Muscle electrostimulator

Abstract

To provide a muscle electrostimulator that allows the posture during swinging to be stabilized easily while demonstrating an effect to promote the movement of a user's muscle.SOLUTION: A footrest part 2 on which a user's two feet are placed and at least one pair of electrodes 3 provided on the footrest part 2 is provided on an upper surface 11 of a muscle electrostimulator 1. The muscle electrostimulator 1 includes a control part configured to supply electric power to the electrodes 3. A front end 121 on an undersurface 12 and a grounding part 5 bulging more downward than a rear end 122 are provided on the undersurface 12 of the muscle electrostimulator 1. When swinging the muscle electrostimulator 1 in a front-back direction while the grounding part 5 is kept in touch with a floor surface, the ratio L / α of an amount of displacement L in a contact position of the grounding part 5 on the floor surface and the floor surface to an amount of change α in an angle of the muscle electrostimulator 1 is 1 mm / ° or more to 5 mm / °or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical muscle stimulation device. [Background technology]

[0002] The electrical muscle stimulation device has electrodes that come into contact with the user's body, and is configured to apply electrical stimulation to the user's muscles by passing a weak current through the user's body via the electrodes. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, by providing electrodes on a foot exerciser that has a top plate on which the user places his / her feet and a bottom plate that is placed on the floor or the like and is configured to be swingable in the forward and backward directions, it is expected to promote the movement of the user's legs, feet, and ankles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-224191 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The bottom plate of the foot exerciser of Patent Document 1 has a flat connecting plate and a curved plate for swinging the foot exerciser, and is configured so that the connecting plate comes into contact with the floor surface when the user is not applying weight to the top plate. Therefore, when exercising the feet using the foot exerciser of Patent Document 1, the user needs to press the top plate with the toes or heels to raise the connecting plate from the floor surface, and then adjust the weight to swing the foot exerciser.

[0005] However, when the user's muscles are electrically stimulated using a muscle stimulation device, the muscles contract at a timing different from the user's intention. Therefore, when using a muscle stimulation device that swings back and forth, the muscle stimulation device may swing at a timing that the user does not expect due to muscle contraction caused by electrical stimulation, which may make the user feel that it is difficult to handle. In addition, for users who are not accustomed to electrical stimulation or who have relatively low muscle strength, and who have reasons for not being able to adjust the posture of the muscle stimulation device, it may be difficult to maintain the state in which the connecting plate is raised above the floor surface, or to adjust the load to swing the muscle stimulation device back and forth after the connecting plate is raised above the floor surface.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device that is easy for a user to use and can promote muscle movement in the user's legs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a muscle electrical stimulation device configured to apply electrical stimulation to a user's muscle, A footrest provided on an upper surface of the electrical muscle stimulation device, on which the user's feet are placed; At least one pair of electrodes provided on the footrest; A control unit configured to supply power to the electrodes; A grounding portion that bulges downward from the front end and the rear end of the underside of the muscular electrical stimulation device, The electrical muscle stimulation device is configured to be swingable in the front-rear direction while the grounding portion is in contact with a floor surface, The electrical muscle stimulation device is configured so that when the ground contact portion is placed on the floor surface and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest portion, both the front and rear ends of the electrical muscle stimulation device are positioned at a reference position away from the floor surface. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The electrical muscle stimulation (hereinafter, abbreviated as "EMS") device has a grounding part on its underside that bulges downward from the front and rear ends of the underside. The EMS device is configured so that, when the grounding part is placed on the floor and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest, both the front and rear ends of the EMS device are separated from the floor. Therefore, when the user uses the EMS device, the front and rear ends of the EMS device can be separated from the floor without applying load to the footrest with the toes or heels. In addition, the user can easily swing the EMS device in either direction, forward or backward, from the above-mentioned position, so that the EMS device can be easily swung even when electrical stimulation is applied to the muscles.

[0009] Therefore, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to provide an EMS device that is easy for a user to handle and can promote muscle exercise in the user's legs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an EMS device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the EMS device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the EMS device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the EMS device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the EMS device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the EMS device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for measuring the amount of displacement of the contact position when the EMS device in the first embodiment is swung. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a storage state of the EMS device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control unit of the EMS device in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the EMS device in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the EMS device having a hemispherically bulging ground portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the EMS device having two hemispherically bulging grounding portions according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the EMS device according to the second embodiment, which has two grounding portions each bulging in a semi-cylindrical shape. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the EMS device in Comparative Example 1. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The EMS device is used, for example, with the ground contacting part in contact with the floor surface and with a user seated on a chair, sofa, etc., placing both feet on the footrest part. For convenience, in this specification, the up / down, front / back, and left / right directions of the EMS device are expressed based on the posture of the EMS device when used in this manner.

[0012] That is, the arrangement direction of the foot rest and the ground contact part in the EMS device is called the height direction of the EMS device, the direction from the ground contact part to the foot rest in the height direction is called the up direction, and the direction from the foot rest to the ground contact part is called the down direction. The arrangement direction of the part on which the toes of the foot are placed and the part on which the heel is placed when the user places the foot on the foot rest is called the front-rear direction, the direction from the heel to the toes in the front-rear direction is called the front, and the direction from the toes to the heel is called the rear. The direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the height direction is called the lateral direction, and the side on which the left foot is placed in the lateral direction is called the left side, and the side on which the right foot is placed is called the right side.

[0013] The method of using the EMS device is not limited to the above-mentioned manner, and the EMS device may be configured to be used in a manner other than the above-mentioned manner. In this case, the EMS device can be used in a posture in which the above-mentioned up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction do not match the actual up-down direction, etc. during use.

[0014] The EMS device is configured to take a reference posture in which both the front end and the rear end of the EMS device are separated from the floor surface when the contact part is placed on the floor surface and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest part. That is, the EMS device is configured to take a posture in which only the contact part is in contact with the floor surface when the contact part is placed on the floor surface. Therefore, in order to separate the front end and the rear end of the EMS device from the floor surface, the user does not need to continue to apply a load to the footrest part with the toes or heels. Therefore, even a user with relatively low muscle strength can easily use the EMS device. In addition, the EMS device configured in this way can be easily swung in the forward and backward directions even during EMS, so that even a user who is not accustomed to electrical stimulation of muscles can easily use the EMS device.

[0015] It is preferable that the EMS device has a center of gravity above the contact portion between the ground contact portion and the floor surface in the reference position. In this case, when the EMS device is swung back and forth from the reference position, the position of the EMS device is easily restored to the reference position. Therefore, the position of the EMS device when swung back and forth is more likely to be stable, and the ease of handling of the EMS device can be further improved.

[0016] The upper surface of the EMS device is provided with a footrest on which the user's feet are placed. The footrest is provided with at least one pair of electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to the user's muscles. The number, arrangement, and shape of the electrodes provided on the footrest can take various forms. For example, the EMS device may have a pair of electrodes consisting of a first electrode provided at a position that contacts one of the user's feet and a second electrode provided at a position that contacts the other of the user's feet. In this case, the first electrode and the second electrode may each have a shape that contacts the entire user's foot or a shape that contacts a part of the user's foot. The EMS device may also have two or more pairs of electrodes. In this case, for example, a plurality of first electrodes may be provided at a position on the footrest that contacts one of the user's feet, and a plurality of second electrodes may be provided at a position that contacts the other of the user's feet.

