JP7436337B2 - Variable magnetic field generator - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluctuating magnetic field generator.

Smooth muscles react to various biological substances, neurotransmitters, autacoids, hormones, etc. through their respective specific receptors, causing contraction or relaxation. Smooth muscle is broadly classified into visceral smooth muscle, vascular smooth muscle, and ocular smooth muscle, and its locations include the digestive system (esophageal, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, gallbladder, bile duct), trachea, bronchi, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, It covers a wide range of areas, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and arteriovenous vascular system. These play important roles in digestion, respiration, reproduction, circulation, body temperature regulation, and focal light control.

Smooth muscle also exhibits functions and forms that correspond to the specific purposes of each organ. Smooth muscles undergo contraction and relaxation as described above due to a wide variety of substances, and even the same substance may have opposite reactions depending on the type of smooth muscle.

For example, uterine smooth muscle is controlled by both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, but in humans, the response to parasympathetic stimulation is unchanged, and the response to sympathetic stimulation is relaxation in a non-pregnant uterus and contraction in a pregnant uterus. happen.

In addition, the cells in the present invention may be any cells as long as they express physiologically active ion oscillations and calcium oscillation reactions within the cells, and are not particularly limited. For example, in addition to smooth muscle cells, mesenchymal This applies to cell lines. Mesenchymal cells are a cell group consisting of cells derived from the mesoderm or ectoderm (neural crest), and mainly form the connective tissue of the fetus, including chondroblasts, osteoblasts, nerve cells, glial cells, It has the ability to differentiate into various cells such as skin pigment cells, adrenal medullary cells, mesenchymal cells such as bone and cartilage cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells.

Therefore, preferred are smooth muscle cells such as vascular smooth muscle, bladder smooth muscle, and uterine smooth muscle, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, immune cells, and nerve cells, and particularly preferred are vascular smooth muscle and bladder smooth muscle. - Smooth muscle cells such as uterine smooth muscle or mesenchymal stem cells, more preferably vascular smooth muscle cells.

Various reactions occur when smooth muscle contracts and relaxes, and by focusing on this point and using drugs that act on smooth muscle that have the effect of changing the state of smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, we can help treat various diseases. It is being In addition, drugs are used to affect the differentiation and function of mesenchymal cells by influencing physiologically active ions to regulate the differentiation and function of mesenchymal cells and to control diseases.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-162554

However, drug treatments often have varying effects depending on the patient's condition, and there are concerns about side effects. Furthermore, there may be cases in which the drug itself is contraindicated for the patient. Therefore, while drug therapy is often effective, the situations in which it can be used may be limited.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to directly suppress physiologically active ion oscillations using a fluctuating magnetic field. An object of the present invention is to provide a fluctuating magnetic field generating device that can eliminate obstacles caused by contraction of the magnetic field.

In addition, the purpose of the present invention is not only to use it by applying it to the user's skin, but also to confirm the expression of physiologically active ion vibrations and calcium oscillation reactions within cells, for example, by directly applying magnetism to isolated cells. An object of the present invention is to provide a fluctuating magnetic field generating device that can be used even when

A variable magnetic field generating device in an embodiment includes a magnetic body, a drive unit, and a housing. The drive unit generates a fluctuating magnetic field by moving the magnetic body. The housing accommodates the magnetic body and the drive unit. It is characterized by suppressing the contraction of blood vessels in the case of vascular smooth muscle by reducing the vibrations of physiologically active ions within the cells using a fluctuating magnetic field generated by the drive unit moving the magnetic material. Further, the magnetic poles of the plurality of magnetic parts included in the magnetic body all have the same magnetic pole direction.

Moreover, it is preferable that the physiologically active ion is a calcium ion.

Furthermore, the cells are preferably smooth muscle cells or mesenchymal cells.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the magnetic material has fluidity, and that the drive unit generates a fluctuating magnetic field by moving the magnetic material so that it circulates around the circumferential circuit.

Furthermore, when the magnetic body is configured to be rotatable by the drive unit, it is preferable that the drive unit rotates the magnetic body at a rotational speed of 500 revolutions per minute or more.

Furthermore, the variable magnetic field generating device in the embodiment includes a magnetic body, a magnetic shielding material, a driving section, and a housing. The magnetic shielding material partially blocks the magnetism of the magnetic material. The drive unit rotates the magnetic shielding material. The housing accommodates the magnetic material, the magnetic shielding material, and the drive unit. Further, the magnetic poles of the plurality of magnetic parts included in the magnetic body all have the same magnetic pole direction. When the magnetic body is fixed, the drive unit generates a fluctuating magnetic field by rotating the magnetic shielding material.

Further, it is preferable that the magnetic shielding material includes a gap through which a fluctuating magnetic field passes.

Further, it is preferable that the magnetic shielding material includes a portion made of a material with low magnetic shielding properties through which a fluctuating magnetic field passes.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the drive unit rotates the magnetic shielding material at a rotational speed of 500 revolutions per minute or more.

It is preferable that the magnetic body is placed within approximately 13 mm from the object to which the variable magnetic field generator is attached.

