Electrostimulation device

Abstract

This electrostimulation device (1) is configured to be capable of applying electrical stimulation to a muscle of a user (U). The electrical stimulation device (1) comprises a plurality of electrodes (2) and a control unit (3) that supplies power to the plurality of electrodes (2). Each electrode (2) has a conductive layer (21) having conductivity and including a skin contact surface (211) that comes into contact with the body of the user (U), and a plurality of electrical connection parts (22) provided on the conductive layer (21) and electrically connected to the control unit (3). Current paths from the control unit (3) to each of the electrical connection parts (22) is composed of conductive members (4) other than the conductive layer (21).

Description

Electrical stimulation device

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

[0002] The electrical stimulation device has electrodes that come into contact with the user's body, and is configured to apply electrical stimulation to the user's muscles by passing a weak current through the electrodes.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a lead for an electrical stimulation device that is connected to the device body of an electrical stimulation device that applies an electrical signal to a living body. The lead in Patent Document 1 includes a belt portion that is wrapped around the living body and an electrode portion for applying an electrical signal to the living body. The electrode portion includes an electrode main body portion having an attachment surface for attachment to the belt portion, an electrode hook-and-loop fastener provided on the attachment surface, a connection portion provided on the electrode hook-and-loop fastener or the attachment surface for connection to the device body, and an application electrode connected to the connection portion for applying an electrical signal to the living body.

[0004] Patent No. 5150215

[0005] Because the electrodes in electrical stimulation devices are in contact with the user's body for a relatively long period of time, they are often made of conductive organic materials, such as conductive elastomers or conductive cloth, which are less irritating to the skin. However, electrodes made of conductive organic materials have a relatively high sheet resistance, which can weaken the electrical stimulation applied to the user's body. In particular, when the contact area between the electrode and the user's body is large, the electrical stimulation applied to the user's body is likely to be weak, making it difficult for the user to feel the electrical stimulation.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of this background, and aims to provide an electrical stimulation device that can provide sufficient electrical stimulation to the user's body even when the contact area between the electrodes and the user's body is large.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an electrical stimulation device configured to be able to apply electrical stimulation to a user's muscles, comprising: a plurality of electrodes; and a control unit configured to be able to supply power to the plurality of electrodes, each of the electrodes having a skin contact surface that contacts the user's body and a conductive layer that is conductive; and a plurality of electrical connection parts that are provided on the conductive layer and electrically connected to the control unit, and the current path from the control unit to each of the electrical connection parts is composed of a conductive member other than the conductive layer.

[0008] The electrode in the electrical stimulation device has a conductive layer with a skin-contacting surface and multiple electrical connection parts that electrically connect the conductive layer to the control unit. Furthermore, the current path from the control unit to each electrical connection part is composed of a conductive material other than the conductive layer. By providing multiple electrical connection parts on the electrode and electrically connecting these electrical connection parts to the control unit without the conductive layer, the electrical resistance from the control unit to the skin-contacting surface can be reduced. As a result, even if the contact area between the electrode and the user's body is large, the user can easily experience electrical stimulation.

[0009] Therefore, according to the above aspect, an electrical stimulation device can be provided that can apply sufficient electrical stimulation to the user's body even when the contact area between the electrodes and the user's body is large.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical stimulation device in a worn state in Example 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the inner surface of the electrical stimulation device in Example 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view of an electrode in the electrical stimulation device in Example 1. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a rear view of an electrode having two back-side conductive layers in an electrical stimulation device in Example 2. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a terminal in Example 2. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a reinforcing portion in Example 2. FIG. 9 is a developed view of conductive layers in Example 2. FIG. 10 is a rear view of an electrode in an electrical stimulation device in Example 3, in which an electrical connection portion is formed on both the first back-side conductive layer and the second back-side conductive layer by one terminal. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the electrical stimulation device in Example 3. FIG. 12 is a rear view of an electrode having a laminated portion in Example 4. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a plan view of another aspect of the reinforcing portion in the fifth embodiment.

[0011] The electrical stimulation device has a plurality of electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to the user's muscles. By applying a voltage so as to generate a potential difference between the electrodes, the electrical stimulation device forms a circular current path that includes the electrodes, the user's body, and the control unit, and can apply electrical stimulation to the user's muscles.

[0012] Each electrode has a conductive layer with a skin-contacting surface and a plurality of electrical connections provided on the conductive layer. The conductive layer may take various forms as long as it is conductive. For example, the conductive layer may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers.

[0013] The material constituting the conductive layer is not particularly limited, and conductive organic materials such as conductive resin, conductive rubber, conductive elastomer, and conductive cloth can be used. Examples of conductive rubber include conductive ethylene propylene rubber. Examples of conductive elastomers include conductive polyurethane and conductive silicone. Examples of conductive cloth include cloth made conductive by a conductive polymer. From the viewpoint of more easily avoiding unnecessary irritation to the skin, it is preferable that the skin contact surface be provided on a conductive layer made of a conductive organic material.

[0014] The conductive layer is provided with multiple electrical connection parts, and the current path from the control unit to the electrical connection parts is composed of a conductive material other than the conductive layer. That is, each electrical connection part is electrically connected to the control unit via a conductive material other than the conductive layer. In this way, by providing multiple electrical connection parts on each electrode and electrically connecting these electrical connection parts to the control unit without the conductive layer, the electrical resistance from the control unit to the skin contact surface can be reduced. As a result, current can easily flow through the aforementioned circular current path, allowing sufficient electrical stimulation to be applied to the user's muscles.

[0015] The number and arrangement of the electrical connection portions, the form of connection with the conductive member, etc. may take various forms. For example, each conductive layer may have two electrical connection portions, or may have three or more electrical connection portions. Furthermore, the electrical connection portions may be provided on a portion of the conductive layer other than the skin-contacting surface.

[0016] From the viewpoint of further reducing the electrical resistance from the control unit to the skin-contacting surface, the multiple electrical connection portions preferably include a first electrical connection portion and a second electrical connection portion, and the first and second electrical connection portions are preferably arranged at a position on the surface of the conductive layer such that the shortest path from the first electrical connection portion to the second electrical connection portion passes through the skin-contacting surface. That is, it is preferable that at least a portion of the shortest path from the first electrical connection portion to the second electrical connection portion overlaps the skin-contacting surface. By arranging the first and second electrical connection portions in such a position, the electrical resistance between the skin-contacting surface and each electrical connection portion can be further reduced. As a result, the electrical resistance from the control unit to the skin-contacting surface can be further reduced, making it easier to apply electrical stimulation to the user's muscles. Note that if there are multiple shortest paths from the first electrical connection portion to the second electrical connection portion on the surface of the conductive layer, the above-described effect can be achieved as long as at least one of these paths passes through the skin-contacting surface.

