Electrode patch device and vagus nerve stimulation equipment

Abstract

The invention provides an electrode patch device and vagus nerve stimulation equipment, which can only replace a patch assembly according to needs, so that an electrode box can be reused, and the use cost of a user can be reduced. The electrode patch device comprises an electrode box which comprises a box body, a circuit board and at least one pair of electrodes which are arranged in the box body and are electrically connected with the circuit board; and the patch assembly comprises a bearing part which is detachably connected with the electrode box and at least one pair of conductive adhesive layers which are attached to the bearing part and can be correspondingly and electrically connected with the electrodes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of physiotherapy, in particular to an electrode patch device and a vagus nerve stimulation device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The vagus nerve is a mixed nerve, and its motor fibers are parallel to the glossopharyngeal nerve. After passing through the brainstem, it exits the cranial cavity through the jugular foramen. The vagus nerve has multiple branches in the neck, chest, and abdomen to innervate the neck, thoracic organs, and most of the abdominal organs. It regulates the circulation, respiration, and digestion systems by transmitting sensory impulses from organs and controlling the activities of myocardium, smooth muscle, and glands.

[0003] Currently, vagus nerve electrical stimulation is an advanced neural modulation technology. It stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck through electrical pulses to regulate the functional activities of the brain, and can provide a new treatment approach for various refractory diseases.

[0004] However, the electrode patch, as the core component of the neural stimulator, is usually designed as a separate module so that electrode patches with different functions or different shapes can be replaced as needed. However, the flexible patch in the electrode patch is prone to aging or contamination due to long-term contact with the human body. At this time, the entire electrode patch needs to be replaced, resulting in high user costs. SUMMARY

[0005] To solve the problem of high user cost caused by the need to replace the entire electrode patch of the existing neural stimulator, the present application provides an electrode patch device and a vagus nerve stimulation device, which can replace only the patch assembly as needed, so that the electrode box can be reused, thereby reducing the user's cost.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present application, one embodiment of the present application provides an electrode patch device, comprising: an electrode box comprising a box body, a circuit board, and at least one pair of electrodes disposed on the box body and electrically connected to the circuit board; and a patch assembly comprising a carrier detachably connected to the electrode box and at least one pair of conductive adhesive layers attached to the carrier and capable of being electrically connected to the electrode pair.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present application, the conductive adhesive layer is detachably connected to the carrier.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the carrier comprises a support frame body detachably connected to the box body and a carrier sheet fixed to the support frame body and attached to the conductive adhesive layer; the carrier sheet is provided with a conductive window corresponding to the electrode and the conductive adhesive layer, so that the electrode and the conductive adhesive layer are electrically connected through the conductive window.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, the conductive window is a through hole in the carrier sheet, and the electrode protrudes outwardly from the box body to electrically connect with the conductive adhesive layer through the through hole.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present application, the conductive window is a conductive contact embedded in the carrier sheet and electrically connected with the conductive adhesive layer, and the electrode electrically connects with the conductive adhesive layer through the conductive contact.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode is recessed inwardly in the box body, and the conductive window is a conductive column protruding from the carrier sheet and matched with the electrode, and the electrode electrically connects with the conductive adhesive layer through the conductive column.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, two conductive adhesive layers in each pair of the conductive adhesive layers are arranged on the carrier sheet away from a side surface of the support frame body.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the carrier sheet comprises a non-woven fabric layer, a medical fabric, a silica gel or a flexible polymer film.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, the carrier sheet has a strip structure, and two conductive adhesive layers in each pair of the conductive adhesive layers are arranged along a length direction of the carrier sheet.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the conductive adhesive layer comprises a conductive gel.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present application, the circuit board is arranged in the box body.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode patch device further comprises a detachable structure arranged between the electrode box and the patch assembly, and the detachable structure is selected from one or more of a buckle structure, a slide buckle structure, a magnetic attraction structure and a fastening structure.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present application, the buckle structure comprises a buckle joint and a buckle slot matched with the buckle joint, and the buckle joint is fixed to one of the box body and the carrier, and the buckle slot is arranged in the other of the box body and the carrier.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present application, the buckle structure further comprises a limiting block and a limiting slot matched with the limiting block, and the limiting block is fixed to one of the box body and the carrier, and the limiting slot is arranged in the other of the box body and the carrier.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping groove extends along a first direction; and the limiting block and the limiting groove extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping head and the limiting block are both protruded from the box body; and the clamping groove and the limiting groove are both formed in the carrier.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present application, the magnetic attraction structure comprises a first magnetic attraction element arranged on the box body and a second magnetic attraction element arranged on the carrier and capable of generating magnetic attraction force with the first magnetic attraction element.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode box further comprises a power supply module arranged on the box body and electrically connected with the circuit board.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode box further comprises an interactive interface arranged on the box body and electrically connected with the circuit board; the interactive interface is a functional button or a touch screen.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present application, the box body comprises an end cover and a cover plate fixedly connected with the end cover and covering the circuit board, wherein the end cover is detachably connected with the patch assembly, and the electrode is capable of penetrating through the end cover to be electrically connected with the conductive adhesive layer.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present application, the box body further comprises a connecting element for detachable cooperation with a handle and / or a fixing hole for cooperation with a binding belt.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present application, one embodiment of the present application further provides a vagus nerve stimulation device, comprising: a force applying device; and the electrode patch device as described in any one of the above, which is assembled on the force applying device for stimulating the vagus nerve of a human body by electric pulse.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present application, the force applying device comprises a handle.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present application, the force applying device comprises a binding belt.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present application, the force applying device comprises a handle and a binding belt.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode patch device further comprises a fixing hole cooperating with the force applying device, the handle has a buckle, the buckle and the fixing hole are clamped, and the binding belt penetrates through the fixing hole for fastening the vagus nerve stimulation device.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode patch device further comprises a fixing hole matched with the force applying device.

