Electrotherapy device, and electrodes for the electrotherapy device

Abstract

To enable a user to easily recognize that an electric treatment device is operating.SOLUTION: An electric treatment device 100 comprises: a first conductor 10A including a first electrode 11A and a second electrode 11B; and a second conductor 10B including a first electrode 11D and a second electrode 11E. An AC voltage of a first treatment wave is applied to the first electrode 11A of the first conductor 10A and the first electrode 11D of the second conductor 10B, and an AC voltage of a second treatment wave is applied to the second electrode 11B of the first conductor 10A and the second electrode 11E of the second conductor 10B. At least the first conductor 10A comprises an LED 41a connected to the first electrode 11A and the second electrode 11B to be driven with the potential difference between the first electrode 11A and the second electrode 11B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrotherapy device and a conductor of the electrotherapy device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrotherapy device in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged on each of two conductors attached to a user's body, and two treatment waves having different frequencies are generated between the two conductors. According to this electrotherapy device, stimulation can reach deep into the body due to the interference of the two treatment waves, and a high treatment effect can be achieved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the current flowing between the two conductors is small, it may be difficult for the user to recognize that the electrotherapy device is operating because this cannot be clearly felt.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] (1) The electrotherapy device proposed in the present disclosure includes a first conductor and a second conductor each having a first electrode and a second electrode, and a treatment wave generator that applies an alternating voltage of a first treatment wave to the first electrode of the first conductor and the first electrode of the second conductor, and applies an alternating voltage of a second treatment wave to the second electrode of the first conductor and the second electrode of the second conductor. The first conductor has a first light-emitting element that is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode and is driven by a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode. According to this treatment device, it is possible to show the user that the electrotherapy device is operating without requiring dedicated control for driving the light-emitting element.

[0006] (2) In the electrotherapy device of (1), the first electrode includes a first diode which is the first light-emitting element that allows current to flow from the first electrode to the second electrode, and a second diode which allows current to flow from the second electrode to the first electrode and is connected in parallel with the first diode.

[0007] (3) In the electrotherapy apparatus of (1), each of the first and second electrodes may further have a third electrode. The therapy wave generating device may apply an AC voltage of a third therapy wave to the third electrode of the first electrode and the third electrode of the second electrode. The first electrode may have a second light-emitting element connected to the first and third electrodes and driven by the potential difference between the first and third electrodes.

[0008] (4) The electrode of the electrotherapy device proposed in this disclosure comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light-emitting element connected between the first electrode and the second electrode and driven by the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode. With this electrode, it is possible to indicate to the user that the electrotherapy device is operating without requiring a dedicated control for driving the light-emitting element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrotherapy device proposed in this disclosure. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of the electrodes used in an electrotherapy device. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view showing the inside of the electrode. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the electrode. [Figure 4A] This is a cross-sectional view obtained along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 3. [Figure 4B] This is an enlarged view of Figure 4A. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing how the electrodes are attached to the user's body. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the cups that make up the electrode. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of a cable terminal and a circuit board. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a cap. (a) in the figure is a plan view, (b) is a bottom view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the c-c line of (b). [Figure 9A] It is a bottom view showing a modified example of the cup. [Figure 9B] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the IXb-IXb line shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] It is a bottom view showing yet another modified example of the cup. [Figure 11A] It is a bottom view showing yet another modified example of the cup and the electrode. [Figure 11B] It is a bottom view showing yet another modified example of the cup and the electrode. [Figure 11C] It is a bottom view showing yet another modified example of the cup and the electrode. [Figure 12A] It is a bottom view showing yet another modified example of the cup and the electrode. [Figure 12B] It is a bottom view showing yet another modified example of the cup and the electrode. [Figure 12C] It is a bottom view showing yet another modified example of the cup and the electrode. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining a circuit for driving a light-emitting element provided in a conductor.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, examples of the electrotherapy device and its conductor proposed in the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrotherapy device 100 proposed in the present disclosure.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrotherapy device 100 has two conductors 10A and 10B for mounting on the body surface of a user (e.g., a patient). The first conductor 10A has a first electrode plate 11A, a second electrode plate 11B, and a third electrode plate 11C. The second conductor 10B has a first electrode plate 11D, a second electrode plate 11E, and a third electrode plate 11F. The number of electrode plates possessed by each of the conductors 10A and 10B does not have to be three, and may be two or four or more.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrotherapy device 100 has a treatment wave generation device 7. The treatment wave generation device 7 applies an alternating voltage of a first treatment wave between the first electrode plate 11A of the first conductor 10A and the first electrode plate 11D of the second conductor 10B. Further, the treatment wave generation device 7 applies an alternating voltage of a second treatment wave between the second electrode plate 11B of the first conductor 10A and the second electrode plate 11E of the second conductor 10B. At least one of the frequency and the phase of the first treatment wave and the second treatment wave is different. Therefore, the first treatment wave and the second treatment wave interfere with each other, and a stimulus corresponding to the interference wave is applied to the user's body. Further, the treatment wave generation device 7 applies an alternating voltage of a third treatment wave between the third electrode plate 11C of the first conductor 10A and the third electrode plate 11F of the second conductor 10B. At least one of the frequency and the phase of the first treatment wave and the third treatment wave is also different, and the first treatment wave and the third treatment wave interfere with each other, and a stimulus corresponding to the interference wave is applied to the user's body. When using 2 kHz to 15 kHz, which is called medium frequency, as these three treatment waves, it is possible to apply a stimulus deep into the body. Such an electrotherapy device is sometimes referred to as an interference therapy device.

