WO2023277082A1 - Electrostimulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrostimulation device 100 comprises a base 110 and electrode units 112L, 112R fixed on the base 110 to provide electrostimulation to the bottoms of the feet of a user. The base 110 is deformable to follow the movement of the heels.

Description

electric stimulator

The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device.

(1) There is known an electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation from the sole of the foot on which it is placed. By applying electrical stimulation from the soles of the feet, it is possible to promote foot movements that involve flexion and extension of the ankle joints.

Patent Document 1 proposes a swingable electrical stimulator. This electrostimulation device is swingable with the movement of the foot during its use. Therefore, according to this electric stimulator, the muscles can be strengthened by the exercise of the legs, and the electrodes can be kept in contact with the soles of the feet, so that electric stimulation can be applied continuously.

(2) There is known an electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation to a user's muscles. An electrical stimulator exercises a muscle by applying a weak electric current to the muscle to make the muscle tense and relax. Thereby, muscle strengthening is achieved, for example. Conventionally, there has been proposed an electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation from the soles of the feet.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-010961

(1) The electrical stimulation device of Patent Document 1 is relatively large, so that it is required to be miniaturized, especially in the height direction, so that it can be accommodated in a narrower space. there is In other words, thinning is required. However, if the electrostimulator is made thinner, the angle at which it can swing becomes smaller, or it becomes impossible to swing. In these cases, when electrical stimulation is applied from the sole of the foot and the ankle joint is flexed and the heel is raised, the heel may be separated from the electrode portion. If the toe-side part of the sole is in contact with the electrode, the application of electrical stimulation can be continued. Electrical stimulation more than the desired electrical stimulation is applied to the back.

It should be noted that the problems described here should not be regarded as the general technical recognition of those skilled in the art, and they were independently investigated by the present inventors.

The first aspect of the present invention has been made in such a situation, and one of the exemplary purposes of certain aspects thereof is to provide an electrical stimulator that can be made thin and can apply desired electrical stimulation to the soles of the feet. to provide.

(2) In general, springs conduct electricity easily. Therefore, if the electrodes can be brought into contact with the springs to allow current to flow through the springs, the desired electrical stimulation can be applied more accurately. In addition, spring springs are pressure points on the left and right soles of the feet that are said to improve blood circulation and metabolism by stimulating them. In other words, it is the central portion in the left-right direction of the sole that internally divides the sole in the front-rear direction from the toe side at a ratio of 1:2.

The second aspect of the present invention has been made in such a situation, and one exemplary purpose of certain aspects thereof is to provide an electrical stimulator capable of imparting desired electrical stimulation.

(1) An electrical stimulation device according to one aspect of the first aspect of the present invention includes a base and an electrode section fixed on the base for applying electrical stimulation to the soles of the user's feet. The base is deformable to follow heel movement.

(2) An electrical stimulation device according to an aspect of the second aspect of the present invention includes a base and an electrode unit fixed on the base for applying electrical stimulation to the soles of the user's feet. The electrode portion has a convex surface whose position is variable.

Another aspect of the second aspect of the present invention is also an electrical stimulator. The device includes a base and an electrode section fixed on the base for applying electrical stimulation to the sole of the user's foot. The electrode portion has a convex surface with a variable distance from the rear end of the base.

It should be noted that any combination of the above constituent elements, and mutual replacement of the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

(1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulator that can be made thinner and that can apply desired electrical stimulation to the soles of the feet.

(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulator capable of applying desired electrical stimulation.

1 is a top view of an electrical stimulator according to Embodiment 1-1. FIG. It is the side view which looked at the electric stimulation apparatus of FIG. 1 in the front-back direction from back. It is the side view which looked at the electric stimulator of FIG. 1 in the left-right direction from the right side. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit in FIG. 1; FIG. 5(a) and 5(b) are diagrams showing usage scenes of the electrical stimulator of FIG. 1. FIG. FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams showing an electrical stimulator according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1-1. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams showing an electrical stimulator according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1-1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the electrical stimulator according to Embodiment 1-2 as seen from the right side in the left-right direction; FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams showing usage scenes of the electrical stimulator of FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view of the electrical stimulator according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1-2 as seen from the right side in the left-right direction. FIG. 10 is a side view of the electrical stimulator according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1-2, viewed from the right side in the left-right direction. 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams showing usage scenes of the electrical stimulator of FIG. 11. FIG. FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are side views of the electrical stimulator according to Embodiment 1-3 as seen from the right side in the horizontal direction. It is a figure which shows the utilization scene of the electrical stimulator of FIG. FIG. 11 is a side view of the electrical stimulator according to the modification of Embodiment 1-3, viewed from the right side in the left-right direction; FIG. 10 is a top view of an electrical stimulator according to Embodiment 2-1; It is the side view which looked at the electric stimulation apparatus of FIG. 16 in the front-back direction from back. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 16; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical stimulator according to a modification of Embodiment 2-1; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical stimulator according to another modification of Embodiment 2-1; FIG. 11 is a top view of an electrical stimulator according to Embodiment 2-2; FIG. 10 is a side view of the electrical stimulator according to Embodiment 2-3 as seen from the right side in the left-right direction; FIG. 10 is a top view of an electrical stimulator according to Embodiment 2-4; FIG. 11 is a top view of an electrical stimulator according to a modification of Embodiment 2-4; The top view of the electrostimulation device which concerns on an Example Figure 26 is a perspective view of the electrical stimulation device of Figure 25; 27(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the electrical stimulator of FIG. 25. FIG.

I First Aspect of the Present Invention Hereinafter, a first aspect of the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting the invention, and not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. In the embodiment and modified examples, the same or equivalent constituent elements and members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate.

(Embodiment 1-1)
FIG. 1 is a top view of an electrical stimulator 100 according to Embodiment 1-1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the electrostimulation device 100 of FIG. 1 as seen from the rear in the front-rear direction. FIG. 3 is a side view of the electrical stimulation device 100 of FIG. 1 viewed from the right side in the left-right direction. The following description is based on the front, back, left, and right directions shown in FIG. The electrical stimulator 100 is a foot rest type electrical stimulator, and applies electrical stimulation to the sole of the foot on which it is placed. The electrical stimulator 100 is used, for example, placed on the floor FL.

The electrical stimulation device 100 includes a base 110, electrode sections 112L and 112R fixed to the base 110 for applying electrical stimulation to the soles of the user's feet, and a fixing section 114 for fixing the base 110 to the heels of the user. , and a control unit 116 that controls power supply to the electrode units 112L and 112R.