[0017] The EMS device may have a protruding portion provided around the footrest and protruding above the electrodes. In this case, even if the EMS device is oriented with the electrodes facing downward for some reason, it is possible to prevent both the first electrode and the second electrode from coming into contact with the floor surface. Therefore, in this case, it is easy to prevent unintentional current flow when the EMS device is not in use.

[0018] The arrangement and shape of the raised portion in the EMS device are not particularly limited and may take various forms. For example, the raised portion may be provided on the outer side of the user's foot when the user places the foot on the footrest. In this case, when the user places the foot on the footrest of the EMS device, the raised portion can be used as a guide to easily determine the position of the foot on the footrest. In addition, the raised portion can easily restrict the displacement of the user's foot, so that the position of the user's foot is less likely to shift while the EMS device is in use. As a result, the usability of the EMS device can be further improved.

[0019] Furthermore, the raised portion provided on the outside of the user's foot may have a recess on the inside in the lateral direction that is recessed from the surrounding area. In this case, when the user carries the EMS device, the user can easily carry the EMS device by hooking his / her fingers on the recess provided on the raised portion.

[0020] Also, for example, the raised portion may be provided between the user's feet when the user places the feet on the footrest. In this case, the user can use the raised portion as a guide when placing the feet on the footrest of the EMS device, and can easily determine the position of the feet on the footrest. As a result, the usability of the EMS device can be improved.

[0021] For example, the EMS device may have a first protuberance and a second protuberance as protuberances. In this case, it is preferable that the first protuberance is provided on the outer side of the user's feet when the user's feet are placed on the footrest, and the second protuberance is provided between the user's feet when the user's feet are placed on the footrest, and the first protuberance and the second protuberance are spaced apart from each other. In this case, when the user places his / her feet on the footrest of the EMS device, the protuberance can be used as a guide to easily determine the position of the foot on the footrest. In addition, the protuberance makes it easier to restrict the displacement of the user's feet, so that the position of the user's feet is less likely to shift during use of the EMS device.

[0022] Furthermore, by providing the EMS device with the first and second raised portions, for example, when a user sits down and places his / her calves on the raised portions to perform EMS, the first and second raised portions can be used as guides to easily determine the position of the calves on the footrest. Also, since the raised portions tend to restrict the displacement of the user's calves, the position of the user's calves is less likely to shift while using the EMS device. As a result, the usability of the EMS device can be further improved.

[0023] When the EMS device has the first and second raised portions, it is preferable that the distance between the front end of the first raised portion and the front end of the second raised portion is wider than the distance between the rear end of the first raised portion and the rear end of the second raised portion. In this case, the first and second raised portions can be arranged along the shape of the user's foot, so that the above-mentioned effect can be obtained more reliably. From the same viewpoint, it is more preferable that the distance between the first and second raised portions is wider as it approaches the front.

[0024] The grounding part of the EMS device has a shape that bulges downward from the front end and the rear end of the lower surface of the EMS device. The grounding part may be configured to be able to swing the EMS device at least in the front-rear direction. In other words, the grounding part may be configured to be able to swing the EMS device only in the front-rear direction, or may be configured to be able to swing the EMS device in multiple directions including the front-rear direction.

[0025] More specifically, the grounding part of the EMS device may have a shape in which at least a part of the contour is arc-shaped when the EMS device is viewed from the side. For example, the grounding part may have a hemispherical bulging shape on the lower surface of the EMS device. In this case, by providing one bulging part in the EMS device, an EMS device that can swing in multiple directions including the front-rear direction can be obtained. Also, for example, by providing multiple bulging parts arranged at intervals from each other in the side direction, an EMS device that can swing only in the front-rear direction can be obtained.

[0026] The grounding portion may have a semi-cylindrical bulge over a part or the entire side of the underside of the EMS device, in which case an EMS device that can swing only in the front-rear direction can be obtained.

[0027] When the grounding portion of the EMS device is placed on the floor so that the height from the floor to the front end of the underside of the EMS device is equal to the height from the floor to the rear end of the underside of the EMS device, the height from the floor to the front end of the underside of the EMS device is preferably 50 mm or less. In this case, the burden on the ankles of the user when the user places his / her feet on the footrest can be further reduced. From the same viewpoint, the height from the floor to the front end of the underside of the EMS device in the specific posture is more preferably 40 mm or less, and even more preferably 35 mm or less.

[0028] In addition, the height from the floor surface to the front end of the underside of the EMS device in the specific posture is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 25 mm or more, so that the user can appropriately rock the EMS device back and forth to enhance the effect of promoting exercise.

[0029] In determining the preferred range of the height from the floor surface to the front end of the underside of the EMS device, the above-mentioned upper and lower limits of the height can be combined arbitrarily. For example, the height from the floor surface to the front end of the underside of the EMS device in the specific posture may be 50 mm or less, 10 mm or more to 40 mm or less, or 25 mm or more to 35 mm or less.

[0030] The grounding part is preferably shaped so that the ratio L / α of the displacement L of the contact position between the grounding part and the floor surface on the floor surface to the change amount α of the angle of the EMS device when the EMS device is swung in the forward and backward directions while the grounding part is in contact with the floor surface is within a range of 1 mm / ° or more and 5 mm / ° or less. By setting the ratio L / α in the EMS device to 1 mm / ° or more, the change in posture when the EMS device is swung in the forward and backward directions can be made more gentle. As a result, even when electrical stimulation is applied to the muscles of the user, the posture of the EMS device can be more easily stabilized. From the viewpoint of making it easier to stabilize the posture of the EMS device, the value of the ratio L / α is more preferably 1.2 mm / ° or more, even more preferably 1.4 mm / ° or more, and particularly preferably 1.6 mm / ° or more.

[0031] Furthermore, by setting the ratio in the EMS device to 5 mm / ° or less, the user's ankles and the like can be appropriately flexed and extended when the EMS device is swung forward and backward, thereby further promoting muscle movement of the user. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of promoting muscle movement of the user, the value of the ratio L / α is more preferably 4.5 mm / ° or less, even more preferably 4.0 mm / ° or less, and particularly preferably 3.5 mm / ° or less.

[0032] In determining the preferred range of the ratio L / α in the EMS device, the upper and lower limits of the ratio L / α can be combined in any way. For example, the preferred range of the ratio L / α may be 1.2 mm / ° to 4.5 mm / °, 1.4 mm / ° to 4.0 mm / °, or 1.6 mm / ° to 3.5 mm / °.

[0033] The ratio L / α is calculated as follows. First, the ground contact part of the EMS device is brought into contact with the floor surface, and the EMS device is stabilized in an appropriate position. The contact position between the ground contact part and the floor surface and the position of the EMS device at this time are recorded. After that, while keeping the ground contact part and the floor surface in contact, the EMS device is swung forward or backward so that the ground contact part does not slip on the floor surface. Then, the contact position between the ground contact part and the floor surface and the position of the EMS device after the swing are recorded.

