JP2014045797A - Skin function evaluation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a skin function evaluation device with a configuration by which measurement precision can be improved.SOLUTION: A skin function evaluation device 10 includes a columnar base part 11 that a measurer holds, and an electrode part 12 disposed at one end 11a of the base part 11 whose measurement surface 12a is brought into contact with a skin surface of a person to be measured to detect a skin function. A first imaginary axis line A11 that extends from a counter-electrode side 13b of the base part 11 to an electrode side 13a, and a second imaginary axis line A12 that extends in a vertical direction with respect to the measurement surface 12a of the electrode part 12 cross each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to a skin function evaluation apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a skin function evaluation apparatus that evaluates skin functions such as transdermal moisture transpiration.

  The stratum corneum of the skin (the stratum corneum) has a barrier function that prevents foreign matter from entering the skin and transpiration of moisture necessary for the living body. As an index reflecting the skin barrier function, “the amount of water in the stratum corneum” and “the amount of transdermal water loss (hereinafter referred to as“ TEWL ”) representing the amount of water volatilized from the body through the stratum corneum. May be abbreviated).

Various devices are known as devices for measuring an index reflecting the skin barrier function. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for measuring “a stratum corneum moisture content” by utilizing the electrical characteristics of the skin layer. Patent Document 2 discloses a skin barrier function evaluation apparatus that estimates “transdermal moisture transpiration”.
Patent Document 2 discloses a skin barrier function evaluation apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 7 as an example. Skin barrier function evaluation apparatus 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body (base) 2, and an application electrode 4 a and a detection electrode 4 b (electrode part) installed on one side of main body 2 via cylindrical probe 3. 4), and a characteristic value that can be an estimated value of “transdermal moisture transpiration” is calculated based on electrical characteristics.

JP 2005-52227 A JP 2010-172543 A (FIG. 1A)

  In the above-described skin barrier function evaluation apparatus 1 (see Patent Document 2 for details), the force applied in the first axial direction extending from the counter electrode part side of the main body part (base part) 2 to the electrode part side is directly applied to the electrode part 4. It is the structure inputted into. When the measurer inputs a force in the first axis direction of the main body 2 to bring the electrode portion 4 into contact with the subject, the subject to be measured has a flat measurement surface of the electrode portion 4 and a curved surface. There was a high risk of wobbling (unstable) on the contact surface with the skin surface. Then, the measurer brings the electrode part 4 into close contact with the skin of the person to be measured, and tries to stabilize the contact surface (the measurement surface of the electrode part 4 and the skin surface of the person to be measured). There was a risk of inputting more force in the axial direction. In this case, when the force applied to the body part 2 of the measurer deviates from the first axis direction, the body part 2 is shaken, and the contact surface (the measurement surface of the electrode part 4 and the skin surface of the measurement subject) is staggered. There was a fear. That is, it is difficult for the skin barrier function evaluation apparatus 1 to stabilize the contact surface (between the measurement surface of the electrode unit 4 and the skin surface of the person to be measured), which may reduce the measurement accuracy.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the skin function evaluation apparatus provided with the structure which can improve a measurement precision in view of such the actual condition.