The variable magnetic field generator in the embodiment further includes a plate having a chamber in which cells are placed, and the magnetic material rotates around the cells placed in the chamber with an axis passing perpendicularly through the placement surface. It is preferable to move in a plane parallel to the mounting surface.

Moreover, it is preferable that one or more chambers be provided on the plate.

The variable magnetic field generating device according to the embodiment further includes a plate having a chamber in which cells are placed, and a plurality of magnetic bodies are arranged at positions facing each other with the cells in between, and a plurality of magnetic bodies are arranged at positions facing each other with the cells in between, and the magnetic bodies are arranged in a plurality of positions facing each other with the cells in between. It is preferable that the rotation axis be an axis that is parallel to the mounting surface and that is common to a plurality of magnetic bodies.

It is preferable that all of the plurality of magnetic bodies rotate in the same direction.

Moreover, it is preferable that one room is provided in the plate.

Furthermore, when the magnetic body is configured to be rotatable by the drive unit, it is preferable that the drive unit rotates the magnetic body at a rotational speed of 500 revolutions per minute or more.

Since the present invention adopts such a configuration, by directly suppressing physiologically active ion vibration using a fluctuating magnetic field, for example, in the case of smooth muscle, by suppressing contraction of smooth muscle. It is possible to provide a variable magnetic field generating device that can eliminate obstacles caused by muscle contraction.

In addition, it can be used not only when applied to the user's skin, but also when confirming the expression of physiologically active ion vibrations and calcium vibration reactions within cells, for example by directly applying magnetism to isolated cells. It is possible to provide a variable magnetic field generating device that can perform

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a variable magnetic field generator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a magnetic material in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a magnetic material in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a magnetic material in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram showing the effect when a varying magnetic field is applied to a user using the varying magnetic field generating device in the first embodiment. It is a top view which shows the whole structure of the fluctuating magnetic field generator in 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the whole structure of the variable magnetic field generator which is the 1st modification of the variable magnetic field generator in 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the whole structure of the variable magnetic field generator which is the 2nd modification of the variable magnetic field generator in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
[Configuration of variable magnetic field generator]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of a fluctuating magnetic field generator 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the variable magnetic field generating device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used by being attached to the skin S of a user. The variable magnetic field generator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shown attached to the skin S.

When the variable magnetic field generating device 1 is applied to the user's skin S and used in this way, the generated variable magnetic field is applied to the skin S and various parts of the body near the surface of the skin S.

Note that the position where the variable magnetic field generator 1 is attached is not particularly limited, and may be any position where the effect of the variable magnetic field can be utilized, such as the skin of the neck, shoulders, abdomen, or lower back. Good too.

The variable magnetic field generator 1 includes a magnetic body 2, a drive section 3, and a housing 4. As described above, FIG. 1 shows the fluctuating magnetic field generator 1 attached to the skin S of the user. In this case, the housing 4 of the variable magnetic field generator 1 comes into direct contact with the skin S.

Furthermore, the magnetic body 2 and the drive unit 3 are housed inside the casing 4, and the magnetic body 2 is placed closer to the skin S, and the magnetic body 2 is placed above it, that is, facing the skin S with the magnetic body 2 in between. The drive unit 3 is disposed at the position where it is.

Further, in FIG. 1, a shaft 5 connecting the magnetic body 2 and the drive unit 3 is shown, but this is used for the drive unit 3 to rotate the disc-shaped magnetic body 2 as an example of the magnetic body 2. It shows the axis of rotation.

Note that, in FIG. 1, neither the magnetic body 2 nor the drive unit 3 are shown in detail. This is because, as will be described later, the magnetic body 2 and the drive unit 3 can have various arrangements, shapes, modes, etc.

The magnetic body 2 is moved by a drive unit 3, which will be described later, and generates a fluctuating magnetic field. Note that in this specification, the phrase "variable magnetic field" means that the direction and intensity of the magnetic field vary.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, a "magnetic material" refers to a material that can be magnetic, regardless of its form, such as solid or fluid, or its usage form (e.g., magnet, magnetic fluid, etc.). It means substance, mechanism, or structure. The structure may include a plurality of magnets or an electromagnet.

That is, the magnetic body 2 may be, for example, a magnet, an electromagnet, or a magnetic fluid (magnetic fluid). Further, for example, when the magnetic body 2 is a magnet, any material may be used as long as it has magnetism, such as ferrite, neodymium, Samakova, alnico, iron chromium cobalt, iron platinum, etc.

The number of magnetic bodies 2 may be singular or plural. For example, when the magnetic body 2 is formed in the shape of a disk, there is only one magnetic body 2, and the magnetic body 2 can be used by rotating around the center of the magnetic body 2 as a rotation axis. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a fluctuating magnetic field is generated by moving a plurality of magnetic bodies 2 in combination.

Furthermore, regarding the magnetic poles of the plurality of magnetic parts included in the magnetic body 2, even if the magnetic poles are the same (the direction of the magnetic poles is the same, such as N-pole and N-pole, or S-pole and S-pole), they are different (N-pole and S-pole). It may be either a magnetic pole or a different direction of magnetic poles such as an S pole and an N pole. This is because the various parts inside the user react very quickly to the application of a varying magnetic field.

