Muscle electrostimulation device

Abstract

To provide a muscle electrostimulation device capable of effectively stimulating abdominal muscles.SOLUTION: A muscle electrostimulation device 1 for applying electrostimulation to a muscle, wherein the electrostimulation includes only a first output period in which a first electric signal for causing at least one of incomplete tetanus and complete tetanus in the muscle is output and a second output period in which a second electric signal for causing twitching in the muscle is output, and the first output period and the second output period are alternately repeated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 2 discloses an electrical muscle stimulation device that uses an electrical signal to stimulate muscles, which outputs electrical stimulation by repeating an output period in which a pulsed electrical signal belonging to a frequency range of 4 to 20 Hz selected by the user is output for a predetermined time and a non-output period in which the electrical signal is not output for a predetermined time. This device has the effects of promoting blood flow, muscle hypertrophy, and metabolism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3158303 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-142624 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, even if the electrical signal output during the output period causes muscles to contract and fatigue substances accumulate in the muscles, no electrical signal is output during the silent period, which may result in the fatigue substances not being sufficiently excreted from the muscles during the silent period. Therefore, prolonged use can easily cause fatigue substances to accumulate in the muscles, placing excessive strain on the user and potentially impairing the user's experience. Furthermore, the electrical stimulation output simply alternates between the output period and the silent period, and only a single electrical signal output pattern is provided for each output mode during the output period. Therefore, the muscle contraction pattern based on the output electrical stimulation can easily become monotonous, leaving room for improvement in order to encourage users to continue using the device.

[0005] Therefore, the present application aims to solve such problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an electrical muscle stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to a muscle, wherein the electrical stimulation consists of only a first output period in which a first electrical signal is output that causes at least one of incomplete tetanus and complete tetanus in the muscle, and a second output period in which a second electrical signal is output that causes twitching in the muscle, and the first output period and the second output period are alternately repeated. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrical muscle stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to a muscle, wherein the electrical stimulation consists of only a first output period in which a first electrical signal having a frequency in the range of 15 Hz to 30 Hz is output, and a second output period in which a second electrical signal having a frequency below 15 Hz is output, and the first output period and the second output period are alternately repeated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to claim 1, even if the electrical muscle stimulation device is used continuously, fatigue substances are less likely to accumulate in the muscles, so the muscles can be stimulated efficiently. Furthermore, since the burden on the user is reduced, the device feels comfortable even when used for long periods of time, encouraging the user to actively continue using it.

[0008] According to claim 2, the sudden production of fatigue substances in the muscles is suppressed, and the muscles can be stimulated efficiently. Fatigue substances produced in the first output period are expelled from the muscles in the second output period, preventing the accumulation of fatigue substances even with continuous use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a side view of the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1. (a) is a partially enlarged cross-section taken along line IVa-IVa in FIG. 1, (b) is a partially enlarged cross-section taken along line IVb-IVb in FIG. 1, and (c) is a partially enlarged cross-section taken along line IVc-IVc in FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage mode of an electrical muscle stimulation device in Example 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical muscular stimulation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic waveform output from the electrical muscular stimulation device in Example 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a change in voltage output from the electrical muscle stimulation device in Example 1. [Figure 9] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the main operation of the electrical muscular stimulation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first interrupt process of the electrical muscular stimulation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a second interrupt process of the electrical muscular stimulation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third interrupt process of the electrical muscular stimulation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a burst wave output from the electrical muscular stimulation device in Example 2. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing basic waveforms stored in the electrical muscular stimulation device in Example 2. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view of the electrical muscle stimulation device in Reference Example 1. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device in Reference Example 1. [Figure 17] 10(a) is a diagram showing the color of the front of the electrical muscular stimulation device in Example 4, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between lightness and saturation in hue 5YR in the Munsell color system. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a test pattern in an evaluation test. [Figure 19]4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to the position of line IVa-IVa in FIG. 1 in Example 5. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a partially enlarged rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the second modification. [Figure 21] 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] 10 is a partially enlarged rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device in variant 3. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the electrical muscular stimulation device in Example 6 with the main body removed. [Figure 24] 13 is a partially enlarged rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device in variant 5. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the peeling of an electrode in Example 6. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device in variant 4. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device in variant 5. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device in Reference Example 2. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of the rear surface of the seventh embodiment with the second case removed. [Figure 31] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the shortest path in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the electrical muscle stimulation device in variant 6. [Figure 33] FIG. 13 is an enlarged rear view of a main part of the electrical muscular stimulation device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 34] 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the skin-facing portion in a cross section corresponding to the position of line IVa-IVa in FIG. 1 in Example 8. FIG. [Figure 35] FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged rear view of an electrical muscular stimulation device according to Variation 7, which has grooves that are curved and extend radially. [Figure 36] FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged rear view of an electrical muscular stimulation device according to variant 8, which has a groove with both ends located on the outer peripheral edge of the skin-facing portion. [Figure 37]FIG. 20 is a rear view of an electrical muscle stimulation device having a substantially oval skin-facing portion in Modification 9. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 39] 10 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the sound generating body in a cross section corresponding to the position of line IVa-IVa in FIG. 1 in Example 9. FIG. [Figure 40] 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the main part of an electrical muscular stimulation device in which the thin-walled portion is formed separately from the outer shell forming body in the tenth modification. FIG. [Figure 41] 1. (a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to the position of line IVa-IVa in FIG. 1 in Example 10, and (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to the position of line IVc-IVc in FIG. [Figure 42] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical muscle stimulation device in a tenth embodiment. [Figure 43] (a) An explanatory diagram showing the power operation pattern of the vibrator in Example 10, (b) an explanatory diagram showing the intensity increase pattern, (c) an explanatory diagram showing the intensity decrease pattern, (d) an explanatory diagram showing the limit notification pattern, and (e) an explanatory diagram showing the error pattern. [Figure 44] 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to the position of line IVa-IVa in FIG. 1 in Example 12. FIG. [Figure 45] FIG. 20 is a front view of the mount with the gel pad attached in Example 14. [Figure 46] FIG. 20 is a front view of the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged view of the rear surface of the sixteenth embodiment with the second case removed. [Figure 48] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical muscle stimulation device in a sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical muscle stimulation device in a seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the manner in which electrodes are attached in Example 17. [Figure 51] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating the manner in which electrodes are attached in Example 24. [Figure 52] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating the manner in which electrodes are attached in Example 25. [Figure 53] FIG. 30 is a front view of an electrical muscle stimulation device according to a 30th embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The above-mentioned electrical muscle stimulation device is attached to a person's abdomen so that the main body is positioned slightly above the navel and the center line of the main body is parallel to the person's central axis. Even if the main body is positioned slightly off-center from the navel, electrical stimulation of the rectus abdominis can still be applied as long as the electrodes are positioned corresponding to the rectus abdominis. The electrical muscle stimulation device can also be attached to a person's abdomen by itself. Furthermore, a belt covering the abdomen may be wrapped around the electrical muscle stimulation device while it is attached to the abdomen. In this case, the electrical muscle stimulation device can be reliably prevented from peeling off or falling off during use.

[0011] It is preferable that the first electrode group and the second electrode group each include the same number of electrodes, which can prevent bias in the current flowing from the electrode unit through the human body and allow the electrodes to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of the rectus abdominis muscle in a balanced manner.

[0012] The electrodes in the first electrode group and the electrodes in the second electrode group are preferably configured to be positioned symmetrically about the center line when attached to the abdomen. In this case, when attaching the electrical muscle stimulation device to the abdomen, simply attaching the device so that the center line of the main body is parallel to the central axis of the person allows the electrodes in the first electrode group and the electrodes in the second electrode group to be positioned along the pair of left and right rectus abdominis muscles. This allows for balanced electrical stimulation of the muscles in the compartments of the rectus abdominis muscles that each electrode corresponds to.

[0013] It is preferable that the first electrode group includes a plurality of electrodes configured to be arranged in the height direction when attached to the abdomen, and the second electrode group includes a plurality of electrodes configured to be arranged in the height direction when attached to the abdomen. In this case, simply by attaching the main body to the person's abdomen so that the center line of the main body is parallel to the central axis of the person, it is possible to apply electrical stimulation in a balanced manner from each electrode to each of the muscles in the compartments divided in the height direction in each of the pair of left and right rectus abdominis muscles.

[0014] Preferably, the first electrode group and the second electrode group each include three electrodes. In this case, in an abdomen where the rectus abdominis muscle is divided into six or more sections, the electrodes are arranged corresponding to the six sections, making it possible to more effectively apply electrical stimulation to the muscles in those sections.

[0015] The first electrode group and the second electrode group are configured so that, when attached to the abdomen, the following are formed in the direction of the person's height: an upper electrode pair located at the top of the first electrode group and an lower electrode pair located at the bottom of the second electrode group; and a central electrode pair located between the upper electrode pair and the lower electrode pair. It is preferable that the central electrode pair protrudes in a direction extending from the main body more than the upper electrode pair and the lower electrode pair. In this case, in an abdomen in which the rectus abdominis muscle is divided into six or more sections, the electrodes can be more accurately positioned to correspond to the six sections of the rectus abdominis muscle, thereby more effectively applying electrical stimulation to the muscles of the sections.

[0016] It is preferable that the upper electrode pair protrude in a direction extending from the main body more than the lower electrode pair. In this case, in an abdomen where the rectus abdominis muscle is divided into six or more sections, simply by attaching the main body to the abdomen of a person so that the center line of the main body is parallel to the central axis of the person, the electrodes can be more accurately positioned to correspond to the six sections, thereby more effectively applying electrical stimulation to the muscles of the sections.

[0017] It is preferable that a notch be formed between adjacent electrodes in the first electrode group and the second electrode group, cutting toward the main body. In this case, the electrode portion is more likely to deform in response to the movement of the person's abdomen during use, preventing the electrode portion from peeling off from the abdomen during use and the electrical muscle stimulation device from falling off from the abdomen during use. The notch also reduces the accumulation of sweat and moisture between the electrical muscle stimulation device and the abdomen. This also prevents the electrode portion from peeling off from the abdomen during use and the electrical muscle stimulation device from falling off from the abdomen during use. [Example]

[0018] Example 1 An electrical muscular stimulation device according to this example will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example comprises a main body 10, a power supply 20, an electrode unit 30, a control unit 40, and an operation unit 50. As shown in Figure 4, the power supply unit 20 is housed in the main body 10. As shown in Figure 6, the electrode unit 30 is configured to receive power from the power supply unit 20. The control unit 40 controls the power supply to the electrode unit 30. The operation unit 50 is configured to be able to change the control mode of the control unit 40. The electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is configured so that the electrode unit 30 is brought into contact with the abdomen 3 of a person 2 to apply electrical stimulation to the abdomen 3.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode unit 30 includes a first electrode group 31 and a second electrode group 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the first electrode group 31 extends from the main body 10 so as to be located on the right hand side X1 of the person 2 relative to a center line 10a that is parallel to the height direction Y of the person 2 and passes through the center of the main body 10 when attached to the center of the abdomen 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the second electrode group 32 extends from the main body 10 so as to be located on the left hand side X2 of the person 2 relative to the center line 10a when attached to the center of the abdomen 3. Electricity can be passed between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 via the person 2. The first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 together include four or more electrodes (six electrodes in Example 1).

[0020] The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example is attached so that its back side (i.e., back side 33a, which is the side of the base material 33 on which the electrode unit 30 is formed, described below) opposite to its front side (i.e., outer surface 121a of the electrode support unit 121 described below) faces the abdomen 3 of the person 2. The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example is attached to the abdomen 3 of the person 2 for use, as shown in FIG. 5 . In this example, the longitudinal direction of the back of the person 2 is referred to as the height direction Y. The direction toward the head in the height direction Y is referred to as the upper side Y1, and the direction toward the legs is referred to as the lower side Y2. Furthermore, when facing the front of the person 2, the direction from the central axis 2a of the person 2, which is parallel to the height direction Y and passes through the navel 3a, toward the right hand 5a of the person 2 is referred to as the right direction X1, and the direction from the central axis 2a toward the left hand 5b of the person 2 is referred to as the left direction X2. The right direction X1 and the left direction X2 together are referred to as the left-right direction X.

[0021] The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 will now be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 1, the main body 10 is provided in the center of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the main body 10 is generally disk-shaped. As shown in Fig. 4, the main body 10 comprises a case 11 that houses a power supply unit 20 and a control unit 40 (described below), and an outer shell forming body 12 that is attached to the case 11 and forms the outer shell of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), the outer shell forming body 12 has a surface 12b on which a substrate 33 (described later) is provided and an outer surface 12a on the opposite side. The outer shell forming body 12 is made of an elastomer, and in this example, it is made of black silicone. As will be described later, an electrode support portion 121 extends from the outer shell forming body 12 so as to cover the front side surface 33b of the substrate 33. This forms an extension portion 120 consisting of the electrode support portion 121 and the substrate 33 around the main body 10. As shown in FIG. 1, a linear colored region 122 is formed on the outer surface 121a of the electrode support portion 121, approximately following the outer edges of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 (described later). In this example, the colored region 122 is colored orange.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), the case 11 is made up of a first case 111 having a recessed shape, and a second case 112 that is attached to the first case 111 and forms the storage section 13 for storing the control section 40 between the first case 111 and the second case 112. The first case 111 and the second case 112 are both made of ABS. Ribs 112a that stand along the outer edge of the second case 112 fit inside the outer edge section 111a of the first case 111, joining the second case 112 to the first case 111.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1, 4(b), and 4(c), a first cantilever 51a and a second cantilever 51b that form part of an operation unit 50 (described later) are formed in the first case 111. The first cantilever 51a and the second cantilever 51b are formed in a cantilever state by hollowing out part of the wall of the first case 111. The first cantilever 51a and the second cantilever 51b are arranged in this order from the top to the bottom in the height direction Y.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1, 4(b), and 4(c), both cantilevers 51a and 51b are covered by an outer shell forming body 12. In the outer shell forming body 12, a symbol "+" is formed protruding directly above the first cantilever 51a, and a symbol "-" is formed protruding directly above the second cantilever 51b, forming an operation surface 54 that forms part of the operation unit 50 (described later). The arrangement of both cantilevers 51a and 51b means that the "+" is on the upper side in the height direction Y and the "-" is on the lower side in the height direction Y, making it ergonomically easy for the user to operate.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), a control board 41 forming the control unit 40 (see FIG. 6) is housed in the housing 13 formed between the first case 111 and the second case 112. The control board 41 is a printed circuit board, and a control circuit is formed on the control board 41 by wiring patterns and electronic components 42 (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4(b), the control board 41 is fixed to the first case 111 via four bosses 116 protruding from the inner surface of the first case 111 and screws 115. Note that three of the four bosses 116 are shown in FIG. 4(b). A small, surface-mounted speaker 43 is electrically connected to the control board 41. The driving voltages of the electronic components 42 and the speaker 43 are both 3.0 V. Although not shown, the control board 41 is also equipped with a boost circuit that boosts the output voltage of the battery 21. As a result, the power of the battery 21 is boosted to a predetermined voltage (for example, 40 V) and supplied to the electrode section 30.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), the storage section 13 also houses a switch mechanism 52 that forms the operation section 50. The switch mechanism 52 is a tactile switch and includes a depressible switch portion 53. The switch mechanism 52 is electrically connected to the control section 40. The switch mechanisms 52 are disposed directly below the first cantilever 51a and the second cantilever 51b formed on the first case 111. When the first cantilever 51a is pressed from the outside via the operation surface 54 of the outer shell forming body 12 that covers the first case 111, the cantilevered first cantilever 51a bends, thereby depressing the switch portion 53 of the switch mechanism 52. When the pressure on the operation surface 54 is released, the cantilevered first cantilever 51a returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the cantilevered first cantilever 51a. The second cantilever 51b is also configured to be pressed and released in a similar manner.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), the second case 112 is formed with a battery holding section 14 that holds the battery 21 that constitutes the power supply section 20. This allows the power supply section 20 to be built into the main body 10. The battery 21 is replaceable and can be, for example, a coin battery or a button battery. In this example, a small, thin coin battery (lithium ion battery CR2032, nominal voltage 3.0 V) is used as the battery 21. Note that a battery with a nominal voltage of 3.0 to 5.0 V can be used instead of the battery 21.

[0029] A lid 15 that prevents the battery 21 from falling out is removably attached to the battery holding portion 14 that holds the battery 21. The lid 15 is disk-shaped and slightly larger than the battery 21, and an O-ring 16 that seals the gap between the lid 15 and the second case 112 is fitted around its periphery. The battery 21 is electrically connected to the control unit 40 via leads (not shown). As shown in Figure 2, the second case 112 has a plurality of linear grooves 113 that extend radially from the periphery of the lid 15 and are formed at equal intervals.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), the second case 112 has a flange 112b that protrudes outward from the rib 112a. A sheet-like base material 33 is sandwiched between the flange 112b and the outer edge 111a of the first case 111 via a waterproof double-sided seal (not shown). The base material 33 is made of PET. As shown in FIG. 2, the base material 33 extends in a sheet-like manner from the main body 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front side surface 33b of the base material 33, which is the surface on which the operation surface 54 is exposed, is covered by an electrode support portion 121 extending from the outer shell forming body 12. The back side surface 33a of the base material 33, which is opposite the front side surface 33b, extends across the entire back side of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1, opposite the surface (front side surface) facing the outer shell forming body 12. The base material 33 and the electrode support portion 121 are joined together with adhesive tape and a silicone adhesive treatment agent manufactured by 3M (not shown).

[0031] 2 and 6, the electrode unit 30 includes a first electrode group 31 and a second electrode group 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the first electrode group 31 extends from the main body 10 so as to be located in a right direction X1 closer to the right hand 5a of the person 2 than the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the second electrode group 32 extends from the main body 10 so as to be located in a left direction X2 closer to the left hand 5b of the person 2 than the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3. The first electrode group 31 includes a first right electrode 311 as a first electrode, a second right electrode 312 as a second electrode, and a third right electrode 313 as a third electrode, and the second electrode group 32 includes a first left electrode 321 as a first electrode, a second left electrode 322 as a second electrode, and a third left electrode 323 as a third electrode.

[0032] Each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. The longitudinal direction of each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 (for example, the direction indicated by the symbol w in the third right-side electrode 313 as shown in FIG. 2) is generally aligned with the left-right direction X. In this example, each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 has the same shape. For example, when the longitudinal length of each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 is w and the lateral length of each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 is h / w, the ratio can be 0.40-0.95, preferably 0.50-0.80. In this example, the ratio is 0.55.

[0033] 2, a plurality of hexagonal non-electrode portions 34 of a predetermined size are formed at predetermined intervals inside each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323. Each of the right-side electrodes 311, 312 and 313 has a lead portion 311a, 312a and 313a extending from the main body 10 for connection to the control unit 40. Similarly, each of the left-side electrodes 321, 322 and 323 has a lead portion 321a, 322a and 323a extending from the main body 10 for connection to the control unit 40. Each of the lead portions 311a-313a and 321a-323a is coated with silicone to prevent electrical connection to the outside. Furthermore, the portions of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 that connect to the lead portions 311a-313a, 321a-323a and the surrounding areas (the shaded areas indicated by the symbol C in FIG. 2) are also coated with silicone to prevent electrical conduction to the outside. The right-side electrodes 311-313 are connected in parallel with each other, and the left-side electrodes 321-323 are also connected in parallel with each other.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode unit 30 is formed on the rear surface 33a of the substrate 33. As a result, the electrode unit 30 is formed integrally with the main body 10. The electrode unit 30 is formed by printing conductive ink containing silver paste on the rear surface 33a of the substrate 33. The first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 each include four or more electrodes in total. In this example, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 each include the same number of electrodes 311-313 and 321-323, respectively, which is three. That is, the first electrode group 31 includes a first right electrode 311, a second right electrode 312, and a third right electrode 313. The second electrode groups 32 each include a first left electrode 321, a second left electrode 322, and a third left electrode 323. In the substrate 33, the portions where the first right-side electrode 311, the second right-side electrode 312, and the third right-side electrode 313 are formed are designated as the first right-side electrode base 331, the second right-side electrode base 332, and the third right-side electrode base 333, respectively, and the portions where the first left-side electrode 321, the second left-side electrode 322, and the third left-side electrode 323 are formed are designated as the first left-side electrode base 341, the second left-side electrode base 342, and the third left-side electrode base 343, respectively.

[0035] Gel pads 35 ("Technogel (registered trademark)" manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., model number SR-RA240 / 100) are attached to the electrodes 311-313, 321-323. The gel pads 35 are conductive, and each of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 can pass electricity to the abdomen 3 (see FIG. 5) via the gel pads 35. The gel pads 35 are highly adhesive, and the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can be attached to the abdomen 3 via the gel pads 35.

[0036] 2, the gel pads 35 are slightly larger than the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323, and individually cover the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323. The gel pads 35 are replaceable, so they can be replaced as needed if their adhesive strength decreases, they become damaged, or they become noticeably dirty with use. In addition, used gel pads 35 may be replaced with new ones every predetermined period (for example, every month or every two months).

[0037] 2, the first right-side electrode 311, the second right-side electrode 312, and the third right-side electrode 313 all extend from the main body 10 so as to be located on the right-hand side X1 (first region G1) of the person 2 relative to a center line 10a that is parallel to the height direction Y of the person 2 (see FIG. 5) and passes through the center of the main body 10. The first right-side electrode 311, the second right-side electrode 312, and the third right-side electrode 313 are arranged in this order from top to bottom along the height direction Y.

[0038] On the other hand, the first left electrode 321, the second left electrode 322, and the third left electrode 323 extend from the main body 10 so as to be located in a direction X2 (second region G2) from the center line 10a toward the left hand 5b of the person 2. The first left electrode 321, the second left electrode 322, and the third left electrode 323 are also arranged in this order from top to bottom along the height direction Y.

[0039] 2, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are configured to be positioned line-symmetrically with respect to the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3 (see FIG. 5). That is, when attached to the abdomen 3, the first right-side electrode 311 and the first left-side electrode 321 are positioned line-symmetrically with respect to the center line 10a, the second right-side electrode 312 and the second left-side electrode 322 are positioned line-symmetrically with respect to the center line 10a, and the third right-side electrode 313 and the third left-side electrode 323 are positioned line-symmetrically with respect to the center line 10a.

[0040] 2, when the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are attached to the abdomen 3 (see FIG. 5), the following are formed in the height direction Y: an upper electrode pair 301 consisting of a first right-side electrode 311 and a first left-side electrode 321 located at the uppermost positions in the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32, a lower electrode pair 303 consisting of a third right-side electrode 313 and a third left-side electrode 323 located at the lowermost positions; and a central electrode pair 302 consisting of a second right-side electrode 312 and a second left-side electrode 322 located between the upper electrode pair 301 and the lower electrode pair 303. As a result, the upper electrode pair 301, the central electrode pair 302, and the lower electrode pair 303 are arranged in this order from top to bottom along the height direction Y.

[0041] The central electrode pair 302 protrudes in the direction extending from the main body 10 (left-right direction X) more than the upper electrode pair 301 and the lower electrode pair 303. That is, when attached to the abdomen 3, the second right-side electrode 312 constituting the central electrode pair 302 protrudes in the right direction X1 more than the first right-side electrode 311 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 and the third right-side electrode 313 constituting the lower electrode pair 303. Similarly, the second left-side electrode 322 constituting the central electrode pair 302 protrudes in the left direction X2 more than the first left-side electrode 321 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 and the third left-side electrode 323 constituting the lower electrode pair 303.

[0042] 2, the upper electrode pair 301 is inclined in a V-shape so that it is positioned higher in the extension direction. As described above, the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 are the same size. On the other hand, the right electrode bases 331-333 of the substrate 33 of the electrode unit 30 are larger than the right electrodes 311-313, and the left electrode bases 341-343 are larger than the left electrodes 321-323.

[0043] 2, the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes in the direction extending from the main body 10 (left-right direction X) more than the lower electrode pair 303. That is, when attached to the abdomen 3, the first right-side electrode 311 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes in the right direction X1 more than the third right-side electrode 313 constituting the lower electrode pair 303. Similarly, the first left-side electrode 321 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes in the left direction X2 more than the third left-side electrode 323 constituting the lower electrode pair 303.

[0044] 2, the lower outer edge 331a of the first right-side electrode base 331 bulges in the right direction X1, and the lower outer edge 341a of the first left-side electrode base 341 bulges in the left direction X2. The central outer edge 332a of the second right-side electrode base 332 bulges slightly in the right direction X1, and the central outer edge 342a of the second left-side electrode base 342 bulges slightly in the left direction X2. The upper outer edge 333a of the third right-side electrode base 333 bulges in the right direction X1, and the lower outer edge 333b of the third right-side electrode base 333 bulges downward (toward the lower side in the Y direction). The upper outer edge 343a of the third left-side electrode base 343 bulges in the left direction X2, and the lower outer edge 343b of the third left-side electrode base 343 bulges downward.