In response to the above problem, the inventor is provided with a columnar base portion gripped by the measurer and one end portion of the base portion, and brings the measurement surface into contact with the skin surface of the measurement subject in order to detect the skin function. A first virtual axis extending from the counter electrode side of the base to the electrode part and a second virtual axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the measurement surface of the electrode intersect. A skin function evaluation apparatus is provided.
Here, the “columnar shape” includes not only a solid shape extending in one direction (for example, a columnar shape or a polygonal columnar shape) but also a cubic shape in which all sides have the same length, and the longitudinal direction. A substantially columnar shape in which a bent portion is provided at a tip portion or an intermediate portion extending in one direction is also included. Further, a structure that can be folded and stretched may be used.
Here, the “first imaginary axis” is a phantom obtained by extending an axis extending from the counter electrode part side to the electrode part side of the base part (a part not including a bent part with respect to the axis of the part gripped by the measurer). It is a straight line.
The “second virtual axis” is a virtual straight line obtained by extending a perpendicular to the measurement surface of the electrode part.
The skin barrier function evaluation apparatus according to the conventional example (shown in FIG. 7) is perpendicular to the “first axis” extending from the non-electrode part side of the main body part (base part) to the electrode part side and the measurement surface of the electrode part. The “second axis” extending in the direction is the same direction (substantially parallel) (in other words, the angle between the “first axis” of the main body portion and the “second axis” of the electrode portion is 0 degree or 180 degrees. Degrees). That is, the force input in the first axis direction of the main body is transmitted as it is in the second axis direction of the electrode section and is transmitted to the measurement subject. The skin barrier function evaluation apparatus has one direction (first, first) with respect to a wobbling (unstable) contact surface (a surface on which a flat measurement surface of an electrode part and a skin surface of a measurement subject having a curved surface contact). Since a large force is input in the second axis direction), there is a risk of lacking measurement accuracy.
In contrast, the skin function evaluation apparatus according to the present invention includes a first virtual axis extending from the counter electrode side of the base portion to the electrode portion side, and a first direction extending in a direction perpendicular to the measurement surface brought into contact with the skin surface of the electrode portion. The two virtual axes intersect each other. With this configuration, the force applied in the first virtual axis direction is determined by the “vertical direction component” and the “parallel direction component” of the first virtual axis (depending on the angle between the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis). The force component in two directions is resolved in a well-balanced manner and transmitted to the subject. The force component decomposed in two directions works to keep the measurement surface of the electrode part stably against the skin surface of the person to be measured, and prevents the measurement surface of the electrode part (to the skin surface) from wobbling. Can do. From the above, the skin function evaluation apparatus according to the present invention can improve the measurement accuracy.

In the skin function evaluation apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that an angle between the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis is 90 degrees to 150 degrees.
In the skin function evaluation apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the center of gravity of the skin function evaluation apparatus is located closer to the electrode part than the center position of the skin function evaluation apparatus in the length in the first virtual axis direction.
In the skin function evaluation apparatus of the present invention, a measurement switch for starting measurement of the skin function of the measurement subject is provided on at least one of the gripping surfaces formed along the first virtual axis of the base. It is preferable that the measurement switch has a configuration in which a force is input in a horizontal direction with respect to the measurement surface of the electrode unit.
It is preferable that the grip surface provided with the measurement switch further includes a display unit for displaying an evaluation value of the skin function of the measurement subject.

  In the present invention, the “skin function” refers to a function of the stratum corneum (skin layer) of the skin that prevents foreign matter from entering the skin and transpiration of moisture necessary for the living body. The amount of water and the amount of transdermal moisture transpiration can be evaluated.

  According to the present invention, a skin function evaluation apparatus having a configuration capable of increasing measurement accuracy is provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the skin function evaluation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view seen from the various directions which shows the skin function evaluation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the use condition of the skin function evaluation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view (a) and perspective view (b) which show the skin function evaluation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the use condition of the skin function evaluation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the conventional skin barrier function evaluation apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described. In addition, embodiment described below shows an example of typical embodiment of this invention, and, thereby, the range of this invention is not interpreted narrowly. In addition, redundant description of the configuration common to the embodiments is omitted.

