WO2021186859A1

WO2021186859A1 - Electrical stimulus application device and determination method

Info

Publication number: WO2021186859A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/000537
Authority: WO
Inventors: 直樹豊島; 矢口　喜明; 栄次有田
Original assignee: テルモ株式会社
Priority date: 2020-03-17
Filing date: 2021-01-08
Publication date: 2021-09-23

Abstract

This electrical stimulus application device is provided with: a main device and a holding device. The main device is provided with a first main electrode to which a first conductive gel is attached, a second main electrode to which a second conductive gel is attached, and a control unit. The holding device is provided with a conductive part which can be electrically connected to the first main electrode via the first conductive gel and can be electrically connected to the second main electrode via the second conductive gel when the holding device holds the main device. When the holding device holds the main device, the control unit measures the impedance between the first main electrode and the second main electrode, and determines the states of the first conductive gel and the second conductive gel on the basis of the impedance.

Description

Electrical stimulation application device and judgment method

The present disclosure relates to an electrical stimulation application device and a determination method.

Conventionally, there are known devices that treat various diseases by applying a weak electrical stimulus at a level that does not induce depolarization and heat to a living body or a living body tissue. For example, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a weak electric current as an electrical stimulus and heat are applied to a living body or a living body tissue to cause a neurodegenerative disease, a cancer disease, xeroderma pigmentosum, and systemic. Devices for treating diseases such as autoimmune diseases and organ-specific autoimmune diseases are disclosed.

International Publication No. 2017/065239 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-125549

The treatment with the above-mentioned device is performed in a state where the device is attached to a living body or a living tissue via a sheet material provided with a conductive gel. Electrical stimulation is applied to a living body or a living tissue via a conductive gel.

The impedance of the conductive gel increases when dirt adheres to it or the water contained in the conductive gel volatilizes. Since it becomes difficult for the conductive gel to pass electrical stimulation when the impedance increases, it is desirable to replace the conductive gel with the increased impedance with a new conductive gel.

However, since it is difficult for the user to judge the change in the state of the conductive gel such as the increase in impedance, it is difficult for the user to judge the replacement time of the conductive gel.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical stimulus application device and a determination method capable of determining the state of a conductive gel used in the electrical stimulus application device.

The electrical stimulation applying device as the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body device capable of applying electrical stimulation to a living body or a biological tissue, and a holding device capable of holding the main body device when the main body device is not in use. An electrical stimulation application device, the main body device includes a first main electrode to which a first conductive gel is attached, a second main electrode to which a second conductive gel is attached, and a control unit. The holding device can be electrically connected to the first main electrode via the first conductive gel when the holding device holds the main body device, and the second conductive device is connected to the first main electrode. A conductive portion that can be electrically connected to the second main electrode via a gel is provided, and the control unit includes the first main electrode and the first main electrode when the holding device holds the main body device. The impedance between the second main electrode and the second main electrode is measured, and the states of the first conductive gel and the second conductive gel are determined based on the impedance.

In the electric stimulus applying device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the impedance is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the control unit states that the first conductive gel or the second conductive gel is not properly attached. judge.

In the electrical stimulation application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the impedance is equal to or higher than the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value and smaller than the first threshold value, the control unit performs the first conductivity. It is determined that the sex gel and the second conductive gel are in a state of needing replacement.

In the electrical stimulation application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the impedance is smaller than the second threshold value, the control unit is in a state where the first conductive gel and the second conductive gel do not need to be replaced. Is determined.

In the electrical stimulation application device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body device further includes a holding device detection unit that detects whether or not the main body device is held by the holding device, and the control unit is the control unit. When the holding device detection unit detects that the main body device is held by the holding device, the measurement of the impedance is started.

In the electric stimulus applying device as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding device is electrically connected to the first main electrode via the first conductive gel when the holding device holds the main body device. A plurality of first electrodes that can be electrically connected to the second main electrode, and a plurality of electrodes that can be electrically connected to the second main electrode via the second conductive gel when the holding device holds the main body device. A second electrode, a plurality of first switches capable of independently switching the connection between each of the plurality of first electrodes and the conductive portion, each of the plurality of second electrodes, and the conductive portion. It further includes a plurality of second switches whose connections can be switched independently.

The determination method as the second aspect of the present disclosure includes an electric stimulus including a main body device capable of applying an electric stimulus to a living body or a biological tissue and a holding device capable of holding the main body device when the main body device is not in use. The main body device is an application device, the main body device includes a first main electrode to which a first conductive gel is attached, and a second main electrode to which a second conductive gel is attached. When the holding device holds the main body device, it can be electrically connected to the first main electrode via the first conductive gel, and the first can be electrically connected via the second conductive gel. It is a determination method in an electrical stimulation application device including a conductive portion that can be electrically connected to two main electrodes, and when the holding device holds the main body device, the first main electrode and the said It includes a step of measuring the impedance between the second main electrode and the step of determining the state of the first conductive gel and the second conductive gel based on the impedance.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulus application device and a determination method capable of determining the state of the conductive gel used in the electrical stimulus application device.

It is a schematic external perspective view of the electric stimulus application device which concerns on one Embodiment. It is an external perspective view when the main body apparatus of FIG. 1 is seen from the back side. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sheet material used when the main body device is attached to a living body or the like. It is an external perspective view which shows both the electric stimulus application device of FIG. 1 and the sheet material of FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the main body apparatus of FIG. It is an example of the schematic circuit diagram of the power output related part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the determination process of the state of a conductive gel by the electric stimulus application device which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the impedance measurement process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the treatment process by the electric stimulus application device which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the state determination process of the conductive gel by the electric stimulus application device which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic external perspective view of the holding device which concerns on the 1st modification. It is a schematic external perspective view of the holding device which concerns on the 1st modification. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the holding device which concerns on the 2nd modification. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the holding device which concerns on the 2nd modification. It is a schematic external perspective view of the holding device which concerns on 3rd modification. It is a functional block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the holding device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the switching of the 1st switch and the 2nd switch of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the determination process of the state of the conductive gel by the main body apparatus and the holding apparatus which concerns on 3rd variant example. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the impedance measurement process of each setting.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The dimensional ratios in the drawings may be exaggerated and differ from the actual ratios for convenience of explanation. Further, in each figure, the common members are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic external perspective view of the electrical stimulus applying device 1 according to the embodiment. The electrical stimulus applying device 1 includes a main body device 10 and a holding device 20.

The main body device 10 is a device capable of applying electrical stimulation to a living body or a living body tissue (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "living body or the like"). The disease is treated by the main body device 10 applying an electrical stimulus to a living body or the like.

The holding device 20 is a device capable of holding the main body device 10 when the main body device 10 is not in use. Here, the unused state of the main body device 10 is a time when the main body device 10 does not apply electrical stimulation to a living body or the like.

The electrical stimulus applied by the main body device 10 may be a weak electrical stimulus. In the present specification, it will be described below assuming that the electrical stimulus applied by the main body device 10 is a weak electrical stimulus. However, in the present disclosure, the electrical stimulation applied by the main body device 10 is not limited to a weak electrical stimulation.

Weak electrical stimulation is a level of electrical stimulation that does not cause depolarization of the living body. Since the level of electrical stimulation that does not induce depolarization does not bring about muscle contraction and irritation to the living body, the user (patient) cannot sense the applied electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation is applied to a living body or the like as, for example, a pulsed direct current. The pulsed direct current is applied at a frequency of, for example, 55 Hz. The pulse width of the pulsed direct current is, for example, 100 μsec. However, the electrical stimulation is not limited to this, and an appropriate electrical stimulation effective in treating a disease may be used. For example, the frequency of the pulsed direct current may be other than 55 Hz, and the pulse width of the pulsed direct current may be other than 100 μs.

