Electrotherapy device

Abstract

An electrotherapy device (100A) comprises: an electrode part (20) having an adhesive portion; a non-adhesive portion provided so as to be capable of contacting a body surface (81); and an operation part (50) for switching from a state in which the adhesive portion is not in contact with the body surface (81) to a state in which the adhesive portion is in contact with the body surface. The adhesive portion contacts the body surface (81) through operation of the operation part (50) under a contact state in which the non-adhesive portion is in contact with the body surface in such a manner that the adhesive portion does not contact the body surface.

Description

Electrical therapy equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrotherapy devices.

[0002] As a conventional electrotherapy device such as a low-frequency therapy device, JP 2017-047065 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration including a pad portion that is attached to the surface of the user's body to pass a low-frequency pulse current through the user, and a main body portion that supplies the low-frequency pulse current to the pad portion.

[0003] JP 2017-047065 A

[0004] The pads (electrodes) that conduct electricity in electrotherapy devices must be fixed to the user's body surface, and therefore have adhesive parts such as hydrogel or adhesive sheets. When such adhesive parts are provided, it is not possible to position the pads by shifting their positions. For this reason, it is often difficult to properly attach the pads to the desired affected areas, such as the lower body or back, which are difficult to reach or see.

[0005] Furthermore, in a structure where the main body and the pad with the adhesive part are integrated, it is necessary to simultaneously position and attach the pad while holding the main body, which increases the frequency with which the adhesive part sticks to unintended places, resulting in frequent peeling and re-attaching.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an electric treatment device that allows the adhesive portion of the electrode unit to be accurately attached to the desired treatment area with a simple operation.

[0007] The electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure includes an electrode unit having an adhesive portion, a non-adhesive portion provided so as to be able to contact a body surface, and an operating unit that switches the adhesive portion from a state in which it is not in contact with the body surface to a state in which it is in contact with the body surface. In a state in which the non-adhesive portion is in contact with the body surface so as not to contact the adhesive portion, the operating unit is operated to bring the adhesive portion into contact with the body surface.

[0008] The electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure may further include a movably provided holding unit for holding the electrode unit. By operating the operating unit, the holding unit may be moved, so that the adhesive unit abuts against the body surface.

[0009] In the electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure, the non-adhesive portion may movably support the holding portion.

[0010] In the electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure, the operating unit may be connected to the holding unit, and in this case, pressing the operating unit may move the holding unit and bring the adhesive portion into contact with the body surface.

[0011] In the electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure, the holding unit may have a first surface facing the body surface in the contact state and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface. The electrode unit may be provided on the first surface. The operating unit may be provided on the second surface.

[0012] In the electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure, the non-adhesive portion may rotatably support the holding portion. The holding portion includes one end and the other end. An electrode portion may be provided on the one end of the holding portion, and the operating portion may be provided on the other end of the holding portion. In a contact state in which the non-adhesive portion is in contact with the body surface so that the adhesive portion does not contact the body surface, the one end of the holding portion may be farther from the body surface than the other end of the holding portion. In this case, the adhesive portion may be in contact with the body surface by rotating the holding portion from the contact state so that the one end of the holding portion approaches the body surface.

[0013] The electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure may include a drive unit that moves the holding unit and a control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit. An operation signal may be input to the control unit by operating the operation unit. The control unit may control the operation of the drive unit based on the operation signal, thereby moving the holding unit so that the adhesive portion approaches the body surface.

[0014] The electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure may include an operation terminal provided with the operation unit, and the operation terminal may have a transmission unit that transmits an operation signal to the control unit.

[0015] In the electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure, the holding portion may be elastically deformable. The electrotherapy device may further include a locking mechanism that releasably maintains the holding portion in an elastically deformed state so that an elastic force is generated. The operating portion may be releasable. In this case, the operating portion may release the locking mechanism, causing the holding portion to move due to a restoring force based on the elastic force, thereby causing the adhesive portion to abut against the body surface.

[0016] The electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure may include an intervening member interposed between the adhesive portion and the body surface in the contact state, and a recovery unit provided to be able to recover the intervening member. In this case, the adhesive portion may contact the body surface by operating the operating unit to recover the intervening member in the recovery unit.

[0017] In the electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure, the non-adhesive portion may be a main body portion that supplies current to the electrode portion.

