Auricular stimulator

Abstract

To provide an auricle stimulator which can continuously give a pressing stimulus and an electric stimulus by securing the improvement effect of a physical condition and a physical constitution by the pressing stimulus of sufficient position accuracy and magnitude and the stable electric stimulus without imposing labor and time and burdens on the body, is made light in weight and small in size and is easy to carry.SOLUTION: The earpin-acupressure device includes an earpin-acupressure projection 1 having a sharp tip for pressing an ear acupressure point, a shape-retaining member 7 as a projection-position-adjusting structure for moving the earpin-acupressure projection 1 to the side of the acupressure point of the auricle 21, an engaging hook 2 having a built-in low-frequency generator 5 as a generator of a stimulation current and engaging with the auricle 21 from the back side, and a support frame 3 extending from the engaging hook 2 and having the earpin-acupressure projection 1 attached to the tip thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an auricle stimulation device configured to stimulate acupressure points (hereinafter referred to as "auricle points") within the auricle (auricle) of the ear. More specifically, the device relates to a support frame with a sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusion attached to the tip for pressing ear acupressure points, which extends from an engaging hook with a built-in electromotive device that engages with the back of the auricle; the auricle acupressure protrusion at the tip is moved to the side of the acupressure point position, and then the auricle acupressure protrusion is brought into precise contact with the acupressure point position and pressed with a constant pressure while electricity is applied, thereby improving physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, without requiring time, effort, or strain on the body; it also provides stable electrical stimulation to ensure continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation, and is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. [Background technology]

[0002] It has long been 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 treatment method for auricular therapy.

[0003] The treatment methods include inserting a needle to press the ear acupoint (see, for example, Patent Document 1), attaching granular acupoint stimulation pieces to the auricle (see, for example, Patent Document 2), and covering the entire auricle with a conductor and preferentially passing an electric current through the ear acupoint with the lowest electrical resistance to stimulate it (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-20058 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-45820 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-317663 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the "method of inserting needles into ear acupoints" as described in Patent Document 1, practitioners are limited to specific qualified individuals such as doctors and acupuncturists, and 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 method 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, making it impossible 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, making it difficult to obtain the effects of pressure stimulation on improving physical condition and constitution.

[0007] Additionally, with the method of "passing current through ear acupoints" as in Patent Document 3, there are a great many acupoints distributed closely together on the auricle, and so the contact resistance between the contact electrode body and the auricle can change significantly depending on factors such as sweating, or if the auricle has too many projections and recesses, it is not possible to pass current through the ear acupoint with pinpoint precision, and the current that flows is also prone to fluctuations, making it difficult to ensure stable electrical stimulation to the ear acupoints. In addition, a large-capacity power source is required to pass current through the entire auricle, which causes the overall auricle stimulation device to become heavy and large.

[0008] The present invention has been devised in light of the above points, and aims to provide an auricle stimulation device that is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, by extending a support frame with a sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusion attached to the tip for pressing ear acupoints from an engaging hook with a built-in electromotive device that engages with the back of the auricle, and by moving the auricle acupressure protrusion at the tip to the side of the acupoint position and then abutting it accurately at the acupoint position and applying pressure with a constant pressure while passing electricity, thereby improving physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, and by ensuring stable electrical stimulation so that continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation can be applied, all 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 auricle stimulation device comprising: auricle acupressure protrusions with sharp tips for pressing ear acupressure points and capable of passing a predetermined stimulation current; a protrusion position adjustment structure for moving the auricle acupressure protrusions to the side of the auricle acupressure points; an engagement hook that incorporates an electric generator for generating the stimulation current and engages with the auricle from the back side; and a support frame that extends from the engagement hook and has the auricle acupressure protrusions attached to its tip, and which abuts the auricle acupressure protrusions at the auricle acupressure points and applies a constant pressure using elasticity or restoring force.

[0010] Furthermore, by providing such auricular acupressure protrusions, protrusion position adjustment structure, engaging hooks, and support frame, it is possible to apply pressure to ear acupressure points 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, 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 acupressure points simultaneously with continuous pressure stimulation via the auricle acupressure protrusions, thereby enabling effective ear acupressure therapy despite the simple structure.

[0012] In addition, by providing a protrusion position adjustment structure that moves the auricle acupressure protrusion to the side of the auricle acupressure point position, the auricle acupressure protrusion can be accurately abutted against the acupressure point position, thereby further improving positional accuracy.

[0013] Furthermore, since the engaging hook has a built-in device for generating a stimulating current, the entire auricle stimulation device can be integrated, which makes it lighter and smaller, making it easier to carry.

[0014] In addition, the elastic or restoring force of the support frame can press the auricle acupressure protrusions against the acupoint positions of the auricle with a constant pressure, suppressing fluctuations in the current flowing to the acupoints, thereby ensuring stable electrical stimulation to the acupoints.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention provides a protrusion position adjustment structure having a shape-retaining material provided on the inner periphery of the engaging hook, and after the engaging hook is removed from the auricle and rotated, the shape-retaining material is pressed against the auricle to cause plastic deformation, thereby rotating and retaining the engaging hook in a predetermined position and moving the auricle acupressure protrusion to the side of the auricle acupoint position.

[0016] In this case, the removed engaging hook is rotated around the auricle and reattached, the auricle acupressure protrusion is moved to a position close to the side of the acupressure point, the support frame is then slightly deformed to fine-tune the position of the auricle acupressure protrusion, and the auricle acupressure protrusion is then accurately moved to the side of the acupressure point, making it possible to adjust the protrusion position in two stages.