The main body device 10 further heats the living body and the like. That is, the main body device 10 applies heat to a living body or the like. Therefore, the main body device 10 can be applied to a living body or the like by combining electrical stimulation and heat. In this case, the disease is treated by applying a weak electric stimulus and heat.

The temperature applied by the main body device 10 to the living body or the like is several degrees higher than the normal temperature of the living body or the like. For example, when the main body device 10 applies heat to the human body, it may apply heat at a temperature of 38 ° C. or higher and 45 ° C. or lower, which is several degrees higher than the normal body temperature of the human body.

The treatment by the main body device 10 is performed with the main body device 10 attached to at least a part of a living body or the like. For example, the main body device 10 is attached to a living body or the like via a sticky sheet material. When the main body device 10 is attached to a living body or the like, for example, when a user (patient) of the main body device 10 inputs a predetermined operation input to the main body device 10 to start treatment by the main body device 10. Treatment is performed by applying electrical stimulation and heat.

The main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20 when no electrical stimulation and heat are applied to the user, that is, when not in use. The main body device 10 can measure the impedance of the conductive gel of the sheet material when the sheet material is held by the holding device 20 in a state of being attached. The main body device 10 determines the state of the conductive gel attached to the main body device 10 based on the measured impedance of the conductive gel.

First, the configuration and outline of the main unit 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main body device 10 is configured by combining the operation unit 101 and the application unit 102. The operation unit 101 is configured as a housing. The application unit 102 is formed in a flat plate shape. In the present embodiment, the application unit 102 is formed in a rectangular shape having a long side and a short side. The operation unit 101 is coupled to the application unit 102 on one surface of the flat plate-shaped application unit 102. In the present specification, in the flat plate-shaped application unit 102, the surface to which the operation unit 101 is connected is referred to as a surface. Further, in the flat plate-shaped application unit 102, the surface opposite to the front surface to which the operation unit 101 is not connected is referred to as a back surface.

The operation unit 101 configured as a housing has various functional units for controlling the operation of the main body device 10 inside. Further, the operation unit 101 is provided with an input unit 103 for receiving an operation input from a user and a display unit 104 for notifying various information.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 101 includes a first input unit 103a and a second input unit 103b as an input unit 103. The configuration of the input unit 103 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the input unit 103 is not limited to the configuration including the first input unit 103a and the second input unit 103b.

The first input unit 103a and the second input unit 103b may be configured as operation buttons (operation keys) that can be pressed, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. However, the form of the first input unit 103a and the second input unit 103b is not limited to the operation buttons that can be pressed. Further, the arrangement of the first input unit 103a and the second input unit 103b is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the first input unit 103a and the second input unit 103b are operation buttons for executing different functions. Specifically, the first input unit 103a is an operation button for causing the main body device 10 to start treatment. The second input unit 103b is an operation button for starting an operation for determining the state of the conductive gel attached to the main body device 10.

The operation unit 101 includes a first display unit 104a and a second display unit 104b as the display unit 104. The configuration of the display unit 104 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the display unit 104 is not limited to the configuration including the first display unit 104a and the second display unit 104b.

The first display unit 104a and the second display unit 104b may be configured as, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). However, the form of the first display unit 104a and the second display unit 104b is not limited to the LED. Further, the arrangement of the first display unit 104a and the second display unit 104b is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG.

The first display unit 104a and the second display unit 104b may notify the information by, for example, the color to be displayed. Further, the first display unit 104a and the second display unit 104b may notify information depending on whether the information is constantly lit or blinking, for example.

In the present embodiment, the first display unit 104a and the second display unit 104b notify different contents. Specifically, the first display unit 104a notifies the state of the electrical stimulation application device 1. The state of the electric stimulus applying device 1 includes, for example, a state during treatment or a state of determining the state of the conductive gel. The second display unit 104b notifies the determination result of the state of the conductive gel. The determination result of the state of the conductive gel includes, for example, "a state in which the conductive gel needs to be replaced", "a state in which the conductive gel does not need to be replaced", and "a state in which the conductive gel is not properly attached". ..

The back surface of the application unit 102 is attached to a living body or the like via an adhesive sheet material. The application unit 102 includes a main electrode that outputs an electrical stimulus and a heater that generates heat. The application unit 102 applies electrical stimulation and heat to the living body or the like with the back surface attached to the living body or the like.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the main body device 10 of FIG. 1 when viewed from the back surface side. As shown in FIG. 2, the application unit 102 includes two main electrodes, a first main electrode 105a and a second main electrode 105b. Further, the application unit 102 includes a holding device detection unit 106. The holding device detection unit 106 includes a first holding device detection unit 106a and a second holding device detection unit 106b.

The first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b are exposed to the outside on the back surface side. For example, an electrical stimulus is output by grounding one of the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b and changing the voltage of the other main electrode. In the present specification, when the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as "main electrode 105".

The holding device detection unit 106 detects whether or not the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20. The holding device detecting unit 106 detects, for example, the contact state of the holding device 20 with the main body device detecting unit 202 shown in FIG. 1 to detect whether or not the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20. The configuration of the holding device detection unit 106 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the holding device detection unit 106 is not limited to the configuration including the first holding device detection unit 106a and the second holding device detection unit 106b.

The application unit 102 is provided with a heater inside. That is, the application unit 102 includes a heater between the front surface and the back surface. By heating the heater, the heat is transmitted to the living body or the like with the back surface attached to the living body or the like, and the living body or the like is warmed.

Subsequently, the configuration and outline of the holding device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the holding device 20 has a recess in which the application unit 102 is housed when holding the main body device 10. The recess of the holding device 20 includes a conductive portion 201 and a main body device detecting portion 202 on a surface facing the back surface of the applying portion 102.

The conductive portion 201 is a flat plate-shaped conductor. The conductive portion 201 can be electrically connected to the first main electrode 105a via the conductive gel attached to the application portion 102 when the holding device 20 holds the main body device 10. Further, the conductive portion 201 can be electrically connected to the second main electrode 105b via the conductive gel attached to the application portion 102 when the holding device 20 holds the main body device 10.

The main body device detection unit 202 is used to detect whether or not the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20. For example, when the main body device detection unit 202 is in contact with the holding device detection unit 106 of the main body device 10 shown in FIG. 2, the holding device detection unit 106 states that the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20. To detect. The configuration of the main unit detection unit 202 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the main unit detection unit 202 is not limited to the configuration including the first main unit detection unit 202a and the second main unit detection unit 202b.

The holding device 20 may have a function of charging the main body device 10. In this case, for example, the main unit detection unit 202 may also function as a charging terminal. When the main body device detection unit 202 also functions as a charging terminal, when the main body device detection unit 202 is electrically connected to the holding device detection unit 106 of the main body device 10, the holding device 20 charges the main body device 10. At this time, the holding device 20 may charge the main body device 10 with, for example, electric power supplied from a commercial system. The holding device 20 may be provided with a dedicated terminal for charging separately from the main body device detecting unit 202.

Subsequently, the configuration and outline of the sheet material 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sheet material 30 used when the main body device 10 is attached to a living body or the like.

The sheet material 30 includes a frame portion 301, a first conductive gel 302a, and a second conductive gel 302b. In the present specification, when the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as "conductive gel 302".

