JP2016189891A - Ultrasonic oscillation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic oscillation device which suppresses an excessive pressure from being applied to an acupuncture point in a human body in the ultrasonic oscillation device applying an ultrasonic wave to the acupuncture point in the human body.SOLUTION: In the ultrasonic oscillation device, a housing includes a stopper part having a tip part configured to be able to come into contact with a human body. The stopper part is arranged while protruding from a holding position of an ultrasonic oscillator to an ultrasonic propagation direction. The stopper part includes a recess surrounding a solid gel via an air layer in a direction orthogonal to the ultrasonic propagation direction in a state and storing the solid gel in which the solid gel is separated from the human body. The tip of the stopper part is formed so as to be separated from the human body side with respect to a contact face of the solid gel separated from the human body in the ultrasonic propagation direction in the state in which the solid gel is separated from the human body. A volume of a space storing the solid gel in the recess is larger than a volume of the solid gel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic oscillator that applies ultrasonic waves to a human body.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic oscillator for stimulating acupoints by irradiating acupuncture points on a human body with focused ultrasound and performing acupuncture treatment using these stimuli is known. As an invention relating to such an ultrasonic oscillator, there is an invention described in Patent Document 1.

  The ultrasonic oscillation unit described in Patent Document 1 includes an ultrasonic oscillator that oscillates a convergent ultrasonic wave, and an oscillator support that supports the ultrasonic oscillator. The oscillator support portion has a cylindrical portion, and supports the ultrasonic oscillator in the cylindrical portion. A space for filling with an ultrasonic gel is formed on the human body (stimulated body) side of the cylindrical portion of the oscillator support portion from the ultrasonic oscillator. When the ultrasonic wave transmission unit is pressed against the human body in a state where the ultrasonic gel is filled between the filling portions of the tube portion, the ultrasonic oscillator and the human body come into contact with each other through the ultrasonic gel. When the ultrasonic oscillator and the human body are in contact with each other via the ultrasonic gel, the ultrasonic transmitter oscillates the ultrasonic wave, so that the ultrasonic wave reaches the human acupuncture point via the ultrasonic gel, and the human acupuncture point Is stimulated.

JP 2011-62373 A

  In the ultrasonic oscillator as described above, it is important to propagate the ultrasonic wave to the acupuncture point of the human body in order to exert the effect of the treatment. Specifically, it is necessary to suppress ultrasonic interface reflection between the ultrasonic oscillator and the human body. In the ultrasonic oscillation unit described in Patent Document 1, an ultrasonic gel having an acoustic impedance equivalent to that of the human body is arranged between the ultrasonic oscillator and the human body, so that the interface reflection of the ultrasonic waves is achieved. Is suppressed.

  However, air may enter at least one specific space between the ultrasonic oscillator and the gel and between the gel and the human body. When air enters a specific space, ultrasonic reflection occurs at least one of the process of ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic oscillator to the gel and the process from the gel to the human body, and stimulates with sufficient intensity. I can't do it.

  When the ultrasonic oscillator oscillates ultrasonic waves, it is conceivable that the user presses the ultrasonic oscillator against the human body and pushes out air in a specific space so that the air does not enter the specific space. However, when the air is pushed out, the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the human body with a large pressure, and an unnecessarily large pressure is applied to the human body. In general, in acupuncture treatment with acupuncture point stimulation, it is known that if the acupuncture point is excessively stimulated, the body gets used to the stimulation and the therapeutic effect due to the acupuncture point stimulation becomes small. When the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the human body with great pressure, the acupuncture point is stimulated by the pressure that the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the acupuncture point of the human body, and a sufficient therapeutic effect cannot be obtained. A problem occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and relates to an ultrasonic oscillation device that applies ultrasonic waves to acupoints of a human body, and relates to an ultrasonic oscillation device that suppresses application of excessive pressure to acupoints of a human body. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic oscillation device oscillates ultrasonic waves in a state where the fixed gel is in contact with the object to be stimulated and the ultrasonic oscillation device presses the solid gel. By doing so, the stimulated body can be stimulated by ultrasonic waves.

  The ultrasonic oscillator has a stopper portion that is recessed from the stimulated body side from the solid gel. When the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the stimulated body via the solid gel, the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the stimulated object via the solid gel without the stopper being in contact with the stimulated body. Can do. Since the ultrasonic oscillator can be pressed against the stimulated body via the solid gel, the stimulated body and the solid gel and the solid gel and the ultrasonic vibrator are in close contact with each other without a gap. When an air layer exists between the object to be stimulated and the solid gel, or between the solid gel and the ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic reflection occurs at the interface with the air layer, and the object is pierced from the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic wave which goes to will be reflected. However, since there is no gap between the object to be stimulated and the solid gel and between the solid gel and the ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic reflection at the air layer interface is suppressed and the ultrasonic wave is propagated efficiently. Can be made.

  Moreover, the stopper part is arrange | positioned around the solid gel. When the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the stimulated body via the solid gel, the stopper portion comes into contact with the periphery of the stimulated body. When the stopper portion contacts the periphery of the stimulated portion, the ultrasonic oscillator is not pressed against the stimulated body beyond the state where the stopper portion contacts the periphery of the stimulated portion. Thereby, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated part. The stopper part is in contact with the periphery of the stimulated part, and the stopper part does not directly press the stimulated part. Thereby, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated part.

