Muscle treatment device

Abstract

A skin treatment device 1 comprises a plurality of electrodes 31, 32, 33 that can contact the skin of a user, a power supply that is electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes 31, 32, 33, and a control device that implements output via the plurality of electrodes 31, 32, 33 in a plurality of types of output modes that have mutually different output waveform characteristics. The plurality of types of output modes include combination modes M11, M12. The combination modes M11, M12 include a first submode M1 that has an action that causes an active ingredient to penetrate the skin and a second submode M3 that has an action that applies an alternating-current stimulus to the skin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] In a skin treatment device including a low-frequency electrode pair and a high-frequency electrode pair, the low-frequency electrode pair repeats a transmission time for applying a low-frequency voltage and a rest time for not applying a voltage, and the high-frequency electrode pair applies a high-frequency voltage only during the rest time related to the low-frequency electrode pair. A technique is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art as described above, it is difficult to continuously realize an appropriate combination of a plurality of types of output modes in a manner that effectively enhances the beauty effect.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to continuously realize an appropriate combination of a plurality of types of output modes in a manner that effectively enhances the beauty effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] On one side, a plurality of electrodes capable of contacting the user's skin, a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes, and a control device that realizes output via the plurality of electrodes in a plurality of types of output modes having mutually different output waveform characteristics are provided. The plurality of types of output modes include a combination mode, and the combination mode includes a first sub-mode having an action of permeating an active ingredient into the skin and a second sub-mode having an action of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin. A skin treatment device is disclosed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to continuously realize an appropriate combination of a plurality of types of output modes in a manner that effectively enhances the beauty effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] (Overall Structure of Skin Treatment Device) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a skin treatment device 1 according to an embodiment as an example of a specific configuration mode of the skin treatment device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a head portion 3 of the skin treatment device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0011] The skin treatment device 1 according to the embodiment is in the form of a beauty device and is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the skin of the user's face. However, in a modified example, the skin treatment device 1 may be configured to impart similar beauty-related effects to parts other than the user's face in addition to or instead of the user's face. Further, the skin treatment device 1 may be used to impart effects different from beauty-related effects (for example, an effect of promoting transdermal absorption of pharmaceuticals).

[0012] The beauty-related effects are arbitrary and may include one or more arbitrary combinations such as elimination of sagging, tightening, fat burning, lifting, face slimming, firmness and gloss of the skin, improvement of moisture, or the like. Further, the beauty-related effects may be quantifiable effects or non-quantifiable effects.

[0013] The skin treatment device 1 according to the embodiment is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the user's skin by applying various outputs through a plurality of electrodes that come into contact with the user's skin.

[0014] The skin treatment device 1 according to the embodiment is portable and can be held by the user's hand, but may also be applied to a movable type that is movably supported by an arm or the like on a fixed device.

[0015] The skin treatment device 1 according to the embodiment includes a grip portion 2 and a head portion 3. In this case, the user can hold the grip portion 2 and apply the head portion 3 to a desired site on his or her own face or the face of another person (for example, a patient), thereby applying various outputs from the skin treatment device 1 to the desired site.

[0016] The holding part 2 has a form that is easy to be held by the user's hand. The holding part 2 may include a user interface 20 including various buttons such as a power on / off button, a mode switching button, a strength adjustment button, etc. Note that the various buttons may be mechanical buttons or touch switches. Further, the holding part 2 may be provided with a display part (not shown) for displaying the state of the skin treatment device 1 and the like. Also, the holding part 2 may be provided with an electrode (not shown) that touches the user's hand.

[0017] The head part 3 is provided at the end of the holding part 2. Note that the head part 3 may be fixed to the holding part 2, may be removable, or may be movable with respect to the holding part 2.

[0018] The head part 3 can be brought into contact with the user's skin and has a form suitable for being brought into contact with the user's skin. The head part 3 may have, for example, a substantially planar contact surface 3a (including a curved surface with a relatively large radius of curvature). The contact surface 3a is a plane that can be approximated by a substantially straight line in the extending direction (basic plane) of the contact surface 3a in a side view. The form of the contact surface 3a in a front view (that is, the form when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a) is arbitrary, such as a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc. In this embodiment, as an example, the form of the contact surface 3a in a front view is circular as shown in Fig. 2(A). Regarding the contact surface 3a of the head part 3, the center when the contact surface 3a is viewed in a front view (that is, the center of gravity position when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a) is referred to as the "center C of the contact surface 3a".

[0019] A plurality of electrode groups are arranged in the head part 3 for each attribute. Specifically, a first electrode group and a second electrode group are arranged.

[0020] The first electrode group includes a plurality of electrodes 30 arranged in an array on the contact surface 3a. The second electrode group includes a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 arranged on the contact surface 3a in a rotationally symmetric form about the center C of the contact surface 3a (which is also the center of the first electrode group) so as to surround the plurality of electrodes 30. These electrodes 30 and the outer edge electrodes 33 are formed so as to be easily in contact with the user's skin, and may be in the same plane as the basic surface of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3, or may be in a form slightly protruding from the basic surface of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3.

[0021] In this embodiment, the head portion 3 has seven electrodes 30 as the first electrode group, but the number of electrodes 30 as the first electrode group is not limited to seven, and any number of two or more is acceptable. In this embodiment, the head portion 3 also has three outer edge electrodes 33 as the second electrode group, but the number of outer edge electrodes 33 as the second electrode group is not limited to three, and any number of two or more is acceptable.

[0022] Each of the plurality of electrodes 30 has an inner electrode 31 and an outer electrode 32 spaced apart from the inner electrode 31 and surrounding the inner electrode 31. The inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30 form a pair of electrodes for applying an output waveform of a predetermined frequency having, for example, a beauty-related effect (specifically, an effect of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin) to the user's skin.

[0023] That is, in the first electrode group, the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30 form a pair to generate a desired output waveform. In this case, the output waveform is arbitrary and may be, for example, an alternating current waveform or a pulsed direct current waveform. In the case of an alternating current waveform, the frequency band of the output waveform is arbitrary, but is, for example, a high frequency having an effect of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin. Some examples of the output waveforms realized by the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 forming a pair will be described later. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the high frequency refers to a frequency band greater than 10 kHz, and the low frequency refers to a frequency band of 10 kHz or less.

[0024] By arranging a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group so as to surround at least a part of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group, it is possible to configure the device to exhibit a synergistic effect between the action exerted by the first electrode group and the action exerted by the second electrode group. Further, by making the shape and arrangement of the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group conform to the shape and arrangement along the entire shape of the aggregate of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group, the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3 can be used without waste, and an appropriate (in other words, sufficient) area can be ensured as the electrodes constituting the second electrode group. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a situation where, when a current of a low frequency flows through an electrode having a small area, a strong sensation of stimulation is felt, which causes discomfort.

[0025] The plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 form a pair of electrodes for applying an output waveform of a predetermined frequency having, for example, an action related to beauty (specifically, an electromyostimulation action, etc.) to the user's skin.

[0026] That is, in the second electrode group, the outer edge electrodes 33 can form a pair to generate a desired output waveform. In this case, the output waveform is arbitrary and may be, for example, an alternating current waveform or a pulsed direct current waveform. In this case, the frequency band of the output waveform is arbitrary, but is, for example, a high frequency or a low frequency having an electromyostimulation action. Some examples of the output waveforms realized by the outer edge electrodes 33 forming a pair will be described later.

[0027] In this embodiment, for each of the plurality of electrodes 30, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 is formed as a regular hexagon, the shape of the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is formed as a regular hexagon, and the outer electrode 32 is formed in a regular hexagonal belt-like shape so as to be separated from the inner electrode 31 and surround the inner electrode 31. That is, the outer electrode 32 is arranged outside the outer periphery of the inner electrode 31 (in other words, radially outside) so that the center of the inner electrode 31 (the center of gravity position in a front view; the same applies hereinafter) coincides with the center of the outer electrode 32 (the center of gravity position in a front view; the same applies hereinafter).

[0028] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge shape of each of the plurality of electrodes 30, as well as the inner and outer peripheral edge shapes of the outer electrode 32, are formed into rounded regular hexagons. As a result, the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is made constant throughout the entire space S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 (see Fig. 2(B)). In this case, due to the symmetry and uniformity of the distance from the inner electrode 31 to the outer electrode 32, a uniform electric application with suppressed electric bias is realized between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32. However, the outer peripheral edge shape of the inner electrode 31, as well as the inner and outer peripheral edge shapes of the outer electrode 32, may be formed into non-rounded shapes.

