Hand Rehabilitation Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hand rehabilitation device. A hand rehabilitation device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode portion having at least one unit electrode that contacts at least one of a user's hand and forearm; and a control portion that generates an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to at least one target electrode selected among the at least one unit electrode.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand rehabilitation device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hand rehabilitation device capable of intensively applying electrical stimulation to a part of the body where motor and sensory abilities are impaired. Background Technology

[0003] The content described in this section merely provides background information regarding the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0004] Treatment involving the application of electrical stimulation to the affected area is being performed for the rehabilitation of patients with motor and sensory disorders. The electrical stimulation applied to the affected area has effects such as inducing contraction or relaxation of the patient's muscle tissue by stimulating nerves, or alleviating the patient's pain.

[0005] Meanwhile, electrical stimulation needs to be applied intensively to areas where motor and sensory abilities are impaired, but there are many cases where it is difficult for the user to objectively evaluate the areas where motor and sensory abilities are impaired, and even when objective evaluation is possible, there is a problem that some time must be allocated for the evaluation.

[0006] This problem becomes a major issue, particularly in the rehabilitation of the hand, where each finger is interconnected by multiple tendons and has a high degree of freedom of movement.

[0007] delete Prior art literature

[65535] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2023-0076352 (Published May 31, 2023) The problem to be solved

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention was devised to solve the problems of the prior art and is intended to provide a hand rehabilitation device capable of intensively applying electrical stimulation to areas where motor and sensory abilities are impaired.

[0009] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0011] A hand rehabilitation device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode portion having at least one unit electrode that contacts at least one of a user's hand and forearm; and a control portion that generates an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to at least one target electrode selected among the at least one unit electrode.

[0012] The above electrode part contacts the user's hand and applies sensory stimulation to the user's hand.

[0013] The apparatus further includes an exercise assist device mounted on the hand of the user and driven by electrical power to extend the user's finger, and the control unit may, after transmitting the electrical signal to at least one target electrode, stop transmitting the electrical signal and control the exercise assist device to extend the user's finger.

[0014] At least some of the above unit electrodes are placed between the user's proximal interphalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint.

[0015] At least some of the above unit electrodes are placed between the user's metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint.

[0016] At least some of the above unit electrodes are positioned between the distal interphalangeal joint and the distal end of the user's hand.

[0017] At least some of the above unit electrodes are placed between the metacarpophalangeal joints and intercarpophalangeal joints of the user's hand.

[0018] At least some of the above unit electrodes are positioned between the metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's hand and the distal end of the thumb.

[0019] The electrode portion comprises at least one first unit electrode disposed between the user’s metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint; at least one second unit electrode disposed between the user’s proximal interphalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint; and at least one third unit electrode disposed between the user’s distal interphalangeal joint and fingertip, and the control portion sequentially transmits the electrical signal to the first unit electrode, the second unit electrode, and the third unit electrode over time.

[0020] At least one of the above unit electrodes is placed on the back of the hand.

[0021] The above electrode may be attached to the dorsal side of the user's forearm to apply muscle stimulation to the dorsal side of the user's forearm.

[0022] It may further include a band portion that wraps around the user's arm, a motor having a shaft that rotates by electrical power, and a compression portion having a tightening portion connected to the motor and configured to tighten or loosen the band portion.

[0023] The above exercise assist device may be a pneumatic glove having a glove into which at least a portion of the user's finger is inserted and a hydraulic line attached to the glove, which is driven to extend or fold the user's finger according to the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic line.

[0024] The above exercise assist device may have at least one end effector on which any one of the user's fingers rests, a sliding rail that guides the sliding path of the end effector, and a power transmission unit that transmits power from a motor to the end effector to slide the end effector.

[0025] It may further include a pressure sensor capable of measuring the gripping pressure of the user, and a gripping rod to which the pressure sensor is attached.

[0027] A method of using a hand rehabilitation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method of using a hand rehabilitation device performed by a control operation of a controller of the hand rehabilitation device, comprising: a step of applying an electrical signal to at least one unit electrode disposed on at least one of the user's hand and forearm; a step of acquiring measurement data corresponding to the user's brainwave or the movement of the hand; and a step of selecting at least some of the unit electrodes based on the measurement data and applying the electrical signal to the selected target electrode among the unit electrodes.

