Electrical stimulator

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical stimulation device that can prevent the user's upper body from falling backward while seated. [Solution] The device body 2 has an upper surface 2a which serves as a seating surface 30, and is equipped with two pairs of electrodes 4 and 5. One electrode 4A of one pair and one electrode 5A of the other pair are provided between the front part 3 and the rear part 28 of the device body 2, exposed from the seating surface 30, and the other electrodes 4B and 5B of each pair are attached to the front part 3 of the device body 2 via cords 13B and 14B. The seating surface 30 of the device body 2 is inclined so that it becomes higher from the front part 3 toward the rear part 28 with respect to the lower surface 2b of the device body 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to an electrical stimulation device for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

Background Art

[0002] As an electrical stimulation device, one that applies a stimulating current to the pelvic floor muscles by a pair of two pairs of electrodes to passively contract the muscles is being developed. When the function of the pelvic floor muscles deteriorates, symptoms such as urinary incontinence occur. Even if attempts are made to improve these symptoms by muscle strength training of the pelvic floor muscle group, it is not easy to perform accurately and continuously, and moreover, the improvement effect is small. Specifically, such an electrical stimulation device, as shown in Patent Document 1, includes a device body having a horizontal seating surface on the upper surface, and a pair of two pairs of electrodes for supplying a stimulating current to a living body. One electrode in one of the two pairs and one electrode in the other of the two pairs are provided in a state of being exposed from the seating surface of the device body between the front part and the rear part of the device body, and each of the other electrodes in the two pairs is attached to the front part of the device body via a cord for supplying the stimulating current. In its use, in order to supply a stimulating current to the pelvic floor muscles, by seating the user's buttocks (skin) on the seating surface, one electrode in each of the two pairs is brought into contact with the user's buttocks (skin), while each of the other electrodes in the two pairs is attached to the user's lower abdomen (skin).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned electrical stimulation device, since the seating surface of the device body is horizontal, when using the electrical stimulation device, if the user tilts their upper body even slightly backward from a vertical position relative to the seating surface while seated, a moment is generated that tends to rotate the user's upper body backward around the buttocks, and this moment increases as the backward tilt of the user's upper body increases. For this reason, if the user sits in an unnatural position, or if they inadvertently tilt their posture backward while seated, there is a risk that their upper body may fall backward.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an electrical stimulation device that can prevent the user's upper body from falling backward when the user is seated.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention has the following configuration (1) to (5).

[0007] (1) An electrical stimulation device comprising a main body having a seating surface on its upper surface, and two pairs of electrodes for supplying a stimulating current to a living body, wherein one electrode from one of the two pairs and one electrode from the other of the two pairs are provided between the front and rear of the main body, exposed from the seating surface of the main body, and the other electrode from each pair is attached to the front of the main body via a cord for supplying the stimulating current, The seating surface of the device body is inclined such that it becomes higher from the front to the rear of the device body, with reference to the lower surface of the device body. And so, Each electrode in the aforementioned pair protrudes such that a step is created relative to the seating surface of the device body. The seating surface of the device body is set to maintain its inclined state even when a user is seated on it. It is considered to be the composition.

[0008] In this configuration, when the user's buttocks sit on the seating surface, the user's upper body will assume a tilted posture, tilted forward relative to the vertical line, due to the inclination of the seating surface. This generates a moment that attempts to rotate the user's upper body forward around the buttocks. Therefore, the user's upper body is less likely to tilt backward beyond the vertical line than when the buttocks are seated on a horizontal seating surface, thus preventing the user's upper body from falling backward.

