Applicator and treatment method

Abstract

To further reduce discomfort during therapy without reducing therapeutic effects.SOLUTION: Electric charge accumulated in the body of a person undergoing therapy via therapeutic gloves 20a and 20b is discharged by a discharge circuit 14, so that unnecessary stimulation caused by the charge accumulated in the body of the person undergoing the therapy is not generated. From the first, the electric charge can be applied to the body of the person undergoing the therapy via the therapeutic gloves 20a and 20b, so as to perform the therapy for applying stimulation to the muscle. Thereby, discomfort during the therapy can be further reduced without reducing the therapeutic effects.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator and an application method capable of stimulating muscles by applying electrical stimulation to a living body and / or capable of permeating a beauty component to a deep part of the skin by applying electrical stimulation to the living body.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-76884 (Patent Document 1) describes an applicator that contacts a living body with a conductor and applies a low-frequency pulsed current to the conductor to perform a treatment such as treating an affected area.

[0003] The applicator uses the repetition of a high-frequency rectangular wave pulse group as a stimulation signal, modulates the stimulation signal into a waveform approximated to a low-frequency sine wave, and applies it to a living body. Therefore, it can apply good electrical stimulation to the muscles on the surface layer of the skin and the inner muscle, and can reduce the peculiar sense of stimulation (tingling sensation) specific to the treatment using low frequency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, a living body with a conductor attached functions equivalently as a capacitor, and when the conductor is energized, charges corresponding to the capacitor capacitance are accumulated in the living body. When the energization of the conductor is continued in a state where charges are accumulated in the living body, discomfort occurs as an unnecessary stimulus to the living body. The applicator described in the above-mentioned publication does not mention anything about such unnecessary stimuli caused by the charges accumulated in the living body, and there is still room for improvement in terms of reducing the discomfort that occurs during the treatment.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and one of its objects is to provide a treatment instrument and a treatment method that contribute to further reducing the discomfort during treatment without reducing the treatment effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The treatment instrument of the present invention has adopted the following means to achieve the above object.

[0008] According to a preferred form of the treatment instrument according to the present invention, a treatment instrument capable of applying electrical stimulation to a living body to stimulate muscles and / or allowing a cosmetic component to penetrate to a deep part of the skin is configured. The treatment instrument includes a power supply connection terminal electrically connectable to a power supply, first and second output terminals electrically connectable to the power supply connection terminal, first and second conductors electrically connected to the first and second output terminals and capable of contacting the living body, a discharge circuit capable of discharging the electric charge accumulated in the living body via the first and second conductors, capable of electrically connecting the power connection terminal to the first and second output terminals and periodically switching the electrodes of the first and second output terminals an electrode switching circuit, a control unit that switches the electrodes of the first and second output terminals and controls the electrode switching circuit and the discharge circuit to discharge the charges accumulated in the living body and is provided with. The electrode switching circuit includes first and second switching elements, third and fourth switching elements, and fifth and sixth switching elements. One ends of the first and second switching elements are connected to the power connection terminal, and the other ends are grounded to the ground. One ends of the third and fourth switching elements are connected to the power connection terminal, and the other ends are connected to the first and second output terminals. The third and fourth switching elements are arranged in parallel with the first and second switching elements so as to turn on along with the on-operation of the first and second switching elements. One ends of the fifth and sixth switching elements are connected to the first and second output terminals, and the other ends are grounded to the ground. The fifth and sixth switching elements are arranged in parallel with the first and second switching elements and in series with the third and fourth switching elements. The discharge circuit has a discharge resistor connected between the first and second output terminals. The control unit alternately repeats a first state in which the first and sixth switching elements are turned on and the second and fifth switching elements are turned off, and a second state in which the second and fifth switching elements are turned on and the first and sixth switching elements are turned off. When switching from the first state to the second state, a third state in which the first and second switching elements are turned off and the fifth and sixth switching elements are turned on, and when switching from the second state to the first state, a fourth state in which the first and second switching elements are turned off and the fifth and sixth switching elements are turned on are executed to control the electrode switching circuit and the discharge circuit.

[0009] According to the present invention, since electrical stimulation can be applied to the living body via the first and second conductors, it is possible to perform treatments such as stimulating muscles and allowing a cosmetic component to penetrate to a deep part of the skin. And in the said treatment, since the electric charge accumulated in the living body can be discharged using the discharge circuit, unnecessary stimulation caused by the electric charge accumulated in the living body does not occur. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the discomfort during treatment without reducing the treatment effect. In addition, since discharge occurs every time the electrode is switched, it is possible to effectively suppress the accumulation of charges in the living body. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the discomfort that occurs during the treatment. Note that the electrodes of the first and second conductors (first and second output terminals) can be switched by a simple control of only switching the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth switching elements, and the charges accumulated in the living body can be discharged when the electrodes are switched.

