Electrode pad and method for manufacturing electrode pad

Abstract

To prevent a patient from feeling uncomfortable in low-frequency treatment.SOLUTION: An electrode pad 11 is connected to a main body 12 for outputting a low frequency, and used by being stuck to the body of a patient. The electrode pad 11 includes a conductive gel body 30 to be stuck to the body of a patient and a conductive member 40. The conducting member 40 has a sheet shape having a conductor layer and two insulator layers sandwiching the conductor layer. One end of the conductor layer is attached to one surface of the conductive gel body 30. The other end of the conductor layer is exposed to the outside and forms a connection terminal. A clip connector 27 is connected to the other end of the conductor layer. Since the conducting member 40 has a sheet shape, discomfort felt by the patient during treatment can be reduced as compared with a cord covered with a covering material such as vinyl chloride.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the structure of an electrode pad that is attached to the body of a patient in the treatment of various diseases using low frequency waves. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, low-frequency therapy is known to be used to treat urinary incontinence and bedwetting. In particular, the method of treating bedwetting by applying low-frequency waves around the patient's urethra is called electrical and magnetic stimulation therapy (neuromodulation).

[0003] A low-frequency treatment device (see Patent Document 1) that performs low-frequency treatment includes a main body that generates low-frequency waves and electrode pads that are attached to the patient. Cords extend from the main body and the electrode pads, and the two cords are connected by a connector. The electrode pads are sold individually as consumables and are replaced as they wear out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-90268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When an electrode pad is attached to a patient's body and the patient lies down on a bed, if the electrode pad is pinched between the patient's body and the bed, the cord extending from the electrode pad will be pressed hard against the patient's body and may dig into the patient's skin. If this condition is maintained for a long period of time, the patient will feel discomfort during treatment.

[0006] The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and its object is to provide an electrode pad that does not cause discomfort to the patient during low-frequency treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) To solve the above problems, the electrode pad of the present invention comprises a conductive gel body that is attached to the patient's body and a current-carrying member extending from the conductive gel body. The conductive gel body has a first surface that is attached to the patient's body and a second surface that is the reverse side of the first surface. The current-carrying member is in the form of a sheet having a conductive layer with one end in close contact with the second surface of the conductive gel body, and first and second insulator layers that sandwich the conductive layer.

[0008] The conductive member extending from the conductive gel body that is attached to the patient is in the form of a sheet comprising a conductive layer and a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer sandwiching the conductive layer, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the patient compared to cords in which the conductive wire is covered with a covering material such as polyvinyl chloride.

[0009] (2) The first insulating layer may further cover the second surface of the conductive gel body.

[0010] The first insulator layer also functions as an insulating / protective cover that covers the second surface of the conductive gel body, thereby eliminating the need for an insulating / protective cover and reducing the number of parts in the electrode pad.

[0011] (3) The other end of the conductive layer may be exposed to the outside to form a connection terminal.

[0012] A cord extends from the main body that generates low-frequency waves, and a clip connector is attached to the tip of the cord. The clip connector clamps the other exposed end of the conductive layer. In other words, the main body and the electrode pad are connected by the clip connector. Therefore, there is no need to provide a connector on the electrode pad side, and the number of parts in the electrode pad is reduced.

[0013] (4) The first and second insulating layers may be made of insulating paper.

[0014] By using flexible insulating paper, the current-carrying member can bend (deform) in accordance with the patient's body, which further reduces the discomfort felt by the patient.

[0015] (5) The conductive layer may be made of a paste containing conductive metal powder.

[0016] The conductive layer of the current-carrying member is made of a paste containing conductive metal powder, so there is less risk of the current-carrying member breaking than when the conductive layer is made of metal foil.

[0017] (6) The conductive member may further include a first Japanese paper layer and a second Japanese paper layer sandwiching the conductive layer, and a first resin sheet layer and a second resin sheet layer sandwiching the first Japanese paper layer and the second Japanese paper layer containing the conductive layer.

[0018] The conductive layer is further protected by being sandwiched between the first and second Japanese paper layers and the first and second resin sheet layers, thereby reducing the risk of disconnection of the current-carrying member.

