WO2023074914A1 - Peripheral sensory disorder improvement device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a peripheral sensory disorder improvement device having a novel structure by which an improvement can be achieved in a peripheral sensory disorder improvement device that is applied to symptoms such as tremors of the arms and legs and a decrease in somatic sensation cause by issues such as peripheral neuropathy.　A peripheral sensory disorder improvement device 10 percutaneously exerts a mechanical stimulation on the peripheral nerves of a limb A of four limbs of a patient and comprises: a band 12 worn wrapped-around the limb A of the patient; output devices 22, 24 that are positioned on the limb A by the band 12 and generate a mechanical stimulation; and a control device 16 that controls the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the outputs devices 22, 24. The control device 16 decreases the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output devices 22, 24 from a lower limit sensation intensity, which is the lowest intensity that can be sensed by the patient, to a medical treatment intensity, which is lower than the lower limit sensation intensity and cannot be sensed by the patient.

Description

Peripheral sensory impairment improvement device

The present invention relates to a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that aims to suppress limb tremor caused by peripheral neuropathy and improve somatosensory sensation.

For example, the number of patients suffering from hand tremors and decreased somatosensory sensation due to age-related peripheral neuropathy and cancer chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is on the rise as the population ages. be. There is no established cure for tremor and loss of somatosensory sensation due to peripheral neuropathy, which seriously affects the daily life of patients.

In order to improve such tremors in patients, for example, WO 2015/187712 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system for percutaneously applying electrical stimulation to the peripheral nerves of the extremities. Proposed. According to this, tremor is suppressed, somatic sensation is improved, and the patient's QOL can be improved.

By the way, in a system that provides electrical stimulation using electrodes as in Patent Document 1, for example, if the space between the electrodes and the patient's skin gets wet with sweat or tap water, there is a risk that the electrical stimulation will not work at the intended intensity. There is In addition, when electrical stimulation is given to a patient, the patient's muscles may unintentionally stretch and contract, which may cause the patient to feel anxious or uncomfortable. Therefore, US Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0356890 (Patent Document 2) proposes a device that applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves by vibration.

WO2015/187712 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0356890

However, as a result of examination by the present inventors, the device of Patent Document 2 still has points to be improved in terms of improving symptoms such as tremor caused by peripheral neuropathy and operability when actually used by patients. was found to exist.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is a peripheral sensory disorder ameliorating device with a novel structure that can achieve improvement of a peripheral sensory disorder ameliorating device that can be applied to symptoms such as limb tremor and somatosensory deterioration due to peripheral neuropathy etc. is to provide

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for understanding the present invention will be described. can be recognized and employed as independently as possible, and can also be employed in combination with any of the components described in other aspects as appropriate. Accordingly, the present invention can be implemented in various alternatives without being limited to the embodiments described below.

A first aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on the peripheral nerves of the limbs of a patient, comprising: a band wrapped around the limbs of the patient; an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate mechanical stimulation; and a controller for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device, the controller comprising the output device. The intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by is reduced from the lowest perceptible intensity, which is the minimum intensity perceivable by the patient, to a therapeutic intensity that is lower than the lower perceptible intensity and cannot be perceived by the patient.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance constructed according to this aspect, the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device is set to the lower limit intensity of perception by, for example, an input operation by a patient, so that the controller controls the output device. The intensity of the mechanical stimulation is set down to the therapeutic intensity based on the lower perceived intensity. Therefore, the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device is efficiently set to a therapeutic intensity that cannot be perceived by the patient, and an excellent therapeutic effect is obtained by applying mechanical stimulation of an appropriate intensity. (Effect of improving tremor symptoms) can be obtained.

A second aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities, comprising: a band wrapped around the patient's extremities; an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate a mechanical stimulus; It is assembled with a gap on the outer peripheral surface to a support member that is attached to support the output device.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, the gap provided on the outer peripheral surface of the output device makes it difficult for vibrations from the output device to be transmitted to the support member of the output device. Therefore, the loss of vibration energy due to the vibration of the support member is reduced, and the vibration of the output device can efficiently act on the peripheral nerves of the patient's limbs.

It is desirable that the gap as a whole has a length in the circumferential direction of at least half the circumference, and when a plurality of gaps are provided, it is desirable that the total length of the gaps in the circumferential direction is at least half the circumference. For example, in one preferred aspect, the output device is inserted into a window formed in the support member, and a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the output device and the inner peripheral surface of the window. In this case, preferably, at least a portion of the output device in the axial direction, preferably at the end contacting the patient's skin, the gap is provided continuously over the entire circumference.

A third aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to the peripheral nerves of the limbs of a patient, comprising: a band that is wrapped around the limbs of the patient; an output device positioned with respect to the extremity by a band to generate a mechanical stimulus; A support member for supporting the device is independent of the housing of the control device attached to the band.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, since the support member of the output device is independent from the housing of the control device, the output vibration of the output device transmitted to the support member is transmitted to the housing of the control device. difficult to convey to Therefore, the loss of vibrational energy generated by the output device is reduced compared to the case where the vibration is transmitted to both the support member of the output device and the housing of the control device, and the output vibration is transmitted to the patient's extremities. It can affect nerves efficiently. In particular, compared to the housing of the control device, which tends to be large in order to accommodate the control board, the operating battery, etc., the support member is easy to miniaturize because it only needs to be able to attach the output device to the band and support it. Therefore, loss due to transmission of vibration to the supporting member is relatively small, and the vibration can be efficiently applied to the peripheral nerves of the patient's limbs.

A fourth aspect is the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment according to the third aspect, wherein a plurality of the support members are provided independently of each other, and at least one of the support members is movable along the band. A relay member is arranged between the control device and each of the output devices, and a feeder line extending from the control device is branched by the relay member and wired to each of the output devices. is.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, the power supply line extending from the control device to each output device is branched by the relay member and wired, so that the power supply line from the control device to each output device can be the same wiring length. As a result, the difference in noise caused by the difference in the length of the feeder line is reduced, and it becomes possible to control each output device with higher precision.

A fifth aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on the peripheral nerves of the limbs of a patient, comprising: a band wrapped around the limbs of the patient; an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate a mechanical stimulus; A support member attached to support the output device is elastically supported by being urged by a spring in a direction of contact with the patient's skin.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, since the output device is elastically supported by the spring with respect to the support member, the vibration of the output device is transmitted to the support member by the vibration isolation action of the spring. hard. In addition, since the output device is urged by the spring in the direction of contact with the patient's skin, the output device can stably contact the patient's skin while the patient is wearing the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device. be done. As a result, the vibration energy output by the output device is efficiently applied to the peripheral nerves of the patient's extremities while the loss due to transmission to the support member is reduced, thereby effectively improving the peripheral sensory disturbance. can.

The material and shape of the spring are not particularly limited, but for example, by using a metal coil spring with relatively small damping and spring constant, the urging force of the output device toward the patient can be ensured. Vibration stimulation can be given with good energy efficiency. Also, the spring-biased output device is preferably held against the surface of the support member so as to protrude toward the patient, thereby providing direct and stable contact of the output device to the patient's skin. so that the vibration can be efficiently applied to the patient.

Since the output device is elastically biased by a spring, the patient does not feel pain or discomfort even when it comes into direct contact with the patient's skin. To support such an output device in an elastically biased state by a spring, for example, a plurality of pins protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the output device are provided, and the support member is provided with a spring biasing direction of the output device. By inserting the pins of the output device into the slits, the output device is supported so as to be able to move relative to the support member in the biasing direction of the spring. obtain.

A sixth aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on peripheral nerves of a patient's limbs, comprising: a band wrapped around the patient's limbs; an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate mechanical stimulation; and a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device, the output device being a first output device. and a second output device, wherein the first output device is provided on the inner surface of the control device having the operation portion of the output device or the connecting member that connects the control device and the band, and A two-output device is provided repositionably with respect to the band.

In the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device constructed according to this aspect, the position of the first output device is fixed with respect to the control device or connecting member that is generally positioned on the back side of the hand in consideration of operability or visibility. is set. Therefore, when mounting, there is no need to adjust the position of the first output device, and only the second output device needs to be aligned in the circumferential direction of the band, which facilitates the mounting work.

A seventh aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on the peripheral nerves of the limbs of a patient, comprising: a band wrapped around the limbs of the patient; an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate mechanical stimulation; and a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device, for input operation of the control device. is provided, and the operation switch is a contact mechanical switch.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, for example, the operation switch used when setting the lower limit of perception strength is a contact mechanical switch, so that a non-contact device such as a touch panel can be used. Compared to electric switches with contact points, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations such as double touches due to shaking.

An eighth aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on the peripheral nerves of the limbs of a patient, comprising: a band wrapped around the limbs of the patient; an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate mechanical stimulation; and a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device, for input operation of the control device. A push-type operation switch is provided, and the surface of the operation switch is recessed from the surroundings.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, the surface of the operation switch is arranged at a position recessed from the surroundings, thereby making it difficult for the user to unintentionally touch the operation switch. Erroneous operation of the switch can be easily avoided. In particular, patients with peripheral neuropathy may find it difficult to input the correct position due to hand tremors, but the depression of the operation switch allows the fingers to be guided to the correct operating position.

