Electrical Stimulation Device

Abstract

To provide an electrostimulator capable of providing satisfactory usability.SOLUTION: An electrostimulator comprises: a main body 12; a plurality of first electrodes 22L, 22R provided on the main body 12; attaching tools 14L, 14R to be attached to a user's body; second electrodes 32L, 32R provided on the attaching tools 14L, 14R; a control unit 48 for controlling power for electric stimulation supplied from a power supply to the plurality of first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R; and connection members 16L, 16R that connect the main body with the attaching tools and transfer power. The connection members 16L, 16R are detachably connected to the main body 12 and at least one of the attaching tools 14L, 14R. Depending on the presence / absence of connection between the main body 12 and the attaching tools 14L, 14R using the connection members 16L, 16R, the control unit 48 sets, as a power supply destination, one out of the plurality of first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R and supplies power to the set electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, electrical stimulation devices have been proposed for applying electrical stimulation to the muscles of a user. By using such devices, exercise involving muscle contraction and relaxation is promoted. As an example, Patent Document 1 describes an electrical stimulation device including a plurality of main bodies and a plurality of electrodes provided on each of the plurality of main bodies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility model registration No. 3194492 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present inventors have studied the electrical stimulation device of Patent Document 1. As a result, they have come to realize that there is room for improvement in terms of ease of use when applying electrical stimulation using multiple electrodes of the main body.

[0005] An aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of its objects is to provide an electrical stimulation device that is easy to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to a user's muscles, comprising a main body, a plurality of first electrodes provided on the main body, an attachment attached to the user's body, a second electrode provided on the attachment, a control unit that controls electrical stimulation power supplied from a power source to the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrodes, and a connection member that connects the main body and the attachment and transmits the power, the connection member being detachably connected to at least one of the main body and the attachment, and the control unit setting a destination of the power from among the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrodes depending on whether or not the main body and the attachment are connected by the connection member, and supplying the power to the set electrode.

[0007] The electrical stimulation device described above is easy to use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electrical stimulation device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main body of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the main body of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) is a schematic diagram showing a first usage scene of the electrical stimulation device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4(B) is a schematic diagram showing a second usage scene thereof. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing the functions of an electrical stimulation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electrical stimulation device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(A) is a back view of the second electrode of the first embodiment, and FIG. 7(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 7(A). [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a side view of the main body of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a main body of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a side view of an electrical stimulation device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main body according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main body according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a main body of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a main body of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a main body of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] 11 is a table showing an example of an operation pattern of the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 18] 13 is a table showing other examples of operation patterns of the electrical stimulation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Identical components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In each drawing, for the sake of convenience of description, some components are omitted as appropriate, and their dimensions are enlarged or reduced as appropriate. The drawings should be viewed according to the orientation of the reference numerals. In this specification, "contact," "contact," "fixing," and "attachment" include cases where the conditions mentioned are met directly by two parties, as well as cases where the conditions are met via other members, unless otherwise specified.

[0010] (First embodiment) Please refer to FIG. 1. The electrical stimulation device 10 is for applying electrical stimulation to the muscles of a user. In this specification, the term "user" refers to, for example, a person of average build in the country in which the electrical stimulation device 10 is sold. The electrical stimulation device 10 can be used, for example, for muscle training. The electrical stimulation device 10 of this embodiment includes a main body 12, attachments 14L and 14R, and connection members 16L and 16R.

[0011] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. The main body 12 of this embodiment is placed on a floor surface FL when used. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the main body 12 will be described based on being placed on a horizontal floor surface FL. In this case, the description will be given using three mutually perpendicular directions. These directions are the front-rear direction X, the left-right direction Y, and the up-down direction Z. The front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction Y are horizontal directions, and the up-down direction Z is a vertical direction.

[0012] A pair of foot rests 18L, 18R corresponding to the left and right feet Ft of the user are provided on the main body 12. The pair of foot rests 18L, 18R includes a left foot rest 18L corresponding to the left foot and a right foot rest 18R corresponding to the right foot.

[0013] The foot rests 18L and 18R are shaped so that at least a part of the corresponding foot Ft can be placed thereon. In this embodiment, the foot rests 18L and 18R are composed of a plurality of foot rest areas 20A and 20B. The plurality of foot rest areas 20A and 20B include a heel-side foot rest area 20A on which at least the heel of the foot Ft can be placed, and a toe-side foot rest area 20B on which at least the toes of the foot Ft can be placed.

[0014] A pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R are provided on the main body 12. The pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R are provided individually corresponding to the left and right feet. The pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R in this embodiment includes a left first electrode 22L corresponding to the left foot and a right first electrode 22R corresponding to the right foot. The pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R can also be considered to correspond to the left and right halves of the user's body, respectively. The pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R are intended to apply electro-stimulation to the corresponding feet (halves) of the user. Each of the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R in this embodiment constitutes each of the pair of foot rests 18L, 18R.

[0015] The main body 12 in this embodiment has a hollow structure and includes a housing 24 and a pad member 26 fixed to the housing 24 using screws or the like. The pad member 26 in this embodiment constitutes the footrests 18L, 18R and the first electrodes 22L, 22R. The pad member 26 is made of, for example, conductive rubber. This conductive rubber is made by mixing a conductive agent such as carbon black or metal powder into a rubber base material such as ethylene propylene diene rubber.

[0016] Main body 12 is provided with a plurality of operation units 28A, 28B used to change the operation of electrical stimulation device 10. In this embodiment, the plurality of operation units 28A, 28B include a first operation unit 28A and a second operation unit 28B provided on the upper surface of main body 12. In this embodiment, operation units 28A, 28B are separate members from housing 24, and are fixed to housing 24 using screws (not shown) or the like. In this embodiment, operation units 28A, 28B constitute buttons that are pressed by the user.

[0017] Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4(B). The attachments 14L and 14R are attached to the user's body. In this embodiment, the attachments 14L and 14R are attached to the lower body of the user. The "lower body" here includes the legs and waist, and the "legs" includes the feet and thighs. The attachments 14L and 14R in this embodiment include a left attachment 14L corresponding to the left half of the user's body and a right attachment 14R corresponding to the right half of the body. In this embodiment, the left attachment 14L is attached to the upper thigh of the left leg, and the right attachment 14R is attached to the upper thigh of the right leg.

[0018] The attachments 14L and 14R of this embodiment are planar structures having flexibility. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the attachments 14L and 14R will be described based on a state in which they are expanded in a plane. The attachments 14L and 14R of this embodiment are long belt-shaped when viewed in the thickness direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1). The attachments 14L and 14R of this embodiment are attached to the body by wrapping them around the body.

[0019] Both longitudinal ends of the attachments 14L, 14R are provided with a connection structure 30 for detachably connecting them to each other. The connection structure 30 in this embodiment is a hook-and-loop fastener, but is not particularly limited and may be a snap button or the like. The attachments 14L, 14R in this embodiment have a hollow structure, and are integrated by sewing the outer edges of the front fabric member 52 and the back fabric member 54 (see FIG. 8).

