JP7745877B2 - Motion control device and physical therapy device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a motion control device and a device used in physical therapy.

Patent Document 1 describes a motion control device that has a first switch attached to the end of a cylindrical case and a second switch housed within the case, with the button portion of the second switch exposed from an opening on the periphery of the case, and has a hook for attaching to the hand. Patent Document 2 describes an electrical stimulation control input device that has an elastic belt that is wrapped around the hand of a paralyzed patient and an operating switch fixed to the outer surface of the elastic belt, with the elastic belt used so that the operating switch is located between the index finger and thumb.

Patent No. 5915612 Patent No. 2891087

In the motion control device described in Patent Document 1, the first and second switches are fixed to the case, while in the control input device described in Patent Document 2, the operation switch is fixed to an elastic belt. In this way, the switches are fixed to the holding member worn on the hand (the hook-equipped case described in Patent Document 1, the elastic belt described in Patent Document 2), and it was necessary to fix a switch to each holding member. Furthermore, if multiple types of holding members worn on the hand or finger were desired depending on each individual's ease of operation and preference, it was necessary to prepare each type of holding member with a switch.

The present invention was made to solve these problems, and aims to provide a motion control device and physical therapy device that are more convenient, allowing users to select and use holding members based on each individual's ease of operation and preferences.

The physical therapy device of the present invention according to claim 1 is a physical therapy device using a motion control device including a holding member attached to a part of the body of a therapist or a patient , and a motion control means detachably attached to the holding member and controlling the motion of the physical therapy device, wherein the physical therapy device is a traction treatment device, and the traction action on the patient is stopped by operating the motion control means. This configuration allows each individual to select and use a holding member according to their ease of operation and preference, and only one motion control means is required for multiple holding members, improving convenience . Furthermore, the patient can attach the holding member to a part of their body and operate the motion control means to stop the traction action.

The physical therapy device according to claim 2 is characterized in that the holding member is fitted to a hand or a finger and is configured to maintain the state of being fitted to the hand or a finger even when the holding member is not being gripped. With this configuration, the operation control means can be operated even when the holding member is not being gripped.

In a physical therapy device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the holding member has a first portion extending in one direction and a second portion extending from one end of the first portion in a direction different from the one direction and then extending toward the first portion, and the holding member has an attachment portion for attaching the action control means near a portion of the second portion connected to the first portion. With this configuration, the action control means can be operated by wearing the holding member on a hand.

In a physical therapy device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the holding member has a ring shape that fits around a finger, and the holding member has an attachment portion on the circumferential surface of the ring for attaching the operation control means. With this configuration, the operation control means can be operated by fitting the holding member around a finger or toe.

In the physical therapy device according to claim 5, the holding member is made of a flexible and/or stretchable and/or elastic material, which allows the holding member to deform to accommodate differences in the thickness and size of each individual's hand and finger thickness.

The physical therapy device according to claim 6 is characterized in that the operation control means is connected to the physical therapy device via a wire or wirelessly. With this configuration, when the operation control means is connected to the physical therapy device via a wire (switch cord), the operation of the physical therapy device can be controlled by the operation control means. In the wireless case, a switch cord connecting the operation control means to the physical therapy device is not required, eliminating the risk of the switch cord breaking in the wired case, and making it easier to operate the operation control means and control the operation of the physical therapy device.

This invention allows users to select and use holding members based on their individual ease of operation and preferences, providing a motion control device and physical therapy device with improved convenience.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrical stimulation device. 1 is a perspective view of an operation switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first switch holding member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4, and is an enlarged view of a portion where an operation switch is attached to a first switch holding member. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a first switch holding member and an operation switch in use; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second switch holding member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view of the second switch holding member. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 7B. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the second switch holding member and the operation switch are used. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a finger band and electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the second switch holding member, the operation switch, the finger band, and the electrode in use according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes an operation switch device, which is an example of an operation control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an electrical stimulation device, which is an example of a physical therapy device, with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
1, electrical stimulation device 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention includes device main body 2 having an internal electrical circuit for outputting electrical stimulation, electrical stimulation electrodes 3a and 3b that are attached to the skin surface of the patient to apply electrical stimulation, electrode cord 4 connecting electrodes 3a and 3b to device main body 2, operation switch 5 that serves as operation control means for controlling the operation of electrical stimulation device 1, and switch cords 6a and 6b that connect operation switch 5 to device main body 2. Switch cord 6a is detachably connected to switch cord 6b, which is detachably connected to the upper surface of device main body 2. Although not shown in FIG. 1, electrical stimulation device 1 also includes a first switch holder 14, which will be described later.

