Oral muscle training device and oral muscle training method

Abstract

The invention provides an oral muscle training device and an oral muscle training method, which can effectively stimulate deep muscles in an oral cavity, namely genioglossus. The device comprises a pair of electrodes arranged in the oral cavity, an electrode branched from one electrode in the pair of electrodes and arranged on the surface of the skin, and a circuit for transmitting an intermediate frequency current between the electrodes. A pair of electrodes is located on the tongue, and an electrode disposed on the skin surface is located on the anterior surface of the lower jaw or neck. A pair of electrodes may also be disposed on the tongue, and the electrodes disposed on the skin surface are disposed around substantially the entire periphery of the neck. The intermediate-frequency current is a continuous-wave current having a frequency of 3 kHz or more and less than 8 kHz, or a discontinuous-wave current in which the current having a frequency of 3 kHz or more and less than 8 kHz is not passed repeatedly for a predetermined time after the current has passed continuously for a predetermined time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for training oral muscles, including tongue muscles, in particular genioglossus muscles, for treating or preventing sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and swallowing disorders. Background Art

[0002] In sleep apnea syndrome, especially obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), fat tissue is deposited in the pharynx, narrowing the airway and increasing the flow rate during inspiration. This is because, although the human skeleton generally does not grow significantly after the age of 20, the amount of muscle and fat continues to increase even after the age of 20, resulting in a narrowing of the airway area. In addition, with aging and certain diseases, the pharyngeal tension (the autonomy of the tongue during sleep) decreases, so the tongue is sucked into the trachea during inspiration, blocking the airway and causing apnea. The results showed that when sleeping in a supine position, normal people have their mouths closed and their tongues raised, while patients with sleep apnea have their mouths open and their tongues drooping. In response to these symptoms, in order to improve the autonomy of the tongue, training of the tongue muscles, including the tongue muscles, through electrical stimulation and restoring pharyngeal tension through nerve stimulation are both effective. In addition, training of oral muscles is also effective in treating or preventing dysphagia.

[0003] As a device for training tongue muscles such as the genioglossus muscle by electrical stimulation, there is known an oral muscle training device, in which electrodes are arranged inside or outside the oral cavity and current is applied to the electrodes (see Patent Document 1). In the oral muscle training device of Patent Document 1, a plurality of electrode units and a circuit are provided, and electrical stimulation is applied to the oral muscles by applying current to the electrode units, thereby increasing the tension of the oral muscles and training the tongue muscles.

[0004] However, in the oral muscle training device of Patent Document 1, since the two electrodes arranged outside the oral cavity are arranged in the lateral direction of the midline of the user's face, there is a problem that it is difficult to effectively stimulate only the deep muscles in the oral cavity (tongue muscles such as the genioglossus muscle).

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-505209 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] As described above, tongue muscle training by electrical stimulation is effective for treating or preventing sleep apnea syndrome, but conventional devices cannot sufficiently electrically stimulate the genioglossus muscle, which is the largest of the tongue muscles.

[0009] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide an oral muscle training device and an oral muscle training method, which can effectively stimulate the genioglossus muscle which is a deep muscle in the oral cavity.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the oral muscle training device of the first aspect of the present invention includes: a pair of electrodes, which are arranged in the oral cavity; an electrode, which is branched from one electrode of the pair of electrodes and arranged on the skin surface; and a circuit, which transmits a medium-frequency current between the electrodes. In the case of direct current, a pair of positive and negative electrodes are arranged in the oral cavity, or in the case of alternating current, a pair of electrodes are arranged, and one side of the pair of electrodes is branched to be a skin electrode to be arranged. It should be noted that the skin surface here does not refer to the entire surface of the human skin, but refers to the skin surface under the tongue and above the heart. Limiting the skin surface to the position above the heart is to prevent arrhythmia and the like from occurring when the heart is electrified.

[0011] In the oral muscle training device of the first aspect of the present invention, preferably, a pair of electrodes are arranged on the tongue, and the electrode arranged on the skin surface is arranged under the jaw or on the front surface of the neck. When a pair of electrodes are arranged on the tongue, and the electrode on the skin surface is arranged on the jaw or on the front surface of the neck, when current is applied to the electrodes, the current flows longitudinally along the midline of the human body, which can more effectively stimulate the deep muscles in the oral cavity.

[0012] In addition, in the oral muscle training device of the first aspect of the present invention, a pair of electrodes may be arranged on the tongue, and the electrodes arranged on the skin surface may be arranged substantially around the entire periphery of the neck. By arranging the electrodes arranged on the skin surface substantially around the entire periphery of the neck, the nerves and muscles of the genioglossus muscle may be effectively stimulated. In addition, the current density of the electrodes arranged on the skin surface may be reduced to prevent the blood flow of the carotid artery from being obstructed.

[0013] In the oral muscle training device of the first aspect of the present invention, a pair of electrodes can also be arranged at the tip of the tongue and the back of the tongue. Here, the so-called arrangement at the tip of the tongue and the back of the tongue means to limit the relative positional relationship of a pair of electrodes, for example, not to limit the distance between the electrodes. In addition, the electrode with the same potential as the electrode arranged on the skin surface can be the electrode at the tip of the tongue or the electrode at the back of the tongue.

[0014] In the oral muscle training device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the pair of electrodes may be arranged on the left or right side of the midline, and the electrode arranged on the skin surface may be arranged on the opposite side of the pair of electrodes across the midline.

[0015] In addition, in the oral muscle training device of the first aspect of the present invention, the pair of electrodes may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a point on the center line of the tongue between the tongue tip and the back of the tongue. In addition, since the tongue is prone to unexpected movement, we use different terms for the center line and the median line of the tongue, but if the tongue is in a stationary state and does not move to the right or left, the center line and the median line of the tongue are synonymous.

[0016] In addition, in the oral muscle training device of the first aspect of the present invention, the electrode arranged on the skin surface can be branched into at least two electrodes. When the number of branch electrodes is an even number, the electrodes can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the midline; when the number of branch electrodes is an odd number, one electrode can be arranged on the midline, and the other electrodes can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the midline.

[0017] In the oral muscle training device of the first aspect of the present invention, as a pair of electrodes, there can be three electrodes respectively arranged at the tip of the tongue, the middle of the tongue and the back of the tongue, and one pair of electrodes can be formed by electrodes arranged at the middle of the tongue and the tip of the tongue, and the other pair of electrodes can be formed by electrodes arranged at the middle of the tongue and the back of the tongue.