<First Embodiment>
The skin function evaluation apparatus 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIGS. 1-3.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a skin function evaluation apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. 2 is a plan view showing the skin function evaluation apparatus 10. FIG. 2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a rear view as viewed from the side facing the surface represented by FIG. The top view when the electrode part 12 is directed downward, (d) is a bottom view of the side where the electrode part 12 is, (e) is a side view seen from the direction of arrow E in (a), and (f) is It is the side view seen from the direction of arrow F of (a). Furthermore, FIG. 3 is a figure showing the use condition of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

First, the schematic configuration and function of the skin function evaluation apparatus will be briefly described.
The skin function evaluation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is provided on a columnar base portion 11 held by a measurer and one end portion 11a of the base portion 11, and contacts the skin surface of the measurement subject in order to detect skin function. And an electrode portion 12 to be operated.
The electrode unit 12 includes a ring-shaped application electrode 121 and a detection electrode 122 arranged concentrically with the application electrode 121 (FIG. 2D). The application electrode 121 can apply a plurality of AC voltages (for example, AC signals having a plurality of frequencies) to the skin surface, and the detection electrode 122 can detect a plurality of AC voltages applied to the skin surface by the application electrode 121 ( It is possible to detect a plurality of AC voltages (electrical conduction characteristics) that have passed through the skin by an electrical signal).
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 brings the electrode part 12 into contact with the skin surface s, and measures the current-carrying electrical characteristics (for example, impedance, susceptance, admittance, or conductance) of the skin, From the results, the amount of water in the stratum corneum and the amount of transdermal moisture transpiration can be estimated, and the skin function (skin barrier function) can be evaluated based on this.
Note that the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, as described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-172543), has a method for measuring the electrical conduction electrical property of the skin, A method of calculating a characteristic value that can be an estimated value of the amount of transdermal moisture transpiration, a method of calculating the amount of moisture in the stratum corneum and the amount of transdermal moisture transpiration from the characteristic value can be employed.

Next, the configuration of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 will be described in detail.
The skin function evaluation apparatus 10 is provided on a columnar base portion 11 held by the measurer H1 and one end portion 11a of the base portion 11, and a measurement surface 12a is provided on the skin surface s of the subject H2 in order to detect the skin function. A first virtual axis A11 extending from the counter electrode portion side 13b of the base portion 11 to the electrode portion side 13a, and a second portion extending in the direction V1 perpendicular to the measurement surface 12a of the electrode portion 12. The virtual axis A12 intersects.

More specifically, the base portion 11 extends in the axial direction S1 from the counter electrode portion side 13b to the electrode portion side 13a and has a columnar shape. In other words, the base 11 has a length _{L 1} along the axial direction S1 is in the form of vertical T1, the length along the U1 _L 2, _{L 3} longer columnar than the axial direction S1 (substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape) There are lengths L ₁ > T ₁ along S 1 and lengths L ₂ and L ₃ along U ₁ (see FIGS. 2A and 2C).
The base 11 includes a first gripping surface 111, a second gripping surface 112 facing the first gripping surface 111, and curved third gripping surfaces 113 and fourth between the first and second gripping surfaces 111 and 112. And a gripping surface 114 (see FIG. 2E). In the present embodiment, the measurer H1 grips the first gripping surface 111 and the second gripping surface 112 (the finger is brought into contact with the first gripping surface 111 and the second gripping surface 112, and the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 is used. (See FIG. 3).

  The electrode part 12 is arrange | positioned at the edge part 11a of the side by which the base 11 mentioned above is bent. The electrode part 12 makes the measurement surface 12a contact the skin surface s of the person to be measured H2, and detects the skin function of the person to be measured H2.

  When a virtual straight line extending the axis along the axial direction S1 of the base 11 is defined as a first virtual axis A11, and a virtual straight line extending a perpendicular to the measurement surface 12a of the electrode 12 is defined as a second virtual axis A12, A plan view seen from the first gripping surface 111 side (the first gripping surface 111 side in the horizontal direction with respect to the measurement surface 12a of the electrode unit 12 with the measurement surface 12a of the electrode unit 12 facing downward in FIG. 2) The skin function evaluation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is in contact with the first virtual axis A11 extending from the counter electrode part side 13b of the base part 11 to the electrode part side 13a and the skin surface s of the electrode part 12 The second virtual axis A12 extending in the direction V1 perpendicular to the measurement surface 12a to be crossed (see FIGS. 2A and 2B).

