WO2023105861A1 - Conductor for electrotherapy device - Google Patents

Conductor for electrotherapy device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023105861A1
WO2023105861A1 PCT/JP2022/033009 JP2022033009W WO2023105861A1 WO 2023105861 A1 WO2023105861 A1 WO 2023105861A1 JP 2022033009 W JP2022033009 W JP 2022033009W WO 2023105861 A1 WO2023105861 A1 WO 2023105861A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cup
conductor
electrode plate
electrode
peripheral portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2022/033009
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
孝昭 橋本
Original Assignee
酒井医療株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 酒井医療株式会社 filed Critical 酒井医療株式会社
Publication of WO2023105861A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023105861A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to electrodes of an electrotherapy device.
  • An electrotherapy device that applies electrical stimulation to the affected area by applying voltage between two conductors attached to the user's body is used.
  • Some conventional electrotherapy devices utilize pumps to attach the electrodes to the body. That is, there is a type in which the air inside a cup-shaped conductor is sucked by a pump, and the conductor is fixed to the affected part by the negative pressure inside the conductor.
  • a conductor requires a complicated structure because it is necessary to connect the pump.
  • Patent Literatures 1 and 2 disclose conductors that generate negative pressure inside by the elastic force of the conductor itself without using a pump.
  • An example of a conductor of an electrotherapy device proposed in this disclosure has a cup and at least one electrode attached to the inside of the cup, and when attached to a receiving surface, the external device It is a conductor that can create a negative pressure inside the cup without suction from the cup.
  • the cup has an inner surface for coming into contact with the mounting surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and has a peripheral edge that is elastically deformable so as to expand in the radial direction of the cup. Both the inner surface and the outer surface of the peripheral portion extend radially outwardly of the cup and in the mounting direction to the mounting surface to the tip of the cup. According to this conductor, it is possible to reduce the conductor marks (suction marks) remaining on the surface of the body after removing the conductor.
  • the thickness of the peripheral portion may be uniform up to the tip of the cup, or may be gradually reduced toward the tip of the cup. According to this, when the cup is worn on a person's body, it is possible to smoothly elastically deform the peripheral portion.
  • the angle formed by the tangent to the inner surface at the tip of the cup and the horizontal plane is 90 in the initial state of the cup. It may be smaller than the degree. Also, the angle formed by the tangent to the outer surface at the tip of the cup and the horizontal plane may be smaller than 90 degrees in the initial state of the cup. According to this, when the cup is worn on a person's body, it is possible to smoothly elastically deform the peripheral portion.
  • the cup may have a central portion having higher rigidity than the peripheral portion. According to this, when the cup is worn on the human body, the peripheral portion can be elastically deformed while maintaining the shape of the cup.
  • peripheral portion and the central portion may be integrally formed. This simplifies the manufacture of the cup.
  • the distance from the center of the cup to the outer edge of the central portion is the tip of the peripheral portion of the cup from the center may be greater than one-third of the distance to
  • the cup may have a Shore A hardness of 10 or more and 70 or less. According to this, it becomes easy to realize a conductor that can ensure good followability to the movement of muscles while thinning the adsorption marks of the conductor.
  • the Shore A hardness of the cup may be 10 or more and 70 or less, and the thickness of the peripheral portion may be 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. According to this, it becomes easy to realize a conductor that can ensure good followability to the movement of muscles while thinning the adsorption marks of the conductor.
  • FIG. 9 Another example of a conductor of an electrotherapy device proposed in this disclosure has a cup and at least one electrode attached to the inside of the cup, and when attached to a receiving surface A conductor capable of generating a negative pressure inside the cup without suction from an external device.
  • the cup has an inner surface for coming into contact with the mounting surface, and has a peripheral edge that is elastically deformable so as to expand in the radial direction of the cup.
  • the thickness of the rim may be uniform up to the tip of the cup or gradually decrease towards the tip of the cup. According to this conductor, it is possible to reduce the conductor marks (suction marks) remaining on the surface of the body after removing the conductor.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrotherapy device proposed in the present disclosure
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conductor included in an electrotherapy device
  • FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of a conductor.
  • It is a top view of a conductor.
  • 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3
  • FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of FIG. 4A
  • FIG. It It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that the conductor was attached to a user's body.
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of a cup forming the conductor; It is a top view of a cable terminal and a circuit board.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conductor included in an electrotherapy device
  • FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of a conductor.
  • It is a top view of a conductor.
  • 4B is an enlarged view of FIG. 4A
  • FIG. 10 shows a cap; In the figure, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a bottom view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in (b). It is a bottom view which shows the modification of a cup. 9B is a cross-sectional view along line IXb-IXb shown in FIG. 9A; FIG. It is a bottom view which shows another modification of a cup.
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; FIG.
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes;
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes;
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a circuit for driving a light-emitting element provided in a conductor;
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrotherapy device 100 proposed in the present disclosure.
  • the electrotherapy device 100 has two conductors 10A and 10B to be worn on the body surface of the user (eg patient).
  • the first conductor 10A has a first electrode plate 11A, a second electrode plate 11B, and a third electrode plate 11C.
  • the second conductor 10B has a first electrode plate 11D, a second electrode plate 11E, and a third electrode plate 11F.
  • the number of electrode plates that each of the conductors 10A and 10B has may not be three, but may be two, or may be four or more.
  • the electrotherapy device 100 has a therapeutic wave generator 7.
  • the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies an AC voltage of the first therapeutic wave between the first electrode plate 11A of the first conductor 10A and the first electrode plate 11D of the second conductor 10B.
  • the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the second therapeutic wave between the second electrode plate 11B of the first conductor 10A and the second electrode plate 11E of the second conductor 10B.
  • the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave differ in at least one of frequency and phase. Therefore, the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave interfere with each other, and stimulation corresponding to the interference waves is applied to the user's body.
  • the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the third therapeutic wave between the third electrode plate 11C of the first conductor 10A and the third electrode plate 11F of the second conductor 10B. At least one of the frequency and the phase of the first therapeutic wave and the third therapeutic wave are different from each other, and the first therapeutic wave and the third therapeutic wave interfere with each other, and a stimulus corresponding to the interference wave is applied to the user's body. .
  • 2 kHz to 15 kHz which is said to be a medium frequency, as these three therapeutic waves, it is possible to apply stimulation to deep parts of the body.
  • Such electrotherapy devices are sometimes referred to as interference therapy devices.
  • the common reference numeral 10 is used for the two conductors 10A and 20B. Further, in the description common to the electrode plates 11A to 11F, the common reference numeral 11 is used for these electrode plates 11A to 11F.
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the upper side (outside) of the conductor 10, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the lower side (inner side) of the conductor 10.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of the conductor 10.
  • FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of FIG. 4A.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the conductor attached to the user's body.
  • the conductor 10 includes a cup 20, a water absorbing cushion 19 arranged inside the cup 20, a circuit board 40 attached to the upper side of the cup 20, and a circuit board 40 covering the circuit board 40. and a cap 30 attached to the cup 20 .
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cup 20.
  • FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the circuit board 40.
  • FIG. FIG. 8 shows the cap 30.
  • FIG. FIG. 8(a) is a plan view
  • FIG. 8(b) is a bottom view
  • FIG. 8(c) is a sectional view taken along line cc in FIG. 8(b).
  • the cup 20 has a peripheral portion 21 and a central portion 22 inside the peripheral portion 21 .
  • the cup 20 is formed in a circular shape around the axis C1 in plan view.
  • the cup 20 may be elliptical or circular elongated in one direction in plan view.
  • the cup 20 is formed airtight as will be explained later. Therefore, when the cup 20 is attached to the attachment surface (user's body surface), negative pressure can be generated inside the cup 20 without suction from an external pump.
  • the peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are integrally formed of an elastically deformable material. That is, for example, the peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are not connected to each other by screws or the like, but are connected to each other by chemical properties of their materials.
  • the peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 may be formed by a molding process in which molten material is supplied to a mold corresponding to their shape. According to this structure of the cup 20, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing process of the conductor 10 can be simplified as compared with a structure in which the peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are connected to each other by screws or the like.
  • the cup 20 is made of a material having elasticity and electrical insulation.
  • the material of the cup 20 is, for example, silicone rubber, but other types of rubber are also possible. Also, the material of the cup 20 may be an elastomer.
  • the peripheral portion 21 has an inner surface 21a (lower surface) and an outer surface 21b (upper surface).
  • the inner surface 21a is in contact with the mounting surface (user's body surface) (see FIG. 5).
  • Both the inner surface 21 a and the outer surface 21 b extend smoothly to the tip 21 c of the cup 20 . That is, both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 extend radially outward of the cup 20 and in the mounting direction (that is, toward the bottom of the cup 20) to the tip 21c of the cup 20. .
  • neither the inner surface 21a nor the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge portion 21 is formed with a convex portion or a concave portion (groove) extending in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C1.
  • the “radial direction” is the direction orthogonal to the axis C1 of the cup 20, and the “lower side” is one side of the direction along the axis C1.
  • ribs annular projections projecting upward and downward and surrounding the axis
  • the inner surface of the tip of the cup is bent inward and the outer surface of the tip of the cup is bent, so that the thickness of the tip of the cup is increased.
  • the elastic deformation of the tip of the cup that is, the elastic deformation in which the peripheral portion of the cup spreads outward in the radial direction, is hindered by the bending of the peripheral portion and the ribs.
  • the bends and ribs that are present in conventional conductors are not formed on the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge portion 21, and both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b extends radially outward of the cup 20 and in the mounting direction of the cup 20 to the tip 21c of the cup 20.
  • elastic deformation that spreads outward in the radial direction of the peripheral portion 21 is likely to occur.
  • the tip 21c of the cup 20, which is widened by such elastic deformation is illustrated by a chain double-dashed line.
  • the peripheral edge portion 21 extends radially outward along the body surface. It is elastically deformed so as to spread, and the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 comes into contact with the body surface. Then, the volume inside the cup 20 becomes smaller, and the air inside the cup 20 is discharged to the outside through the gap between the tip 21c and the body surface. Thereafter, when the user releases the force pushing the upper side of the conductor 10, the peripheral portion 21 attempts to return to its initial shape due to its elastic force.
  • the cup 20 does not have an air flow path connecting the inside and the outside. That is, the cup 20 is airtightly formed.
  • a negative pressure is generated inside the cup 20 .
  • a water absorbent cushion 19 is arranged inside the cup 20 . Therefore, even if a slight gap is generated between the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 and the body surface S, the water W leaking from the cushion 19 closes the gap. As a result, a closed space is formed between the cup 20 and the body surface S, and the state of adsorption to the body surface is maintained.
  • the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 is in contact with the body surface over the width M (see FIG. 5). Since the peripheral portion 21 is formed so as to easily widen outward in the radial direction, a sufficient width M can be ensured. As a result, the state of adsorption of the conductor 10 to the body surface S can be maintained for a long time, and the adsorption marks generated on the body surface S can be reduced.
  • the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 have not only a convex portion or a concave portion extending in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C1, but also a convex portion extending in the radial direction. No part or recess is formed. Unlike the example shown in the drawings, the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 may be formed with convex portions and concave portions extending in the radial direction.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 may be uniform up to the tip 21c of the cup 20 when viewed in cross section along the axis C1.
  • the peripheral part 21 easily spreads along the body surface, so that the wide area of the inner surface 21a is spread over the body surface. can be adhered.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are the thicknesses of the peripheral portion 21 in the direction perpendicular to the directions D1 and D2 in which the peripheral portion 21 extends.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 may gradually decrease toward the tip 21c of the cup 20, unlike the example shown in the drawing. Even in this case, when the user places the conductor 10 on the body surface and presses the conductor 10 against the body surface, the peripheral part 21 easily spreads along the body surface, so that the wide area of the inner surface 21a can be covered with the body surface. can be adhered to.
  • the tip 21c of the cup 20 is formed with a plane orthogonal to the mounting direction.
  • the tip 21c of the cup 20 may be formed with a curved surface.
  • the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 may be part of a spherical surface centered on a point on the axis C1. That is, the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 may be curved along an arc centered on a point on the axis C1 in a cross section along the axis C1. In this case, the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 has the same curvature from the inner edge (the boundary between the central portion 22 and the peripheral portion 21) to the tip 21c. Similarly, the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 also has the same curvature from its inner edge (boundary between the central portion 22 and the peripheral portion 21) to the tip 21c.
  • the peripheral portion 21 does not necessarily have to be curved.
  • the rim 21 may be part of a cone or an elliptical cone.
  • the peripheral portion 21 may extend radially outward and linearly in the mounting direction in a cross section along the axis C1.
  • the line L1 is the tangent line of the inner surface 21a at the tip 21c.
  • the angle ⁇ 1 formed by the tangent line L1 and the horizontal plane H is smaller than 90 degrees in the initial state where the cup 20 is not elastically deformed. Thereby, when the user presses the conductor 10 against the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 smoothly spreads outward along the body surface.
  • the angle ⁇ 1 formed by the tangent line L1 and the horizontal plane H is desirably 70 degrees or less.
  • the angle ⁇ 1 formed by the tangent line L1 and the horizontal plane H is more preferably 60 degrees or less. By doing so, when the user presses the electrode 10 against the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 spreads outward along the body surface more smoothly.
  • the angle ⁇ 1 may be 30 degrees or more. In the illustrated example, the angle ⁇ 1 is approximately 55 degrees.
  • the inner surface 21a curves along an arc centered on a point on the axis C1 described above. Therefore, the angle formed by the tangent to the inner surface 21a and the horizontal plane H is maximum ( ⁇ 1) at the tip 21c and monotonically decreases upward (that is, as it approaches the axis C1).
  • line L2 is the tangent to outer surface 21b at tip 21c.
  • the angle ⁇ 2 formed by the tangent line L2 and the horizontal plane H is also smaller than 90 degrees in the initial state where the cup 20 is not elastically deformed.
  • the angle ⁇ 2 formed by the tangent line L2 and the horizontal plane H is also desirably 70 degrees or less. According to this, when the user arrange
  • the angle ⁇ 2 may be 30 degrees or more. In the illustrated example, the angle ⁇ 2 is approximately 60 degrees.
  • the outer surface 21b is curved along the arc R described above. Therefore, the angle formed by the tangent to the outer surface 21b and the horizontal plane H is maximum ( ⁇ 2) at the edge of the tip 21c, and monotonously decreases upward (toward the axis C1).
  • the peripheral portion 21 is relatively greatly inclined in this way, the position of the electrode plate 11 where the electrode plate 11 is arranged is low.
  • the height h1 (see FIG. 4B) of the electrode plate 11 with respect to the horizontal plane H including the tip 21c of the cup 20 is the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 21 ( ie smaller than the radius of the cup 21).
  • the thickness of the absorbent cushion 19 can be reduced, and the voltage applied to the electrode plate 11 can be reduced.
  • the height h1 of the electrode plate 11 with respect to the horizontal plane H including the tip 21c of the cup 20 is smaller than 2/3 of the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 21 (that is, the radius of the cup 21). good. As a result, the thickness of the absorbent cushion 19 can be further reduced, and the voltage applied to the electrode plate 11 can be reduced.
  • the inner surface of the cup 20 has an electrode plate support surface 22t in the central portion 22.
  • Three attachment areas 22b are formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • Each mounting region 22b is a flat plane that intersects the mounting direction (the direction along the axis C1). In the illustrated example, the mounting area 22b is perpendicular to the mounting direction.
  • each attachment region 22b may be the same size as the electrode plate 11 or larger than the electrode plate 11 size.
  • the three attachment areas 22b are spaced from each other.
