Magnetic therapy device

Abstract

To provide a magnetic treatment device that satisfies an EMI standard while using a stabilized power supply circuit.SOLUTION: A magnetic treatment device for treating pain in an affected part by generating a signal wave for living body stimulation, radiating a magnetic field for affected part stimulation generated in a coil by the signal wave for living body stimulation onto the affected part of a living body, and stimulating cells of the affected part includes: a device body having a signal wave output part for generating a first signal wave for living body stimulation and outputting it; and a probe formed separately from the device body, including a first coil connected to the signal wave output part by a signal cable, to which the first signal wave output from the signal wave output part is supplied. The device body includes a stabilized power supply circuit for supplying power to the signal wave output part, and the stabilized power supply circuit stabilizes a power supply voltage using a linear regulator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for treating pain in an affected part of a living body by generating a signal wave for biological stimulation, irradiating a magnetic field generated in a coil by the signal wave to the affected part of the living body, and stimulating cells and nerves in the affected part.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a device for treating pain in an affected part of a living body by irradiating a magnetic field to the affected part to stimulate cells in the affected part, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. This treatment device is configured to be portable by housing a high-frequency coil and a low-frequency coil in a casing together with a transmission circuit and a battery, each in a spiral or loop shape.

[0003] Then, this treatment device generates magnetic fields in the high-frequency coil and the low-frequency coil respectively by high-frequency signals and low-frequency signals of a certain frequency output from the transmission circuit, irradiates the magnetic field to the affected part by applying the casing to the affected part of the living body, stimulates the cells in the affected part, promotes the production of a group of neurotrophic factors in the cells in the affected part by the stimulation, and promotes the repair, growth, differentiation, and proliferation of the cells to treat the pain in the affected part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in such a magnetic therapy device, reducing the noise level so as not to affect other devices and equipment with malfunctions, etc. is required by EMI standards such as the international standard EN55011 (Industrial, scientific and medical electrical equipment - Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement).

[0006] Furthermore, in such magnetic therapy devices, because it is necessary to generate a high-frequency signal of a predetermined frequency to supply to the high-frequency coil, a stabilized power supply circuit is usually provided to stabilize the voltage supplied to the power supply, whether the device is a stationary type powered by an external 100V commercial AC power supply, or a portable type where the battery is charged by an external 100V commercial AC power supply. In recent years, highly efficient switching regulators are often used in stabilized power supply circuits.

[0007] However, switching regulators convert the 50Hz or 60Hz AC from a 100V commercial AC power supply into a DC rectifier, and then convert that DC into a high-frequency AC using a switching operation to convert it into a desired low voltage using a transformer. Because of this, the output voltage is inherently prone to containing a lot of noise, and using that output voltage directly is problematic in meeting EMI standards.

[0008] Therefore, this invention aims to provide a magnetic therapy device that meets EMI standards while using a stabilized power supply circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The magnetic therapy device of this invention generates a biostimulation signal wave, and irradiates the affected area of ​​the body with a magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the biostimulation signal wave in a coil, thereby stimulating cells and nerve cells in and around the affected area and treating pain in the affected area. A device body having a signal wave output unit that generates and outputs a first signal wave for biological stimulation, A probe, formed separately from the main body of the device, has a first coil connected by a signal cable to the signal wave output section and supplied with the first signal wave output from the signal wave output section, Equipped with, The main body of the device has a stabilized power supply circuit that supplies power to the signal wave output section. The aforementioned stabilized power supply circuit is A switching regulator that steps down the input DC voltage and outputs it, and a switching regulator that steps down the DC voltage input from the switching regulator and outputs it. Linear regulator and It is characterized by using to stabilize the power supply voltage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the main body of the device has a signal wave output unit that generates and outputs a first signal wave, for example, a high-frequency signal wave for biostimulation, and a first coil of a probe formed separately from the main body of the device is connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and is supplied with the first signal wave output from the signal wave generation unit, and generates a first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area with the first signal wave.