[0009] Also, In the aforementioned pair, one electrode of each pair is configured to protrude in such a way that it creates a step relative to the seating surface of the main body of the device. As a result, when the user's buttocks sit on the seating surface, one electrode on each pair of electrodes is pressed into the user's buttocks (causing the buttocks to flex and sink in). Therefore, the user can feel the contact between one electrode on each pair of electrodes and their buttocks, and the position of that contact, confirming that one electrode on each pair of electrodes is accurately in contact with the user's buttocks. On the other hand, the user's load when sitting (mainly the load of the upper body, head, and buttocks) is divided into a force component parallel to the seating surface and a force component perpendicular to the seating surface, based on the inclined seating surface. The force component perpendicular to the seating surface can be reduced compared to when the user's buttocks sit on a horizontal seating surface. Therefore, while ensuring that one electrode in each pair makes precise contact with the user's buttocks, it is possible to reduce user discomfort by preventing the electrode from being pressed into the user's buttocks (a state where the buttocks are bent and the electrode digs in).

[0010]

[0011] (2) As mentioned above (1) Under this configuration, In the configuration described above, an elastic body is interposed between one electrode in each of the two sets and the main body of the device.

[0012] This configuration allows for increased protrusion of each electrode from the seating surface based on the presence of the elastic body. This increases the likelihood of contact between each electrode and the user's buttocks, even in cases where the user's legs were too long to reliably contact the buttocks while seated. On the other hand, if each electrode is in proper contact with the buttocks while seated, the elasticity of the elastic body allows the buttocks to push each electrode further into the device body. Therefore, while the height of the seating surface of the device body remains constant, this configuration improves the ability to contact each electrode with the buttocks. (3) Under the configuration of (2) above, The main body of the device is formed with a pair of retaining holes that open from the seating surface. Each of the electrodes in the two sets is held in the respective holding holes in a state where it protrudes from the seating surface. As the elastic body, one with a lower modulus of elasticity than the member constituting the seating surface is used. The elastic body is configured to be interposed between one electrode in each of the two sets and the bottom of each holding hole that holds the electrode.

[0013] (4) As mentioned above (1) Under this configuration, A pedestal is provided and installed on the bed surface, and the device main body is placed on the upper surface of the pedestal. The height of the seating surface of the device main body is set such that a user can sit on the seating surface with their feet in contact with the bed surface.

[0014] According to this configuration, when sitting, the user can brace themselves with their feet by placing their feet on the bed surface, and even if the inclination angle of the seating surface is increased, the user can sit on the seating surface without slipping off. Therefore, regarding the inclination angle of the seating surface in the device main body, the setting range can be expanded towards the increasing side, and as the device main body, various inclination angles of the seating surface can be provided. Moreover, in that case, the more the device main body with an increased inclination angle of the seating surface is used, the more it is possible to suppress one of the electrodes from pushing into the user's buttocks (bending and digging into the buttocks).

[0015] (5) Under the configuration of (4) described above, the inclination angle of the seating surface in the device main body is configured to be adjustable.

[0016] According to this configuration, the user can determine the inclination angle of the seating surface when sitting, and the degree of freedom of the user's sitting posture can be increased.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulation device that can suppress the user's upper body from falling backward when sitting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing the electrical stimulation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the device main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A plan view showing the device main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]A front view showing the main body of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A rear view showing the main body of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A left side view showing the main body of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A bottom view showing the main body of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the device body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of stimulation using interferential low-frequency current. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the device body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This diagram schematically illustrates a state where the user's upper body is tilted backward from a vertical position, compared to a state where the user is seated on a horizontal seating surface. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram illustrating how the inclined seating surface prevents the user's upper body from falling backward. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram illustrating the effect of suppressing electrode penetration into the user's buttocks based on the inclined seating surface. [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram illustrating the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment. This electrical stimulation device 1 comprises a stool (round chair) S as a base placed on the floor surface F, a disc-shaped device body 2 placed on the upper surface of the stool S, and two pairs of electrodes 4, 5 (shown as representative reference numerals for each pair of electrodes) provided on the device body 2.

