Ear acupoint stimulator

Abstract

To provide an auricular acupoint stimulator that can appropriately stimulate the auricular acupoints of a subject and can easily move the stimulation site. 【Solution means】 In an auricular acupoint stimulator capable of pressing and stimulating the auricular acupoints in the auricle, a protruding pressing projection for pressing and stimulating the auricular acupoints, an arm portion that is connected to and supports the pressing projection and has an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the fixing position of the pressing projection, and a support frame portion that hangs down on the head or neck and supports the arm portion, wherein the arm portion has a free-arm structure that can be adjusted in the vertical, front-rear, and left-right directions of the wearer, and the support frame portion has a headband portion for abutting against and fixing to the head, and a housing portion provided at both ends of the headband portion for surrounding and fixing the periphery of the auricle of the wearer. An auricular acupoint stimulator characterized by this.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an auricular acupoint stimulator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as auricular therapy, it is known that various acupoints of the body exist on the auricle, and acupoint treatment can be performed by stimulating the auricular acupoints in the auricle with needles or the like.

[0003] And, as an auricular acupoint stimulator for stimulating these auricular acupoints, an auricular acupoint stimulator that can be worn on the neck or head and stimulates the auricular acupoints in the auricles of both ears by pressing and energizing the stimulating protrusions is known (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, as shown in Patent Document 1, a treatment device that hooks a support portion on the ear and directly stimulates the auricular acupoint portion with a stimulating portion connected to the support portion is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the conventional auricular acupoint stimulator as described in Patent Document 1, the pressing position of the protrusion for pressing stimulation to the auricular acupoint portion is fixed and cannot be easily displaced. Therefore, sufficient fixation and pressing to the auricular acupoint portion cannot be performed. For this reason, there are difficulties in operability and a sufficient treatment effect cannot be obtained.

[0007] In addition, the shape, size, hardness, etc. of the auricle vary widely depending on age and race. Therefore, in a conventional device in which the stimulation site that can be stimulated by the auricle acupoint stimulator is fixed in advance and the positional movement of the protrusion is not easy, it is impossible to perform treatment in accordance with the various shapes of the auricle. Therefore, it is not in a state where sufficient treatment can be performed.

[0008] In addition, in the auricle acupoint stimulator described in Patent Document 1, the position of the stimulation device within the auricle cannot be moved, and it is not in a mode where the auricle acupoint can be easily pressed. Therefore, it is not excellent in terms of usage mode and there is room for improvement.

[0009] In addition, in the auricle acupoint stimulator described in Patent Document 1, since the positional movement of the protrusion is not easy, there are cases where it is necessary to press the auricle acupoint from an oblique direction. For this reason, appropriate pressing of the auricle acupoint cannot be performed, and the subject cannot obtain a sufficient treatment effect. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is an excellent treatment mode.

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The present invention is an auricle acupoint stimulator capable of pressing and stimulating the auricle acupoint within the auricle, comprising a protruding pressing protrusion for pressing and stimulating the auricle acupoint, an arm portion connected to and supporting the pressing protrusion and having an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the fixing position of the pressing protrusion, and a support frame portion that hangs down to the head or neck and supports the arm portion.

[0012] In addition, in the present invention, either one or both of the arm portion and the pressing protrusion are made of a transparent material.

[0013] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the arm portion has an inner and outer double tube structure composed of an inner arm that supports the finger pressure protrusion at its tip and a cylindrical outer arm that slidably inserts the inner arm, and an opening for visually recognizing the sliding position of the inner arm is formed in the outer arm.

[0014] Further, in the present invention, either one or both of the arm portion and the pressing projection portion are made of a conductive resin.

[0015] Further, in the present invention, the support frame portion includes a headband portion for abutting against and fixing to the head, and housing portions provided at both ends of the headband portion for surrounding and fixing around the auricle of the wearer.

[0016] Further, in the present invention, the arm portion has a length that can press against the auricle periphery of the wearer or the concha bowl portion existing on the head.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] By implementing the concha bowl stimulator of the present invention, it is possible to perform appropriate concha bowl stimulation corresponding to auricles of various sizes and shapes regardless of age or race.

[0018] Also, since precise positional movement of the acupoint stimulation site can be easily performed, it is possible to accurately press against the concha bowl in the auricle. For this reason, the subject can obtain a sufficient treatment effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

[0020] The present invention relates to an auricular tubercle stimulator capable of pressing and stimulating the auricular tubercle in the auricle. The auricular tubercle stimulator includes a protruding pressing projection for pressing and stimulating the auricular tubercle, an arm part that is connected to and supports the pressing projection and has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the fixing position of the pressing projection, and a support frame part that hangs down to the head or neck and supports the arm part.