[0045] By configuring the base portions 331-333 and 341-343 of the base material 33 as described above, when the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper electrode pair 301, the central electrode pair 302, and the lower electrode pair 303 appear to be different sizes and to have shapes that mimic the shape of the compartments 4a (see FIG. 5) of the rectus abdominis muscle 4 in the abdomen 3. This gives the user the impression that the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is suitable for stimulating the compartments 4a of the rectus abdominis muscle 4, which is expected to have the effect of increasing the user's motivation to use the electrical muscle stimulation device 1. Furthermore, by recognizing this shape, the user can imagine a toned, ripped abdominal muscle. As a result, using the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can achieve the effect of image training to achieve toned, ripped abdominal muscles (it is generally well known that image training improves the effectiveness of exercise).

[0046] 2, cutouts 17 are formed between adjacent electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 in the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32, respectively, toward the main body 10. In this example, the cutouts 17 are formed at six locations in total: between the first right-side electrode 311 and the second right-side electrode 312, between the second right-side electrode 312 and the third right-side electrode 313, between the third right-side electrode 313 and the third left-side electrode 323, between the third left-side electrode 323 and the second left-side electrode 322, between the second left-side electrode 322 and the first left-side electrode 321, and between the first left-side electrode 321 and the first right-side electrode 311. Furthermore, through holes 18 are formed at four locations around the periphery of the main body 10.

[0047] Next, the configuration of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example will be described using a block diagram. As shown in Figure 6, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 includes a power supply unit 20, a control unit 40, an operation unit 50, a skin detection unit 402, and a battery voltage detection unit 406 inside the main body unit 10.

[0048] Skin detecting unit 402 detects whether electrode unit 30 is in contact with the skin. More specifically, skin detecting unit 402 is electrically connected to electrode unit 30 and detects the resistance value between first electrode group 31 and second electrode group 32. Skin detecting unit 402 then compares the detected value with a preset threshold value, and when the detected value is smaller than the threshold value, detects that skin is in contact with first electrode group 31 and second electrode group 32.

[0049] The battery voltage detection unit 406 detects the voltage of the battery 21 in the power supply unit 20 and determines whether the detected battery voltage V of the battery 21 in the power supply unit 20 is lower than a predetermined threshold Vm. In this example, the nominal voltage V0 of the battery 21 is 3.0V, and the threshold Vm is 2.1V.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 6, the power supply unit 20 includes a battery 21. The control unit 40 includes an output adjustment unit 401, a power-off counter 403, a timer 404, an output mode switching unit 405, and an output mode storage unit 405a. The output adjustment unit 401 adjusts the output voltage (output level) at the electrode unit 30. In this example, the maximum output voltage is 40V, and the 100% output voltage is set to decrease by 2.0V for every 1 decrease in the output level. There are 15 output levels, from level 1 to level 15.

[0051] The power-off counter 403 measures the elapsed time from receiving a count start signal. The timer 404 measures the elapsed time from receiving an output start signal. The output mode switching unit 405 switches the output mode of the electrode unit 30 to one of the first output mode, second output mode, and third output mode. The output mode memory unit 405a stores the first output mode, second output mode, and third output mode. For the first output mode, second output mode, and third output mode, basic waveforms as burst wave patterns having pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 are stored in advance, and the output mode memory unit 405a constitutes a burst wave pattern memory unit. Note that the burst wave pattern memory unit 405a also includes a definition of the waveform of the burst wave in the program.

[0052] Next, the output modes of the electrode unit 30 will be described. First, five basic waveforms B1 to B5 shown in Figs. 7(a) to (e) are stored in the output mode storage unit 405a. Each of the basic waveforms B1 to B5 consists of a stimulation step P of 1 ms in total, in which an electrical signal consisting of a bipolar wave with a pulse width of 100 µs is output five times at 100 µs intervals, and stimulation stop steps R1 to R5 of a predetermined time during which the electrical signal is not output. By repeatedly outputting these basic waveforms B1 to B5 in a predetermined combination for a predetermined period, a burst wave in which the stimulation step P is output at a predetermined cycle is output. In this example, the voltage value of the electrical signal in the stimulation step P is at most +40V or -40V.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7(a), the basic waveform B1 (2 Hz) consists of a stimulation step P of 1 ms and a stimulation stop step R1 of 499 ms. That is, the basic waveform B1 (2 Hz) has a stimulation step P output at a frequency of 2 Hz. As shown in Figure 7(b), the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz) consists of a stimulation step P of 1 ms and a stimulation stop step R2 of 249 ms. That is, the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz) has a stimulation step P output at a frequency of 4 Hz. As shown in Figure 7(c), the basic waveform B3 (8 Hz) consists of a stimulation step P of 1 ms and a stimulation stop step R3 of 124 ms. That is, the basic waveform B3 (8 Hz) has a stimulation step P output at a frequency of 8 Hz. As shown in Figure 7(d), the basic waveform B4 (16 Hz) consists of a stimulation step P of 1 ms and a stimulation stop step R4 of 61.5 ms. That is, the basic waveform B4 (16 Hz) has a stimulation step P output at a frequency of 16 Hz. Also, as shown in Figure 7(e), the basic waveform B5 (20 Hz) consists of a stimulation step P of 1 ms and a stimulation stop step R4 of 49 ms. That is, the basic waveform B5 (20 Hz) has a stimulation step P output at a frequency of 20 Hz.

[0054] That is, each of the basic waveforms B1 to B5 has a common stimulation step P, and the lengths of the stimulation stop steps R1 to R5 are different. As a result, the frequency of occurrence of the stimulation step P in each of the basic waveforms B1 to B5 is set to a predetermined cycle, as described above.

[0055] The first to third output modes stored in the output mode storage unit 405a are formed by combining the above-mentioned basic waveforms B1 to B5 in a predetermined manner. First, as shown in Table 1, the first output mode is a warm-up mode configured to perform the following first to fourth statuses in sequence. The conditions for each status are as follows: (1) In the first status, 100% output is performed for 20 seconds with the basic waveform B1 (2 Hz). As shown in FIG. 8, during the first 5 seconds of the first status, the output voltage is gradually increased from 0% to 100%, a so-called soft start. (2) In the second status, 100% output is performed for 20 seconds with the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz). (3) In the third status, 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B3 (8 Hz). (4) In the fourth status, 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B4 (16 Hz). The duration of the first output mode (i.e., the total duration of the first to fourth statuses) is one minute. In this first output mode, the frequency of the fundamental waveform is increased stepwise from 2 Hz to 16 Hz, and therefore the first output mode is called a warm-up mode.

[0056] [Table 1]

[0057] In the first output mode as a warm-up mode, the frequency of the burst waves increases stepwise from 2 Hz to 16 Hz, increasing the frequency of muscle movement and gradually warming up the muscles and body. This prevents a sudden rise in blood pressure and temporary oxygen deficiency in the muscles. Furthermore, the gradual warming of the muscles increases blood flow and improves the flexibility of the muscles. This makes it easier to obtain the benefits of muscle stimulation in the subsequent training mode. Furthermore, by performing the warm-up mode prior to the training mode, the user can become accustomed to the stimulation, improving the physical sensation.

[0058] Next, as shown in Table 2, the second output mode is a training mode configured to sequentially perform the following first to fourth statuses. The conditions for each status are as follows: (1) In the first status, 100% output is performed for three seconds using the basic waveform B5 (20 Hz), followed by two seconds of no output. This is repeated for five minutes. (2) In the second status, 100% output is performed for three seconds using the basic waveform B5 (20 Hz), followed by two seconds using the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz). This is repeated for five minutes. (3) In the third status, 100% output is performed for four seconds using the basic waveform B5 (20 Hz), followed by two seconds using the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz). This is repeated for five minutes. (4) In the fourth status, 100% output is performed for five seconds using the basic waveform B5 (20 Hz), followed by two seconds using the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz). This is repeated for five minutes. As shown in Figure 8, in the second output mode, the output voltage is gradually increased from 0% to 100% for the first 5 seconds of each of the first to fourth states, a so-called soft start. The second output mode lasts for 20 minutes. In this second output mode, a basic waveform B5 with a frequency of 20 Hz is maintained for a predetermined period, followed by no output or a basic waveform B2 with a frequency of 4 Hz for a predetermined period, which is excellent for effectively stimulating muscles. For this reason, the second output mode is called the training mode.

[0059] [Table 2]

[0060] Next, as shown in Table 3, the third output mode is a cool-down mode configured to sequentially execute the following first to fourth states. The conditions for each state are as follows: (1) In the first state, output is performed for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B4 (16 Hz). (2) In the second state, output is performed for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B3 (8 Hz). (3) In the third state, output is performed for 20 seconds with the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz). (4) In the fourth state, output is performed for 20 seconds with the basic waveform B1 (2 Hz). In the third output mode, the output in each state is gradually reduced from 100% at the start of the first state to 50% at the end of the fourth state, as shown in Figure 8. The third output mode lasts for one minute. In the third output mode, the frequency of the basic waveform is gradually reduced from 16 Hz to 2 Hz, so the third output mode is called the cool-down mode.

[0061] [Table 3]

[0062] In the third output mode, which serves as a cool-down mode, the frequency of the burst waves is gradually lowered from 16 Hz to 2 Hz, thereby gradually cooling down the muscles and body that have been warmed up, and actively expelling fatigue substances generated in the muscles during the preceding training mode, preventing excessive retention of fatigue substances in the muscles.

[0063] As described above, the total time when the first output mode (warm-up mode), the second output mode (training mode), and the third output mode (cool-down mode) are performed consecutively is 22 minutes. In this example, as shown in Fig. 8, a 2-second rest period is provided at each of four locations: between the first output mode and the second output mode, and between each status in the second output mode. Therefore, the total time for the entire process, including the rest periods, is 22 minutes and 8 seconds.

[0064] Next, the usage of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example will be described in detail below. The main operation flow S100 shown in Figure 9 will be described. In the main operation flow S100, first, the "+" on the operation surface 54 is pressed for two seconds (S101). This turns on the power of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1, activates the device, and a notification sound ("beep") notifying the user that the device has been activated is emitted from the speaker 43 (S102). After that, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 enters an output standby state, the output level is set to 0, and input from the operation unit 50 is disabled (S103).

[0065] Next, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S104). If the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (Yes in S104), the operation unit 50 is enabled (S105). Then, the output level is input using the operation unit 50 (S106). The output level is input from the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50. Each time "+" on the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50 is pressed, the output level increases by one level, and each time "-" on the operation surface 54 is pressed, the output level decreases by one level. Once the output level is set, the control unit 40 sends an output start signal to the timer 404, and the timer 404 starts measuring (S107). Furthermore, the output level can be adjusted at any time during use (from the time the operation unit 50 is enabled until the power is turned off).

[0066] From the start of measurement by the timer 404 (elapsed time 0) until one minute has elapsed, the output mode of the electrode unit 30 is set to the first output mode (warm-up mode) (S108). When one minute has elapsed, the output mode switching unit 405 switches the output mode of the electrode unit 30 to the second output mode (training mode), and maintains this for 20 minutes until 21 minutes have elapsed (S109). When 21 minutes has elapsed, the output mode switching unit 405 switches the output mode of the electrode unit 30 to the third output mode (cool-down mode), and maintains this for one minute until 22 minutes have elapsed (S110). When 22 minutes has elapsed, the measurement by the timer 404 is terminated (S111). Then, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is stopped (S112). In this way, by performing steps S108 to S111, one set of the first output mode (warm-up mode), the second output mode (training mode), and the third output mode (cool-down mode) is performed and then terminated. Note that the above elapsed times do not include the 2-second rest period.

[0067] On the other hand, if skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with electrode unit 30 (No in S104), a notification sound ("beep, beep, beep") to notify this is emitted from speaker 43 (S113). Then, power-off counter 403 starts measuring the elapsed time (S114).

[0068] Next, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S115). If the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30, the process returns to step S103 and enters an output standby state (Yes in S115). On the other hand, if the skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with the electrode unit 30 (No in S115), the process determines whether or not the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 exceeds two minutes (S116). If the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 does not exceed two minutes (No in S116), the process returns to S115 again, and the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30. On the other hand, if the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 is determined to exceed two minutes in S116 (Yes in S116), the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is powered off (S117).

[0069] Next, an interrupt process that is prioritized and interrupts steps S105 to S110 in the main operation flow S100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, skin detection interrupt process S200 is performed as the first interrupt process. Skin detection interrupt process S200 is used as a function to automatically turn off the power if the electrodes are detached from the human body during use. In skin detection interrupt process S200, first, skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with electrode unit 30 (S201). If skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with electrode unit 30 (Yes in S201), the process returns to the original flow in main operation flow S100. On the other hand, if skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with electrode unit 30 (No in S201), a notification sound ("beep, beep, beep") notifying this fact is emitted from speaker 43 (S202). Then, the power-off counter 403 starts measuring the elapsed time (S203).

[0070] Next, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S204). If the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30, the process returns to step S103 of the main operation flow S100 (Yes in S204). On the other hand, if the skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with the electrode unit 30 (No in S204), the process determines whether or not the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 exceeds two minutes (S205). If the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 does not exceed two minutes (No in S205), the process returns to S204 again, and the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30. On the other hand, if the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 is determined to exceed two minutes in S205 (Yes in S205), the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is powered off (S206).

[0071] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, a low battery voltage process S300 will be described, which is a second interrupt process that is executed between S105 and S110 in the main operation flow S100 and is prioritized. The low battery voltage process S300 is a function that automatically turns off the power supply when the battery voltage of the battery 21 drops. This allows the user to easily know when a battery replacement is necessary. First, the battery voltage detection unit 406 determines whether the detected battery voltage V of the battery 21 in the power supply unit 20 is lower than a predetermined threshold Vm (S301). If it is determined that the battery voltage V is not lower than the predetermined threshold Vm (No in S301), the process returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100. On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery voltage V is lower than the predetermined threshold Vm, a notification sound ("beep, beep, beep") notifying the user of this fact is emitted from the speaker 43 (S302). Then, the control unit 40 sends a count start signal to the power-off counter 403, causing the power-off counter 403 to start measuring the elapsed time (S303).

[0072] Next, it is determined whether the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 exceeds two minutes (S304). If it is determined that the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 does not exceed two minutes (No in S304), the process returns to S304. If it is determined that the elapsed time counted by the power-off counter 403 exceeds two minutes (Yes in S304), the power of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is turned off (S305).

[0073] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the interruption process S400, which is a third interrupt process that is prioritized and interrupts between S105 and S110 in the main operation flow S100, will be described. First, the control unit 40 determines whether the "-" button on the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50 has been pressed for two seconds or more (S401). If it is determined that the "-" button has not been pressed for two seconds or more (No in S401), the process returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "-" button has been pressed for two seconds or more (Yes in S401), a notification sound ("beep") is emitted from the speaker 43 to notify the user that the power of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 will be turned off and the process will be terminated (S402). Then, the power is turned off (S403).

[0074] The effects of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example will be described in detail below. According to the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 of the electrode unit 30 include a total of four or more electrodes 311-313, 321-323. Furthermore, when the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is attached to the abdomen 3 of the person 2, the first electrode group 31 is located on the right hand side X1 (first region S1) of the person 2 relative to the center line 10a of the main body 10, and the second electrode group 32 is located on the left hand side X2 (second region S2) of the person 2 relative to the center line 10a of the main body 10. Therefore, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 makes it easy to attach the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 to correspond to four or more sections. Therefore, in the sections corresponding to the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323, it is easy to apply electrical stimulation to the respective motor points (points on the epidermis where electricity is easily passed through the nerves connected to the muscles) via the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323. As a result, it is possible to effectively apply electrical stimulation to the muscles in each section 4a. This not only induces muscle movement (contraction and relaxation) of the rectus abdominis, but also promotes blood flow, hypertrophy of the rectus abdominis, and metabolism through muscle movement.

[0075] Furthermore, because the first electrode group 31 is arranged on the right hand side X1 (first region G1) and the second electrode group 32 is arranged on the left hand side X2 (second region G2), when the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is attached to the abdomen 3, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are aligned in the left-right direction X of the person 2, sandwiching the main body 10 therebetween. Therefore, equal electrical stimulation is applied to the left and right of the main body 10, allowing for balanced stimulation of the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis 4).

[0076] Furthermore, in the electrical muscle stimulation device 1, the power supply unit 20 is housed in the main body 10, so there is no need to supply power from an external source and it is wireless. This makes it easy to use and allows it to be used in places where there is no external power source.

[0077] The first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are formed to extend from the main body 10, and are thereby provided integrally with the main body 10. Therefore, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are attached to the abdomen 3 while maintaining a specific positional relationship with respect to each other with the main body 10 as a reference. That is, in this example, the first right-side electrode 311 is located on the upper side of the main body 10 in the right direction X1. The second right-side electrode 312 is located on the central side of the main body 10 in the right direction X1. The third right-side electrode 313 is located on the lower side of the main body 10 in the right direction X1. The first left-side electrode 321 is located on the upper side of the main body 10 in the left direction X2. The second left-side electrode 322 is located on the central side of the main body 10 in the left direction X2. The third left-side electrode 323 is located on the lower side of the main body 10 in the left direction X2. As a result, by simply attaching main body 10 to abdomen 3 of person 2 so that main body 10 is positioned slightly above navel 3a of person 2 and center line 10a of main body 10 is parallel to central axis 2a of person 2, first electrode group 31 and second electrode group 32 can be easily attached to correspond to four or more sections 4a of the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis 4). This makes electrical muscle stimulation device 1 easy to use.

[0078] In this example, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 each include the same number of electrodes 311-313, 321-323. This prevents bias in the current flowing from the electrode unit 30 through the human body, and allows the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 in the rectus abdominis muscle 4 to apply electrical stimulation in a balanced manner to the muscles in the section 4a that correspond to them.

[0079] Furthermore, in this example, the right electrodes 311-313 included in the first electrode group 31 and the left electrodes 321-323 included in the second electrode group 32 are configured to be positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3. As a result, when attaching the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 to the abdomen 3, simply by attaching the main body 10 to the abdomen 3 of the person 2 so that the center line 10a is parallel to the central axis 2a of the person 2, the right electrodes 311-313 included in the first electrode group 31 and the left electrodes 321-323 included in the second electrode group 32 can be positioned along the pair of left and right rectus abdominis muscles 4. As a result, electrical stimulation can be applied in a balanced manner to the muscles in the sections 4a of the rectus abdominis muscles 4 that correspond to the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323.

[0080] Furthermore, in this example, the first electrode group 31 includes a plurality of right electrodes 311-313 configured to be arranged in the height direction Y when attached to the abdomen 3, and the second electrode group 32 includes a plurality of left electrodes 321-323 configured to be arranged in the height direction Y when attached to the abdomen 3. As a result, simply by attaching the main body 10 to the abdomen 3 of the person 2 so that the center line 10a of the main body 10 is parallel to the central axis 2a of the person 2, it is possible to apply electrical stimulation in a balanced manner from the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 to each of the muscles in the sections 4a that are divided in the height direction Y of the person 2 in each of the pair of left and right rectus abdominis muscles 4.

[0081] Furthermore, in this example, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 each include three electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323. As a result, simply by attaching the main body 10 to the abdomen 3 of the person 2 so that the center line 10a of the main body 10 is parallel to the central axis 2a of the person 2, in the abdomen 3 where the rectus abdominis muscle 4 is divided into six or more sections 4a, the electrodes 311, 312, 313, 321, 322, 323 are arranged corresponding to the six sections 4a, and therefore, it is possible to more effectively apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of the sections 4a.

[0082] In this example, when the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are attached to the abdomen 3, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are configured to form, in the height direction Y of the person 2, a pair of upper electrode pairs 301 located at the uppermost position in each of the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32, a pair of lower electrode pairs 303 located at the lowermost position, and a pair of central electrode pairs 302 located between the upper electrode pairs 301 and the lower electrode pairs 303. The central electrode pair 302 protrudes further in the direction extending from the main body 10 (i.e., in the left-right direction X) than the upper electrode pair 301 and the lower electrode pair 303. As a result, by simply attaching the main body 10 to the abdomen 3 of the person 2 so that the center line 10a of the main body 10 is parallel to the central axis 2a of the person 2, in the abdomen 3 where the rectus abdominis muscle 4 is divided into six or more sections, the electrodes 311, 312, 313, 321, 322, 323 can be more accurately positioned to correspond to the six sections 4a, thereby more effectively applying electrical stimulation to the muscles in those sections 4a.

[0083] Furthermore, in this example, the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes further in the direction extending from the main body 10 (i.e., in the left-right direction X) than the lower electrode pair 303. As a result, in an abdomen 3 in which the rectus abdominis muscle 4 is divided into six or more sections, simply by attaching the main body 10 to the abdomen 3 of the person 2 so that the center line 10a of the main body 10 is parallel to the central axis 2a of the person 2, the electrodes 311, 312, 313, 321, 322, 323 can be positioned more accurately to correspond to the six sections 4a. This makes it possible to more effectively apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of the sections 4a.

[0084] In this example, in the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32, notches 17 are formed between adjacent electrodes 311-313 and 321-323, cutting toward the main body 10. This allows the electrode unit 30 to easily deform in response to the movement of the abdomen 3 of the person 2 during use, preventing the electrode unit 30 from peeling off from the abdomen 3 and the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 from falling off from the abdomen 3 during use. The notches 17 also reduce the accumulation of sweat and stuffiness between the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 and the abdomen 3. This also prevents the electrode unit 30 from peeling off from the abdomen 3 and the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 from falling off from the abdomen 3 during use.

[0085] In this example, each of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 is formed in a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. The longitudinal direction of each of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 is aligned generally along the left-right direction X. This causes each of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 to extend in the direction in which the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 extend, further widening the range in which electrical stimulation can be applied, and enabling electrical stimulation to be applied effectively to the rectus abdominis muscles, which are spread over a relatively wide area.

[0086] In this example, the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 all have the same shape, which prevents bias in the current flowing through the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323, allowing electrical stimulation to be applied to the rectus abdominis muscle 4 in a well-balanced manner.

[0087] In this example, grooves 113 are formed in second case 112. Grooves 113 extend radially and linearly from the outer periphery of lid 15, and therefore can guide sweat generated between main body 10 and abdomen 3 to the outside of main body 10. This makes it possible to prevent sweat and stuffiness from accumulating between main body 10 and abdomen 3. Furthermore, through holes 18 are formed around main body 10. Therefore, sweat guided to the outside of main body 10 by grooves 113 can be easily discharged from between electrical muscle stimulation device 1 and abdomen 3 via through holes 18.

[0088] In this example, the device comprises a main body 10, a plurality of electrode units 30 that output electrical stimulation, a power supply unit 20 that supplies power to the electrode units 30, a control unit 40 that controls the power supply in the power supply unit 20, and an operation unit 50 that is configured to change the control mode of the control unit 40, with the power supply unit 20 being built into the main body 10. This eliminates the need to prepare external power to be supplied to the electrode units 30, making it easy to use outdoors or when away from home where it is difficult to secure a power source. Furthermore, since there is no need for a cord or the like to connect to a power source, usability is improved and portability is also excellent.

[0089] In this example, the electrode unit 30 is formed by forming a plurality of electrodes 311-313, 321-323, and lead portions 311a-313a, 321a-323a that electrically connect the electrodes 311-313, 321-323, and the power supply unit 20 via the control unit 40 on a sheet-like substrate 33 extending from the main body unit 10. As a result, the electrode unit 30 is formed on the sheet-like substrate 33 extending from the main body unit 10, and the main body unit 10 and the electrode unit 30 can be integrated. This eliminates the need for a cord or the like to connect the main body unit 10 and the electrode unit 30. As a result, the power supply unit is built into the main body unit, and the main body unit and the electrode unit are integrated, providing excellent portability and allowing use in a variety of environments. Furthermore, because the power supply unit 20, main body unit 10, and electrode unit 30 are integrated, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can be easily attached to and detached from the human body 2, and the device can be easily detached even when the muscles are fatigued immediately after using the device 1. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is even more suitable for efficiently stimulating muscles through the above-mentioned electrical stimulation in a variety of environments.

[0090] In this example, the power supply unit 20 is equipped with a replaceable battery 21. This allows power to be replenished simply by replacing the battery 21, making it easy to use the device for a longer period of time than the battery capacity allows. This eliminates the need to incorporate an excessively large capacity power supply, allowing the device to be made smaller.

[0091] The battery 21 can be a button battery or a coin battery, and in this example, it is a coin battery. This allows the battery 21 to be compact, contributing to the miniaturization of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1. Furthermore, the miniaturization of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 allows for a lighter weight, making the electrode unit 30 less likely to peel off or fall off the user's body, improving usability and portability. Furthermore, the battery 21 is thin, which also contributes to the slimming of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1. The slim design of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 allows the user to wear clothing over the device while wearing it. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can be used in a variety of situations, including commuting to work or school, while doing housework or work, and other tasks. Furthermore, compared to other dry batteries, button batteries have a high operating voltage and stable discharge characteristics, allowing the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 to operate stably for a relatively long period of time.

