HK1243019B - Muscular electric stimulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a muscle electrical stimulation device, which can effectively stimulate muscles, and has a good sense of use even if used for a long time, and can promote users to actively and continuously use.The muscle electrical stimulation device (1) is configured to apply electrical stimulation to the muscle.In the electrical stimulation, the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) and the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2) occur alternately. During the first output period, the fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) as the first electrical signal causing the incomplete contraction and the complete contraction of the muscle is output, and during the second output period, the second pulse train wave (4Hz) as the second electrical signal causing the single contraction of the muscle is output.

Description

Muscle electrical stimulation device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a muscle electrical stimulation device.

Background

Conventionally, it is widely known that when an electric current flows through muscle fibers, muscle contraction occurs. In particular, in the medical and sports fields, the above-mentioned common knowledge is used flexibly for the purpose of strengthening muscles. Specifically, the following muscle stimulation methods were employed: the electric current is applied through the electrodes attached to the human body, and the muscles are tensed and relaxed based on the electric signal. In addition, as the electric signal for contracting the muscle, a low-frequency signal is particularly effective. This is because as the frequency of the electrical signal increases, the muscle becomes unable to contract.

However, when the electric signal is set to a low frequency, pain is likely to occur due to the influence of the electric resistance of the human skin surface or the like. On the other hand, the following properties are provided: when the electric signal is at a high frequency, the electric signal is less affected by the resistance and the like, and pain is less likely to occur.

As a muscle stimulation device for applying stimulation to muscles by using an electrical signal, patent document 1 discloses the following device: and outputting an electric stimulus which is repeatedly subjected to an output period during which a pulse-like electric signal belonging to a frequency domain of 4 to 20Hz selected by a user is output for a predetermined time and a non-output period during which the electric signal is not output for the predetermined time. Such devices have the effect of promoting blood flow, hypertrophy of muscles, or promoting metabolism.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2009-142624

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the configuration disclosed in patent document 1, when the muscle contracts due to the electric signal in the output period and a fatigue substance is accumulated in the muscle in the output electric stimulation, no electric signal is output in the no-output period, and therefore the fatigue substance may not be sufficiently discharged from the muscle in the no-output period. Therefore, if the composition is used for a long time, the fatigue substances are likely to accumulate in the muscles, and an excessive load is likely to be applied to the user, which may impair the feeling of use. The output electrical stimulation is merely repeated through the output period and the no-output period, and the output pattern of the electrical signal in the output period is not necessarily a single pattern prepared for each output pattern. Therefore, the contraction pattern of the muscle by the output electrical stimulation is apt to become monotonous, and there is room for improvement in terms of enabling the user to actively continue to use the muscle.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned background, and provides a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus that can effectively stimulate muscles, and that can promote active and sustained use by a user with a good feeling of use even when used for a long time.

Means for solving the problems

One mode of the present invention is a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus that applies electrical stimulation to a muscle,

the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus is characterized in that a first output period and a second output period alternately repeat in the electrical stimulation, and that a first electrical signal that causes at least one of incomplete contraction and complete contraction of the muscle is output during the first output period, and a second electrical signal that causes single contraction of the muscle is output during the second output period.

Effects of the invention

In the above-described muscle electrical stimulation apparatus, the first output period and the second output period alternately repeat in the output electrical stimulation. The muscle subjected to the electrical stimulation first generates continuous contraction of the muscle based on the incomplete contraction or the complete contraction of the first electrical signal during the first output period, and thus the muscle can be effectively trained. As a result, the muscle fiber can be reinforced. Along with this, a fatigue substance is generated in the muscle. Then, in the second output period, the blood circulation in the muscle is promoted by the single contraction based on the second electric signal, and the fatigue substance generated in the first output period is actively discharged from the muscle. After sufficient discharge of the fatigue substance, the first discharge period comes again, and the strengthening of the muscle by the incomplete contraction or the complete contraction and the discharge promotion of the fatigue substance by the blood circulation promotion by the single contraction in the second discharge period are sequentially performed in this order. Thus, since the fatigue substance is less likely to accumulate in the muscle, the muscle can be effectively stimulated even if the muscle electrical stimulation device is continuously used.

Further, even if the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus is continuously used, since the fatigue substance is less likely to accumulate in the muscle, the burden on the user is reduced. Therefore, the user can feel comfortable even after long-term use, and the user can be promoted to actively use the product. The electrical stimulation output from the muscle electrical stimulation device causes the muscle to produce incomplete contraction or complete contraction during the first output period, and causes the muscle to produce single contraction during the second output period. Therefore, since the muscle exhibits two different contraction patterns from each other, the contraction pattern of the muscle is hard to become monotonous. This also promotes active and sustained use by the user.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus which can effectively stimulate muscles, and which can promote active continuous use by a user with a good feeling of use even when used for a long time.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus of embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus of example 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus of example 1.

Fig. 4(a) is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa in fig. 1, and fig. 4(b) is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a use mode of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus of example 1.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing basic waveforms stored in the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus of example 1.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a pulse train wave output from the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus of example 1.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing changes in voltage output from the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus of example 1.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the main operation of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to example 1.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a first interruption process of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the second interruption processing of the muscle electrostimulation device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a third interruption process of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 14 is a front view of a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to modification 2.

Fig. 15 is a rear view of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to modification 2.

Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to modification 3.

Detailed Description

When the electrical stimulation is applied, the muscle begins to contract, and when the application of the electrical stimulation is released, the muscle begins to relax accordingly. The single shrinkage is: a mode which is composed of contraction and relaxation due to application and release of one electrical stimulus, and which is independent of contraction and relaxation due to another electrical stimulus. In the single contraction, a contraction curve indicating the contraction state of the muscle has a single peak shape.

In addition, the term "strongly contracting" means: after the release of the application of the electrical stimulation, until the relaxation of the muscle is completely completed, the subsequent electrical stimulation comes, and the previous contraction of the muscle and the current contraction of the muscle are merged. Moreover, there are incomplete and complete strong contractions in the strong contractions. Incomplete hard shrink means: the subsequent electrical stimulation comes during a period from the beginning of relaxation of the muscle due to the release of the application of the electrical stimulation to the completion of the relaxation, and this contraction is applied to a part of the previous contraction. In the incomplete contraction, the contraction curve representing the contraction state of the muscle has a waveform in which a plurality of peaks are continuous. On the other hand, full-scale refers to: subsequent electrical stimulation arrives after the release of the application of electrical stimulation and before the relaxation of the muscle begins, thereby causing this contraction to load a portion of the previous contraction. In full-scale compaction, the compaction curve does not become a wave but takes on a smooth continuous shape. Furthermore, a single contraction is generated in the case where the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the muscle is low, and a strong contraction (incomplete contraction and complete contraction) is generated in the case where the frequency is high, but the boundary of the frequencies of the single contraction and the strong contraction is generally 15 Hz.

The first electric signal may have a frequency in a range of 15Hz to 30Hz, and the second electric signal may have a frequency in a range of less than 15 Hz. In this case, during the first output period, the muscle can be given an incomplete contraction by the first electric signal, and during the second output period, the muscle can be given a single contraction by the second electric signal. As a result, during the first output period, the muscle can be appropriately contracted without being excessively contracted. This can suppress rapid generation of a fatigue substance in the muscle, and can stimulate the muscle more effectively. The tired substance generated during the first output is discharged from the muscle during the second output, thereby preventing accumulation of the tired substance even if continuously used.

Further, the frequency of the second electric signal is a value greater than 0 Hz. In addition, the second electric signal may have a frequency less than 1Hz, but in such a case, the interval of the single contraction generated during the second output becomes excessively large, so that the above-described discharge effect of the fatigue substance is sometimes low. Therefore, it is preferable that the second electric signal has a frequency in a range of 1Hz or more and less than 15 Hz.

Preferably, the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal include a positive polarity signal and a negative polarity signal, respectively. In this case, since the imbalance of electric charge in the electrical stimulation is easily eliminated, the pain of the user can be further reduced. As a result, the physical sensation when the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus is used can be further improved.

The duration of the first output period may be longer than the duration of the second output period. In this case, in the output electrical stimulation, the first output period is sufficiently ensured and the muscle strengthening effect is further improved.

Preferably, at least one of the first electric signal and the second electric signal repeatedly outputs a pulse train wave. A pulse train wave having an electric signal divided into a plurality is recognized as one electric signal in a muscle. Furthermore, the duration (pulse width) of each divided electrical signal can be set to be shorter than the duration in the case of an undivided continuous electrical signal, and therefore pain on the skin of the user can be reduced. Therefore, the physical sensation of the user can be improved.

