WO2011118918A2

WO2011118918A2 - Microcurrent stimulating sock

Info

Publication number: WO2011118918A2
Application number: PCT/KR2011/001342
Authority: WO
Inventors: 이지훈
Original assignee: Lee Ji Hun
Priority date: 2010-03-26
Filing date: 2011-02-25
Publication date: 2011-09-29
Also published as: WO2011118918A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sock that is to be worn on a person's foot region so as to be used for therapeutic or massage purposes, and more particularly, to a microcurrent stimulating sock that stimulates a person's foot region by transmitting a microcurrent, so as to improve effects for massaging, therapy, etc. The microcurrent stimulating sock according to the present invention comprises: a microcurrent stimulating unit formed with conductive yarn on at least one portion of the sock; a microcurrent generator attached to a certain portion at the top of the ankle area to generate a microcurrent to be applied to the conductive yarn configuring the microcurrent stimulating unit at certain intervals during an enable time; a connecting portion formed of the same material as the microcurrent stimulating unit so as to electrically connect the microcurrent stimulating unit to the microcurrent generator; and a background portion made of conventional yarn to constitute the remaining portions of the sock other than the microcurrent stimulating unit and the connecting portion.

Description

Microcurrent Sock

The present invention relates to a sock worn on the foot of the human body to be used for treatment or massage purposes, and more particularly, microcurrent stimulation that can increase the effect of massage or treatment by stimulating by delivering a microcurrent to the foot of the human body. It is about dragon socks.

The foot is the body part located at the end of the leg, which is a delicate human organ with 26 bones, 39 joints, 38 muscles, 107 ligaments, and many other capillaries and autonomic nerves. These feet have two pulses, one on the instep and one on the Achilles tendon, and acupuncture points that cover 63 parts of the human body. In addition, the foot is a very important role and function of the human body, such as maintaining the balance of the body, weight support, shock absorption, movement.

The most important function of the foot function is the walking function, the pump function of the foot. In particular, the pump function of the foot is to help the heart to promote blood circulation and metabolism. Since the position of the heart is higher from the ground since humans start walking upright, the blood circulation becomes more difficult as the blood circulation becomes more difficult. Pump function should be smooth. Thus, the foot is also referred to as the second heart function.

Our lives and health are basically maintained by supplying oxygen to the body through regular breathing and sending blood from the heart to all organs. By sending blood through the blood vessels, the heart transfers oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to all organs and cell groups in the body. At the same time, after they are transported, the blood returns to the heart, recovering toxins and wastes that have settled in the body, and what is needed to return it is the pump function of the foot, called the second heart. Accordingly, in recent years, interest in the health care of the foot, such as foot bath, plantar acupressure and the like has increased.

In recent years, the number of diabetics has increased rapidly, and it is known that about 10% of the total population suffers from diabetes. Diabetes is known to be caused by changes in diet, bad drinking culture, and lack of exercise caused by modern people's busy schedules.

In general, the appearance of diabetes initially causes problems throughout the body, but gradually causes nerves, blood vessels, and the immune system to break down, the nerves are gradually destroyed and blood vessels become clogged, causing the most serious problems in the foot at the end of the body. For example, 15-20% of patients hospitalized with diabetes may show foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are a major obstacle in diabetics, ranging from 28% to amputation, which is astronomical.

Diabetic foot disease, which is caused by a combination of microvascular disorders, free radicals and glycation of proteins due to prolonged hyperglycemia, includes abnormalities, necrosis, calluses, and refractory athlete's foot. If you have diabetes, your feet will be easily injured. If you are infected with a wound, you will not be treated well, unlike a healthy person, and will gradually spread to the upper part.If you miss the initial treatment period, the disease will progress rapidly and irreversibly. Can cause. In addition, as diabetes progresses, most patients have neuropathy, which is a symptom of sensory neuropathy at the extremities of the lower extremities, resulting in cold, numb, and burning symptoms. In addition, the sensation of the foot is dull, the trauma easily appears, resulting in gangrene due to infection, etc., if not properly managed can cause serious problems such as cutting the lower limbs. Thus, improvement of the blood circulation of the foot and neuropathic treatment are very important to prevent the lower limb cutting due to diabetes in advance.

The present invention has been made in view of the above point, by being worn on the foot of the human body to deliver a microcurrent to the toes, soles, insteps, ankles, etc. can effectively achieve the foot massage effect or the treatment effect of diabetes mellitus The purpose is to provide a sock for the current stimulation.

Socks for microcurrent stimulation according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving some of the above technical problems,

A microcurrent stimulator formed on at least a portion of the sock and made of conductive yarns;

A microcurrent generator attached to an upper portion of the ankle part and generating a microcurrent to be applied to a conductive yarn constituting the microcurrent stimulation portion, and applying the microcurrent at a predetermined period during an enable time;

A connection part formed of the same material as the microcurrent stimulation part to electrically connect the microcurrent stimulation part and the microcurrent generator; And

It includes; the base portion formed of a general yarn on the remaining portion except the microcurrent stimulation portion and the connection portion.

The microcurrent generator is attached to a predetermined portion of the ankle top of the microcurrent stimulation socks, a button attachment method that performs the attachment and application of microcurrent simultaneously using a snap fastener of conductive metal material, velcro (velcro) Velcro attachment method using a), having a length adjustable band to the microcurrent generator and can be attached to the microcurrent stimulating socks by any one method selected from the band attachment method worn on the ankle or calf.

On the upper side of the sock is formed a pocket portion for accommodating the microcurrent generator, a pair of first connection terminal is formed in the microcurrent generator, a pair of second connection terminal is connected to the connection portion in the pocket portion And the first and second connection terminals are electrically connected as the microcurrent generator is accommodated in the pocket part.