  Further, in the ultrasonic oscillator, the volume of the ultrasonic wave propagation direction side from the end of the ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction in the recess is larger than the volume of the solid gel. When the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the object to be stimulated via the solid gel, the solid gel is deformed, but the deformed solid gel can be retracted to the space surrounded by the stopper portion. When the solid gel cannot be deformed, when the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the stimulated body via the solid gel, if the pressing pressure is increased, a large pressure is applied to the stimulated portion. However, in the configuration of the present invention, when the solid gel is deformed, the pressure applied to the stimulated portion when the ultrasonic oscillator is pressed against the stimulated body via the solid gel can be reduced. Therefore, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated body.

  The ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic oscillation device applies the ultrasonic wave to the stimulated body in a first state where the ultrasonic oscillation device is separated from the stimulated body. A second state in which the oscillation device is in contact with the stimulated body can be taken, and in the first state, the tip portion of the stopper portion is recessed from the solid gel in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction, In the second state, the end surface of the solid gel in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction and the tip end portion of the stopper portion are flush with each other.

  Accordingly, the ultrasonic oscillator can apply ultrasonic waves to the stimulated body in a state where the stopper portion and the periphery of the stimulated body are in contact with each other. When the stopper portion contacts the periphery of the stimulated portion, the ultrasonic oscillator is not pressed against the stimulated body beyond the state where the stopper portion contacts the periphery of the stimulated portion. Thereby, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated part.

  The ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the second state, an air layer is present in at least a part between the stopper portion and the solid gel in the orthogonal direction.

  According to this, even when the ultrasonic oscillation device is pressed until the stopper portion and the periphery of the stimulated portion come into contact, the solid gel can be deformed. Therefore, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated part.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the ultrasonic transmission device includes a solid gel, and the solid gel is formed in a tapered shape having a cross-sectional area that increases toward the ultrasonic wave propagation direction.

  Thereby, it becomes easy to deform | transform a solid gel and it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated part.

  The ultrasonic oscillator according to claim 5 includes a solid gel, and the solid gel has a hole recessed in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction.

  Thereby, it becomes easy to deform | transform a solid gel and it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated part.

  The ultrasonic oscillator according to claim 6, wherein the solid gel is capable of contacting the ultrasonic transducer and has one end surface that is one end surface in a direction opposite to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. The area is larger than the area of the ultrasonic transducer.

  Thereby, solid gel can be made to contact the whole ultrasonic transducer | vibrator, and the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator can be efficiently propagated to a to-be-stimulated part.

  The ultrasonic oscillator according to claim 7 is characterized in that an air escape hole is formed in the stopper portion to communicate the recess with the outside.

  Thereby, it becomes easy to deform | transform a solid gel and it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated part.

  The ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 8 is characterized in that the stopper portion is formed of a material harder than the solid gel.

  Thereby, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to a to-be-stimulated part.

  The ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 9, wherein the stopper portion is formed such that the tip portion of the stopper portion is an adhesive portion that bonds the stimulated body and the ultrasonic oscillation device.

  Thereby, an ultrasonic oscillator and a to-be-stimulated body can be fixed reliably, and an ultrasonic wave can be efficiently applied to the to-be-stimulated body.

  The ultrasonic oscillator according to claim 10, wherein the ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric element that generates ultrasonic waves and an acoustic lens that converges the ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic transducer includes the acoustic lens. And the ultrasonic transducer bonding member for bonding the case to the case.

  Since the acoustic lens and the housing have close acoustic impedance, if the acoustic lens and the housing are in contact, the ultrasonic wave generated from the piezoelectric element leaks from the acoustic lens to the housing. However, according to the present invention, the acoustic lens and the ultrasonic transducer adhesive member having different acoustic impedance from the housing are arranged between the acoustic lens and the housing. Leakage from the housing to the housing can be suppressed. Therefore, ultrasonic waves can be propagated efficiently.

1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic oscillator 1 equipped with a solid gel 2. FIG. 1 is a plan view of an ultrasonic oscillator 1 equipped with a solid gel 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 equipped with a solid gel 2 as viewed from the direction of the arrows along the one-dot chain line AA in FIG. 2. It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 in the state where the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 and the human body J (stimulated body) are separated. It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 in the state where the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 and the human body J (stimulated body) are separated. It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 in the state which the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 and the human body J (stimulated body) are contacting. It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 in the state which the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 and the human body J (stimulated body) are contacting. It is a figure which shows the shape of the solid gel 2 in the modification 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the solid gel 2 in the modification 2 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic oscillation device 1 in Modification 2 of the present invention, and is a view showing that an adhesive portion 37 is provided at the tip of a stopper portion 35.

(Description of overall structure)
The structure of the ultrasonic oscillator 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic oscillator 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ultrasonic oscillator 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic oscillator 1 as viewed from the AA cross section of FIG.

  The ultrasonic oscillator 1 includes a housing 3 and an ultrasonic transducer 4 held by the housing 3, and houses the solid gel 2 in the housing 3. The ultrasonic oscillator 1 oscillates the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic transducer 4 toward the acupuncture point of the human body J. The ultrasonic oscillator 1 is arranged with respect to the human body J through the solid gel 2 so that ultrasonic waves are oscillated in the acupuncture points of the human body J. When the ultrasonic oscillator 1 oscillates an ultrasonic wave in a state where it is arranged with respect to the human body J, the acupuncture point of the human body J is stimulated by the ultrasonic wave, and a therapeutic effect is brought about on the human body J. Therefore, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is used as an ultrasonic therapeutic apparatus that provides a therapeutic effect to the human body J.