[0028] The hand rehabilitation device described above includes an exercise aid device mounted on the user's hand and driven by electrical power to straighten the user's fingers, and may further include a step of applying electrical stimulation to the user's hand in the step of applying the electrical signal, and after the step of applying the electrical signal, a step of controlling the exercise aid device to straighten the user's fingers in response to the cessation of the application of the electrical signal.

[0029] The above unit electrode is placed between the user's metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint.

[0030] The above unit electrode is placed between the user's proximal interphalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint.

[0031] The above unit electrode is placed between the user's distal interphalangeal joint and the distal end of the finger. Effects of the invention

[0033] According to the present invention, a hand rehabilitation device is provided that can intensively apply electrical stimulation to a part of the body where motor and sensory abilities are impaired. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a portion of a hand rehabilitation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted on the back of a user's hand. FIG. 2 schematically shows a part of the configuration of a hand rehabilitation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 schematically shows a hand rehabilitation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a compression part of a hand rehabilitation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a simplified drawing of a hand rehabilitation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6 to 8 show exemplary arrangements of unit electrodes of a hand rehabilitation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary arrangement of unit electrodes of a hand rehabilitation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 schematically shows a hand rehabilitation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is intended to explain a control operation for selecting a target electrode of a control unit of a hand rehabilitation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0036] In this specification, when it is stated that a part is connected to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected with other elements interposed between them. Furthermore, when it is stated that a part includes a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0037] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. The terms are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second or third component, and similarly, the second or third component may be named alternately.

[0039] Hereinafter, a hand rehabilitation device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a portion of the hand rehabilitation device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention mounted on the back of a user's hand.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a hand rehabilitation device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a part (10) and a control part (50). The electrode part (10) has at least one unit electrode (10) that contacts at least one of the user's hand and forearm. The control part (50) generates an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to at least one target electrode selected among the at least one unit electrode (10).

[0041] The electrode portion (10) can apply sensory stimulation to the user's hand by contacting the user's hand. However, the electrode portion of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and may apply muscle stimulation by contacting the dorsal side of the user's forearm (e.g., Extensor indicis or Extensor digitorum communicans). Here, a person skilled in the art will understand that sensory stimulation (sensory system stimulation) and muscle stimulation (motor system stimulation) are functional classifications of electrical stimulation.

[0042] The electrode portion (10) may include an adhesive surface that is detachably attached to the user's hand. Although not shown in the drawings, the present invention may further include a member that enables the unit electrodes (10) to be placed at a specific location on the user's hand. For example, the present invention may include a glove (not shown) worn on the user's hand, and the unit electrode (10) may be placed at a specific location on the glove. With this configuration, the unit electrode (10) can be accurately contacted at a specific location on the hand corresponding to the specific location on the glove by the user wearing the glove. Alternatively, the present invention may further include an exercise aid (not shown) mounted on the user's hand and driven by electrical power to extend the user's fingers. If the present invention further includes an exercise aid, the aforementioned "member that enables the unit electrodes (10) to be placed at a specific location on the user's hand" may be part of the exercise aid.

[0043] At least one of the unit electrodes (10) may be placed on the back of the hand. Here, the electrode portion (10) is in contact with the skin and applies an electrical signal to a sensory receptor. The electrode portion (10) may include a counter electrode (20) for grounding.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the unit electrode (10) may be placed on the back of the user's ring finger. However, the placement of the unit electrode (10) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The unit electrode (10) may be placed on the back of the middle finger, for example. Also, the hand rehabilitation device (100) of FIG. 1 has one unit electrode (10), but the number of unit electrodes (10) is not particularly limited.

[0045] The electrode portion (10) may be connected to the control portion (50) via a wire (60), and the wire (60) transmits an electrical signal generated by the control portion (50) to the electrode portion (10). The electrical signal generated by the control portion (50) may be transmitted to the user's sensory receptors and / or muscle tissue by sequentially passing through the wire (60), the electrode portion (10), and the user's skin in contact with the electrode portion (10). The electrode portion (10) may have a rectangular shape, but the shape of the electrode portion (10) is not limited thereto and may have, for example, a circular or band shape.