The cover part is formed to be openable and closeable on the upper side of the pocket part, and an inner side surface of the cover part and an outer side surface of the pocket part are provided with corresponding coupling means.

One embodiment of the microcurrent generator,

A power supply unit having a power supply switch for supplying power to the microcurrent generator;

A frequency generator for generating a constant frequency;

The microcurrent is generated by using the power supplied through the power supply unit, and the generation period of the microcurrent is controlled using the frequency generated by the frequency generator, and in response to the enable signal input from the outside. A control chip for controlling the holding time of the micro current generation; And

And a generation current level control unit for adjusting the microcurrent generated in the control chip to a desired level.

An embodiment of the microcurrent generator may further include a generation voltage level control unit for controlling the output voltage generated by the control chip to a desired final voltage.

Another embodiment of the microcurrent generator,

Generating a first control signal for generating a microcurrent having a positive phase, a second control signal for generating a microcurrent having a negative phase, and a third control signal for boosting a power supply voltage to control the microcurrent generation And checking the level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body through the microcurrent generator, and controlling the third control signal to change the voltage level of the boosted voltage when it is not a predetermined level, thereby supplying the human body of the microcurrent. A control unit for controlling the level;

A booster boosting a power supply voltage to a boosted voltage of a predetermined level in response to the third control signal of the control unit; And

On the basis of the boosted voltage boosted by the booster, a microcurrent having a desired level is generated and supplied to a specific part of the human body through connection terminals connected to the human body, and when the first control signal is input, And a microcurrent output unit for supplying the microcurrent having a phase and supplying the microcurrent having a negative phase when the second control signal is input.

The microcurrent output unit includes at least one voltage distribution circuit and a plurality of switching elements, and each of the plurality of switching elements performs a switching operation in response to the first control signal or the second control signal. .

The microcurrent output unit generates and supplies a supply level confirmation signal for confirming a human supply level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body, and provides the control unit, and the control unit generates a boosted voltage in response to the supply level confirmation signal. Characterized by controlling the level.

The first control signal and the second control signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined period and a certain duty ratio, characterized in that the first control signal and the second control signal has a predetermined phase difference.

The control unit may determine whether the human body connection terminals are actually connected to the human body through the supply level confirmation signal, and control whether microcurrent is generated.

According to the present invention, the microcurrent is transmitted through the microcurrent stimulus formed on the toe, the sole, the instep, the ankle, and the like to be worn on the foot of the human body, so that the massage effect or the treatment effect of diabetes can be more effectively implemented.

1 is a view showing a sock for microcurrent stimulation according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view showing a sock for microcurrent stimulation according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

3 is an exploded perspective view showing a sock for microcurrent stimulation according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side view showing a sock for microcurrent stimulation according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 4.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing a sock for microcurrent stimulation according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing a sock for microcurrent stimulation according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a circuit diagram of a microcurrent generator according to a first embodiment applied to a sock for microcurrent stimulation of the present invention.

9 is a block diagram showing a microcurrent generator according to a second embodiment applied to a sock for microcurrent stimulation of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of an example of the microcurrent generator of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an operation timing diagram of FIG. 10.

12 illustrates another embodiment of the boosting unit of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, without any other intention than to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

1 illustrates a microcurrent stimulating sock 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the microcurrent stimulation socks 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a microcurrent stimulation unit (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d), which is formed of a good conductive yarn, the general yarn The base 110 is formed, and the microcurrent generator 150 is formed.

The

microcurrent stimulation part

120a, 120b, 120c, 120d is selected from at least one selected from the toe part 120a, the ankle part 120c, the instep part 120d, and the sole part 120b of the microcurrent stimulating sock. The portion may be formed by knitting or the like by a conductive yarn of a conductive material. Such a conductive yarn may be made of a highly conductive thread such as gold sand, silver, or a verb.

The ankle portion 120c of the

microcurrent stimulation portions

120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d may be formed in a round shape to surround the acupoints behind the ankle or wrap the back portion only at the peach bone portion.

In addition, the toe portion 120a is formed to cover the entire toe, and the instep portion 120d and the sole portion 120b are formed to cover the acupoints of the instep and the sole of the foot.

The connecting

portions

120e and 120f are connected to the microcurrent

magnetic pole portions

120a, 120b, 120c and 120d, and the connecting

portions

120e and 120f are formed by conductive yarns. The

microcurrent stimulation parts

120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are electrically connected to the microcurrent generator 150 through the

connection parts

120e and 120f. The connection part 120e electrically connects the ankle part 120c and the remaining

parts

120a, 120b, and 120d of the

microcurrent stimulation part

120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, and the connection part 120f is a microcurrent stimulation part ( The ankle portion 120c of the 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and the microcurrent generator 150 are electrically connected to each other.

The connecting

parts

120e and 120f are formed to be narrow and long and are electrically connected to the terminals of the microcurrent generator 150, respectively. Although the connection part 120f is illustrated only on the front side in the drawing, the same structure is also formed on the back side so that the front and back connection parts 120f are electrically connected to each other to apply a microcurrent, or the microcurrent generators 150 are separated from each other. ) Terminals can be electrically connected.

The microcurrent

magnetic pole portions

120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and the connecting

portions

120e and 120f may be formed of only conductive yarns, or may be formed by mixing conductive yarns with ordinary yarns. In the case of forming a mixture of conductive yarns and ordinary yarns, the mixing ratio may be appropriately determined to have an optimum effect through various experiments.

All of the conduction conductors constituting the microcurrent

magnetic pole portions

120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and the

connection portions

120e and 120f should be electrically connected to each other.