[0018] In the oral muscle training device according to the first aspect of the present invention, a pair of electrodes may be a plurality of pairs of electrodes, wherein adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities to each other.

[0019] In the oral muscle training device of the first aspect of the present invention, the medium frequency current refers to a continuous wave current of 3 khz or more and less than 8 khz. Alternatively, it may also refer to an intermittent wave current that continuously flows from 3 khz to 8 khz for a specified time and then repeats not flowing for a specified time (for example, 1 second or longer), or an intermittent wave current of 3 khz or more and 8 khz or less and with a low frequency of 1 to 100 Hz (also referred to as surge current in this description). In addition, continuous wave current and surge current may also be combined. The medium frequency current is more preferably greater than 3 khz and less than 5 khz.

[0020] The oral muscle training device of the second aspect of the present invention includes: a first pair of electrodes, which is arranged in the oral cavity; a first surface electrode, which is branched from one side electrode of the first pair of electrodes and arranged on the skin surface; a circuit, which transmits a first intermediate frequency current between electrodes formed by the first pair of electrodes and the first surface electrode; a second pair of electrodes, which is arranged in the oral cavity; a second surface electrode, which is branched from one side electrode of the second pair of electrodes and arranged on the skin surface; a circuit, which transmits a second intermediate frequency current between electrodes formed by the second pair of electrodes and the second surface electrode.

[0021] In the oral muscle training device according to the second aspect of the present invention, preferably, the first and second electrodes are provided on the tongue, and the first and second surface electrodes are provided on the lower jaw or the front surface of the neck.

[0022] The electrode group of the present invention is an electrode group formed by the electrodes arranged in the oral cavity and the electrodes arranged on the skin surface in any of the above-mentioned oral muscle training devices.

[0023] The oral muscle training method according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises the following steps 1) to 3):

[0024] 1) The step of placing a pair of electrodes on the tongue in the oral cavity;

[0025] 2) a step of placing an electrode branched from one side electrode of the pair of electrodes on the skin surface of the lower jaw or the front surface of the neck;

[0026] 3) The step of passing a medium frequency current between the electrodes.

[0027] In the oral muscle training method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the step of providing a pair of electrodes may include providing the pair of electrodes at the tip of the tongue and at the back of the tongue.

[0028] In the oral muscle training method of the first aspect of the present invention, the step of setting a pair of electrodes may be to set the pair of electrodes on the left or right side of the midline, and the step of setting on the skin surface may be to set the electrode branching from one side of the pair of electrodes on the opposite side of the pair of electrodes across the midline.

[0029] In the oral muscle training method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the step of providing a pair of electrodes may be to provide the pair of electrodes symmetrically with respect to a point on the center line of the tongue between the tongue tip and the back of the tongue.

[0030] In the oral muscle training method of the first aspect of the present invention, the step of setting on the skin surface is to divide the electrode branched from one side electrode into at least two, and if the branch electrodes are an even number, they are arranged to be line symmetrical with respect to the midline. When the branch electrodes are an odd number, one electrode can also be arranged on the midline, and the other electrodes can be arranged line symmetrically with respect to the midline.

[0031] In the oral muscle training method of the first aspect of the present invention, a pair of electrodes can be three electrodes respectively arranged at the tip of the tongue, the middle of the tongue, and the back of the tongue, wherein one pair of electrodes is formed by an electrode in the middle of the tongue and an electrode in the tip of the tongue, and the other pair is formed by an electrode in the middle of the tongue and an electrode in the back of the tongue.

[0032] In addition, the oral muscle training method of the first aspect of the present invention may further include the following steps 1) to 3):

[0033] 1) The step of placing a pair of electrodes on the tongue in the oral cavity;

[0034] 2) a step of placing an electrode branched from one electrode of the pair of electrodes on the skin surface of the jaw or substantially the entire periphery of the neck;

[0035] 3) The step of transmitting the medium frequency current between the electrodes.

[0036] The oral muscle training method according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises the following steps A) to E):

[0037] A) a step of placing a first pair of electrodes on the tongue in the oral cavity;

[0038] B) the step of placing a second pair of electrodes on the tongue in the oral cavity;

[0039] C) a step of placing a first surface electrode branched from one side electrode of the first pair of electrodes on the skin surface of the lower jaw or the front surface of the neck;

[0040] D) a step of placing a second surface electrode branched from one side electrode in the second pair of electrodes on the skin surface of the lower jaw or the front surface of the neck;

[0041] E) the step of transmitting a first intermediate frequency current between electrodes consisting of the first pair of electrodes and the first surface electrode, and transmitting a second intermediate frequency current between electrodes consisting of the second pair of electrodes and the second surface electrode.

[0042] Effects of the Invention

[0043] The oral muscle training device and the oral muscle training method of the present invention can effectively stimulate the genioglossus and tongue muscles of the deep muscles in the oral cavity, and can also stimulate the muscles required for swallowing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044]

【 Figure 1 Functional block diagram of the oral muscle training device of Example 1

[0045]

Figure 2

[0046]

Figure 3

[0047]

Figure 4

[0048]

Figure 5

[0049]

Figure 6

[0050]

Figure 7

[0051]

Figure 8

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Fig. 9

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Fig.10

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Fig.11

[0055]

Fig.12

[0056]

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Fig.14

[0058]

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[0059]

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[0060]

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[0061]

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[0062]

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[0063]

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[0064]

Fig.21

[0065]

Fig. 22

[0066]

Fig.23

[0067]

Fig.24

[0068]

Fig.25

[0069]

Fig.26

[0070] Next, an example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments or illustrations, and other changes and modifications are possible.

[0071] [Example 1]

[0072] Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the oral muscle training device of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the oral muscle training device 1 is composed of an intraoral stimulation device 2, a skin surface stimulation device 3 and a stimulation current generating device 4.

[0073] The oral stimulation device 2 is a pair of electrodes provided in the oral cavity, and includes a first oral stimulation electrode 21 and a second oral stimulation electrode 22. The stimulation current generator 4 is connected to the first oral stimulation electrode 21 via a lead wire 5a, and is connected to the second oral stimulation electrode 22 via a lead wire 5b.