  • the three electrode plates 11 are attached to the three attachment regions 22b respectively. According to this structure, each electrode plate 11 is entirely supported by the electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • a thin conductive plate material can be used as the electrode plate 11, and the weight of the conductor 10 can be reduced. Partitions may be formed between adjacent mounting regions 22b, as will be described later.
  • the three electrode plates 11 may be arranged to surround the axis C1.
  • the electrode plate 11 is circular, for example.
  • the shape of the electrode plate 11 is not limited to this, and may be rectangular or fan-shaped. Modified examples of the shape of the electrode plate 11 will be described in detail later.
  • the absorbent cushion 19 is arranged inside the cup 20 .
  • the three electrode plates 11 are arranged to avoid the position of the axis C1.
  • the electrode plate supporting surface 22t has a cushion attachment portion 22d for attaching the water absorbing cushion 19 at the position of the axis C1.
  • the cushion mounting portion 22 d is, for example, a convex portion, and is fitted into a hole formed in the center of the water absorbing cushion 19 to support the water absorbing cushion 19 .
  • a projection extending in the circumferential direction may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cushion mounting portion 22d so that the inner surface of the hole of the absorbent cushion 19 can be caught.
  • the structure for supporting the absorbent cushion 19 is provided only in the central portion 22 and not provided in the peripheral edge portion 21 .
  • the support structure of the absorbent cushion 19 can suppress the elastic deformation of the peripheral portion 21 described above.
  • the number of cushion mounting portions 22d provided in the central portion 22 may not be one.
  • the central portion 22 may have a plurality of cushion mounting portions formed along the outer peripheral edge of the central portion 22 (the inner side of the boundary with the peripheral edge portion 21).
  • each electrode plate 11 may be attached to the central portion 22 by screws 13 .
  • each electrode plate 11 has a plate-shaped electrode main body 11a and a mounting portion 11b fixed to the upper surface of the electrode main body 11a.
  • the mounting portion 11b has a cylindrical shape, and a thread groove is formed on the inner surface of the mounting portion 11b.
  • a connection hole is formed through the central portion 22 in a direction along the axis C1.
  • a screw 13 is inserted into this hole from the upper side of the central portion 22, and the mounting portion 11b is fixed to the screw 13.
  • the entire surface of the electrode body 11a excluding the position of the mounting portion 11b is supported by the flat mounting region 22b of the electrode supporting surface 22t.
  • the central portion 22 has a lower support base 22a having an electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • the thickness T3 (see FIG. 4B) of the lower support base 22a is greater than the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 described above. Therefore, the central portion 22 has higher rigidity than the peripheral edge portion 21 . That is, the central portion 22 is more resistant to elastic deformation than the peripheral edge portion 21 . Therefore, when the user presses the upper side of the conductor 10 toward the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 is elastically deformed while maintaining the shape of the cup 20 and expands radially outward along the body surface. As a result, the suction of the cup 20 to the body surface is realized smoothly.
  • the electrode plate support surface 22t is perpendicular to the axis C1.
  • the upper surface 22d of the central portion 22 is curved along an arc like the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge portion 21.
  • the thickness T3 (thickness in the direction along the axis C1) of the central portion 22 gradually increases toward the axis C1 as shown in FIG. 4A.
  • the shape of the electrode plate support surface 22t corresponds to the outer shape of the cup 20, for example.
  • the electrode plate support surface 22t is circular.
  • the electrode support surface 22t may be elliptical.
  • the distance D3 is the distance from the axis C1 to the outer peripheral edge of the central portion 22 (the outer peripheral edge of the electrode plate supporting surface 22t).
  • a distance D4 is the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 20 .
  • the distance D3 is preferably 1/3 or more of the distance D4, for example.
  • the distance D3 is more than half the distance D4. Also, in the example shown in the figure, the distance D3 is less than or equal to 3/4 of the distance D4. More specifically, the distance D3 is two-thirds or less of the distance D4.
  • the central part 22 has an upper support base 22e (see FIG. 4A) on its upper part.
  • a recess 22g is formed inside the lower support 22a, and the upper support 22e may be annular when viewed along the axis C1. Alternatively, the upper support 22e may be circular. That is, the recess 22g may not necessarily be formed.
  • the conductor 10 has a plurality of cables 55.
  • each conductor 10 has three cables 55 (see FIG. 2A).
  • Cable 55 is connected to therapeutic wave generator 7 .
  • the cable 55 has a cable terminal 55a (see FIG. 7) at its end.
  • the upper support 22e has a terminal support surface 22f as its upper surface.
  • the terminal support surface 22f is a plane perpendicular to the axis C1.
  • Three cable terminals 55a for connecting to the three electrode plates 11 are supported on the terminal support surface 22f.
  • the conductor 10 may have a circuit board 40, as shown in FIG. 4A.
  • the circuit board 40 may be arranged above the terminal support surface 22f, and the cable terminals 55a may be arranged above the circuit board 40.
  • the three cable terminals 55a may be arranged at intervals of approximately 120 degrees in the circumferential direction about the axis C1.
  • the electrode plate 11 is attached to the terminal support surface 22f with screws 13. As shown in FIG.
  • the electrode plate 11 may be electrically connected to the cable terminal 55a through the screw 13.
  • screw 13 a common member for the electrical connection between the electrode plate 11 and the cable terminal 55a and for fixing them to the central portion 22
  • the number of parts can be reduced.
  • the attachment work of the electrode plate 11 can be simplified as compared with the case of using solder.
  • the cable terminal 55a may be sandwiched between the top of the screw 13 and the circuit board 40 and fixed to the upper support base 22e. Further, the circuit board 40 may also be fixed to the upper support base 22e by the screws 13. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cable terminal 55a may be sandwiched between the top of the screw 13 and the circuit board 40 and fixed to the upper support base 22e. Further, the circuit board 40 may also be fixed to the upper support base 22e by the screws 13. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cable terminal 55a may be sandwiched between the top of the screw 13 and the circuit board 40 and fixed to the upper support base 22e. Further, the circuit board 40 may also be fixed to the upper support base 22e by the screws 13. As shown in FIG. 4A, the circuit board 40 may also be fixed to the upper support base 22e by the screws 13. As shown in FIG.
  • the central portion 22 is formed with a connection hole passing therethrough in the direction along the axis C1.
  • This connection hole extends from the terminal support surface 22f to the electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • the screw 13 may be fitted into the connection hole from above the terminal support surface 22f and connected to the mounting portion 11b of the electrode plate 11.
  • the cup 20 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber as described above. Therefore, the inner surface of the connection hole and the outer surface of the screw 13 are in close contact with each other, and the connection hole is airtightly closed by the screw 13 . As a result, an airtight space is formed inside the cup 20 .
  • the conductor 10 has light emitting diodes (LEDs) 41a and 41b.
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • the light-emitting diodes 41a and 41b emit light when voltage is supplied to the electrode plate 11, and notify the user that voltage is being supplied to the electrode plate 11.
  • the upper support base 22e is formed with a concave portion 22g that opens upward, and the LEDs 41a and 41b are arranged in this concave portion 22g.
  • the cable terminal 55a is arranged on the upper side of the circuit board 40.
  • the cable 55 extends outward from a housing space formed by the upper surface (terminal support surface 22f) of the upper support base 22e and the cap 30.
  • the LEDs 41 a and 41 b are mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board 40 . That is, the cable terminal 55a and the LEDs 41a and 41b are arranged on opposite sides of the circuit board 40. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the size of the circuit board 40 can be reduced.
  • the cup 20 is made of a material that allows the light from the LEDs 41a and 41b to pass through.
  • the cap 30 may also be made of a material that transmits light from the LEDs 41a and 41b.
  • cup 20 and cap 30 may be made of translucent silicone rubber.
  • the lower support 22a (electrode plate support surface 22t) may have a larger size than the upper support 22b. That is, the distance D3 from the axis C1 to the outer peripheral edge of the lower support 22a may be greater than the distance from the axis C1 to the outer peripheral edge of the upper support 22b. Since the lower support base 22a has a relatively large size in this way, when the user presses the upper side of the conductor 10 toward the body surface, the cup 20 maintains its shape while the peripheral edge 21 is elastically deformed. do.
  • the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is, for example, 10 or more and 70 or less. According to this hardness, it is possible to ensure good followability to the movement of muscles, and to reduce the marks (suction marks) of the conductor 10 remaining on the body surface when the conductor 10 is removed. When two conductors are attached to the user's body and therapeutic waves are applied, the muscles move. It is desired that the cup 20 follow the movement of this muscle.
  • the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is more preferably 10 or more and 40 or less. With this hardness, it is possible to further improve the ability to follow the movement of the muscles, and to further reduce the suction marks.
  • the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is more preferably 20 or more and 40 or less. According to this hardness, it is possible to further improve the ability to follow muscle movements while maintaining the thinness of the suction marks.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. With this thickness, it is possible to ensure good followability to the movement of the muscles and to thin the suction marks.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 are preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. According to this, the adsorption force can be improved, and the followability to the muscles can be increased.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is 10 or more and 70 or less.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is 10 or more and 40 or less. According to this, it is possible to improve the ability to follow the movement of the muscles and reduce the adsorption marks while ensuring the adsorption force.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are approximately 2.0 mm, for example, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is approximately 20, for example.
  • cap 30 may be attached to cup 20 by screws 14 .
  • the screw 14 is inserted into a hole formed in the center of the cap 30 and connected to a nut 15 attached to the lower side of the circuit board 40 .
  • the cap 30 is thereby attached to the cup 20 via the circuit board 40 .
  • the attachment structure of the cap 30 may be changed as appropriate.
  • the lower surface of the cap 30 has recesses 30a at the tops of the screws 13 and the cable terminals 55a.
  • the height of the upper surface of the cap 30 can be reduced by the recess 30a.
  • the cap 30 has an outer peripheral wall 30b on its outer edge.
  • the outer peripheral wall 30b surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the upper support base 22e of the cup 20 (see FIG. 4A).
  • a portion of the outer peripheral wall 30b has a cable passage opening 30c. Three cables 55 pass through the cable passage opening 30c and extend outward.
  • the conductor 10 has light-emitting elements (specifically, LEDs 41a and 41b) that indicate that voltage is being applied from the therapeutic wave generator 7 to the electrode plate 11 of the conductor 10 .
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a circuit through which a current for causing the LED 41 to emit light flows.
  • the first conductor 10A has a first electrode plate 11A, a second electrode plate 11B, and a third electrode plate 11C.
  • the second conductor 10B has a first electrode plate 11D, a second electrode plate 11E, and a third electrode plate 11F.
  • Each of the electrode plates 11A-11F is connected to a therapeutic wave generator 7, which is an AC power source, via electric wires La-Lf.
  • Each of the electric wires La to Lf is composed of, for example, a cable 55, a screw 13, and a conductor pattern formed on the circuit board 40.
  • the first electrode plates 11A and 11D of the conductors 10A and 10B are connected to the therapeutic wave generator 7 via electric wires La and Ld.
  • the second electrode plates 11B and 11E of the conductors 10A and 10B are connected to the therapeutic wave generator 7 via electric wires Lb and Le.
  • the third electrode plates 11C and 11F of the conductors 10A and 10B are connected to the therapeutic wave generator 7 via electric wires Lc and Lf.
  • the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the first therapeutic wave between the first electrode plates 11A and 11D.
  • the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the second therapeutic wave between the second electrode plates 11B and 11E.
  • the second therapeutic wave and the first therapeutic wave differ in at least one of frequency or phase. Therefore, when the user attaches the two conductors 10A and 10B to the body, the two therapeutic waves interfere with each other, and this stimulates the deep parts of the body.
  • the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the third therapeutic wave between the third electrode plates 11C and 11F.
  • the third treatment wave also differs from the first treatment wave in at least one of frequency and phase, and these two treatment waves interfere, which acts as a stimulus deep into the body.
  • the first conductor 10A has LEDs 41a and 41b, which are light emitting elements, connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B.
  • One terminal of each of the LEDs 41a and 41b is connected to the LED 41a via a wire La, and the other terminal is connected to the second electrode plate 11B via a wire Lb.
  • the LEDs 41a and 41b are mounted on the circuit board 40 (FIG. 4A). Since the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave differ in at least one of frequency and phase, there is a potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. The LEDs 41a and 41b emit light due to this potential difference. Since this potential difference changes with time, the LEDs 41a and 41b blink. Thereby, the user can be informed that the voltage is applied between the conductors 10A and 10B. Also, dedicated control for causing the LEDs 41a and 41b to emit light is not required.
  • two LEDs 41a and 41b whose forward directions are opposite to each other are arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B.
  • the forward direction of the LEDs 41a is the direction from the second electrode plate 11B to the first electrode plate 11A
  • the forward direction of the LEDs 41b is the direction from the first electrode plate 11A to the second electrode plate 11B.
  • a resistor R1 connected in series with each of the LEDs 41a and 41b is also arranged.
  • the voltage applied to the LEDs 41a and 41b can be reduced by the resistor R1.
  • Resistor R1 may also be mounted on circuit board 40 (FIG. 4A), similar to LEDs 41a and 41b.
  • the number of LEDs arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B may be one.
  • an LED and a diode that does not have a light emitting function are arranged, and their forward directions may be opposite to each other.
  • the LED 41a and a diode whose forward direction is opposite to the LED 41a may be arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B.
  • the first conductor 10A may have LEDs 41a and 41b, which are light emitting elements, and a resistor R1, which are connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C.
  • the LEDs 41 a and 41 b and resistor R 1 may also be mounted on the circuit board 40 . Since the first and third therapeutic waves differ in at least one of frequency and phase, there is a potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. Therefore, even when the therapeutic waves are applied to the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C, the LEDs 41a and 41b blink to inform the user that the voltage is applied between the conductors 10A and 10C. can be notified to
  • the LEDs 41a and 41b are arranged only between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B, and are arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. It does not have to be placed. Also, the number of LEDs arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C may be one. In this case, one LED and a diode having no light emitting function may be arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C.
  • the second conductor 10B also includes the LEDs 41a and 41b and the resistor R1 arranged between the first electrode plate 11D and the second electrode plate 11, and the second conductor 10B, similarly to the first conductor 10A. It has LEDs 41a and 41b and a resistor R1 that are arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. Unlike this, the LEDs 41a and 41b and the resistor R1 may be provided on the first conductor 10A and not provided on the second conductor 10B.
  • the three electrode plates 11 are attached to the plurality of attachment areas 22b provided on the electrode plate support surface 22t of the cup 20. As shown in FIG. Partitions positioned between the electrodes 11 may be formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. By doing so, contact between two adjacent electrode plates 11 can be prevented.
  • FIG. 9A is a bottom view showing such a form of cup 20.
  • FIG. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view along line IXb-IXb shown in FIG. 9A.
  • the electrode plate support surface 22t is formed with three recesses 22h.
  • a flat attachment area 22b is formed inside each recess 22h.
  • the shape of the recess 22h is circular, for example.
  • the portion between two adjacent recesses 22h functions as a partition 22i.
  • the depth of the recess 22h (the height of the partition 22i) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the electrode plate 11 or slightly larger than the thickness of the electrode plate 11, for example.
  • the depth of recess 22 h (the height of partition 22 i ) may be smaller than the thickness of electrode plate 11 .
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom view of cup 20 showing a variation of the structure shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
  • the electrode plate support surface 22t is formed with a partition 22j projecting from the electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • Partition 22j extends between two adjacent electrode plates 11 .
  • the partition 22j extends radially from the axis C1, for example.
  • three partitions 22j are formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • the height of the partition 22j may be substantially the same as the thickness of the electrode plate 11 or slightly larger than the thickness of the electrode plate 11, for example. Alternatively, the height of the partition 22j may be smaller than the thickness of the electrode plate 11.
