Infrared light source and infrared physiotherapy instrument

Abstract

The application discloses an infrared light source and an infrared physiotherapy instrument. The infrared light source comprises a bottom plate, a support, a filament assembly and a top cover. The bottom plate comprises a first surface. The support is arranged on the first surface of the bottom plate. The filament assembly is supported by the support and comprises two or more filaments which are arranged separately. The top cover cooperates with the bottom plate to form a closed space for accommodating the support and the filament assembly. The filament assembly is connected with an external power source through electrodes at two ends of the filament assembly. The infrared light source can improve the uniformity of heat radiation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the medical field, and more particularly to an infrared light source and an infrared physiotherapy device. Background Technology

[0002] Infrared therapy devices are auxiliary medical care tools that generate infrared light when heated. This infrared light can activate biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins in body cells, thereby improving blood circulation, relieving joint pain, regulating the autonomic nervous system, enhancing immune function, reducing inflammation, strengthening metabolism, and promoting skin care and beauty, as well as improving microcirculation, thus achieving therapeutic effects.

[0003] However, the infrared light source in existing infrared physiotherapy devices is usually a straight tubular structure or a U-shaped tubular structure. Inert gas is usually introduced into the straight tubular structure or the U-shaped tubular structure. In order to achieve the sealing of the straight tubular structure or the U-shaped tubular structure, a sealing element needs to be set at its end. Since the diameter of the tubular structure is difficult to reduce, the sealing element is also difficult to reduce. And the sealing element is indispensable. This means that the existing infrared light source will inevitably have a cold end at the sealing element. That is, the radiation uniformity of the existing infrared light source is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is to provide an infrared light source and an infrared physiotherapy device to improve the uniformity of heating.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an infrared light source, comprising: a base plate having a first surface; a support member disposed on the first surface of the base plate; a filament assembly supported by the support member, comprising two or more filaments arranged separately; and a top cover that cooperates with the base plate to form a sealed space, the sealed space being used to accommodate the support member and the filament assembly, the filament assembly being connected to an external power source through electrodes at both ends thereof.

[0006] Optionally, the spacing between adjacent filaments is greater than 6 mm and less than 15 mm.

[0007] Optionally, the base plate further includes a second surface opposite to the first surface, the distance from the second surface to the outer top surface of the top cover being greater than 10 mm.

[0008] Optionally, all of the plurality of filaments are first filaments.

[0009] Optionally, the plurality of filaments are first filaments and second filaments, wherein there is one or more first filaments and one or more second filaments.

[0010] Optionally, the first filament is used to emit light of a first wavelength; the second filament is used to emit light of a second wavelength.

[0011] Optionally, the material of the first filament may be the same as or different from the material of the second filament.

[0012] Optionally, the materials of the first filament and the second filament include tungsten or carbon fiber.

[0013] Optionally, when both the first filament and the second filament are made of carbon fiber, the first filament and the second filament have a mesh structure.

[0014] Optionally, the first filament and the second filament may be located in the same or different planes.

[0015] Optionally, the plurality of filaments may further include: one or more third filaments.

[0016] Optionally, the first filament, the second filament, and the third filament may be made of the same or different materials. Optionally, the projection pattern of the filament on the base plate may be a strip, a zigzag, a wave, a grid, or a spiral.

[0017] Optionally, the top cover includes a top plate and an extension extending downward around the top plate, the bottom of the extension being fixedly connected to a bottom plate; the electrode passes through the bottom plate and is connected to an external power source.

[0018] Optionally, the top cover has a plate-like structure, and the bottom of the top cover is sealed to the bottom plate by a gasket; the electrode passes through the gasket and is connected to an external power source.

[0019] Optionally, it may also include: a fastener for securing the filament assembly.

[0020] Optionally, the top of the support member is provided with a first groove, and the bottom of the fixing member is provided with a second groove. The first groove and the second groove are arranged opposite to each other, and the first groove and the second groove are used to accommodate the filament assembly.

[0021] Optionally, the material of the fastener includes ceramic material.

[0022] Optionally, the material of the top cover includes: quartz glass, chalcogenide glass, or microcrystalline glass.

[0023] Optionally, the support member is made of ceramic material.

[0024] Optionally, it also includes: an anti-reflective membrane disposed on the inner sidewall of the top cover.