[0021] [1. Structure of the Auricular Tubercle Stimulator According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention] Next, the structure of the auricular tubercle stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the auricular tubercle stimulator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is composed of a headband part 13, a housing part 14, an arm part 3, etc.

[0022] Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the auricular tubercle stimulator 1, FIG. 2 is a front view of the auricular tubercle stimulator 1, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the auricular tubercle stimulator 1, FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the auricular tubercle stimulator 1, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the auricular tubercle stimulator 1 ((a) right side view, (b) left side view).

[0023] Also, the rear view of the auricular tubercle stimulator 1 is the same as FIG. 2.

[0024] Each will be described. First, the support frame part 4 is composed of a headband part 13 and a housing part 14.

[0025] And the headband part 13 is a part that contacts the head and fixes the entire auricular tubercle stimulator 1 when the subject wears the auricular tubercle stimulator 1. However, the fixation of the headband part 13 is not limited to the head, and it may be fixed to the neck or the like. In this case, the headband part 13 may be a band part adapted to the shape of the neck.

[0026] Also, the headband part 13 may be provided with an adjustment mechanism that can adjust the length of the band part according to the size of the subject's head. As an example, this adjustment mechanism is a slide-type belt-like mechanism.

[0027] Moreover, as long as it can be sufficiently fixed, the fixing method to the head is not limited to such a band shape. As another example, it may be, for example, in the shape of a cap or the like.

[0028] And housing parts 14 are respectively arranged at both ends of the headband part 13. When worn by the subject, this housing part 14 surrounds and is fixed around the auricle. That is, the main function of the housing part 14 is to fix the positions of the auricular tubercle stimulator 1 and the base of the arm part 3.

[0029] In addition, by making a part of the housing part 14 contact and gently press against the auricle, the auricle can be expanded and fixed, and it may also be an aspect in which the treatment can be more easily performed.

[0030] Also, the housing part 14 preferably has a donut-like shape with an internal cavity. With such a shape, it can appropriately surround the auricle and also has an excellent aesthetic appearance for the entire auricular tubercle stimulator 1 device.

[0031] Also, as shown in the side view of the auricular tubercle stimulator 1 in Fig. 7, the first arm part 20 and the second arm part 21 are adjacent and connected via the second adjustment part 11.

[0032] And when the wearer (the same as the subject) wears the auricular tubercle stimulator 1, it becomes the state as shown in Fig. 6, the housing part 14 surrounds the auricle, and the pressing projection 2 at the tip of the arm part 3 is operated inside the housing part 14.

[0033] Next, the arm part 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the arm part 3 includes a support part 23, a first arm part 20, and a second arm part 21.

[0034] The first arm part 20 is connected to the support part 23 and the support frame part 4 at one end thereof, and is connected to the second arm part 21 at the other end.

[0035] Further, the arm part 3 can perform position movement and fixation at the moved position by an adjustment mechanism via an adjustment part described later.

[0036] Here, a first adjustment part 10 is disposed near the connection part between the first arm part 20 and the support part 23.

[0037] The first adjustment part 10 can rotate the first arm part 20 in the left - right direction of the subject with the disposed part as a base point. For this reason, the entire arm part 3 rotates via the first arm part 20. Such an adjustment mechanism may be a spring or the like as described later. Also, as a mode, position fixation can be performed by a fixture such as a screw at a specific position desired after adjustment.

[0038] And near the connection part between the first arm part 20 and the second arm part 21, a second adjustment part 11 and a third adjustment part 12 capable of moving the position of the second arm part 21 are provided.

[0039] Here, the second adjustment part 11 and the third adjustment part 12 can adjust the position of the second arm part 21.

[0040] Specifically, the second adjustment part 11 can adjust the movement of the second arm part 21 in the up - down direction (the head - tail axis direction of the subject) and the front - back direction.

[0041] As an example of the adjustment mechanism by this second adjustment part 11, for example, by providing a gap part via a connection member at the connection part between the first arm part 20 and the second arm part 21, the second arm part 21 can be slid along the first arm part 20 to perform vertical movement.

[0042] Also, if the gap part at the connection part between the first arm part 20 and the second arm part 21 is provided wider in a plurality of directions, the second arm part 21 can be easily moved in the front - rear direction.

