Ear acupuncture stimulator

Abstract

To improve a conventional ear pressure device which was unable to originate effective stimulation for the ear acupuncture of both ears.SOLUTION: A sharp tip auricle acupressure projection is provided on both ends of a bifurcated support worn on the neck and, in the auricle acupressure projection, a prescribed stimulation current is composed in an energized manner. In addition, the bifurcated support for supporting the auricle acupressure projection is composed in a constricted energization adjustable manner, with the problem resolved thereby.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ear acupoint stimulating device that is configured to be worn on the neck or head and to stimulate acupoints in the auricles (auricles) of both ears (hereinafter referred to as "ear acupoints"). More specifically, this relates to a simple and unitized ear acupuncture stimulation device that involves attaching a mounting frame with a sharp-tipped stimulation protrusion on one part of the frame to the head or neck, and then applying a constant amount of pressure while pressing the stimulation protrusion firmly against the acupuncture point, thereby improving physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and magnitude, and ensuring stable electrical stimulation, without requiring time, effort, or strain on the body, thereby providing continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been well known that there are numerous acupressure points scattered on the inner surface of the auricle, which is part of the outer ear, and stimulation of these acupressure points is known as a typical and simple method of acupressure therapy.

[0003] The treatment methods include inserting a needle to press the ear acupoint (see, for example, Patent Document 1), attaching granular acupoint stimulating pieces to the auricle (see, for example, Patent Document 2), and attaching a conductive adhesive pad to the auricle and passing an electric current through it (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-477 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3120962 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-28812 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the "inserting needles into ear acupoints" method as described in Patent Document 1, the practitioner is limited to specific qualified individuals such as doctors or acupuncturists, so continuing the treatment over a long period of time requires patients to visit a hospital, which is time-consuming and requires the patient to undergo treatment.In addition, since needles are inserted into ear acupoints, pain and internal bleeding can occur, which inevitably places a strain on the body.

[0006] Furthermore, in the configuration of "sticking acupressure stimulation pieces to the auricle" as in Patent Document 2, a certain amount of area is required to stick the acupressure stimulation pieces, so it is not possible to stimulate the ear acupressure points with pinpoint accuracy. Moreover, simply sticking the pieces on the ear acupressure points only exerts a small amount of pressure, so it is difficult to obtain the effect of improving physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation.

[0007] In addition, even with the configuration of "passing current through ear acupoints" as in Patent Document 3, a certain amount of area is required to attach the electrodes to the skin, making it impossible to pass current through the ear acupoint with pinpoint accuracy. This means that the contact area with the skin and the surface pressure are likely to change, causing the current to fluctuate, making it difficult to ensure stable electrical stimulation.

[0008] The present invention was devised in light of the above points, and aims to provide a simple, unitized ear acupuncture stimulation device that applies continuous pressure and electrical stimulation by attaching an attachment frame to the head or neck that has a sharp-tipped stimulation protrusion on one side for pressing on the ear acupuncture point, and then applying a constant pressure while pressing the protrusion firmly into the acupuncture point. This achieves the effect of improving physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, and also ensures stable electrical stimulation, without requiring time, effort, or strain on the body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ear acupressure stimulation device that includes a sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusion for pressing ear acupressure points, which can be energized with a predetermined stimulation current, and a mounting frame that is attached to the head or neck to support the auricle acupressure protrusion and abuts the auricle acupressure protrusion at the auricle position, applying a constant pressure.

[0010] Furthermore, by providing such auricular acupressure protrusions and a mounting frame, it is possible to apply pressure to the ear acupoints with pinpoint accuracy, thereby achieving significant improvements in physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and magnitude, without requiring much time and effort or putting strain on the body.

[0011] Furthermore, since the auricle acupressure protrusions are capable of passing a predetermined stimulating current, electrical stimulation by the stimulating current can be applied to the ear acupressure points simultaneously with pressure stimulation via the auricle acupressure protrusions, thereby enabling efficient ear acupressure treatment despite the simple structure.

[0012] Moreover, it is possible to apply a current to the ear acupoint with pinpoint accuracy, thereby ensuring stable electrical stimulation.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a support frame in the form of a bifurcated support or an arc-shaped support that is attached to the neck or head, and both supports have the auricle acupressure protrusions at both ends, and the spacing and pressure between the ends are adjustable, and the support frame can be biased toward the center between the ends.

[0014] In this case, by adjusting the spacing and pressure of the two ends, the auricle acupressure protrusions can be brought into contact with the numerous ear acupressure points scattered around the auricle via the bifurcated support or arc-shaped support with a pressure of appropriate magnitude and direction. Then, by applying a constricting force toward the center between the two ends, the pressure applied to the left and right ear acupressure points can be equalized. This allows for consistent and stable pressure stimulation to be applied to both the left and right ear acupressure points.

[0015] In addition, in the present invention, the mounting frame has a holding portion for maintaining a constant constricted state.