The frame portion 301 is made of a non-conductive material such as resin. The outer shape of the frame portion 301 is formed to be substantially the same size as the outer shape of the application portion 102 of the main body device 10. The frame portion 301 has two openings (through holes) for arranging the two conductive gels 302. The two openings are formed at positions that coincide with the positions where the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105 are arranged when the sheet material 30 is attached to the back surface side of the application portion 102.

The two conductive gels 302 are arranged in the two openings of the frame portion 301. The two conductive gels 302 are insulated from each other by a non-conductive frame portion 301. Since the conductive gel 302 has adhesiveness, the main body device 10 can be attached to a living body or the like. In a state where the sheet material 30 is attached to the back surface side of the application portion 102, the first conductive gel 302a is attached to the first main electrode 105a and electrically contacts the first main electrode 105a. Further, the second conductive gel 302b is attached to the second main electrode 105b and comes into electrical contact with the second main electrode 105b. As a result, when the main body device 10 is attached to the living body or the like by the sheet material 30 and the electric stimulus is output from the main electrode 105, the electric stimulus is applied to the living body or the like via the two conductive gels 302. Will be done.

FIG. 4 shows the positional relationship between the main body device 10, the sheet material 30, and the holding device 20 when the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20 in a state where the sheet material 30 is attached to the main body device 10. For the purpose of showing, it is a perspective view which showed the main body apparatus 10, the sheet material 30 and the holding apparatus 20 separated from each other.

When the main body device 10 to which the sheet material 30 is attached is held by the holding device 20 in the positional relationship as shown in FIG. 4, the first main electrode 105a of the main body device 10 is the first conductive of the sheet material 30. It is electrically connected to the conductive portion 201 of the holding device 20 via the sex gel 302a. Further, the second main electrode 105b of the main body device 10 is electrically connected to the conductive portion 201 of the holding device 20 via the second conductive gel 302b of the sheet material 30.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the main body device 10 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the main body device 10 includes an input unit 103, a display unit 104, a holding device detection unit 106, a communication unit 107, a storage unit 108, a control unit 109, a heater 110, and a power output. A related unit 111 and a power supply unit 112 are provided. The input unit 103, the display unit 104, the communication unit 107, the storage unit 108, the control unit 109, and the power supply unit 112 are provided in, for example, the operation unit 101 shown in FIG. The holding device detection unit 106 and the heater 110 are provided, for example, in the application unit 102 shown in FIG. However, whether each functional unit is provided in the operation unit 101 or the application unit 102 is not limited to the example shown here as long as the functions described in the present specification are exhibited.

The input unit 103 receives an operation input from the user. The input unit 103 is composed of, for example, operation buttons. In the present embodiment, as described above, the input unit 103 includes two operation buttons, a first input unit 103a and a second input unit 103b. The input unit 103 may be configured by, for example, a touch screen, display an input area for receiving an operation input from the user on a part of the display device, and may accept the touch operation input by the user. When an operation input is made to the input unit 103 by the user, for example, an electric signal corresponding to the operation input is transmitted to the control unit 109.

The display unit 104 notifies various information. The display unit 104 is composed of, for example, an LED. The display unit 104 is an aspect of a notification unit that notifies various information. In the present embodiment, as described above, the display unit 104 is composed of two display units, a first display unit 104a and a second display unit 104b. The display unit 104 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 104 displays various information based on the control by the control unit 109.

The main body device 10 does not necessarily have to include the display unit 104. The main body device 10 may include another mechanism instead of the display unit 104 or as a notification unit for notifying the user of information together with the display unit 104. For example, the main body device 10 may include a speaker that notifies the user of information by sound. For example, the main body device 10 may include a vibrator that notifies the user of information by vibration. For example, the main body device 10 may notify the information terminal owned by the user of the information by transmitting the information via the communication unit 107. The notification unit is not limited to the example shown here, and may be any mechanism capable of transmitting information to the user.

The holding device detection unit 106 detects whether or not the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20. In the present embodiment, the holding device detection unit 106 includes a first holding device detection unit 106a and a second holding device detection unit 106b, as described above.

The communication unit 107 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface, or the like. The communication unit 107 can communicate with various devices via a network or directly. The communication unit 107 can wirelessly communicate with, for example, an information terminal owned by the user. Further, when the holding device 20 has a communication function, the communication unit 107 can communicate with the holding device 20.

The storage unit 108 can be composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or the like. The storage unit 108 stores, for example, various information and a program for operating the main unit 10. The storage unit 108 may also function as a work memory.

The control unit 109 controls and manages the entire main unit 10 including each functional unit of the main unit 10. The control unit 109 includes at least one processor. The control unit 109 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program that defines a control procedure, or a dedicated processor that specializes in processing each function.

The control unit 109 determines the state of the conductive gel 302 attached to the main body device 10. The control unit 109 determines the impedance between the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b when the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20 in a state where the sheet material 30 is attached to the main body device 10. taking measurement. The control unit 109 determines the state of the conductive gel 302 based on the measured impedance. The details of the process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302 by the control unit 109 will be described later.

The heater 110 applies heat. The heater 110 is composed of a member that generates heat by supplying electric power, such as a heating wire. The heater 110 generates heat by receiving electric power supplied from, for example, the power supply unit 112. When the heater 110 generates heat, the heat is transmitted to the living body or the like to which the main body device 10 is attached.

The power output related unit 111 is a set of functional units that execute a process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302 and a process of outputting an electrical stimulus. Details of the power output related unit 111 are shown as a circuit diagram in FIG. The details of the power output related unit 111 will be described later.

The power supply unit 112 is a battery that supplies electric power to each functional unit of the main unit 10. The power supply unit 112 may be a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel hydrogen battery, for example.

The configuration and function of the power output related unit 111 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is an example of a schematic circuit diagram of the power output related unit 111 of FIG. The power output-related unit 111 is a set of functional units that execute a process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302 and a process of outputting an electrical stimulus. Each functional unit shown in FIG. 6 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 109 of FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the main body device 10 to which the sheet material 30 is attached is held by the holding device 20. Therefore, the first main electrode 105a is electrically connected to the first conductive gel 302a of the sheet material 30. Further, the second main electrode 105b is electrically connected to the second conductive gel 302b of the sheet material 30.

Further, since the main body device 10 to which the sheet material 30 is attached is held by the holding device 20, the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b are electrically connected to the conductive portion 201 of the holding device 20. doing.

As shown in FIG. 6, the power output-related unit 111 includes a first main electrode 105a, a second main electrode 105b, a therapeutic voltage generation circuit 121, a determination voltage generation circuit 122, and a first circuit selector switch 123. A second circuit selector switch 124, a voltage measuring circuit 125, and a current measuring circuit 126 are provided.

The first main electrode 105a can output an electrical stimulus. Further, the first main electrode 105a can output a voltage for determining the state of the conductive gel 302. The first main electrode 105a is connected to the therapeutic voltage generation circuit 121 when outputting an electrical stimulus to treat the user. The first main electrode 105a is connected to the determination voltage generation circuit 122 when executing the process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302.

The second main electrode 105b is connected to the ground (GND) when the first main electrode 105a outputs an electrical stimulus to treat the user. The second main electrode 105b is connected to the current measuring circuit 126 when executing the process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302.

The therapeutic voltage generation circuit 121 is a circuit that generates a voltage for electrical stimulation applied to a living body or the like during a therapeutic process. Power is supplied to the therapeutic voltage generation circuit 121 from the power supply unit 112 of FIG.

The determination voltage generation circuit 122 is a circuit that generates a voltage of electric power output from the first main electrode 105a in the determination process of the state of the conductive gel 302, and outputs a predetermined voltage for impedance measurement. Power is supplied to the determination voltage generation circuit 122 from the power supply unit 112 of FIG.