[0014] According to a further form of the treatment instrument according to the present invention, the control unit executes a first operation of alternately repeating a first state and a second state at a first frequency higher than a frequency suitable for low-frequency treatment, and controls the electrode switching circuit and the discharge circuit so that the first operation is repeated for a predetermined time at a period of a second frequency longer than the first frequency.

[0015] According to this embodiment, in order to pass an electric current of a first frequency higher than a frequency suitable for low-frequency treatment (for example, 0.1 Hz to 1000 Hz), specifically, a medium frequency (for example, 1000 Hz to 10000 Hz) or a high frequency (for example, 10000 Hz or higher) through a living body, electrical stimulation can be applied up to about 2 to 10 cm under the skin, and the inner muscle can be stimulated. Further, since the energization by the medium frequency or the high frequency is repeated for a predetermined time at a frequency longer than the medium frequency or the high frequency, that is, at a low-frequency period, it has the same effect as passing an electric current approximated to a low frequency through a living body. Specifically, electrical stimulation can be applied to the subcutaneous superficial muscles where electrical stimulation cannot be applied at medium frequencies or high frequencies. Since the actual current flowing through the living body is a medium frequency or a high frequency, the tingling sensation peculiar to the treatment using a low frequency can be reduced.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the treatment device according to the present invention, the first and second conductors are conductive gloves.

[0017] According to this embodiment, since the treatment can be performed with the conductors fitted to the shape of the treatment site, a delicate and efficient treatment can be performed.

Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to further reduce the discomfort caused during the treatment without reducing the treatment effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples.

Examples

[0027] The treatment instrument 1 according to the present embodiment is an Electric Muscle Stimulation (electrical muscle stimulation method, hereinafter referred to as "EMS") beauty instrument that trains and strengthens muscles by applying electrical stimulation to the living body to stimulate the muscles. As shown in FIG. 1, it includes a device main body 2 and treatment gloves 20a and 20b that are electrically connected to the device main body 2. The device main body 2 can be electrically connected to a power source 80 and is driven by the power supplied from the power source 80.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the device main body 2 includes an operation unit 4, a display panel 6, a converter 8 that converts the AC input from the power source 80 into a stabilized DC output, an output variable circuit 9 that can adjust the DC output converted by the converter 8, an EMS drive circuit 10, and an electronic control unit 18 that controls the entire device.

[0029] The operation unit 4 has a power switch (not shown) for turning on / off the power of the device main body 2, a level switch (not shown) for switching the current value and frequency for energizing the treatment gloves 20a and 20b, and the like. The display panel 6 displays the power state (on / off), the set current value, frequency, and the like.

[0030] The output variable circuit 9 adjusts the DC output converted by the converter 8 to the frequency and current values set by the level switching switch, and then supplies it to the EMS drive circuit 10. In the present embodiment, the current supplied from the output variable circuit 9 to the EMS drive circuit 10 is a rectangular wave with a frequency suitable for low-frequency treatment (low frequency, 0.1 Hz to 1000 Hz), for example, 6 Hz to 12 Hz, and a pulse width of 2 ms to 4 ms, as shown in Fig. 3(a).

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the EMS drive circuit 10 includes an input terminal T1, output terminals T2, T3, an electrode switching circuit 12, and a discharge circuit 14. The electrode switching circuit 12 has resistors R1, R2, R3, R4 and switching elements SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6. The input terminal T1 corresponds to the "power connection terminal" in the present invention, and the output terminals T2, T3 are an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "first output terminal" and the "second output terminal" in the present invention, respectively. Also, the switching element SW1 corresponds to the "first switching element" in the present invention, the switching element SW2 corresponds to the "third switching element" in the present invention, the switching element SW3 corresponds to the "fifth switching element" in the present invention, the switching element SW4 corresponds to the "second switching element" in the present invention, the switching element SW5 corresponds to the "fourth switching element" in the present invention, and the switching element SW6 is an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "sixth switching element" in the present invention.

