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 within the auricles (auricles) of both ears (hereinafter referred to as "auricular points"). In more detail, the device relates to a simple, unitized ear acupoint stimulation device that is configured by attaching a mounting frame having a sharp-tipped stimulation protrusion on one part of the frame for pressing ear acupoints to the head or neck, and by firmly abutting the stimulation protrusion at the acupoint position and applying a constant pressure while applying electricity, it provides the effect of improving physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, and ensures stable electrical stimulation, without the need for time, effort, or strain on the body, thereby providing continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation. [Background technology]

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

[0003] The forms of this treatment include inserting a needle to press acupoints in the ear (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 "insertion of needles into ear acupoints" configuration as described in Patent Document 1, the practitioner is limited to certain qualified persons such as doctors or acupuncturists, and continuing treatment over a long period of time requires visiting a hospital, which is time-consuming. In addition, since needles are inserted into ear acupoints, it can be painful and can cause internal bleeding, and there is an unavoidable strain on the body.

[0006] Furthermore, in the configuration of "attaching an acupoint stimulation piece to the auricle" as in Patent Document 2, a certain amount of area is required to attach the acupoint stimulation piece, making it impossible to stimulate the ear acupoint with pinpoint precision. Moreover, simply attaching the piece only exerts a small pressure on the ear acupoint, making it difficult to obtain the effect of improving physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation.

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

[0008] The present invention has been devised in light of the above points, and aims to provide a simple, unitized ear acupoint stimulation device that can provide continuous pressure and electrical stimulation by attaching a mounting frame, which has a sharp-tipped stimulation protrusion on one part of it, to the head or neck, and by firmly abutting this stimulation protrusion at the position of the acupoint and applying a constant pressure while applying electricity, thereby achieving the effect of improving physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, and ensuring stable electrical stimulation, without requiring time, effort, or strain on the body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides an ear acupressure stimulation device comprising: auricular acupressure protrusions with sharp tips for pressing ear acupressure points, capable of passing a predetermined stimulation current; and a mounting frame that is attached to the head or neck to support the auricular acupressure protrusions and abuts the auricular acupressure protrusions at the acupressure points of the auricle, applying a constant pressure.

[0010] By providing such auricular acupressure protrusions and a mounting frame, it is possible to apply pressure to pinpoint ear acupressure points, which can be highly effective in improving physical condition and constitution by applying pressure with sufficient positional precision and magnitude without putting time and effort or strain on the body.

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

[0012] Moreover, it is possible to deliver electric current to pinpoints on the ears, thereby ensuring stable electrical stimulation.

[0013] In addition, the present invention relates to a support frame in the form of a bifurcated support or an arc-shaped support to be attached to the neck or head, and both supports are provided with the auricle acupressure protrusions on both ends, the distance between and pressure applied to both ends are freely adjustable, and the support frame can be biased toward the center between the two ends.

[0014] In this case, by adjusting the distance between the two ends and the pressure, the auricle acupressure protrusions can be brought into contact with the numerous ear acupressure points scattered around the auricle with a pressure of appropriate magnitude and direction via the bifurcated support or the arc-shaped support. 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 a consistent and stable pressure stimulation to be applied to 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 device can be properly adjusted before it is fixed, so that the auricle acupressure protrusions can be securely fixed to the auricle while reducing pain caused by excessive constricting 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 has 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, wherein the auricle acupressure protrusions are provided at the tips of the support arms and are inserted into the housing, and the distance and pressing force of the two tips are freely adjustable.

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

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

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

[0021] In this case, the pressure from the left and right auricle acupressure protrusions is in opposite directions but on the same line, so no moment is generated, 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 mounting 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 auricle acupressure protrusion is pressed against the acupoint position by the elastic force and restoring force of the engaging hook portion.

[0023] In this case, by utilizing the protruding structure of the auricle for attachment, a bifurcated support or arc-shaped support is not required, and the overall structure of the ear acupoint stimulation device can be simplified, thereby reducing component costs and making the device lighter, smaller, and easier to carry.

