Electrode section and electrical stimulation device equipped therewith

Abstract

This technology provides a way to apply more uniform electrical stimulation to the user's body, even when the contact area between the electrodes and the user's body is large. [Solution] The electrode unit 20 is an electrode unit for an electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation to the user's muscles. The electrode unit 20 comprises a conductive layer 24, a conductive member 26 provided on the opposite side of the mounting surface 24a of the conductive layer 24 and electrically connected to the conductive layer 24, a terminal 28 electrically connected to the conductive member 26 and to be electrically connected to the control device of the electrical stimulator without going through the conductive member 26, and an electrical connection unit 30 having a conductivity equal to or greater than that of the conductive member 26, which is electrically connected to the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24 at a position spaced apart from the terminal 28.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrode part and an electrical stimulation device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a muscle stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to a user's muscle. This muscle stimulation device moves the muscle by passing a weak current through the muscle to tense and relax the muscle. Thereby, for example, muscle strength is enhanced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the electrode is large or long, due to the resistance of the electrode, it is difficult for the current to reach a position far from the terminal, and the electrical stimulation applied to the user's body becomes weak at a position far from the terminal. That is, when the electrode is large or long, the electrical stimulation applied to the user's body becomes non - uniform.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in such a situation, and an exemplary object of one of its aspects is to provide a technique capable of applying a more uniform electrical stimulation to the user's body even when the electrode is large or long.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an electrode portion of one aspect of the present disclosure is an electrode portion for an electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation to the muscles of a user, comprising: a conductive layer having a mounting surface; a conductive member provided on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the conductive layer and electrically connected to the conductive layer; a terminal electrically connected to the conductive member and to be electrically connected to a control device of the electrical stimulator without going through the conductive member; and an electrical connection portion having a conductivity equal to or greater than that of the conductive member, electrically connected to the conductive member and the conductive layer at a position spaced apart from the terminal.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an electrical stimulation device, which comprises a plurality of the aforementioned electrode units and a control device that supplies power to the plurality of aforementioned electrode units.

[0008] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, or any substitution of the components or expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, etc., is also valid as a form of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, even when the contact area between the electrodes and the user's body is large, it is possible to apply more uniform electrical stimulation to the user's body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrical stimulation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the control device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an electrical stimulation system. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) show the electrode section of Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electrode section. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the electrode section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the disclosure. In the embodiments and modifications, the same or equivalent components and members will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electrical stimulation device 1 according to an embodiment. The electrical stimulation device 1 is an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) device that provides electrical stimulation to the user's muscles. The electrical stimulation device 1 comprises a control device 10 and a plurality of electrode units 20.

[0013] The electrical stimulation device 1 is used with multiple electrode units 20 in contact with any part of the human body Hd. In the illustrated example, one pair (i.e., two) of electrode units 20 are connected to the control device 10. However, although not particularly limited, up to eight pairs (i.e., 16) of electrode units 20 can be connected to the control device 10.

[0014] The electrode portion 20 may be an electrode that does not require a consumable gel pad, such as a resin electrode made of conductive EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber or conductive polyurethane. Resin electrodes can be used without water. The electrode portion 20 may also be a cloth electrode. Cloth electrodes are used after being moistened with water. The electrode portion 20 may also be a metallic electrode. Furthermore, the electrode portion 20 may be an electrode that requires a gel pad.

[0015] The control device 10 is supported by the dedicated stand 8. Since the dedicated stand 8 has casters, the dedicated stand 8 together with the control device 10 can be moved. The control device 10 controls the entire electrical stimulation device 1. The control device 10 applies an electrical signal (voltage or current) between the pair of electrode units 20 to give an electrical stimulation to the user's muscles. In the following, the case where the control device 10 applies a voltage between the pair of electrode units 20 will be described as an example, but it is not limited thereto, and the control device 10 may apply a current between the pair of electrode units 20.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the control device 10. Each block shown in FIG. 2 can be realized hardware-wise by elements and electronic circuits such as a computer processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a memory, and mechanical devices, and software-wise by a computer program or the like. Here, however, functional blocks realized by the cooperation thereof are depicted. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by combinations of hardware and software.

[0017] The control device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a power supply unit 16, and a control unit 18.

[0018] The operation unit 12 receives the operations of the user who uses the electrical stimulation device 1, converts the operation signals into electrical signals, and outputs them to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 executes control based on the operation signals. The operation unit 12 receives, for example, the level of electrical stimulation, that is, the voltage level. In FIG. 1, an operation unit 12 is provided for each pair of electrode units 20. In this case, the operation unit 12 receives operations related to the corresponding pair of electrode units 20.