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom view of cup 20 showing a variation of the structure shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
  • the electrode plate support surface 22t is formed with a partition 22j projecting from the electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • Partition 22j extends between two adjacent electrode plates 11 .
  • the partition 22j extends radi
  • FIG. 11A to 11C are bottom views showing modifications of the electrode plate 11.
  • the electrode plate 111 is fan-shaped and has an outer peripheral edge extending in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C1.
  • a concave portion 22k corresponding to the shape of the electrode plate 111 may be formed in the electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • a partition 22L is formed between two adjacent recesses 22k.
  • a flat attachment region 22b is formed inside the recess 20k.
  • a partition 22m projecting from the electrode plate support surface 22t may be formed between two adjacent electrode plates 111 (between the mounting regions 22b).
  • the partition 22m may, for example, extend radially from the axis C1.
  • the electrode plates may be annular, as shown in FIG. 11C.
  • three annular electrode plates 211B, 211A, and 211C are arranged so as to surround the axis C1.
  • a second electrode plate 211B is arranged inside the first electrode plate 211A, and a third electrode plate 211C is arranged outside the first electrode plate 211A.
  • a partition 22n is formed between two adjacent electrode plates 211A, 211B, and 211C. The partition 22n is also annular.
  • the number of electrode plates may be two.
  • 12A to 12C are bottom views of the conductor showing modifications of the conductor.
  • the number of electrodes 11 is two in the conductor 310 shown in FIG. 12A.
  • two circular electrodes 11 are arranged on opposite sides of the axis C1.
  • Two recesses 22p are formed in the electrode plate support surface 22t.
  • a flat attachment region 22b is formed inside each recess 22p.
  • a portion between two adjacent recesses 22p functions as a partition 22q.
  • the shape of the electrode plates may be fan-shaped.
  • a fan-shaped mounting region 22b is formed on the electrode plate supporting surface 22t.
  • the attachment area 22b is semi-circular.
  • a similarly semicircular electrode plate may be attached to this attachment area 22b.
  • a partition 22r projecting from the electrode plate supporting surface 22t may be formed between the two mounting regions 22b.
  • the electrode plates may be annular.
  • the two electrode plates 211A and 211B are annular.
  • Each of the two electrode plates 211A and 211B is arranged to surround the axis C1.
  • a second electrode plate 211B is arranged inside the first electrode plate 211A.
  • a partition 22s is formed between the two electrode plates 211A and 211B. The partition 22s is also annular.
  • the conductor 10 has the cup 20 and the electrode plate 11 attached inside the cup 20, and when attached to the mounting surface, the suction from the external pump It is a conductor that can generate a negative pressure inside the cup 20 without causing
  • the cup 20 has an inner surface 21a for contacting the mounting surface and an outer surface 21b opposite to the inner surface 21a. ing. Both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 extend outward in the radial direction of the cup 20 and in the mounting direction to the mounting surface to the tip 21c of the cup 20 .
  • traces of the conductor (suction marks) remaining on the surface of the body can be reduced.
  • this structure may be applied to a conductor having one electrode plate.
  • the thickness of the peripheral portion 21 may not be uniform up to the tip 21c.
  • the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are uniform up to the tip 21c of the cup 20, or gradually decrease toward the tip 21c of the cup 20.
  • This structure of the conductor 10 also makes it possible to reduce the traces of the conductor (suction marks) remaining on the surface of the body after the conductor 10 is removed.
  • the tip 21c of the peripheral portion 21 may be slightly warped outward (upward).
  • the conductor 10 has a cup 20 and three electrode plates 11 arranged inside the cup 20, and when attached to the mounting surface, the suction from an external pump It is a conductor that can generate a negative pressure inside the cup 20 without any pressure.
  • the inner surface of the cup 20 has an electrode plate supporting surface 22t at its central portion 22. As shown in FIG.
  • the electrode plate support surface 22t has three flat mounting regions 22b that intersect the mounting direction (the direction along the axis C1) to the mounting surface.
  • the three electrode plates 11 are attached to the three attachment regions 22b respectively. According to this conductor 10, a plurality of therapeutic waves with different frequencies can be applied to the user's body, and as a result, stimulation by their interference can be applied to the body.
  • the electrode plate 11 is attached to the flat attachment region 22b, it is possible to use a thin electrode plate 11 and reduce the weight of the conductor.
  • this structure may be applied to a conductor having a peripheral portion having a structure different from the peripheral portion 21 described in (1) and (2).
  • the electrotherapy device 100 has a first conductor 10A having a first electrode plate 11A and a second electrode plate 11B, a first electrode plate 11D and a second electrode plate 11E.
  • the AC voltage of the first therapeutic wave is applied to the second conductor 10B, the first electrode plate 11A of the first conductor 10A, and the first electrode plate 11D of the second conductor 10B, and the first conductor 10A
  • a therapeutic wave generator 7 for applying an alternating voltage of a second therapeutic wave to the second electrode plate 11B and the second electrode plate 11E of the second conductor 10B.
  • the first conductor 10A has light emitting diodes 41a and 41b connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B and driven by the potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. According to this therapeutic device 100, it is possible to indicate to the user that the electrotherapeutic device 100 is operating without requiring dedicated control for driving the light emitting diodes 41a and 41b.

Abstract

A conductor (10A) comprises a cup (20) and at least one electrode (11A) attached to the inner side of the cup (20), and, when mounted to a mounting surface, is capable of generating a negative pressure in the inner side of the cup (20) without suctioning from an external device. The cup (20) comprises a circumferential edge section (21) that has an inner surface (21a) for contacting the mounting surface and an outer surface (21b) which is the surface on the opposite side of the inner surface (21a), and that can elastically deform so as to extend in the radial direction of the cup (20). Both the inner surface (21a) and the outer surface (21b) of the circumferential edge section (21) extend toward the radially outer side of the cup (20) and to the leading end (21c) of the cup (20) in the direction of mounting to the mounting surface. It is thus possible to provide a conductor that can reduce traces of the conductor remaining on a body surface after the conductor has been removed.

Description

電気治療装置の導子electrode of electrotherapy device
　本開示は、電気治療装置の導子に関する。 The present disclosure relates to electrodes of an electrotherapy device.
　使用者の体に取り付けた２つの導子の間に電圧を加え、患部に電気刺激を加える電気治療装置が利用されている。従来の電気治療装置には、体への導子の取り付けにポンプを利用するものがある。すなわち、カップ形状の導子の内側の空気をポンプによって吸引し、導子の内側の負圧によって導子を患部に固定するものがある。ところが、このような導子は、ポンプを接続する必要があるため、複雑な構造を必要とする。この点、特許文献１及び２には、ポンプを利用することなく、導子自体の弾性力によって、内側に負圧を発生させる導子が開示されている。 An electrotherapy device that applies electrical stimulation to the affected area by applying voltage between two conductors attached to the user's body is used. Some conventional electrotherapy devices utilize pumps to attach the electrodes to the body. That is, there is a type in which the air inside a cup-shaped conductor is sucked by a pump, and the conductor is fixed to the affected part by the negative pressure inside the conductor. However, such a conductor requires a complicated structure because it is necessary to connect the pump. In this regard, Patent Literatures 1 and 2 disclose conductors that generate negative pressure inside by the elastic force of the conductor itself without using a pump.
実開昭５５－５４１２６号公報Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 55-54126 特開２０００－３４２６９５号公報JP-A-2000-342695
　長時間に亘って導子を体に取り付けていると、導子を取り外した後に、体の表面に導子の痕が残るという問題がある。この問題は、ポンプの吸引によって患部に固定する導子だけでなく、特許文献１のように、ポンプを使用することなく、導子の弾性力によって患部に固定する導子においても生じる。 If the electrode is attached to the body for a long time, there is a problem that the electrode remains on the surface of the body after the electrode is removed. This problem occurs not only in the conductor fixed to the affected part by suction of the pump, but also in the conductor fixed to the affected part by the elastic force of the conductor without using the pump as in Patent Document 1.
　（１）本開示で提案する電気治療装置の導子の一例は、カップと、前記カップの内側に取り付けられている少なくとも１つの電極とを有し、被装着面に装着されたときに外部装置からの吸引によることなく前記カップの内側に負圧を発生させることのできる導子である。前記カップは、被装着面に接するための内面と前記内面とは反対側の面である外面とを有し且つ前記カップの径方向に広がるように弾性変形可能な周縁部を有する。前記周縁部の前記内面と前記外面の双方が、前記カップの径方向の外側に向けて且つ前記被装着面への装着方向に前記カップの先端まで伸びている。この導子によると、導子を取り外した後に体の表面に残る導子の痕（吸着痕）を薄くできる。 (1) An example of a conductor of an electrotherapy device proposed in this disclosure has a cup and at least one electrode attached to the inside of the cup, and when attached to a receiving surface, the external device It is a conductor that can create a negative pressure inside the cup without suction from the cup. The cup has an inner surface for coming into contact with the mounting surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and has a peripheral edge that is elastically deformable so as to expand in the radial direction of the cup. Both the inner surface and the outer surface of the peripheral portion extend radially outwardly of the cup and in the mounting direction to the mounting surface to the tip of the cup. According to this conductor, it is possible to reduce the conductor marks (suction marks) remaining on the surface of the body after removing the conductor.
　（２）（１）の導子において、前記周縁部の厚さは、前記カップの前記先端まで均一又は、前記カップの前記先端に向かって徐々に小さくなっていてよい。これによると、カップを人の体に装着したときに、周縁部をスムーズに弾性変形させることが可能となる。 (2) In the conductor of (1), the thickness of the peripheral portion may be uniform up to the tip of the cup, or may be gradually reduced toward the tip of the cup. According to this, when the cup is worn on a person's body, it is possible to smoothly elastically deform the peripheral portion.
　（３）（１）の導子において、前記導子を水平面に配置したとき、前記カップの前記先端での前記内面の接線と前記水平面とが成す角度は、前記カップの前記初期状態において、９０度よりも小さくてよい。また、前記カップの前記先端での前記外面の接線と前記水平面とが成す角度も、前記カップの前記初期状態において、９０度よりも小さくてよい。これによると、カップを人の体に装着したときに、周縁部をスムーズに弾性変形させることが可能となる。 (3) In the conductor of (1), when the conductor is placed on a horizontal plane, the angle formed by the tangent to the inner surface at the tip of the cup and the horizontal plane is 90 in the initial state of the cup. It may be smaller than the degree. Also, the angle formed by the tangent to the outer surface at the tip of the cup and the horizontal plane may be smaller than 90 degrees in the initial state of the cup. According to this, when the cup is worn on a person's body, it is possible to smoothly elastically deform the peripheral portion.
　（４）（１）の導子において、前記カップは、前記周縁部よりも高い剛性を有する中央部を有してよい。これによると、カップを人の体に装着したときに、カップの形状を維持しながら、周縁部を弾性変形させることができる。 (4) In the conductor of (1), the cup may have a central portion having higher rigidity than the peripheral portion. According to this, when the cup is worn on the human body, the peripheral portion can be elastically deformed while maintaining the shape of the cup.
　（５）（４）の導子において、前記周縁部と前記中央部は一体的に成形されてよい。これによると、カップの製造を簡単化できる。 (5) In the conductor of (4), the peripheral portion and the central portion may be integrally formed. This simplifies the manufacture of the cup.
　（６）（４）の導子において、前記導子を前記装着方向に見たときに、前記カップの中心から前記中央部の外縁までの距離は、前記中心から前記カップの前記周縁部の先端までの距離の３分の１よりも大きくてよい。 (6) In the conductor of (4), when the conductor is viewed in the mounting direction, the distance from the center of the cup to the outer edge of the central portion is the tip of the peripheral portion of the cup from the center may be greater than one-third of the distance to
　（７）（１）の導子において、前記カップのショアＡ硬度は１０以上、７０以下であってよい。これによると、導子の吸着痕を薄くしながら、筋肉の動きへの良好な追従性を確保できる導子を実現し易くなる。 (7) In the conductor of (1), the cup may have a Shore A hardness of 10 or more and 70 or less. According to this, it becomes easy to realize a conductor that can ensure good followability to the movement of muscles while thinning the adsorption marks of the conductor.
　（８）（１）の導子において、前記カップのショアＡ硬度は１０以上、７０以下であり、前記周縁部の厚さが０．５ｍｍ以上、３．０ｍｍ以下であってよい。これによると、導子の吸着痕を薄くしながら、筋肉の動きへの良好な追従性を確保できる導子を実現し易くなる。 (8) In the conductor of (1), the Shore A hardness of the cup may be 10 or more and 70 or less, and the thickness of the peripheral portion may be 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. According to this, it becomes easy to realize a conductor that can ensure good followability to the movement of muscles while thinning the adsorption marks of the conductor.
　（９）本開示で提案する電気治療装置の導子の他の例は、カップと、前記カップの内側に取り付けられている少なくとも１つの電極とを有し、被装着面に装着されたときに外部装置からの吸引によることなく前記カップの内側に負圧を発生させることのできる導子である。前記カップは、被装着面に接するための内面を有し且つ前記カップの径方向に広がるように弾性変形可能な周縁部を有している。前記周縁部の厚さは、前記カップの先端まで均一又は、前記カップの先端に向かって徐々に小さくなっている。この導子によると、導子を取り外した後に体の表面に残る導子の痕（吸着痕）を薄くできる。 (9) Another example of a conductor of an electrotherapy device proposed in this disclosure has a cup and at least one electrode attached to the inside of the cup, and when attached to a receiving surface A conductor capable of generating a negative pressure inside the cup without suction from an external device. The cup has an inner surface for coming into contact with the mounting surface, and has a peripheral edge that is elastically deformable so as to expand in the radial direction of the cup. The thickness of the rim may be uniform up to the tip of the cup or gradually decrease towards the tip of the cup. According to this conductor, it is possible to reduce the conductor marks (suction marks) remaining on the surface of the body after removing the conductor.
本開示で提案する電気治療装置の構成を示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrotherapy device proposed in the present disclosure; FIG. 電気治療装置が有している導子の斜視図である。1 is a perspective view of a conductor included in an electrotherapy device; FIG. 導子の内側を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the inside of a conductor. 導子の平面図である。It is a top view of a conductor. 図３で示すＩＶ－ＩＶ線で得られる断面図である。4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 図４Ａの拡大図である。4B is an enlarged view of FIG. 4A; FIG. 使用者の体に導子を取り付けた様子を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that the conductor was attached to a user's body. 導子を構成しているカップの平面図である。Fig. 2 is a plan view of a cup forming the conductor; ケーブル端子及び回路基板の平面図である。It is a top view of a cable terminal and a circuit board. キャップを示す図である。同図の（ａ）は平面図であり、（ｂ）は底面図であり、（ｃ）は（ｂ）のｃ－ｃ線での断面図である。Fig. 10 shows a cap; In the figure, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a bottom view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in (b). カップの変形例を示す底面図である。It is a bottom view which shows the modification of a cup. 図９Ａで示すＩＸｂ－ＩＸｂ線での断面図である。9B is a cross-sectional view along line IXb-IXb shown in FIG. 9A; FIG. カップのさらに別の変形例を示す底面図である。It is a bottom view which shows another modification of a cup. カップ及び電極のさらに別の変形例を示す底面図である。FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; カップ及び電極のさらに別の変形例を示す底面図である。FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; カップ及び電極のさらに別の変形例を示す底面図である。FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; カップ及び電極のさらに別の変形例を示す底面図である。FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; カップ及び電極のさらに別の変形例を示す底面図である。FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; カップ及び電極のさらに別の変形例を示す底面図である。FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing yet another variation of the cup and electrodes; 導子に設けられている発光素子を駆動するための回路を説明するための図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a circuit for driving a light-emitting element provided in a conductor;
　以下において、本開示で提案する電気治療装置及びその導子の例を説明する。図１は本開示で提案する電気治療装置１００の構成を示すブロック図である。 In the following, examples of the electrotherapy device and its conductors proposed in the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrotherapy device 100 proposed in the present disclosure.