A ninth aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on the peripheral nerves of the limbs of a patient, comprising: a band wrapped around the limbs of the patient; an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate mechanical stimulation; and a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device, for input operation of the control device. , and an information display section for displaying information by means of a plurality of light-emitting sections arranged in the circumferential direction is provided around the arrangement area of the operation switch.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment having a structure according to this aspect, since the operation switch and the information display section are collectively arranged, the operation switch can be easily found by, for example, the light emitting section, and information can be displayed at the same time when the operation switch is operated. It also becomes easier to grasp the information by looking at the part.

A tenth aspect is the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment according to the ninth aspect, wherein the information display section is provided in a ring surrounding an area where the operation switches are provided.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, the information display section can be provided widely and efficiently around the operation switches. In addition, since the operation switch is surrounded by the information display portion, the position of the operation switch can be easily grasped.

An eleventh aspect is the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the control device controls the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device by an external operation. An operation unit for setting the lower limit intensity, and an automatic control unit for automatically reducing the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device to the therapeutic intensity on condition that the lower limit intensity for perception is set by the operation unit. and

According to the peripheral sensory disturbance improvement device constructed according to this aspect, the patient or the like sets the mechanical stimulation of the output device to the lower limit intensity perceptible by the patient using the operation unit, so that the automatic control unit controls the output device. Automatically reduces the mechanical stimulus to a therapeutic intensity that is imperceptible to the patient. Therefore, the mechanical stimulation of the output device can be easily set to an appropriate intensity.

A twelfth aspect is the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the output device is tiltable with respect to a support member that supports the output device, An inclination of the abutment surface against the patient's skin is permissible.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, when the patient wears the device, the output device tilts in a direction along the patient's body surface, so that the output device and the patient's body surface are in contact with each other. It becomes easy to secure the contact area, and the output vibration of the output device can be efficiently applied to the patient.

A thirteenth aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on the peripheral nerves of the limbs of a patient, comprising: a band wrapped around the limbs of the patient; an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate mechanical stimulation; and a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device, for input operation of the control device. is provided, and the operation of the output device is turned on and the intensity of the mechanical stimulation is adjusted by a single operation switch.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed in accordance with this aspect, the simple configuration with only one operation switch simplifies the operation and makes it less likely that problems such as incorrect operation will occur. . A simple operation and a large switch are particularly desirable for users who have tremors in their hands.

A fourteenth aspect is a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously exerts mechanical stimulation on the peripheral nerves of the limbs of a patient, comprising: a band wrapped around the limbs of the patient; A support member supporting the output device, having an output device positioned against the extremity by a band to generate mechanical stimulation, and a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device. and the controller are arranged at mutually different positions along the length of the limb.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment, which is structured according to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the support member and the control device from overlapping in the radial direction of the extremities, and to make the device for improving peripheral sensory disorder thinner.

A fifteenth aspect is the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the arrangement of the controller in the length direction of the limb is arranged on both sides of the support member in the length direction of the limb. It can be set selectively.

According to the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device constructed according to this aspect, for example, by appropriately selecting the arrangement of the control device with respect to the support member, when it is mounted on the left arm (left leg) and when it is mounted on the right arm (right leg) In both cases, even if the output device is positioned with respect to the same peripheral nerve such as the radial nerve, it is possible to place the control device at a position where movement of the wrist (ankle) is less likely to be hindered. Therefore, the device for the left and the device for the right can be made common.

A sixteenth aspect is the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, wherein the support member and the control device are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the limb.

According to the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment constructed according to this aspect, for example, by connecting the support member and the control device to each other, rather than separately attaching the support member and the control device to a flexible band, It is easy to stably attach to the extremities.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve peripheral sensory impairment improvement devices that are applied to symptoms such as limb tremors and decreased somatosensory sensation due to peripheral neuropathy and the like.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment as a first embodiment of the present invention; Bottom view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. Front view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. Left side view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. Right side view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. VI-VI sectional view of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the controller is separated from the support member; A plan view showing a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment as a second embodiment of the present invention. Right side view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. A plan view showing a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment as a third embodiment of the present invention. Bottom view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. Partial plan view showing an enlarged part of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment in FIG. Perspective view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. Perspective view showing the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment in FIG. 10 from another angle Partial bottom view showing an enlarged part of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment in FIG. A plan view showing a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Bottom view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. A diagram showing the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. 16 in an exploded state FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. 16, showing a state in which the coil spring is set in the housing. FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment shown in FIG. 16, showing a state in which the coil spring is set in the housing. A perspective view showing a part of a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment as another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 to 5 show a peripheral sensory impairment improving device 10 as a first embodiment of the present invention. The peripheral sensory impairment improvement device 10 is worn by, for example, a patient with symptoms of hand tremor (tremor) due to peripheral neuropathy, and vibratory stimulation, which is mechanical stimulation, is applied to the peripheral nerves of the forearm A that constitutes the patient's limbs. It is a device that relieves the symptoms of tremor by applying percutaneously The device 10 for improving peripheral sensory disturbance has a wristwatch type as a whole, and has a structure in which a support member 14 as a connecting member and a control device 16 are attached to a band 12 that is wrapped around a forearm A (wrist). have. In the following description, as a general rule, the vertical direction means the vertical direction in FIG.

The band 12 is in the form of a flexible belt and is made of, for example, cloth, elastomer, synthetic leather, or the like. The band 12 is previously made into a ring shape, or can be made into a ring shape by fastening both ends with fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., and is wrapped around the wrist portion of the patient's forearm A. is worn with In addition, the annular band 12 attached to the forearm A of the patient can be removed from the forearm A by pulling out the hand or by releasing the connection of both ends with fasteners or the like. is detachably attached to the

The support member 14 has a substantially rectangular box shape with rounded corners, and an information display section 18 is provided on the upper surface. The information display unit 18 is, for example, an operation indicator light that visibly indicates that the peripheral sensory impairment improving device 10 is in an operating state by constantly lighting while the peripheral sensory impairment improving device 10 is in operation. The information display section 18 is provided in an annular shape in this embodiment. The information display unit 18 emits light in a color corresponding to the remaining charge of the operating battery, and has a function as a remaining battery indicator light. For example, when the remaining battery power is sufficient, the green light is emitted, and as the remaining battery power decreases, the light changes from yellow to red. Note that the information display unit 18 may emit light all the time when the remaining battery power is sufficient, and blink when the remaining battery power becomes low. The constant lighting of the information display section 18 includes not only a continuous light emission state but also a flashing light emission state.

A power switch 20 is provided on the support member 14 . The power switch 20 is a switch for switching ON and OFF of the power of the control device 16. By turning ON the power switch 20, the control device 16 is activated and the information display section 18 emits light.

A first bone conduction vibrator 22 as a first output device is supported under the support member 14 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the first bone conduction vibrator 22 has a substantially disk shape and is provided so as to protrude from the inner surface (lower surface) of the support member 14 . The first bone conduction vibrator 22 is a vibrator that outputs a vibration stimulus as a mechanical stimulus based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control device 16, which will be described later, and outputs vibration such as white noise, for example. . The first bone conduction vibrator 22 may be any device as long as it provides a predetermined vibration stimulus to the patient.

The band 12 is provided with a second bone conduction vibrator 24 as a second output device. The second bone conduction vibrator 24 is substantially the same as the first bone conduction vibrator 22, and is arranged in a part of the band 12 in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIGS. The second bone conduction vibrators 24 protrude from both sides of the band 12 in the thickness direction, and are visible from the outer peripheral side of the ring-shaped band 12 . The first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are electrically connected to an internal circuit (not shown) of the support member 14, for example, by wiring extending inside the band 12 or by radio.

The first and second bone conduction transducers 22, 24 are positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the forearm A of the patient. Specifically, the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is arranged at a position superimposed on the styloid process of the radius of the forearm A from the back side of the hand, and the second bone conduction vibrator 24 It is arranged at a position where it overlaps the projection from the palm side. In short, the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are arranged at positions sandwiching the styloid process of the radius, and arranged so as to apply vibration stimulation to the radius. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the center axis C1 of the second bone conduction vibrator 24 is the length of the annular band 12 with respect to the center axis C2 extending in the vertical direction of the support member 14. It is set at a position (d≈20 mm) shifted by about 20 mm in the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction of the forearm A).

The control device 16 is a device that controls the intensity of the vibration stimulation output by the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24. The control device 16 has substantially the same outer shape as the support member 14 and is connected to the support member 14 . The control device 16 is arranged side by side with respect to the support member 14 in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A (horizontal direction in FIG. 1), and is arranged at a different position from the support member 14 in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A. ing. The control device 16 is indirectly attached to the band 12 via the support member 14 and is located at a position separated from the band 12 in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A. The control device 16 is arranged side by side with the support member 14 so as to be located on the opposite side of the support member 14 from the wrist in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A when the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment is attached to the forearm A. be done. As a result, even if the control device 16 is displaced from the band 12 in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A, the control device 16 can be prevented from interfering with the hand when the wrist is moved.

