JP2016209508A - Muscle electrostimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a muscle electrostimulator which is hardly seen through one's garment when it is attached under the garment, and promotes circulation of the blood on the muscle.SOLUTION: A muscle electrostimulator 1 comprises: a main body part 10; a power supply part; electrode parts 301, 302, 303; a control part; and an operation part. The power supply part is stored in the main body part 10. The power is supplied to the electrode parts from the power supply part. The control part controls power supply to the electrode parts. The operation part is configured to freely change a control mode of the control part. The muscle electrostimulator 1 is configured to bring the electrode parts into contact with a human body and apply electric stimulus to the human body. The electrode parts are integrated with the main body part. When the electrode parts are brought into contact with the human body, an area of 70% or more of total area on an outside surface 12a and outside surface 121a, which are outer surfaces opposite to a side facing the human body, exhibits dark color.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical muscular stimulation device.

  Conventionally, it is widely known that muscle contraction occurs when an electric current is applied to muscle fibers. In particular, it is used for the purpose of strengthening muscles in the medical and sports fields. Specifically, a muscle stimulation method is used in which electricity is applied through an electrode attached to a human body, and the muscle is tensioned and relaxed based on an electrical signal. When the stimulation is applied to the muscle, the muscle is warmed and blood circulation is promoted, and waste products generated with the muscle tension are positively discharged from the muscle.

  In Patent Document 1, as a muscle stimulating device that stimulates muscles using an electrical signal, a power source is built in and a main body unit having an operation unit and a pair of electrodes extending from the main body unit are provided. An electrode configured to apply an electrical pulse to the human body and apply muscle stimulation by attaching the electrode to the human body is disclosed. The muscle stimulating device does not require an external power supply, and the operation unit and the pair of electrodes are provided integrally with the main body unit, and no cord or the like is provided for connecting the two. Therefore, a pair of electrodes are attached to the human body, and the muscle stimulating device is attached to the human body, so that it is easy to wear from above, and for example, it is easy to use even when going out.

Utility Model Registration No. 3158303

  However, when the muscle stimulating device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is worn while being attached to a human body, the muscle stimulating device may be seen through the clothes that are worn. In particular, when there are many light-colored regions such as white on the outer surface of the muscle stimulating device, the muscle stimulating device is more easily seen through the clothes that are worn. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to use the muscle stimulation device in places such as going out where people are concerned.

  In addition, when there are many light-colored areas such as white on the outer surface of the muscle stimulator, light is less likely to be reflected and absorbed than when there are many dark-colored areas such as black. Relatively difficult to warm even when exposed to light. Accordingly, there is room for improvement in order to warm the muscles and promote blood circulation for the purpose of enhancing the effect of discharging waste products in the muscles.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and intends to provide a muscle stimulating device that can be hardly seen through clothes and can promote blood circulation in muscles when attached to the clothes. It is.

The main unit, the power unit stored in the main unit, the electrode unit to which power is supplied from the power unit, the control unit for controlling the power supply to the electrode unit, and the control mode of the control unit are changed. A muscular electrical stimulation device configured to apply electrical stimulation to the human body by bringing the electrode portion into contact with the human body.
The electrode part is formed integrally with the main body part,
70% or more of the region on the outer surface opposite to the side facing the human body when the electrode portion is brought into contact with the human body is configured to exhibit a dark color. In the device.

  In the muscular electrical stimulation device, since the electrode part is formed integrally with the main body part, a cord or the like that connects the two parts is unnecessary, and the electrode part and the main body part are integrally attached to the human body when used. . For this reason, it is easy to wear from the top with the muscular electrical stimulation device attached. The electrical muscular stimulation device reflects light more than a bright color such as white because 70% or more of the outer surface that can be visually recognized from the outside is dark when attached to the human body. It is difficult to do. Therefore, it is suppressed that the said muscular electrical stimulation apparatus can see through from the clothes which it wore. This makes it easier to use the muscle stimulator even in places where people are concerned about going outside.

  In addition, since the electrical stimulation device for muscles has a dark color in a region of 70% or more on the outer surface, it easily absorbs light as compared to a bright color such as white, and is thus relatively warm to receive light. It has become. Therefore, the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus warms relatively quickly by receiving light directly during use or receiving light transmitted through clothes. Therefore, in a state where the muscle is not warmed, the muscle is warmed by the muscle electrical stimulation device, and blood circulation of the muscle is promoted. As a result, waste products generated by the contraction of the muscle can be actively discharged from the muscle.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a muscle stimulating device that can be hardly seen through the clothes when attached to the clothes and can promote blood circulation in the muscles.

The front view of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The rear view of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The side view of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. (A) is the IVa-IVa line position partial expanded view in FIG. 1, (b) is the IVb-IVb line position partial expanded view in FIG. The schematic diagram explaining the usage condition of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. (A) is a figure showing the color of the front of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1, (b) is a figure which shows the relationship between the brightness and saturation in the hue 5YR in the Munsell color system. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a muscle electrical stimulation device in Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the basic waveform memorize | stored in the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the burst wave output from the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the voltage change output from the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart explaining the main operation | movement of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart explaining the 1st interruption process of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart explaining the 2nd interruption process of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart explaining the 3rd interruption process of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The front view of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in the modification 2. FIG. The rear view of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in the modification 2. The block diagram which shows the structure of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus in the modification 3. FIG. The figure which shows the test pattern in an evaluation test.

  The electrode unit is formed with a plurality of electrodes and a lead unit that electrically connects the electrode and the power supply unit via the control unit on a sheet-like base material extending from the main body unit. The outer surface is formed on the side opposite to the side on which the electrode is provided in the base material, and extends from the outer shell forming body that forms the outer shell of the main body. It can be formed with the electrode support part. In this case, the electrode part is formed on the sheet-like base material extended from the main body part, so that the main body part and the electrode part can be integrated with a simple configuration and can be easily formed thin. For this reason, if the garment is attached to the human body and is worn from above, the muscular electrical stimulation device is less conspicuous, and is easy to use even in places where people are concerned. Further, the muscular electrical stimulation device is excellent in portability by being thin.

  The outer shell forming body and the electrode support part may be made of an elastomer exhibiting a dark color. In this case, it is possible to configure the outer surface to exhibit a dark color by exposing the outer surface of the outer shell forming body and the electrode supporting portion forming elastomer. Thereby, since it can make an outer surface exhibit a dark color, without giving special coloring, reduction of manufacturing cost can be aimed at.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the elastomer which exhibits the dark color which forms the said outer shell formation body and the said electrode support part is a silicone resin which exhibits a dark color. In this case, the outer shell forming body that forms the outer surface and the electrode support are formed of silicon resin having a relatively low thermal conductivity, and the outer surface exhibits a dark color with high light absorption. . Therefore, the outer shell forming body is easily heated by receiving light on the dark outer surface, and the outer shell forming body is maintained in a warmed state because it is formed of silicon resin having a relatively low thermal conductivity. Cheap. Thereby, the blood circulation in the said muscle is further accelerated | stimulated and the waste product produced in the said muscle can be discharged | emitted more actively.