[0013] Hereinafter, in the description common to the first conductor 10A and the second conductor 10B, the common reference numeral 10 is used for the two conductors 10A and 10B. Further, in the description common to the electrode plates 11A to 11F, the common reference numeral 11 is used for these electrode plates 11A to 11F.

[0014] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing the upper (outer) side of the electrode 10, and Figure 2B is a perspective view showing the lower (inner) side of the electrode 10. Figure 3 is a plan view of the electrode 10. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view along the IVa-IVa line shown in Figure 3, and Figure 4B is an enlarged view of Figure 4A. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode attached to the user's body.

[0015] As shown in Figure 4A, the electrode 10 includes a cup 20, a water-absorbing cushion 19 located inside the cup 20, a circuit board 40 attached to the upper side of the cup 20, and a cap 30 that covers the circuit board 40 and is attached to the cup 20.

[0016] Figure 6 is a plan view of cup 20. Figure 7 is a plan view of circuit board 40. Figure 8 shows cap 30. Figure 8(a) is a plan view, Figure 8(b) is a bottom view, and Figure 8(c) is a cross-sectional view shown by line cc in (b).

[0017] [cup] As shown in Figure 4A, the cup 20 has a peripheral portion 21 and a central portion 22 which is the inner part of the peripheral portion 21. In plan view, the cup 20 is formed as a circle centered on axis C1. Alternatively, in plan view, the cup 20 may be elliptical or an elongated circle in one direction. The cup 20 is airtight, as will be explained later. Therefore, when attached to the surface to be attached (the user's body surface), negative pressure can be generated inside the cup 20 without suction from an external pump.

[0018] The peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are integrally molded from an elastically deformable material. That is, for example, the peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are not connected to each other by screws or the like, but rather by the chemical properties of their respective materials. The peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 may be formed by a molding process in which molten material is supplied to a mold corresponding to their shapes. This structure of the cup 20 reduces the number of parts and simplifies the manufacturing process of the electrode 10 compared to a structure in which the peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are connected to each other by screws or the like.

[0019] The cup 20 is formed from a material that is elastic and electrically insulating. The material of the cup 20 is, for example, silicone rubber, but other types of rubber may also be used. Alternatively, the material of the cup 20 may be an elastomer.

[0020] [Rim of the cup] As shown in Figure 4B, the peripheral edge 21 has an inner surface 21a (bottom surface) and an outer surface 21b (top surface). When the electrode 10 is used, the inner surface 21a contacts the surface to be attached (the user's body surface) (see Figure 5). Both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b extend smoothly to the tip 21c of the cup 20. That is, both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge 21 extend radially outward from the cup 20 and in the direction of attachment (i.e., downward from the cup 20) to the tip 21c of the cup 20. In other words, neither the inner surface 21a nor the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge 21 has any convex or concave (groove) extending in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C1. In this explanation, "radial direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the axis C1 of the cup 20, and "downward side" refers to one side in the direction along the axis C1.

[0021] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 55-54126 describes a cup with ribs (annular protrusions that project upward and downward and surround the axis) formed at its tip. In addition, in the conventional electrode disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-342695, the inner surface of the cup tip is bent inward, and the outer surface of the cup tip is also bent, increasing the thickness of the cup tip. Furthermore, with these conventional electrodes, the elastic deformation of the cup tip, that is, the elastic deformation that causes the peripheral edge of the cup to spread radially outward, is inhibited by the bending of the peripheral edge and the ribs.

[0022] In contrast, the electrode 10 proposed in this disclosure does not have bends or ribs formed on the inner surface 21a and outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21, as is the case with conventional electrodes. Both the inner surface 21a and outer surface 21b extend radially outward from the cup 20 and in the direction in which the cup 20 is fitted, all the way to the tip 21c of the cup 20. As a result, elastic deformation that causes the peripheral portion 21 to spread radially outward (elastic deformation that increases the diameter of the cup 20) is likely to occur. In Figure 3, the tip 21c of the cup 20 that has spread due to such elastic deformation is illustrated by a dashed line.

[0023] Therefore, when the user places the electrode 10 on their body surface and presses the upper side of the electrode 10 (the upper surface of the cap 30) toward the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 elastically deforms to spread radially outward along the body surface, and the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 comes into contact with the body surface. As a result, the volume inside the cup 20 decreases, and the air inside the cup 20 is expelled to the outside through the gap between the tip 21c and the body surface. Subsequently, when the user releases the force pressing on the upper side of the electrode 10, the peripheral portion 21 attempts to return to its initial shape due to its elastic force. The cup 20 does not have an air passage connecting its inside and outside. In other words, the cup 20 is airtight. Therefore, when the peripheral portion 21 attempts to return to its initial shape due to its elastic force, negative pressure is generated inside the cup 20. As shown in Figure 5, a water-absorbing cushion 19 is placed inside the cup 20. Therefore, even if a small gap occurs between the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 and the body surface S, the water W leaking from the cushion 19 seals that gap. As a result, a sealed space is formed between the cup 20 and the body surface S, and the adsorption state to the body surface is maintained.