The first circuit changeover switch 123 switches the connection destination of the first main electrode 105a between the treatment voltage generation circuit 121 and the determination voltage generation circuit 122 based on the control by the control unit 109. Specifically, the first circuit changeover switch 123 switches the switch so that the first main electrode 105a conducts with the treatment voltage generation circuit 121 when the treatment process is executed. As a result, when the treatment process is executed, power is supplied to the first main electrode 105a from the treatment voltage generation circuit 121. Further, the first circuit changeover switch 123 switches the switch so that the first main electrode 105a is electrically connected to the determination voltage generation circuit 122 when the state determination process of the conductive gel 302 is executed. As a result, when the state determination process of the conductive gel 302 is executed, electric power is supplied to the first main electrode 105a from the determination voltage generation circuit 122. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the first circuit changeover switch 123 is switched so as to conduct the first main electrode 105a and the determination voltage generation circuit 122.

The second circuit changeover switch 124 switches the connection destination of the second main electrode 105b between the ground (GND) and the current measurement circuit 126 based on the control by the control unit 109. Specifically, the second circuit changeover switch 124 switches the switch so that the second main electrode 105b is connected to the ground when the treatment process is executed. As a result, the second main electrode 105b is grounded when the treatment process is performed. Further, the second circuit changeover switch 124 switches the switch so that the second main electrode 105b is conductive with the current measurement circuit 126 when the state determination process of the conductive gel 302 is executed. As a result, when the state determination process of the conductive gel 302 is executed, the current flowing through the second main electrode 105b flows into the current measuring circuit 126. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the second circuit changeover switch 124 is switched so as to conduct the second main electrode 105b and the current measurement circuit 126.

The voltage measuring circuit 125 measures the voltage of the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b when the state determination process of the conductive gel 302 is executed. The voltage measuring circuit 125 can be configured by a known voltage measuring mechanism.

The current measuring circuit 126 measures the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b when the state determination process of the conductive gel 302 is executed. The current measuring circuit 126 can be configured by a known current measuring mechanism.

Next, the operation of the electrical stimulation application device 1 will be described.

The electric stimulus applying device 1 can determine the state of the conductive gel 302 of the sheet material 30 when the sheet material 30 is held by the holding device 20 in a state of being attached to the main body device 10. Further, the electric stimulus applying device 1 can treat the user in a state where the main body device 10 to which the sheet material 30 is attached is attached to a living body or the like. When treating the user, the main body device 10 to which the sheet material 30 is attached is attached to, for example, the abdomen of the user. In the following description, when the treatment of the user is described, it is assumed that the main body device 10 to which the sheet material 30 is attached is attached to the abdomen of the user.

The control unit 109 of the main body device 10 executes the treatment process of the user when the first input unit 103a shown in FIG. 1 is pressed. Further, when the second input unit 103b shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, the control unit 109 executes a process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302.

The state determination process of the conductive gel 302 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a process that starts when the second input unit 103b shown in FIG. 1 is pressed.

The control unit 109 of the main body device 10 determines whether or not the holding device detecting unit 106 has detected the holding device 20 (step S101). Here, when the holding device detection unit 106 detects the holding device 20, the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20. Further, when the holding device detection unit 106 does not detect the holding device 20, the main body device 10 is not held by the holding device 20. That is, in step S101, the control unit 109 determines whether or not the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20.

When the holding device detection unit 106 does not detect the holding device 20 (No in step S101), the control unit 109 determines the state of the conductive gel 302 because the main body device 10 is not held by the holding device 20. It is determined that the execution cannot be performed, and the display unit 104 is notified of the error (step S102).

When the holding device detection unit 106 detects the holding device 20 (Yes in step S101), the control unit 109 measures the impedance of the conductive gel 302 attached to the main body device 10 (step S103). The details of the process in which the control unit 109 measures the impedance of the conductive gel 302 will be described later.

The control unit 109 determines whether or not the measured impedance is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S104). Here, the first threshold value is a predetermined threshold value set in advance and may be stored in the storage unit 108. The first threshold value is a threshold value for determining whether or not the sheet material 30 is properly attached to the main body device 10, and is therefore a very large threshold value.

When it is determined that the impedance is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (Yes in step S104), the control unit 109 determines that the state in which the first conductive gel 302a or the second conductive gel 302b is attached to the main body device 10 is not appropriate. (Step S105). In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the sticking state of the conductive gel 302 is not appropriate, and urge the user to properly stick the conductive gel 302 to the main body device 10.

When it is determined that the impedance is smaller than the first threshold value (No in step S104), the control unit 109 determines whether or not the measured impedance is equal to or higher than the second threshold value (step S106). Here, the second threshold value is a predetermined threshold value set in advance and may be stored in the storage unit 108. The second threshold value is a threshold value for determining whether the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced or not, and is smaller than the first threshold value.

When it is determined that the impedance is equal to or higher than the second threshold value (Yes in step S106), the control unit 109 determines that the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b need to be replaced (step S107). ). In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced, and urge the user to replace the sheet material 30 attached to the main body device 10.

When it is determined that the impedance is smaller than the second threshold value (No in step S106), the control unit 109 determines that the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b do not need to be replaced (step S108). .. In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the conductive gel 302 does not need to be replaced.

The details of the process of step S103 of FIG. 7, that is, the process of measuring impedance will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 109 of the main body device 10 controls the first circuit changeover switch 123 and connects the first main electrode 105a to the determination voltage generation circuit 122 (step S201).

The control unit 109 controls the second circuit changeover switch 124 and connects the second main electrode 105b to the current measurement circuit 126 (step S202).

The control unit 109 causes the determination voltage generation circuit 122 to generate a determination voltage, and applies the determination voltage to the first main electrode 105a (step S203).

In step S203, when a determination voltage is applied to the first main electrode 105a, the first main electrode 105a, the first conductive gel 302a, the conductive portion 201, the second conductive gel 302b, the second main electrode 105b, and A current flows through the path of the current measuring circuit 126.

The voltage measuring circuit 125 measures the voltage of the first main electrode 105a and the voltage of the second main electrode 105b (step S204). The control unit 109 acquires the voltage of the first main electrode 105a and the voltage of the second main electrode 105b measured by the voltage measuring circuit 125.

In step S204, since a known determination voltage is applied to the first main electrode 105a, the voltage measuring circuit 125 does not have to measure the voltage of the first main electrode 105a.

The current measuring circuit 126 measures the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b (step S205). The control unit 109 acquires the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b measured by the current measurement circuit 126. If there is a transient response due to the reactance of impedance, it is necessary to stabilize the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b after the determination voltage is applied to the first main electrode 105a. It takes some time. Therefore, in step S204, the voltage measuring circuit 125 determines the voltage of the first main electrode 105a and the voltage of the second main electrode 105b after a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the determination voltage was applied to the first main electrode 105a. The voltage may be measured. Further, in step S205, the current measurement circuit 126 transfers the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b after a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the determination voltage was applied to the first main electrode 105a. You may measure.

The control unit 109 has the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105a based on the voltage of the first main electrode 105a, the voltage of the second main electrode 105b, and the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b. The impedance between the main electrode 105b and the main electrode 105b is calculated (step S206). The control unit 109 may calculate the impedance between the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b based on, for example, the following mathematical formula (1).
Z = (E1-E2) / I (1)
Here, Z is the impedance between the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b. E1 is the voltage of the first main electrode 105a. E2 is the voltage of the second main electrode 105b. I is the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b. Conventionally known techniques can be used for impedance measurement, and a known constant current is applied to the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b, and the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105a at that time are applied. Impedance may be measured by measuring the voltage at 105b.

