Electrotherapy device

Abstract

An electrotherapy device comprises a driving module, two conversion modules, two pairs of output modules and a control module. The driving module is provided with two direct-current output ends, and the driving module outputs a direct-current driving signal from the two direct-current output ends; each conversion module comprises two input ends, two switch arms and two output ends, the two input ends are electrically connected with the two direct current output ends respectively, and each switch arm comprises an upper arm switch element and a lower arm switch element which are connected in series; each output end is electrically connected with the joint of the upper arm switch element and the lower arm switch element of each switch arm; each output module comprises an electrode; the control module outputs a plurality of switching signals to the two switching arms, so that the two conversion modules convert the direct current driving signal into a stimulation signal with positive and negative potential changes in turn, and the stimulation signal is output to an organism from the corresponding pair of output modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrotherapy device; in particular, to an electrotherapy device with multiple channels. Background Art

[0002] Electrotherapy is a common treatment method in physical therapy. A stimulation signal is generated by an electrotherapy device, and then the stimulation signal is applied to the skin of a living organism through two electrodes of the electrotherapy device. The stimulation signal is then transmitted into the body to stimulate muscle contraction and blood vessel dilation, thereby relieving muscle soreness and promoting blood circulation in the body, while achieving therapeutic effects such as dredging meridians.

[0003] Conventional electrotherapy devices typically have only one electrotherapy channel, meaning they have two electrodes. Therefore, they can only treat one part of a body. To address two parts of a body, some have developed devices with dual electrotherapy channels. These devices require a separate driver module for each channel, generating two DC drive signals for each channel. The addition of two driver modules increases circuit costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrotherapy device that can reduce the circuit cost of configuring a driving module.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electrotherapy device for connecting to a power source and a living organism; the electrotherapy device includes a driving module, two conversion modules, two pairs of output modules and a control module.

[0006] The driving module is electrically connected to the power supply, and has two DC output terminals. The driving module converts the power of the power supply into a DC driving signal and outputs the DC driving signal from the two DC output terminals.

[0007] Each of the conversion modules includes two input terminals, two switch arms, and two output terminals. The two input terminals are electrically connected to the two DC output terminals, respectively. The two switch arms are connected in parallel between the two input terminals. Each of the switch arms includes an upper arm switching element and a lower arm switching element connected in series. The upper arm switching element and the lower arm switching element can be controlled to be turned on or off respectively. Each of the output terminals is electrically connected to the connection point between the upper arm switching element and the lower arm switching element of each of the switch arms.

[0008] The two pairs of output modules are electrically connected to the two output terminals of the two conversion modules respectively, and each of the output modules includes an electrode, and the electrode is used to contact the biological body; and

[0009] The control module electrically connects the upper arm switch element and the lower arm switch element of each switch arm of the two conversion modules, and the control module outputs multiple switching signals to the multiple upper arm switch elements and the multiple lower arm switch elements of the two switch arms of the two conversion modules, so that the two conversion modules convert the DC drive signal into a stimulation signal with positive and negative potential changes in turn and output it to the biological body from the electrodes of the corresponding pair of output modules.

[0010] The effect of the present invention is that only one driving module is needed to generate a DC driving signal to provide two electrotherapy channels for use, and there is no need to set up a driving module for each electrotherapy channel, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing circuit costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrotherapy device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a conversion module and a control module according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of an output module according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the timing sequence of stimulation signals and switching signals according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrotherapy device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of an output module according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an output module according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrotherapy device according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Description of reference numerals:

[0020] 1, 2, 4: Electrotherapy device

[0021] 10: Driver module

[0022] 12: DC output port

[0023] 122: DC output terminal

[0024] 124: DC output terminal

[0025] 14: Conversion module

[0026] 14a: Conversion Module

[0027] 14b: Conversion module

[0028] 16: Input port

[0029] 162: Input

[0030] 164: Input

[0031] 18: Switch arm

[0032] 182: First switch arm

[0033] 184: Second switch arm

[0034] 20: Upper arm switch element

[0035] 22: Lower arm switch element

[0036] 24: Output port

[0037] 242: Output

[0038] 244: Output

[0039] 26: Output module

[0040] 28: Ontology

[0041] 282: Application side

[0042] 282a: Surface

[0043] 30: Electrode

[0044] 302: Conductive layer

[0045] 304: Conductive adhesive layer

[0046] 32: Control module

[0047] 34: Output module

[0048] 36: Light-emitting unit

[0049] 362: First diode

[0050] 364: Second diode

[0051] 38: Electrode

[0052] 382: Conductive layer

[0053] 384: Conductive adhesive layer

[0054] 40: light-transmitting part

[0055] 42: Output module

[0056] 44: Ontology

[0057] 46: Surface

[0058] 462: light-transmitting part

[0059] 48: Electrode

[0060] 50: Light-emitting unit

[0061] 52: Output module

[0062] 54: Light-emitting unit

[0063] 542: First diode

[0064] 544: Second diode

[0065] 100: Power

[0066] 200: Organisms

[0067] a, b, c, d: nodes

[0068] S1~S8: switching signal

[0069] T: cycle time DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] In order to explain the present invention more clearly, preferred embodiments are given and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 3 FIG. 1 illustrates an electrotherapy device 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 1 is connected to a power source 100 and a living organism 200. The power source 100 may be a DC power source, and the living organism 200 may be, for example, a human body. The device 1 includes a driver module 10, two conversion modules 14, two pairs of output modules 26, and a control module 32.

[0071] The driver module 10 is electrically connected to the power supply 100 and has a DC output port 12. The DC output port 12 has two DC output terminals 122 and 124. The driver module 10 converts the power from the power supply 100 into a DC driving signal and outputs the DC driving signal from the two DC output terminals 122 and 124 of the DC output port 12. One of the two DC output terminals 122 and 124 is a positive terminal, and the other is a negative terminal. The driving signal can be a current or voltage signal. In this embodiment, it is a current signal. The circuit of the driver module 10 can be referred to in Patent No. TWI643646 "Cutaneous Nerve Stimulator Set" and will not be described in detail here.

[0072] The two conversion modules 14 have the same structure. Each conversion module 14 includes an input port 16, two switching arms, and an output port 24. The input port 16 has two input terminals 162 and 164, respectively electrically connected to the two DC output terminals 122 and 124 of the driver module 10 and receiving the drive signal. The two switching arms 18 are connected in parallel between the two input terminals 162 and 164 of the input port 16. Each switching arm 18 includes an upper switching element 20 and a lower switching element 22 connected in series. The upper switching element 20 and the lower switching element 22 can be controlled to be turned on or off. The two switching arms 18 of each conversion module 14 are a first switching arm 182 and a second switching arm 184. The output port 24 has two output terminals 242 and 244. The output ends 242 and 244 of the output port 24 are electrically connected to the connection points (ie, nodes a, b, and nodes c, d) of the upper arm switching element 20 and the lower arm switching element 22 of each switching arm 18 .

[0073] In this embodiment, each of the upper-arm switching elements 20 and each of the lower-arm switching elements 22 is, for example, a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), but is not limited thereto and may also be a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). A first terminal (collector) of each of the upper-arm switching elements 20 is electrically connected to one of the input terminals 162 and one of the DC output terminals 122; a second terminal (emitter) of each of the upper-arm switching elements 20 is electrically connected to a first terminal (collector) of each of the lower-arm switching elements 22, and a second terminal (emitter) of each of the lower-arm switching elements 22 is electrically connected to the other input terminal 164 and the other DC output terminal 124; a third terminal (base) of each of the upper-arm switching elements 20 and a third terminal (base) of each of the upper-arm switching elements 20 are electrically connected to the control module 32 and are controlled by the control module 32 to be turned on or off. The output ends 242 and 244 of the output port 24 are electrically connected to the second end of each upper arm switching element 20 and the first end of each lower arm switching element 22 . That is, the output ends 242 and 244 are electrically connected to the nodes a, b, c, and d.