[0016] In this case, the opening of the bifurcated support can be adjusted appropriately before it is fixed, so the auricle acupressure protrusions can be securely fixed to the auricle while reducing pain caused by excessive constriction force, thereby further reducing the strain on the body when pressure stimulation is applied.

[0017] The present invention also provides a headphone-type support device in which the wearing frame comprises an arched headband to be worn on the head, transparent or doughnut-shaped housings at both ends of the headband that cover and engage with the auricles, and left and right support arms extending from the headband, the auricle acupressure protrusions being provided at the tips of the support arms and inserted into the housing, and the distance and pressing force between the two tips are freely adjustable.

[0018] In this case, the auricle acupressure protrusions inside the housing can be seen through the holes or transparent parts of the housing, and the contact positions of the auricle acupressure protrusions can be adjusted while checking the acupressure point positions. Furthermore, by fixing the base of the support arm with the auricle acupressure protrusions at its tip to a headband that provides high wearing stability, the auricle acupressure protrusions can be reliably fixed to the auricle. This allows for stable pressure stimulation.

[0019] Furthermore, by adjusting the distance between the two tips and the pressure, the auricle acupressure protrusions can be brought into contact with the numerous ear acupressure points scattered around the auricle via the headphone-type support with a pressure of appropriate magnitude and direction.

[0020] In addition, in the present invention, the auricle acupressure protrusions are arranged opposite each other on a straight line passing through the corresponding acupressure points on the left and right.

[0021] In this case, the pressure from the left and right auricle acupressure protrusions is in opposite directions but on the same straight line, so no moment is generated, and pressure can be applied to the ear acupoints efficiently, and a sufficient amount of pressure stimulation can be applied.

[0022] In addition, in the present invention, the attachment frame has an engaging hook portion that engages with the auricle from the back side and is attached, and the auricle acupressure protrusion is provided at the end of the engaging hook portion, and the elastic force and restoring force of the engaging hook portion presses the auricle acupressure protrusion against the acupoint position.

[0023] In this case, by utilizing the protruding structure of the auricle to attach the device, there is no need for a bifurcated support or an arc-shaped support, and the overall structure of the ear acupoint stimulation device can be simplified, which reduces component costs and makes the device lighter and smaller, making it easier to carry.

[0024] Furthermore, in the present invention, the auricle acupressure protrusion comprises a conductive substrate, a piezoelectric material electrically connected to the substrate and which generates a voltage when deformed by pressure, and an electrode electrically connected to the substrate, wherein the piezoelectric material is deformed when the auricle acupressure protrusion is pressed against the acupressure point, generating electricity as the piezoelectric circuit comprises a protrusion at the tip of the auricle acupressure protrusion, which is electrically connected to one of the electrodes and the substrate, and a contact portion of the auricle acupressure protrusion which is electrically connected to the other of the substrate and the electrode while being electrically insulated from the protrusion and which comes into contact with the auricle when pressure is applied to the acupressure point.

[0025] In this case, there is no need to prepare a separate device for generating the stimulation current, but it can be built into the ear acupuncture device to further promote unitization, thereby further simplifying the ear acupuncture treatment method.

[0026] Furthermore, an electric current is automatically generated at the same time as the pressure stimulation, and electrical stimulation can also be applied to the ear acupoints, which makes it possible to provide effective ear acupoint treatment with multiple types of stimulation despite the simple structure and no power source.

[0027] In addition, compared to simply attaching a piezoelectric material to the auricle, the piezoelectric material is reliably and strongly pressurized and deformed during ear acupuncture treatment, which generates a sufficiently large electromotive current and allows the stimulation current to flow continuously, thereby allowing stable electrical stimulation to be applied to the auricle of the patient at all times during treatment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, in an ear acupoint stimulation device that is configured to be attached to the neck or head so that it can stimulate the acupoints of both ears, an attachment frame having a stimulation protrusion with a sharp tip for pressing the ear acupoint is attached to the head or neck, and this stimulation protrusion is securely abutted against the acupoint position, and then electricity is applied while pressing it with a constant pressure, thereby providing a simple, unitized ear acupoint stimulation device that can improve physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, and can ensure stable electrical stimulation, without requiring time, effort, or strain on the body, and can provide continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an ear acupoint stimulating device (two-pronged support device) of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an ear acupoint stimulating device (a bifurcated support device with a holding part) according to another embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an ear acupoint stimulating device (arcuate support device) according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an ear acupoint stimulating device (engagement hook type) according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the overall structure of an ear acupoint stimulation device (headphone type) according to another embodiment, in which FIG. 5(a) is a front view showing the overall structure when the housing is doughnut-shaped, and FIG. 5(b) is a partial cross-sectional side view of the housing showing a partial structure when the housing is transparent. [Figure 6] These are explanatory diagrams showing another form of electrical stimulation configuration for an auricle acupressure protrusion, in which Fig. 6(a) is a schematic diagram of a piezoelectric circuit, Fig. 6(b) is a partial cross-sectional side view of an auricle acupressure protrusion at the beginning of pressure, and Fig. 6(c) is a partial cross-sectional side view of an auricle acupressure protrusion at the end of pressure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The ear acupuncture stimulation device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an overall explanatory diagram of the ear acupuncture stimulation device (two-pronged support device) of the present invention, Figure 2 shows an ear acupuncture stimulation device according to another embodiment (two-pronged support device with holding portion), Figure 3 shows the overall configuration of an ear acupuncture stimulation device (arc-shaped support device) according to another embodiment, Figure 4 shows the overall configuration of an ear acupuncture stimulation device (engagement hook type) according to another embodiment, Figure 5 shows the overall configuration of an ear acupuncture stimulation device (headphone type) according to another embodiment, and Figure 6 shows another form of electrical stimulation configuration for auricle acupressure protrusions.