The burst wave may have the following configuration: the pulse train control circuit includes a pulse train output period and a pulse train output interruption period, and outputs a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals with an output stop time interposed therebetween in the pulse train output period, wherein the pulse train output interruption period is longer than the output stop time, and interrupts the output of the rectangular wave pulse signals in the pulse train output interruption period, and the frequency of the pulse train forms the frequency of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal that are the result of repeatedly outputting the pulse train. In this case, the rectangular wave pulse signal is divided into a plurality of output stop times during the pulse group output period. Thus, in the pulse group output period, the total output time of the rectangular wave pulse signals can be made the same and the pulse width of each rectangular wave pulse signal can be reduced as compared with the case where the rectangular wave pulse signals are continuously output without being divided. As a result, the user's pain can be reduced while maintaining the electrical stimulation that is output from the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus and flows through the muscle or the nerve connected to the muscle, and therefore, the physical sensation when using the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus can be further improved.

In the pulse train wave, a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals are output so that the pulse group output period is separated by the output stop time, but the pulse train wave has the same period as the period for outputting the pulse. Therefore, even in a burst wave having a pulse group output period with an output stop time interposed therebetween, a physical sensation similar to that of a burst wave having a pulse output period without an output stop time interposed therebetween can be obtained.

In addition, since the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals are output with the output stop time interposed therebetween in the pulse group output period, the duration of the pulse group output period is a time obtained by adding the pulse amplitudes of the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals and all the output stop times. Therefore, in the duration of the pulse group output period, the duration of the pulse group output period is the same as compared with the case where the rectangular wave pulse signal is continuously output, and the actual pulse signal output time is shortened by the output stop time, whereby the power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the driving can be performed even with a low-capacity power supply, which contributes to downsizing of the device.

The pulse train wave for forming the electrical stimulation includes a pulse group output period and a pulse group output interruption period, and the duration of the pulse group output interruption period is longer than the output stop time in the pulse group output period. Since the burst wave includes such a burst output interruption period, the frequency of the burst wave can be easily set to a desired value by changing only the duration of the burst output interruption period to a predetermined length without changing the burst output period. This facilitates control so as to output an electrical stimulus composed of a pulse train wave having a frequency suitable for contracting and relaxing muscles, and also enables effective stimulation of muscles.

The pulse group output period may include rectangular wave pulse signals having different polarities. Accordingly, the first electric signal and the second electric signal can include a positive polarity signal and a negative polarity signal, and the imbalance of electric charges can be easily eliminated in one burst, so that the pain of the user can be further reduced. As a result, the physical sensation and ease of use when using the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus can be further improved.

The pulse train wave to be repeatedly output may include a first pulse train wave and a second pulse train wave, the second pulse train wave may include a second pulse group output period, and the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals having a polarity opposite to a polarity of the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals to be output in the first pulse group output period in the first pulse train wave may be output in the second pulse group output period. In this case, when the imbalance of the electric charge occurs in the first burst wave, the imbalance of the electric charge can be reliably eliminated in the second burst wave. Therefore, the imbalance of the electric charge can be reduced in the whole of the pulse train wave repeatedly output, and the pain of the user can be reduced. As a result, the physical sensation and ease of use when using the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus can be further improved. Further, in the second pulse group output period, only the polarities of the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals output in the first pulse group output period need to be inverted (potentials are inverted), and therefore, compared with a case where the polarities of the rectangular wave pulse signals in the pulse train waves are controlled individually, the control load can be reduced. This is also true when there are multiple groups of pulses within a burst wave.

Preferably, the above muscle electrical stimulation apparatus comprises: a main body portion; an electrode unit that outputs the electrical stimulation; a power supply unit configured to supply power to the electrode unit; a control unit that controls power supply to the power supply unit; and an operation unit configured to be capable of changing a control mode of the control unit, wherein the power supply unit is incorporated in the main body. In this case, since it is not necessary to prepare the power supplied to the electrode unit externally, the present invention can be easily used even outdoors or at an outside destination where it is difficult to secure a power supply. In addition, since a cord (cord) or the like for connecting to a power supply is not required, convenience in use is improved and portability is also excellent. Thus, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus is suitable for stimulating muscles by the electrical stimulation under various environments.

Preferably, the electrode portion is formed on a sheet-like base material extending from the main body portion, the sheet-like base material including: a plurality of electrodes; and a lead (lead) portion for electrically connecting the electrode and the power supply portion via the control portion. In this case, the electrode portion is formed on the sheet-like base material extending from the main body portion, and the main body portion and the electrode portion can be integrated. Therefore, a cord or the like for connecting the main body portion and the electrode portion is not required. Thus, the power supply unit is incorporated in the main body unit, and the main body unit and the electrode unit are integrated, so that the portable electronic device can be used in various environments while exhibiting excellent portability. Further, by integrating the power supply unit, the body unit, and the electrode unit, the muscle electrostimulator can be easily attached to and detached from the human body, and particularly, the muscle electrostimulator can be easily detached even in a state where the muscle immediately after use is fatigued. Therefore, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus is more suitable for effectively stimulating muscles by the electrical stimulation under various environments.

Examples

(example 1)

A muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 13.

The muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of the present example is configured to apply electrical stimulation to a muscle.

The electrical stimulation is configured to alternately repeat a first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1 in table 2 described later) in which a first electrical signal (a fifth pulse train wave shown in fig. 8) that causes at least one of incomplete contraction and complete contraction of the muscle is output, and a second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2 in table 2 described later) in which a second electrical signal (a second pulse train wave) that causes single contraction of the muscle is output.

Next, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 will be described in detail.

As shown in fig. 5, the muscle electrostimulator 1 of the present example is used by being attached to the abdomen 3 of a person 2. In this example, the longitudinal direction of the height of the person 2 is defined as the height direction Y. The direction parallel to the height direction Y and passing through the navel 3a from the center axis 2a of the human body 2 toward the right hand 5a side of the human body 2 is defined as a right direction X1, and the direction from the center axis 2a toward the left hand 5b side of the human body 2 is defined as a left direction X2. The right direction X1 and the left direction X2 are collectively referred to as a left-right direction X.

As shown in fig. 1, a main body 10 is provided at the center of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1. As shown in fig. 1 and 3, the main body 10 is formed in a substantially disk shape. As shown in fig. 4(a) and 4(b), the main body 10 includes: a housing 11 that houses a power supply unit 20 and a control unit 40, which will be described later; and a case forming body 12 which is attached to the case 11 and forms a case of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1. The housing 11 is made of ABS. The casing forming body 12 is made of silicone (Silicon). The housing 11 includes: a first housing 111 formed in a concave shape; and a second case 112 attached to the first case 111, and having an accommodating portion 13 for accommodating the control portion 40 formed between the first case 111 and the second case 112. Along the outer edge of the second housing 112, a rib 112a provided upright is fitted inside the outer edge 111a of the first housing 111, whereby the second housing 112 is joined to the first housing 111.

As shown in fig. 1 and 4(b), a first arm 51a and a second arm 51b are formed in the first housing 111, and the first arm 51a and the second arm 51b form a part of an operation unit 50 described later. The first arm 51a and the second arm 51b are formed in a cantilever state by digging a part of the wall of the first housing 111. The first arm 51a and the second arm 51b are arranged in this order from the upper side toward the lower side in the height direction Y.

As shown in fig. 1 and 4(b), the exterior forming body 12 is attached to the first case 111 on the side opposite to the second case 112. As shown in fig. 1, the case forming body 12 covers the two cantilevers 51a and 51 b. In the case forming body 12, a symbol "+" is formed so as to protrude directly above the first arm 51a, a symbol "-" is formed so as to protrude directly above the second arm 51b, and an operation surface 54 is formed, and the operation surface 54 forms a part of an operation portion 50 described later. According to the arrangement of the cantilevers, "+" is the upper side of the height direction Y, and "-" is the lower side of the height direction Y, which is easy to be operated by the user in the aspect of ergonomics.

As shown in fig. 4(a) and 4(b), a control board 41 forming a control unit 40 (see fig. 6) is accommodated in an accommodating unit 13 formed between a first casing 111 and a second casing 112. The control board 41 is a printed board, and a control circuit is formed by providing a wiring pattern, electronic components 42, and the like, which are not shown, on the control board 41. A small speaker 43 of a surface mount type is electrically connected to the control board 41. The driving voltage of the electronic component 42 and the speaker 43 is 3.0V. Further, although not shown, a booster circuit for boosting the output voltage of the battery 21 is mounted on the control board 41. Thereby, the electric power of the battery 21 is increased to a predetermined voltage (for example, 40V) and supplied to the electrode portion 30.