[0011] Therefore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this invention, by applying a probe, which is separate from the main body of the device, to the affected area of ​​the body, the first alternating magnetic field generated by the first coil is irradiated onto the affected area, stimulating the cells and nerves of the affected area. This stimulation is expected to activate, for example, damaged nerves in the affected area, and through self-repair, reduce nerve damage in the affected area.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the device body has a stabilized power supply circuit that supplies power to the signal wave output section, and this stabilized power supply circuit uses a linear regulator, which has lower output voltage noise than a switching regulator, to stabilize the power supply voltage, so that EMI standards can be met while using a stabilized power supply circuit.

[0013] In addition, in the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the linear regulator may be supplied with a DC voltage obtained by rectifying a commercial AC power source or a DC voltage input from a battery, which is stepped down via a resistive element. In this way, the energy difference between the input DC voltage and the output voltage of the linear regulator can be shared between the linear regulator and the resistive element and converted into heat, so that the heat-generating points can be distributed to multiple locations on the device body and the heat generated by the stabilized power supply circuit can be effectively dissipated.

[0014] Furthermore, in the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the signal wave output unit may also generate and output a second signal wave, for example, a low-frequency signal wave, for biostimulation, and the probe may also have a second coil connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable, to which the second signal wave output from the signal wave output unit is supplied. In this way, the stimulation applied to the affected area by irradiating it with a second alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area, generated by the second coil in response to the second signal wave for biostimulation, travels, for example, through sensory nerves (Aβ fibers: touch) to the brain (sensory cortex) from the spinal cord's dorsal horn, so the brain recognizes the pleasantness of touch, and it can be expected that the descending pain inhibitory system will be activated, resulting in analgesic and relaxing effects.

[0015] On the other hand, in the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the signal wave output unit may also generate a second signal wave for biostimulation, for example, a low-frequency signal wave, and generate and output the first signal wave by frequency modulating the fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave. In this way, the first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the first coil by the first signal wave for biostimulation, which is generated by frequency modulating the fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave for biostimulation supplied from the signal wave output unit, stimulates the cells of the affected area, thereby activating the damaged nerves in the affected area more than when there is no frequency modulation, and it is expected that the nerve damage in the affected area will be reduced through self-repair.

[0016] Furthermore, in the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the signal wave output unit also generates and outputs a second signal wave, for example, a low-frequency signal wave for biostimulation, and the probe is connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and also has a second coil that is supplied with the second signal wave output from the signal wave output unit, and the signal wave output unit may generate the first signal wave by frequency modulating the fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave and output it separately from the second signal wave. In this way, it is expected that the second alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the second coil by the second signal wave for biostimulation will bring analgesic and relaxing effects, and the first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the first coil by the first signal wave for biostimulation generated by frequency modulating the fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave for biostimulation will further reduce nerve damage in the affected area.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a magnetic therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view showing the appearance of the device body of the magnetic therapy device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the appearance of the device body of the magnetic therapy device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the A-A cross-section in FIG. 3 of the magnetic therapy device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing the B-B cross-section in FIG. 3 of the magnetic therapy device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic therapy device according to the above embodiment in functional blocks. [Figure 7] (a) is a configuration diagram showing one configuration example of one of two power supply circuits with the same configuration and different output voltages of the power supply control unit 15a of the power supply unit of the magnetic therapy device according to the above embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the power supply circuit. [Figure 8] (a) is a configuration diagram showing another configuration example of one of two power supply circuits with the same configuration and different output voltages of the power supply control unit 15a of the power supply unit of the magnetic therapy device according to the above embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the power supply circuit.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a magnetic therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are front views and side views showing the appearance of the device body of the magnetic therapy device according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views showing the A-A cross-section and B-B cross-section in FIG. 3 of the magnetic therapy device according to the embodiment, respectively.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment comprises a device body 1, a probe 2, a signal cable 3 for connecting the probe 2 to the device body 1, and a power cable (not shown) that is detachably plugged into and attached to the device body 1. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the device body 1 mainly comprises a resin casing 4, a touch input display 5 housed diagonally upward within the casing 4 and exposed from an opening 4a on the front of the casing 4, two printed circuit boards 6 and 7 housed diagonally downward behind the display 5 within the casing 4 and arranged left and right when viewed from the rear of the device body, two AC-DC converters 8 and 9 housed horizontally within a protrusion 4b on the lower rear side of the casing 4 and arranged left and right when viewed from the rear of the device body, and a battery 10 housed below the AC-DC converters 8 and 9 within the protrusion 4b on the lower rear side of the casing 4.