[0033] In summary, since the carrier in the patch assembly is detachably connected with the electrode box, when the carrier in the patch assembly and / or the conductive adhesive layer needs to be replaced due to aging or dirt, etc., the electrode patch device of the present application only needs to detach the patch assembly from the electrode box for replacement, without the need to replace the electrode box, so that the electrode box can be reused, prolonging the service life of the electrode box, and helping to reduce the use cost of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or in the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort on the basis of these drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vagus nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 2 A disassembled view of a vagus nerve stimulation device according to the above embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 3 A structural view of an electrode patch device in a vagus nerve stimulation device according to the above embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 4 A disassembled view of an electrode patch device according to the above embodiment of the present application is shown from one perspective. Figure 5 A disassembled view of an electrode patch device according to the above embodiment of the present application is shown from another perspective. Figure 6 An exploded view of an electrode box in an electrode patch device according to the above embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 7 An exploded view of a patch assembly in an electrode patch device according to the above embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 8 A top view of an electrode patch device according to the above embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 9 A top view of an electrode patch device according to the above embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 8 An A-A sectional view of an electrode patch device is shown. Figure 10 An A-A sectional view of an electrode patch device is shown. Figure 8 A B-B sectional view of an electrode patch device is shown. Figure 11 Fig. 1 shows a first variant of the electrode patch device according to the above embodiments of the present application; Figure 12 Fig. 2 shows a second variant of the electrode patch device according to the above embodiments of the present application; Figure 13 Fig. 3 shows a third variant of the electrode patch device according to the above embodiments of the present application; Figure 14 Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the electrode patch device according to a variant of the present application; Figure 15 Fig. 5 shows an application view of the electrode patch device according to the above variants of the present application.

[0036] Reference signs: 1, electrode patch device; 10, electrode box; 101, connecting element; 102, fixing hole; 11, box body; 111, end cover; 112, cover plate; 12, circuit board; 13, electrode; 14, power supply module; 141, built-in power supply; 142, power supply interface; 20, patch assembly; 21, bearing piece; 210, conductive window; 2101, avoiding hole; 2102, conductive contact; 2103, conductive column; 211, support frame body; 212, carrier film; 22, conductive adhesive layer; 30, detachable structure; 31, buckle structure; 311, clamping head; 312, clamping groove; 313, limiting block; 314, limiting groove; 32, magnetic attraction structure; 321, first magnetic attraction piece; 322, second magnetic attraction piece; 2, force device; 201, handle; 202, restraint belt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more apparent, specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a number of specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be practiced in a number of different ways beyond the specific embodiments described and claimed herein and by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, and therefore the present application should not be limited to the following embodiments disclosed.