[0018] In the electrotherapy device according to the present disclosure, the operation unit may be provided so as to be operable as a power switch for the main body unit.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrotherapy device that allows the adhesive portion of the electrode portion to be accurately attached to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric treatment device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the electric treatment device according to embodiment 1 is positioned on the body surface of a user. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 1 attached to the body surface of a user. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electric treatment device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how the electric treatment device according to embodiment 2 is positioned on the body surface of a user. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 2 attached to the body surface of a user. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electric treatment device according to embodiment 3. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how the electric treatment device according to embodiment 3 is positioned on the body surface of a user. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 3 attached to the body surface of a user. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electric treatment device according to embodiment 4. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how the electric treatment device according to embodiment 4 is positioned on the body surface of a user. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 4 attached to the body surface of a user. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an electric treatment device according to embodiment 5. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing how the electric treatment device according to embodiment 5 is positioned on the body surface of a user. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 5 attached to the body surface of a user. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an electric treatment device according to embodiment 6. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how an electric treatment device according to embodiment 6 is positioned on the body surface of a user. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 6 are attached to the body surface of a user. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an electric treatment device according to embodiment 7. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how an electric treatment device according to embodiment 7 is positioned on the body surface of a user. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 7 are attached to the body surface of a user. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an electric treatment device according to embodiment 8. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how an electric treatment device according to embodiment 8 is positioned on the body surface of a user. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 8 are attached to the body surface of a user.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0022] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 1. An electrotherapy device 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 .

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrotherapy device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a main body 10 , an electrode section 20 , a holding section 30 , a non-adhesive section 40 , and an operation section 50 .

[0024] The electrotherapy device 100 is a low-frequency therapy device that relieves pain in a user 80 (see FIG. 2) by supplying a low-frequency pulse current to an electrode unit 20 that is in contact with the body surface (see FIG. 2) of the user 80. The frequency of the low-frequency pulse current is, for example, 1 Hz or more and 1200 Hz or less.

[0025] The main body 10 has a generally box-like shape. The main body 10 supplies current to the electrode 20. Specifically, the main body 10 includes a circuit section (not shown) and a housing case 11. The housing case 11 houses the circuit section therein. The circuit section controls the current and voltage flowing through the electrode 20 (first electrode 21 and second electrode 22) via an electrical path.

[0026] The electrode unit 20 has a first electrode unit 21 and a second electrode unit 22. The first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22 are electrodes for passing a current through the user, and are provided so as to be attachable to the body surface 81. By supplying a current to the first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22 while the first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22 are in contact with the body surface of the user, a current can be passed through the user.

[0027] The first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22 may be, for example, a gel pad or a laminate of an adhesive layer and an electrode unit. When the first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22 are gel pads, the gel pad functions as the adhesive unit. When the first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22 include an adhesive layer and an electrode unit, the adhesive layer functions as the adhesive unit.

[0028] The holding portion 30 holds the electrode portion 20. The holding portion 30 includes a first holding portion 31 and a second holding portion 32. The holding portion 30 is provided to allow movement of the non-adhesive portion 40 and deformation of the operating portion 50, as will be described later.

[0029] The non-adhesive portion 40 is arranged so as to overlap the main body portion 10. The non-adhesive portion 40 is arranged between the first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22. The non-adhesive portion 40 is provided so as to protrude toward the body surface 81 beyond the electrode portion 20 when the electrotherapy device 100 is arranged at a distance from the body surface 81 so that the electrode portion 20 faces the body surface 81. The non-adhesive portion 40 is provided so as to contact the body surface 81 while the adhesive portion of the electrode portion 20 is not in contact with the body surface 81. The non-adhesive portion 40 is made of, for example, a resin member.

[0030] The operation unit 50 switches from a non-contact state in which the adhesive portion is not in contact with the body surface 81 to a contact state in which the adhesive portion is in contact with the body surface 81. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 50 is formed of, for example, a thin metal plate. The operation unit 50 is provided so that, for example, the connection portion connected to the non-adhesive portion 40 can be deformed between a state in which it is moved away from the main body unit 10 and a state in which it is moved closer to the main body unit 10.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing how the electric treatment device according to embodiment 1 is positioned on the body surface of a user. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the state in which the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 1 are attached to the body surface of a user. The operation of attaching the electric treatment device 100 to the body surface 81 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3 .

[0032] 2, when positioning the electrotherapy device 100 on the body surface 81 of a user 80, the non-adhesive portion 40 is brought into contact with the desired position on the body surface 81. As described above, the non-adhesive portion 40 protrudes further toward the body surface 81 than the electrode portion 20, and therefore, when the non-adhesive portion 40 is in contact with the body surface 81, the adhesive portion of the electrode portion 20 does not adhere to the body surface 81. Therefore, by moving the non-adhesive portion 40 to the desired position while keeping it in contact with the body surface, it becomes easier to position the electrotherapy device 100 in an appropriate position.

[0033] Next, with the non-adhesive portion 40 in contact with the desired position on the body surface 81, the operating unit 50 is operated to bring the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 into contact with the body surface 81, as shown in FIG. 3 . Specifically, the operating unit 50 is operated by pressing the non-adhesive portion 40 into the body surface 81 via the main body unit 10. The operating unit 50 is configured so that the connection portion connected to the non-adhesive portion 40 can deform between a state in which it is farther from the main body unit 10 and a state in which it is closer to the main body unit 10. Therefore, when the connection portion of the operating unit 50 deforms to approach the main body unit 10, the non-adhesive portion 40 moves closer to the main body unit 10. As a result, the non-adhesive portion 40 is positioned farther from the body surface 81 than the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20, and the adhesive portion comes into contact with the body surface 81. As a result, the electrode unit 20 is attached to the desired treatment site on the body surface 81.

