Treatment device

Abstract

To provide a treatment device capable of arranging an electrode at a desired position on a front surface of a body without a deviation while being easily attachable / detachable to / from clothing of a user, improving efficiency in applying an electric stimulation, and obtaining the maximum effect related to a treatment.SOLUTION: A treatment device is mounted on clothing 60 by allowing a main body part 11 and a restriction piece 13, which are arranged in parallel, to relatively restrict the clothing 60. A stimulation related to a treatment is applied to skin of a user from an electrode part 12 arranged on one surface facing the skin in the main body part 11. Then, the device mounted on the clothing 60 is not easily moved with respect to a body, and an abutment state onto the skin is kept even when the user moves the body. Energization can be continuously performed from the electrode part 12, thereby to ease a menstrual pain by efficiently applying the stimulation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment device that applies stimulation related to a predetermined treatment to the inside of a user's body through the user's skin. Background Art

[0002] Electrotherapy devices, which allow a plurality of electrodes to be brought into contact with the surface of a user's body and electrically apply stimulation to internal parts of the body such as muscles through these electrodes, are available in various types ranging from simple single-function, low-output devices for home use to multi-functional, high-output devices for commercial use.

[0003] Among such electrotherapy devices, those that output an electrical signal having a waveform of a predetermined frequency into the body from electrodes in contact with the skin surface such as the abdomen and back, and aim to obtain the effect of alleviating dysmenorrhea in women through the action of the electrical stimulation, have attracted attention in recent years. Examples of such conventional electrotherapy devices include those disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4839457 and Japanese Patent No. 5497769. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent No. 4839457 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent No. 5497769 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional treatment devices have the configuration described in the above patent documents. When using such a device, a user generally performs an energization operation after placing an energization electrode connected to the device main body on the skin near the inside of the body to be treated, such as the abdomen, thereby enabling stimulation by energization to be applied to the inside of the body through the skin.

[0006] However, with these conventional treatment devices, when using pad-type electrodes that are attached to the body surface as electrodes for conducting electricity, there was a problem in that the user had difficulty moving and their activities were restricted in order to maintain the attachment to the skin surface.

[0007] On the other hand, in order to allow activity even with electrodes placed on the body surface, electrodes were sometimes supported by underwear-like or band-like attachments worn on the body to prevent them from falling off. In this case, since the electrodes were fixed to the inside of the attachment, the attachment had to be worn at all times during use, which could be cumbersome for the user. In addition, because the attachment was worn inside clothing, it was bulky, making it difficult to go out or perform other activities while wearing electrodes.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide a therapeutic device that can be easily attached to and detached from the user's clothing, while allowing electrodes to be positioned on the body surface in a desired location without shifting, thereby increasing the efficiency of electrical stimulation and maximizing the therapeutic effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The therapeutic device disclosed in the present invention is a therapeutic device capable of applying a predetermined electrical stimulus to the body via the user's skin, comprising: a main body having one surface facing the user's body and another surface located opposite to the surface; an electrode portion formed of at least a conductive material and disposed on one surface of the main body; and one or more restraint pieces attached to the main body, arranged in one or more parallel directions with respect to the other surface of the main body without overlapping with the other surface, wherein the main body and restraint pieces, with respect to clothing worn on a predetermined part of the user's body, interpose a part of the clothing between the main body and the restraint pieces in the parallel direction, with at least a part of the other surface of the main body in contact with the inner surface of the clothing, and a part of the restraint pieces in contact with the outer or inner surface of the clothing, thereby relatively restraining the clothing and maintaining a state of being held by the clothing.

[0010] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the main body and restraint piece are arranged in parallel and are attached to clothing by relatively restraining the clothing. By providing therapeutic stimulation to the skin from an electrode portion provided on one side of the main body that faces the user's skin, the device attached to the clothing is less likely to move relative to the body, the contact state with the skin can be maintained even when the user moves, and current can be continuously supplied from the electrode portion, efficiently providing stimulation to alleviate physical discomfort and pain, such as menstrual cramps. Furthermore, the electrode portion can be kept in contact with the skin and current can be supplied without the use of separate attachments, it is not bulky and is easy to use, can be used without imposing restrictions on movement, and the stimulation can be continuously applied without difficulty to obtain the maximum effect.

[0011] Furthermore, the treatment device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, have the restraining piece positioned on the outside of the garment with a portion of it in contact with the outer surface of the garment, and a portion of the garment located between the portion of the garment in contact with the restraining piece and the portion of the main body in contact with another surface of the garment, passing between the main body and the restraining piece in the parallel direction.

[0012] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the restraining piece is positioned on the outside of the clothing, and the main body and the restraining piece come into contact with the clothing both inside and outside the clothing. Based on the friction generated at each contact surface between the main body and the restraining piece and the clothing, a state is obtained in which the main body and the restraining piece do not move relative to the clothing. This makes it easy to ensure that the main body and the restraining piece are restrained to the clothing, allowing the device to be quickly attached and the application of electrical stimulation to the skin to be carried out appropriately.

[0013] Furthermore, the therapeutic device disclosed in the present invention may be attached to the main body such that, if necessary, a portion of the restraining piece that contacts the outer surface of the clothing is positioned proximal to one surface of the main body than the other surface.

[0014] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by attaching the restraining piece to the main body such that the contact surface of the main body that contacts the inner surface of the garment and the contact surface of the restraining piece that contacts the outer surface of the garment are separated from each other and form a step, the amount of deformation of the garment that is positioned in a bent state between the main body and the restraining piece is increased, and the resistance when the garment tries to move relative to the main body and the restraining piece is increased, thereby increasing the restraining force of the garment and ensuring that the main body and the restraining piece do not move, the position of the electrode part that is in contact with the skin is maintained and stimulation by electrical current is efficiently applied to the skin.

[0015] Furthermore, the treatment device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, be provided with an anti-slip feature on a portion of the restraining piece that contacts the outer surface of the clothing, which generates a predetermined frictional resistance against the clothing.

[0016] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by providing an anti-slip surface on the contact surface of the restraining piece that is in contact with the outer surface of the clothing, a large frictional resistance is applied when attempting to move the clothing relative to the main body and the restraining piece, thereby strengthening the restraint of the main body and the restraining piece by the clothing, a state in which the main body does not move more reliably relative to the clothing is obtained, the electrode part is held in an appropriate position, and the efficiency of applying stimulation to the skin by conducting electricity can be further improved.

[0017] Furthermore, the therapeutic device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, be positioned on the inside of the garment with the restraining piece in contact with at least a portion of the garment's inner surface, and the main body may be positioned on the inside of the garment with the other side facing the garment's inner surface, and the main body and restraining piece will relatively restrain the garment by sandwiching a portion of the garment between the main body and the restraining piece in the parallel direction.

[0018] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the restraining piece is positioned inside the clothing together with the main body, and a part of the clothing is clamped between the main body and the restraining piece which are arranged in parallel directions, thereby relatively restraining the clothing. By obtaining a state in which the main body and the restraining piece are restrained to the clothing, it is possible to easily ensure that the main body does not move easily relative to the clothing only inside the clothing, and an appropriate attachment state of the main body and the electrode part provided thereon to the body is obtained through the clothing, the electrode part does not easily shift relative to the body, and the application of stimulation to the skin by electrical current can be performed without problems. Furthermore, because both the main body and the restraining piece are located inside the clothing, the device is not conspicuous, and the user can act without worrying about wearing the device when going out, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, the treatment device disclosed in the present invention is attached to the main body such that, if necessary, the restraining piece can be adjusted in distance from a part of the main body closer to the main body in the parallel direction to the main body.