[0019] (7) A method for manufacturing an electrode pad of the present invention includes a conductive gel body to be attached to a patient's body and a current-carrying member extending from the conductive gel body, and includes the following steps: a first step of forming a conductive layer by printing on a first insulator layer or a layer to be adhered to the first insulator layer using a printing material made of a binder containing conductive metal powder; a second step of adhering the first insulator layer to a second insulator layer that covers the conductive layer except for one end of the conductive layer; and a third step of attaching the conductive gel body to the exposed end of the conductive layer.

[0020] The conductive layer is formed by printing using a printing material containing conductive metal powder. Therefore, the formed conductive layer is flexible. As a result, the risk of wire breakage can be reduced compared to when a metal foil (conductive layer) is attached to a first insulating layer using an adhesive. Furthermore, since the current-carrying member is in the form of a sheet including a conductive layer and first and second insulating layers sandwiching the conductive layer, discomfort experienced by the patient can be reduced compared to cords in which the conductive wire is covered with a covering material such as polyvinyl chloride. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The electrode pad and the manufacturing method of the electrode pad according to the present invention can prevent the patient from feeling discomfort during low-frequency treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a low-frequency therapeutic device 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electrode pad 11. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the center of the electrode pad 11. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electrode pad 11. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment is merely one aspect of the electrode pad 11 according to the present invention, and it goes without saying that the implementation may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a low-frequency therapeutic device 10 including an electrode pad 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the electrode pad 11. Fig. 3 is a center cross-sectional view of the electrode pad 11. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electrode pad 11.

[0025] [Low frequency therapy device 10]

[0026] The low-frequency therapeutic device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is used for the treatment of urinary incontinence and bedwetting (neuromodulation).

[0027] The low-frequency therapeutic device 10 includes a main body 12 that generates and outputs low-frequency waves, an electrode pad 11, and an adapter cable 13.

[0028] The main body 12 is a commercially available product (existing product) and includes a case 21, a control unit (not shown), a power cable 22, and two output cables 23.

[0029] The case 21 has an operation unit 24. A user, such as a patient, a nurse, or a caregiver, operates the operation unit 24 to turn on / off the power of the low-frequency therapy device 10 and change settings. The settings include operation time settings (so-called timer settings), output settings, alarm settings, etc. However, a remote control terminal (so-called remote control) may be used instead of the operation unit 24.

[0030] The power cable 22 extends from the case 21 and is connected to an AC power source of 100V, 200V, etc., provided in a house or hospital. The power cable 22 is connected to a control unit.

[0031] The control unit is housed in a case 21. The control unit consists of a circuit board and various electronic components mounted on the board. The control unit includes a power supply circuit and a low-frequency generating circuit. The power supply circuit converts AC voltage into DC voltage and outputs it. The low-frequency generating circuit converts DC voltage into a low frequency (AC voltage) and outputs it. The low-frequency generating circuit outputs a low frequency of, for example, several tens to several hundred hertz, and a few milliamperes to several tens of milliamperes.

[0032] The output cable 23 extends from the case 21. One end of the output cable 23 is connected to the output end of the control unit. That is, the output cable 23 outputs a low frequency. A male (or female) connector 25 is attached to the other end of the output cable 23.

[0033] The number of output cables 23 is not limited to two. The number of output cables 23 may be two or more.

[0034] The adapter cable 13 is a cable having a female (or male) connector 26 and a clip connector 27 at its end. The connector 26 is connected to the connector 25 of the output cable 23. The clip connector 27 is connected to the electrode pad 11 by clamping the end of the current-carrying member 40 of the electrode pad 11. The adapter cable 13 may be an accessory of the main unit 12 or may be sold separately. The adapter cable 13 may be sold together with the electrode pad 11.

[0035] [Electrode pad 11]

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the electrode pad 11 includes a conductive gel body 30 and a current-carrying member 40.

[0037] The conductive gel body 30 is conductive and flexible. When attached to the patient's body, the conductive gel body 30 deforms according to the shape of the body (flexibility) and supplies low-frequency waves to the patient's body (conductivity).

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4, the conductive gel body 30 is in the shape of a flat rectangular parallelepiped or plate, and has a first surface 31 (the bottom surface in Fig. 4), a second surface 32 (the top surface in Fig. 4), and four side surfaces 33. The first surface 31 is the surface that is attached to the patient. The second surface 32 is the outer surface and is the back surface of the first surface 31. The conductive gel body 30 is produced using raw materials such as a crosslinked acrylic resin, glycerin, water, and sodium chloride, for example.