[0046] The hand rehabilitation device (100) may further include a sensor (30) that acquires data corresponding to the movement of the user's hand. The sensor (30) may be, for example, a gyroscope sensor (30) or a bipolar electromyography (EMG) sensor (30) that acquires data corresponding to the degree of movement of the user's hand. The sensor (30) transmits the acquired data to a control unit (50), and the control unit (50) can perform a control operation based on the data acquired by the sensor (30). The sensor (30) may be coupled to the electrode unit (10). Specifically, the sensor (30) may be coupled to the opposite side of the adhesive surface of the electrode unit (10). However, the position of the sensor (30) is not limited thereto.

[0047] Such a sensor (30) can be used, for example, to acquire data on the response when the electrode part is attached to the dorsal muscle of the user's forearm and the movement of the finger is induced by the muscle stimulation signal of the electrode part. In addition, the control unit (50) can perform control based on the data.

[0048] In the drawing, the sensor (30) and the electrode part (10) are connected to the control part (50) via a wire (60), but the present invention may include a communication module that mediates wireless communication between the control part (50) and the electrode part (10), or a communication module that mediates wireless communication between the control part (50) and the sensor (30), and in such case, the wire (60) connecting the control part (50), the electrode part (10), and the sensor (30) may be omitted.

[0049] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a part of the configuration of a hand rehabilitation device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, a control unit (50) generates an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to at least one target electrode selected from at least one unit electrode (10). The control unit (50) may include a signal generator (52) that generates the electrical signal and selects a target electrode to transmit the electrical signal, a memory (53) that stores data related to the magnitude of the current of the electrical signal and the duration of the stimulation period, and a processor (51) that controls the signal generator (52) based on data from the memory (53) and a sensor (30). If the present invention further includes an exercise assistance device, the control unit (50) may include a processor that controls the operation of the exercise assistance device.

[0050] The present invention may further include an input / output interface (70) for providing interaction with a user. The input / output interface (70) may include a display unit for displaying information to the user and / or an input device (e.g., a touch panel) for enabling the user to input information to the control unit (50).

[0051] The present invention may further include a casing that accommodates a control unit (50). A display unit may be coupled to one side of the casing. The shape of the casing or the position where the display unit is coupled is not particularly limited.

[0052] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a hand rehabilitation device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a compression part (90) of a hand rehabilitation device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the hand rehabilitation device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may further include a compression part (90). The compression part (90) may have a band part (93) that wraps around the user's arm, a motor (92) having a shaft (92a) that rotates by electrical power, and a tightening part (91) connected to the motor (92) and configured to tighten or loosen the band part (93).

[0053] The band portion (93) may include a first band (93a) that encircles at least a portion of the outer circumference of the user's arm and a second band (93b) that encircles at least a portion of the outer circumference of the first band (93a). The first band (93a) and the second band (93b) may be made of a fabric material or a flexible plastic material. However, the materials of the first band (93a) and the second band (93b) are not particularly limited, and it is possible for the first band (93a) and the second band (93b) to be made of mutually different materials. The second band (93b) may be a ring-shaped band with one end and the other end facing each other. When the one end and the other end of the second band (93b) come close together, the user's arm is compressed, and when the one end and the other end move apart, the compression on the user's arm is released. A guide rail (95b) formed in a circumferential direction may be formed on either the first band (93a) or the second band (93b), and a slider (95b) that is guided by and slides along the guide rail (95b) may be coupled to the other band. Since the slider (95b) moves guided by the guide rail (95b) formed in a circumferential direction, it is possible to prevent the first band (93a) and the second band (93b) from moving relative to each other in the height direction. At least one of the first band (93a) and the second band (93b) may be equipped with a zipper (not shown) to allow the user to easily put on or take off the compression part (90). The zipper may be positioned along the length of the user's arm. In order to prevent interference between the slider (95a) and the guide rail (95b) and the wire, the slider (95a) and the guide rail (95b) may be positioned on the surfaces facing each other, such that the first band (95a) and the second band (95b) are not exposed to the outside.