　図１で示すように、電気治療装置１００は、使用者（例えば、患者）の体表面に装着するための２つの導子１０Ａ・１０Ｂを有している。第１導子１０Ａは、第１電極板１１Ａ、第２電極板１１Ｂ、及び第３電極板１１Ｃを有している。第２導子１０Ｂは、第１電極板１１Ｄ、第２電極板１１Ｅ、及び第３電極板１１Ｆを有している。各導子１０Ａ・１０Ｂが有している電極板の数は３つでなく、２つでもよいし、４つ以上であってもよい。 As shown in FIG. 1, the electrotherapy device 100 has two conductors 10A and 10B to be worn on the body surface of the user (eg patient). The first conductor 10A has a first electrode plate 11A, a second electrode plate 11B, and a third electrode plate 11C. The second conductor 10B has a first electrode plate 11D, a second electrode plate 11E, and a third electrode plate 11F. The number of electrode plates that each of the conductors 10A and 10B has may not be three, but may be two, or may be four or more.
　図１で示すように、電気治療装置１００は治療波生成装置７を有している。治療波生成装置７は、第１導子１０Ａの第１電極板１１Ａと、第２導子１０Ｂの第１電極板１１Ｄとの間に、第１治療波の交流電圧を加える。また、治療波生成装置７は、第１導子１０Ａの第２電極板１１Ｂと、第２導子１０Ｂの第２電極板１１Ｅとの間に、第２治療波の交流電圧を加える。第１治療波と第２治療波は、周波数と位相のうち少なくとも一方が相違している。そのため、第１治療波と第２治療波が干渉し、干渉波に応じた刺激が使用者の体に加わる。また、治療波生成装置７は、第１導子１０Ａの第３電極板１１Ｃと、第２導子１０Ｂの第３電極板１１Ｆとの間に、第３治療波の交流電圧を加える。第１治療波と第３治療波も、周波数と位相のうち少なくとも一方が相違しており、第１治療波と第３治療波が干渉し、干渉波に応じた刺激が使用者の体に加わる。これら３つの治療波として、中周波と言われている２ｋＨｚ～１５ｋＨｚを利用すると、体の深部にまで刺激を加えることができる。このような電気治療装置は干渉治療装置と称されることもある。 As shown in FIG. 1, the electrotherapy device 100 has a therapeutic wave generator 7. The therapeutic wave generator 7 applies an AC voltage of the first therapeutic wave between the first electrode plate 11A of the first conductor 10A and the first electrode plate 11D of the second conductor 10B. Moreover, the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the second therapeutic wave between the second electrode plate 11B of the first conductor 10A and the second electrode plate 11E of the second conductor 10B. The first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave differ in at least one of frequency and phase. Therefore, the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave interfere with each other, and stimulation corresponding to the interference waves is applied to the user's body. Moreover, the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the third therapeutic wave between the third electrode plate 11C of the first conductor 10A and the third electrode plate 11F of the second conductor 10B. At least one of the frequency and the phase of the first therapeutic wave and the third therapeutic wave are different from each other, and the first therapeutic wave and the third therapeutic wave interfere with each other, and a stimulus corresponding to the interference wave is applied to the user's body. . By using 2 kHz to 15 kHz, which is said to be a medium frequency, as these three therapeutic waves, it is possible to apply stimulation to deep parts of the body. Such electrotherapy devices are sometimes referred to as interference therapy devices.
　以下では、第１導子１０Ａと第２導子１０Ｂとに共通する説明においては、２つの導子１０Ａ・２０Ｂについて共通の符号１０を用いる。また、電極板１１Ａ～１１Ｆに共通する説明においては、これら電極板１１Ａ～１１Ｆについて共通の符号１１を用いる。 Below, in the description common to the first conductor 10A and the second conductor 10B, the common reference numeral 10 is used for the two conductors 10A and 20B. Further, in the description common to the electrode plates 11A to 11F, the common reference numeral 11 is used for these electrode plates 11A to 11F.
　図２Ａは、導子１０の上側（外側）を示す斜視図であり、図２Ｂは導子１０の下側（内側）を示す斜視図である。図３は、導子１０の平面図である。図４Ａは、図３で示すＩＶａ－ＩＶａ線での断面図であり、図４Ｂは図４Ａの拡大図である。図５は、使用者の体に取り付けられている導子を示す断面図である。 2A is a perspective view showing the upper side (outside) of the conductor 10, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the lower side (inner side) of the conductor 10. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the conductor 10. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the conductor attached to the user's body.
　図４Ａで示すように、導子１０は、カップ２０と、カップ２０の内側に配置されている吸水性クッション１９と、カップ２０の上側に取り付けられている回路基板４０と、回路基板４０を覆い且つカップ２０に取り付けられるキャップ３０とを有している。 As shown in FIG. 4A, the conductor 10 includes a cup 20, a water absorbing cushion 19 arranged inside the cup 20, a circuit board 40 attached to the upper side of the cup 20, and a circuit board 40 covering the circuit board 40. and a cap 30 attached to the cup 20 .
　図６はカップ２０の平面図である。図７は回路基板４０の平面図である。図８はキャップ３０を示す図である。図８の（ａ）は平面図、図８の（ｂ）は底面図、図８の（ｃ）は（ｂ）のｃ－ｃ線で示す断面図である。 6 is a plan view of the cup 20. FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the circuit board 40. FIG. FIG. 8 shows the cap 30. FIG. FIG. 8(a) is a plan view, FIG. 8(b) is a bottom view, and FIG. 8(c) is a sectional view taken along line cc in FIG. 8(b).
［カップ］
　図４Ａで示すように、カップ２０は、周縁部２１と、周縁部２１の内側の部分である中央部２２とを有している。カップ２０は、平面視において、軸線Ｃ１を中心とする円形に形成されている。これとは異なり、カップ２０は、平面視において、楕円形や、一方向に細長い円形であってもよい。カップ２０は、後において説明するように、気密に形成されている。そのため、被装着面（使用者の体表面）に装着されたときに外部のポンプからの吸引によることなくカップ２０の内側に負圧を発生させることができる。 [cup]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the cup 20 has a peripheral portion 21 and a central portion 22 inside the peripheral portion 21 . The cup 20 is formed in a circular shape around the axis C1 in plan view. Alternatively, the cup 20 may be elliptical or circular elongated in one direction in plan view. The cup 20 is formed airtight as will be explained later. Therefore, when the cup 20 is attached to the attachment surface (user's body surface), negative pressure can be generated inside the cup 20 without suction from an external pump.
　周縁部２１と中央部２２は弾性変形可能な材料で一体成形されている。すなわち、例えば、周縁部２１と中央部２２は、螺子などによって、互いに接続されているのではなく、それらの材料が有する化学的性質によって互いに接続されている。周縁部２１と中央部２２は、それらの形状に対応した金型に溶融材料を供給する成形工程によって形成されてよい。カップ２０のこの構造によると、周縁部２１と中央部２２とを螺子等によって相互に接続する構造に比して、部品数を低減でき、また導子１０の製造工程を簡素化できる。 The peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are integrally formed of an elastically deformable material. That is, for example, the peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are not connected to each other by screws or the like, but are connected to each other by chemical properties of their materials. The peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 may be formed by a molding process in which molten material is supplied to a mold corresponding to their shape. According to this structure of the cup 20, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing process of the conductor 10 can be simplified as compared with a structure in which the peripheral portion 21 and the central portion 22 are connected to each other by screws or the like.
　カップ２０は弾性及び電気的絶縁性を有する材料で形成される。カップ２０の材料は、例えば、シリコーンゴムであるが、その他の種類のゴムでもよい。また、カップ２０の材料は、エラストマーであってもよい。 The cup 20 is made of a material having elasticity and electrical insulation. The material of the cup 20 is, for example, silicone rubber, but other types of rubber are also possible. Also, the material of the cup 20 may be an elastomer.
［カップの周縁部］
　図４Ｂで示すように、周縁部２１は内面２１ａ（下面）と外面２１ｂ（上面）とを有している。導子１０の使用時、内面２１ａが、被装着面（使用者の体表面）に接する（図５参照）。内面２１ａと外面２１ｂの双方がカップ２０の先端２１ｃまで滑らかに伸びている。すなわち、周縁部２１の内面２１ａと外面２１ｂの双方が、カップ２０の径方向の外側に向かって且つ装着方向に（すなわちカップ２０の下側に向かって）、カップ２０の先端２１ｃまで伸びている。言い換えると、周縁部２１の内面２１ａと外面２１ｂの双方に、軸線Ｃ１を取り囲む周方向に伸びている凸部や凹部（溝）が形成されていない。ここでの説明において、「径方向」とは、カップ２０の軸線Ｃ１に直交する方向であり、「下側」とは軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向の一方側である。 [Cup rim]
As shown in FIG. 4B, the peripheral portion 21 has an inner surface 21a (lower surface) and an outer surface 21b (upper surface). During use of the conductor 10, the inner surface 21a is in contact with the mounting surface (user's body surface) (see FIG. 5). Both the inner surface 21 a and the outer surface 21 b extend smoothly to the tip 21 c of the cup 20 . That is, both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 extend radially outward of the cup 20 and in the mounting direction (that is, toward the bottom of the cup 20) to the tip 21c of the cup 20. . In other words, neither the inner surface 21a nor the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge portion 21 is formed with a convex portion or a concave portion (groove) extending in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C1. In the description here, the “radial direction” is the direction orthogonal to the axis C1 of the cup 20, and the “lower side” is one side of the direction along the axis C1.
　実開昭５５－５４１２６号公報では、カップの先端にリブ（上方及び下方に突出し且つ軸線を取り囲む環状の凸部）が形成されている。また、特開２０００－３４２６９５号公報で開示される従来の導子では、カップ先端の内面が内側に曲げられ、カップ先端の外面が曲げられており、カップ先端の厚さが増している。また、これらの従来の導子によると、カップ先端の弾性変形、すなわちカップの周縁部が径方向の外側に広がるような弾性変形が、周縁部の曲げやリブによって阻害される。 In Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 55-54126, ribs (annular projections projecting upward and downward and surrounding the axis) are formed at the tip of the cup. Further, in the conventional conductor disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-342695, the inner surface of the tip of the cup is bent inward and the outer surface of the tip of the cup is bent, so that the thickness of the tip of the cup is increased. In addition, according to these conventional conductors, the elastic deformation of the tip of the cup, that is, the elastic deformation in which the peripheral portion of the cup spreads outward in the radial direction, is hindered by the bending of the peripheral portion and the ribs.
　これに対し、本開示で提案する導子１０では、従来の導子にあるような曲げやリブが周縁部２１の内面２１ａと外面２１ｂとに形成されておらず、内面２１ａと外面２１ｂの双方が、カップ２０の先端２１ｃに至るまで、カップ２０の径方向の外側に向かって且つカップ２０の装着方向に伸びている。そのため、周縁部２１の径方向の外側に広がるような弾性変形（カップ２０の径が増すような弾性変形）が生じ易い。図３では、このような弾性変形によって広がったカップ２０の先端２１ｃが二点鎖線で例示されている。 In contrast, in the conductor 10 proposed in the present disclosure, the bends and ribs that are present in conventional conductors are not formed on the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge portion 21, and both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b extends radially outward of the cup 20 and in the mounting direction of the cup 20 to the tip 21c of the cup 20. As shown in FIG. Therefore, elastic deformation that spreads outward in the radial direction of the peripheral portion 21 (elastic deformation that increases the diameter of the cup 20) is likely to occur. In FIG. 3, the tip 21c of the cup 20, which is widened by such elastic deformation, is illustrated by a chain double-dashed line.
　そのため、使用者が導子１０を体表面に配置し、導子１０の上側（キャップ３０の上面）を体表面に向けて押すと、周縁部２１が体表面に沿って、径方向の外側に広がるように弾性変形し、周縁部２１の内面２１ａが体表面に接する。そして、カップ２０の内側の容積が小さくなり、カップ２０の内側の空気は先端２１ｃと体表面との隙間から外部に排出される。その後、使用者が導子１０の上側を押す力を解除すると、周縁部２１がその弾性力によって初期の形状に復帰しようとする。カップ２０には、その内側と外側とを連通する空気流路が形成されていない。すなわち、カップ２０は気密に形成されている。そのため、周縁部２１がその弾性力によって初期の形状に復帰しようとすると、カップ２０の内側に負圧が発生する。図５で示されるように、カップ２０の内側には吸水性クッション１９が配置されている。そのため、周縁部２１の内面２１ａと体表面Ｓとの間に僅かな隙間が発生しても、このクッション１９から漏出した水Ｗがその隙間を閉塞する。その結果、カップ２０と体表面Ｓとの間に密閉空間が形成され、体表面への吸着状態が維持される。 Therefore, when the user places the conductor 10 on the body surface and presses the upper side of the conductor 10 (the upper surface of the cap 30) toward the body surface, the peripheral edge portion 21 extends radially outward along the body surface. It is elastically deformed so as to spread, and the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 comes into contact with the body surface. Then, the volume inside the cup 20 becomes smaller, and the air inside the cup 20 is discharged to the outside through the gap between the tip 21c and the body surface. Thereafter, when the user releases the force pushing the upper side of the conductor 10, the peripheral portion 21 attempts to return to its initial shape due to its elastic force. The cup 20 does not have an air flow path connecting the inside and the outside. That is, the cup 20 is airtightly formed. Therefore, when the peripheral portion 21 attempts to return to its initial shape due to its elastic force, a negative pressure is generated inside the cup 20 . As shown in FIG. 5, a water absorbent cushion 19 is arranged inside the cup 20 . Therefore, even if a slight gap is generated between the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 and the body surface S, the water W leaking from the cushion 19 closes the gap. As a result, a closed space is formed between the cup 20 and the body surface S, and the state of adsorption to the body surface is maintained.
　このとき、周縁部２１の内面２１ａは体表面と幅Ｍ（図５参照）に亘って接することとなる。周縁部２１は径方向の外側に向かって容易に広がるように形成されているので、幅Ｍを十分に確保できる。その結果、導子１０の体表面Ｓへの吸着状態を長時間に亘って維持することができ、また体表面Ｓに生じる吸着痕を薄くできる。 At this time, the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 is in contact with the body surface over the width M (see FIG. 5). Since the peripheral portion 21 is formed so as to easily widen outward in the radial direction, a sufficient width M can be ensured. As a result, the state of adsorption of the conductor 10 to the body surface S can be maintained for a long time, and the adsorption marks generated on the body surface S can be reduced.
　なお、図２Ａ及び図２Ｂで示すように、周縁部２１の内面２１ａと外面２１ｂとには、軸線Ｃ１を取り囲む周方向に伸びている凸部又は凹部だけでなく、径方向において伸びている凸部や凹部も形成されていない。図で示す例とは異なり、周縁部２１の内面２１ａと外面２１ｂとには、径方向において伸びている凸部や凹部が形成されていてもよい。 In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 have not only a convex portion or a concave portion extending in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C1, but also a convex portion extending in the radial direction. No part or recess is formed. Unlike the example shown in the drawings, the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 may be formed with convex portions and concave portions extending in the radial direction.