[0021] Stool S is used as an example of how the device body 2 is used, to allow a user to sit on the device body 2 while the device body 2 is held at a certain height from the floor surface F. For this reason, stool S has a top surface on which the device body 2 can be placed, and is at a height that allows the soles of the user's feet to touch the floor surface F when the user sits on the top surface of stool S via the device body 2. Specifically, the top surface of stool S is formed as a circular plane with a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the device body 2 in order to accurately place the device body 2 on it, and its height from the floor surface F is, for example, about 40 cm to 50 cm. In this embodiment, stool S is composed of an upper cylindrical body (covered cylindrical body) S1 and a lower cylindrical body S2 (bottomed cylindrical body) that expands and contracts with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the upper cylindrical body S1 in a screw relationship based on a screw mechanism sm. By adjusting the expansion and contraction of the upper cylindrical body S1 relative to the lower cylindrical body S2, the height of the top surface of the upper cylindrical body S1, which becomes the top surface of stool S, from the floor surface F is adjusted. Furthermore, the stool S has an internal space formed by an upper cylindrical body S1 and a lower cylindrical body S2, and this internal space serves as a storage space for related parts of the device body 2, for example, a battery when the indoor power supply is not used as the power source when the device body 2 is in use. Although not shown in Figure 1, it is preferable to provide a holding means for holding the device body 2 on the upper surface of the stool S.

[0022] Furthermore, the stool S is not necessarily an essential element in the electrical stimulation device 1. The device body 2 is compact and easy to transport, and by utilizing these features, the device body 2 can be used in any location that is freely selected. For example, the device body 2 can be used on a tatami mat, a floor surface F, a sofa, a bench, a pedestal, etc.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the disc-shaped device body 2 is made flat by stacking a disc-shaped upper member 16 and a disc-shaped lower member 17. As a result, the upper surface of the upper member 16 becomes the upper surface 2a of the device body 2, the lower surface of the lower member 17 becomes the lower surface 2b of the device body 2, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the upper member 16 and the lower member 17 form the outer circumferential surface 2c of the device body 2. A horizontal and flat mounting surface 29 is formed on the lower surface 2b of the device body 2, extending from the center of its diameter to the radially outward peripheral edge 2bb, and the peripheral edge 2bb of the lower surface 2b is designed to curve upward as it extends radially outward. A flat seating surface 30 is formed on the upper surface 2a of the device body 2, extending from the center of its diameter to the radially outward peripheral edge 2aa, and the peripheral edge 2aa of the upper surface 2a is designed to curve downward as it extends radially outward. Therefore, the thickness of the peripheral edge of the device body 2 (the distance between the upper surface 2a and the lower surface 2b) decreases as it extends radially outward from the device body, and the peripheral edge of the device body 2 has a thickness that makes it easy for the user to grasp for transport.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the flat seating surface 30 of the device body 2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal and flat mounting surface 29 (lower surface 2b). The side of the device body 2 where the vertical distance between the seating surface 30 and the mounting surface 29 is widest is designated as the rear part 28, and the side facing the rear part 28 where the vertical distance between the seating surface 30 and the mounting surface 29 is narrowest is designated as the front part 3. Regarding this inclination angle θ, a larger angle is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing the upper body from tipping backward and preventing the electrodes 4 and 5 from digging in, as will be described later. However, in this embodiment, taking seating comfort into consideration, the inclination angle θ is set to a predetermined value (for example, 2°) within the range of 5° greater than 0.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 6, the front part 3 of the main body 2 of the device has an upper surface 3a that is higher than the height of the seating surface 30. The upper surface 3a of this front part 3 extends circumferentially to the upper surface 2a with a length that fits between the user's thighs when the user's buttocks are seated on the seating surface 30, and its radial length (width) is designed to increase from both sides in the direction of extension toward the center in the direction of extension. For this reason, the front upper surface 3a and the seating surface 30 are separated by the arc-shaped raised wall of the front part 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, an operation panel section 31 is formed on this front upper surface 3a so as to extend laterally. The operation panel section 31 is equipped with a power switch SW1, an intensity indicator D, an intensity reduction switch SW2, and an intensity increase switch SW3 arranged laterally, and the power switch SW1, intensity reduction switch SW2, and intensity increase switch SW3 are all push-type switches. The power switch SW1 determines whether the device 1 is ON or OFF, and starts the operation of the sine wave generation circuits 7 and 8, amplifier circuits 9 and 10, etc., described later. The intensity increase switch SW3 and intensity decrease switch SW2 adjust the intensity by increasing or decreasing the current. The intensity indicator D shows the current intensity status numerically in response to the pressing operation of the intensity increase switch SW2 and the intensity decrease switch SW3.