The electrode portions 112L and 112R are fixed to the upper surface 110a of the base 110. The electrode portion 112L is an electrode portion on which the left foot is placed, that is, the sole of the left foot is to be contacted, and the electrode portion 112R is an electrode portion on which the right foot is to be placed, that is, the sole of the right foot is to be contacted. Here, the term “contact” includes not only the case where the soles of the feet are in direct contact with the electrode portions 112L and 112R, but also other members such as gel pads and footwear using a conductive material (for example, socks). It also includes the case of contacting via The electrode sections 112L and 112R can also be regarded as electrode sections corresponding to the left and right halves of the user's body.

The electrode parts 112L and 112R are flexible sheet-like conductive members. The electrodes 112L and 112R may have flat surfaces or may have uneven surfaces. For example, the electrode portions 112L and 112R may be sheet-shaped conductive rubber in which a conductive agent such as carbon black or metal powder is mixed in a rubber base material such as ethylene propylene diene rubber. Further, for example, the electrode portions 112L and 112R may be sheet-shaped conductive silicon in which a conductivity imparting agent is mixed in a silicon base material.

The electrode parts 112L and 112R may have a size that allows contact with the user's sole from the base of the toes to the heel, for example. Further, for example, the electrode portions 112L and 112R may be formed in a size that allows the user's feet to fit in the electrode portions 112L and 112R in plan view. In any case, when the user's feet are properly placed on the electrode portions 112L and 112R, at least the toe base and the heel of the sole contact the electrode portions 112L and 112R.

The electrode parts 112L and 112R extend in a direction slightly inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. The horizontal interval between the electrode portion 112L and the electrode portion 112R generally increases toward the front. In other words, the electrode sections 112L and 112R are provided so that the legs are slightly spread (separated) and placed on the body with the legs spread slightly (that is, spread in a V shape).

The electrode sections 112L and 112R are electrically connected to the control unit 116 by wirings 118L and 118R, respectively. Electric power is supplied to the electrode sections 112L and 112R from the control unit 116 through wirings 118L and 118R. The electrode units 112L and 112R apply electrical stimulation to the soles of the feet placed thereon with the supplied power.

The fixing part 114 fixes the heel (foot) to the base 110 so that the contact between the heel and the electrode parts 112L, 112R is maintained even when the heel is raised or lowered.

The fixed part 114 includes two belts 120L and 120R in this example. The belts 120L and 120R are put on the insteps of the feet to fix the insteps and the heels to the base 110. - 特許庁The belts 120L and 120R may be hooked on the recesses at the rear upper end of the calcaneus to fix the heel to the base 110. As shown in FIG. The belts 120L and 120R may be fixed to the base 110 or may be passed under the base 110 without being fixed to the base 110 and hung on the insteps. Belts 120L and 120R may have elasticity. This allows the heel to be pressed against the base 110 . The fixing part 114 includes a fastener (not shown) such as a buckle or hook-and-loop fastener instead of the belts 120L, 120R having elasticity or in addition to the belts 120L, 120R having elasticity. It may be adjustable.

The base 110 is made of a material that is substantially non-conductive and has flexibility. Thereby, the base 110 is elastically deformable (in other words, elastically flexibly deformable) so as to follow the movement of the heel fixed to the base 110 by the fixing portion 114 so as to be curved. The lower surface 110b of the base 110 is flat, and substantially the entire lower surface 110b of the base 110 contacts the floor FL when the electrical stimulator 100 is placed on the floor FL. The base 110 may be formed in a size such that the user's foot placed on the electrical stimulator 100 does not protrude from the base 110 in plan view.

A groove 110c recessed upward in the front-rear direction is formed in the center of the lower surface 110b of the base 110 in the left-right direction. As a result, the base 110 can be elastically deformed following the movement of the heel even when only one heel is raised or when the left and right heels are raised to different heights. The groove 110c is V-shaped when viewed in the front-rear direction in the illustrated example, but may be U-shaped or other shapes. A slit may be formed in the base 110 instead of the groove 110c.

The control unit 116 is fixed to the center in the horizontal direction of the upper surface 110a of the base 110, that is, the surface on which the electrode portions 112L and 112R are provided. That is, the control unit 116 is provided between the electrode section 112L and the electrode section 112R.

The control unit 116 includes a housing 122 and a controller 124 housed within the housing 122 . A display unit 126 and a power button 128, a plus button 130, and a minus button 132 as operation units are provided on the upper surface side of the housing 122. As shown in FIG. A power button 128 is operated to power on or off the control unit 116 . A plus button 130 and a minus button 132 are operated when changing the set voltage level, which will be described later. The display unit 126 displays the set voltage level.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 124. As shown in FIG. Each block of the control unit 124 can be implemented by hardware such as a CPU and memory of a computer or a mechanical device, and is implemented by a computer program or the like in terms of software. It depicts the functional blocks realized by cooperation. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways by combining hardware and software.

The control unit 124 includes a detection unit 160, an electrical stimulation control unit 162, and a display control unit 164.

The detection unit 160 detects the contact state of the user's both feet with respect to the electrode units 112L and 112R. The detection section 160 is configured by, for example, a resistance detection circuit that detects the resistance value between the electrode section 112L and the electrode section 112R. When the detected resistance value is less than the threshold value, the detection unit 160 considers that a closed circuit is formed with the user and the electrode units 112L and 112R as the conduction paths, and both feet are in contact with the electrode units 112L and 112R. detect. If the detected resistance value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the detection unit 160 determines that a closed circuit is not formed with the user and the electrode units 112L and 112R as the energization paths. detect.

The display control unit 164 controls display on the display unit 126. Specifically, the display control unit 164 causes the display unit 126 to display the set voltage level.

The electrical stimulation control unit 162 controls power supply from a battery (not shown) to the electrode units 112L and 112R. Specifically, the electrical stimulation control unit 162 performs electrical stimulation control to apply stimulation voltages to the electrode units 112L and 112R for applying electrical stimulation to both legs of the user. In electrical stimulation control, an AC voltage is applied to the electrode sections 112L and 112R for a preset operating time (eg, 10 minutes) and a preset cycle (eg, a cycle at a frequency of 20 Hz). The electrical stimulation control section 162 performs electrical stimulation control by generating a stimulation voltage using power supplied from a battery and applying the generated stimulation voltage to the electrode sections 112L and 112R.

When starting electrical stimulation control, the electrical stimulation control unit 162 starts applying the stimulation voltage at a predetermined set voltage level. The set voltage level refers to either the peak value or the rms value when an alternating voltage is used. The set voltage level is set through operation of plus button 130 and minus button 132, but may be set through operation of an external information processing terminal. In this case, information indicating the set voltage level is received from the information processing terminal through wireless communication or wired communication, and the set voltage level is set based on the information. In this case, a dedicated information processing terminal may be used for the electrical stimulation device 100, or an application may be incorporated into a general-purpose information processing terminal and the application may be used.