[0020] The second electrodes 32L, 32R are provided on the attachments 14L, 14R. The attachments 14L, 14R are provided with individual second electrodes 32L, 32R corresponding to the multiple first electrodes 22L, 22R, respectively. The multiple second electrodes 32L, 32R include a left second electrode 32L corresponding to the left first electrode 22L and a right second electrode 32R corresponding to the right first electrode 22R. In this embodiment, the left second electrode 32L is provided on the left attachment 14L, and the right second electrode 32R is provided on the right attachment 14R. The multiple second electrodes 32L, 32R are provided corresponding to the left and right halves of the body, respectively, like the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R. The second electrodes 32L, 32R are intended to apply electrical stimulation to the corresponding halves of the user's body. The second electrodes 32L, 32R in this embodiment are applied to the body at locations similar to the attachment positions of the attachments 14L, 14R on the body. In this embodiment, the left second electrode 32L is applied to the upper thigh of the left leg, and the right second electrode 32R is applied to the upper thigh of the right leg.

[0021] The connecting members 16L, 16R connect the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R. The connecting members 16L, 16R are provided individually corresponding to each of the multiple mounting fixtures 14L, 14R, and connect the corresponding mounting fixtures 14L, 14R and the main body 12. The connecting members 16L, 16R include a left connecting member 16L that corresponds to the left mounting fixture 14L and connects the left mounting fixture 14L and the main body 12, and a right connecting member 16R that corresponds to the right mounting fixture 14R and connects the right mounting fixture 14R and the main body 12. This allows the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R to be integrated by the connecting members 16L, 16R, making it easy to carry and use.

[0022] The connection members 16L, 16R in this embodiment include an electric cable 34. At least a portion of the connection members 16L, 16R has flexibility so as to follow changes in the position of the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R. Here, "at least a portion" refers to the electric cable 34 in this embodiment.

[0023] The connection members 16L, 16R of this embodiment can transmit electrical stimulation power from a control unit 48 (described later) mounted on the main body 12 to the second electrodes 32L, 32R of the attachments 14L, 14R. The connection members 16L, 16R can be considered to be capable of transmitting electrical stimulation power supplied from the control unit 48 mounted on one of the main body 12 and the attachments 14L, 14R to an electrode provided on the other. In this embodiment, the "one" refers to the main body 12, and the "other" refers to the attachments 14, 14R.

[0024] The connection members 16L, 16R are detachably connected to at least one of the main body 12 and the attachments 14L, 14R via a first connector 36. In this embodiment, the connection members 16L, 16R are detachably connected to the main body 12, and are connected to the attachments 14L, 14R by sewing, wrapping, adhesive, or the like. The first connector 36 is provided at the end of the electric cable 34 of the connection members 16L, 16R, and the main body 12 is provided with a first receiving portion 38 to which the connection members 16L, 16R are connected via the first connector 36. In this embodiment, the first connector 36 is a plug, and the first receiving portion 38 is a jack. In this embodiment, the first receiving portion 38 is provided on the side surface in the left-right direction of the main body 12.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 5. In terms of hardware, each block can be realized by elements and mechanical devices such as integrated circuits, and in terms of software, each block can be realized by computer programs or the like. Here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these blocks are depicted. Those skilled in the art will easily understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0026] The electrical stimulation device 10 of the present embodiment includes a power source 40, a display unit 42, a contact detection unit 44, a connection detection unit 46, and a control unit 48, in addition to the electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R and operation units 28A and 28B described above.

[0027] The power source 40 of this embodiment is housed in the main body 12. The power source 40 is a primary battery such as a manganese battery, but may be a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The power source 40 is electrically connected to a control unit 48 and supplies power to the multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R via the control unit 48.

[0028] The display unit 42 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, etc. The display unit 42 displays information related to the operation of the electrical stimulation device 10. The display unit 42 of the present embodiment displays, for example, the output level of the electrical stimulation power.

[0029] The contact detection unit 44 detects a contact state of the user's body with the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R. The contact detection unit 44 is, for example, a load sensor, a touch sensor, a resistance detection circuit, etc. The contact detection unit 44 is electrically connected to the control unit 48 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 48.

[0030] The connection detection unit 46 detects the connection between the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R by the connection members 16L, 16R. The connection detection unit 46 is, for example, a resistance detection circuit, a switch, a proximity sensor, etc. The connection detection unit 46 is electrically connected to the control unit 48 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 48. The connection detection units 46 of this embodiment are individually provided corresponding to the multiple connection members 16L, 16R, and detect the connection by the corresponding connection members 16L, 16R.

[0031] A case where a resistance detection circuit is used as the connection detection unit 46 will be described. When the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R are not connected by the connection members 16L, 16R, the first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R are not electrically connected by the connection members 16L, 16R, and the electrical resistance between them approaches infinity. On the other hand, when the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R are connected by the connection members 16L, 16R, the first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R are electrically connected by the connection members 16L, 16R, and the electrical resistance between them becomes smaller than in the above case. When a resistance detection circuit is used for the connection detection unit 46, the resistance values ​​of the first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R are detected, and the resistance values ​​are compared with a threshold value, so that the connection by the connection members 16L, 16R can be detected.

[0032] The control unit 48 of the present embodiment changes the operation of the electrical stimulation device 10 in different manners depending on the pressing operation time of the operation units 28A and 28B. A pressing operation of the operation units 28A and 28B for a pressing time less than a predetermined threshold time (for example, 1.5 seconds) is called a short pressing operation, and a pressing operation for a predetermined threshold time or more is called a long pressing operation. The control unit 48 of the present embodiment reduces the output level of the electrical stimulation power every time the first operation unit 28A is pressed short, and increases the output level every time the second operation unit 28B is pressed short. In addition, the control unit 48 of the present embodiment turns off the power supply 40 when the first operation unit 28A is pressed long, and turns on the power supply 40 when the second operation unit 28B is pressed long.

[0033] The control unit 48 is electrically connected to the multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R and the power source 40. The control unit 48 in this embodiment is electrically connected to the multiple first electrodes 22L, 22R and the power source 40 via internal wiring of the body 12, and is electrically connected to the multiple second electrodes 32L, 32R via the internal wiring of the body 12 and the connecting members 16L, 16R.

[0034] The control unit 48 applies electrical stimulation to the user's body by performing electrical stimulation control to control the electrical stimulation power supplied from the power source 40 to the multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R. This electrical stimulation power (hereinafter also simply referred to as power) is, for example, an alternating current in a preset frequency range. This electrical stimulation power may also be, for example, a direct current. This frequency range is set to a range in which electrical stimulation can be applied to the user's muscles. The electrical stimulation control is performed by supplying power of a predetermined output level to the multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R according to a predetermined operation pattern. When an alternating current is used, the output level is determined using either the peak value or the effective value of the voltage.

[0035] In this electrical stimulation control, the control unit 48 sets the power supply destination from among the multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R, and supplies power to the set electrode. The control unit 48 in this embodiment sets the power supply destination from among the multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R depending on whether or not the main body 12 is connected by the connection members 16L and 16R of the attachments 14L and 14R. This setting method will be described later.

[0036] An example of a usage scene of the above-mentioned electrical stimulation device 10 will be described. Refer to Fig. 4. The usage scene of this embodiment includes a first usage scene (see Fig. 4(A)) using a plurality of first electrodes 22L, 22R of the main body 12, and a second usage scene (see Fig. 4(B)) using the first electrodes 22L, 22R of the main body 12 and the second electrodes 32L, 32R of the attachments 14L, 14R. In either usage scene, the user may take, for example, a standing position, a sitting position, or the like.