[0034] The distance recorded in this manner from the contact position between the ground contact part and the floor surface before the swinging to the contact position between the ground contact part and the floor surface after the swinging is defined as the displacement L (unit: mm). The change in the angle of the attitude of the EMS device after the swinging is defined as the angle change α (unit: °) when the attitude of the EMS device before the swinging is used as a reference. The change in the angle of the EMS device may be measured at any part of the EMS device. For example, the change in angle α before and after the swinging may be measured based on the positions of the footrest, the first electrode, the second electrode, etc. of the EMS device. The change in angle α before and after the swinging may also be measured based on, for example, a virtual straight line connecting the front end and the bottom end of the upper surface of the EMS device or a virtual straight line connecting the front end and the bottom end of the lower surface of the EMS device.

[0035] The ground contact portion has an arc-shaped portion in at least a part of the outline in a side view of the EMS device, and the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped portion is preferably 58 mm to 285 mm, more preferably 75 mm to 200 mm, and even more preferably 100 mm to 160 mm. In this case, by rocking the EMS device in the front-rear direction with the arc-shaped portion in contact with the floor surface, it is possible to more reliably obtain the effect of promoting the movement of the user's muscles while avoiding abrupt changes in the posture of the EMS device.

[0036] The EMS device may have a stand portion at a lateral end portion thereof, the stand portion having a stand surface perpendicular to the lateral direction of the EMS device. In this case, when storing the EMS device, the EMS device can be placed upright with the stand surface in contact with the floor surface. This can reduce the area occupied by the EMS device during storage, and can improve the usability of the EMS device. Furthermore, by placing the EMS device upright with the stand surface in contact with the floor surface, dirt and dust are less likely to adhere to the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0037] The EMS device may have a heater configured to heat the footrest. In this case, it is expected that the muscles of the user placed on the footrest can be loosened by heating the body of the user placed on the footrest, and the exercise effect can be improved. Furthermore, sweating from the user's body can be promoted by heating the body of the user placed on the footrest. Furthermore, by promoting sweating from the second electrode and the user's body, the electrical resistance between the first and second electrodes provided on the footrest and the user's body can be further reduced by sweat. As a result, electrical stimulation can be more easily applied to the user's muscles.

[0038] The arrangement and configuration of the heater in the EMS device are not particularly limited and may take various forms. For example, the heater may be attached to the back surface of the footrest inside the EMS device. Also, for example, the heater may be embedded in the footrest or electrodes. Furthermore, by configuring the footrest or electrodes as heating elements, these parts themselves may be made to generate heat.

[0039] The control unit of the EMS device is configured to apply electrical stimulation to the user's muscles by supplying power to the electrodes. The manner of electrical stimulation applied by the control unit is not particularly limited and may take various forms. For example, the control unit may be configured to apply pulsed electrical stimulation to the user's muscles by switching between supplying and stopping power to the electrodes. The control unit may also be configured to apply periodic electrical stimulation to the user's muscles by periodically changing the potential of the electrodes.

[0040] The control unit may be configured to control the operation of the entire EMS device in addition to switching between supplying and stopping power to the electrodes. For example, the control unit may be configured to be able to communicate with a wearable terminal configured to be able to acquire vital data such as the user's body temperature and sweat rate, and may be configured to control the power supply to the electrodes based on the data acquired by the wearable terminal. The control unit may also be configured to acquire information regarding the usage status of the EMS device, such as the number of times and time the user performed EMS, and to transmit the information regarding the usage status of the EMS device to a server. The operation of the control unit may be realized, for example, by an electronic circuit or a program stored in a microcomputer.

[0041] The EMS device may have a power supply unit that supplies power necessary for the operation of the EMS device. The specific form of the power supply unit is not particularly limited. For example, the power supply unit may be a primary battery, or a power storage device such as a secondary battery or a capacitor.

[0042] When the EMS device has a power storage device as a power source, it is preferable that the EMS device has a power supply terminal for charging the power storage device at a lateral end of the EMS device. Since the lateral end of the EMS device is a portion to which a load is unlikely to be applied when a user performs EMS, by providing the power supply terminal at the lateral end of the EMS device, it is possible to easily prevent unnecessary load from being applied to the power supply terminal while the EMS device is in use.

[0043] Moreover, it is more preferable that the EMS device has stand parts at both lateral ends, and a power supply terminal is provided on the stand surface of at least one of these stand parts. In this case, when the EMS device is set up so that the stand surface that does not have a power supply terminal is in contact with the floor surface, the power supply terminal provided on the other stand surface can charge the power storage device. This can further improve the usability of the EMS device.

[0044] In this case, for example, by placing the EMS device upright on a stand having a contact portion for connecting to a power supply terminal, the power storage device can be charged with the EMS device left upright, which reduces the area occupied by the EMS device during charging and improves the usability of the EMS device. EXAMPLES

[0045] Example 1 An embodiment of the EMS device will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. The EMS device 1 of this embodiment is configured to be able to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of a user. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the upper surface 11 of the EMS device 1 is provided with a footrest 2 (2L, 2R) on which the user places both feet, and at least a pair of electrodes 3 (3L, 3R) provided on the footrest 2. The EMS device 1 also has a control unit 4 configured to be able to supply power to the electrodes 3 as shown in Fig. 9. Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to 6, the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 1 has a grounding portion 5 that bulges downward from a front end 121 and a rear end 122 on the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the EMS device 1 is configured to be able to swing in the front-rear direction while the grounding portion 5 is in contact with the floor surface. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the ground contact portion 5 is placed on the floor surface F and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest portion 2, the EMS device 1 is configured to assume a reference posture in which both the front end 121 and the rear end 122 of the underside 12 of the EMS device 1 are separated from the floor surface F.

[0046] The upper surface 11 of the EMS device 1 in this example has a rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 2. On the upper surface 11 of the EMS device 1, there are provided a footrest section 2 (2L, 2R), a first electrode 3L and a second electrode 3R as electrodes 3, a raised section 6, an operation panel 13 used to operate the EMS device 1, and a display panel 14 used to display the operating state of the EMS device 1.

[0047] The foot rest 2 is provided in the center of the upper surface 11 of the EMS device 1. The EMS device 1 of this example has two foot rests 2, a first foot rest 2L corresponding to the left foot of the user and a second foot rest 2R corresponding to the right foot. The two foot rests 2 have a gently curved shape such that a central portion 21 in the front-rear direction protrudes upward from a portion 22 corresponding to the toes and a portion 23 corresponding to the heel. In addition, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a bulging portion 24 bulging upward is provided on the inside of a portion of the foot rest 2 corresponding to the arch of the user's foot, that is, the central portion in the front-rear direction. In this way, the foot rest 2 in the EMS device 1 of this example has a shape corresponding to the arch shape of the user's foot, so that the user can place his / her foot on the foot rest 2 while maintaining the arch shape of the foot.