[0043] Specifically, a second adjustment part 11 that covers, for example, a semi - circular part of the cross - sectional circle of the substantially columnar first arm part 20 is provided, and by appropriately moving the second adjustment part 11 along the periphery of the first arm part 20, the vertical and front - rear movement of the second arm part 21 can be continuously performed.

[0044] And after moving the second arm part 21 to a desired position, it can be fixed in position by tightening a screw or the like provided on the second adjustment part 11 and pressing it against the first arm part 20.

[0045] Also, as a precise movement mode of the pressing projection part 2 in the left - right direction, it is a good mode to further devise the second arm part 21. That is, the second arm part 21 has a hollow shape, a new third arm part 22 is provided inside it, and the pressing projection part 2 is provided at the tip of the third arm part 22.

[0046] Here, it is not necessarily the case that the third arm part 22 is provided. That is, the pressing projection part 2 may be directly connected to the tip of the second arm part 21, and the second arm part 21 may be moved via the second adjustment part 11.

[0047] Then, loosen the screw of the third adjustment part 12 connected to the third arm part 22 (or detach a stopper part or the like), and move the third arm part 22 in the left - right direction inside the housing of the second arm part 21.

[0048] In such a manner, after fixing the positions of the first arm portion 20 and the second arm portion 21, the third arm portion 22 can be moved into the auricle, so that precise position movement can be performed.

[0049] Also, rough positioning can be performed by the first arm portion 20 and the second arm portion 21, and precise position movement to a specific ear pit in the auricle can be performed by the third arm portion 22. Therefore, the operator can easily get used to the operation.

[0050] Next, the pressing projection portion 2 will be described. The pressing projection portion 2 is provided at the tip of the second arm portion 21 or the third arm portion 22, and is a portion that directly presses and stimulates the ear pit in the auricle.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the pressing projection portion 2 is a conical structure with a sharp tip. And at its bottom 25, it is connected to the third arm portion 22 or the second arm portion 21.

[0052] Here, by providing a metal aggregate that can be deformed and fixed in the deformed state at the connection site between the bottom 25 and each arm portion, the pressing projection portion 2 can be in a bendable manner that is slightly flexible and can be easily fixed in place.

[0053] That is, by making the angle of the third arm portion 22 with respect to the second arm portion 21 adjustable, it can be in a more excellent operable manner.

[0054] Also, the shape of the pressing projection portion 2 is not limited to the conical shape shown in FIG. 7. For example, a very small diameter rod or cylinder in the shape of a needle, etc., as long as it has a structure that can appropriately press the ear pit.

[0055] Also, the pressing projection portion 2 is made of a synthetic resin such as rubber. And as another aspect, a conductive resin may be used for this synthetic resin. In this case, an electric wire can be disposed in the first arm portion 20 and the second arm portion 21 from the support frame portion 4 etc. to the pressing projection portion 2, and an electric stimulation can be applied to the ear pit from the pressing projection portion 2.

[0056] At this time, the electrifying device may be disposed outside the auricular tubercle stimulator 1 and connected by an electric wire.

[0057] In such a manner, the auricular tubercle can be more sufficiently stimulated, and a further therapeutic effect can be expected.

[0058] Also, as another aspect, a regulating portion capable of moving the position of the pressing projection portion 2 may be provided in the vicinity of the bottom portion 25 of the pressing projection portion 2 so that the direction of the pressing projection portion 2 can be freely adjusted.

[0059] Moreover, each or both of the arm portion 3 and the pressing projection portion 2 are preferably made of a transparent resin. In such a manner, the position of the auricular tubercle and the position of the pressing projection portion 2 can be easily visually recognized on the auricle of the subject during the treatment. Therefore, if such a device is used for the treatment, a sufficient therapeutic effect can be expected.

[0060] Also, if it is composed of such a transparent material, the entire auricular tubercle stimulator 1 will have an excellent aesthetic appearance.

[0061] Such an aspect of the arm portion 3 is a mode in which after the subject wears the auricular tubercle stimulator 1, the operator moves the arm portion 3 to an appropriate position for treatment.

[0062] However, it is also possible that one subject operates the arm portion 3 after wearing the auricular tubercle stimulator 1 and stimulates the auricular tubercle portion by operating the arm portion 3 by himself / herself.

[0063] Also, although the arm portion 3 is disposed near the boundary portion between the headband portion 13 and the housing portion 14, the disposed position is not limited to this position. That is, it may be directly connected to the headband portion 13.