As shown in fig. 4(b), the housing portion 13 further houses a switch mechanism 52 forming the operation portion 50. The switch mechanism 52 is a tact switch (tact switch) and includes a switch unit 53 that can be pressed down. The switching mechanism 52 is electrically connected to the control unit 40. The switch mechanism 52 is disposed directly below the first arm 51a and the second arm 51b formed in the first housing 111, respectively. Thus, when the first cantilever 51a is pressed from the outside through the operation surface 54 of the case forming body 12 covering the first casing 111, the first cantilever 51a in the cantilever state is deflected, and the switch portion 53 of the switch mechanism 52 is pressed. When the pressing on the operation surface 54 is released, the first cantilever 51a returns to the original position due to the restoring force of the first cantilever 51a in the cantilever state. The second arm 51b is also configured to press and release the pressing in the same manner.

As shown in fig. 4(a) and 4(b), the second case 112 is provided with a battery holding portion 14 for holding a battery 21 constituting the power supply portion 20. Thereby, the power supply unit 20 is built in the main body 10. The battery 21 can be replaced, and for example, a coin-type battery or a button-type battery can be used. In this example, a small and thin coin-type battery (lithium ion battery CR2032, rated voltage of 3.0V) was used as the battery 21. In place of the battery 21, a battery having a rated voltage of 3.0 to 5.0V may be used.

A cover 15 for preventing the battery 21 from falling off is detachably attached to the battery holding portion 14 for holding the battery 21. The cover 15 is formed in a disk shape one turn larger than the battery 21, and an O-ring 16 is fitted around the outer periphery thereof, and the O-ring 16 seals between the cover 15 and the second housing 112. The battery 21 is electrically connected to the control unit 40 via a lead wire not shown. As shown in fig. 2, a plurality of linear grooves 113 are formed at equal intervals in the second housing 112, and the grooves 113 extend radially from the outer periphery of the cover 15.

As shown in fig. 4(a) and 4(b), the second housing 112 is formed with a flange portion 112b protruding outward of the rib 112 a. A sheet-like base material 33 is sandwiched between the flange portion 112b and the outer edge portion 111a of the first casing 111 via a waterproof double-sided seal not shown. The substrate 33 is made of PET. As shown in fig. 2, the base material 33 protrudes from the main body portion 10 in a sheet shape. As shown in fig. 1 and 3, the front surface-side surface 33b of the base material 33, which is the surface on which the operation portion 54 is exposed, is covered with an electrode support portion 121 extending from the case forming body 12. The back surface 33a of the base material 33 opposite to the front surface 33b is spread over the entire back surface of the muscle electrostimulator 1 opposite to the surface (front surface) of the housing forming body 12. The base material 33 and the electrode support portion 121 are joined together by an adhesive tape and a silicone adhesive agent, not shown, manufactured by 3M company.

As shown in fig. 2 and 6, the electrode portion 30 includes a first electrode group 31 and a second electrode group 32. As shown in fig. 5, the first electrode group 31 extends from the main body 10 so as to be positioned closer to the right-hand side X1 of the person 2 than the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3. As shown in fig. 5, the second electrode group 32 extends from the main body 10 so as to be positioned on the left-hand side X2 of the person 2 with respect to the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3. The first electrode group 31 includes right electrodes 311 to 313, and the second electrode group 32 includes left electrodes 321 to 323.

Each of the electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a rounded corner. The longitudinal direction of each of the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 (e.g., the direction indicated by the symbol w in the third right electrode 313) is substantially along the left-right direction X. In this example, the electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323 are formed in the same shape. The shape of each of the electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323 can be set to 0.40 to 0.95, preferably 0.50 to 0.80, and in this example, 0.55, where w is the length in the longitudinal direction and h is the length in the short direction.

As shown in fig. 2, a plurality of non-electrode-forming portions 34 are formed at predetermined intervals inside the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323, and the non-electrode-forming portions 34 are formed in a hexagonal shape having a predetermined size. Further, lead portions 311a, 312a, and 313a are formed on the right electrodes 311, 312, and 313, respectively, so as to be drawn out from the main body 10, and the lead portions 311a, 312a, and 313a are electrically connected to the power supply unit 20 via the control unit 40. Similarly, lead portions 321a, 322a, and 323a are formed in the left electrodes 321, 322, and 323 so as to be drawn out from the main body 10, respectively, and the lead portions 321a, 322a, and 323a are used to connect to the controller 40. The lead portions 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a are coated with a silicon coating (silicon coating) so as not to be electrically connected to the outside. In addition, in the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323, portions connected to the lead portions 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a and their vicinity (shaded areas indicated by symbol C in fig. 2) are also coated with a silicon coating so as to be unable to conduct electricity to the outside. The right electrodes 311 to 313 are connected in parallel with each other, and the left electrodes 321 to 323 are also connected in parallel with each other.

As shown in fig. 2, the electrode portion 30 is formed on the back surface 33a of the base material 33. Thereby, the electrode portion 30 is formed integrally with the main body portion 10. The electrode portion 30 may be formed to be embedded in the base 33. In this example, the electrode portion 30 is formed by printing conductive ink containing silver paste on the back surface 33a of the base material 33. The first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 include 4 or more electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323 in total. In this example, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 respectively include the same number of electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323, and the number thereof is 3. That is, the first electrode group 31 includes a first right electrode 311, a second right electrode 312, and a third right electrode 313. The second electrode group 32 includes a first left electrode 321, a second left electrode 322, and a third left electrode 323. In addition, in the base material 33, portions where the first right electrode 311, the second right electrode 312, and the third right electrode 313 are formed are respectively a first right base 331, a second right base 332, and a third right base 333, and portions where the first left electrode 321, the second left electrode 322, and the third left electrode 323 are respectively a first left base 341, a second left base 342, and a third left base 343.

Further, a rubber pad (gel pad)35 (model SR-RA240/100 of "ST-gel (テクノゲル) (registered trademark)" manufactured by WAG chemical industries, Ltd.) is bonded to each of the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323. The rubber pad 35 has conductivity, and the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 can supply electricity to the abdomen 3 (see fig. 5) through the rubber pad 35. The rubber pad 35 has high adhesiveness, and the muscle electrostimulator 1 is attached to the abdomen 3 via the rubber pad 35.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rubber pad 35 has a shape that is larger than the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 by one turn, and covers the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323, respectively. Since the rubber pad 35 can be replaced, the rubber pad 35 can be replaced appropriately when the adhesive force is reduced, the rubber pad is damaged, and stains are conspicuous as the rubber pad is used. The used rubber mat 35 may be replaced with a new one every predetermined period (for example, 1 month, 2 months, or the like).

As shown in fig. 2, each of the first right electrode 311, the second right electrode 312, and the third right electrode 313 extends from the main body 10 so as to be positioned closer to the right-hand side X1 (first region S1) of the person 2 than a center line 10a, which is parallel to the height direction Y of the person 2 (see fig. 5) and passes through the center of the main body 10. The first right electrode 311, the second right electrode 312, and the third right electrode 313 are arranged in this order from the upper side toward the lower side in the height direction Y.

On the other hand, the first left electrode 321, the second left electrode 322, and the third left electrode 323 each extend from the body 10 so as to be positioned closer to the left-hand side X2 (second region S2) of the person 2 than the center line 10 a. The first left electrode 321, the second left electrode 322, and the third left electrode 323 are arranged in this order from the upper side toward the lower side in the height direction Y.

As shown in fig. 2, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are configured to be positioned at line-symmetrical positions with respect to the center line 10a when attached to the abdomen 3 (see fig. 5). Namely, the structure is as follows: when attached to the abdomen 3, the first right electrode 311 and the first left electrode 321 are located at line-symmetrical positions, the second right electrode 312 and the second left electrode 322 are located at line-symmetrical positions, and the third right electrode 313 and the third left electrode 323 are located at line-symmetrical positions with respect to the center line 10 a.