[0032] One end of the resistor R1 is electrically connected to the input terminal T1. One end of the resistor R2 is electrically connected to the other end of the resistor R1. The collector of the switching element SW1 is electrically connected to the other end of the resistor R2, and the emitter is grounded to the ground G. That is, the resistors R1, R2 and the switching element SW3 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the ground G.

[0033] The switching element SW2 has its emitter electrically connected to one end of the resistor R1 at the connection point y1. In other words, it can be said that the emitter of the switching element SW2 is electrically connected to the input terminal T1 via the connection point y1. Also, the base of the switching element SW2 is electrically connected to the connection point y2 of the resistors R1 and R2. The collector of the switching element SW3 is electrically connected to the collector of the switching element SW2, and its emitter is grounded to the ground G. That is, the switching elements SW2 and SW3 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the ground G, and are arranged in parallel with the resistors R1, R2, and the switching element SW1. The connection point y3 of the switching element SW2 and the switching element SW3 is electrically connected to the output terminal T2.

[0034] Also, one end of the resistor R3 is electrically connected to the input terminal T1. One end of the resistor R4 is electrically connected to the other end of the resistor R3. The collector of the switching element SW4 is electrically connected to the other end of the resistor R4, and its emitter is grounded to the ground G. That is, the resistors R3, R4, and the switching element SW4 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the ground G.

[0035] The emitter of the switching element SW5 is electrically connected to one end of the resistor R3 at the connection point y4. In other words, it can be said that the emitter of the switching element SW5 is electrically connected to the input terminal T1 via the connection point y4. Also, the base of the switching element SW5 is electrically connected to the connection point y5 of the resistors R3 and R4. The collector of the switching element SW6 is electrically connected to the collector of the switching element SW5, and its emitter is grounded to the ground G. That is, the switching elements SW5 and SW6 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the ground G, and are arranged in parallel with the resistors R3, R4, and the switching element SW4. The connection point y6 of the switching element SW5 and the switching element SW6 is electrically connected to the output terminal T3.

[0036] Note that the switching elements SW1 and SW4 are PNP transistors, and the switching elements SW2, SW3, SW5, and SW6 are NPN transistors. That is, in this embodiment, the switching elements SW1 and SW4, which are PNP transistors, are arranged on the high side of the output terminals T2 and T3, and the switching elements SW2, SW3, SW5, and SW6, which are NPN transistors, are arranged on the low side of the output terminals T2 and T3.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge circuit 14 includes the switching elements SW3 and SW6 and a discharge resistor Rd. The switching elements SW3 and SW6 are shared with the electrode switching circuit 12. The discharge resistor Rd is arranged in parallel with the electrode switching circuit 12 between the connection point y7 between the output terminal T2 and the connection point y3 and the connection point y8 between the output terminal T3 and the connection point y6.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic control unit 18 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 18a. In addition to the CPU 18a, it includes a ROM 18b that stores processing programs such as the EMS program, a RAM 18c that temporarily stores data, and input / output ports and communication ports (not shown). An on / off signal from the power switch, a set amplitude value (current value or voltage value), a set frequency from the level switching switch, and a treatment time from a timer (not shown) are input to the electronic control unit 18 via the input port. Further, drive signals to the output variable circuit 9 and drive signals to the EMS drive circuit 10 (switching signals for the switching elements SW1, SW3, SW4, and SW6) are output from the electronic control unit 18 via the output port. The electronic control unit 18 is an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "control unit" in the present invention.

[0039] The treatment gloves 20a and 20b are made of a conductive fiber material mixed with silver, copper, etc. so that the electrical resistance is 1 kΩ or less. By using the treatment gloves 20a and 20b as conductors, treatment can be performed in a state fitted to the shape of the treatment site. As a result, a delicate and efficient treatment can be performed. The treatment glove 20a corresponds to the "first conductor" and "glove" in the present invention, and the treatment glove 20b is an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "second conductor" and "glove" in the present invention.

[0040] Next, the operation of the treatment instrument 1 configured in this way will be described. When the operator turns on the power switch of the operation unit 4 and brings the treatment gloves 20a and 20b into contact with the body (treatment site) of the subject, the CPU 18a of the electronic control unit 18 drives the treatment instrument 1 according to the EMS program stored in the ROM 18b. The CPU 18a of the electronic control unit 18 first executes a process of controlling the output variable circuit 9 so that a current having an amplitude value and a frequency (for example, 6 Hz to 12 Hz) set by the level switching switch is output to the EMS drive circuit 10.