[0017] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the above-mentioned effect, it is preferable that the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are arranged at a position on the surface of the conductive layer such that the shortest path from the first electrical connection portion to the second electrical connection portion passes through the center of gravity of the skin contact surface. Note that, if there are multiple shortest paths from the first electrical connection portion to the second electrical connection portion on the surface of the conductive layer, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained as long as at least one of these paths passes through the center of gravity of the skin contact surface.

[0018] The conductive member constituting the current path from the control unit to the electrical connection unit is not particularly limited. For example, the conductive member constituting the current path may include an electric wire or a terminal described later. From the viewpoint of more reliably reducing the electrical resistance from the control unit to the skin contact surface, it is preferable that the current path from the control unit to the electrical connection unit be composed of a conductive member made of metal.

[0019] The connection between the conductive layer and the conductive member in the electrical connection section can take various forms. For example, the conductive layer and the conductive member can be crimped together to form an electrical connection between them, thereby electrically connecting the conductive layer and the conductive member. Alternatively, the conductive layer and the conductive member can be bonded together with a conductive adhesive to form an electrical connection between them. From the viewpoint of maintaining the electrical connection between the conductive layer and the conductive member for a long period of time, it is preferable that the conductive layer and the conductive member be crimped together in the electrical connection section.

[0020] The electrode may further include a core material, at least a portion of whose surface is covered by a conductive layer. In this case, the conductive layer preferably includes a top conductive layer having a skin-contacting surface covering the front surface of the core material and a bottom conductive layer connected to the top conductive layer and covering the back surface of the core material, with multiple electrical connections provided on the bottom conductive layer. By providing the electrical connections on the bottom conductive layer, the core material can be interposed between the user's body and the electrical connections when the electrode is attached to the user's body, protecting the electrical connections. As a result, the electrical connection between the bottom conductive layer and the conductive member can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, by interposing the core material between the user's body and the electrical connections, the user is less likely to feel the electrical connections when the electrode is attached to the user's body. As a result, the discomfort experienced by the user when using the electrical stimulation device can be more easily alleviated.

[0021] The material constituting the core is not particularly limited, and various materials such as resin, elastomer, metal, and cotton can be used as the core. From the viewpoint of more easily achieving the above-mentioned effects, the core is preferably made of a flexible porous material. Furthermore, by using a flexible porous material as the core, when the electrode is attached to the user's body, the skin-contacting surface can more easily conform to the user's body, allowing for closer contact between the electrode and the user's body. As a result, the user can more easily experience electrical stimulation.

[0022] Examples of flexible porous bodies include soft polyurethane foam and foamed thermoplastic elastomer.

[0023] The conductive layer may have a single back-side conductive layer, or may have multiple back-side conductive layers connected to each other at different positions on the front-side conductive layer. When the conductive layer has multiple back-side conductive layers, including a first back-side conductive layer and a second back-side conductive layer, the conductive layer preferably has a laminated portion in which the first back-side conductive layer and the second back-side conductive layer are superimposed on each other, and multiple electrical connections are provided in the laminated portion. In this case, when manufacturing the electrical stimulation device, electrical connections can be formed simultaneously on each of the two back-side conductive layers in the laminated portion. As a result, the manufacturing process of the electrical stimulation device can be more easily simplified. Furthermore, by forming the electrical connections in the laminated portion in this manner, these two electrical connections can be easily formed at positions on the surface of the conductive layer where the shortest path connecting these electrical connections passes through the skin-contacting surface. As a result, the electrical resistance from the control unit to the skin-contacting surface can be more easily reduced.

[0024] Preferably, the electrodes have terminals overlaid on the laminated portion and crimping portions that penetrate the laminated portion and crimp the terminals to the laminated portion. In this case, when manufacturing the electrical stimulation device, electrical connections can be formed simultaneously on each of the two backside conductive layers by simply crimping the terminals to the laminated portion with the crimping portions. As a result, the manufacturing process for the electrical stimulation device can be further simplified.

[0025] The specific aspects of the terminal and the crimping portion are not particularly limited. For example, the terminal and the crimping portion may be integrally formed, or the crimping portion may be composed of a separate part from the terminal. The crimping portion may be, for example, a rivet, an eyelet, or a snap button. From the viewpoint of more firmly crimping the terminal, the backside conductive layer, and the crimping portion and more easily reducing the electrical resistance from the control portion to the skin contact surface, it is preferable that the terminal be made of metal. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the crimping portion be made of metal.

[0026] The terminals are preferably disposed between the core material and the backside conductive layer. In this case, when the electrodes are attached to the user's body, the core material is interposed between the user's body and the terminals, protecting the terminals. As a result, the electrical connection between the conductive layer and the terminals at the electrical connection portion can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, by interposing the core material between the user's body and the terminals, the user is less likely to feel the terminals when the electrodes are attached to the user's body. As a result, the discomfort experienced by the user when using the electrical stimulation device can be more easily alleviated.

[0027] When the current path from the control unit to each electrical connection unit includes an electric wire as a conductive member, the terminal may have an electric wire joint portion to which the electric wire is joined. That is, the terminal may be joined to the electric wire as a conductive member at the electric wire joint portion. In this case, by disposing the terminal between the core material and the back conductive layer, the core material can be interposed between the user's body and the electric wire joint portion when the electrode is attached to the user's body. As a result, the electric wire joint portion is protected by the core material, and the joined state between the electric connection unit and the electric wire can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0028] Furthermore, when an electric wire is joined to the terminal, it is preferable to provide an electric wire insertion hole in the back-side conductive layer through which the electric wire passes and extend to the outside of the electrode. By disposing the terminal between the core material and the back-side conductive layer and extending the electric wire to the outside of the electrode through the electric wire insertion hole in this way, even if the position of the electric wire changes for various reasons, the electric wire insertion hole can restrict the range of positional deviation of the electric wire. As a result, the state in which the terminal and the electric wire are joined at the electric wire joint can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0029] The electrical stimulation device preferably includes a reinforcing portion for reinforcing the wire joint of the terminal, the wire joint being disposed between the core material and the reinforcing portion. By disposing the wire joint between the reinforcing portion and the core material, unintentional deformation of the wire joint due to external force can be more effectively prevented. As a result, the connection between the terminal and the wire can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0030] The control unit of the electrical stimulation device is configured to apply electrical stimulation to the user's muscles by supplying power to the electrodes. The manner of electrical stimulation applied by the control unit is not particularly limited and can take various forms. For example, the control unit may be configured to apply pulsed electrical stimulation to the user's muscles by switching on and off the supply of power to the electrodes. The control unit may also be configured to apply periodic electrical stimulation to the user's muscles by periodically changing the potential of the electrodes. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to control the operation of the entire electrical stimulation device in addition to switching on and off the supply of power to the electrodes. The operation of the control unit can be realized, for example, by an electronic circuit or a program stored in a microcomputer.

[0031] The electrical stimulation device may have an electrode holder that holds the electrodes. The electrode holder can maintain a predetermined positional relationship between the electrodes. Therefore, by providing the electrode holder in the electrical stimulation device, electrical stimulation can be more efficiently applied to the user's muscles.