As shown in fig. 2, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are configured to have, when attached to the abdomen 3 (see fig. 5), in the height direction Y: a pair of upper electrode pairs 301 including a first right electrode 311 and a first left electrode 321 positioned on the uppermost side of the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32; a pair of lower electrode pairs 303 including a third right electrode 313 and a third left electrode 323 located at the lowermost side; and a central electrode pair 302 including a pair of second right and left electrodes 312 and 322 between the upper and lower electrode pairs 301 and 303. Thus, the upper electrode pair 301, the center electrode pair 302, and the lower electrode pair 303 are arranged in this order from the upper side toward the lower side in the height direction Y.

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

As shown in fig. 2, the upper electrode pair 301 is inclined in a V shape so as to be located upward toward the extending direction. As described above, the electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323 are formed to have the same size. On the other hand, the right base sections 331 to 333 of the base material 33 of the electrode section 30 are larger than the right electrodes 311 to 313, and the left base sections 341 to 343 are larger than the left electrodes 321 to 323.

As shown in fig. 2, the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes from the main body 10 in the extending direction (the left-right direction X) more than the lower electrode pair 303. That is, when attached to the abdomen 3, the first right electrode 311 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes in the right direction X1 beyond the third right electrode 313 constituting the lower electrode pair 303. Similarly, the first left electrode 321 constituting the upper electrode pair 301 protrudes in the left direction X2 from the third left electrode 323 constituting the lower electrode pair 303.

As shown in fig. 2, the lower outer edge 331a of the first right base 331 bulges in the right direction X1, and the lower outer edge 341a of the first left base 341 bulges in the left direction X2.

Further, the central outer edge portion 332a of the second right base portion 332 slightly bulges in the right direction X1, and the central outer edge portion 342a of the second left base portion 342 slightly bulges in the left direction X2.

Further, the upper outer edge portion 333a of the third right base 333 bulges in the right direction X1, and the lower outer edge portion 333b of the third right base 333 bulges in the downward direction (downward direction in the Y direction). Further, the upper outer edge portion 343a of the third left base portion 343 bulges in the left direction X2, and the lower outer edge portion 343b of the third left base portion 343 bulges in the downward direction.

As shown in fig. 1 and 5, by providing the base portions 331 to 333, 341 to 343 of the base material 33 in the above-described configuration, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is disposed so as to wrap the rectus abdominis 4 of the abdomen 3 in the right-left direction when the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is viewed from the front side. Further, the electrodes are also arranged in accordance with the division 4a of the rectus abdominus muscle 4, and it can be expected that each muscle is efficiently stimulated. Further, by recognizing such a shape, the user can recognize the image that the abdomen 3 is tensed and the abdominal muscles are divided. Thus, by using the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1, an image training (image training) effect for forming the abdomen 3 which is divided and tightened by the abdominal muscles can be obtained. (it is generally known that the effect of exercise can be enhanced by image training).

In addition, as shown in fig. 2, in the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32, a notch 17 cut into the main body 10 is formed between the adjacent electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323. In this example, the notch 17 is formed at six positions in total between the first right electrode 311 and the second right electrode 312, between the second right electrode 312 and the third right electrode 313, between the third right electrode 313 and the third left electrode 323, between the third left electrode 323 and the second left electrode 322, between the second left electrode 322 and the first left electrode 321, and between the first left electrode 321 and the first right electrode 311. Further, four through holes 18 are formed around the main body 10.

Next, the structure of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of the present example will be described with reference to a block diagram.

As shown in fig. 6, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 includes a skin detection unit 402 and a battery voltage detection unit 406 in addition to the power supply unit 20, the control unit 40, and the operation unit 50 in the main body unit 10.

The skin detection unit 402 detects whether the electrode unit 30 is in contact with the skin. Specifically, the skin detection unit 402 is electrically connected to the electrode unit 30 and detects a resistance value between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32. Then, the detected value is compared with a preset threshold value, and when the detected value is smaller than the threshold value, it is detected that the skin is in contact with the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32.

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

As shown in fig. 6, the power supply unit 20 includes a battery 21. The control unit 40 includes an output adjustment unit 401, a power-off counter 403, a timer 404, an output mode switching unit 405, and an output mode storage unit 405 a. The output adjustment unit 401 adjusts the output voltage (output level) of the electrode unit 30. In this example, the maximum output voltage is 40V, and is set so that the output voltage decreases by 2.0V by 100% every time the output level decreases by one step. The output level is 15 levels from level 1 to level 15.

The power-off counter 403 measures the elapsed time after receiving the count start signal. The timer 404 measures the elapsed time after receiving the output start signal. The output mode switching unit 405 switches the output mode of the electrode unit 30 to any one of the first output mode, the second output mode, and the third output mode, and constitutes a frequency setting unit that sets the frequency of the output pulse train wave. The output pattern storage unit 405a stores a first output pattern, a second output pattern, and a third output pattern. The first output pattern, the second output pattern, and the third output pattern have basic waveforms stored in advance as burst wave types having pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5, and the output pattern storage unit 405a constitutes a burst wave type storage unit. The burst wave type storage unit 405a also contains a description of definitions of the waveform of the burst wave in terms of a program.

Next, an output pattern of the electrode portion 30 will be explained.

First, five types of burst wave types (basic waveforms B1 to B5) shown in fig. 7 are stored in the output pattern storage unit 405a as the duration storage unit. The basic waveforms B1 to B5 include a pulse group output period P and pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5. That is, the basic waveforms B1 to B5 have a common pulse group output period P, and the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 are different in length.

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

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

As described above, the pulse width of each rectangular wave pulse signal S1 to S5 and the duration of each output stop time N1 to N5 in the pulse group output period P are 100 μ S, respectively. Therefore, the pulse cycle of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the pulse group output period P is very short 200 μ S. Therefore, the user recognizes these square wave pulse signals S1 to S5 as primary electrical stimulation. The frequency of each of the rectangular-wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the pulse group output period P is 5000 Hz.

In the basic waveforms B1 to B5, no pulse signal is output during the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5. The duration of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 is longer than the duration of the pulse group output period P. In this example, as shown in fig. 7, the duration of the burst output period P is 1ms, and the durations of the burst output interruption periods R1 to R5 are 499ms, 249ms, 124ms, 61.5ms, and 49ms, respectively. In this way, the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 have a very long duration as compared with the output stop time in the pulse group output period P.

Therefore, as shown in fig. 7, the first burst wave (2Hz) includes a burst output period P of 1ms and a burst output interruption period R1 of 499 ms. That is, the first burst wave (2Hz) is output at a frequency of 2Hz during the pulse group output period P.

The second burst wave (4Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1ms and a pulse group output interruption period R2 of 249 ms. That is, the second burst wave (4Hz) is output at a frequency of 4Hz during the pulse group output period P.

The third burst wave (8Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1ms and a pulse group output interruption period R3 of 124 ms. That is, the third burst wave (8Hz) is output at a frequency of 8Hz during the pulse group output period P.

The fourth burst wave (16Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1ms and a pulse group output interruption period R4 of 61.5 ms. That is, the first burst wave (16Hz) is output at a frequency of 16Hz during the pulse group output period P.

The fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) includes a pulse group output period P of 1ms and a pulse group output interruption period R5 of 49 ms. That is, the fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) is output at a frequency of 20Hz during the pulse group output period P.

Then, the basic waveforms B1 to B5 are repeatedly output for a predetermined period in a predetermined combination, and a predetermined pulse train wave is output as shown in fig. 8(a) to 8 (e). Further, as described above, since the user recognizes the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the pulse group output period P as the primary electrical stimulation, as shown in fig. 8(a), the electrical stimulation having a frequency of 2Hz is output in the first pulse train wave in which the basic waveform B1 repeatedly appears. Similarly, in the second burst wave in which the basic waveform B2 repeatedly appears, an electrical stimulus having a frequency of 4Hz is output, in the third burst wave in which the basic waveform B3 repeatedly appears, an electrical stimulus having a frequency of 8Hz is output, in the fourth burst wave in which the basic waveform B4 repeatedly appears, and in the fifth burst wave in which the basic waveform B5 repeatedly appears, an electrical stimulus having a frequency of 20Hz is output.

Then, by appropriately selecting the basic waveforms B1 to B5 stored in the output pattern storage unit 405a, the first to third output patterns stored in the output pattern storage unit 405a as the duration storage unit are configured by combining pulse train waves of predetermined frequencies. First, as shown in table 1, the first output mode is a warm-up mode configured to sequentially execute the following 1 st to 4 th states. The conditions of each state are as follows.

(1) In the 1 st state, the first burst wave (2Hz) is output for 20 seconds at 100%. As shown in fig. 9, the so-called soft start is performed in which the output voltage gradually increases from 0% to 100% within 5 seconds from the start of the 1 st state.

