Electrical stimulation device

Abstract

An electrical stimulation device is provided to enhance wearability. The electrical stimulation device comprises a wearable device (100) that can be worn on the human body and an electrical stimulation unit. The electrical stimulation unit comprises a plurality of electrode portions, at least a portion of which is disposed on the wearable surface (100a) of the wearable device (100) opposite to the human body; and a control unit disposed on the non-wearable surface (100b) of the wearable device (100) that supplies power to the plurality of electrode portions. At least one electrode portion of the plurality of electrode portions is a main electrode portion (42A) at least a portion disposed on the wearable device (100) opposite to the control unit. The main electrode portion (42A) comprises a conductive sheet (48) that contacts the human body and a connecting portion (56A) that connects the conductive sheet (48) and the control unit. The connecting portion (56A) includes a through member that passes through the wearable device (100) and the conductive sheet (48). The conductive sheet (48) includes a folded-back portion (50) that covers the through member and folds back to contact the human body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical stimulation device. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical stimulation devices that apply electrical stimulation to a user's muscles are known (e.g., see Patent Document 1). These devices can passively activate muscles by causing them to tense and relax by flowing a weak current through them.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-57263.

[0006] As an example of the structure of an electrical stimulation device, it is considered to place the electrode portion on one side (the side facing the human body) of the wearable device, and place the control unit that supplies power to the electrode portion on the other side (the side opposite to the human body). In this type of electrical stimulation device, a through-type component is considered to connect the electrode portion and the control unit. However, when wearing the electrical stimulation device, the user may sometimes feel a foreign object sensation at the location of the through-type component, causing discomfort. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is proposed under such circumstances that an exemplary object of one aspect is to provide an electrical stimulation device that can improve the wearing comfort.

[0008] To address the aforementioned issues, an electrostimulation device according to a certain aspect of the present invention comprises a wearable device capable of being worn on a human body and an electrostimulation unit. The electrostimulation unit comprises: a plurality of electrode portions disposed on a wearing surface of the wearable device opposite to the human body; and a control unit disposed on a non-wearing surface of the wearable device opposite to the wearing surface, and supplying power to the plurality of electrode portions. At least one of the plurality of electrode portions is a main electrode portion, at least a portion of which is disposed at a position opposite to the control unit across the wearable device. The main electrode portion comprises: a conductive sheet in contact with the human body; and a connecting portion connecting the conductive sheet and the control unit. The connecting portion includes a through member penetrating the wearable device and the conductive sheet, and the conductive sheet includes a folded portion that folds back to contact the human body in a manner that covers the through member.

[0009] Furthermore, any combination of the above structural elements, or the substitution of the structural elements or the structure described herein among methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., is also effective as a mode of the present invention.

[0010] (The effect of the invention)

[0011] According to the present invention, an electrical stimulation device that can improve the wearing comfort can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically representing the electrical stimulation device of this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the electrical stimulation part.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the electrical stimulation device in its unfolded state.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic bottom view of an electrical stimulation device in its unfolded state.

[0016] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0017] Figure 6 It roughly indicates that it is open. Figure 5 A diagram showing the state of the conductive sheet.

[0018] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the BB line.

[0019] Symbol Explanation

[0020] 1 Electrical stimulation device, 10 Electrical stimulation part, 20 Control unit, 40 Electrode part, 42 Main electrode part, 44 Sub-electrode part, 46 Reinforcing plate, 48 Conductive sheet, 50 Reflection part, 52 Non-reflection part, 54 Bending part, 56A, 56B Connecting part, 58 Shaft part, 60 Circular plate part, 62 Protrusion, 64 Round head, 66 Circular plate part, 68 Protrusion, 70 Adhesive component, 72 Insulating seal, 74 Adhesive layer, 80 Conductive wire, 82 First protective component, 86 Adhesive layer, 88 Second protective component, 92 Adhesive layer, 100 Wearable device, 100a Wearable surface, 100b Non-wearable surface, 104 Marking, 94 Adhesive surface, 96 Contact surface. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred embodiments. These embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, but rather to illustrate it; all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. In the embodiments and variations, identical or equivalent constituent elements and components are labeled with the same symbols, and appropriate repetitions of description are omitted. When identical or equivalent constituent elements and components are distinguished, uppercase letters such as A, B, and C are added to the end of the symbols; otherwise, these uppercase letters are omitted. Furthermore, the dimensions of components in the accompanying drawings are appropriately enlarged or reduced for ease of understanding.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrical stimulation device 1 according to an embodiment. The electrical stimulation device 1 is an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) device that applies electrical stimulation to the muscles of a human body, such as a user, using the electrical stimulation device 1. The electrical stimulation device 1 includes a wearable device 100 that can be worn on the human body and an electrical stimulation part 10 installed on the wearable device 100.