　図４Ｂで示すように、軸線Ｃ１に沿った断面を見たとき、周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、カップ２０の先端２１ｃまで均一であってよい。これによって、使用者が導子１０を体表面に配置し、導子１０を体表面に押しつけたとき、周縁部２１が体表面に沿って容易に広がるので、内面２１ａの広い領域を体表面に密着させることができる。この説明において、周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、周縁部２１の伸びている方向Ｄ１・Ｄ２に対して直交する方向での周縁部２１の厚さである。 As shown in FIG. 4B, the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 may be uniform up to the tip 21c of the cup 20 when viewed in cross section along the axis C1. As a result, when the user places the conductor 10 on the body surface and presses the conductor 10 against the body surface, the peripheral part 21 easily spreads along the body surface, so that the wide area of the inner surface 21a is spread over the body surface. can be adhered. In this description, the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are the thicknesses of the peripheral portion 21 in the direction perpendicular to the directions D1 and D2 in which the peripheral portion 21 extends.
　なお、図で示す例とは異なり、周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、カップ２０の先端２１ｃに向かって徐々に小さくなってもよい。この場合でも、使用者が導子１０を体表面に配置し、導子１０を体表面に押しつけたとき、周縁部２１が体表面に沿って容易に広がるので、内面２１ａの広い領域を体表面に密着させることができる。 Note that the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 may gradually decrease toward the tip 21c of the cup 20, unlike the example shown in the drawing. Even in this case, when the user places the conductor 10 on the body surface and presses the conductor 10 against the body surface, the peripheral part 21 easily spreads along the body surface, so that the wide area of the inner surface 21a can be covered with the body surface. can be adhered to.
　図４Ｂで示す例において、カップ２０の先端２１ｃには、装着方向に対して直交する平面が形成されている。これとは異なり、カップ２０の先端２１ｃには、湾曲した面が形成されてもよい。 In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the tip 21c of the cup 20 is formed with a plane orthogonal to the mounting direction. Alternatively, the tip 21c of the cup 20 may be formed with a curved surface.
　周縁部２１の内面２１ａと外面２１ｂは、軸線Ｃ１上の点を中心とする球面の一部であってよい。すなわち、周縁部２１の内面２１ａと外面２１ｂは、軸線Ｃ１に沿った断面において、軸線Ｃ１上の点を中心とする円弧に沿って湾曲してよい。この場合、周縁部２１の内面２１ａは、その内縁（中央部２２と周縁部２１との境界）から先端２１ｃまで同じ曲率を有することとなる。同様に、周縁部２１の外面２１ｂも、その内縁（中央部２２と周縁部２１との境界）から先端２１ｃまで同じ曲率を有することとなる。 The inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 may be part of a spherical surface centered on a point on the axis C1. That is, the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 may be curved along an arc centered on a point on the axis C1 in a cross section along the axis C1. In this case, the inner surface 21a of the peripheral portion 21 has the same curvature from the inner edge (the boundary between the central portion 22 and the peripheral portion 21) to the tip 21c. Similarly, the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 also has the same curvature from its inner edge (boundary between the central portion 22 and the peripheral portion 21) to the tip 21c.
　図４Ｂ等で示す例とは異なり、周縁部２１は必ずしも湾曲していなくてもよい。例えば、周縁部２１は、円錐や楕円錐の一部であってもよい。この場合、周縁部２１は、軸線Ｃ１に沿った断面においては、径方向の外側に向かって且つ装着方向に直線的に伸びていてよい。 Unlike the example shown in FIG. 4B and the like, the peripheral portion 21 does not necessarily have to be curved. For example, the rim 21 may be part of a cone or an elliptical cone. In this case, the peripheral portion 21 may extend radially outward and linearly in the mounting direction in a cross section along the axis C1.
　図４Ｂにおいて、線Ｌ１は先端２１ｃでの内面２１ａの接線である。接線Ｌ１が水平面Ｈとなす角度θ１は、カップ２０が弾性変形していない初期状態において、９０度よりも小さい。これによって、使用者が導子１０を体表面に押しつけたとき、周縁部２１がスムーズに体表面に沿って外側に広がる。 In FIG. 4B, the line L1 is the tangent line of the inner surface 21a at the tip 21c. The angle θ1 formed by the tangent line L1 and the horizontal plane H is smaller than 90 degrees in the initial state where the cup 20 is not elastically deformed. Thereby, when the user presses the conductor 10 against the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 smoothly spreads outward along the body surface.
　接線Ｌ１が水平面Ｈとなす角度θ１は、望ましくは、７０度以下である。接線Ｌ１が水平面Ｈとなす角度θ１は、更に望ましくは、６０度以下である。こうすることで、使用者が導子１０を体表面に押しつけたとき、周縁部２１がよりスムーズに体表面に沿って外側に広がる。また、角度θ１は３０度以上であってよい。図で示す例において、角度θ１は、約５５度である。内面２１ａは、上述した軸線Ｃ１上の点を中心とする円弧に沿って湾曲している。そのため、内面２１ａの接線と水平面Ｈとがなす角度は先端２１ｃで最大（θ１）であり、上方に向かって（すなわち、軸線Ｃ１に近づくに従って）単調減少する。 The angle θ1 formed by the tangent line L1 and the horizontal plane H is desirably 70 degrees or less. The angle θ1 formed by the tangent line L1 and the horizontal plane H is more preferably 60 degrees or less. By doing so, when the user presses the electrode 10 against the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 spreads outward along the body surface more smoothly. Also, the angle θ1 may be 30 degrees or more. In the illustrated example, the angle θ1 is approximately 55 degrees. The inner surface 21a curves along an arc centered on a point on the axis C1 described above. Therefore, the angle formed by the tangent to the inner surface 21a and the horizontal plane H is maximum (θ1) at the tip 21c and monotonically decreases upward (that is, as it approaches the axis C1).
　図４Ｂにおいて、線Ｌ２は先端２１ｃでの外面２１ｂの接線である。接線Ｌ２が水平面Ｈとなす角度θ２も、カップ２０が弾性変形していない初期状態において、９０度よりも小さい。接線Ｌ２が水平面Ｈとなす角度θ２も、望ましくは、７０度以下である。これによると、使用者が導子１０を体表面に配置し、導子１０を体表面に押しつけたとき、周縁部２１がスムーズに体表面に沿って外側に広がる。また、角度θ２は３０度以上であってよい。図で示す例において、角度θ２は、約６０度である。外面２１ｂは、上述した円弧Ｒに沿って湾曲している。そのため、外面２１ｂの接線と水平面Ｈとがなす角度は先端２１ｃの縁で最大（θ２）であり、上方に向かって（軸線Ｃ１）に近づくに従って単調減少している。 In FIG. 4B, line L2 is the tangent to outer surface 21b at tip 21c. The angle θ2 formed by the tangent line L2 and the horizontal plane H is also smaller than 90 degrees in the initial state where the cup 20 is not elastically deformed. The angle θ2 formed by the tangent line L2 and the horizontal plane H is also desirably 70 degrees or less. According to this, when the user arrange|positions the conductor 10 on a body surface and presses the conductor 10 on a body surface, the peripheral part 21 spreads outward along a body surface smoothly. Also, the angle θ2 may be 30 degrees or more. In the illustrated example, the angle θ2 is approximately 60 degrees. The outer surface 21b is curved along the arc R described above. Therefore, the angle formed by the tangent to the outer surface 21b and the horizontal plane H is maximum (θ2) at the edge of the tip 21c, and monotonously decreases upward (toward the axis C1).
　なお、周縁部２１がこのように比較的大きく傾斜しているので、電極板１１が配置されている電極板１１の位置が低い。具体的には、図で示す例では、カップ２０の先端２１ｃを含む水平面Ｈを基準とする電極板１１の高さｈ１（図４Ｂ参照）は、軸線Ｃ１からカップ２１の先端２１ｃまでの距離（すなわち、カップ２１の半径）よりも小さい。これによって、吸水性クッション１９の厚さを小さくでき、電極板１１に加える電圧を下げることができる。カップ２０の先端２１ｃを含む水平面Ｈを基準とする電極板１１の高さｈ１は、軸線Ｃ１からカップ２１の先端２１ｃまでの距離（すなわち、カップ２１の半径）の２／３よりも小さくてもよい。これによって、吸水性クッション１９の厚さをさらに小さくでき、電極板１１に加える電圧を下げることができる。 It should be noted that since the peripheral portion 21 is relatively greatly inclined in this way, the position of the electrode plate 11 where the electrode plate 11 is arranged is low. Specifically, in the example shown in the figure, the height h1 (see FIG. 4B) of the electrode plate 11 with respect to the horizontal plane H including the tip 21c of the cup 20 is the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 21 ( ie smaller than the radius of the cup 21). As a result, the thickness of the absorbent cushion 19 can be reduced, and the voltage applied to the electrode plate 11 can be reduced. The height h1 of the electrode plate 11 with respect to the horizontal plane H including the tip 21c of the cup 20 is smaller than 2/3 of the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 21 (that is, the radius of the cup 21). good. As a result, the thickness of the absorbent cushion 19 can be further reduced, and the voltage applied to the electrode plate 11 can be reduced.
［カップの中央部］
　図４Ａで示すように、カップ２０の内面は、中央部２２に、電極板支持面２２ｔを有している。電極板支持面２２ｔに３つの取付領域２２ｂが形成されている。各取付領域２２ｂは、装着方向（軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向）に対して交差し且つ平坦な平面である。図で示す例では、取付領域２２ｂは装着方向に対して直交している。また、各取付領域２２ｂは電極板１１のサイズと同じ、或いは電極板１１のサイズより大きくてよい。３つの取付領域２２ｂは相互に離れている。３つの電極板１１は３つの取付領域２２ｂにそれぞれ取り付けられている。この構造によると、各電極板１１の全体が電極板支持面２２ｔによって支持される。その結果、電極板１１として薄い導電性板材を利用することが可能となり、導子１０の軽量化を図ることができる。後において説明するように、隣り合う取付領域２２ｂには仕切りが形成されてよい。 [Central part of the cup]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the inner surface of the cup 20 has an electrode plate support surface 22t in the central portion 22. As shown in FIG. Three attachment areas 22b are formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. Each mounting region 22b is a flat plane that intersects the mounting direction (the direction along the axis C1). In the illustrated example, the mounting area 22b is perpendicular to the mounting direction. Also, each attachment region 22b may be the same size as the electrode plate 11 or larger than the electrode plate 11 size. The three attachment areas 22b are spaced from each other. The three electrode plates 11 are attached to the three attachment regions 22b respectively. According to this structure, each electrode plate 11 is entirely supported by the electrode plate support surface 22t. As a result, a thin conductive plate material can be used as the electrode plate 11, and the weight of the conductor 10 can be reduced. Partitions may be formed between adjacent mounting regions 22b, as will be described later.
　図２Ｂで示すように、３つの電極板１１（３つの取付領域２２ｂ）は軸線Ｃ１を取り囲むように配置されてよい。電極板１１は、例えば円形である。電極板１１の形状はこれに限られず、矩形であってもよいし、扇形状であってもよい。電極板１１の形状の変形例は、後において詳説する。 As shown in FIG. 2B, the three electrode plates 11 (three mounting regions 22b) may be arranged to surround the axis C1. The electrode plate 11 is circular, for example. The shape of the electrode plate 11 is not limited to this, and may be rectangular or fan-shaped. Modified examples of the shape of the electrode plate 11 will be described in detail later.
　上述したように、カップ２０の内側には吸水性クッション１９が配置されている。３つの電極板１１は軸線Ｃ１の位置を避けて配置されている。電極板支持面２２ｔには、軸線Ｃ１の位置に、吸水性クッション１９を取り付けるためのクッション取付部２２ｄを有している。クッション取付部２２ｄは、例えば凸部であり、吸水性クッション１９の中心に形成された穴に嵌められて、吸水性クッション１９を支持する。クッション取付部２２ｄの外周面には、吸水性クッション１９の穴の内面が引っかかるための、周方向に伸びている突起が形成されてもよい。 As described above, the absorbent cushion 19 is arranged inside the cup 20 . The three electrode plates 11 are arranged to avoid the position of the axis C1. The electrode plate supporting surface 22t has a cushion attachment portion 22d for attaching the water absorbing cushion 19 at the position of the axis C1. The cushion mounting portion 22 d is, for example, a convex portion, and is fitted into a hole formed in the center of the water absorbing cushion 19 to support the water absorbing cushion 19 . A projection extending in the circumferential direction may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cushion mounting portion 22d so that the inner surface of the hole of the absorbent cushion 19 can be caught.
　吸水性クッション１９を支持する構造は、中央部２２だけに設けられ、周縁部２１には設けられていないのが望ましい。これによって、吸水性クッション１９の支持構造が、上述した周縁部２１の弾性変形に影響することを抑えることができる。なお、中央部２２が有するクッション取付部２２ｄの数は１つでなくてもよい。例えば、中央部２２は、中央部２２の外周縁（周縁部２１との境界の内側）に沿って形成されている複数のクッション取付部を有してもよい。 It is desirable that the structure for supporting the absorbent cushion 19 is provided only in the central portion 22 and not provided in the peripheral edge portion 21 . As a result, the support structure of the absorbent cushion 19 can suppress the elastic deformation of the peripheral portion 21 described above. Note that the number of cushion mounting portions 22d provided in the central portion 22 may not be one. For example, the central portion 22 may have a plurality of cushion mounting portions formed along the outer peripheral edge of the central portion 22 (the inner side of the boundary with the peripheral edge portion 21).
　各電極板１１は螺子１３によって中央部２２に取り付けられてよい。詳細には、図４Ａで示すように、各電極板１１は、板状の電極本体１１ａと、電極本体１１ａの上面に固定されている取付部１１ｂとを有している。取付部１１ｂは、筒状であり、その内面に螺子溝が形成されている。中央部２２にはこれを軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向に貫通する接続孔が形成されている。中央部２２の上側からのこの穴に螺子１３が差し込まれ、取付部１１ｂは螺子１３に固定されている。取付部１１ｂの位置を除く電極本体１１ａの全面が、電極支持面２２ｔの平坦な取付領域２２ｂによって支持されている。 Each electrode plate 11 may be attached to the central portion 22 by screws 13 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, each electrode plate 11 has a plate-shaped electrode main body 11a and a mounting portion 11b fixed to the upper surface of the electrode main body 11a. The mounting portion 11b has a cylindrical shape, and a thread groove is formed on the inner surface of the mounting portion 11b. A connection hole is formed through the central portion 22 in a direction along the axis C1. A screw 13 is inserted into this hole from the upper side of the central portion 22, and the mounting portion 11b is fixed to the screw 13. As shown in FIG. The entire surface of the electrode body 11a excluding the position of the mounting portion 11b is supported by the flat mounting region 22b of the electrode supporting surface 22t.
　図４Ａで示すように、中央部２２は、電極板支持面２２ｔを有する下支持台２２ａを有している。下支持台２２ａの厚さＴ３（図４Ｂ参照）は、上述した周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２よりも大きい。そのため、中央部２２は周縁部２１よりも高い剛性を有している。すなわち、中央部２２は周縁部２１よりも弾性変形しにくい。そのため、使用者が導子１０の上側を体表面に向けて押したとき、カップ２０の形状を維持しながら、周縁部２１が弾性変形し、体表面に沿って径方向の外側に広がる。その結果、カップ２０の体表面への吸着がスムーズに実現される。 As shown in FIG. 4A, the central portion 22 has a lower support base 22a having an electrode plate support surface 22t. The thickness T3 (see FIG. 4B) of the lower support base 22a is greater than the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 described above. Therefore, the central portion 22 has higher rigidity than the peripheral edge portion 21 . That is, the central portion 22 is more resistant to elastic deformation than the peripheral edge portion 21 . Therefore, when the user presses the upper side of the conductor 10 toward the body surface, the peripheral portion 21 is elastically deformed while maintaining the shape of the cup 20 and expands radially outward along the body surface. As a result, the suction of the cup 20 to the body surface is realized smoothly.