The electrical stimulation control unit 162 suspends the electrical stimulation control when the predetermined energization permissible condition is no longer satisfied during the electrical stimulation control. The energization permission condition refers to a condition for permitting application of a stimulation voltage to the electrode units 112L and 112R. For example, the energization permission condition is that the detection unit 160 detects that both feet are in contact with the electrode units 112L and 112R. In addition, the electrical stimulation control unit 162 resumes the electrical stimulation control when the energization permission condition is satisfied while the electrical stimulation control is suspended.

When restarting the electrical stimulation control, the electrical stimulation control unit 162 performs soft start control as part of the electrical stimulation control. In soft-start control, application of the stimulation voltage is started at a low voltage level that is lower than a predetermined set voltage level, and the stimulation voltage is changed from the low voltage level to approach the set voltage level. The electrical stimulation control section 162 changes the stimulation voltage so that it reaches the set voltage level when a predetermined operating time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed. The low voltage level is set, for example, to half the magnitude of the set voltage level. The electrical stimulation control section 162 may, for example, change the stimulation voltage continuously after starting the application of the stimulation voltage, or may change the stimulation voltage stepwise.

The electrical stimulation control unit 162 holds a set operation time, which is the time during which electrical stimulation should be applied by electrical stimulation control from the start to the end of electrical stimulation control. When resuming the electrical stimulation control after suspending the electrical stimulation control, the electrical stimulation control unit 162 obtains the remaining time by subtracting the time from the start of the electrical stimulation control to the suspension from the set operation time. The electrical stimulation control unit 162 resets the operation time during which electrical stimulation should be applied by the restarted electrical stimulation control according to the remaining time, and performs the electrical stimulation control that is restarted for the reset operation time. In this embodiment, the operation time is reset to the same time as the remaining time. As a result, even if electrical stimulation control is interrupted, the total actual operating time is the same as the set operating time.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are diagrams showing usage scenes of the electrical stimulation device 100. FIG. For example, in a sitting posture, the user places the left and right legs on the electrode units 112L and 112R of the electrical stimulator 100 and hangs the belts 120L and 120R on the left and right insteps. When the stimulation power is applied to the electrode sections 112L and 112R, a current flows through the electrode section 112L, the user's left leg, waist, right leg, the electrode section 112R, and the control unit 116, and the muscles on the route flow. Electrical stimulation is applied to induce movement with their contraction and relaxation. Specifically, electrical stimulation is applied to muscles such as the front shins, calves, and soles of the feet to promote exercise accompanied by contraction and relaxation of these muscles. In other words, the muscles below the knees and legs are encouraged to exercise.

When the muscles below the knee and legs contract due to electrical stimulation, the legs move as if the ankle joints are flexing. That is, the foot moves from the state shown in FIG. 5(a) to the state shown in FIG. 5(b). In other words, the heel is raised. On the other hand, when the contracted muscles are relaxed by releasing the electrical stimulation, the legs FL and FR move so as to extend the ankle joints. That is, the foot moves from the state shown in FIG. 5(b) to the state shown in FIG. 5(a). In other words, the heel is lowered. Repeated electrical stimulation of the muscles below the knees and feet encourages exercise in which the heel is repeatedly raised and lowered.

When the heel is repeatedly raised and lowered, the base 110 and the electrode parts 112L and 112R fixed on the base 110 are elastically deformed following the movement of the heel. This maintains contact between the heel and the electrode portions 112L and 112R.

According to this embodiment, the base 110 is formed like a thin plate. In addition, since the base 110 and thus the electrode sections 112L and 112R elastically deform to follow the movement of the user's heel, the contact between the heel and the electrode sections 112L and 112R is maintained during use of the electrical stimulation device 100. As a result, a decrease in the contact area between the sole and the electrode portions 112L and 112R during use of the electrical stimulation device 100 is suppressed, and an increase in the current density of the current flowing through the sole is suppressed. Application of the stimulus is inhibited. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the electrical stimulation device 100 that can be made thinner and that can apply desired electrical stimulation to the soles of the feet.

Next, a modification related to Embodiment 1-1 will be described.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 1-1)
The fixing portion 114 is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1-1 as long as it can fix the base 110 and the electrode portions 112L and 112R to the heel so as to follow the movement of the heel.

6(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an electrical stimulation device 100 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1-1. 6A and 6B correspond to FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively. The fixing portion 114 in this example includes a sheet-like conductive member 134 having adhesiveness. The conductive member 134 is attached on each of the electrode portions 112L and 112R. That is, the conductive member 134 is indirectly fixed to the base 110 and electrically connected to the electrode portions 112L and 112R. The conductive member 134 may be provided at least on the rear portion corresponding to the heel (that is, on which the heel is placed) of each of the electrode portions 112L and 112R, and is provided only on the rear portion corresponding to the heel as illustrated. or may be provided over the entire electrode portions 112L and 112R. Conductive member 134 sticks to the heel of the user placed on it. Therefore, the conductive member 134, the electrode portions 112L and 112R, and the base 110 follow the movement of the heel. The electrode sections 112L and 112R are in electrical contact with the heel through the conductive member 134, and electrical stimulation is applied to the heel through the conductive member 134.

The conductive member 134 may be provided behind the electrode portions 112L and 112R so as to be electrically connected to the electrode portions 112L and 112R, and may be directly fixed to the base 110. Alternatively, the electrode portions 112L and 112R may constitute the conductive member. That is, the electrode portions 112L and 112R may have adhesiveness.

According to this modified example, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in Embodiment 1-1.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 1-1)
In Embodiment 1-1 and the modified example described above, the case where the entire base 110 is flexible and thus the entire base 110 is deformable has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The base 110 only needs to be deformable following the movement of the heel so as to maintain contact between the heel and the electrodes 112L and 112R. while the toe side may not have flexibility. In other words, the heel side of a certain position may be elastically deformable so as to be curved, while the toe side may be substantially non-deformable.

(Modification 3 of Embodiment 1-1)
In Embodiment 1-1 and the modified example described above, a case has been described in which at least a portion of base 110 is elastically deformed so as to curve to follow the movement of the heel, but the present invention is not limited to this. 7(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an electrical stimulator 100 according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1-1. FIGS. 7A and 7B correspond to FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively. The base 110 in this example includes a first base portion 136 on the toe side, a second base portion 138 on the heel side, and a connecting portion 140 that rotatably connects the second base portion 138 to the first base portion 136. include. First base portion 136 and second base portion 138 are configured substantially non-deformable. The connecting portion 140, for example, includes a hinge structure. The second base portion 138 rotates relative to the first base portion 136 to follow the movement of the heel. In the illustrated example, the fixed portion 114 includes the belts 120L and 120R. good. According to this modified example, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the embodiment 1-1.