[0038] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed" or "disposed" on another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there can be an intervening element. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", and similar expressions used herein are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Considering that existing neurostimulators require replacement of the entire electrode patch when the flexible patch ages or becomes contaminated, resulting in high user costs, this application provides an electrode patch device and a vagus nerve stimulation device that allows for replacement of only the patch assembly as needed. This enables the electrode box to be reused, thereby reducing user costs.

[0043] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1 to 13 One embodiment of this application provides a vagus nerve stimulation device, which may include an electrode patch device 1 and a force-applying device 2. The electrode patch device 1 is assembled to the force-applying device 2 and is used to attach the electrode patch device 1 to human skin through the force-applying device 2, and to stimulate the vagus nerve of the human body through the electrical pulses output by the electrode patch device 1.

[0044] More specifically, such as Figures 3 to 10As shown, the electrode patch device 1 may include an electrode box 10 and a patch assembly 20. The electrode box 10 includes a housing 11, a circuit board 12, and at least one pair of electrodes 13 disposed on the housing 11 and electrically connected to the circuit board 12. The patch assembly 20 includes a carrier 21 detachably connected to the electrode box 10 and at least one pair of conductive adhesive layers 22 attached to the carrier 21 and capable of correspondingly electrically connecting to the electrodes 13.

[0045] Thus, when the conductive adhesive layer 22 in the electrode patch device 1 is attached to human skin, at least one pair of electrodes 13 can directly or indirectly contact the corresponding conductive adhesive layer 22 to achieve electrical connection between the electrode 13 and the conductive adhesive layer 22. At this time, the circuit board 12 can control the output of pulse current of at least one pair of electrodes 13 through an algorithm to conduct the pulse current to human skin through the conductive adhesive layer 22, forming a closed pulse circuit, thereby stimulating the vagus nerve of the human body through electrical pulse.

[0046] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, since the carrier 21 in the patch assembly 20 is detachably connected to the electrode box 10, when the carrier 21 and / or conductive adhesive layer 22 in the patch assembly 20 need to be replaced due to aging or dirt, the electrode patch device 1 of this application only needs to replace the patch assembly 20, without replacing the electrode box 10. This allows the electrode box 10 to be reused, extends the service life of the electrode box 10, and helps reduce the user's operating costs.

[0047] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the conductive adhesive layer 22 can be detachably connected to the carrier 21. Thus, when the conductive adhesive layer 22 needs to be replaced due to aging or dirt, only the conductive adhesive layer 22 needs to be replaced, without replacing the carrier 21, allowing the carrier 21 to be reused and further reducing user costs. Similarly, when the carrier 21 needs to be replaced due to aging or dirt, only the carrier 21 needs to be replaced, without replacing the conductive adhesive layer 22, allowing the conductive adhesive layer 22 to be reused, further reducing user costs.

[0048] Optionally, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the carrier 21 includes a support frame 211 detachably connected to the housing 11 and a carrier sheet 212 fixed to the support frame 211 and attached to the conductive adhesive layer 22. The carrier sheet 212 has conductive windows 210 corresponding to the electrode 13 and the conductive adhesive layer 22, so that the electrode 13 and the conductive adhesive layer 22 are electrically connected through the conductive windows 210. In this way, the carrier sheet 212 can bend along the shape of human skin (such as neck skin), so that the conductive adhesive layer 22 can fit more tightly to the human skin, which is beneficial for the conductive adhesive layer 22 to better conduct pulse current to the human skin and enhance the electrical pulse stimulation effect of the vagus nerve.

[0049] Optionally, such as Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the circuit board 12 is disposed within the housing 11. Of course, in other examples of this application, the circuit board 12 may also be disposed outside the housing 11, which will not be described in detail here.

[0050] Optionally, such as Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the conductive window 210 is implemented as a clearance hole 2101 penetrating the carrier 212; at this time, the electrode 13 protrudes outward from the housing 11 to pass through the clearance hole 2101 and make an electrical connection with the conductive adhesive layer 22. In this way, when the conductive adhesive layer 22 is attached to human skin, the electrode 13 of the electrode housing 10 can pass through the clearance hole 2101 to contact the corresponding conductive adhesive layer 22 and make an electrical connection.

[0051] Optionally, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, one end of the electrode 13 is electrically connected to the circuit board 12, and the other end of the electrode 13 extends through the housing 11 to abut against the conductive adhesive layer 22 for electrical connection. It is understood that the electrode 13 mentioned in this application can be fixed to the housing 11 for electrical connection to the circuit board 12 via a spring or wire; of course, in other examples of this application, the electrode 13 can also be fixed to the circuit board 12; in this case, a through hole is provided on the housing 11 for the electrode 13 to pass through, which will not be described further in this application.