[0017] This reduces the amount of deformation, preventing a decrease in the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame, compared to when the auricle acupressure protrusions are moved to the side of the acupoint position by deformation of the support frame alone, and ensures sufficient pressure on the acupoint position.

[0018] In particular, the engaging hook can be reattached to the auricle by the simple operation of simply pressing the shape-retaining material against the auricle, making it possible to easily and quickly adjust the position of the auricle acupressure protrusions, thereby improving the efficiency of ear acupressure therapy using an auricle stimulation device.

[0019] In the present invention, the term "shape-retaining material" refers to a material that has plastic deformability, and refers to a material that has the property of substantially retaining a shape due to its plastic deformability when deformed into any shape.

[0020] In addition, the present invention provides a protrusion position adjustment structure having an elastic groove recessed into the inner periphery of the engaging hook, and by sliding and rotating the elastic groove along the outer periphery of the auricle, the engaging hook is rotated and held in a predetermined position, and the auricle acupressure protrusion is moved to the side of the acupoint position of the auricle.

[0021] In this case, the engaging hook is rotated around the auricle while the elastic groove portion remains engaged with the outer peripheral edge of the auricle, moving the auricle acupressure protrusion to a position close to the side of the acupressure point, and then the support frame is slightly deformed to fine-tune the position of the auricle acupressure protrusion, allowing the auricle acupressure protrusion to be accurately moved to the side of the acupressure point; this makes it possible to adjust the protrusion position in two stages.

[0022] This reduces the amount of deformation, preventing a decrease in the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame, compared to when the auricle acupressure protrusions are moved to the side of the acupoint position by deformation of the support frame alone, and ensures sufficient pressure on the acupoint position.

[0023] In particular, rotation to a predetermined position can be achieved by a simple operation of simply rotating the elastic groove portion while it remains engaged with the outer peripheral edge of the auricle, making it possible to adjust the position of the auricle acupressure protrusions easily and quickly, thereby improving the efficiency of ear acupressure therapy using an auricle stimulation device.

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides a protrusion position adjustment structure having a restraining material stretched over the curved support frame, and by stretching the restraining material between any two points on the support frame, the support frame is elastically deformed, and the auricle acupressure protrusion is moved to the side of the auricle acupressure position.

[0025] In this case, compared to a protrusion position adjustment structure in which the engaging hook is rotated and held in a predetermined position to move the auricle acupressure protrusion to the side of the auricle acupoint, the destination of movement can be freely changed by changing the tension position and tension of the restraining material.

[0026] This eliminates the need for fine adjustments to the position of the auricle acupressure protrusions due to deformation of the support frame, reliably prevents a decrease in the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame, and ensures a stable and sufficient pressing force.

[0027] 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 deforms when the auricle acupressure protrusion is pressed against the ear acupressure point, generating electricity as the piezoelectric circuit comprises a protrusion at the tip of the auricle acupressure protrusion where one of the electrodes is electrically connected to the substrate, and a contact portion of the auricle acupressure protrusion where the other electrode is electrically insulated from the substrate and comes into contact with the auricle when pressure is applied to the acupressure point.

[0028] In this case, it is possible to pass a superimposed current in which the stimulation current from the electromotive device built into the engagement hook is superimposed with the electromotive current from the piezoelectric circuit, or to turn off the power to the electromotive device and pass only the electromotive current from the piezoelectric circuit, thereby enabling effective ear acupuncture therapy using multiple types of electrical stimulation.

[0029] Furthermore, if the stimulation current is sufficient solely from the electromotive current generated by the piezoelectric circuit, the electromotive device built into the engagement hook can be made smaller and simpler in power consumption, which makes it possible to further reduce the weight and size of the auricle stimulation device.

[0030] Furthermore, unlike the electromotive device built into the engaging hook, the piezoelectric circuit automatically generates an electromotive current at the same time as the pressure stimulation, allowing electrical stimulation to be applied to the ear acupoint.Therefore, the acupoint position can be accurately identified based on the size and type of electrical stimulation felt by the patient while pressing the auricle acupressure protrusion against the auricle, thereby further improving positional accuracy.

[0031] 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]

[0032] According to the present invention, in an auricle stimulation device configured to be able to stimulate ear acupoints, a support frame with a sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusion attached to its tip for pressing the ear acupoint extends from an engaging hook with a built-in electromotive device that engages with the auricle from the back side, and the auricle acupressure protrusion at the tip is moved to the side of the acupoint position, and then it is brought into accurate contact with the acupoint position and pressed with a constant pressure while electricity is applied, thereby providing an auricle stimulation device that can improve physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and size, and can ensure stable electrical stimulation so as to apply continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation, and is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, without requiring time, effort, or strain on the body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing the overall configuration of an auricle stimulation device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a side view of the auricle stimulation device attached to the auricle of a person to be treated, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged side view of the same. [Figure 2] 2(a) is an explanatory diagram of an auricle stimulating device having a different type of protrusion position adjustment structure, in which FIG. 2(a) is an enlarged side view of an engaging hook with an elastic groove portion attached to an auricle, and FIG. 2(b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in FIG. 2(a). [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an auricle stimulating device having a projection position adjustment structure of another form, and is an enlarged side view of a state in which a restraining material is stretched over a support frame. [Figure 4] These are explanatory diagrams showing another form of electrical stimulation configuration for an auricle acupressure protrusion, in which Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of a piezoelectric circuit, Figure 4(b) is a partial cross-sectional side view of an auricle acupressure protrusion at the beginning of pressure, and Figure 4(c) is a partial cross-sectional side view of an auricle acupressure protrusion at the end of pressure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] First, the overall configuration of the auricle stimulating device M1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the auricle stimulation device M1 is equipped with an auricle acupressure protrusion 1 with a sharp tip, an engagement hook 2 that engages with the auricle 21 of the person being treated 20 from the back side, a shape-retaining member 7 that is one of the protrusion position adjustment structures provided on the inner circumference of the engagement hook 2, and a support frame 3 that extends from the same engagement hook 2 and has the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 attached to its tip.