[0048] 2, a first electrode 3L is provided on the first footrest 2L on which the left foot is placed, and a second electrode 3R is provided on the second footrest 2R on which the right foot is placed. More specifically, the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R are provided on each footrest 2 except for the bulging portion. The first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R are electrically connected to a control unit 4 provided in the EMS device 1 as shown in FIG. 4, and are configured to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of the user by power supplied from the control unit 4.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 1, a protuberance 6 protruding higher than the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R is provided around each footrest 2. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the EMS device 1 of this embodiment has a first protuberance 61 and a second protuberance 62 as the protuberances 6. The first protuberance 61 is provided on the outer side of the foot when the user places the foot on the footrest 2, that is, on the outer side of each footrest 2 in the lateral direction. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the first protuberance 61 has a mountain shape in which the height is highest at the center in the front-rear direction and the height decreases as the distance from the center of the first protuberance 61 in the front-rear direction increases.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, of the two first raised portions 61 (61L, 61R), the first raised portion 61R located on the right side has a recess 611 that is recessed deeper than the surrounding area on its inner lateral side, i.e., the portion facing the user's foot.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first raised portion 61 is provided in the lateral direction of the EMS device 1, extending from the outside of the footrest portion 2 to both ends of the lateral direction of the EMS device 1, and is connected to the stand portion 7 described later.

[0052] 2, the second raised portion 62 is provided between both feet when the user places the feet on the footrest 2, that is, between the first footrest 2L and the second footrest 2R. Like the first raised portion 61, the second raised portion 62 has a mountain-like shape that is highest at the center in the front-rear direction and decreases in height as the distance from the center of the second raised portion 62 in the front-rear direction increases. In addition, the first raised portion 61 and the second raised portion 62 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction.

[0053] In addition, in the EMS device 1 of this embodiment, the distance between the front end of the first raised portion 61 and the front end of the second raised portion 62 is wider than the distance between the rear end of the first raised portion 61 and the rear end of the second raised portion 62.

[0054] An operation panel 13 used to operate the EMS device 1 is provided at the center of the second raised portion 62. The specific configuration of the operation panel 13 is not particularly limited, but for example, the operation panel 13 in the EMS device 1 of this example has three operation switches arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. These operation switches are electrically connected to the control unit 4 in the EMS device 1 as shown in FIG. 9, and the user can generate operation signals used to operate the EMS device 1 by operating the operation switches. The operation signals generated by the operation switches are input to the control unit 4. This allows the user to control the operation of the EMS device 1 via the operation panel 13. The operation signals generated by the operation switches include, for example, a signal to start applying electrical stimulation, a signal to stop applying electrical stimulation, a signal to change the intensity of electrical stimulation, a signal to change the exercise control program, and the like. These operation signals may be configured to be generated by a single operation switch. Also, separate operation switches may be provided for each type of operation signal.

[0055] 2, a display panel 14 that displays the operation state of the EMS device 1 is provided in front of the operation panel 13 in the second raised portion 62. The display panel 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 4 in the EMS device 1 as shown in Fig. 9, and is configured to be able to display the operation state of the EMS device 1 based on instructions from the control unit 4. The specific configuration of the display panel 14 is not particularly limited, but for example, the display panel 14 in the EMS device 1 of this example is configured to be able to display the operation mode of the EMS device 1, the intensity of the electrical stimulation, the remaining charge of the built-in battery, etc.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 to Fig. 6, the EMS device 1 has a grounding part 5 on its lower surface 12. The grounding part 5 in the EMS device 1 of this example is located in the center of the EMS device 1 in the front-rear direction as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, and extends over the entire lateral direction of the EMS device 1 as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6. Also, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the contour of the grounding part 5 in a cross section perpendicular to the lateral direction has a downwardly convex arc shape with the center of the EMS device 1 in the front-rear direction as the apex. The radius of curvature of the contour of the grounding part 5 in a cross section perpendicular to the lateral direction is minimum at the apex, and gradually increases as the distance from the apex in the front-rear direction increases. The radius of curvature of the contour of the grounding part 5 in the EMS device 1 of this example is about 115 mm.

[0057] In addition, the portion of the underside 12 of the EMS device 1 from the grounding portion 5 to the front end 121, and the portion from the grounding portion 5 to the rear end 122 have a curved shape such that the outline in a cross section perpendicular to the lateral direction is an upwardly convex arc.

[0058] 4 and 5, the EMS device 1 of this example is configured to take a reference posture in which both the front end 121 and the rear end 122 of the bottom surface 12 of the EMS device 1 are separated from the floor surface F when the ground contact portion 5 is placed on the floor surface F and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest portion 2. The EMS device 1 has its center of gravity above the contact portion between the ground contact portion 5 and the floor surface F in the reference posture.

[0059] More specifically, the EMS device 1 of this example is configured so that, in the standard posture, the height from the floor surface F to the front end 121 of the lower surface 12 is equal to the height from the floor surface F to the rear end 122 of the lower surface 12. In the standard posture, the height from the floor surface F to the front end 121 of the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 1 is approximately 30 mm.

[0060] Furthermore, when the EMS device 1 of this embodiment is swung back and forth with the ground contact part 5 in contact with the floor surface, the ratio L / α of the displacement L of the contact position between the ground contact part 5 and the floor surface on the floor surface to the change α of the angle of the EMS device 1 is approximately 2 mm / °. The specific method for calculating the value of the ratio L / α is as follows.

[0061] First, as shown in Fig. 7, the EMS device 1 is swung forward from the reference posture, and the EMS device 1 is held in a posture P1, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 7, in which both the front end 121 of the underside 12 of the EMS device 1 and the ground contact portion 5 are in contact with the floor surface F. At this time, a contact position C1 between the ground contact portion 5 and the floor surface F on the floor surface F is recorded. Furthermore, a contact position C2 of the underside 12 of the EMS device 1 with the floor surface F and a contact position C3 of the ground contact portion 5 with the floor surface F are recorded.

[0062] Next, the EMS device 1 is swung backward while preventing the ground contact portion 5 from slipping on the floor surface F, and the EMS device 1 is held in a position P2 in which both the rear end 122 of the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 1 and the ground contact portion 5 are in contact with the floor surface F. The contact position C4 between the ground contact portion 5 and the floor surface F at this time is recorded, and the displacement amount L from the above-mentioned contact position C1 is measured. The displacement amount L of the contact position between the ground contact portion 5 and the floor surface F in the EMS device 1 of this example obtained in this manner is about 40 mm.

[0063] In addition, in the posture P2 in which both the rear end 122 and the ground contact portion 5 of the EMS device 1 are in contact with the floor surface F, the angle between the straight line L1 connecting the contact positions C2 and C3 and the floor surface F is measured, and this value is taken as the angle change amount α of the EMS device 1. The angle change amount α of the EMS device 1 of this example thus obtained is approximately 20°. Therefore, the ratio L / α of the EMS device 1 of this example is approximately 2 mm / ° obtained by dividing the displacement amount L of the contact position by the angle change amount α.

[0064] 1 to 3, stand units 7 (7L, 7R) are provided at both lateral ends of the EMS device 1. Each stand unit 7 has a stand surface 71 perpendicular to the lateral direction of the EMS device 1, and is configured so that the EMS device 1 can be placed upright with the stand surface 71 facing downward.