[0037] In the first usage scene, the left and right feet are placed against the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R, respectively. In this embodiment, the feet are placed on the foot rests 18L, 18R constituted by the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R, so that the left and right feet are placed against the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R, respectively. In the second usage scene, in addition to the use of the main body 12 in the first usage scene, the attachments 14L, 14R are attached to the user's body. As a result, the second electrodes 32L, 32R of the attachments 14L, 14R are placed against the user's body.

[0038] Next, an example of the operation of the electrical stimulation device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] Control unit 48 of electrical stimulation device 10 starts electrical stimulation control when a predetermined electrical stimulation start condition is satisfied (S10). The electrical stimulation start condition here is, for example, pressing and holding second operation unit 28B when the power is on.

[0040] When the control unit 48 starts the electrical stimulation control, it sets the destination of the power supply from among the plurality of electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, 32R depending on the presence or absence of the connection by the connection members 16L, 16R between the main body 12 and the attachments 14L, 14R (S12). The control unit 48 of the present embodiment sets the destination of the power supply based on the detection result of the connection detection unit 46.

[0041] In detail, when the control unit 48 starts the electrical stimulation control, the connection detection unit 46 detects the connection of each main body 12, 14L, 14R by the connecting members 16L, 16R, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result from the connection detection unit 46 to the control unit 48.

[0042] Assume a first usage scene as shown in Fig. 4(A). In the example shown in the figure, the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R are not connected by the connection members 16L, 16R. The control unit 48 sets the supply destination of power so as to form a first closed circuit Ca passing through the multiple first electrodes 22L, 22R, on the condition that the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R are not connected by the connection members 16L, 16R in this way. The control unit 48 of this embodiment sets the supply destination of power in this way, on the condition that the connection detection unit 46 detects that this state is present.

[0043] The first closed circuit Ca is a path that passes through at least two of the first electrodes 22L, 22R, but does not pass through the second electrodes 32L, 32R. At this time, the control unit 48 sets the first electrodes 22L, 22R forming the first closed circuit Ca as the supply destination of power. Hereinafter, the mode in which power is supplied to the electrodes 22L, 22R set in this manner is referred to as a first operation mode.

[0044] In the example shown in the figure, the destination of the power supply is set to form a first closed circuit Ca passing through the left first electrode 22L and the right first electrode 22R. At this time, the left first electrode 22L and the right first electrode 22R are set as the destination of the power supply that forms the first closed circuit Ca. This first closed circuit Ca is a path that passes through the control unit 48, the left first electrode 22L, the right first electrode 22R, and the body. In this embodiment, the "body" includes the user's left foot, left thigh, waist, right thigh, and right foot. When the electric stimulation power is supplied to this first closed circuit Ca, the movement of the muscles on the path is promoted.

[0045] Next, a second usage scene as shown in FIG. 4(B) is assumed. In the example shown in the figure, the main body 12 and the left attachment 14L are connected by the left connection member 16L, and the main body 12 and the right attachment 14R are connected by the right connection member 16R. The control unit 48 sets the supply destination of power so as to form a second closed circuit CbL, CbR passing through the first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R, on the condition that the main body 12 and the attachments 14L, 14R are connected by the connection members 16L, 16R in this manner. The control unit 48 of this embodiment sets the supply destination of power in this manner on the condition that the connection detection unit 46 detects that this state is in place.

[0046] The first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R forming the second closed circuits CbL, CbR are provided on the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R connected by the connecting members 16L, 16R, respectively, and are electrically connected via the connecting members 16L, 16R. The second closed circuits CbL, CbR pass through the first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R electrically connected to each other, and are a different path from the first closed circuit Ca. At this time, the control unit 48 sets the first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R forming the second closed circuits CbL, CbR as the supply destinations of power. Hereinafter, the mode in which power is supplied to the electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, 32R set in this way is referred to as the second operation mode.

[0047] The control unit 48 of this embodiment sets the supply destination of power so as to form a plurality of second closed circuits CbL, CbR. The plurality of second closed circuits CbL, CbR are paths passing through the first electrodes 22L, 22R and second electrodes 32L, 32R that are different from each other. The plurality of second closed circuits CbL, CbR of this embodiment are set corresponding to the left and right halves of the body of the user. The plurality of second closed circuits CbL, CbR include a left second closed circuit CbL corresponding to the left half of the body and a right second closed circuit CbR corresponding to the right half of the body.

[0048] In the example shown in the figure, the destination of the power supply is set so as to form a left second closed circuit CbL passing through the left first electrode 22L and the left second electrode 32L, and a right second closed circuit CbR passing through the right first electrode 22R and the right second electrode 32R. At this time, the left first electrode 22L and the left second electrode 32L are set as the destination of the power supply that forms the left second closed circuit CbL. Also, the right first electrode 22R and the right second electrode 32R are set as the destination of the power supply that forms the right second closed circuit CbR. The left second closed circuit CbL is a path that passes through the control unit 48, the left first electrode 22L, the left connecting member 16L, the left second electrode 32L, and the body. In this embodiment, the "body" includes the user's left foot and left thigh. The right second closed circuit CbR is a path that passes through the control unit 48, the right first electrode 22R, the right connecting member 16R, the right second electrode 32R, and the body. The "body" here includes the user's right leg and right thigh. When electrical stimulation power is supplied to each of the second closed circuits CbL and CbR, the muscles along the path are stimulated.

[0049] When there are multiple connection members 16L, 16R corresponding to multiple mounting fixtures 14L, 14R as in this embodiment, the power supply destination is set in this manner, provided that at least one connection member 16L, 16R is in a state connecting the main body 12 to the mounting fixture 14L, 14R.

[0050] Controller 48 supplies electrical stimulation power to electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R that are the power supply destinations set in S12 (S14). When controller 48 of the present embodiment has finished supplying electrical stimulation power in accordance with the predetermined operation pattern, controller 48 ends the electrical stimulation control (S16).

[0051] The effects of the electrical stimulation device 10 described above will now be described.

[0052] (A1) The electrical stimulation device 10 of this embodiment includes a main body 12 provided with a pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R corresponding to the left and right feet, and also includes attachments 14L, 14R attached to the lower body of the user and provided with second electrodes 32L, 32R. Thus, in addition to the first closed circuit Ca formed by the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R, electrical stimulation power can be supplied to the second closed circuits CbL, CbR formed by the first electrodes 22L, 22R and the second electrodes 32L, 32R. The intensity of electrical stimulation to the user's muscles tends to be weaker as the current path in the body becomes longer. When supplying power to the second closed circuits CbL, CbR, it is not necessary to pass both the left and right legs through the current path, compared to when supplying power to the first closed circuit Ca, so the length of the current path can be easily shortened (see FIG. 4). Therefore, when power is supplied to the second closed circuits CbL, CbR, the intensity of the electrical stimulation to the muscles on the second closed circuits CbL, CbR can be increased compared to when power is supplied to the first closed circuit Ca, thereby improving the physical sensation caused by the electrical stimulation.