[0074] The skin surface stimulation device 3 includes a skin stimulation electrode 30 and a fixing belt 6. The skin stimulation electrode 30 is provided on the fixing belt 6. The skin stimulation electrode 30 is an electrode branched from one side of a pair of electrodes provided in the oral cavity, i.e., the second oral stimulation electrode 22 and provided on the skin surface, and is connected to the stimulation current generating device 4 via a lead wire 5c connected to a lead wire 5b.

[0075] The second intra-oral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrode 30 have the same potential, and the second intra-oral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrode 30 have a potential different from that of the first intra-oral stimulation electrode 21 .

[0076] The stimulation current generating device 4 is a device capable of applying a medium frequency current, and the medium frequency current is applied by operating the operation buttons (4a, 4b) for switching the current on / off and adjusting the frequency of the medium frequency current. The medium frequency current refers to an alternating current with a frequency of 1kHz to 10kHz, but in the case of the present embodiment, a continuous wave current (alternating current) of more than 3kHz and less than 8kHz is used. According to the results of the somatosensory experiment, there is a feeling of excessive electrical stimulation below 3kHz, and it is difficult to feel the electrical stimulation above 8kHz.

[0077] The operation content is displayed on the display unit 4c. The stimulation current generating device 4 and the lead wires (5a to 5c) form a circuit for transmitting a medium frequency current between the electrodes.

[0078] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the oral muscle training device. Figure 2 As shown, in the oral stimulation device 2, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 are provided at the base 23. In addition, the fixing band 6 is installed so as to cover the back of the head to the lower jaw of the person, and a skin stimulation electrode 30 is provided on the inner surface side thereof.

[0079] Figure 3 The figure shows the use of the oral muscle training device. Figure 3 As shown, the user 7 mounts the fixing belt 6 with the skin stimulation electrodes 30 on the back of the head, and then Figure 2 The intraoral stimulation device 2 shown is placed in the mouth for use. The skin stimulation electrode 30 is arranged to extend left and right with the position abutting against the thyroid cartilage as the center when the user 7 installs the fixing belt 6. By fixing the skin stimulation electrode 30 on the fixing belt 6, the user 7 only needs to wear the fixing belt 6 to set and fix the skin stimulation electrode 30 in an appropriate position, thereby improving the effectiveness and convenience of training.

[0080] Figure 4 The electrode arrangement schematic diagram of this embodiment is shown. Figure 4 , 6 In Figures 1 to 14, 17, 18, and 23 to 26, for the sake of convenience of explanation, only the arrangement images of the electrodes in the device are shown, and the shapes of the images of the electrodes are also deformed.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1, the first intraoral stimulation electrode 21 and the second intraoral stimulation electrode 22 are arranged on the tongue 7a of the user 7 along the midline 7c, which is a line that passes vertically and directly through the center of the front face of a person or an animal. The first intraoral stimulation electrode 21 is arranged at the back of the tongue, that is, on the throat side, and the second intraoral stimulation electrode 22 is arranged at the tip of the tongue, that is, on the mouth side.

[0082] In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 30 is arranged on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 so as to extend left and right around the midline 7c. By making the skin stimulation electrode 30 wider or longer, the intermediate frequency current can be transmitted in a wider range to stimulate the skin. In addition, by using the skin stimulation electrode 30, the skin stimulation electrode can be formed by one electrode, and a simple specification can be formed.

[0083] Figure 5 The functional diagram of the oral muscle training device is shown. Figure 5 As shown, a positive or negative electrode is set on the tongue 7a of the user 7, and an electrode branched from one side of the electrode is set at a position where the tongue muscle, genioglossus muscle and other oral muscles are sandwiched, that is, the position of the neck, and, as shown in the current flow image 8, the tongue muscle, genioglossus muscle 70 and other oral muscles are stimulated by the current flowing through the first oral stimulation electrode 21, the second oral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrode 30. Table 1 below shows the voltage, current and resistance value of the oral stimulation electrode or the skin stimulation electrode when the current of each frequency is applied. The applied current is a continuous wave of 4k~8khz.

[0084]

Table 1

[0085]

[0086] As shown in Table 1, the current value flowing through the electrode in the oral cavity is 3.4 mA at 4000 Hz, 2.5 mA at 6000 Hz, and 2.7 mA at 8000 Hz. On the other hand, the current value flowing through the electrode on the neck skin is 10.8 mA at 4000 Hz, 13.0 mA at 6000 Hz, and 13.4 mA at 8000 Hz, which shows that the current flowing through the skin stimulation electrode is larger.

[0087] In addition, in the present embodiment, the skin stimulation electrode 30 is arranged in front of the neck 7b, but differently, the skin stimulation electrode 31 shown by the dotted line can also be arranged at the position of the lower jaw 7d. In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 30 and the skin stimulation electrode 31 can be of the same shape, or can be formed into different shapes according to the body shape of the person. In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 30 and the skin stimulation electrode 31 can be used in combination.

[0088] By adopting this electrode arrangement, the current density from the tongue to the lower jaw or the lower neck can be increased, and the oral muscles such as the tongue muscle and genioglossus muscle can be effectively stimulated.

[0089] In the following embodiments 2 to 12, all examples are shown in which the skin stimulation electrodes (30, 30a to 30e) are arranged in front of the neck 7b, but electrodes may be arranged at the position of the lower jaw 7d as in the skin stimulation electrode 31. In addition, although not shown in the drawings in embodiments 2 to 10, the structure of applying current via the lead wire using the stimulation current generating device 4 is the same as that of the present embodiment.

[0090] Fig.19 A schematic flow chart of the oral muscle training method of this embodiment is shown. Fig.19As shown, first, a pair of electrodes is set on the tongue in the oral cavity (step S01), and then an electrode branched from one side of the pair of electrodes is set on the skin surface of the front surface of the neck (step S02). On the basis of the above settings, a medium frequency current is applied between the electrodes (step S03). In addition, the order of step S01 and step S02 can also be exchanged.

[0091] [Example 2]

[0092] Figure 6 Schematic diagrams of electrode arrangement in other embodiments are shown. Figure 6 As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1a, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 are arranged on the tongue 7a of the user 7 along the midline 7. In addition, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 is arranged on the tip of the tongue, and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 is arranged on the back of the tongue. In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 30 is arranged to extend left and right with the midline 7c on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 as the center. The first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the skin stimulation electrode 30 have opposite potentials, and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrode 30 have the same potential. By adopting this electrode arrangement, when a current is applied to the electrodes, the oral muscles on the tip of the tongue side can be trained more effectively.