[0092] Furthermore, a battery 21 with a nominal voltage of 3.0 to 5.0 V can be used, and in this example, a 3.0 V battery 21 is used. Since the drive voltages of the electronic components 42, speaker 43, etc. provided in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 are the same, there is no need to provide separate step-down or step-up circuits to drive these electronic components 42, 43. This contributes to miniaturization.

[0093] Furthermore, the power supply unit 20 may have a built-in rechargeable battery instead of the replaceable battery 21. As a means for charging such a battery, a power supply terminal connectable to an external power source may be provided, or a non-contact power supply unit using electromagnetic induction may be provided. In this case, the battery can be used repeatedly, thereby reducing the number of consumables compared to using a non-rechargeable battery.

[0094] In this example, the base material 33 on which the electrode unit 30 is formed extends from the main body unit 10, and the electrode support unit 121 extending from the outer shell forming body 12 is adhered to the base material 33, thereby forming the electrode unit 30 and the main body unit 10 as a single unit. Alternatively, the base material 33 and the main body 10 may be formed as separate bodies, and the electrode support unit 121 and the outer shell forming body 12 may be formed as separate bodies, so that the main body unit 10 and the electrode unit 30 can be separated from each other when not in use. In this case, the electrode unit 30 can be separated from the main body unit 10 and replaced with an electrode unit of a different type. Furthermore, because the electrode unit 30 does not have any electronic components, the electrode unit 30 can be easily cleaned by separating them.

[0095] In this example, the second output mode (training mode) is executed based on the first to fourth statuses shown in the above-mentioned Table 2. Alternatively, as in Modification 1 described below, in the first to fourth statuses equivalent to this example, the second a status shown in Table 4 may be executed between the second and third statuses, and the third a status shown in Table 4 may be executed between the third and fourth statuses.

[0096] [Table 4]

[0097] As shown in Table 4, the 2a status and the 3a status are performed as follows: (2a) In the 2a status, 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz), followed by 100% output for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B3 (8 Hz), and then 100% output for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B4 (16 Hz). (3a) In the 3a status, 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B2 (4 Hz), followed by 100% output for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B3 (8 Hz), and then 100% output for 10 seconds with the basic waveform B4 (16 Hz). Note that in this modified example, the 2a status and the 3a status are added compared to the second output mode (see Table 2) of the present example, and therefore the total time when the first output mode (warm-up mode), second output mode (training mode), and third output mode (cool-down mode) shown in Table 4 are performed consecutively is 23 minutes. The total time does not include the 2-second pause period.

[0098] In the 2a status, the frequency of the fundamental waveform is configured to increase stepwise from 4 Hz to 16 Hz, resulting in a smooth frequency change when switching from the 2a status to the 3rd status. Similarly, the frequency change when switching from the 3a status to the 4th status is also smooth. In this modified example, the addition of the 2a status and the 3a status significantly changes the pattern of electrical stimulation in the second output mode (training mode) compared to the present example. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in sensation due to the user becoming accustomed to the electrical stimulation, and to more effectively stimulate the rectus abdominis muscles. Note that the modified example 1, in which the second output mode (training mode) is set in this way, also achieves the same effects as the present example.

[0099] In this example, the lead portions 311a to 323a and portions of the electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323 connected to the lead portions 311a to 323a (the shaded areas indicated by the symbol C in FIG. 2) are coated with silicone. This prevents pain caused by electric charge concentrating in a small area of ​​the lead portions 311a to 323a, 311a to 323a when electricity is applied.

[0100] As another modification, the area to which the silicone coating is applied on each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 may be expanded beyond the hatched area indicated by the symbol C, extending from the lead portions 311a-313a and 321a-323a to near the center of each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323. Even in this case, a gel pad 35 having a shape similar to that of this example can be used. In this way, the areas of each of the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323 that essentially function as electrodes are spaced apart from one another, making it easier for the area to which electrical stimulation is applied to spread in the left-right direction X. As a result, the user is more likely to perceive that electrical stimulation is being applied to a wider area of ​​the abdomen 3, improving the user experience.

[0101] In this modified example, the shape of each electrode 311-313, 321-323 (the shape of the entire electrode including the area where the silicone coating is applied) is the same as in this example, so the outer shape of each electrode 311-313, 321-323 can be used as a guide when attaching the gel pad 35 to a predetermined position, making it easier to attach the gel pad 35.

[0102] In this example, the six electrodes 311-313, 321-323 are configured to correspond to the respective sections 4a of the rectus abdominis muscle 4, allowing electrical stimulation to be applied to the six sections 4a, but instead, the electrode unit 30 may be provided with four electrodes that span multiple sections 4a. Alternatively, the electrode unit 30 may be configured with eight electrodes, each of which corresponds to a respective section 4a of the rectus abdominis muscle 4, allowing electrical stimulation to be applied to the eight sections 4a.

[0103] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that can effectively stimulate the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis muscles 4). (Embodiment 2) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

[0104] It has been widely known that passing an electric current through muscle fibers causes muscle contraction. It has been used for muscle strengthening, particularly in the fields of medicine and sports. Specifically, a muscle stimulation method is used in which an electric current is passed through electrodes attached to the human body, and muscles are tensed and relaxed based on the electrical signal. Low-frequency signals are considered particularly effective as electrical signals for muscle contraction. This is because as the frequency of the electrical signal increases, muscle contraction becomes less likely.

[0105] However, when the electrical signal is low-frequency, pain is likely to occur due to the influence of electrical resistance on the human skin surface. On the other hand, when the electrical signal is high-frequency, it is less susceptible to the influence of electrical resistance and is less likely to cause pain. Therefore, the user may feel pain on the skin due to the electrical pulse, and there is room for improvement in the bodily sensation when using this electrical muscle stimulation device. On the other hand, simply reducing the voltage of the electrical pulse or simply increasing the frequency in order to reduce the user's pain will not efficiently stimulate the muscles.

[0106] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 2 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding Example, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this Example are the same as those in the preceding Example, the drawings in the preceding Example will be used instead.

[0107] The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 2 is configured to apply electrical stimulation to muscles. The electrical stimulation is achieved by repeatedly outputting burst waves (basic waveforms B1 to B5 shown in FIG. 7) consisting of a pulse group output period P and pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5, as shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 14, during the pulse group output period P, a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output, separated by output interruption periods N1 to N5. The pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 are longer than the output interruption periods N1 to N5 during which pulse signal output is interrupted.

[0108] Next, the output modes of the electrode unit 30 in Example 2 will be described. First, five burst wave patterns (basic waveforms B1 to B5) shown in Fig. 7 are stored in the output mode storage unit 405a, which serves as a duration storage unit. Each of the basic waveforms B1 to B5 consists of a pulse group output period P and a pulse group output interruption period R1 to R5. That is, each of the basic waveforms B1 to B5 has a common pulse group output period P, but the lengths of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 are different.

[0109] 14, during the pulse group output period P, a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output with output stop times N1 to N5 sandwiched between them. In this example, five rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output. That is, during the pulse group output period P, the first rectangular wave pulse signal S1, the first output stop time N1, the second rectangular wave pulse signal S2, the second output stop time N2, the third rectangular wave pulse signal S3, the third output stop time N3, the fourth rectangular wave pulse signal S4, the fourth output stop time N4, the fifth rectangular wave pulse signal S5, and the fifth output stop time N5 are executed in this order.

[0110] In Example 2, the pulse width and pulse voltage of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are constant, and the duration of each of the output stop times N1 to N5 is also constant. In this example, the pulse width of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 is 100 μs, the pulse voltage is 40 V or −40 V at 100% output, and the duration of each of the output stop times N1 to N5 is 100 μs. Therefore, the duration of the pulse group output period P is 1 ms. The voltage polarity of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 is alternately changed in output order. That is, the first rectangular wave pulse signal S1, the third rectangular wave pulse signal S3, and the fifth rectangular wave pulse signal S5 have positive polarity, and the second rectangular wave pulse signal S2 and the fourth rectangular wave pulse signal S4 have negative polarity.

[0111] As described above, the pulse width of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 during the pulse group output period P and the duration of each of the output stop times N1 to N5 are 100 μs. Therefore, the pulse period of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 during the pulse group output period P is 200 μs, which is sufficiently short. As a result, the user perceives these rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 as a single electrical stimulus. The frequency of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 during the pulse group output period P is 5,000 Hz.

[0112] In each of the basic waveforms B1 to B5, no pulse signal is output during pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5. The duration of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 is longer than the duration of the pulse group output period P. In this example, as shown in FIG. 7, the duration of the pulse group output period P is 1 ms, and the durations of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 are 499 ms, 249 ms, 124 ms, 61.5 ms, and 49 ms, respectively. In this way, the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 have a much longer duration than the output stop time in the pulse group output period P.

[0113] Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the first burst wave (2 Hz) consists of a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R1 of 499 ms. That is, in the first burst wave (2 Hz), the pulse group output period P is output at a frequency of 2 Hz. The second burst wave (4 Hz) consists of a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R2 of 249 ms. That is, in the second burst wave (4 Hz), the pulse group output period P is output at a frequency of 4 Hz. The third burst wave (8 Hz) consists of a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R3 of 124 ms. That is, in the third burst wave (8 Hz), the pulse group output period P is output at a frequency of 8 Hz. The fourth burst wave (16 Hz) consists of a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R4 of 61.5 ms. That is, the fourth burst wave (16 Hz) has a pulse group output period P output at a frequency of 16 Hz. The fifth burst wave (20 Hz) has a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R5 of 49 ms. That is, the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) has a pulse group output period P output at a frequency of 20 Hz.

[0114] By repeatedly outputting a predetermined combination of basic waveforms B1-B5 (see FIG. 7) for a predetermined period, predetermined burst waves are output, as shown in FIGS. 13(a)-(e). As described above, the user perceives the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1-S5 during the pulse group output period P as a single electrical stimulus. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the first burst wave repeating basic waveform B1 outputs an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 2 Hz. Similarly, the second burst wave repeating basic waveform B2 outputs an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 4 Hz, the third burst wave repeating basic waveform B3 outputs an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 8 Hz, the fourth burst wave repeating basic waveform B4 outputs an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 16 Hz, and the fifth burst wave repeating basic waveform B5 outputs an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 20 Hz.

[0115] The first to third output modes stored in the output mode storage unit 405a, which serves as a duration storage unit, are configured by combining burst waves of predetermined frequencies by appropriately selecting the basic waveforms B1 to B5 stored in the output mode storage unit 405a.

[0116] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a first output mode (warm-up mode), a second output mode (training mode), and a third output mode (cool-down mode) are implemented. That is, as shown in Table 1 above, the conditions for each status in the first output mode are as follows: (1) In the first status, 100% output is performed for 20 seconds with a first burst wave (2 Hz). As shown in FIG. 8, during the first 5 seconds in the first status, the output voltage is gradually increased from 0% to 100%, a so-called soft start. (2) In the second status, 100% output is performed for 20 seconds with a second burst wave (4 Hz). (3) In the third status, 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with a third burst wave (8 Hz). (4) In the fourth status, 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with a fourth burst wave (16 Hz). The duration of the first output mode (i.e., the total duration of the first to fourth statuses) is 1 minute. In the first output mode, the frequency of the burst wave is increased stepwise from 2 Hz to 16 Hz.

[0117] Next, as shown in Table 2 above, the conditions for each status in the second output mode are as follows: (1) In the first status, 100% output is performed for 3 seconds with the fifth burst wave (20 Hz), followed by 2 seconds of no output. This is repeated for 5 minutes. (2) In the second status, 100% output is performed for 3 seconds with the fifth burst wave (20 Hz), followed by 2 seconds of 100% output with the second burst wave (4 Hz). This is repeated for 5 minutes. (3) In the third status, 100% output is performed for 4 seconds with the fifth burst wave (20 Hz), followed by 2 seconds of 100% output with the second burst wave (4 Hz). This is repeated for 5 minutes. (4) In the fourth status, 100% output is performed for 5 seconds with the fifth burst wave (20 Hz), followed by 2 seconds of 100% output with the second burst wave (4 Hz). This is repeated for 5 minutes. As shown in Figure 8, in the second output mode, the output voltage is gradually increased from 0% to 100% for the first 5 seconds of each of the first to fourth states, a so-called soft start. The second output mode lasts for 20 minutes. In this second output mode, the fifth burst wave with a frequency of 20 Hz is maintained for a predetermined period, followed by no output or the second burst wave with a frequency of 4 Hz for a predetermined period, which is excellent for effectively stimulating muscles.

[0118] Next, as shown in Table 3 above, the third output mode is a cool-down mode configured to cycle through the following first to fourth states in order. The conditions for each state are as follows: (1) In the first state, the fourth burst wave (16 Hz) is output for 10 seconds. (2) In the second state, the third burst wave (8 Hz) is output for 10 seconds. (3) In the third state, the second burst wave (4 Hz) is output for 20 seconds. (4) In the fourth state, the first burst wave (2 Hz) is output for 20 seconds.

[0119] In the third output mode, the output in each status is gradually reduced from 100% at the start of the first status to 50% at the end of the fourth status, as shown in Figure 9. The third output mode lasts for one minute. In the third output mode, the frequency of the burst wave is gradually reduced from 16 Hz to 2 Hz.

[0120] As described above, the total time when the first output mode (warm-up mode), second output mode (training mode), and third output mode (cool-down mode) are performed consecutively is 22 minutes. In this example, as shown in Fig. 9, a 2-second rest period is provided at each of four locations: between the first output mode and the second output mode, and between each status in the second output mode. Therefore, the total time for the entire process, including the rest periods, is 22 minutes and 8 seconds.

[0121] The effects of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 2 will be described in detail below. In the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example, the first to fifth burst waves forming the electrical stimulation are output as multiple rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 during the pulse group output period P, with output stop times N1 to N5 sandwiched between them. Therefore, the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are divided into multiple parts during the pulse group output period P. This allows the pulse width of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 to be smaller while maintaining the total output time of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5, compared to when the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output continuously without interruption during the pulse group output period P. As a result, the electrical stimulation output from the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 and flowing to the muscles or nerves connected to the muscles can be maintained while reducing the pain of the user, thereby improving the bodily sensation when using the electrical muscular stimulation device 1.

[0122] Furthermore, in the burst waves (basic waveforms B1 to B5), the pulse group output period P is configured by outputting a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 with output stop times N1 to N5 sandwiched between, but the period P during which pulses are output is the same even when compared to a burst wave having a pulse output period in which pulses are output continuously for the same period as this pulse group output period P. Therefore, even with a burst wave having a pulse group output period P sandwiched between output stop times N1 to N5, a bodily sensation similar to that of a burst wave having a pulse output period without an output stop time sandwiched between them can be obtained.

[0123] Furthermore, since multiple rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output during the pulse group output period P, with output stop times N1 to N5 sandwiched between, the duration of the pulse group output period P is the sum of the pulse widths of the multiple rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 and all of the output stop times N1 to N5. Therefore, compared to when the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output without interruption during the duration of the pulse group output period P, the actual pulse signal output time is shorter by the output stop times N1 to N5 while the duration of the pulse group output period P remains the same, which reduces power consumption. This allows the device to be driven by a low-capacity power supply, contributing to a more compact device.

[0124] Furthermore, the burst waves that form the electrical stimulation are comprised of a pulse group output period P and pulse group output interruption periods R1-R5, and the duration of the pulse group output interruption periods R1-R5 is longer than the output stop periods N1-N5 of the pulse group output period P. Because the burst waves are provided with such pulse group output interruption periods R1-R5, the frequency of the burst waves can be easily set to a desired value simply by changing the duration of the pulse group output interruption periods R1-R5 to a predetermined length without changing the pulse group output period P. This makes it easy to control the output of electrical stimulation made up of burst waves having a frequency suitable for contracting and relaxing muscles, and enables muscles to be stimulated efficiently.

[0125] In this example, the pulse group output period P includes square wave pulse signals S1 to S5 with mutually opposite polarities. This makes it easier to eliminate bias in electric charges within one burst wave (basic waveforms B1 to B5), further reducing pain for the user. As a result, the bodily sensation and ease of use of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 can be further improved.

[0126] Furthermore, in the present example, when the five rectangular wave pulse signals S1-S5 output during the first pulse group output period P of the first burst wave are output in the order of "positive, negative, positive, negative, positive," the five rectangular wave pulse signals output during the second pulse group output period of the second burst wave that arrives after the first burst wave can be output in the order of "negative, positive, negative, positive, negative." In this case, the second burst wave can reliably eliminate the bias in electric charge generated during the first burst wave, thereby further reducing the pain experienced by the user. Furthermore, since the second pulse group output period only requires the polarities of the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1-S5 output during the first pulse group output period P to be reversed (potentials inverted), the control load can be reduced compared to when the polarities of the individual rectangular wave pulse signals during each pulse group output period are individually controlled.

[0127] In this example, the same pulse group output period P includes the square-wave pulse signals S1, S3, and S5 and the square-wave pulse signals S2 and S4, each with a different polarity. However, the following configuration may be adopted: All square-wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the first pulse group output period P of the first burst wave may be positive in polarity, and all square-wave pulse signals in the second pulse group output period of the second burst wave, which arrives after the first burst wave and includes a pulse group output interruption period R1 to R5, may be negative in polarity, and the first burst wave and the second burst wave may be repeated. In this case, the polarity of the square-wave pulse signals is the same for each pulse group output period, but the entire repeatedly output burst wave includes square-wave pulse signals with different polarities. Even in this case, the second burst wave can reliably eliminate any charge imbalance that occurred in the first burst wave, further reducing the user's pain.

[0128] In this example, the duration of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 is longer than the duration (1 ms) of the pulse group output period P. This ensures that the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 provide sufficient intervals between the pulse group output periods P that are repeatedly output in the burst waves, making it easier for the user to recognize the multiple rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the pulse group output period P as a single electrical stimulus. As a result, it is possible to easily output low frequency (2 to 20 Hz in this example) burst waves from the high frequency (5,000 Hz in this example) rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5, and to output electrical stimulation suitable for stimulating muscles.

[0129] In this example, the device includes a burst wave pattern storage unit (output mode storage unit 405a) that pre-stores multiple burst wave patterns (basic waveforms B1-B5) that have the same duration for the pulse group output period P but different durations for the pulse group output interruption periods R1-R5, resulting in different frequencies, and a frequency setting unit (output mode switching unit 405) that sets the frequency of the burst waves in the electrical stimulation by selecting one of the multiple burst wave patterns (basic waveforms B1-B5) stored in the burst wave pattern storage unit (output mode storage unit 405a). Because multiple burst wave patterns (basic waveforms B1-B5) with predetermined frequencies are pre-stored in the burst wave pattern storage unit (output mode storage unit 405a), changing the frequency of the burst waves is easy because the frequency setting unit (output mode switching unit 405) simply selects a predetermined one from the burst wave patterns stored in the burst wave pattern storage unit (output mode storage unit 405a). This makes the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 suitable for efficiently stimulating muscles.

[0130] In this example, the pulse widths and output stop times N1-N5 of the square wave pulse signals S1-S5 in the burst waves are constant. This makes it easy to change the electrical stimulation applied to the muscles based on the frequency of the burst waves. This makes it easy to adjust the electrical stimulation using the frequency of the burst waves, making it easy to output electrical stimulation suitable for effectively stimulating the muscles.

[0131] Furthermore, in this example, the electrode unit 30 has three or more electrodes 311-313, 321-323. As described above, power consumption is reduced by including output stop times N1-N5 in the pulse group output period P, so sufficient electrical stimulation can be applied even with this configuration including three or more electrodes 311-313, 321-323. This allows electrical stimulation to be applied to a wide range of muscles, thereby stimulating the muscles efficiently.

[0132] As described above, according to Example 2, in addition to achieving the same effect as Example 1, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that improves the physical sensation when used and can efficiently stimulate muscles.

[0133] (Embodiment 3) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. JP 2009-142624 A discloses an electrical muscle stimulation device that uses an electrical signal to stimulate muscles. This device outputs electrical stimulation by repeating an output period in which a pulsed electrical signal belonging to a frequency range of 4 to 20 Hz selected by the user is output for a predetermined time and a non-output period in which the electrical signal is not output for a predetermined time. This device has the effects of promoting blood flow, muscle hypertrophy, and metabolism.

[0134] However, with the configuration disclosed in the publication, even if the electrical stimulation output causes muscle contraction and accumulation of fatigue substances due to the electrical signal during the output period, no electrical signal is output during the silent period, which may result in the fatigue substances not being sufficiently excreted from the muscle during the silent period. Therefore, prolonged use may lead to muscle fatigue, placing excessive strain on the user and impairing the user's experience. Furthermore, the electrical stimulation output simply alternates between the output period and the silent period, and only a single electrical signal output pattern during the output period is provided for each output mode. Therefore, the muscle contraction pattern based on the output electrical stimulation tends to be monotonous, leaving room for improvement in order to encourage users to continue using the device.

[0135] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 3 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0136] The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 3 is configured to apply electrical stimulation to a muscle. The electrical stimulation is performed by alternately repeating a first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1 in Table 5 described later) during which a first electrical signal (the fifth burst wave shown in FIG. 13) that induces at least one of incomplete tetanus and complete tetanus in the muscle is output, and a second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2 in Table 5 described later) during which a second electrical signal (the second burst wave) that induces twitch contraction in the muscle is output.

[0137] The electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 3 implements a first output mode (warm-up mode), a second output mode (training mode), and a third output mode (cool-down mode), similarly to Example 2. The second output mode of this example is substantially the same as in Examples 1 and 2, but as shown in Table 5, for convenience, the first to fourth statuses in the second output mode are each divided into a first output period (1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1) and a second output period (1-2, 2-2, 3-2, 4-2).

[0138] [Table 5]

[0139] Next, as shown in Table 5, the second output mode in Example 3 is a training mode configured to perform the following first to fourth statuses in order. Substantially, it is the same as in Examples 1 and 2, and the conditions for each status are as follows:

[0140] (1) In the first status, the fifth burst wave (20Hz) is output at 100% for three seconds (1-1 in Table 2), followed by no output for two seconds (1-2 in Table 2). This is repeated for five minutes. (2) In the second status, the fifth burst wave (20Hz) is output at 100% for three seconds (2-1 in Table 2), followed by 2nd burst wave (4Hz) at 100% for two seconds (2-2 in Table 2). This is repeated for five minutes. (3) In the third status, the fifth burst wave (20Hz) is output at 100% for four seconds (3-1 in Table 2), followed by 2nd burst wave (4Hz) at 100% for two seconds (3-2 in Table 2). This is repeated for five minutes. (4) In the fourth status, the fifth burst wave (20Hz) is output at 100% for 5 seconds (4-1 in Table 2), and then the second burst wave (4Hz) is output at 100% for 2 seconds (4-2 in Table 2). This is repeated for 5 minutes. In the second output mode, during the first 5 seconds of each of the first to fourth statuses, the output voltage is gradually increased from 0% to 100%, a so-called soft start.

[0141] In the second output mode shown in Table 5, the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) shown in FIG. 13(e) and the second burst wave (4 Hz) shown in FIG. 13(b) are repeatedly output in the second to fourth states as described above (see FIG. 13). The fifth burst wave (20 Hz) having a frequency in the range of 15 Hz to 30 Hz is an electrical signal that induces incomplete tetanus in the muscle. On the other hand, the second burst wave (4 Hz) having a frequency in the range of less than 15 Hz is an electrical signal that induces twitching in the muscle. Therefore, in the second state of the second output mode, an electrical stimulation is output that alternates between a first output period (2-1 in Table 2) in which the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) is output as the first electrical signal that induces incomplete tetanus in the muscle, and a second output period (2-2 in Table 2) in which the second burst wave (4 Hz) is output as the second electrical signal that induces twitching in the muscle. Similarly, in the third status of the second output mode, an electrical stimulus is output in which a first output period (3-1) and a second output period (3-2) are alternately repeated, and in the fourth status, an electrical stimulus is output in which a first output period (4-1) and a second output period (4-2) are alternately repeated. Note that, although the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) is used as the first electrical signal in this example, this is not limiting, and a burst wave having a frequency in the range of 15 Hz to 30 Hz can be used as the first electrical signal.

[0142] In this example, as described above, the duration of the first output period is 3 seconds in the second status, 4 seconds in the third status, and 5 seconds in the fourth status. The duration of the second output period is 2 seconds in all of the second to fourth statuses. Thus, in this example, the duration of the first output period is longer than the duration of the second output period. The durations of the first and second output periods are not limited to these, and can be set appropriately taking into consideration the duration of the entire electrical stimulation, the duration of the output mode, etc.

