WO2008013056A1

WO2008013056A1 - Low frequency treatment device and its pad attachment condition inspection method

Info

Publication number: WO2008013056A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/063833
Authority: WO
Inventors: Akitoshi Miki; Rika Asai; Yoshikazu Mizuta; Koji Kurase
Original assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-07-28
Filing date: 2007-07-11
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: JP2008029585A; TW200824743A

Abstract

A low frequency treatment device is equipped with two pads each having a plurality of electrodes through which the current of one system is outputted. The low frequency treatment device is equipped with a means for inspecting the attachment condition of each electrode based on the conduction state between the pads in each combination and by switching a combination of electrodes being conducted while outputting an inspection current. Consequently, in a low frequency treatment device equipped with pads having a plurality of electrodes, attachment condition of each individual electrode can be inspected easily.

Description

Specification

Low frequency treatment device and pad mounting state inspection method thereof

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for inspecting a wearing state of a pad of a low frequency treatment device.

Background art

There is a low-frequency treatment device that performs treatment by flowing a low-frequency current between a pair of pads attached to the body. With this type of low-frequency treatment device, if the pad is not properly attached, normal low-frequency current cannot be output to the treatment site. Therefore, a method of inspecting the mounting state of the pad by detecting the current flowing through the pad has been used conventionally (see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 2791123 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-77562)

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0003] The present inventors are studying a low-frequency treatment device of a type in which a plurality of electrodes are provided on one pad, and a system of current is distributed and output to the plurality of electrodes. However, it has been found that the following problems occur when the conventional pad wearing state inspection method described above is applied to such a low-frequency treatment device.

[0004] Since the conventional method only looks at the energization state of one system of output current, it cannot determine in detail the mounting state of individual electrodes. In other words, even if only one of the electrodes is separated from the body or disconnected, an output current flows between the nodes, so the conventional method incorrectly determines that the wearing state is normal. is there. If output of therapeutic current is started in such a wearing state, an error may occur in the middle, the user may feel uncomfortable, and the intended therapeutic effect may not be obtained.

[0005] In order to solve this problem, a configuration in which a detection circuit is provided for each electrode is also conceivable. However, if this is the case, the number of parts increases, which leads to an increase in the size and cost of the apparatus, which is not preferable.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a low frequency treatment device having a pad having a plurality of electrodes! Wearing shape It is to provide a technology that can easily check the condition.

Means for solving the problem

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

[0008] The low frequency treatment device of the present invention includes two pads each having a plurality of electrodes, and outputs a current of one system through the plurality of electrodes. Then, the low-frequency treatment device of the present invention sequentially switches the combination of electrodes to be conducted while outputting an inspection current, and inspects the mounting state of each electrode based on the energization state between the pads in each combination. A wearing state inspection means is provided.

[0009] According to this configuration, the test current flows through the path of the electrode in the conductive state in the high potential side pad → the body → the electrode in the conductive state in the low potential side pad. If the current between the pads cannot be detected even though the test current is output, the electrical connection is broken somewhere in the current path, that is, any of the conductive electrodes. It is possible to assume that the wearing state is abnormal. Accordingly, it is possible to inspect the normal / abnormality of the mounting state of each electrode by sequentially switching the combination of electrodes to be conducted and sequentially switching the electrodes constituting the current path! /.

[0010] Moreover, according to the configuration of the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a detection circuit for each electrode. In addition, the circuit configuration for outputting the treatment current can be used for generating the detection current, switching the conduction state of the electrodes, and detecting the conduction state between the pads, so there is no need to add special hardware. . Therefore, the present invention is advantageous for reducing the size and cost of the low-frequency treatment device.

[0011] It should be noted that the electrode mounting state is determined to be abnormal, for example, when the electrode is not in close contact with the body, when the electrode is dirty, or when a foreign object is interposed between the electrode and the body. It is assumed that there is a disconnection or poor contact somewhere from the circuit in the low frequency treatment device to the electrode.

[0012] It is preferable that the wearing state inspection means execute a wearing state inspection of each electrode between power-on and before the treatment current is output.

[0013] This makes it possible to inspect the pad mounting state without causing the user to feel inconvenience in operation. It also prevents the treatment current from being output when there is an abnormality in the wearing state. The power of S

[0014] Here, it is preferable that the examination current is smaller than the treatment current. Specifically, a weak current that is not perceptible by the user may be used as the inspection current.

[0015] Thereby, the pad wearing state can be inspected without giving the user a sense of incongruity.