[0031] First, the overall configuration of an ear acupoint stimulating device M according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, this ear acupressure stimulation device M is characterized in that sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusions 20 are provided on both ends 11 of a bifurcated support device 10 attached to the neck or head, and a predetermined stimulation current having a constant frequency can be passed through the auricle acupressure protrusions 20. Furthermore, the bifurcated support device 10 supporting the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 is configured so that the spacing and pressure between both ends 11 can be adjusted freely, and it can be biased to narrow the gap toward the center between both ends 11.

[0033] In other words, the basic attachment structure that supports the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 is the forked support tool 10 described above, and is configured so that it can be hung around the neck of the person 50 to be treated or worn by straddling the head.

[0034] Furthermore, at both ends 11, 11, there are provided auricle acupressure protrusions 20 with sharp tips, which are electrically connected to, for example, a low-frequency generator 40, so that a low-frequency pulse current of a specific frequency can be passed as a stimulating current to the acupressure point at the position where the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 are in contact with the auricle 51, thereby electrically stimulating the acupressure point.

[0035] In addition, the bifurcated support device 10 is made of an elastic material such as a metal or resin, or a shape-memory alloy, and is biased toward the center between the end portions 11 by its elastic force and restoring force, and the resulting biasing force acts as a pressing force. Note that the elastic material in this specification may be a spring structure such as a coil spring or a leaf spring, and is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of generating the required elastic force.

[0036] This constriction biasing force can be adjusted via a bifurcated constriction biasing adjustment mechanism 30 provided in the center of the bifurcated support tool 10. This bifurcated constriction biasing adjustment mechanism 30 is configured, for example, to open and close the bifurcated support tool 10 around a support shaft 30a and then hold it at a predetermined central angle 30b; by changing this central angle 30b, the degree to which the bifurcated support tool 10 opens can be changed, and the distance between both end portions 11 can be adjusted. Since the constriction biasing force described above is also adjusted accordingly, it is possible to adjust the pressing force of the pointed-tip auricle acupressure protrusions 20 provided at both end portions 11 against the auricle 51.

[0037] The left and right auricle acupressure protrusions 20, 20, which are facing in opposite directions, are arranged opposite to each other on a common pressure line 13 that passes through the corresponding left and right acupoint positions. This prevents the pressure lines of the opposing pressure forces from being on different straight lines, which would otherwise create a moment, and suppresses a decrease in the actual pressure acting on the acupoint positions.

[0038] With the above-described configuration, during treatment, the bifurcated support device 10 is hung from the neck or straddled across the head, with the tips of the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 abutting against the acupressure points of the auricle 51. The constriction force that urges the bifurcated support device 10 toward the center between its two ends is adjustable using the bifurcated constriction force adjustment mechanism 30, etc., so that the pressure stimulation to the ear acupressure points can be adjusted by adjusting the constriction force. Furthermore, in addition to this pressure stimulation of a constant strength, electrical stimulation of the acupressure points of the auricle 51 using a stimulating current such as a low-frequency pulsed current with a constant frequency can be applied, enabling efficient stimulation of multiple acupressure points on the auricle 51.

[0039] In addition, the electrical stimulation of the acupoints on the auricle 51 using the aforementioned stimulation current can be achieved not only by low-frequency pulse current, but also by medium-frequency pulse current, high-frequency pulse current, etc., and is not particularly limited as long as it can provide appropriate electrical stimulation to the ear acupoints.

[0040] The aforementioned auricle acupressure protrusions 20 may be made of metal or conductive resin. However, if they are made of metal, the acupressure points on the auricle 51 are stimulated with pinpoint precision, which may cause severe pain to some patients 50. Furthermore, depending on the type of metal, there is a risk that the patient 50 may develop a metal allergy. For this reason, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 may be made of titanium to prevent metal allergies.

[0041] Furthermore, it is also possible to replace the tip of the auricle acupressure protrusion 20 with a resin member, or to configure the metal auricle acupressure protrusion 20 so that it can be covered from above with a resin cover body 21, as shown in Figure 2.