[0041] Then, the CPU 18a of the electronic control unit 18 executes a process of controlling the switching elements SW1, SW3, SW4, and SW6 so that the switching elements SW1 and SW6 of the electrode switching circuit 12 of the EMS drive circuit 10 are turned on and the switching elements SW3 and SW4 are turned off. As the switching element SW1 is turned on, the switching element SW2 is turned on, and the output terminal T2 is energized to the positive electrode. On the other hand, when the switching element SW6 is turned on, the output terminal T3 is energized to the negative electrode (hereinafter referred to as the "first state"). As a result, a current having an amplitude value set by the level switching switch (a current having an amplitude value suitable for EMS) flows through the treatment gloves 20a and 20b in contact with the treatment site of the subject. Specifically, a current having an amplitude value set by the level switching switch (a current having an amplitude value suitable for EMS) flows from the treatment glove 20a to the treatment glove 20b. At this time, since the body of the subject functions equivalently as a capacitor, electric charges are accumulated in the body of the subject.

[0042] Subsequently, the CPU 18a of the electronic control unit 18 performs a process of turning off the switching element SW1 of the electrode switching circuit 12 of the EMS drive circuit 10 from the above state, that is, a process of controlling the SW1, SW3, SW4, and SW6 so that the switching elements SW3 and SW6 are turned on and the switching elements SW1 and SW4 are turned off. Thereby, the electric charge accumulated in the body of the subject flows to the ground G via the discharge resistor Rd and the switching elements SW3 and SW6. That is, the electric charge accumulated in the body of the subject is discharged (hereinafter referred to as the "first discharge state"). In this way, since no electric charge is accumulated in the body of the subject, unnecessary stimulation caused by the electric charge accumulated in the body does not occur. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the discomfort that occurs during the treatment without reducing the treatment effect.

[0043] After discharging the electric charge accumulated in the body of the subject in this way, the CPU 18a of the electronic control unit 18 performs a process of controlling the SW1, SW3, SW4, and SW6 so that the switching elements SW1 and SW6 of the electrode switching circuit 12 of the EMS drive circuit 10 are turned off and the switching elements SW3 and SW4 are turned on. Along with the switching element SW4 being turned on, the switching element SW5 is turned on, and the output terminal T3 is energized to the positive electrode. On the other hand, when the switching element SW3 is turned on, the output terminal T2 is energized to the negative electrode (hereinafter referred to as the "second state"). Thereby, a current having an amplitude value set by the level switching switch (a current having an amplitude value suitable for EMS) flows in the direction opposite to the first state (from the treatment glove 20a to the treatment glove 20b), that is, from the treatment glove 20b to the treatment glove 20a. Also at this time, similar to the first state, electric charge is accumulated in the body of the subject.

[0044] Subsequently, the CPU 18a of the electronic control unit 18 executes a process of turning off the switching element SW4 of the electrode switching circuit 12 of the EMS drive circuit 10 from the above state, that is, a process of controlling the SW1, SW3, SW4, and SW6 so that the switching elements SW3 and SW6 are turned on and the switching elements SW1 and SW4 are turned off. As a result, the electric charge accumulated in the body of the subject flows to the ground G via the discharge resistor Rd and the switching elements SW3 and SW6. That is, the electric charge accumulated in the body of the subject is discharged (hereinafter referred to as "second discharge state"). In this way, since no electric charge is accumulated in the body of the subject, unnecessary stimulation caused by the electric charge accumulated in the body does not occur. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the discomfort that occurs during the treatment without reducing the treatment effect.

[0045] The CPU 18a of the electronic control unit 18 repeatedly executes the switching control of the switching elements SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 so that the operation with one cycle from the first state through the first discharge state and the second state to the second discharge state is repeated. Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the period of the one cycle is set to a frequency (mid-frequency: 1000 Hz to 10000 Hz or high-frequency: 10000 Hz or higher), for example, 5 kHz to 10 kHz, which is higher than the frequency of the current supplied from the output variable circuit 9 to the EMS drive circuit 10 (FIG. 3(a), low-frequency: 0.1 Hz to 1000 Hz). As a result, the outputs from the output terminals T2 and T3 become a composite wave of FIGS. 3(a) and (b) as shown in FIG. 3(c). That is, a current approximated to a low frequency and having a mid-frequency or high-frequency flows through the body of the subject. The first state and the second state respectively correspond to the "first state" and the "second state" in the present invention, and the first discharge state and the second discharge state are respectively an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "third state" and the "fourth state" in the present invention. Further, the frequency of the current supplied from the output variable circuit 9 to the EMS drive circuit 10 (FIG. 3(a), low-frequency: 0.1 Hz to 1000 Hz) corresponds to the "second frequency" in the present invention, and the frequency higher than the frequency of the current supplied from the output variable circuit 9 to the EMS drive circuit 10 (FIG. 3(a), low-frequency: 0.1 Hz to 1000 Hz) (mid-frequency: 1000 Hz to 10000 Hz or high-frequency: 10000 Hz or higher) is an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "first frequency" in the present invention.