That is, for example, when the magnetic body 2 is formed into a disk shape as described above and is rotated by the drive unit 3, the magnetic body 2 has a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole, a third magnetic pole, an Nth magnetic pole, and so on. In addition, a varying magnetic field created by a plurality of magnetic poles can be continuously applied to the inside of the user.

In this case, the reaction in each internal part due to the varying magnetic field applied by the first magnetic pole ends before the varying magnetic field is applied by the next second magnetic pole. This phenomenon also occurs with regard to the reaction in the fluctuating magnetic field applied by the second magnetic pole, and ends before the fluctuating magnetic field is applied by the third magnetic pole as well.

Therefore, it does not matter whether the consecutive magnetic poles that provide the varying magnetic field are the same or different, and the consecutive magnetic poles that provide the varying magnetic field may be the same or different.

Furthermore, any arrangement can be adopted for the arrangement of the magnetic bodies 2. 2 to 4 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various arrangements, shapes, and aspects of the magnetic body 2 in the variable magnetic field generator 1 according to the first embodiment.

However, preferably, the magnetic body 2 is arranged such that the axis connecting the magnetic poles is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing 4 (the surface that contacts the user's skin S). With this arrangement, the magnetic pole direction of the magnetic body 2 extends approximately perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the housing 4 (the surface of the skin S). Therefore, compared to the case of using a magnetic material whose magnetic pole direction extends parallel to the bottom surface (the surface of the skin S), the magnetic field strength in the direction approximately perpendicular to the surface of the skin S becomes larger, and Magnetism can reach deeper into the body.

In FIG. 2, a disk-shaped magnetic body 2A is shown. A rotating shaft 5 that receives the driving force from the drive section 3 is provided at the center of the magnetic body 2A, and connects the magnetic body 2A and the drive section 3.

In the magnetic body 2A of FIG. 2, two north poles and two south poles are arranged so as to appear alternately. However, as described above, such consecutive magnetic poles are not limited to different poles, and may be the same pole.

The magnetic body 2B shown in FIG. 3 has a shape in which two magnetic bodies formed in a rod shape are combined orthogonally to each other. A rotating shaft 5 that receives the driving force from the drive unit 3 is also provided at the center of the magnetic body 2B, and connects the magnetic body 2B and the drive unit 3.

Although magnetic poles are not shown in the magnetic body 2B shown in FIG. 3, as described above, consecutive magnetic poles may be different or the same.

The magnetic body 2C shown in FIG. 4 is different from the magnetic bodies 2A and 2B described above in that it is not a solid magnet but is made of a fluid magnetic fluid. The magnetic body 2C includes a circulation pipe 2C2 for holding and circulating the magnetic fluid 2C1 therein, and a pump 2C3 for circulating the magnetic fluid 2C1 within the circulation pipe 2C2.

The magnetic body 2C is placed inside the housing 4 at a position closest to the user's skin S, and applies a fluctuating magnetic field to the inside of the skin S by circulating the magnetic fluid 2C1 in the circulation pipe 2C2 by the pump 2C3. .

The magnetic body 2C here is formed to draw a circuit so that the magnetic fluid 2C1 can circulate inside the circulation pipe 2C2.

In this way, the magnetic body 2 not only generates a fluctuating magnetic field by rotating as described above, but also by moving linearly so that the magnetic fluid 2C1 flows in the circulation pipe 2C2 as shown in FIG. It is also possible to generate a fluctuating magnetic field.

Note that the arrangement of the circulation pipe 2C2 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example. Instead of the arrangement as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the circulation pipe 2C2 may be arranged in a folded manner or arranged in a meandering manner so that the moving distance of the magnetic body 2 can be increased.

Although not described using drawings, the magnetic body 2 may be, for example, an electromagnet. When the magnetic body 2 is an electromagnet, a fluctuating magnetic field is applied inside the user by receiving power from a DC or AC power source. Further, in this case, a control section may be provided to control the magnetic body 2, which is an electromagnet.

In this way, the magnetic body 2 may adopt any arrangement, shape, and mode as described above as long as it generates a fluctuating magnetic field.

The drive unit 3 generates a fluctuating magnetic field by moving the magnetic body 2 . For example, when the magnetic body 2 is configured to be rotatable as described above, the drive unit 3 can employ a mechanism that applies rotation to the magnetic body 2 via the shaft 5.

As a mechanism for adding rotation, a mechanism such as a motor or a mainspring can be considered, for example. Further, when applying rotation, a motor or the like may directly rotate the magnetic body 2, or a mechanism that transmits rotation using a pulley, gears, etc. may be adopted.

In addition, when the drive part 3 is a motor, for example, in order to exhibit the effect of the magnetic body 2, it is necessary to take sufficient distance between the motor and the magnetic body 2. This distance can be ensured by adjusting the length of the shaft 5.

Furthermore, when the magnetic body 2 is a magnetic fluid 2C1, the pump 2C3 is used as described above. The drive unit 3 circulates the magnetic fluid 2C1 within the circulation pipe 2C2 by driving the pump 2C3.

Up to now, we have explained that the drive unit 3 rotates the magnetic body 2, but for example, the magnetic body 2 is fixed inside the housing 4, and the drive unit 3 rotates the magnetic body 2, for example, by rotating the magnetic body 2. The device may be configured to provide a varying magnetic field to the user by rotating a shielding plate such as that provided by the user.

