Electrode wearing component and electrical stimulation wearable article

Abstract

The object is to provide an electrical stimulation wearable article that is less likely to cause pain due to overcurrent during power-on. The electrode wearable member of the present invention is worn to allow a current for providing electrical stimulation to flow between two different parts of the human body, is wrapped around at least one of the two different parts of the human body, and has a strip electrode, which is a conductive fabric woven using yarn made of carbon fiber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode wearable component and an electrical stimulation wearable article, and in particular to a technology for transmitting an electrical signal output from an electrical signal output device to a human body and giving electrical stimulation. Background Art

[0002] As an electrical stimulation device for giving electrical stimulation to a living body, the following electrical stimulation pad electrode is known, which has a stacked structure in which a conductive gel, an electrode element, an electric wire, an adhesive layer, and a supporting substrate are stacked in this order, and the impedance is 20Ω to 100Ω, and the electrode element is a carbon material having a surface resistance of 80Ω to 1200Ω and a resistance in the thickness direction of 1 to 20kΩ·cm, and the core material of the wire is carbon fiber (see Patent Document 1). In addition, in Patent Document 1, as electrode elements, carbon fiber sheets, carbon gasket materials, and films with refined carbon are cited. Moreover, it is recorded that the carbon fiber sheet contains a substance in which carbon fibers are formed into a woven fabric. Moreover, it is recorded that as a property of the carbon fiber sheet, the resistance in the thickness direction is high and hard. According to the above records, in Patent Document 1, a carbon fiber sheet formed by curing the carbon fiber by epoxy resin or the like is disclosed.

[0003] In the past, in the medical and sports industries, electrical muscle stimulation (hereinafter referred to as EMS) was used to induce skeletal muscle contraction for the purpose of muscle growth, incontinence management, spinal deformity management, spasticity management, etc. The EMS technology can help promote muscle growth and metabolism without forcing excessive exercise for people who do not exercise enough due to long-term lack of exercise, excessive obesity, orthopedic diseases, and patients who are forced to limit exercise due to organ damage such as diabetic complications and cardiovascular complications.

[0004] As an electrode device used in EMS, a so-called band electrode is known. Unlike a pad electrode that is worn only at one point on the human body, the band electrode is worn so as to surround the entire circumference of a predetermined part of the human body.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-202336 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In EMS technology, if the electrodes for electrical stimulation have poor adhesion to the human body, the current distribution in the electrodes will deviate, resulting in an overcurrent flowing through a local part of the human body, causing discomfort and pain. In particular, this problem is more obvious because the strip electrodes are wrapped around a specified part of the human body. That is, the surface of the human body has bumps and depressions, and the way muscles stretch varies from person to person, so the proportion of the contact area of ​​the electrode contact also varies from person to person. If electrical stimulation is performed when the proportion of the contact area is small, the current density at the contact part becomes high, so there is a situation where pain is accompanied. This problem is more obvious when high-intensity muscle movement is required to obtain a good therapeutic effect. Therefore, even if the carbon fiber sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used as the strip electrode, it cannot solve the above-mentioned problem because it is hard and difficult to bend.

[0010] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned particularity of the band electrode, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode wearing member having high adhesion to the human body.

[0011] Means used to solve problems

[0012] (1) The electrode wearable component of the present invention is worn in order to pass an electric current for providing electrical stimulation between two different parts of the human body, and is wrapped around at least one of the two different parts of the human body. It is characterized in that it has a strip electrode, and the strip electrode is a conductive fabric woven using yarn made of carbon fiber.

[0013] (2) The electrode wearable component according to the above (1) is characterized in that it comprises: a strip, to which the strip-shaped electrode is fixed, and provided with a first connecting portion; a cable tie, which is provided with a second connecting portion connected to the first connecting portion in a manner that can be detached, and when the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected, the strip is arranged on the inner side of the outer edge of the cable tie; a first connecting portion is provided at one end of the cable tie; and a second connecting portion is provided at the other end of the cable tie, has an adjustment opening for adjusting the length of the strip and the cable tie, and is connected to the first connecting portion in a manner that can be detached when the electrode device component is worn.

[0014] (3) The electrode wearable component according to the above (1), characterized in that it comprises: a strip, to which the strip electrode is fixed and a first connecting portion is provided at one end side, and a cable tie, which has a plurality of holes formed at one end side for adjusting the length of the electrode wearable component and a second connecting portion provided at the other end side; the second connecting portion penetrates and extends in the thickness direction of the cable tie, and has a first protrusion protruding from one side surface of the cable tie and a second protrusion protruding from the other side surface of the cable tie, the first protrusion is connected to the first connecting portion in a detachable manner, and the second protrusion is fitted into the hole portion specified corresponding to the length of the winding part of the human body.

[0015] (4) An electrical stimulation wearable article, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of the electrode wearable members described in any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrode wearing member having high adhesion to a human body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is an expanded view of the wearable article for electrical stimulation in the first embodiment and a stereoscopic view of the appearance of the electrical signal output device.

[0019] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing various parts of an electrical stimulation wearable device. Figure 1 A view of the side opposite to the side shown.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 AA section view in.