The control device 16 is equipped with an operation switch 26. As for the operation switch 26 , a pressing operation portion 28 which is an input operation portion from the outside constitutes a part of the upper surface of the control device 16 . The pressing operation part 28 has a circular shape when viewed from above in FIG. 1, and has a diameter that allows it to be easily pressed with a finger. The pressing operation portion 28 preferably accounts for 30% or more of the area of the upper surface of the control device 16. This makes it easy to press the pressing operation portion 28, for example, by holding the control device 16 between the thumb and middle finger. It is possible to ensure ease of pressing even when pressing the pressing operation portion 28 with the index finger while holding it. The pressing operation portion 28 has a concave upper surface, and the upper surface of the pressing operation portion 28 is recessed from the upper surface around the pressing operation portion 28 in the control device 16 . In particular, in this embodiment, since the upper surface of the pressing operation portion 28 is formed as a concave curved surface that becomes deeper toward the center, fingers during operation are guided toward the center side by the inclination of the upper surface of the pressing operation portion 28. The operation switch 26 can be easily pressed correctly.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation switch 26 of the control device 16 is a mechanical switch with contacts. When the pressing operation portion 28 is pressed for input, the upper contact 30 comes into contact with the lower contact 32, and an input is made. It is a push-type switch that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the current. The operation switch 26 is preferably a membrane switch that allows a pressing operation by deformation of a flexible membrane 34 that constitutes the surface. Intrusion of water and foreign matter into the interior can be prevented. In short, the control device 16 has an upwardly opening housing body 36 , the opening of the housing body 36 is liquid-tightly covered by the membrane 34 , and a An upper contact 30 and a lower contact 32 are arranged in such a manner as to be mutually accessible to form an operating switch 26 . The pressing operation portion 28 of the present embodiment is configured by the central portion of the membrane 34 and arranged in the central portion of the upper surface of the control device 16 . The lower contact 32 is connected to an electric circuit (not shown) on a substrate 38 attached to the bottom of the housing body 36, and an electrical signal output by contact between the upper contact 30 and the lower contact 32 is transmitted to the substrate 38. .

A substrate 38 of the control device 16 is electrically connected to the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24, and by operating the operation switch 26, for example, the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 and change setting of the intensity of the vibration stimulus to be output. Specifically, for example, the operation of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 is switched ON/OFF by continuously operating (long-pressing) the operation switch 26 for a predetermined time or longer. By further pressing the operation switch 26, the intensity of the vibration stimulus increases with the lapse of time. Then, by pressing the operation switch 26 for a long time to increase the intensity of the vibration stimulation, the patient reaches the intensity at which the patient can perceive the vibration stimulation (perceived lower limit intensity). As described above, the control device 16 includes an operation unit for setting the intensity of the vibration stimulation output by the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 to the lower perceptible intensity by an external operation. It is configured including a switch 26 .

The operation of the operation switch 26 and the light emission of the information display section 18 of the support member 14 can be interlocked. Specifically, for example, by pressing and holding the operation switch 26 for a long time to activate the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24, the light emission of the information display section 18 becomes brighter, or the operation switch 26 is pressed. As the intensity of the vibration stimulus is increased by pressing, the hue of the information display section 18 can be changed from green to red step by step or gradually.

As described above, the control device 16 of the present embodiment controls the output of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 and the light emission of the information display section 18 based on the electrical signal input from the operation switch 26 to the substrate 38 . to control.

The control device 16 is detachably connected to the support member 14 and can be removed as shown in FIG. The control device 16 is provided with connection terminals 40 protruding on the side surface, and the support member 14 is provided with connection holes 42 on the side surfaces thereof. and the support member 14 are physically connected and connected, and the controller 16 and the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are electrically connected.

The support member 14 is provided with connection holes 42 on both sides located on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A, and the connection terminals 40 of the control device 16 can be inserted into and connected to any of the connection holes 42 . there is In this embodiment, the support member 14 is a connecting member that connects the control device 16 and the band 12 . The control device 16 is selectively connectable to both longitudinal sides of the forearm A relative to the support member 14 such that the placement of the control device 16 along the length of the forearm A is It can be set selectively. As a result, the control device 16 is arranged on the side opposite to the hand with respect to the support member 14, regardless of whether the peripheral sensory disturbance improvement device 10 is attached to the patient's left forearm or the patient's right forearm. be able to. Therefore, the control device 16 does not interfere with the movement of the wrist even if the left arm and the right arm are not manufactured separately, and the common peripheral sensory impairment improving device 10 can be applied to both the left arm and the right arm. By inserting the connection terminal 40 into the connection hole 42 , the internal circuits of the support member 14 and the control device 16 are electrically connected to each other, and the internal circuits of the control device 16 are connected to each other via the support member 14 . 1, electrically connected to the second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24; Note that the connection between the support member 14 and the control device 16 may be assisted by a magnetic attraction force or the like. Separately from the support member 14 and the control device 16, an operation section is provided that is detachable from the support member 14 or the control device 16, and the support member 14 or the control device 16 is attached when the operation section is operated. The operation part may be operated by separating from the arm.

It should be noted that the control device 16 and the support member 14 do not always need to be separable. For example, the control device 16 and the support member 14 may be provided to a doctor or the like in a separated state in advance, and the control device 16 and the support member 14 may be placed in appropriate relative positions according to the right or left arm of the patient when provided by the doctor or the like. The combination may be such that the controller 16 and the support member 14 are connected in a non-separable manner or in a manner that is not readily separable. According to this, the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory disturbance can be shared by the left and right arms, and the control device 16 can be prevented from unintentionally separating from the support member 14 and falling off. The lock mechanism that prevents unintended separation of the support member 14 and the control device 16 is not particularly limited, but for example, the control device 16 is provided with a connecting pin separate from the connection terminal 40, and the pin is connected to the connection terminal 40. It can be realized by fitting into a hole of the support member 14 .

The device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment having such a structure is used, for example, to alleviate or eliminate hand tremor caused by peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is not limited to a state in which the peripheral nerve is damaged, and includes a state in which the detection sensitivity of stimulation in the peripheral nerve is lowered. Thus, hand tremor due to peripheral neuropathy includes essential tremor.

The device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment is worn, for example, on at least one of the left and right forearms A with tremor symptoms. In short, when there is a symptom of tremor only in one of the left and right, the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device 10 is attached only to the forearm A of one of the left and right, and when there is a symptom of tremor in both the left and right , and left and right forearms A, respectively. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment is attached to the left forearm A, and the left side in FIG. 1 is the elbow joint side and the right side is the hand side. In the following, the case where the patient wears and operates the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device 10 will be described. can also be done.

First, the patient wears the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment by passing the wrist portion of the forearm A through the inner circumference of the band 12 . It is desirable that the band 12 be positioned against the forearm A by being pressed against the forearm A with a force that does not cause pain or discomfort even when worn continuously for a long period of time. For example, by providing the band 12 with a mechanism for adjusting the length or adopting a band 12 that is short relative to the circumference of the forearm A and that is stretchable, it is possible to obtain an appropriate contact pressure.

When the band 12 is properly attached to the forearm A, the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is pressed against the styloid process of the radius of the forearm A from the back side of the hand, and the second bone conduction vibrator 24 is pressed against the stem. It is pressed from the palm side against the shaped protrusion. In short, the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are arranged at positions sandwiching the styloid process of the radius. The first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are both positioned on the same circumference as the band 12 and are pressed against the forearm A by tightening the band 12 on the forearm A. The first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 may be covered with a flexible cushioning body made of elastomer or the like. It is possible to alleviate the pain caused by the vibration, protect the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24, and the like.

Whether the band 12 is attached to the forearm A in an appropriate circumferential direction, in other words, whether the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 are properly aligned with the forearm A in the circumferential direction. It can be confirmed by the position of the support member 14 that supports the first bone conduction vibrator 22 whether or not it is arranged in the correct position. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, when the support member 14 is positioned substantially at the center in the width direction of the forearm A in a top view from the back side of the hand, the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are located on the radius. are placed in the appropriate position to flank the styloid process of the Specifically, the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is arranged at a position shifted from the center of the support member 14 to one side in the extending direction of the band 12 (the circumferential direction of the forearm A). Thus, the arrangement of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 arranged on the overlapping side with the forearm A can be easily grasped based on the position of the support member 14 visible from the outside. The support member 14 constitutes a position display section that enables the positions of the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 to be recognized when the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment is attached to the forearm A. . In this embodiment, the first bone conduction vibrator 22 can be easily positioned at an appropriate position by positioning the information display section 18 of the support member 14 on the back side of the hand where it is easy to see. In this embodiment, the second bone conduction vibrator 24 also protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the band 12, so that the position of the second bone conduction vibrator 24 can be visually confirmed from the outside.