For example, by rotating a magnetic shield material provided with a gap around a fixed magnetic body, it is possible to partially block the magnetism of the magnetic body, thereby changing the shielding position and generating a fluctuating magnetic field. Here, as the magnetic shielding material, for example, permalloy can be used.

Further, instead of the gap, the magnetic shielding material may be provided with, for example, a part of the magnetic shielding material made of a material with low magnetic shielding properties. By rotating such a magnetic shielding material around a magnetic body, a fluctuating magnetic field can be generated through a portion of the material with low magnetic shielding properties.

As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 4 accommodates the magnetic body 2 and the drive unit 3 in its internal space. The housing 4 has an upper surface surrounding an internal space, side surfaces, and a bottom surface that comes into contact with the skin S when the variable magnetic field generator 1 is attached to the skin S. In the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the variable magnetic field generating device 1 is configured such that the bottom surface indirectly contacts the user's skin S using a known adhesive sheet provided on the bottom surface of the housing 4. can be pasted on.

Regarding the shape of the casing 4, if it has an internal space large enough to movably accommodate the magnetic body 2 and has a bottom surface that comes into contact with the user's skin S, the shape of the casing 4 may be, for example, approximately cylindrical. It may be formed in any shape, such as a substantially prismatic shape.

Further, the molding material of the casing 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the shape of the internal space when subjected to an external force and allows the lines of magnetic force of the magnetic body 2 to easily pass through. Therefore, for example, synthetic resin materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be suitably used.

Note that, for example, the drive unit 3 moves the magnetic body 2 to generate a fluctuating magnetic field, and the input unit for operating the fluctuating magnetic field generator 1 and the user are notified of the state in which the fluctuating magnetic field generator 1 is operating. Although the output section and the like are actually provided, their illustration is omitted in the fluctuating magnetic field generator 1 shown in FIG.

For example, the input section is comprised of various switches and knobs, such as a switch for turning on the power, and accepts various input operations by the user. As this input unit, in addition to such a switch, various types of input devices such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or a button can be used.

Furthermore, as described above, if the drive section 3 is a mechanism that uses a mainspring, for example, a crown for winding the mainspring or the like can be included in the input section.

On the other hand, as for the output section, for example, a lamp or the like can be used to indicate to the user the operational status of the variable magnetic field generator 1, such as ON or OFF. Note that the output section may be one that appeals not only to the visual sense of the user, but also to the five senses such as the auditory sense.

[motion]
Next, the operation of the variable magnetic field generator 1 and the effect brought about by the movement of the magnetic body 2 will be described below using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing the effect when a varying magnetic field is applied to a user using the varying magnetic field generator 1 in the first embodiment.

First, we will explain the general operating mechanism of cells when external stimuli are applied, using the expansion and contraction of blood vessels as an example. For example, when external stimuli are applied to blood vessels, they affect intracellular calcium ions inside vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells.

When intracellular calcium ions in vascular endothelial cells rise in response to external stimulation, they act to promote blood vessel expansion. On the other hand, when intracellular calcium ions in vascular smooth muscle cells increase in response to external stimulation, they act to promote blood vessel contraction.

However, in the vasodilation-promoting action by vascular endothelial cells, nitric oxide synthesis protein is activated by the action of intracellular calcium ions in vascular endothelial cells, and the produced nitric oxide is transferred to vascular smooth muscle cells. , acts to suppress vasoconstriction of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Furthermore, when looking at how the vascular relaxing effect based on external stimulation appears in vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, the reaction appears and converges faster in vascular smooth muscle cells than in the vascular endothelial cells.

Let's take a look at the waveform diagram in FIG. 5. The waveform diagram shows the results of adding a fluorescent indicator that detects physiologically active ions to collected vascular smooth muscle cells, applying a fluctuating magnetic field, and observing the reaction using a fluorescence microscope. .

In the waveform diagram, the horizontal axis indicates time. On the other hand, the vertical axis indicates the physiologically active ion concentration converted from the fluorescence intensity. The higher this value is, the higher the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions is. This leads to promotion of blood vessel contraction in vascular smooth muscle cells. Therefore, this can be equated with the occurrence of vasoconstriction of vascular smooth muscle cells.

On the other hand, a low value indicates that the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions is low. When the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions becomes low, the vasoconstrictive effect on vascular smooth muscle cells subsides, and on the contrary, the vasodilatory effect on vascular endothelial cells becomes stronger. In other words, when the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions decreases, blood vessels become relaxed.

Further, in the waveform diagram, a vertical line is drawn at the 900 second portion. The vertical line is a line that separates whether or not the variable magnetic field generator 1 has applied a variable magnetic field to the inside of the user's body. That is, no varying magnetic field is applied to the left side of the vertical line, that is, before 900 seconds. On the other hand, on the right side of the vertical line, after 900 seconds, a varying magnetic field is applied.

Before the varying magnetic field is applied by the varying magnetic field generator 1, intracellular physiologically active ions are acting on the vascular smooth muscle cells, and the periodic fluctuations in the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions increase and decrease, causing the blood vessels to contract. This shows that this is caused as a time average.