  Here, the direction of the axis P of the housing 3 is the axis direction. The ultrasonic transducer 4 and the solid gel 2 are arranged in the casing 3 side by side in the axial direction. A direction from the ultrasonic transducer 4 toward the solid gel 2 along the axial direction is a direction in which ultrasonic waves are oscillated in the human body J. The direction from the ultrasonic transducer 4 toward the solid gel 2 is defined as the ultrasonic propagation direction.

  The ultrasonic oscillator 1 includes a housing 3 that extends in the axial direction. The housing 3 is configured using, for example, an engineering plastic having heat resistance, and generally has high rigidity. The housing | casing 3 is formed in the cylindrical shape which has an inner peripheral part and an outer peripheral part. The inside of the cylinder of the housing 3 is a space in which the ultrasonic transducer 4 and the solid gel 2 are accommodated. A stopper portion 35 to be described later is formed at the end of the casing 3 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. The housing 3 includes a first housing part 31 and a second housing part 32 adjacent to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction of the first housing part 31. The second housing part 32 is configured to have a larger inner diameter than the inner diameter of the first housing part 31.

  The ultrasonic transducer 4 is disposed in the housing 3 and is held by the housing 3. The ultrasonic transducer 4 includes a piezoelectric element 5 and an acoustic lens 6.

  The piezoelectric element 5 is a member that deforms when a voltage is applied thereto. The piezoelectric element 5 generates ultrasonic waves by vibration accompanying deformation. The entire piezoelectric element 5 is disposed inside the housing 3. The piezoelectric element 5 includes a piezoelectric body and two electrodes sandwiching the piezoelectric body. PZT (lead zirconate titanate) is used for the piezoelectric body. When a predetermined voltage is applied between the electrodes, the PZT is deformed according to the voltage and generates an ultrasonic wave. The material of the piezoelectric body is not limited to this, and other materials having piezoelectric characteristics may be used as the piezoelectric body.

  The acoustic lens 6 is a substantially cylindrical member extending in the axial direction, and is held inside the housing 3 adjacent to the piezoelectric element 5 on the ultrasonic wave propagation direction side of the piezoelectric element 5. The acoustic lens 6 is formed of an acrylic resin. The acoustic impedance of the acoustic lens 6 is a value close to the acoustic impedance of the housing 3. The material of the acoustic lens 6 is not limited to this, and may be made of another synthetic resin such as a silicone resin. The diameter of the acoustic lens 6 in the direction intersecting the axial direction is formed substantially the same as the inner periphery of the first housing portion 31, and the acoustic lens 6 is connected to the inner periphery of the housing 3 via the adhesive 7. Is adhered. As the adhesive 7, an adhesive having an acoustic impedance different from the acoustic impedance of the acoustic lens 6 is used. As for the acoustic lens 6, the entire acoustic lens 6 is disposed inside the housing 3. A concave portion 62 that is recessed in the direction opposite to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction is formed at the end 61 of the acoustic lens 6 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. The concave portion 62 of the acoustic lens 6 converges the ultrasonic wave input to the acoustic lens 6 at a predetermined focal position. That is, the concave portion 62 of the acoustic lens 6 converges the ultrasonic wave emitted from the piezoelectric element 5 to a predetermined focal position.

  The solid gel 2 has adhesiveness and is provided so as to be detachable from the ultrasonic oscillator 1. The solid gel 2 transmits ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 4 to the human body J in a state where the solid gel 2 is in contact with a stimulated body such as the human body J. In order to efficiently transmit ultrasonic waves, the solid gel 2 is made of a material having an acoustic impedance close to that of the human body. In the present embodiment, the solid gel 2 is formed in a disc shape having an upper surface 21 and a lower surface 22, and is formed so as to be deformed in the lateral direction when pressure is applied to the upper surface 21 and the lower surface 22. The solid gel 2 is formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the acoustic lens 6. The solid gel 2 is formed with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second housing portion 32. Since the diameter of the solid gel 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second housing part 32, the solid gel 2 can be accommodated in the second housing part 32. The solid gel 2 is accommodated in the second housing portion 32 with the upper surface 21 of the solid gel 2 brought into contact with the end portion of the acoustic lens 6 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. When the solid gel 2 is accommodated in the second housing portion 32, a space is formed between the outer periphery 23 of the solid gel 2 and the inner periphery 320 of the second housing portion 32. Further, the height from the upper surface 21 to the lower surface 22 of the solid gel 2 is a part of the solid gel 2 on the lower surface 22 side when the solid gel 2 is brought into contact with the acoustic lens 6 and accommodated in the second housing portion 32. Is formed so as to protrude to the outside of the second housing portion 32.

(Description of structure)
With reference to FIG. 3, the structure of the ultrasonic oscillator 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  As described above, the housing 3 includes the first housing portion 31 and the second housing portion 32 adjacent to the first housing portion 31 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. The housing 3 is connected to the third housing portion 33 adjacent to the first housing portion 31 in the direction opposite to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction, and to the first housing portion 31 and the third housing portion 33. 4 housing part 34 is further provided.