[0024] At this time, the inner surface 21a of the peripheral edge 21 will be in contact with the body surface over a width M (see Figure 5). Since the peripheral edge 21 is formed to easily widen radially outward, a sufficient width M can be secured. As a result, the adhesion state of the electrode 10 to the body surface S can be maintained for a long period of time, and the adhesion marks formed on the body surface S can be made thinner.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the inner surface 21a and outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge 21 do not have any convex or concave portions extending in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C1, nor do they have any convex or concave portions extending in the radial direction. Unlike the example shown in the figures, the inner surface 21a and outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge 21 may have convex or concave portions extending in the radial direction.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4B, when viewing a cross-section along axis C1, the thickness T1·T2 of the peripheral portion 21 may be uniform up to the tip 21c of the cup 20. This allows the peripheral portion 21 to easily spread along the body surface when the user places the electrode 10 on the body surface and presses the electrode 10 against the body surface, so that a wide area of ​​the inner surface 21a can be brought into close contact with the body surface. In this explanation, the thickness T1·T2 of the peripheral portion 21 is the thickness of the peripheral portion 21 in a direction perpendicular to the direction D1·D2 in which the peripheral portion 21 extends.

[0027] Unlike the example shown in the figure, the thickness T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 may gradually decrease towards the tip 21c of the cup 20. Even in this case, when the user places the electrode 10 on the body surface and presses the electrode 10 against the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 easily spreads along the body surface, allowing a wide area of ​​the inner surface 21a to be in close contact with the body surface.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 4B, a plane perpendicular to the direction of attachment is formed on the tip 21c of the cup 20. Alternatively, a curved surface may be formed on the tip 21c of the cup 20.

[0029] The inner surface 21a and outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge 21 may be part of a sphere centered at a point on axis C1. That is, the inner surface 21a and outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge 21 may be curved along a circular arc centered at a point on axis C1 in a cross-section along axis C1. In this case, the inner surface 21a of the peripheral edge 21 will have the same curvature from its inner edge (the boundary between the central part 22 and the peripheral edge 21) to its tip 21c. Similarly, the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge 21 will also have the same curvature from its inner edge (the boundary between the central part 22 and the peripheral edge 21) to its tip 21c.

[0030] Unlike the example shown in Figure 4B, the peripheral portion 21 does not necessarily have to be curved. For example, the peripheral portion 21 may be part of a cone or an elliptical cone. In this case, the peripheral portion 21 may extend linearly outward in the radial direction and in the mounting direction in a cross-section along axis C1.

[0031] In Figure 4B, line L1 is the tangent to the inner surface 21a at the tip 21c. The angle θ1 that tangent L1 makes with the horizontal plane H is less than 90 degrees in the initial state when the cup 20 is not elastically deformed. As a result, when the user presses the electrode 10 against the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 spreads outward smoothly along the body surface.

[0032] The angle θ1 that the tangent L1 makes with the horizontal plane H is preferably 70 degrees or less. More preferably, the angle θ1 that the tangent L1 makes with the horizontal plane H is 60 degrees or less. This allows the peripheral portion 21 to spread outward more smoothly along the body surface when the user presses the electrode 10 against the body surface. The angle θ1 may also be 30 degrees or more. In the example shown in the figure, the angle θ1 is approximately 55 degrees. The inner surface 21a is curved along a circular arc centered at the point on the axis C1 described above. Therefore, the angle between the tangent of the inner surface 21a and the horizontal plane H is maximum (θ1) at the tip 21c and decreases monotonically upward (i.e., as it approaches the axis C1).

[0033] In Figure 4B, line L2 is the tangent to the outer surface 21b at the tip 21c. The angle θ2 that the tangent L2 makes with the horizontal plane H is also less than 90 degrees in the initial state when the cup 20 is not elastically deformed. Preferably, the angle θ2 that the tangent L2 makes with the horizontal plane H is 70 degrees or less. According to this, when the user places the electrode 10 on the body surface and presses the electrode 10 against the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 smoothly spreads outward along the body surface. Also, the angle θ2 may be 30 degrees or more. In the example shown in the figure, the angle θ2 is approximately 60 degrees. The outer surface 21b is curved along the circular arc R described above. Therefore, the angle that the tangent to the outer surface 21b makes with the horizontal plane H is maximum (θ2) at the edge of the tip 21c and monotonically decreases as it approaches the axis C1 upwards.