[0016] When the current flowing between the pads is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the mounting state inspection means can determine that the mounting state of the electrode that is conducting at that time is normal. Conversely, if the current flowing between the nodes is less than a predetermined value, it can be determined that the wearing state of any of the electrodes that are conducting at that time is abnormal.

[0017] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily determine normality / abnormality of the mounting state of the electrodes.

[0018] The mounting state inspection means inspects the energization state between the pads in a state where all the electrodes are conducted, and after the energization is confirmed in the inspection, starts the inspection of the mounting state of each electrode. I like it.

[0019] Since the pad mounting state can be roughly checked in the first inspection, it is possible to prevent the individual inspection of the electrode from being started before the pad mounting.

[0020] Various methods are conceivable for the combination of electrodes to be conducted and how to switch them. Depending on the number of electrodes, processing cost (efficiency), how to notify abnormalities in the wearing state, etc. Adopt an appropriate method.

[0021] For example, even when all the electrodes of one pad are in a conductive state, the electrodes to be connected in the other pad are switched one by one, thereby checking the mounting state of each electrode of the other pad. Yo!

Alternatively, the mounting state of each electrode pair may be inspected by sequentially switching the electrode pair to be conducted with an electrode pair that is a combination of electrodes selected from each pad as a unit. Here, when an abnormal electrode pair in the mounted state is found, one electrode of the electrode pair is electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes of the pad having the other electrode, so that any electrode of the electrode pair is connected. It is also preferable to further check whether there is an abnormality in the wearing state of the.

[0023] It is preferable to further include an abnormality notification means for notifying the user of an abnormality in the wearing state of the electrode. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to confirm the mounting state of the pad (electrode). [0024] The present invention may be regarded as a low-frequency treatment device having at least a part of the above means, and the present invention also includes a pad frequency check method for a low-frequency treatment device including at least a part of the above processing. Alternatively, it may be understood as a program for realizing the power and method and a recording medium on which the program is recorded. Each of the above means and processing can be combined with each other as much as possible to constitute the present invention.

[0025] For example, the pad wearing state inspection method according to the present invention includes two pads each having a plurality of electrodes, and a low-frequency treatment device power inspection in which a single system current is output via the plurality of electrodes. The combination of the electrodes to be conducted while outputting the working current is sequentially switched, and the mounting state of each electrode is inspected based on the energization state between the pads in each combination.

The invention's effect

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily check the mounting state of each electrode in a low-frequency treatment device having a configuration including a pad having a plurality of electrodes.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of a low-frequency treatment device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of a low frequency treatment device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a treatment waveform using a Norse current.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a treatment waveform using alternating current.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of inspection method 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an electrode switching method in inspection method 1;

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is an example of an error screen for notifying abnormality of the mounting state of the electrodes.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an electrode switching method in inspection method 2.

Explanation of symbols

[0028] 100 low frequency therapy device

200 treatment device

201 Operation unit

202 Display

203 Control unit 204 Current generator

205 Electrode switching part

206 Current detector

300 nodes,

301 electrodes

302 snaps

400 codes

401 plug

402 Snap

A, B pad

Al, A2, A3, Bl, B2, B3 electrodes

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] <Appearance of low frequency treatment device>

With reference to FIG. 1, a low-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 shows the appearance of the low-frequency treatment device.

[0031] The low-frequency treatment device 100 is roughly configured to electrically connect the treatment device main body 200, a pair of nodes 300 to be attached to the treatment site, and the treatment device main body 200 and the pad 300. Consists of code 400.

[0032] The treatment device body 200 is provided with an operation unit 201 configured by buttons, volume switches, and the like, and a display unit 202 configured by a liquid crystal display or the like. By operating the operation unit 201, the user can perform power on / off switching, treatment mode selection, strength and speed adjustment, electrode switching, and other various settings.

[0033] The node 300 is made of a thin and highly flexible member. A plurality (three) of electrodes 301 are formed on one surface (contact surface with the body) of the node 300. The surfaces of the plurality of electrodes 301 are covered with an adhesive gel material. This genoleic material film is uniformly formed on the entire pad surface, and the gel material film is formed between the electrodes. It is not particularly electrically insulated by interposing.

A snap 302 corresponding to each electrode 301 is provided on the other surface of the pad 300. Snap the cord 400 snap 402 to the 30C rule snap 302, and plug the cord 400 plug 401 into the treatment device body 200, so that the treatment device body 200 and the pad 300 (electrode 301) can be connected. It is.