In other words, in a plan view as viewed from the first gripping surface 111 side, a first imaginary axis A11 second imaginary axis A12 has an angle (crossing angle) alpha _1. Angle alpha _1, to the base 11, a first virtual axis line A11 measurement surface 12a is facing the side of the electrode portions 12 is the angle between the second imaginary axis A12 (FIG. 2 (a) and (b )reference). In the present embodiment, since the measurement surface 12a of the electrode unit 12 faces the lower side in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first virtual axis A11 and the second virtual axis A12 intersect each other. The lower angle.
In the present embodiment, the angle α ₁ between the first virtual axis A11 and the second virtual axis A12 is 120 degrees (α ₁ = 120 degrees).
The angle (between the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis) decomposes the force of the first virtual axis input from the base, and keeps the measurement surface of the electrode unit against the skin surface of the measurement subject. Thus, based on the purpose of increasing the measurement accuracy of the skin function evaluation apparatus, the range of 10 degrees to 170 degrees can be set. The skin function evaluation device keeps the measurement surface of the electrode part in a more stable state with respect to “the skin surface having a smooth curve (of the subject)” and prevents the measurement surface of the electrode part from wobbling. Therefore, in view of solving the problem of the present invention, the angle (between the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis) is more preferably 30 degrees to 150 degrees. In addition, the skin function evaluation device has a “smooth curve” by allowing the measurer to make the measurement surface of the electrode portion contact the measurer side of the skin of the subject and making it easy to confirm the measurement surface of the electrode portion. In consideration of preventing the wobbling of the measurement surface of the electrode portion with respect to the “skin surface” in a higher level and solving the problem of the present invention, the angle (between the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis) is: More preferably, it is 90 to 150 degrees.

The skin function of the person H2 to be measured on at least one first gripping surface 111 (gripping surface) of the first to fourth gripping surfaces 111 to 114 (gripping surface) configured along the first virtual axis A11 of the base 11 The measurement switch 14 for starting the measurement is provided, and the measurement switch 14 is configured such that a force is input in the horizontal direction with respect to the measurement surface 12a of the electrode unit 12.
In the present embodiment, a first gripping surface 111 (at least one gripping surface) that is one of the first to fourth gripping surfaces 111 to 114 configured along the first virtual axis A11 of the base 11 is covered with a target. A measurement switch 14 for starting measurement of the skin function of the measurer H2 is provided.
The measurement switch 14 is arranged in a horizontal direction (from the first gripping surface 111 (to the first gripping surface 111) toward the second gripping surface 112) with respect to the measurement surface 12a of the electrode portion 12: the first virtual axis A11. This is a push button type structure that is pressed in the vertical direction U1).
The measurement switch 14 can be operated (pressed) with the thumb of the hand (right hand in this embodiment) holding the base 11 of the measurer H1 while the measurer H1 is holding the base 11. ).
The skin function evaluation apparatus 10 brings the electrode part 12 into contact with the skin surface s of the person H2 to be measured, and several seconds (for example, about 2 seconds) after the person H1 inputs the measurement switch 14 (specifically, pressing). ) Can be used to calculate characteristic values and transdermal moisture transpiration.

In the present embodiment, the first grip surface (the grip surface on which the measurement switch 14 is provided) 111 is further provided with a display unit 15 that displays an evaluation value of the skin function.
That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first grip surface 111 of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 is provided with a measurement switch 14 and a display unit 15.

The center of gravity of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 (including the battery) is located on the electrode portion side 13a than the center position M in the first imaginary axis A11 direction length L ₄ of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 (FIG. 2 (See (b)).
The length L ₄ in the first virtual axis A11 direction of the skin function evaluation device 10 is the distance from the end 11b on the counter electrode side 13b of the base 11 to the end 12b on the counter base side of the measurement surface 12a of the electrode 12 It means the length on the first virtual axis A11.
The base 11 in the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 is a housing in which other parts can be installed or built. Although not shown, the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 has a battery (used as a power source for measurement) inside the base 11. The battery is disposed closer to the electrode part 12 than the center position M in the length L in the first virtual axis A11 direction of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 (see FIG. 2B). Min Weight of battery is added to the electrode portion 13a of the center position M of the first virtual axis line A11 direction of skin function evaluation apparatus 10 in the length L _4.
That is, (including battery) centroid of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 is located on the electrode portion side 13a than the center position M in the first imaginary axis A11 direction length L ₄ of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10.