The base 110 is the remaining portion except for the

microcurrent stimulation part

120a, 120b, 120c, 120d and the

connection part

120e, 120f of the microcurrent stimulation socks 100, the base part 110 is a general yarn It is formed by knitting. Ordinary yarns are used for the manufacture of socks, yarns well known to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may be used.

The microcurrent generator 150 is configured to be detachably attached to an upper side of the ankle portion, and generates a microcurrent of 0 to 1000 mA (not including 0) to generate a

microcurrent stimulation part

120a, 120b, or 120c. 120d) and the micro-currents are applied to the

connection portions

120e and 120f at regular intervals during the enable time.

The microcurrent generator 150 is attached to the upper part of the ankle in order to reduce the discomfort when the user wears as a sock in everyday life, the shape of the part touching the leg can also be rounded to minimize the inconvenience.

The attachment portion for attaching the microcurrent generator 150 to the sock is a Velcro attachment method for attaching and attaching a velcro to the sock 100 and the microcurrent generator 150, respectively, or a snap button attached to the sock and the microcurrent generator. (snap fastener) is a button that can be fixed by inserting. In addition, by attaching the adjustable band to the microcurrent generator 150, the band method can be worn on the ankle or calf. In this case, the length of the band can be in the form of a velcro, a ring, a buckle, and the like.

The connection portion 120f and the microcurrent generator 150 that transfer the microcurrent supplied from the microcurrent generator 150 to the

microcurrent stimulation units

120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are microcurrent generators 150. ) Depends on the attachment method. In the case of a button method, the button is made of a conductor such as metal, and the attachment portion of the sock 100 is knitted with a conductive yarn so as to have a function of a connection portion that flows a microcurrent to the sock at the same time. In addition, one of the buttons connects the positive electrode and one of the negative poles so that the positive and negative poles of the microcurrent can be differently connected as necessary.

In the case of the Velcro method or the band method, a method of connecting the metal terminal attached to the conductive yarn portion of the socks by extracting the positive and negative wires from the microcurrent generator 150 may be used.

In addition, in order to prevent corrosion or rust during washing, it is preferable to use a metallic material made of a material resistant to corrosion or rust such as copper.

2 illustrates a microcurrent stimulating sock 100a according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the microcurrent stimulation sock 100a according to the second embodiment of the present invention, except that the entire ankle is formed with the microcurrent stimulation part 130. It has the same configuration as described. That is, the microcurrent stimulation sock 100a according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a microcurrent stimulation part 130 that occupies the entire ankle or less of the sock and a base portion 140 positioned at the top of the ankle. In addition, the microcurrent stimulation unit 130 may be formed by knitting a conductive yarn and a general yarn as shown in FIG.

And, similarly to the first embodiment, the microcurrent generator 150 may be detachably attached to the upper portion of the ankle, and a connecting portion electrically connecting the microcurrent generator 150 and the microcurrent unit 130 ( 120f) is formed.

3 to 5 illustrate a microcurrent stimulating sock 100b according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

3 to 5, the microcurrent stimulation socks 100b according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second

microcurrent stimulation parts

131 and 132 formed on the sole side of the socks, The base 110 is formed of a general yarn, and a microcurrent generator 150.

The first and second

microcurrent stimulation parts

131 and 132 are formed spaced apart at a predetermined interval on the sole side of the sock, and the first and second connection parts are provided on the first and second

microcurrent stimulation parts

131 and 132, respectively. 161 and 162 are electrically connected.

The first and second microcurrent

magnetic pole parts

131 and 132 and the first and

second connection parts

161 and 162 are formed of a conductive yarn having good conductivity as in the previous embodiment.

Meanwhile, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the pocket part 200 is formed on the upper side of the sock, and the receiving space 210 in which the microcurrent generator 150 is accommodated is formed inside the pocket part 200. A pair of

first connection terminals

171 and 172 are connected to the microcurrent generator 150 through

power lines

150a and 150b, and the

first connection terminals

171 and 172 are made of a conductive material. The one connecting

terminal

171, 172 is formed in the groove shape.

The first and

second connection parts

161 and 162 extend toward the pocket part 200, and a pair of

second connection terminals

221 and 222 are formed on one side of the pocket part 200, and the second connection terminal ( The 221 and 222 are made of a conductive material and configured to be individually connected to the first and

second connection portions

161 and 162. Each of the

second connection terminals

221 and 222 is formed in a protrusion shape.

As a result, the microcurrent generator 150 is accommodated in the accommodation space 210 of the pocket 200, and the

first connection terminals

171 and 172 of the microcurrent generator 150 extend toward the pocket 200. It is electrically connected to the 2nd connection terminal 221,222 side.

The cover portion 230 is formed on the upper side of the pocket portion 200 to be opened and closed, and coupling means such as Velcro fasteners and snap buttons on the inner side of the cover portion 230 and one side of the pocket portion 200. 242 is provided, the cover portion 230 is coupled to the pocket portion 200 by the coupling means (241, 242) can maintain its closed state.

6 illustrates a microcurrent stimulating sock 100c according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

According to the fourth embodiment, a pair of

first connection terminals

173 and 174 are formed in a protrusion shape on one side of the microcurrent generator 150 and a pair of second connections formed on the pocket part 200 side. The

terminals

223 and 224 are formed in a groove shape. Accordingly, the microcurrent generator 150 is accommodated in the accommodation space 210 of the pocket part 200, and the

first connection terminals

173 and 174 of the microcurrent generator 150 extend toward the pocket part 200. It is electrically connected to the

connection terminals

223 and 224 side.