[0021] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing a method of wearing the electrode wearing member in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of a wearing position of the electrical stimulation wearable article in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 : is a block diagram showing the circuit structure of the electric signal output device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the output form of the electric signal by the electric signal output device in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 It is a figure which shows the 1st wearing strap in the modification of 1st embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 91 and 2 are diagrams showing a method of using the first conductive strip and the first wearing strap in a modification of the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] (First Embodiment)

[0030] Figures 1 to 9 It is a figure which shows the 1st embodiment. Figure 1 It is an expanded view of the wearable device for electrical stimulation and a three-dimensional view of the appearance of the electrical signal output device. Figure 2 The following is an expanded view of an electrical stimulation wearable device and a stereoscopic view of the appearance of an electrical signal output device, showing the various parts of the electrical stimulation wearable device. Figure 1 The side opposite to the side shown.

[0031] The electrical stimulation wearable article 1 uses the electrical signal output from the electrical signal output device 5 to give electrical stimulation to the human body. The electrical stimulation wearable article 1 includes a first electrode wear member 10 and a second electrode wear member 20. As described later, the first electrode wear member 10 and the second electrode wear member 20 are wound and worn at different positions on the human body. When the first electrode wear member 10 and the second electrode wear member 20 are worn on the human body, the electrical signal output device 5 is operated, thereby making it possible to flow current through the human body between the first electrode wear member 10 and the second electrode wear member 20 (i.e., give electrical stimulation).

[0032] The first electrode wear member 10 includes a first conductive strip 11 and a first wear band 12. As described later, the first electrode wear member 10 is formed by connecting the first conductive strip 11 and the first wear band 12. The first conductive strip 11 is a band-shaped member for passing current through the human body, and is in contact with the human body when the first electrode wear member 10 is worn. The first wear band 12 is a band-shaped member for maintaining the state in which the first conductive strip 11 is in contact with the human body.

[0033] The first conductive strip 11 is described. The first conductive strip 11 has a strip 111, a strip electrode 112 (equivalent to the first electrode), an electrode cover 113, a strip electrode accommodating portion 114, a conductive plate 115, and a connecting terminal 116 (equivalent to the first connecting portion). The strip 111 is formed in a strip shape, and its length is a length that can be wrapped around a specified part of the human body. The strip electrode 112 is an electrode for applying the electric signal output from the electric signal output device 5 to the human body, and is formed in a strip shape. The strip electrode 112 can be configured as a positive electrode or a negative electrode. As described later, the strip electrode 112 is a cloth formed of conductive carbon fibers (hereinafter also referred to as carbon fiber cloth). More specifically, the strip electrode 112 is a fabric woven from yarns made of carbon fibers.

[0034] Here, the weaving method of carbon fiber includes twill weaving, plain weaving, and loop weaving (knitted fabric). Twill weaving includes three-line twill and four-line twill. The three-line twill is characterized by repeating the process of passing the warp yarn through two weft yarns and then passing it under one weft yarn. The four-line twill is characterized by repeating the process of passing the warp yarn through three weft yarns and then passing it under one weft yarn. Any method can be preferably used. Twill weaving is characterized in that the crossing position of the yarn is inclined, the elasticity is excellent, and the cost is low. The plain weave is characterized in that the warp yarn and the weft yarn are alternately woven to form a left-right symmetrical pattern. However, the elasticity is worse than that of twill weaving and loop weaving. Loop weaving is a weaving method in which yarn forms a continuous loop while forming a surface, and the elasticity is excellent. However, the cost is higher than twill weaving and plain weaving. Therefore, if the balance between cost and elasticity is considered, the preferred weaving method of carbon fiber is plain weaving and loop weaving (knitted fabric), and twill weaving is more preferred.

[0035] The carbon fiber is not particularly limited, and PAN (polyacrylonitrile) carbon fiber can be preferably used. In addition, the tensile modulus of the carbon fiber is not particularly limited, and is preferably 200 to 280 GPa. In addition, the tensile strength of the carbon fiber is not particularly limited, and is preferably 2500 MPa or more. That is, it is preferred to use carbon fiber of a standard modulus type. If such parameters are used, the effect of the present invention can be obtained at a lower cost.

[0036] The number of carbon fiber filaments is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1000 to 12000. The fineness tex of the carbon fiber is not particularly limited, but is preferably 66 to 800 (g / 1000 m).

[0037] The strip electrode 112 of this embodiment is formed by weaving carbon fibers, so the resistance value can be reduced. Specifically, the resistance value can be suppressed to less than 100Ω. As a result, the current distribution in the entire strip electrode 112 becomes more uniform, so the stimulation becomes more uniform, and the most appropriate electrical treatment can be performed. Regarding the resistance value recorded here, it is possible to set any point A and point B 400 mm apart on the strip electrode 112 and measure it using a digital multimeter. Hereinafter, this resistance value is referred to as the surface resistance of the electrode.

[0038] The electrode cover 113 is a conductive part for receiving current from the strip electrode 112 and contacting the human body to conduct electricity. The electrode cover 113 is configured to cover the strip electrode 112. The outer edge of the electrode cover 113 is sewn on the strip 111. Thus, a space can be formed between the strip 111 and the electrode cover 113, and the strip electrode 112 can be accommodated in the space (that is, the strip electrode accommodating part 114).