[0020] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a portion of the restraining piece that contacts the clothing is movable in a direction parallel to the main body, and by appropriately adjusting the distance between the main body that holds a portion of the clothing and the restraining piece, a state is obtained that makes it easy to interpose the clothing between the main body and the restraining piece. As a result, by inserting a portion of the clothing between the main body and the restraining piece from a state where a portion of the restraining piece is away from the main body, and bringing a portion of the restraining piece closer to the main body and making contact, it is possible to smoothly transition to a state where the main body and the restraining piece hold the clothing in a parallel direction, making it easy to perform the operation of relatively restraining the clothing with the main body and the restraining piece, and quickly obtaining a state where the main body is attached to the body via the clothing, and appropriately performing the application of stimulation to the skin by electrical current.

[0021] Furthermore, the treatment device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, be provided with an anti-slip feature on a portion of the restraining piece closer to the main body in the parallel direction, which generates a predetermined frictional resistance against the clothing.

[0022] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, an anti-slip member in contact with clothing is provided at a portion of the restraint piece closer to the main body in the parallel arrangement direction of the restraint pieces, such that a large frictional resistance is applied when the clothing is intended to move relatively between the main body and the restraint piece. This strengthens the relative restraint of the clothing, achieves a state in which the main body portion does not move more reliably relative to the clothing, holds the electrode portion at an appropriate position, and can further improve the efficiency of stimulation application through energization to the skin. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state where a restraint piece is tilted. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first modified example of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second modified example of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third modified example of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of a fourth modified example of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a fourth modified example of the treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]This is a front view of a fifth example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a plan view of a fifth example of a treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a front view of a sixth example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a side view of a sixth example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a plan view of a sixth example of a treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an eighth other example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ninth other example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tenth other example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an eleventh example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a twelfth example of a therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a plan view of a treatment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a plan view of the treatment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a state of restraint piece tilting. [Figure 27] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the restraint state of clothing in a therapeutic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] (First embodiment of the present invention) Hereinafter, a treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on Figures 1 to 8. In the figures above, the treatment device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 11 having one surface facing the user's body and another surface located on the opposite side of this surface; an electrode section 12 (stimulation section) made of a conductive material and disposed on one surface of the main body 11; a plurality of restraint pieces 13 attached to the main body 11 and arranged in a predetermined parallel direction relative to the other surface of the main body 11; a control unit 14 that controls the energization state to the electrode section 12, etc.; and an operation unit 15 that receives instructions from the user, such as switching the energization state.

[0025] The main body portion 11 has a substantially plate-shaped base portion 11a and a protrusion portion 11b that protrudes from the base portion 11a. The main body portion 11 is made of an insulating material such as resin and is formed in such a way that the protrusion portion 11b protrudes from the center of the surface of the base portion 11a.

[0026] Furthermore, the back surface of the main body 11, relative to the surface on which the convex portion 11b of the base portion 11a protrudes, is designated as the first surface 11c, which faces the user's body when in use. The electrode portion 12 is disposed on this first surface 11c of the main body 11.

[0027] Furthermore, the main body 11 has a surface (second surface 11d) at the tip of the protrusion 11b, which is located opposite the first surface 11c. The second surface 11d of the main body 11 is a curved surface with its central part concave in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the protrusion 11b. An operating section 15 is provided on this second surface 11d.

[0028] Furthermore, the other surface that is paired with one surface in the main body is the surface located at the end opposite to the first surface, that is, the surface that corresponds to the other end if the first surface is considered one end. In the main body 11, which has a shape in which a convex portion 11b protrudes from the center of a roughly plate-shaped base portion 11a, only the surface at the tip of the convex portion 11b (second surface 11d) is considered the other surface, and the surface of the base portion 11a that is not an end is not considered the other surface. In the main body 11, the side of the base portion 11a with the first surface 11c is considered the base end side, and the side of the convex portion 11b with the second surface 11d is considered the tip side.

[0029] Inside the main body 11 are electrical circuits such as the control unit 14 and a battery (not shown) which serves as a power source. The control unit 14 is electrically connected to the electrode section 12 on the first surface 11c side, and also to the operation section 15 on the second surface 11d side. In addition, a restraining piece 13 is attached to the outside of the protrusion 11b on the main body 11.

[0030] The main body 11 is positioned inside the clothing 60 worn around the user's abdomen, that is, between the inner surface of the clothing 60 and the body, such that a portion of the second surface 11d of the main body 11 comes into contact with the inner surface of the clothing 60.

[0031] The electrode portion 12 is formed in a sheet shape from a conductive material and has a contact surface that can come into contact with the user's skin. It is electrically connected to the control unit 14, which will be described later. The contact surface of the electrode portion 12 may be made of any conductive material that prioritizes adhesion to the body surface, such as an adhesive gel material, as used in the electrode pads of known low-frequency therapy devices.

[0032] The restraining piece 13 is arranged in a predetermined number of parallel directions with respect to the second surface 11d of the protrusion 11b of the main body 11, without overlapping with the second surface 11d, and is attached to the protrusion 11b of the main body 11.

[0033] With respect to the second surface 11d of the protrusion 11b, the restraining piece 13 is arranged in two parallel directions perpendicular to the direction in which the protrusion 11b of the main body 11 is projected, specifically in the vertical and horizontal directions of the second surface 11d. Each part of the restraining piece 13, which is aligned vertically and horizontally with respect to the second surface 11d of the main body 11, is connected and integrated with each other so as to surround the protrusion 11b, and the restraining piece 13 is an annular shape.

[0034] The restraining piece 13 is positioned near the protrusion 11b of the main body 11, leaving a gap between it and the protrusion 11b that allows the fabric of the garment 60 to pass through. The gap between the restraining piece 13 and the protrusion 11b of the main body 11 in each parallel direction is made larger than the thickness of the fabric so that when the fabric of the garment 60 is passed through, the restraining piece 13 and the protrusion 11b do not pinch or compress the fabric, and the fabric can pass through without difficulty.

[0035] The position of the restraining piece 13 relative to the main body 11 is such that one end 13a of the restraining piece 13, which is closer to the base end of the main body 11, is closer to the base end than the second surface 11d of the protrusion 11b, that is, closer to the first surface 11c of the base 11a. However, this one end 13a of the restraining piece 13 does not come into contact with the base 11a of the main body 11, and is also separated from the base 11a towards the tip of the main body 11.

[0036] Furthermore, the surface of the restraining piece 13 opposite to the end portion 13a (the surface closer to the tip of the main body 11) is formed to form part of the same curved surface as the portion of the second surface 11d of the main body 11, excluding the central part where the operating portion 15 is provided and which is a recessed curved surface. Forming the surface of the restraining piece 13 and the second surface 11d of the main body 11 to be located on substantially the same plane gives the impression of continuity between these surfaces, resulting in a harmonious appearance, which is preferable. For example, if the second surface of the main body is formed in a planar shape, the surface of the restraining piece will be formed to be located on the same plane as the second surface.