(Embodiment 1-2)
In Embodiment 1-1, the base is flexible, and the fixing portion fixes the heel to the base, so that the base is elastically deformed so as to follow the movement of the heel and curve. The case where the contact state with the electrode portion is maintained has been described. Embodiment 1-2 describes a case where the base follows the movement of the heel by its elastic restoring force, and the contact state between the heel and the electrode portion is maintained. The following description focuses on differences from Embodiment 1-1.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the electrical stimulation device 200 according to Embodiment 1-2 as seen from the right side in the left-right direction. FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing usage scenes of the electrical stimulator 200. FIG.

The electrical stimulation device 200 includes a base 210, electrode sections 112L and 112R (only the electrode section 112R is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) fixed to the base 210 and for applying electrical stimulation to the soles of the user, and a control unit 116 that controls power supply to the electrode units 112L and 112R.

The base 210 is made of a material that is substantially non-conductive and has flexibility and elasticity. The base 210 is particularly flexible (soft) enough to sink under the weight of the foot and has a high elastic restoring force to follow the raised heel.

Since the base 210 is flexible, the base 210 can be collapsed and stored when storing the electrical stimulator 200 . That is, according to this example, the electrostimulator 200 can be substantially thinned.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), the base 210 is elastically deformed so as to sink when the foot is placed thereon. Further, when the heel is lifted, that is, when the foot moves from the state shown in FIG. 9A to the state shown in FIG. This keeps the electrode portions 112L and 112R in contact with the heel.

The upper surface 210a of the base 210 is not particularly limited, but is preferably inclined with respect to the lower surface 210b so that the rear side (heel side) is higher as shown in the drawing. The inclination angle α in the natural state is an angle at which the user's heels are in contact with the electrode sections 112L and 112R even when the user's heels are fully raised, and is, for example, 13.5° or more.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as in Embodiment 1-1 can be obtained.

Next, a modification related to Embodiment 1-2 will be described.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 1-2)
In the embodiment, the case where the base 210 as a whole has flexibility and elasticity and therefore the base 210 as a whole is deformable has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 10 is a side view of the electrical stimulator 200 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1-2, viewed from the right side in the left-right direction. FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. The base 210 in this example includes a first base portion 242 on the toe side and a second base portion 244 on the heel side. The first base portion 242 is configured substantially non-deformable. The second base portion 244 is flexible and elastic. The upper surface 210a of the base 210 of this modified example is not particularly limited, but the upper surface 244a of the second base portion 244 is inclined so that the lower surface 210b is higher toward the rear side (heel side), whereas the lower surface 210b is inclined so as to become higher toward the rear side (heel side). The upper surface 242a of 242 is parallel to the lower surface 210ba. According to this modification, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the embodiment 1-2.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 1-2)
FIG. 11 is a side view of the electrical stimulator 200 according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1-2, viewed from the right side in the left-right direction. FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing usage scenes of the electrical stimulator 200. FIG. The base 210 of this example includes a first base portion 246 on the toe side, a second base portion 248 on the heel side, and a connecting portion 250 that connects the first base portion 246 and the second base portion 248 . The first base portion 246 and the second base portion 248 are formed in a substantially non-deformable thin plate shape. The connecting part 250 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and connects the first base part 246 and the second base part 248, and its elastic restoring force causes the first base part 246 and the second base part 248 to overlap each other. to activate the In other words, the base 210 is folded in two in the natural state due to the elastic restoring force of the connecting portion 250 . When using the electrostimulation device 200, the base 210 folded in two is opened against the biasing force and the foot is put thereon. When the heel is raised, the second base portion 248 follows the movement of the heel due to the urging force of the connecting portion 250 that tends to fold the base 210, and the electrode portions 112L and 112R are maintained in contact with the heel. be. According to this modification, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the embodiment 1-2.

(Embodiment 1-3)
FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are side views of the electrical stimulation device 300 according to Embodiment 1-3 as seen from the right side in the horizontal direction.

The electrical stimulation device 300 includes a base 310, electrode sections 112L and 112R (only the electrode section 112R is shown in FIG. 13) fixed to the base 310 and for applying electrical stimulation to the soles of the user; and a control unit 116 that controls power supply to 112L and 112R.

The base 310 includes a body portion 352 and a fulcrum member 354. The body portion 352 is formed in a thin plate shape that is substantially non-deformable. The electrode portions 112L and 112R are fixed to the upper surface 352a of the body portion 352. As shown in FIG.

The fulcrum member 354 is a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular main surface. The fulcrum member 354 is fixed to the body portion 352 at one end portion 354 a in the short side direction. The long side direction of the fulcrum member 354 corresponds to the horizontal direction of the electrical stimulation device 300 . The fulcrum member 354 is particularly foldably secured to the body portion 352 . At least a portion of the fulcrum member 354 is preferably housed in the housing recess 352c of the lower surface 352b of the main body 352 when folded. In the illustrated example, the entire fulcrum member 354 is housed in the housing recess when folded.

The angle β formed between the short side direction of the fulcrum member 354 and the lower surface 352b of the body portion 352 when the fulcrum member 354 is opened is not particularly limited, but is 90° in the illustrated example.

As a modification, the fulcrum member 354 may be detachably fixed to the body portion 352 when the electrical stimulation device 300 is used, and removed from the body portion 352 when the electrical stimulation device 300 is not used. The shape of the end surface 354b on the other side of the fulcrum member 354 is not particularly limited, but is preferably curved in a cross section perpendicular to the long side direction. For example, the shape of end surface 354b may be arcuate as shown.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a usage scene of the electrical stimulator 300. FIG. Repeated electrical stimulation of the muscles below the knee and legs causes repeated flexion and extension of the ankle joint. At this time, the electrical stimulator 300 swings according to the movement of the foot, with the end surface 354b of the fulcrum member 354 of the base 310 as the fulcrum. This maintains contact between the heel and the electrode portions 112L and 112R.

According to this embodiment, the body portion 352 of the base 310 is formed in a thin plate shape, and the fulcrum member 354 is foldable. Therefore, when the fulcrum member 354 is folded, the dimension of the base 310 in the height direction becomes small. . In addition, since the base 310 and the electrode sections 112L and 112R swing according to the movement of the foot, the contact between the sole and the electrode sections 112L and 112R is maintained while the electrical stimulator 300 is in use. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the electrical stimulation device 300 that can be made thinner and that can apply desired electrical stimulation to the soles of the feet.