  The first housing portion 31 is a substantially cylindrical hollow member extending in the axial direction. The first housing portion 31 is configured to have the same inner diameter in the entire region in the axial direction. The 1st housing | casing part 31 is comprised so that an outer diameter may differ in an axial direction. The outer diameter of the end portion of the first casing portion 31 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction is larger than the outer diameter of other portions of the first casing portion 31.

  The second housing part 32 is a substantially cylindrical hollow member extending in the axial direction. The second housing portion 32 is configured to have the same inner diameter in the entire region in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the second housing part 32 is larger than the inner diameter of the first housing part 31. The second housing portion 32 is configured to have the same outer diameter in the entire region in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the second housing portion 32 is equal to the outer diameter of the end portion of the first housing portion 31 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction.

  The third housing part 33 is a substantially cylindrical hollow member extending in the axial direction. The third housing portion 33 is configured to have the same inner diameter in the entire region in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the third housing part 33 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first housing part 31. The third housing portion 33 is configured to have the same outer diameter in the entire region in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the third housing portion 33 is smaller than the outer diameter of the end portion of the first housing portion 31 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction.

  The fourth housing portion 34 is a wall portion extending from the ultrasonic wave propagation direction end portion of the third housing portion 33 toward the opposite end portion of the first housing portion 31 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. It is configured.

  The second housing part 32 is formed with an air escape hole 36 that is a circular through hole that communicates the inside of the second housing part 32 and the outside of the second housing part 32. The air escape hole 36 is provided on the opposite side of the ultrasonic wave propagation direction from the center position of the second housing portion 32 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. The number of air escape holes 36 may be one or more. The shape of the air escape hole 36 is not limited to a circle. The position of the air escape hole 36 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the air escape hole 36 is provided, but the air escape hole 36 may not be provided.

  An end portion of the second casing portion 32 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction is formed as a stopper portion 35. The stopper portion 35 is formed in a substantially circular shape having a diameter of 2 cm and is larger than the acupuncture point of the human body J. When the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is brought into contact with the human body J, the stopper portion 35 comes into contact with the human body J. At this time, the stopper portion 35 is in contact with the circumference of the acupuncture point of the human body J, but the stopper portion 35 is not in contact with the acupuncture point.

  The acoustic lens 6 is formed so that the diameter in the direction intersecting the axial direction is substantially the same as the diameter of the inner periphery 310 of the first housing portion 31. As a result, the acoustic lens 6 is accommodated in the space 311 surrounded by the inner periphery 310 of the first housing portion 31. Although most of the acoustic lens 6 is accommodated in the space 311 surrounded by the inner periphery 310 of the first housing portion 31, a part on the ultrasonic wave propagation direction side is located on the inner periphery 310 of the first housing portion 31. Projecting in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction from the enclosed space 311. A part of the acoustic lens 6 that protrudes in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction from the space 311 surrounded by the inner periphery 310 of the first casing 31 is accommodated in the space 321 surrounded by the inner periphery 320 of the second casing 32. Is done. In other words, the second housing portion 32 protrudes from the acoustic lens 6 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction.

  By accommodating the acoustic lens 6 in the housing 3, the space surrounded by the inner periphery of the housing 3 is separated by the acoustic lens 6 into two spaces in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. Of the two spaces, a space closer to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction than the acoustic lens 6 is defined as a first space 301. Similarly, of the two spaces, a space on the side opposite to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction from the acoustic lens 6 is defined as a second space 302. The first space 301 is surrounded by the inner periphery 320 of the second housing portion 32, the portion on the ultrasonic wave propagation direction side of the portion contacting the inner acoustic lens 6 of the first housing portion 31, and the acoustic lens 6. Space. The first space 301 is open to the outside of the housing 3 on the ultrasonic wave propagation direction side. The first space 301 is a space in which the solid gel 2 is accommodated and functions as a solid gel filling space. The second space 302 includes an acoustic lens 6, a portion on the opposite side of the ultrasonic propagation direction from a portion in contact with the inner acoustic lens 6 of the first housing portion 31, a fourth housing portion 34, and a third housing portion. This is a space surrounded by the inner periphery 330 of 33. The second space 302 is open to the outside of the housing 3 on the side opposite to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction.

  The piezoelectric element 5 is disposed in contact with the acoustic lens 6 in a space 311 surrounded by the inner periphery 310 of the first housing portion 31. The outer diameter of the piezoelectric element 5 is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the first housing part 31. Therefore, the piezoelectric element 5 arranged in the space 311 surrounded by the inner periphery 310 of the first housing part 31 and the first housing part 31 do not come into contact with each other. Also, the axial length of the first casing portion 31 is formed larger than the height of the piezoelectric element 5 in the axial direction, and the piezoelectric element 5 includes the third casing portion 33 and the fourth casing portion. 34 is spaced apart. That is, the piezoelectric element 5 and the housing 3 are not in direct contact.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the solid gel 2 is held with respect to the housing 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 4 in the first space 301. When the solid gel 2 is held with respect to the housing 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 4, the upper surface 21 of the cylindrical solid gel 2 is disposed so as to contact the acoustic lens 6. The solid gel 2 is formed such that the height in the vertical direction is larger than the distance from the acoustic lens 6 to the tip of the second housing portion 32 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. Accordingly, when the solid gel 2 is disposed in the first space 301 with the upper surface 21 in contact with the acoustic lens 6, a part of the solid gel 2 on the lower surface 22 side protrudes from the first space 301. The solid gel 2 is formed so that the outer diameter is larger than the diameter of the acoustic lens 6. Therefore, when the solid gel 2 is disposed in the first space 301 with the upper surface 21 in contact with the acoustic lens 6, the solid gel 2 is disposed on the entire surface of the acoustic lens 6. The solid gel 2 is formed so that the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the second housing part 32. Therefore, when the solid gel 2 is disposed in the first space 301 with the upper surface 21 in contact with the acoustic lens 6, the outer periphery 23 of the solid gel 2 and the inner periphery 320 of the second housing do not contact each other. The solid gel 2 is formed with a volume smaller than the volume of the first space 301.