[0065] Of the two stand sections, the first stand section 7L provided on the left side has two power supply terminals, a first power supply terminal 72 and a second power supply terminal 73, as shown in Fig. 4. These power supply terminals are electrically connected to an electricity storage device serving as a power supply section 41 provided in the EMS device 1, and are used to charge the electricity storage device. More specifically, the first power supply terminal 72 is configured to come into contact with a contact section 82 provided on the stand 8 when the EMS device 1 is placed on the stand 8 shown in Fig. 8, and to supply power to the power supply section 41 via the contact section 82. The second power supply terminal 73 is configured to supply power to the power supply section 41 via a power adapter.

[0066] Of the two stands 7L, 7R, the second stand 7R provided on the right side holds a remote controller 74 for operating the EMS device 1 in a detachable state, as shown in Figures 5 and 8. The remote controller 74 in the EMS device 1 of this example is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the control unit 4, and similarly to the operation panel 13, the user can operate the remote controller 74 to instruct the control unit 4 of the EMS device 1 to perform a desired operation.

[0067] The EMS device 1 may be configured to be able to be stored in a stand. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the EMS device 1 of this example is configured to be able to be placed upright on a stand 8 having a storage recess 81 corresponding to the first stand portion 7L. In addition, a contact portion 82 that comes into contact with the first power supply terminal 72 of the EMS device 1 is provided in the center of the storage recess 81 in the stand 8.

[0068] 9, the EMS device 1 is provided with a control unit 4, a power supply unit 41 that supplies power to the control unit 4, a contact detection unit 42 that determines the contact state between the electrodes 3 and the user's body, a communication unit 43 that communicates with the control unit 4 and external devices, and a heater 44 that is configured to be able to heat the footrest unit 2. Although not shown in the figure, the heater 44 is provided on the back surface of the footrest unit 2 inside the EMS device 1. The heater 44 is configured to generate heat by the power supplied from the control unit 4, and to be able to heat the footrest unit 2.

[0069] 9, the control unit 4 is connected to the operation panel 13, the display panel 14, the power supply unit 41, the contact detection unit 42, the communication unit 43, the heater 44, the first electrode 3L, and the second electrode 3R, and is configured to be able to control the entire operation of the EMS device 1, including the supply of power to the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R. The control unit 4 may be composed of, for example, an electronic circuit or a microcomputer.

[0070] The control unit 4 of this embodiment is configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R according to a previously stored exercise control program, and to apply electrical stimulation having a predetermined pattern to the user's muscles. Examples of the exercise control program include an exercise control program for increasing muscle strength, an exercise control program for simulating walking, and an exercise control program for conditioning muscles.

[0071] The control unit 4 may be configured to be able to execute one type of exercise control program, or may be configured to be able to select and execute one type of exercise control program from a plurality of types of exercise control programs. For example, the control unit 4 in this example is configured to be able to select and execute any one type of exercise control program from three types of exercise control programs consisting of an exercise control program for increasing muscle strength, an exercise control program for exercise simulating walking, and an exercise control program for muscle conditioning.

[0072] The specific operation of the control unit 4 will be described later.

[0073] The contact detection unit 42 is connected to the control unit 4, the first electrode 3L, and the second electrode 3R, and is configured to distinguish between a state in which the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R are in contact with the user's body and a state in which at least one of the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R is separated from the user's body, and to notify the control unit 4 of whether the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R are in contact with the user's body. The contact detection unit 42 may have, for example, a current sensor that measures the current flowing through the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R. When both the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R are in contact with the user's body, when a voltage is applied to these electrodes 3, a current flows through a circular current path including these electrodes 3 and the user's body. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to distinguish between a state in which the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R are in contact with the user's body and a state in which at least one of the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R is separated from the user's body based on the magnitude of the current measured by the current sensor. In addition, the contact detection unit 42 can notify the control unit 4 of whether or not the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R are in contact with the user's body, for example by inputting the magnitude of the current measured by a current sensor to the control unit 4.

[0074] The power supply unit 41 is connected to the control unit 4 and configured to be able to supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 4. The EMS device 1 of this example has a power storage device as the power supply unit 41 and is configured to be able to charge the power supply unit 41 via a first power supply terminal 72 or a second power supply terminal 73 provided on the first stand unit 7L. The power supply unit 41 may be configured to be charged by a non-contact charging system.

[0075] The communication unit 43 is configured to be able to communicate with an external device. The content of the communication in the communication unit 43 is not particularly limited. For example, the communication unit 43 may be configured to be able to transmit data stored in the control unit 4 and training history to the external device. The communication unit 43 may be configured to be able to receive commands related to the operation of the EMS device 1 and changes to setting information from the external device. The communication unit 43 may be configured to be able to perform wired communication with the external device, or may be configured to perform wireless communication.

[0076] Next, an example of the method of using and operation of the EMS device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. When using the EMS device 1, the user operates the operation panel 13 or remote controller 74 while placing both feet on the footrest section 2 of the EMS device 1, for example, to activate the EMS device 1 (step S1). Next, the user operates the operation panel 13 or remote controller 74 as necessary to select the type of exercise control program (step S2).

[0077] When the EMS device 1 is activated, the control unit 4 supplies power to the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R to apply a pulsed voltage (step S3). At this time, the control unit 4 creates a potential difference between the electrodes 3 so that the first electrode 3L has a first polarity and the second electrode 3R has a second polarity different from the first polarity. In addition, the contact detection unit 42 measures the current flowing through the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R when the voltage is applied in step S3 (step S4).

[0078] When the user's body is in contact with both the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R, for example, a circular current path including these electrodes 3 and the user's body is formed. Therefore, when a potential difference is generated between the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R in step S3, a current flows in the above-mentioned circular current path. On the other hand, when at least one of the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R is separated from the user's body, no current flows in the above-mentioned current path. Therefore, the control unit 4 can determine whether or not these electrodes 3 are in contact with the user's body based on the magnitude of the current flowing through the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R (step S5).

[0079] If it is determined in step S5 that at least one of the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R is separated from the user's body (step S5, "No"), the control unit 4 determines whether the elapsed time from step S1 has exceeded a preset contact waiting time (step S51).

[0080] In step S51, if the time elapsed since step S1 is equal to or less than the contact waiting time (step S51, "No"), the control unit 4 executes steps S3, S4, and S5 again. On the other hand, in step S51, if the time elapsed since step S1 is longer than the contact waiting time (step S51, "Yes"), the control unit 4 determines that the EMS device 1 has been operated by mistake, and stops the operation of the EMS device 1.

[0081] In step S5, if it is determined that both the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R are in contact with the user's body (step S5, "Yes"), the control unit 4 supplies power to the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R according to the motion control program, and applies electrical stimulation to the user's muscles (step S6). At this time, the control unit 4 creates a potential difference between these electrodes 3 so that the polarity of the first electrode 3L becomes the first polarity and the polarity of the second electrode 3R becomes the second polarity, as in step S3, and applies electrical stimulation to the user's muscles.