[0039] The conductive plate 115 is provided at one end side in the length direction of the strip 111. The conductive plate 115 is accommodated in the strip electrode accommodation portion 114 together with the strip electrode 112. Specifically, the conductive plate 115 is accommodated between the strip 111 and the strip electrode 112 in the strip electrode accommodation portion 114. The conductive plate 115 is electrically connected to and fixed to the strip electrode 112. The connection method is not particularly limited, and for example, the conductive plate 115 can be sewn onto the strip electrode 112 using a button hole provided on the conductive plate 115, or can be connected to the conductive plate 115 by welding with the strip electrode 112.

[0040] The connection terminal 116 is electrically connected and fixed to the conductive plate 115 in the strip-shaped electrode receiving portion 114. The connection method is not particularly limited, and for example, the connection terminal 116 and the conductive plate 115 can be welded to each other. Figure 2 As shown, the connection terminal 116 extends from the conductive plate 115 in a coil shape, and in the strip 111, protrudes from the surface on the opposite side of the surface on which the strip electrode 112 is provided. As described later, the connection terminal 116 can be connected to the contact 1231 (contact 123) of the first wearable strap 12. For example, the connection terminal 116 is configured as a female buckle or a male buckle corresponding to the contact 1231. In addition, the conductive plate 115 and the connection terminal 116 are respectively formed of a conductive material and can be electrically connected to the strip electrode 112. However, the conductive plate 115 can also be omitted by directly electrically connecting the connection terminal 116 and the strip electrode 112.

[0041] The first wearable strap 12 is described. The first wearable strap 12 has a strap 121, a connector 122, and a contact 123 (equivalent to a second connection portion). The strap 121 is formed in a strip shape, and its length is a length that can be wrapped around a predetermined part of the human body. The contact 123 is provided at one end side in the length direction of the strap 121. The contact 123 is formed of a conductive metal. As described later, the connection terminal 116 and the wire 51 of the electrical signal output device 5 are connected to the contact 123. The contact 123 is provided from one side of the strap 121 (see Figure 1 ) and the other side (refer to Figure 2 That is, the contact 123 penetrates the cable tie 121 in the thickness direction and extends in a protruding shape. Hereinafter, the portion of the contact 123 protruding from one side of the cable tie 121 is referred to as the contact 1231, and the portion of the contact 123 protruding from the other side of the cable tie 121 is referred to as the contact 1232.

[0042] The connection terminal 116 of the first conductive strip 11 is connected to the contact 1231. For example, the contact 1231 is configured as a male buckle or a female buckle corresponding to the connection terminal 116. If the connection terminal 116 is connected to the contact 1231, the first conductive strip 11 is arranged on one side of the cable tie 121. At this time, the first conductive strip 11 and the cable tie 121 overlap to form the first electrode wearable component 10. That is, in the connection state of the contact 1231 and the connection terminal 116, the first conductive strip 11 is arranged on the inner side of the outer edge of the cable tie 121. Here, the connection terminal 116 and the contact 1231 can be connected in a mutually detachable manner. Therefore, the first conductive strip 11 and the first wearable cable tie 12 can be easily installed or removed from each other.

[0043] The lead wire 51 extending from the electric signal output device 5 is connected to the contact 1232. For example, the contact 1232 can be configured as a male buckle connected to a female buckle formed at the front end of the lead wire 51 or a female buckle connected to a male buckle formed at the front end of the lead wire 51. In addition, the contact 123 can be configured as long as it can be connected to the lead wire 51 and the connection terminal 116 and electrically connected to the strip electrode 112.

[0044] The first electrode wearable member 10 is wrapped around and worn at a predetermined part of the human body. At this time, the first electrode wearable member 10 is fixed at the wearing position using a connector 122 (described later). The connector 122 can be, for example, a side-release buckle or a front-release buckle. The following description uses a side-release buckle as an example, but the connector 122 is not limited thereto.

[0045] The connecting member 122 includes a male member 122a (equivalent to the first connecting portion), a female member 122b (equivalent to the second connecting portion), and an adjusting member 122c. The male member 122a is fixed to one end of the cable tie 121 in the length direction (in other words, the end of the cable tie 121 on the side where the contact point 123 is provided). For example, the male member 122a is sewn to one end of the cable tie 121 in the length direction.

[0046] The male member 122a and the female member 122b are formed in shapes corresponding to each other. Thus, the male member 122a and the female member 122b can be connected or separated from each other. That is, the male member 122a and the female member 122b can be connected in a detachable manner. For example, the male member 122a has an opening corresponding to the female member 122b. Thus, by inserting and fitting the female member 122b into the male member 122a, the female member 122b can be connected to the male member 122a.

[0047] The adjusting member 122c is used to adjust the length of the first electrode wear member 10 when the first electrode wear member 10 is worn (described later). The adjusting member 122c is provided on the female member 122b. The adjusting member 122c has two openings (equivalent to the adjustment openings) separated by the column 122d. As described later, when the first electrode wear member 10 is worn, the other end of the first conductive strip 11 and the other end of the cable tie 121 pass through the two openings of the adjusting member 122c. In addition, the adjusting member 122c may be provided on the male member 122a instead of the female member 122b. In this case, the male member 122a is not fixed to one end of the cable tie 121, and the female member 122b is fixed to one end of the cable tie 121. That is, the adjusting member 122c may be provided on either the male member 122a or the female member 122b.

[0048] Here, refer to Figure 3 , illustrating the first conductive strip 11. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 AA cross-sectional view of the first conductive strip 11 in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, in the first conductive strip 11, the strip 111, the strip electrode 112 and the electrode cover 113 are arranged in layers.