  The region exhibiting the dark color preferably has a lightness in the Munsell color system of 5.0 or less. In this case, the light absorbability in the dark region is increased and the muscular electrical stimulation device is easily warmed, so that blood circulation in the muscle is further promoted. Therefore, the waste discharging action of the waste product can be further promoted.

  The dark color region preferably has a saturation in the Munsell color system of 3.0 or less. In this case, reflection of light in the dark color region is suppressed. Therefore, when the muscle stimulating device is attached to the human body and is worn from above, it is further reduced that the muscle stimulating device can be seen through from the clothes worn.

  It is preferable that the area | region which exhibits the said dark color is exhibiting black. In this case, both lightness and saturation in the Munsell color system become sufficiently low values, and the above-mentioned muscle electrical stimulation device warms up the waste discharge action due to warming and the above-mentioned light reflection suppression. It is possible to achieve both reduction in see-through from the clothes worn by the muscle stimulator.

Example 1
The muscular electrical stimulation apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example includes a main body unit 10, a power supply unit 20, an electrode unit 30, a control unit 40, and an operation unit 50. The power supply unit 20 is housed in the main body unit 10.
The electrode unit 30 is supplied with power from the power supply unit 20. The control unit 40 controls power supply to the electrode unit 30. The operation unit 50 is configured to be able to change the control mode of the control unit 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 is configured to apply electrical stimulation to the human body 2 by bringing the electrode portion 30 into contact with the human body 2.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrode part 30 is formed integrally with the main body part 10.
Then, when the electrode part 30 is brought into contact with the human body 2 (see FIG. 5), a region of 70% or more on the outer surfaces 12a and 121a opposite to the side facing the human body 2 is dark. Has been.

Hereinafter, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 will be described in detail.
The electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example is used by being attached to the abdomen 3 of a human body 2 as shown in FIG. In this example, the longitudinal direction of the height of the human body 2 is the height direction Y. The direction from the central axis 2a of the human body 2 facing the front of the human body 2 and passing through the navel 3a parallel to the height direction Y to the right hand 5a side of the human body 2 is the right direction X1, and The direction toward the left hand 5b side is defined as a left direction X2. The right direction X1 and the left direction X2 are collectively referred to as the left-right direction X.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a main body 10 is provided at the center of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1. As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.3, the main-body part 10 has comprised the substantially disk shape. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the main body 10 includes a case 11 that houses a power supply unit 20 and a control unit 40, which will be described later, and an exterior of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 attached to the case 11. An outer shell forming body 12 forming a shell.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the outer shell forming body 12 has a surface 12 b on the side where a substrate 33 described later is provided, and an outer surface 12 a on the opposite side. The outer shell forming body 12 is made of an elastomer and is made of black silicon in this example. As will be described later, the electrode support portion 121 is extended from the outer shell forming body 12 so as to cover the front side surface 33 b of the base material 33. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a colored region 122 is formed on the outer surfaces 12 a and 121 a of the electrode support portion 121. The colored regions 122 are linear along the outer edges of electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 described later. Yes. In this example, the colored region 122 is colored orange. Although not shown, the outer surfaces 12a and 121a also have displayed areas (other colored areas) in which product names, brand names, and other characters and symbols are colored. In the outer surfaces 12a and 121a, the colored region 122 and other regions other than the colored region are not colored, and the forming materials of the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 are exposed. And the ratio for which the sum total of the coloring area | region 122 and other coloring area | region in the outer surfaces 12a and 121a accounts is less than 30%. That is, the region of 70% or more on the outer surfaces 12a and 121a is exposed in a state where the elastomer which is the material for forming the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 is not colored, and is dark (black in this example). Presents.

  In this example, the dark color means a lightness of 5.0 or less in the Munsell color system (JIS Z8721: 1993) defined in Japanese Industrial Standards. The dark areas occupying 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a and 121a have a lightness in the Munsell color system of 5.0 or less, preferably 4.0 or less, and more preferably 3.0 or less. In addition, the saturation in the Munsell color system of the dark region occupying 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a and 121a is, for example, 3.0 or less, and preferably 2.0 or less. Note that the hue in the Munsell color system of the dark color region occupying 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a and 121a is not particularly limited, and may be an arbitrary value. The lightness, saturation, and hue in the Munsell color system in the dark color region can be measured by a colorimeter based on the above-mentioned Japanese Industrial Standard.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 6A, on the outer surfaces 12a and 121a, the brightness of the colored region 122 in the Munsell color system is 6.5 to 7.0, and the saturation is 12 to 13.5 (hue). 6B (see FIG. 6B) showing the relationship between brightness and saturation in 5YR). On the other hand, the brightness of the regions other than the colored region 122 and other character regions was 1.0 to 2.0, and the saturation was 0. Although FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are actually in color, they cannot be expressed in color because of drawing creation, so they are expressed in gray scale.

  Note that the color measurement of the dark color area is not limited to the Munsell color system, and for example, CIE 1976 L * a * b (JIS Z8781-4: 2013), L * C * h color system, Hunter Lab color system, Other color systems such as the XYZ (Yxy) color system can be used. These color systems can be converted into each other. Therefore, even when the dark color region is measured by the other color system, it can be converted to the Munsell color system to express brightness, saturation, and hue.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the case 11 is attached to the first case 111 having a concave shape and the first case 111, and the control unit 40 is accommodated between the first case 111 and the case 11. And a second case 112 that forms the storage portion 13 to be formed. Both the first case 111 and the second case 112 are made of ABS. The ribs 112 a erected along the outer edge of the second case 112 are fitted inside the outer edge 111 a of the first case 111 so that the second case 112 is joined to the first case 111.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4B, the first case 111 is formed with a first cantilever 51 a and a second cantilever 51 b that form a part of an operation unit 50 described later. The first cantilever 51 a and the second cantilever 51 b are formed in a cantilevered state by hollowing out a part of the wall of the first case 111. The first cantilever 51a and the second cantilever 51b are arranged in this order from the upper side to the lower side in the height direction Y.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4B, both cantilevers 51 a and 51 b are covered with the outer shell forming body 12. In the outer shell forming body 12, a symbol “+” protrudes immediately above the first cantilever 51 a, and a symbol “−” protrudes immediately above the second cantilever 51 b. An operation surface 54 that forms part of the portion 50 is formed. Due to the arrangement of both cantilevers 51a and 51b, “+” is on the upper side in the height direction Y, and “−” is on the lower side in the height direction Y, making it easy for the user to operate ergonomically.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the storage unit 13 formed between the first case 111 and the second case 112 has a control unit 40 (see FIG. 7). A substrate 41 is accommodated. The control board 41 is a printed board, and a control circuit is formed on the control board 41 by providing a wiring pattern (not shown), an electronic component 42, and the like. The control board 41 is electrically connected to a small surface mount type speaker 43. The drive voltages of the electronic component 42 and the speaker 43 are both 3.0V. Although not shown, the control board 41 is equipped with a booster circuit that boosts the output voltage of the battery 21. Thereby, the power of the battery 21 is boosted to a predetermined voltage (for example, 40 V) and supplied to the electrode unit 30.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the storage unit 13 also stores a switch mechanism 52 that forms the operation unit 50. The switch mechanism 52 is a tact switch and includes a switch unit 53 that can be pressed. The switch mechanism 52 is electrically connected to the control unit 40. The switch mechanism 52 is disposed immediately below the first cantilever 51a and the second cantilever 51b formed in the first case 111, respectively. As a result, when the first cantilever 51a is pressed from the outside via the operation surface 54 of the outer shell forming body 12 covering the first case 111, the first cantilever 51a in the cantilever state is bent, so that the switch mechanism 52 The switch unit 53 is pressed. When the pressing on the operation surface 54 is released, the first cantilever 51a returns to the original position by the restoring force of the first cantilever 51a in the cantilever state. Similarly, the second cantilever 51b is configured to be pressed and released.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second case 112 is formed with a battery holding part 14 that holds the battery 21 that constitutes the power supply part 20. As a result, the power supply unit 20 is built in the main body unit 10. The battery 21 is replaceable, and can be, for example, a coin battery or a button battery. In this example, a small and thin coin battery (lithium ion battery CR2032, nominal voltage 3.0 V) is adopted as the battery 21. In addition, it can replace with the said battery 21 and can employ | adopt the battery whose nominal voltage is 3.0-5.0V.