[0074] The two pairs of output modules 26 are electrically connected to the two output terminals 242 and 244 of the two conversion modules 14, respectively. That is, each output module 26 is electrically connected to each output terminal 242 and 244. Each output module 26 includes an electrode 30, and the electrode 30 is used to contact the biological body.

[0075] In this embodiment, each output module 26 is implemented as an electrotherapy patch and further includes a body 28. Each body 28 has an application side 282, each having a surface 282a. Each electrode 30 is disposed on the body 28 and protrudes from the application side 282 of the body 28. Each electrode 30 comprises, from top to bottom, a conductive layer 302 and a conductive adhesive layer 304. Each conductive layer 302 is bonded to the surface 282a of the application side 282 of the body 28, and each conductive adhesive layer 304 is bonded to the conductive layer 302. The area of ​​each conductive adhesive layer 304 is no less than that of each conductive layer 302, ensuring that each output module 26 adheres to the skin of the subject 200 and does not easily fall off. Each conductive layer 302 is electrically connected to the output terminals 242 and 244 of the conversion module 14. The material of each conductive layer 302 can be a metal layer, a composite material containing metal or carbon and other conductive materials,

[0076] The control module 32 is electrically connected to the upper switching elements 20 and the lower switching elements 22 of each switching arm 18 of the two conversion modules 14. The control module 32 outputs a plurality of switching signals S1-S8 to the upper switching elements 20 and the lower switching elements 22 of the two switching arms 18 of the two conversion modules 14, causing the two conversion modules 14 to alternately convert the DC drive signal output by the driver module 10 into a stimulation signal with positive and negative potential variations, and output the stimulation signal to the biological subject 200 through the electrodes 30 of the corresponding pair of output modules 26. In other words, each pair of output modules 26 outputs a stimulation signal.

[0077] In this embodiment, the control module 32 may include a microcontroller to output the plurality of switching signals S1 to S8. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The control module 32 outputs the multiple switching signals S1 to S8 to the multiple upper arm switch elements 20 and the multiple lower arm switch elements 22 of the two switch arms 18 of the two conversion modules 14 within a cycle time T, so that the two conversion modules 14 output each stimulation signal in turn within the cycle time T and output it to the biological body 200 from the electrodes 30 of the corresponding pair of output modules 26. The cycle time is between 0.5 and 1 second, for example, the cycle time is 0.7874 seconds. Therefore, within each cycle time T, the stimulation signal may have a positive potential pulse and a negative potential pulse, and the width of each pulse is 0.0937 seconds, for example. When one of the conversion modules 14 outputs a pulse, the other conversion module 14 is at zero potential.

[0078] More specifically, when the switching signals S1-S8 output by the control module 32 to the third end of the corresponding upper arm switching element 20 or the third end of the lower arm switching element 22 are at a high level, the corresponding upper arm switching element 20 or the lower arm switching element 22 is turned on; conversely, when the switching signals S1-S8 are at a low level, the corresponding upper arm switching element 20 or the lower arm switching element 22 is turned off.

[0079] Please cooperate Figure 2 and Figure 4 , illustrating the switching signals S1 to S8 that control the plurality of switch arms 18 in each cycle time T

[0080] The switching signals S1 and S4 output by the control module 32 in a positive half cycle of the cycle time T are high level, and the other switching signals S2, S3, S5 to S8 are low level. The upper arm switch element 20 of the first switch arm 182 of a conversion module 14a and the lower arm switch element 22 of the second switch arm 184 are turned on, and the other upper arm switch elements 20 and the lower arm switch elements 22 are turned off. At this time, the stimulation signal output from the nodes a and b to the corresponding two electrodes 30 is a positive potential, and the stimulation signal has a positive potential pulse, that is, in one half cycle of the cycle time. During the positive half-cycle, the first and second switching arms of one of the conversion modules 14a output a stimulation signal having a positive potential pulse. Subsequently, the control module 32 outputs switching signals S5 and S8 at a high level during the positive half-cycle of the cycle time T, while the other switching signals S1-S4, S6, and S7 are at a low level. The upper switching element 20 of the second switching arm 184 and the lower switching element 22 of the first switching arm 182 of the other conversion module 14b are turned on, while the other upper switching elements 20 and lower switching elements 22 are turned off. At this point, the stimulation signals output from nodes c and d to the corresponding two electrodes 30 are positive potential and have positive potential pulses. That is, the first and second switching arms 182 and 184 of the other conversion module 14b output another stimulation signal having a positive potential pulse.