[0029] In this embodiment, all of the plurality of electrodes 30 have the same shape. However, some of the plurality of electrodes 30 may have different shapes (in other words, some may have the same shape), or all of the plurality of electrodes 30 may have mutually different shapes. That is, as the plurality of electrodes 30, electrodes of all the same shape may be arranged, or electrodes of two or more mutually different shapes may be arranged.

[0030] One electrode 30 (reference numeral 30c in Fig. 2(A)) is arranged in such a manner that the center of the inner electrode 31 coincides with the center C of the contact surface 3a. Further, six electrodes 30 (reference numeral 30a in Fig. 2(A)) are arranged on a circumference centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a around the electrode 30 (reference numeral 30c in Fig. 2(A)) arranged at the center C of the contact surface 3a in a mutually equally spaced manner.

[0031] Although the dimension Li between opposite sides of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 is not limited to a specific value, it may be set to any value within the range of about 2 to 5 mm as an example only.

[0032] Although the dimension between the centers of the inner electrodes 31 of adjacent electrodes 30 is not limited to a specific value, it may be set to any value within the range of about 4 to 12 mm as an example only.

[0033] In this embodiment, as described above, for each of the plurality of electrodes 30, the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 is formed in a regular hexagon shape (specifically, a rounded regular hexagon; the same applies hereinafter), the inner and outer peripheral edges of the outer electrode 32 are formed in a regular hexagon shape, and the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 are combined and configured such that the centers of the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 coincide with each other.

[0034] Moreover, the plurality of electrodes 30 are arranged in an array such that the plurality of outer electrodes 32 are in a mode where one outer electrode 32 is close to another outer electrode 32 (see Fig. 3(A)), in a mode of contact (see Fig. 3(B)), or in a mode of integration (see Fig. 3(C); this embodiment). In adjacent electrodes 30, the outer electrodes 32 may be integrated (in other words, overlap or be common), but they are arranged so as not to cross each other.

[0035] In this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 30 are arranged in a mode where at least a part of the outer electrodes 32 of adjacent electrodes 30 is common, that is, in the mode shown in Fig. 3(C). In this case, the outer electrode 32 is formed in a mesh shape in a front view, specifically, in a honeycomb shape. Further, the outer peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is formed in a regular hexagon shape, and the plurality of electrodes 30 are arranged such that at least a part of the outer electrodes 32 of adjacent electrodes 30 is integrated (in other words, overlaps or is common). As a result, there is no gap between the electrodes 30 (in other words, there is no wasted space), and the number and arrangement of the electrodes 30 are adjusted according to the size and shape of the contact surface 3a, so that the electrodes 30 can be arranged to cover the entire surface of the contact surface 3a.

[0036] In addition, by forming an electrode assembly by aggregating a plurality of electrodes 30 each composed of an inner electrode 31 and an outer electrode 32 surrounding the inner electrode 31, the expandability of the electrode arrangement and the degree of freedom in arrangement can be enhanced, and the shape of the entire electrode assembly can be freely adjusted according to the site to which beauty-related effects or the like are imparted. Specifically, for example, the shape of the entire electrode assembly may be a shape that fills an approximately circular range as in this embodiment, a shape that fills an approximately elliptical range, a shape that fills an approximately rectangular range, or further, a shape that fills an approximately gourd-shaped range.

[0037] By forming a pair of electrodes with an inner electrode 31 and an outer electrode 32 that is spaced apart from the inner electrode 31 and surrounds the inner electrode 31, the size of the inner electrode 31 or the outer electrode 32 can be changed, or the width of the outer electrode 32 can be changed, so that the distance between the pair of electrodes (that is, the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32) can be adjusted to an arbitrary value. Although the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is not limited to a specific value, it is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.6 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and most preferably about 1.8 mm.

[0038] As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 both have straight and parallel portions. By doing so, a more uniform electric application with better suppression of electric bias is realized.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 of the electrode 30 and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 both have a straight portion SP that is parallel to each other. In the region between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 in this parallel portion SP (the "linear parallel output region" which is the dark gray shaded portion in FIG. 4), a more uniform electric application with better suppression of electric bias is realized. Further, by forming the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 into rounded regular hexagons, the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is constant throughout the entire space S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32, and in the region between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 in the rounded portion (the "equidistant output region" which is the portion between the linear parallel output regions in FIG. 4), a uniform electric application with suppressed electric bias is realized.

[0040] It is preferable that the ratio of the area of the outer electrode 32 to the area of the inner electrode 31 of each electrode 30 (referred to as the "ratio of the inner and outer electrode areas") is within a predetermined range. The ratio of the inner and outer electrode areas is preferably 0.8 or more and 1.2 or less, more preferably 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less, still more preferably 0.95 or more and 1.05 or less, and most preferably 1.0. By setting the ratio of the inner and outer electrode areas within an appropriate range, a good electric application between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 is realized.

[0041] It is preferable that the ratio of the total area of the space S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 to the total area of the areas of the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of the plurality of electrodes 30 (referred to as the "ratio of the inter - electrode area to the electrode area") is within a predetermined range. The ratio of the inter - electrode area to the electrode area is preferably 0.6 or more and 1.6 or less, more preferably 0.6 or more and 1.2 or less, still more preferably 0.7 or more and 1.1 or less, and most preferably 0.9 or more and 1.0 or less. By setting the ratio of the inter - electrode area to the electrode area within an appropriate range, a good electric application between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 is realized.

[0042] (Function of the electrode) In this embodiment, as described above, in the first electrode group, the inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrodes 32 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30 form pairs, and various output waveforms having various functions can be generated. In the second electrode group, the outer edge electrodes 33 form pairs, and various output waveforms having various functions can be generated. In this way, according to this embodiment, an electrode arrangement capable of imparting a uniform and good skin treatment effect over the entire contact area of the user's skin with which the skin treatment device 1 comes into contact can be realized with respect to the user's skin.

[0043] In this embodiment, a plurality of types of output modes having different output waveform characteristics are realized through the plurality of electrodes 30 (specifically, the inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrodes 32) constituting the first electrode group and the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group. In the description of this embodiment, each of the plurality of types of output modes is referred to as follows. Examples of the output waveforms in each output mode will be described later.

[0044] a) An output mode in which the outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group form pairs, or the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group and the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group form pairs, and an output waveform having an action of permeating an active ingredient (in other words, a beauty ingredient) into the skin (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "permeation action"; the first action) is generated is referred to as "infiltration mode M1" (an example of the first output mode). When the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group and the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group form pairs, the inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrodes 32 may form pairs and the outer edge electrodes 33 may form pairs, or at least one of the inner electrodes 31, the outer electrodes 32, and the outer edge electrodes 33 may be one electrode (group), and at least one of the remaining electrodes may be the other electrode (group) to form a pair, provided that the electrode combinations are not limited to these.

[0045] (a) An output mode in which the inner electrode 31 and outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group form a pair to generate an output waveform having the effect (second effect) of introducing ions (i.e., ions related to active ingredients) into the skin is referred to as the “ion introduction mode M2” (an example of the second output mode).

[0046] (c) An output mode in which the inner electrode 31 and outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group form a pair to generate a high-frequency output waveform having the effect of applying an AC stimulation to the skin is called “high-frequency mode M3” (an example of the third output mode).

[0047] (e) An output mode in which the outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group are paired to generate a high-frequency or low-frequency output waveform having an electrical muscle stimulation effect is called "electrical muscle stimulation mode M4" (an example of the fourth output mode).

[0048] e) An output mode in which the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group form a pair to apply a weak current (microcurrent) is called a "microcurrent mode M5."

[0049] (c) An output mode in which the inner electrode 31 and outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group form a pair to generate an output waveform having the effect of deriving ions (ions related to dirt, etc.) from within the skin is called the “ion derivation mode M6.”

[0050] (Control System) The configuration of a control system of the skin treatment device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a control system 100 according to an example. FIG. 6 is a block diagram explaining functions realized by the control device 110 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of setting values ​​of various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 116. In addition to the control system 100, FIG. 5 also shows a power supply 150. The power supply 150 may be, for example, a DC power supply. Although several power supplies 150 are shown in FIG. 5, they may be a common power supply.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control system 100 includes a control device 110, drive circuit units 120, 121, 122, output waveform generation units 130, 131, 132, and switching circuit units 140, 141.

[0053] The control device 110 includes a computer and may be formed by, for example, a microcomputer. Note that the control device 110 may operate based on power from a power supply 150.

[0054] The control device 110 selectively forms various modes such as the above-described infiltration mode M1 and electromyostimulation mode M4, and controls a plurality of electrodes 30 and a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 via the drive circuit units 120, 121, 122, the output waveform generation units 130, 131, 132, and the switching circuit units 140, 141 so that corresponding output waveforms are generated in each mode.

