JP4368970B2 - Multi-channel low frequency treatment device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-channel low frequency treatment device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a low-frequency treatment apparatus is known as a treatment apparatus using an electric signal. In the low frequency treatment apparatus, an electrode connected to the output unit is brought into close contact with the patient, and a low frequency electrical signal for treatment is given to the output unit, that is, the electrode. Among such low-frequency treatment apparatuses, there is a multi-channel type apparatus having a plurality of output units so that a plurality of treatment sites can be treated simultaneously. And in order to be able to adjust the strength of the low frequency signal given to each treatment site, the output from each output unit can be adjusted independently. The adjustment of the output is normally a voltage adjustment, but this voltage adjustment is performed so that the magnitude of the current actually flowing to the patient becomes a desired one.
[0003]
In the above-described multi-channel type low-frequency treatment apparatus, at the start of treatment, each output unit is roughly adjusted to output from a state of zero output for each output unit, and then is output for each output unit. Each is finally adjusted so that the magnitude of the current actually flowing to the patient is as desired. That is, the magnitude of the current that actually flows changes even when an output (voltage) of the same magnitude is given from the output section due to the contact state of the electrode with the patient, the difference in body surface resistance of the individual patient, and the like. Therefore, the output of each output unit is finally adjusted in consideration of the magnitude of the actually flowing current.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a multi-channel type low frequency treatment device, adjusting the outputs from a plurality of output units independently of each other requires a considerable amount of time and labor, especially as the number of output units increases. Such a problem becomes remarkable.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and its purpose is to affect a multi-channel low-frequency treatment device that can greatly reduce the effort of output adjustment initially performed at the start of treatment. It is in.
[0006]
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention are as follows as resolving technique it. That is, as described in claim 1 in the claims,
A multi-channel type including a plurality of output units each for outputting a low frequency signal for treatment, and a plurality of output adjustment operation units for independently changing the output magnitude for each output unit individually In low frequency therapy equipment,
Switching means which is manually operated and switches between an interlocking mode and an independent mode for independently adjusting the output from each output unit by the output adjustment operation unit;
Electromagnetic driving means for changing the output from each output unit;
A manually operated target output setting unit for setting the target output,
When the interlock mode is selected by the switching means, outputs from the plurality of output units are each manually set by the target output setting unit until a predetermined interlock end condition is satisfied. Drive control means for controlling the drive means to achieve a target output;
Return means for automatically returning to the independent mode when the predetermined interlock termination condition is satisfied;
As provided. A preferred mode based on the above solution is as described in claim 2 and the following claims.
[0008]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect, since the output from each output unit is automatically set to the target output by the interlock when the interlock mode is set, the labor for adjusting the output performed at the beginning of the treatment is greatly reduced. Will be reduced. Further, it becomes easy to shift to final output adjustment independently for each output unit. Of course, by changing the target output manually, it is possible to set an appropriate target output according to the patient, the treatment site, and the like.
According to the second aspect , by providing the manually operated target output setting unit separately from the output adjustment operation unit, it is advantageous in terms of operability.
According to the third aspect , one specific output adjustment operation unit set in advance can be used as the target output setting unit.
According to the fourth aspect , any one of the plurality of output adjustment operation units can be freely used as the target output setting unit, which is preferable for easy setting of the target output.
[0009]
According to the fifth aspect , it is possible to easily manage the period in which output interlocking is possible by time.
According to the sixth aspect , it is preferable to make sure that the interlocking is completed.
According to the seventh aspect , it is preferable for reliably recognizing the target output.
According to the eighth aspect , it is preferable for confirming that the interlock mode has been established.
According to the ninth aspect, it is preferable to obtain the effect corresponding to the fifth aspect and to satisfy the operator's will to ensure the interlocking state at the same time.
[0010]
According to claim 10, the securing of the interlocking state, that Do as preferable for completely left to the will of the operator.
According to the eleventh aspect , it is possible to prevent an unused output section from being operated unnecessarily.
According to claim 12, after the end of treatment the output of each output section is automatically zero return, and unnecessary output prevention, that Do as preferable because preparation for the next treatment.
[0011]
According to the thirteenth aspect , whether or not the interlocking mode is selected can be easily identified using the display means.