[0035] <Internal configuration of low frequency treatment device>

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the low frequency treatment device. As shown in FIG. 2, inside the treatment device main body 200, a control unit 203, a current generation unit 204, an electrode switching unit 205, a current detection unit 206, a power source (not shown), and the like are provided.

The control unit 203 is a circuit composed of a microcomputer. The control unit 203 receives a signal from the operation unit 201, a detection result of the current detection unit 206, and the like. Based on these inputs, the control unit 203 controls the display unit 202, the current generation unit 204, the electrode switching unit 205, and the like, and has a function of executing various arithmetic processes.

The current generator 204 is a circuit that generates a low frequency current output from the pad 300. As the low frequency current, a Nors current may be used, an alternating current may be used, or both types of currents may be selectively used. The waveform and amplitude of the low frequency current are determined by a current control signal input from the control unit 203.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a treatment waveform using a pulse current. A very short pulse with a pulse width of about 100 sec is used. The maximum value of the pulse amplitude is about 100 V. By changing the polarity, interval, arrangement, etc. of this pulse, various types of treatment modes such as “fir,” “tapping,” and “push” can be created. In addition, “strength” can be adjusted by changing the amplitude of the pulse, and the “speed” can be adjusted by changing the appearance cycle of the pulse group.

[0039] Fig. 4 shows an example of a treatment waveform using alternating current, an amplitude-modulated wave having a carrier frequency of about 4 kHz, a modulation wave frequency of about 122 Hz, and a maximum amplitude of about 35V. Here, the “strength” can be adjusted by changing the amplitude, and the “speed” can be adjusted by changing the modulation wave frequency.

[0040] The electrode switching unit 205 is a circuit having a function of switching conduction / disconnection of each of the six electrodes 301 and distributing a low-frequency current to the electrodes 301 in the conduction state. Electric Switching of the pole 301 is controlled by a switching control signal input from the control unit 203.

[0041] The current detection unit 206 is a circuit that detects (measures) the current flowing between the two pads 300. The detection result (signal) of the current detection unit 206 is input to the control unit 203.

[0042] <Operation during treatment>

The operation method and treatment operation of the low frequency treatment device 100 will be described. However, both pads 300 are properly installed.

[0043] When the no-current is used, the user can select the treatment mode by operating the operation unit 201. As the treatment mode, treatment methods such as “fir”, “tapping”, “push”, and “slip”, and treatment sites such as “shoulder”, “arm”, and “waist” can be designated. It is also possible to select an “automatic” mode in which treatment methods are pre-programmed. In addition, the user can adjust the “strength” and “speed” by operating the volume switch.

The control unit 203 generates a current control signal according to the designated treatment mode, strength, and speed, and sends the signal to the current generation unit 204. The current generator 204 performs modulation and amplification based on the current control signal to generate a low frequency current for treatment. When a Norse current is used, this one-system current is distributed to one or a plurality of electrodes 301 of the high potential side pad by the electrode switching unit 205. Then, a current flows from the electrode 301 on the high potential side pad to the electrode 301 on the low potential side pad through the body of the user. In addition, when alternating current is used, this one-system current is distributed to each electrode 301 by the electrode switching unit 205 and is output to the user's body via the plurality of electrodes 301. The therapeutic current flowing between the pads causes the muscles to be electrically stimulated, and repeatedly contracts and relaxes, producing the same therapeutic effect as massage.

[0045] Further, the user can select an electrode (conducting electrode) that contributes to treatment by operating the operation unit 201. For example, if all three electrodes 301 are made conductive, current is output from the entire pad, so that the treatment site can be covered over a wide area, and conversely, if only one or two electrodes are made conductive, Pinpoint treatment is possible. It is also possible to change the treatment site by changing the position of the conducting electrode. Thus, by providing a plurality of electrodes on one pad, the range of usage increases and flexible treatment becomes possible. When “automatic” is selected as the treatment mode, the number of electrodes to be conducted (ie Area) and position may be automatically changed.

When there is a change in the electrode to be conducted, the control unit 203 sends a switching control signal to the electrode switching unit 205 to control conduction / disconnection of each electrode 301. In this embodiment, since one system of current is distributed, the electrodes in one pad have the same potential. In other words, the current flows between the electrode of one pad and the electrode of the other pad, and no current flows between the electrodes in one pad.