(use)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4-7, the process in which the ultrasonic oscillation apparatus 1 is used is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 shows a state where the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 and the human body J are separated from each other, and the solid gel 2 is not disposed on the ultrasonic oscillation device 1. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the ultrasonic oscillator 1 and the human body J are separated from each other and the solid gel 2 is attached to the ultrasonic oscillator 1. FIG. 6 shows a state where the solid gel 2 and the human body J are in contact with each other, but the housing 3 and the human body J are separated from each other. FIG. 7 shows a state where the solid gel 2 and the human body J are in contact with each other, and the housing 3 and the human body J are in contact with each other. In the state of FIG. 7, when the ultrasonic oscillator 1 oscillates ultrasonic waves, the acupuncture points of the human body J are stimulated by the generated ultrasonic waves, and a therapeutic effect is brought about on the human body J. 4, 5, and 6 are diagrams corresponding to the first state, and FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to the second state.

  In order to stimulate the acupuncture point of the human body J by the ultrasonic oscillator 1, first, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is prepared as shown in FIG. 4. In the state shown in FIG. 4, the solid state gel 2 is not attached to the ultrasonic oscillator 1.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is attached with the solid gel 2 by the user. In other words, the solid gel 2 is inserted into the first space 301 of the ultrasonic oscillator 1 by the user. The solid gel 2 is affixed to the acoustic lens 6 such that the upper 21 surface of the solid gel 2 is in contact with the end surface 61 of the acoustic lens 6 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. Since the diameter of the solid gel 2 is larger than the diameter of the acoustic lens 6, the solid gel 2 is disposed over the entire surface of the acoustic lens 6. At this time, since the acoustic lens 6 has the recess 62, a portion where the solid gel 2 and the acoustic lens 6 do not come into contact is formed between the solid gel 2 and the acoustic lens 6. Moreover, since the diameter of the solid gel 2 is formed smaller than the diameter of the inner periphery 320 of the second housing portion 32, in the state where the solid gel 2 is arranged in the first space 301 as shown in FIG. The outer periphery 23 of the solid gel 2 and the inner periphery 320 of the second housing part 32 are spaced apart. An air layer is formed between the outer periphery 23 of the solid gel 2 and the inner periphery 320 of the second housing portion 32. Further, the solid gel 2 is formed such that the height in the vertical direction is larger than the distance from the end 61 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction of the acoustic lens 6 to the tip of the second housing portion 32. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, when the solid gel 2 is disposed in the first space 301 with the upper surface 21 in contact with the acoustic lens 6, a part of the solid gel 2 on the lower surface 22 side is in the first space 301. Protrude from. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the solid gel 2 protrudes from the stopper portion 35 of the housing 3 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is placed on the human body J so that the solid gel 2 and the human body J are brought into contact with each other. At this time, in order to efficiently apply ultrasonic waves to the acupuncture points, the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 is disposed so that the ultrasonic transducer 4 and the solid gel 2 are located immediately above the acupuncture points. The acupuncture points are, for example, acupuncture points called inner customs. The internal seal exists in a region sandwiched between two tendons inside the wrist. Therefore, when stimulating the inner customs, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is arranged so that the ultrasonic transducer 4 and the solid gel 2 are located in a region sandwiched between two tendons inside the wrist. At this time, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is disposed on the human body J so that the stopper portion 35 of the housing 3 is disposed at a position different from the position directly above the acupuncture point.

  Here, consider a case where the ultrasonic oscillator 1 oscillates ultrasonic waves in the state shown in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 6, as in the state shown in FIG. 5, there is a portion between the solid gel 2 and the acoustic lens 6 where the solid gel 2 and the acoustic lens 6 do not contact, and this portion has air. A layer exists. The ultrasonic wave emitted from the acoustic lens 6 is reflected at the interface between the acoustic lens 6 and the air layer. Since the acoustic impedance of the acoustic lens 6 is greatly different from the acoustic impedance of air, most of the ultrasonic waves are reflected at the interface between the acoustic lens 6 and the air layer. That is, when an air layer exists, the ultrasonic wave emitted from the acoustic lens 6 is reflected at the interface, and the intensity of the ultrasonic wave input to the acupuncture point is reduced.

  The same problem is caused by the air layer between the solid gel 2 and the human body J. Since the contact between the solid gel 2 and the human body J is performed by the user, an air layer may be interposed between the solid gel 2 and the human body J. When there is an air layer between the solid gel 2 and the human body J, the ultrasonic wave emitted from the solid gel 2 is interface-reflected, and the intensity of the ultrasonic wave input to the acupuncture point is reduced.