[0042] That is, the ear acupressure stimulation device M comprises auricle acupressure protrusions 20 with sharp tips for pressing ear acupressure points, which can carry a predetermined stimulation current, and a bifurcated support device 10 which is an attachment frame that is attached to the head or neck to support the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 and abuts the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 at the acupressure point positions of the auricle 51, pressing them with a constant pressure.By providing such auricle acupressure protrusions 20 and bifurcated support device 10, it is possible to apply pressure to stimulate ear acupressure points with pinpoint precision, and as a result, it is possible to obtain a significant effect of improving physical condition and constitution by applying pressure stimulation with sufficient positional precision and magnitude without putting time and effort or strain on the body.

[0043] Furthermore, since the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 are capable of passing a predetermined stimulating current, electrical stimulation by the stimulating current can be applied to the ear acupressure points simultaneously with pressure stimulation via the auricle acupressure protrusions 20, thereby enabling efficient ear acupressure treatment despite the simple structure.

[0044] Moreover, it is possible to apply a current to the ear acupoint with pinpoint accuracy, thereby ensuring stable electrical stimulation.

[0045] Furthermore, in this way, if the wearing frame is a bifurcated support 10 to be worn on the neck or head, with auricle acupressure protrusions 20 provided at both end portions 11-11, the spacing and pressing force between both end portions 11-11 being adjustable, and the structure being such that a constricting force can be applied towards the center between both end portions 11-11, then by adjusting the spacing between both end portions 11-11 and the constricting force which is the pressing force, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 can be made to abut against the numerous ear acupoints scattered around the auricle 51 via the bifurcated support 10 with a pressing force of an appropriate size and direction.

[0046] By applying a constricting force toward the center between both end portions 11, the pressure applied to the left and right ear acupoints can be equalized, thereby providing a constant and stable pressure stimulus to the left and right ear acupoints.

[0047] Furthermore, when the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 are arranged opposite each other on a common pressure line 13, which is a straight line passing through the corresponding left and right acupressure points, the pressure from the left and right auricle acupressure protrusions 20 / 20 is directed in opposite directions on the common pressure line 13, so no moment is generated, and pressure can be applied to the ear acupressure points efficiently, thereby providing a sufficient amount of pressure stimulation. Note that this positional relationship between the left and right auricle acupressure protrusions 20 / 20 is also true for the bifurcated support device 10A and the arc-shaped support device 14, which will be described later.

[0048] Next, another embodiment of the bifurcated support tool 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the bifurcated support 10A, which is the attachment frame of this embodiment, is provided with a holding portion 60 in the middle of the bifurcated support 10 for maintaining a certain constriction state, and this bifurcated support 10A and the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 constitute the ear acupoint stimulation device M1.

[0050] Of these, the holding part 60 is made of, for example, a thin plate-like member 61, and one end thereof is rotatably fixed to one of the intermediate parts 12 of the bifurcated support tool 10A. The other end side of the holding part 60 is slidably supported by a support tool 62 provided on the other intermediate part 12 of the bifurcated support tool 10A.

[0051] This support 62 may be provided with a fixing portion for fixing the thin plate-like member 61, and may be configured to maintain a constant constricted state by fixing it against the constricting bias of the bifurcated support 10A. Also, the thin plate-like member 61 may be provided with a scale 63 so that the constricted state of the bifurcated support 10A (degree of opening of the bifurcated support 10A) can be visually confirmed.

[0052] With this configuration, the auricle acupressure projections 20 can be reliably fixed to the auricle 51 while reducing pain to the patient 50 caused by excessive constriction biasing.

[0053] In other words, when the bifurcated support device 10A has a holding portion 60 for maintaining a constant constriction state, the degree of opening of the bifurcated support device 10A can be adjusted appropriately before being fixed, so that the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 can be securely fixed to the auricle 51 while reducing pain caused by excessive constriction force, thereby further reducing the strain on the body when pressure stimulation is applied.

[0054] Next, an ear acupoint stimulating device M2 having a different mounting frame from the above-mentioned two-pronged support device 10 and 10A will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, this ear acupressure stimulation device M2 has sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusions 20 at both ends 11 of an arc-shaped support 14 worn around the neck or head, and is configured so that a predetermined stimulating current of a constant frequency can be passed through the auricle acupressure protrusions 20. Furthermore, the arc-shaped support 14 that supports the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 is characterized in that the spacing and pressure between the ends 11 are adjustable and the end portions 11 can be biased toward the center between the ends 11.

[0056] In other words, the basic attachment structure that supports the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 is an arc-shaped support (hereinafter referred to as the "arc-shaped support") 14, which is configured so that it can be hung around the neck of the person being treated 50 or worn by straddling the head.

[0057] Furthermore, the spacing between the two end portions 11 and the constriction biasing force, or pressing force, can be adjusted. Like the bifurcated support tool 10 and 10A, the two end portions 11 and 11 are provided with pointed auricle acupressure protrusions 20, which can be electrically connected to, for example, a low-frequency generator 40 to pass a low-frequency pulsed current of a specific frequency as a stimulating current to the acupressure point at which the auricle acupressure protrusion 20 abuts on the auricle 51, thereby electrically stimulating the acupressure point. Of course, an adjustment tool like the holding part 60 described above may be provided, which can more reliably securely fix the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 to the auricle 51 while reducing pain to the patient 50 caused by excessive constriction biasing.