[0032] The specific configuration of the electrode holder is not particularly limited and may take various forms. For example, the electrode holder may be configured to hold the electrode in a detachable state, or may be configured to hold the electrode in a non-detachable state.

[0033] The electrode holding portion may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers laminated together. The material constituting the electrode holding portion is not particularly limited, and various materials such as cloth, rubber, and elastomer can be used. From the viewpoint of more easily bringing the electrode into close contact with the user's body, it is preferable that the electrode holding portion be stretchable and configured so that the user can stretch it when wearing it.

[0034] The electrode holding portion may have a shape that can be worn by the user, for example. More specifically, the electrode holding portion may have a shape that covers the user's upper body, such as a shirt, or a shape that covers the user's lower body, such as tights or leggings. Furthermore, the electrode holding portion may have a belt-like or annular shape that covers the user's abdomen, legs, arms, etc. If the electrode holding portion has a belt-like shape, it may have an engaging portion configured to allow one end of the electrode holding portion to engage with the other end. Furthermore, the electrode holding portion may be configured so that one end of the electrode holding portion can be engaged with the other end by a component separate from the electrode holding portion.

[0035] The electrode holder may also have, for example, a suction cup or adhesive material, and may be configured to allow the electrical stimulation device to be attached to a desired location on the user's body via these parts. Furthermore, if the surface of the electrode is adhesive, the electrode holder may be configured to allow the electrical stimulation device to be attached to a desired location on the user's body via the electrode.

[0036] Example 1 An example of the electrical stimulation device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The electrical stimulation device 1 of this example is configured to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of a user U. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical stimulation device 1 includes a plurality of electrodes 2 (2a to 2f) and a control unit 3 that supplies power to the plurality of electrodes 2. As shown in FIG. 2, each electrode 2 has a skin contact surface 211 that contacts the body of the user U and a conductive layer 21 that is conductive. As shown in FIG. 3, the conductive layer 21 is provided with a plurality of electrical connection portions 22 that are electrically connected to the control unit 3. The current path from the control unit 3 to each electrical connection portion 22 is formed of a conductive member 4 other than the conductive layer 21.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 1, the electrical stimulation device 1 of this example is configured to be attached to the abdomen of a user U. As shown in Fig. 2, the electrical stimulation device 1 has a belt-like electrode holding portion 5 that is rectangular in shape when unfolded. The electrode holding portion 5 has an outer fabric portion 51 that is exposed to the outside when the user U wears the electrical stimulation device 1 as shown in Fig. 1, and a lining portion 52 (see Fig. 2) that faces the body of the user U, and the edge of the outer fabric portion 51 and the edge of the lining portion 52 are sewn together.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1 , a fastener 55 is provided between a first longitudinal end 53 and a second longitudinal end 54 of the electrode holding unit 5. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2 , one longitudinal end 53 of the electrode holding unit 5 is provided with one element 551 of the fastener 55 and tape 56 for preventing contact between the fastener 55 and the body of the user U, and the second longitudinal end 54 is provided with the other element 552 of the fastener 55 and a slider 553. When wearing the electrical stimulation device 1 of this example, as shown in Fig. 1 , the fastener 55 is simply closed with the electrode holding unit 5 wrapped around the abdomen of the user U so that the electrodes 2 are in contact with the body of the user U.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2 , six electrodes 2 (2a-2f) are provided on the lining portion 52 of the electrode holder 5. These electrodes 2 are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the electrode holder 5. The spacing between adjacent electrodes 2 may be the same, or the spacing between some electrodes 2 may be different from the spacing between other electrodes 2. For convenience, the electrode 2 located at the leftmost position in FIG. 2 will be referred to as the first electrode 2a, the electrode 2 immediately to the right of the first electrode 2a as the second electrode 2b, the electrode 2 immediately to the right of the second electrode 2b as the third electrode 2c, etc. When a user U wears the electrical stimulation device 1 such that the first electrode 2a and the sixth electrode 2f of these six electrodes 2 face the rectus abdominis muscle, for example, the second electrode 2b and the fifth electrode 2e are positioned to face the user's oblique abdominal muscles. Furthermore, the third electrode 2c and the fourth electrode 2d are positioned to face the lower part of the user's latissimus dorsi muscle.

[0040] 3 , the electrode 2 has a conductive layer 21 and a core material 23 at least part of the surface of which is covered by the conductive layer 21. More specifically, the core material 23 in this example is made of soft polyurethane foam and has a rectangular plate shape corresponding to the shape of the electrode 2.

[0041] In this example, conductive layer 21 is made of a conductive polyurethane sheet and, as shown in Fig. 3 , has a front conductive layer 212 and a back conductive layer 213 continuous with front conductive layer 212. Front conductive layer 212 has a skin-contacting surface 211 as shown in Fig. 4 , and covers front surface 231 of core 23, i.e., the surface of core 23 that faces the body of user U when electrostimulation device 1 is worn. Furthermore, front conductive layer 212 has a rectangular shape corresponding to core 23 as shown in Fig. 3 . Although not shown in the figure, the edges of front conductive layer 212 are sewn to lining portion 52.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3, back-side conductive layer 213 is continuous with one of two short sides 214a of front-side conductive layer 212 at edge 214. As shown in Fig. 4, back-side conductive layer 213 covers back surface 232 of core material 23, i.e., the surface of core material 23 that faces outward when electrical stimulation device 1 is worn.

[0043] 3 and 4 , each electrode 2 has a terminal 41 superimposed on the back-side conductive layer 213 and a crimping portion 42 that penetrates the back-side conductive layer 213 and crimps the terminal 41 to the back-side conductive layer 213. More specifically, the electrode 2 of this example has two terminals 41 as shown in FIG. 3 . The terminal 41 is a round crimp terminal made of a metal plate, and has a flat portion 411 having a flat plate shape and an electric wire joining portion 412 that is connected to the flat portion 411 and to which an electric wire 43 is joined. Furthermore, the flat portion 411 of the terminal 41 is disposed between the back-side conductive layer 213 and the core material 23 as shown in FIG.

[0044] The crimping portion 42 is a metal eyelet that penetrates the flat plate portion 411 and the back-side conductive layer 213. The flat plate portion 411 and the back-side conductive layer 213 are crimped together by the crimping portion 42. Therefore, in the electrode 2 of this example, as shown in FIG. 4 , an electrical connection portion 22 is formed at the contact portion between the terminal 41 and the crimping portion 42 and the back-side conductive layer 213.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, an electric wire 43 is joined to the electric wire joint portion 412 of each terminal 41. Although not shown, the electric wire 43 penetrates the lining portion 52 of the electrode holder 5 and extends into the space between the outer and inner layers 51 and 52. The electric wire 43 is connected to a terminal block (not shown) of the control unit 3 provided on the outer layer 51. Therefore, in the electrical stimulation device 1 of this example, the current path from the control unit 3 to each electrical connection portion 22 is composed of the terminal block as the conductive member 4, the electric wire 43, and the terminal 41. Furthermore, the conductive layer 21 of each electrode 2 is not included in the current path from the control unit 3 to each electrical connection portion 22.

