Swallowing function recovery device and swallowing function recovery system

Abstract

The invention provides a swallowing function recovery device and a swallowing function recovery system. In order to provide a device or the like capable of effectively recovering the functions of various muscles involved in the swallowing function, an electrical connection state between the tongue (T) of a subject (animal such as a human) (S) and a tongue electrode (12) is maintained by a tongue interaction mechanism (11). A direct or indirect electrical connection state between the anterior laryngeal (F) of the subject (S) and the pair of anterior laryngeal electrodes (22) is maintained by the anterior laryngeal interaction mechanism (21), whereby an EMS signal or an EMS current generated by the EMS signal generator (40) is reliably transmitted or flows between the tongue (T) and the anterior laryngeal (F) of the subject (S) through the tongue electrode (12) and the pair of anterior laryngeal electrodes (22), respectively.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a swallowing function recovery device and a swallowing function recovery system for recovering the function of muscles in the area from the oral cavity to the pharynx, in particular for overcoming swallowing disorders through functional recovery. [Background Technology]

[0002] Diseases such as stroke and aging are known to cause problems like swallowing difficulties. When swallowing difficulties occur, saliva, food, and / or gastric juices can enter the trachea. Saliva can also enter the trachea unnoticed during sleep. This can sometimes lead to aspiration pneumonia, a terrifying condition with a high risk of death in the elderly.

[0003] The tongue muscles can be restored to function through exercises such as tongue sticking out, but the muscles involved in swallowing chewed food cannot actually be given the strength to swallow objects without eating. [Summary of the invention]

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, swallowing is currently quite difficult because numerous nerves and muscles in the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus work together, making it difficult to force someone to eat even though they clearly cannot. Swallowing occurs in three phases, with the second phase specifically focusing on the tongue, middle pharyngeal constrictor, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles. Restoring these muscles' function can only be achieved through physical activity. In addition, various muscles, including the posterior and anterior digastric bellies, omohyoid, sternocleidomastoid, clavicular head, masseter, levator scapulae, thyrohyoid, sternothyroid, and scalene muscles, also come into play.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device or the like that can effectively restore the functions of various muscles involved in swallowing function.

[0007] Means for solving problems

[0008] Before solving the above problem, the inventors of the present invention conceived that even when not eating, by passing a low-frequency current from the body surface or externally to the front larynx, the muscles of the pharynx would contract, thereby restoring and strengthening the muscles. However, when the low-frequency current is passed from the body surface to the front larynx, the effect of the low-frequency current may only affect the area surrounding the body surface. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention conceived that by passing a low-frequency current from the tongue muscles through the tongue inside the mouth to the muscles of the pharynx, wouldn't it be possible to cause these muscles to contract, thereby restoring and / or strengthening the muscles?

[0009] The swallowing function recovery device of the present invention comprises:

[0010] Tongue electrodes;

[0011] Electrodes for the anterior larynx;

[0012] a tongue interaction mechanism configured to maintain electrical connection between the tongue electrode and the subject's tongue;

[0013] a front laryngeal interaction mechanism configured to maintain electrical connection between the front laryngeal electrode and the front laryngeal region of the subject; and

[0014] The EMS signal generator is configured to transmit an EMS signal between the tongue electrode and the front laryngeal electrode.

[0015] According to the swallowing function recovery device of this structure, the electrical connection state between the tongue of the subject (human or other animal) and the tongue electrode can be maintained by the tongue interaction mechanism, and the electrical connection state between the front larynx of the subject and the front larynx electrode can be maintained by the front larynx interaction mechanism. "Electrical connection state" refers to a state in which an EMS signal or an EMS current can be transmitted or flowed to the subject through the electrode. "EMS" refers to electrical muscle stimulation. Thus, the EMS signal or EMS current generated by the EMS signal generator is reliably transmitted or flowed between the tongue and the front larynx of the subject through the tongue electrode and the front larynx electrode, respectively. Under the influence of the EMS signal, various muscles between the tongue and the front larynx involved in the swallowing action contract, thereby enabling the recovery or maintenance of the muscle strength or function (muscle strength of the subject to swallow objects) of the muscle.

[0016] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0017] The tongue electrode includes a first tongue electrode and a second tongue electrode.

[0018] The front laryngeal electrode includes a first front laryngeal electrode and a second front laryngeal electrode.