Subsequently, modifications related to Embodiments 1-3 will be described.

(Modification of Embodiment 1-3)
In Embodiment 1-3, the case where the fulcrum member 354 is fixed to the body portion 352 at least when the electrical stimulation device 300 is used has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 15 is a side view of the electrostimulation device 300 according to the modification of Embodiment 1-3, viewed from the right side in the left-right direction. FIG. 15 is also a diagram showing a usage scene of the electrical stimulator 300. As shown in FIG. In this example, the fulcrum member 354 is not secured to the body portion 352, particularly during use. Although the external shape of the fulcrum member 354 is not particularly limited, it forms a triangle in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction. Note that the fulcrum member 354 may be expandable in a plate shape. The body portion 352 is swingably supported by the triangular corners of the fulcrum member 354 . A groove 352d extending in the horizontal direction is formed in the lower surface 352b of the body portion 352, and the body portion 352 may be placed on the fulcrum member 354 so that the corner of the fulcrum member 354 fits in the groove 352d. According to this modified example, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments.

II Second Aspect of the Present Invention Hereinafter, the second aspect of the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 2-1)
Embodiment 2-1 will be described with a focus on differences from Embodiment 1-1 of the first aspect of the present invention described above, and description of points common to Embodiment 1-1 will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the electrical stimulation device 100 according to Embodiment 2-1. FIG. 17 is a side view of the electrostimulation device 100 of FIG. 16 viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction.

The electrical stimulation device 100 includes a base 110, electrode sections 112L and 112R, a fixing section 114, a control unit 116, and convex surface forming members 150L and 150R.

The convex surface forming members 150L, 150R are provided between the electrode portions 112L, 112R and the base 110, respectively. As a result, portions of the electrode portions 112L and 112R are lifted to form convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc protruding upward. The user places the left and right feet on the electrode units 112L and 112R so that the springs on the soles of the left and right feet come into contact with the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc, thereby contacting the electrode units 112L and 112R with the springs through which current flows easily. can be made

Next, the problems to be solved by the electrical stimulation device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. In the electrical stimulation device 100, the position of the heel is generally determined by the position of the fixing portion 114. FIG. In contrast, the distance from the heel to the spring varies from user to user, particularly depending on the size of the foot. Therefore, depending on the size of the user's feet, it is not possible to place the feet so that the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are in contact with the springs. As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to form the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc long in the front-rear direction. As a result, there is a risk that the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc will not come into contact with the spring.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the positions of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are configured to be variable in order to solve this problem.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross section through convex surface 112Lc. The convex surface forming member 150R and the convex surface 112Rc formed thereby have the same configuration as the convex surface forming member 150L and the convex surface 112Lc formed thereby, except that they are bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, the convex surface forming member 150L and the convex surface 112Lc will be described in detail, and the explanation of the convex surface forming member 150R and the convex surface 112Rc will be omitted as appropriate.

The position of the convex surface forming member 150L is variable (that is, movable) within a predetermined range in the front-rear direction between the electrode portion 112L and the base 110. Accordingly, the positions of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are variable in the front-rear direction within a predetermined range. In other words, the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are variable in distance from the base 110 . In addition, the position of the convex surface forming member 150L may be variable within a predetermined range in the left-right direction between the electrode portion 112L and the base 110 . As a result, the positions of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are variable in the horizontal direction within a predetermined range. The electrode portion 112L is not fixed to the base 10 within the range in which the convex surface forming member 150L is variable. The user may move the convex surface forming member 150L to a position where the convex surface 112Lc contacts the spring.

The convex surface forming member 150L has a spherical shape in this example, but may have an elliptical spherical shape or other shapes. On the upper surface 110a of the base 110, a plurality (six in FIG. 18) of protrusions 110d projecting upward in the left-right direction are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction within a range in which the convex surface forming member 150L can move. ing. When changing the position of the convex surface forming member 150L in the front-rear direction, it can be moved beyond the protrusion 110d. On the other hand, when in use, the convex surface forming member 150L is pressed downward by the weight of the foot placed on the electrode portion 112L, so that it is difficult to move beyond the protrusion 110d, and thus the convex surface 112Lc comes into contact with the spring. state is maintained.

According to the present embodiment, the electrode portions 112L and 112R have convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc. Here, if the electrode part is flat and does not have unevenness, the electrode part does not come into contact with the spring even if the foot is placed on the electrode part, and electrical stimulation cannot be applied to the spring. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since the electrode portions 112L and 112R have the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc, the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc can be brought into contact with the spring, and electrical stimulation is applied to the spring. It becomes possible to Further, according to the present embodiment, since the positions of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are variable, by changing the positions of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc according to the size of the foot, the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc can be adjusted. can surely come into contact with the spring. Further, according to the present embodiment, when the heel is repeatedly raised and lowered, the base 110 and the electrode portions 112L and 112R fixed on the base 110 are elastically deformed following the movement of the heel. Contact between the portions 112L and 112R is maintained. As a result, a decrease in the contact area between the sole and the electrode portions 112L and 112R during use of the electrical stimulation device 100 is suppressed, and an increase in the current density of the current flowing through the sole is suppressed. Application of the stimulus is inhibited. That is, according to the present embodiment, the electrode sections 112L and 112R can be reliably brought into contact with the springs, and desired electrical stimulation can be applied to the soles.

Next, a modification related to Embodiment 2-1 will be described.

(Second Modification of Embodiment 2-1)
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical stimulation device 100 according to a modification of Embodiment 2-1. FIG. 19 corresponds to FIG. Arrows in FIG. 19 indicate current flow.

In this example, the convex surface forming members 150L are countless granular members of ferromagnetic material. The granular material is, for example, iron sand.

An electrode portion 113L different from the electrode portion 112L is further provided under the convex surface forming member 150L. Another electrode portion 113L is fixed to the upper surface 110a of the base 110 . That is, the convex surface forming member 150L is provided between the electrode portion 112L and another electrode portion 113L. Another electrode section 113L is electrically connected to the control unit 116 and supplied with power from the control unit 116, similarly to the electrode section 112L.

In general, springs easily flow through the soles of your feet. A stronger magnetic field is generated in a portion where a large amount of current flows than in a portion where it does not. Therefore, when electrical stimulation is applied to the sole of the foot from the electrode section 113L (that is, current is passed through), more current flows in the spring than in the other portions, and therefore the path of the current from the electrode section 113L to the spring. generates a stronger magnetic field than the path of the current to the part other than the spring. The strong magnetic field generated by the spring attracts the ferromagnetic material to the bottom of the spring. As a result, the granular members gather under the spring to form a mountain, and as a result, the electrode portions 112L and 112R are partly lifted, and the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed following the shape of the soles of the feet. . Portions of the electrode portions 112L and 112R forming the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc (portions covering the convex surface forming members 150L and 150R) so that the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are easily formed following the shape of the sole. may be formed thinner than other portions.