[0081] Similarly, the switching signals S1~S8 output by the control module 32 in a negative half cycle of the cycle time T control the lower arm switch element 22 of the first switch arm 182 and the upper arm switch element 20 of the second switch arm 184 of a conversion module 14a to be turned on, and the other upper arm switch elements 20 and the lower arm switch elements 22 are turned off. At this time, the stimulation signal output from nodes a and b to the corresponding two electrodes 30 is a negative potential, and the stimulation signal has a pulse with a negative potential, that is, in the negative half cycle of the cycle time, a stimulation signal with a negative potential pulse is output from the first switch arm 182 and the second switch arm 184 of one of the conversion modules 14a. Then, the switching signals S1-S8 output by the control module 32 during the negative half of the cycle time T control the lower switching element 22 of the first switching arm 182 and the upper switching element 20 of the second switching arm 184 of the other conversion module 14b to be conductive, while the other upper switching elements 20 and lower switching elements 22 are turned off. At this time, the stimulation signal output from nodes c and d to the corresponding two electrodes 30 has a negative potential and comprises a negative pulse. That is, the first switching arm 182 and the second switching arm 184 of the other conversion module 14b output another stimulation signal having a negative pulse.

[0082] In addition, Figure 4 In the embodiment, when the plurality of switching signals S1 - S8 are all at low level, the stimulation signal is at zero level.

[0083] The two electrodes 30 of each output module 26 transmit the stimulation signals to the biological body 200. Two different parts of the biological body 200 form two conductive paths, acting like two resistors. The two pairs of electrodes 30 of the output modules 26 form two electrotherapy channels. Electronic acupuncture can be performed on the two parts, or electrical stimulation can be applied to relieve pain.

[0084] Therefore, only one driver module 10 is needed to generate a DC drive signal to provide two electrotherapy channels, eliminating the need to provide a separate driver module 10 for each electrotherapy channel, thereby reducing circuit costs. In practice, there can be more than three pairs of conversion modules 14 and output modules 26.

[0085] Figure 5 and Figure 6FIG. 2 shows an electrotherapy device 2 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device has a structure substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, except that each output module 34 further includes a light-emitting unit 36. Each electrode 38 and each light-emitting unit 36 ​​are disposed on each body 28, with each electrode 38 protruding from the application side 282 of each body 28. Light emitted by each light-emitting unit 36 ​​is directed toward the exterior of the application side 282 of each body 28. Each electrode 38 is electrically connected to each output end 242, 244 via each light-emitting unit 36. That is, each light-emitting unit 36 ​​is electrically connected to each output end 242, 244, and each electrode 38 is electrically connected to each light-emitting unit 36. In this embodiment, each light-emitting unit 36 ​​includes a first diode 362 and a second diode 364, and at least one of the first diode 362 and the second diode 364 is a light-emitting diode. In this embodiment, the first diode 362 and the second diode 364 are both light-emitting diodes, which may be, for example, infrared diodes, laser diodes, or diodes that emit light of a specific color. The first diode 362 and the second diode 364 each have an anode and a cathode. The anode of the first diode 362 is electrically connected to one of the output terminals 242 and 244 and the cathode of the second diode 364. The cathode of the first diode 362 is electrically connected to the electrode 38, and the anode of the second diode 364 is electrically connected to the electrode 38.