[0019] The EMS signal generator is configured to generate a first EMS signal and a second EMS signal having different frequencies, transmit the first EMS signal between the first tongue electrode and the first front laryngeal electrode, and transmit the second EMS signal between the second tongue electrode and the second front laryngeal electrode.

[0020] With this swallowing function recovery device, a first EMS signal flowing between a first tongue electrode and a first anterior laryngeal electrode interferes with a second EMS signal flowing between a second tongue electrode and a second anterior laryngeal electrode, having a frequency different from the first EMS signal. This allows for interfering wave stimulation of the anterior laryngeal muscles. In particular, the pulse current can flow to the deeper muscles of the anterior laryngeal region. Interfering wave stimulation can also be applied to the tongue muscles.

[0021] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0022] The anterior throat interaction mechanism includes a neck cuff that cuffs the subject's neck.

[0023] With this swallowing function restoration device, the neck sleeve fits around the neck, thereby reliably maintaining contact between the anterior laryngeal electrode and the anterior larynx. If the anterior laryngeal electrode is displaceably positioned on the neck sleeve, the position of the anterior laryngeal electrode can be finely adjusted based on differences in the thickness of the patient's neck. The neck sleeve (e.g., a strap) can also be provided with a fastener such as a buckle or Velcro.

[0024] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0025] The front throat interaction mechanism includes a neck piece that loops from the back of the subject's neck to the front throat.

[0026] According to this swallowing function recovery device, by hanging the neck hanging member (clip or neckband) from the back to the front of the neck, the front laryngeal electrode provided on the neck hanging member can be kept in contact with the front laryngeal region. The neck hanging member has the advantage of being easily attached to and detached from the neck or front laryngeal region.

[0027] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0028] The front larynx interaction mechanism includes an adhesive pad that is detachably attached to the front larynx of the subject.

[0029] The swallowing function recovery device of this configuration can reliably maintain the state in which the anterior laryngeal electrode is in contact with (the skin of) the anterior laryngeal region of the subject via the adhesive pad, which is detachable from the skin of the anterior laryngeal region.

[0030] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0031] The front throat interaction mechanism includes a suction cup that is detachable relative to the front throat of the object.

[0032] According to the swallowing function recovery device of this structure, the electrode can be attached to the skin of the throat by the special structure of the suction cup that contacts the front throat. The suction cup is freely attachable to the skin.

[0033] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0034] The front throat interaction mechanism includes a base portion and a pair of extension portions extending from the base portion in a manner of bifurcating to sandwich the front throat of the subject from left and right.

[0035] The front laryngeal electrodes are respectively provided on the pair of extending portions.

[0036] According to the swallowing function recovery device of this structure, a pair of extension parts extending in a manner of bifurcating from a base and clamping the subject's front larynx from the left and right sides can reliably maintain the state in which the front larynx electrodes respectively provided on the pair of extension parts are in contact with the left and right sides of the front larynx. The strength of the contact pressure of the front larynx electrode relative to the front larynx and the contact position of the front larynx electrode relative to the front larynx can be adjusted, for example, by moving the base. In the case where the front larynx electrode is composed of a roller, the front larynx electrode can be rolled along the muscles constituting the front larynx to contact them. This can give the subject the feeling of training the swallowing function.

[0037] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0038] The tongue interaction mechanism includes a tongue depressor.

[0039] The swallowing function recovery device of this structure uses a tongue depressor, a tool used to press the tongue during oral and / or esophageal examinations, to reliably maintain contact between the tongue electrode and the tongue. Typically, a stainless steel tongue depressor that is sterilized and disinfected is used. Disposable wooden tongue depressors may also be used.

[0040] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0041] The tongue interaction mechanism includes a finger sleeve.

[0042] According to the swallowing function recovery device of this configuration, by using a finger cuff worn on the finger of the subject or a third person, it is possible to reliably maintain the tongue electrode in contact with the tongue.

[0043] Preferably, in the swallowing function recovery device of the structure,

[0044] The tongue interaction mechanism includes a suction cup that is freely detachable relative to the tongue.