[0046] As a result, electrical stimulation can be applied up to about 2 to 10 cm subcutaneously, enabling stimulation of the inner muscles and also enabling electrical stimulation of the subcutaneous superficial muscles to which electrical stimulation cannot be applied at mid-frequencies or high-frequencies. Since the current actually flowing through the living body is at mid-frequencies or high-frequencies, the peculiar sense of stimulation (tingling sensation) specific to the treatment using low frequencies can be reduced.

[0047] The CPU 18a of the electronic control unit 18 executes the above-described processing according to the EMS program for a set treatment time. The treatment time is an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "predetermined time" in the present invention.

[0048] According to the treatment device 1 according to the present embodiment described above, since the electric charge stored in the body of the subject through the treatment gloves 20a and 20b is discharged by the discharge circuit 14, unnecessary stimulation caused by the electric charge accumulated in the body of the subject does not occur. Of course, since an electric stimulation can be applied to the body of the subject through the treatment gloves 20a and 20b, a treatment for stimulating muscles can be performed. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the discomfort that occurs during the treatment without reducing the treatment effect.

[0049] Also, according to the treatment device 1 according to the present embodiment, every time the electrodes of the output terminals T2 and T3 are switched, the electric charge stored in the body of the subject is discharged, so that it is possible to effectively suppress the accumulation of electric charge in the body of the subject.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the treatment device 1 according to the present embodiment, a medium frequency (for example, 1000 Hz to 10000 Hz) or a high frequency (for example, 10000 Hz or more) higher than the frequency suitable for low-frequency treatment (for example, 0.1 Hz to 1000 Hz) of current is repeatedly passed through the living body for a predetermined time at the low-frequency period, that is, three different frequencies of current can be synthesized or interfered and passed through the living body (product name · treatment name: 3DABE (abbreviation of 3 Discharge Alternating current Blend Ems) wave). Therefore, an electric stimulation can be applied up to about 2 to 10 cm under the skin, an inner muscle can be stimulated, and an electric stimulation can also be applied to the subcutaneous superficial muscles that cannot be electrically stimulated at medium and high frequencies. Since the current actually flowing through the living body is a medium frequency or a high frequency, it is possible to reduce the peculiar sense of stimulation (tingling sensation) peculiar to the treatment using a low frequency.

[0051] In this embodiment, bipolar transistors are used as the switching elements SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6, but it is not limited thereto. For example, relays, field effect transistors, insulated gate transistors, etc. may be used.

[0052] In this embodiment, resistors R1, R2, and the switching element SW3 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the ground G, and the switching elements SW2 and SW3 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the ground G, and are arranged in parallel with the resistors R1, R2, and the switching element SW1. Also, resistors R3, R4, and the switching element SW4 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the ground G, and the switching elements SW5 and SW6 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the ground G, and are arranged in parallel with the resistors R3, R4, and the switching element SW4. However, as long as the charge accumulated in the living body can be discharged, the number and arrangement of the switching elements SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, and the number and arrangement of the resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 are not limited thereto.

[0053] In this embodiment, it is applied to the EMS beauty device, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may be applied to an electroporation (EP) beauty device that penetrates beauty components into the living body, an iontophoresis beauty device, or a composite beauty device having two or more of the EMS function, EP function, and iontophoresis function. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a treatment instrument 100 of a modified example having the EMS function and the EP function. As shown in FIG. 4, the treatment instrument 100 of the modified example has the same configuration as the treatment instrument 1 of the present embodiment, except that it includes a mode switching circuit 11 and an EP drive circuit 16. In the treatment instrument 100, the amplitude value (current value or voltage value) and frequency corresponding to the mode (EMS mode or EP mode) selected by the operation unit 4 are supplied from the output variable circuit 9 to the EMS drive circuit 10 or the EP drive circuit 16 via the mode switching circuit 11.