[0026] The main body of the device 2 houses a stimulation current supply adjustment unit 6 within its front section 3, as shown in Figure 8, which supplies stimulation current to two pairs of electrodes 4 and 5 (indicated by their representative reference numerals). In this embodiment, the stimulation current supply adjustment unit 6 is configured to obtain a low-frequency stimulation current by interfering medium frequencies with different frequencies (an interference low-frequency type). Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the stimulation current supply adjustment unit 6 includes a first sine wave generation circuit 7 as a first stimulation current supply means, a second sine wave generation circuit 8 as a second stimulation current supply means, an amplifier circuit (amplification circuit) 9 connected to the first sine wave generation circuit 7, and an amplifier circuit (amplification circuit) 10 connected to the second sine wave generation circuit 8. Each sine wave generation circuit 7 and 8 generates a sine wave of medium frequency (e.g., 2500 to 10000 Hz). In this embodiment, the first sine wave generation circuit 7 generates a 5000 Hz sine wave, and the second sine wave generation circuit 8 generates a 5020 Hz sine wave. The difference in frequency between the medium frequencies generated by each sine wave generation circuit 7 and 8 (20 Hz in this embodiment) becomes the frequency of the interfering low frequency. The amplifier circuit 9 adjusts the output of the sine wave generated by the first sine wave generation circuit 7 and supplies it to a pair of electrodes 4A and 4B in one of the two sets, and the amplifier circuit 10 adjusts the output of the sine wave generated by the second sine wave generation circuit 8 and supplies it to a pair of electrodes 5A and 5B in the other set.

[0027] As a result, the first sine wave generation circuit 7 supplies a stimulating current of, for example, 5000 Hz to electrodes 4A and 4B in one set (see Figure 9(a)), while the second sine wave generation circuit 8 supplies a stimulating current of 5020 Hz to electrodes 5A and 5B in the other set (see Figure 9(b)). This results in the generation of an interference low frequency, as shown in Figure 9(c).

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, a controller (control unit) U for controlling the stimulation current supply adjustment unit 6 is also housed in the front part 3 of the main body 2 of the device. The controller U is configured using a microcomputer, and receives input signals from the aforementioned power switch SW1, intensity increase switch SW3, and intensity decrease switch SW2. In addition, the controller U outputs ON / OFF switching control signals to each sine wave generation circuit 7, 8, and ON / OFF control and output magnitude switching control signals to the amplifier circuits 9, 10. As a result, when the power switch SW1 is in the ON state, a stimulation current of interference low frequency at a predetermined intensity is generated by two pairs of electrodes 4, 5.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, the seating surface 30 of the device body 2 is provided with one electrode 4A of the pair of electrodes 4A and 4B in one set, and one electrode 5A of the pair of electrodes 5A and 5B in the other set. In this embodiment, each of these electrodes 4A and 5A is disc-shaped, and each of these electrodes 4A and 5A is positioned at a predetermined distance apart in the lateral direction (left-right direction in Figure 3) with its flat upper surface exposed outward in the user's buttock seating area on the seating surface 30.