  A lid 15 that prevents the battery 21 from falling off is detachably attached to the battery holding portion 14 that holds the battery 21. The lid 15 has a disk shape that is slightly larger than the battery 21, and an O-ring 16 that seals between the lid 15 and the second case 112 is fitted on the outer periphery thereof. The battery 21 is electrically connected to the control unit 40 via a lead (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of linear grooves 113 extending radially from the outer periphery of the lid 15 are formed in the second case 112 at equal intervals.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second case 112 is formed with a flange portion 112b that protrudes outside the rib 112a. A sheet-like base material 33 is sandwiched between the flange portion 112b and the outer edge portion 111a of the first case 111 via a waterproof double-sided seal (not shown). The base material 33 is made of PET. As shown in FIG. 2, the base material 33 extends from the main body 10 in a sheet shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front side surface 33 b of the base material 33, which is the surface on which the operation unit 54 is exposed, is covered with an electrode support portion 121 extending from the outer shell forming body 12. And the back side surface 33a on the opposite side to the front side surface 33b in the base material 33 is spread over the entire region on the back side opposite to the surface (front side surface) on the outer shell forming body 12 side in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1. And the base material 33 and the electrode support part 121 are joined by the adhesive tape and silicone adhesion processing agent by 3M company which are not shown in figure.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the electrode unit 30 includes a first electrode group 31 and a second electrode group 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the first electrode group 31 extends from the main body 10 so as to be positioned on the right hand side X <b> 1 of the human body 2 with respect to the center line 10 a when attached to the abdomen 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the second electrode group 32 extends from the main body portion 10 so as to be positioned on the left hand side X <b> 2 of the human body 2 with respect to the center line 10 a when attached to the abdominal portion 3. The first electrode group 31 includes right electrodes 311 to 313, and the second electrode group 32 includes left electrodes 321 to 323.

  Each of the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. The longitudinal directions of the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 (for example, the direction indicated by the symbol w in the third right electrode 313) are generally along the left-right direction X. In this example, each of the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 has the same shape. The shapes of the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 are such that, for example, when the length in the longitudinal direction is w and the length in the short direction is h, h / w is 0.40 to 0.95, preferably 0. .50 to 0.80, and in this example, h / w is 0.55.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of non-electrode forming portions 34 each having a predetermined hexagonal shape are formed at predetermined intervals inside each of the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323. The right electrodes 311, 312, and 313 are formed so that lead portions 311 a, 312 a, and 313 a for electrical connection to the power supply unit 20 through the control unit 40 are drawn out from the main body unit 10. Yes. Similarly, lead portions 321 a, 322 a, and 323 a for connecting to the control unit 40 are respectively formed on the left electrodes 321, 322, and 323 so as to be drawn out from the main body unit 10. Each of the lead portions 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a is coated with silicon so that it cannot be electrically connected to the outside. In addition, each electrode 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 has a silicon coating applied to the portion connected to the lead portions 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a and the vicinity thereof (the hatched region indicated by C in FIG. 2). , Can not be connected to the outside. Thus, in each of the lead portions 311a to 313a, 321a to 323a and the shaded area C, it is prevented that the lead contacts 311a to 313a and the shaded area C and is energized. The right electrodes 311 to 313 are connected in parallel to each other via the lead portions 311a to 313a, and the left electrodes 321 to 323 are connected to each other in parallel via the lead portions 321a to 323a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode portion 30 is formed on the back side surface 33 a of the base material 33. Thereby, the electrode part 30 is formed integrally with the main body part 10. The electrode unit 30 may be formed so as to be embedded in the base material 33. In this example, the electrode part 30 is formed by printing a conductive ink containing a silver paste on the back side surface 33 a of the base material 33. The first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 include four or more electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 in total. In this example, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 include the same number of electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323, respectively, and the number thereof is three. That is, the first electrode group 31 includes a first right electrode 311, a second right electrode 312, and a third right electrode 313. The second electrode group 32 includes a first left electrode 321, a second left electrode 322, and a third left electrode 323. In the base material 33, the portions where the first right electrode 311, the second right electrode 312 and the third right electrode 313 are formed are respectively referred to as a first right base 331, a second right base 332 and a third right base 333. The portions where the first left electrode 321, the second left electrode 322, and the third left electrode 323 are formed are referred to as a first left base 341, a second left base 342, and a third left base 343, respectively.

  A gel pad 35 (“Technogel (registered trademark)” manufactured by Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd., model number SR-RA240 / 100) is attached to each of the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323. The gel pad 35 has conductivity, and the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 can energize the abdomen 3 (see FIG. 5) via the gel pad 35. The gel pad 35 has high adhesiveness, and the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 is attached to the abdomen 3 via the gel pad 35.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gel pad 35 has a shape that is slightly larger than the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323, and individually covers the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323. Since the gel pad 35 is replaceable, the gel pad 35 can be replaced as appropriate when the adhesive force decreases, breaks, or becomes conspicuous with use. Alternatively, the used gel pad 35 may be replaced with a new one every predetermined period (for example, one month, two months, etc.).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first right electrode 311, the second right electrode 312, and the third right electrode 313 are all parallel to the height direction Y of the human body 2 (see FIG. 5) and pass through the center of the main body 10. It extends from the main body 10 so as to be positioned on the right hand side X1 (first region S1) of the human body 2 with respect to the line 10a. The first right electrode 311, the second right electrode 312 and the third right electrode 313 are arranged in this order from the upper side to the lower side along the height direction Y.

  On the other hand, the first left electrode 321, the second left electrode 322, and the third left electrode 323 extend from the main body 10 so as to be positioned on the left hand side X2 (second region S2) of the human body 2 with respect to the center line 10a. ing. The first left electrode 321, the second left electrode 322, and the third left electrode 323 are also arranged in this order from the upper side to the lower side along the height direction Y.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3 (see FIG. 5). Has been. That is, the first right electrode 311 and the first left electrode 321 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3, and the second right electrode 312 and the second left electrode 322 are line symmetrical. The third right electrode 313 and the third left electrode 323 are arranged in line symmetry.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are attached to the abdomen 3 (see FIG. 5) in the height direction Y when the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are attached. In each of the groups 32, a pair of upper electrode pairs 301 including a first right electrode 311 and a first left electrode 321 located on the uppermost side, a third right electrode 313 and a third left electrode 323 located on the lowermost side, A pair of lower electrodes 303, a pair of second right electrodes 312 and a center electrode 302 formed of a second left electrode 322 located between the upper electrode pair 301 and the lower electrode pair 303. It is comprised so that it may be formed. Accordingly, the upper electrode pair 301, the central electrode pair 302, and the lower electrode pair 303 are arranged in this order from the upper side to the lower side along the height direction Y.