[0037] The restraining piece 13 is then attached to the protrusion 11b so as to be tiltable via an integrally formed tilting central axis 13b. The restraining piece 13 is tiltable from a normal state in which the entire end 13a of the protrusion 11b is closer to the first surface 11c than the second surface 11d, to a state in which a part of the end 13a reaches a position distal to the second surface 11d relative to the first surface 11c (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the restraining piece 13 is biased by a predetermined biasing means to return from the tilted state to the normal state, in order to maintain the normal state as much as possible.

[0038] The restraining piece 13 is positioned on the outside of the garment 60 with one end 13a, which is closer to the base end of the main body 11, in contact with the outer surface of the garment 60. The restraining piece 13 can also be configured to have a non-slip surface, such as a series of fine bumps or grooves, on one end 13a that contacts the outer surface of the clothing 60, thereby generating a predetermined frictional resistance against the clothing 60. As an anti-slip measure, a continuous series of wavy or tooth-shaped irregularities may be provided to increase the frequency of bending and curving of the clothing in contact with it, thereby increasing the contact area with the clothing per unit length, and also increasing the degree of deformation of the clothing.

[0039] Furthermore, a projection 13c is formed on a portion of the end 13a of the restraining piece 13 that is located away from the tilting center axis 13b and is significantly displaced from its normal state when the restraining piece 13 is tilted, projecting toward the base 11a. This projection 13c has the function of a stopper to prevent the portion of the restraining piece 13 from tilting too far beyond its normal position due to the biasing force of the biasing means when returning the restraining piece 13 from the tilted state to the normal state, thereby preventing it from getting too close to the base 11a of the main body 11.

[0040] The main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 are positioned relative to the garment 60, with a portion of the garment 60 interposed between the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 in the parallel direction, while a portion of the second surface 11d of the main body 11 abuts against the inner surface of the garment 60, and one end 13a of the restraining piece 13 abuts against the outer surface of the garment 60, thereby restraining the garment 60 relative to the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 so that it does not move. In other words, with the garment 60 as the reference point, the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 are attached to and restrained by the garment 60, and are held in place in the abdominal portion of the garment 60.

[0041] In detail, in this restrained state, the garment 60 comes into contact with one end 13a of the restraining piece 13 and the second surface 11d of the main body 11, respectively, which are positioned apart in the direction of the protrusion of the convex portion 11b. In addition, a portion of the garment 60 located between the portion in contact with the restraining piece 13 and the portion in contact with the main body 11 is passed between the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 in a parallel direction, causing the garment 60 to bend significantly, creating a step between the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13. Furthermore, the portion of the garment 60 that comes into contact with the second surface 11d of the main body 11 is relatively pressed from the outside of the garment by the end 13a of the restraining piece 13, so that the portion of the garment 60 located between the portion in contact with the restraining piece 13 and the portion in contact with the main body 11 is stretched and less prone to deformation.

[0042] Therefore, even if one attempts to move the garment 60 relative to the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13, the resistance to bending deformation of the garment 60 itself, and the frictional resistance between the garment 60 and the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 that are in contact with it, result in a state where it is difficult to move, i.e., a restrained state.

[0043] Furthermore, in the restrained state, the gap between the restraining piece 13 and the protrusion 11b of the main body 11 in each parallel direction is greater than the thickness of the fabric of the garment 60 that is restrained by the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13. Therefore, as mentioned above, the restraining piece 13 and the protrusion 11b do not pinch or compress the fabric of the garment 60 passing through this gap, but merely allow the fabric of the garment 60 to pass through and do not directly contribute to the relative restraint of the garment 60. In addition, although the protrusion 13c of the restraining piece 13 protrudes toward the base 11a side of the main body 11, a gap is created between the protrusion 13c and the base 11a even in the restrained state. The size of this gap between the protrusion 13c and the base 11a is greater than or equal to the gap between the restraining piece 13 and the protrusion 11b in each parallel direction, so that neither the protrusion 13c nor the base 11a contacts the fabric of the garment 60 in a way that pinches it.

[0044] The control unit 14 is built into the main unit 11 and, upon receiving input from the user to the operation unit 15, controls the current flow between the pair of electrode units 12, thereby adjusting the state of current flow to the skin. Specifically, when the electrode section 12 is energized, the control unit 14 receives an operation from the user on the operation unit 15 and adjusts the strength of the current flowing through the user's skin due to the energization.

[0045] The operation unit 15 is located on the second surface 11d of the main body 11 and has switches (power switch 15a and intensity switch 15b) for switching the power on and off and the strength of the current supply. It receives input from the user and causes the control unit 14 to execute control related to the treatment.

[0046] The operating unit 15 is configured such that the power switch 15a is positioned at the center, and the intensity switching switches 15b are arranged around it. The intensity switching switches 15b consist of strong and weak switches, with the strong (+) switch, which receives the operation to change the current supply strength to the strong side, positioned closer to the tilting center axis 13b of the restraint piece 13, and the weak (-) switch, which receives the operation to change the current supply strength to the weak side, positioned further away from the tilting center axis 13b of the restraint piece 13.

[0047] The strong (+) switch of the strength switching switch 15b is positioned closer to the tilting center axis 13b of the restraint piece 13. In the normal wearing state, where the upper end of the garment 60 covering the abdomen is positioned from below between the tilted restraint piece 13 and the protrusion 11b of the main body 11, the strong (+) strength switching switch 15b is positioned on the upper side. This makes it easier to intuitively operate the switch related to strength switching.

[0048] Furthermore, each switch in the operating unit 15 is not limited to switches that physically make contact by moving the switch mechanism through user operation. For example, it may also be a touch sensor type switch that detects when a part of the user's body touches the switch, recognizes it as a switch operation, and performs on / off control as a switch.

[0049] The second surface 11d of the main body 11, which has the operating section 15, is a curved surface in which the center of the surface is recessed closer to the base 11a relative to the outer edge. This reduces the contact pressure of the clothing 60 against the second surface 11d on the operating section 15, preventing the operating section 15 from being accidentally operated by being pressed by the contact pressure of the clothing 60.

[0050] The operating section 15 is located on the second surface 11d of the main body 11, and when in use, it overlaps with the clothing 60. Therefore, operations on the operating section 15 are performed through the fabric of the clothing 60. For this reason, it is desirable to form identification means, such as indentations, on each switch of the operating section 15 so that each switch can be identified even when touched through the clothing 60. In addition, if the operating section 15 emits light, when the fabric of the clothing 60 is thin, the light emitted from the operating section 15 will be visible through it, making it easier to identify each switch on the operating section 15 and improving operability, which is preferable.

[0051] Next, the body-worn state and operating state of the treatment device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, the user is assumed to be wearing clothing 60 capable of holding the treatment device 1, positioned at least on the abdomen. Furthermore, the built-in power supply (battery) of the treatment device 1 is assumed to have sufficient capacity, and once an instruction to start the operation related to treatment is input from the control unit 15, the device is assumed to be able to continue operating without difficulty until the end of a predetermined period.