[0034] As described above, in the electrotherapy device 100 according to the first embodiment, the adhesive portion of the electrode section 20 can be accurately attached to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0035] (Embodiment 2) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 2. For convenience, Fig. 4 omits the second electrode section 22 of the electrode section 20 and the second holding section 32 of the holding section 30. The second electrode section 22 and the second holding section 32 have substantially the same configuration as the first electrode section 21 and the first holding section 31, and behave substantially similarly to the first electrode section 21 and the first holding section 31, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, when compared with the electric treatment device 100 of embodiment 1, the electric treatment device 100A of embodiment 2 differs mainly in that the holding unit 30 is movably arranged and in the configuration of the operating unit 50, and therefore the application operation of the electric treatment device 100A is also different.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, the holding unit 30 is provided so as to be movable in the direction DR1. The DR1 direction is the direction in which the electrotherapy device 100A moves toward or away from the body surface 81 when facing the body surface 81. The holding unit 30 is held by the main body 10 so as to be slidable in the DR1 direction, for example. The holding unit 30 is provided so as not to interfere with the circuitry.

[0038] In this embodiment, the main body 10 has a bottom surface 10a and a top surface 10b, and functions as the non-adhesive portion 40. The bottom surface 10a faces the body surface 81 when the electrotherapy device 100A is placed facing the body surface 81. The top surface 10b faces the opposite side from the side on which the body surface 81 is located when the electrotherapy device 100A is placed facing the body surface 81.

[0039] The operation unit 50 is provided on the holding unit 30. The operation unit 50 is configured with a switch 55 such as a button. The switch 55 is provided so as to move integrally with the holding unit 30.

[0040] The holding portion 30 is provided in a plate shape. The holding portion 30 has a first surface 31a and a second surface 31b. The first surface 31a faces the body surface 81 in a contact state in which the bottom surface 10a serving as the non-adhesive portion 40 is in contact with the body surface 81. The second surface 31b is located on the opposite side of the first surface 31a in the contact state. That is, the second surface 31b faces the side opposite the side on which the body surface 81 is located in the contact state.

[0041] The first surface 31a is provided with an electrode portion 20. The second surface 31b is provided with a switch 55.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing how the electric treatment device according to embodiment 2 is positioned on the body surface of a user. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the state in which the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 2 are attached to the body surface of a user. The operation of attaching electric treatment device 100A to body surface 81 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.

[0043] 5, when positioning the electrotherapy device 100 on a body surface 81 of a user 80, the bottom surface 10a of the main body 10 is abutted at a desired position on the body surface 81. The bottom surface 10a is provided so as to protrude further toward the body surface 81 than the electrode section 20 when the electrotherapy device 100 is positioned away from the body surface 81 so that the electrode section 20 faces the body surface 81.

[0044] When the bottom surface 10a is in contact with the body surface 81, the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 does not adhere to the body surface 81. Therefore, by moving the non-adhesive portion 40 to the desired position while keeping it in contact with the body surface, it becomes easier to position the electrotherapy device 100 in an appropriate position.

[0045] 6 , in the second embodiment, by operating the switch 55 serving as the operation unit 50, the holding unit 30 moves, and the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 comes into contact with the body surface 81. Specifically, by pressing the switch 55 closer to the body surface 81 while the bottom surface 10 a is in contact with the desired position on the body surface 81, the holding unit 30 moves closer to the body surface 81. This causes the adhesive portion to come into contact with the body surface 81. As a result, the electrode unit 20 is attached to the desired treatment site on the body surface 81.

[0046] As described above, in the electrotherapy device 100A according to the second embodiment, the adhesive portion of the electrode section 20 can be attached accurately to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0047] (Embodiment 3) Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 3. For convenience, Fig. 7 omits the second electrode section 22 of the electrode section 20 and the second holding section 32 of the holding section 30. The second electrode section 22 and the second holding section 32 have substantially the same configuration as the first electrode section 21 and the first holding section 31, and behave substantially similarly to the first electrode section 21 and the first holding section 31, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the electric treatment device 100B of embodiment 3 differs from the electric treatment device 100A of embodiment 2 mainly in that the holding portion 30 is fixed to the main body portion 10 and the operating portion 50 is movably arranged.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 7, the switch 55 serving as the operation unit 50 is provided on the bottom surface 10a of the main body 10 and is provided so as to be movable in the DR1 direction. The switch 55 is held by the main body 10 so as to be slidable in the DR1 direction. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the switch 55 also functions as a non-adhesive portion. The holding unit 30 is fixed to the main body 10 so as to be immovable. The electrode unit 20 is provided on a first surface 31a of the holding unit 30.