[0020] Furthermore, an alarm stop button and a power switch button are provided on the left and right sides of the lower part of the opening 4a on the front of the casing 4 of the device body 1. Below these buttons, three sockets for plugging in the signal cable 3 are provided side by side to allow connection of the three probes 2 to the device body 1.

[0021] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment in functional blocks. As shown in this figure, the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment comprises a device body 1, a probe 2, and a signal cable 3. Functionally, the device body 1 has a signal wave output unit 13, a screen control unit 14, and a power supply unit 15. In this embodiment, the signal wave output unit 13 is mainly configured using a plurality of central processing units (CPUs) (not shown) on the printed wiring board 6 on the left side. The basic high-frequency signal generation unit 13a generates a basic high-frequency signal of 250 MHz as a basic signal wave, and the basic high-frequency signal shift unit 13b shifts (varies) this basic high-frequency signal appropriately at regular intervals, for example, 0.00014 seconds (i.e., approximately 7000 times / second), within a range of 225 MHz to 275 MHz, which is ±10% of 250 MHz, while excluding the frequency band used for aircraft life-saving radios, and outputs the shifted basic high-frequency signal to the basic high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c.

[0022] The signal wave output unit 13 also reads a magnetic signal pattern, including sound source signals such as music, from an external storage device such as an SD card (not shown) inserted in a card slot on the left printed circuit board 6, or from an internal storage device built into the main unit 1, using the magnetic signal pattern reading unit 13d, and supplies it to the biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e. The biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e generates a biostimulation low-frequency signal as a second signal wave from the frequency information of the magnetic signal pattern (for example, 1 kHz or higher and 3 kHz or lower), and outputs the biostimulation low-frequency signal to the basic high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c.

[0023] The basic high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c then frequency modulates a basic high-frequency signal, for example 250 MHz ± 10%, generated by the basic high-frequency signal generation unit 13a and frequency-shifted by the basic high-frequency signal shift unit 13b, with a biostimulation low-frequency signal, for example 1 kHz or higher and 3 kHz or lower, generated by the biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e, and supplies it to the biostimulation high-frequency signal output unit 13f. The biostimulation high-frequency signal output unit 13f then amplifies and outputs the frequency-modulated biostimulation high-frequency signal as the first signal wave. Alternatively, the biostimulation high-frequency signal output unit 13f may amplitude modulate the frequency-modulated biostimulation high-frequency signal with the biostimulation low-frequency signal before amplifying and outputting it. Furthermore, the biostimulation low-frequency signal output unit 13g amplifies and outputs a biostimulation low-frequency signal, for example 1 kHz or higher and 3 kHz or lower, generated by the biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e. These operations in the signal wave output unit 13 are controlled by the operation state control unit 13h.

[0024] In this embodiment, the probe 2 houses a flexible printed circuit board (not shown) within a soft resin cover. A high-frequency coil 2a is formed on the flexible printed circuit board as a first coil by printed wiring, and a low-frequency coil 2b is formed inside it as a second coil. In addition, a magnetic field strength detection coil is formed outside the high-frequency coil 2a. Furthermore, an operating state detection unit 2c is circuit-configured using a temperature detection element and a CPU mounted on the flexible printed circuit board. The high-frequency coil 2a generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field as a first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area using a high-frequency signal for biostimulation supplied from a high-frequency signal output unit 13f via a signal cable 3, and the low-frequency coil 2b generates a low-frequency alternating magnetic field as a second alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area using a low-frequency signal for biostimulation supplied from a low-frequency signal output unit 13g via a signal cable 3.