[0036] Of these, the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 are electrically connected to a low-frequency generator 5 (described below), which is an electromotive device built into the engagement hook 2, via conductors 3a inside the support frame 3. A low-frequency pulse current of a specific frequency is passed as a stimulation current at the position where the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 are in contact with the auricle 21, allowing the ear acupressure points to be electrically stimulated.

[0037] In addition, this stimulation current can be not only low-frequency pulse current, but also electrical stimulation using 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.

[0038] The auricle acupressure protrusions 1 can be made of metal or conductive resin. However, if they are made of metal, the acupressure points on the auricle 21 are stimulated with pinpoint precision, but this may be too painful for some patients 20. In such cases, it may be possible to replace only the tips of the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 with resin components or to cover them with a resin cover. If patients 20 are allergic to metals, it may be possible to use a less allergic metal, such as titanium.

[0039] In addition, in the shape-retaining material 7 and the engaging hook 2 including it, a low-frequency generator 5 is built into a casing 4 which is formed in an approximately C-shape overall, and a layered shape-retaining material 7 is fixed to the inner surface of the casing 4, and this shape-retaining material 7 is incorporated with the contact electrode portion 6 exposed on the back side of the auricle 21.

[0040] Of these, the low-frequency generator 5 is electrically connected to the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 via the support frame 3 as described above, and is also electrically connected to the contact electrode portion 6 that comes into contact with the auricle 21, forming a closed circuit that allows low-frequency pulse current from the low-frequency generator 5 to be passed from the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the ear acupoint.

[0041] The casing 4 contains an intensity / waveform controller, a low-frequency generator, a timer, a microswitch, a battery, etc. (not shown), and by operating the intensity adjustment dial 5a, timer switch 5b, mode switch 5c, etc., which are arranged on the outer surface 4a of the casing 4, it is possible to change the intensity, current flow time, and pulse mode of the low-frequency pulse current.

[0042] When the shape-retaining member 7 is pressed against the back side of the auricle 21, it undergoes plastic deformation and comes into close contact with the back side of the auricle 21, thereby holding the engaging hook 2 in a predetermined position.

[0043] Therefore, when changing the ear acupoint that is the target of pressure stimulation or electrical stimulation, the engaging hook 2 can be removed from the auricle and rotated, and then the shape-retaining member 7 can be pressed against the back side of the auricle 21 again, causing the shape-retaining member 7 to plastically deform and come into close contact with the back side of the auricle 21, allowing the engaging hook 2 to be reattached. This allows the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to be moved to the side of the acupoint position on the auricle 21.

[0044] Materials for this shape-retaining material include olefin resins, polyester resins, vinyl chloride resins, acrylic resins, and so-called engineering plastics. The material may be in the form of a film, fiber, or net, or may be woven or laminated with these, or dispersed in a flexible resin. In any case, the shape-retaining material 7 containing these materials is not particularly limited as long as it can continue to substantially maintain its shape due to plastic deformability when deformed into any shape.

[0045] The contact electrode portion 6 has a conductive flat plate shape, and 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, but when it is incorporated into a shape-retaining material with excellent flexibility, it is preferable to use resin.

[0046] The support frame 3 has its base fixed to the outer surface 4a of the casing 4 of the engaging hook 2, and extends outward from this fixed position, bending forward partway and then bending inward again, forming an inward-opening U-shape in plan view, with the aforementioned auricular acupressure protrusions 1 attached to its tip.

[0047] The support frame 3 can be made of a metal, resin, or other elastic material, or a shape-memory alloy, whose elasticity and restoring force urges the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 toward the acupressure points on the auricle 21, and this urging force acts as a constant pressing force. Note that the elastic member used in this specification may be a spring structure such as a coil spring or leaf spring, and is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of generating the required elastic force.

[0048] In the above configuration, when using the auricle stimulation device M1 to stimulate a specific ear acupoint, if the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is already located to the side of the target acupoint with the engagement hook 2 engaged with the auricle 21 from the back side, the shape-retaining material 7 is pressed against the auricle 21 to plastically deform and adhere closely, thereby holding the engagement hook 2 in a specific position.

[0049] In this state, simply by bending the support frame 3 slightly toward the acupressure point, the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame 3 causes the auricle acupressure projections 1 to be pressed against the acupressure point.

[0050] However, if the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is not located to the side of the desired acupressure point when the engagement hook 2 is simply engaged with the auricle 21 from the back side, the shape-retaining member 7 is removed from the auricle 21, and then the engagement hook 2 is rotated around the auricle 21 to move the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the vicinity of the side of the desired acupressure point.

[0051] Then, by pressing the shape-retaining member 7 against the auricle 21, causing it to plastically deform and adhere tightly, and then reattaching it, the engaging hook 2 can be held in a predetermined position. At this time, if necessary, the support frame 3 can be deformed to fine-tune the position of the auricle acupressure protrusion 1, allowing the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to be accurately moved to the side of the acupoint position.