[0052] First, to attach the treatment device 1 to the body, the restraint piece 13, which is in its normal state, is tilted relative to the main body 11, creating an open space between the restraint piece 13 and the protrusion 11b of the main body 11 (see Figure 4). Once the space between the restraint piece 13 and the protrusion 11b is opened, the main body 11 and the restraint piece 13 are moved while maintaining this open state, so that the upper end of the clothing 60 covering the abdomen is positioned between the opened restraint piece 13 and the protrusion 11b. As this movement occurs, the main body 11 is inserted between the user's body and the clothing 60, with the first surface 11c of its base 11a facing the skin of the abdomen.

[0053] When the upper end of the garment 60 moves relative to the open restraining piece 13 and the protrusion 11b and reaches the vicinity of the tilting center axis 13b of the restraining piece 13, the movement of the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 is stopped, the restraining piece 13 which was tilted relative to the main body 11 is returned to its original normal state, and the space between the restraining piece 13 and the protrusion 11b is closed.

[0054] In the normal state of the restraining piece 13, the inner surface of the garment 60 is in contact with the second surface 11d of the protrusion 11b, and the outer surface of the garment 60 is in contact with one end 13a of the restraining piece 13. The intermediate portion of the garment 60 between the part in contact with the second surface 11d of the protrusion 11b and the part in contact with one end 13a of the restraining piece 13 passes between the protrusion 11b and the restraining piece 13. In this way, the garment 60, the main body 11, and the restraining piece 13 are engaged, and the garment 60 is restrained relative to the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 and does not move. In other words, the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 are restrained by the garment 60 and are held in place from above the garment 60 without moving.

[0055] Accordingly, the main body 11 is positioned between the user's body and the clothing 60, so that the electrode portion 12 on the first surface 11c is in contact with the skin on the surface of the abdomen. Furthermore, regarding the position in which the electrode portion 12 is brought into contact with the user's abdominal skin, it is desirable to set it so that the electrode portion 12 contacts a predetermined area of ​​skin, for example, the skin surface below the navel, where the user's so-called dermatome corresponds to the location where pain occurs (uterus).

[0056] Next, we will explain the operation of the treatment device related to the application of electrical stimulation. When the electrode section 12 is in contact with the skin, and the user operates the power switch 15a on the control unit 15 to turn the power ON, the control unit 14 initiates an energizing state by flowing a low-frequency (frequency of approximately 1 kHz or less) current, which is a periodic waveform such as a sine wave or square wave, or a periodic pulse, between the pair of electrode sections 12.

[0057] In this energized state, when the user operates the intensity switching switch 15b on the control unit 15, the control unit 14 adjusts the output level (magnitude) of the current during energization to increase or decrease the intensity of the electrical stimulation during energization.

[0058] When the device is electrically powered, it can reduce or eliminate pain originating from the uterus (menstrual cramps, also known as period pain or ovulation pain) by applying electrical stimulation to the body through the action of low-frequency currents that flow through the skin. Furthermore, when applying electricity, it is preferable to change the frequency of the low-frequency current at predetermined intervals to prevent habituation to the electrical stimulation.

[0059] The electrical stimulation is interrupted when the electrode unit 12 is removed from the skin by releasing the restraint from the clothing 60 by the main unit 11 and the restraint piece 13, or when the control unit 14 reduces or stops the power output after a predetermined time has elapsed for which an automatic stop has been set to prevent excessive stimulation.

[0060] When the application of electricity to the skin is finished, the user can operate the power switch 15a on the control unit 15 to switch the power to the OFF state, which will stop the current flow between the electrode units 12 and end the application of electrical stimulation by the current. In addition, as a so-called OFF timer function, the control unit may automatically stop the current flow after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of current application, thereby ending the application of stimulation. Furthermore, the control unit 14 may record and retain the power output level when the power is turned off, so that the same power output level can be used the next time power is applied to the inside of the body through the skin.

[0061] As described above, the treatment device according to this embodiment is attached to clothing 60 by the parallel arrangement of the main body 11 and restraint piece 13, which relatively restrain the clothing 60. An electrode 12 is provided on one side of the main body 11 that faces the user's skin, and the skin is stimulated to provide therapeutic stimulation. As a result, the device attached to the clothing 60 does not move easily relative to the body, and even if the user moves their body, the electrode 12 can maintain contact with the skin, allowing for continuous current flow from the electrode 12 and efficient stimulation to alleviate menstrual pain. Furthermore, the electrode 12 can maintain contact with the skin and allow for current flow without the use of separate attachments, making it compact, easy to use, and allowing for use without imposing restrictions on movement, while enabling continuous stimulation without difficulty to obtain the maximum effect.

[0062] In the therapeutic device according to the above embodiment, the main body 11 and restraint piece 13 are held by clothing 60 located at least partially on the abdomen, thereby bringing the electrode 12 into contact with the user's abdominal skin and enabling the application of electrical stimulation. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and other parts of the body, such as the shoulders, back, waist, or legs, may also be used as targets for the application of stimulation by contacting the electrode. The main body and restraint piece may be held by clothing located on or near these areas to perform the stimulation.

[0063] Furthermore, in the therapeutic device according to the above embodiment, an electrode unit 12 is arranged on the first surface 11c (one surface) of the main body 11, and current is supplied using the electrode unit 12 which is electrically connected to the control unit 14 inside the main body 11. However, in addition, it is also possible to electrically connect the electrical circuit inside the main body to an electrode unit arranged on a part of the main body, or to an electrode unit separated from the main body, via a cable provided outside the main body. In particular, if the electrode unit is separated from the main body, if the cable for electrical connection is of sufficient length, it becomes unnecessary to hold the main body near the target position for stimulation, and the main body can be placed in a less bulky and inconspicuous location, thereby improving usability, which is preferable.

[0064] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, a gap is provided between the main body 11 and the restraint portion 13 in the parallel direction in which the restraint piece 13 is aligned with the second surface 11d of the main body 11, and in the direction in which the protrusion 11b protrudes. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to configure the device so that there is no gap between the main body and the restraint portion in the parallel direction and / or the direction in which the protrusion protrudes. In this case, the configuration in which there is no gap between the main body and the restraint portion corresponds to the normal state (the state in which the restraint piece is not tilted) in which the entire end of one end of the restraint piece is positioned as close as possible to the first surface of the main body. Compared to this normal state, in the restraint state in which the main body and the restraint piece restrain the clothing relatively, the interposition of the clothing fabric having a predetermined thickness between the main body and the restraint portion, which are in a positional relationship without a gap, increases the amount of displacement of the restraint piece in the direction in which the protrusion protrudes, and the main body and the restraint portion are shifted to the extent that they do not overlap in the parallel direction. The clothing is then held and restrained by being sandwiched between the side edge (corner) of one end of the restraining piece and the side edge (corner) of the second surface of the main body.

[0065] Furthermore, when the garment is restrained in this manner, and the main body and restraining piece are positioned so that the garment is sandwiched between the side end of one end of the restraining piece and the side end of the second surface of the main body, the positional relationship of the restraining piece with respect to the main body in the direction of the protrusion can be adjusted so that even in the normal state where the restraining piece is not tilted, the main body and restraining piece are positioned offset and not overlapping in the parallel direction, thereby reducing the amount by which the restraining piece moves relative to the main body for the relative restraint of the garment.