[0052] According to the above embodiments of this application, the carrier 212 can be, but is not limited to, a non-woven fabric layer to stably bond and fix the conductive adhesive layer 22. It is understood that the carrier 212 mentioned in this application can also be implemented as a sheet material with good breathability, such as medical fabric, silicone, or a flexible polymer film; this application will not elaborate further on this.

[0053] In addition, the conductive adhesive layer 22 may include, but is not limited to, a conductive gel with a certain degree of adhesion, so that the conductive adhesive layer 22 has the dual functions of conduction and fixation, so as to adhere to human skin, which helps to evenly conduct the pulse current generated by the electrode box 10 to human skin, while preventing the device from falling off or shifting during movement.

[0054] It is worth noting that, since the carrier 212 has the ability to conform to shape, when the carrier 21 of the patch assembly 20 is installed on the electrode box 10, the electrode 13 can abut against the conductive adhesive layer 22 or there can be a certain gap between it and the conductive adhesive layer 22; however, when the conductive adhesive layer 22 is in close contact with human skin, the carrier 212 can bend and deform along with the conductive adhesive layer 22, so that the electrode 13 passes through the clearance hole 2101 to abut against the conductive adhesive layer 22 and achieve electrical connection.

[0055] Furthermore, in the first modified embodiment of this application, such as Figure 11 As shown, the conductive window 210 can also be implemented as a conductive contact 2102 embedded in the carrier 212 and electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer 22, through which the electrode 13 is electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer 22. Thus, when the conductive adhesive layer 22 is adhered to human skin, the electrode 13 of the electrode box 10 can abut against the conductive contact 2102 to make an electrical connection with the corresponding conductive adhesive layer 22.

[0056] In the second modified embodiment of this application, such as Figure 12 As shown, the electrode 13 can be recessed into the housing 11. If the electrode 13 is located within the housing 11, and the housing 11 has an opening corresponding to the electrode 13, then the conductive window 210 can be implemented as a conductive post 2103 protruding from the carrier 212 and cooperating with the electrode 13. The electrode 13 is electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer 22 through the conductive post 2103. Thus, when the conductive adhesive layer 22 is applied to human skin, the conductive post 2103 can extend into the housing 11 to abut against the electrode 13 of the electrode housing 10, thereby achieving electrical connection between the electrode 13 and the corresponding conductive adhesive layer 22.

[0057] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, two conductive adhesive layers 22 in each pair of conductive adhesive layers 22 are arranged at intervals on the side surface of the carrier 212 facing away from the support frame 211, so as to serve as pulse output terminals that are in direct contact with human skin, forming a closed pulse circuit.

[0058] Optionally, the support frame 211 is implemented as a rigid frame, that is, the rigidity of the support frame 211 is greater than the rigidity of the carrier plate 212, so that while supporting the carrier plate 212, it can be stably and detachably connected to the electrode box 10. It is understood that the support frame 211 mentioned in this application may, but is not limited to, be implemented as a frame made of rigid materials such as metal, plastic or rubber.

[0059] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 4 As shown, the electrode patch device 1 also includes a detachable structure 30 disposed between the electrode box 10 and the patch assembly 20, so as to realize the detachable connection between the electrode box 10 and the patch assembly 20 through the detachable structure 30.

[0060] It is understood that the detachable structure 30 mentioned in this application can be implemented as a mechanical connection structure such as a snap-fit ​​structure, a sliding snap structure, or a Velcro, so that the electrode box 10 can be detachably connected to the carrier 21 through mechanical connection methods such as snap-fit, sliding snap, or Velcro; or, the detachable structure 30 mentioned in this application can also be implemented as a magnetic structure, so that the electrode box 10 can also be detachably connected to the carrier 21 through magnetic connection; or, the detachable structure 30 mentioned in this application can also be implemented as a fastening structure, so that the electrode box 10 can also be detachably connected to the carrier 21 through fastening methods such as screws or nuts.

[0061] For example, such as Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the detachable structure 30 can be implemented as a snap-fit ​​structure 31 between the support frame 211 and the box 11, so that the support frame 211 in the patch assembly 20 is snap-fitted to the box 11 of the electrode box 10, so as to realize the quick assembly and disassembly of the carrier 21 without the need for additional tools.