[0064] Also, the structure and movement mode of the arm portion 3 are not limited to such an aspect. Any other form may be used as long as the position of the pressing projection portion 2 can be moved in the vertical, horizontal, front-back directions.

[0065] As an example of such other forms, for example, there is a stainless-steel hose-like structure that moves in all 360° directions and is fixed at the destination position.

[0066] In addition, as another aspect, the third arm portion 22 may be configured to press against the ear cup by a screw type as shown in FIG. 8. In such a mode, sufficient pressing against the ear cup is possible, and since the operator's hand can be released during the treatment after pressing, the labor and sufficient attention of the operator are not required.

[0067] Such a mode is realized by the fitting of the third arm portion 22 and the screw portion 31 disposed inside the second arm portion 21 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0068] In addition, in such a mode, since the operator does not need to stay with the subject during the treatment, the treatment can be performed on a large number of subjects at once. Therefore, it is possible to provide an effective and efficient treatment.

[0069] Furthermore, as another aspect, the third arm portion 22 may be provided with a slit-shaped space portion in a part of the second arm portion 21 through which the third arm portion 22 is inserted, and a memory or the like is provided on the surface of the third arm portion 22, so that the moving length of the third arm portion 22 can be easily determined.

[0070] In addition, as another aspect, a ring-shaped member may be provided at the tip of the third arm portion 22 (near the bottom 25 of the pressing projection portion 2). In such a mode, when the ear acupoint portion is pressed by the pressing projection portion 2, the ring-shaped member covers the periphery of the ear acupoint, and positioning can be easily performed in advance before pressing the pressing projection portion 2.

[0071] In addition, a current sensor may be mounted on the tip of the pressing projection portion 2, and the amount of current added to the ear acupoint stimulation portion may be adjusted by measuring the current. In such a mode, appropriate treatment can be performed according to the stiffness state of the subject. Therefore, the treatment mode is excellent.

[0072] Also, as another embodiment of the ear acupoint stimulator according to the present embodiment, it may be in a mode of stimulating the cheek acupoints located at the back of the head. Some cheek acupoints exist around the auricle. When stimulating such cheek acupoints, by simply moving the free-arm type arm portion 3, it is possible to easily apply a pressing stimulus to the relevant site.

[0073] When using the ear acupoint stimulator according to the present invention in such a mode, an arm portion 3 having a length sufficient to reach the target cheek acupoint is provided.

[0074] By using the ear acupoint stimulator according to the present embodiment, it is not limited to the stimulation of the original ear acupoints, but also enables pressing on acupoints existing on other parts of the face. Therefore, it has excellent usability.

[0075] Also, a small current sensor may be provided at the tip of the pressing projection portion 2, and a treatment may be performed in which the current flowing through the pressing projection portion 2 is measured while adjusting the current amount to apply an electrical stimulus.

[0076] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to more easily move and fix the first arm portion 20, it is advisable to connect a fixing spring 30 to the first arm portion 20.

[0077] [2. Treatment Modes of the Ear Acupoint Stimulator According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention] Next, the treatment modes of the ear acupoint stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the subject wears the ear acupoint stimulator 1. At this time, the headband portion 13 is applied to the head to fix the entire ear acupoint stimulator 1, and the housing portion 14 is pressed against and fixed around the auricle.

[0078] Then, first, the position of the arm portion 3 is adjusted by the first adjustment portion 10. At this time, the pressing projection portion 2 is separated slightly from the auricle so that the pressing projection portion 2 is positioned on the extension line of the left - right axis of the auricle.

[0079] Next, the second adjustment unit 11 adjusts the position of the second arm portion 21. That is, the second arm portion 21 is slid along the first arm portion 20, and the screw of the second adjustment unit 11 is tightened at an appropriate position to fix the position of the second arm portion 21.

[0080] At this time, the second adjustment unit 11 can also adjust the angle formed between the first arm portion 20 and the second arm portion 21. That is, the approximate pressing angle of the pressing protrusion portion 2 against the ear cup can be adjusted.

[0081] This pressing angle against the ear cup is preferably perpendicular to the ear cup. Therefore, it can be pressed against the ear cup in the undulating auricle at an appropriate angle.

[0082] Also, the second adjustment unit 11 can move the pressing protrusion portion 2 in the front-rear direction. For this reason, the pressing protrusion portion 2 and the third arm portion 22 may be fixed at the optimal position of the target ear cup.

[0083] Then, the third adjustment unit 12 adjusts the position of the third arm portion 22. That is, by moving the third arm portion 22 and the pressing protrusion portion 2 into the auricle, the pressing protrusion portion 2 can be brought into contact with and pressed against the target ear cup.