[0066] In addition, as an arrangement where there is no gap between the main body 11 and the restraining part 13 in the direction in which the protrusion 11b is projecting, specifically, when the entire end 13a of the restraining piece 13 is in the position closest to the first surface 11c of the main body 11 (when the restraining piece 13 is not tilted), the end 13a of the restraining piece 13 and the base 11a of the main body 11 may be in contact.

[0067] Furthermore, in the therapeutic device according to the above embodiment, the main body 11 is configured such that its base 11a is formed in a horizontally elongated shape so that two electrode portions 12 can be placed side by side on the first surface 11c. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and as shown in Figure 9, the base of the main body can also be made in a vertically elongated shape. In addition, not only the base but also the convex portion can be made in a horizontally elongated or vertically elongated shape (see Figure 10). In other words, the base and convex portion of the main body can each be formed in any shape.

[0068] In addition, although the base 11a of the main body 11 is roughly rectangular and the second surface 11d of the convex portion 11b is roughly square, other shapes are also acceptable. For example, the second surface of the convex portion may be replaced with a roughly circular shape, or both the base and the second surface of the convex portion may be formed as roughly square, roughly circular, or roughly oval (see Figure 10). Furthermore, the restraining piece may also be of any shape, as long as it can be arranged in a parallel direction to the second surface (other surface) of the main body.

[0069] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the main body 11 is formed of a base 11a and a protrusion 11b, and the second surface 11d, which is another surface of the main body 11, is made smaller than the first surface 11c, which is one surface. The restraining piece 13, which is in parallel with the second surface 11d, is arranged to overlap with the base 11a in the direction in which the protrusion 11b is projected. However, the main body is not limited to this configuration, and the main body can be made into other shapes. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the main body can be made into a roughly plate-like shape in which the opposite side of one of the plate surfaces is also a plate surface, so that the other surface is approximately the same size as the first surface. The restraining piece is attached to this main body in a parallel state, and the restraining piece does not overlap with the front surface of the main body. In this case as well, the shape of the main body and the restraining piece can be formed into any shape.

[0070] Furthermore, in the therapeutic device according to the above embodiment, the operating section 15 is provided on the second surface 11d, which is another surface of the main body 11 and is located at the tip of the protrusion 11b and is positioned in front when the device is worn on the body. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and the operating section can also be provided on a part of the main body other than the other surface. In particular, regardless of the shape of the main body, providing the operating section on the upper part of the main body that does not overlap with clothing (see Figure 11) is preferable because it makes it easier for the user to operate the operating section while visually checking it, making it less likely to cause incorrect operation. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide part of the operating section on the restraint piece, or to provide the entire operating section on the restraint piece instead of the main body. In addition, instead of providing part or all of the operating section on the device side, the user may operate it from a remote control terminal, and the control unit may receive information transmitted from the remote control terminal in response to the user's operation, and based on this received information, control related to the supply of power may be performed.

[0071] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the second surface 11d, which is another surface of the main body 11, is formed as a concave curved surface that is recessed in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the convex portion 11b, on the side with the base portion 11a. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and if the operating part provided on the other surface of the main body is structured so that it does not become operational under the contact pressure of clothing, or if the operating part is provided at a location other than the other surface of the main body, the other surface of the main body may be made flat or formed as a convex curved surface. In addition, regarding the surface of the restraining piece 13, which is positioned further back from the second surface 11d of the main body 11 towards the base portion 11a when the clothing 60 is restrained, the surface of this restraining piece may be configured to protrude forward from the main body (in the direction in which the convex portion of the main body protrudes). In this case, even if the operating part is provided on the second surface (other surface) of the main body, the restraining piece that protrudes forward from this operating part makes it difficult for external objects to come into contact with the operating part. This prevents situations where an object accidentally comes into contact with the control unit, causing it to activate unintentionally or altering its operating state.

[0072] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the restraint piece 13 is configured to be tiltably attached to the protrusion 11b of the main body 11, but it is not limited to this. As long as the restraint piece can be moved relative to the main body from a normal state in which the entire end of the restraint piece that contacts the outer surface of the clothing is closer to the first surface (one surface) than the second surface (other surface) of the main body, to a state in which at least a part of the end reaches a position distal to the second surface (other surface) relative to the first surface (one surface), other attachment structures may be adopted, such as attaching the restraint piece to the main body so that it can slide. If it is made slidable, in addition to simply moving the restraint piece in the direction of the protrusion of the protrusion on the main body, it may also be moved in an oblique direction inclined from the direction of the protrusion of the protrusion.

[0073] When employing other mounting structures, it is desirable to provide a predetermined biasing means for biasing the restraining piece so that at least a portion of the restraining piece returns to its normal state from a state where it has reached a position distal to the second surface (other surface) relative to the first surface (one surface) of the main body, as in the above embodiment, so that the restraining piece can maintain its normal state as much as possible and maintain the restraint of the clothing.

[0074] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the restraining pieces arranged in parallel with respect to the main body 11 are connected to each other, and the shape of the integrated restraining piece 13 is such that it is an annular body surrounding the protrusion 11b of the main body 11. However, the device is not limited to this, and it is also possible to arrange multiple restraining pieces in parallel with respect to the main body in each parallel direction without connecting them to each other.

[0075] Furthermore, instead of arranging the restraining pieces 13 in multiple parallel directions (for example, vertically and horizontally) relative to the main body 11, the restraining pieces may be arranged in only one parallel direction, for example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, in which case the restraining pieces 13 are arranged only on both sides of the main body 11 in the horizontal direction.

[0076] Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to having multiple restraining pieces 13 placed alongside the main body 11. For example, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the restraining piece 13 may be placed in the center of the main body 11, or a configuration in which only one restraining piece is placed alongside the main body.

[0077] As described above, when the restraining pieces 13 are arranged in only one parallel direction relative to the main body 11, the garment 60 is moved relative to the device in a direction perpendicular to the parallel direction (for example, the vertical direction) (see Figures 12 and 14), so that the main body 11 comes into contact with the inner surface of the garment and the restraining pieces 13 come into contact with the outer surface of the garment, thereby restraining the garment 60 with the main body 11 and the restraining pieces 13 (see Figures 13 and 15). In this case, in addition to making the surface of the restraining piece that comes into contact with the outer surface of the garment a flat surface, it can also be a wave-like, continuous uneven surface in a direction perpendicular to the parallel direction.

[0078] When an uneven surface is used, the degree of restraint can be adjusted by changing the shape of the uneven surface, for example, by increasing the protrusion height of the protrusions toward the outer surface of the garment relative to the main body (the protrusion height in the direction of protrusion). Furthermore, by reducing the arrangement pitch of the protrusions toward the outer surface of the garment, the degree of freedom in setting the restraint position of the garment restrained between the main body and the restraint piece in a direction perpendicular to the parallel direction (for example, the vertical direction) can be increased.