　電極板支持面２２ｔは軸線Ｃ１に対して直交している。一方、中央部２２の上面２２ｄは、周縁部２１の外面２１ｂと同様、円弧に沿って湾曲している。そのため、中央部２２の厚さＴ３（軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向での厚さ）は、図４Ａで示すように、軸線Ｃ１に向かって徐々に大きくなっている。 The electrode plate support surface 22t is perpendicular to the axis C1. On the other hand, the upper surface 22d of the central portion 22 is curved along an arc like the outer surface 21b of the peripheral edge portion 21. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the thickness T3 (thickness in the direction along the axis C1) of the central portion 22 gradually increases toward the axis C1 as shown in FIG. 4A.
　軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向で見たとき、電極板支持面２２ｔの形状は、例えば、カップ２０の外形状に対応している。図で示す例では、電極板支持面２２ｔは円形である。電極支持面２２ｔは楕円形状であってもよい。図６において、距離Ｄ３は、軸線Ｃ１から中央部２２の外周縁（電極板支持面２２ｔの外周縁）までの距離である。距離Ｄ４は、軸線Ｃ１からカップ２０の先端２１ｃまでの距離である。導子１０を軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向でみたとき、距離Ｄ３は、例えば、距離Ｄ４の１／３以上であるのが好ましい。これによって、使用者が導子１０の上側を体表面に向けて押したとき、カップ２０の形状をより効果的に維持できる。図で示す例では、距離Ｄ３は距離Ｄ４の１／２以上である。また、図で示す例では、距離Ｄ３は距離Ｄ４の３／４以下である。より具体的には、距離Ｄ３は距離Ｄ４の２／３以下である。 When viewed in the direction along the axis C1, the shape of the electrode plate support surface 22t corresponds to the outer shape of the cup 20, for example. In the illustrated example, the electrode plate support surface 22t is circular. The electrode support surface 22t may be elliptical. In FIG. 6, the distance D3 is the distance from the axis C1 to the outer peripheral edge of the central portion 22 (the outer peripheral edge of the electrode plate supporting surface 22t). A distance D4 is the distance from the axis C1 to the tip 21c of the cup 20 . When the conductor 10 is viewed along the axis C1, the distance D3 is preferably 1/3 or more of the distance D4, for example. Thereby, the shape of the cup 20 can be maintained more effectively when the user presses the upper side of the conductor 10 toward the body surface. In the illustrated example, the distance D3 is more than half the distance D4. Also, in the example shown in the figure, the distance D3 is less than or equal to 3/4 of the distance D4. More specifically, the distance D3 is two-thirds or less of the distance D4.
　中央部２２は、その上部に上支持台２２ｅ（図４Ａ参照）を有している。図６で示すように、下支持台２２ａの内側に凹部２２ｇが形成され、上支持台２２ｅは軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向で見たときに環状であってよい。これとは異なり、上支持台２２ｅは円形であってもよい。すなわち、凹部２２ｇは必ずしも形成されていなくてもよい。 The central part 22 has an upper support base 22e (see FIG. 4A) on its upper part. As shown in FIG. 6, a recess 22g is formed inside the lower support 22a, and the upper support 22e may be annular when viewed along the axis C1. Alternatively, the upper support 22e may be circular. That is, the recess 22g may not necessarily be formed.
　導子１０は複数のケーブル５５を有している。図で示す例では、各導子１０は３本のケーブル５５（図２Ａ参照）を有している。ケーブル５５は治療波生成装置７に接続されている。 The conductor 10 has a plurality of cables 55. In the example shown, each conductor 10 has three cables 55 (see FIG. 2A). Cable 55 is connected to therapeutic wave generator 7 .
　ケーブル５５は、その端部に、ケーブル端子５５ａ（図７参照）を有している。図４Ａで示すように、上支持台２２ｅは、その上面として、端子支持面２２ｆを有している。端子支持面２２ｆは軸線Ｃ１に対して垂直な平面である。３つの電極板１１にそれぞれ接続するための３つのケーブル端子５５ａは、端子支持面２２ｆにおいて支持されている。図４Ａで示すように、導子１０は回路基板４０を有してよい。回路基板４０が端子支持面２２ｆの上側に配置され、ケーブル端子５５ａは回路基板４０の上側に配置されてよい。図７で示すように、３つのケーブル端子５５ａは、軸線Ｃ１を中心とする周方向において、約１２０度の間隔を空けて配置されてよい。 The cable 55 has a cable terminal 55a (see FIG. 7) at its end. As shown in FIG. 4A, the upper support 22e has a terminal support surface 22f as its upper surface. The terminal support surface 22f is a plane perpendicular to the axis C1. Three cable terminals 55a for connecting to the three electrode plates 11 are supported on the terminal support surface 22f. The conductor 10 may have a circuit board 40, as shown in FIG. 4A. The circuit board 40 may be arranged above the terminal support surface 22f, and the cable terminals 55a may be arranged above the circuit board 40. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the three cable terminals 55a may be arranged at intervals of approximately 120 degrees in the circumferential direction about the axis C1.
　図４Ａで示すように、電極板１１は、螺子１３によって端子支持面２２ｆに取り付けられている。そして、電極板１１は、この螺子１３を介して、ケーブル端子５５ａに電気的に接続されてよい。このように、電極板１１とケーブル端子５５ａとの電気的接続と、それらの中央部２２への固定とに、共通の部材（螺子１３）を用いると、部品数の低減を図ることができる。また、半田を利用する場合に比して、電極板１１の取り付け作業を簡単化できる。 As shown in FIG. 4A, the electrode plate 11 is attached to the terminal support surface 22f with screws 13. As shown in FIG. The electrode plate 11 may be electrically connected to the cable terminal 55a through the screw 13. As shown in FIG. By using a common member (screw 13) for the electrical connection between the electrode plate 11 and the cable terminal 55a and for fixing them to the central portion 22, the number of parts can be reduced. Moreover, the attachment work of the electrode plate 11 can be simplified as compared with the case of using solder.
　図４Ａで示すように、ケーブル端子５５ａは、螺子１３の頂部と回路基板４０とによって挟まれて、上支持台２２ｅに固定されてよい。また、回路基板４０もこの螺子１３によって上支持台２２ｅに固定されてよい。 As shown in FIG. 4A, the cable terminal 55a may be sandwiched between the top of the screw 13 and the circuit board 40 and fixed to the upper support base 22e. Further, the circuit board 40 may also be fixed to the upper support base 22e by the screws 13. As shown in FIG.
　図４Ａで示すように、中央部２２には、軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向にこれを貫通する接続穴が形成されている。この接続穴は端子支持面２２ｆから電極板支持面２２ｔに達していている。螺子１３は端子支持面２２ｆの上側からこの接続穴に嵌められ、電極板１１の取付部１１ｂに接続してよい。カップ２０は、上述したようにシリコーンゴムなどの弾性材料で形成されている。そのため、接続穴の内面と螺子１３の外面とが密着し、接続穴は螺子１３によって気密に閉塞される。その結果、カップ２０の内側に気密空間が形成される。 As shown in FIG. 4A, the central portion 22 is formed with a connection hole passing therethrough in the direction along the axis C1. This connection hole extends from the terminal support surface 22f to the electrode plate support surface 22t. The screw 13 may be fitted into the connection hole from above the terminal support surface 22f and connected to the mounting portion 11b of the electrode plate 11. As shown in FIG. The cup 20 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber as described above. Therefore, the inner surface of the connection hole and the outer surface of the screw 13 are in close contact with each other, and the connection hole is airtightly closed by the screw 13 . As a result, an airtight space is formed inside the cup 20 .
　図３及び図４Ａで示すように、導子１０は発光ダイオード（ＬＥＤ）４１ａ・４１ｂを有している。後述するように、発光ダイオード４１ａ・４１ｂは、電極板１１に電圧が供給されているときに発光し、電極板１１に電圧が供給されていることを使用者に報知する。上支持台２２ｅには、上方に開口した凹部２２ｇが形成されており、ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂはこの凹部２２ｇに配置されている。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the conductor 10 has light emitting diodes (LEDs) 41a and 41b. As will be described later, the light-emitting diodes 41a and 41b emit light when voltage is supplied to the electrode plate 11, and notify the user that voltage is being supplied to the electrode plate 11. FIG. The upper support base 22e is formed with a concave portion 22g that opens upward, and the LEDs 41a and 41b are arranged in this concave portion 22g.
　図４Ａで示すように、ケーブル端子５５ａは回路基板４０の上側に配置されている。ケーブル５５は、上支持台２２ｅの上面（端子支持面２２ｆ）とキャップ３０とで形成される収容空間から、その外側に伸びている。一方、ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂは回路基板４０の下面に実装されている。つまり、ケーブル端子５５ａとＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂは回路基板４０に対して互いに反対側に配置されている。これによって、回路基板４０のサイズを小さくできる。 As shown in FIG. 4A, the cable terminal 55a is arranged on the upper side of the circuit board 40. As shown in FIG. The cable 55 extends outward from a housing space formed by the upper surface (terminal support surface 22f) of the upper support base 22e and the cap 30. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the LEDs 41 a and 41 b are mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board 40 . That is, the cable terminal 55a and the LEDs 41a and 41b are arranged on opposite sides of the circuit board 40. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the size of the circuit board 40 can be reduced.
　カップ２０はＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂの光を透過する材料で形成される。キャップ３０もＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂの光を透過する材料で形成されてよい。例えば、カップ２０とキャップ３０は半透明のシリコーンゴムで形成されてよい。 The cup 20 is made of a material that allows the light from the LEDs 41a and 41b to pass through. The cap 30 may also be made of a material that transmits light from the LEDs 41a and 41b. For example, cup 20 and cap 30 may be made of translucent silicone rubber.
　図６で示すように、下支持台２２ａ（電極板支持面２２ｔ）は上支持台２２ｂよりも大きなサイズを有してよい。すなわち、軸線Ｃ１から下支持台２２ａの外周縁までの距離Ｄ３は、軸線Ｃ１から上支持台２２ｂの外周縁までの距離よりも大きくてよい。このように下支持台２２ａが比較的大きなサイズを有するので、使用者が導子１０の上側を体表面に向けて押したとき、カップ２０がその形状を維持しながら、周縁部２１は弾性変形する。 As shown in FIG. 6, the lower support 22a (electrode plate support surface 22t) may have a larger size than the upper support 22b. That is, the distance D3 from the axis C1 to the outer peripheral edge of the lower support 22a may be greater than the distance from the axis C1 to the outer peripheral edge of the upper support 22b. Since the lower support base 22a has a relatively large size in this way, when the user presses the upper side of the conductor 10 toward the body surface, the cup 20 maintains its shape while the peripheral edge 21 is elastically deformed. do.
［周縁部の厚さとカップの硬度］
　カップ２０のショアＡ硬度は、例えば１０以上、７０以下である。この硬度によると、筋肉の動きへの良好な追従性を確保でき、且つ導子１０を取り外したときに体表面に残る導子１０の痕（吸着痕）を薄くできる。使用者の体に２つの導子を取り付け、治療波を流すと、筋肉が動く。カップ２０はこの筋肉の動きに追従することが望まれる。 [Peripheral Thickness and Cup Hardness]
The Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is, for example, 10 or more and 70 or less. According to this hardness, it is possible to ensure good followability to the movement of muscles, and to reduce the marks (suction marks) of the conductor 10 remaining on the body surface when the conductor 10 is removed. When two conductors are attached to the user's body and therapeutic waves are applied, the muscles move. It is desired that the cup 20 follow the movement of this muscle.
　カップ２０のショアＡ硬度は、さらに好ましくは１０以上、４０以下である。この硬度によると、筋肉の動きへの追従性をさらに良化でき、また吸着痕をさらに薄くできる。カップ２０のショアＡ硬度は、さらに好ましくは、２０以上、４０以下である。この硬度によると、吸着痕の薄さを維持しながら、筋肉の動きへの追従性をさらに良化できる。 The Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is more preferably 10 or more and 40 or less. With this hardness, it is possible to further improve the ability to follow the movement of the muscles, and to further reduce the suction marks. The Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is more preferably 20 or more and 40 or less. According to this hardness, it is possible to further improve the ability to follow muscle movements while maintaining the thinness of the suction marks.
　周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、例えば、０．５ｍｍ以上、３．０ｍｍ以下である。この厚さによると、筋肉の動きへの良好な追従性を確保でき、且つ吸着痕を薄くできる。厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、好ましくは、１．０ｍｍ以上、３．０ｍｍ以下である。これによると、吸着力を向上し、筋肉への追従性を増すことができる。 The thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. With this thickness, it is possible to ensure good followability to the movement of the muscles and to thin the suction marks. The thicknesses T1 and T2 are preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. According to this, the adsorption force can be improved, and the followability to the muscles can be increased.
　例えば、周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、０．５ｍｍ以上、３.０ｍｍ以下であり、カップ２０のショアＡ硬度は１０以上、７０以下である。これによって、吸着力を確保しつつ、筋肉の動きへの良好な追従性を確保でき、吸着痕を薄くできる。好ましくは、周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、１．０ｍｍ以上、３.０ｍｍ以下であり、カップ２０のショアＡ硬度は１０以上、４０以下である。これによると、吸着力を確保しつつ、筋肉の動きへの追従性を向上し、且つ吸着痕を薄くできる。周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、例えば約２．０ｍｍであり、カップ２０のショアＡ硬度は、例えば約２０である。 For example, the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is 10 or more and 70 or less. As a result, it is possible to secure good followability to the movement of the muscle while securing the adsorption force, and to reduce the adsorption marks. Preferably, the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is 10 or more and 40 or less. According to this, it is possible to improve the ability to follow the movement of the muscles and reduce the adsorption marks while ensuring the adsorption force. The thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are approximately 2.0 mm, for example, and the Shore A hardness of the cup 20 is approximately 20, for example.
［キャップの構造］
　図４Ａで示すように、キャップ３０は、螺子１４によってカップ２０に取り付けられてよい。図で示す例では、螺子１４はキャップ３０の中心部に形成された穴に差し込まれ、回路基板４０の下側に取り付けられているナット１５に接続されている。これによって、キャップ３０は回路基板４０を介してカップ２０に取り付けられる。キャップ３０の取り付け構造は適宜変更されてよい。 [Cap structure]
As shown in FIG. 4A, cap 30 may be attached to cup 20 by screws 14 . In the illustrated example, the screw 14 is inserted into a hole formed in the center of the cap 30 and connected to a nut 15 attached to the lower side of the circuit board 40 . The cap 30 is thereby attached to the cup 20 via the circuit board 40 . The attachment structure of the cap 30 may be changed as appropriate.
　図８で示すように、キャップ３０の下面は、螺子１３の頂部及びケーブル端子５５ａの位置に、凹部３０ａを有している。この凹部３０ａによって、キャップ３０の上面の高さを低減できる。キャップ３０は、その外周縁に外周壁３０ｂを有している。外周壁３０ｂは、カップ２０の上支持台２２ｅの外周面を取り囲む（図４Ａ参照）。外周壁３０ｂは、その一部に、ケーブル通過口３０ｃを有している。３本のケーブル５５はこのケーブル通過口３０ｃを通過して外側に伸びている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the lower surface of the cap 30 has recesses 30a at the tops of the screws 13 and the cable terminals 55a. The height of the upper surface of the cap 30 can be reduced by the recess 30a. The cap 30 has an outer peripheral wall 30b on its outer edge. The outer peripheral wall 30b surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the upper support base 22e of the cup 20 (see FIG. 4A). A portion of the outer peripheral wall 30b has a cable passage opening 30c. Three cables 55 pass through the cable passage opening 30c and extend outward.
