Electrical stimulation device

Abstract

To provide an electrostimulator capable of performing electric stimulation and physical stimulation.SOLUTION: An electrostimulator 1 for applying hypoelectric stimulation and physical stimulation, comprises a body 10 including a control part 12 and a rotation drive part 13, and a first head part 20 detachably provided at a part of the body 10. The first head part 20 includes a first mounting part 21 mounted on a part of the body 10, and a plurality of first stimulators 22 provided on the first mounting part 21 and rotationally moving by the rotation drive part 13. The first head part 20 is made of a material with conductivity, where the first mounting part 21 and the plurality of first stimulators 22 are configured as an integral body, the first head part applies electric stimulation by an electric current from the control part 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In conventional electrical stimulation devices, a motor in the device body rotates a sleeve attached to a rotating shaft, which in turn rotates the massage prongs. The rotating massage prongs are brought into contact with the user's scalp, thereby massaging the user's scalp. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-171856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the electrical stimulation device of Patent Document 1 only provides physical stimulation and is not capable of providing electrical stimulation.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electrical stimulation device that is capable of performing electrical stimulation and physical stimulation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electrical stimulation device according to one embodiment is an electrical stimulation device that provides electrical stimulation and physical stimulation, and includes a main body having a current supply unit and a rotation drive unit, and a first head unit that is detachably attached to a part of the main body, the first head unit including a first attachment unit attached to the part of the main body, and a plurality of first stimulators that are provided on the first attachment unit and rotated by the rotation drive unit, the first head unit being made of a conductive material, the first attachment unit and the plurality of first stimulators being configured as a single unit, and the electrical stimulation may be provided by a current from the current supply unit.

[0007] The device may further include a second head unit that is detachably attached to a part of the main body when the first head unit is detached from the main body, the second head unit including a second attachment unit attached to the head and a plurality of second stimulators provided on the second attachment unit and rotated by the rotation drive unit, the second head unit being made of a non-conductive material, and when the second head unit is attached to the main body, current from the current supply unit does not flow to the second stimulator, and when the first head unit is attached to the main body, current from the current supply unit flows to the first stimulator to provide electrical stimulation.

[0008] The first stimulator of the first head portion may apply a weak current to at least the person's scalp by the current from the current supply portion.

[0009] The rotation drive unit may have a plurality of output parts that protrude from the portion of the main body and are rotationally driven, and when the first head unit is attached to the portion of the main body, the plurality of output parts are inserted into the plurality of first stimulators of the first head unit, and when the second head unit is attached to the portion of the main body, the plurality of output parts are inserted into the plurality of second stimulators of the second head unit, the plurality of output parts being made of a conductive material, and current from the current supply unit may flow to the plurality of first stimulators via the plurality of output parts.

[0010] The device may further include a plurality of third stimulators that are provided so as to protrude from the portion of the main body, are rotationally driven by the rotation drive unit, are made of a conductive material, and apply EMS to muscles by current from the current supply unit, wherein when the first head unit is attached to the portion of the main body, the plurality of third stimulators are inserted into the plurality of first stimulators of the first head unit, current from the current supply unit flows to the plurality of first stimulators via the plurality of third stimulators, and the plurality of third stimulators are rotationally driven by the rotation drive unit, causing the plurality of first stimulators to rotate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention can provide an electrical stimulation device that can perform electrical stimulation and physical stimulation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the electrical stimulation device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the first head unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2(a) is a side view of the second head unit, and FIG. 2(b) is a top view of the second head unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view of a main body of an electrical stimulation device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of an electrical stimulation device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the first head unit 20 of FIG.

[0014] The electrical stimulation device 1 applies electrical and physical stimulation to the human scalp. As shown in Fig. 1, the electrical stimulation device 1 includes a main body 10, a first head unit 20, and a second head unit 30. In the electrical stimulation device 1, either the first head unit 20 or the second head unit 30 can be attached to the main body 10, and either one of them is attached to the main body 10 for use.