[0047] <Inspection of pad wearing condition>

As described above, in the low-frequency treatment device 100, the conduction / disconnection of each electrode may be switched during the treatment operation. Therefore, if any one of the electrodes is not installed properly, an error may occur or it may be used. There is a risk of discomfort. Therefore, the low-frequency treatment device 100 examines the wearing state of each electrode between the time when the power is turned on and the time when the treatment current is output, and notifies the user if there is an abnormality. Inspection of the mounting state of each electrode is performed by sequentially switching the combination of electrodes to be conducted while outputting the inspection current, and examining the energization state between the pads in each combination. This inspection current is also a current of one system. The specific inspection method is illustrated below.

[0048] In the following description, two pads are represented by symbols A and B, and three electrodes of each pad A and B are represented by symbols A1 to A3 and B1 to B3, respectively.

[0049] (Inspection Method 1)

Inspection method 1 switches the electrodes to be conducted on the other pad one by one while all the electrodes on one pad are conducted, thereby changing the mounting state of each electrode on the other pad. It is a method of inspecting individually.

[0050] A specific processing flow of the inspection method 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the inspection method 1, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an electrode switching method in the inspection method 1. In FIG. 6, the electrode in the energized state is shown in gray, and the electrode in the cut state is shown in white.

[0051] When the low-frequency treatment device 100 is turned on and a predetermined initialization operation is completed, the processing in FIG. 5 automatically starts. This processing is realized by the control unit 203 executing a program and controlling each component. That is, in this embodiment, control The unit 203 corresponds to the wearing state inspection means of the present invention.

First, according to the current control signal from the control unit 203, the current generation unit 204 generates and outputs an inspection current (step S100). As for the current for examination, either the current or the alternating current may be used as in the case of the treatment current. However, the current used for testing is smaller than the current used for treatment, specifically, a weak current that cannot be detected by the user. By doing so, it is possible to inspect the wearing state of the pad without giving the user a sense of incongruity.

[0053] Next, the electrode switching unit 205 makes all the electrodes A1 to A3 and B1 to B3 conductive (step SI 01), and the current detection unit 206 measures the current between the pads A and B (step S102). . Then, the control unit 203 checks whether or not the measured value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, that is, whether or not there is an energization between the pads A and B (step S103).

The purpose of this inspection is to roughly check the mounting state of the pad. This is because it does not make sense to perform individual electrode inspections with no properly mounted electrodes! For example, if the user does not wear the pad itself, or if the cord is not plugged in, this test will result in NG (step S103; NO) and an error will be output to the display unit 202. (Step S116).

[0055] When energization is confirmed in the above inspection, the individual electrode inspection described below is started (step S103; YES).

First, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), all the electrodes A1 to A3 of the pad A and the first electrode B1 of the pad B are brought into conduction (step S104). Then, the current between the pads A and B is measured (step S105), and it is determined whether or not the measured value is greater than or equal to the threshold value (step S106).

[0057] Here, if the measured value is threshold! /, Which is less than the value, that is, energization between the pads cannot be detected! / (Step S106; NO), there is an abnormality in the mounting state of electrode B1. Can be identified. This is because it is known from the energization inspection in steps S10;! To S103 that at least one of the electrodes A1 to A3 is normally attached. Therefore, the control unit 203 outputs an error to the display unit 202 to notify the user of an abnormality in the mounting state of the electrode B1 (step S116). Figure 7 shows an example of an error screen. In this example, abnormal The X mark is displayed on the electrode part with! / Note that the form of error display is not limited to this, and an abnormal electrode portion may be blinked or highlighted. Such an error display can prompt the user to confirm the wearing state of the electrode B1.

On the other hand, if the measured value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the mounting state of the electrode B1 is normal, and the process proceeds to the next electrode inspection (step S106; YES). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), after all of the electrodes A1 to A3 of the pad A are kept conductive, the electrode of the node B is switched to the B1 force and B2, and then step S105, As in S106, the energization state between the pads is examined. Thereby, the mounting state of the electrode B2 can be inspected. If it is determined that the mounting state of electrode B2 is normal, the electrode of pad B is switched to B3 (step S107) and the mounting state of electrode B3 is inspected, as shown in FIG. 6 (c). (Steps S108 to S109).

When the inspection of all the electrodes B1 to B3 of the pad B is completed, the process proceeds to the inspection of the electrode of the pad A. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 (c!) To (f), after all the electrodes B1 to B3 of the pad B are in a conductive state, the electrodes to be connected to the pad A are connected to A1 → A2 → By switching one by one in the order of A3, the mounting state of each electrode A1 to A3 is individually inspected (steps S110 to S115).

[0060] This completes the inspection of all the electrodes. If all the electrodes are in a normal state, the treatment operation can be executed.