[0079] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the restraining pieces 13 arranged in a predetermined parallel direction (for example, the lateral direction) relative to the main body 11 are configured to overlap with the main body 11 when viewed from the parallel direction (lateral direction). However, the configuration is not limited to this, and as shown in Figures 16 to 18, the restraining pieces can be configured so that they do not overlap with the main body even when viewed from the parallel direction. In this case, the degree of bending of the clothing is reduced, such as by reducing the difference in height between the part of the clothing that contacts the second surface (other surface) of the main body and the part that contacts one end of the restraining piece. As a result, the clothing becomes easier to move relative to the main body and the restraining piece. Therefore, in order to ensure a restraining force that relatively restrains the clothing, it is preferable to provide the second surface (other surface) of the main body and / or one end of the restraining piece with shapes such as bumps and grooves that provide resistance to the relative movement of the clothing.

[0080] In the examples shown in Figures 12, 14, and 16, the main body 11 and restraint piece 13 are in the shape of a roughly rectangular plate, but these are merely examples, and in any case, the shape of the main body and restraint piece can be formed into any shape.

[0081] Furthermore, in the therapeutic device according to the above embodiment, the electrode section 12 is used to apply electricity to the skin as a means of applying stimulation for treatment, thereby applying electrical stimulation to the body through the skin. However, the device is not limited to this, and other means of applying stimulation may include providing a heating mechanism in the main body and transmitting the generated heat to the skin through the electrode section (stimulation application section) to apply thermal stimulation to the skin in lieu of or simultaneously with applying electricity to the skin; using the electrode section to apply high-frequency current such as radio waves to the skin, generating heat through the current to warm the skin and providing thermal stimulation; or providing an ultrasonic generation mechanism using a piezoelectric element or the like in the main body and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to the electrode section (stimulation application section) to apply ultrasonic vibration stimulation to the skin in lieu of or simultaneously with applying electricity to the skin.

[0082] Such stimulation mechanisms, such as heating mechanisms, high-frequency current supply mechanisms for applying thermal stimulation, and ultrasonic generation mechanisms, can be provided individually by replacing any one of them with the low-frequency current supply mechanism in the above embodiment, or multiple stimulation mechanisms can be provided together, including the low-frequency current supply mechanism. In the case of stimulation mechanisms other than electrical stimulation, the electrode section becomes a stimulation section corresponding to the various stimuli that can be applied.

[0083] In particular, when multiple stimulation mechanisms are installed, it is desirable to provide a switching function to the control unit or remote control terminal, such as a switch for switching between operating modes, which allows switching between the operation of multiple types of stimulation mechanisms. In response to user operation on such a switch, the control unit should perform control to bring one or more stimulation mechanisms to a predetermined stimulation state corresponding to each operating mode selected by the control unit.

[0084] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the corners of the main body 11 and the restraint piece 13 that come into contact with the clothing 60 are made with a rounded cross-sectional shape to allow for smooth contact with the clothing 60. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and as shown in Figures 19 to 21, the corners 11e and 13e of the main body 11 and the restraint piece 13 can also be formed with a non-rounded cross-sectional shape or an acute-angled cross-sectional shape. Also, as shown in Figure 22, protrusions can be provided on the corners 11e and 13e of the main body 11 and the restraint piece 13. These configurations make it easier to achieve a state where the corners 11e and 13e bite into the clothing 60, making it even more difficult for the clothing 60 to shift relative to the main body 11 and the restraint piece 13. In this configuration, the corner portions 11e and 13e of the main body portion 11 and the restraining piece 13 are formed with an acute-angled cross-sectional shape (see Figures 19 and 20). This allows the gap between the main body portion 11 and the restraining piece 13 to be widened at locations other than the corner portions, so that even if the clothing 60 is made of a thick fabric, the clothing 60 can be passed between the main body portion 11 and the restraining piece 13 without any problems.

[0085] Furthermore, the projection provided on the corner portion 13e of the restraining piece 13 may also serve the same function as the projection 13c formed to protrude toward the base portion 11a in the restraining piece 13 in the above embodiment.

[0086] In addition, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13 can be arranged in a way that reduces or eliminates their overlap in the parallel direction when the garment 60 is restrained, thereby increasing the distance between the two corner portions 11e and 13e. This increases the contact pressure of the garment 60 in contact with each corner portion 11e and 13e, promoting the corner portions 11e and 13e to bite into the garment 60. Furthermore, the portion of the garment 60 located between the restraining piece 13 and the main body 11 is subjected to a stronger stretch due to the increased distance between the corner portions, making it even more difficult for the garment 60 to move relative to the main body 11 and the restraining piece 13.

[0087] In addition, in the therapeutic device according to the above embodiment, the main body 11 containing the electrode portion 12 is configured to be larger (wider) than the restraint piece 13. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and the main body can also be configured to be smaller (narrower) than the restraint piece. For example, in the configurations shown in Figures 11, 12, 14, and 16, the roles can be swapped so that the main body 11 is the restraint piece and the restraint piece 13 is the main body, and the electrode portion can be provided on the main body (which is the same size as the restraint piece 13 before the swap), and the device can be held in place by clothing so that it faces the surface of the body.

[0088] (Second embodiment of the present invention) A therapeutic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on Figures 25 to 27. In the figures above, the treatment device 2 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 21, an electrode 22, a restraining piece 23, a control unit (not shown), and an operating unit 25, similar to the first embodiment. However, it differs in that the restraining piece 23 is also located on the inner surface side of the clothing 60 together with the main body 21, and has a configuration that restrains the clothing 60 relatively from the inner surface. The control unit is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0089] Furthermore, although the arrangement and shape of the operation unit 25 differ from those of the first embodiment, it has switches that perform the same roles as in the first embodiment, and the function of receiving user input operations and causing the control unit to execute treatment-related controls is the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0090] The main body portion 21 is formed in a roughly plate shape and has one surface facing the user's body and another surface located on the opposite side of this surface. The main body portion 21 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and one plate surface (front surface) is designated as the first surface 21c, while the other plate surface (back surface) is designated as the second surface 21d. In the roughly plate-shaped main body portion, the opposite end of the plate surface that forms one surface has only a similar plate surface (the other plate surface), and this becomes the other surface, so that the other surface and the first surface are approximately the same size.

[0091] Then, an electrode section 22 is provided on the first surface 21c of the main body 21, and an operating section 25 is provided on a predetermined surface other than the first surface 21c and the second surface 21d (for example, the surface that becomes the top surface when the main body 21 is held by the clothing 60). In the main body portion 21, the thickness direction is defined as the front-to-back direction, with the side having the first surface 21c being the rear end and the side having the second surface 21d being the front end.

[0092] Similar to the first embodiment, electrical circuits such as a control unit and a battery (not shown) as a power source are arranged inside the main body 21. The control unit is electrically connected to the electrode section 22 on the first surface 21c side, and is also electrically connected to the operation section 25. In addition, restraining pieces 23 are attached to both ends of the main body 21 in a predetermined direction.

[0093] The main body portion 21 is positioned on the inside of the clothing 60, that is, between the inner surface of the clothing 60 and the body, similar to the first embodiment, with its second surface 21d facing the inner surface of the clothing 60 worn around the user's abdomen and a part of it in contact with it.

[0094] Similar to the first embodiment, the electrode portion 22 is formed in a sheet shape from a conductive material and has a contact surface that can come into contact with the user's skin, and is disposed on the first surface 21c of the main body portion 21.