[0055] In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the control device 110 includes a user input acquisition unit 111, a mode setting unit 112, a control parameter setting unit 113, a control signal generation unit 114, a switching control unit 115, and a parameter storage unit 116. Each unit from the user input acquisition unit 111 to the switching control unit 115 can be realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) of the control device 110 executing one or more programs of a storage device (not shown) of the control device 110. The parameter storage unit 116 can be realized by a storage device (not shown) of the control device 110.

[0056] The user input acquisition unit 111 acquires various user inputs from the user via the above-described user interface 20. The various user inputs may include power on / off, mode selection input, intensity adjustment input, and the like.

[0057] The mode setting unit 112 sets the operation mode desired by the user based on the user input transmitted from the user input acquisition unit 111. In a modification, the mode setting unit 112 may set the operation mode based on other parameters instead of or in addition to the user input. Various operation modes may be prepared, and the number and types thereof are arbitrary. In this embodiment, as an example, a plurality of operation modes are prepared and include an operation mode A0 and an operation mode A1.

[0058] The operation mode A0 is one mode that is realized alone among various modes such as the above-described infiltration mode M1 and electromyostimulation mode M4. For example, the operation mode A0 may be the electromyostimulation mode M4. In this case, only the electromyostimulation mode M4 is continuously realized while the operation mode A0 is formed. Note that a plurality of operation modes A0 may be set according to each of the infiltration mode M1, the electromyostimulation mode M4, and the like.

[0059] The operation mode A1 is one mode that is realized by a combination of two or more among various modes such as the above-described infiltration mode M1 and electromyostimulation mode M4. A plurality of operation modes A1 may be prepared in different combination manners. For example, the operation mode A1 may be a combination of two modes, namely, the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3, or may be a combination of three modes, namely, the infiltration mode M1, the ion introduction mode M2, and the electromyostimulation mode M4. Note that the combination manner is arbitrary and may be set (customizable) by the user. Specific examples of the operation mode A1 will be described later.

[0060] In operation mode A1, each mode is periodically repeated in a manner of outputting a corresponding output waveform over each respective duration. In this case, the output waveform output in one duration preferably includes a continuous waveform that periodically changes two or more times, unlike a single pulse. For example, when the output waveform is a pulsed DC waveform, the output waveform output in one duration includes two or more pulses (where one pulse is from a rising / falling edge to a falling / rising edge). Also, when the output waveform is a sinusoidal AC waveform, the output waveform output in one duration includes a sine wave for two or more periods.

[0061] Also, in operation mode A1, when transitioning from one mode to another mode, a predetermined pause time may be set from the end timing of the output waveform related to the one mode to the start timing of the output waveform related to the other mode. The predetermined pause time may be set relatively short in a manner that secures the time required for the switching operation in the switching circuit units 140 and 141 described later (for example, from 1 millisecond to 2 milliseconds). For example, the predetermined pause time may be shorter than the shortest time of the duration of each mode and may be about 5 milliseconds, for example.

[0062] The control parameter setting unit 113 sets each value of various control parameters for realizing a corresponding output waveform according to the operation mode set by the mode setting unit 112. The various control parameters may include a first parameter indicating whether it is an AC waveform or a DC waveform, a second parameter indicating the frequency, a third parameter indicating the duration, a fourth parameter representing a pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform, and the like. The duration corresponds to the output time of the output waveform related to the mode and corresponds to the continuous output time from the start point to the end point of the corresponding output waveform. Note that the third parameter may be used only in the above-described operation mode A1 and may not be used in operation mode A0. In operation mode A0, the duration may be, for example, until the power is turned off, or may be determined by other requirements (for example, requirements based on temperature information from a thermistor not shown).

[0063] The control parameter setting unit 113 may set each value of various control parameters for realizing corresponding output waveforms based on the set values of the respective parameters in the parameter storage unit 116. FIG. 7 shows an example of the set values of various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 116. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the set values of various parameters are associated with each mode such as the infiltration mode M1 and the electromyostimulation mode M4. Note that in FIG. 7, the value "1" of the first parameter represents an AC waveform, and the value "0" represents a DC waveform. Also, the values PT1 to PT4, PT20, and PT21 of the fourth parameter may represent the change pattern of the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform. Note that the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform may be a one-to-one relationship pair or a one-to-many relationship pair.

[0064] The control signal generation unit 114 generates a control signal in the form of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the values of various parameters set by the control parameter setting unit 113. The control signal generation unit 114 supplies the generated control signal to the corresponding drive circuit unit among the drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control system 100 has three drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122. Among the drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122, the drive circuit unit 120 generates various output waveforms via the second electrode group (i.e., a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33), and the drive circuit units 121 and 122 generate various output waveforms via the first electrode group (i.e., the inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrodes 32 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30). The drive circuit unit 121 generates an output waveform of an AC waveform (for example, an output waveform for the high-frequency mode M3), and the drive circuit unit 122 generates an output waveform of a DC waveform (for example, an output waveform for the ion introduction mode M2).

[0066] FIG. 5 schematically shows partial waveforms of control signals CT1 and CT2. In this case, the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be applied to the drive circuit units 120 and 121 via separate control lines L1 and L2, respectively. The frequencies (duty ratios) of the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be determined according to the set values of the second parameter. Also, FIG. 5 schematically shows a partial waveform of the control signal CT3. In this case, the control signal CT3 may be applied to the drive circuit unit 122 via the control line L3. The frequency (duty ratio) of the control signal CT3 may be determined according to the set value of the second parameter.

[0067] Also, when a certain mode is realized, whether the control signals CT1 and CT2 (and accordingly the control lines L1 and L2) are output or the control signal CT3 is output may be determined according to the set value of the first parameter associated with the certain mode. For example, for a certain mode, when the set value of the first parameter is "1", both of the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be output, and when the set value of the first parameter is "0", the control signal CT3 may be output. Also, when a certain mode is realized, the durations of the control signals CT1, CT2, and CT3 associated with the certain mode may be determined according to the set value of the third parameter.

[0068] The drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122 include drivers for driving a plurality of switching elements Tr described later. The drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122 each generate drive signals for turning on / off the switching elements Tr of the output waveform generation units 130, 131, and 132 according to the control signals CT1, CT2, and CT3 from the control signal generation unit 114, and supply the generated drive signals to the corresponding switching elements Tr.

[0069] The output waveform generation units 130, 131, and 132 each generate an output waveform based on the power supply 150 which is a DC power supply. The output waveform generation unit 130 includes a pair of switching elements Tr and a transformer 135. The output waveform generation unit 131 includes a pair of switching elements Tr and a transformer 136. The output waveform generation unit 132 includes a switching element Tr and a transformer 137.

[0070] Regarding the system related to the drive circuit unit 120, the pair of switching elements Tr are switching elements such as transistors, for example. One is connected to the terminal Ta of the transformer 135, and the other is connected to the terminal Tb of the transformer 135. The power supply 150 is connected to the terminal Tc related to the center tap of the transformer 135. In this embodiment, the transformer 135 has a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3. For example, when the induced voltage E of the transformer 135 is set as E = √2·π·f·n·φm, the frequency f is substantially equal to the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3 (the set value α3 of the second parameter in FIG. 7). In this case, n is the number of turns, and φm is the magnetic flux. The transformer 135 may be adapted to the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3 based on settings (adjustments) such as changing the set multiplier of the peripheral circuit, the material, and the adhesion of the ferrite core (an internal component of the transformer 135).

[0071] Regarding the system related to the drive circuit unit 121 as well, the pair of switching elements Tr are switching elements such as transistors, for example. One is connected to the terminal Ta of the transformer 136, and the other is connected to the terminal Tb of the transformer 136. The power supply 150 is connected to the terminal Tc related to the center tap of the transformer 136. In this embodiment, the transformer 136 has a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3. Therefore, in this case, the output waveform generation units 130 and 131 may be configured by the same components. The same applies to the drive circuit units 120 and 121.

[0072] Regarding the system related to the drive circuit unit 122, the switching element Tr is a switching element such as a transistor, for example, and is connected to the terminal Tb of the transformer 137. The transformer 137 has a power supply 150 connected to its terminal Ta. In this embodiment, the transformer 137 may have a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the ion introduction mode M2.

[0073] The switching circuit unit 140 controls the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform within the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 by switching the connection destinations of the output terminals (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 135) Td and Te of the output waveform generation unit 130 according to the control signal from the switching control unit 115. In this case, the switching circuit unit 140 may control the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform based on the set value of the fourth parameter.