[0039] 3, the current-carrying member 40 is in the form of a sheet made up of multiple layers. The thickness of the current-carrying member 40 is, for example, from several tens of micrometers to several millimeters.

[0040] The current-carrying member 40 has a first insulating layer 41, a second insulating layer 42, a conductive layer 43, a first Japanese paper layer 44, a second Japanese paper layer 45, a first moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 46, and a second moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 47. In other words, the current-carrying member 40 is made up of seven layers.

[0041] The insulator layers 41 and 42 are outer layers. Specifically, the first insulator layer 41 is the top layer in FIG. 3. The second insulator layer 42 is the bottom layer in FIG.

[0042] The insulating layers 41 and 42 are insulating paper such as insulating paper for power cables (JIS C2307) or insulating paper for communication cables (JIS C2308), etc. The thickness of the insulating layers 41 and 42 is from several tens of micrometers to several hundreds of micrometers.

[0043] The insulating layers 41 and 42 are manufactured by, for example, punching out a fixed length of insulating paper into a fixed shape.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the first insulator layer 41 has a first portion 51, a second portion 52, and a third portion 53.

[0045] The first portion 51 has the same shape as the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30. The first portion 51 covers a first portion 56 of the conductor layer 43 (described later) and the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30. In other words, the first portion 51 insulates and protects the first portion 56 of the conductor layer 43 and the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30.

[0046] The second portion 52 extends from the first portion 51. The second portion 52 covers a second portion 57 of the conductive layer 43, which will be described later. The length L1 of the second portion 52 is determined according to the specifications of the electrode pad 11. The length L1 is, for example, several centimeters to several tens of centimeters. The width W1 of the second portion 52 is, for example, several millimeters to several tens of millimeters.

[0047] The third portion 53 is a portion that covers a third portion 58 of the conductor layer 43, which will be described later. The third portion 53 is an end portion of the second portion 52, and is connected to the end portion opposite to the first portion 51. The width W2 of the third portion 53 is wider than the width W1 of the second portion 52.

[0048] The first insulating layer 41 covers the entire one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 4) of the conductive layer 43.

[0049] The second insulator layer 42 has a first portion 54 and a second portion 55 .

[0050] The first portion 54 has approximately the same shape as the second portion 52 of the first insulator layer 41. That is, the length L2 of the first portion 54 is approximately the same as the length L1 of the second portion 52 of the first insulator layer 41, and the width W3 of the first portion 54 is approximately the same as the width W1 of the second portion 52 of the first insulator layer 41. One end of the first portion 54 abuts against the side surface 33 of the conductive gel body 30 (see FIG. 3).

[0051] The second portion 55 covers a part of a third portion 58 of the conductor layer 43, which will be described later. The second portion 55 is connected to the other end of the first portion 54. The width W4 of the second portion 55 is approximately the same as the width W2 of the third portion 53 of the first insulator layer 41.

[0052] The conductive layer 43 is, for example, solidified silver paste. The silver paste is a so-called conductive adhesive in which silver particles (conductive metal powder) are kneaded into a binder such as epoxy resin. The conductive layer 43 is formed by printing on the first Japanese paper layer 44, which will be described later.

[0053] The conductive layer 43 has a first portion 56 , a second portion 57 , and a third portion 58 .

[0054] The first portion 56 is attached to the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30 and is sandwiched between the second surface 32 and the first portion 51 of the first insulator layer 41. The first portion 56 is smaller than the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30 and is attached to the center of the second surface 32. The first portion 56 corresponds to "one end portion of the conductive layer" in the claims.

[0055] The second portion 57 extends from the first portion 56. The second portion 57 is a portion sandwiched between the second portion 52 of the first insulator layer 41 and the first portion 54 of the second insulator layer 42. The length L3 of the second portion 57 is approximately the same as the length L1 of the second portion 52 of the first insulator layer 41 and the length L2 of the first portion 54 of the second insulator layer 42.

[0056] The width W5 of the second portion 57 is narrower than the width W1 of the second portion 52 of the first insulator layer 41 and the width W3 of the first portion 54 of the second insulator layer 42. The second portion 57 is located at the center of the second portion 52 of the first insulator layer 41 in the width direction 9. In other words, the second portion 52 of the conductor layer 43 is not exposed to the outside at the end face of the current-carrying member 40, and is completely covered by the two insulator layers 41, 42.