[0095] The restraining piece 23 is arranged in a predetermined parallel direction with respect to the second surface 21d of the main body 21, without overlapping with the second surface 21d, and is attached to the main body 21. In detail, the restraining pieces 23 are arranged in a parallel direction which is a predetermined direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the main body 21, and are tiltably attached to both ends of the main body 21 so as to sandwich the main body 21.

[0096] Each restraining piece 23 is formed as a substantially rod-shaped body and is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the parallel direction of the main body 21. The restraining piece 23 is tiltably attached to the rear end portion (the portion closer to the first surface 21c) of the end of the main body 21 in the parallel direction, while a gap is provided between it and the front end portion (the portion closer to the second surface 21d) of the end of the main body 21, allowing a portion of the fabric of the clothing 60 to fit inside.

[0097] The restraining piece 23 is made tiltable relative to the main body 21, thereby allowing adjustment of the distance (gap size) between the restraining piece 23 and the front end portion of the main body 21. In detail, the portion of the restraining piece 23 closest to the second surface 21d of the main body 21 is tiltable from a normal state where it is close to the end of the main body 21 in the parallel direction, to a state where it is moved away from the end of the main body 21, thereby increasing the gap between it and the end.

[0098] Furthermore, the restraining piece 23 is biased by a predetermined biasing means to return from a tilted state that increases the gap between it and the main body 21 back to the normal state, and the mechanism is designed to maintain the normal state as much as possible.

[0099] The restraining piece 23 is positioned so that, with the second surface 21d of the main body 21 facing the inner surface of the garment 60, the restraining piece 23 is positioned laterally to the main body 21, and a portion of it abuts against the inner surface of the garment 60, and is positioned inside the garment 60 in the same way as the main body 21.

[0100] In the normal state, with the gap between the restraining piece 23 and the main body 21 minimized, the surface (front surface 23a) of the restraining piece 23 that is adjacent to the second surface 21d of the main body 21 and faces the inner surface of the garment 60 is positioned so that it is on the same plane as the second surface 21d. In this normal state, the portion of the restraining piece 23 facing the end of the main body portion 21 (contact portion 23b) is responsible for contacting the inner surface of the garment 60.

[0101] The restraining piece 23 can also be configured to have a non-slip surface, such as a rough surface or continuous fine irregularities, on the contact portion 23b, which generates a predetermined frictional resistance against the clothing 60. As an anti-slip feature, it is not limited to rough surfaces, but may also include wavy or tooth-shaped irregularities that increase the frequency of bending and curving of the clothing in contact with it, thereby increasing the contact area with the clothing per unit length and increasing the degree of deformation of the clothing. This increases the resistance when attempting to move the clothing relative to the main body and the restraining piece, thereby strengthening the restraint of the clothing. Furthermore, such anti-slip features may be provided not only at the contact portion of the restraining piece but also at the end of the main body opposite it.

[0102] The main body 21 and the restraining piece 23 are arranged by first tilting the restraining piece 23, then sandwiching a portion of the garment 60 between the end of the main body 21 in a parallel direction and the contact portion 23b of the restraining piece 23, and then returning the restraining piece 23 to its normal position, thereby interposing and sandwiching a portion of the garment 60 between the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23, thereby relatively restraining the garment 60 so that it does not move relative to the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23. In other words, with the garment 60 as the reference point, the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23 are attached to and restrained by the garment 60, and are held in place by the garment 60.

[0103] In addition, a portion of the contact portion 23b of the restraining piece 23 facing the end of the main body portion 21, closer to the front surface 23a, can be made to protrude convexly towards the main body portion 21, while a portion of the end of the main body portion 21 closer to the second surface 21d can be notched or recessed to create a recess. In the normal state, where the gap between the restraining piece 23 and the main body portion 21 is minimized, the convex protrusion portion of the restraining piece 23 can be made to fit into the recess on the main body portion 21 side. By making the shapes of each part of the main body portion 21 and the restraining piece 23 that clamp a portion of the clothing 60 more complex, the degree of bending of the portion of the clothing 60 that is clamped between the main body portion 21 and the restraining piece 23 can be increased, increasing the resistance when trying to move the clothing 60 and making the restraint by the main body portion 21 and the restraining piece 23 more secure.

[0104] Next, the state in which the treatment device according to this embodiment is worn on the body will be described. As a premise, as in the first embodiment, the user is assumed to be wearing clothing 60 that can hold the treatment device 2, positioned at least on the abdomen. Furthermore, the built-in power supply (battery) of the treatment device 2 is assumed to have sufficient capacity, and once an instruction to start the operation related to treatment is input from the operation unit 25, the device is assumed to be able to continue operating without difficulty until the end of a predetermined period.

[0105] First, in terms of attaching the treatment device 2 to the body, the main body 21 and the restraint piece 23 are positioned so that the restraint piece 23 is oriented laterally to the main body 21, and the first surface 21c of the main body 21 faces the skin of the abdomen, and are positioned between the clothing 60 covering the abdomen and the body.

[0106] Next, the restraining pieces 23, which are in their normal state at both ends of the main body 21 in the parallel direction, are tilted relative to the main body 21 to create an open state with a larger gap between the ends of the main body 21 and the restraining pieces 23 (see Figure 20). While maintaining this open state, the garment 60 is positioned so that two parts of it are between the main body 21 and the respective restraining pieces 23.

[0107] Specifically, at a predetermined location on the garment 60 facing the gap between the main body 21 and one of the restraining pieces 23, a portion of the garment 60 is bent and inserted into the gap between the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23. Once a portion of the garment 60 is in the gap, the restraining piece 23, which was tilted relative to the main body 21, is returned to its original normal position to reduce the gap between the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23, and the portion of the garment 60 is held between the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23. Similarly, at other predetermined locations on the garment 60 facing the gap between the main body 21 and the other restraining piece 23, a portion of the garment 60 is inserted into the gap between the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23, and then the restraining piece 23 is returned to its original normal position so that the portion of the garment 60 is held between the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23.

[0108] In the normal state of each restraint piece 23, two points on the garment 60 are interposed between the main body 21 and each restraint piece 23, and the garment 60 is held in place by them. The inner surface of the garment 60 is in contact with the end of the main body 21 in the parallel direction and the second surface 21d, and is also in contact with the contact portion 23b of the restraint piece 23 and the front surface 23a.

[0109] In this way, the garment 60, the main body 21, and the restraining piece 23 become intertwined, causing the garment 60 to be restrained relative to the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23 and unable to move. In other words, the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23 are restrained by the garment 60 and held in place relative to the garment 60 without moving. As a result, the electrode portion 22 on the first surface 21c of the main body portion 21 comes into contact with the skin on the surface of the abdomen and does not shift.

[0110] The operation of the treatment device, when properly attached to the user's body, in relation to the application of electrical stimulation is the same as in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be explained.

[0111] As described above, in this embodiment of the treatment device, the restraint piece 23 is positioned inside the clothing 60 together with the main body 21, and a part of the clothing 60 is clamped between the main body 21 and the restraint piece 23 which are arranged in parallel directions, thereby relatively restraining the clothing 60 and obtaining a state in which the main body 21 is restrained relative to the clothing 60. As a result, a state in which the main body 21 is not easily moved relative to the clothing 60 can be easily ensured only inside the clothing 60, and an appropriate attachment state of the main body 21 and the electrode 22 provided thereon to the body is obtained via the clothing 60, the electrode 22 does not shift relative to the body, and stimulation by electrical current is appropriately applied to the skin. Furthermore, because both the main body 21 and the restraint piece 23 are located inside the clothing 60, the device is not conspicuous, and the user can act without worrying about using the device when going out, etc.