[0024] In addition, in the present invention, the auricle acupressure projection has a conductive substrate, a piezoelectric material that is electrically connected to the substrate and generates a voltage when deformed by pressure, and an electrode electrically connected to the substrate, and the piezoelectric material is deformed when the auricle acupressure projection is pressed against a pressure point, generating electricity as a result. The piezoelectric circuit includes a protrusion at the tip of the auricle acupressure projection, one of which is electrically connected to the substrate and one of the electrodes, and a contact portion of the auricle acupressure projection that 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 against the pressure 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 acupoint stimulation device to further facilitate unitization, thereby further simplifying the ear acupoint 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 point, making it possible to provide effective ear point 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 a stimulation current to flow uninterruptedly, making it possible to constantly apply a stable electrical stimulation to the auricle of the person being treated during treatment. Effect 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 as to stimulate the ear acupoints of both ears, a mounting 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 while applying a constant pressure while an electric current is applied, thereby providing a simple and 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, thereby providing continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an ear acupoint stimulating device (two-pronged support device) of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an ear acupoint stimulating device (a bifurcated support device with a holding part) according to another embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an ear acupoint stimulating device (arc-shaped support device) according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an ear acupoint stimulating device (engagement hook type) according to another embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the overall configuration of an ear acupoint stimulating device (headphone type) according to another embodiment, in which FIG. 5A is a front view showing the overall configuration when the housing is doughnut-shaped, and FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the housing showing a partial configuration when the housing is transparent. [Figure 6] These are explanatory diagrams showing another form of electrical stimulation configuration for an auricular 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 auricular acupressure protrusion at the beginning of pressure, and Fig. 6(c) is a partial cross-sectional side view of the auricular acupressure protrusion at the end of pressure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The ear acupuncture stimulation device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows an overall explanatory diagram of the ear acupuncture stimulation device (bifurcated support device) of the present invention, Fig. 2 shows an ear acupuncture stimulation device (bifurcated support device with holding part) according to another embodiment, Fig. 3 shows the overall configuration of the ear acupuncture stimulation device (arc-shaped support device) according to another embodiment, Fig. 4 shows the overall configuration of the ear acupuncture stimulation device (engagement hook type) according to another embodiment, Fig. 5 shows the overall configuration of the ear acupuncture stimulation device (headphone type) according to another embodiment, and Fig. 6 shows another form of electrical stimulation configuration of the auricular 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 FIG. 1, ear acupressure stimulation device M is characterized in that sharp-tipped auricle acupressure projections 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 projections 20, and further, the bifurcated support device 10 supporting the auricle acupressure projections 20 is configured so that the distance between and pressure applied to both ends 11 / 11 can be freely adjusted, and the bifurcated support device 10 is configured so that a constricting force can be applied toward the center between the ends 11 / 11.

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

[0034] Furthermore, at both ends 11, 11, there are provided auricle acupressure protrusions 20 with sharp tips, which are configured to be 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 stimulation current to the acupressure point at the position where the auricle acupressure protrusion 20 is in contact with the auricle 51, thereby electrically stimulating the acupressure point.

[0035] In addition, the bifurcated support 10 is made of an elastic member such as a metal or resin, or a shape memory alloy, and is biased toward the center between both ends 11 by its elasticity and restoring force, and the resulting biasing force acts as a pressing force. Note that the elastic member in this specification may be one with 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 10. This bifurcated constriction biasing adjustment mechanism 30 is configured, for example, so that the bifurcated support 10 can be opened and closed about a support shaft 30a and then held at a specified central angle 30b, and by changing this central angle 30b, the degree to which the bifurcated support 10 opens can be changed and the distance between both ends 11 can be adjusted. Since the above-mentioned constriction biasing force is also adjusted accordingly, it becomes possible to adjust the pressing force of the pointed-tip auricle acupressure projections 20 provided at both ends 11 against the auricle 51.

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

[0038] With the above-mentioned configuration, during treatment, the bifurcated support 10 is hung from the neck or straddled across the head, and the tip of the auricle acupressure protrusion 20 is brought into contact with the acupressure point of the auricle 51. At this time, the constriction biasing force that biases the bifurcated support 10 toward the center between both ends is adjustable by the bifurcated constriction biasing adjustment mechanism 30, etc., so that the pressure stimulation to the auricle can be adjusted by adjusting the constriction biasing force. Furthermore, in addition to such a constant pressure stimulation, electrical stimulation to the auricle 51 acupressure point positions by a stimulation current such as a low-frequency pulse current having a constant frequency can be applied, making it possible to efficiently stimulate a large number of auricle 51 acupressure points.