According to the fourteenth aspect , it is preferable to prevent a situation in which pain is inadvertently felt to the patient in the interlocking mode.
[0012]
According to claim 15, Fi - Dobakku controlled by utilizing, Ru can be output accurately target output from the output unit.
[0013]
According to 請 Motomeko 16, independent mode - de the interlocking mode - by integrating the set mechanism portion in order to obtain a de, its compactness and, actuating reliabilized news incorporation facilitation of the main body casing Etc. are preferable.
According to the seventeenth aspect , the state of interlocking toward the target output can also be confirmed by the output adjustment operation unit being automatically displaced toward the position corresponding to the target output.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an example of a multi-channel low-frequency treatment apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In the embodiment, a total of five output units 1A are provided as output units for outputting low-frequency electrical signals for treatment. ˜1E (5 channels CH1 to CH5). Each of the output units 1A to 1E will be described by taking the output unit 1A as an example. The output unit 1A includes two connection terminals, and a pair of electrodes 2a and 2b are detachably connected to the connection terminals. That is, one electrode 2a is detachably connected to one connection terminal via connection cord 3a and connection plug 4a, and the other electrode 2b is connected to the other connection terminal via connection cord 3b and connection plug 4b. Removably connected. Each electrode 2a, 2b is mounted in the suction cup 5a or 5b, and is attached to the surface of the patient's body using, for example, a suction action into the suction cup by a suction pump. Similarly, a pair of electrodes are detachably connected to the other connection terminals 1B to 1E.
[0015]
Corresponding to the five output units 1A to 1E, output adjustment dials 10A to 10E as five output adjustment operation units are provided. By operating the output adjustment dials 10A to 10E, the outputs (output voltages) from the output units 1A to 1E are adjusted. The point of output adjustment will be described in detail later.
[0016]
The surface of the main body case K of the multi-channel type low-frequency treatment device shown in FIG. Output adjustment dials 10 to 10E are provided, and the output units 1A to 1E are provided immediately below the output adjustment dials 10 to 10E. Further, on the surface of the main body case K, a switch (mode switching means) 11 for switching between an interlock mode and an independent mode, which will be described later, an end time adjustment for adjusting an end time in the interlock mode. A dial (operation unit for changing a predetermined time) 12 and a dial for setting a treatment time (operation unit for changing a treatment time) 13 are provided.
[0017]
The mode changeover switch 11 is, for example, a push-push type, and is switched between the interlocking mode and the independent mode each time it is pressed. When the independent mode is selected, the outputs from the output units 1A to 1E are set to values corresponding to the operation positions of the output adjustment dials 10 to 10E (the outputs are independent of each other). Adjustable). On the other hand, when the interlock mode is selected, as will be described later, the output corresponding to the operation position of the output adjustment dial that is first operated after the interlock mode is selected is set as the target output. Are automatically adjusted so that the output from all remaining output units becomes the target output. Then, after the outputs of all the output units 1A to 1E reach the target output, the interlocking mode is automatically canceled and automatically returned to the independent mode.
[0018]
Although various output states from the output units 1A to 1E are displayed on the display screen H, in the embodiment, current and conductivity (reciprocal of resistance value) are displayed in addition to the voltage as an output. It has become. An example of the output state displayed on the display screen H is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 shows the display in the interlock mode, and FIG. 3 shows the display in the independent mode. In FIG. 3 showing the independent mode, focusing on the output unit 1A (channel 1 with CH1), the display is divided into three upper and lower parts, and CH1 indicating the channel number is displayed at the top, and the middle part is displayed. From the left to the right in the figure, the conductivity, current, and voltage magnitudes are sequentially displayed in a bar graph, and the current, which is an important value in treatment, is displayed numerically at the bottom. Such display in three divisions is the same for the second and subsequent output units 1B to 1E (CH2 to CH5). As described above, in the independent mode, “CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, CH5” is individually displayed for each of the output units 1A to 1E.
[0019]
On the other hand, when the interlock mode is selected, the display is different from the display in the independent mode described above, but the different part is the channel display in the uppermost stage. That is, in the interlock mode, the uppermost display portion is used for each channel, and a channel display indicating “CH to CH5” is displayed here. The display indicating the interlocking mode can be performed differently from the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately set, for example, a display using a lamp.