[0057] The third portion 58 is a portion that is connected to the clip connector 27 of the adapter cable 13. The width W6 of the third portion 58 is substantially the same as the width W2 of the third portion 53 of the first insulator layer 41 and the width W4 of the second portion 55 of the second insulator layer 42. One surface of the third portion 58 (the lower surface in FIGS. 3 and 4) is not covered by the second insulator layer 42 and is exposed to the outside. This surface abuts against the clip connector 27 (see FIG. 1). In other words, the third portion 58 forms a connection terminal. The third portion 58 corresponds to the "other end of the conductor layer" recited in the claims.

[0058] The washi paper layers 44, 45 are layers that sandwich the conductor layer 43. Specifically, the first washi paper layer 44 is located above the conductor layer 43 in FIG. 3. The second washi paper layer 45 is located below the conductor layer in FIG. 3. The thickness of the washi paper layers 44, 45 is, for example, several tens of micrometers to several hundred micrometers. The flexible washi paper layers 44, 45 prevent breakage of the conductor layer 43 during use. The washi paper layers 44, 45 are manufactured, for example, by punching out a fixed length of washi paper into a fixed shape.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the first washi paper layer 44 has the same shape as the conductive layer 43 and is the same size as or slightly larger than the conductive layer 43. In other words, the first washi paper layer 44 has a shape and size that allows the conductive layer 43 to be printed thereon. The conductive layer 43 is formed on the first washi paper layer 44 by printing. The first washi paper layer 44 corresponds to the "layer adhered to the first insulator layer" described in the claims.

[0060] The second washi paper layer 45 has the same rectangular shape as the second portion 57 of the conductive layer 43, and is the same size as or slightly larger than the second portion 57. The second washi paper layer 45 covers the underside of the second portion 57 of the conductive layer 43, and sandwiches the second portion 57 together with the first washi paper layer 44.

[0061] The moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 are layers located between the insulator layers 41, 42 and the Japanese paper layers 44, 45. Specifically, the first moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 46 is located below the first insulator layer 41 and above the first Japanese paper layer 44 in Fig. 3. The second moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 47 is located above the second insulator layer 42 and below the second Japanese paper layer 45 in Fig. 3. The moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 sandwich the conductor layer 43 and the Japanese paper layers 44, 45.

[0062] The thickness of the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 is, for example, several tens of micrometers to several hundred micrometers. The moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 are moisture-permeable, flexible, and elastic. The moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 suppress disconnection of the conductor layer 43 during use. The Japanese paper layers 44, 45 are manufactured, for example, by punching a moisture-permeable PE sheet of a fixed length into a fixed shape. Note that the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 may be manufactured from a synthetic resin other than PE (polyethylene) as long as they are moisture-permeable, flexible, and elastic.

[0063] 4, the first moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 46 has the same shape and size as the first Japanese paper layer 44 and covers the entire first Japanese paper layer 44. The second moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 47 has the same shape and size as the second Japanese paper layer 45 and covers the entire second Japanese paper layer 45.

[0064] The current-carrying member 40, which is made of insulating paper, Japanese paper, a resin sheet, and silver paste, is flexible and can be deformed to fit the patient's body.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 3, the electrode pad 11 further includes a pair of protective films 61, 62. The protective film 61 is attached to the first surface 31 of the conductive gel body 30. The protective film 62 is attached to one surface (the upper surface in Fig. 3) of the first portion 51 of the first insulator layer 41. The protective film 61 is removed from the electrode pad 11 when the electrode pad 11 is to be used.

[0066] [Method of manufacturing electrode pad 11]

[0067] An operator uses a press molding machine or the like to punch out fixed-length insulating paper, fixed-length Japanese paper, and fixed-length moisture-permeable PE sheet to produce insulator layers 41, 42, Japanese paper layers 44, 45, and moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47.

[0068] The worker applies adhesive and silver paste to one side of the first washi paper layer 44 by silk printing or the like. In other words, the worker forms a conductive layer 43 on one side of the first washi paper layer 44 by printing. The adhesive adheres the conductive layer 43 to the first washi paper layer 44. The adhesive is, for example, starch paste. The step in which the worker forms the conductive layer 43 by printing corresponds to the "first step" recited in the claims. The silver paste corresponds to the "printing material consisting of a binder containing conductive metal powder" recited in the claims.