[0023] In this embodiment, the wearable device 100 is configured to be worn on the legs of the human body. The wearable device 100 is cylindrical in its wearing state and is worn around the legs. The wearable device 100 is elastic and fits snugly against the legs. The material of the wearable device 100 is not particularly limited. As will be described in detail later, the wearable device 100 can be unfolded into a flat state. The wearable device 100 has a detachable part that allows any two parts within the wearable device 100 to be detached. By using the detachable part to engage these two parts while the wearable device 100 is rolled around the legs in its unfolded state, the wearable device 100 can be made into a cylindrical shape and worn on the legs. In this example, the wearable device 100 is equipped with a pair of fasteners 106 serving as detachable parts. By overlapping and engaging the pair of fasteners 106 while the wearable device 100 is rolled around the legs, the wearable device 100 is secured to the legs.

[0024] The electrical stimulation unit 10 includes a plurality of electrode portions 40 and a control unit 20. At least a portion of the plurality of electrode portions 40 is disposed on the inner surface of the cylindrical wearable device 100 opposite to the human body (hereinafter also referred to as "wearing surface 100a"). The plurality of electrode portions 40 are electrically connected to the control unit 20 and are supplied with power from the control unit 20. The plurality of electrode portions 40 includes at least a pair of electrode portions 40 that apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of the human body based on the supplied power. Details regarding the plurality of electrode portions 40 will be described later.

[0025] The control unit 20 is disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical wearable device 100 opposite to the wearing surface 100a (hereinafter also referred to as the "non-wearing surface 100b"), and supplies power to the plurality of electrode sections 40. In this example, the control unit 20 is detachably mounted to the wearable device 100. An operation section 22 is provided in the control unit 20. The operation section 22 is operated by the user. When the user operates the operation section 22, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is generated. The control section 28 (described later) of the control unit 20 performs control based on the operation signal. The operation section 22 may also include a button to increase or decrease the level of electrical stimulation.

[0026] exist Figure 1 The image shows two electrical stimulation devices 1 that are visually confirmed when the human body is viewed from the front, with the devices worn on the left and right legs of the body respectively. Figure 1 The electrical stimulation device 1 shown on the left indicates that it is worn on the right leg. Figure 1 The electrical stimulation device 1 shown on the right indicates that it is worn on the left leg. Figure 1 The two electrostimulation devices 1 shown are identical, differing only in their reference position wrapped around the leg depending on which leg they are installed on. In the wearable device 100, alignment marks 104A and 104B are provided as guidance information for the wearing position on the left and right legs, allowing for visual confirmation. In the illustrated example, mark 104A is the letter "R," the first letter of "Right," indicating that the device 1 is worn in front of the right leg when it is on the right leg. In the illustrated example, mark 104B is the letter "L," the first letter of "Left," indicating that the device 1 is worn in front of the left leg when it is on the left leg. Markers 104A and 104B are displayed on the wearable device 100, for example, by printing or sewing.

[0027] The electrical stimulation device 1 has multiple electrode sections 40 arranged in a position that allows it to appropriately stimulate the muscles of the leg when worn on the left or right leg according to the guidance of markings 104A, 104. Thus, the electrical stimulation device 1 can be used on both legs.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the electrical stimulation section 10. Figure 2The blocks shown can be implemented in hardware by components and mechanical devices, primarily the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of a computer, and in software by computer programs, etc. Here, they represent functional blocks implemented through their cooperation. Therefore, those skilled in the art who have access to this specification will understand that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways through a combination of hardware and software.