[0062] Specifically, such as Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the snap-fit ​​structure 31 includes a snap-fit ​​connector 311 and a snap-fit ​​groove 312 that engages with the snap-fit ​​connector 311. The snap-fit ​​connector 311 is fixed to one of the housing 11 and the support frame 211, and the snap-fit ​​groove 312 is formed in the other of the housing 11 and the support frame 211. Thus, when the patch assembly 20 needs to be installed on the electrode box 10, simply insert the snap-fit ​​connector 311 into the snap-fit ​​groove 312 to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection between the electrode box 10 and the patch assembly 20; and when the patch assembly 20 needs to be removed from the electrode box 10, simply pull the snap-fit ​​connector 311 out of the snap-fit ​​groove 312.

[0063] More specifically, such as Figures 4 to 10As shown, the snap-fit ​​structure 31 may further include a limiting block 313 and a limiting groove 314 that engages with the limiting block 313. The limiting block 313 is fixed to one of the housing 11 and the support frame 211, and the limiting groove 314 is formed in the other of the housing 11 and the support frame 211. Thus, when the limiting block 313 is inserted into the limiting groove 314, the snap-fit ​​connector 311 is precisely aligned with the snap-fit ​​slot 312, which can both guide the snap-fit ​​connector 311 to snap into the snap-fit ​​slot 312 and restrict the multiple degrees of freedom of the patch assembly 20 relative to the electrode box 10, ensuring that the patch assembly 20 is stably installed in the electrode box 10.

[0064] Optionally, such as Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the slot 312 extends along a first direction; the limiting block 313 and the limiting groove 314 extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, when the limiting block 313 is inserted into the limiting groove 314 along the second direction, the connector 311 first aligns with the slot 312 along the second direction, and then inserts into the slot 312 along the first direction, achieving a snap-fit ​​engagement between the connector 311 and the slot 312. This engagement restricts the degree of freedom of the patch assembly 20 relative to the electrode box 10 in the second direction, and restricts the degree of freedom of the patch assembly 20 relative to the electrode box 10 perpendicular to the second direction, thereby achieving a stable connection between the patch assembly 20 and the electrode box 10. It is understood that the second direction mentioned in this application may refer to, but is not limited to, the direction of assembly / disassembly of the electrode box 10 and the patch assembly 20, such as... Figure 4 The Z-axis direction in the context; the first direction mentioned in this application may refer to, but is not limited to, the direction perpendicular to the disassembly / assembly direction, such as... Figure 4 The X-axis direction in the diagram.

[0065] Preferably, such as Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the card connector 311 and the limiting block 313 both protrude from the box body 11; the card slot 312 and the limiting slot 314 are both opened in the support frame 211, which helps to reduce the weight of the support frame 211 and save materials, so as to reduce the material cost of the patch assembly 20.

[0066] More preferably, such as Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the snap-fit ​​connector 311 is located between two adjacent limiting blocks 313; similarly, the snap-fit ​​groove 312 is located between two adjacent limiting grooves 314, so as to further enhance the snap-fit ​​stability of the snap-fit ​​structure 31.

[0067] It is worth noting that in the above example of this application, the card connector 311 and the card slot 312 are arranged in pairs. For example, asFigure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, two snap-fit ​​connectors 311 are arranged at intervals along a first direction; two limiting blocks 313 are arranged on opposite sides of the snap-fit ​​connectors 311 along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. It is understood that the third direction mentioned in this application may, but is not limited to, refer to... Figure 4 The Y-axis direction in the diagram.

[0068] Furthermore, the patch assembly 20 mentioned in this application is preferably implemented as a strip-shaped patch, that is, the carrier 212 in the patch assembly 20 has a strip-shaped structure, and the two conductive adhesive layers 22 in each pair are spaced apart along the length direction of the carrier 212. It is understood that the first direction mentioned in this application may refer to, but is not limited to, the width direction of the carrier 212, the second direction mentioned in this application may refer to, but is not limited to, the thickness direction (or height direction) of the carrier 212, and the third direction mentioned in this application may refer to, but is not limited to, the length direction of the carrier 212.

[0069] Optionally, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the support frame 211 in the patch assembly 20 is implemented as a frame arranged around the conductive window 210; the snap-fit ​​slot 312 is implemented as a through hole through the frame, and the snap-fit ​​connector 311 snaps into the snap-fit ​​slot 312 from the inside out, so that the user can push the snap-fit ​​connector 311 from the outside of the support frame 211 to remove the snap-fit ​​slot 312, thereby further improving the ease of disassembly and assembly between the patch assembly 20 and the electrode box 10.