[0093] [Example 3]

[0094] Figure 7 Schematic diagrams of electrode arrangement in other embodiments are shown. Figure 7 As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1b, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 are arranged on the left side of the midline 7c on the tongue 7a of the user 7, that is, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 is arranged at the back of the tongue, and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 is arranged at the tip of the tongue. In addition, a skin stimulation electrode 30a is arranged on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 across the midline 7c on the opposite side to the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22. The first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the skin stimulation electrode 30a have opposite potentials to each other, and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrode 30a have the same potential.

[0095] In addition, the arrangement of the three electrodes may be reversed, for example, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 are arranged on the right side of the midline 7c, and the skin stimulation electrode 30a is arranged on the left side thereof. The oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 only need to be at a predetermined distance, and the position is not particularly required.

[0096] By adopting this electrode arrangement, even a single electrode on the jaw or neck can selectively stimulate the central portion of the tongue muscle when current is applied to the electrode.

[0097] [Example 4]

[0098] Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of electrode arrangement of other embodiments are shown. Figure 8 As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1c, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 are arranged along the median line 7c on the tongue 7a of the user 7, that is, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 is arranged at the back of the tongue, the second oral stimulation electrode 22 is arranged at the middle of the tongue, and the first oral stimulation electrode 21a is arranged at the tip of the tongue. In this way, a pair of electrodes is three electrodes arranged at the tip of the tongue, the middle of the tongue, and the back of the tongue, respectively, wherein a pair of electrodes is a pair of electrodes formed by the second oral stimulation electrode 22 at the middle of the tongue and the first oral stimulation electrodes (21, 21a) at the back of the tongue and the tip of the tongue. In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 30 is arranged to extend left and right with the median line 7c on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 as the center. The first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the first oral stimulation electrode 21a have the same potential, and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrode 30 have the same potential. In addition, the first intra-oral stimulation electrode (21, 21a), the second intra-oral stimulation electrode 22, and the skin stimulation electrode 30 have opposite potentials to each other.

[0099] In this way, by setting three electrodes on the tongue, the first oral stimulation electrode (21, 21a) is set in a manner that is separated from the second oral stimulation electrode 22. Therefore, when current is applied to the electrodes, the current density directly below the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22, or the first oral stimulation electrode 21a and the second oral stimulation electrode 22, is increased, thereby effectively training the oral muscles.

[0100] [Example 5]

[0101] Fig. 9 Schematic diagrams of electrode arrangement of other embodiments are shown. Fig. 9As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1d, the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) are arranged on the tongue 7a of the user 7. The first oral stimulation electrode 21b and the first oral stimulation electrode 21c have the same potential, and the second oral stimulation electrode 22b, the second oral stimulation electrode 22c and the skin stimulation electrode 30 have the same potential. That is, the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) have opposite potentials to each other. The first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the skin stimulation electrode 30 have opposite potentials to each other. That is, the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) are arranged so that the adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities to each other.

[0102] In this embodiment, a pair of electrodes is composed of a first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) as a multi-electrode and a second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) as a multi-electrode, and adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities. In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 30 is arranged to extend left and right with the midline 7c on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 as the center.

[0103] Therefore, by providing four electrodes on the tongue so that adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities to each other, when current is applied to the electrodes, the current density directly below the first oral stimulation electrode 21b and the second oral stimulation electrode 22b, the first oral stimulation electrode 21b and the second oral stimulation electrode 22c, the first oral stimulation electrode 21c and the second oral stimulation electrode 22b, or the first oral stimulation electrode 21c and the second oral stimulation electrode 22c increases, so that the oral muscles can be effectively trained in a wider range corresponding to the four electrodes. In addition, only one electrode can be provided on the lower jaw or the neck. By widening the width of the skin stimulation electrode, current can be transmitted over a wide range for stimulation.

[0104] [Example 6]

[0105] Fig.10 Schematic diagrams of electrode arrangement of other embodiments are shown, showing the cases of electrodes arranged on the tongue, where (1) is two electrodes, (2) is three electrodes, and (3) is four electrodes. The oral muscle training device 1e sets the electrodes of any one of the oral muscle training devices (1, 1c, 1d) to a state of being rotated within a range of 180°. Fig.10In the example shown in (1), the first oral stimulation electrode 21 located at the back of the tongue and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 located at the tip of the tongue are rotated within a range of 180 degrees. By setting the angle θ, the area with high current density under the tongue can be changed.

[0106] In addition, Fig.10 In the example shown in (2), the first oral stimulation electrode 21 disposed at the back of the tongue, the second oral stimulation electrode 22 disposed at the middle of the tongue, and the first oral stimulation electrode 21a disposed at the tip of the tongue are rotated within a range of 180°. Fig.10 In the example shown in (3), the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) are arranged so that adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities to each other and are rotated within a range of 180°. In this case, by setting the angle θ, the area with high current density under the tongue can be changed.

[0107] [Example 7]

[0108] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement of other embodiments, regarding the case where the electrode arranged on the skin surface is branched into two electrodes, (1) represents the case where the first intraoral stimulation electrode is arranged at the back of the tongue and the second intraoral stimulation electrode is arranged at the tip of the tongue, and (2) represents the case where the first intraoral stimulation electrode is arranged at the tip of the tongue and the second intraoral stimulation electrode is arranged at the back of the tongue.

[0109] like Fig.11 As shown in (1), in the oral muscle training device 1f, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 are arranged along the midline 7 on the tongue 7a of the user 7, the second oral stimulation electrode 22 is arranged at the tip of the tongue, and the first oral stimulation electrode 21 is arranged at the back of the tongue. In addition, the skin stimulation electrodes (30b, 30c) are arranged on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 symmetrically with respect to the midline 7c. Fig.11As shown in (2), in the oral muscle training device 1g, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 are arranged along the median line 7c on the tongue 7a of the user 7. Among them, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 is arranged at the tip of the tongue, and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 is arranged at the back of the tongue. In addition, the skin stimulation electrodes (30b, 30c) are arranged on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 in a line-symmetrical manner with respect to the median line 7c. Therefore, in the oral muscle training device (1f, 1g), the skin stimulation electrodes (30b, 30c) are not arranged on the median line 7c, but are arranged in a line-symmetrical manner with respect to the median line 7c, so that when current is applied to the electrodes, the current flows vertically along the median line 7c of the user 7, and the deep muscles in the oral cavity can be effectively stimulated. This effect is also the same for Examples 8 to 10 described later.