[0025] The operating state detection unit 2c then detects the operating state of the signal wave output unit 13 and the state of the probe 2 based on the temperature of the high-frequency coil 2a and low-frequency coil 2b detected by the temperature detection element and the high-frequency or low-frequency magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic field strength detection coil, based on the instruction signal provided by the operating state control unit 13h of the signal wave output unit 13 via the signal cable 3. Based on this signal, the operating state control unit 13h monitors the operation of the signal wave output unit 13, such as signal wave generation and output, and consequently the level of the alternating magnetic field generated by the high-frequency coil 2a and low-frequency coil 2b. If an abnormality is detected, an alarm sound is output from, for example, a speaker (not shown) built into the main body of the device 1. The output of this alarm sound is stopped when the abnormal condition is resolved or when the alarm stop button on the front of the casing of the main body of the device 1 is operated. Furthermore, if the operation state control unit 13h detects an abnormality, it immediately stops the supply of a high-frequency signal for biostimulation from the high-frequency signal output unit 13f to the high-frequency output coil 2a and the supply of a low-frequency signal for biostimulation from the low-frequency signal output unit 13g to the low-frequency output coil 2b, in order to ensure the safety of the user of the magnetic therapy device.

[0026] In this embodiment, the screen control unit 14 is mainly configured on the right-side printed circuit board 7 using a graphics processing unit (GPU) or the like (not shown). The image display unit 14a reads screen information such as instruction buttons to be displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 5a of the touch input display 5 from an SD card (not shown) that has been pre-recorded on the SD card inserted into the card slot on the right-side printed circuit board 7, and displays it on the LCD 5. The instruction input unit 14b detects the position where the user's finger touches the touch panel 5b of the touch input display 5 based on changes in static electricity at that position, and sends a signal to the operation state control unit 13h indicating instruction input by an operation button displayed on the LCD 5 corresponding to that touch position. Based on this instruction input signal, the operation state control unit 13h controls the operation of the signal wave output unit 13, such as signal wave generation and output, and consequently the strength of the high-frequency and low-frequency alternating magnetic fields generated by the high-frequency coil 2a and low-frequency coil 2b, according to the user's instructions.

[0027] The screen control unit 14 also creates a log that records the instruction input to the instruction input unit 14b via the operation buttons displayed on the LCD 5 and the operating status of the signal wave output unit 13 at that time. This log information is stored in a USB memory (not shown) that is inserted into a USB memory slot 11, which is located between two printed circuit boards 8 and 9 in the lower rear protrusion 4b of the casing 4 and covered with an openable and closable lid, and is removable from the top side of the protrusion 4b. Furthermore, the image display unit 14a has a clock function that displays the time on the LCD 5, and this clock function is maintained by a button battery (not shown) mounted in a battery holder on the right printed circuit board 7.

[0028] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 15 is circuit-configured using a power control unit 15a, which is mainly mounted on the left printed circuit board 6 and has a CPU (not shown), a normal switching regulator, and a normal three-terminal regulator as a linear regulator, and two normal AC-DC converters 8 and 9, which are horizontally housed in the rear lower protrusion 4b of the casing 4. The power control unit 15a supplies 100V commercial AC power from a power cable (not shown) that is detachably plugged into a power socket 12 positioned facing backward in the rear lower protrusion 4b of the casing 4, to the two AC-DC converters 8 and 9, and The 0V AC is first rectified to DC by the AC-DC converters 8 and 9, respectively, then converted to a high-frequency AC by switching control and stepped down by a transformer, and then rectified again to DC and used for switching control to convert it into a stabilized predetermined voltage DC. By connecting these DC voltages in series with each other, a DC voltage of, for example, 36V corresponding to the output voltage of the battery 10 is obtained to charge the battery 10, and this 36V DC voltage is stepped down and stabilized as described later and supplied as a DC power supply of the required voltage to the signal wave output unit 13 and screen control unit 14 of the device body 1 and the operating state detection unit 2c of the probe 2.

[0029] Furthermore, when the power cable is not connected or when 100V commercial AC power is not supplied from the power cable, the power supply unit 15 steps down and stabilizes, for example, a 36V DC voltage from the battery 10 using the power control unit 15a as described later, and supplies it as a DC power supply of the necessary voltage to the signal wave output unit 13 and screen control unit 14 of the device body 1 and the operating state detection unit 2c of the probe 2, thereby enabling the magnetic therapy device to be used as a portable device. The CPU of the power supply unit 15 controls the charging of the battery 10 and controls the power supply to the signal wave output unit 13 and screen control unit 14 of the device body 1 and the operating state detection unit 2c of the probe 2.