[0034] Furthermore, because the peripheral portion 21 is inclined relatively sharply, the position of the electrode plate 11 on which it is placed is low. Specifically, in the example shown in the figure, the height h1 of the electrode plate 11 (see Figure 4B) relative to the horizontal plane H including the tip 21c of the cup 20 is smaller than the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 21 (i.e., the radius of the cup 21). This allows the thickness of the water-absorbing cushion 19 to be reduced, and the voltage applied to the electrode plate 11 to be lowered. The height h1 of the electrode plate 11 relative to the horizontal plane H including the tip 21c of the cup 20 may also be smaller than 2 / 3 of the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 21 (i.e., the radius of the cup 21). This allows the thickness of the water-absorbing cushion 19 to be further reduced, and the voltage applied to the electrode plate 11 to be lowered.

[0035] [Center of the cup] As shown in Figure 4A, the inner surface of the cup 20 has an electrode plate support surface 22t in the central part 22. Three mounting areas 22b are formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. Each mounting area 22b is a flat plane that intersects with respect to the mounting direction (direction along the axis C1). In the example shown in the figure, the mounting areas 22b are perpendicular to the mounting direction. Also, each mounting area 22b may be the same size as the electrode plate 11, or larger than the electrode plate 11. The three mounting areas 22b are separated from each other. The three electrode plates 11 are mounted on the three mounting areas 22b, respectively. With this structure, the entire electrode plate 11 is supported by the electrode plate support surface 22t. As a result, it becomes possible to use a thin conductive plate material as the electrode plate 11, and the weight of the electrode 10 can be reduced. As will be explained later, partitions may be formed between adjacent mounting areas 22b.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2B, the three electrode plates 11 (three mounting areas 22b) may be arranged to surround the axis C1. The electrode plates 11 are, for example, circular. The shape of the electrode plates 11 is not limited to this; they may also be rectangular or fan-shaped. Modifications of the shape of the electrode plates 11 will be described in detail later.

[0037] As described above, a water-absorbing cushion 19 is placed inside the cup 20. The three electrode plates 11 are arranged to avoid the position of axis C1. The electrode plate support surface 22t has a cushion mounting portion 22d at the position of axis C1 for attaching the water-absorbing cushion 19. The cushion mounting portion 22d is, for example, a convex portion and is fitted into a hole formed in the center of the water-absorbing cushion 19 to support the water-absorbing cushion 19. The outer circumferential surface of the cushion mounting portion 22d may have a projection extending in the circumferential direction for the inner surface of the hole in the water-absorbing cushion 19 to catch on.

[0038] It is preferable that the structure supporting the water-absorbing cushion 19 is provided only in the central portion 22 and not in the peripheral portion 21. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of the support structure for the water-absorbing cushion 19 on the elastic deformation of the peripheral portion 21. The number of cushion mounting portions 22d on the central portion 22 does not have to be one. For example, the central portion 22 may have multiple cushion mounting portions formed along its outer peripheral edge (inside the boundary with the peripheral portion 21).

[0039] Each electrode plate 11 may be attached to the central portion 22 by a screw 13. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4A, each electrode plate 11 has a plate-shaped electrode body 11a and a mounting portion 11b fixed to the upper surface of the electrode body 11a. The mounting portion 11b is cylindrical and has a screw groove formed on its inner surface. A connection hole is formed in the central portion 22 that penetrates it in a direction along the axis C1. A screw 13 is inserted into this hole from the upper side of the central portion 22, and the mounting portion 11b is fixed to the screw 13. The entire surface of the electrode body 11a, excluding the position of the mounting portion 11b, is supported by the flat mounting area 22b of the electrode support surface 22t.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4A, the central portion 22 has a lower support base 22a having an electrode plate support surface 22t. The thickness T3 of the lower support base 22a (see Figure 4B) is greater than the thickness T1·T2 of the peripheral portion 21 described above. Therefore, the central portion 22 has higher rigidity than the peripheral portion 21. In other words, the central portion 22 is less elastically deformable than the peripheral portion 21. Therefore, when the user presses the upper side of the electrode 10 toward the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 elastically deforms while maintaining the shape of the cup 20, and spreads radially outward along the body surface. As a result, the cup 20 adheres smoothly to the body surface.

[0041] The electrode plate support surface 22t is perpendicular to the axis C1. On the other hand, the upper surface 22d of the central portion 22 is curved along an arc, similar to the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21. Therefore, the thickness T3 of the central portion 22 (thickness in the direction along the axis C1) gradually increases toward the axis C1, as shown in Figure 4A.

[0042] When viewed along the axis C1, the shape of the electrode plate support surface 22t corresponds, for example, to the outer shape of the cup 20. In the example shown in the figure, the electrode plate support surface 22t is circular. The electrode support surface 22t may also be elliptical. In Figure 6, distance D3 is the distance from the axis C1 to the outer edge of the central part 22 (the outer edge of the electrode plate support surface 22t). Distance D4 is the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 20. When the electrode 10 is viewed along the axis C1, it is preferable that distance D3 is, for example, 1 / 3 or more of distance D4. This allows the shape of the cup 20 to be maintained more effectively when the user presses the upper side of the electrode 10 toward the body surface. In the example shown in the figure, distance D3 is 1 / 2 or more of distance D4. Also, in the example shown in the figure, distance D3 is 3 / 4 or less of distance D4. More specifically, distance D3 is 2 / 3 or less of distance D4.