[0050] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing how an electric treatment device according to embodiment 3 is positioned on the body surface of a user. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 3 are attached to the body surface of a user. The operation of attaching electric treatment device 100B to body surface 81 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9 .

[0051] 8, when positioning the electrotherapy device 100B on a body surface 81 of a user 80, the switch 55 is placed in contact with a desired position on the body surface 81. The switch 55 is provided so as to protrude further toward the body surface 81 than the electrode section 20 when the electrotherapy device 100 is positioned away from the body surface 81 so that the electrode section 20 faces the body surface 81.

[0052] When the switch 55 is in contact with the body surface 81, the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 does not adhere to the body surface 81. Therefore, by moving the switch 55 to the desired position while it is in contact with the body surface, it becomes easier to position the electrotherapy device 100 in an appropriate position.

[0053] 9 , in the third embodiment, pressing a switch 55 as the operation unit 50 changes the position of the main body unit 10, causing the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 to come into contact with the body surface 81. Specifically, with the switch 55 in contact with a desired position on the body surface 81, the switch 55 is pushed toward the body surface 81. This causes the main body unit 10 to move relative to the switch 55 so as to approach the body surface 81. The holding unit 30 moves integrally with the main body unit 10 as the main body unit 10 moves, and the adhesive portion comes into contact with the body surface 81. As a result, the electrode unit 20 is attached to the desired treatment site on the body surface 81.

[0054] In this way, even in the electrotherapy device 100B according to the third embodiment, the adhesive portion of the electrode section 20 can be attached accurately to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0055] (Embodiment 4) Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 4. For convenience, the second electrode section 22 of the electrode section 20 and the second holding section 32 of the holding section 30 are omitted from the illustration in Figure 10. The second electrode section 22 and the second holding section 32 have substantially the same configuration as the first electrode section 21 and the first holding section 31, and behave substantially similarly to the first electrode section 21 and the first holding section 31, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10, the electric treatment device 100C of embodiment 4 differs from the electric treatment device 100 of embodiment 1 mainly in the configuration of the operating unit 50 and the fact that the holding unit 30 is rotatably arranged.

[0057] In this embodiment, the main body 10 rotatably supports the holding portion 30 and also functions as a non-adhesive portion. The first holding portion 31 has one end 31c and the other end 31d. The first holding portion 31 has a rotation center between the one end 31c and the other end 31d. The one end 31c is located on the opposite side to the side on which the second holding portion 32 is located, and the other end 31d is located on the side on which the second holding portion 32 is located.

[0058] An electrode unit 20 (first electrode unit 21) is provided on one end 31c, and a lever 56 serving as an operation unit 50 is provided on the other end 31d. The first holding unit 31 is supported by the main body 10 so that the one end 31c can rotate toward or away from the body surface 81.

[0059] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing how an electric treatment device according to embodiment 4 is positioned on the body surface of a user. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode portions of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 4 are attached to the body surface of a user. The operation of attaching electric treatment device 100C to body surface 81 will be described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12 .

[0060] 11 , when positioning the electrotherapy device 100C on a body surface 81 of a user 80, the main body 10 (more specifically, the bottom surface 10a) is abutted at a desired position on the body surface 81. When the main body 10 is in abutment with the body surface 81, the lever 56 is positioned away from the body surface 81. Furthermore, one end 31c of the holding unit 30 (first holding unit 31) is positioned farther from the body surface 81 than the lever 56. Therefore, the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 does not adhere to the body surface 81, and by moving the main body 10 to a desired position while in contact with the body surface 81, it becomes easier to position the electrotherapy device 100 appropriately.

[0061] 12 , from the above-mentioned contact state, the lever 56 is moved away from the body surface 81, and the holding part 30 is rotated so that one end 31 c of the first holding part 31 approaches the body surface 81, whereby the adhesive part of the electrode part 20 contacts the body surface 81. As a result, the electrode part 20 is attached to the desired treatment site on the body surface 81.

[0062] In this way, even in the electrotherapy device 100C according to the fourth embodiment, the adhesive portion of the electrode section 20 can be attached accurately to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0063] (Embodiment 5) Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 5. Note that, for convenience, Fig. 13 illustrates the control unit 90 outside the main body unit 10, but the control unit 90 is provided inside the main body unit 10. Also, for convenience, Fig. 13 omits the second electrode unit 22 of the electrode unit 20 and the second holding unit 32 of the holding unit 30. The second electrode unit 22 and the second holding unit 32 have substantially the same configuration as the first electrode unit 21 and the first holding unit 31, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] As shown in Figure 13, when compared with the electric treatment device 100 of embodiment 1, the electric treatment device 100D of embodiment 5 differs mainly in that it is equipped with a drive unit 60 and a control unit 90, and in the configuration of the operation unit 50, and therefore the application operation of the electric treatment device 100D is also different.