The control device 16 may be connected to the support member 14 before the band 12 is attached to the forearm A, or may be connected to the support member 14 after the band 12 is attached to the forearm A. The control device 16 is connected to the support member 14 so as to be located on the side opposite the hand (the elbow side) and arranged so as not to interfere with the movement of the patient's wrist. By arranging the control device 16 and the support member 14 side by side in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A, compared to the case where the control device and the support member are integrated, the control device 16 and the support member 14 can be moved vertically. can be made thin. Further, even if the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is displaced from the center of the support member 14 in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A, by appropriately setting the arrangement of the control device 16 with respect to the support member 14, , the single-structure peripheral sensory impairment improvement device 10 can be applied to both the left and right arms.

After the patient wears the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment on the forearm A, the patient presses and holds the power switch 20 provided on the support member 14 to turn on the power of the control device 16 . As a result, the information display portion 18 of the support member 14 lights up. Also, the operation of the operation switch 26 of the control device 16 becomes effective, and the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 can be controlled by the operation switch 26 . The information display unit 18 can also display the remaining battery level by the color of the emitted light. For example, as the remaining battery level decreases, the color of the emitted light changes from green to yellow to red.

Next, the patient presses and holds the operation switch 26 of the control device 16 to start outputting mechanical stimulation (vibration stimulation) by the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 . By long-pressing the operation switch 26 of the control device 16, a weak vibration stimulus that cannot be perceived by the patient may be output, or the intensity of the vibration stimulus may be switched to an output state of 0. . The operation switch 26 is a mechanical switch with contacts, and since the operation is detected by the contact between the upper contact 30 and the lower contact 32, it is easy to grasp the operation by feeling. A sheet that is harder and more deformable than the membrane 34 is arranged between the membrane 34 and the upper contact 30 to enhance the click feeling during operation, thereby making it possible to grasp the operation more clearly. Also, the output of the mechanical stimulation (vibration stimulation) may be started by an operation other than the operation switch 26 . Specifically, for example, by pressing the power switch 20 while the control device 16 is powered on, the output of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 can be started. By pressing the power switch 20, the output of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 may be started at the same time when the control device 16 is activated.

The patient continues to press the operation switch 26 of the control device 16 for a long time, or intermittently repeats the pressing operation for a predetermined period of time, so that the vibration stimulation by the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 is performed. increase the output level (intensity) of the The patient continues to press the operation switch 26 until the vibratory stimulus output by the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 reaches the intensity perceived by the patient (perceived lower limit intensity). The range of change in the intensity of the vibration stimulation per unit time due to long pressing of the operation switch 26 is appropriately set in consideration of ease of operation, required adjustment accuracy, and the like. On the other hand, if the intensity variation range is too small, the operating switch 26 will need to be pressed for a long time to increase the vibratory stimulus to an intensity that the patient can perceive, and the work will take time, while the intensity variation range will increase. This is because if it is too large, it becomes difficult to adjust the intensity of the vibration stimulation with high accuracy, and the tremor suppression effect may decrease.

For example, the color, brightness, etc. of light emitted from the information display section 18 may be changed according to the length of time the operation switch 26 is held down. In addition, when the peripheral sensory disturbance improvement device 10 is not used for the first time, whether the output intensity is lower than, the same as, or higher than the perceptual lower limit intensity (described later) at the time of previous use is determined by the color and brightness of the emitted light. You may make it grasp|ascertained by さ etc.

When the intensity of the vibration stimulation output by the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 reaches the lower limit intensity of perception, the patient releases the long press of the operation switch 26 and waits for a predetermined waiting time. . The waiting time is not particularly limited and is appropriately set, but it is desirable that the patient is not unnecessarily long so as not to feel uneasy, preferably within 10 seconds, for example 2 to 5 seconds. degree. When the operation switch 26 is pressed again after releasing the long press, for example, the operation switch 26 may not be operated to prevent erroneous operation, or may be operated to increase the intensity of the vibration stimulation again. . Even in the latter case, the operation switch 26 has a recessed shape in which the pressing operation portion 28 of the membrane 34 is recessed from the surroundings, making it difficult to touch unintentionally. Problems such as the output intensities of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 exceeding the perceptual lower limit intensities due to unintentional pressing and cancellation of standby time are less likely to occur. In this embodiment, the membrane 34 itself is formed with a concave portion (concave pressing operation portion 28). The switch 26 can also have a recessed shape that is recessed from the periphery provided with ribs.

When the control device 16 detects that the operation switch 26 has not been pressed for a predetermined waiting time after the start of operation of the operation switch 26, the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22, The output intensity of 24 is stored as the lower perceived intensity. Then, on the condition that the lower perceptible intensity limit is set, the control device 16 reduces the output intensities of the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 to therapeutic intensity, which is approximately 60% of the lower perceptual intensity limit. , the outputs of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are automatically controlled. In this way, the substrate 38 of the control device 16 automatically performs control to lower and set the intensity of the vibration stimulation output by the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 from the lower limit intensity of perception to the intensity for treatment. It has a function as a control unit. The vibratory stimulus having therapeutic strength output by the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 cannot be perceived by the patient because it is lower than the lower limit of perception strength, which is the minimum strength perceivable by the patient. It should be noted that the output intensity reduction control is not automatically started by the detection of the standby time, but the operation for starting the output intensity reduction control (for example, pressing an operation switch or another switch, etc.) may be automatically reduced from 100% to 60%.

The specific operation of the operation switch 26 and the setting of the operation corresponding to the operation are not limited. For example, when the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 start to operate, they are made to output strong vibration stimulation that can be perceived by the patient, and by continuing to press the operation switch 26, the strength of the vibration stimulation gradually weakens. You may do so. In this case, for example, the patient presses the operation switch 26 until the patient no longer feels the vibration stimulus, stops the operation of the operation switch 26 when the patient no longer feels the vibration stimulus, and waits until a predetermined time elapses. This causes the controller 16 to set the lower perceived intensity, and the controller 16 automatically adjusts the vibratory stimulation to the therapeutic intensity.

When setting the control device 16 to decrease the intensity from the lower limit of perception to the therapeutic intensity, the information display unit 18 may blink to indicate that the therapeutic intensity is being set. This allows the patient, etc., to understand that the waiting time has passed without operating the operation switch 26, and that the process of setting the reduction to the treatment intensity is in progress, thereby providing the patient, etc. with a sense of security. can give.

As described above, the operation of the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment in the power-on state, that is, turning ON the operation of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 and turning on the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 , 24 is controlled by a single operating switch 26 . As a result, it is possible to provide a large operation switch 26 that is easy to press even for a patient with peripheral neuropathy by securing a large area for disposing the operation switch 26, and the operation is simple and the risk of erroneous operation is reduced. .

　The tremor in the patient's hand is reduced by applying a therapeutic intensity vibration stimulation set by the control device 16 to the radial nerve. In other words, in tremors caused by peripheral neuropathy, the level of tremor that is normally detected in the peripheral nerves is not detected due to a decrease in somatosensory sensitivity due to peripheral neuropathy. It is thought that one of the reasons for this is that Therefore, by applying vibration stimulation (noise) to the radius, the electric signal due to the tremor is superimposed on the electric signal due to the vibration stimulation output from the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24, and amplified. Using a stochastic resonance phenomenon that causes peripheral nerves (radial nerve) to detect electrical signals, tremors are detected and tremors are stopped autonomously even if the detection level of the peripheral nerves is reduced due to injury. Therefore, by continuously applying the vibration stimulation, it is possible to suppress the tremor of the patient's hand, making it possible to easily perform work using the hand.

The vibratory stimuli applied to the patient from the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 have a therapeutic strength that the patient cannot perceive as vibration. There is no discomfort due to vibration stimulation, and it is possible to wear it for a long time. In addition, by setting the therapeutic intensity of the vibration stimulation to about 60% of the lowest perceptible intensity, which is the minimum intensity of the vibration stimulation that the patient can perceive, the tremor can be effectively treated without giving the patient discomfort due to the vibration. can be reduced or eliminated. If the vibratory stimulus applied to the patient is too strong, it will be difficult for the patient to self-control the tremor just by perceiving the vibration. This is because the amplifying action may become insufficient, and tremor may not be detected in peripheral nerves and may not be reduced.

However, the ratio of the therapeutic intensity to the lower perceived intensity is not limited to 60%. For example, it is possible to appropriately adjust and set the ratio of the treatment intensity to the lower limit intensity of perception, taking into account the disease status and perception sensitivity of each patient, as well as the difference in reaction speed when operating the operation switch 26. . Considering such differences in conditions and situations, it is generally desirable to set the ratio of therapeutic intensity to the lower perceived intensity within the range of 50 to 70%, more preferably 55 to 65%. set within the range.

For example, it is difficult for the patient to operate the operation switch 26 to set the intensity of the vibration stimulation output by the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 to therapeutic intensity that the patient cannot perceive, but this embodiment can Then, the controller 16 automatically lowers the output intensities of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 to therapeutic intensities based on the lower perceptible intensity set by the patient. Since the lower perceptible intensity, which is the minimum intensity perceivable by the patient, can be set more accurately and easily by the patient by operating the operation switch 26, the therapeutic intensity of the vibration stimulation is automatically set based on the lower perceptible intensity. , the output intensity of the vibration stimulation can be efficiently and easily set to the therapeutic intensity.