[0020]
FIG. 4 shows the output adjustment mechanism portion for the output units 1A to 1E, and since it is configured in the same manner for each of the output units 1A to 1E, description will be given focusing on the output unit 1A. First, 20A is an output adjustment variable resistor, and a constant voltage from a constant voltage source is adjusted by the variable resistor 20A to be output from the output unit 1A. The output adjustment dial 10A is an operation knob that is attached so as to rotate integrally with the rotation operation shaft 20a of the variable resistor 20A. A potentiometer 21A as an output detecting means is attached to the variable resistor 20A on the back side (the side opposite to the output adjustment dial 10A), and an electric motor 22A as a drive means is attached to the back side of the potentiometer 21A. It has been. Thus, on the side opposite to the side on which the output adjustment dial 10A is attached, the potentiometer 21A and the electric motor 22A are configured as a set body integrated in series with the variable resistor 20A. Of course, in the set body shown in FIG. 4, only the output adjustment dial 1A is exposed on the surface of the main body case K, and the other portions 20A, 21A, and 22A are mounted in the main body case K, respectively. When assembling, only the output adjustment dial 10 is excluded, the set body is mounted in the main body case K, and then output to the rotary operation shaft 20a protruding from the surface of the main body case K. The adjustment dial 10A is attached.
[0021]
In the main body case K, as shown in FIG. 5, a controller U configured using a microcomputer is installed. In FIG. 5, potentiometers and electric motors for other channels CH2 to CH5 other than the first channel CH1 are identified by adding reference numerals B to E to reference numerals 21 or 22. The controller U receives signals from the various switches and the like, while the controller U outputs them to the electric motors 22A to 22E and the display screen H. The controller U monitors the output states from the output units 1A to 1E, particularly the current magnitude (current detection sensors for this purpose are not shown).
[0022]
Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the point of output control that pays particular attention to the interlocking mode will be described. In the following description, Q indicates a step, and when it is not necessary to distinguish between channels, that is, output units, or when they cannot be distinguished from each other, the codes A to E for the distinction are excluded and only numerical values are used. The member may be displayed with (for example, the electric motor is simply indicated as 22).
[0023]
First, the output from all the output units 1A to 1E is started from the state of zero, and it is determined in Q1 whether or not the current interlocking mode is selected. If YES in Q1, the interlock mode is displayed in Q2 (display state in FIG. 2). Thereafter, in Q3, among the output adjustment dials 10A to 10, the output adjustment dial that is first operated (corresponding output section or corresponding channel) is selected as CH · X. Next, in Q4, the actual output from the output unit corresponding to the selected output adjustment dial CH · X is set as the target output VB.
[0024]
In Q5, it is determined whether or not the target output VB is stable, that is, whether or not the target output is being changed. The determination at Q5 is performed, for example, by seeing that the target output VB does not change for a short predetermined time (for example, 1 second) continuously. If NO in Q5, it is considered that the selected output adjustment dial CH · X is being operated, and the process returns to Q4. When the determination in Q5 is YES, in Q6, the output from the output section corresponding to all the output adjustment dials other than the selected output adjustment dial CH · X is the target output VB. The motor 22 is driven and controlled. The drive control of the motor 22 at this time is feedback control so that the actual output detected by the potentiometer 21 becomes the target output VB.
[0025]
After Q6, at Q7, it is determined whether or not there is a channel (including zero current) whose current is a small current equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. If the determination in Q7 is YES, in Q8, the channel that is a small current is regarded as a channel that is not currently used, and this unused channel is set as CH · n, and its output is zero. (For example, return to zero by setting the target output of CH · n to zero). The unused channel CH · n may be one or plural. After Q8 or when the determination in Q7 is NO, in Q9, it is determined whether or not all the outputs of all other channels except CH · n have converged to the target output VB. The transition from Q7 to Q9 without passing through Q8 is when all the channels are used, and CH · n does not exist.