[0030] In this embodiment of the magnetic therapy device, the signal wave output unit 13 of the device body 1 has a basic high-frequency signal generation unit 13a, a basic high-frequency signal shift unit 13b, and a basic high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c which generate a biostimulation high-frequency signal and output it from the biostimulation high-frequency signal output unit 13f. The high-frequency coil 2a of the probe 2, which is formed separately from the device body 1, is connected to the biostimulation high-frequency signal output unit 13f of the signal wave output unit 13 by a signal cable 3 and is supplied with a biostimulation high-frequency signal output from the biostimulation high-frequency signal output unit 13f, for example, with a center frequency of 250 MHz, and generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area with this biostimulation high-frequency signal.

[0031] Therefore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, by applying a probe 2, which is separate from the main body 1 of the device, to the affected area of ​​the body, a high-frequency alternating magnetic field generated by the high-frequency coil 2a is irradiated onto the affected area to stimulate the cells and nerves of the affected area. This stimulation is expected to activate, for example, damaged nerves in the affected area, and through self-repair, reduce nerve damage in the affected area.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the basic high-frequency signal shift unit 13b of the signal wave output unit 13 of the device body 1 varies the frequency of the biostimulation high-frequency signal within a range of, for example, 250 MHz ± 10%. As a result, the QP (quasi-peak) value of the harmonic noise is lower than when the frequency of the biostimulation high-frequency signal is kept constant, and a high-intensity biostimulation high-frequency signal within EMI standards is supplied to the high-frequency coil 2a, thereby generating a high-intensity alternating high-frequency magnetic field for stimulating the affected area.

[0033] Figure 7(a) is a configuration diagram showing one example of the configuration of one of two power supply circuits, which have the same configuration but different output voltages, in the power supply control unit 15a of the power supply unit 15 of the magnetic therapy device according to the above embodiment. Figure 7(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the power supply circuit. As shown in Figure 7(a), the power supply control unit 15a takes a DC voltage of, for example, 36V from the AC-DC converters 8, 9 or the battery 10, steps down and stabilizes it using a switching regulator 15b which has a configuration that removes the first rectifier circuit from the AC-DC converter, and inputs the resulting predetermined input voltage Vin to a three-terminal regulator 15c which acts as a linear regulator. The three-terminal regulator 15c, with its GND terminal grounded, steps down and stabilizes the input voltage Vin, and then supplies a predetermined output voltage Vout, for example, 3.3V or 1.8V, to the signal wave output unit 13 and screen control unit 14 of the device body 1 and the operating state detection unit 2c of the probe 2 as a DC power supply of the required voltage.

[0034] In this process, as shown in Figure 7(b), the three-terminal regulator 15c steps down the input voltage Vin from the switching regulator 15b, which contains relatively large switching noise, to the output voltage Vout, thereby reducing the noise contained in the output voltage Vout to a minimum. At the same time, it converts the energy of the voltage step-down, shown as a gap in the figure, into heat and dissipates it.

[0035] Therefore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the device body 1 has a power control unit 15a as a stabilized power supply circuit that supplies power to the signal wave output unit 13, and the power control unit 15a uses a three-terminal regulator 15c as a linear regulator, which has less output voltage noise than a switching regulator 15b, in the final stage to stabilize the output voltage Vout, so that EMI standards can be met while using a stabilized power supply circuit.

[0036] Figure 8(a) is a configuration diagram showing another configuration example of one of two power supply circuits with the same configuration but different output voltages, in the power supply control unit 15a of the power supply unit 15 of the magnetic therapy device of the above embodiment, and Figure 8(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the power supply circuit. As shown in Figure 8(a), the power supply control unit 15a steps down a DC voltage of, for example, 36V from the AC-DC converters 8, 9 or the battery 10 using a switching regulator 15b which has a configuration that removes the first rectifier circuit from the AC-DC converter, and stabilizes the predetermined input voltage Vin obtained, and as shown in Figure 8(b), in this configuration example steps down the voltage using a resistor element 15d to obtain a resistive output voltage V R The voltage is then input to a three-terminal regulator 15c acting as a linear regulator, and the GND terminal of the three-terminal regulator 15c is grounded, and its resistive output voltage V R The voltage is reduced and stabilized to obtain a predetermined output voltage Vout, for example, 3.3V or 1.8V, which is then supplied to the signal wave output unit 13 and screen control unit 14 of the device body 1, and the operating state detection unit 2c of the probe 2, as a DC power supply of the required voltage.

