in the order of the fourth output unit 4 to the third output unit 3, the second output unit 2, and the first output unit 1, it turns right in FIG. 1 (clockwise). A feeling is given.
[0027]
FIG. 5 shows a preferable output example. FIG. 5 shows a case where the first output unit 1, the second output unit 2, the third output unit 3, and the fourth output unit are sequentially output and output in this order is repeatedly performed. In the example of FIG. 5, the magnitude of the output (continuous output state) is the largest in the second output unit 2, the smallest in the third output unit 3, and the first output unit 1 and the fourth output unit 4. It is the middle size. The sizes of the output units 1 to 4 are different in consideration of the fact that the strength of the stimulus felt by the patient K varies depending on the position where the conductor is attached even if the output is the same size. It is a thing. In other words, the output magnitude is adjusted between the output units 1 to 4 so as to feel the same stimulation intensity for each part where the conductor is mounted.
[0028]
As is clear from FIG. 5, in the embodiment, the output delay time (delay time) between the output units 1 to 4 is set to be substantially equal to each other (for example, from the first output unit 1). (The output from the second output unit 2 is started after a certain delay time t from the start of the output, and the output from the third output unit 3 is started with the delay of the above t from the start of the output from the second output unit 2) .
[0029]
While the current output unit (for example, the first output unit 1) that is being output this time is being output, the output from the output unit (for example, the second output unit 2) that is to be output next is started. . More specifically, the output from the next output unit is started while the output state of the output unit at this time is in the continuous output state described above. At the time when the output from the current output unit is stopped (output zero) (the end of the gradually decreasing output state), the output state at the next output unit is set to the continuous output state. By such setting, in particular, a strong sense that the stimulus continuously moves from one pair of output conductors to another conductor to be output next is obtained. In addition to the above, the next output is performed in the transitional period in which the output state of the current output unit among the plurality of output units 1 to 4 is shifted from the continuous output state to the gradually decreasing output state. The output from the next output unit is the start time of the continuous output state.
[0030]
In addition, after the output from the output unit that has been output this time is completely stopped (output zero), if the output from the next output unit is started, the feeling of smashing will be interrupted This is undesirable. In addition, although it is conceivable that only the continuous output state is set as the output state from each of the output units 1 to 4 (when both the gradually increasing output state and the gradually decreasing output state are not provided), in this case, the stimulus is gradually and gradually increased. It becomes difficult to get the feeling of moving to.
[0031]
Next, the control content of the control unit U that performs the above-described control will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that the plurality of sets of conductors 1a, 1b to 4a, 4b are attached to the patient K, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, and in order to give a sense of turning counterclockwise in FIG. Are in the order of the first output unit 1, the second output unit 2, the third output unit 3, and the fourth output unit 4. In the following description, Q indicates a step.
[0032]
First, in Q1, by operating the switch 8, the treatment time is set to 15 minutes, for example. In Q2, the outputs from the output units 1 to 4 are individually adjusted using the adjustment switches 11 to 14. More specifically, after the treatment time is set in Q1, first, output is performed only from the first output unit 1, and the switch 11 (the lowering operation unit 11a and the increasing operation unit 11b) is operated. By doing so, the patient K is adjusted so as to have a minimum output that feels a stimulus, and this adjusted value is temporarily stored. Next, output is performed only from the second output unit 2, and by operating the switch 12 (the operation units 12a and 12b), the output is adjusted to the minimum output felt by the patient K. Temporarily stored. Thereafter, the output is performed only from the third output unit 3, and the switch 13 (the operation units 13 a and 13 b) is operated to adjust the output so that the patient K feels the minimum output. Is temporarily stored. Finally, the output is performed only from the fourth output unit 4, and the switch 14 (the operation units 14a and 14b) is operated so that the minimum output felt by the patient K is adjusted. Is temporarily stored. In this way, the minimum output size for which stimulation is felt at the mounting portions of the conductors 1a, 1b to 4a and 4b corresponding to the output units 1 to 4 is independently determined for each of the output units 1 to 4. It will be set and stored. Note that it is also possible to display on the display 9 which one output unit is currently output.