[0143] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13(e) and 14, the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) as the first electrical signal contains a positive signal and a negative signal. Similarly, as shown in Figures 13(b) and 14, the second burst wave (4 Hz) as the second electrical signal also contains a positive signal and a negative signal.

[0144] The effects of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 3 will be described in detail below. In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example, the output electrical stimulation is a first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) and a second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2) that are alternately repeated. During the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1), the muscles receiving the electrical stimulation first undergo continuous muscle contraction due to incomplete tetanus or complete tetanus (in this example, incomplete tetanus) based on the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) as the first electrical signal, enabling effective muscle training. This results in muscle strengthening. This in turn generates fatigue substances in the muscles. Subsequently, during the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2), twitching based on the second burst wave (4 Hz) as the second electrical signal promotes blood circulation within the muscle, actively expelling fatigue substances generated during the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1). After the fatigue substances have been sufficiently expelled, the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) begins again, sequentially strengthening the muscle through incomplete or complete tetanus and promoting the expulsion of fatigue substances through the promotion of blood circulation by twitching during the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2). This prevents fatigue substances from accumulating in the muscle even with continuous use of the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 of this example, allowing for efficient muscle stimulation. Furthermore, the reduced strain on the user provides a comfortable feel even when used for extended periods, encouraging active and continuous use.

[0145] In this example, the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) as the first electrical signal has a frequency in the range of 15 Hz to 30 Hz, and the second burst wave (4 Hz) as the second electrical signal has a frequency in the range of less than 15 Hz. This allows the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) as the first electrical signal to induce incomplete tetanus in the muscle during the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1), and the second burst wave (4 Hz) as the second electrical signal to induce stable twitch contractions in the muscle during the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2). As a result, the muscle can be contracted moderately without excessive contraction during the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1). This prevents the rapid production of fatigue substances in the muscle, allowing for more efficient muscle stimulation. Fatigue substances produced during the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) are discharged from the muscles during the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2), preventing accumulation of fatigue substances even with continuous use.

[0146] In this example, the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) that induces incomplete tetanus in the muscle is used as the first electrical signal, but the fourth burst wave (16 Hz) that also induces incomplete tetanus in the muscle may be used instead, and the same effect as in this example will be obtained.

[0147] Although an electrical signal that induces incomplete tetanus in the muscle is used as the first electrical signal during the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1), an electrical signal that induces complete tetanus in the muscle may also be used as the first electrical signal during the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1). In this case, the same effects as those of this example are achieved, except for the effects that result from the first electrical signal being an electrical signal that induces incomplete tetanus.

[0148] In this example, the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) as the first electrical signal and the second burst wave (4 Hz) as the second electrical signal each contain a positive signal and a negative signal. This makes it easier to eliminate the imbalance of electric charge in the electrical stimulation, further reducing the pain felt by the user. As a result, the bodily sensation experienced when using the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example can be further improved.

[0149] In this example, the duration of the first output periods (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) is longer than the duration of the second output periods (2-2, 3-2, 4-2). This ensures that the first output periods (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) are sufficient for the output electrical stimulation, further enhancing the muscle strengthening effect.

[0150] In this example, at least one (in this example, both) of the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) as the first electrical signal and the second burst wave (4 Hz) as the second electrical signal is a burst wave (basic waveforms B1 to B5) that is repeatedly output. In this example, the burst wave (basic waveforms B1 to B5) has rectangular pulse signals S1 to S5 as a plurality of divided electrical signals. The burst wave (basic waveforms B1 to B5) is recognized by the muscles as a single electrical signal. The duration (pulse width) of each divided electrical signal P1 to P5 can be made shorter than that of a continuous, undivided electrical signal, thereby reducing pain on the user's skin. This improves the user's bodily sensation.

[0151] Furthermore, because the electrical signal during the pulse group output period P is divided into a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 by the output stop times N1 to N5, the continuous energization time (i.e., pulse width) during the pulse group output period P is shortened. As described above, during the same pulse group output period P, the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 arrive alternately with positive and negative polarities, which cancels out the bias in charge, and the next rectangular wave pulse signal S1 to S5 arrives with a phase opposite to that of the rectangular wave pulse signal S1 to S5 during the pulse group output period P. As a result, the continuous energization time during which the charge is biased to either positive or negative at each of the electrodes 311 to 323 is extremely short.

[0152] When the charge distribution in each electrode 311-323 is biased, the silver contained in the silver paste from which the electrodes 311-323 are formed is susceptible to sulfurization and darkening due to sulfurous compounds such as sulfur dioxide gas in the air. However, in this example, as described above, the square-wave pulse signals S1-S5 alternate between positive and negative polarities, thereby sequentially canceling the charge bias. Furthermore, the duration of continuous current application while the charge is biased to either positive or negative is extremely short, thereby suppressing the sulfurization reaction. This effectively prevents the electrodes 311-323 from darkening. In addition, the silver contained in the silver paste may also be oxidized or chlorinated, which can also cause darkening. These can also be suppressed.

[0153] As described above, according to this embodiment 3, in addition to achieving the same effect as in embodiment 1, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that can efficiently stimulate muscles, is comfortable to use even when used for long periods of time, and encourages the user to actively continue using it.

[0154] 15 and 16 show an electrical muscle stimulation device 900 equipped with two electrodes as Reference Example 1. In Reference Example 1, the electrodes have the same configuration as electrodes 311, 321 in Examples 1 to 3, but are equipped with two electrodes 311, 321 that are slightly larger. Note that in Reference Example 1, components equivalent to those in Examples 1 to 3 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0155] Reference Example 1 also provides the same effects as Example 3, except for the effects of providing more than two electrodes. Furthermore, with electrical muscle stimulation device 900 of Reference Example 1, the number of electrodes 311, 321 is smaller than in the case of six electrodes (see FIG. 2), allowing for greater power consumption per electrode, and therefore electrodes 311, 321 are made one size larger. This expands the range to which electrical stimulation can be applied with a single electrode, making it easier to stimulate muscles in larger areas such as the arms and thighs.

[0156] (Embodiment 4) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. The electrical muscle stimulation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not require an external power source, and the operation unit and pair of electrodes are provided integrally with the main body, without any cords connecting them. Therefore, the pair of electrodes are attached to the human body, and the electrical muscle stimulation device can be easily worn over the body, making it easy to use, for example, when going out.

[0157] However, when the electrical muscle stimulation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is attached to the body and worn, the device may be visible through the clothing. In particular, when the outer surface of the electrical muscle stimulation device has many light-colored areas, such as white, the device is more likely to be visible through the clothing. This makes it difficult to use the electrical muscle stimulation device when out and about or in other places where people are concerned about their presence.

[0158] Furthermore, when the outer surface of an electrical muscle stimulation device has many bright areas, such as white, it is less likely to reflect and absorb light than when it has many dark areas, such as black, and so the device is less likely to heat up even when exposed to light. This leaves room for improvement in terms of warming muscles and promoting blood circulation, with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of muscle waste removal.

[0159] In consideration of these problems, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 4 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding Examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this Example are identical to those in the preceding Examples, the drawings in the preceding Examples will be used instead.

[0160] The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 4 includes a main body 10, a power supply 20, an electrode unit 30, a control unit 40, and an operation unit 50, similar to Example 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6. The power supply 20 is housed in the main body 10. The electrode unit 30 is supplied with power from the power supply 20. The control unit 40 controls the power supply to the electrode unit 30. The operation unit 50 is configured to be able to change the control mode of the control unit 40. The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is configured to apply electrical stimulation to the human body 2 by bringing the electrode unit 30 into contact with the human body 2, as shown in Figure 5.

[0161] 2 and 3, the electrode section 30 is formed integrally with the main body section 10. When the electrode section 30 is brought into contact with the human body 2 (see FIG. 5), 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a, 121a on the side facing the human body 2 and the opposite side thereof exhibit a dark color.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer shell forming body 12 has a surface 12b on the side where the substrate 33 (described later) is provided, and an outer surface 12a on the opposite side. The outer shell forming body 12 is made of an elastomer, and in this example, it is made of black silicone. An electrode support portion 121 extends from the outer shell forming body 12 so as to cover the front side surface 33b of the substrate 33. As shown in FIG. 1, a linear colored region 122 is formed on the outer surface 12a, 121a of the electrode support portion 121, and the colored region 122 roughly follows the outer edge of each electrode 311-313, 321-323. In this example, the colored region 122 is colored orange. Although not shown, the outer surfaces 12a, 121a also have colored regions (other colored regions) where product names, brand names, other characters, symbols, etc. are displayed. On the outer surfaces 12a, 121a, areas other than the colored region 122 and other colored regions are not colored, and the material forming the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 is exposed. The total area of ​​the colored region 122 and other colored regions on the outer surfaces 12a, 121a is less than 30%. In other words, 70% or more of the area on the outer surfaces 12a, 121a is exposed without coloring the elastomer that is the material forming the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121, and is dark in color (black in this example).

[0163] The colored region 122 is a region that has a different color from the region other than the colored region 122, and can be formed by applying, printing, or the like, a predetermined color of ink to the region. Alternatively, the colored region 122 may be formed from a material that has a different color from the region other than the colored region 122, without the above-mentioned application, printing, or the like.

[0164] In this example, a dark color refers to a color having a lightness of 5.0 or less in the Munsell color system (JIS Z8721:1993) specified by the Japanese Industrial Standards. The dark colored regions, which account for 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a, 121a, have a lightness of 5.0 or less in the Munsell color system, preferably 4.0 or less, and more preferably 3.0 or less. The chroma of the dark colored regions, which account for 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a, 121a, in the Munsell color system is, for example, 3.0 or less, preferably 2.0 or less. The hue of the dark colored regions, which account for 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a, 121a in the Munsell color system, is not particularly limited and may be any value. The lightness, chroma, and hue of the dark colored regions in the Munsell color system can be measured using a colorimeter based on the above-mentioned Japanese Industrial Standards.

[0165] In this example, as shown in Figure 17(a), the lightness of the colored region 122 on the outer surfaces 12a, 121a in the Munsell color system was 6.5 to 7.0, and the saturation was 12 to 13.5 (see Figure 17(b) which shows the relationship between lightness and saturation for hue 5YR). On the other hand, the lightness of the colored region 122 and other regions other than the character region was 1.0 to 2.0, and the saturation was 0. Note that although Figures 17(a) and 17(b) are actually in color, they are shown in grayscale because they cannot be expressed in color due to drawing creation constraints.

[0166] Note that the colorimetry of the dark color region is not limited to the Munsell color system, and can be performed using other color systems, such as the CIE1976L*a*b (JIS Z8781-4:2013), L*C*h color system, Hunter Lab color system, and XYZ (Yxy) color system. These color systems are all mutually convertible. Therefore, even if the dark color region is measured using one of the other color systems, the lightness, saturation, and hue can be expressed by converting the data to the Munsell color system.

[0167] The effects of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 4 are described in detail below. According to the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example, the electrode unit 30 is integrally formed with the main body 10, eliminating the need for a cord connecting the two. The electrode unit 30 and the main body 10 are attached to the human body as a single unit during use. This makes it easy to wear clothing over the attached electrical muscle stimulation device 1. Furthermore, when attached to the human body 2, 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a, 121a of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that can be seen from the outside are dark-colored. This reduces the reflectivity of light compared to light-colored materials such as white, thereby preventing the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 from being visible through clothing. This makes it easy to use the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 even when out and about and in private.

[0168] Furthermore, in the present example, 70% or more of the outer surface 12a, 121a is dark, which absorbs light more easily than lighter colors such as white. This allows the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 to warm up relatively easily when exposed to light. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 warms up relatively quickly when exposed to light directly or through clothing during use. This allows the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 to warm up muscles that are not yet warmed up, promoting blood circulation in the muscles. As a result, waste products generated by muscle contraction can be actively expelled from the muscles.

[0169] In this example, the electrode unit 30 is formed on a sheet-like substrate 33 extending from the main body 10, with multiple electrodes 311-323 and lead portions 311a-313a and 321a-323a electrically connecting the electrodes 311-323 to the power supply 20 via the control unit 40. The outer surfaces 12a and 121a are formed by an outer shell forming body 12 forming the outer shell of the main body 10 and an electrode support portion 121 extending from the outer shell forming body 12 and formed on the side of the substrate 33 opposite to the side on which the electrodes 311-323 are provided. Forming the electrode unit 30 on the sheet-like substrate 33 extending from the main body 10 allows the main body 10 and the electrode unit 30 to be integrated with a simple configuration and facilitates the formation of a thin electrode unit. Therefore, even when the electrode unit 30 is attached to the human body 2 and worn over it, it is not noticeable through the clothing, making it easy to use in places where people are concerned. Furthermore, it is easy to form a thin device, which makes it highly portable.

[0170] In this example, the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 are made of a dark-colored elastomer. The elastomer that forms the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 is exposed on the outer surfaces 12a, 121a, so that the outer surfaces 12a, 121a are dark-colored. This allows the outer surfaces 12a, 121a to be dark-colored without the need for special coloring, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0171] In this example, the dark-colored elastomer forming the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 is a dark-colored silicone resin. The outer shell of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example is formed from a silicone resin with a relatively low thermal conductivity. Therefore, when the dark-colored outer surfaces 12a, 121a are exposed to light, the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 are easily heated. Furthermore, because the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 are formed from a silicone resin with a relatively low thermal conductivity, the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 are easily maintained in a warm state. This further promotes blood circulation in the muscle, allowing waste products generated in the muscle to be more effectively excreted.

[0172] In this example, the dark-colored areas (areas other than colored areas 122 and other colored areas on outer surfaces 12a and 121a) have a Munsell color brightness of 5.0 or less. This increases light absorption in the dark-colored areas, making it easier for electrical muscle stimulation device 1 to warm up, further promoting blood circulation in the muscles. This further promotes the excretion of waste products.

[0173] In this example, the dark colored area has a saturation of 3.0 or less in the Munsell color system, which suppresses light reflection in the dark colored area, further reducing the possibility of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 being visible through clothing when the device is worn over the body 2 while attached to the body 2.

[0174] In this example, the dark colored areas are black, which results in sufficiently low values ​​for both lightness and saturation in the Munsell color system, further promoting the discharge of waste products as the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 warms up, while also further reducing the visibility of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 through clothing due to the suppression of light reflection.

[0175] As described above, according to Example 4, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as Example 1, and that is less visible through clothing when attached under clothing, and that can promote blood circulation in the muscles.

[0176] (Evaluation Test) The following evaluation test was conducted to evaluate the transparency of clothing worn using the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of the present invention. In this evaluation test, test pattern 1 shown in FIG. 18(a), test pattern 2 shown in FIG. 18(b), test pattern 3 shown in FIG. 18(c), test pattern 4 shown in FIG. 18(d), and test pattern 5 shown in FIG. 18(e) were used as test subjects. Test patterns 1 to 5 are square pieces of paper measuring 3 cm on a side, and as shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(e), their surfaces are displayed with predetermined patterns, including black sections 181 as dark areas and orange colored sections 182 as other colored areas. Specifically, the surface of each of test patterns 1 to 5 is divided into 10 grids in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Each grid is black or orange, forming the black sections 181 and colored sections 182 into predetermined shapes.

[0177] In this test example, as shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(e), in all of test patterns 1 to 5, at 100%, the black portion 181 occupies the entire area, and no colored area 182 exists. At 90% of each of test patterns 1 to 5, the black portion 181 occupies 90% and the colored area 182 occupies 10%. At 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50% of each of test patterns 1 to 5, the black portion 181 occupies 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%, respectively, and the colored area 182 occupies 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, respectively. The black portion 181 and the colored area 182 in test patterns 1 to 5 are formed in different ways. Note that in test patterns 3 to 5, the colored area 182 is more dispersed than in test patterns 1 and 2.

[0178] The evaluation test was conducted indoors under fluorescent lighting, with test patterns 1 to 5 placed on the palm of the hand and covered with a shirt, and the test patterns 1 to 5 were visually evaluated for visibility. Five test subjects (Yellow-skinned, male and female) conducted the test. The shirts were plain white men's dress shirts made of cotton and polyester. The evaluation criteria were as follows: ○: Test patterns 1 to 5 were not noticeable through the shirt; △: Test patterns were not noticeable; and ×: Test patterns were noticeable. The test was conducted by each subject. The evaluation results of each subject are shown in Table 5. Test patterns 1 to 5 were then totaled for each proportion of the black portion 181, and the number of ○ and △ and their ratio to the parameter (25) are shown. Table 6 shows the number of × and their ratio to the parameter (25).

[0179] [Table 6]

[0180] [Table 7]

[0181] As shown in Tables 6 and 7, when the proportion of black portions 181 was 100%, all test patterns 1 to 5 were rated as ○, indicating that the see-through of test patterns 1 to 5 was not a concern for all test subjects. Furthermore, when the proportion of black portions 181 was 90%, all test patterns 1 to 5 were rated as ○ or △, indicating that the see-through of test patterns 1 to 5 was not a concern or was not very bothersome. When the proportion of black portions 181 was 80%, a high proportion of 92% of all test patterns 1 to 5 were not bothersome or were not very bothersome. Furthermore, when the proportion of black portions 181 was 70%, a relatively high proportion of 56% of all test patterns 1 to 5, more than half, were not bothered or were not very bothered by the see-through of test patterns 1 to 5.

[0182] On the other hand, when the proportion of black portion 181 was 60%, it was shown that the transparency of test patterns 1 to 5 was not noticeable or not very noticeable in only 20%, a low proportion less than half of all test patterns 1 to 5. Similarly, when the proportion of black portion 181 was 50%, it was shown that the transparency of test patterns 1 to 5 was not noticeable or not very noticeable in only 16%, a low proportion less than half of all test patterns 1 to 5.

[0183] From the above evaluation results, it was confirmed that when the proportion of black portion 181 in test patterns 1 to 5 was 70% or more, the see-through of test patterns 1 to 5 was not bothersome or not very bothersome. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 17, an electrical muscular stimulation device 1 in which 70% or more of the area of ​​outer surface 12a, 121a of the device 1 is dark colored prevents the device 1 from being seen through clothing, making it easier to use even in places where one is concerned about being seen by others, such as when out and about.

[0184] (Embodiment 5) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical muscle stimulation device that stimulates muscles using electrical signals, comprising a main body with a built-in power source and an operation unit, and a pair of electrodes extending from the main body, and configured to apply electrical pulses to the human body by attaching the pair of electrodes to the human body to stimulate the muscles. Adhesive and conductive gel-like pads are attached to the electrodes, and the adhesiveness of the pads is used to attach the electrodes and the main body to the human body, while the conductivity of the pads is used to allow electrical current to flow between the electrodes and the human body.

[0185] In the electrical muscle stimulation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, repeated use can weaken the adhesive strength of the pads, making the electrodes more likely to peel off from the human body, resulting in poor electrical conductivity between the electrodes and the accumulation of foreign matter on the pads, which can cause noticeable dirt. Therefore, the pads must be replaced with new ones at appropriate intervals. When replacing the pads, the old pads must be peeled off from each electrode and then new pads attached to each electrode. If the new pads are not attached in the correct position, leaving the electrodes exposed, direct contact between the electrodes and the human body during use can result in excessive current flow and pain for the user. Therefore, when attaching new pads to each electrode, the user must attach the pads in the correct position while taking care not to expose the electrodes, which can make the pad attachment process time-consuming.

[0186] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 5 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0187] The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 5 includes a main body 10, a power supply 20, an electrode unit 30, a control unit 40, an operation unit 50, and a pad 35, similar to Example 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6. The power supply 20 is housed in the main body 10. The electrode unit 30 is supplied with power from the power supply 20. The control unit 40 controls the power supply to the electrode unit 30. The operation unit 50 is configured to be able to change the control mode of the control unit 40. The pad 35 is gel-like, conductive, and adhesive, and is replaceably attached to the electrode unit 30. The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is configured to apply electrical stimulation to a human body 2 (see FIG. 5) from the electrode unit 30 via the pad 35.

[0188] The electrode section 30 includes electrodes 311 to 323 formed on a sheet-like substrate 33 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 19(a), the substrate 33 is provided with a pad-attaching region 36 to which a pad 35 is attached so as to cover the electrode 312, and an outer edge protrusion 37 adjacent to at least a part of an outer edge 36a of the pad-attaching region 36 and protruding in the thickness direction Z of the pad 35. The length 37a of the outer edge protrusion 37 in the thickness direction Z is shorter than the thickness 35a of the pad 35. Note that while FIG. 19(a) describes the pad-attaching region 36 and outer edge protrusion 37 of the electrode 312, similar pad-attaching regions 36 and outer edge protrusions 37 are also formed for the other electrodes 311, 313 to 323.

[0189] 2 and 19(a), a pad attaching area 36 and an outer edge protrusion 37 are formed on the back side surface 33a of the base material 33. As shown in Fig. 2, the pad attaching area 36 is formed for each of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323, has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners, and is slightly larger than each of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323. The outer shape of each pad attaching area 36 is substantially the same shape.

[0190] 2, the outer edge protrusion 37 is adjacent to at least a part of the outer edge 36a of the pad attaching area 36, ​​and is formed to protrude in the thickness direction Z of the pad as shown in Fig. 19(a). In this example, the outer edge protrusion 37 is formed so as to be adjacent to the entire outer edge 36a of the pad attaching area 36 except for the outer edge 36b of the part that covers the connection portion between the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 and the lead portions 311a-313a, 321a-323a.

[0191] 19(a), in this example, the outer edge protrusion 37 is formed from the outer edge of the pad attaching area 36 to the edge 33d of the base material 33. As a result, the pad attaching area 36 is formed in a more recessed shape than the outer edge protrusion 37 on the back surface 33a of the base material 33. In other words, a portion of the base material 33 is recessed in the thickness direction Z to form a recess 360, the inner bottom surface of the recess 360 forms the pad attaching area 36, ​​and the outer region of the recess 360 in the base material 33 forms the outer edge protrusion 37 together with the inner circumferential surface (outer edge 36a) of the recess 360.

[0192] As shown in Figures 19(b) and 19(c), a pad 35 is attached to the pad attachment area 36. The pad 35 is conductive, adhesive, and in a gel state. In this example, the pad 35 is made of "ST-GEL (registered trademark)" manufactured by Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd., model number SR-RA240 / 100, as in Example 1. The pad 35 is in a sheet form and has approximately the same shape as the pad attachment area 36, ​​being approximately rectangular with rounded corners.

[0193] 19(b), pads 35 are attached to pad-attaching area 36 by placing them on pad-attaching area 36 while aligning their edges along the wall surfaces of outer edge protrusions 37. As a result, each pad 35 individually covers each of electrodes 311-313, 321-323. Because pads 35 are conductive, during use, electricity can be passed between each of electrodes 311-313, 321-323 and abdomen 3 (see FIG. 5) via each pad 35. Furthermore, because pads 35 are highly adhesive, electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can be attached to abdomen 3 via pad 35.

[0194] 19(c), no clearance (gap) exists between the pad 35 and the outer edge protrusion 37. However, this is not limiting, and a clearance may be provided between the pad 35 and the outer edge protrusion 37. That is, by making the outer shape of the pad 35 in a plan view slightly smaller than the shape of the outer edge 36a of the pad attaching area 36 in a plan view, a gap may be provided at least partially between the side surface 35b of the pad 35 and the outer edge protrusion 37. The clearance can be set appropriately within a range in which the electrodes 311 to 323 are not exposed when the pad 35 is attached to the pad attaching area 36.

[0195] When the clearance is provided, when replacing the pad 35, it becomes easier to insert a finger or the like between the end of the pad 35 attached to the pad attaching area 36 and the outer edge protruding portion 37, making it easier to peel off the pad 35. Furthermore, during use, the clearance forms a space between the skin surface and the rear surface 33a of the base material 33, thereby improving breathability, thereby suppressing the generation of sweat and facilitating the discharge of generated sweat.

[0196] The effects of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this embodiment are described in detail below. According to the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this embodiment, an outer edge protrusion 37 that protrudes in the thickness direction Z of the pad 35 is formed adjacent to the outer edge of the pad attachment area 36. As a result, when attaching the pad 35 to the pad attachment area 36, ​​the pad 35 is placed on the pad attachment area 36 while aligning the edge of the pad 35 with the outer edge protrusion 37, thereby preventing the pad 35 from shifting position. This allows the pad 35 to be attached in the correct position, preventing exposure of the electrode portion 30 (electrodes 311-323) without the user having to take special care to prevent exposure of the electrode portion 30 (electrodes 311-323). As a result, the effort required for attaching the pad 35 is reduced. Furthermore, even if the adhesive strength of the pad weakens during use, the pad is prevented from shifting position, preventing exposure of the electrode portion 30 (electrodes 311-323).