[0030] In this embodiment, each electrode 4A and 5A in both sets is held in a holding hole 12 formed in the upper surface 2a of the device body 2, as shown in Figure 10. One side of each electrode 4A and 5A in the thickness direction (vertical direction in Figure 10) is embedded in the holding hole 12, and the other side of each electrode 4A and 5A in the thickness direction protrudes from the surface 2a of the device body 2, creating a slight step. One end of a cord 13A and 14A for supplying a stimulating current is connected to one side of each electrode 4A and 5A in the thickness direction, and the other end of the cord 13A and 14A is connected to a stimulating current supply adjustment unit 6 inside the device body 2, passing through the inside of the device body 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the upper member 16 of the device body 2 has the aforementioned holding holes 12 and communication holes 18 extending downward from each of the holding holes 12, while the lower member 17 has a groove 19 connected to the front part 3, and a cord passage 20 is formed based on the laminated structure of the lower member 17 and the upper member 16. By passing the cord 13A (14A) through the communication holes 18 and the cord passage 20, each electrode 4A, 5A is connected to the stimulation current supply adjustment unit 6 (amplifier circuits 9, 10) inside the device body 2 via the cords 13A, 14A.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a connection port 21 is provided on the front surface 3b(2c) of the front part 3 of the outer circumferential surface 2c of the main body 2 of the device. Cords 13B and 14B are connected to this connection port 21 via a connector 32, and the ends of the cords 13B and 14B are connected to the other electrode 4B of the pair of electrodes 4 in one set and the other electrode 5B of the pair of electrodes 5 in the other set. In this case, the other electrode 4B in one set is connected to the amplifier circuit 9 via cord 13B to form a pair with the other electrode 4A in the same set, and the other electrode 5B in the other set is connected to the amplifier circuit 10 via cord 14B to form a pair with the other electrode 5A in the same set. Furthermore, cords 13B and 14B are integrated so that they form a single cord for a certain length from the connector 32. In Figures 4 to 7, reference numeral 33 denotes a mounting hole for attaching the upper member 16 and the lower member 17, and reference numeral 34 denotes a screw used in each mounting hole 33. Also, in Figure 5, reference numeral 35 denotes a power supply port for inserting a power line connector from the indoor power source.

[0032] When using such an electrical stimulation device 1, the user places their buttocks on the seating surface 30 of the device body 2, with their back to the front part 3, straddling the front part 3. This causes the desired position of the user's buttocks to come into contact with each electrode 4A, 5A of the seating surface 30, and the user perceives this contact between the electrodes 4A, 5A protruding from the seating surface 30 and their buttocks.

[0033] After this, with the power switch SW1 turned ON, the electrode surfaces of the other electrodes 4B and 5B of each set are brought into contact with the user's left and right lower abdomen at a predetermined distance apart. Inside the user's body, the stimulating current flowing between the pair of electrodes 4 in one set and the stimulating current flowing between the pair of electrodes 5 in the other set intersect, generating an interfering low-frequency stimulating current. This strong stimulation from the interfering low-frequency stimulating current strengthens the pelvic floor muscles.

[0034] In this type of electrical stimulation device 1, measures have been taken to prevent the upper body from falling backward.

[0035] The left side of Figure 11 schematically shows a user 40 seated on the horizontal seating surface 30 of the device body 2. In this case, since the seating surface 30 is horizontal, the upper body 41 of the user 40 is upright (perpendicular) to the seating surface 30, and the load W1 on the upper body 41 (including the head 42) acts vertically along the upper body toward the seating surface 3. Therefore, no moment is generated in the upper body 41. However, as shown in the right side of Figure 11, when the upper body 41 is tilted backward, even slightly, a counterclockwise moment is generated. That is, if L is the length from the buttocks 43, which is the fulcrum, to the center of gravity O of the upper body, which is the point of force application, and θ1 is the angle of tilt from the vertical position of the upper body (vertical line V), then in the right side of Figure 11, a counterclockwise moment M = W1 × L·sinθ1 is generated. Therefore, if the upper body is accidentally tilted backward while seated, the risk of the upper body 41 tipping over increases.