(2) In the 2 nd state, the output was performed for 20 seconds and 100% with the second burst wave (4 Hz).

(3) In the 3 rd state, the output was performed for 10 seconds and 100% with the third burst wave (8 Hz).

(4) In the 4 th state, the output is performed for 10 seconds and 100% with the fourth burst wave (16 Hz).

The duration of the first output mode (i.e., the sum of the durations of the 1 st state to the 4 th state) is one minute. In such a first output mode, the frequency of the pulse train wave is configured to increase stepwise from 2Hz to 16Hz, and therefore, the first output mode is referred to as a warm-up mode.

TABLE 1

First output mode (preheat mode)

In the first output mode as the warm-up mode, as the frequency of the pulse train wave increases stepwise from 2Hz to 16Hz, the frequency of the movement of the muscle also increases, and the muscle and the body gradually become hot. This can prevent the occurrence of a rapid increase in blood pressure, a temporary shortage of oxygen in the muscle, and the like. In addition, the muscle gradually increases in temperature, and thus the blood flow increases to improve the flexibility of the muscle. This makes it easy to further obtain the effect of muscle stimulation in the subsequent training mode. In addition, by executing the warm-up mode prior to the training mode, the user can get used to the stimulus appropriately, and thus physical feeling is improved.

Next, as shown in table 2, the second output pattern is a training pattern configured to sequentially execute the following 1 st to 4 th states. The conditions of each state are as follows.

(1) In the 1 st state, the fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) is used to output 100% for 3 seconds (1-1 in Table 2), and then the non-output state for 2 seconds (1-2 in Table 2) is maintained. This action was repeatedly performed within 5 minutes.

(2) In the 2 nd state, the output of 100% was performed for 3 seconds (2-1 in table 2) with the fifth burst wave (20Hz), and then the output of 100% was performed for 2 seconds (2-2 in table 2) with the second burst wave (4 Hz). This action was repeatedly performed within 5 minutes.

(3) In the 3 rd state, 100% output was performed for 4 seconds (3-1 in table 2) with the fifth burst wave (20Hz), and then 100% output was performed for 2 seconds (3-2 in table 2) with the second burst wave (4 Hz). This action was repeatedly performed within 5 minutes.

(4) In the 4 th state, 100% output is performed for 5 seconds (4-1 in table 2) with the fifth burst wave (20Hz), and then 100% output is performed for 2 seconds (4-2 in table 2) with the second burst wave (4 Hz). This action was repeatedly performed within 5 minutes.

As shown in fig. 9, in the second output mode, so-called soft start is performed in which the output voltage gradually increases from 0% to 100% within 5 seconds from the start of each of the 1 st state to the 4 th state.

Also, the duration of the second output mode is 20 minutes. In such a second mode, the fifth pulse train wave having a frequency of 20Hz is maintained for a predetermined period and then the fifth pulse train wave is not output, or the second pulse train wave having a frequency of 4Hz is maintained for a predetermined period, and therefore, the second mode is excellent in effectively stimulating muscles. Therefore, the second output pattern is referred to as a training pattern.

TABLE 2

Second output mode (training mode)

In the second output mode, in the 2 nd state to the 4 th state, as described above, the fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) and the second pulse train wave (4Hz) are repeatedly output. Furthermore, a fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) having a frequency in the range of 15Hz to 30Hz is an electrical signal that causes incomplete muscle contraction. On the other hand, the second pulse train wave (4Hz) having a frequency in the range of less than 15Hz is an electrical signal that causes the muscle to produce a single contraction. Therefore, in the 2 nd state in the second output mode, the electrical stimulation in which the first output period (2-1 in table 2) in which the fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) as the first electrical signal for causing the muscle to produce incomplete contraction and the second output period (2-2 in table 2) in which the second pulse train wave (4Hz) as the second electrical signal for causing the muscle to produce single contraction are alternately repeated is output. Similarly, in the 3 rd state in the second output mode, the electrical stimulus in which the first output period (3-1) and the second output period (3-2) alternately repeat is output, and in the 4 th state, the electrical stimulus in which the first output period (4-1) and the second output period (4-2) alternately repeat is output.

In this example, as described above, the duration of the first output period is 3 seconds in the 2 nd state, 4 seconds in the 3 rd state, and 5 seconds in the 4 th state. The duration of the second output period is 2 seconds in any of the 2 nd state to the 4 th state. Thus, in this example, the duration of the first output period is longer than the duration of the second output period. The duration of the first output period and the second output period is not limited to this, and may be set as appropriate in consideration of the duration of the entire electrical stimulation, the duration of the output pattern, and the like.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8 e, the fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) as the first electric signal includes a positive signal and a negative signal. Similarly, as shown in fig. 7 and 8 b, the second burst wave (4Hz) as the second electric signal also includes a positive polarity signal and a negative polarity signal.

Next, as shown in table 3, the third output mode is a cooling mode configured to sequentially execute the following 1 st to 4 th states. The conditions of each state are as follows.

(1) In the 1 st state, the fourth burst wave (16Hz) is output for 10 seconds.

(2) In the 2 nd state, the third pulse train wave (8Hz) is output for 10 seconds.

(3) In the 3 rd state, the second burst wave (4Hz) is output for 20 seconds.

(4) In the 4 th state, the first pulse train wave (2Hz) is output for 20 seconds.

In the third output mode, as shown in fig. 9, the output in each state is 100% at the start of the 1 st state and gradually decreases to 50% at the end of the 4 th state.

Also, the duration of the third output mode is 1 minute. In such a third output mode, the frequency of the pulse train wave is configured to decrease stepwise from 16Hz to 2Hz, and therefore, the third output mode is referred to as a cooling mode.

TABLE 3

Third output mode (Cooling mode)

In the third output mode, which is the cooling mode, the exercise frequency of the muscle is lowered as the frequency of the pulse train wave is lowered stepwise from 16Hz to 2Hz, and the muscle and the body after the temperature rise are gradually cooled. In addition, the tired substance generated in the muscle in the previous training mode is actively discharged from the muscle, and the tired substance is prevented from being excessively left in the muscle.

As described above, the total time for continuously executing the first output mode (warm-up mode), the second output mode (training mode), and the third output mode (cooling mode) is 22 minutes. In this example, as shown in fig. 9, 2 seconds of rest periods are provided at 4 positions in total between the first output mode and the second output mode, and between the states of the second output mode. Therefore, the total time of the entire process including the rest period is 22 minutes and 8 seconds.

Next, the mode of use of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of the present example will be described in detail below.

The main operation flow S100 shown in fig. 10 will be described. In the main operation flow S100, first, "+" of the operation surface 54 is pressed for 2 seconds (S101). Thereby, the power of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is turned on, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is activated, and a notification sound ("beep") notifying that the activation is performed is emitted from the speaker 43 (S102). Then, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 enters the output standby state, the output level is set to 0, and the input of the operation unit 50 is invalidated (S103).

Next, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether or not the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S104). When the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (yes in S104), the operation unit 50 is activated (S105). Then, the operation unit 50 inputs the output level (S106). The output level is input from the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50. The output level is increased by one level each time "+" of the operation surface 54 of the operation section 50 is pressed, and the output level is decreased by one level each time "-" of the operation surface 54 is pressed. When the output level is set, an output start signal is transmitted from the control unit 40 to the timer 404, and the timer 404 starts measurement (S107). The output level can be operated at any time during the use time (from activation of the operation unit 50 to power-off).

The output mode of the electrode unit 30 is set to the first output mode (warm-up mode) during a period from when the timer 404 starts measuring (elapsed time is 0) until the elapsed time reaches 1 minute (S108). When the elapsed time reaches 1 minute, the output mode of the electrode unit 30 is switched to the second output mode (training mode) by the output mode switching unit 405 as the frequency setting unit, and the mode is maintained for 20 minutes until the elapsed time reaches 21 minutes (S109). When the elapsed time reaches 21 minutes, the output mode of the electrode section 30 is switched to the third output mode (cooling mode) by the output mode switching section 405 as the frequency setting section, and the mode is maintained for 1 minute until the elapsed time reaches 22 minutes (S110). When the elapsed time reaches 22 minutes, the measurement of the timer 404 is ended (S111). Then, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is stopped (S112). In this way, by executing the flow of S108 to S111, the first output mode (warm-up mode), the second output mode (training mode), the third output mode (cooling mode) are executed in one combination and then ended.