Electrodes 3a and 3b are composed of hook-type gel electrodes, and the backsides of electrodes 3a and 3b are the adhesive surfaces that are attached to the skin surface of the patient. Each hook on electrodes 3a and 3b is attached to the tip of an electrode cord 4, which branches into two at a midpoint, and the base end of the electrode cord 4 is detachably connected to the upper surface of the device main body 2.

The device main body 2 is equipped with a rotatable dial 7, a pressable decision button 8 located in the center of the dial 7, and a display unit 9. Treatment conditions are set using the dial 7 and decision button 8. The display unit 9 is a touch panel that also has the functionality of the decision button 8. The display unit 9 occupies a large proportion of the device main body 2 in the longitudinal direction, making it easy to see, and the display unit 9 displays treatment conditions, treatment results, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device main body 2 further includes an output unit 10 that generates electrical stimulation and outputs it to the electrodes 3a and 3b, and a control unit 11 configured with a microcontroller (microcomputer), and the control unit 11 controls the display unit 9 and output unit 10. The control unit 11 receives signals from the dial 7, the decision button 8, and the touch panel (display unit 9) to set treatment conditions, and data on the set treatment conditions and treatment results is stored, for example, in the internal memory of the control unit 11. The control unit 11 controls the output unit 10 to generate electrical stimulation based on the set treatment conditions, and controls the output unit 10 to output or stop the electrical stimulation to the electrodes 3a and 3b based on a signal from the operation switch 5. The device main body 2 may also include a memory for storing data on treatment conditions and treatment results.

As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the operation switch 5 is a tactile switch configured by a push button 13 fitted into the housing 12, to which a switch cord 6a is connected. The top surface of the push button 13 is located above the top surface of the housing 12. When viewed from above, the upper portion (upper housing) 12a of the housing 12 has an outer shape with a convex piece 12a1 provided at one point on the circumference. The lower portion (lower housing) 12b of the housing has a generally cylindrical shape with a truncated cone disposed below it. The portion (middle housing) 12c between the upper housing 12a and the lower housing 12b has a recessed shape inward from the cylindrical portion of the lower housing 12b, forming a recess 12d. The operation switch 5 may be a toggle switch, a rocker switch, or the like. The operation switch 5 may be provided with a light source such as an LED that lights up or off depending on the ON/OFF state of the operation switch 5, allowing visual recognition of the ON/OFF state of the operation switch 5. The function of the operation switch 5 may not only be to turn the output on/off, but also to adjust the output intensity. Furthermore, instead of the operation switch 5, a pressure sensor, for example, may be used as the operation control means.

Figure 4 shows a first switch retaining member 14 to which an operation switch 5 is removably attached. The first switch retaining member 14, an example of a retaining member, has a first portion 14a extending in one direction (the direction indicated by arrow A) and a second portion 14b extending horizontally from one end 14a1 of the first portion 14a in a direction different from the first direction, then bending and extending in a direction inclined relative to the first direction toward the first portion 14a. A switch mounting portion 15 for mounting the operation switch 5 is provided near the portion of the second portion 14b where it connects to the first portion 14a, and the switch mounting portion 15 serves as a fitting portion into which the operation switch 5 fits. The switch mounting portion 15 has a recess 15a into which the upper housing portion 12a and switch cord 6a of the operation switch 5 are inserted, and a hole 15b into which the middle housing portion 12c and lower housing portion 12b of the operation switch 5 are inserted.

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 4, showing an enlarged view of the portion where the operation switch 5 is attached to the first switch holding member 14. The operation switch 5 and the first switch holding member 14 constitute the operation switch device 21 in embodiment 1. The operation switch 5 is attached to the first switch holding member 14 by fitting the protrusion 15c protruding inward from the hole 15b into the recess 12d (see Figure 3B) of the operation switch 5. The operation switch 5 is detachably attached to the first switch holding member 14. The lower housing portion 12b (see Figure 3B) of the operation switch 5 has a truncated cone shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 15c of the first switch holding member 14 is approximately semicircular, making it easy to attach the operation switch 5 to the switch mounting portion 15. The hole 15b has a structure that penetrates from top to bottom, but it may also be a hole that does not penetrate (has a bottom at the bottom). By constructing the first switch holding member 14 from a flexible and/or stretchable and/or elastic material such as silicone, the first switch holding member 14 can deform to accommodate differences in the thickness and size of each individual's hand. Since first switch holding members 14 of the same size and shape can be used regardless of individual differences in hand thickness and size, it is sufficient to prepare at least one type of first switch holding member 14. The first switch holding member 14 can also be replaced with materials other than silicone, such as urethane.