Since the impedance of the conductive portion 201 is very small compared to the impedance of the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b, the impedance between the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b is set. It is approximately equal to the sum of the impedance of the first conductive gel 302a and the impedance of the second conductive gel 302b. Hereinafter, the impedance between the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b may be simply abbreviated as "impedance".

Note that the processes of steps S201 to S206 do not necessarily have to be executed in this order. For example, the order of step S201 and step S202 may be reversed. Alternatively, step S201 and step S202 may be executed at the same time.

Subsequently, the treatment process of the user by the main body device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The treatment process shown in FIG. 9 is a process started when the first input unit 103a shown in FIG. 1 is pressed. It is assumed that the main body device 10 to which the sheet material 30 is attached is attached to the abdomen of the user before the treatment process shown in FIG. 9 is started.

The control unit 109 of the main body device 10 measures the impedance between the main electrode 105a and the main electrode 105b (step S301). The impedance measurement in step S301 is executed by the same process as the process of steps S201 to S206 shown in FIG. However, at the time of impedance measurement in step S301, the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b are not electrically connected to the conductive portion 201 of the holding device 20. Instead, the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b are affixed to the user's abdomen. Therefore, the impedance measured in step S301 is the impedance of the first conductive gel 302a, the impedance of the second conductive gel 302b, and the user's abdomen between the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b. Is the sum of the impedance of.

The control unit 109 determines whether or not the measured impedance is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (step S302). Here, the predetermined threshold value is a preset threshold value and may be stored in the storage unit 108.

When it is determined that the impedance is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (Yes in step S302), the control unit 109 determines that the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced (step S303). In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced, and urge the user to replace the sheet material 30 attached to the main body device 10.

When it is determined that the impedance is smaller than the predetermined threshold value (No in step S302), the control unit 109 determines that the conductive gel 302 does not need to be replaced, and proceeds to step S304.

The control unit 109 controls the first circuit changeover switch 123 and connects the first main electrode 105a to the therapeutic voltage generation circuit 121 (step S304).

The control unit 109 controls the second circuit changeover switch 124 and connects the second main electrode 105b to the ground (GND) (step S305).

The control unit 109 causes the therapeutic voltage generation circuit 121 to generate a therapeutic voltage, and starts applying the therapeutic voltage to the first main electrode 105a (step S306).

When the preset treatment time elapses, the control unit 109 ends the application of the treatment voltage to the first main electrode 105a (step S307).

The control unit 109 measures the impedance between the main electrode 105a and the main electrode 105b by the same procedure as in step S301 (step S308).

The control unit 109 determines whether or not the measured impedance is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (step S309).

When it is determined that the impedance is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (Yes in step S309), the control unit 109 determines that the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced (step S310). In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced, and urge the user to replace the sheet material 30 attached to the main body device 10.

When it is determined that the impedance is smaller than the predetermined threshold value (No in step S309), the control unit 109 determines that the conductive gel 302 does not need to be replaced. In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the conductive gel 302 does not need to be replaced.

In the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the impedance measurement (process in step S301) before the start of treatment is not always necessary. If the impedance is not measured before the start of treatment, the processes of steps S301 to S303 may be omitted. Further, in the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the measurement of impedance after the end of treatment (process in step S308) is not always necessary. If the impedance is not measured after the treatment is completed, the processing of steps S308 to S310 may be omitted. Either one of the impedance measurement before the start of the treatment and the impedance measurement after the end of the treatment may be omitted, or both may be omitted.

(Automatic start of the process of determining the state of the conductive gel)
In FIG. 7, a case where the determination process of the state of the conductive gel 302 is started when the second input unit 103b shown in FIG. 1 is pressed has been described. When the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20, the main body device 10 may automatically start the process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302.

The process of automatically starting the process of the conductive gel 302 when the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 109 of the main body device 10 constantly determines whether or not the holding device detecting unit 106 has detected the holding device 20 (step S401).

If the holding device detection unit 106 does not detect the holding device 20 (No in step S401), the control unit 109 repeats the determination process in step S401.

When the holding device detection unit 106 has detected the holding device 20 (Yes in step S401), the control unit 109 proceeds to step S402.

Since the processes of steps S402 to S407 are the same as the processes of steps 103 to S108 shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the electrical stimulation application device 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 109 has the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105b when the holding device 20 holds the main body device 10. Measure the impedance between. The control unit 109 determines the states of the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b based on the measured impedance. Thereby, the electric stimulus application device 1 according to the present embodiment can determine the state of the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b used in the electric stimulus application device 1.

Further, according to the electrical stimulation application device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the impedance of the control unit 109 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the state in which the first conductive gel 302a or the second conductive gel 302b is attached is not appropriate. Is determined. In this way, the electric stimulus applying device 1 can determine the case where the first conductive gel 302a or the second conductive gel 302b is not properly attached.

Further, according to the electrical stimulation application device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the impedance is equal to or higher than the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value and smaller than the first threshold value, the control unit 109 is the first conductive gel. It is determined that the 302a and the second conductive gel 302b are in a state of needing replacement. In this way, the electric stimulus applying device 1 can determine the case where the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b need to be replaced.

Further, according to the electrical stimulation application device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the impedance of the control unit 109 is smaller than the second threshold value, the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b do not need to be replaced. Is determined. In this way, the electric stimulus applying device 1 can determine the case where the first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b do not need to be replaced.

Further, according to the electric stimulus applying device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the holding device detecting unit 106 detects that the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20, the control unit 109 starts measuring the impedance. You can. In this way, the electrical stimulation application device 1 can automatically start the impedance measurement when the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20.

(First variant example)
11A and 11B are schematic external perspective views of the holding device 20a according to the first modified example. The holding device 20a according to the first modified example will be mainly described as being different from the holding device 20 shown in FIG.

The holding device 20a according to the first modified example is different from the holding device 20 shown in FIG. 1 in that the holding device 20a is provided with the fixture 211. The fixture 211 can press the main body device 10 against the holding device 20a with a constant force while the holding device 20a holds the main body device 10.

Fixture 211 can be opened and closed. FIG. 11A shows a state in which the fixture 211 is open. FIG. 11B shows a state in which the fixture 211 is closed.

With the fixture 211 shown in FIG. 11A open, the main body device 10 can be placed on the surface of the holding device 20a having the conductive portion 201. The main body device 10 can be fixed to the holding device 20a by closing the fixture 211 as shown in FIG. 11B with the main body device 10 placed on the surface of the holding device 20a having the conductive portion 201. As a result, when the holding device 20a holds the main body device 10, the main body device 10 can be pressed against the holding device 20a with a constant force by the fixture 211. As a result, the contact resistance between the conductive gel 302 and the conductive portion 201 can be stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the fixture 211 may have a penetrating portion 212. Since the fixture 211 has the penetrating portion 212, when the fixture 211 is closed, the operating portion 101 of the main body device 10 penetrates the penetrating portion 212 as shown in FIG. 11B. As a result, the fixture 211 can stably press the main body device 10 against the holding device 20a without being hindered by the operation unit 101.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the holding device 20a may further include a fixture detection unit 213.

The fixture detection unit 213 may be, for example, a button type sensor. When pressed by the fixture 211, the fixture detection unit 213 detects that the fixture 211 is in a closed state.