According to this modification, since the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed (moved) in accordance with the positions of the springs of the feet placed thereon, the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed (moved) regardless of the size of the foot. You can put it in the fountain.

(Second Modification of Embodiment 2-1)
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical stimulator 100 according to another modification of Embodiment 2-1. FIG. 20 corresponds to FIG. In this example, the convex surface forming member 150L is arranged below the base 110 . The convex surface forming member 150L lifts a portion of the electrode portion 112L along with a portion of the base 110 (that is, via the base 110) to form a convex surface 112Lc. The convex surface forming member 150L is integrated with the sheet 152, although not particularly limited. The convex surface forming member 150L may be molded separately from the sheet 152 and fixed to the sheet 152, or may be integrally molded with the sheet 152. The user, for example, spreads the sheet 152 integrated with the convex surface forming member 150L on the floor FL, and puts the base 110 on the sheet 152 so that the convex surface 112Lc is formed at the desired position of the electrode portion 112L. should be placed. The sheet 152 is preferably made of a material having a higher coefficient of friction with the base 110 than the floor surface FL so that the sheet 152 and thus the convex surface forming member 150L are not displaced with respect to the base 110 . According to this modified example, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the embodiment 2-1.

(Embodiment 2-2)
FIG. 21 is a top view of the electrical stimulation device 100 according to Embodiment 2-2. FIG. 21 corresponds to FIG. The following description will focus on differences from Embodiment 2-1.

The base 110 is divided into a first base portion 110_1 on the toe side and a second base portion 110_2 on the heel side.

The electrode portion 112L includes a first electrode portion portion 112L_1 fixed to the first base portion 110_1, a second electrode portion portion 112L_2 fixed to the second base portion 110_2, the first electrode portion portion 112L_1 and the second electrode portion. and a connection portion 112L_3 that electrically connects the portion 112L_2.

The connection part 112L_3 is not particularly limited as long as it can electrically connect the first electrode part 112L_1 and the second electrode part 112L_2. For example, the connecting portion 112L_3 may be a soft string-like conductive member. Further, for example, the connecting portion 112L_3 may be a rigid rod-shaped conductive member, and may be flexible and elastically deformable. When the connecting portion 112L_3 is a rigid rod-shaped conductive member, the connecting portion 112L_3 is housed in at least one of the first base portion 110_1 and the second base portion 110_2.

The electrode portion 112R includes a first electrode portion portion 112R_1, a second electrode portion portion 112R_2, and a connection portion 112R_3. The first electrode portion portion 112R_1, the second electrode portion portion 112R_2, and the connection portion 112R_3 are configured similarly to the first electrode portion portion 112L_1, the second electrode portion portion 112L_2, and the connection portion 112L_3, respectively.

The first electrode portion portions 112L_1 and 112R_1 have convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc, respectively. The convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed fixedly with respect to the first base portion 110_1. The method of forming the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc is not particularly limited, and for example, the first base portion 110_1 may be formed by having projections corresponding to the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc.

The user adjusts the distance L in the front-rear direction between the first base portion 110_1 and the second base portion 110_2 according to the size of the foot. Specifically, the distance L between the first base portion 110_1 and the second base portion 110_2 is adjusted so that the heel is fixed to the fixing portion 114 and the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are in contact with the spring. The distance L between the first base portion 110_1 and the second base portion 110_2 is shorter for smaller foot sizes and longer for larger foot sizes.

Power may be supplied from the control unit 116 to one of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion and from there to the other of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion through a connection. . Alternatively, power may be supplied from the control unit 116 to both the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion. In any case, electrical stimulation is applied to the sole from both the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion.

The second base portion 110_2 is formed, for example, by (A) and has flexibility, like the base 110 of Embodiment 2-1. Thereby, the second base portion 110_2 is elastically deformable so as to be curved following the movement of the heel. When the connecting portions 112L_3 and 112R_3 are flexible or elastically deformable, the connecting portions 112L_3 and 112R_3 may deform following the movement of the heel, so the second base portion 110_2 is substantially non-deformable. may be configured to The first base portion 110_1 may be configured to be deformable or substantially non-deformable.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in Embodiment 2-1.

(Embodiment 2-3)
FIG. 22 is a side view of the electrical stimulator 100 according to Embodiment 2-3 as seen from the right side in the left-right direction. The following description will focus on differences from Embodiment 2-1.

The electrical stimulation device 100 includes a base 110, electrode sections 112L and 112R fixed to the base 110 for applying electrical stimulation to the soles of the user's feet, and a fixing section 114 for fixing the base 110 to the heels of the user. , and a control unit 116 that controls power supply to the electrode units 112L and 112R.

The convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed fixedly with respect to the base 110. A method for forming the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc is not particularly limited, and for example, the base 110 may be formed by having projections corresponding to the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc.

The fixed part 114 is configured so that the length of the two belts 120L, 120R (only the belt 120L is shown in FIG. 22) can be adjusted. Although not particularly limited, in the illustrated example, the fixing portion 114 further includes fasteners 154 such as buckles or hook-and-loop fasteners, so that the lengths of the belts 120L and 120R can be adjusted.

The user pinches the positioning pin 156R between the big toe and the forefinger and puts the foot on the electrode parts 112L, 112R so that the convex surfaces 112Lc, 112Rc are in contact with the spring. As a matter of course, the heel of the user is positioned forward for a smaller foot size, and is positioned rearward for a larger foot size. In other words, the position of the heel differs depending on the user. Since the lengths of the belts 120L and 120R are adjustable in the fixing portion 114 of the present embodiment, the heel can be fixed to the base 110 regardless of the position of the heel, that is, regardless of the size of the foot. .

According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in Embodiment 2-1.

Next, a modified example related to Embodiment 2-3 will be described.

The belts 120L and 120R of the fixing part 114 are adjustable in length, or alternatively, the fixing positions at which both ends of the belts 120L and 120R are fixed to the base 110 can be changed in the front-rear direction. may be In this case, a user whose feet are small and whose heels are positioned relatively forward will set the fixing positions of the belts 120L and 120R relatively forward, while a user whose feet are large and whose heels will be positioned relatively rearward will set the fixing positions of the belts 120L and 120R relatively forward. , the fixing positions of the belts 120L and 120R should be relatively rearward. According to this modified example, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 2-4)
FIG. 23 is a top view of the electrical stimulator 100 according to Embodiment 2-4. FIG. 23 corresponds to FIG. The following description will focus on differences from Embodiment 2-1.