[0058] In addition, the arc-shaped support device 14 is made of elastic material such as metal or resin, or a shape-memory alloy, and when the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 are brought into contact with the auricle 51 of the patient 50, the elastic force and restoring force that return them to their original arc shape function as a constriction force, and a pressing force is applied from the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 to the auricle 51.

[0059] Furthermore, with this arc-shaped support 14, it is possible to omit the bifurcated constriction biasing adjustment mechanism 30 as in the bifurcated support 10 / 10A described above, which simplifies the overall structure of the ear acupoint stimulating device M2, reducing the cost of parts and making it lighter and more compact.

[0060] Next, an ear acupoint stimulating device M3, which has a mounting frame different from the above-mentioned supports 10, 10A, and 14, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, this ear acupoint stimulation device M3 does not press the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 against the auricle 51 via the constricted supports 10, 10A, 14, but rather utilizes the protruding structure of the auricle 51 to have an engaging hook portion 70 as a mounting frame that engages with and supports the auricle 51 from the back side.

[0062] This engaging hook portion 70 is formed in an approximately C-shape overall and is made of elastic material such as metal or resin, or a shape memory alloy, so that when it engages with the auricle 51, the elastic force and restoring force allow the auricle acupressure protrusion 20 to be constantly inserted into the auricle 51, allowing pressure stimulation to be applied.

[0063] By using such a structure for the engaging hook portion 70, the overall structure of the ear acupoint stimulating device M3 is simplified and made easy to carry.

[0064] That is, the attachment frame is an engagement hook portion 70 that engages with the auricle 51 from the back side and is attached, and the auricle acupressure protrusion 20 is provided at the end of this engagement hook portion 70, and when the auricle acupressure protrusion 20 is pressed against the acupoint position by the elasticity and restoring force of the engagement hook portion 70, by utilizing the protrusion structure of the auricle 51 for attachment, there is no need for the bifurcated supports 10, 10A or the arc-shaped support 14, and the overall structure of the ear acupoint stimulation device M3 can be simplified, which reduces component costs and makes it lighter and smaller, making it easier to carry.

[0065] Next, ear acupoint stimulating devices M4 and M5, which have a mounting frame with excellent mounting stability, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5(a), in the ear acupoint stimulating device M4, an arched headband 69 is worn across the head, and at the same time, the housings 71, 71 at both ends 75, 75 of the headband 69 are placed over and locked onto the left and right auricles 51, 51, thereby allowing the headband 69 to be stably worn on the head through three-point support.

[0067] From the headband 69, which has such a high wearing stability, support arms 73, 73 extend on the left and right as a wearing frame, and the aforementioned auricle acupressure protrusions 20, 20 are provided at the tips 76, 76 of the arms.

[0068] On the other hand, the housings 71·71 are donut-shaped and have holes 71a·71a that penetrate from left to right, and the auricle acupressure protrusions 20·20 can be inserted into these holes 71a·71a and abut against the acupressure points of the auricle 51.

[0069] At this time, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 inside the housings 71 can be seen through the holes 71a, making it easy to confirm the positions of the acupressure points.

[0070] The headband 69, the housings 71, and the support arms 73 form a headphone-type support 74.

[0071] Furthermore, like the supports 10, 10A, 14 and engaging hook portion 70 described above, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 are configured so that a predetermined stimulating current having a fixed frequency can be passed through them, and the support arms 73, 73 that support the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 are configured so that the distance between the two tip portions 76, 76 and the pressure force can be adjusted freely.

[0072] Additionally, the support arms 73 are also made of elastic material such as metal or resin, or shape memory alloy, and the elastic force or restoring force thereof acts as a pressing force.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the ear acupoint stimulating device M5 has the housings that are fitted over and engaged with the left and right auricles 51 changed from the doughnut-shaped housings 71 to transparent housings 72.

[0074] In addition, an insertion hole 72a is formed in the approximate center of the housings 72 when viewed from the side, for inserting support arms 73, each having auricular acupressure projections 20 at its tip end portions 76, into the housings 72.

[0075] This allows the auricle acupressure projections 20 to be inserted into the insertion holes 72 a and to come into contact with the acupressure points of the auricle 51 .

[0076] In this case, not only can the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 inside the housing 72 be seen through the insertion holes 72a, but because the entire housing 72 is transparent, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 inside the housing 72 can be seen from almost all directions, making it even easier to check the acupressure point locations.

[0077] That is, if the wearing frame is a headphone-type support 74 having an arched headband 69 to be worn on the head, transparent or doughnut-shaped housings 71, 72 that are located at both ends 75, 75 of the headband 69 and cover and engage with the auricles 51, and left and right support arms 73, 73 extending from the headband 69, and auricle acupressure protrusions 20, 20 are provided at the tips 76, 76 of the support arms 73, 73 and are inserted into the housings 71, 72, and the spacing and pressing force of the two tips 76, 76 are adjustable, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20, 20 inside the housings 71, 72 can be seen through the holes 71a, 72a in the housings 71, 72 and the transparent parts of the housing 72, and the acupressure points can be confirmed while the contact positions of the auricle acupressure protrusions 20, 20 can be adjusted. Furthermore, by fixing the bases of the support arms 73, 73 with the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 mounted at their tips 76, 76 to the headband 69, which provides a stable fit, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 can be reliably fixed to the auricle 51. This allows for stable pressure stimulation to be applied.