[0043] The central portion 22 has an upper support base 22e (see Figure 4A) on its upper part. As shown in Figure 6, a recess 22g is formed inside the lower support base 22a, and the upper support base 22e may be annular when viewed in the direction along the axis C1. Alternatively, the upper support base 22e may be circular. In other words, the recess 22g is not necessarily formed.

[0044] The electrode 10 has multiple cables 55. In the example shown in the figure, each electrode 10 has three cables 55 (see Figure 2A). The cables 55 are connected to the therapeutic wave generator 7.

[0045] The cable 55 has a cable terminal 55a (see Figure 7) at its end. As shown in Figure 4A, the upper support base 22e has a terminal support surface 22f as its upper surface. The terminal support surface 22f is a plane perpendicular to the axis C1. Three cable terminals 55a for connecting to the three electrode plates 11 are supported on the terminal support surface 22f. As shown in Figure 4A, the electrode 10 may have a circuit board 40. The circuit board 40 may be positioned above the terminal support surface 22f, and the cable terminals 55a may be positioned above the circuit board 40. As shown in Figure 7, the three cable terminals 55a may be positioned at intervals of approximately 120 degrees in the circumferential direction around the axis C1.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4A, the electrode plate 11 is attached to the terminal support surface 22f by a screw 13. The electrode plate 11 may then be electrically connected to the cable terminal 55a via this screw 13. By using a common component (screw 13) for the electrical connection between the electrode plate 11 and the cable terminal 55a, and for fixing them to the central part 22, the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, the installation work of the electrode plate 11 can be simplified compared to when soldering is used.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4A, the cable terminal 55a may be fixed to the upper support base 22e by being sandwiched between the top of the screw 13 and the circuit board 40. The circuit board 40 may also be fixed to the upper support base 22e by this screw 13.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4A, a connection hole is formed in the central portion 22, penetrating it in a direction along the axis C1. This connection hole extends from the terminal support surface 22f to the electrode plate support surface 22t. The screw 13 may be fitted into this connection hole from the upper side of the terminal support surface 22f and connected to the mounting portion 11b of the electrode plate 11. As described above, the cup 20 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. Therefore, the inner surface of the connection hole and the outer surface of the screw 13 are in close contact, and the connection hole is airtightly closed by the screw 13. As a result, an airtight space is formed inside the cup 20.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the electrode 10 has light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 41a and 41b. As will be described later, the light-emitting diodes 41a and 41b emit light when voltage is supplied to the electrode plate 11, informing the user that voltage is being supplied to the electrode plate 11. The upper support base 22e has a recess 22g that opens upward, and the LEDs 41a and 41b are placed in this recess 22g.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4A, the cable terminal 55a is located on the upper side of the circuit board 40. The cable 55 extends outward from the housing space formed by the upper surface (terminal support surface 22f) of the upper support base 22e and the cap 30. On the other hand, the LEDs 41a and 41b are mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board 40. In other words, the cable terminal 55a and the LEDs 41a and 41b are located on opposite sides of the circuit board 40. This allows the size of the circuit board 40 to be reduced.

[0051] Cup 20 is made of a material that transmits light from LEDs 41a and 41b. Cap 30 may also be made of a material that transmits light from LEDs 41a and 41b. For example, cup 20 and cap 30 may be made of translucent silicone rubber.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the lower support base 22a (electrode plate support surface 22t) may be larger in size than the upper support base 22b. That is, the distance D3 from the axis C1 to the outer edge of the lower support base 22a may be larger than the distance from the axis C1 to the outer edge of the upper support base 22b. Because the lower support base 22a is relatively large in size, when the user presses the upper side of the electrode 10 toward the body surface, the cup 20 maintains its shape while the peripheral edge 21 undergoes elastic deformation.

[0053] [Rim thickness and cup hardness] The Shore A hardness of cup 20 is, for example, between 10 and 70. This hardness ensures good responsiveness to muscle movement and minimizes the marks (adhesion marks) left on the body surface when the electrodes 10 are removed. When two electrodes are attached to the user's body and therapeutic waves are applied, the muscles move. It is desirable that cup 20 follow these muscle movements.

[0054] The Shore A hardness of cup 20 is more preferably 10 or more and 40 or less. This hardness allows for further improvement in the ability to follow muscle movements and further reduces the suction mark. The Shore A hardness of cup 20 is more preferably 20 or more and 40 or less. This hardness allows for further improvement in the ability to follow muscle movements while maintaining the thinness of the suction mark.

[0055] The thickness T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. This thickness ensures good conformability to muscle movement and reduces the suction mark. Preferably, the thickness T1 and T2 are 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. This improves the suction force and increases conformability to muscles.

[0056] For example, the thickness T1-T2 of the peripheral portion 21 is 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is 10 or more and 70 or less. This ensures good adhesion while maintaining good followability to muscle movement and reduces the adhesion mark. Preferably, the thickness T1-T2 of the peripheral portion 21 is 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is 10 or more and 40 or less. This ensures good adhesion while improving followability to muscle movement and reducing the adhesion mark. For example, the thickness T1-T2 of the peripheral portion 21 is about 2.0 mm, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is about 20.