[0074] The switching circuit unit 141 controls the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform within the plurality of electrodes 30 (specifically, between the plurality of inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrode 32) by switching the connection destinations of the output terminals (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 136) Td and Te of the output waveform generation unit 131 and the connection destinations of the output terminals (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 137) Td and Te of the output waveform generation unit 132 according to the control signal from the switching control unit 115. In this case, the switching circuit unit 141 may control the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform based on the set value of the fourth parameter.

[0075] According to the control system 100 shown in FIG. 5, the series for applying the output waveform via the first electrode group (i.e., the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30) and the series for applying the output waveform via the second electrode group (i.e., the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33) are independently configured. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously generate (in other words, output) the output waveform via the first electrode group and the output waveform via the second electrode group. Thus, it is also possible to combine the output waveform via the first electrode group and the output waveform via the second electrode group in various modes on the time axis, and it is also possible to efficiently increase the variations in the output of the skin treatment device 1.

[0076] Note that the control system 100 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and may be appropriately changed according to requirements such as the type of output waveform to be generated, whether to use the first electrode group and the second electrode group simultaneously, cost, etc. For example, in a configuration where the first electrode group and the second electrode group are not used simultaneously, the drive circuit unit 122 and the output waveform generation unit 132 may be omitted. In this case, in the switching circuit unit 140, the connection destinations of the output terminals (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 135) Td and Te of the output waveform generation unit 130 may be switched by time division within the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 or within the plurality of electrodes 30. Alternatively, in addition to or instead of this, in the switching circuit unit 140, the connection destinations of the output terminals (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 135) Td and Te of the output waveform generation unit 130 may be switched by time division in a manner where one or more of the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 and one or more of the plurality of electrodes 30 form pairs.

[0077] (Operation mode) With reference to FIG. 8, an example of the operation mode A1 will be described.

[0078] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation mode A1, and shows a combination pattern (change pattern) in a time series with the horizontal axis being time. Specifically, in FIG. 8, on the upper side, together with the picture of the head portion 3, for the electrodes that form pairs among the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group and the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group, a circled "+" and a circled "-" are associated. In this case, the electrode associated with the circled "+" and the electrode associated with the circled "-" form a pair. Also, in FIG. 8, on the lower side, the combination pattern (change pattern) of each mode is shown in association with the picture of the head portion 3.

[0079] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the operation mode A1 is a combined mode of the infiltration mode M1, the ion introduction mode M2, the high-frequency mode M3, and the electromyostimulation mode M4. In this case, the operation mode A1 includes the combined modes M11 and M12, the repetition mode M9, and the electromyostimulation mode M4. The first combined mode M11, the repetition mode M9, the second combined mode M12, and the electromyostimulation mode M4 are periodically repeated in this order and in a non-overlapping manner with respect to each other.

[0080] The first combined mode M11 is a combined mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3. That is, the first combined mode M11 includes the infiltration mode M1 as the first sub-mode having the action of permeating the active ingredient into the muscle and the high-frequency mode M3 as the second sub-mode having the action of applying an alternating current stimulus to the muscle.

[0081] In this case, the two sub-modes (i.e., the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode) of the first combined mode M11 can be realized simultaneously by using the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG. 5. That is, the first sub-mode uses the system related to the second electrode group (such as the drive circuit unit 120) among the control systems 100 shown in FIG. 5, and the second sub-mode uses the system related to the first electrode group (such as the drive circuit unit 121) among the control systems 100 shown in FIG. 5, and can be realized simultaneously and independently of each other. However, in the modification example in which the drive circuit unit 122 and the output waveform generation unit 132 are omitted as described above, the two sub-modes may be realized in a time-division manner. In this case, within the duration of the first combined mode M11, the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode may be realized alternately only once, or may be realized a plurality of times.

[0082] That is, the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3 in the first combined mode M11 may be applied simultaneously, or may be applied one by one in a time-division manner, or may be applied alternately and repeatedly.

[0083] In the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11, all of the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be used simultaneously. In this case, an output waveform having an action of infiltrating the active ingredient into the muscle is applied to the user's skin through each pair. In the example shown in FIG. 8, among the three outer edge electrodes 33, two outer edge electrodes 33 (electrodes to which the circled “+” is associated) having the same phase of the AC waveform may be paired with the other outer edge electrode 33 (electrode to which the circled “-” is associated) (that is, two pairs may be formed).

[0084] The output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less. The frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11 is preferably lower than the frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11.

[0085] In the high-frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11, all of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group may be used simultaneously. In this case, an output waveform having an action of applying an AC stimulus to the skin is applied to the user's skin through each pair. In the example shown in FIG. 8, for the plurality of electrodes 30, each of the inner electrodes 31 (electrodes to which the circled “+” is associated) having the same phase of the AC waveform may be paired with the outer electrode 32 (electrode to which the circled “-” is associated).

[0086] The output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11 is a high-frequency AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11 is preferably 100 kHz or more and 250 kHz or less, more preferably 150 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less. The frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11 is preferably higher than the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11.

[0087] The duration of the first combination mode M11 is preferably between 5 seconds and 25 seconds, more preferably between 10 seconds and 20 seconds, and most preferably about 15 seconds.

[0088] The repetition mode M9 is an alternating repetition mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the ion introduction mode M2. Specifically, in the repetition mode M9, the infiltration mode M1 and the ion introduction mode M2 are continuously switched in this order in a non-overlapping manner with respect to each other, and are periodically repeated.

[0089] In the infiltration mode M1 of the repetition mode M9, all the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group and the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be used simultaneously. In this case, an output waveform having an action of permeating the active ingredient into the muscle is applied to the user's skin via each pair. In the example shown in FIG. 8, for the first electrode group and the second electrode group, each of the inner electrodes 31 (electrodes to which the circled "+" is associated) of the same phase of the AC waveform in the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group, and two of the outer edge electrodes 33 of the same phase of the AC waveform among the three outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group (electrodes to which the circled "+" is associated) may form a pair with the outer electrode 32 (electrode to which the circled "-" is associated) constituting the first electrode group and the other outer edge electrode 33 (electrode to which the circled "-" is associated) constituting the second electrode group. In this case, the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group may form a pair, and the outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may form a pair with each other, or at least one of the inner electrode 31, the outer electrode 32, and the outer edge electrode 33 may be one electrode (group), and at least one of the remaining electrodes may be the other electrode (group) to form a pair, provided that the electrode combinations are not limited to these.

[0090] The output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 in the repetition mode M9 is an alternating current waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 in the repetition mode M9 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, and more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less.

[0091] In the infiltration mode M1 of the repetition mode M9, the frequency of the output waveform of the first electrode group and the frequency of the output waveform of the second electrode group may be the same or may be different from each other.

[0092] In the ion introduction mode M2 of the repetition mode M9, all of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group may be used simultaneously. In this case, an output waveform having an action of introducing ions into the muscle is applied to the user's skin via each pair. In the example shown in FIG. 8, for the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group, each of the inner electrodes 31 of the same polarity (the electrodes to which the circled "+" is associated) may be paired with the outer electrode 32 (the electrode to which the circled "-" is associated).

[0093] In the ion introduction mode M2 of the repetition mode M9, a continuous waveform that periodically changes at least twice or more within one duration is generated. The output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 of the repetition mode M9 is a pulsed DC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 of the repetition mode M9 is determined so that at least two or more pulsed DC waveforms are generated within one duration, and is preferably 1.5 kHz or more and 10 kHz or less.

[0094] The duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 in the repetition mode M9 are preferably the same, and each is preferably 1 second or more, and more preferably about 1 second.

[0095] The duration of the repetition mode M9 is preferably between 5 seconds and 25 seconds, more preferably between 10 seconds and 20 seconds, and most preferably about 14 seconds. The duration of the repetition mode M9 is preferably such that both the infiltration mode M1 and the ion introduction mode M2 are alternately performed for the same duration of 1 second or more and the total is 14 seconds. Specifically, it is preferable that the infiltration mode M1 is 1 second and the ion introduction mode M2 is 1 second, and each is alternately performed 7 times for a total of 14 seconds.

[0096] The second combination mode M12 is a combination mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3, similar to the first combination mode M11. The second combination mode M12 includes, as a first sub-mode having an action of infiltrating the active ingredient into the muscle, the infiltration mode M1, and, as a second sub-mode having an action of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin, the high-frequency mode M3.

[0097] In this case, as already described in relation to the first combination mode M11, it is possible to simultaneously realize the two sub-modes (i.e., the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode) of the second combination mode M12 by using the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG. 5. And, as already described in relation to the first combination mode M11, the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3 in the second combination mode M12 may be applied simultaneously, or may be applied one by one in time division, or may be applied alternately and repeatedly.