[0112] In the therapeutic device according to the above embodiment, the shape of the main body 21 is not specifically defined, but any shape (shape as viewed from the front and back) is acceptable as long as it is roughly plate-shaped and can be positioned between the body and clothing 60 without being bulky. Similarly, the restraint piece is not limited to a roughly rod-shaped body, but can be any shape as long as it can hold a part of the clothing between the main body and the restraint piece.

[0113] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the two restraint pieces 23 are arranged in a single parallel direction relative to the main body 21 and are tiltably attached to both ends of the main body 21 so as to sandwich the main body 21. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to attach a single restraint piece to the main body so as to be arranged in a predetermined parallel direction relative to the main body, or to attach three or more restraint pieces to the main body so as to be arranged in two or more parallel directions relative to the main body. For example, if the main body is formed in the shape of a polygonal plate, it is also possible to attach multiple restraint pieces to the main body so as to be arranged in multiple parallel directions perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the main body and perpendicular to each end edge of the main body, with the restraint pieces facing each end edge of the main body.

[0114] More specifically, if the main body is formed in the shape of a square (rectangle or square) plate, the restraining pieces can be arranged in two parallel directions: one parallel direction perpendicular to two predetermined parallel edges, and another parallel direction perpendicular to two other parallel edges. The restraining pieces are attached to the main body in each parallel direction so as to sandwich it, resulting in a total of four restraining pieces, one for each of the four edges of the main body. Alternatively, if the main body is formed in the shape of a pentagonal plate, five restraining pieces can be attached to the main body so as to be arranged in five parallel directions perpendicular to each of the five edges, resulting in a configuration where the restraining pieces are arranged for each of the five edges of the main body.

[0115] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the end of the main body 21 in the parallel direction that clamps a part of the clothing 60 together with the restraint piece 23 is formed such that the contact surface with the clothing 60 is perpendicular to the second surface 21d of the main body 21, as shown in Figures 25 to 27. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and it is also acceptable to configure it so that the surface is inclined at an angle to the second surface (other surface) of the main body. In this case, it goes without saying that the restraint piece is also shaped and arranged in such a way that it can clamp a part of the clothing between itself and the inclined end of the main body. By making the contact surface with the clothing at the end of the main body an inclined surface, the contact area with the clothing in the clamped state can be increased, thereby strengthening the restraint.

[0116] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the restraining piece 23 is configured to be tiltably attached to the rear end portion of the end of the main body 21 in order to adjust the distance between the restraining piece 23 and the end of the main body 21 in the parallel direction, that is, the size of the gap between the main body 21 and the restraining piece 23 in which a part of the clothing 60 can fit. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and the restraining piece can also be configured to be slidable in the parallel direction with respect to the main body, from a normal state where it is close to the end of the main body in the parallel direction, to a state where it is moved away from the end of the main body, thereby increasing the gap between it and the end. In this case, it is desirable that a predetermined biasing means be provided to bias the restraining piece in the direction of returning it from the state where the gap is increased to the normal state.

[0117] Furthermore, in the treatment device according to the above embodiment, the contact portion 23b of the restraint piece 23 is shaped to be continuous in the longitudinal direction of the restraint piece 23, creating a uniform gap between it and the end of the main body portion 21. However, the device is not limited to this configuration. A portion of the contact portion of the restraint piece that is located at the top when held by clothing can be made to protrude convexly towards the end of the main body portion in the parallel direction, covering the end of the main body portion from above, thereby preventing the gap between the main body portion and the restraint piece from opening upward due to this protruding portion of the contact portion.

[0118] In this case, the portion of the clothing that is inserted into the gap between the main body and the restraining piece and is held and relatively restrained by the main body and the restraining piece cannot be positioned above the protruding part of the contact portion of the restraining piece, thus relatively restricting the position of the upper end of the clothing relative to the main body. As a result, it becomes easier to position the main body and the restraining piece relative to the top of the clothing, and even if the main body and the restraining piece that hold and relatively restrain the clothing are subjected to a downward force, they are less likely to shift downward relative to the clothing, and the position of the electrode portion relative to the body can be reliably maintained.

[0119] The therapeutic devices disclosed in the first and second embodiments described above are expected to contribute to achieving some of the 17 goals of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as "3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages" and "12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 1, 2 Treatment equipment 11, 21 Main body 11a base 11b Convex part 11c, 21c front page 11d, 21d second side 11e, 13e corners 12, 22 Electrode part 13, 23 restraint piece 13a One end 13b Tilt center axis 13c protrusion 23a front 23b Contact part 14 Control Unit 15, 25 Operation section 15a Power Switch 15b Intensity switching switch 60 clothing items

Claims

1. In a therapeutic device capable of applying predetermined electrical stimulation to the body via the user's skin, A main body having one side facing the user's body and another side located opposite to the said side, An electrode portion formed of at least a conductive material and disposed on one surface of the main body portion, The main body comprises one or more restraining pieces attached to the main body, arranged in one or more parallel directions with respect to the other surfaces of the main body without overlapping with the other surfaces, With respect to clothing worn on a predetermined part of the user's body, the main body and the restraining piece are positioned such that a portion of the clothing is interposed between the main body and the restraining piece in the parallel direction, at least a portion of the other surface of the main body is in contact with the inner surface of the clothing, and the outer surface of the clothing in contact is exposed outward, while a portion of the restraining piece is in contact with the outer or inner surface of the clothing, thereby relatively restraining the clothing and keeping it in place. A distinctive treatment device.

2. In the therapeutic device described in claim 1, The restraining piece is positioned on the outside of the garment, with a portion of it in contact with the outer surface of the garment. In the garment, a portion located between the portion that contacts a part of the restraining piece and the portion that contacts another surface of the main body is passed between the main body and the restraining piece in the parallel direction. A distinctive treatment device.

3. In the therapeutic device described in claim 2, The restraining piece is attached to the main body such that a portion of it that contacts the outer surface of the garment is positioned proximal to one surface of the main body than the other surface. A distinctive treatment device.

4. In the therapeutic device described in claim 2, The restraining piece is provided with an anti-slip feature on a portion of the garment that contacts the outer surface of the garment, which generates a predetermined frictional resistance against the garment. A distinctive treatment device.

5. In the therapeutic device described in claim 1, The restraining piece is positioned on the inside of the garment, with at least a portion of it in contact with the inner surface of the garment. The main body is positioned on the inside of the garment with the other side facing the inner surface of the garment. The main body and the restraining piece sandwich a portion of the garment between the main body and the restraining piece in the parallel direction, thereby relatively restraining the garment. A distinctive treatment device.

6. In the therapeutic device described in claim 5, The restraining piece is attached to the main body in such a way that the distance between a part of it closer to the main body in the parallel direction and the main body can be adjusted. A distinctive treatment device.

7. In the therapeutic device described in claim 5, The restraining piece is provided with an anti-slip feature on a portion of the main body in the parallel direction that generates a predetermined frictional resistance against the clothing. A distinctive treatment device.

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