[0015] The main body 10 includes a hollow casing 11, a control unit 12, and a rotation drive unit 13. The casing 11 has a waterproof structure and includes an upper portion 11A, a middle portion 11B, and a lower portion 11C. A power button and an operation button for receiving instructions from the user are provided on the upper surface of the upper portion 11A. The middle portion 11B is located between the upper portion 11A and the lower portion 11C, has a smaller diameter than the upper portion 11A, and is the portion that is held between the user's two fingers. The lower portion 11C is located below the middle portion 11B and houses the control unit 12 and the rotation drive unit 13. The lower portion 11C has a generally dome shape with a bottom and is the portion that is gripped by the user. A plurality of attachment protrusions 11D that protrude outward are provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the lower portion 11C.

[0016] The control unit 12 has a power supply, an oscillation circuit, a control circuit, etc. The current generated by the oscillation circuit is supplied to the first head unit 20 or the second head unit 30 via an output unit 13A, which will be described later. A secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, is used as the power supply. The control unit 12 functions as a current supply unit.

[0017] The rotary drive unit 13 includes, for example, a motor, a gear unit, multiple rotary shafts, and multiple output units 13A. The rotational speed of the motor is reduced by the gear unit, and the multiple rotary shafts rotate at the reduced speed. Each rotary shaft extends vertically, and each substantially cylindrical output unit 13A is attached at an angle relative to the corresponding rotary shaft. The multiple rotary shafts and multiple output units 13A are made of a conductive material and pass current from a power source to the first head unit 20 or the second head unit 30. In this embodiment, there are six multiple output units 13A, which are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction and protrude outward from the underside of the lower portion 11C. The multiple output units 13A are rotationally driven by the rotation of the multiple rotary shafts. The multiple rotary shafts and multiple output units 13A have the same resistance value.

[0018] The first head portion 20 is made of a conductive material (for example, silicone mixed with carbon). The first head portion 20 includes a first mounting portion 21 and a plurality of first stimulators 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the first mounting portion 21 has a generally elliptical dish shape. A plurality of mounting recesses 21a are formed in the first mounting portion 21. The plurality of mounting recesses 21a fit onto a plurality of mounting protrusions 11D of the lower portion 11C, whereby the first mounting portion 21 is mounted to the lower end of the lower portion 11C of the casing 11. The first head portion 20 may be configured to be attached to and detached from the casing 11 by a magnet.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple first stimulators 22 are generally cylindrical and protrude downward from the first mounting part 21. The first mounting part 21 and the multiple first stimulators 22 are configured as a single unit. That is, the multiple first stimulators 22 cannot be removed from the first mounting part 21. In this embodiment, there are seven multiple first stimulators 22, six of which are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and the remaining one first stimulator 22 is arranged at the center of the six first stimulators 22. A plurality of cylindrical massaging protrusions 23 are provided at the tip of each first stimulator 22. The massaging protrusions 23 are the portions that come into contact with the user's scalp. A plurality of thinner protrusions are provided at the tip of each massaging protrusion 23.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, each first stimulator 22 has a first insertion hole 22a. When the first head unit 20 is attached to the lower part 11C of the casing 11, each output unit 13A is inserted into each first insertion hole 22a so that a portion of each output unit 13A abuts against the inner circumferential surface of each first insertion hole 22a. The plurality of output units 13A are rotationally driven by the rotation drive unit 13, causing the plurality of first stimulators 22 to rotate. Each first stimulator 22 applies electrical stimulation (including a weak current) to the user's scalp by means of a current from a power source.