[0098] In the infiltration mode M1 of the second combination mode M12, all of the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be used simultaneously. In this case, an output waveform having an action of infiltrating the active ingredient into the muscle is applied to the user's skin through each pair. In the example shown in FIG. 8, two outer edge electrodes 33 (electrodes to which the circled "+" is associated) having the same phase of the alternating current waveform among the three outer edge electrodes 33 may be paired with the other outer edge electrodes 33 (electrodes to which the circled "-" is associated) (i.e., two pairs may be formed in total).

[0099] The output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 in the second combination mode M12 is an alternating current waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 in the second combination mode M12 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less. The frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 in the second combination mode M12 is preferably lower than the frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 in the second combination mode M12.

[0100] In the high-frequency mode M3 of the second combination mode M12, all of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group may be used simultaneously, and in this case, an output waveform having an action of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin is applied to the user's skin via each pair. In the example shown in FIG. 8, for the plurality of electrodes 30, each of the inner electrodes 31 (electrodes to which the circled “+” is associated) having the same phase of the alternating current waveform may form a pair with the outer electrode 32 (electrode to which the circled “-” is associated).

[0101] The output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 in the second combination mode M12 is a high-frequency alternating current waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 in the second combination mode M12 is preferably 100 kHz or more and 250 kHz or less, more preferably 150 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less. The frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 in the second combination mode M12 is preferably higher than the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 in the second combination mode M12.

[0102] The duration of the second combination mode M12 is preferably between 4 seconds and 12 seconds, more preferably between 6 seconds and 10 seconds, and most preferably about 8 seconds. The duration of the second combination mode M12 may be shorter than the duration of the first combination mode M11.

[0103] When the duration of an entire operation mode A1 is about 45 seconds, for example, the sum of the duration of the first combination mode M11 and the duration of the second combination mode M12 in the operation mode A1 is preferably 15 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less, and more preferably 20 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less. That is, the ratio of the duration of the entire operation mode A1 to the sum of the duration of the first combination mode M11 and the duration of the second combination mode M12 is preferably 1 / 3 or more and 2 / 3 or less, and more preferably 4 / 9 or more and 2 / 3 or less.

[0104] In the electromyostimulation mode M4, all of the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be used simultaneously. In this case, a high-frequency or low-frequency output waveform having an electromyostimulation effect is applied to the user's skin through each pair. In the example shown in FIG. 8, two outer edge electrodes 33 (electrodes to which the circled “+” is associated) having the same phase of the AC waveform among the three outer edge electrodes 33 may be paired with the other outer edge electrodes 33 (electrodes to which the circled “-” is associated) (that is, two pairs may be formed in total).

[0105] The output waveform of the electromyostimulation mode M4 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the electromyostimulation mode M4 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less.

[0106] The duration of the electromyostimulation mode M4 is preferably between 4 seconds and 12 seconds, more preferably between 6 seconds and 10 seconds, and most preferably about 8 seconds.

[0107] Note that the output mode after the second combination mode M12 is not limited to the electromyostimulation mode M4 as in the example shown in FIG. 8, and other types of output modes may be performed. For example, after the second combination mode M12, similar to the infiltration mode M1 in the repetition mode M9, all the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group and the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be simultaneously used to perform the infiltration mode M1. When the infiltration mode M1 is performed after the second combination mode M12, the output waveform is an alternating current waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, and more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less.

[0108] From the above, specifically, the duration of the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 8 is considered to be 15 seconds for the first combination mode M11, 14 seconds for the repetition mode M9, 8 seconds for the second combination mode M12, and 8 seconds for the electromyostimulation mode M4 (or other output modes such as the infiltration mode M1), for a total of 45 seconds. The operation mode A1 may be repeated two or more times.

[0109] Such an operation mode A1 is suitable for the penetration of various components such as whitening components (e.g., kojic acid), anti-inflammatory components (e.g., dipotassium glycyrrhizinate), and anti-aging components (e.g., tocopherol acetate). And the operation mode A1 can be expected to have a better penetration effect by performing the first combination mode M11 (i.e., simultaneous application or alternating application of the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3) and the second combination mode M12 (i.e., simultaneous application or alternating application of the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3) before and after the repetition mode M9 in which the infiltration mode M1 and the iontophoresis mode M2 are alternately repeated.

[0110] (Frequency customization) The frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 included in the operation mode A1 may be selected and set by the user according to the type and characteristics of the component (for example, the component contained in cosmetics or coating agents used together when using the skin treatment device 1) to be infiltrated by the penetration effect of the active ingredient which is the action related to the infiltration mode M1. That is, the frequency of the output waveform of at least one of the infiltration modes M1 of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11, the infiltration mode M1 of the repetition mode M9, and the infiltration mode M1 of the second combination mode M12 shown in FIG. 8, and the infiltration mode M1 when the infiltration mode M1 is performed after the second combination mode M12 may be selected and set by the user. Note that one operation mode A1 may include both an infiltration mode M1 (also referred to as a "customized output mode") in which the frequency of the output waveform is selected and set by the user and an infiltration mode M1 in which the frequency of the output waveform is not selected and set by the user.

[0111] Specifically, the frequency of the output waveform of the customized output mode is preferably in the range of 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less as the range of the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, and is adjusted according to the type and characteristics of the component to be infiltrated.

[0112] In this case, for example, a plurality of frequencies corresponding to each type of the component to be infiltrated are provided (in other words, stored) in the skin treatment device 1 in advance, and the user may select the type of the component to be infiltrated or the frequency corresponding to the type of the component to be infiltrated via the user interface 20. The skin treatment device 1 sets and controls the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 to be customized (that is, the customized output mode) to the frequency associated with the type of the component selected by the user, or sets and controls it to the frequency selected by the user.

[0113] Alternatively, the skin treatment device 1 may be configured to be communicable with a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, and an app for controlling the skin treatment device 1 may be installed on the portable information terminal. In this case, when the user selects the type of component to be permeated and selects to execute frequency customization on the app, information (specifically, a control signal for the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1) is transmitted from the portable information terminal to the skin treatment device 1. Then, the skin treatment device 1 sets and controls the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 (i.e., the customized output mode) to be customized according to the information transmitted from the portable information terminal.

[0114] When the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is selected and set by the user, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 (i.e., the customized output mode) whose output waveform frequency is selected and set by the user (in the case where there are a plurality of customized output modes in one operation mode A1, the total of the durations of these customized output modes) preferably occupies 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, still more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more of the total duration of one operation mode A1.

[0115] (Effect) With reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, the difference in effects according to the difference in the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 in the repetition mode M9 will be described.

[0116] In order to verify the difference in effects according to the difference in the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2, a verification test of the absorption amount in the stratum corneum was carried out according to the following procedure (referred to as the "verification test procedure").

[0117] 1) First, as a confirmation of skin homeostasis, after washing the forearm, it was acclimatized for 15 minutes, and after measuring the moisture evaporation amount at the application sites (5 locations), it was confirmed that there were no large fluctuations or wounds in the numerical values. 2) Next, quantitative measurement was performed from the beauty device treatment as follows. 2-1: Drop the sample on the forearm. 2-2: After the process of 2-1, use the skin treatment device 1 in an operation that draws a circle at a speed of one rotation per second for a predetermined time from above the sample. 2-3: After the process of 2-2, wipe off the remaining sample with cotton in both cases, and wipe the skin surface with cotton soaked in a 50% ethanol solution for cleaning. 2-4: After the process of 2-3, peel off the stratum corneum of the application site with an adhesive tape (a keratin checker commercially available under the trade name "D-Squame (registered trademark)"), and quantify the amount of VCPMg (L-ascorbyl magnesium phosphate) contained in the 2nd to 10th tapes.

[0118] In order to verify the difference in effects according to the difference in the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2, the following test conditions T11 to T14 were set.

[0119] Test condition T11 is a condition in which no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as "output non-use condition"). Regarding the above procedure 2-2, under the output non-use condition, the skin treatment device 1 with the power turned off (that is, the skin treatment device 1 in a state where no output waveform is generated at all) was used, and an operation was performed to draw a circle at a speed of one rotation per second for 60 seconds from above the sample.

[0120] Under test condition T12, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 was set to 1 second and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 was set to 1 second, and the output waveform was applied to the skin 30 times alternately for a total of 60 seconds. Test condition T12 is, that is, a condition in which the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 are the same and are each 1 second.

[0121] Under test condition T13, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 was set to 1.6 seconds and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 was set to 0.4 seconds. The output waveform was applied to the skin for 60 seconds in total, 30 times alternately for each mode. Test condition T13 is, that is, the ratio of the duration of the infiltration mode M1 to the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 is 4:1, and the duration of the infiltration mode M1 is 1 second or more while the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 is less than 1 second.