[0197] Furthermore, if the pad 35 is misaligned or if a pad smaller than the pad-attaching area 36 is used, the electrode portion 30 (electrodes 311-323) may be exposed. However, in such a case, during use, the human body 2 (skin) comes into contact with the outer edge protrusion 37 that protrudes adjacent to the outer edge of the pad-attaching area 36, ​​making it difficult for the human body 2 (skin) to come into contact with the electrode portion 30 (electrodes 311-323) exposed within the pad-attaching area 36. Therefore, even if the electrode portion 30 (electrodes 311-323) is exposed, direct electrical conduction between the human body 2 (skin) and the electrodes 311-323 is prevented. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the side surface of the pad 35 attached within the pad-attaching area 36 is covered by the outer edge protrusion 37, it is possible to prevent dirt and dust from adhering to at least a portion of the side surface of the pad 35.

[0198] In this example, the base material 33 extends from the main body 10, and multiple lead portions 311a-323a are formed on the base material 33, electrically connecting the multiple electrodes 311-323 to the power supply 20 via the control unit 40. This allows the main body 10 and the electrode unit 30 to be integrally formed, eliminating the need for a cord or the like connecting the electrode unit 30 to the power supply 20. As a result, the usability of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example is improved. Furthermore, since the sheet-like base material 33 extends from the main body 10, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example can be easily formed into a thin shape. This makes the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example highly portable and inconspicuous even when worn over clothing while in use. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is easy to use when going out.

[0199] Furthermore, in this example, the outer edge protrusion 37 is formed adjacent to the entire outer edge 36a of the pad attachment area 36, ​​excluding the outer edge 36b of the portion that covers the connection between the electrode portion 30 and the lead portions 311a to 323a. This allows the pad 35 to be attached to the pad attachment area 36 with almost the entire edge of the pad 35 aligned with the outer edge protrusion 37, further preventing misalignment of the pad 35. Therefore, even without paying special attention to misalignment of the pad 35, exposure of the electrodes 311 to 323 can be reliably prevented, further reducing the effort required to attach the pad 35.

[0200] The outer edge protrusion 37 may be formed adjacent to the entire outer edge 36a of the pad attaching region 36 excluding the outer edge 36b, and a covering member covering the leads 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a may be provided adjacent to the outer edge 36b. The covering member may be made of the same material as the base material 33, for example. The covering member and the outer edge protrusion 37 may then be arranged adjacent to and surround the entire outer edge 36a of the pad attaching region 36.

[0201] In this example, a recess 360 recessed in the thickness direction Z is formed in a part of the base material 33, the inner bottom surface of the recess 360 forming the pad attachment area 36, ​​and the outer area of ​​the recess 360 in the base material 33, together with the inner peripheral surface (outer edge 36a) of the recess 360, forming the outer edge protrusion 37. As a result, both the pad attachment area 36 and the outer edge protrusion 37 can be formed simply by forming the recess 360 in the base material 33, and since both can be formed easily, the manufacturing workability of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is improved.

[0202] In this example, as described above, the recess 360 of the outer edge protrusion 37 is formed by depressing a part of the base material 33. Alternatively, the back surface 33a of the base material 33 may be formed to be substantially flush with the electrodes 311 to 323, and the outer edge protrusion 37, which is a separate member from the base material 33, may be provided on the back surface 33a of the base material 33 so as to be adjacent to at least a part of the outer edge 36a of the pad attachment area 36.

[0203] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical muscular stimulation device 1 that has the same effects as those of the first embodiment and reduces the effort required to attach the pads 35.

[0204] In this example, as shown in FIG. 19(a), the outer edge protrusion 37 extends from the outer edge of the pad-attaching region 36 to the edge 33d of the base material 33, and the pad-attaching region 36 is formed more recessed than the outer edge protrusion 37. However, an alternative configuration, such as the following Modification 2, is also possible. In Modification 2, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the outer edge protrusion 37 is narrower than the outer edge protrusion 37 of Example 5 (see FIG. 19(a)). As shown in FIG. 21, the outer edge protrusion 37 is formed in a rib shape adjacent to the outer edge 36a of the pad-attaching region 36. This reduces the contact area between the outer edge protrusion 37 and the skin during use, improving breathability between the skin surface and the back surface 33a of the base material 33. Even if sweat is generated, the sweat is more easily expelled from between the skin surface and the back surface 33a of the base material 33. Modification 2 also achieves the same effects as Example 5.

[0205] In addition, in variant example 2, the outer edge protrusion 37 is arranged adjacent to the entire outer edge 36a of the pad attachment area 36, ​​excluding the outer edge 36b of the portion covering the connection between the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 and the lead portions 311a-313a, 321a-323a. Alternatively, for example, as in variant example 3 shown in Figure 22, the outer edge protrusion 370 may be formed to protrude from the outer edge 36a of the pad attachment area 36 of the electrode 322 so as to be adjacent to the outer edges 36c of both corners on the outside (left direction X2) of the pad attachment area 36.

[0206] 22, the pad attaching region 36 and the outer edge protrusion 37 of the electrode 322 of the second electrode group 32 have been described, but although not shown, the other electrodes 321 and 323 of the second electrode group 32 have the pad attaching region 36 and the outer edge protrusion 370 formed thereon, similar to the electrode 322. Furthermore, although not shown, the pad attaching region 36 and the outer edge protrusion 370 of the electrodes 311 to 313 of the first electrode group 31 are formed in line symmetry with the pad attaching region 36 and the outer edge protrusion 370 of the second electrode group 32, with the center line 10a as the axis of symmetry.

[0207] In this case, the area where the outer edge protrusion 370 is formed is reduced, thereby reducing the contact area with the skin surface during use and further improving breathability. Furthermore, because the outer edge protrusion 370 is less likely to come into contact with the skin, it is less likely to leave marks where the outer edge protrusion 370 has come into contact with the skin after use. Although the edges of each electrode base 331-333, 341-343 are thin, the formation of the outer edge protrusion 370 thickens the edge of the pad attachment portion 36, increasing its rigidity. This makes it easier to lift the edge of the pad attachment portion 36 when removing the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 from a state where it is attached to the human body, making it easier to remove the electrical muscle stimulation device 1. Furthermore, the third modification also provides the same effects as the fifth embodiment, except for the effect achieved by providing the outer edge protrusion 37 adjacent to the entire outer edge except for the outer edge 36b covering the connection portion.

[0208] (Example 6) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 6 of the present invention will be described. The electrical muscle stimulation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a main body with a built-in power supply and an operation unit, and a pair of electrodes formed on a base material extending from the main body, and is configured to send electrical pulses to the human body from the electrodes to stimulate the muscles. The pair of electrodes are integrated by the sheet-like base material on which the main body is located. An adhesive and conductive gel pad is affixed to the electrode formed on the base material, and the adhesiveness of the pad is used to attach the electrode and the main body to the human body, and the conductivity of the pad is used to enable electrical conduction between the electrode and the human body.

[0209] However, with the electrical muscle stimulation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, repeated use can weaken the adhesive strength of the pad, which can cause the electrodes to gradually peel off from the skin surface during use. As the electrodes gradually peel off, the area of ​​contact between the electrodes and the skin surface via the pad gradually becomes smaller, and the amount of current per unit area at that contact gradually increases. Therefore, as the electrodes peel off more and the area of ​​the contact decreases, the amount of current per unit area at that contact becomes excessively large, which can cause pain to the user.

[0210] In consideration of these problems, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 6 is configured as follows. Note that components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are the same as those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0211] 1 and 2 in Example 1, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example includes a plurality of electrodes 311-313, 321-323 formed on a base material 33, and a conductive, adhesive gel pad 35. The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is configured to apply electrical stimulation to a human body 2 (see FIG. 5) from the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 via the pad 35.

[0212] The base material 33 is formed with pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373 to which the pads 35 are attached so as to cover the electrodes 311-313, 321-323. The plurality of electrodes 311-313, 321-323 includes electrodes 311-313, 321-323 having an area that is 10-65% of the area of ​​the pads 35 that cover the electrodes 311-313, 321-323.

[0213] The pads 35 may be detachably attached to the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373. For example, when the adhesive strength of the pads 35 decreases or when the pads 35 become noticeably soiled, the pads 35 may be removed from the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373, and the pads 35 may be cleaned and then reattached to the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373, or the pads 35 may be removed from the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373, and new pads 35 may be attached to the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373. Furthermore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 may be configured so that the pads 35 are not attached to the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373 during distribution, and the user attaches the pads 35 to the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373 when or before use. On the other hand, the pads 35 may be fixed to the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373 and may be configured so that the pads 35 cannot be removed or are not intended to be replaced. Therefore, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 may be configured so that the pads 35 are attached to the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373 at least in the state of use.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 23 , in this example, the electrode bases 331-333 and 341-343 are formed by outwardly extending a sheet-like substrate 33 joined to the main body 10. The electrode bases 331-333 extend in directions 331x-333x toward the right direction X1, respectively, away from the center line 10a. Note that the extension directions 331x and 332x point slightly upward in the Y direction, and the extension direction 333x points slightly downward in the Y direction. The electrode bases 341-343 extend in directions 341x-343x toward the left direction X2, respectively, away from the center line 10a. Note that the extension directions 341x and 342x point slightly upward in the Y direction, and the extension direction 343x points slightly downward in the Y direction. The extension directions 331x to 333x and 341x to 343x of the electrode bases 331 to 333 and 341 to 343 are not limited to these and can be determined appropriately in consideration of the arrangement of the electrodes 311 to 323 and the like.

[0215] 23 and 24, the outer shape of each pad 35 is larger than the outer shape of each electrode 311-313, 321-323, and the area of ​​each pad 35 is larger than the area of ​​each electrode 311-313, 321-323. Each pad 35 is attached to a pad attachment portion 361-363, 371-373. The pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373 are portions including an area to which the pad 35 is attached, and in this example, the outer shape of the electrode bases 331-333, 341-343 is made slightly larger than the outer shape of the pad 35, so that the entire area of ​​the back surface 33a of the electrode bases 331-333, 341-343 serves as the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373.

[0216] 23, in the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373, the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 are located on the side closer to one end (in this example, ends 361a-363a, 371a-373a) of the pad attachment portions 361-363, 371-373. The end 361a is the end farthest from the center 33c of the base material 33 when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 23. Similarly, in the pad attachment portions 362, 363, 371-373, the ends 362a, 363a, 371a-373a are also the end farthest from the center 33c of the base material 33 when viewed from the front.

[0217] Each pad 35 is attached to a pad attachment portion 361-363, 371-373, and covers the entire area of ​​each electrode 311-313, 321-323. As shown in Fig. 24, the pad 35 is made up of an electrode covering portion 350 that covers the entire area of ​​the electrode 312, and an electrode uncovered portion 353 that does not cover the electrode 312. The electrode uncovered portion 353 has a pad extension portion 352 that extends widely from an outer edge 351a of the outer edge 351 of the electrode covering portion 350 on the side opposite to the extending direction 332x of the electrode base 332.

[0218] 24, the extension amount W1 of the pad extension portion 352 in the electrode non-covered portion 353 (the shortest distance between the outer edge 351a and the outer edge 352a of the pad extension portion 352 on the side opposite to the extension direction 332x) is sufficiently larger than the extension amount W2 from the outer edge 351b of the outer edge 351 of the electrode covered portion 350 on the side facing the extension direction 332x of the electrode base 332, and the extension amounts W3 and W4 from the outer edges 351c and 351d in the direction 332y perpendicular to the extension direction 332x and thickness direction Z (see FIG. 25) of the electrode base 332. As a result, the pad extension portion 352 extends widely in the direction opposite to the extension direction 332x of the electrode base 332. Pads 35 covering electrodes 311, 313, 321 to 323 are also made up of electrode-covered portions 350 and electrode-uncovered portions 353 including pad extensions 352, which are formed in the same manner.

[0219] In this example, each pad 35 has an outer shape slightly larger than that of each of the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b, and is attached so as to cover the entire area of ​​each of the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b. In this example, as shown in Fig. 24, the extension amount W1 of the pad extension portion 352 is approximately the same as the length W0 of the electrode 312 in the extension direction 332x. Therefore, the area of ​​the pad extension portion 352 is larger than the area of ​​the electrode 312. The same applies to the other electrodes 311, 313, and 321 to 323.

[0220] 25(a) and 25(b), a case will be described in which the second right-side electrode 312 peels off from the skin surface 6 during use in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example. First, as shown in Fig. 25(a), in a normal state, the entire area of ​​the pad 35 is in close contact with the skin surface 6, and the entire area of ​​the second right-side electrode 312 abuts against the skin surface 6 via the pad 35. Therefore, the abutment area G between the second right-side electrode 312 and the skin surface 6 via the pad 35 coincides with the entire area of ​​the electrode covering portion 350.

[0221] Here, the curvature of the skin surface 6 of the abdomen 3 gradually increases in the direction from the navel 3a (see FIG. 5) toward the flank 3b. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b), the direction from the navel 3a toward the flank 3b substantially coincides with the extension direction 332x of the electrode base 332, and the curvature of the skin surface 6 gradually increases as it progresses along the extension direction 332x.

[0222] If the adhesive strength of the pad 35 weakens due to repeated use, the second right-side electrode 312 may peel off from the skin surface 6, as shown in FIG. 25(b). More specifically, the pad 35 separates from the skin surface 6 at the outer edge 332b of the electrode base 332 of the substrate 33, i.e., at the tip of the electrode base 332 in the extending direction 332x, and the second right-side electrode 312 peels off from the skin surface 6. This peeling of the second right-side electrode 312 progresses in the opposite direction to the extending direction 332x of the electrode base 332. As this peeling progresses, the contact area G between the second right-side electrode 312 and the skin surface 6 via the pad 35 gradually becomes smaller. In the state shown in FIG. 25(b), the contact area G is extremely small. However, in the pad 35, the electrode covering portion 350 only contacts the skin surface 6 at a very small contact portion G via the electrode covering portion 350, but the pad extension portion 352 contacts the skin surface 6. Therefore, the current from the second right electrode 312 flows to the skin surface 6 via the electrode covering portion 350 at the very small contact portion G and the pad extension portion 352. As a result, even in this state, the current flowing from the second right electrode 312 to the skin surface 6 does not concentrate excessively, and the user is less likely to feel pain. The same applies to the other electrodes 311, 313, 321 to 323.

[0223] The effects of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 6 are described in detail below. The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is provided with electrodes 311-323 each having an area that is 10-65% of the area of ​​the pad 35. Because the electrodes 311-323 are smaller than the area of ​​the pad 35, the pad 35 attached to the pad attachment sections 361-373 is formed with an electrode-covered section 350 that covers the electrodes 311-323 and an electrode-uncovered section 353 that does not cover the electrodes. Because the electrode-covered section 350 contacts both the electrodes 311-323 and the skin surface 6, current actively flows from the electrodes 311-323 to the skin surface 6 that contacts the electrode-covered section 350. On the other hand, because the electrode-uncovered section 353 is provided in an area of ​​the base material 33 where the electrodes 311-323 are not formed, current does not actively flow through the electrode-uncovered section 353.

[0224] If the adhesive strength of pad 35 weakens and electrode-covered portion 350 begins to separate, the contact area between electrodes 311-323 and skin surface 6 via electrode-covered portion 350 gradually decreases, but electrode-uncovered portion 353 remains in contact with skin surface 6. Therefore, even if the contact area decreases, the current-carrying area on skin surface 6 is secured via electrode-uncovered portion 353, preventing the amount of current per unit area on skin surface 6 from becoming excessively large and reducing the concentration of power, thereby minimizing pain felt by the user.

[0225] Furthermore, because the area of ​​pad 35 is sufficiently larger than the area of ​​electrodes 311-323, even if slight misalignment occurs when pad 35 is attached, pad 35 can reliably cover electrodes 311-323. This improves assembly workability and prevents electrodes 311-323 from being exposed from pad 35 and coming into direct contact with the skin. Furthermore, because electrodes 311-323 are prevented from being exposed from pad 35, it can prevent hands from coming into direct contact with electrodes 311-323 when removing electrical muscle stimulation device 1 from human body 2 after use, for example.

[0226] In this example, the pad attaching portions 361 to 373 have silver paste printed portions 311b to 323b as attachment position indicators that indicate the attachment positions of the pads 35. This makes it easier to attach the pads 35 in the appropriate positions, improving the ease of assembly.

[0227] Furthermore, in this example, the electrodes 311-323 are located on the side closer to one end 361a-373a of the pad attachment portions 361-373. As a result, even if the pad 35 is peeled off from anywhere other than the end 362a on the side where the electrodes 311-323 are located, the electrode covering portion 350 of the pad 35 that covers the electrodes 311-323 is maintained in contact with the skin surface 6, which further reduces the likelihood of electric power concentration and makes it easier to prevent the user from feeling pain.

[0228] In this example, the ends 361a-373a on one side of the pad attachment portions 361-373 form the ends 361a-373a that are farthest from the center 33c of the base material 33 when viewed from the front. As a result, the multiple electrodes 311-323 are positioned closer to the ends 361a-373a that are farthest from the center 33c of the base material 33 on the pad attachment portions 361-373, making it easier to increase the distance between the electrodes 311-323. As a result, the electrical stimulation output from each electrode 311-323 is more likely to reach muscles located more inward in the human body 2, i.e., muscles located deeper in the human body 2 from the skin surface 6. As a result, these muscles can be stimulated efficiently.

[0229] In this example, the electrodes 311-323 are positioned closer to the ends 361a-373a of the pad attachment portions 361-373 as described above. However, instead, the electrodes 311-323 may be positioned closer to the center 33c of the base material 33 of the pad attachment portions 361-373. In this case, if the adhesive strength of the pad 35 decreases and the pad 35 begins to peel off, the electrode-uncovered portion 353 is likely to peel off before the electrode-covered portion 350. Furthermore, when the electrode-uncovered portion 353 begins to peel off, the electrode-covered portion 350 remains in contact with the skin surface 6, which reduces the likelihood of power concentration. Therefore, the user is more likely to notice that the pad 35 (electrode-uncovered portion 353) has peeled off before feeling pain. As a result, the user is encouraged to reattach the pad 35 before feeling pain.

[0230] In this example, the plurality of electrodes 311-323 includes electrodes 311-313 located on one side of a bisected area by center line 10a, which serves as an imaginary center line passing through center 33c of substrate 33, and electrodes 321-323 located on the other side. As a result, electrodes 311-313 and electrodes 321-323 are spaced apart from each other across the imaginary center line (center line 10a), so that the electrical stimulation output from each of electrodes 311-323 can more easily reach muscles located deep within human body 2 from skin surface 6. As a result, such muscles can be stimulated more efficiently.

[0231] In this example, the base material 33 has a plurality of electrode bases 331-333, 341-343. As a result, the plurality of electrodes 311-323 formed on the plurality of electrode bases 331-333, 341-343 are integrally formed with the main body 10, and therefore, the plurality of electrodes 311-323 can be attached together during use. This reduces the effort required for attaching the plurality of electrodes 311-323, improving usability. Furthermore, the pads 35 are easily peeled off from the ends 332b of the electrode bases 331-343 in the direction opposite to the extending directions 331x-343x of the electrode bases 331-343. Therefore, when the pad 35 is gradually peeled away from the skin surface 6 from the end 332b of the electrode base 331-343 in the direction opposite to the extending directions 331x-343x of the electrode base 331-343, the contact portion G between the electrodes 311-323 and the skin surface 6 via the electrode covering portion 350 of the pad 35 that covers the electrodes 311-323 gradually becomes smaller, but the pad extending portion 352 of the pad 35 that extends from the electrode covering portion 350 in the direction opposite to the extending directions 331x-343x of the electrode base 331-343 remains in contact with the skin surface 6. Therefore, even if the contact portion G becomes smaller, the current-carrying area on the skin surface 6 is secured via the pad extending portion 352, so that the amount of current per unit area on the skin surface 6 is prevented from becoming excessively large, and pain felt by the user can be reduced.

[0232] In the substrate 33, the directions in which the electrode bases 361 to 373 extend (extension directions 331x to 343x) can be determined appropriately based on the arrangement of the electrodes 311 to 323, etc. For example, the directions may be directions away from the center line 10a, which is a virtual center line that passes through the center 33c of the substrate 33 and is parallel to the main surface 33b of the substrate 33, or a relay portion may be provided in the substrate 33 that extends in a direction away from the center line 10a, and the directions may be directions from the relay portion toward an arbitrary position.

[0233] In this example, the main body 10 is located at the center 33c of the substrate 33. This allows the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example to be compact, and the paths between the main body 10 and each of the electrodes 311-323 to be short, allowing current to flow efficiently through each of the electrodes 311-323.

[0234] In this example, a silicone coating is applied to portions of the silver paste-printed portions 311b-323b, making the electrodes 311-323 smaller than the silver paste-printed portions 311b-323b. This allows the area of ​​each electrode 311-323 to be smaller than if the entire silver paste-printed portions 311b-323b were used as the electrodes 311-323 without the silicone coating. As a result, the power consumption of the entire device can be reduced. Furthermore, the pad 35 is provided with a pad extension portion 352, ensuring the pad size. Furthermore, because a decrease in the amount of current supplied to each electrode 311-323 can be suppressed, six electrodes 311-323 can be provided even when a coin battery is used as the battery 21, as in this example.

[0235] Furthermore, the silicone-coated portions of the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b do not function as electrodes, but serve as guides when attaching the pads 35. That is, the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b form attachment position indicators that indicate the positions at which to attach the pads 35. If the pads 35 are attached so as to entirely cover the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b that serve as attachment position indicators, the pads 35 will cover the entire areas of the electrodes 311 to 323, and a sufficiently wide area for the pad extension portions 352 can be ensured.

[0236] As described above, according to Example 6, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and can suppress pain felt by the user when the pad 35 peels off during use.

[0237] In this example, a silicone coating is applied to a portion of the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b. Alternatively, as shown in Modification 4 in FIG. 26, the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b may be formed in advance with the same shape as each of the electrodes 311 to 323, and substantially the entire area of ​​the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b may be formed as each of the electrodes 311 to 323. In this case, the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b are not silicone-coated, but the lead portions are silicone-coated as in Example 1 to prevent electrical connection to the outside. In this case, the same effects as those of Example 6 are achieved, except that the silver paste-printed portions 311b to 323b function as guides when attaching the pads 35.

[0238] Although the sixth embodiment includes six electrodes 311-313 and 321-323, the number of electrodes is not limited to six, and may be eight. For example, in the fifth modification, as shown in Fig. 27, in addition to the electrodes 311-313 and 321-323, a fourth right-side electrode 317 and a fourth left-side electrode 328 are provided, for a total of eight electrodes. In the fifth modification, elements equivalent to those in the first to sixth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0239] In the fifth modification, the fourth right-side electrode 317 is located between the second right-side electrode 312 and the third right-side electrode 313, and the fourth left-side electrode 328 is located between the second left-side electrode 322 and the third left-side electrode 323. As with the other electrodes 311 to 323, the fourth right-side electrode 317 and the fourth left-side electrode 328 are also provided with pads 35 and pad extensions 352.

[0240] Modification 5 also achieves the same effects as in Example 6. By providing the pad extension 352, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of current supplied to each of the electrodes 311-313, 317, 321-323, and 318 while ensuring the size of the pad 35, and therefore it is possible to provide eight electrodes as in Modification 5.

[0241] In this example, each of the six electrodes 311-313, 321-323 has an area within the range of 10-65% of the area of ​​pad 35, but instead, some of the electrodes included in the electrical muscular stimulation device may have an area greater than 65% of the area of ​​pad 35. For example, this can be done as in Reference Example 2 shown below. That is, Reference Example 2 includes three electrodes 314, 315, 324, as shown in Fig. 28. In Reference Example 2, elements equivalent to those in Examples 1-6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0242] 28, the substrate 33 has a substantially Y-shape when viewed from the front. The main body 10 is formed at the center 33c of the substrate 33. Electrodes 314 and 315 are provided on a pair of electrode bases 334 and 335 that extend from the substrate 33 in two directions upward in the Y direction, respectively, and an electrode 324 is provided on an electrode base 344 that extends from the substrate 33 in the Y direction downward.

[0243] The electrodes 314, 315 have the same shape as the electrodes 314, 315 in Example 6. However, the lead portion 314a of the electrode 314 and the lead portion 315a of the electrode 315 are connected via a connecting portion 310 that is printed and coated with ink containing silver paste, just like both electrodes. The connecting portion 310 is connected to an output terminal (not shown) of the control unit 40.

[0244] On the other hand, the electrode 324 is made of a silver paste-printed portion 324b formed on the rear surface 33a of the substrate 33. The silver paste-printed portion 324b is not coated, and substantially the entire area of ​​the silver paste-printed portion 324b serves as the electrode 324. The silver paste-printed portion 324b is smaller than the silver paste-printed portions 314b and 315b that form the electrodes 314 and 315. Therefore, the electrodes 314 and 315 and the electrode 324 have substantially the same area. The electrode 324 is connected to one of the output terminals of the control unit 40 (not shown), which has a polarity opposite to that of the output terminal to which the connecting portion 310 is connected, via a lead portion 324a that is printed with ink containing silver paste and is coated.