［ＬＥＤの発光］
　上述したよう導子１０は、治療波発生装置７から導子１０の電極板１１に電圧が加えられていることを示す発光素子（具体的にはＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂ）を有している。図１３は、ＬＥＤ４１を発光させる電流が流れる回路の概略図である。 [LED light emission]
As described above, the conductor 10 has light-emitting elements (specifically, LEDs 41a and 41b) that indicate that voltage is being applied from the therapeutic wave generator 7 to the electrode plate 11 of the conductor 10 . FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a circuit through which a current for causing the LED 41 to emit light flows.
　第１導子１０Ａは、第１電極板１１Ａ、第２電極板１１Ｂ、及び第３電極板１１Ｃを有している。第２導子１０Ｂは、第１電極板１１Ｄ、第２電極板１１Ｅ、及び第３電極板１１Ｆを有している。電極板１１Ａ～１１Ｆのそれぞれは、交流電源である治療波発生装置７に電線Ｌａ～Ｌｆを介して接続されている。各電線Ｌａ～Ｌｆは、例えば、ケーブル５５と、螺子１３と、回路基板４０に形成されている導体パターンとによって構成されている。 The first conductor 10A has a first electrode plate 11A, a second electrode plate 11B, and a third electrode plate 11C. The second conductor 10B has a first electrode plate 11D, a second electrode plate 11E, and a third electrode plate 11F. Each of the electrode plates 11A-11F is connected to a therapeutic wave generator 7, which is an AC power source, via electric wires La-Lf. Each of the electric wires La to Lf is composed of, for example, a cable 55, a screw 13, and a conductor pattern formed on the circuit board 40. FIG.
　導子１０Ａ・１０Ｂの第１電極板１１Ａ・１１Ｄは、電線Ｌａ・Ｌｄを介して治療波発生装置７に接続されている。導子１０Ａ・１０Ｂの第２電極板１１Ｂ・１１Ｅは、電線Ｌｂ・Ｌｅを介して治療波発生装置７に接続されている。導子１０Ａ・１０Ｂの第３電極板１１Ｃ・１１Ｆは、電線Ｌｃ・Ｌｆを介して治療波発生装置７に接続されている。 The first electrode plates 11A and 11D of the conductors 10A and 10B are connected to the therapeutic wave generator 7 via electric wires La and Ld. The second electrode plates 11B and 11E of the conductors 10A and 10B are connected to the therapeutic wave generator 7 via electric wires Lb and Le. The third electrode plates 11C and 11F of the conductors 10A and 10B are connected to the therapeutic wave generator 7 via electric wires Lc and Lf.
　上述したように、治療波発生装置７は、第１電極板１１Ａ・１１Ｄ間に第１治療波の交流電圧を加える。治療波発生装置７は、第２電極板１１Ｂ・１１Ｅ間に第２治療波の交流電圧を加える。第２治療波と第１治療波は、周波数又は位相の少なくとも一方において相違している。そのため、使用者が２つの導子１０Ａ・１０Ｂを体に取り付けると、２つの治療波が干渉し、これが刺激として体の深部に作用する。治療波発生装置７は、第３電極板１１Ｃ・１１Ｆ間に第３治療波の交流電圧を加える。第３治療波も、第１治療波とは、周波数又は位相の少なくとも一方において相違しており、これら２つの治療波が干渉し、これが刺激として体の深部に作用する。 As described above, the therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the first therapeutic wave between the first electrode plates 11A and 11D. The therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the second therapeutic wave between the second electrode plates 11B and 11E. The second therapeutic wave and the first therapeutic wave differ in at least one of frequency or phase. Therefore, when the user attaches the two conductors 10A and 10B to the body, the two therapeutic waves interfere with each other, and this stimulates the deep parts of the body. The therapeutic wave generator 7 applies the AC voltage of the third therapeutic wave between the third electrode plates 11C and 11F. The third treatment wave also differs from the first treatment wave in at least one of frequency and phase, and these two treatment waves interfere, which acts as a stimulus deep into the body.
　図１３で示すように、第１導子１０Ａは、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとに接続されている、発光素子であるＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂを有している。各ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂの一方の端子は電線Ｌａを介してＬＥＤ４１ａに接続され、他方の端子は電線Ｌｂを介して第２電極板１１Ｂに接続されている。ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂは、回路基板４０（図４Ａ）に実装されている。第１治療波と第２治療波は、周波数と位相のうち少なくとも一方において相違しているので、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとの間には電位差がある。ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂはこの電位差に起因して発光する。この電位差は時間経過に伴って変化するので、ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂは点滅することとなる。これによって、導子１０Ａ・１０Ｂ間に電圧が加わっていることを使用者に報知できる。また、ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂを発光させるための専用の制御は必要とされない。 As shown in FIG. 13, the first conductor 10A has LEDs 41a and 41b, which are light emitting elements, connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. One terminal of each of the LEDs 41a and 41b is connected to the LED 41a via a wire La, and the other terminal is connected to the second electrode plate 11B via a wire Lb. The LEDs 41a and 41b are mounted on the circuit board 40 (FIG. 4A). Since the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave differ in at least one of frequency and phase, there is a potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. The LEDs 41a and 41b emit light due to this potential difference. Since this potential difference changes with time, the LEDs 41a and 41b blink. Thereby, the user can be informed that the voltage is applied between the conductors 10A and 10B. Also, dedicated control for causing the LEDs 41a and 41b to emit light is not required.
　図１３で示すように、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとの間には、順方向が反対向きとなっている２つのＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂが配置されている。ＬＥＤ４１ａの順方向は、第２電極板１１Ｂから第１電極板１１Ａに向かう方向であり、ＬＥＤ４１ｂの順方向は、第１電極板１１Ａから第２電極板１１Ｂに向かう方向である。第２電極板１１Ｂの電位が第１電極板１１Ａの電位よりも高くなると、ＬＥＤ４１ａが点灯し、第１電極板１１Ａの電位が第２電極板１１Ｂの電位よりも高くなると、ＬＥＤ４１ｂが点灯する。 As shown in FIG. 13, two LEDs 41a and 41b whose forward directions are opposite to each other are arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. The forward direction of the LEDs 41a is the direction from the second electrode plate 11B to the first electrode plate 11A, and the forward direction of the LEDs 41b is the direction from the first electrode plate 11A to the second electrode plate 11B. When the potential of the second electrode plate 11B is higher than the potential of the first electrode plate 11A, the LED 41a is lit, and when the potential of the first electrode plate 11A is higher than the potential of the second electrode plate 11B, the LED 41b is lit.
　第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとの間には、各ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂと直列に接続されている抵抗Ｒ１も配置されている。抵抗Ｒ１によってＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂに加わる電圧を低減できる。抵抗Ｒ１も、ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂと同様、回路基板４０（図４Ａ）に実装されてよい。 Between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B, a resistor R1 connected in series with each of the LEDs 41a and 41b is also arranged. The voltage applied to the LEDs 41a and 41b can be reduced by the resistor R1. Resistor R1 may also be mounted on circuit board 40 (FIG. 4A), similar to LEDs 41a and 41b.
　なお、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとの間に配置されるＬＥＤの数は１つでもよい。この場合、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとの間には、ＬＥＤと、発光機能を有していないダイオードとが配置され、それらの順方向が互いに反対向きであってよい。例えば、ＬＥＤ４１ａと、ＬＥＤ４１ａとは順方向が反対であるダイオードが、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂの間に配置されてよい。 Note that the number of LEDs arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B may be one. In this case, between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B, an LED and a diode that does not have a light emitting function are arranged, and their forward directions may be opposite to each other. For example, the LED 41a and a diode whose forward direction is opposite to the LED 41a may be arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B.
　図１３で示すように、第１導子１０Ａは、第１電極板１１Ａと第３電極板１１Ｃとに接続されている、発光素子であるＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂ及び抵抗Ｒ１を有してよい。このＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂ及び抵抗Ｒ１も回路基板４０に実装されてよい。第１治療波と第３治療波は、周波数と位相のうち少なくとも一方において相違しているので、第１電極板１１Ａと第３電極板１１Ｃとの間には電位差がある。そのため、第１電極板１１Ａと第３電極板１１Ｃとに治療波が加えられているときにも、このＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂが点滅し、導子１０Ａ・１０Ｃ間に電圧が加わっていることを使用者に報知できる。 As shown in FIG. 13, the first conductor 10A may have LEDs 41a and 41b, which are light emitting elements, and a resistor R1, which are connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. The LEDs 41 a and 41 b and resistor R 1 may also be mounted on the circuit board 40 . Since the first and third therapeutic waves differ in at least one of frequency and phase, there is a potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. Therefore, even when the therapeutic waves are applied to the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C, the LEDs 41a and 41b blink to inform the user that the voltage is applied between the conductors 10A and 10C. can be notified to
　なお、図１３で示す例とは異なり、ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂは、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂの間にだけ配置され、第１電極板１１Ａと第３電極板１１Ｃとの間には配置されていなくてもよい。また、第１電極板１１Ａと第３電極板１１Ｃとの間に配置されているＬＥＤの数は１つであってもよい。この場合、１つのＬＥＤと、発光機能を有していないダイオードとが第１電極板１１Ａと第３電極板１１Ｃとの間に配置されてよい。 Note that unlike the example shown in FIG. 13, the LEDs 41a and 41b are arranged only between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B, and are arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. It does not have to be placed. Also, the number of LEDs arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C may be one. In this case, one LED and a diode having no light emitting function may be arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C.
　図１３で示す例では、第２導子１０Ｂも、第１導子１０Ａと同様に、第１電極板１１Ｄと第２電極板１１との間に配置されるＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂ及び抵抗Ｒ１と、第１電極板１１Ａと第３電極板１１Ｃとの間に配置されているＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂ及び抵抗Ｒ１とを有している。これとは異なり、ＬＥＤ４１ａ・４１ｂ及び抵抗Ｒ１は、第１導子１０Ａに設けられ、第２導子１０Ｂには設けられていなくてもよい。 In the example shown in FIG. 13, the second conductor 10B also includes the LEDs 41a and 41b and the resistor R1 arranged between the first electrode plate 11D and the second electrode plate 11, and the second conductor 10B, similarly to the first conductor 10A. It has LEDs 41a and 41b and a resistor R1 that are arranged between the first electrode plate 11A and the third electrode plate 11C. Unlike this, the LEDs 41a and 41b and the resistor R1 may be provided on the first conductor 10A and not provided on the second conductor 10B.
［仕切り］
　上述したように、３つの電極板１１が、カップ２０の電極板支持面２２ｔに設けられている複数の取付領域２２ｂに取り付けられている。電極板支持面２２ｔには、電極間１１の間に位置している仕切りが形成されてもよい。こうすることによって、隣り合う２つの電極板１１の接触を防止できる。 [partition]
As described above, the three electrode plates 11 are attached to the plurality of attachment areas 22b provided on the electrode plate support surface 22t of the cup 20. As shown in FIG. Partitions positioned between the electrodes 11 may be formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. By doing so, contact between two adjacent electrode plates 11 can be prevented.
　図９Ａはこのような形態のカップ２０を示す底面図である。図９Ｂは図９Ａで示すＩＸｂ－ＩＸｂ線での断面図である。これらの図で示す例では、電極板支持面２２ｔに、３つの凹部２２ｈが形成されている。各凹部２２ｈの内側に平坦な取付領域２２ｂが形成されている。凹部２２ｈの形状は、電極板１１と同様、例えば円形である。この構造においては、隣り合う２つの凹部２２ｈの間の部分が仕切り２２ｉとして機能している。凹部２２ｈの深さ（仕切り２２ｉの高さ）は、例えば、電極板１１の厚さと実質的に同じか、電極板１１の厚さより少し大きくてよい。これとは異なり、凹部２２ｈの深さ（仕切り２２ｉの高さ）は、電極板１１の厚さより小さくてもよい。 FIG. 9A is a bottom view showing such a form of cup 20. FIG. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view along line IXb-IXb shown in FIG. 9A. In the examples shown in these figures, the electrode plate support surface 22t is formed with three recesses 22h. A flat attachment area 22b is formed inside each recess 22h. Like the electrode plate 11, the shape of the recess 22h is circular, for example. In this structure, the portion between two adjacent recesses 22h functions as a partition 22i. The depth of the recess 22h (the height of the partition 22i) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the electrode plate 11 or slightly larger than the thickness of the electrode plate 11, for example. Alternatively, the depth of recess 22 h (the height of partition 22 i ) may be smaller than the thickness of electrode plate 11 .
　図１０は、図９Ａ及び図９Ｂで示される構造の変形例を示す、カップ２０の底面図である。この図に示す例において、電極板支持面２２ｔには、電極板支持面２２ｔから突出する仕切り２２ｊが形成されている。仕切り２２ｊは、隣り合う２つの電極板１１の間で伸びている。仕切り２２ｊは、例えば、軸線Ｃ１から径方向に伸びている。図で示す例では、電極板支持面２２ｔには３本の仕切り２２ｊが形成されている。仕切り２２ｊの高さは、例えば、電極板１１の厚さと実質的に同じか、電極板１１の厚さより少し大きくてよい。これとは異なり、仕切り２２ｊの高さは、電極板１１の厚さより小さくてもよい。 FIG. 10 is a bottom view of cup 20 showing a variation of the structure shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In the example shown in this figure, the electrode plate support surface 22t is formed with a partition 22j projecting from the electrode plate support surface 22t. Partition 22j extends between two adjacent electrode plates 11 . The partition 22j extends radially from the axis C1, for example. In the illustrated example, three partitions 22j are formed on the electrode plate support surface 22t. The height of the partition 22j may be substantially the same as the thickness of the electrode plate 11 or slightly larger than the thickness of the electrode plate 11, for example. Alternatively, the height of the partition 22j may be smaller than the thickness of the electrode plate 11. FIG.
　これまで説明した例において、電極板１１の形状は円形でなくてもよい。図１１Ａ～図１１Ｃは、電極板１１の変形例を示す底面図である。 In the examples described so far, the shape of the electrode plate 11 does not have to be circular. 11A to 11C are bottom views showing modifications of the electrode plate 11. FIG.
　図１１Ａで示すように、電極板１１１は扇型であり、軸線Ｃ１を取り囲む周方向に伸びている外周縁を有している。この場合、電極板支持面２２ｔには、電極板１１１の形状に対応する凹部２２ｋが形成されてよい。この場合、隣り合う２つの凹部２２ｋの間に仕切り２２Ｌが形成されている。また、凹部２０ｋの内側に、平坦な取付領域２２ｂが形成される。 As shown in FIG. 11A, the electrode plate 111 is fan-shaped and has an outer peripheral edge extending in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C1. In this case, a concave portion 22k corresponding to the shape of the electrode plate 111 may be formed in the electrode plate support surface 22t. In this case, a partition 22L is formed between two adjacent recesses 22k. A flat attachment region 22b is formed inside the recess 20k.
　図１１Ｂで示すように、隣り合う２つの電極板１１１の間（取付領域２２ｂの間）に、電極板支持面２２ｔから突出する仕切り２２ｍが形成されてもよい。仕切り２２ｍは、例えば、軸線Ｃ１から径方向に伸びていてよい。 As shown in FIG. 11B, a partition 22m projecting from the electrode plate support surface 22t may be formed between two adjacent electrode plates 111 (between the mounting regions 22b). The partition 22m may, for example, extend radially from the axis C1.
　さらに他の例として、図１１Ｃで示されるように、電極板は環状であってよい。この図で示す例では、３つの環状の電極板２１１Ｂ・２１１Ａ・２１１Ｃのそれぞれが軸線Ｃ１を取り囲むように配置されている。第１電極板２１１Ａの内側に第２電極板２１１Ｂが配置され、第１電極板２１１Ａの外側に第３電極板２１１Ｃが配置されている。また、隣り合う２つの電極板２１１Ａ・２１１Ｂ・２１１Ｃの間に仕切り２２ｎが形成されている。仕切り２２ｎも環状である。 As yet another example, the electrode plates may be annular, as shown in FIG. 11C. In the example shown in this figure, three annular electrode plates 211B, 211A, and 211C are arranged so as to surround the axis C1. A second electrode plate 211B is arranged inside the first electrode plate 211A, and a third electrode plate 211C is arranged outside the first electrode plate 211A. A partition 22n is formed between two adjacent electrode plates 211A, 211B, and 211C. The partition 22n is also annular.