[0054] The clamping portion (91) may include a wire (91) that is wound or unwound on the shaft (92a) of the motor (92) according to the rotation of the motor (92). A flag (94) through which the wire (91) passes may be attached to each of the first and second ends of the second band (93b). The wire (91) passes through the flag (94) at one end of the second band (93b) and the flag (94) at the other end of the second band (93b), respectively, and is tightened or unwound in a direction that brings each flag (94) closer to or further apart from each other according to the rotation of the motor (92). With this configuration, the second band (93b) can compress or release the user's arm according to the rotational direction of the motor (92).

[0056] Hereinafter, a hand rehabilitation device (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a simplified drawing of a hand rehabilitation device (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, a hand rehabilitation device (200) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is, The apparatus comprises: an electrode portion (10) having at least one unit electrode (10) that contacts at least one of the user's hand and forearm; and a control portion (50) that generates an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to at least one target electrode selected among the at least one unit electrode (10). The electrical signal generated by the control portion (50) can be transmitted to the unit electrode (10) via a wire (60).

[0058] Although not illustrated, the hand rehabilitation device (200) according to the second embodiment further includes a glove, and the unit electrodes (10) can be fixedly coupled to a specific location on the glove. In the following description, the statement that the unit electrode (10) is placed at a certain location on the user's hand may be understood as the unit electrode (10) being placed at a location on the glove corresponding to that location.

[0059] The hand rehabilitation device (200) may have five unit electrodes (10). One unit electrode (10) may be placed on each of the user's thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. Although not illustrated, one unit electrode (10) may be attached to each of the five positions corresponding to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the glove. Each unit electrode (10) may have a rectangular shape, but its shape is not limited thereto and may be, for example, circular.

[0060] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate exemplary arrangements of unit electrodes (10) of a hand rehabilitation device (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, at least some of the unit electrodes (10) may be positioned between the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the user's hand. Although not illustrated, at least some of the unit electrodes (10) may be positioned on a glove corresponding to a position between the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). With such an arrangement, an electrical signal can be provided intensively between the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). Here, each unit electrode (10) may be attached to the back of the user's finger. Other parts of the unit electrodes (10) may be positioned between the metacarpophalangeal joint and the metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's thumb.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, at least some of the unit electrodes (10) may be positioned between the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) and the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of the user's hand. Although not illustrated, at least some of the unit electrodes (10) may be positioned on a glove corresponding to a position between the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) and the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP). By such a position, an electrical signal can be provided intensively between the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) and the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP). Here, each unit electrode (10) may be attached to the back of the user's finger. Another portion of the unit electrodes (10) may be positioned between the metacarpophalangeal joint and the metacarpophalangeal interphalangeal joint of the user's thumb.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 8, at least some of the unit electrodes (10) are positioned between the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) and the distal end of the user's hand. Although not illustrated, at least some of the unit electrodes (10) may be positioned on a glove corresponding to a position between the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) and the distal end of the user's hand. With such a position, an electrical signal can be provided intensively between the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) and the distal end of the user's hand. Here, each unit electrode (10) may be attached to the back of the user's finger. Other parts of the unit electrodes (10) may be positioned between the user's metacarpophalangeal joint and the distal end of the thumb.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary arrangement of a unit electrode (10) of a hand rehabilitation device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the unit electrode (10) of the hand rehabilitation device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be attached to the back of a user's hand.

[0066] Hereinafter, a hand rehabilitation device (400) according to a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 schematically shows a hand rehabilitation device (400) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 10, a hand rehabilitation device (400) according to a third embodiment includes an electrode unit (10) having at least one unit electrode (11a to 13d) that contacts the user's hand, and a control unit (50) that generates an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to at least one target electrode selected among the at least one unit electrode (11a to 13d). The electrical signal generated by the control unit (50) can be transmitted to the unit electrode (11a to 13d) via a wire (60).