On the other hand, when the skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with the electrode unit 30 (no in S104), the speaker 43 emits a notification sound ("beep, or beep") to notify that (S113). Then, the control unit 40 transmits a count start signal to the power-off counter 403, and the power-off counter 403 starts measuring the elapsed time (S114).

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

Next, an interrupt process for performing priority processing by interrupting between S105 and S110 in the main operation flow S100 will be described. As shown in fig. 11, as the first interruption process, a skin detection interruption process S200 is performed. The skin detection interrupt process S200 is used as a function to automatically turn off the power supply when the electrode falls off from the human body in the middle of use. In the skin detection interrupt process S200, first, the skin detection unit 402 detects whether the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (S201), and when the skin detection unit 402 detects that the skin is in contact with the electrode unit 30 (yes in S201), the flow returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100. On the other hand, when the skin detection unit 402 determines that the skin is not in contact with the electrode unit 30 (no in S201), the speaker 43 emits a notification sound ("beep, or beep") to notify that (S202). Then, a count start signal is transmitted from the control unit 40 to the power-off counter 403, and the power-off counter 403 starts measuring the elapsed time (S203).

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

Next, as shown in fig. 12, the battery voltage lowering process S300, which is a second interrupt process to be interrupted and prioritized among S105 to S110 in the main operation flow S100, will be described. The battery voltage reduction process S300 is a function of automatically turning off the power supply when the battery voltage of the battery 21 is reduced. This allows the user to easily know the information when the battery needs to be replaced. First, the battery voltage detection unit 406 determines whether or not the detected battery voltage V of the battery 21 of the power supply unit 20 is lower than a predetermined threshold Vm (S301). When it is determined that the battery voltage V is not lower than the predetermined threshold value Vm (no in S301), the flow returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100. On the other hand, when it is determined that the battery voltage V is lower than the predetermined threshold value Vm, a notification sound ("beep, or beep") is emitted from the speaker 43 to notify that (S302). Then, the control unit 40 transmits a count start signal to the power-off counter 403, and the power-off counter 403 starts measuring the elapsed time (S303).

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

Next, as shown in fig. 13, an interrupt process S400, which is a third interrupt process for interrupting and prioritizing processing among S105 to S110 in the main operation flow S100, will be described. First, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the time for pressing the "-" button on the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50 reaches 2 seconds or more (S401). When it is determined that the "-" button of the operation surface 54 of the operation unit 50 has not been pressed for 2 seconds or longer (no in S401), the flow returns to the original flow in the main operation flow S100. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time for pressing the "-" button has reached 2 seconds or more (yes in S401), a notification sound ("beep") is emitted from the speaker 43 (S402), and the notification sound notifies that the power supply of the muscle electrical stimulation device 1 is turned off and ends. Then, the power is turned off (S403).

Next, the operation and effect of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of the present example will be described in detail.

In the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of the present example, the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) and the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2) are alternately repeated in the output electrical stimulation. The muscle subjected to the electrical stimulation is continuously contracted by the incomplete contraction or the complete contraction (in this example, the incomplete contraction) based on the fifth burst wave (20Hz) as the first electrical signal in the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1), and effective muscle training can be performed. Thereby, muscle strengthening is achieved. Along with this, a fatigue substance is generated in the muscle. Then, in the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2), the blood circulation in the muscle is promoted by the single contraction based on the second burst wave (4Hz) as the second electric signal, and the fatigue material generated in the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) is actively discharged from the muscle. After the sufficient discharge of the fatigue substance, the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) is reached again, and the strengthening by the incomplete contraction or the complete contraction and the promotion of the discharge of the fatigue substance based on the promotion of the blood circulation by the single contraction in the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2) are sequentially performed in this order. Thus, even if the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of the present example is continuously used, the fatigue substance is less likely to accumulate in the muscle, and therefore the muscle can be effectively stimulated. Further, since the burden on the user is reduced, the user can feel comfortable even after long-term use, and the user can be promoted to actively continue to use the product.

In this example, the fifth burst wave (20Hz) as the first electric signal has a frequency in a range of 15Hz to 30Hz, and the second burst wave (4Hz) as the second electric signal has a frequency in a range of less than 15 Hz. Thus, in the first output periods (2-1, 3-1, 4-1), the muscle can be incompletely contracted by the fifth burst wave (20Hz) as the first electric signal, and in the second output periods (2-2, 3-2, 4-2), the muscle can be stably contracted by the second burst wave (4Hz) as the second electric signal. As a result, the muscle can be appropriately contracted without being excessively contracted in the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1). This suppresses the rapid generation of a fatigue substance in the muscle, and can stimulate the muscle more effectively. The fatigue substance generated in the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) is discharged from the muscle in the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2), thereby preventing accumulation of the fatigue substance even if continuously used.

Although the fifth pulse train wave (20Hz) that incompletely strengthens the muscle is used as the first electric signal in this example, a fourth pulse train wave (16Hz) that incompletely strengthens the muscle may be used instead. In this case, the same operational effects as in this example are also obtained.

Although the first electric signal is an electric signal that causes the muscle to produce incomplete contraction in the first output periods (2-1, 3-1, 4-1), the first electric signal may be an electric signal that causes the muscle to produce complete contraction in the first output periods (2-1, 3-1, 4-1). In this case, the same operational effect as in this example is obtained in addition to the operational effect obtained by the first electric signal being an electric signal that causes incomplete emphasis.

In this example, the fifth burst wave (20Hz) as the first electric signal and the second burst wave (4Hz) as the second electric signal respectively include a positive polarity signal and a negative polarity signal. This makes it easy to eliminate the charge imbalance in the electrical stimulation, and therefore, the pain of the user can be further reduced. As a result, the physical sensation when the muscle electrostimulator 1 of this example is used can be further improved.

In this example, the duration of the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) is longer than the duration of the second output period (2-2, 3-2, 4-2). Thus, the first output period (2-1, 3-1, 4-1) is sufficiently ensured in the output electrical stimulation, and the muscle strengthening effect is further improved.

In this example, at least one (both in this example) of the fifth burst wave (20Hz) as the first electric signal and the second burst wave (4Hz) as the second electric signal repeatedly outputs the burst waves (basic waveforms B1 to B5). In this example, the burst wave (the basic waveforms B1 to B5) includes a plurality of divided rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 as electric signals. The pulse train wave (basic waveforms B1-B5) is recognized as an electrical signal in the muscle. Further, the duration (pulse width) of each of the divided electrical signals P1 to P5 can be shortened as compared with the case of an undivided continuous electrical signal, and therefore, pain on the skin of the user can be alleviated. Therefore, the physical sensation of the user can be improved.

In this example, the burst waves (basic waveforms B1 to B5) include a burst output period P and burst output interruption periods N1 to N5, wherein a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output within the burst output period P with output stop times R1 to R5 therebetween, wherein the burst output interruption periods N1 to N5 are longer than the output stop times R1 to R5, and wherein the output of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 is interrupted within the burst output interruption periods N1 to N5, and wherein the frequencies of the burst waves (basic waveforms B1 to B5) constitute the frequencies of a fifth burst wave (20Hz) which is a first electrical signal composed of the burst waves and a second burst wave (4Hz) which is a second electrical signal. Thus, in the pulse group output period P, the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are divided into a plurality of output stop times R1 to R5. Therefore, compared to the case where the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are continuously output without being divided in the pulse group output period P, the pulse width of each of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 can be reduced while keeping the total output time of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 the same. As a result, the user's pain can be reduced while maintaining the electrical stimulation that is output from the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 and flows into the muscle or the nerve connected to the muscle, and therefore, the physical sensation when using the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 can be improved.

In the pulse train waves (basic waveforms B1 to B5), a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output with output stop times N1 to N5 interposed therebetween in the pulse group output period P, but the pulse output period P is the same as a pulse train wave having a pulse output period which is continuously output and the same period as the pulse group output period P. Therefore, even in the burst wave having the pulse group output period P with the output stop time N1 to N5 interposed therebetween, it is possible to obtain a physical sensation close to that of the burst wave having the pulse output period without the output stop time interposed therebetween.

In the pulse group output period P, since the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are output with the output stop times N1 to N5 interposed therebetween, the duration of the pulse group output period P is the sum of the pulse width of the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 and all the output stop times N1 to N5. Therefore, compared to the case where the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 are continuously output without being divided for the duration of the pulse group output period P, the actual pulse signal output time is shortened by the output stop times N1 to N5 while the duration of the pulse group output period P is kept the same, and therefore, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the driving can be performed even with a low-capacity power supply, which contributes to downsizing of the device.