[0061] (Inspection method 2)

The inspection method 2 is a method of inspecting the mounting state of each electrode pair by sequentially switching the electrode pairs to be conducted with an electrode pair that is a combination of electrodes selected from each pad as a unit. The electrode pair is set so that each electrode of each pad is selected once (ie, there is no overlap in electrode selection! /).

[0062] As shown in Fig. 8 (a), the pair of electrodes A1 and B1 is first brought into a conducting state, and the conduction between the pads at that time is examined. If energization is detected here, it can be seen that both electrodes Al and B1 are normally attached. Then, as shown in Figs. 8 (b) and 8 (c), the electrode pairs to be energized are switched in order, such as the pair of electrodes A2 and B2, and the pair of electrodes A3 and B3, and the test is repeated.

[0063] In the above process, if an abnormal electrode pair in the attached state is found, Further inspection is performed for the force of abnormality in the mounting state of the electrode. Specifically, when an abnormality is found in the pair of electrodes A2 and B2, as shown in Fig. 8 (d), first, the electrode B2 and the plurality of electrodes A1 to A3 of the pad A are brought into a conductive state and the pad Check energization between. If energization is detected at this time, the mounting state of the electrode B2 can be regarded as normal, so that it is possible to specify that the electrode A2 is abnormal. If the force cannot be detected, the electrode A2 and the plurality of electrodes B1 to B3 of the pad B are brought into conduction as shown in FIG. If energization is detected at this time, it is possible to identify that only the electrode B2 has an abnormality, and if the energization cannot be detected, it can be identified that both electrodes A2 and B2 are abnormal.

[0064] In inspection method 1, it was necessary to inspect 2 X 3 = 6 combinations to check the mounting state of all electrodes, whereas in inspection method 2, at least 3 combinations were required. It is efficient because inspection is completed.

[0065] As described in detail above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily inspect the mounting state of each electrode. In addition, since the circuit configuration for outputting the treatment current is used, it is advantageous for downsizing and cost reduction of the treatment device body that requires the addition of special hardware.

[0066] The above embodiment is merely an example of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea.

[0067] For example, the number of electrodes of the pad is not limited to three. There may be two or more than three.

Also, the shape of the electrode and the way of division can be modified as appropriate.

[0068] In the above embodiment, when an abnormal mounting state is found in any one of the electrodes or electrode pairs, the inspection process is terminated at that time, and an error is output to the display unit. However, it is also possible to output errors collectively after checking the normal / abnormality of all electrode mounting states.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A low frequency treatment device that includes two pads each having a plurality of electrodes and outputs a current of a system through the plurality of electrodes,

It is provided with a mounting state inspection means for sequentially switching the combination of electrodes to be conducted while outputting a current for inspection and inspecting the mounting state of each electrode based on the energization state between the pads in each combination.

Low frequency treatment device.

[2] The wearing state inspection means includes:

Execute the inspection of each electrode's wearing state after turning on the power and before outputting the current for treatment.

The low frequency treatment device according to claim 1.

[3] The test current is smaller than the treatment current

The low frequency treatment device according to claim 2.

[4] The wearing state inspection means includes:

When the current flowing between the pads is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the state of mounting of the conductive electrode at that time is normal

The low frequency treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[5] The wearing state inspection means includes:

Inspect the energization state between the pads with all the electrodes conducting, and after the energization is confirmed by the inspection, start the inspection of the mounting state of each electrode.

The low frequency treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[6] The wearing state inspection means includes:

Check the mounting state of each electrode of the other pad by switching one electrode at a time to the other pad while all the electrodes of one pad are conducting.

The low frequency treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[7] The wearing state inspection means includes:

One unit is an electrode pair that is a combination of electrodes selected from each pad. Check the mounting state of each electrode pair by switching the electrode pairs to be conducted in order.

The low frequency treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[8] The wearing state inspection means includes:

When an abnormal electrode pair is found in the mounting state, the mounting state of any electrode of the electrode pair is established by conducting one electrode of the electrode pair and a plurality of electrodes of the pad having the other electrode. Further check for abnormalities

The low frequency treatment device according to claim 7.

[9] Further provided with an abnormality notification means for notifying the user of an abnormality in the wearing state of the electrode

The low frequency treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[10] A low-frequency treatment device comprising two pads each having a plurality of electrodes, and outputting a current of a system through the plurality of electrodes,

A low frequency treatment device pad mounting state inspection method that switches the combination of electrodes to be conducted while outputting an inspection current in order, and inspects the mounting state of each electrode based on the current conduction state between the pads in each combination. .