[0045] According to the swallowing function recovery device of this structure, the suction cup can be easily attached to the tongue soaked with saliva, so that the tongue electrode can be reliably kept in contact with the tongue of the subject. In addition, the suction cup can be easily removed from the tongue of the subject without particular difficulty. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0046] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a swallowing function recovery device as a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 It is a structural explanatory diagram of the tongue interaction mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the front throat interaction mechanism of the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a swallowing function recovery device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5 It is a structural explanatory diagram of the tongue interaction mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the front throat interaction mechanism of the second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 7 It is a structural explanatory diagram of a tongue interaction mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0053] Figure 8 It is a structural explanatory diagram of a tongue interaction mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0054] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram illustrating a front throat interaction mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0055] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram illustrating a front throat interaction mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0056] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram illustrating a front throat interaction mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0057] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram illustrating a front throat interaction mechanism according to another embodiment. [Specific implementation method]

[0058] (First embodiment)

[0059] Figure 1The swallowing function recovery device shown as the first embodiment of the present invention includes a tongue electrode (guide) 12 , a pair of front laryngeal electrodes 22 , a tongue interaction mechanism 11 , a front laryngeal interaction mechanism 21 and an EMS signal generator 40 .

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 is composed of a tongue depressor. Figure 2 As shown, at least a portion of the tongue depressor is made of a conductive material such as stainless steel, and the tongue electrode 12 is made of the conductive material. As the tongue electrode 12, an electrode preferably made of conductive polyester that rarely gives a burning stimulation may also be used. Alternatively, the tongue depressor is made of an insulating material such as wood or synthetic resin, and a portion thereof is made of a conductive material. Alternatively, the tongue electrode 12 is made of a metal clip and can be detachably mounted on the tongue depressor. The tongue depressor is pressed against the tongue T of the subject S, thereby maintaining the electrical connection between the tongue electrode 12 and the tongue T. Alternatively, the shape and size of the tongue depressor can be adjusted by the subject S holding the tongue depressor, so as to maintain the electrical connection between the tongue electrode 12 and the tongue T.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the front throat interaction mechanism 21 is composed of a belt as a neck cover. The belt is made of, for example, leather, natural fiber such as cotton, synthetic fiber such as polyester, etc. Figure 3 As shown, the two ends of the belt are respectively provided with a hook surface 2101 and a fur surface 2102 of a hook. Also, a buckle, a hook or a snap button etc. can be provided to replace the hook and button to connect the two ends (or one end and the middle) of the belt.

[0062] A pair of roughly rectangular belt-shaped front laryngeal electrodes 22 are separated on the surface or inside of the belt along the width direction (short side direction) of the belt and are extended parallel to the long side direction of the belt. As a pair of front laryngeal electrodes 22, electrodes preferably made of conductive polyester that rarely give the subject S a burning stimulation can also be used. The number, shape, size and configuration of the front laryngeal electrodes 22 can also be changed in various ways. The belt is put on the neck N of the subject S, and the two ends are connected, thereby maintaining the electrical connection state between the front laryngeal F of the subject S and the pair of first front laryngeal electrodes 221 and the pair of second front laryngeal electrodes 222.

[0063] like Figure 1As shown, the EMS signal generator 40 includes a power supply 41, a control unit 42, a pulse generator 43, and an output unit 44. The power supply 41 is configured to supply power to the control unit 42 and other components. The control unit 42 is composed of a computer, and its processing unit (processor) reads the required software (program) and data from a storage device (memory) and performs predetermined processing according to the software based on the data. The pulse generator 43 is configured to oscillate and generate a pulse signal and adjust its period and / or amplitude according to instructions from the control unit 42, thereby generating an EMS signal as an analog waveform signal. The EMS signal is composed of, for example, at least one of a low-frequency electrical signal (20-100 Hz), a medium-frequency electrical signal (1000-10000 Hz), and a high-frequency electrical signal (10000-20000 Hz). The output unit 44 is connected to the tongue electrode 12 via terminal 4401 and lead L1, and is connected to each of the pair of anterior laryngeal electrodes 22 via terminal 4402 and lead L2.

[0064] (Effect)

[0065] According to this structure of the swallowing function recovery device, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 maintains electrical connection between the tongue T of a subject S (such as a human or an animal) and the tongue electrode 12, and the pre-larynx interaction mechanism 21 maintains direct or indirect electrical connection between the pre-larynx F of the subject S and the pair of pre-larynx electrodes 22. Thus, the EMS signal or EMS current generated by the EMS signal generator 40 is reliably transmitted or flows between the tongue T and pre-larynx F of the subject S via the tongue electrode 12 and the pair of pre-larynx electrodes 22, respectively. Under the influence of the EMS signal, the various muscles between the tongue T and pre-larynx F involved in the swallowing action contract, thereby restoring or maintaining the muscle strength or function of these muscles (the muscle strength required for the subject S to swallow objects).