  The center electrode pair 302 protrudes in the direction (left-right direction X) extending from the main body 10 more than the upper electrode pair 301 and the lower electrode pair 303. That is, when attached to the abdomen 3, the second right electrode 312 constituting the central electrode pair 302 is the first right electrode 311 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 and the third right electrode 313 constituting the lower electrode pair 303. It protrudes in the right direction X1. Similarly, the second left electrode 322 constituting the central electrode pair 302 protrudes in the left direction X2 more than the first left electrode 321 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 and the third left electrode 323 constituting the lower electrode pair 303. ing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper electrode pair 301 is inclined in a V shape so as to be positioned on the upper side in the extending direction. As described above, the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 have the same size. On the other hand, each right base 331-333 in the base material 33 of the electrode part 30 is larger than each right electrode 311-313, and each left base 341-343 is larger than each left electrode 321-323. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes in the direction (left-right direction X) extending from the main body 10 than the lower electrode pair 303. That is, when attached to the abdominal part 3, the first right electrode 311 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes in the right direction X 1 from the third right electrode 313 constituting the lower electrode pair 303. Similarly, the first left electrode 321 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes in the left direction X2 from the third left electrode 323 constituting the lower electrode pair 303.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lower outer edge 331a of the first right base 331 bulges in the right direction X1, and the lower outer edge 341a of the first left base 341 bulges in the left direction X2.
Further, the center outer edge 332a of the second right base 332 is slightly bulged in the right direction X1, and the center outer edge 342a of the second left base 342 is slightly bulged in the left direction X2.
Further, the upper outer edge 333a of the third right base 333 bulges in the right direction X1, and the lower outer edge 333b of the third right base 333 bulges downward (downward in the Y direction). The upper outer edge 343a of the third left base 343 bulges in the left direction X2, and the lower outer edge 343b of the third left base 343 bulges downward.

  By making the bases 331 to 333 and 341 to 343 in the base material 33 as described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, when the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 is viewed from the front side, the muscular electrical stimulation device 1. Is arranged so as to wrap the rectus abdominis 4 in the abdomen 3 in the left-right direction. Moreover, it can be expected that each muscle is efficiently stimulated by arranging the electrodes in combination with the section 4a of the rectus abdominis 4. Furthermore, by recognizing such a shape, the user can be reminded of an image in which the abdominal part 3 is tightened and the abdominal muscles are broken. Thereby, the effect of the image training for setting it as the abdominal part 3 which the abdominal muscle cracked and tightened by using the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is acquired. (Improvement of exercise effect by image training is generally well known.)

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a cut portion 17 cut toward the main body portion 10 between the adjacent electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 in the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32. Is formed. In this example, between the first right electrode 311 and the second right electrode 312, between the second right electrode 312 and the third right electrode 313, between the third right electrode 313 and the third left electrode 323, 3 between the left electrode 323 and the second left electrode 322, between the second left electrode 322 and the first left electrode 321, and between the first left electrode 321 and the first right electrode 311. A cut portion 17 is formed. Furthermore, four through holes 18 are formed around the main body 10.

Next, the structure of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of this example is demonstrated using a block diagram.
As shown in FIG. 7, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 includes a power source unit 20, a control unit 40, and an operation unit 50 inside the main body unit 10, and also includes a skin detection unit 402 and a battery voltage detection unit 406.

  Skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not electrode unit 30 is in contact with the skin. Specifically, the skin detection unit 402 is electrically connected to the electrode unit 30 and detects a resistance value between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32. Then, the detected value is compared with a preset threshold value, and when the detected value is smaller than the threshold value, it is detected that the skin is in contact with the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32.

  The battery voltage detection unit 406 detects the voltage of the battery 21 in the power supply unit 20 and determines whether or not the detected battery voltage V of the battery 21 in the power supply unit 20 is lower than a predetermined threshold value Vm. In this example, the nominal voltage V of the battery 21 is 3.0V, and the threshold value Vm is 2.1V.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the power supply unit 20 includes a battery 21. The control unit 40 includes an output adjustment unit 401, a power-off counter 403, a timer 404, an output mode switching unit 405, and an output mode storage unit 405a. The output adjustment unit 401 adjusts the output voltage (output level) at the electrode unit 30. In this example, the maximum output voltage is 40 V, and the 100% output voltage is set to decrease by 2.0 V every time the output level decreases by one. There are 15 output levels from level 1 to level 15.

  The power-off counter 403 measures an elapsed time after receiving the count start signal. The timer 404 measures an elapsed time after receiving the output start signal. The output mode switching unit 405 switches the output mode in the electrode unit 30 to any one of the first output mode, the second output mode, and the third output mode, and sets the frequency of the burst wave to be output. Part. The output mode storage unit 405a stores a first output mode, a second output mode, and a third output mode. In the first output mode, the second output mode, and the third output mode, a basic waveform as a burst wave pattern having pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 is stored in advance, and the output mode storage unit 405a stores the burst wave pattern. A storage unit is configured. Note that the burst wave pattern storage unit 405a includes a definition description of a burst wave waveform on the program.

Next, the output mode in the electrode unit 30 will be described.
First, five burst wave patterns (basic waveforms B1 to B5) shown in FIG. 8 are stored in the output mode storage unit 405a serving as a duration storage unit. Each basic waveform B1 to B5 includes a pulse group output period P and a pulse group output interruption period R1 to R5. That is, the basic waveforms B1 to B5 have a common pulse group output period P, and the lengths of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 are different.

  In the pulse group output period P, a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output with output stop times N1 to N5 interposed therebetween. In this example, five rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output. That is, the pulse group output period P includes the first rectangular wave pulse signal S1, the first output stop time N1, the second rectangular wave pulse signal S2, the second output stop time N2, and the third rectangular wave pulse signal. S3, third output stop time N3, fourth rectangular wave pulse signal S4, fourth output stop time N4, fifth rectangular wave pulse signal S5, and fifth output stop time N5 are executed in this order.

  In this example, the pulse widths and pulse voltages of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are constant, and the durations of the output stop times N1 to N5 are also constant. In this example, the pulse width of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 is 100 μs, the pulse voltage is ± 40 V at 100% output, and the duration of the output stop time N1 to N5 is 100 μs. Therefore, the duration of the pulse group output period P is 1 ms. And the voltage polarity in each rectangular wave pulse signal S1-S5 is changed alternately by the order of output. That is, the first rectangular wave pulse signal S1, the third rectangular wave pulse signal S3, and the fifth rectangular wave pulse signal S5 have a positive polarity, and the second rectangular wave pulse signal S2 and the fourth rectangular wave. The pulse signal S4 has a negative polarity.