[0082] The EMS device 1 of this example can perform EMS when, for example, the user is seated on a chair or the like and places his / her feet on the footrest 2. When a potential difference is generated between the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R with the user's feet on the footrest 2, for example, the calf muscles of the user periodically contract and expand due to electrical stimulation. This contraction and expansion causes the EMS device 1 to swing back and forth. Furthermore, the ankle joint of the user is extended or flexed in response to the swinging of the EMS device 1. As a result of the above, it is possible to promote the movement of the calves, feet, and ankles of the user.

[0083] Furthermore, the EMS device 1 of this embodiment can also perform EMS when, for example, the user is seated on the floor or the like and places his / her calves on the footrest 2. When a potential difference is generated between the first electrode 3L and the second electrode 3R while the user places his / her calves on the footrest 2, for example, the muscles in the user's thighs periodically contract and expand due to electrical stimulation. This contraction and expansion causes the EMS device 1 to swing back and forth. Furthermore, the swinging of the EMS device 1 causes the user's knee joint to extend or bend. As a result of the above, it is possible to promote the movement of the user's thighs and knees.

[0084] Furthermore, while applying the electrical stimulation, the control unit 4 determines whether a preset termination condition is satisfied (step S7). Examples of the termination condition include the end of the exercise control program, at least one of the electrodes 3 being separated from the user's body, and the user issuing an instruction to stop the exercise control program. If the termination condition is not satisfied (step S7, "No"), the control unit 4 continues to perform EMS after confirming that the electrode unit is in contact with the user's body (step S5). On the other hand, if the termination condition is satisfied, the control unit 4 stops the operation of the EMS device 1 (step S7, "Yes").

[0085] Next, the effect of the EMS device 1 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the EMS device 1 of this embodiment has a grounding portion 5 on its lower surface 12 that bulges downward from the front end 121 and the rear end 122 of the lower surface 12. The EMS device 1 is configured to take a reference posture in which both the front end 121 and the rear end 122 of the EMS device 1 are separated from the floor surface F when the grounding portion 5 is placed on the floor surface F and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest portion 2. Therefore, when the user uses the EMS device 1, the front end 121 and the rear end 122 of the EMS device 1 can be separated from the floor surface F without applying a load to the footrest portion 2 with the toes or heels. In addition, the user can easily swing the EMS device 1 in either direction, forward or backward, from the above-mentioned posture, so that the EMS device 1 can be easily swung even when electrical stimulation is applied to the muscles.

[0086] Therefore, even users who have difficulty adjusting the posture of the EMS device, such as users who are not accustomed to EMS or users with relatively low muscle strength, can easily use the EMS device 1.

[0087] 4 and 5, when the ground contact portion 5 of the EMS device 1 is placed on the floor surface F such that the height from the floor surface F to the front end 121 of the lower surface 12 is equal to the height from the floor surface F to the rear end 122 of the lower surface 12, the height from the floor surface F to the front end 121 of the lower surface 12 is 50 mm or less. This can further reduce the burden on the ankle when the user places his / her feet on the footrest portion 2. In addition, since the height from the floor surface F to the front end 121 of the lower surface 12 in the specific posture is 10 mm or more, the user can appropriately rock the EMS device 1 in the front-rear direction, further enhancing the effect of promoting exercise.

[0088] 7, when the EMS device 1 is swung in the front-rear direction with the ground contact part 5 in contact with the floor surface, the ratio L / α of the displacement L of the contact position between the ground contact part 5 and the floor surface on the floor surface to the change amount α of the angle of the EMS device 1 is within the specific range. Therefore, when the EMS device 1 is swung in the front-rear direction, the posture of the EMS device 1 is more likely to be stable, and even when electrical stimulation is applied to the user's muscles, the posture of the EMS device 1 can be easily stabilized. Furthermore, the EMS device 1 can further enhance the effect of promoting the movement of the user's muscles.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 2, the EMS device 1 has a first protuberance 61 and a second protuberance 62 as the protuberances 6. The first protuberance 61 is provided on the outer side of the user's feet when the user places the feet on the footrest 2, and the second protuberance 62 is provided between the user's feet when the user places the feet on the footrest 2. The first protuberance 61 and the second protuberance 62 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, when the user places the feet on the footrest 2 of the EMS device 1, the user can use the protuberance 6 as a guide to easily determine the position of the feet on the footrest 2. In addition, the protuberance 6 makes it easier to restrict the displacement of the user's feet, so that the position of the user's feet is less likely to shift while using the EMS device 1.

[0090] Furthermore, by providing the EMS device 1 with the first raised portion 61 and the second raised portion 62, for example, when a user performs EMS by placing his / her calves on the raised portions 6 while seated, the first raised portion 61 and the second raised portion 62 can be used as guides to easily determine the position of the calves on the footrest portion 2. In addition, since the raised portions 6 tend to restrict the displacement of the user's calves, the position of the user's calves is less likely to shift while using the EMS device 1. As a result, the usability of the EMS device 1 can be further improved.

[0091] In addition, the distance between the first raised portion 61 and the second raised portion 62 at the front end 121 of the footrest 2 is wider than the distance between the first raised portion 61 and the second raised portion 62 at the rear end 122. Therefore, the first raised portion 61 and the second raised portion 62 can be arranged according to the shape of the user's foot, and the usability of the EMS device 1 can be further improved.

[0092] Of the two first protuberances 61 provided on the lateral side of the user's foot, the left first protuberance 61L has a recess 611 on its inner lateral side that is recessed from the surroundings. Therefore, when the user carries the EMS device 1, the user can easily carry the EMS device 1 by hooking his / her fingers on the recess 611 provided in the first protuberance 61L.

[0093] 1, the EMS device 1 has a stand unit 7 on both lateral ends thereof, the stand unit 7 having a stand surface 71 perpendicular to the lateral direction of the EMS device 1. Therefore, when storing the EMS device 1, the EMS device 1 can be placed upright with the stand unit 7 in contact with the floor surface. This makes it possible to reduce the area occupied by the EMS device 1 during storage and to improve the usability of the EMS device 1.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 9, the EMS device 1 has a heater 44 configured to be able to heat the footrest 2. Therefore, by heating the body of the user placed on the footrest 2, it is expected that the muscles can be loosened and the exercise effect can be improved. Furthermore, by heating the body of the user placed on the footrest 2, sweating from the user's body can be promoted. And by promoting sweating from the electrodes 3 and the user's body, the electrical resistance between the electrodes 3 provided on the footrest 2 and the user's body can be further reduced by sweat. As a result, electrical stimulation can be more easily applied to the user's muscles.

[0095] In addition, the EMS device 1 has a center of gravity above the contact portion between the ground contact portion 5 and the floor surface in the reference posture. Therefore, when the EMS device 1 is swung in the front-rear direction from the reference posture, the posture of the EMS device 1 is easily restored to the reference posture. Therefore, it is possible to more easily stabilize the posture of the EMS device 1 when it is swung in the front-rear direction.

[0096] Example 2 In this example, another embodiment of the grounding part of the EMS device will be described. Note that, among the symbols used in the following examples, the same symbols as those used in the previous examples indicate the same components as those in the previous examples unless otherwise specified.