[0086] Each electrode 38 has a light-transmitting portion 40 formed between each conductive layer 382 and each conductive adhesive layer 384. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 40 is a light-transmitting hole. In other embodiments, the light-transmitting portion 40 may be made of a light-transmitting material, such as a material that is transparent to infrared rays. Each light-emitting unit 36 ​​is located above the light-transmitting portion 40. Light emitted by each light-emitting unit 36 ​​passes through the light-transmitting portion 40 and is directed toward the exterior of the application side 282 of each body 28.

[0087] During use, each of the electrodes 38 contacts the organism 200, and the application side 282 of each of the main bodies 28 faces the organism 200. Each of the stimulation signals is applied to the organism 200 via the two light-emitting units 36 of the corresponding pair of output modules 34 and the two electrodes 38, and each of the light-emitting units 36 is driven by each of the stimulation signals to emit light to illuminate the organism 200.

[0088] Because the first diode 362 and the second diode 364 of each output module 34 are connected in reverse order, when the stimulation signal is at a positive potential, the first diode 362 of each output module 34 conducts forward and emits light; when the stimulation signal is at a negative potential, the second diode 364 of each output module 34 conducts forward and emits light. That is, when the stimulation signal on each output module 34 is at a positive or negative potential, the light-emitting unit 36 ​​of each output module 34 will emit light. Each stimulation signal drives each light-emitting unit 36 ​​to illuminate the skin of the organism, thereby activating blood circulation, and simultaneously transmits each stimulation signal to the skin through the electrode 38, thereby achieving the effect of simultaneous phototherapy and electrotherapy. More importantly, in conjunction with phototherapy, it can also accelerate blood circulation and dredge meridians in the body, allowing each output module 34 to simultaneously have the effects of phototherapy and electrotherapy, and shortening the entire treatment course of phototherapy and electrotherapy.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 7 In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the structure is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment, except that the body 44 of the output module 42 is rod-shaped. Each electrode 48 is a metal rod extending from the application-side surface 46. One end of the metal rod of the electrode 48 contacts the biological body 200, transmitting the stimulation signal into the body. Each light-emitting unit 50 is disposed around each electrode 48. Each surface 46 has at least one light-transmitting portion 462. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 462 is a light-transmitting hole and is correspondingly disposed below each light-emitting unit 50. Each light-emitting unit 50 transmits light through the light-transmitting portion 462 below, thus achieving the effect of simultaneous phototherapy and electrotherapy. Because each electrode 48 is a metal rod, it can directly contact acupuncture points, achieving the purpose of electronic acupuncture. In other embodiments, the light-transmitting portion 462 can be made of a light-transmitting material, such as a material that is transparent to infrared rays.

[0090] Figure 8 The fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as an electrotherapy device 4. This embodiment has a substantially similar structure to the second embodiment, differing in that the second diode 544 of the light-emitting unit 54 of each output module 52 is a non-emitting diode. Therefore, this embodiment of the electrotherapy device 4 not only allows for simultaneous light therapy and electrotherapy, but also, when the stimulation signal is positive or negative, only one of the light-emitting units 54 of the two corresponding output modules 52 illuminates, resulting in the two light-emitting units 54 emitting light in turn, i.e., each light-emitting unit 54 emits light intermittently. In other embodiments, the first diode 542 can be replaced with a non-emitting diode as needed.