[0057] [Cap structure] As shown in Figure 4A, the cap 30 may be attached to the cup 20 by a screw 14. In the example shown in the figure, the screw 14 is inserted into a hole formed in the center of the cap 30 and connected to a nut 15 attached to the underside of the circuit board 40. In this way, the cap 30 is attached to the cup 20 via the circuit board 40. The mounting structure of the cap 30 may be modified as appropriate.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the lower surface of the cap 30 has recesses 30a at the top of the screw 13 and the cable terminal 55a. These recesses 30a reduce the height of the upper surface of the cap 30. The cap 30 has an outer peripheral wall 30b around its outer edge. The outer peripheral wall 30b surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the upper support base 22e of the cup 20 (see Figure 4A). The outer peripheral wall 30b has a cable passage opening 30c in a part of it. The three cables 55 extend outwards through this cable passage opening 30c.

[0059] [LED illumination] As described above, the electrode 10 has light-emitting elements (specifically LEDs 41a and 41b) that indicate that a voltage is being applied from the therapeutic wave generator 7 to the electrode plate 11 of the electrode 10. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the circuit through which the current that causes LED 41 to light up flows.

[0060] The first electrode 10A has a first electrode plate 11A, a second electrode plate 11B, and a third electrode plate 11C. The second electrode 10B has a first electrode plate 11D, a second electrode plate 11E, and a third electrode plate 11F. Each of the electrode plates 11A to 11F is connected to the therapeutic wave generator 7, which is an AC power source, via wires La to Lf. Each wire La to Lf is composed of, for example, a cable 55, a screw 13, and a conductor pattern formed on the circuit board 40.

[0061] The first electrode plates 11A and 11D of electrodes 10A and 10B are connected to the treatment wave generator 7 via wires La and Ld. The second electrode plates 11B and 11E of electrodes 10A and 10B are connected to the treatment wave generator 7 via wires Lb and Le. The third electrode plates 11C and 11F of electrodes 10A and 10B are connected to the treatment wave generator 7 via wires Lc and Lf.

[0062] As described above, the therapy wave generator 7 applies an AC voltage of the first therapy wave between the first electrode plates 11A and 11D. The therapy wave generator 7 also applies an AC voltage of the second therapy wave between the second electrode plates 11B and 11E. The second therapy wave and the first therapy wave differ in at least one of their frequencies or phases. Therefore, when the user attaches the two electrodes 10A and 10B to their body, the two therapy waves interfere with each other, and this acts as a stimulus deep within the body. The therapy wave generator 7 also applies an AC voltage of the third therapy wave between the third electrode plates 11C and 11F. The third therapy wave also differs from the first therapy wave in at least one of their frequencies or phases, and these two therapy waves interfere with each other, acting as a stimulus deep within the body.

[0063] As shown in Figure 13, the first electrode 10A has LEDs 41a and 41b, which are light-emitting elements, connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. One terminal of each LED 41a and 41b is connected to LED 41a via wire La, and the other terminal is connected to the second electrode plate 11B via wire Lb. The LEDs 41a and 41b are mounted on a circuit board 40 (Figure 4A). Since the first and second treatment waves differ in at least one of their frequencies and phases, there is a potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. The LEDs 41a and 41b emit light due to this potential difference. Since this potential difference changes over time, the LEDs 41a and 41b will blink. This allows the user to be notified that a voltage is applied between the electrodes 10A and 10B. Furthermore, no dedicated control is required to make the LEDs 41a and 41b emit light.

[0064] As shown in Figure 13, two LEDs 41a and 41b are positioned between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B, with their forward directions facing opposite directions. The forward direction of LED 41a is from the second electrode plate 11B toward the first electrode plate 11A, and the forward direction of LED 41b is from the first electrode plate 11A toward the second electrode plate 11B. When the potential of the second electrode plate 11B becomes higher than the potential of the first electrode plate 11A, LED 41a lights up, and when the potential of the first electrode plate 11A becomes higher than the potential of the second electrode plate 11B, LED 41b lights up.

[0065] A resistor R1 is also placed between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B, connected in series with each LED 41a and 41b. The resistor R1 reduces the voltage applied to the LEDs 41a and 41b. Like the LEDs 41a and 41b, the resistor R1 may also be mounted on the circuit board 40 (Figure 4A).

[0066] Note that the number of LEDs placed between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B may be as few as one. In this case, an LED and a diode that does not have a light-emitting function may be placed between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B, and their forward directions may be opposite to each other. For example, an LED 41a and a diode whose forward direction is opposite to that of LED 41a may be placed between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B.

[0067] As shown in Figure 13, the first electrode 10A may have light-emitting elements LEDs 41a and 41b and a resistor R1 connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. These LEDs 41a and 41b and resistor R1 may also be mounted on the circuit board 40. Since the first treatment wave and the third treatment wave differ in at least one of their frequencies and phases, there is a potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. Therefore, even when a treatment wave is applied to the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C, the LEDs 41a and 41b will blink, informing the user that a voltage is being applied between the electrodes 10A and 10C.