[0066] The application of EMS signals to the tongue T and anterior larynx F can be performed even while the subject S is watching television or reading, allowing for recovery or training of the muscles involved in swallowing not only at home but also at a destination. Alternatively, the control unit 42 can detect when the subject S presses a remote control for an electrical appliance such as a television, air conditioner, personal computer, or audio equipment via wireless communication between the remote control and the EMS signal generator 40, and in response, an EMS signal is transmitted between the tongue T and anterior larynx F of the subject S.

[0067] (Second embodiment)

[0068] Figure 4The swallowing function recovery device shown as a second embodiment of the present invention includes a first tongue electrode 121, a second tongue electrode 122, a pair of first front laryngeal electrodes 221, a pair of second front laryngeal electrodes 222, a tongue interaction mechanism 11, a front laryngeal interaction mechanism 21, and an EMS signal generator 40. Regarding the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are used for the same structures as the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0069] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 is composed of a tongue depressor. Figure 5 As shown, a tongue depressor (elongated in shape with a slightly wider tip) made of an insulating material such as wood or synthetic resin is provided with a first tongue electrode 121 and a second tongue electrode 122 made of a conductive material at the tip. Alternatively, the first and second tongue electrodes 121, 122 may be formed from metal clips and removably attached to the tongue depressor. The tongue depressor is pressed against the tongue T of a subject S, thereby maintaining electrical connection between the first and second tongue electrodes 121, 122 and the tongue T. Alternatively, the shape and size of the tongue depressor may be adjusted by the subject S holding the tongue depressor, thereby maintaining electrical connection between the first and second tongue electrodes 121, 122 and the tongue T.

[0070] The front throat interaction mechanism 21 is composed of a single adhesive pad or adhesive sheet. Figure 6 As shown, a pair of first front throat electrodes 221 of approximately rectangular shape are arranged separately on the surface or inside of the belt along the long side direction of the adhesive pad. Figure 6 As shown, a pair of roughly rectangular second front laryngeal electrodes 222 are separately arranged on the surface or inner side of the adhesive pad along the long side direction of the adhesive pad. Each of the pair of first front laryngeal electrodes 221 and each of the pair of second front laryngeal electrodes 222 are separately arranged along the width direction (short side direction) of the adhesive pad. The number, shape, size and configuration of the first front laryngeal electrodes 221 and / or the second front laryngeal electrodes 222 can also be subjected to various changes. Alternatively, the front laryngeal interaction mechanism 21 is composed of multiple adhesive pads or adhesive sheets, and one or more front laryngeal electrodes are provided on each adhesive pad. By attaching the adhesive pad to the front laryngeal part F of the subject S, it is possible to maintain a state in which an EMS signal can be transmitted to the front laryngeal part F of the subject S through the pair of first front laryngeal electrodes 221 and the pair of second front laryngeal electrodes 222.

[0071] As in the first embodiment, the front throat interaction mechanism 21 may also be formed by a belt as a neck member (see Figure 3In this case, the first front laryngeal electrode 221 and the second front laryngeal electrode 222 may be arranged on the inner side of the belt or may be built into the belt.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the EMS signal generator 40 includes a power supply unit 41, a control unit 42, a first pulse generator 431, a second pulse generator 432, a first output unit 441, and a second output unit 442. The first pulse generator 431 is configured to generate a pulse signal and adjust its period and / or amplitude according to instructions from the control unit 42, thereby generating a first EMS signal as an analog waveform signal. The second pulse generator 432 is configured to generate a pulse signal and adjust its period and / or amplitude according to instructions from the control unit 42, thereby generating a second EMS signal as an analog waveform signal. The frequencies of the first EMS signal and the second EMS signal are different. For example, the first EMS signal may be a low-frequency electrical signal (20 to 100 Hz), and the second EMS signal may be a medium-frequency electrical signal (1000 to 10,000 Hz) or a high-frequency electrical signal (10,000 to 20,000 Hz). The first output unit 441 is connected to the first tongue electrode 121 via a terminal 4411 and a wire L11, and is connected to the pair of first front laryngeal electrodes 221 via a terminal 4412 and a wire L21. The second output unit 442 is connected to the second tongue electrode 122 via a terminal 4421 and a wire L12, and is connected to the pair of second front laryngeal electrodes 222 via a terminal 4422 and a wire L22.