[0084] Through the above steps, the pressing protrusion portion 2 can be appropriately pressed against the ear cup of the subject to perform the treatment.

[0085] [3. Effects of the ear cup stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention] Next, the effects of the ear cup stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. With the ear cup stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention, an appropriate position of a desired ear cup can be stimulated.

[0086] Also, by appropriately fixing the ear cup stimulation portion, the ear cup stimulation treatment can be performed on anyone without being affected by the shape, size, age, etc. of the ear.

[0087] In addition, since the adjustment part for adjusting the pressing projection 2 is configured such that the positions of the pressing projection 2 and the arm part 3 can be adjusted by screws or springs, sufficient pressing and stimulation can be applied to the auricular concha part.

[0088] In addition, when conductive resin or rubber is used for the tip of the pressing projection 2, electrical stimulation can be easily applied to the auricular concha part. Therefore, effective treatment can be performed on the subject.

[0089] In addition, the pressing projection 2 may have a bifurcated shape that branches into two. In this case, by providing electrodes with one of the bifurcations being the + electrode and the other being the - electrode, a mode can be achieved in which current easily flows through the pressing part.

[0090] In addition, such a current-carrying part at the tip is included inside the conical pressing projection 2. When pressing on the ear acupoint, the conical tip mainly contacts the auricular concha part, and while being protected by the conical part, the electrodes inside can contact the auricular concha part to enable current conduction. This can also be a good mode.

[0091] In addition, the auricular concha stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the stimulation of the auricular concha. For example, it can also be used for the stimulation of acupoints of the autonomic nervous system such as the facial acupoint and the lower edge outside the occipital bone. In this case, the arm part 3 and the like remain as they are, and by simply changing the support frame part 4 according to the appropriate placement location, it can be easily made into a facial acupoint stimulator.

[0092] In addition, since the arm part of the auricular concha stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention has a transparent structure, stimulation of a desired auricular concha can be performed while sufficiently observing the state inside the auricle.

[0093] The above-described aspects are merely examples. Substitutions and the like that are easily conceivable for the components, which are minor changes, are considered to belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 1 Auricular concha stimulator 2 Pressing projection 3 Arm part 4 Support frame part 10 First adjustment part 11 Second adjustment part 12 Third adjustment part 13 Headband part 14 Housing part 20 First arm part 21 Second arm part 22 Third arm part 25 Bottom 30 Fixed spring 31 Screw part

Claims

1. In an ear acupuncture stimulation device capable of pressing and stimulating an acupuncture point in the auricle, A protruding pressure protrusion for stimulating the ear acupoint; an arm portion connected to and supporting the pressing protrusion portion, the arm portion having an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a fixed position of the pressing protrusion portion; a support frame portion that hangs down from a head or neck portion and supports the arm portion, Either or both of the arm portion and the pressing protrusion portion are made of a transparent material. An ear acupoint stimulating device characterized by

2. An ear acupoint stimulating device capable of stimulating an acupoint in the auricle by pressure, A protruding pressure protrusion for stimulating the ear acupoint; an arm portion connected to and supporting the pressing protrusion portion, the arm portion having an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a fixed position of the pressing protrusion portion; a support frame portion that hangs down from a head or neck portion and supports the arm portion, The arm portion is a support portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a third arm portion connected in sequence to the support frame portion, The adjustment mechanism includes: a first adjustment unit located near a connection portion between the support unit and the first arm unit and configured to rotate the first arm unit in the left-right direction of the wearer; a second adjustment unit located near a connection portion between the first arm unit and the second arm unit and configured to move the second arm unit in an up-down direction and a front-rear direction of the wearer; a third adjustment unit that is located near a connection between the first arm unit and the second arm unit and that moves the third arm unit in the left-right direction of the wearer within a housing of the second arm unit; An ear acupoint stimulating device characterized by

3. An ear acupoint stimulating device capable of stimulating an acupoint in the auricle by pressure, A protruding pressure protrusion for stimulating the ear acupoint; an arm portion connected to and supporting the pressing protrusion portion, the arm portion having an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a fixed position of the pressing protrusion portion; a support frame portion that hangs down from a head or neck portion and supports the arm portion, The arm portion is an inner arm that supports the pressing protrusion at a tip end thereof, and a cylindrical outer arm into which the inner arm is slidably inserted; The outer arm has: An opening is formed through which the sliding position of the inner arm can be visually observed. An ear acupoint stimulating device characterized by

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