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

[0040] The above-mentioned auricle acupressure protrusions 20 may be made of metal or conductive resin. However, if they are made of metal, the pressure points of the auricle 51 are stimulated with pinpoint accuracy, which may cause strong pain to the person being treated 50. Furthermore, depending on the type of metal, the person being treated 50 may develop a metal allergy. Therefore, 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] In other words, ear acupressure stimulation device M comprises auricle acupressure projections 20 with sharp tips for pressing ear acupressure points, capable of passing a predetermined stimulation current, and a bifurcated support device 10 which is a mounting frame that is attached to the head or neck to support the auricle acupressure projections 20 and abuts the auricle acupressure projections 20 at the acupressure point positions of the auricle 51 and presses them with a constant pressure. Therefore, by providing such auricle acupressure projections 20 and bifurcated support device 10, ear acupressure points can be pressed and stimulated with pinpoint precision, and thus great improvements in physical condition and constitution can be obtained through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, without incurring 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 to be performed despite the simple structure.

[0044] Moreover, it is possible to deliver electric current to pinpoints on the ears, thereby ensuring stable electrical stimulation.

[0045] Furthermore, in this way, if the wearing frame is a bifurcated support device 10 to be worn on the neck or head, with auricle acupressure protrusions 20 provided at both ends 11-11, the spacing and pressing force between both ends 11-11 being freely adjustable, and configured to be able to apply a constricting force towards the centre between both ends 11-11, then by adjusting the spacing between both ends 11-11 and the pressing force, which is the constricting force, the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 can be abutted against the numerous ear acupressure points scattered around the auricle 51 via the bifurcated support device 10 with a pressing force of an appropriate size and direction.

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

[0047] Furthermore, when the auricle acupressure projections 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 projections 20 / 20 is in opposite directions but on the common pressure line 13, so no moment is generated and pressure can be applied to the ear acupressure points without waste, making it possible to provide a sufficient amount of pressure stimulation. The positional relationship between the left and right auricle acupressure projections 20 / 20 is the same 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 as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the bifurcated support 10A, which is the mounting frame for this embodiment, is provided with a holding portion 60 for maintaining a certain constriction state in the middle of the bifurcated support 10. 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 formed, for example, of a thin plate-like member 61, and one end of the holding part 60 is rotatably fixed to one of the middle parts 12 of the bifurcated support 10A. The other end of the holding part 60 is slidably supported by a support 62 provided on the other middle part 12 of the bifurcated support 10A.

[0051] It is considered that the support 62 is provided with a fixing portion for fixing the thin plate-like member 61, and is configured to be able to maintain a constant constricted state by fixing it against the constricting bias of the bifurcated support 10A. It is also considered that the thin plate-like member 61 is 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, it is possible to reliably fix the auricle acupressure projections 20 to the auricle 51 while reducing pain to the patient 50 caused by excessive constricting bias.

[0053] In other words, when the bifurcated support device 10A has a retaining portion 60 for maintaining a constant constriction state, the opening degree of the bifurcated support device 10A can be appropriately adjusted 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 burden on the body when pressure stimulation is applied.

[0054] Next, an ear acupoint stimulating device M2 having a mounting frame different from the above-mentioned bifurcated 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 projections 20 at both ends 11 of an arc-shaped support 14 worn on the neck or head, and is configured so that a predetermined stimulation current of a constant frequency can be passed through the auricle acupressure projections 20. Furthermore, the arc-shaped support 14 supporting the auricle acupressure projections 20 is characterized in that the distance between and pressure force applied to both ends 11-11 can be freely adjusted, and it can be urged to narrow the gap towards the center between the ends 11-11.