Next, we will explain how to use the first switch holding member 14. As shown in Figure 6, the therapist places their hand (e.g., the right hand in Figure 6) between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b of the first switch holding member 14 and grasps the first portion 14a. Alternatively, the first switch holding member 14 is placed so that it sandwiches the therapist's hand, and the therapist grasps the first portion 14a. At this time, the operating switch 5, connected to the device main body 2 via switch cords 6a and 6b, is attached to the switch mounting portion 15 of the first switch holding member 14. At this time, the first portion 14a of the first switch holding member 14 is positioned on the palm side of the therapist's hand, and the second portion 14b is positioned on the back side of the hand. The electrodes 3a and 3b are attached to the skin surface of the patient, and treatment conditions are set using the dial 7, decision button 8, and touch panel (display 9) on the device main body 2. The therapist can then operate the operation switch 5 (push button 13) with the thumb of their right hand to administer electrical stimulation to the patient, enabling rehabilitation aimed at pain relief or improving muscle atrophy, for example. If a pressure sensor is used instead of the operation switch 5 as the motion control means, it can also be operated by pressing the pressure sensor against the patient.

As shown in Figure 4, the end 14b1 of the second portion 14b of the first switch holding member 14 is close to the other end 14a2 of the first portion 14a. When the first switch holding member 14 is worn on the hand, as shown in Figure 6, the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b are pressed against the palm and back of the hand, respectively. Therefore, even when the first portion 14a is not being grasped and the hand is open, the first switch holding member 14 does not come off the hand, and the first switch holding member 14 remains attached to the hand. Therefore, the therapist can use both hands freely with the first switch holding member 14 worn on the hand. Therefore, when the therapist operates the operation switch 5 to administer electrical stimulation to the patient, it is easy to use both hands to assist the patient and prevent them from accidentally falling. Furthermore, the first portion 14a of the first switch holding member 14 is flat, and the second portion 14b extends horizontally from one end 14a1 of the first portion 14a, then bends and extends in a direction approaching the first portion 14a, so the first switch holding member 14 does not get in the way when the therapist is assisting the patient while administering electrical stimulation.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the switch holder is a second switch holder 16 instead of the first switch holder 14, but the other configurations are the same. Figures 7A to 7C show the second switch holder 16 to which the operation switch 5 is detachably attached. The operation switch 5 and the second switch holder 16 constitute an operation switch device 22 (see Figure 8) in the second embodiment. The second switch holder 16 is an example of a holder. The second switch holder 16 has a ring shape that fits around a finger, and is configured with a switch mounting portion 16b on the periphery of a substantially circular ring 16a. The switch mounting portion 16b is a fitting portion into which the operation switch 5 fits, and is provided with a circular hole 17 into which the housing middle portion 12c and housing lower portion 12b of the operation switch 5 are inserted. The hole 17 is not completely recessed (has a bottom at the bottom). A protrusion 16c protruding inward from the hole 17 is provided on the upper surface of the second switch holder 16 (see Figure 7C). The convex portion 16c fits into the concave portion 12d (see FIG. 3B ) of the operation switch 5, thereby attaching the operation switch 5 to the second switch holding member 16. The operation switch 5 is detachably attached to the second switch holding member 16. The lower housing portion 12b (see FIG. 3B ) of the operation switch 5 has a truncated cone shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 16c of the second switch holding member 16 is approximately semicircular, making it easy to attach the operation switch 5 to the switch mounting portion 16b. By constructing the second switch holding member 16 from a flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic material such as silicone, the second switch holding member 16 can deform to accommodate differences in finger thickness. Since second switch holding members 16 of the same size and shape can be used regardless of individual differences in finger thickness, it is sufficient to prepare at least one type of second switch holding member 16. The second switch holding member 16 can also be replaced with materials other than silicone, such as urethane.

Next, we will explain how to use the electrical stimulation device 1 according to embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 8 , the second switch holder 16 is placed on the therapist's finger (e.g., the middle finger of the left hand in FIG. 8 ), and the operation switch 5, connected to the device main body 2 via switch cords 6a and 6b, is attached to the second switch holder 16. The electrodes 3a and 3b are attached to the skin surface of the patient, and treatment conditions are set using the dial 7, decision button 8, and touch panel (display 9) on the device main body 2. The therapist then operates the operation switch 5 (presses the push button 13) with the thumb of the left hand to administer electrical stimulation to the patient. Even when the therapist's hand is open, the second switch holder 16 remains attached to the patient's finger, allowing the therapist to use both hands freely with the second switch holder 16 attached. This allows the therapist to easily use both hands to prevent the patient from accidentally falling over when operating the operation switch 5 to administer electrical stimulation to the patient.