In order to suppress the interface reflection by the air layer, it is necessary to reduce the air layer between the acoustic lens 6 and the solid gel 2 and the air layer between the solid gel 2 and the human body J. In order to reduce the air layer, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is arranged so as to take the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 shows a state in which the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 is in contact with the human body J when the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 in the state shown in FIG. 6 is pressed against the human body J in the ultrasonic propagation direction. In the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 in the state shown in FIG. 7, the acoustic lens 6 and the solid gel 2 are in contact with each other, and no air layer exists between the acoustic lens 6 and the solid gel 2. Further, the solid gel 2 and the human body J are in contact with each other, and no air layer exists between the solid gel 2 and the human body J. Further, in the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 in the state shown in FIG. 7, the stopper portion 35 of the housing 3 is in contact with the human body J. That is, the lower surface 22 of the solid gel 2 and the tip of the stopper portion 35 of the housing 3 are located at the same position in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. Further, in the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 according to the present embodiment, the inner periphery 320 of the second housing portion 32 and the solid gel 2 are not in contact, but the inner periphery 320 of the second housing portion 32 and the solid gel 2 are not in contact. It is good also as embodiment which contacts.

  Here, the process in which stress toward the human body J is applied to the ultrasonic oscillator 1 so as to change from the ultrasonic oscillator 1 in the state shown in FIG. 6 to the ultrasonic oscillator 1 in the state shown in FIG. To do.

  In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is pressed against the human body J by applying stress to the human body J with a user's finger or the like. However, the configuration in which the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is pressed against the human body J is not limited to this. By attaching a belt to the ultrasonic oscillator 1 and winding the belt around the human body J, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 and the human body J may be brought into contact with each other, or another method may be used.

  As stress toward the human body J is applied to the ultrasonic oscillator 1, pressure is applied to the solid gel 2 in the direction sandwiched between the human body J and the acoustic lens 6. The solid gel 2 is deformed when pressure is applied. Due to the deformation of the solid gel 2, the air layer existing between the solid gel 2 and the acoustic lens 6 is pushed out, and no air layer exists between the solid gel 2 and the acoustic lens 6. Similarly, when the solid gel 2 is deformed, the air layer that exists between the solid gel 2 and the human body J is pushed out, and no air layer exists between the solid gel 2 and the human body J. When stress toward the human body J is applied to the ultrasonic oscillator 1, the solid gel 2 is deformed and the length in the ultrasonic direction is reduced, so that the casing 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 4 of the ultrasonic oscillator 1 are reduced. Moves in a direction approaching the human body J, and the stopper portion 35 contacts the human body J. When the stopper portion 35 comes into contact with the human body J, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is no longer pressed against the human body J. In addition, the position of the stopper part 35 is arrange | positioned in the position different from the position of an acupuncture point. Thereby, when the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 is pressed against the human body J, the pressure applied from the stopper 35 to the human body J is not directly applied to the acupuncture points.

  Since the volume of the first space 301 is larger than the volume of the solid gel 2, the entire volume of the deformed solid gel 2 is accommodated in the first space 301 even when the stopper portion 35 is in contact with the human body J.

  An air escape hole 36 is formed in the second housing part 32. As a result, the air in the first space 301 can go out of the first space 301 through the air escape hole 36. Therefore, when a pressure is applied to the solid gel 2, the solid gel 2 is easily deformed. In the present embodiment, the air escape hole 36 is provided on the opposite side of the ultrasonic wave propagation direction from the center position of the second housing portion 32 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. Thereby, even if the deformed solid gel 2 comes into contact with the second housing portion 32 on the ultrasonic direction side from the center position of the second housing portion 32, the second housing portion 32 and the solid gel 2 are surrounded. The open space communicates with the outside through the air escape hole 36. Therefore, air remains in the first space 301 and deformation of the solid gel 2 is not hindered.

  Finally, an ultrasonic wave is oscillated from the ultrasonic oscillator 1 in the state shown in FIG. As described above, in the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 in the state shown in FIG. 7, the air layer between the solid gel 2 and the acoustic lens 6 and between the solid gel 2 and the human body J is reduced. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the occurrence of interface reflection between the solid gel 2 and the acoustic lens 6 and between the solid gel 2 and the human body J is suppressed as compared with the state shown in FIG. . Therefore, in the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 in the state shown in FIG. 7, the ultrasonic waves are input to the acupuncture points in a state where the interface reflection is suppressed by generating the ultrasonic waves. As a result, the acupuncture point is stimulated, and the acupuncture point therapeutic effect is provided to the human body J.

(effect)
The ultrasonic oscillating device 1 is ultrasonically oscillated by the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 in a state where the fixed gel is in contact with the human body J and the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 presses the solid gel 2. Can irritate.

  The ultrasonic oscillator 1 has a stopper portion 35 that is recessed from the solid body 2 from the human body J side. When the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is pressed against the human body J via the solid gel 2, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is applied to the human body J via the solid gel 2 in a state where the stopper portion 35 is not in contact with the human body J. Can be pressed. Since the ultrasonic oscillator 1 can be pressed against the human body J through the solid gel 2, the human body J and the solid gel 2 and the solid gel 2 and the ultrasonic transducer 4 are in close contact with each other without any gap. . When an air layer exists between the human body J and the solid gel 2 or between the solid gel 2 and the ultrasonic transducer 4, ultrasonic waves are reflected at the interface with the air layer. The ultrasonic wave toward the human body J is reflected. However, since the human body J and the solid gel 2 and the solid gel 2 and the ultrasonic transducer 4 are in close contact with each other without any gap, the ultrasonic reflection at the air layer interface is suppressed and the ultrasonic wave is efficiently used. It can be propagated well.