[0046] The control unit 3 is detachably attached to a terminal block provided on the surface portion 51 of the electrode holder 5. As shown in Fig. 1, an operation panel 31 is provided on the surface of the control unit 3 to allow the user U to operate the electrical stimulation device 1. The control unit 3 is configured so that the user U can apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of the user U by operating the electrical stimulation device 1 via the operation panel 31.

[0047] The control unit 3 in this example is configured to be able to control the overall operation of the electrical stimulation device 1, including the supply of power to the electrodes 2. The control unit 3 may be configured, for example, by an electronic circuit or a microcomputer.

[0048] The operation panel 31 has switches configured to generate operation signals used to operate the electrical stimulation device 1. The operation signals generated by the switches are input to the control unit 3. This allows the user U to control the operation of the electrical stimulation device 1 via the operation panel 31. The operation signals input from the operation panel 31 include, for example, a signal to start applying electrical stimulation, a signal to stop applying electrical stimulation, a signal to change the intensity of electrical stimulation, and a signal to change the exercise control program. These operation signals may be generated by a single switch. Alternatively, separate switches may be provided for each type of operation signal.

[0049] The specific operation of the control unit 3 may take various forms. For example, the control unit 3 may be configured to apply voltages in response to instructions from the user U via the operation panel 31 so that the polarities of the first electrode 2a, the second electrode 2b, and the fourth electrode 2d become a first polarity and the polarities of the third electrode 2c, the fifth electrode 2e, and the sixth electrode 2f become a second polarity different from the first polarity. When the user U's body is in contact with the electrodes 2a to 2f, a circular current path including the first electrode 2a, the sixth electrode 2f, and the user U's body, a circular current path including the second electrode 2b, the fifth electrode 2e, and the user U's body, and a circular current path including the third electrode 2c, the fourth electrode 2d, and the user U's body are formed. Therefore, by applying voltages to the electrodes 2a to 2f in the manner described above, a current can be passed through these current paths, thereby providing electrical stimulation to the user's muscles.

[0050] The control unit 3 may also be configured to apply a voltage to the electrodes 2 in accordance with a pre-stored exercise control program, thereby applying electrical stimulation having a predetermined pattern to the muscles of the user U. Examples of the exercise control program include an exercise control program aimed at muscle hypertrophy and an exercise control program aimed at fat burning.

[0051] An exercise control program aimed at muscle hypertrophy is configured to apply pulsed electrical stimulation, primarily having a frequency of 20 Hz, to muscles for a predetermined period of time. Such an exercise control program is used for resistance training, in which muscles are intentionally moved at a relatively slow pace while being forced to exercise by electrical stimulation from the electrical stimulation device 1. An exercise control program aimed at fat burning is configured to apply pulsed electrical stimulation, primarily having a frequency lower than 20 Hz, preferably 4 to 10 Hz, to muscles for a predetermined period of time. Such an exercise control program is used for hybrid training, in which anaerobic exercise is performed while muscles are forced to exercise by electrical stimulation from the electrical stimulation device 1, and for cardio training, in which aerobic exercise, such as using an exercise bike (registered trademark), is performed while muscles are forced to exercise.

[0052] The control unit 3 may be configured to be able to execute one type of motion control program, or may be configured to be able to select and execute one type of motion control program from multiple types of motion control programs.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the electrode 2 in the electrical stimulation device 1 of this example has a conductive layer 21 with a skin contact surface 211 and multiple electrical connections 22 that electrically connect the conductive layer 21 to the control unit 3. Furthermore, the current path from the control unit 3 to each electrical connection 22 is composed of a conductive member 4 other than the conductive layer 21. By providing multiple electrical connections 22 on the electrode 2 and electrically connecting these electrical connections 22 to the control unit 3 without using the conductive layer 21, the electrical resistance from the control unit 3 to the skin contact surface 211 can be reduced. As a result, even if the contact area between the electrode 2 and the user U's body is large, the user U can easily experience electrical stimulation.

[0054] Therefore, according to the electrical stimulation device 1 of this example, even if the contact area between the electrodes 2 and the body of the user U is large, sufficient electrical stimulation can be applied to the body of the user U.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4 , the electrode 2 includes a conductive layer 21 and a core material 23. The conductive layer 21 has a skin-contacting surface 211 and includes a top conductive layer 212 covering the front surface 231 of the core material 23 and a back conductive layer 213 connected to the top conductive layer 212 and covering the back surface 232 of the core material 23. Multiple electrical connections 22 are provided on the back conductive layer 213. This allows the core material 23 to be interposed between the user U's body and the electrical connections 22 when the electrode 2 is attached to the user U's body, protecting the electrical connections 22. As a result, the electrical connection between the back conductive layer 213 and the conductive member at the electrical connections 22 can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, by interposing the core material 23 between the user U's body and the electrical connections 22, the user U is less likely to feel the electrical connections 22 when the electrode 2 is attached to the user U's body. As a result, the discomfort felt by the user U when using the electrical stimulation device 1 can be more easily alleviated.

[0056] Core material 23 is made of soft polyurethane foam, which is a flexible porous material, and therefore, core material 23 is more effective in protecting electrical connection portion 22 and can more easily reduce discomfort felt by user U when using electrical stimulation device 1.

[0057] The terminal 41 is disposed between the core material 23 and the back conductive layer 213. Therefore, when the electrode 2 is attached to the body of the user U, the core material 23 is interposed between the body of the user U and the terminal 41, and the core material 23 can protect the terminal 41. As a result, the electrical connection between the conductive layer 21 and the terminal 41 at the electrical connection portion 22 can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, by interposing the core material 23 between the body of the user U and the terminal 41, the user U is less likely to feel the terminal 41 when the electrode 2 is attached to the body of the user U. As a result, the discomfort felt by the user U when using the electrical stimulation device 1 can be more easily alleviated.

[0058] Furthermore, by disposing the terminal 41 between the core material 23 and the back-side conductive layer 213, when the electrode 2 is attached to the body of the user U, the core material 23 can be interposed between the body of the user U and the electric wire joint portion 412. As a result, the electric wire joint portion 412 is protected by the core material 23, and the state in which the electric wire joint portion 412 and the electric wire 43 are joined can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0059] Example 2 In this example, an example of an electrode having two backside conductive layers is described. Note that, among the symbols used in the following examples, the same symbols as those used in the previous examples represent the same components as those in the previous examples unless otherwise specified. The electrical stimulation device 102 of this example has a belt-shaped electrode holding portion that is rectangular in shape when unfolded. The electrode holding portion has an outer layer and a lining layer, and six electrodes 202, as shown in FIG. 5, are provided on the lining layer. Although not shown in the figure, the configuration of the electrode holding portion and the arrangement of the electrodes 202 in the electrical stimulation device 102 of this example are the same as those in the electrical stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the electrode 202 has a conductive layer 21 and a core material 23 at least part of the surface of which is covered with the conductive layer 21 .