Next, the effect which the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment show | plays is demonstrated.
The skin function evaluation apparatus 10 includes a first virtual axis A11 extending from the counter electrode part side 13b of the base 11 to the electrode part side 13a, and a second virtual axis A12 extending in a direction perpendicular to the measurement surface 12a of the electrode part 12. , Crossing configuration (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (a) and (b)). With this configuration, the force applied to the first imaginary axis A11 direction, and (a first imaginary axis A11 in accordance with the angle alpha ₁ of the second imaginary axis A12,) "vertical component" of the first virtual axis line A11 The force component in the two directions of “parallel component” is decomposed in a well-balanced manner and transmitted to the subject H2. The force component decomposed in two directions works so as to keep the measurement surface 12a of the electrode unit 12 stably with respect to the skin surface s of the measurement subject H2, and the measurement surface of the electrode unit 12 (with respect to the skin surface s). The wobbling of 12a can be prevented. Moreover, skin function evaluation apparatus 10 has its center of gravity and are located at the electrode portion 12 side from the center position M of the first virtual axis line A11 direction of skin function evaluation apparatus 10 in the length L ₄ (FIG. 2 ( b)), the electrode portion 12 side is heavy, and the measurement surface 12a of the electrode portion 12 can be more stably brought into contact with the skin surface s. Furthermore, since one gripping surface (first gripping surface) 111 of the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 includes both the measurement switch 14 and the display unit 15, it is confirmed that the measurement switch 14 has been pressed, The evaluation value of the skin function of the person H2 to be measured can be easily confirmed. When the evaluation value of the skin function is confirmed, the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 is not wobbled. Further, a single protective seal (not shown) can protect both the measurement switch 14 (of the first gripping surface 111) and the display unit 15 for the purpose of waterproofing and dustproofing. Configuration in which force is input in the direction U1 in which the measurement switch 14 is in the horizontal direction along the measurement surface 12a and is perpendicular to the axial direction S1 (or the first virtual axis A11) of the base 11 (FIG. 2A) Therefore, even if the measurement switch 14 is input, no extra force is input in the direction perpendicular to the measurement surface 12a of the electrode portion 12.
From the above, the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 can obtain a stable measurement value and can improve the measurement accuracy.
Further, since the measurement switch 14 is provided at a position where the measurer H1 can operate with a part of fingers of the hand holding the base 11 (in this embodiment, the thumb), the measurer H1 has a skin function. With the evaluation device 10 held with one hand and the measurement surface 12a in contact with the skin surface s, the measurement switch 14 can be easily input with the thumb (the hand that is gripped). Since the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 is easy to use for the measurer H1, as a result, the measurement surface 12a is hardly shaken with respect to the skin surface s, and the measurement accuracy can be increased.

Second Embodiment
Next, the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
FIG. 4A is a plan view showing the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the skin function evaluation apparatus 20. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a usage state of the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment.
In the drawings referred to in the following embodiments, those having substantially the same function (configuration) are the same as the last two digits of the part number, and redundant description is omitted. For example, in the second embodiment (shown in FIG. 4), the grip provided with the display unit 25 so as to correspond to the first gripping surface 111 provided with the display unit 15 in the first embodiment (as shown in FIG. 2). The surface is the first gripping surface 211.