[0097] As described above, the grounding part of the EMS device may have any shape as long as it can swing the EMS device at least in the forward and backward directions. For example, the EMS device 102 shown in FIG. 11 has, on its upper surface 11, a footrest part 2 on which the user's feet are placed, a pair of electrodes 3 provided on the footrest part 2, and a first raised part 61 and a second raised part 62 provided around the footrest part 2. The EMS device 102 also has a control part (not shown) configured to supply power to the electrodes 3. Furthermore, the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 102 is provided with a grounding part 502 that bulges out in a hemispherical shape from the center of the lower surface 12. The EMS device 102 having such a grounding part 502 can swing in a plurality of directions including the forward and backward directions.

[0098] 12, for example, has a footrest 2 on which the user's feet are placed, a pair of electrodes 3 provided on the footrest 2, and a first raised portion 61 and a second raised portion 62 provided around the footrest 2 on its upper surface 11. The EMS device 103 also has a control unit (not shown) configured to supply power to the electrodes 3. Furthermore, the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 103 is provided with two grounding portions 503 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the EMS device 103. The grounding portions 503 of the EMS device 103 bulge out in a hemispherical shape on the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 103. The EMS device 103 provided with such grounding portions 503 can swing in the front-rear direction.

[0099] Further, for example, the EMS device 104 shown in FIG. 13 has, on its upper surface 11, a footrest 2 on which the user's feet are placed, a pair of electrodes 3 provided on the footrest 2, and a first protuberance 61 and a second protuberance 62 provided around the footrest 2. The EMS device 104 also has a control unit (not shown) configured to supply power to the electrodes 3. Furthermore, on the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 104, two grounding portions 504 are provided at intervals from each other in the lateral direction of the EMS device 104. The grounding portions 504 of the EMS device 104 bulge in a semi-cylindrical shape on the lower surface 12 of the EMS device 104. Furthermore, each of the grounding portions 504 is arranged so that its axial direction and the lateral direction of the EMS device 104 are parallel to each other. The EMS device 104 having such grounding portions 504 can swing in the front-rear direction.

[0100] Comparative Example 1 In this example, an example of an EMS device in which the value of the ratio L / α is outside the specific range will be described. As shown in Fig. 14, the EMS device 9 of this example has a disk-shaped main body 91, a pair of electrodes 92 provided on an upper surface 911 of the main body 91, and a grounding portion 93 provided on a lower surface 912 of the main body 91. The grounding portion 93 in the EMS device 9 of this example has a shape that bulges out in a semi-cylindrical shape on the lower surface 912 of the main body 91. The radius of curvature of the outline of the grounding portion 93 in a side view of the EMS device 9 from the lateral direction is about 20 mm.

[0101] When the EMS device 9 of this example is swung back and forth in the same manner as in Example 1, the angle change amount α and the displacement amount L of the contact position between the ground contact portion and the floor surface are measured, and the angle change amount α is about 20°, and the displacement amount L of the contact position between the ground contact portion and the floor surface is about 7 mm. Therefore, in the EMS device 9 of this example, the ratio L / α of the displacement amount L of the contact position between the ground contact portion 93 on the floor surface and the floor surface to the angle change amount α is about 0.35 mm / °.

[0102] Since the value of the ratio L / α in the EMS device 9 of this example is smaller than the specific range, when the EMS device 9 is swung back and forth, the posture of the EMS device 9 changes suddenly or tends to become unstable. Therefore, in some cases, a user may find the EMS device 9 difficult to handle.

[0103] Although the above describes the aspects of the EMS device based on Examples 1 and 2, the specific aspects of the EMS device according to the present invention are not limited to the aspects of the Examples, and the configuration can be appropriately changed within the scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0104] For example, in the first embodiment, the EMS device 1 is provided with two power terminals, the first power terminal 72 and the second power terminal 73, but the EMS device 1 may be provided with only one power terminal. In this case, the power terminal may be configured to charge the power supply unit 41 via a power adapter, or may be configured to charge the power supply unit 41 via the stand 8.

[0105] In addition, in the first embodiment, an example in which both the first power supply terminal 72 and the second power supply terminal 73 are provided on the first stand portion 7L has been shown, but the first power supply terminal 72 may be provided on one of the two stand portions 7, and the second power supply terminal 73 may be provided on the other stand portion. In this case, for example, by placing the stand portion having the first power supply terminal 72 of the two stand portions 7 on the stand 8, the power supply portion 41 can be charged via the first power supply terminal 72. In addition, by placing the EMS device upright with the stand portion having the second power supply terminal 73 facing upward, the power supply portion 41 can be charged via the second power supply terminal 73 even in a place where the stand 8 is not provided.

[0106] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the first and second raised portions 61 and 62 are provided on the upper surface 11 of the EMS device 1, 102, but only one of the first raised portion 61 and the second raised portion 62 may be provided on the upper surface of the EMS device. Also, it is possible not to provide a raised portion on the upper surface of the EMS device.

[0107] Also, a protrusion protruding downward may be provided on the underside of the EMS device. In this case, it is possible to more easily prevent the inclination from becoming excessively large when the EMS device is swung in the front-rear direction. Also, when a protrusion is provided on the underside of the EMS device, the protrusion may have a sensor for detecting contact with the floor surface. In this case, it is also possible to measure the number of times the EMS device is swung by the sensor provided on the protrusion. Also, when a protrusion is provided on the underside of the EMS device, the protrusion may have a weight. By providing a weight on the protrusion in this way, it is also possible to more easily swung the EMS device in the front-rear direction.

[0108] A weight may be provided in the ground contact portion of the EMS device, which makes it easier to stabilize the position of the EMS device.

[0109] The grounding part of the EMS device may be detachable. In this case, for example, by preparing a plurality of types of grounding parts with different shapes and attaching a grounding part according to the user's desire from among these grounding parts, the balance between the ease of swinging the EMS device and the stability of the posture during swinging can be easily adjusted according to the user's desire. Furthermore, in this case, the appearance of the EMS device when placed upright can be changed according to the user's desire.

[0110] In addition, the EMS device may take the following aspects (1-1) to (1-10).

[0111] [1-1] A muscle electrical stimulation device configured to provide electrical stimulation to a user's muscles, A footrest provided on an upper surface of the electrical muscle stimulation device, on which the user's feet are placed; At least one pair of electrodes provided on the footrest; A control unit configured to supply power to the electrodes; A grounding portion that bulges downward from the front end and the rear end of the underside of the muscular electrical stimulation device, The electrical muscle stimulation device is configured to be swingable in the front-rear direction while the grounding portion is in contact with a floor surface, An electrical muscle stimulation device configured so that when the ground contact portion is placed on the floor surface and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest portion, both the front and rear ends of the electrical muscle stimulation device are positioned in a reference position away from the floor surface.

[0112] [1-2] The muscle electrical stimulation device described in [1-1] has a center of gravity above the contact point between the ground contact portion and the floor surface in the reference posture. [1-3] A muscle electrical stimulation device as described in [1-1] or [1-2], wherein when the muscle electrical stimulation device is swung back and forth while keeping the ground contacting the floor surface, the ratio L / α of the displacement L of the contact position between the ground contacting portion and the floor surface on the floor surface to the change in angle α of the muscle electrical stimulation device is within the range of 1 mm / ° or more and 5 mm / ° or less.