[0068] The electrode portion (10) includes at least one first unit electrode (11) positioned between the metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint of the user's hand, at least one second unit electrode (12) positioned between the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint, and at least one third unit electrode (13) positioned between the distal interphalangeal joint and the fingertip. In the illustrated embodiment, four first unit electrodes (11), four second unit electrodes (12), and four third unit electrodes (13) are provided for each, and one first unit electrode (11), one second unit electrode (12), and one third unit electrode (13) are positioned on the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger.

[0069] The control unit (50) can sequentially transmit electrical signals to the first unit electrode (11), the second unit electrode (12), and the third unit electrode (13) over time. Accordingly, electrical signals can be sequentially applied between the user's metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint, between the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint, and between the distal interphalangeal joint and the fingertip.

[0070] The hand rehabilitation device (400) according to the third embodiment may further include a brainwave sensor (not shown). The brainwave sensor transmits acquired measurement data to a control unit (50), and the control unit (50) can perform a control operation based on the measurement data acquired by the brainwave sensor.

[0071] Four first unit electrodes (11), four second unit electrodes (12), and four third unit electrodes (13) are provided for each, and one first unit electrode (11), one second unit electrode (12), and one third unit electrode (13) may be disposed on each of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. Although not illustrated, four first unit electrodes (11), four second unit electrodes (12), and four third unit electrodes (13) may be attached to a glove, and one first unit electrode (11), one second unit electrode (12), and one third unit electrode (13) may be disposed on each of the positions corresponding to the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger.

[0072] Unlike what is described, the hand rehabilitation device may further include a unit electrode attached between the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and the intercarpophalangeal joint, and a unit electrode attached between the intercarpophalangeal joint and the distal end of the thumb.

[0073] FIG. 11 is intended to explain a control operation for selecting a target electrode of a control unit (50) of a hand rehabilitation device (400) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows the acquisition of measurement data by sequentially applying electrical signals from the first unit electrode (11) on the detection device to the third unit electrode (13) on the surface of the hand according to the order described above, and the converted value of the measurement data over time as a graph. It is assumed that electrical signals were sequentially applied from the first unit electrode (11) on the detection device to the third unit electrode (13) on the surface of the hand according to the order described above at each of the times 1 to 12.

[0074] The control unit (50) can sequentially apply an electrical signal over time to each of the twelve unit electrodes (11a to 13d). For example, the electrical signal can be sequentially applied to the first unit electrode (11a) on the detection finger, the second unit electrode (12a) on the detection finger, the third unit electrode (13a) on the detection finger, the first unit electrode (11b) on the middle finger, the second unit electrode (12b) on the middle finger, the third unit electrode (13b) on the middle finger, the first unit electrode (11c) on the ring finger, the second unit electrode (12c) on the ring finger, the third unit electrode (13c) on the ring finger, the first unit electrode (11d) on the little finger, the second unit electrode (12d) on the little finger, and the third unit electrode (13d) on the little finger. However, the electrical signal may be applied to each unit electrode (11a to 13d) in a different order.

[0075] Subsequently, for each of the previously combined combinations of unit electrodes (11a to 13d), the control unit (50) can determine which unit electrode among the combinations has the largest converted value of measurement data when an electric signal is applied. For example, in the case of FIG. 11, the control unit (50) can determine that the converted value is the largest when an electric signal is applied to the first unit electrode (11a) among the first unit electrode (11a), the second unit electrode (12a), and the third unit electrode (13a) on the detection surface, based on the measurement data received from the sensor. Additionally, it can determine that the converted value is the largest when an electric signal is applied to the second unit electrode (12b) among the first unit electrode (11b), the second unit electrode (12b), and the third unit electrode (13b) on the middle surface. Additionally, among the first unit electrode (11c) on the ring finger, the second unit electrode (12c) on the ring finger, and the third unit electrode (13c) on the ring finger, it can be determined that the converted value is the largest when an electrical signal is applied to the second unit electrode (12c) on the ring finger. Additionally, among the first unit electrode (11d) on the little finger, the second unit electrode (12d) on the little finger, and the third unit electrode (13d) on the little finger, it can be determined that the converted value is the largest when an electrical signal is applied to the third unit electrode (13d) on the little finger.