However, after 900 seconds when the variable magnetic field generator 1 applies the variable magnetic field to the user's blood vessels, the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions decreases compared to before the variable magnetic field is applied.

If the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions does not change regardless of whether a varying magnetic field is applied, a waveform as shown by the broken line in FIG. 5 should appear. However, as described above, after the varying magnetic field is applied, the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions decreases. This means that the blood vessels do not contract and remain relaxed.

From the above, by applying a varying magnetic field by the varying magnetic field generator 1, periodic fluctuations (oscillations) in which the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions goes up and down are reduced (disappeared), and the intracellular physiologically active ions are reduced (disappeared). The concentration can be kept low.

Furthermore, the fact that blood vessels do not contract and remain relaxed suggests that the applied varying magnetic field acts directly on vascular smooth muscle cells, inhibiting the vasoconstriction effect of vascular smooth muscle cells. be able to. When the vasoconstrictor effect is inhibited, a state of vasodilation occurs.

Therefore, in a state where the variable magnetic field is applied by the variable magnetic field generator 1, the state of blood vessel dilation continues, and when the blood vessels are dilated, blood circulation improves, for example, blood flow is improved.

The operation of the variable magnetic field generator 1 to suppress the vibration of intracellular physiologically active ions in vascular smooth muscle cells and maintain the low concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions is as follows. be.

In the variable magnetic field generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic poles of the magnetic body 2 are not necessarily required to be different polarities. As described above, reactions in various parts of the user's internal parts due to the varying magnetic field applied by one magnetic pole end before the varying magnetic field is applied by the next magnetic pole. Therefore, the magnetic poles of the magnetic body 2 may be the same or different.

Further, the rotation speed given to the magnetic body 2 by the drive unit 3 is, for example, 500 rotations per minute or more. This is because, as a result of experiments, it has been found that when the drive unit 3 rotates the magnetic body 2 at a rotation speed of 500 revolutions per minute or more, the effect of suppressing the vibration of physiologically active ions is exerted. Furthermore, the upper limit of the rotation speed can be set to, for example, 6500 rotations per minute.

Similarly, the rotation speed given to the magnetic shielding material by the drive unit 3 is, for example, 500 rotations per minute or more.

Furthermore, the magnetic body 2 is placed as close to the user's skin S as possible. This is because the closer the magnetic body 2 is to the skin S to which the fluctuating magnetic field generator 1 is attached, the more reliably the strength of the fluctuating magnetic field that applies the fluctuating magnetic field to each part of the user's body can be increased. Specifically, in the variable magnetic field generator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic body 2 is arranged at a position that is approximately within 1 mm to 13 mm from the surface of the variable magnetic field generator 1 that contacts the user's skin S. (See symbol H in FIG. 1).

According to at least one embodiment described above, since the variable magnetic field generator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention employs the above-described configuration, smooth muscle contraction is directly performed using the variable magnetic field. By suppressing this, it is possible to eliminate the damage caused by smooth muscle contraction.

By applying a fluctuating magnetic field to the vascular smooth muscle cells in this manner, it is possible to inhibit the contraction of the vascular smooth muscle cells. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field is applied, the blood vessels do not contract and can maintain a relaxed (expanded) state. Therefore, it can be expected to improve blood circulation and improve various diseases.

Furthermore, by applying a fluctuating magnetic field, it is possible to suppress the contraction of blood vessels and create a relaxed state.This means that while the fluctuating magnetic field is applied, the concentration of intracellular physiologically active ions may temporarily decrease due to some factor. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the price increases even if it occurs.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, in the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the above-described first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation of the same components will be omitted since it will be redundant.

[Configuration of variable magnetic field generator]
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the variable magnetic field generator 11 in the second embodiment. Further, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a variable magnetic field generator 12, which is a first modification of the variable magnetic field generator 11 in the second embodiment. Furthermore, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a variable magnetic field generator 13, which is a second modification of the variable magnetic field generator 11 in the second embodiment.

The variable magnetic field generators 11 to 13 according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 generate physiologically active ion vibrations within cells by directly applying magnetism to isolated cells, for example. Used to confirm the development of calcium oscillation reactions. Therefore, unlike the variable magnetic field generating device 1 in the first embodiment described above, it is not used by being attached to the user's skin S.

That is, the variable magnetic field generating device in the second embodiment is used when observing cells placed in a chamber provided on a plate using, for example, a microscope. More specifically, cells to be observed are housed in these variable magnetic field generators, and the cells are fixed to a microscope and observed.

First, in the variable magnetic field generator 11 shown in FIG. 6, a plate P1 on which cells to be observed are placed is placed approximately in the center of a rectangular housing. Here, the plate P1 is provided with a plurality of chambers R for accommodating cells. The plate P1 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with four chambers R1 to R4.

However, the number of rooms R is not particularly limited as long as the plate P1 is provided with a plurality of rooms R. Hereinafter, when each room is explained collectively, it will be appropriately referred to as "room R."

The plate P1 is provided with four chambers R1 to R4 each having a cylindrical shape, for example, so as to stand up on the plate-like bottom surface. Cells to be observed are housed inside these rooms R1 to R4.