[0053] (A2) The second electrodes 32L, 32R in this embodiment are provided corresponding to the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R, respectively. Therefore, the left side first electrode 22L corresponding to the left foot and the corresponding left side second electrode 32L can form a left side second closed circuit CbL for the left half of the body. In addition, the right side first electrode 22R corresponding to the right foot and the corresponding right side second electrode 32R can form a right side second closed circuit CbR for the right half of the body. Therefore, when power is supplied to the second closed circuits CbL, CbR, the intensity of the electrical stimulation to the muscles on both of the second closed circuits CbL, CbR can be increased compared to when power is supplied to the first closed circuit Ca, and the bodily sensation due to the electrical stimulation can be improved.

[0054] (A3) The control unit 48 is mounted on the main body 12 placed on the floor surface FL, and the main body 12 and the attachments 14L, 14R are connected by the connection members 16L, 16R. Therefore, even if the control unit 48 is not mounted on the attachments 14L, 14R, electrical stimulation power can be supplied to the second electrodes 32L, 32R of the attachments 14L, 14R via the connection members 16L, 16R. This reduces the weight of the attachments 14L, 14R, making it easier for the user to move even when the attachments 14L, 14R are attached.

[0055] (B) The control unit 48 sets the power supply destination from among the multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, 32R depending on whether or not each of the main bodies 12, 14L, 14R is connected by the connecting members 16L, 16R, and supplies power to the set electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, 32R. Therefore, when changing the power supply destination from among the multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, 32R, it is not necessary to operate the operation units 28A, 28B of the main body 12, and good usability is obtained.

[0056] Next, other features of the electrical stimulation device 10 will be described.

[0057] Please refer to Figures 7 and 8. The left second electrode 32L and the left mounting fixture 14L have a common configuration to the right second electrode 32R and the right mounting fixture 14R. Here, this common configuration will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 showing the former.

[0058] The second electrodes 32L, 32R are provided on the back surfaces of the attachments 14L, 14R. In this embodiment, the second electrodes 32L, 32R configure electrode pads that are placed on the skin surface of the body. The second electrodes 32L, 32R are generally sheet-shaped.

[0059] The second electrodes 32L, 32R have a base material 32a, a conductive portion 32b, an adhesive portion 32c, and a fixing portion 32d. The base material 32a is in the form of a sheet made of a resin such as PET. The conductive portion 32b is made of a conductive material such as silver paste. The conductive portion 32b is provided on the opposite side of the base material 32a to the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R.

[0060] The adhesive portion 32c is provided on the opposite side of the conductive portion 32b to the attachments 14L and 14R. The adhesive portion 32c is provided on the back surface of the attachments 14L and 14R. The adhesive portion 32c is detachably attached to the body. The attachments 14L and 14R are attached to the body via the adhesive portion 32c. The adhesive portion 32c of this embodiment is conductive and is conducted to the conductive portion 32b by a conductive adhesive or the like. When the adhesive portion 32c of the second electrodes 32L and 32R is attached to the body, the conductive portion 32b and the skin surface of the body are conducted via the adhesive portion 32c. The adhesive portion 32c of this embodiment is made of an adhesive gel. This makes it difficult for the second electrodes 32L and 32R to shift position relative to the skin surface.

[0061] The attachments 14L, 14R have fixed parts 50 to which the fixing parts 32d of the second electrodes 32L, 32R are detachably fixed. In this embodiment, the fixing parts 32d and the fixed parts 50 form a snap button that combines a male snap and a female snap. The fixed parts 50 are integrated with the attachments 14L, 14R by sewing or the like. The second electrodes 32L, 32R are electrically connected to the control unit 48 via connection members 16L, 16R, etc. that are connected to the fixed parts 50 of the attachments 14L, 14R.

[0062] The leg muscles are easily moved by electrical stimulation and also by the swinging of the ankle. Due to these factors, if the attachments 14L, 14R are only attached to the body via the adhesive portion 32c, there is a high risk that the adhesive portion 32c will peel off from the body due to the movement of the leg muscles. In this respect, the second electrodes 32L, 32R of this embodiment are provided on the belt-shaped attachments 14L, 14R. Therefore, by wrapping the attachments 14L, 14R around the body, it is easier to prevent the adhesive portion 32c from peeling off from the body. As a result, it becomes easier to maintain the second electrodes 32L, 32R in contact with the body, and the conduction state of the second electrodes 32L, 32R with respect to the body can be stabilized.

[0063] It is preferable that the belt-like attachments 14L, 14R have elasticity in the longitudinal direction. This may be achieved by making the attachments 14L, 14R from an elastic material, or by providing the attachments 14L, 14R with an elastic part such as a bellows structure. This allows the attachments 14L, 14R to expand and contract in response to the movement of the leg muscles, making it easier to maintain the second electrodes 32L, 32R in contact with the body.

[0064] The back fabric member 54 of the attachments 14L, 14R is preferably made of an airtight material. Examples of such materials include polyurethane film and chloroprene rubber. This makes it easier for sweat from the body to accumulate on the back side of the attachments 14L, 14R. As a result, the skin surface of the second electrodes 32L, 32R that come into contact with the body becomes more moist, improving the electrical conductivity of the second electrodes 32L, 32R to the body.

[0065] The back fabric member 54 of the attachment fixtures 14L, 14R may be configured to have higher elasticity than the front fabric member 52. To achieve this, the back fabric member 54 may be configured to have a higher elongation percentage [%] than the front fabric member 52. The elongation percentage here refers to the ratio of the deformed dimension to the original dimension in the most stretchable direction when a predetermined load is applied in that direction. To adjust the elasticity of the front fabric member 52 and the back fabric member 54, for example, the knitting method of the fabric constituting the front fabric member 52 and the back fabric member 54 or the Young's modulus of the fabric material may be changed.

[0066] As a result, when the attachments 14L, 14R attempt to expand and contract in response to the movement of the body's muscles, the back-side fabric member 54 undergoes a large deformation, while the deformation of the front-side fabric member 52 is suppressed, compared to when the elasticity of the back-side fabric member 54 is made the same as that of the front-side fabric member 52. As a result, the occurrence of design changes and wrinkles, etc., associated with the deformation of the front-side fabric member 52 is suppressed, making it easier to avoid situations in which the user feels uncomfortable due to such occurrences. Furthermore, by suppressing changes in the appearance of the front-side fabric member 52, it becomes easier to grasp the movement of the body's muscles in the vicinity, and to grasp the state in which the body is moving due to electrical stimulation.

[0067] (Second embodiment) Please refer to Fig. 9. Among the invention-specific features of electrical stimulation device 10 of the first embodiment, features not shown in the following drawings are the same as those of the first embodiment and are applied to the following embodiments.

[0068] The electrical stimulation device 10 of the second embodiment includes a heater 60. The heater 60 of this embodiment is mounted on the main body 12. The heater 60 is, for example, a sheath heater or a cartridge heater. The heater 60 of this embodiment is disposed at a position where the heater 60 can heat the contact point of the user's body on the main body 12 when applying electrical stimulation to the user's muscles. In this embodiment, this "contact point" is the electrodes 22L, 22R of the main body 12. In another sense, this "contact point" is the foot rests 18L, 18R of the main body 12. As such a position, the heater 60 of this embodiment is disposed inside the main body 12 on the back side of the foot rests 18L, 18R (first electrodes 22L, 22R).