[0076] Subsequently, for each of the above combinations, the control unit (50) may selectively apply an electric signal only to the unit electrodes (11a, 12b, 12c, 13d) that yield the largest converted value when an electric signal is applied within the combination. That is, the control unit (50) may selectively apply an electric signal only to the first unit electrode (11a) on the detection finger, the second unit electrode (12b) on the middle finger, the second unit electrode (12c) on the ring finger, and the third unit electrode (13d) on the little finger.

[0077] In contrast, the control unit (50) may sequentially apply an electric signal to a plurality of pre-combined combinations of unit electrodes (11a to 13d), determine which combination among each combination yields the largest converted value when the electric signal is applied, and apply the electric signal only to that combination. The combination of unit electrodes (11a to 13d) may be determined by considering the anatomical connection structure of each finger, and for example, the combination may include a first combination having unit electrodes (11a to 13d) placed on a finger moved by a first tendon, and a second combination having unit electrodes (11a to 13d) placed on a finger moved by a second tendon.

[0078] In contrast, the control unit (50) may sequentially apply an electric signal to a plurality of previously combined combinations of unit electrodes (11a to 13d), determine the combination that yields the smallest converted value when the electric signal is applied among each combination, and apply the electric signal only to that combination.

[0079] The hand rehabilitation device of the present invention may further include an exercise assistance device (not shown) mounted on the user's hand and driven by electrical power to straighten the user's fingers.

[0080] The exercise assist device may be a known pneumatic glove. The pneumatic glove comprises a glove into which at least a portion of the user's fingers are inserted and a hydraulic line attached to the glove, which is driven to extend or fold the user's fingers according to the hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic line; a detailed description of the configuration is omitted to avoid obscuring the essence of the invention. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily understand a known pneumatic glove.

[0081] In contrast, the exercise assistive device may have at least one end effector, a sliding rail that guides the sliding path of the end effector, and a power transmission unit that transmits motor power to the end effector to slide the end effector. One of the user's fingers rests on each end effector.

[0082] Here, the control unit can stop transmitting the electrical signal after transmitting an electrical signal to at least one target electrode and control the exercise aid device to extend the user's finger. It has been observed that when exercise is induced sequentially after the application of electrical stimulation in this way, the movement of extending the patient's finger is performed more smoothly than when exercise induction precedes or when electrical stimulation and exercise induction are performed in parallel.

[0083] The hand rehabilitation device of the present invention may further include a pressure sensor capable of measuring the user's gripping pressure, and a gripping rod to which the pressure sensor is attached.

[0084] In addition, although the drawing illustrates a case where the electrode is attached to the back of the user's hand, the electrode may also be attached to the back of the user's forearm, such as adjacent to the extensor indicis or extensor digitorum communicans, to apply muscle stimulation.

[0086] Hereinafter, a method of using the hand rehabilitation device of the present invention will be described. The method of using the hand rehabilitation device of the present invention is a method of using the hand rehabilitation device performed by a control operation of a controller of the hand rehabilitation device, and comprises the steps of: applying an electrical signal to at least one unit electrode disposed on the back surface of at least one of the user's hand and forearm (S110); obtaining measurement data corresponding to the user's brainwave or hand movement (S120); and selecting at least some of the unit electrodes based on the measurement data and applying an electrical signal to the selected target electrode among the unit electrodes (S130).

[0087] In the case where the hand rehabilitation device includes an exercise aid driven by electrical power to extend the user's fingers while attached to the user's hand, an electrical stimulus is applied to the user's hand in step S130. After step S130, the method may further include a step (S140) of controlling the exercise aid to extend the user's fingers in response to the cessation of the application of the electrical signal. It has been observed that when exercise is induced sequentially after the application of electrical stimulus in this manner, the movement of extending the patient's fingers is performed more smoothly than when exercise induction precedes it or when electrical stimulation and exercise induction occur simultaneously.

[0088] The unit electrode may be placed between the user's metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint, between the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint, or between the distal interphalangeal joint and the distal end of the finger.