[0052] In this state, simply by bending the support frame 3 slightly toward the acupressure point, the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame 3 causes the auricle acupressure projections 1 to be pressed against the acupressure point with a constant pressure.

[0053] In this way, with the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 pressed against the acupoint, by operating the intensity adjustment dial 5a, timer switch 5b, mode switch 5c, etc. of the low-frequency generator 5, a low-frequency pulse current of a specific frequency is passed through the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 for a predetermined period of time, and pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation can be given to the ear acupoint simultaneously.

[0054] That is, the auricle stimulation device M1 is equipped with auricle acupressure protrusions 1 with sharp tips for pressing ear acupressure points and capable of passing a predetermined stimulation current, a shape-retaining member 7 which is a protrusion position adjustment structure that moves the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 to the side of the acupressure point position on the auricle 21, an engagement hook 2 which incorporates a low-frequency generator 5 which is an electromotive device for the stimulation current and engages with the auricle 21 from the back side, and a support frame 3 which extends from the engagement hook 2 and has the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 attached to its tip, and which abuts the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 at the acupressure point position on the auricle 21 and applies a constant pressure using elastic or restoring force.

[0055] By providing such auricular acupressure protrusions 1, shape-retaining material 7, engaging hooks 2, and support frame 3, it is possible to apply pressure to the ear acupoints with pinpoint accuracy, thereby achieving a significant improvement 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.

[0056] Furthermore, since the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 are capable of passing a predetermined stimulating current, electrical stimulation by the stimulating current can be applied to the ear acupressure points simultaneously with continuous pressure stimulation via the auricle acupressure protrusions 1, thereby enabling effective ear acupressure therapy despite the simple structure.

[0057] In addition, by providing a shape-retaining member 7 that moves the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the side of the acupressure point position of the auricle 21, the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 can be accurately abutted against the acupressure point position, thereby further improving positional accuracy.

[0058] Furthermore, by incorporating a low-frequency generator 5 of a stimulation current into the engagement hook 2, the entire auricle stimulation device M1 can be integrated, which makes it lighter and smaller, making it easier to carry.

[0059] In addition, the elastic or restoring force of the support frame 3 allows the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 to be pressed against the acupoint positions of the auricle 21 with a constant pressure, suppressing fluctuations in the current flowing to the ear acupoints, thereby ensuring stable electrical stimulation to the ear acupoints.

[0060] The protrusion position adjustment structure also has a shape-retaining material 7 provided on the inner periphery of the engaging hook 2, and after the engaging hook 2 is removed from the auricle 21 and rotated, the shape-retaining material 7 is pressed against the auricle 21 to cause plastic deformation, thereby rotating and retaining the engaging hook 2 in a predetermined position and moving the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the side of the acupoint position on the auricle 21.

[0061] In this case, the removed engaging hook 2 is rotated around the auricle 21 and reattached, the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is moved to a position close to the side of the acupressure point, the support frame 3 is slightly deformed to fine-tune the position of the auricle acupressure protrusion 1, and the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is then accurately moved to the side of the acupressure point, thereby enabling two-stage protrusion position adjustment.

[0062] This reduces the amount of deformation compared to when the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 are moved to the side of the acupoint position by deformation of the support frame 3 alone, preventing a decrease in the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame 3 and ensuring sufficient pressure on the acupoint position.

[0063] In particular, the engagement hook 2 can be reattached to the auricle 21 by a simple operation of simply pressing the shape-retaining member 7 against the auricle 21, so that the position of the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 can be adjusted easily and quickly, thereby improving the efficiency of ear acupressure therapy using the auricle stimulation device M1.

[0064] Next, another embodiment of the above-described projection position adjusting structure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the protrusion position adjustment structure of this embodiment has an elastic groove portion 8a recessed into the inner periphery of the engagement hook 12 instead of the shape-retaining member 7 provided on the inner periphery of the engagement hook 2 described above, and is provided in the auricle stimulation device M2.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2(b), this elastic groove portion 8a is formed as a separate body in a U-shape in cross section on the inner peripheral surface of the casing 8 of the engagement hook 12 that houses the low frequency generator 5 described above.

[0067] The elastic groove portion 8a is formed over the entire length of the inner surface of the casing 8, and its groove width 8b is set to a width that allows both side surfaces of the outer peripheral edge portion 21a, while still inserted, to slide within the elastic groove portion 8a when the engaging hook 12 is rotated along the outer peripheral edge portion 21a of the auricle 21.

[0068] The material of this elastic groove portion 8a may be rubbers such as synthetic rubbers such as diene-based, olefin-based, and silicone-based rubbers, natural rubber, and sponges such as urethane foam, polyethylene foam, and rubber sponge, but is not particularly limited as long as the elastic groove portion 8a made of these materials can elastically clamp the outer peripheral edge portion 21a of the auricle 21 and slide and rotate along the outer peripheral edge portion 21a.

[0069] Furthermore, a contact electrode portion 9, which has a different shape from the contact electrode portion 6 described above, is incorporated into the groove bottom of such elastic groove portion 8a in a state where it is exposed to the outer peripheral edge portion 21a of the inserted auricle 21. Also in the auricle stimulation device M2 of this embodiment, the low-frequency generator 5 is electrically connected to the auricle acupressure projection 1 via the support frame 3, and is also electrically connected to this contact electrode portion 9 to form a closed circuit, allowing a low-frequency pulse current from the low-frequency generator 5 to be passed from the auricle acupressure projection 1 to the ear acupoint.