[0245] As shown in FIG. 28 , a pair of electrode bases 334 and 335 extending upward in the Y direction of the substrate 33 form pad attachment portions 364 and 365, respectively, and an electrode base 344 extending downward in the Y direction forms a pad attachment portion 374. Pads 35 are attached to the attachment portions 364, 365, and 374 so as to cover the electrodes 314, 315, and 324, respectively. The pad 35 attached to the electrode 324 has a shape that matches the size of the silver paste printed portion 324b serving as a pad attachment position indicator, and is smaller than the pad 35 covering the electrodes 314 and 315. The area of ​​the electrode 324 is 85% of the area of ​​the pad 35 covering the electrode 324. The areas of the electrodes 314 and 315 are 45% of the area of ​​the pads 35 covering them, as in Example 6.

[0246] In Reference Example 2, of the multiple electrodes 314, 315, 324 provided in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1, some electrodes (electrode 324) have an area that is greater than 65% of the area of ​​the pad that covers electrode 324. However, electrodes 314, 315 have an area that is within the range of 10 to 65% of the area of ​​the pad that covers electrode 314, 315, as in Example 6. Therefore, electrodes 314, 315 of Reference Example 2 have the same effects as Example 6, except for the effects that result from the provision of four or more electrodes in Example 6.

[0247] (Embodiment 7) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described. The electrical muscle stimulation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with only a pair of electrodes, making it difficult to efficiently apply electrical stimulation to multiple muscles. While increasing the number of electrodes is an option, simply doing so tends to result in variations in the electrical conduction distance between the electrodes and the control unit. This variation in electrical conduction distance leads to variations in the electrical resistance of the leads electrically connecting the electrodes to the control unit, leading to variations in the electrical stimulation output from each electrode. As a result, it becomes difficult to apply electrical stimulation to muscles in a balanced manner. On the other hand, simply making each lead the same length in order to suppress variations in the electrical conduction distance significantly reduces the degree of freedom in electrode placement, making it difficult to position the electrodes in a position suitable for applying electrical stimulation to the muscles.

[0248] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 7 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are the same as those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0249] As shown in FIG. 29, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 7 includes a main body 10, a power supply 20 (see FIG. 4), an electrode unit 30, a control unit 40, and lead units 38 and 39. The power supply 20 and control unit 40 are housed in the main body 10. The electrode unit 30 has three or more electrodes 311 to 323 to which power is supplied from the power supply 20. The control unit 40 controls the power supply to the electrode unit 30. The lead units 38 and 39 electrically connect the electrode unit 30 and the control unit 40. The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is configured to apply electrical stimulation to a human body 2 (see FIG. 5) from the electrode unit 30. As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the control unit 40 has a plurality of terminals 451, 452 (461, 462) to which voltages of the same polarity are applied. The lead portion 38 (39) has a terminal connection portion 383 (393) that connects the multiple terminals 451, 452 (461, 462) together, and electrode connection portions 385-387 (395-397) that connect the terminal connection portion 383 (393) to the electrodes 311-313 (321-323). As shown in Fig. 31, the difference between the length of each of the shortest paths L1-L3 (L4-L6) from the electrodes 311-313 (321-323) to the terminals 451, 452 (461, 462) and the average length of the shortest paths L1-L3 (L4-L6) is less than 20% of the average length.

[0250] In this example, the "shortest paths L1 to L3 (L4 to L6) from each electrode 311 to 313 (321 to 323) to the terminals 451, 452 (461, 462)" are defined as follows: First, in the lead portion 38 (39), a path that electrically connects one electrode 311 to 313 (321 to 323) to one terminal 451, 452 (461, 462) is extracted. Then, an imaginary path line is drawn connecting the centers of the width direction of the lead portion 38 (39) at each position on the extracted path, and the length of the imaginary path line is defined as the length of the path. Then, the length of each path from one electrode 311 to 313 (321 to 323) to each of the terminals 451, 452 (461, 462) is calculated, and the shortest path among them is determined as the shortest path from the electrode 311 to 313 (321 to 323) to the terminal 451, 452 (461, 462).

[0251] As shown in FIG. 30 , the first lead portion 38 serving as a lead portion includes a first controller-side connection portion group 380, a first terminal connection portion 383, and a first electrode connection portion group 384. The first controller-side connection portion group 380 includes a plurality of controller-side connection portions (first controller-side connection portion 381, second controller-side connection portion 382) connected to a plurality of terminals (first terminals 451, second terminals 452) belonging to the first terminal group 45. The first controller-side connection portion 381 and the second controller-side connection portion 382 each protrude toward the main body 10. As shown in FIG. 4( b) in the first embodiment, the first controller-side connection portion 381 and the second controller-side connection portion 382 are each bent in the thickness direction along the inner wall of the first case 111, with their tips bent parallel to the control board 41. The tips of the first control unit side connecting portion 381 and the second control unit side connecting portion 382 are sandwiched between the boss 116 and the control board 41 as described above.

[0252] 30, first terminal connection portion 383 as a terminal connection portion is formed so that a plurality of control portion-side connection portions (first control portion-side connection portion 381, second control portion-side connection portion 382) belonging to first control portion-side connection portion group 380 are electrically connected to each other. In this example, first terminal connection portion 383 has a substantially semicircular arc shape along outer edge 10b of main body 10. First terminal connection portion 383 has first control portion-side connection portion 381 provided at one end thereof, and second control portion-side connection portion 382 provided at the other end thereof.

[0253] The first electrode connection group 384 extends from the first terminal connection portion 383 toward the plurality of electrodes (first right-side electrode 311, second right-side electrode 312, third right-side electrode 313) belonging to the first electrode group 31 and is made up of a plurality of electrode connection portions (first electrode connection portion 385, second electrode connection portion 386, third electrode connection portion 387) connected to the plurality of electrodes 311 to 313. In this example, the first electrode connection portion 385, second electrode connection portion 386, and third electrode connection portion 387 are all formed in a linear shape.

[0254] Similar to the first lead portion 38, the second lead portion 39 serving as a lead portion has a second control unit side connection portion group 390, a second terminal connection portion 393, and a second electrode connection portion group 394. The second control unit side connection portion group 390 is made up of a plurality of control unit side connection portions (third control unit side connection portion 391, fourth control unit side connection portion 392) connected to a plurality of terminals (third terminals 461, fourth terminals 462) belonging to the second terminal group 46. Similarly to the first lead portion 38, the tips of the third control unit side connection portion 391 and the fourth control unit side connection portion 392 are sandwiched between the boss 116 and the control board 41.

[0255] Similarly to the first lead portion 38, the second terminal connection portion 393 as a terminal connection portion is formed so that the multiple control unit side connection portions (third control unit side connection portion 391, fourth control unit side connection portion 392) belonging to the second control unit side connection portion group 390 are electrically connected to each other. In this example, similar to the first lead portion 38, the second terminal connection portion 393 has a substantially semicircular arc shape along the outer edge 10b of the main body 10. The third control unit side connection portion 391 is provided at one end of the second terminal connection portion 393, and the fourth control unit side connection portion 392 is provided at the other end.

[0256] Similar to the first lead portion 38, the second electrode connection portion group 394 extends from the second terminal connection portion 393 toward the plurality of electrodes (first left-side electrode 321, second left-side electrode 322, third left-side electrode 323) belonging to the second electrode group 32 and is made up of a plurality of electrode connection portions (fourth electrode connection portion 395, fifth electrode connection portion 396, sixth electrode connection portion 397) connected to the plurality of electrodes 321 to 323. In this example, the fourth electrode connection portion 395, fifth electrode connection portion 396, and sixth electrode connection portion 397 are all formed in a linear shape.

[0257] 31(a) to 31(c), the first lead portion 38 (see FIG. 30) forms a first right-side path L1 as a first path, a second right-side path L2 as a second path, and a third right-side path L3 as a third path. The first right-side path L1 extends linearly from the first terminal 451 toward the first right-side electrode 311 and is connected to the first right-side electrode 311. The second right-side path L2 is connected from the first terminal 451 and the second terminal 452 to the second right-side electrode 312 via the first terminal connecting portion 383. The third right-side path L3 is connected from the second terminal 452 to the third right-side electrode 313 via the first terminal connecting portion 383. In the first lead portion 38, each of the paths L1 to L3 is the shortest path connecting to the corresponding electrode 311 to 313.

[0258] The length of each of the paths L1 to L3 in the first lead portion 38 is less than 20% of the average length obtained by averaging these, preferably less than 18% of the average length, and more preferably less than 15% of the average length. In this example, the lengths of the paths L1 to L3 are 40 mm, 35 mm, and 31 mm, respectively, and the average length obtained by averaging these is 35.33 mm. The differences between the lengths of the paths L1 to L3 and the above average length are 4.67 mm, 0.33 mm, and 4.33 mm, respectively, which are 13.21%, 0.93%, and 12.26% of the above average length.

[0259] 31(a) to 31(c), the second lead portion 39 (see FIG. 30) has a first left path L4 as a first path, a second left path L5 as a second path, and a third left path L6 as a third path. The first left path L4 extends linearly from the third terminal 461 toward the first left electrode 321 and is connected to the first left electrode 321. The second left path L5 is connected from the third terminal 461 and the fourth terminal 462 to the second left electrode 322 via the second terminal connecting portion 393. The third left path L6 is connected from the fourth terminal 462 to the third left electrode 323 via the second terminal connecting portion 393. In the second lead portion 39, each of the paths L4 to L6 is the shortest path connecting to the corresponding electrode 321 to 323.

[0260] As with the first lead portion 38, the length of each of the paths L4 to L6 in the second lead portion 39 is less than 20% of the average length obtained by averaging these, preferably less than 18% of the average length, and more preferably less than 15% of the average length. In this example, the lengths of the paths L4 to L6 are 40 mm, 35 mm, and 31 mm, respectively, and the average length obtained by averaging these is 35.33 mm. The differences between the lengths of the paths L4 to L6 and the above average length are 4.67 mm, 0.33 mm, and 4.33 mm, respectively, which are 13.21%, 0.93%, and 12.26% of the above average length.

[0261] 29, the first right-side electrode 311, the second right-side electrode 312, and the third right-side electrode 313 are arranged so as to be located on the same imaginary line F1. The first left-side electrode 321, the second left-side electrode 322, and the third left-side electrode 323 are also arranged so as to be located on the same imaginary line F2. In this example, the imaginary lines F1 and F2 are parallel to the center line 10a.

[0262] The effects of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 7 are described in detail below. In the above-described electrical muscle stimulation device 1, the difference between the length of each of the shortest paths L1-L3 (L4-L6) from each of the multiple electrodes 311-313 (321-323) to the terminals 451, 452 (461, 462) and the average length of the shortest paths L1-L3 (L4-L6) is less than 20% of the average length. This reduces variation in the conduction distance between the electrodes 311-313 (321-323) and the control unit 40, and reduces variation in the electrical resistance between the electrodes 311-313 (321-323) and the control unit 40. This reduces variation in the electrical stimulation output from each electrode 311-313 (321-323), allowing for well-balanced application of electrical stimulation to muscles.

[0263] The control unit 40 is also provided with a plurality of terminals 451, 452 (461, 462) to which voltages of the same polarity are applied. The lead portion 38 (39) is provided with a terminal connection portion 383 (393) connected to the plurality of terminals 451, 452 (461, 462) and electrode connection portions 385-387 (395-397) connecting the terminal connection portion 383 (393) to the electrodes 311-313 (321-323). This increases the degree of freedom in arranging the electrodes 311-313 (321-323) while maintaining the shortest paths L1-L3 (L4-L6) via the lead portion 38 (39) short. As a result, the electrodes 311-313 (321-323) can be more easily arranged in positions suitable for applying electrical stimulation to muscles.

[0264] In this example, the electrodes 311-313 (321-323) are arranged so as to be positioned on the same imaginary straight line F1 (F2). This makes it easier to match the electrodes 311-313 (321-323) with each of the sections 4a arranged on a straight line, such as the rectus abdominis muscle 4, and therefore the muscles such as the rectus abdominis muscle 4 can be stimulated effectively.

[0265] In this example, two terminals 451, 452 (461, 462) of the same polarity are provided. This makes it possible to shorten the shortest paths L1 to L3 (L4 to L6) to the electrodes 311 to 313 (321 to 323) with a reduced configuration, while also reducing manufacturing costs.

[0266] In this example, the first electrode group 31 of the electrode unit 30 has three electrodes 311 to 313, and the second electrode group 32 has three electrodes 321 to 323. This allows the electrodes 311 to 313 to correspond to the three sections 4a into which the rectus abdominis muscle 4 is divided in the height direction Y, thereby stimulating the rectus abdominis muscle 4 more effectively.

[0267] In this example, the multiple terminals 451, 452, 461, 462, electrodes 311-313, 321-323, and lead portions 38, 39 are each arranged in one region (first region G1) and the other region (second region G2) bisected by a center line 10a passing through the center of the main body 10. The electrodes 311-313 arranged in one region (first region G1) and the electrodes 321-323 arranged in the other region (second region G2) are configured to receive voltages of different polarities. By attaching the device to the center of the abdomen 3 so that the center line 10a is parallel to the height direction Y of the person 2, the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 are easily positioned in positions corresponding to the left and right rectus abdominis muscles 4, respectively, making the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 suitable for stimulating the rectus abdominis muscles 4.

[0268] Furthermore, in this example, the terminal connection portions (first terminal connection portion 383 and second terminal connection portion 393) are formed along outer edge 10b of main body portion 10. This makes it easier to form the lead portions (first lead portion 38 and second lead portion 39) short, allowing electrical stimulation to be output efficiently.

[0269] In this example, the multiple control unit side connection parts 381, 382, ​​391, 392 and the control unit 40 are fastened and fixed via screws 115, but instead, the multiple control unit side connection parts 381, 382, ​​391, 392 may be fixed so that they are sandwiched between the first case 111 and the second case 112 and connected so as to be pressed against the control unit 40.

[0270] As described above, according to Example 7, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1, reduces the variation in the electrical stimulation output from each electrode 311 to 323, and improves the freedom of arrangement of the electrodes 311 to 323.

[0271] In Example 7, six electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323 are provided, but eight electrodes 311 to 314, 321 to 324 may be provided as in Modification 6 shown in Fig. 17. In Modification 6, elements equivalent to those in Examples 1 to 7 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0272] 32 , the first electrode group 31 includes a fourth right-side electrode 314 that is located closer to the main body 10 than the third right-side electrode 313 and farther from the second right-side electrode 312, between the second right-side electrode 312 and the third right-side electrode 313, and that is arranged in an arc or line together with the first right-side electrode 311, the second right-side electrode 312, and the third right-side electrode 313. The second electrode group 32 includes a fourth left-side electrode 324 that is located closer to the main body 10 than the third left-side electrode 323 and farther from the main body 10 than the second left-side electrode 322, between the second left-side electrode 322 and the third left-side electrode 323, and that is arranged in an arc or line together with the first left-side electrode 321, the second left-side electrode 322, and the third left-side electrode 323.

[0273] The first lead portion 38 has a right path L7 that is connected to the fourth right electrode 314 from the first terminal 451 and the second terminal 452 via the first terminal connection portion 383 and has approximately the same length as the first right path L1. Therefore, the difference between the length of the fourth right path L7 and the average length of the shortest path is less than 20% of the average length. The second lead portion 39 has a fourth left path L8 that is connected to the fourth left electrode 324 from the third terminal 461 and the fourth terminal 462 via the second terminal connection portion 393 and has approximately the same length as the first left path L4. Therefore, the difference between the length of the fourth left path L8 and the average length of the shortest path is less than 20% of the average length. Modification 6 also achieves the same effects as Example 7.

[0274] Furthermore, in the sixth modification, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 in the electrode section 30 each have four electrodes, 311-314 and 321-324. As a result, when the rectus abdominis muscle 4 is divided into four sections in the longitudinal direction (the height direction Y), an electrode can be associated with each of the sections 4a, and the rectus abdominis muscle 4 can be stimulated more effectively.

[0275] In addition, in Modification 6, fourth right electrode 314 and fourth left electrode 324 are positioned symmetrically with respect to center line 10a. This makes electrical muscle stimulation device 1 even more suitable for stimulating rectus abdominis muscle 4.

[0276] (Embodiment 8) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described. The electrical muscle stimulation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an integrated main body and electrodes, and can be worn under clothing, allowing users to carry out their daily activities while wearing the device.

[0277] However, when conventional electrical muscle stimulation devices are worn for long periods of time, sweat and moisture can accumulate between the device and the skin, causing discomfort to the user. As a result, it is difficult to use conventional devices while wearing them while engaging in daily activities, and so electrical muscle stimulation devices are often worn only when the device is in use.

[0278] On the other hand, the muscle-building effect of an electrical muscle stimulation device increases the longer the muscle stimulation time. Therefore, in the current situation where the wearing time of an electrical muscle stimulation device is limited, there is a limit to how much muscle-building effect can be enhanced. In order to further enhance the muscle-building effect, an electrical muscle stimulation device that can be easily worn for long periods of time is desired.

[0279] In consideration of these problems, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 8 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0280] The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example has two or more electrodes 311-313, 321-323 (see Figure 2) and is configured to be able to apply electrical stimulation to muscles via these electrodes 311-313, 321-323. Similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 has a main body 10 that supplies power to the electrodes 311-313, 321-323, and a sheet-shaped extension part 120 that extends outward from the main body 10. The electrodes 311-313, 321-323 are arranged on one surface of the extension part 120.

[0281] 3 and 4(a) to 4(c) in Example 1, the main body 10 has a skin-facing portion 101 that faces the human body when the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is in use. As shown in Fig. 33 and Fig. 34, the skin-facing portion 101 has a plurality of grooves 113 on its outer surface, at least one end 113a of which is located on or near the outer peripheral edge of the skin-facing portion 101. The extension 120 has holes 18 that penetrate through in the thickness direction around the periphery of the main body 10.

[0282] As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c) and 33, the skin-facing portion 101 of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 in this example is the second case 112 and the lid 15 of the main body 10. As shown in Figure 33, a plurality of grooves 113 are arranged outside the lid 15 in the skin-facing portion 101, i.e., on the outer surface of the second case 112. As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the grooves 113 in this example extend radially from the center of the skin-facing portion 101 in a bottom view. Each groove 113 is linear, and one end 113a of each groove 113 is located on the outer peripheral edge of the second case 112. The other end 113b of each groove 113 is located on the edge of the second case 112 on the lid 15 side.

[0283] As shown in Fig. 2, four holes 18 are arranged around the main body 10. More specifically, the four holes 18 are arranged outward from the lead portions 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a that surround the main body 10. As shown in Fig. 33, two of the four holes 18, 18a, are arranged on an upper side Y1 of the main body 10. The remaining two of the four holes 18, 18b, are arranged on a lower side Y2 of the main body 10. Furthermore, the pair of holes 18a and the pair of holes 18b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction X.

[0284] 2 and 33, the pair of holes 18a arranged on the upper side Y1 are arranged so that an imaginary line M1 connecting them passes through the upper side Y1 of the main body 10 and passes between a first electrode pair 301 and a second electrode pair 302, which will be described later. In addition, the pair of holes 18b arranged on the lower side Y2 are arranged so that an imaginary line M2 connecting them passes through the lower side Y2 of the main body 10 and passes between a second electrode pair 302 and a third electrode pair 303, which will be described later.

[0285] Holes 18a and 18b extend along imaginary straight lines M1 and M2, respectively. The other configurations of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0286] The effects of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are described in detail below. The outer surface of the skin-facing portion 101 (second case 112) of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 has multiple grooves 113, one end 113a of which is located at the outer peripheral edge of the skin-facing portion 101. The extension portion 120 also has holes 18 that penetrate through the thickness direction around the periphery of the main body 10. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can naturally discharge sweat, moisture, and the like that builds up between the device and the human body while being worn. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can reduce discomfort when worn for long periods of time, making it easy to continue wearing it for long periods of time. Furthermore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can be used in a manner that allows the wearer to engage in daily activities while wearing the device.

[0287] The extension portion 120 also has two pairs of holes 18a, 18b. These holes 18 are arranged so that an imaginary line M1 connecting the holes 18a and an imaginary line M2 connecting the holes 18b pass through positions outside the main body 10. Therefore, when the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is bent, the main body 10 is unlikely to interfere with the bending.

[0288] Furthermore, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 has six electrodes 311-313, 321-323 arranged in two rows. The holes 18 are arranged so that imaginary straight lines M1, M2 extend in the direction (left-right direction X) in which one electrode row, the right electrode group 31, and the other electrode row, the left electrode group 32, are aligned. Therefore, by wearing the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 so that the imaginary straight lines M1, M2 are aligned with the left-right direction X of the human body 2, peeling off or falling off of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 can be further prevented.

[0289] Furthermore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is positioned so that imaginary line M1 passes between the first electrode pair 301 and the second electrode pair 302, and imaginary line M2 passes between the second electrode pair 302 and the third electrode pair 303. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can achieve all of the effects of improving the durability of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323, improving their ability to follow body bending, and improving the compatibility of the positions of the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 with the rectus abdominis muscle 4. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is particularly suitable for use when worn on the abdomen 3.

[0290] As described above, according to this example, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1, improves the physical sensation when used, and can efficiently stimulate muscles.

[0291] Furthermore, the shape, number, and position of the grooves 113 are not limited to those of Example 8, and can be modified in various ways. For example, as in Modification 7 shown in Fig. 35, the grooves 113 may have a spirally curved shape. As in Modification 8 shown in Fig. 36, the grooves 113 may have both ends 113a, 113b disposed on the outer peripheral edge of the skin-facing portion 101, and have a shape that is approximately U-shaped in plan view. The shape, thickness, and number of the grooves 113 are not limited to those of the above-described Examples and Modifications, and can be modified in various ways.

[0292] Although not shown in the figures, the shape, number and position of the holes 18 are not limited to those in Example 8 and can be changed in various ways. For example, although the holes 18 in Example 8 are substantially oval, the shape of the holes 18 may be circular.

[0293] Furthermore, while Example 8 described an example of an electrical muscular stimulation device 1 in which the shape of the skin-facing portion 101 in rear view is circular, the following variation 9 may be used instead. As shown in FIG. 37 , an electrical muscular stimulation device 1e of variation 9 includes a main body 10e and an extension portion 120e extending outward from the main body 10e. Eight electrodes 311-314 and 321-324 are arranged in two rows on one surface of the extension portion 120e. These electrodes 311-314 and 321-324 constitute four electrode pairs 301-304 arranged in the height direction Y. In this example, for convenience, the electrode pair located on the uppermost side (Y1) of the four electrode pairs 301-304 is referred to as the first electrode pair 301, and the electrode pairs located from the first electrode pair 301 to the lower side (Y2) are referred to as the second electrode pair 302, the third electrode pair 303, and the fourth electrode pair 304, respectively.

[0294] The main body 10e has a skin-facing portion 101e that is substantially oval in rear view. The skin-facing portion 101e is the second case 112 and the lid 15, similar to Example 1. A plurality of grooves 113 are arranged on the skin-facing portion 101 outside the lid 15.

[0295] Two pairs of holes 18 (18a, 18b) are arranged around the main body 10e. Of the holes 18, the pair of holes 18a arranged on the upper side Y1 are arranged so that an imaginary line M1 connecting them passes through the upper side Y1 of the main body 10e. The pair of holes 18a are also arranged so that the imaginary line M1 passes near the edge of the second electrode pair 302 on the upper side Y1.

[0296] The pair of holes 18b arranged on the lower side Y2 are arranged so that the imaginary line M2 connecting them passes below the main body 10e on the lower side Y2. In addition, the pair of holes 18b are arranged so that the imaginary line M2 passes near the edge of the third electrode pair 303 on the lower side Y2.

[0297] Other aspects are the same as in Example 8. Note that, among the reference numerals used in Figure 37, the same as those in Examples 1 to 8 indicate the same components as in Examples 1 to 8 unless otherwise specified. Similar to Example 8, Modification 9 has holes 18 and grooves 113, which can reduce discomfort when worn for a long period of time and allow the device to be easily worn for a long period of time. Also, similar to Example 8, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1e of Modification 9 is particularly suitable for use when worn on the abdomen.

[0298] (Embodiment 9) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described. When the muscle stimulation device of Patent Document 1 is worn for an extended period of time, sweat, moisture, etc., tend to accumulate between the device and the skin. Because sweat, moisture, etc., entering the main body may damage the electronic components inside the main body, it is desirable for this type of muscle stimulation device to be splash-proof or more waterproof. However, if the device is made waterproof, the main body is sealed, making it difficult for sounds generated by the main body to be transmitted to the outside. Therefore, conventional devices have the problem of being difficult for the user to recognize when the device has accepted their operation, making them difficult to use.