[0122] Under test condition T14, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 was set to 0.3 seconds and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 was set to 0.3 seconds. The output waveform was applied to the skin for 60 seconds in total, 100 times alternately for each mode. Test condition T14 is, that is, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 are the same, and each is less than 1 second.

[0123] In any of test conditions T12, T13, and T14, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is an alternating current waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is 130 kHz. Also, in any of test conditions T12, T13, and T14, the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 is a pulsed direct current waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 is 1 - 10 kHz.

[0124] Figure 9 is a diagram comparing the penetration effects of the active ingredient due to differences in the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2. In Figure 9, on the vertical axis, the absorption amount β [μg] in the stratum corneum related to the 10th piece of tape 2 (that is, the total of the 10th piece of tape 2; the same applies hereinafter) is taken, and on the horizontal axis, various test conditions T11 to T14 are associated, and the absorption amount in the same stratum corneum in each of test conditions T11 to T14 is shown.

[0125] From FIG. 9, it was confirmed that in the case of test condition T12, a higher penetration effect can be expected compared to other test conditions T11, T13, and T14. That is, by making the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 the same, and each being 1 second, as in test condition T12, it was found that the effect related to the ion introduction mode M2 can further enhance the effect related to the infiltration mode M1 and a high penetration effect can be expected.

[0126] Also, in order to verify the difference in effects according to the difference in the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2, the following test conditions T21 and T22 were set. And, with the above-described verification test procedure, a verification test of the absorption amount in the stratum corneum was carried out.

[0127] In test condition T21, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 was set to 1 second and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 was set to 1 second, and the output waveform was applied to the skin 30 times alternately for a total of 60 seconds. Test condition T21 is, that is, a condition where the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 are the same and each is 1 second.

[0128] In test condition T22, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 was set to 2 seconds and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 was set to 2 seconds, and the output waveform was applied to the skin 15 times alternately for a total of 60 seconds. Test condition T22 is, that is, a condition where the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 are the same and each is 2 seconds.

[0129] In both test condition T21 and test condition T22, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is 130 kHz. Also, in both test condition T21 and test condition T22, the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 is a pulsed DC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 is 1 to 10 kHz.

[0130] FIG. 10 is a diagram for comparing the penetration effects of active ingredients due to differences in the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2. In FIG. 10, on the vertical axis, the amount of absorption β [μg] in the stratum corneum related to the 10th tape 2-10 is taken, and on the horizontal axis, various test conditions T21 and T22 are associated, and the amount of absorption in the same stratum corneum under each of the test conditions T21 and T22 is shown.

[0131] From FIG. 10, it was confirmed that in the case of test condition T21, a higher penetration effect can be expected than in test condition T22. That is, by setting the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 to 1 second each, as in test condition T21, it was found that the action related to the ion introduction mode M2 can further enhance the action related to the infiltration mode M1 and a high penetration effect can be expected.

[0132] In addition, in order to verify the difference in effects according to the difference in the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, an alternating current waveform) of the infiltration mode M1 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12 (that is, the combination mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3), the following test conditions T31 to T33 were set. Then, a verification test of the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum was carried out according to the above verification test procedure.

[0133] In test condition T31, the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, an alternating current waveform) from the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group related to the infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz. Similarly, in test condition T32, it is 130 kHz, and in test condition T33, it is 180 kHz.

[0134] In any of test condition T31, test condition T32, and test condition T33, the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, an alternating current waveform) from the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group related to the high-frequency mode M3 is 165 kHz. In addition, the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3 were simultaneously applied for 60 seconds.

[0135] FIG. 11 is a diagram for comparing the penetration effect of the effective component due to the difference in the frequency of the output waveform (AC waveform) of the infiltration mode M1 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12. In FIG. 11, on the vertical axis, the absorption amount β [μg] in the horny layer related to the 10th tape 2-10 is taken, and on the horizontal axis, various test conditions T31 to T33 are associated, and the absorption amount in the same horny layer under each of the test conditions T31 to T33 is shown.

[0136] From FIG. 11, it was confirmed that in the case of test conditions T31 and test conditions T32, a higher penetration effect can be expected than in other test conditions T33. That is, it was found that a high penetration effect can be expected by setting the frequency of the output waveform (AC waveform) of the infiltration mode M1 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12 to 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less. Also, it was found that a lower frequency of the output waveform (AC waveform) of the infiltration mode M1 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12 can expect a higher penetration effect.

[0137] In addition, in order to verify the difference in the effects according to the difference in the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, the AC waveform) of the high-frequency mode M3 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12 (that is, the combination mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3), the following test conditions T41 and T42 were set. Then, a verification test of the absorption amount in the horny layer was carried out according to the above verification test procedure.

[0138] In test condition T41, the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, the AC waveform) from the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group related to the high-frequency mode M3 is 165 kHz. Similarly, in test condition T42, it is 3000 kHz.

[0139] In both test condition T41 and test condition T42, the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, the AC waveform) from the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group related to the infiltration mode M1 is 130 kHz. Also, the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3 were simultaneously applied for 60 seconds.

[0140] Figure 12 is a diagram for comparing the penetration effect of the effective component due to the difference in the frequency of the output waveform (AC waveform) of the high-frequency mode M3 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12. In Figure 12, on the vertical axis, the absorption amount β [μg] in the corner layer related to the 10th sheet of the tape 2 is taken, and on the horizontal axis, various test conditions T41 and T42 are associated, and the absorption amounts in the same corner layer under the test conditions T41 and T42 are shown respectively.

[0141] From Figure 12, it was confirmed that in the case of the test condition T41, a higher penetration effect can be expected than in the test condition T42. That is, it was found that a high penetration effect can be expected by setting the frequency of the output waveform (AC waveform) of the high-frequency mode M3 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12 to 150 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less, like the test condition T41.

[0142] (Output waveform) Next, with reference to Figures 13 to 17, preferred examples of the output waveforms related to various modes such as the infiltration mode M1 described above will be described.

[0143] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a preferred example of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1. In Figure 13, when time is taken on the horizontal axis and the voltage value is taken on the vertical axis, the output waveform (time-series waveform) of the infiltration mode M1 is shown. In addition, in Figure 13, ΔT1 represents a section (range) corresponding to one cycle of the output waveform.

[0144] In this embodiment, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is an AC waveform and has a plurality of peak voltage values during a half cycle (ΔT / 2). In this case, the plurality of peak voltage values include the first peak voltage value Vp1 and one or more second peak voltage values Vp2.

[0145] The first peak voltage value Vp1 is the peak voltage value that appears at the beginning of a half cycle. The second peak voltage value Vp2 appears after the first peak voltage value Vp1 and is smaller in magnitude than the first peak voltage value Vp1. As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of second peak voltage values Vp2 may occur in a manner of gradually decreasing. The second peak voltage value Vp2 is preferably smaller than half the magnitude of the first peak voltage value Vp1.

[0146] The frequency of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, and more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less. The frequency of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 is preferably lower than the frequency of the output waveform in the high-frequency mode M3.

[0147] FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing other output waveforms that may be used instead of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13D is an enlarged view of the Q6 part of FIG. 13C. The examples shown in FIGS. 13A and 13C mainly differ from the output waveform shown in FIG. 13 in that the second peak voltage value Vp2 does not exist. In this case, the voltage value of the output waveform for a half cycle changes in a manner of maintaining a substantially constant value (substantially constant voltage value) from the first peak voltage value Vp1. In this case, the substantially constant value may be at the same level as the second peak voltage value Vp2. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13C, the substantially constant value may be at a level slightly smaller than the second peak voltage value Vp2. In this case, there is an effect such as electroporation in the peak waveform related to the first peak voltage value Vp1, and an effect of promoting penetration can be expected in the subsequent electrical stimulation (substantially constant value section). Note that the substantially constant value is a concept that allows an error that occurs as a relatively small sawtooth waveform as shown in FIG. 13D, for example, a concept that allows an error within 10% with respect to a constant value. In FIG. 13D, B Vp1 represents the magnitude (amplitude) of the first peak voltage value Vp1, and δ represents the fluctuation range of the substantially constant value. Note that FIG. 13D is a diagram for explaining the substantially constant value in FIG. 13C, but the same applies to FIG. 13A.

[0148] The example shown in Fig. 13B is mainly different in that, for the output waveform shown in Fig. 13, the first peak voltage value Vp1 does not appear at the beginning of the half cycle but appears from the middle. In this case, as shown in Fig. 13B, the second peak voltage value Vp2 may appear at the beginning of the half cycle. In the example shown in Fig. 13B, although the first peak voltage value Vp1 appears near the middle of the half cycle, it may appear significantly later (e.g., at the end) or significantly earlier than near the middle. This is the same for the output waveforms shown in Figs. 13A and 13C. That is, also in the output waveforms shown in Figs. 13A and 13C, the first peak voltage value Vp1 does not necessarily have to appear at the beginning of the half cycle and may appear in the middle or at the end of the half cycle.