[0070] In the above configuration, when using the auricle stimulation device M2 to stimulate a specific ear acupoint, the elastic groove portion 8a of the casing 8 is fitted into the outer peripheral edge portion 21a of the auricle 21, and with the engaging hook 12 engaged with the auricle 21 from the back side, if the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is already located to the side of the target acupoint, the elastic force of the elastic groove portion 8a can be used to hold the engaging hook 12 in a specific position by simply leaving the elastic groove portion 8a fitted into the outer peripheral edge portion 21a.

[0071] In this state, simply by bending the support frame 3 slightly toward the acupressure point, the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame 3 causes the auricle acupressure projections 1 to be pressed against the acupressure point.

[0072] However, if the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is not located to the side of the desired acupressure point when the elastic groove portion 8a of the casing 8 is fitted onto the outer peripheral edge portion 21a of the auricle 21 and the engaging hook 12 is simply engaged with the auricle 21 from the back side, the engaging hook 12 must be rotated along the outer peripheral edge portion 21a of the auricle 21 while the outer peripheral edge 21a of the auricle 21 remains inserted into the elastic groove portion 8a, and the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 must be moved to the vicinity of the side of the desired acupressure point.

[0073] Then, simply by leaving elastic groove portion 8a fitted into outer peripheral edge portion 21a, the elastic force of elastic groove portion 8a can be used to hold engaging hook 12 in a predetermined position. At this time, if necessary, by deforming support frame 3 to fine-tune the position of auricle acupressure protrusion 1, it is possible to accurately move auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the side of the acupressure point position.

[0074] In this state, when the support frame 3 is bent slightly toward the acupressure point, the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame 3 presses the auricle acupressure projections 1 against the acupressure point with a constant pressure.

[0075] In this way, similar to the aforementioned auricle stimulation device M1, by operating various switches on the low-frequency generator 5 while the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is pressed against the acupoint, a low-frequency pulse current of a specific frequency is passed through the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 for a predetermined period of time, and pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation can be simultaneously applied to the ear acupoint.

[0076] That is, the protrusion position adjustment structure has an elastic groove portion 8a recessed into the inner periphery of the engaging hook 12, and by sliding and rotating this elastic groove portion 8a along the outer peripheral edge 21a of the auricle 21, the engaging hook 12 is rotated and held in a predetermined position and the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is moved to the side of the acupressure point position on the auricle 21. In this case, the engaging hook 12 is rotated around the auricle 21 with the elastic groove portion 8a still fitted on the outer peripheral edge 21a of the auricle 21, and the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is moved close to the side of the acupressure point position, and then the support frame 3 is slightly deformed to fine-tune the position of the auricle acupressure protrusion 1, and the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is moved accurately to the side of the acupressure point position; this allows for a two-stage protrusion position adjustment.

[0077] This reduces the amount of deformation compared to when the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 are moved to the side of the acupoint position by deformation of the support frame 3 alone, preventing a decrease in the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame 3 and ensuring sufficient pressure on the acupoint position.

[0078] In particular, rotation to a predetermined position can be performed by a simple operation of simply rotating the elastic groove portion 8a while it is still fitted into the outer peripheral edge portion 21a of the auricle 21, so that the position of the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 can be adjusted easily and quickly, thereby improving the efficiency of ear acupressure therapy using the auricle stimulation device M2.

[0079] Next, another embodiment of the projection position adjusting structure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion position adjustment structure of this embodiment has restraint members 10 and 11 stretched over a curved support frame 23, instead of the shape-retaining member 7 and elastic groove portion 8a described above, and is provided in an auricle stimulation device M3.

[0081] Of these, support frame 23, like support frame 3 described above, has its base fixed to the outer surface 24a of casing 24 of engaging hook 22, extends outward from this fixed position, bends forward partway and then bends inward again, and is formed into an inward-opening U-shape in plan view, with the aforementioned auricular acupressure protrusions 1 attached to its tip.

[0082] Like the support frame 3 described above, the material of this support frame 23 can be an elastic material made of metal or resin, or a shape-memory alloy, and the elasticity and restoring force of this material urges the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 toward the acupoint positions of the auricle 21, and the resulting urging force acts as a constant pressing force.

[0083] Furthermore, similar to the aforementioned engagement hooks 2 and 12, the engagement hook 22 has a low-frequency generator 5 built into a casing 24 which is formed in an approximately C-shape overall, and the contact electrode portion 19 is incorporated into the inner surface of the casing 24 in a state where it is exposed on the back side of the auricle 21.

[0084] In addition, the low-frequency generator 5 is electrically connected to the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 via the support frame 23, as described above, and is also electrically connected to the contact electrode portion 19 that contacts the auricle 21, thereby forming a closed circuit.

[0085] This allows the auricle stimulating tool M3 to also pass a low-frequency pulse current from the low-frequency generator 5 through the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 to the ear acupoints.

[0086] Support frame 23 is rod-shaped and has three circumferential grooves 23a, 23b, and 23c formed in a semicircular cross-section at three locations. Of these, circumferential grooves 23a and 23b are formed in order from near outer surface 24a of casing 24, while circumferential groove 23c is formed near auricle acupressure protrusion 1.

[0087] The aforementioned restraining members 10 and 11 are ring-shaped, and restraining member 10 is wound and stretched between circumferential groove 23a and circumferential groove 23c, and restraining member 11 is wound and stretched between circumferential groove 23b and circumferential groove 23c.