[0021] A method of using electrical stimulation device 1 in which first head portion 20 of this embodiment is attached to main body 10 will be described. In electrical stimulation device 1, when a user operates an operation button provided on upper portion 11A, a motor is driven, and multiple rotation shafts and multiple output units 13A rotate via a gear unit. Because each output unit 13A is provided inclined with respect to the axial direction of each rotation shaft, the tip of each output unit 13A revolves around each rotation shaft in a circular orbit centered on the corresponding rotation shaft. This movement of each output unit 13A is transmitted to each first stimulation body 22. As a result, the tip (massage protrusion 23) of each first stimulation body 22 also moves around each rotation shaft in a circular orbit centered on the corresponding rotation shaft.

[0022] When the massage protrusions 23 that move in this way are brought into contact with the scalp, the user's scalp is moved in accordance with the movement of the massage protrusions 23. As a result, the user's scalp is kneaded by the massage protrusions 23, providing a massaging effect through kneading and loosening.

[0023] Additionally, current from the power source flows through each rotary shaft and each output section 13A via a conductive member (not shown). That is, a voltage is applied to a pair of adjacent output sections 13A. Because the first head section 20 is made of a conductive material, current also flows through each first stimulator 22. When the massage protrusions 23 are brought into contact with the scalp, electrical stimulation is applied to the user's scalp. The electrical stimulation may be achieved by applying a low current, such as a weak current, to the scalp. For example, the user may experience electrical stimulation by applying a current of less than 5 mA, a low voltage (e.g., less than 30 V), and a long pulse width (e.g., 100 μsec or more). Alternatively, the user may experience electrical stimulation by applying a weak current of less than 1000 μA and a voltage in the range of 400 to 800 V without load. In this way, the electrical stimulation device 1 in which the first head unit 20, which is made of a conductive material and in which the first attachment unit 21 and the plurality of first stimulators 22 are integrally formed, is attached to the main body 10, can provide electrical stimulation and physical stimulation to the scalp using a weak current. Furthermore, since the output unit 13A is made of a conductive material, it can reliably pass a current through the first stimulators 22.

[0024] FIG. 3( a ) is a side view of the second head unit 30 , and FIG. 3( b ) is a top view of the second head unit 30 . The second head portion 30 is made of a non-conductive material (e.g., silicone). The second head portion 30 includes a second mounting portion 31 and a plurality of second stimulators 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the second mounting portion 31 has a generally elliptical dish shape. A plurality of mounting recesses 31a are formed in the second mounting portion 31. The plurality of mounting recesses 31a fit onto a plurality of mounting protrusions 11D of the lower portion 11C, whereby the first mounting portion 31 is mounted to the lower end of the lower portion 11C of the casing 11.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 , the plurality of second stimulators 32 are generally cylindrical and protrude downward from the second mounting portion 31. The second mounting portion 31 and the plurality of second stimulators 32 are configured as a single unit. That is, the plurality of second stimulators 32 are configured so as not to be detached from the second mounting portion 31. In this embodiment, there are seven plurality of second stimulators 32, six of which are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and the remaining one second stimulator 32 is arranged at the center of the six second stimulators 32. The tip end of each second stimulator 32 is configured to be tapered further than the base end, and the tip of each second stimulator 32 has an inclined surface 22B.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3(b), each second stimulator 32 has a second insertion hole 32a. When the second head unit 30 is attached to the lower part 11C of the casing 11, each output unit 13A is inserted into each second insertion hole 32a so that a part of each output unit 13A abuts against the inner circumferential surface of each second insertion hole 32a. When the multiple output units 13A are rotationally driven by the rotary drive unit 13, the multiple second stimulators 32 rotate.

[0027] In the electrical stimulation device 1 in which the second head portion 30 is attached to the main body 10, as in the electrical stimulation device 1 in which the above-mentioned first head portion 20 is attached to the main body 10, when the user operates the operation button, the tip portion (inclined surface 22B) of each second stimulation body 32 moves so as to revolve around each rotation axis in a circular orbit centered on each rotation axis.

[0028] When the user's face is brought into contact with the inclined surface 22B that moves in this way, the muscles in the user's face are moved in accordance with the movement of the inclined surface 22B. As a result, the muscles in the user's face are kneaded by the massage protrusions 23, providing a massaging effect through kneading and loosening.