[0069] Next, the worker places hot melt adhesive on one side of the first washi paper layer 44 or second washi paper layer 45 on which the conductive layer 43 has been formed, and then overlaps the first washi paper layer 44 and the second washi paper layer 45. Hot melt adhesive is an adhesive whose main component is a thermoplastic polymer that does not contain any water or organic solvents, and is an adhesive that is solid at room temperature and becomes liquid when heated.

[0070] Next, the worker places hot melt adhesive on the outer surface of the overlapping Japanese paper layers 44, 45 or on one surface of the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47, and overlaps the Japanese paper layers 44, 45 and the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47, sandwiching the conductive layer 43 therebetween.

[0071] Next, the worker places hot melt adhesive on the outer surface of the overlapping moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 or on one surface of the insulator layers 41, 42, and overlaps the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47, including the conductor layer 43 and the Japanese paper layers 44, 45, with the insulator layers 41, 42.

[0072] The worker heats the stacked insulator layers 41, 42, conductor layer 43, Japanese paper layers 44, 45, and moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 to bond each layer together and form the conductive member 40. Heating is performed, for example, by placing the stacked insulator layers 41, 42, etc. in a heating tank or by applying hot air to the insulator layers 41, 42, etc. using a hot air device. The process in which the worker heats the insulator layers 41, 42, conductor layer 43, Japanese paper layers 44, 45, and moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 and bonds each layer together corresponds to the "second process" recited in the claims.

[0073] Next, the worker attaches the first portion 51 of the first insulator layer 41 and the first portion 56 of the conductor layer 43 to the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30. For example, the worker applies adhesive to one surface (the lower surface in FIG. 3 ) of the first portion 51 of the first insulator layer 41 and the first portion 56 of the conductor layer 43, or applies adhesive to the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30, and then presses the first insulator layer 41 against the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30. In other words, the worker attaches the first portion 51 of the first insulator layer 41 and the first portion 56 of the conductor layer 43 to the conductive gel body 30 using adhesive. The step in which the worker attaches the first portion 51 of the first insulator layer 41 and the first portion 56 of the conductor layer 43 to the conductive gel body 30 corresponds to the "third step" recited in the claims.

[0074] [How to use the low-frequency treatment device 10]

[0075] A user such as a patient or a nurse removes the protective film 61 from the electrode pads 11. The user may or may not remove the protective film 62. Next, the user attaches the electrode pads 11 to the patient's lower back or buttocks using tape or the like. At this time, the user may also attach the conductive member 40 to the patient's body using tape or the like.

[0076] Next, the user grasps and opens the clip connector 27 of the adapter cable 13, and connects the clip connector 27 to the exposed third portion 58 of the current-conducting member 40 of the electrode pad 11. In other words, the user connects the electrode pad 11 to the main body 12.

[0077] The user operates the operation unit 24 of the main unit 12 to cause the main unit 12 to output low frequency waves and start treatment. The user then operates the operation unit 24 to end the treatment. After treatment is completed, the user removes the electrode pad 11 from the patient's body. The user also removes the clip connector 27 from the electrode pad 11. The user stores or discards the electrode pad 11 removed from the main unit 12.

[0078] [Effects of the embodiment]

[0079] In the treatment of urinary incontinence or bedwetting, the current-carrying member 40 is sandwiched between the patient and the bed for a long period of time. Because the current-carrying member 40 is in a sheet form, it can reduce the discomfort felt by the patient compared to a cord in which the conductive wire is covered with a covering material such as polyvinyl chloride.

[0080] The first insulator layer 41, together with the conductor layer 43, covers the second surface 32 of the conductive gel body 30. In other words, the first insulator layer 41 also functions as an insulating / protective cover for the conductive gel body 30. Therefore, an insulating / protective cover for the conductive gel body 30 is no longer necessary, reducing the number of parts.

[0081] The third portion 58 of the conductive layer 43 is exposed to the outside and forms a connection terminal, which eliminates the need for a connector in the electrode pad 11, thereby reducing the number of parts in the electrode pad 11, which is a consumable item.

[0082] The insulating paper is flexible, so that the current-carrying member 40 can bend (deform) in accordance with the patient's body, thereby further reducing the discomfort felt by the patient.

[0083] The conductive layer 43 is formed from silver paste, which reduces the possibility of disconnection compared to when the conductive layer 43 is formed from thin metal.

[0084] The conductive layer 43 is further protected by being sandwiched between the Japanese paper layers 44, 45 and the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47, so that the risk of disconnection of the current-carrying member 40 is reduced.