[0069] This allows the heater 60 to warm the part of the body that is in contact with the main body 12, promoting blood flow in the warmed area. This makes it easier to expand the blood vessels in the warmed area, making it easier to reduce the electrical resistance when an electric current flows through the blood vessels. As a result, it becomes easier to increase the strength of the electrical stimulation to the muscles around the warmed area, improving the physical sensation caused by the electrical stimulation.

[0070] The heater 60 may be mounted on the attachments 14L, 14R. In this case, the heater 60 may also heat the attachments 14L, 14R at the locations where the attachments 14L, 14R come into contact with the user's body when applying electrical stimulation to the user's muscles.

[0071] (Third embodiment) Refer to Fig. 10. The electrical stimulation device 10 of the third embodiment includes light sources 62L, 62R mounted on the main body 12. The light sources 62L, 62R of this embodiment are mounted on the main body 12, but may be mounted on the attachments 14L, 14R. The light sources 62L, 62R have a role of notifying the operation of the electrical stimulation device 10. The light sources 62L, 62R are, for example, LEDs, discharge lamps, incandescent lamps, etc. The light sources 62L, 62R of this embodiment are provided at positions on the upper surface of the main body 12 where the lit state can be visually confirmed.

[0072] The housing 24 of the main body 12 is provided with peripheral portions 64L, 64R on the periphery of the first electrodes 22L, 22R (footrest portions 18L, 18R). The peripheral portions 64L, 64R include a left peripheral portion 64L provided on the periphery of the left first electrode 22L and a right peripheral portion 64R provided on the periphery of the right first electrode 22R. The light sources 62L, 62R of this embodiment include a left light source 62L corresponding to the left first electrode 22L and a right light source 62R corresponding to the right first electrode 22R. The left light source 62L is provided on the left peripheral portion 64L of the main body 12, and the right light source 62R is provided on the right peripheral portion 64R of the main body 12.

[0073] The light sources 62L, 62R are provided so as to be positioned on a line along the peripheral portions 64L, 64R of the main body 12. To achieve this, in this embodiment, the individual light sources 62L, 62R are provided continuously on the line, but they may also be provided discretely at intervals on the line.

[0074] The control unit 48 (not shown) controls the lighting state of the light sources 62L, 62R in conjunction with the supply of electric power for electrical stimulation to the first electrodes 22L, 22R of the main body 12. In detail, when power is being supplied to the first electrodes 22L, 22R, the light sources 62L, 62R corresponding to the first electrodes 22L, 22R are turned on. When power is being supplied to the left first electrode 22L, the left light source 62L corresponding to the left first electrode 22L is turned on. When power is being supplied to the right first electrode 22R, the right light source 62R corresponding to the right first electrode 22R is turned on. In turning on the light sources 62L, 62R in this way, the light sources 62L, 62R may be turned on continuously, or the light sources 62L, 62R may be blinking.

[0075] Thus, by visually checking the illumination of the light sources 62L and 62R, it is possible to grasp, as the operating status of the electrical stimulation device 10, that electrical stimulation power is being supplied to the plurality of electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R.

[0076] The control unit 48 may control the lighting state of the light sources 62L, 62R in conjunction with the output level of the electrical stimulation power. For example, consider a case where the light sources 62L, 62R are used with variable light intensity. In this case, the control unit 48 may increase the light intensity of the light sources 62L, 62R as the output level increases, and decrease the light intensity of the light sources 62L, 62R as the output level decreases.

[0077] Alternatively, a case may be considered in which the light sources 62L, 62R are capable of changing the wavelength in the visible range. In this case, the control unit 48 may bring the wavelengths of the light sources 62L, 62R closer to one end of the wavelength range as the output level increases, and may bring the wavelengths of the light sources 62L, 62R closer to the other end of the wavelength range as the output level decreases.

[0078] Alternatively, the control unit 48 may bring the blinking rate of the light sources 62L, 62R closer to one end of the variable range (e.g., the slower end) as the output level increases, and closer to the other end of the variable range (e.g., the faster end) as the output level decreases.

[0079] Thus, by visually checking the lighting state of light sources 62L, 62R, the intensity of the electrical stimulation applied by electrical stimulation device 10 can be grasped as the operating status of electrical stimulation device 10.

[0080] Note that, as an alternative to the output level, the control unit 48 may control the light sources 62L, 62R in conjunction with the frequency of the electrical stimulation power in the same manner as the output level.

[0081] (Fourth embodiment) Please refer to Fig. 11. The electrical stimulation device 10 of the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the attachments 14L, 14R. More specifically, the attachments 14L, 14R of this embodiment are footwear 66 that are attached by being worn on the user's feet. In this embodiment, a sock is shown as an example of the footwear 66. Although only the footwear 66 constituting the right attachment 14R is shown in this figure, the left attachment 14L is also constituted by footwear 66.

[0082] The footwear 66 of this embodiment comprises a bottom portion 66a that covers the entire sole of the user's foot, an instep covering portion 66b that covers the instep of the user, a heel covering portion 66c that covers both the left and right sides and the rear of the user's heels, and a thigh covering portion 66d that covers the user's thighs.

[0083] A conductive portion 66e is provided on a bottom portion 66a of the footwear 66. In Fig. 11, the area that becomes the conductive portion 66e is hatched. The conductive portion 66e is made of a conductive material such as conductive fiber. The user's foot Ft is electrically connected to the first electrodes 22L, 22R via the conductive portion 66e of the footwear 66.

[0084] The portion different from the bottom portion 66a of the footwear 66 constitutes an insulating portion 66f. The insulating portion 66f is made of an insulating material such as insulating fiber. In this embodiment, the insulating portion 66f is constituted by an instep cover portion 66b, a heel cover portion 66c, and a thigh cover portion 66d of the attachments 14L and 14R.

[0085] The second electrodes 32L, 32R of this embodiment are provided inside the thigh covering portion 66d of the footwear 66. The second electrodes 32L, 32R are provided at a location different from the bottom portion 66a of the footwear 66. It can also be said that the second electrodes 32L, 32R are provided inside the insulating portion 66f of the footwear 66. The second electrodes 32L, 32R of this embodiment are annular so as to contact the thigh of the body over the entire circumference. It can also be said that the second electrodes 32L, 32R are shaped so as to contact the thigh of the body over a half circumference or more. This makes it easier to form a closed circuit that passes through the thigh of the body over a wide area below the contact position of the second electrodes 32L, 32R with the body.

[0086] The connection members 16L, 16R are detachably connected to the footwear 66 via a second connector 68. The second connector 68 is provided at the end of the electric cable 34 of the connection members 16L, 16R, and the footwear 66 is provided with a second receiving portion 70 to which the connection members 16L, 16R are connected via the second connector 68. In this embodiment, the second connector 68 is a male snap, and the second receiving portion 70 is a female snap, which constitute a snap button. The second receiving portion 70 is integrated into the footwear 66 by sewing or the like. The second electrodes 32L, 32R are electrically connected to the control unit 48 (not shown) via the second receiving portion 70 of the footwear 66 and the connection members 16L, 16R.