[0049] The electrode cover 113 includes a cloth 113a and a water-absorbing fiber 113b. The cloth 113a forms a surface in contact with the human body and covers the water-absorbing fiber 113b. One side of the water-absorbing fiber 113b is in contact with the cloth 113a, and the other side is in contact with the strip electrode 112. The water-absorbing fiber 113b can be impregnated with liquid such as water, thereby making it easy to conduct electricity to the human body. The water-absorbing fiber 113b can be composed of a material with water absorption and water retention. For example, LANSEAL (registered trademark) can be used for the water-absorbing fiber 113b. In addition, a woven material, a textile, a non-woven fabric, etc. can also be used for the water-absorbing fiber 113b. The first conductive strip 11 is used (worn) in a state where the water-absorbing fiber 113b is impregnated with a liquid.

[0050] The cloth 113a covers the water-absorbent fiber 133b, so that the liquid impregnated in the water-absorbent fiber 113b is difficult to flow out. In addition, the cloth 113a is made of a material with high durability such as friction because it contacts the human body. For example, the cloth 113a can be made of polyester fiber.

[0051] Here, the strip electrode 112 is a cloth formed of carbon fibers, so the strip electrode 112 and the water-absorbing fibers 113b can be impregnated with liquid. As a result, when power is applied, the current can flow more evenly between the strip electrode 112 and the water-absorbing fibers 113b, making it difficult for overcurrent to occur. In this way, by suppressing overcurrent, it is difficult for the human body to suffer pain caused by overcurrent when power is applied.

[0052] The strip 111 can be made of a waterproof material such as synthetic leather, so that the liquid impregnated with the water-absorbing fibers 113 b and the strip-shaped electrodes 112 can be prevented from seeping out and flowing out through the strip 111 .

[0053] Figure 4 1 is a diagram for explaining the wearing method of the first electrode wearable member 10. First, the first conductive strip 11 is connected to one end of the strap 121 (first wearable strap 12) in the longitudinal direction through the connection terminal 116 and the contact 1231. At this time, as described above, the first conductive strip 11 and the strap 121 are overlapped to form a first electrode wearable member 10 in a strip shape. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the other ends of the first conductive strip 11 and the tie 121 are passed through the two openings of the adjusting member 122c in an overlapping state. In this way, the first conductive strip 11 and the tie 121 pass through the two openings of the adjusting member 122c and are folded back at the column 122d. In this state, the first electrode wearable component 10 is wrapped around a predetermined part of the human body, and the male component 122a and the female component 122b are connected, so that the first electrode wearable component 10 can be worn. That is, the first electrode wearable component 10 can be fixed at the wearing position by the connecting member 122.

[0054] Among them, in the first electrode wear member 10, if the length from the position where the column 122d is folded back to the other end of the first electrode wear member 10 is long, the length wrapped around the predetermined part of the human body can be shortened. In addition, in the first electrode wear member 10, if the length from the position where the column 122d is folded back to the other end of the first electrode wear member 10 is short, the length wrapped around the predetermined part of the human body can be lengthened. In other words, in the first electrode wear member 10, the length wrapped around the predetermined part of the human body can be adjusted by the folded position of the first electrode wear member 10 determined by the column 122d.

[0055] In this way, by providing the adjusting member 122, the length of the first electrode wear member 10 wound around a predetermined part of the human body can be adjusted. That is, by using the adjusting member 122c, the length of the first electrode wear member 10 can be changed according to the size of the desired wearing part (the circumferential length of the part to be worn). In addition, by changing the length of the first electrode wear member 10, the strength of the tightening when wearing can also be changed. In addition, in order to prevent the first conductive strip 11 and the tie 121 passing through the two openings from slipping and the tightening degree of the wearing part from being loosened, the adjusting member 122c can also be subjected to anti-slip processing.

[0056] Among them, the strip electrode 112 of the present invention is a carbon fiber cloth having conductivity. Carbon fiber cloth is a fabric woven using yarn made of carbon fiber, so the strip electrode 112 of the present invention has high flexibility compared to metal plates and metal wires generally used as electrodes. Therefore, when the first electrode wearable member 10 is worn, the strip electrode 112 matches the uneven deformation of the wearing part of the first electrode wearable member 10, that is, the body, and is therefore easier to fit the body than electrodes using metal plates or metal wires. That is, the strip electrode 112 of the present invention has high adhesion to the body compared to electrodes using metal plates or metal wires. Therefore, according to the strip electrode 112, it is possible to suppress the generation of a gap between the electrode cover 113 and the body, or suppress the contact pressure bias of the electrode cover 113 to the body. As a result, it becomes difficult to generate deviations in resistance and current distribution when energized, and as a result, it is possible to suppress overcurrent generated locally between the first electrode wearable member 10 (electrode cover 113) and the body, and it is possible to prevent pain when energized.

[0057] The second electrode wear member 20 has the same structure as the first electrode wear member 10 except for the points described below, so detailed description is omitted. The second electrode wear member 20 includes a second conductive strip 21 corresponding to the first conductive strip 11 and a second wearable strap 22 corresponding to the first wearable strap 12. That is, the reference numerals 111, 112, 113, 113a, 113b, 114, 115, and 116 of the first conductive strip 11 correspond to the reference numerals 211, 212, 213, 213a (not shown), 213b (not shown), 214, 215, and 216 of the second conductive strip 21, respectively. That is, the reference numerals 121, 122, 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 123, 1231, 1232 of the first wearing strap 12 correspond to 221, 222, 222a, 222b, 222c, 222d, 223, 2231, 2232 of the second wearing strap 22, respectively.