  As described above, the pulse width of each rectangular wave pulse signal S1 to S5 and the duration of each output stop time N1 to N5 in the pulse group output period P are 100 μs. Therefore, the pulse period of each rectangular wave pulse signal S1 to S5 in the pulse group output period P is 200 μs, which is sufficiently short. Therefore, the user recognizes these rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 as one electrical stimulus. In addition, the frequency of each rectangular wave pulse signal S1-S5 in the pulse group output period P is 5,000 Hz.

  In each of the basic waveforms B1 to B5, no pulse signal is output during the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5. The duration of the pulse group output interruption period R1 to R5 is longer than the duration of the pulse group output period P. In this example, as shown in FIG. 8, the duration of the pulse group output period P is 1 ms, and the durations of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 are 499 ms, 249 ms, 124 ms, 61.5 ms, 49 ms. Thus, the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 have a very long duration compared to the output stop time in the pulse group output period P.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the first burst wave (2 Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R1 of 499 ms. That is, the first burst wave (2 Hz) is output with a frequency of the pulse group output period P of 2 Hz.
The second burst wave (4 Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R2 of 249 ms. That is, the second burst wave (4 Hz) is output at a frequency of 4 Hz in the pulse group output period P.
The third burst wave (8 Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R3 of 124 ms. That is, the third burst wave (8 Hz) is output at a frequency of 8 Hz in the pulse group output period P.
The fourth burst wave (16 Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R4 of 61.5 ms. That is, the fourth burst wave (16 Hz) is output at a frequency of 16 Hz in the pulse group output period P.
The fifth burst wave (20 Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1 ms and a pulse group output interruption period R5 of 49 ms. That is, the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) is output with a frequency of 20 Hz in the pulse group output period P.

  Then, by repeatedly outputting the basic waveforms B1 to B5 in a predetermined combination for a predetermined period, a predetermined burst wave is output as shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (e). As described above, since the user recognizes the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the pulse group output period P as one electrical stimulus, the basic waveform B1 as shown in FIG. In the first burst wave repeating the above, an electrical stimulus having a frequency of 2 Hz is output. Similarly, in the second burst wave that repeats the basic waveform B2, an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 4 Hz is output, and in the third burst wave that repeats the basic waveform B3, an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 8 Hz is output, and the fourth burst repeats the basic waveform B4. In the burst wave, an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 16 Hz is output, and in the fifth burst wave that repeats the basic waveform B5, an electrical stimulus with a frequency of 20 Hz is output.

The first to third output modes stored in the output mode storage unit 405a serving as the duration storage unit are appropriately selected from the basic waveforms B1 to B5 stored in the output mode storage unit 405a. Composed of a combination of burst waves. First, as shown in Table 1, the first output mode is a warm-up mode configured to sequentially perform the following first status to fourth status. The conditions for each status are as follows.
(1) In the first status, 100% output is performed with the first burst wave (2 Hz) for 20 seconds. As shown in FIG. 10, so-called soft start is performed in which the output voltage is gradually increased from 0% to 100% for 5 seconds in the first status.
(2) In the second status, 100% output is performed for 20 seconds with the second burst wave (4 Hz).
(3) In the third status, 100% output is performed with the third burst wave (8 Hz) for 10 seconds.
(4) In the fourth status, 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with the fourth burst wave (16 Hz).
The duration of the first output mode (that is, the total duration of the first status to the fourth status) is 1 minute. In the first output mode, since the burst wave frequency is configured to increase stepwise from 2 Hz to 16 Hz, the first output mode is called a warm-up mode.

  In the first output mode as the warm-up mode, as the frequency of the burst wave increases stepwise from 2 Hz to 16 Hz, the exercise frequency of the muscle increases and the muscle and body gradually warm up. This prevents a sudden rise in blood pressure, temporary oxygen shortage in the muscle, and the like. Moreover, when the muscles are gradually warmed, the blood flow is increased and the flexibility of the muscles is increased. Thereby, in the subsequent training mode, it becomes easier to obtain the effect of muscle stimulation. Also, by performing the warm-up mode prior to the training mode, the user can be used to the stimulation moderately, so that the sensation is improved.

Next, as shown in Table 2, the second output mode is a training mode configured to perform the following first status to fourth status in order. The conditions for each status are as follows.
(1) In the first status, 100% output is performed for 3 seconds with the fifth burst wave (20 Hz), and then no output is maintained for 2 seconds. Repeat for 5 minutes.
(2) In the second status, 100% output is performed with the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) for 3 seconds, and then 100% output is performed with the second burst wave (4 Hz) for 2 seconds. Repeat for 5 minutes.
(3) In the third status, 100% output is performed with the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) for 4 seconds, and then 100% output is performed with the second burst wave (4 Hz) for 2 seconds. Repeat for 5 minutes.
(4) In the fourth status, 100% output is performed with the fifth burst wave (20 Hz) for 5 seconds, and then 100% output is performed with the second burst wave (4 Hz) for 2 seconds. Repeat for 5 minutes.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the second output mode, a so-called soft start is performed in which the output voltage is gradually increased from 0% to 100% for 5 seconds in each of the first status to the fourth status. .
The duration of the second output mode is 20 minutes. In the second output mode, the fifth burst wave with a frequency of 20 Hz is maintained for a predetermined period, and then no output or the second burst wave with a frequency of 4 Hz is maintained for a predetermined period, so that it is excellent for stimulating muscles effectively. . Therefore, the second output mode is called a training mode.

Next, as shown in Table 3, the third output mode is a cool-down mode configured to perform the following first status to fourth status in order. The conditions for each status are as follows.
(1) In the first status, the fourth burst wave (16 Hz) is output for 10 seconds.
(2) In the second status, the third burst wave (8 Hz) is output for 10 seconds.
(3) In the third status, the second burst wave (4 Hz) is output for 20 seconds.
(4) In the fourth status, the first burst wave (2 Hz) is output for 20 seconds.
In the third output mode, as shown in FIG. 10, the output in each status is gradually reduced to 100% at the start of the first status and 50% at the end of the fourth status.
The duration of the third output mode is 1 minute. In the third output mode, the burst wave frequency is configured to gradually decrease from 16 Hz to 2 Hz. Therefore, the third output mode is called a cool-down mode.

  In the third output mode as the cool-down mode, the muscles and body that have been warmed up gradually as the frequency of the muscles decreases as the frequency of the burst wave gradually decreases from 16 Hz to 2 Hz. It will be cooled. Then, the fatigue substance generated in the muscle in the preceding training mode is positively discharged from the muscle, and the fatigue substance is prevented from remaining excessively in the muscle.

  As described above, the total time when the first output mode (warm-up mode), the second output mode (training mode), and the third output mode (cool-down mode) are continuously performed is 22 minutes. In this example, as shown in FIG. 10, a rest period of 2 seconds is provided at a total of four locations between the first output mode and the second output mode and between the statuses in the second output mode. It has been. Therefore, the total time of all the processes including the suspension period is 22 minutes and 8 seconds.