[0061] The conductive layer 21 has a front conductive layer 212 and two back conductive layers 213 (213a, 213b) connected to the front conductive layer 212. The front conductive layer 212 has a skin contact surface 211 as shown in Fig. 6 and covers the front surface 231 of the core 23. The front conductive layer 212 has a rectangular shape corresponding to the core 23 as shown in Fig. 5.

[0062] Of the two back-side conductive layers 213, the first back-side conductive layer 213a is continuous with one of the two short sides 214a and 214b at the edge 214 of the front-side conductive layer 212. The second back-side conductive layer 213b is continuous with the other short side 214b at the edge 214 of the front-side conductive layer 212.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, each electrode 202 has two terminals 44 (44a, 44b) superimposed on the back-side conductive layer 213, and a crimping portion 42 (42a, 42b) that penetrates the back-side conductive layer 213 and crimps the terminals 44 and the back-side conductive layer 213 together.

[0064] 7, the terminal 44 of this example is made of a metal plate and has a flat plate portion 441 and two wire joining portions 442 and 443 connected to the flat plate portion 441. The flat plate portion 441 is also provided with a through-hole 444 through which the crimping portion 42 is inserted. The wire joining portions 442 and 443 specifically include open barrels, and the wire 43 and the terminal 44 are joined by crimping the open barrels to the conductor of the wire 43.

[0065] 5 and 6, a reinforcing portion 45 is provided on the outer surface of the back-side conductive layer 213, i.e., the surface facing the electrode holding portion. The reinforcing portion 45 in this example is made of a metal plate, and as shown in Fig. 8, has a first portion 451 having substantially the same shape as the flat portion 441 of the terminal 44, and a second portion 452 continuing from the first portion 451. The first portion 451 is provided with a through-hole 453 through which the crimping portion 42 is inserted. In addition, the second portion is provided with a rib 454 for increasing the rigidity of the reinforcing portion 45.

[0066] 5 and 6 , the first terminal 44a of the two terminals 44 is disposed between the first back-side conductive layer 213a and the core material 23. The first reinforcing portion 45a of the two reinforcing portions 45 is disposed on the outer surface of the first back-side conductive layer 213a such that the first portion 451a overlaps the flat portion 441a of the first terminal 44a and the second portion 452a overlaps the wire bonding portions 442a, 443a.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 5 , the first crimping portion 42a of the two crimping portions 42 is provided in the center of the first back-side conductive layer 213a in a direction parallel to the short sides 214a, 214b of the front-side conductive layer 212. As shown in Fig. 6 , the first crimping portion 42a penetrates the first portion 451a of the first reinforcing portion 45a, the first back-side conductive layer 213a, and the flat portion 441a of the first terminal 44a, and these portions are crimped by the first crimping portion 42a. Therefore, in the electrode 202 of this example, the first electrical connection portion 22a is formed as the electrical connection portion 22 at the contact portion between the first terminal 44a and the first crimping portion 42a and the first back-side conductive layer 213a.

[0068] Although not shown in the figure, the second terminal 44b of the two terminals 44 is disposed between the second back-side conductive layer 213b and the core material 23. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the second reinforcing portion 45b of the two reinforcing portions 45 is disposed on the outer surface of the second back-side conductive layer 213b such that the first portion 451b overlaps with the flat portion 441b of the second terminal 44b and the second portion 452b overlaps with the wire bonding portions 442b and 443b.

[0069] Of the two crimping portions 42, the second crimping portion 42b is provided in the center of the second back-side conductive layer 213b in a direction parallel to the short sides 214a, 214b of the front-side conductive layer 212. Although not shown, the second crimping portion 42b, like the first crimping portion 42a, penetrates the first portion 451b of the second reinforcing portion 45b, the second back-side conductive layer 213b, and the flat portion 441b of the second terminal 44b, and these portions are crimped by the second crimping portion 42b. Therefore, in the electrode 202 of this example, a second electrical connection portion 22b as the electrical connection portion 22 is formed at the contact portion between the second terminal 44b and the second crimping portion 42b and the second back-side conductive layer 213b.

[0070] In the conductive layer 21 of this example, the shortest path connecting the first terminal 44a and the second terminal 44b is the shortest path from the first electrical connection portion 22a to the second electrical connection portion 22b. As shown in Fig. 9, when the conductive layer 21 is laid out on a plane, this shortest path overlaps with a straight line L connecting the through-hole 210a in the first back-side conductive layer 213a, into which the first pressure-bonding portion 42a is inserted, and the through-hole 210b in the second back-side conductive layer 213b, into which the second pressure-bonding portion 42b is inserted. This straight line L passes through the center of gravity G of the skin contact surface 211.

[0071] 5, an end of an electric wire 43 is joined to one electric wire joint portion 442a of the first terminal 44a. Although not shown in the figure, the electric wire 43 passes through the lining of the electrode holder, extends into the space between the outer and lining portions, and is electrically connected to the terminal block of the control unit 3. Therefore, in the present example, the current path from the control unit 3 to the first electrical connection portion 22a in the electrical stimulation device 102 is composed of the terminal block as a conductive member, the electric wire 43, the first terminal 44a, and the first crimping portion 42a.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 5, one end of an electric wire 46 is joined to the other electric wire joint 443a of the first terminal 44a. The other end of the electric wire 46 is joined to the electric wire joint 442b of the second terminal 44b. Therefore, in this example, the current path from the control unit 3 to the second electrical connection 22b in the electrical stimulation device 102 is composed of the terminal block as a conductive member, the electric wire 43, the first terminal 44a, the electric wire 46, the second terminal 44b, and the second crimping portion 42b. The current path from the control unit 3 to each electrical connection 22 does not include the conductive layer 21.