  Further, the stopper portion 35 is disposed around the solid gel 2. When the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 is pressed against the human body J through the solid gel 2, the stopper portion 35 comes into contact with the periphery of the acupuncture point of the human body J. When the stopper portion 35 contacts the periphery of the acupuncture point of the human body J, the pressing reaction force increases. The user senses that the pressing reaction force has increased, and the user can stop further pressing. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an excessive pressure from being applied to the acupuncture points of the human body J. In addition, the stopper part 35 is contacting the circumference | surroundings of the acupuncture point of the human body J, and the stopper part 35 does not press acupuncture point directly. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an excessive pressure from being applied to the acupuncture points of the human body J.

  In the ultrasonic oscillator 1, the volume of the first space 301 is larger than the volume of the solid gel 2. When the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 is pressed against the human body J via the solid gel 2, the solid gel 2 is deformed, but the deformed solid gel 2 can be retracted to a space surrounded by the stopper portion 35. Unlike the present embodiment, when the solid gel 2 cannot be deformed, when the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is pressed against the human body J via the solid gel 2, if the pressing pressure is increased, a large pressure is applied to the human body J. End up. However, in this embodiment, when the solid gel 2 is deformed, the pressure applied to the acupuncture points of the human body J when the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is pressed against the acupuncture points of the human body J through the solid gel 2 may be limited. it can. Therefore, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is given to the acupuncture point of the human body J.

  In the ultrasonic oscillating device 1, the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 changes to one of a first state in which the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 is separated from the human body J and a second state in which the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 contacts the human body J. Can do. In the first state, the distal end portion of the stopper portion 35 is recessed from the solid gel 2 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. In the second state, the lower surface 22 that is the end surface of the solid gel 2 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction and the tip portion of the stopper portion 35 are flush with each other. Accordingly, the ultrasonic oscillator 1 applies ultrasonic waves to the human body J in a state where the stopper portion 35 and the periphery of the human body J are in contact with each other. When the stopper portion 35 contacts the periphery of the acupuncture point of the human body J, the pressing reaction force increases. The user senses that the pressing reaction force has increased, and the user can stop further pressing. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an excessive pressure from being applied to the acupuncture points of the human body J.

  The ultrasonic oscillator 1 is characterized in that, in the second state, an air layer is present in at least a part between the stopper portion 35 and the solid gel 2 in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. Due to the presence of the air layer, the solid gel 2 is deformed while the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is pressed until the stopper portion 35 and the human body J come into contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress application of excessive pressure to the acupuncture points of the human body J.

  In the ultrasonic oscillator 1, the solid gel 2 can contact the ultrasonic transducer 4, and has a lower surface 22 that is one end surface that is a surface opposite to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. It is larger than the area of the ultrasonic transducer 4.

  As a result, the solid gel 2 can be brought into contact with the entire end face of the ultrasonic transducer 4 in the ultrasonic oscillation direction, and all the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducer 4 are transmitted to the solid gel 2. Can be propagated to the acupuncture points of the human body J.

  The ultrasonic oscillating device 1 is characterized in that the stopper portion 35 is formed with an air escape hole 36 that allows the first space 301 to communicate with the outside. As a result, compared to the configuration without the air escape hole 36, air easily escapes from the air escape hole 36, so that the solid gel 2 is easily deformed and excessive pressure is applied to the acupuncture points of the human body J. Can be suppressed.

  In the ultrasonic oscillator 1, the ultrasonic transducer 4 includes a piezoelectric element 5 that generates ultrasonic waves and an acoustic lens 6 that converges the ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducer 4 includes the acoustic lens 6 and a housing. 3 is held by the housing 3 via an adhesive member 7 that bonds the same. Since the acoustic lens 6 and the housing 3 have close acoustic impedance, if the acoustic lens 6 and the housing 3 are in contact, the ultrasonic wave generated from the piezoelectric element 5 leaks from the acoustic lens 6 to the housing 3. End up. However, according to the present embodiment, since the adhesive member 7 having an acoustic impedance different from that of the acoustic lens 6 and the housing 3 is disposed between the acoustic lens 6 and the housing 3, ultrasonic waves generated from the piezoelectric element 5 are disposed. Can be prevented from leaking from the acoustic lens 6 to the housing 3. Therefore, ultrasonic waves can be propagated efficiently.

  In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillation device 1 corresponds to the “ultrasonic oscillation device” of the present invention. The solid gel 2 corresponds to the “solid gel” of the present invention. The housing 3 corresponds to the “housing” of the present invention. The ultrasonic propagation direction corresponds to the “ultrasonic propagation direction” of the present invention. The ultrasonic transducer 4 corresponds to the “ultrasonic transducer” of the present invention. The stopper portion 35 corresponds to the “stopper portion” of the present invention. The first space 301 corresponds to the “space for housing the hollow solid gel” of the present invention. The inner periphery 320 of the second housing portion 32 corresponds to the “inner peripheral surface of the recess” in the present invention. The outer periphery 23 of the solid gel 2 corresponds to the “outer peripheral surface of the solid gel” of the present invention. The through hole 24 corresponds to the “concave portion” of the present invention. The upper surface 21 of the solid gel 2 corresponds to “one end surface” of the present invention. The air escape hole 36 corresponds to the “air escape hole” of the present invention. The piezoelectric element 5 corresponds to the “piezoelectric element” of the present invention. The acoustic lens 6 corresponds to the “acoustic lens” of the present invention.