The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first to third embodiments, so detailed description thereof is omitted.

7 illustrates a microcurrent stimulating sock 100d according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

According to the fifth embodiment, a pair of

first connection terminals

175 and 176 are formed in a protrusion shape on one side of the microcurrent generator 150 and a pair of second connections formed on the pocket part 200 side. The

terminals

225 and 226 are formed in a projection shape. Accordingly, the microcurrent generator 150 is accommodated in the accommodation space 210 of the pocket part 200, and the

second connection terminals

175 and 176 of the microcurrent generator 150 extend toward the pocket part 200. It is electrically connected to the

connection terminals

225 and 226 side.

And, one side of the microcurrent generator 150 is attached to the coupling means 250, such as a clip or tongs, the microcurrent generator 150 by the coupling means 250 can be coupled to the pocket portion 200 side. have.

8 shows a circuit diagram according to a first embodiment of the microcurrent generator 150 used in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the microcurrent generator 150 includes a power supply unit 152, a frequency generator 156, a control chip 157, and a generation current level control unit 158.

In addition, the generation voltage level control unit 154 for controlling the level of the generated voltage generated by the control chip 157 to the final voltage required for the human body may be further provided. The generated voltage level controller 154 has a wiring structure shown in FIG. 8 including a resistor R3, a capacitor C1, and an inductor L. Referring to FIG.

The power supply unit 152 is connected to a battery for supplying power to the microcurrent generator 150.

The power supply unit 152 may include a battery for supplying power, a power switch S / W1 for determining whether the power is supplied to the microcurrent generator 150, and a battery level indicator D1 indicating the remaining amount of the battery. ) And battery indicator indicator switch (S / W2). At this time, the power switch (S / W1), the remaining battery indicator (D1), the remaining battery indicator indicator switch (S / W2) is exposed to the outside of the case for the user's operation and convenience, open for the user's battery replacement Closed lid is provided. The power switch (S / W1) may be in a form that can be directly operated by the user, and also, if necessary, using a film switch, a resistance switch, a thermal switch, a touch switch, and the like, automatically and manually as needed. It is also possible to configure it to turn on and off.

The power supply unit 152 operates the microcurrent generator 150 only when the power switch S / W1 connected to the input terminal VIN of the control chip 157 is on to minimize battery consumption. In addition, the battery power remaining indicator (D1) is connected to the LED control unit (LED) in the control chip 157, it is possible to turn on the LED lamp for each color such as red, blue, yellow so that the user can know. In addition, to prevent unnecessary battery consumption due to LED lighting, the battery power indicator indicator switch (S / W2) is attached so that the user can specify whether the LED is on or off.

In addition, through the diode (D1) and the resistor (R4) connected to the LED control terminal (LED) of the control chip 157, the brightness of the LED, the interval of lighting (in seconds), the lighting time (in seconds or milliseconds) Adjust to minimize battery drain.

In general, all the batteries known to those skilled in the art may be used as the batteries. That is, all batteries can be used, including primary batteries such as alkaline batteries and manganese batteries, and secondary batteries such as lithium-ion, nickel-hydrogen and nickel-cadmium batteries. As for battery power, 3V coin battery as well as 1.5V general battery can be arranged in series to supply 3 ~ 12V DC power.

The frequency generator 156 is for controlling the generation cycle of the microcurrent generated through the microcurrent generator 150, by connecting a frequency crystal CRYSTAL to the Xin and Xout terminals of the control chip 157. Configure. Using the frequency generated by the frequency generator 156, the control chip 157 or the microcurrent generator 150 outputs a microcurrent at a desired time interval (seconds or milliseconds), and the enable terminal ( EN) to maintain the output for the desired time (in seconds or milliseconds).

The control chip 157 generates the microcurrent using the power supplied through the power supply unit 152, and controls the generation period of the microcurrent using the frequency generated by the frequency generator 156. The generation time of the microcurrent is controlled in response to the enable signal input through the enable terminal EN from the outside.

The control chip 157 is configured to generate a microcurrent having the required voltage and current by using the power supplied from the battery of the power supply unit 152, the microcurrent generation cycle, the fine using the power supplied from the battery It converts a microcurrent with a current holding time, voltage and current of the required size.

The control chip 157 converts the power of the 2.5V ~ 12V voltage input through the battery into a voltage of 9V ~ 50V and a microcurrent of 1,000 kHz or less to supply a microcurrent beneficial to the human body.

The generation current level control unit 158 is to adjust the micro current generated by the control chip 157 to a desired level, and has a wiring structure as shown in FIG. 3 (R1, R2) and a variable resistor. (VR), condenser (C2), diode (D2), and transistor (TR1), through the microcurrent output from the control chip 157 to convert to a microcurrent of several hundreds to hundreds of microwatts to deliver to the human body do.

The overall operation of the microcurrent generator 150 is as follows.

When the power switch S / W1 is turned on while the battery (primary and secondary batteries between 2.5V and 12V are connected) is connected to the input terminal VIN of the control chip 157, The input power is input to the control chip 157 through the VCC terminal VCC in the control chip 157.

The input power is amplified from 9V to 50V in the circuit in the control chip 157 and output to the outside of the control chip. The amplified 9V to 50V voltage is output to the outside of the control chip 157 through the SW terminal SW in the control chip as the output voltage of the control chip 157. The output voltage is readjusted to the final voltage required by the human body through the resistor R3, the capacitor C1, and the inductor L present in the generated voltage level controller 154 that is external to the control chip 157. .