[0037] In this case, as shown in Figure 8(b), the resistor element 15d controls the input voltage Vin from the switching regulator 15b, which contains relatively large switching noise, to create a resistor output voltage V. R The voltage is reduced to this level, and the three-terminal regulator 15c controls its resistance output voltage V. R By further stepping down the voltage to the output voltage Vout, the noise contained in the output voltage Vout is reduced to a minimum. Then, the resistive element 15d, which is shown as the resistive element in the figure, and the three-terminal regulator 15c, which is shown as the gap, each share the energy of the voltage step down and convert it into heat for dissipation.

[0038] Therefore, this configuration example allows for meeting EMI standards while using a stabilized power supply circuit, similar to the previous configuration example. In addition, the heat generated by the stabilized power supply circuit can be effectively dissipated by distributing the heat-generating points to multiple locations on the main body of the device 1.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e of the signal wave output unit 13 of the device body 1 generates a biostimulation low-frequency signal from the sound source signal, the biostimulation low-frequency signal output unit 13g outputs the biostimulation low-frequency signal, and the low-frequency coil 2b of the probe 2 is connected to the biostimulation low-frequency signal output unit 13g of the signal wave output unit 13 by a signal cable 3 and supplied with a biostimulation low-frequency signal from the biostimulation low-frequency signal output unit 13g. As a result, the low-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the low-frequency coil 2b by the biostimulation low-frequency signal is irradiated onto the affected area, and the stimulation transmitted is carried by sensory nerves (Aβ fibers: touch) from the spinal cord dorsal horn to the brain (sensory cortex). Therefore, it can be expected that the brain recognizes the pleasantness of touch, activates the descending pain inhibitory system, and brings about analgesic and relaxing effects.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the basic high-frequency signal modulation unit 13c of the signal wave output unit 13 of the device body 1 frequency modulates the basic high-frequency signal with the low-frequency signal for biostimulation generated by the signal wave output unit 13 to generate a high-frequency signal for biostimulation, and the high-frequency signal output unit 13f for biostimulation supplies the frequency-modulated high-frequency signal for biostimulation to the high-frequency coil 2a of the probe 2. As a result, the cells and nerves in the affected area are stimulated by the high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the high-frequency coil 2a using the high-frequency signal for biostimulation that has been frequency-modulated with the low-frequency signal for biostimulation. This is expected to activate the damaged nerves in the affected area more effectively than without frequency modulation, thereby activating them and reducing nerve damage in the affected area through self-repair.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the signal wave output unit 13 of the device body 1 also generates and outputs a low-frequency signal for biostimulation, the probe 2 is connected to the signal wave output unit 13 by a signal cable 3 and also has a low-frequency coil 2b to which the low-frequency signal for biostimulation is supplied from the signal wave output unit 13, and the signal wave output unit 13 generates a high-frequency signal for biostimulation by frequency modulating the basic high-frequency signal with the low-frequency signal for biostimulation and outputs it separately from the low-frequency signal for biostimulation. As a result, it is expected that the low-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the low-frequency coil 2b by the low-frequency signal for biostimulation will provide analgesic and relaxing effects, and that the high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the high-frequency coil 2a by the high-frequency signal for biostimulation, which is obtained by frequency modulating the basic high-frequency signal with the low-frequency signal for biostimulation, will further reduce nerve damage in the affected area.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the frequency of the biostimulation low-frequency signal is 1 kHz or higher and 3 kHz or lower. The stimulation from the low-frequency alternating magnetic field of 1 kHz or higher and 3 kHz or lower generated by the low-frequency coil 2b by this biostimulation low-frequency signal is particularly likely to reach the brain from the spinal cord dorsal horn via sensory nerves, thus providing a greater analgesic effect, relaxation effect, and other neurological disorder reduction effects.