[0025] Optionally, the antireflective membrane may be made of calcium fluoride.

[0026] Optionally, it may also include a reflective film disposed on the first surface.

[0027] Optionally, the material of the reflective film includes: an aluminum film formed by magnetron sputtering.

[0028] Optionally, the base plate is made of quartz.

[0029] Accordingly, the present invention also provides an infrared physiotherapy device comprising the above-mentioned infrared light source.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] In the infrared light source provided by this invention, the top cover and the bottom plate form a sealed space. This sealed space is used to accommodate the filament assembly for sealing, eliminating the need for each filament in the filament assembly to have a sealing element. This prevents the infrared light source from having a cold end due to the presence of sealing elements, thus improving the uniformity of heating of the infrared light source. Furthermore, the spacing and arrangement between adjacent filaments in the filament assembly can be designed according to actual needs, allowing for smaller spacing and more uniform arrangement between adjacent filaments, further improving the uniformity of heating of the infrared light source.

[0032] Furthermore, the two or more filaments in the filament assembly are one or more first filaments and one or more second filaments. The first filament and the second filament are made of different materials. The first filament emits light of a first wavelength when heated, and the second filament emits light of a second wavelength when heated. Moreover, the first filament and the second filament are independently adjustable, and the ratio of the first wavelength to the second wavelength can be adjusted according to actual needs to meet different treatment requirements.

[0033] Furthermore, the first filament is made of tungsten, and the second filament is made of carbon fiber. The infrared light generated by the heating of the first and second filaments is the same as the infrared light emitted by traditional moxibustion, so as to achieve the same therapeutic effect as traditional moxibustion.

[0034] Furthermore, the top cover and the bottom plate cooperate to form a sealed space, which is used to accommodate the support and the filament assembly. Since the filament in the filament assembly is not directly connected to the top cover and the bottom plate, only a small amount of heat from the filament reaches the top cover and the bottom plate and is released to the external environment through thermal radiation, while most of the heat is used to heat the filament to generate the required infrared light. Therefore, it is beneficial to reduce heat loss. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an infrared light source according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure along line L-L1;

[0037] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure along line L-L2;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another infrared light source according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first filament and the second filament according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another arrangement of the first and second filaments according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side view;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first and second filaments according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] As described in the background section, existing infrared light sources exhibit poor heating uniformity. Therefore, this invention aims to provide an infrared light source that improves heating uniformity, as detailed below:

[0044] The present invention provides an infrared light source, comprising: a base plate having a first surface; a support member disposed on the first surface of the base plate; a filament assembly supported by the support member, comprising two or more filaments arranged separately; and a top cover cooperating with the base plate to form a sealed space, the sealed space being used to accommodate the support member and the filament assembly, the filament assembly being connected to an external power source through electrodes at both ends thereof.

[0045] In one embodiment, the two or more filaments in the filament assembly are one or more first filaments and one or more second filaments, where "or more" here includes the number itself. The following detailed description uses this embodiment:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an infrared light source according to the present invention.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The infrared light source 1 includes: a base plate 100 (see...) Figure 2 ), which includes a first surface A; a plurality of discrete support members 106 (see Figure 2 The base plate 100 is provided on its first surface A; a first filament 101 and a second filament 102 (see...) Figure 1 The first filament 101 is used to emit light of a first wavelength; the second filament 102 is used to emit light of a second wavelength; and the fixing member 109 (see...) is supported by the support member 106, and the two are arranged separately. Figure 1 A top cover 108 is disposed on the top of the support member 106 to fix the first filament 101 and the second filament 102; Figure 2 The support member 106, the first filament 101, and the second filament 102 are used to accommodate the support member 106, the first filament 101, and the second filament 102. The first filament 101 is connected to an external power source through a first set of electrodes 111 at both ends of the first filament 101. The second filament 102 is connected to an external power source through a second set of electrodes 112 at both ends of the second filament 102.

[0048] The base plate 100 is made of quartz and is used to support the support member 106, the first filament 101, the second filament 102, and the top cover 108.

[0049] The support member 106 is made of ceramic, which prevents electricity from the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 from being transmitted along the support member 106. Therefore, the support member 106 is only used to support the first filament 101 and the second filament 102. Specifically, one support member 106 can support multiple first filaments 101 and multiple second filaments 102, or one support member 106 can support one first filament 101 or one second filament 102.