[0029] Because the second head unit 30 is made of a non-conductive material, no current flows through each second stimulator 32. In this way, when the second head unit 30 is attached to the main body 10, no current from the control unit 12 flows through the second stimulator 32, and when the first head unit 20 is attached to the main body 10, current from the control unit 12 flows through the first stimulator 22, allowing electrical stimulation to be applied to the scalp. In this way, by changing the head unit, it is possible to switch between a state in which electricity flows and a state in which it does not flow from the stimulator of the head unit, and by attaching the first head unit 20 to the main body 10, it is possible to pass a current appropriate for the scalp.

[0030] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various additions and modifications within the scope of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a side view of main body 110 of electrical stimulation device 101 according to a modified example. Electrical stimulation device 101 has a main body 110 and a first head unit 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Main body 110 has a hollow casing 11, a control unit 12, and a rotation drive unit 113. Rotation drive unit 113 has, for example, a motor, a gear unit, multiple rotation shafts, and multiple third stimulators 113A. Multiple third stimulators 113A are made of a conductive material, have a substantially elongated spheroid shape, and are attached with their major axes tilted relative to the multiple rotation shafts.

[0032] In this embodiment, the plurality of third stimulators 113A are six in number, and are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction and protrude outward from the lower surface of the lower part 11C. The plurality of third stimulators 113A are rotationally driven by the rotation of the plurality of rotation shafts.

[0033] When the rotationally driven third stimulators 113A are brought into contact with the face, the muscles of the user's face are moved in accordance with the movements of the third stimulators 113A. As a result, the muscles of the user's face are massaged by the third stimulators 113A, and a massage effect can be obtained by massaging.

[0034] Electric current from a power source flows through each rotating shaft and each third stimulator 113A via a conductive member (not shown). When the tip of each third stimulator 113A is brought into contact with the face, electrical muscle stimulation known as EMS is applied to the facial muscles of the user. EMS applies electrical stimulation to the skin at a frequency of several Hz to several kHz, causing muscle contraction and resulting in muscle movement and tension relief.

[0035] First head unit 20 can be attached to lower portion 11C of casing 11 of main body 110. When first head unit 20 is attached, third stimulators 113A are inserted into first insertion holes 22a such that a portion of each third stimulator 113A abuts the inner circumferential surface of each first insertion hole 22a. Multiple third stimulators 113A are rotationally driven by rotation drive unit 13, causing multiple first stimulators 22 to rotate. Therefore, by attaching first head unit 20 to main body 110, electrical and physical stimuli can be applied to the scalp. Thus, according to this modification, an electrical stimulation device 101 that applies electrical and physical stimuli to the scalp and face by including a single head unit can be provided.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the second head unit 30 is made of a non-conductive material, but it may be made of a conductive material (for example, silicone mixed with carbon). The resistance value of the second head unit 30 is set to be smaller than the resistance value of the first head unit 20.

[0037] Then, current from the power source flows through each rotating shaft and each output section 13A via a conductive member (not shown), and current also flows through each second stimulator 32. In this state, when the tip (inclined surface 22B) of second stimulator 32 is brought into contact with the face, electrical muscle stimulation known as EMS is applied to the facial muscles of the user. This makes it possible to provide an electrical stimulation device 1 that can apply electrical muscle stimulation and physical stimulation to facial muscles.