[0073] (Effect)

[0074] With this structure, the swallowing function recovery device maintains electrical connection between the tongue T of a subject S (e.g., a human or other animal) and the tongue electrode 12 via the tongue interaction mechanism 11, and maintains direct or indirect electrical connection between the subject S's front larynx F and a pair of first and second front larynx electrodes 221, 222 via the front larynx interaction mechanism 21. This interference wave stimulates the muscles of the front larynx F and tongue T by causing a first EMS signal, generated by an EMS signal generator 40 and flowing between the first and second tongue electrodes 122, 221, and a second EMS signal, generated by an EMS signal generator 40 and flowing between the second and second tongue electrodes 122, having a frequency different from that of the first EMS signal. In particular, the pulse current can flow to the deeper muscles of the front larynx F. Under the influence of the interference wave, various muscles between the tongue T and the front larynx F involved in the swallowing action contract, thereby enabling the recovery or maintenance of the muscle strength or swallowing function of the muscles.

[0075] (Other embodiments of the present invention)

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 can also be formed by a finger cuff (finger cot). One or more tongue electrodes 12 are provided on the outer surface, inner surface, or inner surface of the tip portion of the finger cuff (equivalent to the distal phalanx of the finger). The finger cuff is placed on a finger (e.g., the index finger) of the subject S or a third party with the tongue electrode 12 facing ventrally. The tip portion of the finger cuff is then pressed ventrally against the tongue T of the subject S, thereby reliably maintaining the tongue electrode 12 electrically connected to the tongue T.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 can also be composed of one or more suction cups. One or more tongue electrodes 12 are provided on the surface or inside the suction cups. By attaching the suction cups to the tongue T of the subject S, the tongue electrodes 12 can be reliably maintained electrically connected to the tongue T.

[0078] like Figure 9 As shown, the front throat interaction mechanism 21 can also be composed of a neck hanging part or a clip that is partially open and is wound from the back side of the neck to the front side. The neck hanging part is made of elastic components such as synthetic resin. The neck hanging part can also be constructed by a plurality of connecting rods connected by one or more joint mechanisms, and the relative posture of a pair of connecting rods connected by the joint mechanism can be changed by adjusting the bending angle of the joint mechanism. Pushing parts 212 are respectively provided at a pair of end portions of the neck hanging part. The pushing parts 212 can also be made of soft components such as sponge and silicone rubber or elastic components. An electrode 22 for the front throat is provided on the surface or inside of the front throat F side of each of the pair of pushing parts 212. As shown Figure 9 As indicated by the middle arrows, the pair of left and right push-on members 212 can also be configured to slide along the neck portion. The neck portion is constructed of an elastic member, allowing the push-on members 212 to reliably contact the front larynx F of the subject S. Alternatively, the push-on members 212 can be omitted, and one or more front larynx electrodes 22 can be provided on or within the neck portion.

[0079] like Figure 10 As shown, the front throat interaction mechanism 21 can also be composed of one or more suction cups. One or more front throat electrodes 22 are set on the surface or inside of the suction cup. The multiple suction cups can be independent of each other or connected by a connecting component. Figure 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the neck member constitutes a connecting member, and one or more suction cups are provided at each end of the neck member as the front larynx interaction mechanism 21. By attaching the suction cups to the front larynx F of the subject S, the front larynx electrode 22 can be reliably maintained in an electrically connected state to the front larynx F.

[0080] like Figure 11 As shown, the front larynx interaction mechanism 21 may also include a base 210, and a pair of extension portions 211 extending in a manner that is divided into two branches from the top portion of the base 210 and clamps the front larynx F of the object S from the left and right. At least a pair of extension portions 211 of the front larynx interaction mechanism 21 is made of a material such as synthetic resin or metal in an elastic manner. A push-against component 212 is respectively provided on the pair of extension portions 211. The push-against component 212 may also be made of a soft component such as sponge or silicone rubber or an elastic component. An electrode 22 for the front larynx is provided on the surface or inside of each of the pair of push-against components 212 on the front larynx F side. A switch 214 for switching the operation of the EMS signal generator 40 on / off is provided on the base 210. The EMS signal generator 40 may also be built into the base 210.