[0050] In this embodiment, the number of first filaments 101 is 4 and the number of second filaments 102 is 4 as an example for illustrative purposes. In fact, the number of first filaments 101 and second filaments 102 in the infrared light source is not limited and can be designed according to actual needs.

[0051] In one embodiment, the gap between adjacent first filament 101 and second filament 102 is greater than 6 mm and less than 15 mm. The significance of selecting the gap between the first filament 101 and second filament 102 is that if the gap between the first filament 101 and second filament 102 is greater than 15 mm, the unheated cold area between the first filament 101 and second filament 102 is larger, which is not conducive to improving the uniformity of infrared light source heating; if the gap between the first filament 101 and second filament 102 is less than 6 mm, it makes manufacturing more difficult.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 are made of different materials. The infrared light emitted by filaments made of different materials is different after being heated. Therefore, when the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 are made of different materials, the infrared light source can produce two wavelengths of light. This infrared light source is used for disease treatment that requires two wavelengths.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first filament 101 is made of tungsten, and when heated, it emits infrared light of a first wavelength, which, under certain heating adjustments, ranges from 2 micrometers to 4 micrometers. The second filament 102 is made of carbon fiber, and under certain heating conditions, it emits infrared light of a second wavelength, which ranges from 9 micrometers to 11 micrometers. The tungsten and carbon fiber filaments can produce the same dual-spectrum radiation as traditional moxibustion; therefore, the infrared light source can achieve the effects of traditional moxibustion.

[0054] In one embodiment, when both the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 are made of carbon fiber, the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 have a mesh structure. By independently controlling the temperature of the first filament 101 and the second filament 102, two different wavelengths of light can be generated to meet the needs of disease treatment requiring two different wavelengths.

[0055] To prevent the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 from being oxidized, the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 need to be sealed. Specifically, the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 are surrounded by the top cover 108 and the bottom plate 100. Therefore, it is not necessary to set a seal at the end of each first filament 101 and the second filament 102 for individual sealing. This can not only increase the effective heating area of ​​the infrared light source, but also prevent cold spots caused by the seal. This is beneficial to improving the uniformity of infrared light source heating and reducing the difficulty and complexity of manufacturing.

[0056] Meanwhile, since the top cover 108 and the bottom plate 100 match to form a sealed space, the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 are suspended and supported and do not directly contact the top cover 108 and the bottom plate 100. This means that only a small portion of the heat used to heat the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 is released to the external environment through thermal radiation to the top cover 108 and the bottom plate 100, while most of the heat is used to heat the first filament 101 and the second filament 102. Therefore, this is beneficial to improving the heating efficiency of the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 and reducing heat loss.

[0057] In one embodiment, the sealed space is a vacuum environment. In this case, the deformation of the infrared light source due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sealed space should be considered. For example, the thickness of the top cover 108 and the bottom plate 100 can be increased to resist the large pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sealed space. In another embodiment, an inert gas is introduced into the sealed space. In this case, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sealed space is smaller for the top cover 108 and the bottom plate 100, so the top cover 108 and the bottom plate 100 can be made thinner.

[0058] The material of the top cover 108 is an infrared-transmitting material, such as quartz glass, chalcogenide glass, or microcrystalline glass. The material of the top cover 108 absorbs less heat from the first filament 101 and the second filament 102, and has strong transmittance of the infrared light generated by the first filament 101 and the second filament 102, which is conducive to more infrared light reaching the area of ​​the human body to be irradiated.

[0059] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the top cover includes a top plate and extensions extending downwards from all sides of the top plate. The bottom of the extensions is fixedly connected to the bottom plate to form the enclosed space shown. The first set of electrodes 111 and the second set of electrodes 112 penetrate the bottom plate 100 and are connected to an external power source.

[0060] In another embodiment, the top cover is a plate-like structure, such as... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view along line L-L2. The bottom of the top cover 108 is sealed to the bottom plate 100 by a gasket 110. The gasket 110 is located on the periphery of the sealed space. The first set of electrodes 111 and the second set of electrodes 112 pass through the gasket 110 and are connected to an external power source.