[0019] The display unit 14 displays predetermined information based on the notification signal from the control unit 18. The display unit 14 displays, for example, the voltage level. In FIG. 1, a display unit 14 is provided for each pair of electrode units 20. In this case, the display unit 14 displays information related to the corresponding pair of electrode units 20.

[0020] The power supply unit 16 supplies the electric power necessary for the operation of the electrical stimulation device 1. The power supply unit 16 may be configured to receive power supply from a commercial power supply such as AC 100V. Alternatively, the power supply unit 16 may include a primary battery such as a manganese battery, or may include a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The power supply unit 16 applies a voltage between the pair of electrode units 20 under the control of the control unit 18 to give an electrical stimulation to the muscles of the user.

[0021] The above is the basic configuration of the electrical stimulation device 1. Next, its operation will be described.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical stimulation device 1. When the control unit 18 receives an instruction to start electrical stimulation (S1), it executes a muscle detection diagnosis (S2). The muscle detection diagnosis diagnoses the contact state of the pair of electrode units 20 with the muscles of the human body Hd. The control unit 18 transmits inspection pulses at a constant period (for example, 500 ms) and repeats the detection of the muscle contact state. The voltage of the inspection pulse is set to a low voltage that does not generate a physical sensation. If the contact state of the pair of electrode units 20 with the muscles is good, the detected current becomes equal to or higher than the reference value.

[0023] When the muscle detection diagnosis is successful (Y in S2), the control unit 18 executes an electrical stimulation program (S3). When the muscle detection diagnosis fails (N in S2), if a predetermined time (for example, 120 seconds) has not elapsed since the instruction to start electrical stimulation was received (N in S4), the control unit 18 returns the process to step S2, and if the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S4), the control unit 18 ends the process.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the electrode unit 20 will be described in detail.

[0025] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) show the electrode section 20. Figure 4(a) is a front view of the electrode section 20, Figure 4(b) is a side view of the electrode section 20, and Figure 4(c) is a rear view of the electrode section 20. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electrode section 20. Figure 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the electrode section 20. Figure 6 corresponds to the cross-section along line AA in Figure 4(a).

[0026] The electrode section 20 comprises an ornament 22, a conductive layer 24, a conductive member 26, a terminal 28, two electrical connection sections 30, and connection sections 32a to 32c. The number of electrical connection sections 30 is not particularly limited. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be based on the electrode section 20 in its unfolded state.

[0027] The accessory 22 attaches the electrode portion 20 to the user's body. In this embodiment, the accessory 22 is in the shape of a long belt.

[0028] The accessory 22 is provided with connecting parts 32a and 32b at both ends for detachable connection between them. Specifically, a first connecting part 32a is provided on the surface 22a of one end of the accessory 22, and a second connecting part 32b is provided on the back surface 22b of the other end of the accessory 22. In this embodiment, the connecting part 32 is a hook-and-loop fastener, but is not limited to this, and may be a snap button or the like.

[0029] By connecting the first connection part 32a and the second connection part 32b while the accessory 22 is wrapped around the body, the accessory 22 and, consequently, the electrode part 20 are attached to the body.

[0030] The first connection part 32a of one electrode part 20 may be connected to the second connection part 28b of another electrode part 20. In other words, multiple electrode parts 20 may be connected. This allows the electrode parts 20 to be attached to thicker body parts.

[0031] Furthermore, a third connecting portion 32c is provided on the longitudinal side 22b of the accessory 22 at a position spaced apart from the second connecting portion 32b, for detachable connection with the second connecting portion 32b. By connecting the first connecting portion 32a and the third connecting portion 32c, the electrode portion 20 can be kept in a compact, folded state.

[0032] The conductive layer 24 is a layer of conductive material. In other words, the conductive layer 24 is a sheet-like component of conductive material. In this embodiment, the conductive layer 24 is a rectangular sheet-like component. The conductive layer 24 is, for example, a conductive resin. The conductive layer 24 may also be EPDM rubber. Because EPDM rubber has excellent bending resistance, aging resistance, and water resistance (sweat resistance), the conductive layer 24 can be made relatively thin, for example, with a thickness of 1 mm. The conductive layer 24 has a mounting surface 24a. When the electrode part 20 is in use, the mounting surface faces the user's body and, for example, comes into direct contact with the user's body, or comes into contact with the user's body via, for example, a gel pad or innerwear.