[0088] The materials for these restraints 10 and 11 include elastic fibers such as diene-based, olefin-based, and silicone-based synthetic rubbers, as well as natural rubber, and non-elastic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, as well as cotton. However, there are no particular limitations on the materials used, as long as restraints 10 and 11 made of these materials are stretched between any two points on support frame 23, thereby elastically deforming support frame 23 and moving auricle acupressure protrusions 1 to the side of the acupressure point on auricle 21.

[0089] In the above configuration, when using the auricle stimulation device M3 to stimulate a specific ear acupoint, the engagement hook 22, which is formed in a roughly C-shape overall, is engaged with the auricle 21 from the back side, and if the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is already located to the side of the target acupoint, the engagement hook 22 can be held in the specified position.

[0090] In this state, simply by bending the support frame 23 slightly toward the acupressure point, the elastic force and restoring force of the support frame 23 presses the auricle acupressure projections 1 against the acupressure point.

[0091] However, if the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is not located to the side of the desired acupressure point when engagement hook 22 is simply engaged with auricle 21 from the back side, ring-shaped restraint members 10 and 11 can be wrapped and stretched between any two points on support frame 23, in this embodiment between circumferential grooves 23a and 23c, or between circumferential grooves 23b and 23c, and support frame 23 near auricle acupressure protrusion 1 can be pulled from two directions to accurately move the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the side of the desired acupressure point. This eliminates the need for fine adjustments by deforming support frame 23 to move the acupressure point laterally.

[0092] In this state, simply by slightly bending the support frame 23 toward the acupressure point, the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame 23 causes the auricle acupressure projections 1 to be pressed against the acupressure point with a constant pressure.

[0093] In this way, similar to the aforementioned auricle stimulation devices M1 and M2, by operating various switches on the low-frequency generator 5 while the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 is pressed against the acupoint, a low-frequency pulse current of a specific frequency is passed through the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 for a predetermined period of time, and pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation can be simultaneously applied to the ear acupoint.

[0094] In other words, when the protrusion position adjustment structure has restraint members 10 and 11 stretched over a curved support frame 23, and these restraint members 10 and 11 are stretched between any two points on the support frame 23 to elastically deform the support frame 23 and move the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the side of the acupressure point on the auricle 21, the destination of movement can be freely changed by changing the tension and position of the restraint members 10 and 11, compared to a protrusion position adjustment structure that rotates and holds the engaging hook 22 in a predetermined position to move the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the side of the acupressure point on the auricle 21.

[0095] This eliminates the need for fine adjustment of the position of the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 due to deformation of the support frame 23, reliably prevents a decrease in the elasticity and restoring force of the support frame 23, and ensures a stable and sufficient pressing force.

[0096] The number, length, material, and tensioning position of the restraining members on the support frame can be freely changed depending on the acupoint position of the ear, and are not particularly limited.

[0097] Next, another embodiment of the above-mentioned auricle acupressure projection 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0098] As shown in Figure 4(a), the auricle acupressure protrusion 1A of this embodiment is the aforementioned auricle acupressure protrusion 1 equipped with a piezoelectric circuit 80, and when the auricle acupressure protrusion 1A presses the acupressure point of the auricle 21, the reaction force it receives activates the piezoelectric circuit 80, causing a current to flow to the acupressure point.

[0099] 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 1A; and a contact portion 86, which is the part of the auricle acupressure protrusion 1A that comes into contact with the auricle 21 when pressure is applied to the acupoint; these are electrically connected to each other by current paths 87, 88, etc.

[0100] 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 from auricle acupressure projections 1A against the acupressure points. If it is made of metal, it can be formed from brass, aluminum, copper, iron-nickel alloy, or the like, and if it is made of resin, it 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 exhibit elasticity when pressure is applied to the acupressure points of auricle acupressure projections 1A.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] When auricle acupressure protrusion 1A equipped with the above-described piezoelectric circuit 80 is pressed against the acupoint of auricle 21 by the aforementioned elastic force and restoring force, protrusion portion 85 and contact portion 86 come into contact with auricle 21, 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] As a specific configuration of the auricle acupressure protrusion 1A, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(b), an access hole 89a is formed at 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.

[0107] The guide member 91 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and has a guide hole 91a formed on its axis. The guide hole 91a is conically shaped so that the conical protrusion 85 can move in and out in the forward and backward directions of the axis.

[0108] 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 axial direction of the guide member 91 within the outer shell 89 of the auricle acupressure protrusion 1A.

[0109] 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 .

[0110] In the above-described configuration, when the auricle acupressure protrusions 1A provided on the support frames 3 and 23 are pressed against the acupressure points of the auricle 21, as shown in FIG. 4(b), at the beginning of the pressure, the protrusions 85 protrude significantly from the access holes 89a. However, as the pressure progresses, the protrusions 85 are pushed into the access holes 89a and retract within the guide holes 91a of the guide member 91. As a result, the entire piezoelectric element 84 bends, and an electromotive current is generated in the piezoelectric material 82.

[0111] Furthermore, in the later stage of pressing, as shown in Figure 4(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 part 86 corresponding to the outer peripheral part of the access hole 89a, abuts against the auricle 21 and becomes electrically connected.

[0112] This, together with the protrusion 85 that is already in contact with and electrically connected to the auricle 21, 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.