[0056] In other words, the basic attachment structure that supports the auricular acupressure protrusions 20 is an arc-shaped support device (hereinafter referred to as the "arc-shaped support device") 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 ends 11 and the pressing force, i.e., the constricting force, can be adjusted. As with the bifurcated support tool 10 and 10A, the two ends 11 are provided with pointed auricle acupressure protrusions 20, which are electrically connected to a low-frequency generator 40, for example, 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 protrusion 20 is in contact with the auricle 51, thereby electrically stimulating the auricle acupressure point. Of course, an adjustment tool like the holding part 60 described above may be provided, which can more reliably fix the auricle acupressure protrusion 20 to the auricle 51 while reducing pain to the patient 50 caused by excessive constricting force.

[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 constricting biasing force, and a pressing force is applied from the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 to the auricle 51.

[0059] In addition, with this arc-shaped support 14, the bifurcated constriction biasing adjustment mechanism 30 as in the bifurcated support 10 / 10A described above can be omitted, and therefore the overall structure of the ear acupoint stimulating device M2 can be simplified, reducing the cost of parts and making it lighter and more compact.

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

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

[0062] This engagement hook portion 70 is formed generally in a C-shape and is made of elastic material such as metal or resin, or a shape memory alloy; 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, thereby enabling a pressure stimulus 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 the device is easy to carry.

[0064] In other words, the attachment frame is an engagement hook portion 70 that engages with the rear side of the auricle 51 to be 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 support device 10, 10A or the arc-shaped support device 14, and the overall structure of the ear acupoint stimulation device M3 can be simplified, which reduces component costs and makes it lighter, smaller and easier to carry.

[0065] Next, the 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 FIG. 5(a), in the ear acupoint stimulating device M4, an arched headband 69 is worn astride the head, and at the same time, housings 71 / 71 at both ends 75 / 75 of the headband 69 are placed over and engaged with the left and right auricles 51 / 51, allowing the headband 69 to be stably attached to the head by three-point support.

[0067] From the headband 69 thus providing a high wearing stability, support arms 73, 73 extend on the left and right as a wearing frame, and the aforementioned auricle acupressure projections 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 above-mentioned supports 10, 10A, 14 and engaging hook portion 70, a predetermined stimulating current having a constant frequency can be passed through the auricular acupressure protrusion 20, and the support arms 73 / 73 supporting the auricular acupressure protrusion 20 are designed so that the distance between and pressure force between the two tip portions 76 / 76 can be freely adjusted.

[0072] In addition, 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 placed over and engaged with the left and right auricles 51, 51 changed from the doughnut-shaped housings 71, 71 to transparent housings 72, 72.

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

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

[0076] In this case, not only can the auricular acupressure protrusions 20 / 20 inside the housings 72 / 72 be visually confirmed through the insertion holes 72a / 72a, but because the entire housing 72 is transparent, the auricular acupressure protrusions 20 / 20 inside the housings 72 / 72 can be visually confirmed from almost all directions, making it even easier to confirm the positions of the acupressure points.

[0077] That is, when the wearing frame is a headphone-type support 74 having an arch-shaped headband 69 to be worn on the head, transparent or doughnut-shaped housings 71 / 72 at both ends 75 / 75 of the headband 69 to cover and engage with the auricles 51, and left and right support arms 73 / 73 extending from the headband 69, and when auricle acupressure projections 20 / 20 are provided at tips 76 / 76 of the support arms 73 / 73 and inserted into the housings 71 / 72, and the distance and pressing force between the tips 76 / 76 are freely adjustable, the auricle acupressure projections 20 / 20 inside the housings 71 / 72 can be visually confirmed through the holes 71a / 72a of the housings 71 / 72 and the transparent parts of the housing 72, and the contact positions of the auricle acupressure projections 20 / 20 can be adjusted while checking the positions of the acupressure points. Furthermore, by fixing the bases of the support arms 73, which have the auricle acupressure projections 20 at their tips 76, to the headband 69, which provides high wearing stability, the auricle acupressure projections 20 can be reliably fixed to the auricle 51. This makes it possible to apply a stable pressure stimulus.

[0078] Furthermore, by adjusting the distance 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 with a pressure of an appropriate size and direction, via the headphone-type support 74.