On the other hand, the microcurrent output from the control chip 157 is output to the outside of the control chip 157 with a microcurrent size of at most 1,000 mA or less through the VSW terminal VSW of the control chip 157 as necessary. . The microcurrent is provided in the generation current level control unit 158, and is connected to the output terminals of the microcurrent generator 150, resistors R1 and R2, variable resistors VR, capacitors C2, and diodes D2. ) And the final output is adjusted to the current of the desired size. In addition, the control chip 157, the original DC current only has a positive phase in nature, it has a function to alternately output a positive phase and a negative phase through the transistor (TR1). The feedback (FB) of the control chip serves as a feedback function to check the accuracy of the final output.

9 is a block diagram according to a second embodiment of the microcurrent generator of the present invention. As illustrated, the microcurrent generator 150 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 310, a boosting unit 320, and a microcurrent output unit 330.

The control unit 310 is a first control signal (S1) for generating a fine current having a positive phase, a second control signal (S2) for generating a fine current having a negative phase, and for boosting the power supply voltage The third control signal S3 is generated to control the generation of the microcurrent. The control unit 310 checks the level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body through the microcurrent generator 150 and controls the third control signal S3 when the level is not a predetermined level, thereby increasing the voltage level of the boosted voltage. By varying the control the human body supply level of the microcurrent.

The control unit 310 may include a control chip having a CPU to generate the first to third control signals S1, S2, and S3.

The booster 320 boosts the power voltages Vdd and Vcc to a boosted voltage of a predetermined level in response to the third control signal S3 of the control unit 310 to the microcurrent output unit 330. Supply.

The booster circuit constituting the booster unit 320 includes a booster circuit of a DC-DC converter type using a back electromotive force of an inductor, a charge pump circuit using a capacitor, and to those skilled in the art. Various well known boost circuits can be used.

The microcurrent output unit 330 generates a microcurrent of a desired level based on the boosted voltage boosted by the booster 320 and supplies the microcurrent to the specific site of the human body through contact terminals in contact with the human body. .

The microcurrent output unit 330 supplies the microcurrent having a positive phase when the first control signal S1 is input, and a negative phase when the second control signal S2 is input. Supply the microcurrent having a.

Here, the microcurrent is a current level of 0-1500 mA (not including 0) and refers to the micro current in microamps. The microcurrent output unit 330 is generated by selecting any current level that is determined to have the highest therapeutic effect or massage effect among current levels of 0 to 1500 mA (not including 0). For example, a microcurrent of 0 to 300 mA or a micro current of 150 to 150 mA can be output.

In order to generate the microcurrent, the microcurrent output unit 330 includes at least one voltage distribution circuit and a plurality of switching elements, and each of the plurality of switching elements may include the first control signal S1 or the first control element. The switching operation may be performed in response to the two control signal S2.

The microcurrent can be varied in response to the skin resistance of the human body used to make the level of the microcurrent actually supplied to the human body constant.

To this end, the microcurrent output unit 330 generates a supply level confirmation signal for confirming the human body supply level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body and provides it to the control unit 310, and the control unit 310 provides the In response to the supply level confirmation signal, the level of the boosted voltage of the booster 320 is controlled.

Here, the supply level confirmation signal, in addition to the function of confirming the level of the microcurrent actually supplied to the human body also provides a function of confirming whether the conditions for the actual contact with the human body has been established.

10 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of implementation of the microcurrent generator of FIG. 9.

As shown, the control unit 310a is a control chip (for example, PIC16F716) (U2), resistor (R4), capacitor (C4), power (Vcc), LED to determine whether the power supply ( Including the D2) has a wiring structure as shown in FIG. The control chip U2 may be a generator of a control signal having various kinds of frequencies.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control unit 310a may include a first control signal S1 for generating a microcurrent having a positive phase, a second control signal S2 for generating a microcurrent having a negative phase, And generating a third control signal S3 for boosting the power voltage to control the microcurrent generation.

In addition, the control unit 310a receives the supply level confirmation signal MC for confirming the human body supply level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body provided by the microcurrent output unit 330a to receive the booster 320a. The level of the boosted voltage VC can be controlled. The level control of the boosted voltage VC is possible through the third control signal.

Although the control unit 310a checks the human body supply level of the microcurrent through the supply level confirmation signal MC, it is also possible to check whether the human body contact terminals P1 and P2 actually contact the human body. . This is because it is possible to determine that the human body contact terminals P1 and P2 are in contact with the human body if the supply level confirmation signal MC is within a certain range corresponding to the skin resistance because the range of the human body's skin resistance is determined. .

Therefore, when power is supplied, the control unit 310a first checks whether the human body contact terminals P1 and P2 are in contact with the human body through the supply level confirmation signal MC, and whether a microcurrent is generated. It is decided. That is, when it is confirmed that the human body is contacted through the supply level confirmation signal MC, the microcurrent generation is performed through the microcurrent generator, and then the function of confirming the actual human supply level of the microcurrent is performed. .

Since the control unit 310a has to be movable and portable, the power supply voltage may be configured to be supplied through a battery.

The booster 320a may include a switching element Q7, which is repeatedly switched by the third control signal S3 generated by the control unit 310a, an inductor L1, rectification and ripple prevention, and boost voltage. A diode D1 for storage, capacitors C1 and C2, and a resistor R10 have a wiring structure as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, a transistor is used as the switching element Q7, but various switching elements including a MOSFET may be used.

As shown in FIG. 12, the boosting unit 320a may be configured through a DC-DC converter type boosting circuit including the boosting stage 10 in multiple stages, and may include various boosting circuits such as a boosting circuit. It is possible to implement

The microcurrent output unit 330a includes a plurality of voltage dividers using a plurality of resistors R1, R6, R2, R7, R8, and R9 and a plurality of switching elements Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, and Q6. ) To output the microcurrent to the human body contact terminals (P1, P2). The plurality of switching elements Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, and Q6 use transistors, but various switching elements including MOSFETs may be applied.