[0061] In order to allow more infrared light to pass through the top cover 108, an anti-reflection film is provided on the inner surface of the top cover 108, and the material of the anti-reflection film includes calcium fluoride.

[0062] The infrared light generated by the heating of the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 will radiate in all directions. The portion that passes through the top cover 108 and irradiates the area to be irradiated on the human body is effectively utilized, while the infrared light that reaches the base plate 100 will be difficult to utilize or even wasted. In order to reuse the infrared light that reaches the base plate 100, a reflective film can be provided on the first surface A of the base plate 100. The material of the reflective film includes an aluminum film formed by magnetron sputtering. The reflective film helps to reflect the infrared light that reaches the first surface A of the base plate 100 back to the top cover 108, which helps more infrared light reach the area to be irradiated on the human body and improves the treatment effect.

[0063] The infrared light source further includes: a first connector 104 and a second connector 105, located outside the top cover 108. The first connector 104 is electrically connected to the first set of electrodes 111; the second connector 105 is electrically connected to the second set of electrodes 112; a first external power supply is connected to the first connector 104; and the second external power supply is electrically connected to the second connector 105.

[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1The first set of electrodes 111 is connected to a first set of connectors 104, and the second set of electrodes 112 is connected to a second set of connectors 105. This design makes each set of first set of electrodes 111 and second set of electrodes 112 independently controllable, which is beneficial for better independent control of the first filament 101 and the second filament 102.

[0065] In another embodiment, as shown in 4, multiple sets of first group electrodes 111 converge inside the top cover 108 and lead out a first connector 104, and multiple sets of second group electrodes 112 converge inside the top cover 108 and lead out a second connector 105. This helps to reduce the number of connectors and reduces the difficulty of connector arrangement.

[0066] The heating of the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 is independently adjustable. The voltage applied to the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 can be adjusted according to actual needs. A higher voltage results in a higher temperature within the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 per unit time, producing more infrared light. Therefore, when more first-wavelength infrared light and less second-wavelength infrared light are needed, the voltage applied to the first filament 101 can be increased, and the voltage applied to the second filament 102 can be decreased. Conversely, when more second-wavelength infrared light and less first-wavelength infrared light are needed, the voltage applied to the second filament 102 can be increased, and the voltage applied to the first filament 101 can be decreased. Because the demand for the first and second wavelengths varies depending on the disease being treated, their ratio can be adjusted according to actual needs to meet the treatment requirements of different diseases.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, both ends of each of the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 are fixed by a fixing member 109 to prevent electrical connection between adjacent first filaments 101 and second filaments 102. Specifically, the top of the support member 106 is provided with a first groove, and the bottom of the fixing member 109 is provided with a second groove. The first groove and the second groove are arranged opposite to each other, and the first groove and the second groove are used to accommodate the first filament 101 or the second filament 102.

[0068] In other embodiments, the top of the support member is provided with a first groove, which is used to accommodate and fix the first filament and the second filament, in which case the fixing member may not be provided.

[0069] The fastener 109 is made of ceramic material.

[0070] In this embodiment, the projection patterns of the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 on the base plate 100 are evenly distributed. Specifically, the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 are arranged in the same plane, and the projection patterns of the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 on the base plate 100 are strip-shaped. The longitudinally elongated first filament 101 and the longitudinally elongated second filament 102 are arranged alternately at equal intervals. According to actual needs, the gap between adjacent first filament 101 and second filament 102 can be made smaller, which is beneficial to reducing the cold area between the first filament 101 and the second filament 102. Therefore, it is beneficial to improve the heating uniformity of the infrared light source.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first filament 101 and the second filament 102 are coplanarly and uniformly distributed, making the thickness d of the infrared light source relatively thin. The thickness d of the infrared light source is greater than 10 mm. The base plate 100 includes a second surface opposite to the first surface A. The thickness of the infrared light source refers to the distance from the second surface to the outer top surface of the top cover 108. The relatively thin thickness d of the infrared light source makes the infrared light source small in size, lightweight, and easy to carry.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first filament and the second filament according to the present invention.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first filament 201 and the second filament 202 are also coplanar. The projection patterns of the first filament 201 and the second filament 202 on the base plate form a double helix. The first filament 201 and the second filament 202 are independent of each other, which is beneficial to ensure that the power supply of the first filament 201 and the second filament 202 does not affect each other.