[0058] Among them, the strip electrode 212 (equivalent to the second electrode) has a different polarity from the strip electrode 112 and is composed of a negative electrode or a positive electrode. The connecting terminal 216 and the wire 52 of the electrical signal output device 5 are connected to the contact 223. That is, the connecting terminal 216 is connected to the contact 2231 of the second wearable strap 22. That is, the wire 52 extending from the electrical signal output device 5 is connected to the contact 2232. The first electrode wear component 10 and the second electrode wear component 20 are different only in the polarity of the strip electrode 112 and the strip electrode 212, and the other structures are common. In the following, the first electrode wear component 10 is described in the same way, and the description related to the second electrode wear component 20 is omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0059] In addition, the electrical stimulation wearable article 1 may include a plurality of pairs of first electrode wearable members 10 and second electrode wearable members 20. In this case, the electrical signal output device 5 is provided with a number of wires corresponding to the number of first electrode wearable members 10 and second electrode wearable members 20. Thus, electrical stimulation can be given to multiple parts of the human body at the same time. In addition, one electrode wearable member may be used as a positive electrode (negative electrode) and two electrode members may be used as negative electrodes (positive electrodes).

[0060] When the first electrode wearable member 10 and the second electrode wearable member 20 are worn, the wires 51 and 52 are connected to the contacts 123 and 223, respectively, and the electrical signal output device 5 is operated, the current can flow from one of the strip electrodes 112 and the strip electrodes 212 to the other. Thus, electrical stimulation can be given to the muscles between the wearing position of the first electrode wearable member 10 and the wearing position of the second electrode wearable member 20. Among them, the electrical signal output device 5 outputs an electrical signal composed of a predetermined frequency range (for example, 4 to 20 (Hz)) to the strip electrodes 112 and the strip electrodes 212, respectively.

[0061] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the wearing position of an electrical stimulation wearable article. Figure 5 (A) is the main view of the human body. Figure 5 (B) in the figure is the back view of the human body. Figure 5 As shown, in a pair of first electrode wearable components 10 and second electrode wearable components 20, the first electrode wearable component 10 can be worn in the groin of the right leg of the human body. The second electrode wearable component 20 can be worn above the knee of the right leg of the human body. Thus, the muscles of the right leg of the human body (between the groin of the right leg and above the knee) can be electrically stimulated. In addition, the groin refers to the position of the starting part of the quadriceps femoris. In addition, above the knee refers to the position of the end part of the quadriceps femoris.

[0062] Among them, Figure 5 In the example of , the electrical stimulation wearable article 1 further comprises a pair of first electrode wearable members 10' and second electrode wearable members 20'. In this case, Figure 5 As shown, the first electrode wearable member 10' can be worn on the groin of the left leg of the human body, and the second electrode wearable member 20' can be worn above the knee of the left leg of the human body. Figure 5 The muscles of the left leg (between the groin and the knee) of the human body shown in FIG. Figure 5 In the example shown, both legs can be electrically stimulated at the same time. The channels of the electrical signals can be independent for each part to be electrically stimulated. That is, the stimulation intensity can be independently adjusted for each part to be electrically stimulated. For example, Figure 5 In the example shown, it is possible to make the channels independent in the right leg and the left leg.

[0063] In addition, the wearing positions of the first electrode wearable member 10 and the second electrode wearable member 20 (the first electrode wearable member 10' and the second electrode wearable member 20') are not limited to Figure 5 For example, the first electrode wearable member 10 and the second electrode wearable member 20 can also be worn on the wrist (right wrist, left wrist) or waist of the human body. That is, the user can select the part to be given electrical stimulation according to the wearing position.

[0064] Next, the structure of the electric signal output device 5 will be described. Figure 6 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit structure of the electric signal output device 5 .

[0065] The electrical signal output device 5 has a control circuit 501 , a power supply circuit 502 , a low-frequency output driver 503 , a resonator 504 , an operation mode selection switch 505 , a reset circuit 506 , an output adjustment main controller 507 and an amplifier circuit 508 .

[0066] The control circuit 501 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and performs overall control of the electric signal output device 5. The power supply circuit 502 supplies operating power to the electric signal output device 5. The low-frequency output driver 503 outputs a low-frequency pulse signal based on a control signal of the control circuit 501. The resonator 504 supplies a clock signal of a predetermined frequency to the control circuit 501. In order to select a stimulation method (described later) generated by the electric signal output from the electric signal output device 5, the operation mode selection switch 505 is operated. The reset circuit 506 supplies a reset signal to the control circuit 501.

[0067] The signal output from the low-frequency output driver 503 is steplessly adjusted by the output adjustment main controller 507 and output to the amplifier circuit 508. The amplifier circuit 508 amplifies the signal output from the low-frequency output driver 503, and the amplified signal is output to the electrical stimulation wearable 1. In addition, in the case where the channel is independent for each part (for example, the right leg and the left leg) to be given electrical stimulation, it is preferred to provide an amplifier circuit 508 for each part (for example, for the right leg and for the left leg), and to provide an output adjustment sub-controller for individually adjusting the intensity of the signal output from each amplifier circuit 508.