Some switching elements Q6 and Q3 of the switching elements Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5 and Q6 are controlled by the first control signal S1 and some switching elements Q5 and Q4. Is controlled by the second control signal S2, and the remaining switching elements Q1 and Q2 are controlled by the voltage of the first node n1, that is, the boosted voltage VC.

The human body contact terminals P1 and P2 are mounted on specific parts of the human body (sites requiring treatment or massage), and the second human body contacts the microcurrent applied through the first human contact terminal P1 through the human body. It may be configured to return to the terminal (P2), or to allow the micro-current applied through the second human contact terminal (P2) to pass through the human body to return to the first human contact terminal (P1).

FIG. 11 is a timing diagram of the control signal and the fine current of FIG. 10.

Hereinafter, the operation of the microcurrent generator 150 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the timing diagram of FIG. 11.

First, the microcurrent generator 150 operates while the human body contact terminals P1 and P2 of the microcurrent generator 330a of the microcurrent generator 150 are mounted on a specific part of the human body.

When power is supplied through a battery, the control unit 310a generates a signal for confirming whether the human body is in contact with the microcurrent output unit 330a or the third control signal S3 for generating a general microcurrent. In addition, the supply level confirmation signal MC is received to check whether the human body contact terminals P1 and P2 actually touch the human body.

This is because when the level of the supply level confirmation signal MC is positioned within a predetermined range in consideration of the skin resistance of a general human body, it is possible to determine that the human body is in contact with the human body.

Thereafter, the control unit 110a supplies the third control signal S3 for generating a microcurrent to the boosting unit 320a. The third control signal S3 is a control signal whose width and period are adjusted for boosting.

When power is supplied through a battery, the control unit 310a supplies the third control signal S3 to the boosting unit 320a. The third control signal S3 is a control signal whose width and period are adjusted for boosting.

When the third control signal S3 is applied, the switching element Q7 of the boosting unit 320a is turned on / off in response to the third control signal S3.

When the switching element Q7 is turned on, the current of the inductor L1 starts to increase, and the diode D1 is turned off because the bias is applied in the reverse direction, and thus the inductor The voltage (L1) becomes equal to the power supply voltages Vcc and Vdd. When the switching device Q7 is turned off by the third control signal S3 again, the current of the inductor L1 starts to decrease, and accordingly, the voltage of the inductor L1 The polarity is changed to merge with the power supply voltage. This voltage is stored in capacitor C1.

In this case, a forward bias is applied to the diode D2, and the capacitor C2 stores a voltage output through the diode D2, and the output voltage, that is, the boost voltage VC Eliminate pulsations (ripples).

When the next switching operation is performed, a voltage corresponding to twice the voltage stored in the capacitor C1 is stored in the capacitor C2. When a plurality of switching operations are performed in this manner, the first node n1 ) Generates a boosted voltage VC several times to several ten times higher than the power supply voltages Vcc and Vdd. For example, assuming that the power supply voltage is 3V, it is possible to obtain a voltage of 30V. Of course, it is also possible to generate higher levels of voltage.

That is, when the switching element Q7 repeatedly performs the on / off operation according to the width and the period of the third control signal S3 of the control unit 310a, the boosted voltage VC has a desired level. .

When the boosted voltage VC reaches a desired level, the control unit 310a generates a first control signal S1 and a second control signal S2. The first control signal S1 and the second control signal S2 may be generated at the same time as the supply of the power supply voltage of the control unit 310a, but it does not mean that the boosted voltage VC reaches a desired level. Therefore, it is assumed here that it occurs when the boosted voltage VC reaches a desired level.

The first control signal S1 is for generating a micro current having a positive phase, and the second control signal S2 is for generating a micro current having a negative phase.

When a microcurrent having a positive phase and a negative phase is generated and supplied to the human body, the treatment and massage effects are known to be superior to those of the microcurrent having only a positive phase.

The first control signal S1 is shown in FIG. 11. It may have a waveform structure of the pulse (pulse) having a certain period and a certain duty ratio (duty ratio). For example, it may have a waveform structure having a period of 1 second and a constant voltage level for a time of 150 ms, and a voltage level of 0 for the remaining time.

However, this is just one example. In consideration of the effective aspects of treatment or massage, the period or duty ratio may be changed by a unit of time, and the period or duty ratio may have a different waveform structure.

The second control signal S2 may have a waveform structure in the form of a pulse having a certain period and a constant duty ratio in a form having a predetermined phase difference from the first control signal S1. The second control signal S2 has the same shape except that it has a predetermined phase difference from the first control signal S1.

Here, the second control signal S2 should have a voltage level of 0 in a time interval t1 in which the first control signal S1 has a constant voltage level, and the first control signal S1 has a voltage of 0. In some sections of the time section T-t1 having the level, the waveform structure has a constant voltage level.

That is, the pulse of the first control signal S1 and the pulse of the second control signal S2 are generated so as not to overlap. That is, the timing at which the switching elements Q6 and Q3 are turned on by the first control signal S1 and the timing at which the switching elements Q5 and Q4 are turned on by the second control signal S2 should be different. Immediately after the switching elements Q6 and Q3 are turned on by the first control signal S1 and turned off again, the switching elements Q5 and Q4 are turned on by the second control signal S2. Also, the switching elements Q6 and Q3 are turned on by the first control signal S1 and then turned off again, and after a predetermined time, the switching elements Q5 and Q4 are turned on by the second control signal S2. It is also possible to turn on. This is possible by controlling the timing of the pulse generation of the second control signal S2, and may be determined differently as necessary in consideration of treatment or massage effects.