The pulse train wave of the first electric signal and the second electric signal for forming the electrostimulation includes a pulse group output period P and pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5, and the duration of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 is longer than the output stop times N1 to N5 in the pulse group output period P. Since the burst wave includes the burst output interruption periods R1 to R5, the frequency of the burst wave, which is the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, can be easily set to a desired value simply by changing the duration of the burst output interruption periods R1 to R5 to a predetermined length without changing the burst output period P. This makes it possible to easily control to output an electrical stimulus including a pulse train wave having a frequency suitable for contracting or relaxing muscles, the pulse train wave being the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, and to effectively stimulate muscles.

In this example, the pulse group output period P includes rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 having different polarities from each other. This makes it easy to eliminate the charge imbalance in one burst wave (basic waveforms B1 to B5), and therefore, the pain of the user can be further reduced. As a result, the physical sensation and ease of use when using the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 can be further improved.

Further, as shown in this example, when the 5 rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 output in the first pulse group output period P in the first pulse train wave are output in the order of "positive, negative, and positive", the 5 rectangular wave pulse signals output in the second pulse group output period in the second pulse train wave that comes after the first pulse train wave can be output in the order of "negative, positive, and negative". In this case, the imbalance of the electric charge generated in the first burst wave can be reliably eliminated by the second burst wave, and therefore, the pain of the user can be further reduced. Further, in the second pulse group output period, only the polarities of the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 output in the first pulse group output period P need to be inverted (potentials are inverted), and therefore, the control load can be reduced as compared with the case where the polarities of the rectangular wave pulse signals in the respective pulse group output periods are individually controlled.

The electric signal in the pulse group output period P is divided into a plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 by the output stop times R1 to R5, whereby the continuous energization time (i.e., pulse width) in the pulse group output period P is shortened. Further, as described above, in the same pulse group output period P, the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 alternately become positive and negative, so that the imbalance of electric charges is eliminated, and the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 that are inverted from the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the pulse group output period P come later. As a result, the continuous energization time in a state in which the charges are biased to the positive or negative one in each of the electrodes 311 to 323 becomes extremely short.

In addition, silver contained in silver paste as a material for forming the electrodes 311 to 323 is apt to be discolored by being blackened by sulfurous acid gas or the like in the air in a state where the electric charges in the electrodes 311 to 323 are unbalanced. However, in this example, as described above, the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 alternately have positive and negative polarities to eliminate the imbalance of the electric charges in order, and the continuous energization time in a state in which the electric charges are biased to either the positive or negative one is extremely short, so that the above-described vulcanization reaction can be suppressed. This can effectively prevent the electrodes 311 to 323 from discoloring in a black state. In addition, silver contained in the silver paste may be discolored to black due to oxidation and chlorination, but this can be similarly suppressed.

In the present example, the rectangular wave pulse signals S1, S3, and S5 and the rectangular wave pulse signals S2 and S4 having different polarities are included in the same pulse group output period P, but the following method may be used instead. Polarities of all rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in a first pulse group output period P of a first pulse train wave are set to be positive, polarities of all rectangular wave pulse signals in a second pulse group output period of a second pulse train wave, which arrives after the first pulse train wave through pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5, are set to be negative, and the first pulse train wave and the second pulse train wave are repeatedly output. In this case, the polarity of the rectangular wave pulse signal is the same for each pulse group output period, but the rectangular wave pulse signals having mutually different polarities are included in the entire pulse train wave that is repeatedly output. In this case, the second burst wave can also reliably eliminate the imbalance of the electric charge generated in the first burst wave, and therefore, the pain of the user can be further reduced.

In this example, the duration of the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5 is longer than the duration (1ms) of the pulse group output period P. Thus, the interval of the pulse group output period P repeatedly output in the pulse train wave is sufficiently secured by the pulse group output interruption periods R1 to R5, and therefore, it is easy for the user to recognize the plurality of rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the pulse group output period P as the primary electrical stimulation. As a result, pulse train waves of low frequency (2 to 20Hz in this example) can be easily output from the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 of high frequency (5000 Hz in this example), and electrical stimulation suitable for stimulating muscles can be output.

In this example, the present invention includes a burst wave type storage unit (output pattern storage unit 405a) in which a plurality of burst wave types (basic waveforms B1 to B5) having different frequencies due to the same duration of the burst output period P and the different durations of the burst output interruption periods R1 to R5 are stored in advance, and a frequency setting unit (output pattern switching unit 405) which sets the frequency of a burst wave in electrical stimulation by selecting any one of the plurality of burst wave types (basic waveforms B1 to B5) stored in the burst wave type storage unit (output pattern storage unit 405 a). Thus, since the plurality of burst wave types (basic waveforms B1 to B5) of a predetermined frequency are stored in advance in the burst wave type storage unit (output pattern storage unit 405a), when the frequency of the burst wave is changed, the frequency setting unit (output pattern switching unit 405) only needs to select the predetermined type from the burst wave types stored in the burst wave type storage unit (output pattern storage unit 405a), and the frequency of the burst wave can be easily changed. This makes the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 suitable for effectively stimulating muscles.

In this example, the pulse widths and the output stop times N1 to N5 of the rectangular wave pulse signals S1 to S5 in the burst wave are constant. This makes it easy to change the electrical stimulation applied to the muscle based on the frequency of the pulse train wave. Therefore, the electrical stimulation can be easily adjusted based on the frequency of the pulse train wave, and electrical stimulation suitable for effectively stimulating muscles can be easily output.

In addition, in this example, the method includes: a main body portion 10; a plurality of electrode units 30 that output electrical stimulation; a power supply unit 20 for supplying power to the electrode unit 30; a control unit 40 for controlling the power supply of the power supply unit 20; and an operation unit 50 configured to be capable of changing a control method of the control unit 40, and the power supply unit 20 is incorporated in the main body unit 10. This eliminates the need to prepare the electric power to be supplied to the electrode unit 30 from the outside, and therefore, the present invention can be easily used even outdoors where it is difficult to secure a power supply, outdoors, or the like. Further, since a cord or the like for connecting to a power supply is not required, convenience in use is improved and portability is excellent. Thus, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is suitable for stimulating muscles by the electrical stimulation described above under various environments.

In the present embodiment, the electrode portion 30 has a plurality of electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 and lead portions 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a formed on a sheet-like base material 33 extending from the main body portion 10, and the lead portions 311a to 313a and 321a to 323a electrically connect the electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 and the power supply portion 30 via the control portion 40. Thus, the electrode portion 30 is formed on the sheet-like base material 33 extending from the main body portion 10, and the main body portion 10 and the electrode portion 30 can be integrated. Therefore, a cord or the like for connecting the main body portion 10 and the electrode portion 30 is not required. Thus, the power supply unit is incorporated in the main body unit, and the main body unit and the electrode unit are integrated, so that the portable electronic device can be used in various environments while exhibiting excellent portability. Further, by integrating the power supply unit 20, the body unit 10, and the electrode unit 30, the muscle electrostimulator 1 can be easily attached to and detached from the human body 2, and particularly, the muscle electrostimulator 1 can be easily detached even in a state where the muscle is fatigued immediately after the use of the muscle electrostimulator 1. Therefore, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is more suitable for effectively stimulating the muscle by the electrical stimulation under various environments.

In this example, the power supply unit 20 includes a replaceable battery 21. This makes it possible to supplement electric power by merely replacing the battery 21, and thus, the battery can be used easily for a long time to a capacity equal to or greater than the battery capacity. This eliminates the need to incorporate an excessively large battery, and therefore the device can be made compact.

The battery 21 may be a button-type battery or a coin-type battery, and in this example, a coin-type battery. This contributes to downsizing of the muscle electrostimulator 1, since the battery 21 is a small battery. Further, since the weight reduction can be achieved along with the downsizing of the muscle electrostimulator 1, the electrode section 30 is less likely to peel off or come off from the body of the user, so that the use convenience is improved and the portability is also improved. Further, since the battery 21 is also a thin battery, it contributes to the thinning of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1. Further, the muscle electrostimulation device 1 has a thin structure, and thus, the user can wear the clothing from above in a state where the muscle electrostimulation device 1 is attached. Therefore, the muscle electrostimulation device 1 can be used in various situations, such as work, housework, work, and the like. In addition, the button cell battery has stable discharge characteristics at a higher operating voltage than other dry cells and the like, and therefore, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 can be operated stably for a longer period of time.