[0299] In consideration of these problems, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 9 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0300] Similar to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example has electrodes 311-313, 321-323 and is configured to be able to apply electrical stimulation to muscles via these electrodes 311-313, 321-323. As shown in Figs. 1-3, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 has a main body 10 that supplies power to the electrodes 311-313, 321-323, and a sheet-like extension part 120 that extends outward from the main body 10. The electrodes 311-313, 321-323 are arranged on one surface of the extension part 120.

[0301] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the main body 10 has an outer shell forming body 12 on whose outer surface an operation surface 54 is arranged to change the operating mode of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1. The main body 10 also incorporates a sound generator 43 that emits a sound when the operating mode is changed by the operation surface 54. As shown in Figures 38 and 39, the outer shell forming body 12 has a thin-walled portion 123 that is thinner than the surrounding area at a position facing the sound generator 43.

[0302] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4(a) to 4(c), the main body 10 of this example has an outer shell forming body 12 and a case 11 in which a sounding body 43 is built in. As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(b), the outer shell forming body 12 is generally cup-shaped, and an operation surface 54 is located on the outer surface at the top of the outer shell forming body 12. The case 11 is housed inside the outer shell forming body 12, and a second case 112 that constitutes part of the case 11 is exposed at the opening of the outer shell forming body 12. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example is worn with the second case 112 facing the human body 2 and the operation surface 54 facing the outer surface.

[0303] As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), case 11 has a built-in speaker 430 as sound generator 43. Speaker 430 is arranged on the operation surface 54 side, that is, facing the outer surface side when electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is worn, and faces first case 111 which constitutes part of case 11. Note that in this example, speaker 430 is used as sound generator 43, but instead of speaker 430, it is also possible to use an electronic component that generates sound, such as a buzzer.

[0304] 38, 39, and 40, a plurality of openings 114 (114a, 114b) are provided in the case 11 at a position facing the speaker 430. In this example, opening 114a is provided at a position corresponding to the center of speaker 430, and a plurality of openings 114b with smaller opening diameters are provided around opening 114a.

[0305] 38 and 39, a thin-walled portion 123 that is thinner than the surrounding area is disposed at a position facing opening 114 in outer shell forming body 12. More specifically, thin-walled portion 123 has a circular shape centered at a position corresponding to the center of opening 114a, and is formed so as to face both opening 114a and opening 114b.

[0306] The thin-walled portion 123 in this example is formed integrally with the outer shell forming body 12 and is disposed flush with the outer surface of the outer shell forming body 12. That is, the thin-walled portion 123 is formed by recessing a portion of the side of the outer shell forming body 12 that faces the first case 111. The other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 9 are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0307] The effects of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example will be described in detail below. The case 11 of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 houses a speaker 430 as a sound-producing body 43, and has an opening 114 (114a, 114b) facing the speaker 430. The outer shell forming body 12 has a thin-walled portion 123 facing the opening 114. Therefore, the outer shell forming body 12 can efficiently transmit the sound generated from the speaker 430 to the outside of the main body 10 via the thin-walled portion 123 while ensuring the waterproof performance of the main body 10. Therefore, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 allows the user to more easily recognize the sounds generated during operation than conventional electrical muscular stimulation devices.

[0308] Furthermore, thin-walled portion 123 is formed integrally with outer shell forming body 12. This allows for a reduction in the number of parts compared to when thin-walled portion 123 is formed separately from outer shell forming body 12. Furthermore, in this case, there is no need to join thin-walled portion 123 to outer shell forming body 12 during the process of manufacturing electrical muscular stimulation device 1, which further improves the productivity of electrical muscular stimulation device 1.

[0309] Furthermore, the thin-walled portion 123 is disposed flush with the outer surface (operation surface 54) of the outer shell forming body 12. Therefore, dirt and the like are less likely to accumulate near the thin-walled portion 123 than if the thin-walled portion 123 were recessed inward from the outer surface of the outer shell forming body 12. This makes it easier to keep the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 clean. Furthermore, the design of the outer surface of the outer shell forming body 12 can be further improved.

[0310] Furthermore, outer shell forming body 12 and thin-walled portion 123 are made of silicone resin. Therefore, sound generated from speaker 430 can be efficiently transmitted to the outside. Furthermore, the waterproof performance of main body 10 can be easily improved, and damage to thin-walled portion 123 can be further suppressed.

[0311] As described above, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example allows the user to easily recognize whether or not the operation has been accepted, and is easier to use than conventional electrical muscle stimulation devices. Furthermore, because the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can more efficiently transmit the sound generated by the sound generator 43 to the outside, it is easier to use even when worn inside clothing, for example.

[0312] Furthermore, in Example 9, an example was shown in which the thin-walled portion 123 was formed integrally with the outer shell forming body 12. However, instead of this, the following Modification 10 can also be used. In Modification 10, as shown in FIG. 40 , the thin-walled portion 123b is formed separately from the outer shell forming body 12. More specifically, the outer shell forming body 12 of Modification 4 has a through-hole 124 at a position corresponding to the center of the speaker 430. The thin-walled portion 123b is joined to the edge of the through-hole 124. Furthermore, in Modification 10 shown in FIG. 40 , the thin-walled portion 123b is joined to the edge of the outer shell forming body 12 on the case 11 side in the thickness direction. Note that the other parts are the same as in Example 9. In Modification 10, the same components as in Example 9 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0313] In Modification 10, it is preferable to use a gas-permeable material for the thin portion 123b, such as a porous film made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) resin.

[0314] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the type of sound generated by the sound generator 43 is not particularly limited, and various types of sound can be used, such as a buzzer sound, electronic voice, etc. From the viewpoint of ease of recognition by the user, it is preferable to use a sound having a frequency of about 2000 to 5000 Hz, which is likely to cause discomfort to humans.

[0315] Furthermore, in the above-described ninth embodiment and tenth modification, examples have been shown in which sound is generated from sound generator 43 when "+" on operation surface 54 is pressed to activate electrical muscular stimulation device 1 (FIG. 9, S101 and S102) and when "-" is pressed to terminate electrical muscular stimulation device 1 (FIG. 12, S401 and S402), but sound may be generated at other times. For example, after activation of electrical muscular stimulation device 1, sound may be generated in response to pressing of operation surface 54 when an output level is input (FIG. 9, S106).

[0316] (Embodiment 10) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described. When the muscle stimulation device of Patent Document 1 is worn for an extended period of time, sweat, moisture, etc., tend to accumulate between the device and the skin. Because sweat, moisture, etc., entering the main body may damage the electronic components inside the main body, it is desirable for this type of muscle stimulation device to be splash-proof or more waterproof. However, if the device is made waterproof, the main body is sealed, making it difficult for sounds generated by the main body to be transmitted to the outside. Therefore, conventional devices have the problem of being difficult for the user to recognize when the device has accepted their operation, making them difficult to use.

[0317] In consideration of these problems, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 10 is configured as follows. Note that components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding Examples are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this Example are identical to those in the preceding Examples, the drawings in the preceding Examples will be substituted. Similar to the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in Example 1, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this Example has a main body 10 that generates electrical stimulation, a sheet-shaped extension 120 that extends outward from the main body 10, and electrodes 311-313, 321-323 arranged on one side of the extension 120, and is configured to provide electrical stimulation to muscles via the electrodes 311-313, 321-323.

[0318] 41 and 42, in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example, a vibrator 431 is connected instead of the speaker 43 in Example 1. The vibrator 431 is built into the main body 10. The main body 10 also has an operation surface 54 on its outer surface for changing the mode of power supply in the control unit 40.

[0319] Control unit 40 is configured to vibrate vibrator 431 when the mode of power supply to the electrodes is changed. Shell forming body 12 covers at least a portion of case 11. Other configurations of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 10 are the same as those of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0320] Next, the operational flow of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example will be described in detail below. The main operational flow of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example is performed based on the main operational flow S100 shown in Fig. 9, as in Example 1. In the main operational flow S100, first, the "+" on the operation surface 54 is pressed for two seconds (S101). This turns on the power of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1, and the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is started.

[0321] At this time, when the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 switches from the off state to the on state, the control unit 40 vibrates the vibrator 431 in accordance with the power operation pattern V1 (S102, "start-up notification"). For example, as shown in FIG. 43(a), the power operation pattern V1 may be a mode in which the vibrator 431 vibrates for two seconds. After that, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 enters an output standby state, the output level is set to 0, and input from the operation unit 50 is disabled (S103).

[0322] Next, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S104). If the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (Yes in S104), the operation unit 50 is enabled (S105). Then, the output level is input via the operation unit 50 (S106). The output level is input from the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50. Each time "+" on the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50 is pressed, the output level increases by one level, and each time "-" on the operation surface 54 is pressed, the output level decreases by one level.

[0323] At this time, the control unit 40 vibrates the vibrator 431 in an intensity change pattern triggered by the change in output level (S106, "Level change notification"). The intensity change pattern in this example includes three vibration patterns: an intensity increase pattern V2 shown in Fig. 43(b), an intensity decrease pattern V3 shown in Fig. 43(c), and a limit notification pattern V4 shown in Fig. 43(d).

[0324] The intensity increase pattern V2 is a vibration pattern that occurs when the output level increases by pressing "+" on the operation surface 54. For example, as shown in Fig. 43(b), the intensity increase pattern V2 can be a mode in which the vibrator 431 is vibrated for one second.

[0325] The intensity reduction pattern V3 is a vibration pattern that occurs when the output level is reduced by pressing "-". For example, as shown in Fig. 43(c), the intensity reduction pattern V3 can be a pattern in which the vibrator 431 is vibrated for 0.5 seconds and then stopped for 0.5 seconds, and the basic waveform V30 is repeated twice.

[0326] Limit notification pattern V4 is a vibration pattern that occurs when "+" is pressed when the output level is at its maximum, or when "-" is pressed when the output level is at its minimum. For example, as shown in Fig. 43(d), limit notification pattern V4 can be a mode in which basic waveform V40, in which vibrator 431 is vibrated for 0.25 seconds and then stopped for 0.25 seconds, is repeated three times.

[0327] The operational flow from step S106 in which the output level is input by the operation unit 50 to step S112 in which the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is stopped is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0328] On the other hand, if skin detection unit 402 determines that skin is not in contact with electrode unit 30 (No in S104), control unit 40 generates error pattern V5 (see FIG. 43(e)) to notify that fact and vibrates vibrator 431 (S113, "skin not detected notification"). As error pattern V5, for example, as shown in FIG. 43(d), a basic waveform V40 in which vibrator 431 is vibrated for 0.25 seconds and then stopped for 0.25 seconds can be repeated until it is determined that skin is in contact with electrode unit 30.

[0329] Furthermore, control unit 40 sends a count start signal to power-off counter 403, causing power-off counter 403 to start measuring the elapsed time (S114). The operational flow from the step of starting measurement of the elapsed time (S114) to the step of stopping electrical muscular stimulation device 1 (S117) is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0330] Next, an interrupt process that is prioritized and executed between steps S105 to S110 in the main operation flow S100 will be described. The first interrupt process, which is the skin detection interrupt process S200 in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example, is performed based on the skin detection interrupt process S200 shown in FIG. 10, as in the first embodiment.

[0331] The skin detection interrupt process S200 is used as a function to automatically turn off the power if the electrode is detached from the human body during use. In the skin detection interrupt process S200, first, as in the first embodiment, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S201). If the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (Yes in S201), the process returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100.

[0332] On the other hand, if skin detection unit 402 determines that skin is not in contact with electrode unit 30 (No in S201), control unit 40 generates error pattern V5 (see FIG. 43(e)) as in S113 above and vibrates vibrator 431 (S202, "skin not detected notification"). Then, control unit 40 sends a count start signal to power-off counter 403, and power-off counter 403 starts measuring the elapsed time (S203).

[0333] Next, the steps from the step (S204) in which the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 to the step (S206) in which the power supply to the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is turned off are the same as in Example 1.

[0334] Next, a battery voltage drop process S300 will be described, which is a second interrupt process that is executed preferentially between steps S105 to S110 in the main operation flow S100 (see FIG. 9). The battery voltage drop process S300 in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example is executed based on the battery voltage drop process S300 shown in FIG. 11, as in the first embodiment.

[0335] 11, in the battery voltage drop processing S300, first, as in the first embodiment, the battery voltage detection unit 406 determines whether or not the detected battery voltage V of the battery 21 in the power supply unit 20 is lower than a predetermined threshold Vm (S301). If it is determined that the battery voltage V is not lower than the predetermined threshold Vm (No in S301), the process returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100.

[0336] On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery voltage V is lower than the predetermined threshold Vm, the control unit 40 generates an error pattern V5 (see FIG. 43(e)) and vibrates the vibrator 431 (S302, "battery voltage drop notification"). Then, the control unit 40 sends a count start signal to the power-off counter 403, causing the power-off counter 403 to start measuring the elapsed time (S303).

[0337] The next steps from the step (S304) of determining whether the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 exceeds two minutes to the step (S305) of turning off the power of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0338] Next, an interruption process S400 will be described, which is a third interruption process that is executed preferentially between steps S105 to S110 in the main operation flow S100 (see FIG. 9). The interruption process S400 in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example is performed based on the interruption process S400 shown in FIG. 12, similar to the first embodiment.

[0339] 12, in the interruption process S400, first, as in the case of the first embodiment, the control unit 40 determines whether the "-" button on the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50 has been pressed for two seconds or more (S401). If it is determined that the "-" button has not been pressed for two seconds or more (No in S401), the process returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100.

[0340] On the other hand, if it is determined that the "-" button has been pressed for two seconds or more (Yes in S401), the control unit 40 vibrates the vibrator 431 in accordance with the power operation pattern V1 (S402, "end notification") when the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is switched from the on state to the off state. For example, the power operation pattern shown in FIG. 43(a) can be used. Then, the power is turned off (S403).

[0341] The effects of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example will be described in detail below. The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example has a main body 10 that incorporates a power supply unit 20, a control unit 40, and a vibrating body 431, and that has an operation surface 54 on its outer surface. The control unit 40 is configured to vibrate the vibrating body 431 when the state of power supply to the electrodes 311-313, 321-323 is changed. Therefore, the vibration of the vibrating body 431 in the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 allows the user to easily recognize that the operation has been accepted by the electrical muscle stimulation device 1.

[0342] 9 to 12 and 43, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example is configured to generate different vibration patterns corresponding to operations performed by the user. This allows the user to more easily recognize the type of operation accepted by the control unit 40, further improving the ease of use of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1. Furthermore, because the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 allows the user to easily recognize the type of operation accepted by the control unit 40 without relying on sight or hearing, it can also be suitably used in an embodiment where it is worn under clothing.

[0343] Furthermore, main body 10 has skin-facing portion 101 (second case 112) that faces the human body when electrically muscular stimulation device 1 is worn, and skin-facing portion 101 bulges out from its surroundings. This allows the user to more easily sense vibrations when electrically muscular stimulation device 1 is worn. As a result, the usability of electrically muscular stimulation device 1 can be further improved.

[0344] Furthermore, the power supply unit 20 is disposed in the main body 10 near the skin-facing portion 101. This prevents the temperature of the power supply unit 20 from dropping excessively due to the user's body temperature while the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is being worn. As a result, fluctuations in the power supplied from the power supply unit 20 can be further reduced.

[0345] As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved, and an electrically muscular stimulation device 1 that is easy to use is provided. In addition, in the tenth embodiment, an example was shown in which the vibrator 431 was vibrated to notify that an operation had been accepted or that an error had occurred, but it is also possible to vibrate the vibrator 431 at a timing other than that of some notification. For example, the vibrator 431 may be vibrated between the first status and the second status, or between the second status and the third status in Fig. 8 .

[0346] Because the electrical stimulation by the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 directly moves the muscles, continued use of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 for a long period of time can, in some cases, cause fatigue in the stimulated muscles. Therefore, by vibrating the vibrator 431 during the interval time, for example, between the first status and the second status, it is possible to expect effects such as relieving muscle fatigue. Furthermore, by vibrating the vibrator 431, it is possible to provide a type of stimulation different from electrical stimulation, thereby further improving the comfort of using the electrical muscle stimulation device 1.

[0347] Although the tenth embodiment shows an example in which the vibration pattern of the vibrator 431 is changed for each type of operation, other configurations can also be adopted. For example, the control unit 40 does not need to have all of the power operation pattern V1, the intensity increase pattern V2, the intensity decrease pattern V3, and the limit notification pattern V4, and can be configured to not have any of the vibration patterns. Also, for example, the intensity increase pattern can be the same vibration pattern as the intensity decrease pattern. Furthermore, the vibration patterns shown in FIG. 43 are only examples, and the duration, interval, number of repetitions, etc. of the vibration can be changed as appropriate. That is, for example, a configuration in which the vibrator 431 vibrates multiple times in the power operation pattern can also be adopted.

[0348] (Embodiment 11) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 11 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, gel pads of a predetermined size are attached to the electrodes, which makes it difficult to change the size or conductivity of the gel pads according to the preferences of each user.

[0349] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 11 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are the same as those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0350] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 11, instead of the gel pad 35 being attached to cover the electrodes 311 to 323 as shown in Fig. 2, a conductive gel having a relatively low viscosity and adhesiveness is spread in a size (area) and thickness desired by the user to cover the electrodes 311 to 323. An example of such a gel is a gel whose main component is sodium alginate, which can be spread to cover the electrodes 311 to 323 and has a viscosity that does not easily run off when spread.

[0351] The thickness of the gel applied to cover the electrodes 311-323 is not particularly limited, but can be determined taking into consideration the conductivity of the gel. For example, by making the gel relatively thick, the electrical resistance of the gel can be increased and the conductivity can be reduced, making the electrical stimulation applied from the electrodes 311-323 milder. The other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 11 are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0352] As described above, according to Example 11, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and that allows the size of the gel and its conductivity to be easily changed according to the preferences of each user.

[0353] (Embodiment 12) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 12 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, repeated use of the electrode causes the gel pad to become soiled or loses its adhesive strength, and in such cases the gel pad is replaced with a new one.

[0354] However, if the user were to replace the gel pad with a new one each time, it would increase the user's workload. Furthermore, gel pads are typically sold on the market with protective sheets attached to both sides. Therefore, when replacing a gel pad, the user must peel off the protective sheets from the gel pad, which then becomes waste. This waste is generated every time the gel pad is replaced. Furthermore, the greater the number of electrodes and the greater the number of gel pads used, the greater the workload and the amount of waste generated during replacement.

[0355] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 12 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0356] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 12, instead of the gel pad 35 attached so as to cover the electrodes 311-324 in Fig. 2, a layered gel pad 354 is provided, which is made up of a plurality of stacked gel pads 35a-35d, as shown in Fig. 44. In this example, the layered gel pad 354 is made up of four stacked gel pads 35a-35d. The layered gel pad 354 is configured so that it can be peeled off in order, starting with the gel pad 35a on the side opposite to the side attached to the electrodes 311-323.

[0357] If the gel pad 35a on the side of the stacked gel pad 354 opposite the side attached to the electrodes 311-323 becomes dirty or loses adhesive strength due to repeated use of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example, the gel pad 35a can be peeled off to expose the gel pad 35b that was stacked on the underside of the gel pad 35a (the side facing the electrodes 311-323). Because the gel pad 35b was covered by the peeled gel pad 35a, it is free from dirt and its adhesive strength is not reduced. Therefore, peeling off the gel pad 35a removes dirt from the stacked gel pad 354 and restores its adhesive strength.

[0358] As a result, the effort of replacing the gel pad 35 is eliminated, and waste such as protective sheets generated during distribution can be reduced compared to replacing with a new gel pad 35. Furthermore, even when the number of electrodes is increased, the amount of effort required for replacing the gel pad 35 and the amount of waste generated during replacement can be reduced by using the stacked gel pad 354 for each of the electrodes 311 to 323. Note that this example also provides the same effects as those in Example 1.

[0359] (Embodiment 13) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 13 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, a gel pad is attached to each electrode. When the gel pad becomes dirty or its adhesive strength weakens due to repeated use, the gel pad is replaced with a new one. However, the greater the number of electrodes, the more time-consuming it becomes to attach each gel pad one by one when replacing them.

[0360] Taking such problems into consideration, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 13 is configured as follows. The configuration of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 13 is equivalent to that of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1. When the drawings used in the description of this example are the same as those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0361] In the electrically muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 13, when replacing the gel pads 35, a mount 6 is used to which multiple new replacement gel pads 35 are attached, as shown in FIG. 45 . The mount 6 is sheet-like and has a pseudo-rectangular outer shape that is slightly larger than the outer shape of the electrically muscular stimulation device 1. The outer shape 61 of the electrically muscular stimulation device 1 and the shapes 618 of the holes 18 are printed on the attachment surface 60 of the mount 6, which is the surface to which the gel pads 35 are attached. The gel pads 35 are attached to the attachment surface 60 at positions on the outer shape 61 that correspond to the positions where the gel pads 35 on the electrically muscular stimulation device 1 will be attached. In this example, six gel pads 35 are attached to the attachment surface 60. Note that a protective sheet (not shown) that covers the multiple gel pads 35 collectively is attached to the mount 6 to which the gel pads 35 are attached during distribution.

[0362] When replacing the gel pads 35, first remove all of the gel pads 35 from the electrical muscular stimulation device 1. Then, remove the protective sheet (not shown) from the mount 6 to which the gel pads 35 are attached. Then, align the adhesive surface 60 of the mount 6 with the surface of the skin-facing portion 101 (see FIG. 3 ) of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1, and abut the adhesive surface 60 against the surface of the skin-facing portion 101 while aligning the outer shape 61 of the adhesive surface 60 with the outer edge of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1, thereby attaching the gel pads 35 to the surface of the skin-facing portion 101 of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1. Then, slowly peel off the mount 6 so that the gel pads 35 do not peel off from the electrical muscular stimulation device 1. This allows the gel pads 35 to be attached to the respective positions of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 where the gel pads 35 should be attached. The adhesive surface 60 may be surface-treated to facilitate easy removal of the gel pads 35.

[0363] As described above, by using the mount 6 to which the gel pads 35 are attached, it is possible to attach multiple gel pads 35 at once to predetermined positions on the electrical muscular stimulation device 1. This significantly reduces the effort required to replace the gel pads 35 compared to attaching the gel pads 35 one by one. Furthermore, since the protective sheet that would otherwise become waste when replacing the gel pads 35 can be reduced to one, the amount of waste can be reduced.

[0364] As described above, according to Example 13, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1, while also significantly reducing the effort required to attach the pads 35 and reducing the amount of waste generated when replacing the gel pads.

[0365] (Example 14) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 14 of the present invention will be described. The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 14 is provided with a gel pad 35 containing a cosmetic ingredient instead of the gel pad 35 of Example 1. Examples of the cosmetic ingredient contained in the gel pad 35 include capsaicin, which has a metabolism-promoting effect, various vitamins that are effective in maintaining skin firmness, luster, and fine texture, and various ingredients that are effective in increasing the skin's moisture retention. The gel pad 35 may contain multiple cosmetic ingredients.

[0366] The beauty ingredients contained in the gel pad 35 may be contained in the gel pad 35 in advance, or may be configured so that the user can penetrate or apply the beauty ingredients to the gel pad 35 at the time of use or before use. The other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0367] As described above, according to Example 14, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and can also have a beauty effect on the skin due to the beauty ingredients contained in the gel pad 35.

[0368] (Embodiment 15) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 15 of the present invention will be described. The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used by being attached to the human body, but since the part of the human body to which it can be attached is not particularly limited, it is not a configuration that is particularly suitable for stimulating a specific part, and there is room for improvement in terms of effectively stimulating the rectus abdominis muscle.

[0369] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 15 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0370] 46, the width (length in the left-right direction X) TW of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 15 is within a range (first range) of 175.00 to 237.5 mm, more preferably within a range (second range) of 187.50 to 225.0 mm, and is set to 198.00 mm in this example. The configuration of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example is the same as that of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0371] Based on the statistical data on adult abdominal circumference (around the navel) disclosed in "Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare 2010 National Health and Nutrition Survey, Part 2, Results of Physical Status Survey," if one-quarter of the abdominal circumference is calculated as the width of the rectus abdominis muscle 4, the width of the rectus abdominis muscle 4 falls within the above-mentioned first range for 61.4% of adults. The median width of the rectus abdominis muscle 4 in the above-mentioned statistical data falls within the above-mentioned second range.

[0372] Therefore, the width TW of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 15 is within the first range (175.00 to 237.5 mm) described above, and therefore the size of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 15 is suitable for the rectus abdominis muscle 4 of an adult. Furthermore, the width TW of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 15 is within the second range (187.50 to 225.0 mm) described above, and therefore the size of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 15 is even more suitable for the rectus abdominis muscle 4 of an adult. Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 15 makes it easy to attach the electrodes 311 to 323 to positions close to the rectus abdominis muscle 4, and makes it easy to effectively apply electrical stimulation to the rectus abdominis muscle 4.