[0149] Note that the various waveforms shown in Figs. 13 to 13C may be waveforms that are substantially symmetric with respect to positive and negative, but may have a slight offset on the positive side or the negative side.

[0150] Here, in the various waveforms shown in Figs. 13 to 13C, the duration (ΔT Vp1 ) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is preferably 1 / 5 or less with respect to the half cycle (=ΔT / 2), or with respect to the remaining time (ΔT Vc =ΔT / 2 - ΔT Vp1 ) within the half cycle. That is, ΔT Vp1 ≦1 / 5×(ΔT / 2 - ΔT Vp1 ). For example, in the example shown in Fig. 13, the duration (ΔT Vp1 ) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is preferably 1 / 5 or less with respect to the duration of the second peak voltage value Vp2 (=ΔT Vp2 =ΔT / 2 - ΔT Vp1 ). Also, in the example shown in Fig. 13B, the duration (ΔT Vp1 ) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is preferably 1 / 5 or less with respect to the sum of the durations of the two second peak voltage values Vp2 (=2×ΔT Vp2 =ΔT / 2 - ΔT Vp1 ). In these cases, the duration (ΔT Vp1 ) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 may be measured as the period during which 80% or more of the magnitude of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is maintained.

[0151] The effects of the output waveform in such an infiltration mode M1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 and subsequent figures.

[0152] Incidentally, the output waveform of such an infiltration mode M1 is significantly different in waveform (waveform characteristics other than frequency) from the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 shown in FIG. 17 to be described later, but can be generated using the same hardware resources as the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3. Specifically, both the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 and the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 can be generated via the output waveform generation units 130 and 131 of the control system 100 shown in FIG. 5. In this case, only the frequencies of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generation unit 114 are different between the case of generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 and the case of generating the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3. That is, when generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, the frequencies of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generation unit 114 correspond to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, whereas when generating the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3, the frequencies of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generation unit 114 only differ in that they correspond to the frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3.

[0153] As described above, in this embodiment, the transformer 136 (similarly for the transformer 135) has a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3, so for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3, a sinusoidal output waveform of a desired frequency (the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3) as shown in FIG. 17 can be generated. On the other hand, for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, which is lower than the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3, the transformer 135 (similarly for the transformer 136) cannot generate a sinusoidal output waveform (a sinusoidal output waveform corresponding to the frequency related to the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1) as shown in FIG. 17. On the other hand, the transformer 135 can generate the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, which is lower than the frequency of the high-frequency mode M3.

[0154] According to this embodiment in this way, it is possible to generate the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 without requiring special hardware resources for generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1. That is, according to this embodiment, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 can be generated by using the hardware resources for generating the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3. As a result, while minimizing the component variations of the control system 100, it is possible to generate various output waveforms (output waveforms having various functions as described above or below) including the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0155] In addition, in a modified example, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 may be generated via the first electrode group (specifically, a plurality of inner electrodes 31 and outer electrodes 32) instead of or in addition to the second electrode group (specifically, a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33). Further, the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 as shown in FIG. 17 may be generated via the second electrode group (specifically, a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33) instead of or in addition to the first electrode group (specifically, a plurality of inner electrodes 31 and outer electrodes 32). In this case, by using a common drive circuit unit and output waveform generation unit (for example, in the case of the second electrode group, the drive circuit unit 120 and output waveform generation unit 130 in FIG. 5), it is possible to selectively generate the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 and the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 as shown in FIG. 17 only by changing the frequencies of the control signals CT1 and CT2. Thereby, while minimizing the circuit scale of the control system 100, various output waveforms (output waveforms having various functions as described above or below) can be applied via various electrodes.

[0156] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a preferred example of the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2. In FIG. 14, the output waveform (time series waveform) of the ion introduction mode M2 when the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage value is shown. In FIG. 14, ΔT2 represents an interval (range) corresponding to one cycle of the output waveform.

[0157] In the ion introduction mode M2, a continuous waveform that periodically changes at least twice or more within one duration is generated. In this embodiment, the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 is a pulsed DC waveform. Instead of the waveform shown in FIG. 14, a waveform with inverted polarity as shown in FIG. 15 may be used.

[0158] The frequency of the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 is determined so that at least two or more pulsed DC waveforms are generated within one duration, and is preferably 1.5 kHz or more and 10 kHz or less.

[0159] The output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 may be composed of a plurality of pulsed DC waveforms having the same amplitude (magnitude of voltage value), but preferably may include one or more specific pulses having a significantly larger amplitude (magnitude of voltage value) than the others. For example, FIG. 16 shows an example of the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 that includes only one specific pulse PL2 within one duration. The specific pulse has a function of enhancing the effect of the ion introduction mode M2 by generating transient pores in the skin by pulse stimulation (electroporation). The specific pulse may have a different frequency as well as a different amplitude (magnitude of voltage value) from pulses other than the specific pulse (hereinafter, referred to as "mesoporation pulses" for distinction) in the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2. For example, the mesoporation pulse has a peak voltage value of less than 10 V and a frequency of 1.5 kHz or more and 10 kHz or less, while the specific pulse may have a peak voltage value of 10 V or more and a low frequency of about 2 Hz or more and 10 Hz or less.

[0160] Incidentally, in order to enhance the function of the mesoporation pulse having an action (mesoporation) of applying a high voltage to push the active ingredient deep into the skin with ions, it may be useful to apply the mesoporation pulse immediately after applying the specific pulse having a function of generating transient pores in the skin by pulse stimulation. This is because the transient pores tend to close immediately.

[0161] In this regard, according to the output waveform shown in FIG. 16, since the microporation pulse is generated immediately after the application of a specific pulse, the effect of the ion introduction mode M2 can be effectively enhanced.

[0162] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a preferred example of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3. In FIG. 17, when the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage value, the output waveform (time-series waveform) of the high-frequency mode M3 is shown. In FIG. 17, ΔT3 represents an interval (range) corresponding to one period of the output waveform.

[0163] The output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 is a high-frequency AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 is preferably 100 kHz or more and 250 kHz or less, more preferably 150 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less. The frequency of the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3 is preferably higher than the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1.

[0164] (Effect) Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 and later, the effect of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 (or FIGS. 13A to 13C, the same applies hereinafter) will be described.

[0165] FIG. 18 is a diagram comparing the penetration effects of active ingredients by various output waveforms. In the left diagram of FIG. 18, the vertical axis represents the amount of absorption β [μg] in the stratum corneum related to the 2nd to 5th tapes, the horizontal axis is associated with various test conditions C1 to C5, and the amount of absorption in the same stratum corneum under each of the test conditions C1 to C5 is shown. Also, in the right diagram of FIG. 18, the vertical axis represents the amount of absorption β [μg] in the stratum corneum related to the 6th to 10th tapes, the horizontal axis is associated with various test conditions C1 to C5, and the amount of absorption in the same stratum corneum under each of the test conditions C1 to C5 is shown.

[0166] Test condition C1 corresponds to the condition where the output waveform is not generated from the skin treatment device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "output non-use condition"). Test conditions C2 to C5 are the conditions where the skin treatment device 1 is used. Test condition C2 corresponds to the condition where only the output waveform in the high-frequency mode M3 is applied to the skin. Test condition C3 corresponds to the condition where only the output waveform in the iontophoresis mode M2 (the positive-side output waveform shown in FIG. 14) is applied to the skin. Test condition C4 corresponds to the condition where only the output waveform in the iontophoresis mode M2 (the negative-side output waveform shown in FIG. 15) is applied to the skin. Further, test condition C5 corresponds to the condition where only the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 is applied to the skin.

[0167] This test was carried out according to the following procedure. 1) First, as a confirmation of skin constancy, after washing the forearm, it was acclimatized for 15 minutes, and after measuring the moisture evaporation amount at the application sites (5 locations), it was confirmed that there were no significant fluctuations or scratches in the numerical values. 2) Next, quantitative measurement was performed from the beauty device treatment as follows. 2-1: Drop the sample onto the forearm. 2-2: After the treatment in 2-1, use the skin treatment device 1 in an operation that draws a circle at a speed of one rotation per second for 1.5 minutes from above the sample. In the output non-use condition, the same operation is realized using the skin treatment device 1 with the power turned off (that is, the skin treatment device 1 in a state where no output waveform is generated at all). 2-3: After the treatment in 2-2, wipe off the remaining sample with cotton in all cases, wipe the skin surface with cotton soaked in a 50% ethanol solution, and perform washing. 2-4: After the treatment in 2-3, peel off the stratum corneum at the application site with an adhesive tape (a keratin checker commercially available under the trade name "D-Squame (registered trademark)"), and quantify the amount of VCPMg (L-ascorbyl magnesium phosphate) contained in each of the 2nd to 5th and 6th to 10th tapes. In this test, considering the electrical influence of the skin treatment device 1, it was carried out from test condition C1.