[0026]
If NO in Q9, the output is being adjusted toward the target output VB. At this time, the process returns to Q9 and waits for convergence to the target output VB. Note that after Q9, it is also possible to return to Q6 or Q7. When the determination in Q9 is YES, in Q10, a timer for setting a predetermined time as an interlock end condition is counted up. Thereafter, in Q11, it is determined whether or not the count value of the timer has reached a predetermined value (for example, 10 seconds) or more. The predetermined value in Q11 (predetermined time) is set to a time sufficient for the operator to sufficiently confirm that the target output VB has been reached, and is selected (changed) by the operation dial 12 in advance. It is.
[0027]
If NO in Q11, the process returns to Q10. If YES in Q11, the timer is reset to 0 in Q12. Thereafter, in Q13, the mode is automatically switched to the independent mode, and in Q14, it is displayed that the current mode is the independent mode (display state in FIG. 3). By being in the independent mode, the operator can obtain the final output state by operating the output adjustment dials 10A to 10E so as to obtain a desired current for each channel.
[0028]
After Q14, in Q15, it is determined whether or not a treatment time (for example, 15 minutes) preset by the dial 13 has elapsed. If NO in Q16, the process returns to Q13 (continuation of treatment). If YES in Q15, the output of all channels is automatically returned to zero (drive control of the motor 22) in preparation for the next treatment. In FIG. 6, Q6 is the drive control means, and Q13 is the return means for automatically returning to the independent mode.
[0029]
Here, since the motor 22 and the output adjustment dial 10 are always mechanically connected, when the motor 22 is controlled to be a target output in the interlock mode, the output adjustment dial 10 is used. Since the dial 10 is displaced to a position corresponding to the target output, it is easier to confirm that the output adjustment is being performed in the interlock mode, and the output adjustment dial 10 is operated in the subsequent independent mode. This also facilitates the final output adjustment work. When the output adjustment is performed in the independent mode, the motor 22 is also subjected to the rotational force by the output adjustment dial 10 and given an appropriate resistance. Of course, in the independent mode, The energization to the motor 10 is cut off.
[0030]
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes, for example, the following cases. The number of output units 1A to 1E, that is, the number of channels is not limited to five, but may be two or more. The operation unit for setting the target output can be separately provided separately without using the output adjustment dials 10A to 10E. When the operation unit for setting the target output is configured using the output adjustment dials 10A to 10E, it can be set as one specific output adjustment dial preset for target output adjustment (in this case, (In order to clarify the identification, for example, it is preferable to use the output adjustment dial at the end also for setting the target output. For example, in the embodiment, 1A or 1E is also used for setting the target output.) .
[0031]
The interlock end condition for automatically canceling the interlock mode (the condition for automatically returning to the independent mode) is set as the predetermined time, and when the count is started, the interlock mode is selected. It is possible to select an appropriate time point after the registration. For example, it is possible to select a point in time when the interlocking mode is selected and a point in time when the target output is set (setting completed) (a point in time when the target output no longer changes). In addition, the interlock end condition can be set as when a special operation is performed separately regardless of the time, for example, as the interlock mode is canceled by a manual operation.
[0032]
The operation forms of the output adjustment dials 10A to 10E can be arbitrarily selected, such as a slide type, without being a rotary type. In a multi-channel type low frequency treatment apparatus, some treatment modes perform treatment while automatically changing the frequency within a predetermined frequency band range. In this case, during the interlock mode, It is preferable to keep the frequency fixed within the predetermined frequency band in order to prevent the patient from inadvertently giving pain to the patient during the subsequent treatment. . In other words, the greater the frequency, the easier it is to feel pain. By outputting the maximum frequency at which pain is most likely to be felt, if you feel pain when setting the target output, the output is too high. It is possible to set the target output appropriately in a range where no pain is felt. When the output of each output unit is set as the target output in the interlock mode, the target output can be obtained by the feed forward control. Each step (step group) shown in the flow chart or various members such as sensors and switches can be expressed by adding the name of the means to the high-order expression of the function. Further, the object of the present invention is not limited to what is explicitly stated, but also implicitly includes providing what is substantially preferred or expressed as an advantage. Furthermore, the present invention can also be expressed as a control method.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a multi-channel type low frequency treatment device to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display state in an interlocking mode.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display state in an independent mode.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output adjustment mechanism portion.
FIG. 5 is a control system diagram for performing control related to output interlocking.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example for performing control related to output interlocking.