[0113] [1-4] The electrical muscle stimulation device described in any one of [1-1] to [1-3], wherein the electrical muscle stimulation device has a raised portion provided around the footrest portion and raised above the electrodes. [1-5] An electrical muscle stimulation device as described in [1-4], wherein the raised portion is provided on the outside of the user's foot when the user's foot is placed on the footrest. [1-6] An electrical muscle stimulation device as described in [1-4], wherein the raised portion is provided between both feet when the user's feet are placed on the footrest portion.

[0114] [1-7] The muscle electrical stimulation device has a first protuberance and a second protuberance as the protuberance, The first raised portion is provided on an outer side of the foot when the user places the foot on the footrest portion, The second raised portion is provided between both feet of the user when the user places the feet on the footrest portion, The muscle electrical stimulation device described in [1-4], wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are spaced apart from each other.

[0115] [1-8] An electrical muscle stimulation device as described in [1-7], wherein the distance between the front end of the first raised portion and the front end of the second raised portion is wider than the distance between the rear end of the first raised portion and the rear end of the second raised portion. [1-9] A muscle electrical stimulation device described in any one of [1-1] to [1-8], wherein the muscle electrical stimulation device has a stand portion at its lateral end portion, the stand portion having a stand surface perpendicular to the lateral direction of the muscle electrical stimulation device. [1-10] The electrical muscle stimulation device described in any one of [1-1] to [1-9], wherein the electrical muscle stimulation device has a heater configured to be able to heat the footrest portion.

[0116] From another point of view, the EMS device can be regarded as an invention in which a protuberance is provided on the upper surface thereof to suppress unintended current flow between the electrodes. That is, the EMS device may have the following aspects shown in [2-1] to [2-10]. [2-1] A muscle electrical stimulation device configured to provide electrical stimulation to a user's muscles, A footrest provided on an upper surface of the electrical muscle stimulation device, on which the user's feet are placed; At least one pair of electrodes provided on the footrest; A control unit configured to supply power to the electrodes; A grounding portion that bulges downward from the front end and the rear end of the underside of the muscular electrical stimulation device; a raised portion provided around the footrest portion and raised above the electrodes; This electrical muscle stimulation device is configured to be capable of swinging back and forth while keeping the ground contacting the floor surface.

[0117] [2-2] An electrical muscle stimulation device as described in [2-1], wherein the raised portion is provided on the outside of the user's foot when the user places the foot on the footrest. [2-3] An electrical muscle stimulation device as described in [2-1], wherein the raised portion is provided between both feet when the user's feet are placed on the footrest portion.

[0118] [2-4] The muscle electrical stimulation device has a first protuberance and a second protuberance as the protuberance, The first raised portion is provided on an outer side of the foot when the user places the foot on the footrest portion, The second raised portion is provided between both feet of the user when the user places the feet on the footrest portion, The muscle electrical stimulation device described in [2-1], wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are spaced apart from each other.

[0119] [2-5] An electrical muscle stimulation device as described in [2-4], wherein the distance between the front end of the first raised portion and the front end of the second raised portion is wider than the distance between the rear end of the first raised portion and the rear end of the second raised portion. [2-6] A muscle electrical stimulation device described in any one of [2-1] to [2-5], wherein the muscle electrical stimulation device has a stand portion at its lateral end portion, the stand portion having a stand surface perpendicular to the lateral direction of the muscle electrical stimulation device. [2-7] The electrical muscle stimulation device described in any one of [2-1] to [2-6], wherein the electrical muscle stimulation device has a heater configured to be able to heat the footrest portion.

[0120] [2-8] The muscle electrical stimulation device described in any one of [2-1] to [2-7] is configured so that when the ground contact portion is placed on the floor surface and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest portion, both the front and rear ends of the muscle electrical stimulation device take a standard posture separated from the floor surface. [2-9] The electrical muscle stimulation device described in [2-8] has a center of gravity above the contact portion between the ground contact portion and the floor surface in the reference posture.

[0121] [2-10] A muscle electrical stimulation device described in any one of [2-1] to [2-9], wherein when the muscle electrical stimulation device is swung back and forth while keeping the ground contacting the floor surface, the ratio L / α of the displacement L of the contact position between the ground contacting portion and the floor surface on the floor surface to the change in angle α of the muscle electrical stimulation device is within the range of 1 mm / ° or more and 5 mm / ° or less.

[0122] The effects of the inventions according to [2-1] to [2-10] are similar to the effects of the inventions according to [1-1] to [1-10] having the corresponding configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1, 102 Electrical muscle stimulation device 11 Top side 12 Bottom side 2 Footrest 3 electrodes 4. Control section 5, 502~504 Grounding part

Claims

1. A muscle electrical stimulation device configured to provide electrical stimulation to a user's muscles, A footrest provided on an upper surface of the electrical muscle stimulation device, on which the user's feet are placed; At least one pair of electrodes provided on the footrest; A control unit configured to supply power to the electrodes; A grounding portion that bulges downward from the front end and the rear end of the underside of the muscular electrical stimulation device, The electrical muscle stimulation device is configured to be swingable in the front-rear direction while the grounding portion is in contact with a floor surface, An electrical muscle stimulation device configured so that when the ground contact portion is placed on the floor surface and the user's feet are not placed on the footrest portion, both the front and rear ends of the electrical muscle stimulation device are positioned in a reference position away from the floor surface.

2. The electrical muscular stimulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the electrical muscular stimulation device has a center of gravity above a contact portion between the ground contact portion and the floor surface in the reference posture.

3. The muscle electrical stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the ratio L / α of the displacement L of the contact position between the ground contact portion and the floor surface on the floor surface to the change in angle α of the muscle electrical stimulation device when the muscle electrical stimulation device is swung back and forth while keeping the ground contact portion in contact with the floor surface is within the range of 1 mm / ° or more and 5 mm / ° or less.

4. 2. The electrical muscle stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical muscle stimulation device has a raised portion provided around the footrest portion and raised above the electrodes.

5. 5. The electrical muscle stimulation device according to claim 4, wherein the raised portion is provided on the outer side of the user's foot when the user places the foot on the footrest.

6. 5. The electrical muscle stimulation device according to claim 4, wherein the raised portion is provided between both feet of the user when the user places the feet on the footrest portion.

7. The muscle electrical stimulation device has a first protuberance and a second protuberance as the protuberance, The first raised portion is provided on an outer side of the foot when the user places the foot on the footrest portion, The second raised portion is provided between both feet of the user when the user places the feet on the footrest portion, The electrical muscle stimulation device according to claim 4 , wherein the first and second protuberances are spaced apart from each other.

8. 8. The electrical muscle stimulation device according to claim 7, wherein the distance between the front end of the first raised portion and the front end of the second raised portion is wider than the distance between the rear end of the first raised portion and the rear end of the second raised portion.

9. The muscular electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the muscular electrical stimulation device has a stand portion at its lateral end portion, the stand portion having a stand surface perpendicular to the lateral direction of the muscular electrical stimulation device.

10. The electrical muscle stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a heater configured to be able to heat the footrest portion.

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