The first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 are arranged at positions sandwiching the styloid process of the radius, and the vibration stimulus input to the radius is efficiently transmitted to the radial nerve involved in hand movement. , hand tremor is effectively reduced.

Also, when electrical stimulation is applied to the forearm A with electrodes, if the contact portion between the electrodes and the forearm A gets wet, there is a risk of affecting the effect of reducing tremor, etc. Since the device 10 applies vibration stimulation to the forearm A by the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24, the effect of reducing tremor is stable even if the contact portion with the forearm A gets wet. demonstrated. Therefore, in the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory impairment, which is worn continuously in daily life, tremor occurs even when in a hot place where people easily sweat or when using water for cleaning, cooking, washing, etc. It is possible to stably obtain effects such as reduction of In addition, it is desirable that the control device 16 has waterproof performance (daily waterproof performance) to the extent that it is not damaged even if it comes into contact with liquid such as water in daily life. A predetermined waterproof property can be realized by forming the liquid-meat structure. Moreover, it is desirable that the support member 14 also have waterproof performance like the control device 16 .

When the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory disturbance is unnecessary, such as when the patient goes to bed, the power switch 20 is pressed and held for a long time to turn off the power, and the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are turned off. output operation, etc. can be stopped. Also, the working battery can be charged by a charging cord or non-contact charger (not shown). During charging of the working battery, the information display section 18 may blink to indicate that charging is being performed. When charging with a charging cord is adopted, the peripheral sensory impairment improving device 10 and the charging cord should be connected easily so that the peripheral sensory impairment improving device 10 and the charging cord can be easily connected even if the hand shakes. A magnetic attractive force may act on the connecting portion of the .

When the device 10 for improving peripheral sensory disturbance is to be used again, when the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 start to operate by pressing the operation switch 26 for a long time, the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 The initial output intensity of may be set based on the lower perceived intensity at the time of previous use or the therapeutic intensity. In this case, for example, it is possible to provide a storage device for storing the lower limit of perceptible intensity and the treatment intensity at the time of previous use. For example, the storage device can retain stored information (information such as the lower limit of perceived strength and therapeutic strength at the time of previous use) even when the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device 10 is powered off. Then, the initial output intensity for reuse can be set based on the information stored in the storage device. Specifically, for example, it is possible to set the initial output intensity to approximately 50% of the perceived lower limit intensity at the time of previous use (an intensity that is about 10% lower than the therapeutic intensity), and compared to starting from 0%. As a result, the operation time of the operation switch 26 can be shortened, or the number of operations can be reduced. In addition, in the case where the operation switch 26 is pressed until the patient no longer feels the vibration stimulus to set the lower limit intensity of perception, the initial output intensity may be set higher than the lower limit intensity of perception at the time of previous use. The intensity may be set to 150% of the lower perceived intensity at the time of previous use. It should be noted that the initial output intensity for reuse set based on the lower perceptible intensity, the therapeutic intensity, etc. at the previous use may be the same as the lower perceptual intensity, the therapeutic intensity, etc. at the previous use. In addition, the reference information used for setting the initial output intensity at the time of reuse is not necessarily limited to the lower perceived intensity and therapeutic intensity at the time of previous use, and may be, for example, the lower perceived intensity and therapeutic intensity at the time of first use. Alternatively, it may be a perceptual lower limit intensity set by the user, a treatment intensity, or the like.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a peripheral sensory impairment improvement device 50 as a second embodiment of the present invention. In the peripheral sensory disturbance improvement device 50, compared to the first embodiment, the support member that supports the output device is integrated with the control device, and the functions of the support member 14 and the control device 16 of the first embodiment are combined. It has a controller 52 that has both functions. In the following description, members and parts that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

The control device 52 is in the shape of a flat, substantially rectangular plate, and includes the first bone conduction vibrator 22, the operation switch 26, It has a structure in which a substrate and the like (not shown) are arranged.

An information display section 58 is provided around the area where the pressing operation section 28 of the operation switch 26 is arranged. The information display portion 58 has an annular shape surrounding the outer peripheral side of the pressing operation portion 28 in the circumferential direction. The information display section 58 includes a plurality of light-emitting sections 60 arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the pressing operation section 28 . The plurality of light-emitting portions 60 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and arranged substantially evenly so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the pressing operation portion 28 in the circumferential direction.

In this embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting units 60 are composed of one power lamp 60a and seven information display lamps 60b. The information display lamps 60b are arranged on both sides of the power lamp 60a in the circumferential direction. The power lamp 60a indicates the switching information of ON and OFF of the power supply by the power switch 20 by lighting, extinguishing, blinking, or the like. It has become. The information display lamp 60b indicates information such as the remaining battery capacity of the working battery and the output intensity of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 by lighting, turning off, blinking, etc., and the number of lights. be. Specifically, the information display lamp 60b is, for example, so that the number of lights increases as the battery level increases, or blinks when the battery is charged, or the output intensity of the vibration stimulation is increased when the operation switch 26 is operated. Although it is conceivable that the number of lights increases as the value increases, such a lighting mode of the information display lights 60b is merely an example and is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the light-emitting portion 60 serves both as a remaining battery indicator lamp indicating the remaining charge of the operating battery and as an operating indicator lamp indicating the operating state of the control device 52 .

The information display unit 58 of the present embodiment does not display information based on hue, but displays information based on the number of light emissions of the plurality of light emitting units 60. Therefore, even a patient with an abnormality in color vision can accurately grasp the information. It is possible to Further, for example, by associating the remaining battery level, the intensity of vibration stimulation, and the like with the number of lights of the information display lamp 60b, the patient or the like can grasp the information more intuitively.

Since the plurality of information indicator lamps 60b are arranged on both sides of the power lamp 60a in the circumferential direction, for example, they are symmetrically lit, extinguished, or blinked on both sides of the power lamp 60a. can be According to this, even if a part of the information display portion 58 in the circumferential direction is covered by the hand when operating the operation switch 26, the information by the information display lamp 60b can be grasped more accurately.

As shown in FIG. 9, a first bone conduction vibrator 22 is provided below the control device 52 . Therefore, the control device 52 functions as a support member that supports the first bone conduction vibrator 22 . A second bone conduction vibrator 24 is arranged on the band 12 at a position vertically corresponding to the first bone conduction vibrator 22 .

Such a device for improving peripheral sensory impairment 50 of the present embodiment is used by being attached to the patient's forearm A in the same manner as the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment 10 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the support member 14 and the control device 16 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the forearm A. No matter which forearm A is attached and used, the control device 52 is less likely to interfere with the movement of the wrist. Moreover, the connection terminal 40 and the connection hole 42 for detachably attaching the support member 14 and the control device 16 as in the first embodiment are not necessary, and the structure can be simplified. In this embodiment, the first bone conduction transducer 22 can be easily positioned at an appropriate position by locating the control device 52 on the back side of the hand where the pressing operation section 28 can be easily operated and the information display section 58 can be easily seen. can.

When the device 50 for improving peripheral sensory disturbance is attached to the forearm A, the control device 52 is positioned substantially in the center of the width direction of the forearm A (up and down direction in FIG. 8), whereby the first and second bone conduction vibrations The prongs 22, 24 are placed in the proper position sandwiching the radial styloid process. In this manner, the positions of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 can be grasped by the control device 52 that is visible from the outside, and the control device 52 is used as the position display section of this embodiment. there is

In this embodiment, since the information display section 58 is provided around the pressing operation section 28 of the operation switch 26, the effect of making the position of the operation switch 26 easier to understand by the light emitting section 60 of the information display section 58 can be expected. . In addition, by arranging the information display section 58 in a ring around the operation switch 26, the information display section 58 can be provided with excellent space efficiency, and the information displayed on the information display section 58 can be easily seen. can.

10 and 11 show a device 70 for improving peripheral sensory impairment as a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the peripheral perceptual disorder improving device 70 has a structure in which a control device 72 and a first bone conduction vibrator 22 and a second bone conduction vibrator 24 are attached to the band 12 .

The control device 72 has a housing 74 attached to the band 12 . The housing 74 is made of resin, metal, or the like, for example, and has a hollow structure.

The control device 72 is provided with an information display section 58 around the operation switch 26, like the control device 72 of the second embodiment. The control device 72 does not have a function as a support member that supports the first bone conduction vibrator 22 as an output member. The operation switch 26 and the information display section 58 are provided on the surface of the housing 74 positioned on the outer peripheral side with respect to the forearm (not shown) when worn on the forearm. The information display unit 58 of the present embodiment does not include the power lamp 60a, and is configured by a plurality of (eight) information display lamps 60b. In the information display section 58, for example, as the output intensity of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 increases, the number of lighting of the information display lamp 60b increases.