[0110] In any of the oral muscle training devices (1f, 1g), the second oral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrodes (30b, 30c) have the same potential. In addition, the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 have opposite potentials, and the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the skin stimulation electrodes (30b, 30c) also have opposite potentials. By adopting such an electrode arrangement, various oral muscles can be selectively trained.

[0111] In this embodiment, since an even number of electrodes are provided on the skin surface, the electrodes are provided linearly symmetrically with respect to the midline 7c. On the contrary, when an odd number of electrodes are provided on the skin surface, for example, when three electrodes are provided on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7, one electrode is provided on the midline 7c, and the other electrodes are provided linearly symmetrically with respect to the midline 7c.

[0112] [Example 8]

[0113] Fig.12 Schematic diagrams of electrode arrangement of other embodiments are shown. Fig.12As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1h, the first oral stimulation electrode (21, 21a) and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 are arranged along the median line 7c on the tongue 7a of the user 7, wherein the first oral stimulation electrode 21 is arranged at the back of the tongue, the second oral stimulation electrode 22 is arranged at the middle of the tongue, and the first oral stimulation electrode 21a is arranged at the tip of the tongue. Thus, in this embodiment, a pair of ground electrodes is three electrodes arranged at the tip of the tongue, the middle of the tongue, and the back of the tongue, wherein a pair of electrodes is formed by the second oral stimulation electrode 22 at the middle of the tongue and the first oral stimulation electrodes (21, 21a) at the back of the tongue and the tip of the tongue, respectively. In addition, the skin stimulation electrodes (32a, 32b) are arranged to branch left and right with the median line 7c on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 as the center. The skin stimulation electrodes (32a, 32b) are electrodes branched from the first oral stimulation electrode (21, 21a) and arranged on the skin surface. Among them, the skin stimulation electrode (32a, 32b) and the first oral stimulation electrode (21, 21a) have the same potential, the skin stimulation electrode (32a, 32b) and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 have opposite potentials, and the first oral stimulation electrode (21, 21a) and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 have opposite potentials.

[0114] In this way, by providing three electrodes on the tongue and providing the first oral stimulation electrode (21, 21a) across the second oral stimulation electrode 22, the current density directly below the first oral stimulation electrode 21 and the second oral stimulation electrode 22, or the first oral stimulation electrode 21a and the second oral stimulation electrode 22, is increased, so that the oral muscles can be effectively trained within a length range corresponding to the electrode length of the three electrodes. In addition, by providing the skin stimulation electrodes (32a, 32b) in left and right branches, a wide range of oral muscles can be trained.

[0115] [Example 9]

[0116] Fig.13 Schematic diagrams of electrode arrangement of other embodiments are shown. Fig.13As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1i, the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) are arranged on the tongue 7a of the user 7. The first oral stimulation electrode 21b and the first oral stimulation electrode 21c have the same potential, and the second oral stimulation electrode 22b, the second oral stimulation electrode 22c, the skin stimulation electrode 30b and the skin stimulation electrode 30c also have the same potential. In addition, the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) have opposite potentials to each other, and the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the skin stimulation electrode (30b, 30c) have opposite potentials to each other. That is, the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) are arranged so that the adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities to each other.

[0117] The pair of ground electrodes described in this embodiment is composed of a first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) as a plurality of electrodes and a second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) as a plurality of electrodes, and the adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities. In addition, the skin stimulation electrodes (30b, 30c) are arranged to branch to the left and right on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7.

[0118] Thus, by providing four electrodes on the tongue, and adjacent electrodes having opposite polarities, when current is applied to the electrodes, the current density directly below the first oral stimulation electrode 21b and the second oral stimulation electrode 22b, the first oral stimulation electrode 21b and the second oral stimulation electrode 22c, the first oral stimulation electrode 21c and the second oral stimulation electrode 22b, or the first oral stimulation electrode 21c and the second oral stimulation electrode 22c increases, so that the oral muscles can be effectively trained over a wide range according to the area of ​​the four electrodes. In addition, by providing the skin stimulation electrodes (30b, 30c), it is easy to selectively train the oral muscles.

[0119] [Example 10]

[0120] Fig.14 Schematic diagrams of electrode arrangement of other embodiments are shown, showing the electrodes arranged on the tongue, (1) two electrodes, (2) three electrodes, and (3) four electrodes. By rotating the electrode arrangement of any oral muscle training device (1f, 1h, 1i) within a range of 180°, an oral muscle training device 1j is obtained. Fig.14In the example shown in (1), the first oral stimulation electrode 21 disposed at the back of the tongue and the second oral stimulation electrode 22 disposed at the tip of the tongue are rotated within a range of 180°. By setting the angle θ, the area with high current density under the tongue can be changed. Fig.14 In the example shown in (2), the first oral stimulation electrode 21 disposed at the back of the tongue, the second oral stimulation electrode 22 disposed at the middle of the tongue, and the first oral stimulation electrode 21a disposed at the tip of the tongue are rotated within a range of 180°. Fig.14 In the example shown in (3), the first oral stimulation electrode (21b, 21c) and the second oral stimulation electrode (22b, 22c) are arranged so that adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities and are rotated within a range of 180°. In this case, by setting the angle θ, the area under the tongue where the current density is high can be changed.

[0121] [Example 11]

[0122] Fig.15 The functional block diagram of the oral muscle training device of another embodiment is shown. Fig.16 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an oral muscle training device. Fig.15 As shown, the oral muscle training device 10 is composed of an intraoral stimulation device 20, a skin surface stimulation device 3 and a stimulation current generating device 4. The intraoral stimulation device 20 includes a first intraoral stimulation electrode 21 and a second intraoral stimulation electrode 22 as a pair of electrodes arranged in the oral cavity and a mouthpiece 24.

[0123] like Fig.16 As shown, the first intraoral stimulation electrode 21 and the second intraoral stimulation electrode 22 are mounted and fixed on the mouthpiece 24. The other structures are the same as those of the oral muscle training device 1 of Example 1. By fixing the first intraoral stimulation electrode 21 and the second intraoral stimulation electrode 22 on the mouthpiece 24, the user can fix the intraoral stimulation electrodes (21, 22) in appropriate positions only by wearing the mouthpiece 24, thereby improving the training effect and convenience.

[0124] [Example 12]

[0125] Fig.17 The schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement of this embodiment is shown. Fig.18 Schematic diagram of electrode arrangement of other embodiments is shown. Fig.17 and Fig.18 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, only the setting image of the electrodes in the device is shown, and the shape image of the electrodes is deformed.