The electrode portion 112L has a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Lc_2 at different positions in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the electrode portion 112R has a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) convex surfaces 11Rc_1 and 112Rc_2 at different positions in the front-rear direction. Convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 are located in front of convex surfaces 112Lc_2 and 112Rc_2, respectively.

According to the present embodiment, if the user has large feet, the convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 will contact the springs, and if the user has small feet, the convex surfaces 112Lc_2 and 112Rc_2 will contact the springs. expected to do so.

The convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 may be formed at positions matching the average size of men's feet, and the convex surfaces 112Lc_2 and 112Rc_2 may be formed at positions matching the average size of women's feet.

For example, in plan view, the range of the convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 may be wider than the range of the convex surfaces 112Lc_2 and 112Rc_2. Additionally or alternatively, the height of convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 may be higher than the height of convex surfaces 112Lc_2 and 112Rc_2. This takes into consideration the fact that the larger the size of the foot of the user, the wider and deeper the depression of the spring, and in this case, a better fit can be obtained.

Also, for example, the height of the convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 may be lower than the height of the convex surfaces 112Lc_2 and 112Rc_2. If the height of the convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 is too high, the convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 may interfere with a person with small feet. More specifically, the part of the sole on the toe side of the spring of the foot placed so that the convex surfaces 112Lc_2 and 112Rc_2 are in contact with the spring is placed on the convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1, whereby the convex surfaces 112Lc_2 and 112Rc_2 are There is a risk of not hitting the spring. This can be avoided by making the height of the convex surfaces 112Lc_1 and 112Rc_1 relatively low.

According to the present embodiment, each of the electrode portions 112L and 112R has a plurality of convex surfaces with different positions in the front-rear direction, and any one of the plurality of convex surfaces is positioned on the user's shoulder. It is expected that you will come into contact with springs. That is, according to the present embodiment, the electrode sections 112L and 112R can be brought into contact with the springs and desired electrical stimulation can be applied to the soles, as in the case of the embodiment 2-1.

Next, modifications related to Embodiments 2-4 will be described.

FIG. 24 is a top view of an electrical stimulator 100 according to a modification of Embodiment 2-4. In this modified example, each of the electrode portions 112L and 112R has a large number of convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc. A large number of convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are arranged so as to contact both the springs of people with small feet and the springs of people with large feet. The large number of convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed as relatively small convex surfaces having a height of 4 mm or less and an area of 12.6 mm ² or less in a plan view, for example. In this case, it is possible to prevent the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc, which should come into contact with springs of people with large feet, from interfering with people with small feet.

(Embodiment 2-5)
Embodiment 2-5 will be described, focusing on differences from Embodiment 2-1. In this embodiment, convex surface forming members 150L and 150R are fixed to base 110 . The convex surface forming members 150L and 150R are members having flexibility and elasticity, for example. The convex surface forming members 150L and 150R may be, for example, sponge or low rebound elastic foam. The convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc of the present embodiment are formed relatively long in the front-rear direction so that both the springs of people with small feet and the springs of people with large feet can be placed thereon. Therefore, the convex surface forming members 150L and 150R are provided in a relatively long range in the front-rear direction. When the user's feet are put on, the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are deformed following the shape of the user's sole, and the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc come into contact with the springs. Portions of the electrode portions 112L and 112R that form the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc (portions that cover the convex surface forming members 150L and 150R) so that the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are easily deformed following the shape of the sole. may be formed thinner than other portions. According to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the embodiment 2-1.

(Embodiment 2-6)
Embodiment 2-6 will be described, focusing on differences from Embodiment 2-1. In this embodiment, convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed fixedly with respect to base 110 . A method for forming the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc is not particularly limited. The convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed relatively long in the front-rear direction so that both the springs of people with small feet and the springs of people with large feet can be placed thereon. Also, the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed thin in the left-right direction. The convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc form a mountain shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. A user with a small foot size may place the foot so that the tops of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are inserted, for example, between the index and middle toes of the foot.

(Embodiment 2-7)
Embodiment 2-7 will be described with a focus on differences from Embodiment 2-1. In the present embodiment, the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed by providing another conductive member on top of the sheet-like conductive member that constitutes the main bodies of the electrode portions 112L and 112R. That is, the outer surfaces of the other conductive member constitute convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc. Another conductive member is, for example, flexible and elastic. Another conductive member may be, for example, a conductive sponge or a conductive cloth with a sponge inside.

Subsequently, modifications common to each embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention will be described.

In the above-described embodiment and modifications, the case where the electrical stimulation device 100 is a non-oscillating electrical stimulation device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the technical ideas of the above-described embodiments and modifications are , to the extent not inconsistent, it can also be applied to an oscillating electric stimulator as described in Patent Document 1 previously filed by the present applicant. In rocking electrostimulators, when the foot is placed so that the convex surface is in contact with the spring, the ankle may be positioned too far forward or too far back relative to the rocking axis, depending on the size of the user. Sometimes. In this case, for example, the heel is separated from the electrode portion, the contact area between the electrode portion and the sole is reduced, the current density of the current flowing through the sole is increased, and electrical stimulation greater than the desired electrical stimulation is applied to the sole. . Such problems can be solved by applying the technical ideas of the above-described embodiments and modifications within a range that does not contradict them.

Next, more specific examples will be described not for narrowing the scope of the first and second aspects of the present invention, but for helping to understand the essence and operation of the invention and clarifying them.

(Example)
FIG. 25 is a plan view of the electrical stimulation device 100 according to the example. FIG. 25 corresponds to FIGS. 1 and 16. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the electrical stimulation device 100 of FIG. 25. FIG. 27(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the electrical stimulator 100 of FIG. 25. FIG. 27(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 25, and FIG. 27(b) is a perspective cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 27(a).

The base 110 includes a back fabric 170 and a sheet-like cushion 172. A cushion 172 is laminated on the back fabric 170 . The back fabric 170 is a member that comes into contact with the floor surface when the electrical stimulation device 100 is used. Therefore, the back fabric 170 may be a fabric to which dirt and dust are less likely to adhere. The cushion 172 is a member having a predetermined cushioning property, and may be foam, for example. The electrode portions 112L and 112R are layered on the cushion 172. As shown in FIG. The back fabric 170 and the cushion 172 are not particularly limited, but may be formed to have the same shape and size in plan view. The back cloth 170 and the cushion 172 are formed to have sizes such that the electrode portions 112L and 112R do not protrude from them in plan view. By providing the cushion 172 under the electrode portions 112L and 112R, the user can obtain a moderately soft sensation. Further, by providing a cushion 172 under the electrode portions 112L, 112R, it is possible to secure a distance between the electrode portions 112L, 112R and the floor surface, thereby preventing unintended energization from the electrode portions 112L, 112R to the floor surface. can be prevented.