[0078] Furthermore, by adjusting the spacing and pressure between the two tip ends 76, 76, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 can be brought into contact with the numerous ear acupressure points scattered around the auricle via the headphone-type support 74 with a pressure of appropriate magnitude and direction.

[0079] It is preferable that such a headphone-type support 74 and the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 on the engaging hook portion 70 described above are positioned so that the inclination of the line of action of the pressing force is within 45 degrees of the perpendicular to the surface that abuts on the acupressure point of the auricle 51 (hereinafter referred to as the "abutment surface").

[0080] This is because, in the case of the engaging hook portion 70 and headphone-type support 74, it is not necessary to position the auricle acupressure projections 20 on a common pressure line 13 as is the case with the bifurcated supports 10, 10A and arc-shaped support 14, and therefore the direction of the pressure exerted by the auricle acupressure projections 20 can be freely changed by changing the engagement position or plastically deforming the engaging hook portion 70, or by plastically deforming the support arms 73, 73 of the headphone-type support 74.

[0081] As a result, in the case of the engaging hook portion 70 and headphone-type support 74, the pressure points are distributed in the inner part, protrusions, edges, back surface, etc. of the auricle 51, and even if the contact surface is significantly tilted relative to the auricle surface, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 can apply pressure from the appropriate direction.

[0082] The direction of the line of action of the pressing force at this time is preferably inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or less from the perpendicular to the contact surface, which prevents the auricle acupressure projections 20 from slipping off the contact surface and suppresses a decrease in the actual pressing force acting on the acupoints. Additionally, it is even more preferable that the direction of the line of action of the pressing force be approximately perpendicular to the contact surface, which makes it possible to almost certainly prevent the auricle acupressure projections 20 from slipping off the contact surface.

[0083] Furthermore, the low-frequency generator 40 in the ear acupressure stimulation devices M, M1 to M5 described above may be provided with a tester function capable of measuring parameters such as the current, voltage, resistance, and pulse characteristics (hereinafter referred to as "each parameter") of the stimulation current flowing from the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 to the ear acupressure points.

[0084] Generally, many biological tissues containing proteins have different piezoelectric properties, so the stimulation current flowing through the acupoint changes depending on the position of the acupoint in the auricle 51 and the magnitude and direction of the pressure acting there.

[0085] Therefore, by using the tester function described above to grasp the measured values ​​of each parameter, it is possible to adjust the magnitude and direction of the pressure exerted by the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 based on the measured values, or to adjust each parameter of the low-frequency generator 40, thereby allowing a predetermined stimulation current to flow.

[0086] In this way, by providing a tester function to the low-frequency generator 40, the pressure applied by the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 and the various parameters of the low-frequency generator 40 can be optimized based on the various measured parameters, ensuring a more stable and specified electrical stimulation.

[0087] Furthermore, the low-frequency generator 40 may be provided with an alarm function that automatically sounds an alarm or flashes a lamp when each parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case, there is no need to visually check the value of each parameter on the display panel, and the pressure and each parameter can be quickly adjusted based on the content of the alarm during treatment. Note that each of these parameters may be automatically adjusted based on the electromotive current from a pressure sensor that uses a piezoelectric circuit 80 in the auricular acupressure protrusion 20A, as described below.

[0088] Next, another embodiment of the above-mentioned auricle acupressure protrusion 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6(a), the auricle acupressure protrusion 20A of this embodiment is the aforementioned auricle acupressure protrusion 20 equipped with a piezoelectric circuit 80, and when the auricle acupressure protrusion 20A presses the acupressure point of the auricle 51, the reaction force it receives activates the piezoelectric circuit 80, causing a current to flow to the acupressure point.

[0090] This piezoelectric circuit 80 comprises a piezoelectric element 84 that generates electricity through the so-called piezoelectric effect, a phenomenon in which ionic crystals generate dielectric polarization in response to stress from an external force; a protrusion 85 at the tip of the auricle acupressure protrusion 20A; and a contact portion 86, which is the part of the auricle acupressure protrusion 20A that comes into contact with the auricle 51 when pressure is applied to the acupoint; these are electrically connected to each other by current paths 87, 88, etc.

[0091] Of these, piezoelectric element 84 is formed by laminating, in order, substrate 81, piezoelectric material 82, and electrode 83. Substrate 81 is a conductive flat plate that bends in response to pressure applied to the acupressure positions of auricle acupressure projections 20A. If made of metal, substrate 81 can be formed from brass, aluminum, copper, iron-nickel alloy, or the like, while if made of resin, substrate 81 can be formed from conductive rubber or thin plastic with a conductive carbon film. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on its thickness, as long as it is thick enough to bend appropriately and demonstrate elasticity when pressure is applied to the acupressure positions of auricle acupressure projections 20A.