[0029] In addition to the aforementioned operation unit 22, the control unit 20 also includes a contact detection unit 24, a communication unit 26, a control unit 28, a charging terminal 30, and a battery 32.

[0030] The contact detection unit 24 detects this situation when the plurality of electrode portions 40 are in contact with the skin. The contact detection unit 24 is configured, for example, as a current detection unit that detects the current flowing between a pair of electrode portions 40 included in the plurality of electrode portions 40. That is, when a pair of electrode portions 40 are in proper contact with the skin, current flows between the pair of electrode portions 40 through the skin, so the skin contact can be detected by detecting this current.

[0031] The communication unit 26 communicates with external devices. The communication unit 26 can be configured as a wireless communication unit or a wired communication unit. The purpose of the communication is not particularly limited; it can send data stored in the electrostimulation device 1, the training history of the electrostimulation device 1, to the external device, or receive instructions related to changes in the operation and setting information of the electrostimulation device 1 from the external device. When two electrostimulation devices 1 are worn on the left and right legs respectively, the communication units 26 of each of the two electrostimulation devices 1 can also communicate with each other. Therefore, the two electrostimulation devices 1 can operate in conjunction with each other.

[0032] The battery 32 is electrically connected to the control unit 28 and provides power to the control unit 28. The battery 32 is preferably a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery, but it can also be a primary battery. The charging terminal 30 receives power for charging the battery 32 and outputs it to the control unit 28. Various connectors can be used for the charging terminal 30. The battery 32 is charged using the power received by the charging terminal 30. The battery 32 can also be configured to be charged via a contactless charging system such as wireless charging.

[0033] The control unit 28 controls the charging power received from the charging terminal 30 and supplies it to the battery 32.

[0034] When the contact detection unit 24 detects that the plurality of electrode portions 40 are in contact with the skin, the control unit 28 applies a voltage between at least one pair of electrode portions 40 included in the plurality of electrode portions 40 according to a predetermined motion control program, with a predetermined action time (e.g., 10 minutes) and a predetermined period (e.g., a period with a frequency of 20 Hz). That is, electrical stimulation is applied to the part where each electrode is disposed.

[0035] The electrical stimulation device 1 can cause one pair of fasteners 106 to... Figure 1 The state shown is separated and unfolded into a planar shape. Hereinafter, the state in which the electrical stimulation device 1 is unfolded into a planar shape will also be referred to as the unfolded state. Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the electrical stimulation device 1 in its unfolded state. Figure 4 This is a schematic bottom view showing the electrical stimulation device 1 in its deployed state. Here, Figure 3 The top view shown is a diagram of the electrical stimulation device 1 viewed from the non-wearing surface 100b of the wearable device 100. Figure 4 The bottom view shown is a diagram of the electrical stimulation device 1 viewed from the wearing surface 100a side of the wearable device 100. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the middle, circumferential D1 is equivalent to Figure 1 The circumferential direction of the cylindrical wearable device 100 in the wearing state shown is shown, and the width direction D2 is the direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction within the wearable device 100. Figure 3 The electrical stimulation device 1 shown and Figure 4 The electrical stimulation device 1 shown is reversed from left to right. Figure 4 The right side of circumferential D1 in the middle Figure 3 The left side of circumferential D1 corresponds to this. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image shows the electrical stimulation device 1 with the control unit 20 removed.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the unfolded state, one pair of fasteners 106 are separated into a first fastener 106a and a second fastener 106b. The first fastener 106a is disposed on the wearing surface 100a of the wearable device 100. The second fastener 106b is disposed on the non-wearing surface 100b of the wearable device 100.