[0087] The above-described electrical stimulation device 10 also provides the above-described effects (A1) to (A3) and (B).

[0088] (C) In addition, the user can use electrical stimulation device 10 without going barefoot, eliminating the need to take off footwear 66. Depending on the environment in which electrical stimulation device 10 is used, there may be cases in which the user is restricted from going barefoot, but even in such cases, the user can use electrical stimulation device 10.

[0089] The above footwear 66 is preferably made of a flexible material with high airtightness such as polyurethane. This improves the heat retention and moisture retention of the footwear 66, increases the moisture content of the skin where the footwear 66 (socks) is worn, and reduces electrical resistance at the area where the footwear 66 is worn. This increases the strength of the electrical stimulation to the muscles where the footwear 66 is worn, improving the physical sensation caused by the electrical stimulation.

[0090] The shape of the second electrodes 32L, 32R is not particularly limited when they are provided on the thigh covering portion 66d of the footwear 66. For example, the second electrodes 32L, 32R may be shaped to contact the thighs of the body over an area less than halfway around.

[0091] (Fifth embodiment) Please refer to Figures 12, 13, and 14. The electrical stimulation device 10 of this embodiment differs mainly in the configuration of the main body 12. The main body 12 includes a housing 24 that forms an accommodation space 72 for accommodating the left and right feet of the user. The housing 24 is made of a material such as a hard synthetic resin. The accommodation space 72 of this embodiment is capable of accommodating a part of the thigh in addition to the user's feet. The pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R described above form the accommodation space 72 of the main body 12. The same is true for the pair of foot rests 18L, 18R described above.

[0092] A pair of insertion holes 74 for inserting the user's feet are formed on the upper rear surface of the housing 24. Openings 76 are formed on the rear surface of the housing 24, each of which is continuous with the pair of insertion holes 74. The main body 12 is provided with a cover body 78 that covers the openings 76 of the housing 24. The cover body 78 is made of a synthetic resin or fiber that is softer than the housing 24. The cover body 78 is provided with an opening / closing device 80 such as a linear fastener that can open and close the cover body 78. By opening the cover body 78 with the opening / closing device 80, it becomes easier to insert the feet into the storage space 72 of the main body 12. After inserting the feet into the storage space 72 of the main body 12, the cover body 78 is closed with the opening / closing device 80, which makes it easier to block the flow of air between the storage space 72 and the outside space.

[0093] The electrical stimulation device 10 of this embodiment further includes a germicidal lamp 82 that irradiates germicidal light into the housing space 72. The germicidal light is light in a wavelength range that has a germicidal effect, such as ultraviolet light. The germicidal lamp 82 of this embodiment is disposed on the back side of the foot rests 18L, 18R of the main body 12 and inside the main body 12. The foot rests 18L, 18R of the main body 12 of this embodiment are provided with a light-transmitting section 84 that can transmit the germicidal light. The light-transmitting section 84 of this embodiment is a through hole that penetrates the foot rests 18L, 18R. The light-transmitting section 84 may also be made of a material that has light-transmitting properties that can transmit the germicidal light. This makes it possible to irradiate the germicidal light onto the sole of the foot Ft placed on the foot rests 18L, 18R.

[0094] As a result, even if the user's feet become sweaty due to training using electrical stimulation device 10, germicidal lamp 82 can suppress the proliferation of bacteria caused by the sweat, providing good hygiene. Another advantage is that the user can use the device with peace of mind without worrying too much about hygiene.

[0095] In addition, because the sterilizing light is irradiated inside the housing space 72 of the main body 12, the sterilizing light is less likely to leak outside the main body 12. As a result, it is possible to avoid the situation where the sterilizing light is seen with the naked eye, and strain on the user's eyes is reduced. Another advantage is that because the sterilizing light is less likely to leak outside the main body 12, the output of the sterilizing lamp 82 can be easily increased.

[0096] The germicidal lamp 82 may be disposed in a position where it can irradiate germicidal light to a part of the body other than the soles of the feet placed on the foot rests 18L, 18R. This part of the body refers to a part contained in the housing space 72 of the main body 12. This part of the body includes, for example, the instep and heel, which are parts of the foot other than the soles, as well as the lower leg.

[0097] The germicidal lamp 82 may also be disposed in a position where it can irradiate the germicidal light to the entire storage space 72. In this case, the germicidal light is irradiated to the entire part of the body contained in the storage space 72 that is exposed in the storage space 72. In either case, the germicidal lamp 82 can irradiate the germicidal light to the feet contained in the storage space 72.

[0098] The control unit 48 of the electrical stimulation device 10 may control the germicidal lamp 82 to irradiate germicidal light in conjunction with the supply of electrical stimulation power to the electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, 32R. In particular, the germicidal light may be irradiated while the electrical stimulation power is being supplied, or the germicidal light may be irradiated for a predetermined time after the supply of the electrical stimulation power is completed.

[0099] In addition, the attachments 14L, 14R of this embodiment are attached to the user's body within the storage space 72 of the main body 12. In this embodiment, the "user's body" refers to the user's lower legs. In addition, the connection members 16L, 16R of this embodiment are arranged so as to pass only inside the main body 12, without passing outside the main body 12. The connection members 16L, 16R are arranged so as to pass at least through the storage space 72 of the main body 12 as the inside of the main body 12. As a result, the attachments 14L, 14R and the connection members 16L, 16R are not exposed to the outside of the main body 12, and an electrical stimulation device 10 with a neat appearance can be realized.

[0100] (Sixth embodiment) Please refer to Fig. 15. The electrical stimulation device 10 of this embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in terms of attachments 14L, 14R and connecting members 16L, 16R. The attachments 14L, 14R of this embodiment are attached to the user's body outside the accommodation space 72 of the main body 12. In this embodiment, the "user's body" refers to the user's upper thighs. Also, the connecting members 16L, 16R of this embodiment are disposed outside the main body 12.

[0101] In this way, when the housing space 72 is provided in the main body 12, the positions of the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R and the connecting members 16L, 16R are not particularly limited.

[0102] (Seventh embodiment) Please refer to Fig. 16. The electrical stimulation device 10 of this embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that it includes an air blowing unit 86. The air blowing unit 86 includes a heat exchanger 88 that changes the temperature of air taken in from outside the main body 12, and a fan 90 that supplies the air whose temperature has been changed by the heat exchanger 88 into the accommodation space 72. The heat exchanger 88 of this embodiment is capable of heating external air, and the fan 90 supplies the heated air into the accommodation space 72.

[0103] This makes it easier to heat the inside of the accommodation space 72 of the main body 12 evenly, and makes it easier to use the electrical stimulation device 10 in a low-temperature environment. In particular, if the user's lower legs can be accommodated in the accommodation space 72 of the main body 12, the user's legs can be heated up to below the knees. As a result, the blood vessels of the body in the heated area are more likely to expand, and electrical resistance when current flows through the blood vessels is more likely to be reduced. As a result, the strength of the electrical stimulation applied to the muscles around the heated area is more likely to be increased, and the physical sensation caused by the electrical stimulation can be improved.

[0104] By heating the inside of the storage space 72 of the main body 12, the moisture content of the skin of the part of the body contained therein increases, and the electrical resistance at that part is reduced. As a result, the strength of the electrical stimulation to the muscles at the part contained within the storage space 72 can be increased, improving the bodily sensation caused by the electrical stimulation.