[0070] Preferably, the support frame 211 is implemented as a rectangular frame, the long side and the short side of which correspond to the length direction and width direction of the carrier 212, respectively, so as to better support the carrier 212.

[0071] More preferably, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, two snap-fit ​​slots 312 are respectively formed at the middle of the long side of the rectangular frame; four limiting slots 314 are respectively located at the ends of the long side of the rectangular frame. It is understood that in other examples of this application, the snap-fit ​​slots 312 and / or the limiting slots 314 can be formed on the short side of the rectangular frame, as long as the required snap-fit ​​connection can be achieved, and this application will not elaborate further on this.

[0072] It is worth noting that in the third modified embodiment of this application, such as Figure 13As shown, the detachable structure 30 can be implemented as a magnetic structure 32 disposed between the support frame 211 and the box 11, so that the support frame 211 in the patch assembly 20 is magnetically connected to the box 11 of the electrode box 10, so as to realize the quick assembly and disassembly of the carrier 21 without the need for additional tools.

[0073] Specifically, such as Figure 13 As shown, the magnetic attraction structure 32 may include a first magnetic attraction member 321 disposed on the housing 11 and a second magnetic attraction member 322 disposed on the support member 21 and capable of generating a magnetic attraction force with the first magnetic attraction member 321, so as to realize the quick assembly and disassembly of the patch assembly 20 and the electrode box 10 by means of the magnetic attraction force generated between the first magnetic attraction member 321 and the second magnetic attraction member 322. It is understood that one of the first magnetic attraction member 321 and the second magnetic attraction member 322 mentioned in this application can be implemented as a magnetic block such as a magnet; in this case, the other of the first magnetic attraction member 321 and the second magnetic attraction member 322 mentioned in this application can be implemented as a magnetic block with the opposite magnetism to the first magnetic attraction member 321, or as a metal block such as an iron sheet capable of generating a magnetic attraction force with the magnetic block.

[0074] More specifically, the first magnetic member 321 may be implemented as, but is not limited to, a magnet fixed to the housing 11; the second magnetic member 322 may be implemented as, but is not limited to, an iron block fixed to the support frame 211. It is understood that, in other examples of this application, the support frame 211 may be implemented as an iron frame that can be magnetically attracted by a magnet, serving as the second magnetic member 322.

[0075] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figure 6 As shown, the electrode box 10 in the electrode patch device 1 may also include a power supply module 14 disposed in the box body 11 and electrically connected to the circuit board 12, for supplying power to the circuit board 12 to provide the electrical energy required by the circuit board 12.

[0076] Optionally, such as Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the power supply module 14 may include a built-in power supply 141 disposed within the housing 11 and electrically connected to the circuit board 12 for storing electrical energy. It is understood that the built-in power supply 141 mentioned in this application may, but is not limited to, be implemented as a coin cell battery, a rechargeable battery, or a rechargeable capacitor.

[0077] Preferably, such as Figure 9As shown, the built-in power supply 141 is located on the side of the circuit board 12 opposite to the electrode 13, so as to physically isolate the built-in power supply 141 and the electrode 13 through the circuit board 12. It is understood that the built-in power supply 141 mentioned in this application may be electrically connected to the circuit board 12 by, but is not limited to, soldering or flexible contacts.

[0078] Optionally, such as Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, the power supply module 14 may further include a power supply interface 142 disposed on the housing 11 and electrically connected to the circuit board 12, for electrically connecting to an external power source or power grid to provide power to the circuit board 12 via the external power source or power grid. It is understood that when the built-in power supply 141 is implemented as a rechargeable battery or rechargeable capacitor, the power supply interface 142 mentioned in this application can act as a charging interface for charging the built-in power supply 141.

[0079] It is worth noting that in other embodiments of this application, the power supply module 14 may only include the power supply interface 142 and not the built-in power supply 141; in this case, an external power supply or power grid provides power to the circuit board 12 through the power supply interface 142 in order to reduce the weight of the electrode patch device 1.

[0080] Furthermore, the circuit board 12 mentioned in this application may integrate a control chip, capacitors, and other electronic components for signal processing and pulse current output, and the output frequency and intensity of the pulse current can be controlled by an algorithm. It is understood that the electrode box 10 may also include an interactive interface, such as function buttons or a touchscreen, disposed on the box body 11 and electrically connected to the circuit board 12, for mode switching.