(Embodiment 3)
The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that bipolar electrodes and electrodes worn on the fingers are used instead of electrodes 3a and 3b, but the other configurations are the same. As shown in Fig. 9, the electrical stimulation device 1a according to the third embodiment includes a device main body 2, an operation switch 5, switch cords 6a and 6b, bipolar electrodes 23, a bipolar electrode cord 24 connecting the bipolar electrodes 23 to the device main body 2, and an electrode cord 25. Although not shown in Fig. 9, the electrical stimulation device 1a also includes a second switch holding member 16 described in the second embodiment, a finger band 26 described later, and electrodes 27 (see Fig. 10).

As shown in FIG. 10 , the finger band 26 has a connection portion 26a, an electrode attachment portion 26b, and multiple holes 26c. The connection portion 26a and the electrode attachment portion 26b are electrically connected inside the finger band 26. The finger band 26 is made of a flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic material such as silicone. The finger band 26 is wrapped around a finger with the electrode attachment portion 26b facing outward, and the connection portion 26a is fitted into one of the multiple holes 26c. The electrode 27 has a substantially hemispherical electrode portion 27a with a protrusion 27b formed on it. The electrode 27 is attached to the finger band 26 by fitting the protrusion 27b into the electrode attachment portion 26b of the finger band 26. Electrodes 27 of different sizes are used depending on the area to which electrical stimulation is to be applied. The finger band 26 can be made of a material other than silicone, such as urethane.

Next, we will explain how to use the electrical stimulation device 1a according to embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 11 , the finger band 26 with the electrode 27 attached is wrapped around the patient's finger (e.g., the index finger of the left hand in FIG. 11 ), and the attachment portion 25a at the end of the electrode cord 25 is connected to the connection portion 26a of the finger band 26. The electrode 27 is electrically connected to the device main body 2 via the electrode cord 25. The second switch holder 16 is placed on the patient's middle finger, and the operation switch 5 is attached to the second switch holder 16. The operation switch 5 is connected to the device main body 2 via switch cords 6a and 6b, as shown in FIG. 9 . The bipolar electrode 23 is attached to the patient's skin surface, and the patient touches the electrode 27 to the patient's skin surface and operates the operation switch 5 with the thumb of the left hand (by pressing the push button 13), which outputs electrical stimulation between the electrode 27 and the entire bipolar electrode 23. This allows the patient to receive electrical stimulation at the location and timing intended by the therapist, enabling rehabilitation aimed at, for example, pain relief or muscle atrophy relief. Note that bipolar electrodes are not required, and a unipolar electrode, for example, may be used instead of the bipolar electrode 23. Also, while the electrode cord 25 is connected to the finger band 26, the finger band 26 and electrode cord 25 may be integrated into one unit.

As mentioned above, the operation switch 5 is detachably attached to the first switch holding member 14 and the second switch holding member 16. Therefore, if the switch cords 6a, 6b are pulled, for example, when supporting a patient who is about to fall with both hands, the operation switch 5 separates from the first switch holding member 14 or the second switch holding member 16, thereby reducing the risk of the switch cords 6a, 6b being pulled too hard and breaking.

By providing the first switch holding member 14 and the second switch holding member 16 as the switch holding members, users can select and use either the first switch holding member 14 or the second switch holding member 16 according to their personal preference and ease of operation. Furthermore, because the first switch holding member 14 and the second switch holding member 16 are separable from the operation switch 5, it is sufficient to provide one operation switch 5 for multiple first switch holding members 14 and/or second switch holding members 16. This improves convenience when using the electrical stimulation device 1, 1a.

In embodiments 1 to 3, the convex portion 15c of the first switch holding member 14 or the convex portion 16c of the second switch holding member 16 is configured to fit into the concave portion 12d of the operation switch 5. However, a convex portion may be provided on the operation switch 5, and a concave portion into which the convex portion fits may be provided on the first switch holding member 14 or the second switch holding member 16. Furthermore, a hook or other hook-and-loop fastener, adhesive tape, button, or the like may be used as a means for detachably attaching the operation switch 5 to the first switch holding member 14 or the second switch holding member 16.