[0073] The configuration of other parts of electrical stimulation device 102 of this example is similar to the configuration of the corresponding parts in electrical stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0074] The electrical stimulation device 102 of this example includes two electrical connections 22, a first electrical connection 22a and a second electrical connection 22b. The first electrical connection 22a and the second electrical connection 22b are positioned such that the shortest path from the first electrical connection 22a to the second electrical connection 22b on the surface of the conductive layer 21 passes through the skin contact surface 211. This reduces the electrical resistance between the skin contact surface 211 and each electrical connection 22. As a result, the electrical resistance from the control unit 3 to the skin contact surface 211 is reduced, making it easier to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of the user U.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6 , the electrical stimulation device 102 includes a reinforcing portion 45 that reinforces the wire joints 442, 443 of the terminal 44. The wire joints 442, 443 are disposed between the core material 23 and the reinforcing portion 45. By disposing the wire joints 442, 443 between the reinforcing portion 45 and the core material 23 in this manner, unintentional deformation of the wire joints 442, 443 due to external forces can be more effectively prevented. As a result, the state in which the terminal 44 and the wires 43, 46 are joined at the wire joints 442, 443 can be maintained for a longer period of time. Additionally, the electrical stimulation device 102 of this example can achieve the same effects as the electrical stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0076] Example 3 In this example, an example is described in which electrical connections are formed on both the first back-side conductive layer and the second back-side conductive layer using a single terminal. The electrical stimulation device 103 of this example has a belt-shaped electrode holder that is rectangular in shape when unfolded. The electrode holder has an outer layer and a lining layer, and six electrodes 203, as shown in FIG. 10 , are provided on the lining layer. Although not shown in the figure, the configuration of the electrode holder and the arrangement of the electrodes 203 in the electrical stimulation device 103 of this example are similar to those of the electrical stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0077] 10 , the electrode 203 has a conductive layer 21 and a core material 23 at least a portion of whose surface is covered by the conductive layer 21. In this example, the conductive layer 21 has a bag-like shape including a top conductive layer (not shown) and two bottom conductive layers 213 (213a, 213b), and a rectangular core material 23 is housed within the bag of the conductive layer 21. The top conductive layer has a rectangular shape corresponding to the core material 23. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the top conductive layer has a skin-contacting surface.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10, the first back-side conductive layer 213a of the two back-side conductive layers 213 is connected to one of the two short sides 214a, 214b at the edge 214 of the front-side conductive layer, and the second back-side conductive layer 213b is connected to the other short side 214b at the edge 214 of the front-side conductive layer.

[0079] In this example, a first protrusion 215a protruding toward the second back-side conductive layer 213b is provided at the tip of the first back-side conductive layer 213a. Similarly, a second protrusion 215b protruding toward the first back-side conductive layer 213a is provided at the tip of the second back-side conductive layer 213b. The second protrusion 215b is disposed adjacent to the first protrusion 215a, and a gap is provided between the first protrusion 215a and the second protrusion 215b.

[0080] The second back-side conductive layer 213b is provided with an electric wire insertion hole 216. An electric wire 48, which will be described later, is inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 216.

[0081] Each electrode 203 has a terminal 47 superimposed on the back-side conductive layer 213 and two crimping portions 42 (42a, 42b) that crimp the terminal 47 to the back-side conductive layer 213. In this example, the terminal 47 is made of a metal plate and, as shown in FIG. 10 , has a rectangular flat portion 471 and two wire bonding portions 472, 473 connected to the flat portion 471. The flat portion 471 is disposed between the core material 23 and the back-side conductive layer 213 so as to face both the first protruding portion 215a and the second protruding portion 215b. Furthermore, a through-hole (not shown) through which the crimping portion 42 is inserted is provided in each of the portion of the flat portion 471 facing the first protruding portion 215a and the portion facing the second protruding portion 215b. Specifically, the electric wire joining portions 472 and 473 include an open barrel, and the electric wire 48 and the terminal 47 are joined by crimping the open barrel onto the conductor of the electric wire 48 .

[0082] Although not shown in the figure, a reinforcing portion that reinforces the wire joints 472, 473 of the terminal 47 is provided on the outer surface of the back-side conductive layer 213 of the electrode 203 in this example, and the wire joints 472, 473 are disposed between the reinforcing portion and the core material 23. The specific configuration of the reinforcing portion in this example is the same as that of the reinforcing portion 45 in Example 2, except that the outer shape of the reinforcing portion corresponds to the shape of the terminal 47.

[0083] 10 , the first crimping portion 42a of the two crimping portions 42 is provided on the first protruding portion 215a. The first crimping portion 42a penetrates the reinforcing portion, the first protruding portion 215a, and the terminal 47, and these portions are crimped by the first crimping portion 42a. Therefore, in the electrode 203 of this example, the first electrical connection portion 22a is formed as the electrical connection portion 22 at the contact portion between the terminal 47 and the first crimping portion 42a and the first protruding portion 215a.

[0084] Furthermore, the second crimping portion 42b of the two crimping portions 42 is provided on the second protruding portion 215b. The second crimping portion 42b penetrates the reinforcing portion, the second protruding portion 215b, and the terminal 47, and these portions are crimped by the second crimping portion 42b. Therefore, in the electrode 203 of this example, the second electrical connection portion 22b as the electrical connection portion 22 is formed at the contact portion between the terminal 47 and the second crimping portion 42b and the second protruding portion 215b.

[0085] In the conductive layer 21 of this example, the shortest path from the first electrical connection portion 22a to the second electrical connection portion 22b is the shortest path connecting the portion of the terminal 47 that is in contact with the first back-side conductive layer 213a and the portion of the terminal 47 that is in contact with the second back-side conductive layer 213b. Although not shown in the figure, this shortest path passes through the skin contact surface.

[0086] 10 , the terminal 47 of this example has two electric wire joint portions 472, 473. An electric wire 48 is joined to the electric wire joint portions 472, 473. The electric wire 48 passes through the electric wire insertion hole 216 of the second back-side conductive layer 213b and extends to the outside of the electrode 203. Although not shown in the figure, the electric wire 48 extending to the outside of the electrode 203 passes through the lining portion of the electrode holding portion and is connected to the control unit 3 or another electrode 203.

[0087] 11, of the six electrodes 203 (203a to 203f), one wire joint 472a of the terminal 47a provided on the first electrode 203a is electrically connected to the terminal block 32 of the control unit 3 via an electric wire 48a. In addition, the other wire joint 473a of the terminal 47a provided on the first electrode 203a is connected to the wire joint 472e of the terminal 47e provided on the fifth electrode 203e via an electric wire 48b.

[0088] One electric wire joint 472b of the terminal 47b provided on the second electrode 203b is electrically connected to the terminal block 32 of the control unit 3 via an electric wire 48c. The other electric wire joint 473b of the terminal 47b provided on the second electrode 203b is connected to the electric wire joint 472f of the terminal 47f provided on the sixth electrode 203f via an electric wire 48d.

[0089] One electric wire joint 472c of the terminal 47c provided on the third electrode 203c is electrically connected to the terminal block 32 of the control unit 3 via an electric wire 48e. Also, one electric wire joint 472d of the terminal 47d provided on the fourth electrode 203d is electrically connected to the terminal block 32 of the control unit 3 via an electric wire 48f.

[0090] Therefore, in electrical stimulation device 103 of this embodiment, the current path from control unit 3 to each electrical connection portion 22 is composed of terminal block 32 as a conductive member, electric wires 48 (48a to 48f), terminals 47 (47a to 47f), and crimping portion 42. The configurations of other parts of electrical stimulation device 103 of this example are the same as the configurations of corresponding parts in electrical stimulation device 102 of Example 2.

[0091] As in electrode 203 in electrical stimulation device 103 of this example, by providing two back conductive layers 213a, 213b on conductive layer 21 and forming conductive layer 21 into a bag-like shape, two electrical connections 22a, 22b can be formed using one terminal 47. As a result, the number of components constituting electrical stimulation device 103 can be more easily reduced.