A power lamp 76 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 74, away from the operation switch 26 and the information display section 58, for indicating whether the power is ON/OFF by lighting/extinguishing. The power lamp 76 is lit when the control device 72 is turned on by operating a power switch 78, which will be described later. In addition, the power light 76 changes its color according to the remaining amount of the operating battery of the control device 72. lights up in red when the This makes it possible to easily grasp the timing at which the working battery should be charged. Thus, the power lamp 76 of the present embodiment serves both as an operation indicator lamp for the control device 72 and as a remaining battery indicator lamp.

As shown in FIG. 13, a power switch 78 is provided on the side surface of the housing 74 . The power switch 78 is, for example, long-pressed when switching ON/OFF of the power of the control device 72 . As can be understood from the fact that the power switch 78 is provided separately from the operation switch 26 , the operation switch 26 of this embodiment is not used to turn on/off the power of the control device 72 . In this embodiment, the power switch 78 is provided on the side surface of the housing 74 positioned on one side in the direction in which the band 12 extends. good.

As shown in FIG. 14, a charging connector 80 is provided on the side surface of the housing 74 . The charging connector 80 is connected to an external power supply via a power cable (not shown), thereby enabling power supply from the external power supply to the operation battery of the control device 72 . The charging connector 80 is provided on a side different from the power switch 78 in this embodiment, particularly on the side opposite to the power switch 78 . However, the charging connector 80 can also be provided, for example, on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 74 that overlaps the patient's forearm (not shown). A cover may be detachably attached to the opening of the charging connector 80 in the housing 74 as necessary to provide waterproofness except when connecting to an external connector. Further, the charging connector 80 may be used, or a communication connector or the like may be separately provided to enable information communication between the control device 72 and the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, the band 12 includes a first support member 82 that supports the first bone conduction vibrator 22 and a second support member 84 that supports the second bone conduction vibrator 24. attached to each. The first support member 82 and the second support member 84 are provided independently of the housing 74 of the control device 72 and are spaced apart from the housing 74 in the extending direction of the band 12 . Moreover, in this embodiment, the first support member 82 and the second support member 84 are independent of each other. Since the second support member 84 has the same structure as the first support member 82, corresponding parts in the figure are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Also, although the first bone conduction vibrator 22 and the second bone conduction vibrator 24 are given different reference numerals for the sake of convenience, a common vibrator can be used.

The first support member 82 is composed of a support member main body 86 and a lid member 88 . The support member main body 86 has a pair of recessed grooves 90, 90 extending in the extending direction of the band 12. As shown in FIG. A housing portion 92 for housing the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is provided between the pair of grooves 90, 90 in the support member main body 86, and is a housing recess (not shown) that opens in the same direction as the groove 90. are formed in the housing portion 92 . A window portion 94 is formed through the bottom surface of the accommodation recess in the accommodation portion 92 . The window portion 94 is a substantially circular hole having a diameter larger than that of the first bone conduction vibrator 22 . Both sides of the window portion 94 in one radial direction are linear width across flats portions 96, 96 extending parallel to each other. The dimensions are partially reduced. The diameter dimension of the window portion 94 in the width across flats portions 96 , 96 is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension of the first bone conduction vibrator 22 .

The lid member 88 has a substantially plate shape, and constitutes the first support member 82 by being superimposed on the support member main body 86 and fixed with screws or the like. By covering the openings of the pair of recessed grooves 90, 90 with the cover member 88, a tunnel-shaped hole passing through the band 12 in the extending direction is formed, and the band 12 is inserted through the tunnel-shaped hole. there is Thereby, the first support member 82 attached to the band 12 is movable along the band 12 .

The first bone conduction vibrator 22 is positioned and held with respect to the first support member 82 by covering the opening of the housing recess (not shown) housing the first bone conduction vibrator 22 with a lid member 88 . The first bone conduction vibrator 22 is inserted through the window portion 94 and protrudes outward from the lid member 88 through the window portion 94 . In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is in contact with the width across flats 96, 96 of the window portion 94, and the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is positioned radially with respect to the first support member 82. is positioned by In addition, a gap 98 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first bone conduction vibrator 22 and the inner peripheral surface of the window portion 94 at a portion outside the width across flats 96, 96 in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral surface of the bone conduction vibrator 22 is separated from the first support member 82 . Note that the width across flats 96, 96 are not essential. A gap may be formed by doing so.

The first support member 82 and the second support member 84 are attached independently of each other to the band 12 and are relatively movable in the extending direction of the band 12 . In this embodiment, both the first support member 82 and the second support member 84 are movable along the band 12. For example, either the first support member 82 or the second support member 84 may be fixed relative to the band 12 and only the other of the first support member 82 and the second support member 84 may be movable along the band 12 .

A relay member 100 is attached to the band 12 between the first support member 82 and the second support member 84 . The relay member 100 includes a relay circuit (not shown) inside, and the relay circuit is connected to the control device 72 by a feeder line 102a. 102c are connected to one of the first bone conduction vibrator 22 and the second bone conduction vibrator 24, respectively. As a result, electric power from the control device 72 is supplied to the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 via the relay circuit supported by the relay member 100 . By connecting the feeder lines 102a, 102b, and 102c by the relay member 100 in this manner, the length of the wiring path from the control device 72 to the first bone conduction vibrator 22 and the length of the wiring path from the control device 72 to the second bone conduction vibrator 24 are reduced. , can be made substantially the same, so that the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 can be controlled with higher precision. The relay member 100 is attached to the band 12 in the same manner as the first and second support members 82 and 84 so as to be movable in the direction in which the band 12 extends. relative movement is possible. In addition, the power supply line 102 limits the separation distance between the control device 72 , the first support member 82 , the second support member 84 and the relay member 100 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, a guide groove 104 is formed on the surface of the band 12, and the feeder line 102a is guided by the guide groove 104 in the direction in which the band 12 extends.

The peripheral sensory impairment improvement device 70 having such a structure is used while being wrapped around the patient's forearm, as in the above embodiment. When using the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device 70 attached to the patient's forearm, the patient first presses and holds the power switch 78 to turn on the power of the controller 72 . When the power supply of the control device 72 is switched to ON, the power lamp 76 lights up, and the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22, 24 start to vibrate. One or more lights up. Next, the patient presses the operation switch 26 to increase the vibration intensity until the patient perceives the vibration of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 . After the vibration intensity of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 reaches a level perceivable by the patient, the vibration intensity is set at 100% by not operating the operation switch 26 for a certain period of time. the vibration intensity is automatically reduced to 60%. As a result, vibrations that the patient cannot perceive are applied from the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 to the patient's forearm, thereby reducing tremor in the patient's forearm and somatic sensation of the forearm due to the stochastic resonance phenomenon. will be improved.

By the way, when the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 having relatively small outputs are used, the vibrations output by the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 are efficiently transmitted to the forearms of the patient. must be communicated effectively. Therefore, in the peripheral sensory disturbance improving device 70 of this embodiment, the first and second support members 82 and 84 that support the first and second bone conduction transducers 22 and 24 are independent from the housing 74 of the control device 72. In addition, the first and second support members 82, 84 are independent of each other. As a result, the first and second support members 82 and 84 are made small, respectively. 84 and absorbed/dissipated by the vibrations of the first and second support members 82, 84 without being transmitted to the forearm, the amount of vibrational energy is less than if it were transmitted to a larger support member. Loss can be suppressed. Therefore, even the small-sized first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 with relatively low output can apply necessary vibrations to the patient's forearm. Therefore, even when a patient with reduced somatosensory sensation uses it, the output vibrations of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 can be strengthened to a level perceivable by the patient, and 100% vibration can be obtained. Intensity settings can be made.

Due to the small size of the first and second support members 82, 84, the ratio of the contact area of the first and second support members 82, 84 to the patient's forearm is greater, and the first and second support members 82, 84 are more compact. The vibrational energy that has escaped to the members 82 and 84 is easily applied to the patient's forearms via the first and second support members 82 and 84 . Thus, since the first and second support members 82 and 84 themselves also function as vibration transmitters, the vibrations are efficiently applied to the patient.

Also, since the gaps 98 are formed between the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 and the first and second support members 82 and 84, respectively, the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 , 24 to the first and second support members 82 and 84, and the vibrations output from the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 can be efficiently applied to the patient's peripheral nerves. .

16 and 17 show a peripheral sensory impairment improving device 110 as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A peripheral sensory disturbance improving device 110 includes a control device 112 and first and second bone conduction vibrators 114 and 116 as output devices.

The control device 112 has a structure in which a control board 120 and an operating battery 122 are accommodated inside a housing 118, as shown in an exploded state in FIG.

The housing 118 is made of resin or metal, and has a substantially rectangular box shape with rounded corners, which is longitudinal in the longitudinal direction of the patient's forearm. The housing 118 is composed of a receiving member 126 having a receiving recess 124 and a bottom member 128 covering the opening of the receiving recess 124 . In this embodiment, the bottom member 128 is attached to the band 12 , and the accommodation member 126 is fixed to the bottom member 128 so that the housing 118 is attached to the band 12 .