[0038] The resistance value of the second head unit 30 is set to be smaller than the resistance value of the first head unit 20, so that an EMS current can be passed through the second stimulator 32 when the second head unit 30 is attached, and a weak current can be passed through the first stimulator 22 when the first head unit 20 is attached. Note that the resistance values ​​of the first head unit 20 and the second head unit 30 may be set to be the same, and the current value from the power source may be switched between a current value for EMS when the second head unit 30 is attached and a current value for a weak current when the first head unit 20 is attached.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the multiple output units 13A have the same resistance value, but the resistance value may be changed between one pair of output units 13A to which a voltage is applied and another pair of output units 13A. This creates areas in first head unit 20 where the strength of the electrical muscle stimulation differs, allowing for variation in the bodily sensation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1, 101: electrical stimulation device, 10, 110: main body, 12: control unit, 13: rotation drive unit, 13A: output unit, 20: first head unit, 21: first attachment unit, 22: first stimulator, 30: second head unit, 31: second attachment unit, 32: second stimulator, 113A: third stimulator

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device that provides electrical stimulation and physical stimulation, a main body having a current supply unit and a rotation drive unit; a first head portion detachably provided on a part of the main body, the first head unit includes a first mounting unit mounted on the portion of the main body, and a plurality of first stimulators provided on the first mounting unit and rotated by the rotation drive unit; the first head portion is made of a conductive material, the first attachment portion and the plurality of first stimulators are configured as an integrated body, and an electrical stimulus is applied by a current from the current supply portion; a second head unit that is detachably attached to the portion of the main body when the first head unit is detached from the main body; the second head unit includes a second mounting unit mounted on the portion of the main body, and a plurality of second stimulators provided on the second mounting unit and rotated by the rotation drive unit; the second head portion is made of a non-conductive material, and the second attachment portion and the plurality of second stimulators are configured as an integral body; When the second head unit is attached to the main body, the current from the current supply unit does not flow to the second stimulator, An electrical stimulation device in which, when the first head portion is attached to the main body, current from the current supply portion flows into the first stimulator to provide electrical stimulation.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the first stimulator of the first head portion applies a weak current to at least the person's scalp using the current from the current supply unit.

3. the rotation drive unit has a plurality of output units that protrude from the portion of the main body and are rotationally driven, When the first head unit is attached to the portion of the main body, the plurality of output units are inserted into the plurality of first stimulators of the first head unit, When the second head unit is attached to the portion of the main body, the plurality of output units are inserted into the plurality of second stimulators of the second head unit, The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of output units are made of a conductive material, and the current from the current supply unit flows to the plurality of first stimulators via the plurality of output units.

4. Further provided are a plurality of third stimulators provided to protrude from the part of the main body, which are rotationally driven by the rotation drive unit, which are made of a conductive material, and which apply EMS to muscles by current from the current supply unit; 2. The electrical stimulation device of claim 1, wherein when the first head unit is attached to the portion of the main body, the plurality of third stimulators are inserted into the plurality of first stimulators of the first head unit, current from the current supply unit flows to the plurality of first stimulators via the plurality of third stimulators, and the plurality of third stimulators are rotationally driven by the rotation drive unit, thereby causing the plurality of first stimulators to rotate.

5. An electrical stimulation device that provides electrical stimulation and physical stimulation, a main body having a current supply unit and a rotation drive unit; a first head portion detachably provided on a part of the main body, the first head unit includes a first mounting unit mounted on the portion of the main body, and a plurality of first stimulators provided on the first mounting unit and rotated by the rotation drive unit; the first head portion is made of a conductive material, the first attachment portion and the plurality of first stimulators are configured as an integrated body, and an electrical stimulus is applied by a current from the current supply portion; a second head unit that is detachably attached to the portion of the main body when the first head unit is detached from the main body; the second head unit includes a second mounting unit mounted on the portion of the main body, and a plurality of second stimulators provided on the second mounting unit and rotated by the rotation drive unit; the second head portion is made of a conductive material, and the second attachment portion and the plurality of second stimulators are configured as an integral body; a resistance value of the second head portion is set to be smaller than a resistance value of the first head portion; When the first head unit is attached to the main body, the first stimulator of the first head unit applies a weak current to at least the person's scalp by the current from the current supply unit, When the second head unit is attached to the main body, the second stimulator of the second head unit applies an EMS current to at least the person's scalp using the current from the current supply unit. Electrical stimulation device.

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