[0033] The conductive layer 24 is fixed to the jewelry 22. The conductive layer 24 is fixed towards one end of the jewelry 22. The edges of the conductive layer 24 may be sewn to the jewelry 22, or the edges may be attached to the jewelry 22 with adhesive.

[0034] The conductive member 26 is a conductive material. In this embodiment, the conductive member 26 is a rectangular sheet-like material. In this embodiment, the conductive member 26 is a sheet-like material that is shorter in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction (i.e., width) than the conductive layer 24. The conductive member 26 is laminated and fixed to the surface 24b of the conductive layer 24 opposite to the mounting surface 24a. Preferably, the conductive member 26 has excellent bending resistance, aging resistance, and water resistance (sweat resistance), and has the same or greater elasticity as the conductive layer 24. The conductive member 26 may be, for example, a conductive double-sided adhesive tape. In this case, the conductive member 26 can be easily temporarily fixed to the conductive layer 24.

[0035] Terminal 28 is conductive. Terminal 28 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. Terminal 28 is electrically connected to the control device 10 without the conductive member 26 and conductive layer 24. Specifically, terminal 28 is electrically connected to the control device 10 by cable 42 (see Figure 6).

[0036] Terminal 28 is electrically connected to the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24. In this embodiment, terminal 28 is physically and electrically connected to the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer. In this embodiment, terminal 28 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 24 without going through the conductive member 26, but as a modification, it may be electrically connected to the conductive layer 24 via the conductive member 26.

[0037] In this embodiment, terminal 28 is a male snap button and includes a pin 34 and a stud 36. The pin 34 and stud 36 are made of a metal such as stainless steel. The pin 34 is positioned on the conductive layer 24 side, and the stud 36 is positioned on the conductive member 26 side. The head 34a of the pin 34 protrudes to the outside through the conductive layer 24, the conductive member 26, the stud 36, and the ornament 22. By crimping the pin 34 and stud 36 together, the pin 34 and stud 36 (i.e., terminal 28) are fixed to the conductive layer 24 and the ornament 22.

[0038] The electrical connection portion 30 is electrically connected to both the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24 at a position spaced apart from the terminal 28. In this embodiment, the electrical connection portion 30 is a connector such as a crimping member, which physically connects the conductive member 26 to the conductive layer 24 in a substantially irremovable manner, and is electrically connected to both the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24. In this case, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24 from becoming disconnected. The electrical connection portion 30 is also physically and electrically connected to the mounting surface 24a of the conductive layer 24. The electrical connection portion 30 is a member having a conductivity equal to or greater than that of the conductive member 26. Preferably, the electrical connection portion 30 is a member having a higher conductivity than that of the conductive member 26. The electrical connection portion 30 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel.

[0039] Since contact between the terminal 28 and the two electrical connection parts 30 would result in an uneven sensation for the user's body, these are covered by a cover 40 to prevent exposure. The third connection part 32c constitutes the cover 40 for the terminal 28.

[0040] Next, we will explain the flow of current supplied from the control device 10 to terminal 28.

[0041] (1) Because terminal 28 and conductive layer 24 are electrically connected, current flows in the order of terminal 28 → conductive layer 24, as shown by current Ia in Figure 6. (2) Because terminal 28 and conductive member 26 are electrically connected, and conductive member 26 and conductive layer 24 are electrically connected, current flows in the order of terminal 28 → conductive member 26 → conductive layer 24, as shown by current Ib in Figure 6. (3) Because terminal 28 and conductive member 26 are electrically connected, the electrical connection part 30 is electrically connected to the conductive member 26 and conductive layer 24, and the electrical connection part 30 has a conductivity equal to or greater than that of the conductive member 26, current flows in the order of terminal 28 → conductive member 26 → electrical connection part 30 → conductive layer 24, as shown by current Ic. The current that flows from terminal 28 to conductive layer 24 then flows to the user's body.

[0042] Here, current has difficulty reaching locations far from the terminals 28 of the conductive member 26 and conductive layer 24 due to the electrical resistance of the conductive member 26 and conductive layer 24. In particular, when the conductive layer 24 is made of EPDM rubber, current has difficulty reaching locations far from the terminals 28 of the conductive member 26 and conductive layer 24 because EPDM rubber has high electrical resistance.