[0068] Unlike the example shown in Figure 13, LEDs 41a and 41b are placed only between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B, and do not need to be placed between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. Also, the number of LEDs placed between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C may be just one. In this case, one LED and a diode that does not have a light-emitting function may be placed between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 13, the second electrode 10B, like the first electrode 10A, has LEDs 41a and 41b and a resistor R1 positioned between the first electrode plate 11D and the second electrode plate 11, and LEDs 41a and 41b and a resistor R1 positioned between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. In contrast, the LEDs 41a and 41b and the resistor R1 may be provided on the first electrode 10A but not on the second electrode 10B.

[0070] [partition] As described above, the three electrode plates 11 are attached to a plurality of mounting areas 22b provided on the electrode plate support surface 22t of the cup 20. Partitions may be formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t between the electrodes 11. This prevents contact between two adjacent electrode plates 11.

[0071] Figure 9A is a bottom view showing a cup 20 of this configuration. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view along the line IXb-IXb shown in Figure 9A. In the examples shown in these figures, three recesses 22h are formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. A flat mounting area 22b is formed inside each recess 22h. The shape of the recesses 22h is, for example, circular, similar to the electrode plate 11. In this structure, the portion between two adjacent recesses 22h functions as a partition 22i. The depth of the recesses 22h (height of the partition 22i) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the electrode plate 11, or slightly greater than the thickness of the electrode plate 11. Alternatively, the depth of the recesses 22h (height of the partition 22i) may be less than the thickness of the electrode plate 11.

[0072] Figure 10 is a bottom view of cup 20 showing a modified example of the structure shown in Figures 9A and 9B. In this example, a partition 22j is formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t, protruding from the electrode plate support surface 22t. The partition 22j extends between two adjacent electrode plates 11. The partition 22j extends radially from the axis C1, for example. In the example shown, three partitions 22j are formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. The height of the partition 22j may be substantially the same as the thickness of the electrode plate 11, or slightly greater than the thickness of the electrode plate 11. Alternatively, the height of the partition 22j may be less than the thickness of the electrode plate 11.

[0073] In the examples described so far, the shape of the electrode plate 11 does not have to be circular. Figures 11A to 11C are bottom views showing modified examples of the electrode plate 11.

[0074] As shown in Figure 11A, the electrode plate 111 is fan-shaped and has an outer peripheral edge that extends circumferentially around the axis C1. In this case, a recess 22k corresponding to the shape of the electrode plate 111 may be formed in the electrode plate support surface 22t. In this case, a partition 22L is formed between two adjacent recesses 22k. Also, a flat mounting area 22b is formed inside the recess 20k.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11B, a partition 22m protruding from the electrode plate support surface 22t may be formed between two adjacent electrode plates 111 (between the mounting areas 22b). The partition 22m may, for example, extend radially from the axis C1.

[0076] As yet another example, the electrode plates may be annular, as shown in Figure 11C. In this example, the three annular electrode plates 211B, 211A, and 211C are arranged so as to surround the axis C1. The second electrode plate 211B is placed inside the first electrode plate 211A, and the third electrode plate 211C is placed outside the first electrode plate 211A. A partition 22n is also formed between two adjacent electrode plates 211A, 211B, and 211C. The partition 22n is also annular.

[0077] Unlike the electrodes described so far, the number of electrode plates can be as few as two. Figures 12A to 12C are bottom views of the electrodes, showing modified examples of the electrodes.

[0078] In the electrode 310 shown in Figure 12A, there are two electrodes 11. In this figure, two circular electrodes 11 are positioned on opposite sides of the axis C1. Two recesses 22p are formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. A flat mounting area 22b is formed inside each recess 22p. The area between two adjacent recesses 22p functions as a partition 22q.

[0079] Furthermore, even when there are two electrode plates, the shape of the electrode plates may be fan-shaped. In the example shown in Figure 12B, a fan-shaped mounting area 22b is formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. The mounting area 22b is semicircular. A semicircular electrode plate may be attached to this mounting area 22b. In this case as well, a partition 22r protruding from the electrode plate support surface 22t may be formed between the two mounting areas 22b.

[0080] Furthermore, even when there are two electrode plates, the electrode plates may be annular. In the example shown in Figure 12C, the two electrode plates 211A and 211B are annular. Each of the two electrode plates 211A and 211B is arranged to surround the axis C1. The second electrode plate 211B is placed inside the first electrode plate 211A. A partition 22s is formed between the two electrode plates 211A and 211B. The partition 22s is also annular.

[0081] [summary] (1) As described above, the electrode 10 has a cup 20 and an electrode plate 11 attached to the inside of the cup 20, and is an electrode that can generate negative pressure inside the cup 20 without suction from an external pump when attached to a surface to be attached. The cup 20 has an inner surface 21a for contact with the surface to be attached and an outer surface 21b which is the surface opposite to the inner surface 21a, and has a peripheral edge 21 that is elastically deformable so as to expand in the radial direction of the cup 20. Both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge 21 extend outward in the radial direction of the cup 20 and in the direction of attachment to the surface to be attached to the tip 21c of the cup 20. With this electrode 10, the trace (adhesion mark) of the electrode that remains on the surface of the body after the electrode 10 is removed can be made thinner. Note that this structure may also be applied to an electrode with one electrode plate. In addition, in this structure, the thickness of the peripheral edge 21 does not have to be uniform up to the tip 21c.