[0113] Specifically, when auricle acupressure projections 1A are equipped with piezoelectric circuits 80, each of which includes a conductive substrate 81, a piezoelectric material 82 electrically connected to substrate 81 that generates a voltage when deformed by pressure, and electrodes 83 electrically connected to substrate 81; a piezoelectric element 84 that generates electricity when piezoelectric material 82 deforms when auricle acupressure projections 1A are pressed against an acupressure point; a protrusion 85 at the tip of auricle acupressure projection 1A that electrically connects substrate 81 to one of electrodes 83; and a contact portion 86 on auricle acupressure projection 1A that is electrically insulated from substrate 81 and electrode 83 and comes into contact with auricle 21 when pressed against the acupressure point, it is possible to apply a superimposed current in which the current generated by piezoelectric circuit 80 is superimposed on the stimulating current from low-frequency generator 5, which is an electromotive device built into engaging hooks 2, 12, and 22, or to apply only the current generated by piezoelectric circuit 80 by turning off the power to low-frequency generator 5, thereby enabling effective ear acupressure therapy using multiple types of electrical stimulation.

[0114] Furthermore, if the stimulation current is sufficient solely from the electromotive current generated by the piezoelectric circuit 80, the low-frequency generator 5, which is the electromotive device built into the engaging hooks 2, 12, and 22, can be made smaller and more power-efficient, thereby enabling the auricle stimulation devices M1, M2, and M3 to be made even lighter and smaller.

[0115] Furthermore, unlike the low-frequency generator 5, which is an electromotive device built into the engaging hooks 2, 12, and 22, the piezoelectric circuit 80 automatically generates an electromotive current at the same time as the pressure stimulation, thereby applying electrical stimulation to the ear acupoint.Therefore, the acupoint position can be accurately determined based on the magnitude and type of electrical stimulation felt by the patient while pressing the auricle acupressure protrusion 1A against the auricle 21, thereby further improving the positioning accuracy.

[0116] In addition, compared to when the piezoelectric body 84 is simply attached to the auricle 21, the piezoelectric material 82 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 constantly apply stable electrical stimulation to the auricle 21 of the person being treated during treatment.

[0117] As described above, the auricle stimulation devices M1, M2, and M3 of the present invention have support frames 3, 23, with sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusions 1, 1A for pressing ear acupoints attached to their tips, extending from engagement hooks 2, 12, and 22 built into low-frequency generators 5, which are electromotive devices that engage with the auricles from the backside of the auricles. The auricle acupressure protrusions 1, 1A at the tips are moved to the sides of the auricle positions, and then the auricle acupressure protrusions 1, 1A are precisely brought into contact with the acupoint positions and pressed with a constant pressure while electricity is applied. This allows for the improvement of physical condition and constitution through pressure stimulation with sufficient positional accuracy and magnitude, and stable electrical stimulation to be ensured, thereby providing continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation, without requiring much time, effort, or strain on the body. Furthermore, the devices are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described through the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these, and the above-mentioned effects are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiments.

[0119] For example, by operating the mode switch 5c of the low-frequency generator 5 described above and setting it to "vibration mode," which shortens the pulse interval of the low-frequency pulse current to cause gentle muscle spasms, the vibrations caused by these spasms can be transmitted to the ear acupoint and its surrounding area.

[0120] In this case, in addition to the pressure and electrical stimulation described above, the vibration stimulation caused by muscle contraction and relaxation is simultaneously applied to the ear acupoint where the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 contacts, and this vibration is instantly propagated from the contact point to the surrounding area, so that the vibration stimulation is also applied to the surrounding ear acupoints.

[0121] For example, by simply placing the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 on the Shenmen point (for mental stability and pain relief) above the auricle 21, vibration stimulation can be applied to the surrounding constipation area (for constipation and hemorrhoids) and lower back pain points (for lower back pain), and sufficient therapeutic effects can be obtained even if the acupressure point is slightly off-center.

[0122] That is, auricle stimulation devices M1, M2, and M3 are each equipped with auricle acupressure protrusions 1 with sharp tips for pressing ear acupressure points and capable of passing a predetermined stimulation current through them, a protrusion position adjustment structure including a shape-retaining member 7, elastic groove portion 8a, and restraining members 19, 11 that move the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 to the side of the auricle acupressure position, a low-frequency generator 5 that can change the pulse interval of the stimulation current, and engagement hooks 2, 12, and 22 that engage with the auricle from the back side, and support frames 3, 23 that extend from the engagement hooks 2, 12, and 22 and have the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 attached to their tips, and which abut the auricle acupressure protrusions 1 at the auricle acupressure positions and apply a constant pressure using their elastic or restoring force.

[0123] By providing such auricular acupressure protrusions 1, protrusion position adjustment structure, engaging hooks 2, 12, 22, and support frames 3, 23, it is possible to apply pressure, electrical stimulation, and vibration stimulation to ear acupoints with pinpoint accuracy, thereby achieving greater improvements in physical condition and constitution through pressure, electrical stimulation, and vibration stimulation of sufficient positional accuracy and magnitude, without requiring much time and effort or putting strain on the body.

[0124] Furthermore, by providing a protrusion position adjustment structure that moves the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 to the side of the acupressure point position of the auricle 21, the auricle acupressure protrusion 1 can be accurately abutted against the acupressure point position, thereby further improving positional accuracy.

[0125] In addition, the device has a built-in low-frequency generator 5 that can change the pulse interval of the stimulation current, so that vibration stimulation can be applied to the ear acupoints simultaneously with continuous pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation via the auricle acupressure protrusions 1, thereby enabling effective ear acupoint therapy to be performed over a wide area despite its simple structure.