[0068] The control circuit 501 is driven based on the DC6V power generated by the power circuit 502 and the clock signal of, for example, 20MHz excited by the resonator 504, and outputs a control signal to the low-frequency output driver 503. The low-frequency output driver 503 outputs a low-frequency pulse signal based on the DC6V voltage supplied from the power circuit 502 and the control signal from the control circuit 501.

[0069] The operation mode selection switch 505 is operated to switch between the first output mode and the second output mode shown below according to the instruction input by the user operating the operating unit not shown. That is, the operation mode selection switch 505 outputs an instruction signal indicating either the first output mode or the second output mode to the control circuit 501 according to the user's selection. The control circuit 501 outputs a control signal for generating either the first output mode or the second output mode to the low-frequency output driver 503 according to the instruction signal from the operation mode selection switch 505. The low-frequency output driver 503 generates an electrical signal composed of a frequency and an output timing based on the DC6V voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 502, and the electrical signal corresponds to the first output mode or the second output mode indicated by the control signal from the control circuit 501.

[0070] Next, the method of outputting the electric signal by the electric signal output device 5 will be described. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the output method of the electric signal by the electric signal output device 5. Figure 7 (A) in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an output form of the first output mode of the electric signal output device 5 . Figure 7 (B) in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the output method of the second output mode.

[0071] The first output mode is a mode in which the output and stop of the pulse signal are repeated alternately to stimulate the human body. The output time and the stop time of the pulse signal can be set arbitrarily. Similarly, the frequency of the pulse signal can be set arbitrarily. For example, in the first output mode, Figure 7 As shown in (A) in the figure, a stimulation method is repeatedly executed in which a pulse signal with a frequency of 20 (Hz) is continuously output for 5 seconds and then stopped for 2 seconds.

[0072] The second output mode is a mode in which the human body is stimulated by continuously outputting pulse signals. That is, in the second output mode, there is no time to stop the output of the pulse signal. In addition, as in the first output mode, the frequency of the pulse signal can be set arbitrarily. For example, in the second output mode, Figure 7 As shown in (B) in the figure, a pulse signal with a frequency of 4 (Hz) is continuously output.

[0073] In addition, it is also possible to configure such that a third output mode different from the first output mode and the second output mode can be selected. Figure 7As shown in (C) in FIG. 1 , the third output mode is configured such that the polarities of the strip electrodes 112 of the first electrode wearing member 10 and the strip electrodes 212 of the second electrode wearing member 20 are alternately exchanged with each other at a predetermined cycle (in other words, the polarities are reversed). That is, in the third output mode, there are continuous special stimulation modes having a gradual increase method for gradually increasing the voltage value and a constant voltage method for maintaining the voltage at a constant value, and the polarities of the special stimulation modes adjacent to each other with the stimulation stop time being different from each other.

[0074] For example, when the first electrode wearing member 10 is worn on the right leg and the second electrode wearing member 20 is worn on the left leg, the left and right legs can be electrically stimulated alternately by reversing the polarity. Among them, as another method of electrically stimulating the left and right legs, a dual-channel structure of the waist and the right leg, or the waist and the left leg can be considered, but in this method, the operation of wearing the electrode is cumbersome. According to this embodiment, the single-channel structure allows electrical stimulation of two different stimulation sites, so the operation of wearing the electrode becomes easy.

[0075] When polarity reversal occurs, the voltage difference before and after polarity reversal (in other words, reverse pulse) is likely to cause pain to the human body. According to this embodiment, the strip electrode 112 is made of a fabric made of carbon fiber and deforms to match the unevenness of the body, so it is easier to adhere to the body than electrodes using metal plates or metal wires. Therefore, the problem of polarity reversal, namely pain, can be reduced.

[0076] In addition, the stimulation time of the special stimulation mode is preferably 2 seconds to 6 seconds, more preferably 3 seconds or 5 seconds. The stimulation rest time is preferably 1 to 3 seconds, more preferably 2 seconds. The time ratio of the gradual increase method and the pressure maintenance method constituting the special stimulation mode varies with the frequency and is not particularly limited. In addition, it is preferred that each pulse wave constituting the special stimulation mode is composed of a smooth square wave, and the smooth square wave is formed by smoothing the square wave in a manner that the voltage value gradually increases toward the target voltage value.

[0077] Next, the method of using the electrical stimulation wearable article 1 and the electrical signal output device 5 will be described.

[0078] (1) In step 1, first, the user immerses the electrode covering 113 and the strip electrode 112 of the first conductive strip 11 (the electrode covering 213 and the strip electrode 212 of the second conductive strip 21) in liquid. Figure 4In the method described above, the first electrode wearable member 10 and the second electrode wearable member 20 are worn. That is, the first conductive strip 11 and the first wearable band are combined to form the first electrode wearable member 10, and the second conductive strip 21 and the second wearable band are combined to form the second electrode wearable member 20. Then, the user wraps the first electrode wearable member 10 and the second electrode wearable member 20 around a predetermined part. At this time, the user wears the first electrode wearable member 10 and the second electrode wearable member 20 at a position across the part to be electrically stimulated.

[0079] (2) In step 2, the user connects the lead wire 51 extending from the electrical signal output device 5 to the contact 1232 (contact 123) of the first electrode wearable member 10, and connects the lead wire 51B extending from the electrical signal output device 5 to the contact 2232 (contact 223) of the second electrode wearable member 20.