[0081] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the housing 11 in the electrode box 10 may include an end cap 111 and a cover plate 112 covering the circuit board 12; wherein the end cap 111 is detachably connected to the patch assembly 20, and the electrode 13 can pass through the end cap 111 to be electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer 22; at the same time, the housing 11 forms a relatively closed accommodating space between the end cap 111 and the cover plate 112 to protect the internal electronic components such as the circuit board 12. It is understood that the housing 11 mentioned in this application may be implemented as a metal part, a plastic part, or a silicone part, and may also be sprayed or surface treated according to the requirements of the outer tube.

[0082] Optionally, the end cap 111 is fastened or glued to the cover plate 112 to carry and seal the internal electronic components.

[0083] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 6As shown, the end cap 111 may have a through hole that is interference-fitted with the electrode 13, so that the electrode 13 can pass through the through hole to extend out of the housing 11 while the electrode 13 is relatively fixed to the end cap 111. It is understood that in other examples of this application, the end cap 111 may also have conductive contacts that contact the electrode 13, so that when the electrode 13 does not extend out of the housing 11, the electrode 13 can be electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer 22 at intervals through the conductive contacts.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the detachable structure 30 can be disposed between the end cap 111 and the carrier 21. For example, the snap connector 311 and the limiting block 313 both protrude from the side surface of the end cap 111 facing away from the cover plate 112.

[0085] It is worth mentioning that the force-applying device 2 mentioned in this application may include, but is not limited to, a restraint strap or a handle, in order to fix or operate the vagus nerve stimulation device and ensure that the patch assembly 20 in the electrode patch device 1 is in close contact with the human skin.

[0086] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the force-applying device 2 may include a handle 201 detachably connected to the electrode box 10. For example, the box body 11 of the electrode box 10 may further be provided with a connecting element 101 detachably engaged with the handle 201, so that the user can detachably connect the handle 201 to the box body 11, allowing the user to hold the vagus nerve stimulation device to move the position of the electrode patch device 1, ensuring that the electrode patch device 1 is in close contact with the target nerve position in the neck. It is understood that the connecting element 101 mentioned in this application may be implemented as a snap-fit ​​connector or a snap-fit ​​groove, so as to achieve a detachable connection between the two by snapping the handle 201 to the connecting element 101 of the box body 11. This application will not elaborate further on this.

[0087] Furthermore, in a modified embodiment of this application, such as Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the force-applying device 2 may also include a restraint strap 202 connected to the electrode box 10. For example, as Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the electrode box 10 may further have a fixing hole 102 that cooperates with the restraint strap 202, so that the user can pass the restraint strap 202 through the fixing hole 102 to restrain it around the neck, so that the electrode patch device 1 is fixed at the target nerve position in the neck.

[0088] It should be noted that in other embodiments of this application, the force-applying device 2 may include both a handle 201 and a restraint strap 202; in this case, the electrode patch device 1 may include a fixing hole 102 that cooperates with the force-applying device 2.

[0089] Preferably, the handle 201 has a buckle that can engage with the fixing hole 102 to achieve a detachable connection between the handle 201 and the electrode patch device 1; the restraint strap 202 can pass through the fixing hole 102 to secure the vagus nerve stimulation device. In other words, the fixing hole 102 mentioned in this application can both serve as the connecting element 101 to engage with the buckle of the handle 201 and allow the restraint strap 202 to pass through.

[0090] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined without changing the basic principles of this application. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0091] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are quite specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electrode patch device, characterized in that, include: An electrode box (10) includes a box body (11), a circuit board (12), and at least one pair of electrodes (13) disposed in the box body (11) and electrically connected to the circuit board (12); and The patch assembly (20) includes a carrier (21) detachably connected to the electrode box (10) and at least one pair of conductive adhesive layers (22) attached to the carrier (21) and electrically connected to the electrode (13).

2. The electrode patch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive adhesive layer (22) is detachably connected to the carrier (21).

3. The electrode patch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier (21) includes a support frame (211) detachably connected to the box body (11) and a carrier sheet (212) fixed to the support frame (211) and attached to the conductive adhesive layer (22); the carrier sheet (212) is provided with a conductive window (210) corresponding to the electrode (13) and the conductive adhesive layer (22), so that the electrode (13) and the conductive adhesive layer (22) are electrically connected through the conductive window (210).