[0126] In addition to generating vibrations due to muscle contraction and relaxation by operating the low frequency generator 5 in this way, it is also possible to consider a configuration in which ultrasonic vibrations are generated by an ultrasonic signal transmitter and a piezoelectric vibrator.

[0127] In this case, an ultrasonic signal transmitter is built into an engagement hook such as the above-mentioned engagement hooks 2, 12, and 22 instead of the low-frequency generator 5, and a piezoelectric vibrator is built into the auricle acupressure protrusion.An ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic signal transmitter is then sent through the conductor 3a in the support frame 3 and 23 to the piezoelectric vibrator, thereby generating ultrasonic vibrations from the piezoelectric vibrator.

[0128] Here, a piezoelectric vibrator is a vibrator that converts electrical energy into physical vibrations when a specific electrical signal is applied. It utilizes the phenomenon of deformation when voltage is applied, which is the opposite of the piezoelectric effect described above, and existing materials such as quartz can be used.

[0129] With this ultrasonic vibration, the aforementioned vibrational stimulation can be applied to the ear acupoint where the auricle acupressure protrusion comes into contact, and furthermore, since this vibration is instantly propagated from the contact point to the surrounding area, sufficient therapeutic effect can be obtained even if the acupoint position is slightly off.

[0130] That is, this auricle stimulation device is equipped with a sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusion for pressing on ear acupoints and which incorporates an ultrasonic vibration piezoelectric vibrator; a protrusion position adjustment structure such as a shape-retaining member 7, elastic groove 8a, and restraint members 19·11 which move the auricle acupressure protrusion to the side of the auricle (21)'s acupoint position; an engagement hook which incorporates an ultrasonic signal transmitter and engages with the auricle from the back side; and a support frame 3·23 which extends from the engagement hook and has the auricle acupressure protrusion attached to its tip, and which abuts the auricle acupressure protrusion at the auricle's acupoint position and applies a constant pressure using its elastic or restoring force.

[0131] Furthermore, by providing such auricular acupressure protrusions, protrusion position adjustment structure, engaging hooks, and support frame 3·23, it is possible to apply pressure and vibration stimulation to ear acupoints with pinpoint accuracy, thereby achieving significant improvements in physical condition and constitution through pressure and vibration stimulation of sufficient positional accuracy and magnitude without requiring time and effort or putting strain on the body.

[0132] Furthermore, since the auricle acupressure protrusions incorporate ultrasonic vibration piezoelectric vibrators, continuous pressure stimulation and ultrasonic vibration stimulation can be applied to the ear acupressure points via the auricle acupressure protrusions, thereby enabling effective ear acupressure therapy over a wide area despite the simple structure.

[0133] In addition, by providing a protrusion position adjustment structure that moves the auricle acupressure protrusion to the side of the acupressure point position on the auricle 21, the auricle acupressure protrusion can be accurately abutted against the acupressure point position, thereby further improving positional accuracy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] M1・M2・M3 Auricular stimulator 1·1A Auricular acupressure protrusions 2·12·22 Engagement hook 3·23 Support frame 5. Low frequency generator (electromotive device) 7 Shape retaining material 8a Elastic groove 10·11 Restraint material 21 Auricle 21a Outer edge 80 Piezoelectric Circuit 81 Circuit Board 82 Piezoelectric material 83 Electrode 84 Piezoelectric 85 Protrusion 86 Contact area

Claims

1. a sharp-tipped auricle acupressure protrusion for pressing ear acupoints, capable of passing a predetermined stimulation current; a protrusion position adjustment structure that moves the auricle acupressure protrusion to the side of the auricle acupressure point; an engaging hook that incorporates an electromotive device for generating the stimulation current and engages with the auricle from the back side; a support frame that extends from the engaging hook and has the auricle acupressure protrusions attached to its tip, and that abuts the auricle acupressure protrusions at acupressure points on the auricle and presses them with a constant pressure by elastic force or restoring force; An auricle stimulation device characterized by:

2. The protrusion position adjustment structure includes: A shape-retaining member is provided on the inner periphery of the engaging hook, After the engaging hook is removed from the auricle and rotated, the shape-retaining member is pressed against the auricle and plastically deformed, thereby rotating and retaining the engaging hook in a predetermined position, and moving the auricle acupressure protrusion to the side of the acupressure point position of the auricle.

2. The auricle stimulation device according to claim 1.

3. The protrusion position adjustment structure includes: The engaging hook has an elastic groove portion recessed in the inner periphery thereof, By sliding and rotating the elastic groove portion along the outer periphery of the auricle, the engaging hook is rotated and held in a predetermined position, and the auricle acupressure protrusion is moved to the side of the acupressure point position of the auricle.

2. The auricle stimulation device according to claim 1.

4. The protrusion position adjustment structure includes: A restraining member is provided to be stretched over the curved support frame, By stretching the restraining member between any two points on the support frame, the support frame is elastically deformed, and the auricle acupressure protrusions are moved to the side of the acupressure points on the auricle.

2. The auricle stimulation device according to claim 1.

5. The auricle 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 auricle acupressure protrusion is pressed against the ear acupressure point, and generating electricity; a protrusion at the tip of the auricle acupressure protrusion, to which the substrate and one of the electrodes are electrically connected; The other of the substrate and the electrode is electrically insulated, and the piezoelectric circuit has a contact portion of the auricle acupressure protrusion that comes into contact with the auricle when pressed against the acupressure point. The auricle stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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