(Modification 1)
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to the Example mentioned above, A various improvement change is possible.

  In the embodiment described above, the solid gel 2 has a cylindrical shape, but the present invention is not limited to this mode. As shown in FIG. 8, it is good also considering the shape of the solid gel 2 as the taper shape which spreads toward an ultrasonic wave propagation direction. By making the solid gel 2 into a tapered shape, the solid gel 2 is easily deformed. Thereby, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to an acupuncture point.

(Modification 2)
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, the solid gel 2 may be provided with a through hole 24 that penetrates from the upper surface 21 to the lower surface 22 in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. By providing the through hole 24 in the solid gel 2, the solid gel 2 is easily deformed. Thereby, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to an acupuncture point. In FIG. 9, the through hole 21 is provided so as to penetrate the solid gel 2, but may be a recess that does not penetrate instead of the through hole. Also in this case, the solid gel 2 is easily deformed. Thereby, it can suppress that an excessive pressure is provided to an acupuncture point.

(Modification 3)
In addition to the embodiment described above, an adhesive portion 37 may be provided at the tip of the stopper portion 35 as shown in FIG. The bonding portion 37 is a member that bonds to the human body J. The adhesive portion 37 is applied to the tip of the stopper portion 35. The adhesive portion 37 is not limited to this, and for example, a double-sided tape or the like attached to the stopper portion 35 may be used as the adhesive portion 37. By providing the bonding portion 37 at the distal end portion of the stopper portion 35, the distal end portion of the stopper portion 35 and the human body J are bonded via the bonding portion 37 when the ultrasonic oscillator 1 is pressed against the human body J. Thereby, since the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 and the human body J are fixed, the ultrasonic oscillating device 1 can be stably disposed without an air layer. Therefore, ultrasonic waves are efficiently propagated to the acupuncture points of the human body J.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic oscillator 2 Solid gel 3 Case 4 Ultrasonic vibrator 5 Piezoelectric element 6 Acoustic lens 21 Upper surface 22 Lower surface 23 Outer periphery 31 First housing portion 32 Second housing portion 33 Third housing portion 34 Fourth housing Body part 35 Stopper part 36 Air escape hole 37 Adhesion part 301 1st space 302 2nd space 310 Inner circumference 320 of the 1st housing part 31 Inner circumference 330 of the 2nd housing part 32 Inner circumference of the 3rd housing part 33 24 Through hole J Human body

Claims (10)

An ultrasonic oscillator that applies ultrasonic waves to a stimulated body by oscillating ultrasonic waves through a solid gel that can contact the stimulated body,
A housing,
An ultrasonic transducer that is held inside the housing and oscillates ultrasonic waves toward the solid gel in an ultrasonic propagation direction;
With
The housing includes a stopper portion having a tip portion configured to be able to contact a stimulated body,
The stopper portion is arranged to protrude from the holding position of the ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction,
The stopper portion includes a recess that surrounds the solid gel through the air layer in a direction orthogonal to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction and accommodates the solid gel in a state where the solid gel is separated from the stimulated body,
The tip portion of the stopper portion is formed so as to be separated from the stimulated body side from the contact surface of the solid gel in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction in a state where the solid gel is separated from the stimulated body,
The ultrasonic oscillator according to claim 1, wherein a volume of the depression is larger than a volume of the solid gel. In the first state in which the solid gel is separated from the stimulated body, the tip of the stopper portion is separated from the stimulated body than the solid gel in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction,
In the second state where the solid gel is in contact with the object to be stimulated, the contact surface of the solid gel and the tip of the stopper are located at the same position in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. The ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 1.   In the second state, the depression is formed so that an air layer is secured between the inner circumferential surface of the depression and the outer circumferential surface of the solid gel in the orthogonal direction. Item 3. The ultrasonic oscillation device according to Item 2. Further comprising the solid gel,
The solid gel is
The ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic oscillation device is formed in a tapered shape having a cross-sectional area that increases in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. Further comprising the solid gel,
The ultrasonic oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the solid gel is formed with a concave portion that is recessed in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction. The solid gel is
The ultrasonic transducer has one end surface that is in contact with the ultrasonic transducer and is opposite to the ultrasonic propagation direction, and the area of the one end surface is the end surface of the ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic propagation direction. The ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic oscillation device is larger than the area of the ultrasonic oscillation device. In the stopper part,
The ultrasonic oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein an air escape hole is formed to communicate the recess with the outside. The stopper portion is
The ultrasonic oscillation device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic oscillation device is formed of a material harder than the solid gel.   The ultrasonic oscillator according to claim 1, further comprising: a first adhesive that is provided at the tip portion of the stopper portion and bonds the object to be stimulated and the ultrasonic oscillator. . The ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric element that generates ultrasonic waves, and an acoustic lens that converges the ultrasonic waves,
The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator is held by the casing by bonding the acoustic lens and the casing by a second bonding portion. Sound wave oscillator.

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