　これまで説明した導子とは異なり、電極板の数は２つでもよい。図１２Ａ～図１２Ｃは導子の変形例を示す導子の底面図である。 Unlike the conductors described so far, the number of electrode plates may be two. 12A to 12C are bottom views of the conductor showing modifications of the conductor.
　図１２Ａで示す導子３１０において、電極１１の数は２つである。この図では、円形の２つの電極１１が軸線Ｃ１を挟んで互いに反対側に配置されている。電極板支持面２２ｔに、２つの凹部２２ｐが形成されている。各凹部２２ｐの内側に平坦な取付領域２２ｂが形成されている。隣り合う２つの凹部２２ｐの間の部分が仕切り２２ｑとして機能している。 The number of electrodes 11 is two in the conductor 310 shown in FIG. 12A. In this figure, two circular electrodes 11 are arranged on opposite sides of the axis C1. Two recesses 22p are formed in the electrode plate support surface 22t. A flat attachment region 22b is formed inside each recess 22p. A portion between two adjacent recesses 22p functions as a partition 22q.
　また、電極板の数が２つである場合においても、電極板の形状は扇型であってもよい。図１２Ｂで示す例において、電極板支持面２２ｔには扇型の取付領域２２ｂが形成されている。取付領域２２ｂは半円形である。この取付領域２２ｂに同じく半円形の電極板が取り付けられてよい。この場合においても、２つの取付領域２２ｂの間に、電極板支持面２２ｔから突出する仕切り２２ｒが形成されてよい。 Also, even when the number of electrode plates is two, the shape of the electrode plates may be fan-shaped. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, a fan-shaped mounting region 22b is formed on the electrode plate supporting surface 22t. The attachment area 22b is semi-circular. A similarly semicircular electrode plate may be attached to this attachment area 22b. Also in this case, a partition 22r projecting from the electrode plate supporting surface 22t may be formed between the two mounting regions 22b.
　また、電極板の数が２つである場合においても、電極板は環状であってよい。図１２Ｃで示す例において、２つの電極板２１１Ａ・２１１Ｂは環状である。２つの電極板２１１Ａ・２１１Ｂのそれぞれが軸線Ｃ１を取り囲むように配置されている。第１電極板２１１Ａの内側に第２電極板２１１Ｂが配置されている。２つの電極板２１１Ａ・２１１Ｂの間に仕切り２２ｓが形成されている。仕切り２２ｓも環状である。 Also, even when the number of electrode plates is two, the electrode plates may be annular. In the example shown in FIG. 12C, the two electrode plates 211A and 211B are annular. Each of the two electrode plates 211A and 211B is arranged to surround the axis C1. A second electrode plate 211B is arranged inside the first electrode plate 211A. A partition 22s is formed between the two electrode plates 211A and 211B. The partition 22s is also annular.
［まとめ］
　（１）以上説明したように、導子１０は、カップ２０と、カップ２０の内側に取り付けられている電極板１１とを有し、被装着面に装着されたときに外部のポンプからの吸引によることなくカップ２０の内側に負圧を発生させることのできる導子である。カップ２０は、被装着面に接するための内面２１ａと内面２１ａとは反対側の面である外面２１ｂとを有し且つカップ２０の径方向に広がるように弾性変形可能な周縁部２１を有している。周縁部２１の内面２１ａと外面２１ｂの双方が、カップ２０の径方向の外側に向けて且つ被装着面への装着方向にカップ２０の先端２１ｃまで伸びている。この導子１０によると、導子１０を取り外した後に体の表面に残る導子の痕（吸着痕）を薄くできる。なお、この構造は、電極板の数が１つである導子に適用されてもよい。また、この構造において、周縁部２１の厚さは先端２１ｃまで均一でなくてもよい。 [summary]
(1) As described above, the conductor 10 has the cup 20 and the electrode plate 11 attached inside the cup 20, and when attached to the mounting surface, the suction from the external pump It is a conductor that can generate a negative pressure inside the cup 20 without causing The cup 20 has an inner surface 21a for contacting the mounting surface and an outer surface 21b opposite to the inner surface 21a. ing. Both the inner surface 21a and the outer surface 21b of the peripheral portion 21 extend outward in the radial direction of the cup 20 and in the mounting direction to the mounting surface to the tip 21c of the cup 20 . According to this conductor 10, after the conductor 10 is removed, traces of the conductor (suction marks) remaining on the surface of the body can be reduced. Note that this structure may be applied to a conductor having one electrode plate. Moreover, in this structure, the thickness of the peripheral portion 21 may not be uniform up to the tip 21c.
　（２）また、導子１０において、周縁部２１の厚さＴ１・Ｔ２は、カップ２０の先端２１ｃまで均一、又はカップ２０の先端２１ｃに向かって徐々に小さくなっている。導子１０のこの構造によっても、導子１０を取り外した後に体の表面に残る導子の痕（吸着痕）を薄くできる。なお、この構造において、周縁部２１の先端２１ｃは外側（上側）に僅かに反っていてもよい。 (2) In addition, in the conductor 10, the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the peripheral portion 21 are uniform up to the tip 21c of the cup 20, or gradually decrease toward the tip 21c of the cup 20. This structure of the conductor 10 also makes it possible to reduce the traces of the conductor (suction marks) remaining on the surface of the body after the conductor 10 is removed. In this structure, the tip 21c of the peripheral portion 21 may be slightly warped outward (upward).
　（３）また、導子１０は、カップ２０と、カップ２０の内側に配置されている３つの電極板１１とを有し、被装着面に装着されたときに外部のポンプからの吸引によることなくカップ２０の内側に負圧を発生させることのできる導子である。カップ２０の内面は、その中央部２２に電極板支持面２２ｔを有している。電極板支持面２２ｔは、被装着面への装着方向（軸線Ｃ１に沿った方向）に対して交差している３つの平坦な取付領域２２ｂを有している。３つの電極板１１は３つの取付領域２２ｂにそれぞれ取り付けられている。この導子１０によると、使用者の体に周波数の異なる複数の治療波を加えることができ、その結果、それらの干渉による刺激を体に加えることができる。また、平坦な取付領域２２ｂに電極板１１が取り付けられるので、薄い電極板１１を使用することが可能となり、導子の軽量化を図ることが可能となる。なお、この構造は、（１）及び（２）に記載する周縁部２１とは異なる構造の周縁部を有する導子に適用されてもよい。 (3) In addition, the conductor 10 has a cup 20 and three electrode plates 11 arranged inside the cup 20, and when attached to the mounting surface, the suction from an external pump It is a conductor that can generate a negative pressure inside the cup 20 without any pressure. The inner surface of the cup 20 has an electrode plate supporting surface 22t at its central portion 22. As shown in FIG. The electrode plate support surface 22t has three flat mounting regions 22b that intersect the mounting direction (the direction along the axis C1) to the mounting surface. The three electrode plates 11 are attached to the three attachment regions 22b respectively. According to this conductor 10, a plurality of therapeutic waves with different frequencies can be applied to the user's body, and as a result, stimulation by their interference can be applied to the body. In addition, since the electrode plate 11 is attached to the flat attachment region 22b, it is possible to use a thin electrode plate 11 and reduce the weight of the conductor. In addition, this structure may be applied to a conductor having a peripheral portion having a structure different from the peripheral portion 21 described in (1) and (2).
　（４）また、電気治療装置１００は、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとを有している第１導子１０Ａと、第１電極板１１Ｄと第２電極板１１Ｅとを有している第２導子１０Ｂと、第１導子１０Ａの第１電極板１１Ａと第２導子１０Ｂの第１電極板１１Ｄとに第１治療波の交流電圧を加え、第１導子１０Ａの第２電極板１１Ｂと第２導子１０Ｂの第２電極板１１Ｅとに第２治療波の交流電圧を加える治療波生成装置７とを含む。第１導子１０Ａは、第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとに接続され第１電極板１１Ａと第２電極板１１Ｂとの電位差によって駆動する発光ダイオード４１ａ・４１ｂを有している。この治療装置１００によると、発光ダイオード４１ａ・４１ｂを駆動するための専用の制御を要することなく、使用者に電気治療装置１００が作動していることを示すことができる。

  (4) In addition, the electrotherapy device 100 has a first conductor 10A having a first electrode plate 11A and a second electrode plate 11B, a first electrode plate 11D and a second electrode plate 11E. The AC voltage of the first therapeutic wave is applied to the second conductor 10B, the first electrode plate 11A of the first conductor 10A, and the first electrode plate 11D of the second conductor 10B, and the first conductor 10A A therapeutic wave generator 7 for applying an alternating voltage of a second therapeutic wave to the second electrode plate 11B and the second electrode plate 11E of the second conductor 10B. The first conductor 10A has light emitting diodes 41a and 41b connected to the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B and driven by the potential difference between the first electrode plate 11A and the second electrode plate 11B. According to this therapeutic device 100, it is possible to indicate to the user that the electrotherapeutic device 100 is operating without requiring dedicated control for driving the light emitting diodes 41a and 41b.

Claims (9)

  1. 　カップと、前記カップの内側に取り付けられている少なくとも１つの電極とを有し、被装着面に装着されたときに外部装置からの吸引によることなく前記カップの内側に負圧を発生させることのできる導子であって、
    　前記カップは、被装着面に接するための内面と前記内面とは反対側の面である外面とを有し且つ前記カップの径方向に広がるように弾性変形可能な周縁部を有し、
    　前記周縁部の前記内面と前記外面の双方が、前記カップの径方向の外側に向けて且つ前記被装着面への装着方向に前記カップの先端まで伸びている
    　電気治療装置の導子。     It has a cup and at least one electrode attached to the inside of the cup, and generates a negative pressure inside the cup without suction from an external device when attached to a mounting surface. A conductor who can
    The cup has an inner surface for contacting the mounting surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and has a peripheral edge that is elastically deformable so as to expand in the radial direction of the cup,
    The conductor of an electrotherapy device, wherein both the inner surface and the outer surface of the peripheral portion extend radially outwardly of the cup and in a mounting direction to the mounting surface to a distal end of the cup.
  2. 　前記周縁部の厚さは、前記カップの前記先端まで均一又は、前記カップの前記先端に向かって徐々に小さくなっている
    　請求項１に記載される電気治療装置の導子。     2. The electrode of an electrotherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of said peripheral portion is uniform to said tip of said cup or tapers towards said tip of said cup.
  3. 　前記導子を水平面に配置したとき、前記カップの前記先端での前記内面の接線と前記水平面とが成す角度は、前記カップの前記初期状態において、９０度よりも小さく、前記カップの前記先端での前記外面の接線と前記水平面とが成す角度も、前記カップの前記初期状態において、９０度よりも小さい
    　請求項１に記載される電気治療装置の導子。     When the conductor is placed on a horizontal plane, the angle formed by the tangent to the inner surface at the tip of the cup and the horizontal plane is less than 90 degrees in the initial state of the cup, and at the tip of the cup 2. The electrode of an electrotherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the angle between a tangent to said outer surface of and said horizontal plane is also less than 90 degrees in said initial state of said cup.
  4. 　前記カップは、前記周縁部よりも高い剛性を有する中央部を有する
    　請求項１に記載される電気治療装置の導子。     2. An electrotherapy device electrode according to claim 1, wherein the cup has a central portion that is stiffer than the peripheral portion.
  5. 　前記周縁部と前記中央部は一体的に成形されている
    　請求項４に記載される電気治療装置の導子。     5. The electrode of an electrotherapy device according to claim 4, wherein said peripheral portion and said central portion are integrally molded.
  6. 　前記導子を前記装着方向に見たときに、前記カップの中心から前記中央部の外縁までの距離は、前記中心から前記カップの前記周縁部の先端までの距離の３分の１よりも大きい
    　請求項４に記載される電気治療装置の導子。     When the conductor is viewed in the mounting direction, the distance from the center of the cup to the outer edge of the central portion is greater than one third of the distance from the center to the tip of the peripheral portion of the cup. A conductor of an electrotherapy device according to claim 4.
  7. 　前記カップのショアＡ硬度は１０以上、７０以下である
    　請求項１に記載される電気治療装置の導子。     The electrode of the electrotherapy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cup has a Shore A hardness of 10 or more and 70 or less.
  8. 　前記カップのショアＡ硬度は１０以上、７０以下であり、
    　前記周縁部の厚さが０．５ｍｍ以上、３．０ｍｍ以下である
    　請求項１に記載される電気治療装置の導子。     Shore A hardness of the cup is 10 or more and 70 or less,
    The electrode of the electrotherapy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion has a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.
  9. 　カップと、前記カップの内側に取り付けられている少なくとも１つの電極とを有し、被装着面に装着されたときに外部装置からの吸引によることなく前記カップの内側に負圧を発生させることのできる導子であって、
    　前記カップは、被装着面に接するための内面を有し且つ前記カップの径方向に広がるように弾性変形可能な周縁部を有し、
    　前記周縁部の厚さは、前記カップの先端まで均一又は、前記カップの先端に向かって徐々に小さくなっている
    　電気治療装置の導子。

          It has a cup and at least one electrode attached to the inside of the cup, and generates a negative pressure inside the cup without suction from an external device when attached to a mounting surface. A conductor who can
    The cup has an inner surface for contacting the mounting surface and has a peripheral edge that is elastically deformable so as to expand in the radial direction of the cup,
    A conductor of an electrotherapy device, wherein the thickness of the peripheral portion is uniform to the tip of the cup or gradually decreases toward the tip of the cup.
PCT/JP2022/033009 2021-12-08 2022-09-01 Conductor for electrotherapy device WO2023105861A1 (en)

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS51110886A (en) * 1975-03-25 1976-09-30 Yokohama Kagaku Kinzoku Kk JIRYOKU HEIYONO PARUSUTSUDENKI
JP2003079748A (en) * 2001-09-14 2003-03-18 Og Giken Co Ltd Low frequency therapeutic instrument
JP2004283336A (en) * 2003-03-20 2004-10-14 Tetsuya Korenaga Conductor for electrotherapy apparatus, and electrotherapy apparatus with the conductor
WO2007029611A1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-15 Tti Ellebeau, Inc. Iontophoresis device
US20090254155A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Medical Quant Usa, Inc. Dba Multi Radiance Medical Therapeutic emitter retaining device
CN104225782A (en) * 2014-09-30 2014-12-24 中国人民解放军第四军医大学 Bipolar electrode slice for transcutaneous electrical stimulation and insulation sucker of bipolar electrode slice

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS51110886A (en) * 1975-03-25 1976-09-30 Yokohama Kagaku Kinzoku Kk JIRYOKU HEIYONO PARUSUTSUDENKI
JP2003079748A (en) * 2001-09-14 2003-03-18 Og Giken Co Ltd Low frequency therapeutic instrument
JP2004283336A (en) * 2003-03-20 2004-10-14 Tetsuya Korenaga Conductor for electrotherapy apparatus, and electrotherapy apparatus with the conductor
WO2007029611A1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-15 Tti Ellebeau, Inc. Iontophoresis device
US20090254155A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Medical Quant Usa, Inc. Dba Multi Radiance Medical Therapeutic emitter retaining device
CN104225782A (en) * 2014-09-30 2014-12-24 中国人民解放军第四军医大学 Bipolar electrode slice for transcutaneous electrical stimulation and insulation sucker of bipolar electrode slice

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