In this way, the cells are housed inside the room R and observed, but the cells actually housed in the room R spread thinly and widely inside the room R, and exist in a form that sticks to the bottom surface of the room R. Become. Therefore, the state in which cells are housed in the room R is appropriately expressed as "cells are placed in the room."

The plate P1 is housed inside the variable magnetic field generator 11 during observation. That is, the variable magnetic field generator 11 is provided with a housing portion 11a for the plate P1. Here, the accommodating portion 11a is formed in a cylindrical shape in accordance with the circular outer shape of the plate P1.

Note that the method of fixing the plate P1 in the accommodating portion 11a is not particularly limited here. Even if the plate P1 is fixed by being connected by using some mechanism between the bottom surface of the plate P1 and the housing part 11a, or the plate P1 is fixed in the housing part 11a by pressing the top surface of the plate P1 downward in the vertical direction. It's also good to do.

A plurality of magnetic bodies 21 are arranged on the side wall portion of this housing portion 11a. That is, when the plate P1 is placed in the housing portion 11a, the magnetic body 21 surrounds the plate P1. In the variable magnetic field generator 11 shown in FIG. 6, four magnetic bodies 21a to 21d are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other.

Although four magnetic bodies 21 are arranged here as described above, the number of magnetic bodies 21 arranged is not limited. For example, two or six magnetic bodies 21 may be arranged, or one annular magnetic body 21 may be used. Furthermore, when a plurality of magnetic bodies 21 are arranged, their arrangement positions and whether they are N-pole or S-pole do not matter.

Further, these four magnetic bodies 21a to 21d are housed in one annular magnetic body housing portion 11b. Therefore, by rotating the magnetic body housing portion 11b, the magnetic bodies 21a to 21d can be integrally moved. The variable magnetic field generating device 11 according to the second embodiment employs the following configuration as a configuration for rotating the magnetic body housing portion 11b.

That is, a gear 11c is provided on the upper surface of the magnetic body housing portion 11b in a circumferential manner. The gear 11c is connected to the drive unit 31 and meshes with a gear that transmits rotation thereof, and is capable of receiving driving force from the drive unit 31. Therefore, the magnetic body housing section 11b can be rotated by receiving the power from the drive section 31.

Due to this movement, the plurality of magnetic bodies 21a to 21d move around the cells placed in rooms R1 to R4 parallel to the cell placement surface with the axis of rotation perpendicularly penetrating the cell placement surface. It moves in a plane that applies a fluctuating magnetic field to the cells.

In addition, in the variable magnetic field generating device 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the gear 11c is directly provided in the magnetic body housing part 11b in this way, but the magnetic body housing part receives the driving force from the drive part 31. There is no limitation on the structure as long as 11b can rotate around the cell and apply a fluctuating magnetic field to the cell.

Next, a modification of the above-mentioned variable magnetic field generator 11 will be described using the variable magnetic field generator 12 shown in FIG. 7 as an example. The variable magnetic field generator 12, which is the first modification, is the same as the variable magnetic field generator 11 in that the magnetic body rotates around the cells in response to the driving force from the drive unit and applies a variable magnetic field to the cells. However, their structure is different.

That is, first, the plate P2 used in the variable magnetic field generator 12 is provided with only one chamber R. This room R5 is provided in the center of the plate P2, and cells to be observed are accommodated (placed) in this room R5.

The structure of the room R5 itself is the same as the rooms R1 to R4 provided on the plate P1 described above. However, the plate P2 is different from the rooms R1 to R4 provided in the plate P1 in that it has only one room R5, and the arrangement position thereof is in the center. Further, since such a configuration is adopted for the plate P2, a space is secured between the side wall of the room R5 and the periphery of the plate P2.

This space is then used as a space for accommodating the magnetic material. In the variable magnetic field generator 12, as shown by broken lines in FIG. 7, four magnetic bodies 21e to 21h are arranged around the room R5 so as to be perpendicular to each other.

In the first modification, since a space is thus secured between the side wall of the room R5 and the periphery of the plate P2, the magnetic bodies 21e to 21h used in the variable magnetic field generator 12 are A magnetic body larger than the magnetic bodies 21a to 21d used in the above-mentioned variable magnetic field generator 11 is used. Since such a large magnetic body can be used, the variable magnetic field generator 12 can apply a larger magnetic force to the cells than the variable magnetic field generator 11.

In addition, in the variable magnetic field generator 12, four magnetic bodies 21e to 21h are arranged around the room R5, but the number of magnetic bodies, the arrangement position, or whether the magnetic bodies are N pole or S pole are different. Can be set freely.

Further, in the variable magnetic field generator 11, four magnetic bodies 21a to 21d are housed in the magnetic body housing section 11b already provided in the variable magnetic field generator 11. On the other hand, since the magnetic bodies 21e to 21h in the variable magnetic field generator 12 are larger than the magnetic bodies 21a to 21d in the variable magnetic field generator 11, in relation to the shape, size, and arrangement position of the plate P2, , are placed so as to cover the top of the plate P2.