[0091] The above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. Any equivalent changes made by applying the description and claims of the present invention should be included in the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrotherapy device for connecting to a power source and a living organism; the electrotherapy device comprising: a driving module electrically connected to the power supply, the driving module having two DC output terminals, the driving module converting the power of the power supply into a DC driving signal and outputting the DC driving signal from the two DC output terminals; Two conversion modules, each comprising two input terminals, two switching arms, and two output terminals, the two input terminals being electrically connected to the two DC output terminals, the two switching arms being connected in parallel between the two input terminals, each switching arm comprising an upper switching element and a lower switching element connected in series, the upper switching element and the lower switching element being controllable to be turned on or off, respectively; and each output terminal being electrically connected to a connection point between the upper switching element and the lower switching element of each switching arm; two pairs of output modules, electrically connected to the two output terminals of the two conversion modules, respectively, each of the output modules comprising an electrode for contacting the biological body; and A control module electrically connects the upper arm switch element and the lower arm switch element of each of the switch arms of the two conversion modules, and the control module outputs multiple switching signals to the multiple upper arm switch elements and the multiple lower arm switch elements of the two switch arms of the two conversion modules, so that the two conversion modules convert the DC drive signal into a stimulation signal with positive and negative potential changes in turn and output it to the biological body from the electrodes of the corresponding pair of output modules.

2. The electrotherapy device as described in claim 1, wherein the control module outputs the multiple switching signals to the multiple upper arm switch elements and the multiple lower arm switch elements of the two switch arms of the two conversion modules within a cycle time, so that the two conversion modules output each of the stimulation signals in turn within the cycle time and output them to the biological body from the electrodes of the corresponding pair of output modules.

3. The electrotherapy device of claim 2, wherein the cycle time is between 0.5 and 1 second.

4. The electrotherapy device as described in claim 2, wherein the two switch arms of each conversion module are respectively a first switch arm and a second switch arm; in a positive half cycle of the cycle time, the first switch arm and the second switch arm of one of the conversion modules output a stimulation signal having a positive potential pulse, and then the first switch arm and the second switch arm of the other conversion module output another stimulation signal having a positive potential pulse; in a negative half cycle of the cycle time, the first switch arm and the second switch arm of one of the conversion modules output a stimulation signal having a negative potential pulse, and then the first switch arm and the second switch arm of the other conversion module output another stimulation signal having a negative potential pulse.

5. The electrotherapy device according to claim 1, wherein each of the output modules further comprises a body and a light-emitting unit, each of the bodies has an application side, each of the electrodes and each of the light-emitting units is arranged on each of the bodies, and each of the electrodes protrudes from the application side of each of the bodies, and the light emitted by each of the light-emitting units is directed toward the outside of the application side of each of the bodies; each of the light-emitting units is electrically connected to each of the output ends, and each of the electrodes is electrically connected to each of the light-emitting units; wherein, When each electrode contacts the organism, the application side faces the organism, and each stimulation signal is applied to the organism via the two light-emitting units and two electrodes of each pair of output modules, and each light-emitting unit is driven by each stimulation signal to emit light to illuminate the organism.

6. The electrotherapy device of claim 5, wherein each of the light-emitting units comprises a first diode and a second diode, the first diode and the second diode respectively having an anode and a cathode, the anode of the first diode being electrically connected to one of the output terminals and the cathode of the second diode, the cathode of the first diode being electrically connected to the electrode, the anode of the second diode being electrically connected to the electrode, and at least one of the first diode and the second diode being a light-emitting diode.

7. The electrotherapy device of claim 6, wherein the first diode and the second diode are both light emitting diodes.

8. An electrotherapy device as described in claim 5, wherein the application side of each of the bodies has a surface; each of the electrodes includes a conductive layer and a conductive adhesive layer, each of the conductive layers is bonded to the surface of the application side of each of the bodies, and each of the conductive adhesive layers is bonded to each of the conductive layers.

9. The electrotherapy device as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the electrodes has a light-transmitting portion, each of the light-transmitting portions is formed on each of the conductive layers and each of the conductive adhesive layers, and light emitted by each of the light-emitting units is transmitted through each of the light-transmitting portions.

10. The electrotherapy device as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the light-transmitting portions is a light-transmitting hole.

11. The electrotherapy device as described in claim 5, wherein the application side of each of the bodies has a surface; each of the electrodes is a metal rod protruding from each of the surfaces to the outside; each of the surfaces has a light-transmitting portion, and the light emitted by each of the light-emitting units is transmitted through each of the light-transmitting portions.

12. The electrotherapy device as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the light-transmitting portions is a light-transmitting hole.

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