When the boosted voltage VC reaches a predetermined level, the microcurrent output unit 330a turns on the switching element Q1 by the voltage divided by the voltage distribution of the resistors R1 and R6. The voltage divided by the voltage distribution of R2 and R7 turns on the switching element Q2. This is possible when the switching elements Q5 and Q6 are turned off. When the switching element Q6 is turned on by the first control signal S1 even when the boost voltage VC reaches a predetermined level. When the switching device Q2 is turned on and the switching device Q1 is turned off, and the switching device Q5 is turned on by the second control signal S2, the switching device Q1 is turned on and switched. Element Q2 is turned off.

When the first control signal S1 and the second control signal S2 are applied to supply the microcurrent, the microcurrent supply is started.

When the switching devices Q6 and Q3 are turned on by the first control signal S1 and the switching devices Q5 and Q4 are turned off by the second control signal S2, the switching device Q2. ) Is turned on, and the microcurrent is supplied to the human body through the switching element Q2 and the human body contact terminal P1 at the first node n1, and the microcurrent supplied to the human body is the human body contact terminal P2 and It is recovered through the switching element Q3 and the resistors R8 and R9. At this time, the switching elements Q5, Q4, and Q1 are turned off by the second control signal S2. At this time, the microcurrent supplied to the human body has a positive phase, as shown in the microcurrent graphs P1-P2 of FIG. 11.

Thereafter, when the switching devices Q6 and Q3 are turned off by the first control signal S1 and the switching devices Q5 and Q4 are turned on by the second control signal S2, the switching device Q1. ) Is turned on, and the microcurrent is supplied to the human body through the switching element Q1 and the human body contact terminal P2 at the first node, and the microcurrent supplied to the human body is the human body contact terminal P1 and the switching element ( Q4), it is recovered through the resistors R8 and R9. At this time, the switching elements Q6, Q3, and Q2 are turned off by the first control signal S2. At this time, the microcurrent supplied to the human body has a negative phase, as shown in the microcurrent graphs P1-P2 of FIG. 11.

As already described, the level of microcurrent supplied to the human body is different for each human body because the skin resistance is different for each human body. Therefore, in order to increase the massage or treatment effect, since the microcurrent within a certain level range must be supplied, there is a need to check the level of the microcurrent actually supplied to the human body.

Therefore, the microcurrent output unit 330a has a configuration capable of controlling the level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body by checking the level of the microcurrent recovered through the human body contact terminals P1 and P2.

It is possible to use the voltage corresponding to the microcurrent or the microcurrent flowing through the resistors R8 and R9 as the supply level confirmation signal MC for confirming the human body supply level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body.

The supply level confirmation signal MC may send a minute current flowing through the resistors R8 and R9 to the control unit 310a. As shown in FIG. 10, the voltage distribution of the resistors R8 and R9 may be divided. It is also possible to use the divided voltage level as the supply level confirmation signal MC.

The supply level confirmation signal MC is provided to the control chip U2 of the control unit 310a, and when the supply level confirmation signal MC is provided, the control unit 310a analyzes the supply level confirmation signal MC to the human body. It is confirmed whether the level of the microcurrent actually supplied is the desired level.

If the level of the microcurrent actually supplied to the human body is within the desired level range, no separate operation is performed, but if the level of the microcurrent is out of the desired level range, the boosting unit 320a is boosted through the third control signal S3. The level of the voltage VC is controlled.

When the level of the boosted voltage VC is controlled, the level of the microcurrent actually supplied to the human body through the human body contact terminals P1 and P2 is changed, and the control through the control unit 310a is controlled by the human body. The level of microcurrent actually supplied is continued until the desired level range is reached.

On the other hand, wearing the microcurrent stimulation socks of the present invention, it is very useful for the healing of damaged tissues by flowing a microcurrent to the damaged tissues such as pressure ulcers, congestive ulcers and diabetic ulcers. The most direct effect of microcurrent stimulation is to reduce the stimulation of the sympathetic nerve, which causes the contraction of muscles located in the vessel wall in the peripheral blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow, thereby increasing blood flow to the skin. In wound healing, various studies have shown that the effect of microcurrent can increase tissue oxygen saturation with the increase of blood flow in diabetic ulcer sites. In addition, microcurrent stimulation stimulates angiogenesis, increases the biosynthesis of fibroblasts and proteins, and the flow of current from the cathode to the anode increases the migration of fibroblasts and synthesized proteins in wound margins, preventing bacterial growth. It has an effect on wound healing with an increase in tissue oxygen saturation copper due to increased blood flow. The angiogenic stimulating effect of the microcurrent is caused by the increased production of VEGF by the current. According to Clover et al., A 6-week stimulation with a microcurrent that does not cause muscle shortening in patients with peripheral vascular disease shows a 25% increase in capillary blood vessels compared with pre-stimulation on capillary microscopy.

Microcurrent during electrostimulation therapy is also called "biological stimulation" or "bioengineering" because of its ability to stimulate cell physiology and growth. Microcurrent has an excellent effect on wound healing, and one of the mechanisms of wound healing has been hypothesized to facilitate intracellular metabolism and stimulate ATP production by energizing the body with the same microcurrent. Since microcurrents have been found to directly affect local microcirculation to soothe inflammation, many studies have been conducted and the high effects of microcurrents on the treatment and wound healing of Achilles tendonitis have been reported in several papers. In addition, since the microcurrent is carried out in a range below the sensory sense almost no current has the advantage that can be treated without the discomfort caused by the current appearing in the previous electrotherapy.