That is, when cells are observed using the variable magnetic field generator 12, first, the plate P2 in which the chamber R5 in which the cells are placed is placed is placed in the housing section 12a of the variable magnetic field generator 12. Ru. Since the chamber R5 provided in the plate P2 is provided in the center thereof, a space is formed between the chamber R5 and the side wall of the accommodating portion 12a.

As described above, the magnetic bodies 21e to 21h are arranged in this space, but because the plate P2 must be placed in the accommodating portion 12a, they cannot be arranged in this position from the beginning. Therefore, the magnetic body accommodating portion 12b in which the magnetic bodies 21e to 21h are accommodated is arranged in the accommodating portion 12a so as to cover the plate P2 from above.

Note that here, the magnetic body accommodating part 12b arranged in the accommodating part 12a is fixed to the variable magnetic field generator 12 using bolts or the like. However, the method of fixing the magnetic body housing portion 12b is not limited to this fixing method, and various fixing methods can be adopted.

Since the magnetic material accommodating section 12b is arranged in the accommodating section 12a so as to cover the plate P2, depending on the shape adopted by the magnetic material accommodating section 12b, it is possible to observe the cells placed in the room R5. There may be things that you can't do. Therefore, a through hole 12c is provided in the center of the magnetic body housing section 12b in the variable magnetic field generator 12. By providing this through hole 12c, cells placed in the chamber R5 provided in the center of the plate P2 can be observed with a microscope.

The magnetic body housing portion 12b is configured to be able to rotate around the chamber R5 of the plate P2. In the variable magnetic field generator 12, a gear 12d is provided around the magnetic body housing part 12b. It is possible to receive it.

Therefore, the magnetic body housing section 12b receives the power of the drive section 31 and rotates. Due to this movement, the magnetic bodies 21e to 21h can rotate around the room R in which the cells are placed, and can apply a fluctuating magnetic field to the cells.

Note that the gear 12d provided around the magnetic material housing portion 12b is formed wider than the gear 11c provided in the magnetic material housing portion 11b of the variable magnetic field generating device 11. This is because the magnetic bodies 21e to 21h used in the fluctuating magnetic field generator 12 are larger than the magnetic bodies 21a to 21d used in the fluctuating magnetic field generator 11, and the magnetic body accommodating portion 12b accommodates these magnetic bodies. This is because a larger driving force is required to rotate the .

Next, a second modification of the variable magnetic field generator 11 described above will be described using the variable magnetic field generator 13 shown in FIG. 8 as an example. The variable magnetic field generator 13, which is the second modification, is different from the variable magnetic field generator 11 and the variable magnetic field generator in that it applies a variable magnetic field to cells by rotating a magnetic body in response to a driving force from a drive unit. It is the same as No. 12, but its structure and method of rotating the magnetic body are different.

The plate P3 used in the variable magnetic field generator 13 has one chamber R6 in its center, like the plate P2. Cells to be observed are placed inside this room R6.

On the other hand, the arrangement position and rotational direction of the magnetic body are different from those of the conventional variable magnetic field generator 11 and variable magnetic field generator 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic bodies 21i and 21j used in the variable magnetic field generating device 13 are arranged at positions facing each other across the room R6 in which the cells are placed. That is, unlike the magnetic material used in the variable magnetic field generator 11 and the variable magnetic field generator 12, it does not rotate around cells to provide a variable magnetic field.

The magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j in the second modification have their rotation axes as longitudinal axes of the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j, respectively. Therefore, instead of the magnetic bodies 21i and 21j rotating around the cells, the magnetic bodies 21i and 21j do not move their positions and rotate about their longitudinal axes at their positions.

As described above, the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j are arranged at opposing positions with the room R6 in between. When the magnetic body 21i in the variable magnetic field generator 13 in the second modified example is cut in the lateral direction and viewed in cross section, for example, the upper half is the N pole and the lower half is the N pole. is made to be the south pole.

That is, in such a case, when cut through the rotational axis in the longitudinal direction, the upper half becomes the north pole and the lower half becomes the south pole. When the magnetic body 21i is in such a state, the magnetic bodies 21j located at opposite positions across the room R6 are arranged so that the lower half thereof is the north pole and the upper half is the south pole. In other words, when the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j face each other with the room R6 in between, their different polarities face each other.

Regarding the arrangement of the N-pole and S-pole in the magnetic material 21i and the magnetic material 21j, in addition to the above-mentioned case in which they are arranged mutually in the upper and lower halves, In some cases, the N poles and S poles may be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and the arrangement positions are not limited. Moreover, when the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j face each other across the room R6, they may be arranged so that the same polarities face each other.

Here, in the variable magnetic field generating device 13 in the second modification, the drive unit 31 is configured to transmit a driving force to each of the magnetic bodies 21i and 21j located opposite to each other across the room R6. ing. That is, in the variable magnetic field generating device 13, the drive unit 31 includes a first drive unit 311 for driving the magnetic body 21i and a second drive unit 312 for driving the magnetic body 21j.

However, only one mechanism for applying rotation is provided as shown in FIG. The signal is transmitted to the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j via the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j. Since the variable magnetic field generator 13 has such a structure, the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j rotate in the same direction by the driving force from the drive unit 31.