When processing the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 using the holding device 20a according to the first modified example, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the holding device detection unit 106 has detected the holding device 20, and the fixture is fixed. The detection unit 213 may determine whether or not the fixture 211 is in the closed state. In this case, if the holding device detection unit 106 detects the holding device 20 and the fixture detecting unit 213 detects that the fixture 211 is in the closed state, the process proceeds to step S103, and if not, the process proceeds to step S103. The process proceeds to step S102. The control unit 109 can obtain the determination result of the fixture detection unit 213 by communicating between the communication unit 107 and the communication unit (not shown) of the holding device 20a. Further, instead of the holding device 20a including the fixture detecting unit 213, the main body device 10 may be provided with a fixture detecting unit that detects that the main body device 10 has been fixed by the fixture 211.

Note that the fixture 211 is not limited to the openable / closable configuration. The fixture 211 may be removable from the holding device 20a.

(Second variant example)
12A and 12B are schematic cross-sectional views of the holding device 20b according to the second modified example. The holding device 20b according to the second modification will mainly explain the differences from the holding device 20 shown in FIG.

The holding device 20b according to the second modified example is different from the holding device 20 shown in FIG. 1 in that the protrusion 221 is provided on the surface of the main body device 10 facing the back surface of the application unit 102. Although 3 protrusions 221 are shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the number of protrusions 221 is not limited to this. The number of protrusions 221 may be two or less, or four or more.

The protrusion 221 is formed of an insulator. The protrusion 221 may be made of, for example, a resin. The protrusion 221 may have a shape such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or a cylinder. The thickness of the protrusion 221 is smaller than the thickness of the conductive gel 302.

FIG. 12A shows a state in which the main body device 10 to which the conductive gel 302 is not attached is held by the holding device 20b. FIG. 12B shows a state in which the main body device 10 to which the conductive gel 302 is attached is held by the holding device 20b.

Referring to FIG. 12A, when the main body device 10 to which the conductive gel 302 is not attached is held by the holding device 20b due to the presence of the protrusion 221, the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105a of the main body device 10 are held. It is possible to prevent the main electrode 105b from conducting with the conductive portion 201 of the holding device 20b.

Referring to FIG. 12B, since the thickness of the protrusion 221 is smaller than the thickness of the conductive gel 302, when the main body device 10 to which the conductive gel 302 is attached is held by the holding device 20b, the second body device 10 is held. The 1 main electrode 105a conducts with the conductive portion 201 of the holding device 20b via the first conductive gel 302a, and the second main electrode 105b of the main body device 10 passes through the second conductive gel 302b of the holding device. It conducts with the conductive portion 201 of 20b.

(3rd variant example)
FIG. 13 is a schematic external perspective view of the holding device 20c according to the third modified example. Regarding the holding device 20c according to the third modified example, the differences from the holding device 20 shown in FIG. 1 will be mainly described.

The holding device 20c according to the third modified example has a plurality of first electrodes instead of providing the conductive portion 201 on the surface facing the back surface of the application portion 102 in the recessed portion capable of accommodating the application portion 102 of the main body device 10. It differs from the holding device 20 shown in FIG. 1 in that it includes 231a to 231c and a plurality of second electrodes 232a to 232c. Further, in the holding device 20c according to the third modified example, the conductive portion 201 is arranged inside the holding device 20c instead of the surface.

In the present specification, when the first electrodes 231a to 231c are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as "first electrode 231". When the second electrodes 232a to 232c are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as "second electrode 232".

In FIG. 13, three first electrodes 231a to 231c are shown as the plurality of first electrodes 231 but the number of the first electrodes 231 is not limited to this. The number of the first electrodes 231 may be two or four or more. Further, in FIG. 13, three second electrodes 232a to 232c are shown as the plurality of second electrodes 232, but the number of the second electrodes 232 is not limited to this. The number of the second electrodes 232 may be two or four or more.

The first electrode 231 is a flat plate-shaped conductor. The first electrode 231 can be electrically connected to the first main electrode 105a via the first conductive gel 302a attached to the application unit 102 when the holding device 20c holds the main body device 10. ..

The second electrode 232 is a flat plate-shaped conductor. The second electrode 232 can be electrically connected to the second main electrode 105b via the second conductive gel 302b attached to the application unit 102 when the holding device 20c holds the main body device 10. ..

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the holding device 20c according to the third modified example. As shown in FIG. 14, the holding device 20c includes a conductive unit 201, a main body device detection unit 202, a plurality of first electrodes 231a to 231c, a plurality of second electrodes 232a to 232c, and a plurality of first switches 233a. 233c, a plurality of second switches 234a to 234c, an input unit 235, a display unit 236, a communication unit 237, a storage unit 238, a control unit 239, and a power supply unit 240.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the main body device 10 to which the sheet material 30 is attached is held by the holding device 20c. Therefore, the first main electrode 105a is electrically connected to the first electrodes 231a to 231c via the first conductive gel 302a of the sheet material 30. Further, the second main electrode 105b is electrically connected to the second electrodes 232a to 232c via the second conductive gel 302b of the sheet material 30.

The first switch 233a switches on / off the connection between the first electrode 231a and the conductive unit 201 based on the control by the control unit 239. The first switch 233b switches on / off the connection between the first electrode 231b and the conductive unit 201 based on the control by the control unit 239. The first switch 233c switches on / off the connection between the first electrode 231c and the conductive unit 201 based on the control by the control unit 239.

The second switch 234a switches on / off the connection between the second electrode 232a and the conductive unit 201 based on the control by the control unit 239. The second switch 234b switches on / off the connection between the second electrode 232b and the conductive unit 201 based on the control by the control unit 239. The second switch 234c switches on / off the connection between the second electrode 232c and the conductive unit 201 based on the control by the control unit 239.

The input unit 235 accepts operation input from the user. The input unit 235 is composed of, for example, operation buttons. The input unit 235 may be configured by, for example, a touch screen, display an input area for receiving an operation input from the user on a part of the display device, and may accept the touch operation input by the user. When an operation input is made to the input unit 235 by the user, for example, an electric signal corresponding to the operation input is transmitted to the control unit 239. Note that FIG. 13 omits the illustration of the input unit 235.

The display unit 236 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 236 is an aspect of a notification unit that notifies information. The display unit 236 displays various information based on the control by the control unit 239. The display unit 236 may notify, for example, that the electrical stimulation application device 1 is in a state such as during determination of the state of the conductive gel 302. Further, the display unit 236 may notify, for example, the determination result of the state of the conductive gel 302. The display unit 236 may display arbitrary information to be notified to the user. In FIG. 13, the display unit 236 is not shown.

The communication unit 237 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface, or the like. The communication unit 237 can communicate with the main body device 10 via a network or directly. The communication interface is not limited to the wireless interface, and may be a wired interface.

The storage unit 238 can be composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or the like. The storage unit 238 stores, for example, various information and a program for operating the electrical stimulation application device 1. The storage unit 238 may also function as a work memory.

The control unit 239 controls and manages the entire holding device 20c including each functional unit of the holding device 20c. The control unit 239 includes at least one processor. The control unit 239 is composed of a processor such as a CPU that executes a program defining a control procedure or a dedicated processor specialized in processing each function.

The control unit 239 independently controls the first switches 233a to 233c, and switches the first switches 233a to 233c on / off. The control unit 239 independently controls the second switches 234a to 234c, and switches the second switches 234a to 234c on / off.

The power supply unit 240 supplies electric power to each functional unit of the holding device 20c. The power source of the power supply unit 240 may be a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel hydrogen battery, or an AC power source such as a commercial system.

The control of the first switches 233a to 233c and the second switches 234a to 234c by the control unit 239 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 239 receives a command from the control unit 109 of the main body device 10 via the communication unit 237 to control the on / off of the first switches 233a to 233c and the second switches 234a to 234c.