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

[0080] This is because, in the case of the engaging hook portion 70 and headphone type support 74, there is no need to position the auricle acupressure projections 20 on a common pressure line 13 as with the bifurcated supports 10 / 10A and arc-shaped support 14, and therefore the direction of action of the pressure from 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 in the headphone type support 74.

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

[0082] In this case, it is preferable that the direction of the line of action of the pressing force be inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or less from the perpendicular to the contact surface, thereby preventing the auricular acupressure projections 20 from slipping on the contact surface and suppressing a decrease in the actual pressing force acting on the acupressure points. In addition, it is even more preferable that the direction of the line of action of the pressing force be approximately perpendicular to the contact surface, thereby making it possible to almost certainly prevent the auricular acupressure projections 20 from slipping on the contact surface.

[0083] In addition, the low-frequency generator 40 in the ear acupoint 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 acupoint.

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

[0085] Therefore, by using the aforementioned tester function to grasp the measured values ​​of each parameter, it is possible to adjust the magnitude and direction of the pressure exerted by the auricular acupressure protrusions 20 based on those 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 the low-frequency generator 40 with a tester function, the pressure applied by the auricle acupressure protrusions 20 and each parameter by the low-frequency generator 40 can be optimized based on each measured parameter, ensuring a more stable and specified electrical stimulation.

[0087] Furthermore, the low frequency generator 40 may be provided with a notification 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 notification during treatment. Note that each of these parameters may be automatically adjusted based on the induced current from a pressure sensor that uses a piezoelectric circuit 80 of the auricular acupressure projection 20A described below.

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

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the auricle acupressure protrusion 20A in this embodiment is equipped with a piezoelectric circuit 80 in the aforementioned auricle acupressure protrusion 20, and is configured so that when the auricle acupressure protrusion 20A presses against the acupressure point of the auricle 51, the piezoelectric circuit 80 is activated by the reaction force and a current flows to the ear point.

[0090] This piezoelectric circuit 80 comprises a piezoelectric body 84 that generates electricity due to 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 auricle acupressure protrusion 20A, and a contact portion 86 which is the part of auricle acupressure protrusion 20A that comes into contact with auricle 51 when pressure is applied to the acupressure point, and these are electrically connected to each other by electrical paths 87, 88 etc.

[0091] Of these, the piezoelectric body 84 is formed by sequentially laminating a substrate 81, a piezoelectric material 82, and an electrode 83. The substrate 81 is a conductive flat plate that bends in response to pressure applied to the acupressure positions of the auricular acupressure projections 20A, and if it is made of metal, it can be formed from brass, aluminum, copper, an iron-nickel alloy, or the like, while if it is made of resin, it can be formed from conductive rubber, thin plastic with a conductive carbon film, or the like. The thickness of the substrate is not particularly limited as long as it bends appropriately and shows elasticity when pressure is applied to the acupressure positions of the auricular acupressure projections 20A.

[0092] The piezoelectric material 82 is made of piezoelectric ceramic or film, and in the case of piezoelectric ceramic, it can be made of lead zirconate titanate barium titanate, lead titanate, lead niobate, lithium niobate, etc., which are sintered and polarized, and the piezoelectric film can be made of film-like polyvinylidene fluoride, etc. As described above, dielectric polarization occurs within the material when pressure is applied to either material. In addition, the thickness of the material is not particularly limited as long as it is thick enough to bend appropriately and show elasticity in response to the deformation of the substrate 81 described above.

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

[0094] Furthermore, the aforementioned substrate 81 covering the other side of the piezoelectric material 82 is electrically connected to the aforementioned protrusion 85 via an electrical path 87, while the aforementioned electrode 83 covering one side of the same piezoelectric material 82 is electrically connected to the aforementioned 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 and an electrical connection is established 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 point 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 point as a stimulation current, providing sufficient electrical stimulation.

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

[0098] This guide member 91 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and a guide hole 91a that passes through the center along the axis 92 is formed. This 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 body 84 is disposed near the base of the guide member 91. The outer surface of the substrate 81 of this piezoelectric body 84 is electrically connected to the bottom surface 85a of the protrusion 85, while the outer surface of the electrode 83 of the piezoelectric body 84 is electrically connected to a conductive leaf spring 90 provided approximately perpendicular to the axis 92 direction within the outer shell 89 of the auricular 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 that includes the metallic outer shell 89 .