Percutaneous oxygen partial pressure measurement has been widely used as the most important method for determining the effects of electrostimulation therapy in diabetic foot disease patients. Percutaneous oxygen partial pressure measurement is a non-invasive test method that can measure the skin micro blood flow and blood gas by measuring the absolute value of oxygen partial pressure in the epidermis and dermis. Percutaneous oxygen partial pressure measurement is also an important indicator for predicting the risk of wound healing and amputation. If the percutaneous oxygen partial pressure measured at the wound is less than 20 mmHg, healing of the wound can hardly occur. After electrical stimulation treatment, sympathetic nerve stimulation is reduced, and peripheral blood vessel response causes vasodilation and an increase in capillaries at the electrical stimulation site, indicating an increase in percutaneous oxygen partial pressure. Many previous studies have shown that the percutaneous partial pressure of oxygen measured after electrostimulation has increased by an average of 14 mmHg, resulting in reduced amputation in diabetic foot disease patients.

The microcurrent stimulation therapy can be used for the control of pain in various musculoskeletal disorders and neurological diseases such as myofascial pain syndrome, tennis elbow, shoulder adhesive adhesions, arthritis, as well as peripheral neuropathy such as diabetic neuropathy and disc disease. As a mechanism of microcurrent stimulation treatment, the rate of nerve conduction of Aδ-fiber, which delivers sensory nerves, is faster than that of C-fber, which controls pain. Pain threshold can be lowered by promoting back secretion.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to generate a microcurrent through the microcurrent generator, to control the level of the generated microcurrent, and to deliver the microcurrent through the conduction yarn to treat the foot massage effect or diabetes. Can be more effectively achieved.

The description of the above embodiments is merely given by way of example with reference to the drawings for a more thorough understanding of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the basic principles of the present invention.

Claims

A microcurrent stimulator formed on at least a portion of the sock and made of conductive yarns;

A microcurrent generator attached to an upper portion of the ankle part and generating a microcurrent to be applied to a conductive yarn constituting the microcurrent stimulation portion, and applying the microcurrent at a predetermined period during an enable time;

A connection part formed of the same material as the microcurrent stimulation part to electrically connect the microcurrent stimulation part and the microcurrent generator; And

Socks for microcurrent stimulation comprising ;;
The method of claim 1,

The microcurrent generator is attached to a predetermined portion of the upper ankle of the sock for the microcurrent stimulation, using a snap fastener of a conductive metal material (button fastening method to perform the attachment and microcurrent at the same time, velcro (velcro) Velcro attachment method using the), having a length adjustable band to the microcurrent generator and is attached to the microcurrent stimulating socks in any one method selected from the band attachment method worn on the ankle or calf area. Socks for microcurrent stimulation.
The method of claim 1,

On the upper side of the sock is formed a pocket portion for accommodating the microcurrent generator, a pair of first connection terminal is formed in the microcurrent generator, a pair of second connection terminal is connected to the connection portion in the pocket portion And the first and second connection terminals are electrically connected as the microcurrent generator is accommodated in the pocket part.
The method of claim 1,

The upper part of the pocket portion is formed so as to be open and close the cover portion, the inner side of the cover portion and the outer surface of the pocket portion microcurrent stimulation socks, characterized in that the coupling means corresponding to each other is provided.
The method of claim 1,

The microcurrent generator,

A power supply unit having a power supply switch for supplying power to the microcurrent generator;

A frequency generator for generating a constant frequency;

The microcurrent is generated by using the power supplied through the power supply unit, and the generation period of the microcurrent is controlled using the frequency generated by the frequency generator, and in response to the enable signal input from the outside. A control chip for controlling the holding time of the micro current generation; And

Socks for microcurrent stimulation, characterized in that it has; generating current level control unit for adjusting the microcurrent generated in the control chip to a desired level.
The method of claim 5,

The microcurrent generator, microcurrent stimulation socks further comprising a generation voltage level control unit for controlling the output voltage generated in the control chip to a desired final voltage.
The method of claim 1,

The microcurrent generator,

Generating a first control signal for generating a microcurrent having a positive phase, a second control signal for generating a microcurrent having a negative phase, and a third control signal for boosting a power supply voltage to control the microcurrent generation And checking the level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body through the microcurrent generator, and controlling the third control signal to change the voltage level of the boosted voltage when it is not a predetermined level, thereby supplying the human body of the microcurrent. A control unit for controlling the level;

A booster boosting a power supply voltage to a boosted voltage of a predetermined level in response to the third control signal of the control unit; And

On the basis of the boosted voltage boosted by the booster, a microcurrent having a desired level is generated and supplied to a specific part of the human body through connection terminals connected to the human body, and when the first control signal is input, And a microcurrent output unit for supplying the microcurrent having a phase and supplying the microcurrent having a negative phase when the second control signal is input.
The method of claim 7, wherein

The microcurrent output unit includes at least one voltage distribution circuit and a plurality of switching elements, and each of the plurality of switching elements performs a switching operation in response to the first control signal or the second control signal. Socks for microcurrent stimulation.
The method of claim 8,

The microcurrent output unit generates and supplies a supply level confirmation signal for confirming a human supply level of the microcurrent supplied to the human body, and provides the control unit, and the control unit generates a boosted voltage in response to the supply level confirmation signal. Socks for microcurrent stimulation characterized by controlling the level.
The method of claim 8,

And the first control signal and the second control signal are pulse signals having a predetermined period and a certain duty ratio, and the first control signal and the second control signal have a predetermined phase difference.
The method of claim 9,

The control unit checks whether the human body connection terminals are actually connected to the human body through the supply level confirmation signal, and controls whether a microcurrent is generated.