[0065] In this embodiment, the main body 10 functions as the non-adhesive portion. A drive unit 60 and a control unit 90 are arranged within the main body 10. The drive unit 60 moves the holding unit 30 while holding the holding unit 30. The drive unit 60 includes, for example, a power generation source such as a motor and a power conversion unit that converts the power of the power generation source into a moving force for the holding unit 30. The control unit 90 is provided in the circuit unit described above. The control unit 90 controls the operation of the drive unit 60.

[0066] A switch 57 serving as the operation unit 50 is provided on the top surface 10b side of the main body 10. The switch 57 is used to operate the drive unit 60. Specifically, when the switch 57 is pressed, an operation signal is input to the control unit 90, and the control unit 90 controls the operation of the drive unit 60 based on the input operation signal.

[0067] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing how an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 5 is positioned on the body surface of a user. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the state in which the electrode portions of the electrotherapy device according to embodiment 5 are attached to the body surface of a user. As described above, in Figs. 14-15, for convenience, the control unit 90 is illustrated outside the main body 10, but the control unit 90 is actually provided inside the main body 10. The operation of attaching the electrotherapy device 100D to the body surface 81 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15.

[0068] 14 , when positioning the electrotherapy device 100D on a body surface 81 of a user 80, the bottom surface 10a of the main body 10 is abutted at a desired position on the body surface 81. The bottom surface 10a is provided so as to protrude further toward the body surface 81 than the electrode section 20 when the electrotherapy device 100 is positioned away from the body surface 81 so that the electrode section 20 faces the body surface 81.

[0069] In the state where the bottom surface 10a is in contact with the body surface 81, the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 does not adhere to the body surface 81. Therefore, by moving the main body unit 10 to the desired position while keeping it in contact with the body surface, it becomes easier to position the electric treatment device 100D in an appropriate position.

[0070] 15 , in the above-mentioned contact state, switch 57 is pressed. This inputs an operation signal to control unit 90, which then controls the operation of drive unit 60 based on the operation signal. This causes holding unit 30, which holds electrode unit 20, to move toward body surface 81. The adhesive portion of electrode unit 20 then contacts body surface 81. As a result, electrode unit 20 is attached to the desired treatment site on body surface 81.

[0071] As described above, in the electrotherapy device 100D according to the fifth embodiment, the adhesive portion of the electrode section 20 can be attached accurately to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0072] (Embodiment 6) Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 6. Note that, for convenience, in Figure 16, the control unit 90 is illustrated outside the main body unit 10, but the control unit 90 is provided inside the main body unit 10. Also, for convenience, in Figure 16, the second electrode unit 22 of the electrode unit 20 and the second holding unit 32 of the holding unit 30 are omitted from the illustration. The second electrode unit 22 and the second holding unit 32 have substantially the same configuration as the first electrode unit 21 and the first holding unit 31, and therefore description thereof will also be omitted.

[0073] As shown in Figure 16, the electric treatment device 100E of embodiment 6 differs from the electric treatment device 100 of embodiment 1 mainly in that it is equipped with a control unit 90, an intervening member 71 and a recovery unit 70, and in the configuration of the operating unit 50.

[0074] In this embodiment, the main body 10 also functions as a non-adhesive portion. The intervening member 71 is provided so as to cover the adhesive portion of the electrode portion 20. The intervening member 71 is a member that is interposed between the adhesive portion and the body surface 81 when the main body 10 (more specifically, the bottom surface 10a) is in contact with the body surface so that the adhesive portion does not come into contact with the body surface 81. The intervening member 71 is formed, for example, from a sheet member.

[0075] The recovery unit 70 is provided so as to be able to recover the intervening member 71. The recovery unit 70 is formed, for example, by a winding roller, and is able to wind up the intervening member 71. The recovery unit 70 is disposed inside the main body unit 10. The operation of the recovery unit 70 is controlled by the control unit 90. The control unit 90 is provided inside the main body unit 10. More specifically, the control unit 90 is provided in the circuit unit described above.

[0076] The operation unit 50 is provided with a switch 57 for driving the collection unit 70. Pressing the switch 57 activates the collection unit 70. Specifically, when the switch 57 is pressed, an operation signal is input to the control unit 90, and the control unit 90 controls the operation of the collection unit 70 based on the operation signal. The switch 57 is provided on the top surface 10b of the main body 10.

[0077] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing how an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 6 is positioned on the body surface of a user. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the state in which the electrode sections of the electrotherapy device according to embodiment 6 have been attached to the body surface of a user. As described above, in Figs. 17-18, for convenience, the control section 90 is illustrated outside the main body section 10, but the control section 90 is actually provided inside the main body section 10. The operation of attaching the electrotherapy device 100E to the body surface 81 will be described with reference to Figs. 17 and 18.