[0092] The piezoelectric material 82 is made of piezoelectric ceramic or film. In the case of piezoelectric ceramic, lead zirconate titanate-barium titanate, lead titanate, lead niobate, lithium niobate, or the like can be used after sintering and polarization processing, while the piezoelectric film can be made of film-like polyvinylidene fluoride or the like. As mentioned above, dielectric polarization occurs within the material when pressure is applied to either material. Furthermore, the thickness of the material is not particularly limited as long as it is thick enough to bend appropriately and exhibit elasticity in response to the deformation of the substrate 81 mentioned above.

[0093] The electrode 83 is a conductive flat plate that covers one side of the piezoelectric material 82. If it is made of metal, it can be made from silver, aluminum, or other materials, and if it is made of resin, it can be made from conductive rubber, conductive plastic, thin plastic with aluminum vapor deposition, or other materials.

[0094] Furthermore, the substrate 81 covering the other side of the piezoelectric material 82 is electrically connected to the protrusion 85 via an electrical path 87, while the electrode 83 covering one side of the same piezoelectric material 82 is electrically connected to the contact portion 86 via an electrical path 88.

[0095] When auricle acupressure protrusion 20A equipped with piezoelectric circuit 80 as described above is pressed against the acupoint position of auricle 51 by the elastic force and restoring force described above, protrusion portion 85 and contact portion 86 come into contact with auricle 51, establishing an electrical connection between the two portions, so that piezoelectric circuit 80 becomes a closed circuit and the electromotive current generated in piezoelectric material 82 by the piezoelectric effect flows within piezoelectric circuit 80.

[0096] Then, in addition to the pressure stimulation being applied to the ear acupoint by the pressure from the protrusion 85, the electromotive current flowing from the protrusion 85 and the contact portion 86 is passed through the ear acupoint as a stimulating current, and sufficient electrical stimulation is also applied.

[0097] As a specific configuration of the auricle acupressure protrusion 20A, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), an access hole 89a that passes through on an axis 92 is formed in the center of the top of a metallic, approximately conical outer shell 89, and the tip of an approximately conical guide member 91 is inserted and fixed into this access hole 89a.

[0098] The guide member 91 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and has a guide hole 91a formed in its center that passes through along the axis 92. The guide hole 91a is formed in a conical shape so that the conical protrusion 85 can move in and out in the forward and backward directions of the axis 92.

[0099] Furthermore, the aforementioned piezoelectric element 84 is disposed near the base of the guide member 91. The outer surface of the substrate 81 of this piezoelectric element 84 is electrically connected to the bottom surface 85a of the protrusion 85, while the outer surface of the electrode 83 of the piezoelectric element 84 is electrically connected to a conductive leaf spring 90 that is provided approximately perpendicular to the axis 92 direction within the outer shell 89 of the auricle acupressure protrusion 20A.

[0100] The leaf spring 90 is electrically connected to a contact portion 86 formed at the tip of the outer shell 89 via an electrical path 88 including the metal outer shell 89 .

[0101] In the above-described configuration, when the auricle acupressure protrusions 20A provided on the aforementioned end portion 11 or tip portion 76 are pressed against the acupressure points of the auricle 51, as shown in FIG. 6(b), at the beginning of the pressure, the protrusions 85 protrude significantly from the access hole 89a, but as the pressure progresses, the protrusions 85 are pushed into the access hole 89a and retract within the guide hole 91a of the guide member 91, causing the entire piezoelectric body 84 to bend and generating an electromotive current in the piezoelectric material 82.

[0102] As the pressing progresses and the pressing reaches the later stage, as shown in Figure 6(c), the protrusion 85 is almost pushed into the access hole 89a, and as a result, the tip of the outer shell 89, i.e., the contact portion 86 corresponding to the outer peripheral portion of the access hole 89a, abuts against the auricle 51 and becomes electrically connected.

[0103] This, together with the protrusion 85 that is already in contact with and electrically connected to the auricle 51, forms the aforementioned piezoelectric circuit 80, and the electromotive current from the piezoelectric material 82 flows from the protrusion 85 and the contact portion 86 into the ear acupoint, providing an electrical stimulus to the ear acupoint.

[0104] In other words, when the auricle acupressure projection 20A has a conductive substrate 81, a piezoelectric material 82 that is electrically connected to the substrate 81 and generates a voltage when deformed by pressure, and an electrode 83 that is electrically connected to the substrate 81, a piezoelectric element 84 that generates electricity when the piezoelectric material 82 deforms when the auricle acupressure projection 20A is pressed against the acupressure point, a protrusion 85 at the tip of the auricle acupressure projection 20A that is electrically connected to one side of the substrate 81 and the electrode 83, and a contact portion 86 of the auricle acupressure projection 20A that is electrically connected to the other side of the substrate 81 and the electrode 83 while being electrically insulated from the protrusion 85 and that comes into contact with the auricle 51 when pressure is applied to the acupressure point, there is no need to prepare a separate low-frequency generator 40, which is a device for generating the stimulation current, and it can be built into the ear acupressure stimulation tool M, further promoting unitization and thereby further simplifying the ear acupressure treatment method.