[0090] The control unit (50) of the hand rehabilitation device (100, 200, 400) can receive brainwave data of the user from a brainwave measuring device (not shown) and perform control operations corresponding to the brainwave data. For example, the control unit may be configured to determine which finger the user wants to move based on the brainwave data and to apply current to an electrode attached to the finger the user wants to move.

[0091] Likewise, a method of using a hand rehabilitation device may include the step of receiving brainwave data of a user and the step of performing a control operation corresponding to the brainwave data. For example, a method of using a hand rehabilitation device may include the step of receiving brainwave data, the step of determining which finger the user wants to move based on the brainwave data, and the step of applying current to an electrode attached to the finger the user wants to move.

[0093] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications, changes, and substitutions within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the present embodiment is intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiment. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0095] 10: Electrode part 50: Control unit 60: Doseon 70: User Interface 90: Compression part 100,200,400: Hand rehabilitation device

Claims

Claim 1 A hand rehabilitation device comprising: an electrode portion having at least one unit electrode in contact with at least one of the user's hand and forearm and a counter electrode for grounding; a signal generator that generates an electrical signal and selects a target electrode to transmit the electrical signal, a memory that stores data related to the magnitude of the current of the electrical signal and the duration of the stimulation period, and a processor that controls the signal generator based on the data of the memory and the sensor; a control portion that generates an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to at least one target electrode selected among the at least one unit electrode; a sensor coupled to the electrode portion that acquires data corresponding to the user's movement and transmits it to the control portion; and an exercise assistance device mounted on the user's hand and driven by electrical power to extend the user's finger, wherein the control portion, after transmitting the electrical signal to the at least one target electrode, stops the transmission of the electrical signal and controls the exercise assistance device to extend the user's finger. Claim 2 A hand rehabilitation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode portion contacts the user's hand to apply sensory stimulation to the user's hand. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A hand rehabilitation device according to paragraph 2, wherein at least some of the unit electrodes are positioned between the user's proximal interphalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint. Claim 5 A hand rehabilitation device according to paragraph 2, wherein at least some of the unit electrodes are positioned between the metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint of the user. Claim 6 A hand rehabilitation device according to paragraph 2, wherein at least some of the unit electrodes are positioned between the distal interphalangeal joint and the distal end of the user's hand. Claim 7 A hand rehabilitation device according to paragraph 2, wherein at least some of the unit electrodes are positioned between the metacarpophalangeal joints and intercarpophalangeal joints of the user's hand. Claim 8 A hand rehabilitation device according to paragraph 2, wherein at least some of the unit electrodes are positioned between the metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's hand and the distal end of the thumb. Claim 9 A hand rehabilitation device according to claim 2, wherein the electrode portion comprises at least one first unit electrode disposed between the metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint of the user; at least one second unit electrode disposed between the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint of the user; and at least one third unit electrode disposed between the distal interphalangeal joint and the fingertip of the user, and the control portion sequentially transmits the electrical signal to the first unit electrode, the second unit electrode and the third unit electrode over time. Claim 10 A hand rehabilitation device according to paragraph 2, wherein at least one of the unit electrodes is disposed on the back of the hand. Claim 11 A hand rehabilitation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode portion is attached to the dorsal side of the user's forearm and applies muscle stimulation to the dorsal side of the user's forearm. Claim 12 A hand rehabilitation device according to claim 1, further comprising a band portion that wraps around the user's arm, a motor having a shaft that rotates by electric power, and a compression portion having a tightening portion connected to the motor and configured to tighten or loosen the band portion. Claim 13 In claim 1, the exercise assistance device is a hand rehabilitation device comprising a glove into which at least a portion of the user's finger is inserted and a hydraulic line attached to the glove, and a pneumatic glove driven to extend or fold the user's finger according to the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic line. Claim 14 In claim 1, the exercise assist device comprises at least one end effector on which any one of the user's fingers is placed, a sliding rail guiding the sliding path of the end effector, and a power transmission unit that transmits the power of a motor to the end effector to slide the end effector. Claim 15 A hand rehabilitation device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor capable of measuring the gripping pressure of the user, and a gripping rod to which the pressure sensor is attached. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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