[0078] 17 , when positioning the electrotherapy device 100E on a body surface 81 of a user 80, the bottom surface 10a of the main body 10 is abutted against a desired position on the body surface 81. The bottom surface 10a is positioned approximately parallel to the adhesive portion of the electrode portion 20, and as described above, the intervening member 71 is interposed between the adhesive portion and the body surface 81.

[0079] 18 , in the sixth embodiment, the operation unit 50 is operated to cause the recovery unit 70 to recover the intervening member 71. Specifically, an operation signal is input from the operation unit 50 to the control unit 90, and the control unit 90 drives the recovery unit 70 based on the operation signal. As a result, the recovery unit 70 recovers the intervening member 71, and the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 comes into contact with the body surface 81. As a result, the electrode unit 20 is attached to the desired treatment site on the body surface 81.

[0080] As described above, in the electrotherapy device 100E according to the fifth embodiment, the adhesive portion of the electrode section 20 can be attached accurately to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0081] Although the fifth embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the operation of collection unit 70 is controlled by control unit 90, the present invention is not limited to this. Collection unit 70 may be configured with a reel unit that is rotatably provided by an elastically biasing member such as a power spring, and pressing switch 57 may rotate the reel unit by the biasing force of the elastically biasing member, thereby winding up intervening member 71.

[0082] (Embodiment 7) Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 7. For convenience, Fig. 19 omits the second electrode section 22 of the electrode section 20 and the second holding section 32 of the holding section 30. The second electrode section 22 and the second holding section 32 have substantially the same configuration as the first electrode section 21 and the first holding section 31, and therefore description thereof will also be omitted.

[0083] As shown in Figure 19, when compared with the electric treatment device 100 of embodiment 1, the electric treatment device 100F of embodiment 7 differs mainly in that it is equipped with a locking mechanism 75, the configuration of the operating unit 50, and the configuration of the holding unit 30, and therefore the attachment operation of the electric treatment device 100F is also different.

[0084] In this embodiment, the main body 10 functions as a non-adhesive portion. The holding portion 30 is provided to be elastically deformable. Before the electrode portion 20 is attached to the body surface 81, the holding portion 30 is deformed so as to exhibit elastic force. Specifically, the holding portion 30 is bent into a U-shape from its flat state before deformation.

[0085] More specifically, when the electrotherapy device 100F faces the body surface 81, the one end 31c on which the electrode unit 20 is provided is bent in a U-shape so as to be located farther from the body surface 81 than the other end 31d. That is, the holding unit 30 (more specifically, the first holding unit 31) is bent so that the portion of the first surface 31a located on the other end 31d side faces the body surface 81, and the portion of the first surface 31a located on the one end 31c side faces the opposite side to the side on which the body surface 81 is located.

[0086] The locking mechanism 75 releasably maintains the state in which the holding portion 30 is elastically deformed so that an elastic force is generated. The locking mechanism 75 includes, for example, an engaging portion provided at the one end 31 c and an engaged portion provided at the main body portion 10. The engaging portion and the engaged portion are releasably engaged with each other.

[0087] The main body 10 is provided with a switch 58 as the operation unit 50, and pressing the switch 58 can release the locked state of the locking mechanism 75. In other words, the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be released.

[0088] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing how an electric treatment device according to embodiment 7 is positioned on the body surface of a user. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode sections of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 7 are attached to the body surface of a user. The operation of attaching electric treatment device 100E to body surface 81 will be described with reference to Figs. 20 and 21 .

[0089] 20 , when positioning the electrotherapy device 100F on a body surface 81 of a user 80, the bottom surface 10a of the main body unit 10 is abutted against the desired position on the body surface 81. The holding unit 30 and the electrode unit 20 are positioned away from the body surface 81 because the holding unit 30 is bent. In the abutment state where the bottom surface 10a is in abutment against the body surface 81, the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 is not adhered to the body surface 81. Therefore, by moving the main body unit 10 to the desired position while it is in contact with the body surface 81, it becomes easier to position the electrotherapy device 100 in an appropriate position.

[0090] As shown in Figure 21, in the above-mentioned contact state, the switch 58 is pressed. This releases the locked state of the locking mechanism 75, and the holding unit 30 moves due to a restoring force based on its elastic force. Specifically, the restoring force causes the holding unit 30 to deform to its original flat state. The adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 then contacts the body surface 81. As a result, the electrode unit 20 is attached to the desired treatment site on the body surface 81.

[0091] As described above, in the electrotherapy device 100F according to the seventh embodiment, the adhesive portion of the electrode section 20 can be attached accurately to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0092] (Embodiment 8) Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram of an electrotherapy device according to embodiment 8. An electrotherapy device 100G according to embodiment 8 will be described with reference to Fig. 22 .

[0093] As shown in Figure 22, electrotherapy device 100G according to embodiment 8 differs from electrotherapy device 100D according to embodiment 5 mainly in that it includes an operation terminal 95 provided with operation input unit 59 as operation unit 50. The other configurations are substantially the same.