Next, the usage mode in the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example will be described in detail below.
The main operation flow S100 shown in FIG. 11 will be described. In the main operation flow S100, first, “+” on the operation surface 54 is pressed for 2 seconds (S101). As a result, the electric power of the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 is turned on, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 is activated, and a notification sound (“pee”) notifying that it has been activated is emitted from the speaker 43 (S102). ). Thereafter, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 enters an output standby state, the output level is set to 0, and the input of the operation unit 50 is invalidated (S103).

  Next, it is detected by the skin detection part 402 whether the skin is contacting the electrode part 30 (S104). When the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (Yes in S104), the operation unit 50 is validated (S105). Then, an output level is input by the operation unit 50 (S106). The input of the output level is performed from the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50. Every time “+” on the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50 is pressed, the output level increases by one level, and every time “−” on the operation surface 54 is pressed, the output level decreases by one level. When the output level is set, an output start signal is sent from the control unit 40 to the timer 404, and measurement is started in the timer 404 (S107). Further, the operation of the output level can be performed at any time during the usage time (after the operation unit 50 is activated until the power is turned off).

  From the time when the timer 404 starts measurement (elapsed time 0) to the elapsed time 1 minute, the output mode of the electrode unit 30 is set to the first output mode (warm-up mode) (S108). When the elapsed time reaches 1 minute, the output mode switching unit 405 as a frequency setting unit switches the output mode in the electrode unit 30 to the second output mode (training mode) and maintains it for 20 minutes until the elapsed time of 21 minutes (S109). ). When the elapsed time reaches 21 minutes, the output mode switching unit 405 serving as a frequency setting unit switches the output mode in the electrode unit 30 to the third output mode (cool down mode) and maintains it for 1 minute until the elapsed time of 22 minutes ( S110). When the elapsed time reaches 22 minutes, the measurement in the timer 404 is terminated (S111). Then, the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 is stopped (S112). As described above, when S108 to S111 are performed, one set of the first output mode (warm-up mode), the second output mode (training mode), and the third output mode (cool-down mode) is performed, and the process ends. It will be.

  On the other hand, if the skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with the electrode unit 30 (No in S104), a notification sound (“pi, pi, pi”) to notify that is sent by the speaker 43. It is emitted (S113). Then, a count start signal is sent from the control unit 40 to the power-off counter 403, and measurement of elapsed time is started in the power-off counter 403 (S114).

  Next, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S115). When the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30, the process returns to the above-described step S103 and enters an output standby state (Yes in S115). On the other hand, when the skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with the electrode unit 30 (No in S115), it is determined whether the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 has exceeded 2 minutes (S116). . When it is determined that the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 does not exceed 2 minutes (No in S116), the process returns to S115 again, and the skin detection unit 402 detects whether the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 or not. To do. On the other hand, when it is determined in S116 that the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 exceeds 2 minutes (Yes in S116), the power of the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 is turned off (S117).

  Next, a description will be given of an interrupt process that is preferentially interrupted between S105 and S110 in the main operation flow S100 described above. As shown in FIG. 12, a skin detection interrupt process S200 is performed as the first interrupt process. The skin detection interrupt process S200 is used as a function of automatically turning off the power when the electrode is detached from the human body during use. In the skin detection interruption process S200, first, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S201). When the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (Yes in S201), the process returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100. On the other hand, when the skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with the electrode unit 30 (No in S201), a notification sound (“pi, pi, pi”) notifying that is sent by the speaker 43. It is emitted (S202). Then, a count start signal is sent from the control unit 40 to the power-off counter 403, and the power-off counter 403 starts measuring elapsed time (S203).

  Next, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S204). When the skin detecting unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30, the process returns to step S103 of the main operation flow S100 (Yes in S204). On the other hand, when the skin detecting unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with the electrode unit 30 (No in S204), it is determined whether the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 has exceeded 2 minutes (S205). . When it is determined that the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 does not exceed 2 minutes (No in S205), the process returns to S204 again, and the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30. To do. On the other hand, when it is determined in S205 that the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 exceeds 2 minutes (Yes in S205), the power of the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 is turned off (S206).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a battery voltage lowering process S300, which is a second interrupt process interrupted between S105 to S110 in the main operation flow S100 described above, will be described. The battery voltage lowering process S300 is a function for automatically turning off the power when the battery voltage of the battery 21 decreases. As a result, the user can easily know when it is necessary to replace the battery. First, the battery voltage detection unit 406 determines whether or not the detected battery voltage V of the battery 21 in the power supply unit 20 is lower than a predetermined threshold value Vm (S301). When it is determined that the battery voltage V is not lower than the predetermined threshold value Vm (No in S301), the process returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100. On the other hand, when it is determined that the battery voltage V is lower than the predetermined threshold value Vm, a notification sound (“pi, pi, pi”) notifying that effect is emitted from the speaker 43 (S302). Then, a count start signal is sent from the control unit 40 to the power-off counter 403, and the measurement of elapsed time is started in the power-off counter 403 (S303).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 has exceeded 2 minutes (S304). When it is determined that the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 does not exceed 2 minutes (No in S304), the process returns to S304 again. When it is determined that the elapsed time in the power-off counter 403 exceeds 2 minutes (Yes in S304), the electrical power of the muscle electrical stimulation device 1 is turned off (S305).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, an interruption process S400 that is a third interruption process interrupted between S105 and S110 in the main operation flow S100 described above will be described. First, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the time during which the “−” button on the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50 is pressed is 2 seconds or more (S401). When it is determined that the time during which the “−” button is pressed is not 2 seconds or longer (No in S401), the process returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time during which the “−” button is pressed is 2 seconds or longer (Yes in S401), the notification sound (notifying that the power is turned off and the process is ended) "Pee") is emitted from the speaker 43 (S402). Then, the power is turned off (S403).

  According to the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 of this example, since the electrode part is formed integrally with the main body part, there is no need for a cord or the like that connects the two, and the electrode part and the main body part are integrated when used. It can be attached to the human body. Therefore, it is easy to wear clothes from above with the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 attached. In the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of this example, 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a and 121a that can be visually recognized from the outside when attached to the human body 2 are dark. For this reason, light is less likely to be reflected than in the case of a bright color such as white, so that it is possible to prevent the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 from being seen through from the clothes that are worn. Thereby, it becomes easy to use the muscle stimulating device 1 even in places where people are concerned about going out and the like.

  In addition, according to the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 of this example, since 70% or more of the outer surfaces 12a and 121a are dark, it is easier to absorb light than in the case of a bright color such as white. The electrical stimulator 1 is relatively warmed by receiving light. Therefore, the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 warms relatively quickly by receiving light directly during use or receiving light transmitted through clothes. Thereby, in the state where the muscle is not warmed, the muscle is warmed by the muscle electrical stimulation device 1, and the blood circulation of the muscle is promoted. As a result, waste products generated by the contraction of the muscle can be actively discharged from the muscle.

  In this example, the electrode unit 30 includes a plurality of electrodes 311 to 323, electrodes 311 to 323, and the power supply unit 20 via the control unit 40 on a sheet-like base material 33 extending from the main body unit 10. And lead portions 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a which are electrically connected to each other. And outer surface 12a, 121a is the outer shell formation body 12 which forms the outer shell of the main-body part 10, and the side in which the electrodes 311-323 in the base material 33 are provided while extending from this outer shell formation body 12. It is formed by the electrode support part 121 formed on the opposite side. As a result, the electrode part 30 is formed on the sheet-like base material 33 extending from the main body part 10, so that the main body part 10 and the electrode part 30 can be integrated with a simple configuration and formed thin. It becomes easy. Therefore, even if it is attached to the human body 2 and is worn from above, it is not noticeable from the top of the clothing, and it is easy to use it even in places where people are concerned. Moreover, since it becomes easy to form thinly, it is excellent also in portability.