[0105] Alternatively, the heat exchanger 88 may be capable of cooling the outside air. In this case, the fan 90 supplies the cooled air into the accommodation space 72. This makes it easier to uniformly cool the accommodation space 72 of the main body 12, and makes it easier to use the electrical stimulation device 10 in a high-temperature environment.

[0106] Alternatively, air blower 86 may be configured without including heat exchanger 88. In this way, by blowing air onto the feet inside accommodation space 72 of main body 12, the user can feel cool, making it easier to use electrical stimulation device 10 in a high-temperature environment.

[0107] (Operation pattern) An example of an operation pattern of the electrical stimulation device 10 will be described. The operation pattern described below is merely an example and is not limited to this. Please refer to FIG. 17. This operation pattern is performed by passing through the following modes (A) to (C) in order. Each mode is a combination of an operation indicated by "Status" in FIG. 17 and an operation indicated by "Interval", and these are performed in order from the top row. (A) Warmup mode (B) Training mode (C) Cooldown mode

[0108] The operation indicated by "Status" is a predetermined cycle of operations repeated the number of times corresponding to the "cycle count" of the row to which each "Status" belongs. This "predetermined cycle" is an operation of performing operations on multiple rows to which "Status" belongs, starting from the top row. This "operation on multiple rows" is an operation of supplying AC current to multiple electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R at the "frequency" of the row being referred to, for the "required time" of the same row.

[0109] The operation indicated by "Interval" is an operation of stopping the supply of AC current to the plurality of electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R for the "required time" of the row to which each "Interval" in FIG. 17 belongs.

[0110] For example, in "Status 2" of the "Training mode", one cycle is the operation of supplying AC current to the electrodes 22L, 22R, 32L, and 32R in the order described in (a) and (b) below, and this cycle is repeated 50 times. (a) Alternating current with a frequency of 20 Hz and a duration of 4 seconds (b) Alternating current with a frequency of 4 Hz and a duration of 2 seconds

[0111] FIG. 17 mainly shows an operation pattern that combines the following alternating currents (1), (2), and (3). (1) is an alternating current suitable for relaxing muscles. (2) is an alternating current suitable for strength training. (3) is an alternating current suitable for imparting a bodily sensation through electrical stimulation. FIG. 17 shows an operation mode for strength training that combines alternating current (2). (1) Alternating current in a specified frequency range (less than 15 Hz) suitable for inducing muscle twitching (2) Alternating current in a specified frequency band (15 Hz to 25 Hz) suitable for inducing incomplete tetanus in muscles (3) Alternating current in a specific frequency range (around 60 Hz) suitable for inducing complete muscle contraction

[0112] In addition, an operation pattern as shown in Fig. 18 may be performed. Fig. 18 shows an operation pattern that combines the above-mentioned (1) and (3). Fig. 18 shows an operation mode for healthcare that mainly uses the AC current (1) without using the AC current (2).

[0113] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. Next, modified examples of each component will be described.

[0114] Although the pair of foot rests 18L, 18R are provided on the same member constituting the main body 12 in the above example, they may be provided on separate members constituting the main body 12.

[0115] In relation to the above-mentioned effects (A1) to (A3), it is sufficient that the attachments 14L and 14R are attached to the lower body of the user. For example, the attachments 14L and 14R may be attached to the waist of the user in addition to the thighs.

[0116] In relation to the above-mentioned effect (B), the main body 12 may be attached to the user. That is, the main body 12 may be placed on the floor surface or may be attached to the user. In relation to the effect (B), the attachments 14L and 14R may be attached to a part other than the lower body of the user, that is, to the upper body.

[0117] The number of the mounting fixtures 14L and 14R is not particularly limited. The number of the mounting fixtures 14L and 14R may be one, or three or more.

[0118] The manner in which the main body 12 and the attachments 14L and 14R are attached to the body is not particularly limited. The manner of attachment is, for example, wrapping, hooking, or pasting. The shape of the main body 12 and the attachments 14L and 14R is not particularly limited. For example, they may be planar structures that can be attached only to the front or back of the user.

[0119] Although an example has been described in which the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R is provided on the main body 12, three or more first electrodes 22L, 22R may be provided as the plurality of first electrodes 22L, 22R.

[0120] Although the first electrodes 22L, 22R constitute the foot rests 18L, 18R in the above example, they may be provided separately from the foot rests 18L, 18R. For example, a pad covering the instep may be provided on the main body 12 above the foot rests 18L, 18R, and the first electrodes 22L, 22R may be provided on the pad. Alternatively, a pad covering the heel of the foot from the rear may be provided behind the foot rests 18L, 18R, and the first electrodes 22L, 22R may be provided on the pad.

[0121] The number of second electrodes 32L, 32R provided on the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R is not limited, and only a single second electrode 32L, 32R may be provided, or three or more second electrodes 32L, 32R may be provided.

[0122] The second electrodes 32L, 32R corresponding to the first electrodes 22L, 22R may be provided on a single fixture 14L, 14R, or may be provided on separate fixtures 14L, 14R.

[0123] Although an example has been described in which the adhesive portion 32c of the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R is provided on the second electrodes 32L, 32R, the adhesive portion 32c may be provided at a location other than the second electrodes 32L, 32R. For example, the adhesive portion 32c may be provided at a location other than the second electrodes 32L, 32R on the rear surface of the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R. The same applies when the first electrodes 22L, 22R are provided on the main body 12.

[0124] Although an example in which the connection members 16L and 16R are detachably connected to the main body 12 has been described, they may be detachably connected to the attachments 14L and 14R, or may be detachably connected to both the main bodies 12, 14L, and 14R. Although an example in which the connection members 16L and 16R include the electric cable 34 has been described, they may be provided with a member other than the electric cable 34. This "other member" is, for example, a controller on which the control unit 48 is mounted. In this case, the connection members 16L and 16R may include an electric cable that connects the controller to the main body 12, an electric cable that connects the controller to the attachments 14L and 14R, and the controller.

[0125] A plurality of connection members 16L, 16R corresponding to a plurality of mounting fixtures 14L, 14R may be connected to the main body 12 via a single first connector 36.

[0126] Although the example in which power supply 40 is housed in main body 12 has been described, power supply 40 may be housed in attachments 14L, 14R, or may be provided outside main body 12 and attachments 14L, 14R. Power supply 40 may be an external power supply, such as a commercial power supply, provided separately from electrical stimulation device 10.

[0127] The control unit 48 may be mounted on the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R, or may be mounted on a member separate from the main body 12 and the mounting fixtures 14L, 14R.

[0128] The control unit 48 may be capable of independently changing the output level of the electrical stimulation power for each of the plurality of closed circuits. For example, the control unit 48 may be capable of independently changing the output level for each of the left second closed circuit CbL and the right second closed circuit CbR. In this case, the electrical stimulation device 10 may include an operation unit that switches the closed circuit for which the output level is to be changed.

[0129] Next, another variation of the electrical stimulation device 10 will be described.