[0054] In this embodiment, the application gloves 20a and 20b are used as the conductors, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, conductive pads, conductive probes 220a and 220b, or conductive masks may be used as the conductors. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the applicator 200 when the conductive probes 220a and 220b are used instead of the application gloves 20a and 20b, and FIG. 6 is an external view showing an example of the conductive probes 220a and 220b. As shown in FIG. 6, the conductive probes 220a and 220b include main bodies 222a and 222b having cords CD and CD, conductive pads 224a and 224b integrated with the main bodies 222a and 222b, and grip bands 226a and 226b attached to the main bodies 222a and 222b. As the conductive probes 220a and 220b, for example, O probes (trade name of Miyako Chemical Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0055] In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a discharge is performed every time the electrodes of the output terminals T2 and T3 are switched, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a discharge is performed after a predetermined number of times of switching the electrodes of the output terminals T2 and T3 (for example, every one cycle or several cycles of the switching frequency (high frequency or medium frequency) of the switching elements SW1, SW3, SW4, and SW6), or a configuration in which a discharge is performed at an arbitrary or predetermined timing may be adopted.

[0056] This embodiment shows an example of a form for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. The correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present invention is shown below.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0057] 1 Applicator (Applicator) 2 Device main body 4 Operation unit 6 Display panel 8 Converter 9 Output variable circuit 10 EMS drive circuit 11 Mode switching circuit 12 Electrode switching circuit (Electrode switching circuit) 14 Discharge circuit (discharge circuit) 16 EP drive circuit 18 Electronic control unit (control unit) 18a CPU 18b ROM 18c RAM 20a Treatment glove (first conductor, glove) 20b Treatment glove (second conductor, glove) 80 Power supply T1 Input terminal (power connection terminal) T2 Output terminal (first output terminal) T3 Output terminal (second output terminal) SW1 Switching element (first switching element) SW2 Switching element (third switching element) SW3 Switching element (fifth switching element) SW4 Switching element (second switching element) SW5 Switching element (fourth switching element) SW6 Switching element (sixth switching element) R1 Resistor R2 Resistor R3 Resistor R4 Resistor Rd Discharge resistor (discharge resistor) G Ground y1 Connection point y2 Connection point y3 Connection point y4 Connection point y5 Connection point y6 Connection point y7 Connection point y8 Connection point

Claims

1. An apparatus for applying a stimulus to muscle and / or allowing a beauty ingredient to penetrate deep into the skin by applying an electrical stimulus to a living body, comprising: a power connection terminal electrically connectable to a power source; first and second output terminals electrically connectable to the power connection terminal; first and second conductors electrically connected to the first and second output terminals and capable of contacting the living body; a discharge circuit capable of discharging the electric charge accumulated in the living body via the first and second conductors; an electrode switching circuit electrically connectable between the power connection terminal and the first and second output terminals and capable of periodically switching the electrodes of the first and second output terminals; a control unit for controlling the electrode switching circuit and the discharge circuit so as to switch the electrodes of the first and second output terminals and discharge the electric charge accumulated in the living body; wherein: the electrode switching circuit includes first and second switching elements having one end connected to the power connection terminal and the other end grounded to the ground, third and fourth switching elements having one end connected to the power connection terminal and the other end connected to the first and second output terminals and arranged in parallel with the first and second switching elements so as to turn on in association with the on-operation of the first and second switching elements, and fifth and sixth switching elements having one end connected to the first and second output terminals and the other end grounded to the ground, arranged in parallel with the first and second switching elements and in series with the third and fourth switching elements; the discharge circuit has a discharge resistor connected between the first and second output terminals. The control unit alternately and repeatedly executes a first state in which the first and sixth switching elements are turned on and the second and fifth switching elements are turned off, and a second state in which the second and fifth switching elements are turned on and the first and sixth switching elements are turned off. When switching from the first state to the second state, the control unit turns off the first and second switching elements and turns on the fifth and sixth switching elements to execute a third state. When switching from the second state to the first state, the control unit turns off the first and second switching elements and turns on the fifth and sixth switching elements to execute a fourth state, and controls the electrode switching circuit and the discharge circuit accordingly. Treatment instrument.

2. The control unit executes a first operation in which the first state and the second state are alternately repeated at a first frequency higher than a frequency suitable for low-frequency treatment, and controls the electrode switching circuit and the discharge circuit so that the first operation is repeated for a predetermined time at a period of a second frequency longer than the first frequency. The treatment instrument according to claim 1.

3. The first and second conductors are conductive gloves. The treatment instrument according to claim 1 or 2.

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