[0033]
In Q3, it is determined whether or not the decision switch 5 has been turned ON. If the determination in Q3 is NO, the process returns to Q2. When YES is determined in Q3, the magnitude of the output ratio between the output units 1 to 4 stored as described above is stored in Q4. As this storage, for example, when the output value of the third output unit 3 having the smallest output value is 100%, the output value of the first output unit 1 is 110%, and the output value of the second output unit 2 is 140. %, And the output value of the fourth output unit 4 is stored as 120%.
[0034]
In Q5, the outputs are simultaneously output from the output units 1 to 4 in the ratio of the output stored as described above (in the embodiment, the output value set and stored in Q2 is output as it is). In the state in which the outputs are simultaneously performed from the output units 1 to 4, the patient K has all the attachment sites between the conductors 1a and 1b corresponding to the output units 1 to 4 to 4a and 4b. In the state, the stimulus of almost the same strength is felt. In this state, in Q6, by operating the common switch 6, the magnitude of the output from each output unit 1 to 4 is adjusted so that the patient K feels comfortable (in the embodiment, initially, Since the output gives the weakest stimulus, the common switch 6 adjusts the direction of increasing the stimulus, that is, the direction of increasing the output). At the time of output adjustment by the common switch 6, the magnitude of the output from each of the output sections 1 to 4 is performed so that the magnitude ratio of the output stored in Q4 is maintained. As a result, the patient K feels a stimulus of almost the same size for all of the conductor mounting sites.
[0035]
In Q7, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the decision switch 5 in Q3 was turned on. If the determination in Q7 is NO, the process returns to Q5. If YES in Q7, simultaneous output from the output units 1 to 4 is stopped in Q8, and sequential output in a predetermined order is started. That is, for example, the output is started in the output mode in the brushing mode (specific mode) for obtaining the brushing sensation as shown in FIG.
[0036]
In Q9, it is determined whether or not the treatment time set in Q1 has elapsed since the output start time in the feed mode in Q8. When the determination of Q9 is NO, the process of Q8 is repeated and the output mode in the brushing mode is continued. If YES in Q9, the buzzer 36 is activated in Q10 to indicate the end of treatment. Thereafter, in Q11, the operation state of the common switch 6 is forcibly driven and returned to the state of zero output by the motor 7, and the output from all the output units 1 to 4 is stopped.
[0037]
When performing output in the Q8 tilt mode, the output size from each output unit 1 to 4 can be adjusted independently or the output size from all output units 1 to 4 can be changed simultaneously. You can also In this case, for example, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is interrupted every predetermined time with respect to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 7 may be interrupted from the flowchart of FIG. 6 when any one of the switches 11 to 14 or the common switch 6 is operated.
[0038]
In the flowchart of FIG. 7, first, at Q21, it is determined whether or not any of the switches 11 to 14 has been operated. If YES in Q21, the output from the output unit (eg, first output unit 1) corresponding to the operated switch (eg, switch 11) is changed in Q22. Moreover, in this Q22, the output ratio between each output part 1-4 is changed and memorize | stored with the change from the output from one part output part.
[0039]
After Q22 or when NO is determined in Q21, it is determined in Q23 whether or not the common switch 6 has been operated. When the determination in Q23 is YES, in Q24, the magnitudes of the outputs from the output units 1 to 4 are simultaneously changed while maintaining the stored output ratio. Note that the simultaneous change in output is a simultaneous change in software, and what is actually embodied as a change in output is every output timing of each of the output units 1 to 4 (sequential change in output). If the determination in Q23 is NO, the vehicle is leaned as it is.
[0040]
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes, for example, the following cases. The number of pairs of conductors (the number of output portions) may be two or more, but three or more, particularly four or more as shown in the embodiment is sufficient for the sense of brushing. It is preferable in obtaining. The plurality of sets of conductors may be arranged in series as a whole, and in this case, linear stimulus movement (linear brushing) can be obtained.