The battery 21 may be a battery having a rated voltage of 3.0 to 5.0V, and in this example, the battery 21 may be a battery having a rated voltage of 3.0V. Since the driving voltages of the electronic components 42, the speaker 43, and the like provided in the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 are the same, it is not necessary to separately prepare a step-down circuit and a step-up circuit for driving these electronic components 42 and 43. This can contribute to downsizing.

In addition, the power supply unit 20 may include a rechargeable battery instead of the replaceable battery 21. The charging unit of such a battery may be provided with a terminal for power supply that can be connected to an external power supply, or may be provided with a non-contact power supply unit using electromagnetic induction. In this case, since the battery can be repeatedly used, the number of consumables can be reduced as compared with the case of using a non-rechargeable battery.

In this example, the electrode portion 30 has 3 or more electrodes 311 to 313, 321 to 323. As described above, since the output stop time N1 to N5 is included in the pulse group output period P, power consumption is reduced, and therefore, sufficient electrical stimulation can be applied even in the present configuration including 3 or more electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323. This allows electrical stimulation to be applied to a wide range of muscles, and therefore, muscles can be effectively stimulated.

In the present embodiment, the electrode portion 30 is formed integrally with the main body portion 10 by extending the base member 33 formed by the electrode portion 30 from the main body portion 10 and bonding the electrode support portion 121 extending from the case forming body 12. Instead, it may be configured as: the base material 33 and the body portion 10 are formed as separate bodies, and the electrode support portion 121 and the case forming body 12 are formed as separate bodies, so that the body portion 10 and the electrode portion 30 can be separated from each other when not in use. In this case, the electrode portion 30 can be separated from the main body portion 10 and replaced with another electrode portion. Further, since the electrode portion 30 does not have an electronic component, the electrode portion 30 can be easily cleaned by separating it.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 which can effectively stimulate the muscles, and which can promote the user to actively continue to use the apparatus with a good feeling of use even when used for a long time.

In this example, the second output mode (training mode) is executed based on the 1 st to 4 th states shown in table 2. Instead, the present invention may be formed as in modification 1 described below: in the 1 st to 4 th states equivalent to this example, the 2 nd state shown in table 4 is executed between the 2 nd state and the 3 rd state, and the 3 rd state shown in table 4 is executed between the 3 rd state and the 4 th state.

TABLE 4

Second output mode (training mode)

In modification 1, as shown in table 4, the following operations are performed in the 2 nd state and the 3 rd state.

(2a) In the 2a state, after the output of 100% is performed for 10 seconds (2a-1) with the second burst wave (4Hz), the output of 100% is performed for 10 seconds (2a-2) with the third burst wave (8Hz), and further, after that, the output of 100% is performed for 10 seconds (2a-3) with the fourth burst wave (16 Hz).

(3a) In the 3 a-state, after the output of 100% is performed for 10 seconds (3a-1) with the second burst wave (4Hz), the output of 100% is performed for 10 seconds (3a-2) with the third burst wave (8Hz), and further, after that, the output of 100% is performed for 10 seconds (3a-3) with the fourth burst wave (16 Hz).

In modification 1, since the 2 nd state and the 3 rd state are added to the second output mode (see table 2) of this example, the total time for continuously executing the first output mode (warm-up mode), the second output mode (training mode), and the third output mode (cooling mode) shown in table 4 is 23 minutes.

That is, in the present example, in the state 2, after the incomplete contraction and the single contraction are repeatedly generated within the predetermined period (300 seconds) (2-1 and 2-2 in table 4), in the state 2a, after the second burst wave (4Hz) and the third burst wave (8Hz) as the third electric signal for generating the single contraction of the muscle are output for the predetermined period (10 seconds) (2a-1 and 2a-2 in table 4), respectively, in the predetermined period (10 seconds), the fourth burst wave (16Hz) (2a-3 in table 4) as the fourth electric signal for generating the incomplete contraction of the muscle is output for the predetermined period (10 seconds). Further, after the lapse of a rest period of 2 seconds, in the 3 rd state, incomplete emphasis based on the fifth burst wave (20Hz) as the first electric signal and single emphasis based on the second burst wave (4Hz) as the second electric signal are repeatedly generated (3-1, 3-2 of Table 4). In the 3a state, similarly to the 2a state, after the second burst wave (4Hz) and the third burst wave (8Hz) are output as the third electric signal for a predetermined period (10 seconds) (3a-1 and 3a-2 in table 4), respectively, the fourth burst wave (16Hz) is output as the fourth electric signal for a predetermined period (10 seconds) (3a-3 in table 4).

In the 2 nd state, the frequency of the pulse train wave is increased stepwise from 4Hz to 16Hz, and therefore, the frequency change at the time of switching from the 2 nd state to the 3 rd state is relatively smooth. Similarly, the frequency change when switching from the 3 rd state to the 4 th state is relatively smooth. In modification 1, the type of electrical stimulation in the second output mode (training mode) is largely changed by adding the 2 nd state and the 3 rd state to the case of embodiment 1. As a result, a decrease in physical sensation due to the user becoming accustomed to the electrical stimulation can be prevented, and the rectus abdominis can be stimulated more effectively. Further, by providing the 2 nd state and the 3 rd state, the effect of discharging a fatigue substance in a fatigued muscle by applying an electric stimulus is also obtained. Further, also in modification 1 in which the second output mode (training mode) is set in this manner, the same operational effects as those of embodiment 1 are obtained.

In example 1, the 6 electrodes 311 to 313 and 321 to 323 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more electrodes may be provided. For example, in modification 2, as shown in fig. 14 and 15, the electrodes have the same configuration as the electrodes 311 and 321 of embodiment 1, but two larger electrodes 311 and 321 are provided. In modification 2, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. In this case, the same operational effects as in example 1 are also achieved. Further, according to the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 1 of modification example 2, since the number of the electrodes 311 and 321 is smaller than that in the case where the number of the electrodes is 6 (see fig. 2), the power consumption per electrode can be increased, and therefore, the electrodes 311 and 321 are increased by one turn. This widens the range in which electrical stimulation can be applied by one electrode, and facilitates stimulation of muscles at a large part such as an arm or a thigh.

In embodiment 1, when changing the frequency of the burst wave, the frequency setting unit (output pattern switching unit 405) selects a predetermined type from the burst wave types stored in the burst wave type storage unit (output pattern storage unit 405 a). The following modification 3 can be used instead. As shown in fig. 16, modification 3 includes: an operation surface 54a as a frequency selector for selecting a frequency of the pulse train wave; an interruption period duration calculation unit 405 b; and an interrupt period duration setting unit 405 c.

The interruption period duration calculation unit 405b calculates the duration of the pulse group output interruption period based on the frequency selected by the frequency selection unit (operation surface 54 a).

The interrupt period duration setting unit 405c sets the duration of the pulse group output interrupt period based on the duration calculated by the interrupt period duration calculation unit 405 b.

In modification 3, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

According to the above modification 3, since the frequency of the pulse train wave can be set to a desired frequency by the frequency selection unit (the operation surface 54a), the frequency of the pulse train wave is appropriately set according to the preference of the user (the intensity of contraction, the interval between contraction and relaxation), and thus the muscle electrical stimulation device 1 capable of further effectively stimulating the muscle for each user is formed. Further, modification 3 has the same operational effects as those of embodiment 1, except for the operational effects related to the manner of changing the frequency of the pulse train wave.

Claims (1)

1. A muscle electrical stimulation device is configured to apply electrical stimulation to a muscle by a pair of electrodes,

the electrode contains silver, and the electrode contains silver,

the muscle electrical stimulation device is provided with:

a sheet-like base material having the electrode formed on a surface thereof;

a pair of lead portions formed on the base material and electrically connected to the pair of electrodes, respectively; and

a main body section including a power source constituted by a battery connected to the pair of electrodes via the lead sections to supply electric power, and a control section controlling output of a pulse signal from the power source to the electrodes,

the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus repeatedly outputs a pulse train wave including a pulse group output period and a pulse group output interruption period to form the electrical stimulation, and outputs an odd number of pulse signals with an output stop time interposed therebetween in the pulse group output period, wherein the pulse group output interruption period is longer than the output stop time and interrupts output of the pulse signals in the pulse group output interruption period,

the pulse train waves to be repeatedly output include a first pulse train wave in which the polarity of the pulse signal is changed alternately in accordance with the output order and a second pulse train wave in which a pulse signal having a polarity opposite to that of the pulse signal of the first pulse train wave is output.