The skin function evaluation apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment (as shown in FIG. 4 (a)) also has a columnar shape gripped by the measurer H1 in a plan view as viewed from one gripping surface (fourth gripping surface) 214 side. A base 21 and an electrode part 22 provided on one end 21a of the base 21 and brought into contact with the skin surface s of the measurement subject H2 in order to detect the skin function. A first virtual axis A21 extending from 23b (on the end 21b side) to the electrode part 23a (on the end 21a side) (along the axial direction S2) and the measurement surface 22a that is in contact with the skin surface s of the electrode part 22 The second virtual axis A22 extending in the vertical direction V2 intersects (the (intersection) angle between the first virtual axis A21 and the second virtual axis A22 = α ₂ ).
However, the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 (according to the second embodiment) is more in comparison with the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 (according to the first embodiment) “the orientation of the measurement surface of the electrode part relative to the gripping surface of the base part”, “ The “positioning of the measurement switch on the gripping surface of the base” is different.

The “direction of the measurement surface of the electrode part” of the skin function evaluation apparatuses 10 and 20 according to the first and second embodiments will be compared.
In the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 (according to the first embodiment), the measurement surface 12a of the electrode unit 12 faces the direction of the fourth gripping surface 114 of the base 11 (FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2D). reference). On the other hand, in the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 (according to the second embodiment), the measurement surface 22a of the electrode unit 22 faces the direction of the second gripping surface 212 (opposing the first gripping surface 211 of the base 21). (See FIG. 4).
That is, the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 (according to the second embodiment) is different from the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 (according to the first embodiment) in “the orientation of the measurement surface of the electrode part with respect to the gripping surface of the base part”.

Next, the “position of the measurement switch” of the skin function evaluation apparatuses 10 and 20 according to the first and second embodiments will be compared.
In the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 (according to the first embodiment), the measurement switch 14 is disposed on the first gripping surface 111 of the base 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A). In contrast, in the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 (according to the second embodiment), the measurement switch 24 is disposed on the third gripping surface 213 of the base 21 (see FIG. 4).
That is, the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 (according to the second embodiment) is different from the skin function evaluation apparatus 10 (according to the first embodiment) in “positioning of the measurement switch on the grip surface of the base”.

The skin function evaluation apparatus 20 also has an angle between the first virtual axis A21 and the second virtual axis A22 of 120 degrees.
The center of gravity of the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 (with the battery inserted) is located closer to the electrode part 22 than the center position of the skin function evaluation apparatus 20 in the length in the first virtual axis A21 direction. The base 21 includes a measurement switch 24 (starting measurement of skin function) on a third gripping surface (at least one gripping surface) 213 configured along the first virtual axis A21. The measurement switch 24 has a configuration in which force is input in the horizontal direction U2 (from the third gripping surface 213 toward the fourth gripping surface 214) with respect to the measurement surface 22a of the electrode unit 22. In the present embodiment, the measurement switch 24 is disposed at a position where the measurer H1 can operate with the index finger while holding the base 21 (see FIG. 5).

  The skin function evaluation apparatus 20 includes a first imaginary axis A21 extending from the counter electrode part side 23b of the base 21 to the electrode part side 23a, and a second imaginary axis A22 extending in the direction V2 perpendicular to the measurement surface 22a of the electrode part 22. However, it is the structure which crosses. With this configuration, the force applied in the direction of the first virtual axis A21 is (depending on the angle between the first virtual axis A21 and the second virtual axis A22) “vertical direction component” and “ It is decomposed in a well-balanced manner into force components in two directions of “parallel component” and transmitted to the subject. The force component decomposed in two directions works to keep the measurement surface of the electrode part stably against the skin surface of the person to be measured, and prevents the measurement surface of the electrode part (to the skin surface) from wobbling. Can do. From the above, the skin function evaluation apparatus can obtain a stable measurement value and can improve the measurement accuracy.