The control unit 239 receives a command from the control unit 109 of the main body device 10 and controls the on / off of the first switches 233a to 233c and the second switches 234a to 234c so as to have various settings. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 239 controls the on / off of the first switches 233a to 233c and the second switches 234a to 234c with seven settings of settings 1 to 7.

For example, in the setting 1 shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 239 controls so that the first switches 233a to 233c and the second switches 234a to 234c are all turned on. In this state, when the control unit 109 of the main body device 10 executes the impedance measurement, when the determination voltage is applied to the first main electrode 105a, the entire first conductive gel 302a and the second conductive gel 302b Current flows throughout. Therefore, the impedance value calculated by the control unit 109 of the main body device 10 is the sum of the impedance of the entire first conductive gel 302a and the impedance of the entire second conductive gel 302b.

Further, for example, in the setting 2 shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 239 controls so that the first switch 233a and the second switches 234a to 234c are turned on, and the first switch 233b and the first switch 233c are turned off. To control. In this state, when the control unit 109 of the main body device 10 executes the impedance measurement, when the determination voltage is applied to the first main electrode 105a, the first conductive gel 302a comes into contact with the first electrode 231a. A current flows through the portion where the current is present, and no current flows through the portion in contact with the first electrode 231b and the first electrode 231c. Further, in the second conductive gel 302b, a current flows through the entire second conductive gel 302b. Therefore, the impedance value calculated by the control unit 109 of the main body device 10 is the sum of the impedance of the portion of the first conductive gel 302a in contact with the first electrode 231a and the impedance of the entire second conductive gel 302b. It becomes.

Therefore, when the impedance is measured in the setting 2 shown in FIG. 15, if the portion of the first conductive gel 302a in contact with the first electrode 231a has a large impedance due to dirt or the like, the first Even if the impedance of the portion of the conductive gel 302a in contact with the first electrode 231b and the first electrode 231c is small, the impedance value calculated by the control unit 109 of the main unit 10 is large. Therefore, the control unit 109 of the main body device 10 can locally detect the state of the portion of the first conductive gel 302a in contact with the first electrode 231a by measuring the impedance in the state of setting 2. can.

Similarly, the control unit 109 can locally detect the state of the portion of the first conductive gel 302a in contact with the first electrode 231b by measuring the impedance in the state of setting 3. Further, the control unit 109 can locally detect the state of the portion of the first conductive gel 302a in contact with the first electrode 231c by measuring the impedance in the state of setting 4. Further, the control unit 109 can locally detect the state of the portion of the second conductive gel 302b in contact with the second electrode 232a by measuring the impedance in the state of setting 5. Further, the control unit 109 can locally detect the state of the portion of the second conductive gel 302b in contact with the second electrode 232b by measuring the impedance in the state of setting 6. Further, the control unit 109 can locally detect the state of the portion of the second conductive gel 302b in contact with the second electrode 232c by measuring the impedance in the state of setting 7.

Subsequently, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, a process of automatically starting the process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302 when the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20c according to the third modified example is performed. explain.

The control unit 109 of the main body device 10 constantly determines whether or not the holding device detecting unit 106 has detected the holding device 20c (step S501).

When the holding device detection unit 106 does not detect the holding device 20c (No in step S501), the control unit 109 repeats the determination process in step S501.

When the holding device detection unit 106 has detected the holding device 20c (Yes in step S501), the control unit 109 proceeds to step S502.

The control unit 109 establishes communication between the communication unit 107 of the main body device 10 and the communication unit 237 of the holding device 20c (step S502). As a result, the control unit 109 of the main body device 10 can control the control unit 239 of the holding device 20c.

The control unit 109 controls the on / off of the first switch 233 and the second switch 234 via the control unit 239 of the holding device 20c, and is attached to the main body device 10 in each setting while changing the settings. The impedance of the gel 302 is measured (step S503). The details of the process in which the control unit 109 measures the impedance of the conductive gel 302 in each setting will be described later.

The control unit 109 determines whether or not there is a setting in which the impedance is equal to or higher than the first threshold value among the impedances measured in each setting (step S504).

When it is determined that the impedance is set to be equal to or higher than the first threshold value (Yes in step S504), the control unit 109 determines that the conductive gel 302 is not properly attached to the main body device 10 (step S505). In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the sticking state of the conductive gel 302 is not appropriate, and urge the user to properly stick the conductive gel 302 to the main body device 10. At this time, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 236 of the holding device 20c that the sticking state of the conductive gel 302 is not appropriate.

When it is determined that there is no setting for impedance to be equal to or higher than the first threshold value (No in step S504), the control unit 109 determines whether or not there is a setting for impedance to be equal to or higher than the second threshold value among the impedances measured in each setting. Is determined (step S506). Here, the second threshold value in step S506 is a threshold value smaller than the first threshold value in step S504.

When it is determined that the impedance is set to be equal to or higher than the second threshold value (Yes in step S506), the control unit 109 determines that the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced (step S507). In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced, and urge the user to replace the sheet material 30 attached to the main body device 10. At this time, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 236 of the holding device 20c that the conductive gel 302 needs to be replaced.

When it is determined that the impedance is not set to be equal to or higher than the second threshold value (No in step S506), the control unit 109 determines whether or not there is a combination in which the impedance difference is equal to or higher than the third threshold value (step S508). .. Here, the impedance difference is the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value of impedance measured by switching the first switches 233a to 233c for the first conductive gel 302a, or the second for the second conductive gel 302b. It is the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value of the impedance measured by switching the switches 234a to 234c. For example, when the impedance is measured in the settings 1 to 7 shown in FIG. 15, the impedance difference is the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value of the impedance measured in the settings 2 to 4, or measured in the settings 5 to 7. It is the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value of the impedance.

When it is determined that there is a combination in which the impedance difference is equal to or greater than the third threshold value (Yes in step S508), the control unit 109 proceeds to step S507. Here, the fact that there is a combination in which the impedance difference is equal to or greater than the third threshold value means that there is a region in which the impedance is locally large in the conductive gel 302. As described above, by the determination in step S508, the control unit 109 can determine whether or not there is a region having a large impedance locally in the conductive gel 302.

When it is determined that there is no combination in which the impedance difference is equal to or greater than the third threshold value (No in step S508), the control unit 109 determines that the conductive gel 302 does not need to be replaced (step S509). In this case, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 104 that the conductive gel 302 does not need to be replaced. At this time, the control unit 109 may notify the display unit 236 of the holding device 20c that the conductive gel 302 does not need to be replaced.

In addition, in FIG. 16, the process of automatically starting the process of determining the state of the conductive gel when the main body device 10 is held by the holding device 20c has been described, but the main body device 10 is the first shown in FIG. 2 When the input unit 103b is pressed, the process of determining the state of the conductive gel 302 may be started.

With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, the process of step S503 of FIG. 16, that is, the on / off of the first switch 233 and the second switch 234 is controlled via the control unit 239 of the holding device 20c, and the setting is changed. At the same time, the details of the process of measuring the impedance of the conductive gel 302 attached to the main body device 10 in each setting will be described.

The control unit 109 of the main body device 10 controls the first circuit changeover switch 123 and connects the first main electrode 105a to the determination voltage generation circuit 122 (step S601).

The control unit 109 controls the second circuit changeover switch 124 and connects the second main electrode 105b to the current measurement circuit 126 (step S602).

The control unit 109 causes the determination voltage generation circuit 122 to generate a determination voltage, and applies the determination voltage to the first main electrode 105a (step S603).