[0126] According to the oral muscle training device 1k of the present embodiment, it includes: a first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) arranged on the tongue, a first surface electrode (skin stimulation electrode 30d) branched from an electrode (22d) on one side of the first pair of electrodes and arranged on the front surface of the neck, and a circuit for passing a first intermediate frequency current between electrodes formed by the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) and the first surface electrode (30d); and a second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) similarly arranged on the tongue, a second surface electrode (skin stimulation electrode 30e) branched from an electrode (22e) on one side of the second pair of electrodes and arranged on the front surface of the neck, and a circuit for passing a second intermediate frequency current between electrodes formed by the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) and the second surface electrode (30e). The skin stimulation electrodes (30d, 30e) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the midline 7c as the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode.

[0127] That is, the oral muscle training device 1k comprises: a first channel, which is composed of a first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) arranged on the tongue 7a of the user 7, a first surface electrode (skin stimulation electrode 30d) branched from one side of the electrode (22d) in the first pair of electrodes and arranged on the front surface of the neck, and a circuit through which a first intermediate frequency current (for example, 5050 Hz) flows between electrodes formed by the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) and the first surface electrode (30d); a second channel, which is composed of a second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) arranged on the tongue 7a of the user 7, a second surface electrode (skin stimulation electrode 30e) branched from one side of the electrode (22e) in the second pair of electrodes and arranged on the front surface of the neck, and a circuit through which a second intermediate frequency current (for example, 5000 Hz) flows between electrodes formed by the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) and the second surface electrode (30e).

[0128] For example, when the first intermediate frequency flowing through the first channel is set to 5050 Hz and the second intermediate frequency flowing through the second channel is set to 5000 Hz, an interference wave with a frequency difference of 50 Hz is generated, and more current flows between the electrode in the oral cavity and the surface electrode on the front surface of the neck, so the interference wave can be used to stimulate the oral muscles such as the genioglossus muscle. In addition, the first intermediate frequency current and the second intermediate frequency current can also be the same frequency, in which case no interference wave is generated.

[0129] Here, the first surface electrode (skin stimulation electrode 30d) is an electrode branched from the electrode (22d) on one side of the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d), but it can also be an electrode branched from the electrode (21d). Similarly, the second surface electrode (skin stimulation electrode 30e) is an electrode branched from the electrode (22e) on one side of the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e), but it can also be an electrode branched from the electrode (21e). In addition, the skin stimulation electrodes (30d, 30e) serving as the first and second surface electrodes are arranged symmetrically relative to the midline 7c, but the left and right positions can be interchanged, and, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 As shown, it can also be arranged vertically on the midline 7c. By arranging the skin stimulation electrodes (30d, 30e) vertically on the midline 7c, the deep muscles in the center can be stimulated more effectively. In addition, the arrangement of the skin stimulation electrodes (30d, 30e) on the midline 7c can also be reversed up and down, and can also be arranged on the lower jaw.

[0130] In addition, the arrangement of the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) and the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) can be interchanged between the tip of the tongue and the back of the tongue, respectively.

[0131] Fig. 20 1 is a functional block diagram of the oral muscle training device of this embodiment. Fig. 20 As shown, the oral muscle training device 1k is composed of an intraoral stimulation device 200, a skin surface stimulation device 300 and a stimulation current generating device 400. The oral stimulation device 200 includes a first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) and a second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) and a mouthpiece 24. In addition, the skin surface stimulation device 300 has skin stimulation electrodes (30d, 30e) and a fixing belt 6. The stimulation current generating device 400 is connected to the electrode 21d through the lead wire 5a and is connected to the electrode 22d through the lead wire 5b. In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 30d is branched from the electrode 22d by the lead wire 5c and is connected to the stimulation current generating device 400.

[0132] The stimulation current generator 400 is connected to the electrode 21e via the lead wire 5d and to the electrode 22e via the lead wire 5e. The skin stimulation electrode 30e is branched from the electrode 22e via the lead wire 5f and is connected to the stimulation current generator 400.

[0133] Fig.21 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the oral muscle training device of this embodiment. Fig.21As shown, the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) and the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) are mounted and fixed on the mouthpiece 24. In addition, the skin stimulation electrodes (30d, 30e) are mounted and fixed on the fixing belt 6. By fixing the electrodes on the mouthpiece 24 or the fixing belt 6, the user only needs to wear the mouthpiece 24 or the fixing belt 6 to set and fix the electrodes at appropriate positions, thereby improving the training effect and convenience.

[0134] Operation buttons (4a, 4b, and other buttons not shown) are provided for switching the first intermediate frequency current on / off and for adjusting the frequency of the first intermediate frequency current, and for switching the second intermediate frequency current on / off and for adjusting the frequency of the second intermediate frequency current.

[0135] in addition, Fig.21 The difference between the leads (5a-5c) and the leads (5d-5f) in the figure is to make it clear that the first channel and the second channel are made of the same material.

[0136] Fig. 22 FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow chart of the oral muscle training method of this embodiment. Fig. 22 As shown, first, the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) is placed on the tongue in the oral cavity (step S11), and the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) is placed on the tongue in the oral cavity (step S12). In addition, when the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) and the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) are attached to the mouthpiece 24, the processes of steps S11 and S12 are performed simultaneously.

[0137] Next, a skin stimulation electrode (30d) as a first surface electrode branched from one electrode of the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) is placed on the skin surface of the front surface of the neck (step S13), and a skin stimulation electrode (30e) as a second surface electrode branched from one electrode of the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) is placed on the skin surface of the front surface of the neck (step S14). In addition, when the skin stimulation electrodes (30d, 30e) are attached to the fixing belt 6, the operations of steps S13 and S14 are performed simultaneously.

[0138] Then, a first intermediate frequency current is applied between electrodes formed by the first pair of electrodes (21d, 22d) and the first surface electrode (30d), and a second intermediate frequency current having a frequency slightly different from the frequency of the first intermediate frequency current is applied between electrodes formed by the second pair of electrodes (21e, 22e) and the second surface electrode (30e) (step S15). In addition, the order of steps S11 to S14 can be reversed.