[0130] The electrical stimulation device 10 may include another control unit that switches the power supply 40 from off to on when the contact detection unit 44 detects that the user's body has come into contact with the pair of first electrodes 22L, 22R. In this case, an auxiliary power supply other than the power supply 40 may be mounted on the main body 12, and the contact detection unit 44 and other control units may operate based on the auxiliary power supply. This makes it possible to eliminate the need to operate the operation units 28A, 28B of the main body, resulting in good usability. In particular, since there is no need to operate the operation units 28A, 28B of the main body 12, there is no need to squat down to reach the main body 12, resulting in good usability. In addition, since such a squatting motion is unnecessary, the possibility of the contact position of the foot being shifted with respect to the first electrodes 22L, 22R of the main body 12 can be reduced, and the conduction state between the first electrodes 22L, 22R and the foot can be stabilized.

[0131] Electrostimulator 10 may include a notification unit that notifies the operation of electrostimulator 10 by sound. This notification unit is, for example, a speaker. The notification unit may notify that electrostimulator 10 has started electrostimulation control or that electrostimulation control has ended. In addition, the notification unit may notify that an input has been received to operation units 28A, 28B of electrostimulator 10.

[0132] The electrical stimulation device 10 may be operated through an operation on a remote controller. The remote controller may be dedicated to the electrical stimulation device 10, or may be a general-purpose information processing terminal incorporating an application capable of operating the electrical stimulation device 10.

[0133] When the main body 12 and the attachments 14L, 14R are attached to the body, the electrical stimulation device 10 may include a conductive material disposed between the electrodes and the body separately from the electrodes. The conductive material is, for example, conductive fiber or conductive rubber. When attaching the main body 12, 14L, 14R to the body, the electrodes are pressed against the body via the conductive material, thereby improving the adhesion and wearability of the main body 12, 14L, 14R to the body.

[0134] When the main body 12 and attachments 14L and 14R of the electrical stimulation device 10 are attached to the body, they do not have to be directly attached to the user's body. For example, an innerwear may be worn over the body, and conductive material may be partially provided on the innerwear at the locations where the electrodes of the main body 12 and attachments 14L and 14R come into contact, and the main body 12 and attachments 14L and 14R may be attached on top of the innerwear. This allows training without removing the innerwear.

[0135] When using the electrical stimulation device 10, the wearer may wear footwear such as socks made of a conductive material such as conductive fiber, and place the feet against the first electrodes 22L, 22R of the main body 12. This provides the above-mentioned effect (C).

[0136] By changing the position of the second electrodes 32L, 32R on the body, the sensation when the electrical stimulation is applied can be varied. When the second electrodes 32L, 32R are applied to the front of the upper thigh, a strong electrical stimulation can be applied to the quadriceps. When the second electrodes 32L, 32R are applied to the front of the lower leg, a strong electrical stimulation can be applied to the muscles in the range from the shin to the foot, assuming that the first electrodes 22L, 22R of the main body 12 are applied to the foot. When the second electrodes 32L, 32R are applied to the rear surface of the upper thigh, a strong electrical stimulation can be applied to the hamstring. When the second electrodes 32L, 32R are applied to the rear surface of the lower leg, a strong electrical stimulation can be applied to the muscles in the range from the calf to the foot, assuming that the first electrodes 22L, 22R of the main body 12 are applied to the foot. When the second electrodes 32L, 32R are placed against the calf of the lower leg, a strong electrical stimulation can be applied to the calf muscle, and when placed against the shin of the lower leg, a strong electrical stimulation can be applied to the shin muscle.

[0137] Any combination of the above components is also effective as an aspect of the present invention. For example, any of the description matters of the modified examples may be combined with the embodiment, or any of the description matters of the embodiment or other modified examples may be combined with the modified example. An example of such a combination will be described.

[0138] Heater 60 of the second embodiment, light sources 62L, 62R of the third embodiment, socks of the fourth embodiment, germicidal lamp 82 of the fifth embodiment, and blower 86 of the seventh embodiment may be combined with electrical stimulation device 10 of other embodiments. Furthermore, electrical stimulation device 10 of the fifth and seventh embodiments may be used without attachments 14L, 14R and second electrodes 32L, 32R.

[0139] Consider a case where the heater 60 of the second embodiment is combined with the main body 12 of the fifth embodiment. This main body 12 has a housing 24 that forms an accommodation space 72. In this case, the heater 60 may be disposed in a position where the accommodation space 72 of the main body 12 can be heated. Even in this case, the part of the body within the accommodation space 72 can be warmed by the heater 60, and blood flow in the body can be promoted in the warmed part. Accordingly, as described above, it becomes easier to increase the intensity of the electrical stimulation to the muscles around the warmed part, and the bodily sensation due to the electrical stimulation can be improved.

[0140] In addition to this combination, consider a case where the attachments 14L, 14R are attached to the user's body in the accommodation space 72 of the main body 12 as in the fifth embodiment. In this case, the heater 60 may be disposed in a position where the accommodation space 72 of the main body 12 can be heated. In this case, the second electrodes 32L, 32R of the attachments 14L, 14R can also be heated by the heater 60. If the second electrodes 32L, 32R, which are lower in temperature than the body, are in contact with the body for a long period of time, the user may feel uncomfortable due to a cold sensation. In this regard, with this configuration, the temperature difference between the body and the second electrodes 32L, 32R can be reduced by warming the second electrodes 32L, 32R, making it easier to avoid a situation where the user feels uncomfortable due to a cold sensation.

[0141] The above describes the embodiments and modifications of the present invention in detail. The above-mentioned embodiments and modifications are merely examples of implementing the present invention. The contents of the embodiments and modifications do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design modifications such as changes, additions, and deletions of components are possible within the scope of the idea of ​​the invention. In the above-mentioned embodiments, the contents in which such design modifications are possible are emphasized by adding the notation "embodiment", but design modifications are also permitted even in contents without such notation. The hatching on the cross section of the drawings does not limit the material of the hatched object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10...electrical stimulation device, 12...main body, 14L, 14R...mounting fixture, 16L, 14R...connection member, 22L, 22R...first electrode, 32L, 32R...second electrode, 40...power source, 46...connection detection unit, 48...control unit.

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to a user's muscles, A main body placed on the floor; A plurality of first electrodes provided on the main body and corresponding to the left and right feet, respectively; A control unit that controls electrical stimulation power supplied from a power source to the first electrodes; a heater mounted on the main body and capable of heating the first electrode; The bottom surface of the main body is provided with a first location on the heel side in the front-rear direction capable of contacting the floor surface, and a second location on the toe side in the front-rear direction relative to the first location capable of contacting the floor surface, a part of the bottom surface portion on the toe side of the second point is located above an end of the top surface portion of the main body on the heel side when the first point and the second point contact the floor surface; When viewed from a left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the bottom surface portion includes a portion that is convex downward, a portion that extends linearly from a top of the convex portion to a front end portion and a rear end portion in the front-rear direction of the bottom surface portion, and the second portion that protrudes downward from the convex portion, An electrical stimulation device in which the surface of the second location that comes into contact with the floor surface has a curved shape that is convex downward when viewed from the left-right direction.

2. The electrical stimulation device of claim 1, wherein an angle between an imaginary line connecting the heel side end of the bottom portion and the second point and an imaginary line connecting the toe side end of the bottom portion and the second point is an obtuse angle.

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