[0168] As shown in Fig. 18, according to the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 13, it was found that a significantly higher penetration effect can be expected in both the 2nd to 5th tapes and the 6th to 10th tapes than in the output waveforms of other modes.

[0169] Here, for ion introduction or ion extraction, there are substances that face each other and those that do not. However, it was found that the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 13 can be expected to have a high penetration effect in components of all characteristics as shown in the following table.

[0170] [Table 1]

[0171] Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effects according to the difference in the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 13. In Fig. 19, the vertical axis represents the absorption amount β [μg] in the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis is associated with various test conditions C10 to C12 and C1. The absorption amount in the stratum corneum under each of the test conditions C10 to C12 and C1 is shown separately as the absorption amount in the stratum corneum related to the 2nd to 5th tapes (see reference numeral 2301), the absorption amount in the stratum corneum related to the 6th to 10th tapes (see reference numeral 2302), and their total (the absorption amount in the stratum corneum related to the 2nd to 10th tapes) (see reference numeral 2303).

[0172] The test conditions C10 to C12 respectively correspond to the conditions where the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is 50 kHz, 70 kHz, and 156 kHz, and the test condition C1 is the above-described output non-use condition (the condition where no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1). The test procedure is as described above with reference to Fig. 18.

[0173] As shown in Fig. 19, according to the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 13, obvious effective results were obtained at any frequency as compared with the results related to the test condition C1. In addition, regarding the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, it can also be confirmed that there is a tendency for the absorption amount in the stratum corneum to be slightly larger when the frequency is lower.

[0174] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effects according to the difference in the current value of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Figure 13. In Figure 20, the vertical axis represents the amount of absorption β [μg] in the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis is associated with various test conditions C20, C21, and C1. The amount of absorption in the stratum corneum under each of the test conditions C20, C21, and C1 is shown separately as the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum related to the 2nd to 5th tapes (see reference numeral 2301), the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum related to the 6th to 10th tapes (see reference numeral 2302), and their total (the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum related to the 2nd to 10th tapes) (see reference numeral 2303).

[0175] The test conditions C20 and C21 respectively correspond to the condition where the frequency of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz. The test condition C20 is the same as the test condition C21 except that the current value is twice that of the test condition C21. The test condition C1 is the output non-use condition described above.

[0176] As shown in Figure 20, it can be confirmed that the higher the current value, the higher the absorption amount in all layers. Specifically, when the current value is twice (test condition C20 compared to test condition C21), the absorption amount becomes 1.5 times. From this, it can be seen that at the same frequency, the higher the current value, the more the absorption amount.

[0177] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effects according to the difference in the usage time of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Figure 13. In Figure 21, the vertical axis represents the amount of absorption β [μg] in the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis is associated with various test conditions C30, C31, and C1. The amount of absorption in the stratum corneum under each of the test conditions C30, C31, and C1 is shown separately as the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum related to the 2nd to 5th tapes (see reference numeral 2301), the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum related to the 6th to 10th tapes (see reference numeral 2302), and their total (the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum related to the 2nd to 10th tapes) (see reference numeral 2303).

[0178] Test conditions C30 and C31 respectively correspond to the condition where the frequency of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz. For test condition C30, the usage time is 90 seconds, and for test condition C31, the usage time is 15 seconds. Note that test condition C1 is the above-mentioned output non-use condition.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 21, it can be confirmed that the absorption amount tends to be higher in all layers when the usage time is longer. Specifically, when the usage time is 6 times (90 seconds in test condition C30, which is 6 times that of “15 seconds” in test condition C31), the absorption amount is 3.6 times that of the 10th tape of tape 2-10. From this, it can be seen that at the same frequency, the longer the usage time, the more the absorption amount. Therefore, for example, by including the infiltration mode M1 in the operation mode A1 and increasing the ratio of the time of the infiltration mode M1 in one cycle of the operation mode A1, it can be expected to efficiently increase the absorption amount per unit time.

[0180] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the specific configuration aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments, and forms in which modifications and changes within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are added to the above embodiments are also included in the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

[0181] For example, in the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of electrodes 30 is configured such that the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 is formed in a regular hexagon shape, and the inner and outer peripheral edges of the outer electrode 32 are formed in a regular hexagon shape. However, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner and outer peripheral edges of the outer electrode 32 are not limited to a regular hexagon, and may be a vertically long or horizontally long hexagon, or other regular polygons with three or more sides or vertically long or horizontally long polygons, and may further be a circular or elliptical shape. Although it is preferable that the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode are polygons or ellipses that are similar to each other, they may also be polygons or ellipses that are not similar to each other.

[0182] In addition, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 is suitable for promoting the penetration of useful substances contained in the topical skin preparation, and for topical skin preparations, the purpose of using the substance carrier such as pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, etc. is arbitrary. For example, it is not limited to cosmetics and quasi-drugs, and it is also effective in promoting the transdermal absorption of pharmaceuticals that have been decomposed in the liver and whose effects and efficacy could not be fully exerted. Furthermore, the purpose of using the topical preparation for transdermal absorption is arbitrary, and it does not matter whether it is for transdermal absorption purposes of topical preparations such as analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, whitening agents, moisturizers, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial agents, and antiviral drugs.

Explanation of Signs

[0183] 1 Skin treatment device 2 Gripping part 3 Head part 3a Contact surface 20 User interface 30 Electrode 31 Inner electrode 32 Outer electrode 33 Outer edge electrode 100 Control system 110 Control device 111 User input acquisition unit 112 Mode setting unit 113 Control parameter setting unit 114 Control signal generation unit 115 Switching control unit 116 Parameter storage unit 120 Drive circuit unit 121 Drive circuit unit 122 Drive circuit unit 130 Output waveform generation unit 131 Output waveform generation unit 132 Output waveform generation unit 135 Transformer 136 Transformer 137 Transformer 140 Switching circuit unit 141 Switching circuit unit 150 Power supply

Claims

1. A plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with the skin of a user; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; a control device that realizes output through the plurality of electrodes in a plurality of output modes having mutually different output waveform characteristics; The plurality of output modes includes a combination mode, The combination mode includes a first sub-mode having a function of penetrating an active ingredient into the skin and a second sub-mode having a function of applying an AC stimulus to the skin, A skin treatment device, wherein the frequency of the output waveform of the first sub-mode is 10 kHz to 150 kHz, and the frequency of the output waveform of the second sub-mode is 150 kHz to 200 kHz.

2. A plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with the skin of a user; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; a control device that realizes output through the plurality of electrodes in a plurality of output modes having mutually different output waveform characteristics; The plurality of output modes includes a combination mode, The combination mode includes a first sub-mode having a function of penetrating an active ingredient into the skin and a second sub-mode having a function of applying an AC stimulus to the skin, The plurality of electrodes form a first electrode group and a second electrode group, The electrodes constituting the first electrode group are arranged in an array, the second electrode group is configured to be spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than the inter-electrode distance of the first electrode group; A skin treatment device, wherein in the combination mode, the first sub-mode is realized by utilizing the second electrode group, and the second sub-mode is realized by utilizing the first electrode group.

3. A plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with the skin of a user; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; a control device that realizes output through the plurality of electrodes in a plurality of output modes having mutually different output waveform characteristics; The plurality of types of output modes include a combination mode and a fourth output mode having an effect of penetrating an active ingredient into the skin or an effect of electrically stimulating a muscle, The combination mode includes a first sub-mode having a function of penetrating an active ingredient into the skin and a second sub-mode having a function of applying an AC stimulus to the skin, The plurality of electrodes form a first electrode group and a second electrode group, The electrodes constituting the first electrode group are arranged in an array, the second electrode group is configured to be spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than the inter-electrode distance of the first electrode group; A skin treatment device, wherein the fourth output mode is realized by utilizing the second electrode group.

4. A plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with the skin of a user; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; a control device that realizes output through the plurality of electrodes in a plurality of output modes; A skin treatment device, wherein in at least one of the plurality of output modes, a frequency of an output waveform is controlled based on information of an application agent used by a user.

5. The skin treatment device according to claim 4 , wherein the duration of the at least one output mode is 50% or more of the total duration of each of the plurality of types of output modes.

Images