[0074] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another arrangement of the first and second filaments according to the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Side view.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first filament 301 and the second filament 302 are stacked one on top of the other. Here, we take the example of the first filament 301 being located above the second filament 302 for explanation. In fact, the first filament 301 can also be located below the second filament 302.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first filament 301 and the second filament 302 are stacked to facilitate the lead-out and arrangement of the electrodes at both ends of the first filament 301 and the second filament 302.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first filament 301 has a zigzag structure, and the second filament 302 also has a zigzag structure. In other embodiments, the projection patterns of the first and second filaments on the base plate are wavy.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first and second filaments according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first filament 401 and the second filament 402 are stacked one above the other. The first filament 401 may be located above the second filament 402, or it may be located below the second filament 402.

[0080] In this embodiment, the projection pattern of the first filament 401 on the base plate is a strip, and the projection pattern of the second filament 402 on the base plate is also a strip, and the projection patterns of the two form a grid.

[0081] The above embodiments all use the example of a filament assembly comprising two types of filaments, namely, a first filament and a second filament. In practice, the multiple filaments can all be first filaments, with two or more first filaments radiating an infrared wavelength under certain heating conditions. In this case, the infrared light source produces only a single wavelength of light, making it suitable for treating diseases requiring a single wavelength.

[0082] In addition, the infrared light source may also include: more types of filaments, for example: one or more third filaments, the material of which may be the same as or different from that of the first and second filaments, without limitation. The third filament produces light of a third wavelength under certain heating conditions. This infrared light source is used to treat diseases requiring three wavelengths.

[0083] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An infrared light source for an infrared physiotherapy device, characterized in that, include: A base plate, which includes a first surface; A support member is provided on the first surface of the base plate; The filament assembly, supported by the support member, includes two or more filaments arranged separately. The two or more filaments include a first filament and a second filament. The material of the first filament includes either tungsten or carbon fiber, and the material of the second filament includes either tungsten or carbon fiber. The top cover is made of infrared-transparent material and, together with the base plate, forms a sealed space. The sealed space is a vacuum environment and is used to house the support member and the filament assembly. The filament assembly is connected to an external power source through electrodes at both ends.

2. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spacing between adjacent filaments is greater than 6 mm and less than 15 mm.

3. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate also includes a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the distance from the second surface to the outer top surface of the top cover is greater than 10 mm.

4. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the first filament is one or more, and the number of the second filament is one or more.

5. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first filament is used to emit light of a first wavelength; the second filament is used to emit light of a second wavelength.

6. The infrared light source as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The material of the first filament may be the same as or different from that of the second filament.

7. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When both the first filament and the second filament are made of carbon fiber, the first filament and the second filament have a mesh structure.

8. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first filament and the second filament are located in the same or different planes.

9. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two or more filaments also include: one or more third filaments.

10. The infrared light source as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first filament, the second filament, and the third filament may be made of the same or different materials.

11. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The projection pattern of the filament on the base plate is a strip, a broken line, a wave, a grid, or a spiral.

12. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover includes a top plate and an extension extending downward from around the top plate, the bottom of which is fixedly connected to a bottom plate; the electrode passes through the bottom plate and is connected to an external power source.

13. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover has a plate-like structure, and the bottom of the top cover is sealed to the bottom plate by a gasket; the electrode passes through the gasket and is connected to an external power source.

14. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A fastener is used to secure the filament assembly.

15. The infrared light source as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The fixing member is located above the support member. The top of the support member is provided with a first groove, and the bottom of the fixing member is provided with a second groove. The first groove and the second groove are arranged opposite to each other. The first groove and the second groove are used to accommodate the filament assembly.

16. The infrared light source as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The fastener is made of ceramic material.

17. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The materials of the top cover include: quartz glass, chalcogenide glass, or microcrystalline glass.

18. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support component is made of ceramic material.

19. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An anti-reflective membrane is disposed on the inner surface of the top cover.

20. The infrared light source as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The antireflective membrane is made of calcium fluoride.

21. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A reflective film is disposed on the first surface.

22. The infrared light source as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The material of the reflective film includes: an aluminum film formed by magnetron sputtering.

23. The infrared light source as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate is made of quartz.

24. An infrared physiotherapy device, characterized in that, include: The infrared light source as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

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