[0373] As described above, according to the fifteenth embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effects as those of the first embodiment and is suitable for stimulating the rectus abdominis muscle 4.

[0374] (Example 16) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 16 of the present invention will be described. Conventionally, there are electrical muscle stimulation devices that are equipped with multiple electrodes and are configured to apply electrical stimulation to multiple locations simultaneously, but they do not have a configuration that allows the user to physically confirm which electrode is applying electrical stimulation to which location on the body.

[0375] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 16 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0376] As shown in Fig. 47, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 16 does not include the terminal connection section 383 (393) (see Fig. 30) of Example 1. In the control board 41 constituting the control section 40, the first terminal group 45 includes a fifth terminal 453 in addition to the first terminal 451 and the second terminal 452, and the second terminal group 46 includes a sixth terminal 463 in addition to the third terminal 461 and the fourth terminal 462.

[0377] The first electrode connection portion 385 is directly connected to the first terminal 451, the third electrode connection portion 387 is directly connected to the second terminal 452, and the second electrode connection portion 386 is directly connected to the fifth terminal 453. Similarly, the fourth electrode connection portion 395 is directly connected to the third terminal 461, the sixth electrode connection portion 397 is directly connected to the fourth terminal 462, and the fifth electrode connection portion 396 is directly connected to the sixth terminal 463.

[0378] Control unit 40 is provided with electrode switching unit 407. Electrode switching unit 407 controls the current flowing through electrodes 311-323 to switch the output state of the electrical stimulation. The operation of electrode switching unit 407 is configured to be controlled by an electrode changeover switch (not shown) provided on operation surface 54. Other configurations of electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0379] In the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 16, the electrode selector switch can be used to switch between a state in which electrical stimulation is output from electrodes 311-323 and a state in which electrical stimulation is not output for each of the electrode pairs, for example, upper electrode pair 301, central electrode pair 302, and lower electrode pair 303. This allows the user to easily confirm by physical sensation which of electrodes 311-323 is providing electrical stimulation to which part of the body by operating the electrode selector switch.

[0380] Furthermore, the electrode selector switch can be used to, for example, prevent or reduce the amount of current flowing through some of electrodes 311-323, thereby increasing the amount of current flowing through the other electrodes. This allows power to be concentrated on a desired electrode 311-323, so that the desired electrode 311-323 outputs a stronger electrical stimulus than the other electrodes 311-323.

[0381] The electrode selector switch can also be used to change the frequency of the electrical stimulation output from the electrodes 311-323. This allows, for example, the frequency of the electrical stimulation output between the diagonally opposite electrode pair of the right-side first electrode 311 and the third-left electrode 323 and the diagonally opposite electrode pair of the right-side third electrode 313 and the first-left electrode 321 to be shifted. This allows for a configuration in which an interference wave stimulation is applied to the intersection of a virtual line connecting the diagonally opposite electrode pair of the right-side first electrode 311 and the third-left electrode 323 and a virtual line connecting the diagonally opposite electrode pair of the right-side third electrode 313 and the first-left electrode 321 (i.e., the center 33c of the substrate 33). The frequency of the interference wave stimulation can be set to a predetermined frequency between 4 and 20 Hz. Therefore, the interference wave stimulation may be output in the same output mode as the output modes in Example 1.

[0382] As described above, according to Example 16, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and allows the user to easily confirm by physical sensation which electrode 311 to 323 is providing electrical stimulation to which part of the body.

[0383] (Example 17) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 17 of the present invention will be described. The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to output electrical stimulation in a predetermined output mode. However, if the same output mode is maintained for a long period of time, the user's body becomes accustomed to the electrical stimulation, which reduces the bodily sensation and the effect of the electrical stimulation.

[0384] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 17 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0385] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 17, output adjustment unit 401 of control unit 40 adjusts the output of electrical stimulation of a different mode when the same mode of electrical stimulation has been output for a predetermined period of time. For example, when the electrical stimulation by the fifth burst wave shown in Figure 13 has been output for a predetermined period of time, the output of electrical stimulation by the second burst wave shown in Figure 13 can be switched to be output for a predetermined period of time. Note that the other configurations of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0386] As described above, according to Example 17, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and can prevent a decrease in the bodily sensation and the effect of the electrical stimulation due to the user's body becoming accustomed to the electrical stimulation.

[0387] (Embodiment 18) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 18 of the present invention will be described. The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to apply electrical stimulation to muscles through the surface of a person's skin, but because the ease with which an electric current flows to a person varies depending on the amount of water and body fat in the person's skin, there is a risk that the electrical stimulation may not reach the muscles sufficiently depending on the amount of water and body fat. Furthermore, because the amount of water and body fat varies from person to person, there is a problem that even when using the same electrical muscle stimulation device, there is a risk that the effect will vary from person to person.

[0388] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 18 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0389] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 18, as shown in FIG. 49, the main body 10 is provided with a body composition detection unit 408 that detects the water content and body fat mass of the skin by detecting the electrical resistance between the electrodes 311-323. Then, in step S104 shown in FIG. 9, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether the electrode unit 30 is in contact with the skin by detecting the resistance between the electrodes 311-323, and the body composition detection unit 408 detects the water content and body fat mass of the skin. The output adjustment unit 401 of the control unit 40 is configured to set an output level (output voltage value) according to the water content and body fat mass. Specifically, if the water content and body fat mass are such that the current flows more slowly than in a reference state, the output level is set higher than in a reference state, and if the current flows more easily than in a reference state, the output level is set lower than in a reference state. This allows electrical stimulation equivalent to that in the reference state to be applied even when the water content and body fat mass differ from the reference state. This reduces the difference in the effect of electrical stimulation by the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example due to individual differences in water content and body fat mass.

[0390] The body composition detection section 408 may detect body compositions other than water content and body fat mass, and may set an output level based on the value of the detected body composition. As described above, according to Example 18, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and reduces the difference in the effect of the electrical stimulation applied due to individual differences in body composition.

[0391] (Example 19) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 19 of the present invention will be described. The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not configured to allow the user to obtain various information such as various usage history information of the electrical muscle stimulation device, the output mode currently in use, the frequency of the electrical stimulation being output, and the remaining battery capacity.

[0392] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 19 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0393] The main body 10 (see FIG. 1) of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 19 has a communication means that enables wireless communication with an information terminal such as a mobile terminal or a personal computer. The main body 10 of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 also has a storage means for storing various usage history information. The operation surface 54 is provided with a communication means operation unit (not shown) for turning the communication means on and off and operating the communication means. The communication means operation unit enables the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 19 to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from the information terminal via the communication means.

[0394] The information transmitted to the information terminal may be, for example, various pieces of usage history information stored in the storage means, as well as the output mode currently in use, the frequency of the electrical stimulation being output, the remaining battery power, etc. The transmitted information may also include various body composition values ​​such as water content and body fat mass detected by body composition detection unit 408 (see FIG. 49) of electrical muscular stimulation device 1, operation information for operation surface 54 (such as whether switch unit 53 has been pressed or not, control information for the output states of electrodes 311-323, etc.), sound generation information for speaker 43, etc. Meanwhile, the information received from the information terminal may be setting information for the output mode, setting information for the frequency of the electrical stimulation, operation information for operation surface 54, etc.

[0395] The type of communication means is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared rays, electromagnetic waves, etc. For example, it may be possible to transmit and receive information to and from a portable information terminal, a so-called smartphone, via Bluetooth (registered trademark). Dedicated software for transmitting and receiving information may be installed on the information terminal, such as a smartphone. Via this software, it is possible to easily transmit and receive information to and from the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example. Other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0396] According to the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 19, various information about the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 can be sent and received from an information terminal, so that the user can easily obtain such information and can perform operations such as changing the output mode of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 19 and controlling the output state of electrodes 311 to 323 from the information terminal via the communication means.

[0397] Furthermore, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 19 may be configured to control a specific output mode that is initially unavailable so that it becomes available when information such as the number of uses stored in the storage means reaches a predetermined threshold. In this case, the user is motivated to repeatedly use the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 19, and can enjoy using the electrical muscle stimulation device 1. Furthermore, the user may be able to change the output mode to another desired output mode via an information terminal such as a smartphone or a PC (personal computer).

[0398] As described above, according to Example 19, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effects as those of Example 1 and that allows the user to easily obtain the various information described above.

[0399] (Embodiment 20) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to embodiment 20 of the present invention will be described. The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to allow the electrical muscle stimulation device to be attached to a person by utilizing the adhesiveness of the gel pad covering the electrodes. However, repeated use can cause the gel pad to become dirty, reducing its adhesiveness. If the adhesiveness of the gel pad decreases, the electrodes may peel off from the skin surface during use, causing the electrical stimulation to be interrupted or the electrical muscle stimulation device to fall off.

[0400] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 20 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0401] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 20, as shown in FIG. 50(a), no gel pad 35 is attached to the electrode 312. The electrode support portion 121 supporting the electrode 312 has a gently curved, bowl-shaped central portion to form a recess 305. The edge 306 of the recess 305 is flat, and the electrode 312 is attached to the inner surface of the recess 305 via a substrate 33. When attaching the electrical muscle stimulation device 1, as shown in FIG. 50(b), the electrode 312 is pressed against the skin surface 6, and the recess 305 and edge 306 draw the skin surface 6 into the inside of the recess 305, so that the skin surface 6 abuts against the electrode 312. The other electrodes 311, 313, 321-323 have the same configuration. The other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0402] According to the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 20, the electrode support section 121 acts like a suction cup, sucking the skin surface 6 into the inside of the recess 305, thereby ensuring that the electrodes 311-323 are in secure contact with the skin surface 6 and that the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is securely attached to the person 2. Therefore, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 can be attached to the person 2 without using a gel pad 35. Furthermore, because the electrode support section 121 acts like a suction cup, a skin massaging effect can also be achieved.

[0403] As described above, according to Example 20, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1, and does not require the use of gel pads 35, and therefore does not cause peeling of electrodes 311 to 323 or falling off of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 due to a decrease in the adhesiveness of the gel pads 35.

[0404] Although gel pads 35 are not used in this example, gel pads 35 may be used and an adhesive portion (e.g., a suction cup) that can be attached to the skin surface may be provided in a portion of base material 33 where no electrodes are formed, so that even if the adhesiveness of gel pad 35 decreases, the adhesive portion will prevent electrodes 311 to 323 from peeling off and the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 from falling off.

[0405] (Example 21) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 21 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, electrodes are attached to a person via gel pads, but the gel pads may feel cold to the user, causing discomfort.

[0406] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 21 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are the same as those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0407] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 21, although not shown, a heating element is provided in the electrode support section 121 (see FIG. 2). The heating element is configured to generate heat when supplied with electric power. The heating state of the heating element is controlled by a heating element control section (not shown) provided in the control section 40. Note that other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0408] According to the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 21, when the power supply of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 is turned on, the heating element control unit controls the supply of power to the heating element, causing the heating element to generate heat. This heats up the gel pads 35 attached to the electrodes 311-323 provided on the electrode support unit 121 via the base material 33. As a result, the gel pads are prevented from feeling cold to the user, reducing discomfort to the user. Furthermore, as the heating element generates heat during use, the skin surface is also heated, promoting blood circulation.

[0409] As described above, according to Example 21, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and can reduce the discomfort caused by the gel pad feeling cold.

[0410] (Example 22) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 22 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the main body and electrode units are integrally formed, so if the main body malfunctions or breaks, or if the electrode units are broken or disconnected, they cannot be replaced individually and must be replaced with a new electrical muscle stimulation device. This results in high repair costs. Furthermore, changing the program stored in the main body requires the entire electrical muscle stimulation device to be replaced, which is inefficient.

[0411] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 22 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0412] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 22, although not shown, the main body 10 and the electrode 30 are formed as separate units. Therefore, if the main body 10 malfunctions or breaks, or if the electrode 30 breaks or is disconnected, they can be easily replaced individually. Furthermore, when changing the program stored in the main body 10, it is only necessary to remove and prepare the main body 10, improving operability.

[0413] The electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 22 can be configured to include, for example, a main body unit in which the power supply unit 20 and the control unit 40 and the main body unit 10 in which these are housed are integrally formed, an electrode unit in which the base material 33 and the electrodes 311 to 323 are integrally formed, and a support unit in which the electrode support unit 121 is unitized, and each unit can be configured to be detachable from the other units. Note that other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0414] As described above, according to Example 22, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 which has the same effect as that of Example 1, and which allows for easy replacement of the main body 10, electrode section 30, etc., improving workability during repairs.

[0415] (Example 23) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 23 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the main body and electrode are integrally formed, making it impossible to replace the electrode, and therefore, if users wish to use electrodes tailored to their preferences or the area of ​​use, it is necessary to prepare a separate electrical muscle stimulation device for each user's preference or area of ​​use.

[0416] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 23 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0417] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 23, although not shown, the main body 10 and the electrode unit 30 are formed as separate bodies. The power supply unit 20 and the control unit 40 built into the main body 10 are electrically connected to the electrode unit 30 via a detachable connector, and the main body 10 and the electrode unit 30 are also mechanically connected to each other. The type of detachable connector is not limited, but a snap connector, for example, can be used. Note that other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0418] According to the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 23, the main body 10 and the electrode unit 30 are connected via a detachable connector, so that the electrode unit 30 can be removed from the main body 10. The electrode unit can then be replaced with one having an electrode with a shape suited to the user's preference or the area where it is to be used.

[0419] As described above, according to Example 23, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 which has the same effect as that of Example 1 and can replace the electrode unit with one having an electrode shape suitable for the user's preference or the area to be used.

[0420] (Example 24) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 24 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the upper cover body that supports the electrodes has a uniform thickness around the electrode section, which makes it difficult to remove the electrode section when removing the electrical muscle stimulation device from a person after use.

[0421] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 24 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0422] 51, in the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 24, in electrode 312, outer edge 121b (edge ​​opposite main body 10) of electrode support section 121 is thicker than central section 121c of electrode support section 121 and inner section 121d (region closer to main body 10) of electrode support section 121. Note that the other electrodes 311, 313, 321 to 323 are similarly formed. Furthermore, the other configurations of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0423] In the electrically muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 24, outer edge portion 121b is thick, so when removing the electrically muscular stimulation device from a person after use, fingers can be hooked on outer edge portion 121b to easily peel off electrodes 311-323 (electrode support portion 121). Furthermore, central portion 121c and inner portion 121d are thinner than outer edge portion 121b, so they are more likely to bend to fit the curvature of the body than outer edge portion 121b. As a result, despite the thickness of outer edge portion 121b, electrodes 311-323 are less likely to peel off from skin surface 6.

[0424] As described above, according to Example 24, it is possible to provide an electrical muscular stimulation device 1 that has the same effects as those of Example 1 and that can be easily removed from a person after use.

[0425] (Example 25) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 25 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the upper cover body that supports the electrodes has a uniform thickness around the electrode area, which makes it difficult for the upper cover body to bend in accordance with the curvature of the body, and there is a risk that the electrodes may peel off from the skin surface during use.

[0426] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 25 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0427] 52, in the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 25, in electrode 312, outer edge 121b (edge ​​opposite main body 10) of electrode support section 121 is made thinner than central section 121c of electrode support section 121 and inner section 121d (region closer to main body 10) of electrode support section 121. Note that the other electrodes 311, 313, 321 to 323 are made similarly. Furthermore, the other configurations of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0428] In the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 25, because the outer edge portion 121b is thin, the electrodes 311-323 can be easily curved to follow the curvature of the skin surface 6. This prevents the electrodes 311-323 from peeling off from the skin surface 6 during use. This configuration is particularly suitable for the rectus abdominis muscle 4, which is flat in the center and curved on the outside.

[0429] As described above, according to Example 25, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and can prevent the electrodes 311 to 323 from peeling off from the skin surface 6 during use.

[0430] (Example 26) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 26 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the main body contains a highly rigid coin battery, making it difficult to bend the main body to fit the body during use. Therefore, there is room for improvement in order to more reliably bend the electrical muscular stimulation device to fit the body and improve adhesion between the device and the skin surface.

[0431] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 26 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0432] Although not shown, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 26 is equipped with a flexible battery instead of the coin battery 21. Examples of such a flexible battery include a flexible aluminum battery and a lithium-ion secondary battery using metal fiber technology. The other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0433] The electrically muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 26 has a flexible battery, which makes it easy to curve the main body 10 containing the battery during use to fit the body of the person 2. As a result, the electrically muscular stimulation device 1 can be curved more reliably to fit the body, improving the adhesion between the electrically muscular stimulation device 1 and the skin surface 6.

[0434] As described above, according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that exhibits the same effects as those of the first embodiment and that has improved adhesion to the skin surface. (Example 27) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 27 of the present invention will be described.

[0435] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to incorporate a speaker into the main body to generate sound during operation, etc. Speakers are typically made of highly rigid materials, so simply equipping the main body with a highly rigid speaker would make it difficult to bend the main body to fit the body during use. Therefore, there is room for improvement in order to more reliably bend the electrical muscle stimulation device to fit the body and improve adhesion between the electrical muscle stimulation device and the skin surface.

[0436] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 27 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0437] Although not shown, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 27 is provided with a flexible speaker instead of speaker 43. For example, a film speaker can be used as the flexible speaker. The other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0438] The electrically muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 27 has a flexible speaker, which makes it easy to bend the main body 10 containing the battery to fit the body of the person 2 during use. As a result, the electrically muscular stimulation device 1 can be bent more reliably to fit the body, improving the adhesion between the electrically muscular stimulation device 1 and the skin surface 6. Furthermore, if a film speaker is used instead of the speaker 43, the device can be made lighter.

[0439] As described above, according to Example 27, it is possible to provide an electrical muscular stimulation device 1 that exhibits the same effects as those of Example 1 and that has improved adhesion to the skin surface 6.

[0440] (Example 28) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 28 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the main body contains a rigid control board, making it difficult to bend the main body to fit the body during use. Therefore, there is room for improvement in order to more reliably bend the electrical muscular stimulation device to fit the body and improve adhesion between the electrical muscular stimulation device and the skin surface.

[0441] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 28 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0442] Although not shown, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 28 includes a flexible substrate instead of the control substrate 41. For example, a flexible substrate can be used as the flexible substrate. The other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0443] In the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of Example 28, the control unit 40 has a flexible substrate, which makes it easy to bend the main body 10 containing the battery to fit the body of the person 2 during use. As a result, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 can be bent to fit the body more reliably, improving the adhesion between the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 and the skin surface 6.

[0444] As described above, according to Example 28, it is possible to provide an electrical muscular stimulation device 1 that exhibits the same effects as those of Example 1 and that has improved adhesion to the skin surface 6.

[0445] (Example 29) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 29 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the electrode section is fixed to the main body section, so the area where the two electrodes can be attached is extremely limited, which poses the problem that the distance between the two electrodes cannot be adjusted appropriately.

[0446] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 29 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0447] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 29, although not shown, the electrode unit 30 is formed integrally with the main body unit 10, and the joint between the electrode unit 30 and the main body unit 10 has a bellows structure (so-called accordion structure). The control unit 40 and the electrode unit 30 housed in the main body unit 10 are electrically connected by a wire harness (not shown) routed inside the main body unit 10. The wire harness has a sufficient length to electrically connect the electrode unit 30 and the main body unit 10 even when the bellows structure is fully extended and the electrode unit 30 and the main body unit 10 are at their farthest apart.

[0448] Instead of a wire harness, the electrode unit 30 and the main body unit 10 may be electrically connected by conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the electrode support unit 121 that forms a bellows structure. The other configurations of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0449] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 29, the joint between the electrode unit 30 and the main body unit 10 has a bellows structure, so the distance between the two electrodes (the distance between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group) can be easily adjusted as needed. This makes it easier to arrange the electrodes 311 to 323 in locations suitable for applying electrical stimulation to the muscles. Furthermore, although there are individual differences in physique, by appropriately adjusting the distance between the two electrodes, it becomes easier to accommodate such individual differences.

[0450] As described above, according to Example 29, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and that can easily adjust the distance between the two electrodes (the distance between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group) as needed.

[0451] (Example 30) An electrical muscle stimulation device according to Example 30 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the upper cover body part that supports the electrodes has a uniform thickness around the periphery of the body part. Therefore, when attempting to attach the device to parts of the body that have a relatively large curvature compared to the abdomen, such as the arms or legs, the upper cover body part is not sufficiently curved around the periphery of the body part, which may reduce the adhesion between the electrical muscle stimulation device and the skin surface.

[0452] In consideration of this problem, the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 30 is configured as follows. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components equivalent to those of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 in the preceding examples, and descriptions of these components and their modes of use will be omitted. Furthermore, when the drawings used in the description of this example are identical to those in the preceding examples, the drawings in the preceding examples will be used instead.

[0453] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 30, as shown in FIG. 53, groove-shaped thin-walled portions 125a, 125b, 126a, and 126b are provided around the periphery of the main body 10 on the outer surface 121a of the electrode support 121. The thin-walled portion 125a is formed along an imaginary straight line M1 to connect a pair of holes 18a on the upper side Y1. The thin-walled portion 125b is formed along an imaginary straight line M2 to connect a pair of holes 18b on the lower side Y2. The thin-walled portion 126a is formed parallel to the vertical direction (the height direction Y) to connect one of the upper holes 18a and one of the lower holes 18b. The thin-walled portion 126b is formed parallel to the vertical direction (the height direction Y) to connect the other of the upper holes 18a and the other of the lower holes 18b. As a result, thin-walled portions 125a, 125b, 126a, 126b surround main body 10 and are formed to connect with four holes 18 formed around main body 10. The other configurations of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of this example are the same as those of electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0454] In the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 of Example 30, thin-walled portion 125a allows for easy bending at the position of imaginary line M1, and thin-walled portion 125b allows for easy bending at the position of imaginary line M2. Therefore, bending the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 at these positions makes it easier to wrap around areas with greater curvature than the abdomen 3, such as the arm or leg. This results in improved adhesion between the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 and the skin surface. For example, when attaching the device to the arm, the main body 10 is placed over the arm so that the left-right direction X coincides with the direction in which the arm extends, and the central electrode pair 302 is attached to the arm. The upper electrode pair 301 and the lower electrode pair 303 are then bent along imaginary lines M1 and M2 so as to wrap around the arm. In this way, the current flow direction (left-right direction X) of the electrical muscle stimulation device 1 coincides with the direction in which the arm muscles extend, thereby effectively providing electrical stimulation to the arm muscles.

[0455] Furthermore, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example is also easily bendable at the positions of the thin-walled portions 126a, 126b. This makes it easier for the central electrode pair 302 to bend parallel to the height direction Y, making it easier to follow the curvature of the skin surface and improving the adhesion between the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 and the skin surface.

[0456] As described above, according to Example 30, it is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device 1 that has the same effect as that of Example 1 and that improves adhesion to the skin surface, particularly the skin surface of areas with relatively large curvature such as the arms and legs.

[0457] The technical concept is described below. Technical thought 1 An electrical muscle stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles, wherein the electrical stimulation alternates between a first output period in which a first electrical signal is output that causes at least one of incomplete tetanus and complete tetanus in the muscle, and a second output period in which a second electrical signal is output that causes twitching in the muscle, and the duration of the first output period is longer than the duration of the second output period.

[0458] Technical thought 2 An electrical muscle stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles, wherein the electrical stimulation is performed by alternating a first output period in which a first electrical signal having a frequency in the range of 15 Hz to 30 Hz is output and a second output period in which a second electrical signal having a frequency in the range of less than 15 Hz is output, and the duration of the first output period is longer than the duration of the second output period.

[0459] According to Technical Idea 1, even when the electrical muscle stimulation device is used continuously, fatigue substances are less likely to accumulate in the muscles, allowing for efficient muscle stimulation. Furthermore, because the burden on the user is reduced, the device feels comfortable even when used for long periods of time, encouraging the user to actively continue using the device. Furthermore, the first output period of the electrical stimulation output is sufficiently secured, further enhancing the muscle-strengthening effect.

[0460] According to Technical Idea 2, the sudden production of fatigue substances in the muscles is suppressed, allowing for efficient muscle stimulation. Fatigue substances produced during the first output period are expelled from the muscles during the second output period, preventing the accumulation of fatigue substances even with continuous use. Furthermore, the first output period is sufficiently secured for the output electrical stimulation, further enhancing the muscle-strengthening effect.

Claims

1. An electrical muscle stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles, The electrical stimulation comprises only a first output period in which a first electrical signal is output that causes at least one of incomplete tetanus and complete tetanus in the muscle, and a second output period in which a second electrical signal is output that causes twitching in the muscle, and the first output period and the second output period are alternately repeated.

2. An electrical muscle stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles, The electrical stimulation comprises only a first output period in which a first electrical signal having a frequency in the range of 15 Hz to 30 Hz is output, and a second output period in which a second electrical signal having a frequency in the range of less than 15 Hz is output, and the first output period and the second output period are alternately repeated.

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