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

[0102] As the pressing progresses further and the pressing reaches the later stage, as shown in FIG. 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 is electrically connected.

[0103] This, together with the protrusion 85 which 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 to the ear point, providing an electrical stimulation to the ear point.

[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 electrically connected to the substrate 81, and is equipped with a piezoelectric circuit 80 that has a piezoelectric material 82 that is deformed and generates electricity when the auricle acupressure projection 20A is pressed against the acupressure point, a protrusion 85 at the tip of the auricle acupressure projection 20A to which one of the substrate 81 and the electrode 83 is electrically connected, and a contact portion 86 of the auricle acupressure projection 20A that is electrically connected to the other of the substrate 81 and the electrode 83 while being electrically insulated from the protrusion 85 and comes into contact with the auricle 51 when pressure is applied against the acupressure point, there is no need to prepare a separate low-frequency generator 40, which is a device for generating a stimulation current, and it can be built into the ear acupressure stimulation tool M to further simplify 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 point, making it possible to provide effective ear point treatment with multiple types of stimulation despite the simple structure and no power source.

[0106] In addition, compared to the case where the piezoelectric body 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 stimulation current can flow uninterruptedly, thereby making it possible to constantly apply a stable electrical stimulation to the auricle 51 of the person being treated 50 during treatment.

[0107] It should be noted that the low-frequency generator 40 may be miniaturized and then 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 of 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 wirelessly connected using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared.

[0109] In this way, by integrating the low-frequency generator 40 with the bifurcated support 10 / 10A, which is the support body, 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 device M, M1-M5 as a whole can be made lighter and smaller. This makes it easier to carry the ear acupoint stimulation devices M, M1-M5, and allows 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 and unitized devices that are fitted to the head or neck with the bifurcated support 10 / 10A, which is a mounting frame having a sharp-tipped stimulation protrusion on one part for pressing on the ear point, the arc-shaped support 14, the engaging hook portion 70, and the headphone-type support 74, and by securely abutting this stimulation protrusion at the acupoint position and applying electricity while applying a constant pressure, it is possible to improve physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, and to ensure stable electrical stimulation, without time, effort, or strain on the body, thereby providing continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation.

[0111] The above-mentioned embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, even if it is not the above-mentioned embodiment, various modifications are possible according to the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, the present invention can be applied to a part of the head other than the auricle 51, or to a body part other than the head, such as the neck, upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk. In addition, the various effects described above are merely a list of preferable 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 Ear 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 Substrate 82 Piezoelectric material 83 Electrode 84 Piezoelectric 85 Protrusion 86 Contact Part

Claims

1. A sharp-tipped auricular acupressure protrusion for pressing ear acupoints, capable of passing a predetermined stimulation current; and 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 on the auricle and presses them with a constant pressure. 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 have the auricle acupressure protrusions on both ends, The distance between the two ends and the pressing force are freely adjustable, and the two ends are configured to be pressed toward the center.

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

3. The mounting frame includes: Has a holding portion for maintaining a constant constriction state 3. The ear acupoint stimulating device according to claim 2.

4. 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 finger pressure protrusion is provided at the tip of the support arm and inserted into the housing, and the distance between the two tips and the pressing force are freely adjustable.

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

5. The auricular acupressure protrusions are: They are arranged opposite each other on a straight line that passes through the corresponding left and right pot positions.

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

6. 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 finger pressure projection is provided at the end of the engagement hook portion, The elasticity and restoring force of the engaging hook portion presses the auricle acupressure protrusions against the acupressure points.

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

7. The auricular acupressure protrusions are a piezoelectric body having a conductive substrate, a piezoelectric material electrically connected to the substrate and generating a voltage when deformed by pressure, and an electrode electrically connected to the substrate, the piezoelectric material being deformed when the acupressure protrusion is pressed against the acupressure point, and generating electricity; a protrusion at the tip of the auricle acupressure protrusion, electrically connected to one of the substrate and the electrode; a contact portion of an 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 the acupressure point is pressed; A piezoelectric circuit having The ear acupoint stimulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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