[0037] like Figure 3As shown, a pair of connecting portions 56A and 56B that allow for physical and electrical detachment of the control unit 20 are provided on the non-wearable surface 100b of the wearable device 100; and a reinforcing plate 46 that strengthens the connection between the pair of connecting portions 56A and 56B. The reinforcing plate 46 constitutes a receiving portion for receiving the control unit 20, and in this example, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the non-wearable surface 100b, it has the same size and shape as the control unit 20 when it is installed.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the electrical stimulation unit 10 also includes a conductive wire 80. The electrical stimulation unit 10 includes multiple electrode sections 40, each comprising a main electrode section 42 and secondary electrode sections 44 electrically connected to the main electrode section 42 via the conductive wire 80. In the illustrated example, the electrical stimulation unit 10 includes a pair of main electrode sections 42A and 42B and two pairs of secondary electrode sections 44A to 44D respectively disposed at positions sandwiching the pair of main electrode sections 42A and 42B. At least a portion of the pair of main electrode sections 42A and 42B is disposed at a position opposite to the control unit 20, separated from the wearable device 100. That is, the pair of main electrode sections 42A and 42B are respectively disposed at least partially opposite to the control unit 20 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the wearable surface 100a of the wearable device 100. Figure 4 The overlapping position of the reinforcing plate 46 is shown in the middle. In this example, a pair of main electrode portions 42A and 42B are respectively arranged separately along the width direction D2 at approximately the same position in the circumferential direction D1. In this example, relative to the pair of main electrode portions 42A and 42B on one side of the circumferential direction D1 ( Figure 4 On the left side) a pair of secondary electrode portions 44A, 44B are arranged, on the other side of the circumferential direction D1 relative to a pair of main electrode portions 42A, 42B. Figure 4 On the right side) a pair of sub-electrode sections 44C and 44D are configured.

[0039] The electrical stimulation unit 10 also includes conductive wires 80 that electrically connect a pair of main electrode portions 42A, 42B and two pairs of auxiliary electrode portions 44A to 44D. In this example, the electrical stimulation unit 10 includes conductive wires 80A that electrically connect the main electrode portion 42A and the two auxiliary electrode portions 44A, 44C, and conductive wires 80B that electrically connect the main electrode portion 42B and the two auxiliary electrode portions 44B, 44D. Furthermore, in Figure 4 For simplicity, conductive lines 80A and 80B are illustrated using a single line, but in this example, conductive lines 80A and 80B are each composed of two conductive lines side by side. Conductive lines 80A and 80B can each be composed of a single conductive line, or they can be composed of three or more conductive lines. As long as the conductive line 80 is conductive, its structure and material are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the conductive line 80 has elasticity in its extension direction.

[0040] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along line AA. Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shown depicts the main electrode portion 42A and its surrounding area. Figure 5 And then Figure 7 In the middle, the left side is the side where the human body is located when wearing the electrical stimulation device 1, which should be appropriately recorded as "human body side", and the right side should be appropriately recorded as "non-human body side".

[0041] The main electrode section 42A includes a conductive sheet 48 that comes into contact with the human body and a connecting section 56A that mechanically and electrically connects the conductive sheet 48 to the control unit 20.

[0042] The conductive sheet 48 can be either conductive polyurethane or conductive cloth. Conductive polyurethane is obtained by adding conductive materials to polyurethane resin. Conductive cloth can be a structure comprising layers of cloth and conductive materials, or it can be a cloth woven from conductive fibers formed by attaching or impregnating conductive materials. The conductive sheet 48 is softer than the connecting part 56A.

[0043] The conductive material used in the conductive sheet 48 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, carbon black, acetylene black, carbon nanotubes, graphene, conductive metal particles (silver, copper, gold, etc.), or conductive polymers. They can be used alone or in combination. Conductive polymers can be PEDOT-pTS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-p-toluenesulfonic acid), PEDOT-PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrenesulfonic acid), etc.

[0044] If the conductive sheet 48 is not wetted, it may cause localized electrical stimulation to the skin. Therefore, it is assumed that the conductive sheet 48 is moistened with a spray or similar substance to slightly retain moisture. This ensures that the electrical flow between the pair of main electrode portions 42A and 42B remains stable even when there is no sweating. In any case, the conductive sheet 48 can be used while wetted with a conductive liquid such as sprayed water or sweat.

[0045] The connecting part 56A is configured to be physically and electrically detachable from the connecting part (not shown) of the control unit 20. The connecting part of the control unit 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 28. The control unit 20 is supported by the connecting part 56A and the reinforcing plate 46 through the connection of the connecting part of the control unit 20 to the connecting part 56A.