[0094] In the eighth embodiment, an operation input unit 59 serving as an operation unit is provided in an operation terminal 95. The operation terminal 95 is provided independently from the main body 10. The operation terminal 95 is located away from the main body 10. For example, a user can hold and move the operation terminal 95. The operation terminal 95 is, for example, a remote control or the like.

[0095] The operation terminal 95 has a transmission unit 96 that transmits an operation signal to the control unit 90. When the operation input unit 59 is operated, the transmission unit 96 transmits the operation signal to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 controls the operation of the drive unit 60 based on the input operation signal.

[0096] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing how an electric treatment device according to embodiment 8 is positioned on the body surface of a user. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode sections of the electric treatment device according to embodiment 8 are attached to the body surface of a user. The operation of attaching electric treatment device 100G to body surface 81 will be described with reference to Figs. 23 and 25.

[0097] 23 , when positioning the electrotherapy device 100G on a body surface 81 of a user 80, the bottom surface 10a of the main body 10 is abutted at a desired position on the body surface 81. The bottom surface 10a is provided so as to protrude further toward the body surface 81 than the electrode section 20 when the electrotherapy device 100 is positioned away from the body surface 81 so that the electrode section 20 faces the body surface 81.

[0098] In the state where the bottom surface 10a is in contact with the body surface 81, the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 does not adhere to the body surface 81. Therefore, by moving the main body unit 10 to the desired position while keeping it in contact with the body surface, it becomes easier to position the electric treatment device 100G in an appropriate position.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 24 , the operation input unit 59 is operated. The operation input unit 59 may be a switch or a touch panel. By operating the operation input unit 59, an operation signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 96 to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 controls the operation of the drive unit 60 based on the input operation signal. This causes the holding unit 30 that holds the electrode unit 20 to move toward the body surface 81. Then, the adhesive portion of the electrode unit 20 comes into contact with the body surface 81. As a result, the electrode unit 20 is attached to the desired treatment site on the body surface 81.

[0100] As described above, in the electrotherapy device 100G according to the eighth embodiment, the adhesive portion of the electrode section 20 can be attached accurately to the desired treatment site with a simple operation.

[0101] In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the electrode unit 20 includes two electrodes, the first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22, which are fixed to one main body unit 10 by the holder 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Two units, each having one electrode unit 20 attached to one main body unit 10 by the holder, may be used, and the adhesive portion of each of the two units may be configured to come into contact with the body surface by operating the operating portion.

[0102] In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the operation unit 50 may be provided so as to be operable as a power switch for the main body unit 10 .

[0103] [Additional Notes] As described above, the present embodiment includes the following disclosures.

[0104] [Configuration 1] An electric treatment device comprising: an electrode section having an adhesive section; a non-adhesive section arranged so as to be able to come into contact with a body surface; and an operating section which switches the state in which the adhesive section is not in contact with the body surface from a state in which the adhesive section is in contact with the body surface; wherein, in a contact state in which the non-adhesive section is in contact with the body surface so that the adhesive section does not come into contact with the body surface, the operating section is operated to cause the adhesive section to come into contact with the body surface.

[0105] [Configuration 2] The electrotherapy device according to Configuration 1, further comprising a movably provided holding section that holds the electrode section, wherein the holding section is moved by operating the operating section, and the adhesive section comes into contact with the body surface.

[0106] [Configuration 3] The electrotherapy device according to Configuration 2, wherein the non-adhesive portion movably supports the holding portion.

[0107] [Configuration 4] The electric treatment device according to Configuration 2, wherein the operating section is connected to the holding section, and pressing the operating section moves the holding section and causes the adhesive section to come into contact with the body surface.

[0108] [Configuration 5] The electric treatment device of Configuration 4, wherein the holding portion has a first surface that faces the body surface in the abutting state and a second surface located on the opposite side to the first surface, the electrode portion is provided on the first surface, and the operating portion is provided on the second surface.

[0109] [Configuration 6] The electric treatment device of Configuration 2, wherein the non-adhesive portion rotatably supports the holding portion, the holding portion includes one end and the other end, a rotation center of the holding portion is provided between the one end and the other end, an electrode portion is provided on the one end side of the holding portion, and the operating portion is provided on the other end side of the holding portion, and in a contact state where the non-adhesive portion is in contact with the body surface so that the adhesive portion does not come into contact with the body surface, the one end side of the holding portion is farther from the body surface than the other end side of the holding portion, and the adhesive portion comes into contact with the body surface by rotating the holding portion from the contact state so that the one end side of the holding portion approaches the body surface.

[0110] [Configuration 7] An electric treatment device as described in Configuration 2, comprising: a drive unit that moves the holding unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit, wherein when the operation unit is operated, an operation signal is input to the control unit, and the control unit controls the operation of the drive unit based on the operation signal, thereby moving the holding unit so that the adhesive portion approaches the body surface.