The control board 120 controls the operation of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 114, 116, the power light 76, and the information display light 60b by power supply from the operation battery 122. The operation battery 122 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery or the like, and can be repeatedly charged and used by supplying power through the charging connector 80 .

A housing 118 of the control device 112 accommodates a first bone conduction vibrator 114 . As also shown in FIG. 19, the first bone conduction vibrator 114 has a generally cylindrical shape as a whole, and has a support pin 130 protruding from the outer peripheral surface. A pair of support pins 130 are provided to protrude from both sides in the radial direction of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 . In this embodiment, the housing 118 of the control device 112 also serves as a support member (first support member) that supports the first bone conduction vibrator 114 .

The housing member 126 of the housing 118 is provided with a cylindrical support tube portion 132 projecting from the bottom surface of the housing recess 124 toward the bottom member 128 . The support cylinder portion 132 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and slits 134 extending in the axial direction are formed on both side portions in one radial direction. An insertion portion 136 through which a power supply line 102d connecting the control board 120 and the first bone conduction vibrator 114 is inserted is formed in a portion of the support cylinder portion 132 outside the slits 134,134.

As shown in FIG. 20, the bottom member 128 of the housing 118 is formed with a window portion 138 at a position corresponding to the tip of the support cylinder portion 132 . The window portion 138 is formed through the bottom member 128 and is a substantially circular hole. A pair of support recesses 140 , 140 opening toward the housing member 126 are formed in the peripheral edge of the window 138 at positions corresponding to the pair of slits 134 , 134 of the support cylinder 132 .

By attaching the bottom member 128 to the housing member 126 so as to cover the opening of the housing recess 124 , the tip of the support cylinder portion 132 abuts against the opening peripheral portion of the window portion 138 . The openings of the pair of slits 134, 134 at the tip of the support cylinder portion 132 are connected to and covered with the pair of support recesses 140, 140. As shown in FIG. The first bone conduction vibrator 114 is accommodated in the inner circumference of the support cylinder portion 132, and a pair of support pins 130, 130 provided in the first bone conduction vibrator 114 are inserted into a pair of slits 134, 134. ing. The first bone conduction vibrator 114 can move relative to the housing 118 in the axial direction of the support cylinder portion 132 by moving the support pins 130 and 130 in the slits 134 and 134 .

A coil spring 142 as a spring is inserted into the inner circumference of the support cylinder portion 132 . A positioning projection 144 (see FIG. 18) is provided on the inner peripheral side of the support cylinder portion 132 on the bottom surface of the accommodation recess 124, and one end of the coil spring 142 is externally inserted into the positioning projection 144 and positioned. . The bottom surface of the accommodation recess 124 located on the inner peripheral side of the support cylinder portion 132 is concave with a tapered inner peripheral surface, and the other end of the coil spring 142 contacts the tapered inner peripheral surface. The contact also positions the coil spring 142 in the radial direction with respect to the support cylinder portion 132 .

The coil spring 142 is arranged in a compressed state between the bottom surface of the housing recess 124 and the first bone conduction vibrator 114, and is positioned on the window portion 138 side (the patient's skin) with respect to the first bone conduction vibrator 114. contact direction). As a result, the pair of support pins 130, 130 of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 are guided toward the window 138 along the pair of slits 134, 134, and inserted into the pair of support recesses 140, 140. It is pressed against the bottom member 128 . Thus, the first bone conduction vibrator 114 is elastically supported while being biased by the coil spring 142 .

The first bone conduction vibrator 114 is held in a state of protruding from the window 138 by the elasticity of the coil spring 142 . The first bone conduction vibrator 114 can be displaced by deformation of the coil spring 142 so that the projection dimension from the window 138 is reduced. In addition, the deformation of the coil spring 142 allows the first bone conduction vibrator 114 to tilt around the pair of support pins 130 , 130 . Therefore, the surface of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 that contacts the patient's skin (the tip surface exposed through the window 138) is allowed to be inclined along the curvature of the patient's body surface.

A gap 146 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 and the inner peripheral surface of the window portion 138 . In short, the first bone conduction vibrator 114 is supported in contact with the housing 118 at the pair of support pins 130, 130, and separated from the housing 118 at other portions. However, the first bone conduction vibrator 114 may be tilted around the pair of support pins 130 , 130 so that a part of the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the window 138 . Therefore, the gap 146 does not necessarily have to be formed continuously over the entire circumference, and may be formed in at least a part of the circumference.

A second bone conduction vibrator 116 is attached to the band 12 while being supported by a second support member 84 . The second bone conduction vibrator 116 is connected to the control board 120 by the power supply line 102b. In this embodiment, the power supply line 102e is a curled cord that is allowed to expand and contract, and the second bone conduction vibrator 116 (second support member 84) is connected to the first bone conduction vibrator 114 (control device 112). On the other hand, relative displacement is possible in the stretching direction of the band 12 .

The device 110 for improving peripheral sensory impairment, which has a structure according to this embodiment, is used by being wrapped around the patient's forearm (wrist) with the band 12, as in each of the above embodiments. The second support member 84 is positioned relative to the control device 112 so that the vibrations of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 and the second bone conduction vibrator 116 are applied to peripheral nerves such as the radial nerve when the patient is wearing the device. position is adjusted.

The first bone conduction vibrator 114 is elastically pressed against the patient's body surface by the coil spring 142, thereby stably contacting the patient's body surface. Therefore, vibration can be efficiently applied from the first bone conduction vibrator 114 to the patient's peripheral nerves.

A gap 146 is formed between the outer periphery of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 and the bottom member 128 of the housing 118 to make it difficult for the vibration of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 to be transmitted to the housing 118. . Accordingly, the vibration energy of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 is less likely to be absorbed/dissipated by the vibration of the housing 118, and the vibration can be efficiently applied to the patient's peripheral nerves.

Since the surface of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 opposite to the contact surface with the patient is supported by the housing member 126 of the housing 118 via the coil spring 142, the first bone conduction vibrator 114 can be accommodated. Vibration transmission to the member 126 is suppressed by the vibration isolation action of the coil spring 142, and the vibration of the first bone conduction vibrator 114 is efficiently applied to the patient's peripheral nerves.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited by the specific descriptions. For example, an electric switch such as a capacitive contact sensor can be used as the operation switch. Further, the contact mechanical switch is not limited to the membrane switch.

The operation unit including the operation switch may be independent of the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device. For example, an input to the operation switch can be transmitted to the controller of the peripheral sensory impairment improvement device by wireless communication. In this way, by making the operation unit independent, the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment can be miniaturized. When the operation unit is made independent of the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment, an existing device such as a smartphone can be used as the operation unit.

The band 12 may be provided with a peripheral length adjustment section for changing and setting the peripheral length according to the thickness of the forearm A of the patient. Also, the positions of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 in the longitudinal direction of the band 12 may be changed. can be realized by providing at least one of the sliders that can be slidably displaced along the band 12 . As a bone conduction vibrator whose position can be changed with respect to the band 12, for example, as shown in FIG. A second bone conduction vibrator 150 having a vibrator main body 154 fixed to the inner surface of the band 12 and outputting vibration can be employed. The second bone conduction vibrator 150 is changeable in position with respect to the band 12 by making the mounting member 152 slidable in the longitudinal direction of the band 12 . According to this, for example, by adjusting the position of the second bone conduction transducer 150 according to the thickness of the patient's forearm A, the first and second bone conduction transducers 22, 150 can be adapted to the patient's physique. It can be positioned at an appropriate position accordingly. As in the first and second embodiments, if the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is fixed to the inner surface of a housing such as a control device or a connecting member, only the second bone conduction vibrator 150 is attached to the band 12. It suffices to position them in the longitudinal direction (in the circumferential direction of the band), which simplifies the mounting work. In addition, the first bone conduction vibrator 22 is fixed at a position shifted to one side in the longitudinal direction of the band 12 on the inner surface side of the housing such as the control device or the connecting member located on the back side of the wrist. , the first bone conduction vibrator 22 and the second bone conduction vibrator 150 can be easily positioned so as to sandwich the styloid process, and the vibration can be effectively transmitted to the nerve. It should be noted that, for example, the second bone conduction vibrator 24 can be selectively attached to a plurality of parts or arbitrary parts of the band 12, and the position of the second bone conduction vibrator 24 can be appropriately adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the band 12. You may enable it to set. Further, the position of the second bone conduction vibrator 150 with respect to the band 12 may always be allowed. A mechanism or the like for locking the position of the second bone conduction vibrator 150 with respect to the band 12 may be provided to make it difficult to change the position of the bone conduction vibrator 150 with respect to the band 12 .

When the control device 16 and the support member 14 are detachable as in the first embodiment, for example, the control device 16 is directly attached to the band 12 and the support member 14 is attached to the control device. It may be attached to band 12 via 16 .

Although an example in which only one operation switch 26 is provided has been shown in the above embodiment, a plurality of operation switches may be provided. Specifically, for example, by providing an operation switch that strengthens the output of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 and an operation switch that weakens the output, the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 , 24 is set to the lower limit of perceptual strength, and the output of the first and second bone conduction transducers 22, 24 is made stronger or too weaker than the lower limit of perceptual strength due to erroneous operation of the operation switch, etc. becomes easier.