[0105] Furthermore, an electric current is automatically generated at the same time as the pressure stimulation, and electrical stimulation can also be applied to the ear acupoints, which makes it possible to provide effective ear acupoint treatment with multiple types of stimulation despite the simple structure and no power source.

[0106] In addition, compared to when the piezoelectric material 84 is simply attached to the auricle, the piezoelectric material 84 is reliably and strongly pressurized and deformed during ear acupuncture treatment, so that a sufficiently large electromotive current is generated and a stimulating current can flow continuously, thereby making it possible to apply a stable electrical stimulation to the auricle 51 of the patient 50 at all times during treatment.

[0107] The low-frequency generator 40 may be miniaturized and integrated into the support body, i.e., the bifurcated support 10 / 10A, the arc-shaped support 14, the engaging hook portion 70, and the headphone-type support 74.

[0108] In this case, the power supply to the low-frequency generator 40 can be turned on / off and the strength of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted using a separately provided switch, and the low-frequency generator 40 and the switch can be connected wirelessly using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared rays.

[0109] In this way, by integrating the low-frequency generator 40 with the bifurcated supports 10 and 10A, which are the support bodies, the arc-shaped support 14, the engaging hook portion 70, and the headphone-type support 74, and by making it operable by a separately provided switch, the ear acupoint stimulation devices M, M1 to M5 as a whole can be made lighter and smaller, making the ear acupoint stimulation devices M, M1 to M5 easier to carry around and allowing treatment to be performed easily regardless of location.

[0110] As described above, the ear acupoint stimulation devices M, M1 to M5 of the present invention are simple, unitized devices that are configured by attaching the bifurcated support 10 / 10A, which is a mounting frame having a sharp-tipped stimulation protrusion on one side for pressing on the ear acupoint, the arc-shaped support 14, the engaging hook portion 70, and the headphone-type support 74 to the head or neck, and by firmly abutting these stimulation protrusions at the acupoint position and applying a constant pressure while applying electricity, they can improve physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, and can ensure stable electrical stimulation, without requiring time, effort, or strain on the body, thereby providing continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation.

[0111] The above-described embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Therefore, various modifications can be made to the design and other aspects of the present invention without departing from the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the present invention can be applied to parts of the head other than the auricle 51, or to body parts other than the head, such as the neck, upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk. Furthermore, the various effects described above are merely a list of preferred effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] M·M1·M2·M3·M4·M5 Ear acupuncture device 10·10A Two-pronged support (mounting frame) 11·75 End 13 Pressing line (straight line) 14 Arc-shaped support (mounting frame) 20·20A Auricular Acupressure Protrusions 51 Auricle 60 Holding part 69 Headband 70 Engagement hook part (mounting frame) 71·72 Housing 73 Support Arm 74 Headphone type support (mounting frame) 76 Tip 80 Piezoelectric Circuit 81 Circuit Board 82 Piezoelectric material 83 Electrode 84 Piezoelectric 85 Protrusion 86 Contact area

Claims

1. A sharp-tipped auricular acupressure protrusion for pressing ear acupoints, capable of passing a predetermined stimulation current therethrough; a mounting frame that is mounted on the head or neck to support the auricle acupressure protrusions and that abuts the auricle acupressure protrusions at pressure points of the auricle and presses them with a constant pressure; In an ear acupuncture stimulation device comprising a low-frequency generator for supplying the stimulation current, The low frequency generator includes: A tester function capable of measuring each parameter of the stimulation current and a notification function that automatically notifies when each parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold. An ear acupoint stimulating device characterized by

2. The mounting frame includes: A bifurcated support or an arc-shaped support to be worn on the neck or head, Both supports are provided with the auricle finger pressure protrusions at both ends, and the distance between the ends and the pressing force are freely adjustable. The supports are configured to be capable of being pressed toward the center between the ends.

2. The ear acupoint stimulating device according to claim 1.

3. The mounting frame includes: An arched headband to be worn on the head, A transparent or doughnut-shaped housing is provided at both ends of the headband and is fitted over the auricle; A headphone-type support device having left and right support arms extending from the headband, The auricle acupressure projection is provided at the tip of the support arm and inserted into the housing, and the auricle acupressure projection is disposed so that the inclination of the line of action of the pressing force on the acupressure point is within 45 degrees from the perpendicular line of the contact surface.

2. The ear acupoint stimulating device according to claim 1.

4. The mounting frame includes: An engagement hook portion that engages with the auricle from the back side and is attached to the auricle, The auricle acupressure projection is provided at the end of the engaging hook portion, and the auricle acupressure projection is disposed so that the inclination of the line of action of the pressing force on the acupressure point is within 45 degrees from the perpendicular line of the contact surface.

2. The ear acupoint stimulating device according to claim 1.

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