[0046] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 56A and the connecting portion of the control unit 20 constitute a snap fastener. Specifically, the connecting portion 56A is the male snap fastener, including a shaft portion 58 and a round head 64. The connecting portion of the control unit 20 is the female snap fastener.

[0047] Both the shaft portion 58 and the round head 64 are made of metal such as SUS. The shaft portion 58 is disposed on the wearing surface 100a of the wearable device 100, and the round head 64 is disposed on the non-wearing surface 100b of the wearable device 100. The shaft portion 58 includes a circular plate portion 60 and a protrusion 62 protruding from the center of the circular plate portion 60. The protrusion 62 can be hollow or solid. That is, the protrusion 62 can be cylindrical or cylindrical in shape. In the former case, the top end side (round head 64 side) of the protrusion 62 can be blocked as shown in the figure, or it can be open, unlike the figure. The round head 64 includes a circular plate portion 66 and a protrusion 68 protruding from the center of the circular plate portion 66. The protrusion 68 is hollow.

[0048] The protrusion 62 of the shaft portion 58 passes through and is embedded in the hollow protrusion 68 of the round head 64 in this order. The circular plate portion 60 of the shaft portion 58 and the circular plate portion 66 of the round head 64 sandwich the conductive sheet 48, the wearable device 100, and the reinforcing plate 46. In this state, the shaft portion 58 and the round head 64 (i.e., the connecting portion 56A) are fixed to the conductive sheet 48, the wearable device 100, and the reinforcing plate 46 by riveting. In addition, the electrical connection between the conductive sheet 48 and the connecting portion 56A is ensured. Furthermore, the structure of the shaft portion 58 and the round head 64 is not limited to this example, and can also be constructed using known or future available technologies.

[0049] The insulating seal 72 is installed on the human-side surface of the circular plate portion 60 covering the shaft portion 58.

[0050] Thus, the connecting portion 56A includes a through member (in this example, the shaft portion 58) that passes through the wearable device 100 and the conductive sheet 48. In this case, it is also considered that the electrical stimulation device 1 can be worn on the human body with a structure in which the shaft portion 58, on which the insulating seal 72 is installed, and the conductive sheet 48 come into contact with the skin. However, if such a structure is adopted, the shaft portion 58, which is harder than the conductive sheet 48, comes into contact with the skin via the insulating seal 72, so there is room for improvement in wearing comfort. In addition, at the location where the insulating seal 72 contacts the skin, the electrical stimulation to the human body is reduced, so there is room for improvement in the generation of electrical stimulation. Moreover, there is room for improvement in the suppression of the detachment of the insulating seal 72.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, the conductive sheet 48 is configured to include a folded-back portion 50, which folds back to cover the shaft portion 58, which is a through member, and comes into contact with the human body. Specifically, the conductive sheet 48 includes a folded-back portion 50, a non-folded-back portion 52, and a bent portion 54. The non-folded-back portion 52 includes a portion through which the shaft portion 58 passes, and the bent portion 54 is located between the folded-back portion 50 and the non-folded-back portion 52. In the illustrated example, the bent portion 54 is located at the end of the conductive sheet 48 on the side where the main electrode portion 42B is located. Figure 5 (below), but can also be located below. Figure 5 The upper end. However, as will be described later, since the conductive line 80A is disposed between the folded-back portion 50 and the non-folded-back portion 52, the bent portion 54 is preferably disposed at... Figure 5 The position other than the front or inner end, so as not to obstruct the configuration of the conductive wire 80A.

[0052] Thus, since the conductive sheet 48 is configured to include a folded-back portion 50, which folds back to cover the shaft portion 58, which serves as the through member, and comes into contact with the human body, the wearing comfort is improved through contact with the skin via the folded-back portion 50. Furthermore, since the entire folded-back portion 50 in contact with the skin is energized, uniform electrical stimulation to the human body is easily obtained. Moreover, the folded-back portion 50 also prevents the insulating seal 72 from detaching.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a diagram that roughly represents the state of conductive sheet 48 being turned on. Figure 6 To illustrate the structure of the conductive sheet 48, the diagram shows the state where only the conductive sheet 48 is removed from the electrical stimulation device 1, the bend in the bent portion 54 is unbent, and the sheet is opened into a flat shape. In the conductive sheet 48, the size of the folded-back portion 50 is equal to or greater than the size of the non-folded-back portion 52. Figure 6 In the example shown, in the conductive sheet 48, the folded-back portion 50 is larger than the non-folded-back portion 52. Specifically, the folded-back portion 50 has a rounded rectangular shape and, when folded in the straight curved portion 54, has a shape that covers the entire non-folded-back portion 52.