[0043] Although the above has been described based on the illustrated embodiments, the magnetic therapy device of this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. For example, instead of configuring the two power supply circuits of the power supply control unit 15a that constitute the stabilized power supply circuit to be identical, one of the power supply circuits that is involved in the generation of high-frequency signals may be configured using a switching regulator 15b and a three-terminal regulator 15c, while the other circuit that is involved in the generation of low-frequency signals may be configured using only the switching regulator 15b.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the basic high-frequency signal shifting unit 13b may shift the 250MHz basic high-frequency signal within a range of, for example, 250MHz ± 20%.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, the biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e may generate a biostimulation low-frequency signal in a frequency range different from 1 kHz or higher and 3 kHz or lower, for example, a frequency range of 200 Hz or higher and 3 kHz or lower with a center frequency of 1.6 kHz. [Industrial applicability]

[0046] Thus, according to the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the signal wave output unit of the device body generates and outputs a high-frequency signal for biostimulation, and the high-frequency coil of the probe, which is formed separately from the device body, is connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and is supplied with the high-frequency signal for biostimulation output from the signal wave generation unit. This high-frequency signal for biostimulation generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area. By applying the probe, which is formed separately from the device body, to the affected area, the high-frequency alternating magnetic field generated by the high-frequency coil is irradiated with the affected area, stimulating the cells and nerves of the affected area. This stimulation is expected to activate, for example, damaged nerves in the affected area, and reduce nerve damage in the affected area through self-repair.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the device body has a stabilized power supply circuit that supplies power to the signal wave output section, and this stabilized power supply circuit uses a linear regulator, which has lower output voltage noise than a switching regulator, to stabilize the power supply voltage, so that EMI standards can be met while using a stabilized power supply circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. Main unit of the device 2 probes 2a High-frequency coil (first coil) 2b Low-frequency coil (second coil) 2c Operating state detection unit 3. Signal Cable 4. Casing 4a opening 4b Protrusion 5 displays 5a LCD 5b Touch panel 6,7 Printed circuit board 8,9 AC-DC converters 10 batteries 11 USB memory slots 12 power sockets 13. Signal wave output section 13a Basic high-frequency signal generation section 13b Basic high-frequency signal shift section 13c Basic high-frequency signal frequency modulation section 13d Magnetic signal pattern readout section 13e Low-frequency signal generation unit for biostimulation 13f High-frequency signal output section for biostimulation 13g Low-frequency signal output unit for biostimulation 13h Operation Status Control Unit 14. Screen Control Unit 14a Image display section 14b Instruction Input Section 15 Power supply section 15a Power supply control unit 15b Switching regulator 15C Three-Terminal Regulator (Linear Regulator) 15d Resistor

Claims

1. A magnetic therapy device that generates a biostimulation signal wave, and uses that biostimulation signal wave to generate a magnetic field for stimulating the affected area, which is then irradiated onto the affected area of ​​the body to stimulate cells and nerves in and around the affected area, thereby treating pain in the affected area. A device body having a signal wave output unit that generates and outputs a first signal wave for biological stimulation, The device comprises a probe formed separately from the main body of the device, which is connected by a signal cable to the signal wave output section and has a first coil that is supplied with the first signal wave output from the signal wave output section, The main body of the device has a stabilized power supply circuit that supplies power to the signal wave output section. The magnetic therapy device is characterized in that the stabilized power supply circuit uses a switching regulator that steps down the input DC voltage and outputs it, and a linear regulator that steps down the DC voltage input from the switching regulator and outputs it to stabilize the power supply voltage.

2. The magnetic therapy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the linear regulator is supplied with a DC voltage obtained by rectifying a commercial AC power supply and inputting it to the switching regulator, or a DC voltage input from a battery to the switching regulator, which is stepped down through a resistive element placed between the switching regulator and the linear regulator.

3. The signal wave output unit also generates and outputs a second signal wave for biological stimulation. The magnetic therapy apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the probe is connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and also has a second coil to which the second signal wave output from the signal wave output unit is supplied.

4. The magnetic therapy apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the signal wave output unit also generates a second signal wave for biological stimulation, and generates and outputs the first signal wave by frequency modulating the fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave.

5. The aforementioned signal wave output unit also generates and outputs a second signal wave for biological stimulation. The probe is connected to the signal wave output section by a signal cable and also has a second coil that is supplied with a second signal wave output from the signal wave output section. The magnetic therapy apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the signal wave output unit generates the first signal wave by frequency modulating the fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave and outputs it separately from the second signal wave.

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