[0092] Additionally, second back-side conductive layer 213b of electrical stimulation device 103 is provided with wire insertion holes 216 through which wire 48 passes, and wire 48 extends from wire insertion holes 216 to the outside of electrode 203. By disposing terminal 47 between core material 23 and back-side conductive layer 213 and extending wire 48 from wire insertion holes 216 to the outside of electrode 203 in this manner, even if the position of wire 48 shifts for various reasons, wire insertion holes 216 can limit the extent of positional displacement of wire 48. As a result, the state in which terminal 47 and wire 48 are joined at wire joints 472, 473 can be maintained for a longer period of time. Additionally, electrical stimulation device 103 of this example can achieve the same effects as electrical stimulation device 102 of Example 2.

[0093] Example 4 This example describes another example of an embodiment in which electrical connections are formed on both the first and second back-side conductive layers using a single terminal. The electrical stimulation device 104 of this example has a belt-like electrode holder that is rectangular in shape when unfolded. The electrode holder has an outer layer and a lining layer, and six electrodes 204, as shown in FIG. 12 , are provided on the lining layer. Although not shown in the figure, the configuration of the electrode holder and the arrangement of the electrodes 204 in the electrical stimulation device 104 of this example are similar to those of the electrical stimulation device 1 of Example 1.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 12, the electrode 204 has a conductive layer 21 having a bag-like shape and a core material 23 housed in the bag of the conductive layer 21. The conductive layer 21 has a bag-like shape, and as shown in Fig. 13, a rectangular core material 23 is housed in the bag of the conductive layer 21.

[0095] The conductive layer 21 in this example has a skin-contacting surface 211 and includes a top conductive layer 212 that covers the front surface 231 of the core material 23, and two back conductive layers 213 (213a, 213b) that are continuous with the top conductive layer 212 and cover the back surface 232 of the core material 23. The top conductive layer 212 has a rectangular shape corresponding to the core material 23, although this is not shown in the figure.

[0096] 12 , of the two back-side conductive layers 213, the first back-side conductive layer 213a is continuous with one of the two short sides 214a, 214b at the edge 214 of the front-side conductive layer, and the second back-side conductive layer 213b is continuous with the other short side 214b at the edge 214 of the front-side conductive layer. In addition, the second back-side conductive layer 213b is provided with a wire insertion hole 216 for inserting the wire 48 therethrough.

[0097] 13, in this example, the tip portion 217a of the first back-side conductive layer 213a is overlapped with the tip portion 217b of the second back-side conductive layer 213b, and the overlapping portion of the tip portion 217a of the first back-side conductive layer 213a and the tip portion 217b of the second back-side conductive layer 213b constitutes a laminated portion 218.

[0098] 12, each electrode 204 has a terminal 44 superimposed on the back-side conductive layer 213 and a crimping portion 42 that crimps the terminal 44 to the back-side conductive layer 213. As shown in FIG. 13, the terminal 44 in this example is disposed between the core material 23 and the back-side conductive layer 213 so as to contact the tip end 217b of the second back-side conductive layer 213b in the laminated portion 218.

[0099] 12 , a reinforcing portion 45 is provided on the outer surface of the back-side conductive layer 213. The reinforcing portion 45 is arranged on the outer surface of the back-side conductive layer 213 such that a first portion 451 overlaps with the flat portion 441 of the terminal 44 and a second portion 452 overlaps with the wire bonding portions 442 and 443.

[0100] The crimping portion 42 is provided on the laminated portion 218. As shown in Fig. 13, the crimping portion 42 penetrates the first portion 451 of the reinforcing portion 45, the laminated portion 218, and the flat portion 441 of the terminal 44, and these portions are crimped by the crimping portion 42. Therefore, in the electrode 204 of this example, a first electrical connection portion 22a serving as the electrical connection portion 22 is formed at a contact portion between the crimping portion 42 and the tip portion 217a of the first back-side conductive layer 213a. Also, a second electrical connection portion 22b serving as the electrical connection portion 22 is formed at a contact portion between the terminal 44 and the crimping portion 42 and the tip portion 217b of the second back-side conductive layer 213b.

[0101] In the present example, the shortest path from first electrical connection portion 22a to second electrical connection portion 22b is the path connecting the portion of crimping portion 42 that contacts first back-side conductive layer 213a and the portion of terminal 44 that contacts second back-side conductive layer 213b. Although not shown in the figure, this shortest path passes through the skin-contacting surface. The configurations of the other parts of electrical stimulation device 104 of the present example are the same as the configurations of the corresponding parts of electrical stimulation device 103 of Example 3.

[0102] The conductive layer 21 in the electrical stimulation device 104 of this embodiment includes multiple back-side conductive layers 213, including a first back-side conductive layer 213a and a second back-side conductive layer 213b. The conductive layer 21 also includes a laminated portion 218 in which the first back-side conductive layer 213a and the second back-side conductive layer 213b are stacked on top of each other, and multiple electrical connections 22 are provided in the laminated portion 218. Therefore, when manufacturing the electrical stimulation device 104, electrical connections 22 can be simultaneously formed on each of the two back-side conductive layers 213 in the laminated portion 218. As a result, the manufacturing process for the electrical stimulation device 104 can be more easily simplified. Furthermore, by forming the electrical connections 22 in the laminated portion 218 in this manner, the two electrical connections 22 can be easily formed at positions on the surface of the conductive layer 21 such that the shortest path connecting these electrical connections 22 passes through the skin-contacting surface. As a result, electrical resistance from the control unit 3 to the skin-contacting surface can be more easily reduced.

[0103] Furthermore, electrode 2 has terminal 44 superimposed on laminated portion 218 and crimping portion 42 that penetrates laminated portion 218 and crimps terminal 44 to laminated portion 218. Therefore, when manufacturing electrical stimulation device 104, electrical connection portion 22 can be formed simultaneously on each of two back-side conductive layers 213 by the simple process of crimping terminal 44 to laminated portion 218 with crimping portion 42. As a result, the manufacturing process for electrical stimulation device 104 can be further simplified. Additionally, electrical stimulation device 104 of this example can achieve the same effects as electrical stimulation device 103 of Example 3.

[0104] Example 5 In this example, another example of the reinforcing portion will be described. The specific example of the reinforcing portion is not limited to the examples shown in Examples 1 to 4, and various examples are possible as long as the wire joint portion is disposed between the core material and the reinforcing portion and deformation of the wire joint portion can be suppressed. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , the reinforcing portion 49 in this example has a terminal holding portion 491 that houses the flat portion 441 of the terminal 44, and a cover portion 492 that is connected to the terminal holding portion 491 and covers the wire joint portions 442 and 443. The reinforcing portion 49 may be made of, for example, plastic.

[0105] The above describes the aspects of the electrical stimulation device based on Examples 1 to 5, but the specific aspects of the electrical stimulation device according to the present invention are not limited to the aspects of Examples 1 to 5, and the configuration can be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the spirit of the present invention.