[0085] The conductive layer 43 is formed by printing using silver paste as the printing material, which reduces the risk of disconnection of the conductive member 40 when a load is applied to the conductive member 40 compared to when the conductive layer 43 is formed by attaching metal foil to the first Japanese paper layer 44.

[0086] The current-carrying member 40 is made of paper (insulating paper, Japanese paper) and a moisture-permeable resin sheet, and therefore has breathability. Therefore, the current-carrying member 40 prevents stuffiness.

[0087] [Variations]

[0088] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which fixed-size insulating paper, fixed-size Japanese paper, and fixed-size moisture-permeable PE sheets are punched out using a press molding machine and then bonded together to manufacture the current-carrying member 40. However, fixed-size insulating paper, fixed-size Japanese paper, and fixed-size moisture-permeable PE sheets may also be bonded together and then punched out using a press molding machine or the like to manufacture the current-carrying member 40. In other words, either the punching process or the bonding process may be performed first.

[0089] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the conductor layer 43 is formed by printing on the first Japanese paper layer 44. However, the Japanese paper layers 44, 45 do not have to be provided as long as the adhesion between the conductor layer 43 and the moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 46 can be ensured. Furthermore, the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 do not have to be provided as long as the strength of the current-carrying member 40 can be ensured.

[0090] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47 are made of a moisture-permeable PE sheet having moisture permeability. However, instead of the moisture-permeable resin sheet layers 46, 47, a resin sheet layer made of a resin sheet having no moisture permeability may be used in the current-carrying member 40. In other words, the current-carrying member 40 does not need to have breathability.

[0091] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the adapter cable 13 is used. However, the output cable 23 of the main body 12 may have a clip connector 27. In that case, the adapter cable 13 is not necessary.

[0092] The main body 12 may be of any type as long as it generates and outputs low-frequency waves. For example, the main body 12 may be one that is externally powered or may have a built-in battery.

[0093] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the conductive layer 43 is formed from silver paste. However, the conductive layer 43 may be a conductive metal film such as copper, iron, or aluminum, or a paste containing powder of such a metal (conductive metal powder) may be used.

[0094] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which insulating paper is used as the insulator layers 41 and 42. However, flexible (deformable) and insulating resin sheets such as vinyl chloride sheets and silicone sheets may also be used as the insulator layers 41 and 42. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10. Low-frequency therapy device 11. Electrode pad 12. Main unit 13 Adapter cable 23 Output cable 27···Clip connector 30 Conductive gel body 31...Front page 32...2nd page 40....Electrically conductive member 41... First insulator layer 42... Second insulating layer 43 Conductive layer 44 First layer of washi paper 45...Second layer of washi paper 46...First moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 47...Second moisture-permeable resin sheet layer 56...First part (one end) 58...Third part (other end / connection terminal)

Claims

1. An electrode pad comprising a conductive gel body that is attached to a patient's body and a current-carrying member that extends from the conductive gel body, the conductive gel body has a first surface to be attached to a patient and a second surface that is the reverse side of the first surface; The current-carrying member is a conductive layer having one end in close contact with the second surface of the conductive gel body; The electrode pad is in the form of a sheet and has a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer sandwiching the conductive layer.

2. The electrode pad according to claim 1 , wherein the first insulator layer further covers the second surface of the conductive gel body.

3. 3. The electrode pad according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the conductive layer is exposed to the outside to form a connection terminal.

4. 3. The electrode pad according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are made of insulating paper.

5. 2. The electrode pad according to claim 1, wherein the conductive layer is made of a paste containing conductive metal powder.

6. The current-carrying member is a first Japanese paper layer and a second Japanese paper layer sandwiching the conductive layer; The electrode pad according to claim 1 , further comprising a first resin sheet layer and a second resin sheet layer sandwiching the first and second Japanese paper layers including the conductive layer.

7. A method for manufacturing an electrode pad including a conductive gel body to be attached to a patient's body and a current-carrying member extending from the conductive gel body, a first step of forming a conductive layer by printing on a first insulator layer or a layer to be adhered to the first insulator layer using a printing material made of a binder containing conductive metal powder; a second step of bonding the first insulator layer to a second insulator layer that covers the conductive layer except for one end of the conductive layer; and a third step of attaching the conductive gel body to the exposed end of the conductive layer.

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