  Further, in this example, the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support portion 121 are made of an elastomer that exhibits a dark color. And the outer surface 12a, 121a is comprised so that the outer surface 12a, 121a may exhibit a dark color by making the outer surface 12a, 121a expose the elastomer which is the forming material of the outer shell formation body 12 and the electrode support part 121. Thereby, since the outer surfaces 12a and 121a can exhibit a dark color without giving special coloring, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Moreover, in this example, the elastomer which exhibits the dark color which forms the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support part 121 is a silicone resin which exhibits a dark color. The outer shell of the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of the present example is formed of silicon resin having a relatively low thermal conductivity. Therefore, the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support 121 are easily warmed by receiving light on the dark outer surfaces 12a and 121a, and the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support 121 have a relatively low thermal conductivity. Since it is formed of silicon resin, the outer shell forming body 12 and the electrode support 121 are easily maintained in a warmed state. Thereby, the blood circulation in the said muscle is further accelerated | stimulated and the waste product produced in the said muscle can be discharged | emitted more actively.

  In this example, the lightness in the Munsell color system is 5.0 or less in the dark color region (the colored region 122 on the outer surfaces 12a and 121a and the region other than the colored region). Thereby, since the light absorbability in the area | region which exhibits a dark color increases and the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus 1 becomes easy to warm up, the blood circulation in the said muscle is further accelerated | stimulated. Therefore, the waste discharging action of the waste product can be further promoted.

  In this example, the dark color region has a saturation of 3.0 or less in the Munsell color system. Thereby, since reflection of the light in the area | region which exhibits the said dark color is suppressed, when it wears from the top in the state which attached the muscle stimulating device 1 of this example to the human body 2, from the clothes which the muscle stimulating device 1 wore See-through is further reduced.

  And in this example, the area | region which exhibits the said dark color is exhibiting black. As a result, both lightness and saturation in the Munsell color system become sufficiently low values, and further promotion of waste discharging action due to warming of the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 and suppression of light reflection as described above. It is possible to achieve both reduction of see-through from the clothes worn by the muscle stimulating device 1 of the present invention.

  The battery 21 can be a button battery or a coin battery, and in this example is a coin battery. Thereby, since the battery 21 becomes small, it contributes to size reduction of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus 1. And since weight reduction can be achieved with size reduction of the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus 1, the electrode part 30 becomes difficult to peel and drop | omit from a user's body, usability improves, and portability also improves. Furthermore, since the battery 21 is also thin, it contributes to thinning of the muscular electrical stimulation device 1. And since the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus 1 becomes thin, the user can wear clothes from the top with the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus 1 attached. Therefore, the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 can be used in various other situations while commuting to work, attending school, working such as housework or work. In addition, since the button battery and the coin battery have stable discharge characteristics at a high operating voltage compared to other dry batteries, the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 can be stably operated for a relatively long time.

  In addition, a battery having a nominal voltage of 3.0 to 5.0 V can be used as the battery 21, and a 3.0 V battery 21 is used in this example. Since the drive voltages of the electronic component 42 and the speaker 43 provided in the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 are the same, it is not necessary to separately provide a step-down circuit and a step-up circuit for driving these electronic components 42 and 43. Thereby, it can contribute to size reduction.

  The power supply unit 20 may incorporate a rechargeable battery instead of the replaceable battery 21 described above. As a charging means for such a battery, a power supply terminal that can be connected to an external power source may be provided, or a non-contact power supply unit that uses electromagnetic induction may be provided. In this case, since the battery can be used repeatedly, consumables can be reduced compared to the case of using a non-rechargeable battery.

  In this example, the base material 33 on which the electrode part 30 is formed is extended from the main body part 10, and the electrode support part 121 extended from the outer shell forming body 12 is bonded to the electrode 33. The part 30 and the main body part 10 are integrally formed. Instead of this, the base material 33 and the main body 10 are separated from each other, and the electrode support 121 and the outer shell forming body 12 are formed as separate bodies so that the main body 10 and the electrode 30 are not separated. You may comprise so that it can mutually isolate | separate at the time of use. In this case, the electrode unit 30 can be separated from the main body unit 10 and replaced with another type of electrode unit. Moreover, since the electrode part 30 does not have an electronic component, the electrode part 30 can be wash | cleaned easily by isolate | separating.

  As described above, according to this example, it is possible to provide the muscle stimulation device 1 that can be hardly seen through the clothes when attached to the clothes and can promote blood circulation in the muscles.

In this example, the second output mode (training mode) is executed based on the first status to the fourth status shown in Table 2 above. Instead, the second status a shown in Table 4 is executed between the second status and the third status in the first status to the fourth status equivalent to this example as in the first modification shown below. The 3a status shown in Table 4 may be executed between the third status and the fourth status.

In the first modification, as shown in Table 4, the 2a status and the 3a status are performed as follows.
(2a) In the 2a status, after the second burst wave (4 Hz) is output for 100 seconds for 10 seconds, the third burst wave (8 Hz) is output for 100 seconds for 10 seconds. 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with 4 burst waves (16 Hz).
(3a) In the 3a status, after the second burst wave (4 Hz) is output for 100 seconds for 10 seconds, the third burst wave (8 Hz) is output for 100 seconds for 10 seconds. 100% output is performed for 10 seconds with 4 burst waves (16 Hz).
In the first modification, since the 2a status and the 3a status are added as compared with the second output mode (see Table 2) of the present example, the first output mode (warm-up mode) shown in Table 4 is added. The total time when the second output mode (training mode) and the third output mode (cool down mode) are continuously performed is 23 minutes.

  In the 2a status, since the frequency of the burst wave is increased stepwise from 4 Hz to 16 Hz, the frequency change at the time of switching from the 2a status to the 3rd status becomes smooth. Similarly, the frequency change at the time of switching from the 3a status to the 4th status becomes smooth. And in the said modification 1, when the 2a status and the 3a status are added with respect to the case of Example 1, the pattern of the electrical stimulation in 2nd output mode (training mode) will change a lot. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the bodily sensation due to the user's familiarity with the electrical stimulation, and to stimulate the rectus abdominis muscle more effectively. In addition, by providing the 2a status and the 3a status, there is also an effect of flushing out fatigue substances in muscles that have been fatigued by the application of electrical stimulation. In the first modification in which the second output mode (training mode) is set in this way, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment, the six electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of electrodes may be two or more. For example, in the second modification, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the electrodes have the same configuration as the electrodes 311 and 321 of the first embodiment, but include two electrodes 311 and 321 that are slightly larger. In the second modification, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Also in this case, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained. And according to the muscular electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of the modification 2, since the number of the electrodes 311 and 321 is small compared with the case where there are six electrodes (see FIG. 2), the power consumption per electrode can be increased. Since it can do, each electrode 311 and 321 is enlarged once. Thereby, the range which can give electrical stimulation with one electrode spreads, and it becomes easy to stimulate the muscles of large parts, such as an arm part and a thigh.