[0139] [Example 13]

[0140] Fig.23 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the electrode arrangement of this embodiment. Fig.23 As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1m, two first intraoral stimulation electrodes 21f are arranged side by side on the tongue 7a of the user 7 in a manner straddling the midline 7c, and the second intraoral stimulation electrode 22f is arranged along the midline 7c. The first intraoral stimulation electrode 21f is arranged at the back of the tongue, and the second intraoral stimulation electrode 22f is arranged at the tip of the tongue. The two first intraoral stimulation electrodes 21f are arranged in an array to increase the size of the first intraoral stimulation electrode. Therefore, a large-sized first intraoral stimulation electrode may also be arranged as in Example 14 described later.

[0141] In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 33 is provided on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 so as to cover substantially the entire circumference of the neck 7b. Fig.23 In the embodiment, three skin stimulation electrodes 33 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the front surface of the neck, but in fact, three other skin stimulation electrodes 33 are also arranged at approximately equal intervals on the back of the neck, so as to cover substantially the entire periphery of the neck 7b. By arranging the skin stimulation electrodes 30 substantially around the entire periphery of the neck 7b, it is possible to transmit medium-frequency current for stimulation over a wide range. In addition, the current density of the electrodes arranged on the skin surface can be reduced to prevent the blood flow of the carotid artery from being obstructed.

[0142] Fig.24 The functional diagram of the oral muscle training device of this embodiment is shown. Fig.24 As shown, in the intraoral stimulation device 2f, a positive or negative electrode is provided on the tongue 7a of the user 7, and an electrode branching from a ground electrode on one side is provided at a position sandwiching oral muscles such as the tongue muscle and the genioglossus muscle, that is, at a position on the neck. As shown in the image 80 of the flow of current, the current flowing through the first intraoral stimulation electrode 21, the second intraoral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrode 33 stimulates the oral muscles such as the tongue muscle and the genioglossus muscle 70.

[0143] The electrode setting of Example 13 was used to perform a current measurement test (N=2). The following Tables 2 and 3 respectively show the voltage, current and resistance value of the oral stimulation electrode or the skin stimulation electrode when the current of each frequency was applied. The following Table 2 shows the current measurement test results of subject A, and the following Table 3 shows the current measurement test results of subject B. The applied current is a continuous wave current between 4k and 8kHz. In addition, the so-called "feeling" item refers to the qualitative intensity of the stimulation felt by subjects A and B during the test, which is expressed in 5 stages from 0 to 4.

[0144]

Table 2

[0145]

[0146]

Table 3

[0147]

[0148] As shown in Table 2, for subject A, the current value flowing through the oral electrode was 4.8 mA at 4000 Hz, 6.0 mA at 6000 Hz, and 5.6 mA at 8000 Hz. In contrast, the current value flowing through the electrode on the neck skin was 10.2 mA at 4000 Hz, 9.0 mA at 6000 Hz, and 9.5 mA at 8000 Hz, indicating that the current flowing through the skin stimulation electrode was larger. In addition, the study found that subject A felt the greatest stimulation at 4000 Hz.

[0149] As shown in Table 3, for subject B, the current value flowing through the oral electrode was 6.1 mA at 4000 Hz, 6.8 mA at 6000 Hz, and 6.6 mA at 8000 Hz. In contrast, the current value flowing through the electrode on the neck skin was 8.0 mA at 4000 Hz, 7.8 mA at 6000 Hz, and 7.8 mA at 8000 Hz, indicating that the current flowing through the skin stimulation electrode was larger. In addition, the study found that subject B felt the greatest stimulation at 4000 Hz.

[0150] Since electrodes in the mouth can cause discomfort, electrical stimulation must be performed with as little stimulation as possible without causing discomfort. In this test, the frequency with the least stimulation and discomfort to the muscles was found to be 4000 Hz.

[0151] [Example 14]

[0152] Fig.25 Schematic diagram of electrode arrangement of this embodiment is shown. Fig.25 As shown, in the oral muscle training device 1n, the first oral stimulation electrode 210 and the second oral stimulation electrode 220 are arranged along the midline 7c on the tongue 7a of the user 7, that is, the first oral stimulation electrode 210 is arranged at the back of the tongue, and the second oral stimulation electrode 220 is arranged at the tip of the tongue. Unlike the first oral stimulation electrode 21 of Example 1, the first oral stimulation electrode 210 of this embodiment does not stimulate the vomiting center, and is set larger within the range of the predetermined distance allowed to be set between it and the second oral stimulation electrode 220. Similarly, the second oral stimulation electrode 220 is also different from the second oral stimulation electrode 22 of Example 1, and is set larger within the range of the predetermined distance allowed to be set between it and the first oral stimulation electrode 210.

[0153] In addition, the skin stimulation electrode 34 is arranged on the skin of the neck 7b of the user 7 to cover substantially the entire periphery of the neck 7b. Unlike the skin stimulation electrode 33, the skin stimulation electrode 34 is a structure that is arranged as an electrode to be wrapped around substantially the entire periphery of the neck 7b. In this way, the medium frequency current can be transmitted over a wide range for stimulation. In addition, the current density of the electrode arranged on the skin surface can be reduced, thereby preventing the blood flow of the carotid artery from being obstructed.

[0154] Fig.26 The functional diagram of the oral muscle training device of this embodiment is shown. Fig.26 As shown, in the oral stimulation device 201, a positive or negative electrode is provided on the tongue 7a of the user 7, and an electrode branching from the electrode on one side is provided at the position sandwiching the oral muscles such as the tongue muscle and the genioglossus muscle, that is, at the position of the neck, and as shown in the image 80 of the flow of current, the current flowing through the first intraoral stimulation electrode 21, the second intraoral stimulation electrode 22 and the skin stimulation electrode 34 is used to stimulate the oral muscles such as the tongue muscle and the genioglossus muscle 70.

[0155] (Other embodiments)

[0156] In the oral muscle training device of the above-mentioned embodiment, a continuous wave current is used for the medium frequency current, but a current of more than 3kHz and less than 8kHz may also be used, and more preferably a current of more than 3khz and less than 5khz flows continuously for a prescribed time, and then an intermittent wave current is repeatedly not flowing for a prescribed time (for example, one second or longer). By passing the medium frequency current intermittently, it is possible to avoid the tongue being pulled to the front tooth side and fixed. Here, the state in which no current flows within a prescribed time (intermittent state) refers to a state in which the current stops flowing for 1 second or longer, or the medium frequency current may be used as a low-frequency intermittent wave current of several Hz. In addition, according to experience, it is better for the medium frequency current to be in an intermittent state of more than 2 seconds because saliva can be swallowed.