[0111] [Configuration 8] The electrotherapy device according to Configuration 7, further comprising an operation terminal provided with the operation unit, wherein the operation terminal has a transmission unit that transmits an operation signal to the control unit.

[0112] [Configuration 9] The electric treatment device of Configuration 2, wherein the holding portion is elastically deformable and further comprises a locking mechanism that releasably maintains the holding portion in an elastically deformed state so that an elastic force is exerted, the operating portion is configured to be able to releasably maintain the locking mechanism, and by releasing the locking mechanism with the operating portion, the holding portion moves due to a restoring force based on the elastic force, causing the adhesive portion to abut against the body surface.

[0113] [Configuration 10] The electric treatment device of Configuration 1, comprising: an intervening member interposed between the adhesive portion and the body surface in the contact state; and a recovery portion arranged to be able to recover the intervening member, wherein by operating the operating portion, the intervening member is recovered by the recovery portion, causing the adhesive portion to contact the body surface.

[0114] [Configuration 11] The electrotherapy device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the non-adhesive portion is a main body portion that supplies current to the electrode portion.

[0115] [Configuration 12] The electrotherapy device according to Configuration 11, wherein the operation unit is operable as a power switch for the main body unit.

[0116] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0117] 10 Main body, 10a Bottom surface, 10b Top surface, 11 Storage case, 20 Electrode portion, 21 First electrode portion, 22 Second electrode portion, 30 Holding portion, 31 First holding portion, 31a First surface, 31b Second surface, 31c One end, 31d Other end, 32 Second holding portion, 40 Non-adhesive portion, 50 Operation portion, 55, 57, 58 Switch, 56 Lever, 60 Drive portion, 70 Recovery portion, 71 Interposition member, 75 Locking mechanism, 80 User, 81 Body surface, 90 Control portion, 95 Operation terminal, 96 Transmission portion, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G Electrical treatment device.

Claims

1. An electric therapy device comprising: an electrode section having an adhesive section; a non-adhesive section arranged so as to be able to come into contact with a body surface; and an operation section which switches a state in which the adhesive section is not in contact with the body surface to a state in which the adhesive section is in contact with the body surface; wherein, in a contact state in which the non-adhesive section is in contact with the body surface so that the adhesive section does not come into contact with the body surface, the operation section is operated to cause the adhesive section to come into contact with the body surface.

2. An electric therapy device as described in claim 1, further comprising a movably arranged holding section for holding the electrode section, wherein the holding section is moved by operating the operating section, thereby causing the adhesive section to come into contact with the body surface.

3. An electric therapy device as described in claim 2, wherein the non-adhesive portion movably supports the holding portion.

4. An electric therapy device as described in claim 3, wherein the operating section is connected to the holding section, and by pressing the operating section, the holding section moves and the adhesive section comes into contact with the body surface.

5. An electric therapy device as described in claim 4, wherein the holding portion has a first surface facing the body surface in the contact state and a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, the electrode portion is provided on the first surface, and the operating portion is provided on the second surface.

6. An electric therapy device as described in claim 2, wherein the non-adhesive portion rotatably supports the holding portion, the holding portion includes one end and the other end, an electrode portion is provided on the one end side of the holding portion and the operating portion is provided on the other end side of the holding portion, and in a contact state in which the non-adhesive portion is in contact with the body surface so that the adhesive portion does not contact the body surface, the one end side of the holding portion is farther from the body surface than the other end side of the holding portion, and the adhesive portion comes into contact with the body surface by rotating the holding portion from the contact state so that the one end side of the holding portion approaches the body surface.

7. An electric therapy device as described in claim 2, comprising a drive unit which moves the holding portion, and a control unit which controls the operation of the drive unit, wherein when the operating unit is operated, an operation signal is input to the control unit, and the control unit controls the operation of the drive unit based on the operation signal, thereby moving the holding portion so that the adhesive portion approaches the body surface.

8. An electrotherapy device as described in claim 7, further comprising an operation terminal provided with the operation unit, the operation terminal having a transmission unit for transmitting the operation signal to the control unit.

9. An electric therapy device as described in claim 2, wherein the holding portion is elastically deformable and further comprises a locking mechanism that releasably maintains the holding portion in an elastically deformed state so that an elastic force is generated, the operating portion is arranged to be able to releasable the locking mechanism, and by releasing the locking mechanism using the operating portion, the holding portion moves due to a restoring force based on the elastic force, thereby causing the adhesive portion to abut against the body surface.

10. An electric therapy device as described in claim 1, comprising: an intervening member interposed between the adhesive portion and the body surface in the contact state; and a recovery portion arranged to be able to recover the intervening member, wherein the adhesive portion comes into contact with the body surface by operating the operating portion to recover the intervening member through the recovery portion.

11. An electric therapy device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the non-adhesive portion is a main body portion that supplies electric current to the electrode portion.

12. The electrotherapy device according to claim 11, wherein the operation unit is operable as a power switch for the main body.

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