<Modification of Embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 6, the skin function evaluation apparatus according to the present invention is configured so that the base part (31, 41, 51, 61) is opposite to the electrode part side (33a, 41b, 53b, 63b) from the counter electrode part side (33b, 43b, 53b, 63b). 43a, 53a, 63a) along the axial direction (S3, S4, S5, S6) and the (skin) of the electrode part (32, 42, 52, 62) and the first virtual axis (A31, A41, A51, A61) The second virtual axis (A32, A42, A52, A62) extending in the vertical direction (V3, V4, V5, V6) with respect to the measurement surface (32a, 42a, 52a, 62a) brought into contact with the surface is a plan view. As long as they intersect with each other, various forms can be taken.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), skin function evaluation apparatus 30, an angle alpha ₃ between the first imaginary axis A31 and the second imaginary axis A32 is may be set to be perpendicular in plan view ( α ₃ = 90 degrees). Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), skin function evaluation apparatus 40, the angle alpha ₄ is good even acute angle between the first imaginary axis A41 and the second imaginary axis A42 (α ₄ <90 degrees).
Further, in the skin function evaluation apparatuses 50 and 60, the electrode portions 53a and 63a of the base portions 51 and 61 are not bent, and the electrode portions 52 and 62 are arranged. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), skin function evaluation apparatus 50, the first imaginary axis A51 and the angle alpha ₅ may be at right angles between the second imaginary axis A52 (α ₅ = 90 degrees) . As shown in FIG. 6 (d), skin function evaluation apparatus 60 includes a first virtual axis line A61 of the angle alpha ₆ may be obtuse (α _6> 90 °) between the second imaginary axis A62.

The skin function evaluation apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may employ other configurations described below.
The electrode part should just be equipped with the electrode for detecting a skin function, and the shape, number, size, etc. of an electrode are not specifically limited.
The measurement switch may be set to input after bringing the electrode portion into contact with the skin surface, or may be set so that the measurement surface of the electrode portion is brought into contact with the skin surface after inputting the measurement switch. .
In addition, the said measurement person means the person who measures the skin function of a to-be-measured person using the skin function evaluation apparatus of this invention, and may be the same person as a to-be-measured person, or may differ.
The measurement switch may be configured to input force in the horizontal direction with respect to the measurement surface of the electrode unit, or may be configured to input force in the direction perpendicular to the measurement surface of the electrode unit. In addition, as a measurement switch that inputs force in a direction perpendicular to the measurement surface of the electrode unit, a slide type switch (inputs force in a direction perpendicular to the measurement surface of the electrode unit), a touch input type switch, etc. It is good.
In addition, the position of the center of gravity of the skin function evaluation apparatus may not be arranged on the electrode part side with respect to the center position.

10, 20 Skin function evaluation apparatus 11, 21 Base 111, 211 First gripping surface 112, 212 Second gripping surface 113, 213 Third gripping surface 114, 214 Fourth gripping surface 12, 22 Electrode portion 12a, 22a Measurement surface 13a , 23a Electrode part side 13b, 23b Counter electrode part side 14, 24 Measurement switch 15, 25 Display part 16, 26 Power switch A11, A21 First virtual axis A12, A22 Second virtual axis

Claims (5)

A columnar base gripped by the measurer;
Provided at one end of the base, and an electrode part for bringing a measurement surface into contact with the skin surface of the measurement subject in order to detect a skin function,
A skin function evaluation apparatus in which a first virtual axis extending from the counter electrode portion side of the base to the electrode portion side intersects with a second virtual axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the measurement surface of the electrode portion. The skin function evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an angle between the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis is 90 degrees to 150 degrees. The skin function evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a center of gravity of the skin function evaluation apparatus is located closer to the electrode unit than a center position of the skin function evaluation apparatus in a length in the first virtual axis direction. A measurement switch for starting measurement of the skin function of the measurement subject is provided on at least one of the gripping surfaces configured along the first virtual axis of the base,
The skin function evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement switch has a configuration in which force is input in a horizontal direction with respect to the measurement surface of the electrode unit. The skin function evaluation apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a display unit that displays an evaluation value of the skin function of the measurement subject on a gripping surface provided with the measurement switch.