[0043] In contrast, in this embodiment, there is an electrical connection part 30 having a conductivity equal to or greater than that of the conductive member 26, which is electrically connected to the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24 at a position spaced apart from the terminal 28. Therefore, current can easily reach positions on the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24 that are far from the terminal 28. Consequently, a relatively uniform electrical stimulus can be applied.

[0044] Preferably, the electrical connection portion 30 has a higher conductivity than the conductive member 26. In this case, current can more easily reach a location farther away from the terminals 28 of the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24.

[0045] Preferably, the conductive member 26 has a higher conductivity than the conductive layer 24. In this case, current can more easily reach positions farther away from the terminals 28 of both the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24.

[0046] Preferably, the terminal 28 is electrically connected to the conductive member 26 at a position opposite the center of the conductive layer 24 in the longitudinal direction, and two or more electrical connection points 30 are electrically connected to the conductive member 26 and the conductive layer 24 at positions that avoid the center of the conductive layer 24 in the longitudinal direction, for example, at positions opposite both ends of the conductive layer 24 in the longitudinal direction. This is because if the terminal 28 is electrically connected to the conductive member 26 at a position opposite to, for example, the end of the conductive layer 24, rather than the center of the conductive layer 24 in the longitudinal direction, current will have difficulty reaching the opposite end. Note that the center of the conductive layer 24 in the longitudinal direction may be the middle region when the conductive layer 24 is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of their components and processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications will be described below.

[0048] Unlike the embodiment, the accessory 22 may have a shape that covers the user's upper body, such as a shirt, or it may have a shape that covers the user's lower body, such as tights or leggings.

[0049] Unlike the embodiments and the modifications described above, the control device 10 may be mounted on the accessory 22.

[0050] Any combination of the embodiments and modifications described above is also useful as an embodiment of this disclosure. The new embodiments resulting from these combinations possess the effects of both the combined embodiments and modifications.

[0051] [Aspect 1] An electrode part for an electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation to the user's muscles, A conductive layer, A conductive member is provided on the side opposite to the mounting surface of the conductive layer and is electrically connected to the conductive layer, A terminal that is electrically connected to the conductive member and is to be electrically connected to the control device of the electrical stimulation device without going through the conductive member, An electrical connection portion having conductivity equal to or greater than that of the conductive member, which is electrically connected to the conductive member and the conductive layer at a position spaced apart from the terminal, An electrode section equipped with this.

[0052] [Aspect 2] The terminal is electrically connected to the conductive layer. The electrode portion according to embodiment 1.

[0053] [Aspect 3] The conductive member has a higher conductivity than the conductive layer. The electrode portion according to embodiment 1 or 2.

[0054] [Aspect 4] The conductive layer is a conductive resin. The electrode portion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3.

[0055] [Aspect 5] The electrical connection section comprises multiple such sections, The terminal is electrically connected to the conductive member at a position facing the central part of the conductive layer. The electrode portion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4.

[0056] [Aspect 6] The electrical connection portion is a connector that physically connects the conductive member to the conductive layer in a substantially irremovable manner. The electrode portion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5.

[0057] [Aspect 7] A plurality of electrode portions according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, The control device that supplies power to the multiple electrode portions, An electrical stimulation device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1 Electrical stimulator, 10 Control device, 18 Control unit, 20 Electrode unit, 24 Conductive layer, 26 Conductive member, 28 Terminal, 30 Electrical connection unit.

Claims

1. An electrode part for an electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation to the user's muscles, A conductive layer, A conductive member is provided on the side opposite to the mounting surface of the conductive layer and is electrically connected to the conductive layer, A terminal that is electrically connected to the conductive member and is to be electrically connected to the control device of the electrical stimulation device without going through the conductive member, An electrical connection portion having conductivity equal to or greater than that of the conductive member, which is electrically connected to both the conductive member and the conductive layer at a position spaced apart from the terminal, An electrode section equipped with this.

2. The terminal is electrically connected to the conductive layer. The electrode portion according to claim 1.

3. The conductive member has a higher conductivity than the conductive layer. The electrode portion according to claim 1.

4. The conductive layer is a conductive resin. The electrode portion according to claim 1.

5. The electrical connection section comprises multiple such sections, The terminal is electrically connected to the conductive member at a position facing the central part of the conductive layer. The electrode portion according to claim 1.

6. The electrical connection portion is a connector that physically connects the conductive member to the conductive layer in a substantially irremovable manner. The electrode portion according to claim 1.

7. A plurality of electrode portions according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The control device that supplies power to the multiple electrode portions, An electrical stimulation device equipped with the following features.

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