In the first embodiment, when the frequency of the burst wave is changed, the frequency setting unit (output mode switching unit 405) is predetermined from the burst wave pattern stored in the burst wave pattern storage unit (output mode storage unit 405a). I try to choose one. It can replace with this and it can also be carried out like the following modification 3. As shown in FIG. 17, the modification 3 includes an operation surface 54a as a frequency selection unit that selects the frequency of the burst wave, an interruption period duration calculation unit 405b, and an interruption period duration setting unit 405c.
Then, the interruption period duration calculation unit 405b calculates the duration of the pulse group output interruption period based on the frequency selected by the frequency selection unit (operation surface 54a).
The interruption period duration setting unit 405c sets the duration of the pulse group output interruption period based on the duration calculated by the interruption period duration calculation unit 405b.
In the third modification, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the third modification, since the frequency of the burst wave can be set to a desired frequency by the frequency selection unit (operation surface 54a), it is based on the user's preference (shrinkage strength / shrinkage and relaxation interval). Thus, by appropriately setting the frequency of the burst wave, the muscle electrical stimulation device 1 can stimulate the muscles more efficiently for each user. The modification 3 also has the same effects as those of the first embodiment, except for the effects related to the mode of changing the frequency of the burst wave.

(Evaluation test)
In order to evaluate the see-through state in the state of wearing clothes using the electrical muscular stimulation device 1 of the present invention, the following evaluation test was performed.
In the evaluation test, test patterns 1 shown in FIG. 18A, test pattern 2 shown in FIG. 18B, test pattern 3 shown in FIG. 18C, and test shown in FIG. Pattern 4 and test pattern 5 shown in FIG. 18 (e) were used. Each of the test patterns 1 to 5 is a square-shaped piece of paper having a side of 3 cm, and a black portion 181 having a black color as an area having a dark color on the surface thereof as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) to 18 (e). A predetermined pattern is displayed on each of the colored areas 182 colored in orange as other colored areas. Specifically, each of the test patterns 1 to 5 has a surface partitioned into 10 lattices in the vertical and horizontal directions. And each grid | lattice becomes black or orange, The black part 181 and the colored area | region 182 are each formed in the predetermined shape.

  In this test example, as shown in FIGS. 18A to 18E, in any of test patterns 1 to 5, in 100%, the black portion 181 occupies the entire area, and the colored region 182 does not exist. . In 90% of the test patterns 1 to 5, the black portion 181 occupies 90% and the colored region 182 occupies 10%. In 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50% of the test patterns 1 to 5, the black portion 181 occupies 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%, respectively, and the colored region 182 is 20% and 30%, respectively. %, 40% and 50%. The black portions 181 and the colored regions 182 in the test patterns 1 to 5 are formed in different modes. In the test patterns 3 to 5, the colored regions 182 are more dispersed than the test patterns 1 and 2.

  In the evaluation test, the test patterns 1 to 5 placed on the palm were covered with a shirt under the illumination of a fluorescent lamp in the room, and it was evaluated whether or not the test patterns 1 to 5 could be seen through visually. The number of testers (yellow race, male and female) was 5. The shirt was a white plain men's shirt made of cotton and polyester. As the evaluation criteria, a case where the transparency of the test patterns 1 to 5 is not worrisome through the shirt is indicated by “◯”, a case where the water is not much concerned is indicated by “Δ”, and a case where the water is worrisome is indicated by “X”. The test was performed by the practitioner. The evaluation results of each practitioner are shown in Table 5. Then, in the evaluation of each practitioner, the test patterns 1 to 5 are added together for each ratio of the black portion 181 to show the number of ◯ and △ and the ratio to the population (25), the number of × and the population of the population The ratio to the number (25) is shown in Table 6.

  As shown in Tables 5 and 6, in all the practitioners, when the ratio of the black portion 181 is 100%, all the test patterns 1 to 5 are ○, and the test patterns 1 to 5 are transparent. It was shown not to be. Furthermore, in all the practitioners, when the ratio of the black portion 181 is 90%, all the test patterns 1 to 5 are ◯ or △, and the transparent of the test patterns 1 to 5 is not worried or is not worrisome. It was shown that. When the ratio of the black portion 181 was 80%, it was shown that the transparency of the test patterns 1 to 5 was not worried or not much concerned at a high ratio of 92% of all the test patterns 1 to 5. Further, when the ratio of the black portions 181 is 70%, the test patterns 1 to 5 are not concerned about the transparency of the test patterns 1 to 5 at a relatively high ratio of 56% or more of all the test patterns 1 to 5. It was shown not to be.

  On the other hand, when the ratio of the black portions 181 is 60%, the test patterns 1 to 5 are less concerned about the transparency of the test patterns 1 to 5 only at a low ratio of less than half of 20% of all the test patterns 1 to 5. It was shown not to be. Similarly, when the ratio of the black portions 181 is 50%, the transparency of the test patterns 1 to 5 is only noticeable at a low rate of less than half, ie, 16% of all the test patterns 1 to 5, or it is not much concerned. It was shown not to be.

  From the above evaluation results, in the test patterns 1 to 5, when the ratio of the black portions 181 is 70% or more, it is confirmed that the test patterns 1 to 5 are not bothered or not much of interest. did it. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, according to the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 in which 70% or more of the area on the outer surfaces 12 a and 121 a (see FIG. 6) of the muscular electrical stimulation device 1 is dark, Since it was suppressed that the stimulating apparatus 1 was seen through, it was shown that it was easy to use even in places where people were concerned about going out.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 Main-body part 10a Center line 12 Outer shell formation body 12a, 121a Outer surface 122 Coloring area | region 20 Power supply part 30 Electrode part 31 1st electrode group 32 2nd electrode group 33 Base material 35 Gel pad 301 Upper electrode pair 302 Center electrode pair 303 Lower electrode pair 40 Control unit 50 Operation unit

Claims (6)

The main unit, the power unit stored in the main unit, the electrode unit to which power is supplied from the power unit, the control unit for controlling the power supply to the electrode unit, and the control mode of the control unit are changed. A muscular electrical stimulation device configured to apply electrical stimulation to the human body by bringing the electrode portion into contact with the human body.
The electrode part is formed integrally with the main body part,
70% or more of the region on the outer surface opposite to the side facing the human body when the electrode portion is brought into contact with the human body is configured to exhibit a dark color. apparatus.   The electrode unit is formed with a plurality of electrodes and a lead unit that electrically connects the electrode and the power supply unit via the control unit on a sheet-like base material extending from the main body unit. The outer surface is formed on the side opposite to the side on which the electrode is provided in the base material, and extends from the outer shell forming body that forms the outer shell of the main body. The muscular electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the muscular electrical stimulation device is formed by an electrode support portion.   3. The electrical muscular stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell forming body and the electrode support portion are made of a dark-colored elastomer.   The muscular electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dark color region has a brightness in the Munsell color system of 5.0 or less.   The muscular electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dark color region has a saturation in the Munsell color system of 3.0 or less.   The muscular electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dark color region is black.