[0106] For example, the electrical stimulation device according to the present invention may have the following aspects [1-1] to [1-10].

[0107] [1-1] An electrical stimulation device configured to be able to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of a user, comprising: a plurality of electrodes; and a control unit that supplies power to the plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the electrodes has a skin contact surface that contacts the body of the user and has a conductive layer that is conductive; and a plurality of electrical connection parts that are provided on the conductive layer and electrically connected to the control unit, and wherein the current path from the control unit to each of the electrical connection parts is composed of a conductive material other than the conductive layer.

[0108] [1-2] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-1], wherein the plurality of electrical connection portions include a first electrical connection portion and a second electrical connection portion, and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are arranged at positions on the surface of the conductive layer such that the shortest path from the first electrical connection portion to the second electrical connection portion passes through the skin contact surface. [1-3] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-1] or [1-2], wherein the electrode has a core material whose surface is at least partially covered by the conductive layer, the conductive layer having the skin contact surface and including a front conductive layer covering the front surface of the core material and a back conductive layer connected to the front conductive layer and covering the back surface of the core material, and the plurality of electrical connection portions are provided on the back conductive layer.

[0109] [1-4] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-3], wherein the core material is made of a flexible porous material. [1-5] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-3] or [1-4], wherein the conductive layer has a plurality of back-side conductive layers including a first back-side conductive layer and a second back-side conductive layer, and has a laminated portion in which the first back-side conductive layer and the second back-side conductive layer are superimposed on each other, and a plurality of the electrical connection portions are provided on the laminated portion.

[0110] [1-6] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-5], wherein the electrode has a terminal overlaid on the laminated portion and a crimping portion that penetrates the laminated portion and crimps the terminal and the laminated portion together. [1-7] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-6], wherein the terminal is disposed between the core material and the back-side conductive layer.

[0111] [1-8] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-6] or [1-7], wherein the electrical stimulation device has an electric wire as the conductive member, and the terminal has an electric wire joint portion joined to the electric wire. [1-9] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-8], wherein the electrical stimulation device has a reinforcing portion that reinforces the electric wire joint portion, and the electric wire joint portion is disposed between the core material and the reinforcing portion. [1-10] The electrical stimulation device according to [1-8] or [1-9], wherein the back conductive layer has an electric wire insertion hole through which the electric wire is inserted, and the electric wire extends from the electric wire insertion hole to the outside of the electrode.

[0112] Furthermore, from another perspective, the electrical stimulation device can also be understood as an invention relating to the electrical stimulation device described in [2-1] to [2-4] below.

[0113] [2-1] An electrical stimulation device configured to be able to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of a user, comprising: a plurality of electrodes; and a control unit that supplies power to the plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the electrodes has a skin contact surface that contacts the body of the user, a bag-shaped conductive layer that is conductive, a wire joint portion to which an electric wire is joined, and a terminal provided within the bag of the conductive layer, and an electric wire that is joined to the wire joint portion and forms at least a part of a current path from the electrode to the control unit, wherein the conductive layer has an electric wire insertion hole through which the electric wire is inserted, and the electric wire extends from the electric wire insertion hole to the outside of the electrode.

[0114] [2-2] The electrical stimulation device according to [2-1], wherein the electrode has a core material housed in a bag of the conductive layer. [2-3] The electrical stimulation device according to [2-2], wherein the core material is made of a flexible porous body. [2-4] The electrical stimulation device according to [2-2] or [2-3], wherein the electrical stimulation device has a reinforcing part that reinforces the electric wire joint, and the electric wire joint is disposed between the core material and the reinforcing part.

[0115] In the electrical stimulation device having the aspect described in [2-1], even if the position of the electric wire changes for various reasons, the electric wire insertion hole can restrict the range of positional deviation of the electric wire, and as a result, the state in which the terminal and the electric wire are joined at the electric wire joint can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0116] The electrical stimulation device having the aspect described in [2-2] can protect the terminals by interposing a core material between the user's body and the terminals when the electrodes are attached to the user's body. As a result, the electrically connected state between the conductive layer and the terminals at the electrical connection portion can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, by interposing a core material between the user's body and the terminals, the terminals are less likely to be palpable by the user when the electrodes are attached to the user's body. As a result, the discomfort experienced by the user when using the electrical stimulation device can be more easily alleviated.

[0117] The electrical stimulation device having the aspect described in [2-3] has a core material made of a flexible porous body, and therefore can further enhance the effects of the core material described above.

[0118] In the electrical stimulation device according to the aspect described in [2-4], the wire joint is disposed between the reinforcing member and the core material, which more effectively prevents the wire joint from being deformed unintentionally by external force, thereby enabling the terminal and the wire to be maintained in a joined state for a longer period of time.

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device configured to be able to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of a user, comprising: a plurality of electrodes; and a control unit that supplies power to the plurality of electrodes, each of the electrodes having a skin contact surface that contacts the body of the user and a conductive layer that is conductive; and a plurality of electrical connection parts that are provided on the conductive layer and electrically connected to the control unit, wherein a current path from the control unit to each of the electrical connection parts is made of a conductive member other than the conductive layer.

2. The electrical stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical connection portions include a first electrical connection portion and a second electrical connection portion, and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are arranged at positions on the surface of the conductive layer such that the shortest path from the first electrical connection portion to the second electrical connection portion passes through the skin contact surface.

3. The electrical stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the electrode has a core material at least a portion of whose surface is covered by the conductive layer, the conductive layer having the skin-contacting surface and including a top conductive layer covering the front surface of the core material and a bottom conductive layer connected to the top conductive layer and covering the back surface of the core material, and wherein a plurality of the electrical connection portions are provided on the bottom conductive layer.

4. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein the core material is made of a flexible porous material.

5. An electrical stimulation device as described in claim 3, wherein the conductive layer has a plurality of back conductive layers including a first back conductive layer and a second back conductive layer, and has a laminated portion in which the first back conductive layer and the second back conductive layer are stacked on top of each other, and a plurality of the electrical connection portions are provided on the laminated portion.

6. An electrical stimulation device as described in claim 5, wherein the electrode has a terminal superimposed on the laminated portion and a crimping portion that penetrates the laminated portion and crimps the terminal and the laminated portion together.

7. The electrical stimulation device of claim 6, wherein the terminal is disposed between the core material and the backside conductive layer.

8. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 6, wherein the electrical stimulation device has an electric wire as the conductive member, and the terminal has an electric wire joint joined to the electric wire.

9. The electrical stimulation device of claim 8, wherein the electrical stimulation device has a reinforcing portion that reinforces the electrical wire joint, and the electrical wire joint is disposed between the core material and the reinforcing portion.

10. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 8, wherein the back conductive layer has a wire insertion hole through which the electric wire passes, and the electric wire extends from the wire insertion hole to the outside of the electrode.

Images