[0082] (2) In addition, in the electrode 10, the thickness T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are uniform up to the tip 21c of the cup 20, or gradually decrease towards the tip 21c of the cup 20. This structure of the electrode 10 also makes it possible to reduce the trace (adhesion mark) of the electrode that remains on the surface of the body after the electrode 10 is removed. In this structure, the tip 21c of the peripheral portion 21 may be slightly curved outward (upward).

[0083] (3) The electrode 10 also has a cup 20 and three electrode plates 11 arranged inside the cup 20, and is an electrode that can generate negative pressure inside the cup 20 without suction from an external pump when attached to a surface to be attached. The inner surface of the cup 20 has an electrode plate support surface 22t in its central part 22. The electrode plate support surface 22t has three flat mounting areas 22b that intersect with the direction of attachment to the surface to be attached (direction along the axis C1). The three electrode plates 11 are each attached to one of the three mounting areas 22b. With this electrode 10, multiple therapeutic waves of different frequencies can be applied to the user's body, and as a result, stimulation due to their interference can be applied to the body. In addition, since the electrode plates 11 are attached to the flat mounting areas 22b, it is possible to use thin electrode plates 11, and thus the weight of the electrode can be reduced. Note that this structure may also be applied to an electrode having a peripheral part with a different structure from the peripheral part 21 described in (1) and (2).

[0084] (4) The electrotherapy device 100 also includes a first electrode 10A having a first electrode plate 11A and a second electrode plate 11B, a second electrode 10B having a first electrode plate 11D and a second electrode plate 11E, and a therapy wave generator 7 that applies an AC voltage of a first therapy wave to the first electrode plate 11A of the first electrode 10A and the first electrode plate 11D of the second electrode 10B, and applies an AC voltage of a second therapy wave to the second electrode plate 11B of the first electrode 10A and the second electrode plate 11E of the second electrode 10B. The first electrode 10A has light-emitting diodes 41a and 41b connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B and driven by the potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. With this treatment device 100, it is possible to indicate to the user that the electrotherapy device 100 is operating without requiring a dedicated control to drive the light-emitting diodes 41a and 41b. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 7 Therapeutic wave generator, 10·310 Electrodes, 11·11A~11F·111·211A·211B·211C Electrode plates, 13 Screw, 14 Screw, 19 Water-absorbing cushion, 20 Cup, 21 Peripheral part, 21a Inner surface, 21b Outer surface, 21c Tip of cup, 22 Center part, 22a Lower support base, 22b Mounting area, 22t Electrode plate support surface, 22d Cushion mounting part, 22e Upper support base, 22f Terminal support surface, 22g Recess of upper support base, 22h Recess, 22i·22j·22L·22m·22q·22r·22s Partition, 22k·22p Recess, 40 Circuit board, 41a Light-emitting diode, 41b Light-emitting diode, R1 Resistor, 30 Cap, 30a Recess, 30b outer wall, 30c cable passage, 55 cable, 55a cable terminal.

Claims

1. A first electrode and a second electrode, each having a first electrode and a second electrode, A therapeutic wave generating device that applies an AC voltage of a first therapeutic wave to the first electrode of the first electrode and the first electrode of the second electrode, and applies an AC voltage of a second therapeutic wave to the second electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode of the second electrode. Includes, The first conductor has a first light-emitting element connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, which is driven by the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode. Electrotherapy device.

2. The first transducer is, A first diode, which is the first light-emitting element, allows current to flow from the first electrode to the second electrode, Includes a second diode that allows current from the second electrode to the first electrode and is connected in parallel with the first diode. The electrotherapy device described in claim 1.

3. Each of the first and second electrodes further has a third electrode, The therapeutic wave generating device applies an AC voltage of the third therapeutic wave to the third electrode of the first electrode and the third electrode of the second electrode. The first conductor has a second light-emitting element connected to the first electrode and the third electrode, which is driven by the potential difference between the first electrode and the third electrode. The electrotherapy device described in claim 1.

4. A cup and, The first electrode provided in the cup, The second electrode provided in the cup, A light-emitting element connected between the first electrode and the second electrode, which is driven by the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, An electrode for an electrotherapy device.

5. Further comprising a third electrode provided in the cup An electrode for an electrotherapy device as described in claim 4.

6. Further comprising a first connection point connected to the first electrode and a second connection point connected to the second electrode, The first electrode is an electrode to which a first therapeutic wave is applied from a therapeutic wave generator through the first connection point. The second electrode is an electrode to which a second therapeutic wave is applied from the therapeutic wave generating device through the second connection point. The light-emitting element has a first terminal connected to the first connection point and a second terminal connected to the second connection point. An electrode for an electrotherapy device as described in claim 4.

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