The first switch retaining member 14 may be provided with a leaf spring, so that when a force is applied in a direction that moves the other end 14a2 of the first portion 14a and the end 14b1 of the second portion 14b away from each other, the metal elasticity of the leaf spring acts to move them closer together. In the first switch retaining member 14, the other end 14a2 of the first portion 14a and the end 14b1 of the second portion 14b are close to each other. However, the first switch retaining member may be shaped so that these (the other end 14a2 and the end 14b1) are connected, creating a space for inserting the hand surrounded by the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b, with portions of the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b pressed against the center of the hand inserted into the space (near the center of the palm and back of the hand). Alternatively, the first switch retaining member may be formed of a band with a switch mounting portion, with the band wrapped around the hand and the ends of the band fastened together with a hook-and-loop fastener or the like.

The second switch retaining member may have a shape in which there is a gap in part of the ring 16a of the second switch retaining member 16, i.e., the ring 16a may be C-shaped. The second switch retaining member with the C-shaped ring 16a may be made of metal, and the plastic deformation of the metal may be utilized to fit the second switch retaining member onto a finger or toe. Alternatively, the second switch retaining member may be made of a band with a switch mounting portion, and the band may be wrapped around a finger and the ends of the band fastened together with a hook-and-loop fastener or the like.

If the switch holding member is configured as a band equipped with a switch attachment portion, the switch holding member with an attached operation switch may be worn on the upper arm of the patient, allowing the therapist to operate the operation switch while massaging the patient's upper body. The switch holding member may also be configured to fit on the foot or toes. In this way, the switch holding member can be worn on any part of the body.

In embodiments 1 to 3, the operation switch 5 is connected to the electrical stimulation device 1, 1a via switch cords 6a, 6b (wired), but the operation switch 5 may also be connected to the electrical stimulation device 1, 1a wirelessly using an infrared or high-frequency method. In the wireless case, the switch cords 6a, 6b connecting the operation switch 5 to the electrical stimulation device 1, 1a are not required, making it easier to administer electrical stimulation to the patient than in the wired case.

In embodiments 1 to 3, examples have been described in which the operation switch devices 21, 22 are used in the electrical stimulation devices 1, 1a. However, for example, in a traction treatment device that performs treatment by traction on the cervical or lumbar vertebrae, the operation switch device of the present invention can be used as an operation switch that the patient operates to stop the traction action on the patient when they wish to stop the traction treatment, for example, if the patient feels unwell during traction treatment. When the patient operates the operation switch by fitting the switch holder member, for example, on their hand or fingers, the switch holder member does not come off their hand or fingers, so the traction action can be stopped by operating the operation switch even if the patient is not holding the switch holder member.

It can be applied to physical therapy devices such as electrical stimulation devices equipped with an operation switch to control the output of electrical stimulation given to the patient, and traction treatment devices equipped with an operation switch that allows the patient to stop the traction action.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1a Electrical stimulation device 5 Operation switch 14 First switch holding member 14a First portion 14a1 One end of first portion 14a2 Other end of first portion 14b Second portion 14b1 End of second portion 15 Switch mounting portion 15a Recessed portion 15b Hole portion 15c Convex portion 16 Second switch holding member 16a Ring 16b Switch mounting portion 16c Convex portion 17 Hole portion 21, 22 Operation switch device 23 Bipolar electrode 26 Finger band 27 Electrode

Claims (6)

A holding member attached to a part of the body of a therapist or a patient ;
A physical therapy device using an operation control device including an operation control means detachably attached to the holding member and controlling the operation of the physical therapy device,
the physical therapy device is a traction therapy device;
The traction action on the patient is stopped by operating the action control means.
A physical therapy device characterized by: The holding member is configured to be fitted onto a hand or a finger, and the holding member is configured to maintain a state of being fitted onto the hand or a finger even when not being gripped.
2. A physical therapy device according to claim 1. The holding member has a first portion extending in one direction;
a second portion extending from one end of the first portion in a direction different from the one direction and then extending toward the first portion;
a mounting portion for mounting the operation control means near a portion of the second portion connected to the first portion;
3. A physiotherapy device according to claim 1 or 2. The holding member has a ring shape to be worn on a finger, and includes an attachment portion on the circumferential surface of the ring for attaching the operation control means.
3. A physiotherapy device according to claim 1 or 2. 5. The physical therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is made of a material having flexibility and/or stretchability and/or elasticity. The operation control means is connected to the physical therapy device via a wire or wirelessly.
6. A physical therapy device according to claim 1.