[0054] In this way, by setting the size of the fold-back portion 50 to be equal to or greater than that of the non-fold-back portion 52, the part of the main electrode portion 42 that comes into contact with the skin is only the fold-back portion 50, thus improving the wearing comfort.

[0055] Back Figure 5 The conductive wire 80A is positioned between the folded-back portion 50 and the non-folded-back portion 52 of the conductive sheet 48 at a position corresponding to the main electrode portion 42A. This ensures electrical connection between the conductive sheet 48 and the conductive wire 80A while protecting the conductive wire 80A.

[0056] The main electrode portion 42A also includes an insulating adhesive layer 74 on the side (also called the "non-contact surface") opposite to the human body side (also called the "contact surface") of the folded-back portion 50 of the conductive sheet 48. In this example, the adhesive layer 74 is located in the width direction D2 (refer to...). Figure 4 On the ), near the bend 54, there is one end ( Figure 5 The lower end of the middle section), has another end at a position aligned with the upper end of the non-folded-back section 52. Figure 5(The upper end of the conductive sheet 48). Thus, the folded-back portion 50 of the conductive sheet 48 engages with the wearable device 100, the non-folded-back portion 52 of the conductive sheet 48, and the insulating seal 72, thereby preventing the folded-back portion 50 from floating towards the human body from the non-folded-back portion 52. Furthermore, the conductive wire 80A, at a position corresponding to the main electrode portion 42A, contacts and is electrically connected to the non-folded-back portion 52 of the conductive sheet 48, and is isolated from the folded-back portion 50 of the conductive sheet 48 via the adhesive layer 74. Moreover, the conductive wire 80A and the folded-back portion 50 are electrically connected to each other through the non-folded-back portion 52 and the bend portion 54.

[0057] In this way, the folded-back portion 50 of the conductive sheet 48 that comes into contact with the human skin is electrically connected to the conductive wire 80A indirectly. As a result, the impedance and other effects caused by electrical stimulation from the main electrode portion 42A are less likely to affect the conductive wire 80A, so that power can be stably supplied from the auxiliary electrode portion 44, which serves as another electrode portion, via the conductive wire 80A.

[0058] The main electrode portion 42A also includes an insulating adhesive layer 76 disposed between the non-foldback portion 52 and the wearable device 100. In this example, the adhesive layer 76 is located in the width direction D2 (refer to...). Figure 4 On the ), near the bend 54, there is one end ( Figure 5 The lower end of the middle section), has another end at a position aligned with the upper end of the fold-back section 50. Figure 5 (the upper end of the middle). That is, the other end of the adhesive layer 76 is configured to extend to the upper end of the non-folded portion 52. Figure 5 Above the middle. Therefore, a portion of the adhesive layer 76 is located above the upper end of the non-folded portion 52. Figure 5 The non-folded portion 52 is located above the main electrode 42A, making it easy to visually confirm that the entire non-folded portion 52 is reliably bonded to the wearable device 100. Furthermore, when assembling the main electrode 42A, if the folded portion 50 is folded back from the bend 54 and bonded to the wearable device 100, the adhesive layer 76 provided on the wearable device 100 is easily visually confirmed, thus ensuring reliable bonding of the folded portion 50.

[0059] The main electrode section 42A also includes a conductive adhesive member 70 disposed between a plurality of (two in this example) conductive wires 80A and the adhesive layer 74. The plurality of conductive wires 80A are electrically connected to each other via the adhesive member 70. The adhesive member 70 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a conductive strip.

[0060] Above, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The detailed structure of the main electrode section 42A is described. The detailed structure of the main electrode section 42B is the same as that of the main electrode section 42A.