[Explanation of symbols]
1A to 1E: Output units 10 to 10E: Dial for output adjustment (operation unit for output adjustment)
11: Mode changeover switch (mode changeover means)
12: Dial for changing the predetermined time (operation unit for changing the predetermined time)
H: Display screen (display means)
20A-20E: Variable resistors 21A-21E: Potentiometers 22A-22E: Electric motor U: Controller K: Body case

Claims (17)

A multi-channel type including a plurality of output units each for outputting a low frequency signal for treatment, and a plurality of output adjustment operation units for individually changing the output magnitude for each output unit In low frequency therapy equipment,
Switching means which is manually operated and switches between an interlocking mode and an independent mode for independently adjusting the output from each output unit by the output adjustment operation unit;
Electromagnetic driving means for changing the output from each output unit;
A manually operated target output setting unit for setting the target output,
When the interlock mode is selected by the switching means, outputs from the plurality of output units are each manually set by the target output setting unit until a predetermined interlock end condition is satisfied. Drive control means for controlling the drive means to achieve a target output;
Return means for automatically returning to the independent mode when the predetermined interlock termination condition is satisfied;
A multi-channel low-frequency treatment device comprising: In claim 1 ,
Before Symbol Goals output setting section, said plurality of output adjustment operating portion is provided separately independently, multi-channel-type low-frequency electric therapy apparatus characterized by. In claim 1 ,
Before Symbol Goals output setting unit, it is one of the particular output changing operation section that is set in advance among the plurality of output adjustment operation part,
The target output is an output from an output unit corresponding to the specific output adjustment operation unit;
A multi-channel low frequency treatment device characterized by the above. In claim 1 ,
Before Symbol Goals output setting section, interlocking mode - de is the first occurrence of a specific output adjustment operation unit operated among the plurality of output adjustment operation unit after being selected,
The target output is set as an output from an output unit corresponding to the specific output adjustment operation unit.
A multi-channel low frequency treatment device characterized by the above. In claim 1,
The predetermined interlock end condition is a period from a predetermined time set after the time when the interlock mode is selected until a predetermined elapsed time elapses. Channel type low frequency treatment device. In claim 5 ,
The multi-channel low-frequency treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time point is a time point when outputs of all the output units to be linked become the target output . In claim 5 ,
The multi-channel low frequency treatment device, wherein the predetermined time point is set as a time point when the change in the target output ceases. In claim 5 ,
The multi-channel type low frequency treatment device, wherein the predetermined time point is a time point when the interlocking mode is selected. In claim 5 ,
A multi-channel type low frequency treatment device characterized in that the predetermined time can be varied manually. In claim 1,
The multi-channel type low frequency treatment device, wherein the predetermined interlock end condition is set to be when the interlock mode is canceled by a manual operation. In claim 1,
When the interlock mode is selected, the output of the output unit that is confirmed not to be used among the plurality of output units is automatically set to zero. Low frequency treatment device. In claim 1,
A multi-channel low-frequency treatment device, wherein all the outputs of the plurality of output units are reset to zero when a predetermined treatment time set in advance elapses. In claim 1,
A multi-channel low-frequency treatment apparatus comprising display means for displaying that the interlock mode is selected. In claim 1,
When the interlock mode is selected, the plurality of output units output a maximum frequency in a set frequency band until the predetermined interlock end condition is satisfied. A multi-channel low-frequency treatment device. In claim 1 ,
The driving means is provided independently for each of the plurality of output units,
Comprising output detection means for independently detecting outputs from the plurality of output units,
The drive means is feedback controlled so that the output detected by the output detection means becomes the target output.
A multi-channel low frequency treatment device characterized by the above. In claim 15,
Output adjustment from the output unit is performed by a variable resistor, the output adjustment operation unit is a knob for operation of the variable resistor,
The drive means is an electric motor;
The output detection means is a potentiometer,
The potentiometer and the electric motor are integrated in series on the opposite side of the variable resistor from the side on which the output adjustment operation unit is mounted. Therapeutic device. In claim 15,
When the output adjustment operation unit and the drive unit are always mechanically coupled and the drive unit is driven and controlled to achieve the target output, the output adjustment operation unit is set to the target output. A multi-channel low-frequency treatment device characterized by being displaced toward a corresponding position.

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