[0036] In contrast, in this embodiment, the seating surface 30 of the device body 2 is inclined such that the rear part 28 is higher than the front part 3. Therefore, when a user 40 sits on the seating surface 30, the upper body 41 is inclined clockwise from the vertical line V in Figure 12. If the angle of inclination at this time is θ2, then a clockwise moment M = W1 × L·sinθ2 is generated in the upper body 41 in Figure 12, and based on this moment, a force acts on the upper body 41 in the direction of tilting forward. For this reason, the risk of the upper body 41 falling backward is significantly lower than when the seating surface 30 is in a horizontal position.

[0037] Furthermore, this electrical stimulation device 1 also incorporates features to prevent the electrodes 4A and 5A of each pair from penetrating the buttocks.

[0038] As mentioned above, since one electrode 4A, 5A of each pair protrudes from the seating surface 30, when the user sits down, they can feel the contact and contact position of each electrode 4A, 5A, while at the same time, one of the electrodes 4A, 5A digs into the user's buttocks to some extent. However, in this embodiment, since the seating surface 30 of the device body 2 is inclined, when the user's buttocks sit on the seating surface 30, the force that digs into the buttocks due to the load W3 of the upper body, head, and buttocks can be reduced, and the discomfort caused by the digging in of each electrode 4A, 5A can be reduced. This will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 13.

[0039] If the load W3 of the user 40's upper body 41, head 42, and buttocks 43 that acts perpendicular to the seating surface 30 is related to the penetration of each electrode 4A, 5A into the buttocks 43, then when the user 40 is seated on the horizontal seating surface 30 of the device body 2, the load W3 acts perpendicular to the horizontal seating surface 30, and therefore the load W3 directly works to penetrate each electrode 4A, 5A into the buttocks. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the seating surface 30 of the device body 2 is inclined, when the user 40's buttocks 43 is seated on the seating surface 30, as shown in Figure 13, the load W3 of the upper body 41, head 42, and buttocks 43 is divided into a component force P1 parallel to the seating surface 30 and a component force P2 perpendicular to the seating surface 30. In this case, if we let θ3 be the angle between the direction of action of the load W3 and the direction of action of the component force P2 perpendicular to the seating surface 30, then the component force P2 perpendicular to the seating surface 30 becomes P2 = W3cosθ3, and the force related to the biting of each electrode 4A, 5A into the buttocks 43 can be reduced compared to when the user 40's buttocks 43 are seated on a horizontal seating surface 30. Therefore, while confirming that each electrode 4A, 5A is in proper contact with the user 40's buttocks 43, it is possible to suppress the electrodes 4A, 5A from being pushed into the user 40's buttocks 43 (bending the buttocks and biting in), thereby reducing user discomfort.

[0040] In this case, the larger the inclination angle θ of the seating surface 30, the larger the component force P1 (=W3sinθ3) parallel to the seating surface 30 becomes, and the larger the angle θ3 between the direction of action of the component force P2 perpendicular to the seating surface 30 and the direction of action of the load W3 (vertical direction). Consequently, the component force P2 perpendicular to the seating surface 30 becomes smaller, and the force related to the biting of each electrode 4A, 5A into the buttocks decreases further. For this reason, a larger inclination angle θ of the seating surface 30 is preferable, not only from the viewpoint of preventing the upper body 41 from tipping backward, but also from the viewpoint of suppressing discomfort caused by the biting of each electrode 4A, 5A into the buttocks 43. In this case, the component force P1 parallel to the seating surface 30 increases as the inclination angle θ of the seating surface 30 increases, making it easier for the user's buttocks 43 to slide down along the seating surface 30. However, since the user's feet 44 are in contact with the floor surface F and can brace themselves, they can withstand the component force P1 parallel to the seating surface 30. For this reason, the inclination angle θ of the seating surface 30 can be set over a wide range. Accordingly, the device body 2 can be provided with multiple types of inclination angles θ for the seating surface 30.