The peripheral edges of the electrode parts 112L, 112R and the cushion 172 are covered with the surface fabric 180. The surface cloth 180 is sewn to the electrode portions 112L and 112R, for example. Piping is applied to the peripheral edges of the surface fabric 180, the cushion 172 and the back fabric 170. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the periphery of the surface fabric 180 and the periphery of the back fabric 170 and the cushion 172 are sewn together with the piping fabric 182 . In this example, a non-woven fabric 184 and a sheet-like cushion 186 are layered under the surface fabric 180 in order to prevent the surface fabric 180 from wrinkling.

A relatively long slit 113 extending forward and backward from the rear end of the base 100 is formed in the center of the base 110 in the left-right direction. The left and right sides of the base 110 can be raised and lowered separately in the range in the front-rear direction where the slits 113 are formed. Therefore, by forming the slit 113 to be relatively long, when one heel is raised or lowered, it is difficult or not to be affected by how the other heel is lifted. As a result, even when only one heel is raised or when the left and right heels are raised to different heights, the base 110 reliably follows the heel and is elastically deformed, and the contact between the heel and the electrode portions 112L and 112R is reliably maintained. be done. It is also possible to perform training such as walking in which the right and left heels are alternately raised and lowered.

The length Ls of the slit 113 in the front-rear direction may be determined based on experiments and simulations to obtain the above effect. The length Ls of the slit 113 in the front-rear direction is preferably at least half the length (that is, the total length) La of the base 110 in the front-rear direction, but may be less than half the length La. Further, for example, when the positions of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are fixed, the slit 113 may extend forward (that is, toe side) from the tops Pl and Pr of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc as shown in the drawing. good. When the heel rises, the vicinity of the spring is the starting point, so if the slit 113 extends to the front side of the tops Pl and Pr of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc that come into contact with the spring, the above effects can be reliably obtained. .

The shape of the slit 113 is not particularly limited, and the width may not be constant in the front-rear direction as in the illustrated example, or may be constant in the front-rear direction unlike the illustrated example. Also, the slit 113 may be a notch-like slit (that is, the width is substantially zero) that is not visible when not in use.

As a modification, the part where the slit 113 is to be formed may be buried as long as the raising and lowering of one heel is less or not affected by the raising and lowering of the other heel. For example, the portion where the slit 113 is to be formed may be provided with highly stretchable fabric.

The electrode portions 112L and 112R of the present embodiment themselves have convex portions 112La and 112Ra and further convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc. That is, the electrical stimulation device 100 of this embodiment does not have a convex surface forming member. The convex portions 112La and 112Ra are formed as convex embossed portions in this example. That is, convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed on the upper surfaces of the electrode portions 112L and 112R, and concave surfaces corresponding to the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc are formed on the lower surfaces (a concave surface 112Rd corresponding to the convex surface 112Rc in FIG. 27). ) are formed. A mountain-shaped space S is formed below the convex portions 112La and 112Ra. Therefore, if the electrode portions 112L and 112R, that is, the convex portions 112La and 112Ra, are flexible, the convex portions 112La and 112Ra are appropriately crushed following the shape of the user's sole of the foot, and the electrode portions 112L and 112R are deformed. The contact area between 112R and springs increases.

A large number of small concave portions 115 are formed on the surfaces of the electrode portions 112L and 112R. A large number of recesses 115 are arranged so as to emphasize the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc, for example, to surround the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc. Thereby, the positions of the convex surfaces 112Lc and 112Rc can be recognized at a glance.

The contact area with the sole is increased by forming the recessed portion 115 with an appropriate width and depth. Therefore, the width and depth of the recesses 115 may be designed to values that allow the pattern formed by the large number of recesses 115 to be easily visually recognized and that a relatively large contact area can be achieved. As an example, the depth of recess 115 may range from 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

One end of the belts 120L and 120R is fixed to the central side of the base 110 in the horizontal direction in a substantially non-removable manner. It is detachably fixed outside in the direction (outside the electrode parts 112L and 112R). The mounting means 121 is a snap button in the illustrated example, but is not limited to this, and may be a hook-and-loop fastener, for example. Since one end side of the belts 120L and 120R is detachable, attachment and detachment of the belts 120L and 120R are facilitated.

The mounting means 121 is configured so that the belts 120L and 120R are detached from the base 110 when an unexpected excessive force is applied. As a result, for example, when the electrostimulation device 100 is used in a sitting position and the belts 120L and 120R are not removed and one end of the belts 120L and 120R is detached from the base 110, one end of the belts 120L and 120R is removed from the base 110. A situation in which the user is caught by the belts 120L and 120R and falls can be avoided.

Instead of the other ends of the belts 120L and 120R, one end of the belts 120L and 120R may be provided with a mounting means 121, one end of the belts 120L and 120R may be detachably fixed, and the other end thereof may be substantially unremovably fixed. Of course, the mounting means 121 may be provided at both ends of the belts 120L and 120R, and both ends of the belts 120L and 120R may be detachably fixed.

Any combination of the above-described embodiment and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. For example, a combination of any of Embodiments 1-1 to 1-3 of the first aspect and any of Embodiments 2-1 to 2-7 of the second aspect is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. . A new embodiment resulting from the combination has the effects of the combined embodiment and modifications.

Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments and modifications, the embodiments merely show the principle and application of the present invention, and the embodiments are defined in the claims of the present invention. Many modifications and changes in arrangement are allowed within the scope of the idea.

The present invention can be used for electrical stimulators.

100, 200 electrical stimulator, 110, 210 base, 112L, 112R electrode section, 112Lc, 112Rc convex surface, 114 fixing section, 150L, 150R.

Claims (5)

1. a base;
   an electrode unit fixed on the base for applying electrical stimulation to the user's sole,
   The electrostimulator, wherein the base is deformable to follow heel movement.
2. The electrical stimulator according to claim 1, comprising a fixing portion for fixing the base to the heel.
3. The electrostimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the fixed part is a belt worn on the leg.
4. The fixed part includes a conductive member fixed to the base on which the heel is to be placed,
   The electric stimulator according to claim 2, wherein the conductive member is electrically connected to the electrode section and has adhesiveness.
5. The electrostimulator according to claim 1, wherein the base follows the movement of the heel by its elastic restoring force.

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