[0081] like Figure 12 As shown, the front larynx interaction mechanism 21 may also include a base 210 and a pair of extensions 211 extending from the top portion of the base 210 in a manner that branches into two branches and sandwiches the front larynx F of the object S from the left and right. At least one pair of extensions 211 of the front larynx interaction mechanism 21 is made of a material such as synthetic resin or metal in an elastic manner. A push-off member 212 is provided on each of the pair of extensions 211. The push-off member 212 is composed of a rotating shaft 2121 and a roughly cylindrical or roughly columnar roller 2122 that rotates around the rotating shaft. The roller 2122 may also be formed into a roughly spherical shape or a roughly regular polyhedron shape. The roller 2122 may also be made of a hard member such as synthetic resin, ceramic, and / or metal. A roughly cylindrical front larynx electrode 22 is provided along the outer circumference of the roller 2122. A plurality of front larynx electrodes 22 may also be arranged separately from each other along the outer circumference of the roller 2122.

[0082] [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The swallowing function recovery device of the present invention contributes to the industry by being able to recover the functions of various muscles involved in the swallowing function of a subject using EMS signals. The target is not limited to humans but can also be expanded to animals such as dogs and cats.

[0084] [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: Tongue interaction mechanism;

[0086] 12: tongue electrode;

[0087] 121: first tongue electrode;

[0088] 122: second tongue electrode;

[0089] 21: Anterior laryngeal interaction mechanism;

[0090] 22: Electrode for the anterior larynx;

[0091] 221: First anterior laryngeal electrode;

[0092] 222: Second anterior laryngeal electrode;

[0093] 40: EMS signal generator;

[0094] 41: Power supply unit;

[0095] 42: Control Department;

[0096] 431: first pulse generator;

[0097] 432: second pulse generator;

[0098] 44: output unit;

[0099] 441: first output unit;

[0100] 442: second output unit;

[0101] F: anterior larynx;

[0102] N: Neck;

[0103] S: object;

[0104] T: Tongue.

Claims

1. A swallowing function recovery device, comprising: Tongue electrodes; Electrodes for the anterior larynx; a tongue interaction mechanism configured to maintain an electrical connection between the tongue electrode and the tongue of the subject; an anterior laryngeal interaction mechanism configured to maintain an electrical connection state between the anterior laryngeal electrode and the anterior laryngeal region of the subject; and The EMS signal generator is configured to transmit an EMS signal between the tongue electrode and the front laryngeal electrode.

2. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: The tongue electrode includes a first tongue electrode and a second tongue electrode. The front laryngeal electrode includes a first front laryngeal electrode and a second front laryngeal electrode. The EMS signal generator is configured to generate a first EMS signal and a second EMS signal having different frequencies, transmit the first EMS signal between the first tongue electrode and the first front laryngeal electrode, and transmit the second EMS signal between the second tongue electrode and the second front laryngeal electrode.

3. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The anterior throat interaction mechanism includes a neck-enclosing member that encloses the subject's neck.

4. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The anterior throat interaction mechanism includes a neck piece that loops from the back of the subject's neck to the anterior throat.

5. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The front larynx interaction mechanism includes an adhesive pad that is detachably attached to the front larynx of the subject.

6. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The front throat interaction mechanism includes a suction cup that is detachable relative to the front throat of the object.

7. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The front throat interaction mechanism includes a base portion and a pair of extension portions extending in a manner of bifurcating from the base portion and sandwiching the front throat of the object from left and right. The front throat electrodes are respectively provided on the pair of extended portions.

8. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tongue interaction mechanism includes a tongue depressor.

9. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tongue interaction mechanism comprises a finger sleeve.

10. The swallowing function recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tongue interaction mechanism comprises a suction cup which is freely detachable relative to the tongue.

11. A swallowing function recovery system, comprising: Tongue electrodes; Electrodes for the anterior larynx; a tongue interaction mechanism configured to maintain a state in which an EMS signal is applied to the tongue of the subject via the tongue electrode; an anterior laryngeal interaction mechanism configured to maintain a state in which an EMS signal is applied to the anterior laryngeal region of the subject via an anterior laryngeal electrode; and EMS signal generator, The swallowing function recovery system is configured such that an EMS signal generated by an EMS signal generator is transmitted between the tongue electrode and the front laryngeal electrode.

12. The swallowing function recovery system according to claim 11, wherein: The tongue electrode includes a first tongue electrode and a second tongue electrode. The front laryngeal electrode includes a first front laryngeal electrode and a second front laryngeal electrode. The EMS signal generator is configured to generate a first EMS signal and a second EMS signal with different frequencies, transmit the first EMS signal between the first tongue electrode and the first front laryngeal electrode, and make the second EMS signal flow between the second tongue electrode and the second front laryngeal electrode.

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