[0080] (3) In step 3, the user operates the operation unit of the electric signal output device 5 to turn on the power of the electric signal output device 5, and selects any one of the first output mode or the second output mode to operate the electric signal output device 5. The electric signal output from the electric signal output device 5 is transmitted to the human body via the first electrode wear member 10 and the second electrode wear member 20. That is, the current flows between the first electrode wear member 10 and the second electrode wear member 20, and electrical stimulation is applied to the muscles between the site where the first electrode wear member 10 is worn and the site where the second electrode wear member 20 is worn.

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, the strip electrode 112 is formed by using a cloth woven from yarn made of carbon fiber having higher flexibility than conductive metal plates and metal wires, so that when worn, the electrode cover 113 of the first conductive strip 11 is easy to fit the unevenness of the body and to fit tightly. In other words, according to the strip electrode 112, it is difficult to form a gap between the electrode cover 113 and the body, so it is possible to prevent pain caused by overcurrent generated by the gap.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, the connection terminal 116 and the contact 1231 (contact 123) are configured to be detachable from each other, so the first conductive strip 11 can be removed from the first wearable strap 12. Therefore, when the first conductive strip 11 is dirty (especially when the electrode cover 113 that contacts the body is dirty due to sebum, etc.), only the first conductive strip 11 can be removed and cleaned (for example, washed). In addition, when the first conductive strip 11 deteriorates over time, only the first conductive strip 11 can be replaced and the first wearable strap 12 can be reused.

[0083] In addition, since the first conductive strip 11 can be used as a single unit, the first wearable strap 12 can be changed to a wearable strap of another shape. For example, the first wearable strap 12 can be changed to a first wearable strap 12' described in the following modification.

[0084] (Variation Example)

[0085] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a first wearing strap 12 ′ in a modified example of the present embodiment. Figure 8 (A) is a diagram showing a side view of the first wearing strap 12'. Figure 8 (B) is a diagram showing the other side of the first wearing strap 12'. The first wearing strap 12' is equivalent to the strap 121 of the first wearing strap 12, and is used together with the first conductive strip 11 (described later). The first wearing strap 12' is formed in a strip shape and is provided with a contact 123' and a plurality of holes 124'.

[0086] The contact 123' corresponds to the contact 123. The contact 123' is provided at one end of the first wearing strap 12' in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of holes 124' are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first wearing strap 12' from the other end of the first wearing strap 12'.

[0087] The contact point 123' extends from one side of the first wearing strap 12' (refer to Figure 8 (A)) and the other side (refer to Figure 8 (B) in the figure. Among them, the part of the contact 123' that protrudes from one side of the first wearing strap 12' is called contact 1231' (equivalent to the first protrusion), and the part of the contact 123' that protrudes from the other side of the first wearing strap 12' is called contact 1232' (equivalent to the second protrusion). Contact 1231' is equivalent to the above-mentioned contact 1231, and contact 1233 is equivalent to the above-mentioned contact 1232. In this way, the structure of contact 123' is the same as that of contact 123, so the detailed description is omitted and replaced by the above description. As described later, by combining the first conductive strip 11 and the first wearing strap 12' using the connecting terminal 116 and the contact 123', the first electrode wearing member 10' can be formed.

[0088] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing the method of using the first conductive strip 11 and the first wearable strap 12'. First, the connection terminal 116 of the first conductive strip 11 is connected to the contact 1231' of the first wearable strap 12'. Thus, one end of the first conductive strip 11 is connected to one end of the first wearable strap 12', so that Fig. 9 The first electrode wearing member 10' in a band shape is shown in (A).

[0089] Fig. 9 (B)~ Fig. 9 (D) in the figure shows the wearing order of the first electrode wearing member 10'. First, the electrode cover 113 is sequentially brought into contact with a predetermined part of the human body from the other end side in the length direction of the first conductive strip 11 (the side without the connection terminal 116), and the first conductive strip 11 is wound around the first conductive strip 11, thereby forming a Fig. 9 Then, as shown in (B) Fig. 9 As shown in (C) in FIG. 1 , the first conductive strip 11 is overlapped and wrapped with the first wearable strap 12 ′. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown by the dotted arrow in (C), the other end side (the side with the plurality of holes 124') in the length direction of the first wearing strap 12' is wound around. Then, the contact 1232' is inserted through any one of the holes 124', thereby becoming Fig. 9 In other words, if the contact 1232' is engaged with any one of the holes 124', the first electrode wearable component 10' can be maintained in the wearing position. In this way, the first electrode wearable component 10' is fixed in the wearing position. In addition, since a plurality of holes 124' are provided, the user can select any hole 124' as appropriate. For example, the user can select any hole 124' according to the degree of tightening when wearing. When the first electrode wearable component 10' is worn, the contact 1232' protrudes from the hole 124' and can be connected to the front end of the wire 51.

[0090] As described above, in the modified example, if only the plurality of holes 124' provided in the first wearing band 12' is used, it is not necessary to use the connector 122 as in the first electrode wearable member 10, and the holes 124' and the contacts 1232' provided in the first wearing band 12' are used, so that the first electrode wearable member 10' can be worn with a simpler structure.