[0157] Generally speaking, it is known that 20-50Hz causes muscle hypertrophy of fast muscles, and 4-8Hz causes muscle hypertrophy of slow muscles. On the other hand, the medium frequency wave has the characteristics of low skin resistance and easy to reach the deep layer, but it is difficult to provide effective stimulation and cause muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, the medium frequency is used in order to stimulate the genioglossus muscle located in the deep inner layer, but using the medium frequency as an intermittent wave of 4-8Hz may stimulate the slow muscles, while using the medium frequency as an intermittent wave of 20Hz-50Hz may stimulate the fast muscle group. In addition, by using the medium frequency intermittently as a low frequency of 100Hz, there is a possibility of nerve regeneration.

[0158] Industrial Applicability

[0159] The present invention can effectively stimulate the genioglossus muscle, which is a deep muscle in the oral cavity, and is useful as a sleep apnea treatment device based on electrical stimulation. In addition, the present invention can also be used for swallowing training using electrical stimulation, by adjusting the size of the electrode, the amount of current and the frequency to stimulate the genioglossus muscle and the geniohyoid muscle.

[0160] Explanation of symbols in the figure

[0161] 1, 1a~1n, 10 Oral muscle training device

[0162] 2, 20, 200, 201 Intraoral stimulation device

[0163] 3,300 skin surface stimulation device

[0164] 4,400 Stimulation current generating device

[0165] 4a, 4b operation buttons

[0166] 4c Display

[0167] 5a~5f lead wire

[0168] 6. Fixing strap

[0169] 7 Users

[0170] 7a Tongue

[0171] 7b Neck

[0172] 7c Midline

[0173] 7d Submandibular

[0174] 8, 80 (current flow) schematic diagram

[0175] 21, 21a~21e, 210 1st intraoral stimulation electrode

[0176] 22, 22b~22e, 220 2nd intraoral stimulation electrode

[0177] 23 base

[0178] 24 Mouthpiece

[0179] 30, 30a-30e, 31, 32a, 32b, 33, 34 Skin stimulation electrodes

[0180] 70 Genioglossus

Claims

1. An oral muscle training device, characterized in that: include a pair of electrodes disposed in the oral cavity; The electrode disposed on the skin surface is branched from one electrode of the pair of electrodes; circuit, passing a medium frequency current between the electrodes.

2. The oral muscle training device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pair of electrodes is disposed on the tongue, And the electrodes arranged on the skin surface are arranged on the front surface of the jaw or the neck.

3. The oral muscle training device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pair of electrodes is disposed on the tongue, And the electrodes arranged on the skin surface are arranged substantially around the entire circumference of the neck.

4. The oral muscle training device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The pair of electrodes are arranged at the tip and the back of the tongue.

5. The oral muscle training device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The pair of electrodes is arranged on the left or right side of the midline, And the electrodes arranged on the skin surface are arranged on opposite sides of the pair of electrodes separated by the midline.

6. The oral muscle training device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The pair of electrodes are symmetrically arranged with respect to a point on the center line of the tongue between the tip and the back of the tongue.

7. The oral muscle training device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrode arranged on the skin surface is divided into at least two electrodes. When there are an even number of branch electrodes, each electrode is arranged symmetrically with respect to the midline. When there are an odd number of branch electrodes, one electrode is arranged on the midline, and the other electrodes are arranged in line symmetry with respect to the midline.

8. The oral muscle training device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The pair of electrodes are three electrodes respectively arranged at the tip of the tongue, the middle of the tongue and the back of the tongue, one pair of electrodes is formed by electrodes at the middle of the tongue and the tip of the tongue, and the other pair of electrodes is formed by electrodes at the middle of the tongue and the back of the tongue.

9. The oral muscle training device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The pair of electrodes is a plurality of pairs of electrodes, wherein adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities to each other.

10. The oral muscle training device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate frequency current is a continuous wave current with a frequency of more than 3 kHz and less than 8 kHz.

11. The oral muscle training device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medium frequency current is an intermittent wave current in which a current of more than 3kHz and less than 8kHz flows continuously for a specified time and then repeatedly stops flowing for a specified time; or a low frequency intermittent wave, which means that a current of more than 3kHz and less than 8kHz flows at a low frequency of 1 to 100Hz.

12. An oral muscle training device, characterized in that: include The first pair of electrodes is placed in the oral cavity; A first surface electrode branched from one electrode of the first pair of electrodes and disposed on the skin surface; a circuit configured to transmit a first intermediate frequency current between electrodes formed by the first pair of electrodes and the first surface electrode; The second pair of electrodes is placed in the oral cavity; a second surface electrode branched from one electrode of the second pair of electrodes and disposed on the skin surface; The circuit is configured to transmit a second intermediate frequency current between electrodes formed by the second pair of electrodes and the second surface electrode.

13. The oral muscle training device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first pair of electrodes and the second pair of electrodes are arranged on the tongue, The first surface electrode and the second surface electrode are arranged on the front surface of the jaw or the neck.

14. An electrode group, which is formed by electrodes arranged in the oral cavity and electrodes on the skin surface in the oral muscle training device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 12, and 13.

15. An oral muscle training method, characterized in that: include The step of placing a pair of electrodes on the tongue in the oral cavity; The step of placing an electrode branched from one side electrode of the pair of electrodes on the skin surface of the lower jaw or the front surface of the neck; The step of passing a medium frequency current between electrodes.

16. An oral muscle training method, characterized in that: include The step of placing a pair of electrodes on the tongue in the oral cavity; The step of disposing an electrode branched from one side electrode of the pair of electrodes on the skin surface of substantially the entire circumference of the neck; The step of passing a medium frequency current between electrodes.

17. An oral muscle training method, characterized in that: include The step of placing a first pair of electrodes on the tongue in the oral cavity; The step of placing a second pair of electrodes on the tongue in the oral cavity; The step of placing a first surface electrode branched from one side electrode of the first pair of electrodes on the skin surface of the lower jaw or the front surface of the neck; The step of placing a second surface electrode branched from one side electrode in the second pair of electrodes on the skin surface of the lower jaw or the front surface of the neck; The steps of transmitting a first intermediate frequency current between electrodes consisting of the first pair of electrodes and the first surface electrode, and transmitting a second intermediate frequency current between electrodes consisting of the second pair of electrodes and the second surface electrode.

Images