The control unit 109 controls the control unit 239 of the holding device 20c, and switches the on / off of the first switches 233a to 233c and the second switches 234a to 234c according to the setting (step S604). For example, when switching on / off of the first switch 233a to 233c and the second switch 234a to 234c in the order of setting 1 to setting 7 shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 109 is set to the setting 1 first. , The first switch 233a to 233c and the second switch 234a to 234c are switched on / off.

The voltage measuring circuit 125 measures the voltage of the first main electrode 105a and the voltage of the second main electrode 105b (step S605). The control unit 109 acquires the voltage of the first main electrode 105a and the voltage of the second main electrode 105b measured by the voltage measuring circuit 125.

Since a known determination voltage is applied to the first main electrode 105a in step S605, the voltage measuring circuit 125 does not have to measure the voltage of the first main electrode 105a.

The current measuring circuit 126 measures the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b (step S606). The control unit 109 acquires the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b measured by the current measurement circuit 126. If there is a transient response due to the reactance of impedance, it is necessary to stabilize the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b after the determination voltage is applied to the first main electrode 105a. It takes some time. Therefore, in step S605, the voltage measuring circuit 125 determines the voltage of the first main electrode 105a and the voltage of the second main electrode 105b after a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the determination voltage was applied to the first main electrode 105a. The voltage may be measured. Further, in step S606, the current measurement circuit 126 transfers the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b after a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the determination voltage was applied to the first main electrode 105a. You may measure.

The control unit 109 has the first main electrode 105a and the second main electrode 105a based on the voltage of the first main electrode 105a, the voltage of the second main electrode 105b, and the current flowing from the first main electrode 105a to the second main electrode 105b. The impedance between the main electrode 105b and the main electrode 105b is calculated (step S607). The control unit 109 stores the measured impedance value in the storage unit 108.

The control unit 109 determines whether or not the impedances of all the settings have been measured (step S608). For example, when switching on / off of the first switch 233a to 233c and the second switch 234a to 234c in the order of setting 1 to setting 7 shown in FIG. It is determined that the impedance of all settings has been measured.

When it is determined that the impedances of all the settings have not been measured (No in step S608), the control unit 109 returns to step S604 and turns on / off the first switches 233a to 233c and the second switches 234a to 234c. Switch to the next setting.

When it is determined that the impedances of all the settings have been measured (Yes in step S608), the control unit 109 ends the impedance measurement process and proceeds to step S504 shown in FIG.

In the description of the third modified example, the first main electrode 105a has a single configuration, but the first main electrode 105a may have a configuration divided into a plurality of pieces. Similarly, the second main electrode 105b may also have a configuration divided into a plurality of parts.

As described above, the holding device 20c is capable of independently switching the connection between the plurality of first electrodes 231 and the plurality of second electrodes 232, each of the plurality of first electrodes 231 and the conductive portion 201. It further includes one switch 233 and a plurality of second switches 234 that can independently switch the connection between each of the plurality of second electrodes 232 and the conductive portion 201. Thereby, the main body device 10 can detect the local deterioration of the conductive gel 302 when it is held by the holding device 20c.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration specified in each of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention described in the claims. For example, the functions included in each component and each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and a plurality of components or steps can be combined or divided into one. Is.

For example, in the description of the holding device 20c according to the third modified example, the control unit 239 of the holding device 20c may execute the function described as being executed by the control unit 109 of the main body device 10.

Further, although the first switch 233 and the second switch 234 have been described as being electrically controlled by the control unit 239, the first switch 233 and the second switch 234 can be manually switched on / off. Switch may be used.

1 Electrical stimulation application device 10

Main unit device

20, 20a, 20b, 20c Holding device 30 Sheet material 101 Operation unit 102 Application unit 103 Input unit 103a First input unit 103b Second input unit 104 Display unit 104a First display unit 104b Second Display 105 Main electrode 105a 1st main electrode 105b 2nd main electrode 106 Holding device detection unit 106a 1st holding device detection unit 106b 2nd holding device detection unit 107 Communication unit 108 Storage unit 109 Control unit 110 Heater 111 Power output related unit 112 Power supply unit 121 Treatment voltage generation circuit 122 Judgment voltage generation circuit 123 1st circuit selector switch 124 2nd circuit selector switch 125 Voltage measurement circuit 126 Current measurement circuit 201 Conductive unit 202 Main unit device detection unit 202a 1st main unit device detection unit 202b 2nd main body device detection part 211 Fixture 212 Penetration part 213 Fixture detection part 221

Protrusion part

231, 231a, 231b, 231c

1st electrode

232, 232a, 232b, 232c

2nd electrode

233, 233a, 233b,

233c 1st Switch

234, 234a, 234b, 235c Second switch 235 Input unit 236 Display unit 237 Communication unit 238 Storage unit 239 Control unit 240 Power supply unit 301 Frame unit 302 Conductive gel 302a First conductive gel 302b Second conductive gel

Claims

A main unit that can apply electrical stimulation to a living body or a living tissue,
An electrical stimulus applying device including a holding device capable of holding the main body device when the main body device is not in use.
The main body device
The first main electrode to which the first conductive gel is attached and
The second main electrode to which the second conductive gel is attached and
With a control unit
The holding device can be electrically connected to the first main electrode via the first conductive gel when the holding device holds the main body device, and the second conductive device is connected to the first main electrode. A conductive portion, which can be electrically connected to the second main electrode via a gel, is provided.
The control unit
When the holding device holds the main body device, the impedance between the first main electrode and the second main electrode is measured, and the impedance is measured.
An electrical stimulation application device that determines the states of the first conductive gel and the second conductive gel based on the impedance.
In the electrical stimulation application device according to claim 1,
The control unit is an electrical stimulation application device that determines that the state in which the first conductive gel or the second conductive gel is attached is not appropriate when the impedance is equal to or higher than the first threshold value.
In the electrical stimulation application device according to claim 2,
When the impedance is equal to or higher than the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value and smaller than the first threshold value, the control unit needs to replace the first conductive gel and the second conductive gel. An electrical stimulation application device that determines that.
In the electrical stimulation application device according to claim 3,
The control unit is an electrical stimulation application device that determines that the first conductive gel and the second conductive gel do not need to be replaced when the impedance is smaller than the second threshold value.
In the electrical stimulation application device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The main body device further includes a holding device detection unit that detects whether or not the main body device is held by the holding device.
The control unit is an electrical stimulation application device that starts measuring the impedance when the holding device detection unit detects that the main body device is held by the holding device.
In the electrical stimulation application device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The holding device is
When the holding device holds the main body device, a plurality of first electrodes that can be electrically connected to the first main electrode via the first conductive gel, and a plurality of first electrodes.
When the holding device holds the main body device, a plurality of second electrodes that can be electrically connected to the second main electrode via the second conductive gel, and a plurality of second electrodes.
A plurality of first switches capable of independently switching the connection between each of the plurality of first electrodes and the conductive portion.
An electrical stimulus applying device further comprising each of the plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of second switches capable of independently switching the connection with the conductive portion.
A main unit that can apply electrical stimulation to a living body or a living tissue,
An electrical stimulus applying device including a holding device capable of holding the main body device when the main body device is not in use.
The main body device
The first main electrode to which the first conductive gel is attached and
A second main electrode to which a second conductive gel is attached is provided.
The holding device can be electrically connected to the first main electrode via the first conductive gel when the holding device holds the main body device, and the second conductive device is connected to the first main electrode. It is a determination method in an electrical stimulation application device including a conductive portion that can be electrically connected to the second main electrode via a gel.
A step of measuring the impedance between the first main electrode and the second main electrode when the holding device holds the main body device, and
A determination method including a step of determining the state of the first conductive gel and the second conductive gel based on the impedance.