[0091] In addition, when the length of the first electrode wear member 10 is not suitable for the circumference of the part to be worn, it is necessary to use the adjustment member 122c to adjust the length before or after the first electrode wear member 10 is wrapped around. On the other hand, the first electrode wear member 10' of the modified example is wrapped around the first conductive strip 11 in sequence while the electrode cover 113 is in contact with the part to be worn. Therefore, the length of the first electrode wear member 10' is determined according to the circumference of the part to be worn, so that the user does not need to adjust the length of the first electrode wear member 10'.

[0092] (Example)

[0093] The following is an example to more specifically explain the present invention. Two test subjects A and B with different physiques were used as the subjects, and the maximum voltage value (Vpeak) and effective current value (Irms) of the conventional belt-type rubber electrode (comparative example) and the belt-type carbon electrode (example) were measured and compared. The belt-type rubber electrode of the comparative example is formed by attaching silicone rubber extending in a belt shape to a belt. The belt-type carbon electrode is formed by twill weaving carbon fibers composed of T300-3000 (product number) of TORAYCA (registered trademark) to form a sheet. After these belt-type rubber electrodes and belt-type carbon electrodes were immersed in water for a specified time for water treatment, they were worn on the test subjects.

[0094] As the electric signal output device, a pulse trainer manufactured by HOMER ION LABORATORY CO., LTD. was used. Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection circuit that electrically connects the electrical signal output device to the subject. A belt electrode of one polarity is wrapped above the knee of the right leg of subject A (B), and a belt electrode of another polarity is wrapped above the knee of the left leg, and the maximum voltage value (Vpeak) and the effective current value (Irms) are measured at the seat. In addition, the circumferences above the knees of the left and right legs of subject A are 40.5 cm and 40 cm, respectively. The circumferences above the knees of the left and right legs of subject B are 52 cm and 52.5 cm, respectively.

[0095] Electrical stimulation was performed intermittently at a frequency of 20 Hz for 3 minutes, and the maximum voltage value (Vpeak) and effective current value (Irms) during this period were measured. Figure 7 The mode shown (polarity reversal mode) was set to gradual increase mode: 3570mSec, pressure holding mode: 2930mSec, stimulation stop time: 500mSec, and electrical stimulation was performed. The test was performed three times, and the maximum voltage value (Vpeak) and effective current value (Irms) in each test were calculated, and then the arithmetic mean was calculated. The voltmeter used was TDS-2024B manufactured by Tektronix. The ammeter used was VOAC22 manufactured by IWATSU. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097]

[0098] According to the results shown in Table 1, the belt-type carbon electrode has a higher current value at a lower voltage than the belt-type rubber electrode. Therefore, it can be considered that the belt-type carbon electrode can achieve strong muscle movement with a milder stimulation than the belt-type rubber electrode. In other words, it can be seen that the resistance value of the belt-type carbon electrode is lower than that of the belt-type rubber electrode.

[0099] Description of Reference Numerals

[0100] 1 Wearables for electrical stimulation,

[0101] 10 a first electrode wearing member,

[0102] 11 first conductive strip,

[0103] 111 strips,

[0104] 112 Strip electrodes,

[0105] 113 Electrode covering,

[0106] 114 strip electrode receiving portion,

[0107] 115 Conductive plate,

[0108] 116 connection terminals,

[0109] 12 First wear the cable tie,

[0110] 121 strips,

[0111] 122 Connectors,

[0112] 122a Public components,

[0113] 122b Parent member,

[0114] 122c Adjustment parts,

[0115] 123 contacts,

[0116] 12' First wear cable tie,

[0117] 123' contact,

[0118] 124' hole.

Claims

1. An electrode wearable member, which is worn to pass an electric current for providing electrical stimulation between two different parts of the human body, and is wound around at least one of the two different parts of the human body, characterized in that: have: The strip electrode is a conductive fabric woven from yarn made of carbon fiber; a strip, to which the strip-shaped electrode is fixed and provided with a first connecting portion; an electrode cover, the outer edge of which is sewn on the strip, a space for accommodating the strip electrode is formed between the strip and the electrode cover, the electrode cover is composed of a cloth and a water-absorbing fiber layer, the cloth is located on the side in contact with the human body, one side of the water-absorbing fiber layer is in contact with the cloth, and the other side of the water-absorbing fiber layer is in contact with the strip electrode; as well as The cable tie is separately provided from the strip, and the cable tie and the strip are detachable. The cable tie is provided with a second connection portion detachably connected to the first connection portion. When the first connection portion and the second connection portion are connected, the strip is arranged on the inner side of the outer edge of the cable tie.

2. The electrode wearable component according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: A first connecting portion, disposed at one end of the cable tie; and The second connecting portion is provided at the other end of the strap and has an adjusting opening for adjusting the length of the strap and the strap, and is detachably connected to the first connecting portion when the electrode device member is worn.

3. The electrode wearable component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting portion is disposed on one end side of the cable tie. A plurality of holes for adjusting the length of the electrode wearable member are formed on one end of the cable tie, and a second connection portion is provided on the other end of the cable tie. The second connecting portion penetrates and extends in the thickness direction of the cable tie, and has a first protrusion protruding from one side of the cable tie and a second protrusion protruding from the other side of the cable tie. The first protrusion is detachably connected to the first connection portion. The second protrusion is fitted into the predetermined hole corresponding to the length of the winding part of the human body.

4. An electrical stimulation wearable article, characterized in that: A plurality of electrode wearing members according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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