In this way, the magnetic material 21i and the magnetic material 21j are arranged at positions facing each other with the cell in between, so that the magnetic material 21i and the magnetic material 21j are arranged in positions facing each other with the cell in between, so that the magnetic material 21i and the magnetic material 21j are arranged in positions that face each other with the cell in between. The magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j rotate about an axis common to the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j as a rotation axis.

Moreover, these magnetic bodies 21i and 21j are arranged so that different polarities face each other when they face each other with the room R6 in between. For these reasons, a varying magnetic field can be effectively applied to the cells placed in room R6.

In this way, the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j in Modification Example 2 are arranged with different poles facing each other. A magnetic material having an S pole may be used and arranged.

Moreover, a part of the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j in the fluctuating magnetic field generator 13 is covered with a magnetic body cover 22. As described above, the magnetic bodies 21i and 21j rotate with their longitudinal directions serving as rotational axes. However, since the magnetic bodies 21i and 21j have a certain amount of weight, there is a possibility that the rotation axes of the magnetic bodies 21i and 21j may be shifted due to their own weight. If the axis of rotation shifts, the magnetic bodies 21i and 21j may come into contact with surrounding structures, so the axis of rotation is maintained by the magnetic cover 22.

Further, depending on the strength of the magnetic force of the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j, there is a possibility that surrounding mechanisms may be affected. Therefore, by covering the magnetic body 21i and the magnetic body 21j with the magnetic body cover 22, the influence of the magnetic force is not exerted on other mechanisms.

As explained in the first embodiment, the drive unit 31 in the variable magnetic field generator according to the second embodiment may be a mechanism such as a motor or a spring. Furthermore, the arrangement position of the drive unit 31 in the variable magnetic field generators 11 to 13 is merely an example, and the arrangement position can be any arbitrary position.

The shape of the casing 4 may be any shape, such as approximately cylindrical or prismatic, as long as it has an internal space large enough to movably accommodate the magnetic body 2. may be formed. Moreover, the molding material of the housing 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the shape of the internal space when subjected to external force.

Since the variable magnetic field generators 11 and 13 in the embodiments of the present invention described above adopt the above-described configuration, for example, by directly applying magnetism to isolated cells, physiological activity within the cells can be activated. It is possible to confirm the development of ion vibrations and calcium vibration reactions.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1 Variable magnetic field generator 2 Magnetic body 3 Drive section 4 Housing 5 Axis 11 to 13 Variable magnetic field generator 21 Magnetic body R Room

Claims (15)

magnetic material and
a drive unit that generates a fluctuating magnetic field by moving the magnetic body;
A casing that accommodates the magnetic body and the drive unit,
The magnetic poles of the plurality of magnetic parts included in the magnetic body all have the same magnetic pole direction,
A variable magnetic field generator characterized in that the generated variable magnetic field reduces vibrations of physiologically active ions within cells. The variable magnetic field generating device according to claim 1, wherein the physiologically active ions are calcium ions. 3. The variable magnetic field generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cells are smooth muscle cells or mesenchymal cells. 3. The magnetic material has fluidity, and the driving section generates the fluctuating magnetic field by moving the magnetic material so as to circulate around a circumferential circuit. The variable magnetic field generator according to any one of the above. magnetic material and
a magnetic shielding material that partially blocks the magnetism of the magnetic body;
a drive unit that rotates the magnetic shielding material;
A casing that accommodates the magnetic body, the magnetic shielding material, and the drive unit,
The magnetic poles of the plurality of magnetic parts included in the magnetic body all have the same magnetic pole direction,
When the magnetic body is fixed,
The variable magnetic field generating device is characterized in that the drive unit generates a variable magnetic field by rotating the magnetic shielding material. The fluctuating magnetic field generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the magnetic shielding material includes a gap through which the fluctuating magnetic field passes. 6. The variable magnetic field generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the magnetic shielding material includes a portion made of a material with low magnetic shielding properties. The variable magnetic field generating device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , wherein the drive unit rotates the magnetic shielding material at a rotational speed of 500 revolutions per minute or more. The variable magnetic field generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the magnetic body is disposed at a position within 13 mm from an object to which the variable magnetic field generator is attached. further comprising a plate having a chamber in which the cells are placed,
1 . The magnetic body moves around the cells placed in the chamber in a plane parallel to the placement surface, with an axis passing perpendicularly through the placement surface as a rotation axis. The variable magnetic field generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . 11. The variable magnetic field generating device according to claim 10 , wherein the plate is provided with one or more chambers. further comprising a plate having a chamber in which the cells are placed,
A plurality of the magnetic bodies are arranged at positions facing each other with the cell in between, and an axis parallel to the mounting surface of the cell placed in the room and common to the plurality of magnetic bodies. The variable magnetic field generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the device rotates about a shaft as a rotation axis. The variable magnetic field generating device according to claim 12 , wherein the plurality of magnetic bodies all rotate in the same direction. The variable magnetic field generating device according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein one chamber is provided in the plate. When the magnetic body is configured to be rotatable by the drive unit,
The variable magnetic field generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 10 to 14 , wherein the drive unit rotates the magnetic body at a rotation speed of 500 revolutions per minute or more. .

Images