[0041] Figure 14 shows a second embodiment, which is a modification of the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, one electrode 4A (5A) is embedded in the holding hole 12 via an elastic body 47, and the elastic body 47 is interposed between each electrode 4A (5A) and the device body 2. This increases the amount of protrusion of each electrode 4A (5A) from the seating surface 30 based on the thickness of the elastic body 47, and even if the user's legs are long and the electrodes 4A (5A) could not be reliably brought into contact with the buttocks when seated, it is possible to increase the possibility of bringing each electrode 4A (5A) into contact with the user's buttocks. On the other hand, if each electrode 4A (5A) is in contact with the buttocks without any problems when seated, the elasticity of the elastic body 47 can be used to push each electrode 4A (5A) further into the device body 2 when seated. Therefore, with the seating surface 30 of the device body 2 remaining at a constant height, it is possible to improve adaptability to various users with different body sizes by bringing one electrode 4A (5A) into contact with the buttocks.

[0042] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention also encompasses the following embodiments. (1) The device 1 (stimulation current supply adjustment unit 6) supplies various stimulation currents to the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 in each set, not limited to interference low-frequency stimulation currents. For example, it supplies stimulation currents of low frequency (e.g., 1 to 200 Hz), medium frequency (e.g., 2500 to 10000 Hz), and alternating currents of interference low-frequency and medium-frequency stimulation currents as appropriate. (2) With respect to the code 13B that connects the other electrode 4B and the code 14B that connects the other electrode 5B, the codes 13B and 14B shall be distinguished by their different colors. (3) The electrode surfaces of each electrode 4A and 5A are flush with the seating surface 30 of the main body of the device 2 (they do not protrude). (4) The tilt angle θ of the seating surface 30 on the main body of the device 2 can be adjusted. In this case, the upper member 16 constituting the seating surface 30 is supported so as to be able to be raised and lowered relative to the lower member 17, and the upright movement of the upper member 16 can be adjusted using a link mechanism operated by the operation of the operating part, or the upper surface component of the stool (base) S can be raised and lowered in the same configuration as above, and as a result the tilt angle θ of the seating surface 30 on the main body of the device 2 placed on the upper surface component of the stool (base) S can be adjusted. [Industrial applicability]

[0043] This invention can be used when strengthening the pelvic floor muscles using an electrical stimulation device, specifically when the user's upper body falls backward while seated. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1. Electrical stimulator 2. Main unit of the device 2a Top surface of the main body of the device 2 2b Lower surface of the main body of the device 2 3 Front of the main body of the device 4. A pair of electrodes in one set 4A One electrode in one set 4B The other electrode in one set 5. The pair of electrodes in the other set 5A One electrode in the other set 5B The other electrode in the other set 13B Code for the other electrode 4B in one set 14B Code for the other electrode 5B in the other set 28 Rear of the main body of the device 30 seating surface 47 Elastic body F Floor S Stool (Base) θ: Inclination angle of the seating surface

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device comprising a main body having a seating surface on its upper surface, and two pairs of electrodes for supplying a stimulating current to a living body, wherein one electrode from one of the two pairs and one electrode from the other of the two pairs are provided between the front and rear of the main body, exposed from the seating surface of the main body, and the other electrode from each pair is attached to the front of the main body via a cord for supplying the stimulating current, The seating surface of the device body is inclined such that it becomes higher from the front to the rear of the device body, with reference to the lower surface of the device body. An electrical stimulation device characterized by the following features.

2. In claim 1, Each electrode in the aforementioned pair protrudes in such a way that it creates a step relative to the seating surface of the device body. An electrical stimulation device characterized by the following features.

3. In claim 2, An elastic body is interposed between each electrode in the aforementioned pair and the main body of the device. An electrical stimulation device characterized by the following features.

4. In claim 2, It is equipped with a base that is placed on the floor, The main body of the device is placed on the upper surface of the base. The height of the seating surface in the main body of the device is such that the user can sit on the seating surface with their feet in contact with the floor surface. An electrical stimulation device characterized by the following features.

5. In claim 4, The inclination angle of the seating surface in the main body of the device is adjustable. An electrical stimulation device characterized by the following features.

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