[0061] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4A cross-sectional view along the BB line. Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shown depicts two conductive lines 80A and their surroundings located between the main electrode section 42A and the two secondary electrode sections 44A and 44C.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, the electrical stimulation device 1 also includes a first protective member 82 and a second protective member 88 that cover the area around the conductive wire 80A at a position between the main electrode portion 42A and the two auxiliary electrode portions 44A, 44C.

[0063] The first protective component 82 has two protective components, each including a substrate 84 and an adhesive layer 86 disposed on the human body side and the non-human body side of the substrate 84. The conductive wire 80A is protected by sandwiching the human body side and the non-human body side of the conductive wire 80A with these two protective components.

[0064] The second protective component 88 has an adhesive surface 94 that covers the periphery of the first protective component 82 and is bonded to the wearable surface 100a of the wearable device 100, and a contact surface 96 that contacts the human body on the side opposite to the adhesive surface 94. The second protective component 88 includes an adhesive layer 92 having the adhesive surface 94 and a substrate 90 having the contact surface 96.

[0065] The electrical stimulation device 1 may not need to have a second protective component 88. In this case, the electrical stimulation device 1 has a first protective component 82 (also simply referred to as a "protective component") that covers the area around the conductive wire 80 at a position between the main electrode portion 42 and the auxiliary electrode portion 44. This improves the water resistance of the conductive wire 80.

[0066] In addition, the conductive wire 80 is protected by a first protective member 82 and a second protective member 88 at the position between the main electrode part 42 and the auxiliary electrode part 44 of the electrical stimulation device 1, thereby further improving the waterproofness.

[0067] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these embodiments are illustrative and that various modifications can be made to the combination of these constituent elements and processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0068] For example, in this embodiment, a structure is described that allows the electrical stimulation device 1 to be worn on the legs of the human body, but it could also be a structure that allows it to be worn on the arms of the human body. Furthermore, the electrical stimulation device 1 is not limited to a structure that can be worn on the left or right sides of the human body; for example, it could be worn on any part of the human body, such as the abdomen. In this case, the device 100 may not need to be equipped with the aforementioned guidance information for orientation during wear.

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device comprising a wearable device capable of being worn on the human body and an electrical stimulation part, characterized in that, The electrical stimulation unit includes: a plurality of electrode portions, at least a portion of which are disposed on the wearing surface of the wearable device opposite to the human body; and a control unit disposed on the non-wearing surface of the wearable device opposite to the wearing surface, and supplying power to the plurality of electrode portions. At least one of the plurality of electrode portions is a main electrode portion, and at least a portion of the main electrode portion is disposed at a position opposite to the control unit, separated by the wearable device. The main electrode includes: a conductive sheet that contacts the human body; and a connecting portion that connects the conductive sheet and the control unit. The connecting portion includes a through component that passes through the wearable device and the conductive sheet. The conductive sheet includes a folded portion that folds back to contact the human body in a manner that covers the through member.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has conductive wires, At least one of the plurality of electrode portions is a secondary electrode portion, which is electrically connected to the primary electrode portion via the conductive wire. The conductive wire is positioned between the folded-back portion and the non-folded-back portion of the conductive sheet at a position corresponding to the main electrode portion, wherein the non-folded-back portion is the part of the conductive sheet other than the folded-back portion.

3. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main electrode portion also includes an insulating adhesive layer disposed on the non-contact surface of the folded-back portion, opposite to the contact surface, which is in contact with the human body. The conductive wire is electrically connected to the non-folded-back portion at a position corresponding to the main electrode portion, and is isolated from the folded-back portion via the adhesive layer. The conductive wire and the folded-back portion are electrically connected to each other through the bend between the non-folded-back portion and the folded-back portion.

4. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It has multiple conductive lines, The main electrode portion also includes a conductive adhesive component disposed between the plurality of conductive wires and the adhesive layer. The multiple conductive wires are electrically connected to each other via the adhesive component.

5. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a protective component that covers the area around the conductive wire at a position between the main electrode portion and the secondary electrode portion.

6. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wearable device can be worn by wrapping it around either the left or right leg of the body. The wearable device is provided with guidance information that guides the wearing position to the left leg and the right leg, respectively, in a manner that can be visually confirmed.

Images