Also, the operation switch 26 may be single, and a switch other than the operation switch 26 may be provided. That is, for example, a light-off switch or the like for temporarily turning off the light emission of the information display section 18 may be provided separately from the operation switch 26 . In this case also, the single operation switch 26 is used to turn on the operation of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 and to adjust the intensity of the vibration stimulation generated by the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24. and can be done.

For example, while the operation of the first and second bone conduction vibrators 22 and 24 is ON, by repeatedly pressing the operation switch 26, the intensity of the vibration stimulation may be increased step by step.

In the first embodiment, the information display section 18 can also be provided around the pressing operation section 28 of the control device 16 . According to this, the support member 14 does not need to secure a space for providing the information display section 18, and can be miniaturized. In addition, by providing the annular information display portion 18 around the pressing operation portion 28, the patient can easily grasp the position of the pressing operation portion 28 and can operate the pressing operation portion 28 while looking at the information display portion 18. also becomes easier.

The shape of the support member 14 and the control device 16 (52) when viewed in the vertical direction is not limited to the square shape with rounded corners as in the above embodiment, and may be circular, for example. In addition, it is possible to adopt a shape with corners such as a square, but the corners tend to interfere with the movement of the hand, and it is easy to feel pain when interfering. is desirable.

In the support member 14 of the first embodiment, instead of the information display section 18, an information display section 58 including a plurality of light emitting sections 60 as in the second embodiment can be employed. Further, in the control device 52 of the second embodiment, the information display section 18 capable of displaying information in colors as in the first embodiment can be employed.

Each part such as the output device, band, and operating battery may be replaceable as appropriate.

The peripheral sensory impairment improvement devices 10 and 50 are mainly used for the purpose of reducing hand tremors, but for example, they may be used for the purpose of improving somatosensory sensation such as hand tactile sensation that has been reduced due to peripheral neuropathy. can also The device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance has been confirmed to be effective not only for hypoesthesia caused by peripheral neuropathy but also for hypoesthesia caused by central neuropathy caused by cervical myelopathy (spinal cord injury).

In the above embodiment, the radial nerve was exemplified as the peripheral nerve of the arm to which mechanical stimulation is applied. You can also expect an improvement in your senses. In short, the peripheral nerve to which the device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance gives mechanical stimulation is not limited to the radial nerve. In addition, the device for improving peripheral sensory impairment is not limited to being worn on the forearm, and can be used by being worn on the ends of extremities. Specifically, for example, by attaching it to the ankle, it is possible to apply vibration to the peripheral nerves of the foot and improve peripheral hypoesthesia of the lower extremities.

In the above embodiment, an example of employing two bone conduction vibrators as output devices was shown, but at least one output device is sufficient, and three or more output devices may be used.

In the third and fourth embodiments, the transmission of the vibration output by the output device to the support member is reduced by the gap between the output device and the support member, the elastic support of the output device by the spring, etc. An example of efficiently securing the acting vibrational energy is shown, for example, by actively transmitting the output vibration of the output device to the support member so that the vibration is applied to the patient via the support member. good too. By applying the vibration to the patient through the support member or the like in this way, the vibration can be applied to a wider range of the patient's skin, and the vibration can be sensed by a wider range of receptors. Therefore, it is possible to set the lower perceptible vibration level using a lower output device. When the vibration is actively transmitted from the output device to the support member, for example, by matching the natural frequency of the support member to the frequency of the vibration output by the output device, the vibration is amplified by the resonance of the support member. can also Further, a vibration amplifying member for amplifying the vibration of the output device can be provided separately from the support member, or the vibration can be applied to the patient through the housing of the control device.

10 Peripheral Sensory Impairment Improvement Device (First Embodiment)
12 band 14 support member (connection member, position display unit)
16 control device 18 information display unit (operation indicator light, remaining battery level indicator light)
20 power switch 22 first bone conduction vibrator (first output device)
24 Second bone conduction transducer (second output device)
26 Operation switch (operation unit)
28 pressing operation part 30 upper contact 32 lower contact 34 membrane 36 housing main body 38 substrate (automatic control part)
40 Connection terminal 42 Connection hole 50 Peripheral sensory impairment improvement device (second embodiment)
52 control device (support member, operation unit, automatic control unit, position display unit)
58 Information display unit 60 Light-emitting unit (operation indicator lamp, remaining battery level indicator lamp)
60a Power light 60b Information display light 70 Peripheral sensory impairment improvement device (third embodiment)
72 control device 74 housing 76 power lamp 78 power switch 80 charging connector 82 first support member (support member)
84 second support member (support member)
86 Support member body 88 Lid member 90 Groove 92 Accommodating portion 94 Window portion 96 Width across flats portion 98 Gap 100 Relay member 102a Feeder line 102b Feeder line 102c Feeder line 102d Feeder line 102e Feeder line 104 Guide groove 110 Peripheral sensory impairment improvement device (Fourth embodiment)
112 Control Device 114 First Bone Conduction Vibrator 116 Second Bone Conduction Vibrator 118 Housing 120 Control Board 122 Operating Battery 124 Receiving Recess 126 Receiving Member 128 Bottom Member 130 Support Pin 132 Support Cylinder 134 Slit 136 Insertion Portion 138 Window Part 140 Support recess 142 Coil spring (spring)
144 positioning projection 146 gap 150 second bone conduction vibrator (another embodiment output device)
152 Mounting member 154 Transducer main body A Forearm (limbs)

Claims (12)

1. A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities,
   a band wrapped around the patient's extremities;
   an output device positioned against the extremity by the band to generate mechanical stimulation;
   a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device;
   The control device reduces the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device from the lowest perceptible intensity, which is the minimum intensity perceivable by the patient, to a therapeutic intensity that is lower than the lower perceptible intensity and cannot be perceived by the patient. Device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance.
2. A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities,
   a band wrapped around the patient's extremities;
   an output device positioned against the extremity by the band to generate mechanical stimulation;
   a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device;
   A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment, wherein the output device is attached to a support member that is attached to the band and supports the output device with a gap on the outer peripheral surface.
3. A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities,
   a band wrapped around the patient's extremities;
   an output device positioned against the extremity by the band to generate mechanical stimulation;
   a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device;
   A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment, wherein a support member attached to the band to support the output device is independent of a housing of the controller attached to the band.
4. A plurality of the support members are provided independently of each other, and at least one of the support members is movable along the band,
   4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a relay member is arranged between the control device and each of the output devices, and a feeder line extending from the control device is branched by the relay member and wired to each of the output devices. Device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance.
5. A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities,
   a band wrapped around the patient's extremities;
   an output device positioned against the extremity by the band to generate mechanical stimulation;
   a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device;
   A device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance, wherein the output device is elastically supported by a support member that is attached to the band and supports the output device by being urged by a spring in a contact direction with the patient's skin.
6. A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities,
   a band wrapped around the patient's extremities;
   an output device positioned against the extremity by the band to generate mechanical stimulation;
   a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device;
   the output device includes a first output device and a second output device;
   The first output device is provided on the inner surface of the control device having an operation portion of the output device or a connecting member that connects the control device and the band, and the second output device is attached to the band. A device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance, which is provided so that its position can be changed.
7. A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities,
   a band wrapped around the patient's extremities;
   an output device positioned against the extremity by the band to generate mechanical stimulation;
   a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device;
   An operation switch is provided for input operation of the control device,
   A device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance, wherein the operation switch is a contact mechanical switch.
8. A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities,
   a band wrapped around the patient's extremities;
   an output device positioned against the extremity by the band to generate mechanical stimulation;
   a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device;
   A push-type operation switch is provided for input operation of the control device,
   A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment, wherein the surface of the operation switch is recessed from the surroundings.
9. A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment that percutaneously applies mechanical stimulation to peripheral nerves of a patient's extremities,
   a band wrapped around the patient's extremities;
   an output device positioned against the extremity by the band to generate mechanical stimulation;
   a control device for controlling the intensity of the mechanical stimulus generated by the output device;
   An operation switch is provided for input operation of the control device,
   A device for improving peripheral sensory impairment, wherein an information display section for displaying information by means of a plurality of light emitting sections arranged in a circumferential direction is provided around an arrangement area of the operation switch.
10. The device for improving peripheral sensory impairment according to claim 9, wherein the information display section is provided in a ring shape surrounding the region where the operation switch is provided.
11. The control device includes an operation unit for setting the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by the output device to the lower perceptible intensity by an external operation, and the output device on the condition that the lower perceptual intensity is set by the operation unit. 3. The device for improving peripheral sensory disturbance according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an automatic control unit for automatically reducing the intensity of the mechanical stimulation generated by to the therapeutic intensity.
12. The device for improving peripheral sensory impairment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output device is tiltable with respect to a support member that supports the output device, and the inclination of the contact surface with respect to the patient's skin is allowed.

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