[0041]
The order of output from the plurality of output units is not limited to the case of repeating in the same order. For example, the output is started from the first output unit 1 that is output for the first time, for example, after the fourth output unit 4 that is output last. The output order may be reversed. More specifically, for example, in the example of FIG. 5, the first output unit 1, the second output unit 2, the third output unit 3, the fourth output unit 4, the third output unit 3, the second output unit 2, The output such that the rubbing direction is reversed may be performed by using the output unit 1, the second output unit 2, the third output unit 3, and so on. As described above, a switch for manually selecting a repeat mode in which the same output order is repeated without changing the output order of the plurality of output units and an inversion mode in which the rubbing direction is reversed as described above are provided. You can also
[0042]
It may be possible to change the time per cycle until the sequential output from all the output units is completed once. In this case, a manually operated switch is provided separately for instructing to change the time per cycle. Just do it. In this case, in particular, the duration of the continuous output state is changed, so that it is possible to arbitrarily change the speed of the brushing, that is, the sensation of performing the brushing early or the time of slowing down.
[0043]
The low frequency electrical signal may be one that does not superimpose a medium frequency carrier wave. Various members such as each step (step group) or switch shown in the flow chart can be expressed by attaching the name of the means to the high-order expression of the function. Further, the function of each step (step group) shown in the flowchart can be expressed as a function of a function unit set in the control unit (controller) (existence of a function unit). Of course, the object of the present invention is not limited to what is explicitly stated, but also implicitly includes providing what is substantially preferred or expressed as an advantage. Furthermore, the present invention can also be expressed as a control method.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a simplified top view showing an example when the device of the present invention is applied to a patient.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a low frequency signal for treatment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a preferable output example from each output unit, focusing on the output per one time.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a preferable output example when outputting sequentially from each output unit;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control example of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control example of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
H: Main body of multi-channel type low-frequency treatment device K: Patient U: Control units 1 to 4: Output units 1a, 1b to 4a, 4b: Conductor 5: Determination switch 6: Common adjustment switch 7: Return to output zero Motor 8: Treatment time setting switch 9: Output status indicators 11-14: Independent adjustment switch

Claims (6)

In a multi-channel type low frequency treatment device having a plurality of output units each outputting a low frequency signal for treatment,
A specific mode in which outputs from the plurality of output units are sequentially performed with a time shift from each other ;
Among the outputs from the plurality of output units, the output from the next output unit that is output next time is set to start before the output from the current output unit that is currently being output becomes zero. And
The output from each of the output units is initially set to a gradually increasing output state in which the output gradually increases toward a predetermined value, and then the output at the predetermined value is set to a continuous output state in which the output continues for a predetermined time. The output is gradually reduced so that the output is gradually reduced.
The output from the next output unit to be output next is started while the output state at the current output unit in which the current output is performed among the plurality of output units is the continuous output state,
The output from the next output unit that performs the next output when the output state at the current output unit among the plurality of output units becomes the output zero at which the output of the gradually decreasing output state ends. The state is the continuous output state,
The output increase rate in the gradually increasing output state is smaller than the output decrease rate in the gradually decreasing output state,
A multi-channel low frequency treatment device characterized by that. In claim 1,
Independent adjustment means that is manually operated and individually adjusts the magnitude of the output from the plurality of output units;
For maintaining the ratio of the size of each output from the plurality of output units after being manually operated and adjusted by the independent adjustment means, and simultaneously adjusting the size of the outputs from the plurality of output units Common adjustment means;
A multichannel low-frequency treatment device characterized by comprising: In claim 2 ,
Storage means for storing a ratio of the magnitude of each output from the plurality of output units adjusted by the independent adjustment means;
The common adjustment means adjusts the magnitude of the output from each output unit based on the ratio of the magnitude of the output stored in the storage means;
A multi-channel low frequency treatment device characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 ,
A multi-channel low frequency treatment device, wherein a medium frequency carrier wave is superposed on a low frequency signal output from the plurality of output units and output. In any one of Claims 1 to 4 ,
The multi-channel low frequency treatment device, wherein the number of the plurality of output units is four or more. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5 ,
The multi-channel type low frequency treatment device, wherein the output state in the specific mode is repeatedly performed within a set treatment time.

Images