4. The electrode patch device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conductive window (210) is a clearance hole (2101) that passes through the carrier (212). The electrode (13) protrudes outward from the housing (11) to pass through the clearance hole (2101) and make an electrical connection with the conductive adhesive layer (22).

5. The electrode patch device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conductive window (210) is a conductive contact (2102) embedded in the carrier (212) and electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer (22). The electrode (13) is electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer (22) through the conductive contact (2102).

6. The electrode patch device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrode (13) is recessed inward in the housing (11); the conductive window (210) is a conductive post (2103) protruding from the carrier (212) and cooperating with the electrode (13), and the electrode (13) is electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer (22) through the conductive post (2103).

7. The electrode patch device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two of the conductive adhesive layers in each pair of conductive adhesive layers (22) are arranged at intervals on the side surface of the carrier (212) facing away from the support frame (211).

8. The electrode patch device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The carrier (212) includes a nonwoven fabric layer, a medical fabric, a silicone or flexible polymer film.

9. The electrode patch device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The carrier (212) has a strip structure; the two conductive adhesive layers in each pair of conductive adhesive layers (22) are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the carrier (212).

10. The electrode patch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive adhesive layer (22) includes a conductive gel.

11. The electrode patch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board (12) is disposed inside the housing (11).

12. The electrode patch device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The electrode patch device further includes a detachable structure (30) disposed between the electrode box (10) and the patch assembly (20); the detachable structure (30) is selected from one or more of the following: snap-fit ​​structure (31), sliding structure, magnetic structure (32), and fastening structure.

13. The electrode patch device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​structure (31) includes a snap-fit ​​connector (311) and a snap-fit ​​groove (312) that snaps into the snap-fit ​​connector (311); the snap-fit ​​connector (311) is fixed to one of the box body (11) and the carrier (21), and the snap-fit ​​groove (312) is opened in the other of the box body (11) and the carrier (21).

14. The electrode patch device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The buckle structure (31) further includes a limiting block (313) and a limiting groove (314) that is inserted into the limiting block (313); the limiting block (313) is fixed in one of the box (11) and the carrier (21), and the limiting groove (314) is opened in the other of the box (11) and the carrier (21).

15. The electrode patch device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​groove (312) extends along a first direction; the limiting block (313) and the limiting groove (314) extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

16. The electrode patch device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​connector (311) and the limiting block (313) both protrude from the box body (11); the snap-fit ​​groove (312) and the limiting groove (314) are both formed on the carrier (21).

17. The electrode patch device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The magnetic structure (32) includes a first magnetic member (321) disposed on the box (11) and a second magnetic member (322) disposed on the support member (21) and capable of generating magnetic attraction with the first magnetic member (321).

18. The electrode patch device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The electrode box (10) also includes a power supply module (14) disposed in the box body (11) and electrically connected to the circuit board (12).

19. The electrode patch device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The electrode box (10) also includes an interactive interface disposed on the box body (11) and electrically connected to the circuit board (12); the interactive interface is a function button or a touch screen.

20. The electrode patch device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The housing (11) includes an end cap (111) and a cover plate (112) fixedly connected to the end cap (111) and covering the circuit board (12), wherein the end cap (111) is detachably connected to the patch assembly (20), and the electrode (13) can pass through the end cap (111) to be electrically connected to the conductive adhesive layer (22).

21. The electrode patch device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The box body (11) is also provided with a connecting element (101) for detachably engaging with the handle (201) and / or a fixing hole (102) for engaging with the restraint strap (202).

22. A vagus nerve stimulation device, characterized in that, include: Force-generating device (2); and The electrode patch device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the electrode patch device is assembled to the force-applying device (2) for stimulating the vagus nerve of the human body by means of electrical pulses.

23. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The force-applying device (2) includes a handle (201).

24. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The force-applying device (2) includes a restraint belt (202).

25. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The force-applying device (2) includes a handle (201) and a restraint strap (202).

26. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The electrode patch device also includes a fixing hole (102) that cooperates with the force-applying device (2), the handle (201) has a buckle, the buckle and the fixing hole (102) are engaged, and the restraint strap (202) passes through the fixing hole (102) to secure the vagus nerve stimulation device.

27. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The electrode patch device also includes a fixing hole (102) that cooperates with the force-applying device (2).

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