Light irradiation device

Abstract

The invention provides a light irradiation device capable of accurately irradiating light according to an affected part or symptoms of the affected part. A light irradiation device (1) that irradiates an affected part with light comprises: a device body (2) that includes a substrate (5) and a light emitting unit (7) that is disposed on at least one surface (5a) of the substrate (5) and has a plurality of light emitters (6) having different emission wavelengths; a control part (8) for controlling the light emitting part (7) to emit light is arranged in the controller (3); the light emitting unit (7) has at least a first light emitter (6a) that emits light having a wavelength of a first frequency band, and a second light emitter (6b) that emits light having a wavelength of a second frequency band, which is different from the first frequency band. The control unit (8) switches between at least a first mode in which the first light emitter (6a) emits light, a second mode in which the second light emitter (6b) emits light, and a third mode in which the first light emitter (6a) and the second light emitter (6b) emit light.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present technology relates to a light irradiation device, and particularly relates to a light irradiation device that irradiates light onto a skin or a mucous membrane of a target site. BACKGROUND

[0002] A light therapy that irradiates light onto a skin or a mucous membrane of a patient's affected part has been used to promote healing of a wound such as an external wound or a surgical wound, and to alleviate pain. The light therapy is a therapy that irradiates light of various wavelengths such as visible light, ultraviolet light, frequency-modulated light, or infrared light onto an affected part of a patient by a light therapy machine according to a treatment method.

[0003] Examples of the machine using such a light therapy include a device that irradiates laser light to a treatment target site (Patent Literature 1) and a device that irradiates monochromatic light to a treatment target site (Patent Literature 2).

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-038221 Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-212250 SUMMARY

[0005] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION There are various affected parts or symptoms thereof that require a light therapy. In addition, the symptoms will change over time. Therefore, a light therapy machine used for the light therapy needs to irradiate light corresponding to a position of the affected part, a symptom, and a lapse of time.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present technology is to provide a light irradiation device that can accurately irradiate light according to an affected part or a symptom thereof.

[0007] MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS In order to solve the above problems, a light irradiation device related to the present technology for irradiating light to an affected part includes a device main body including a substrate and a light emitting portion that is disposed at least on one side surface of the substrate and has a plurality of light emitters having different light emitting wavelengths, and a controller in which a control portion that controls light emission of the light emitting portion is provided, wherein the light emitting portion has at least a first light emitter that emits light of a wavelength of a first frequency band and a second light emitter that emits light of a wavelength of a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and the control portion is configured to at least switch between a first mode in which the first light emitter is caused to emit light, a second mode in which the second light emitter is caused to emit light, and a third mode in which the first light emitter and the second light emitter are caused to emit light.

[0008] EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION By applying the light irradiation device of the present technology, the light emission wavelength and the cumulative light amount can be changed in the first to third modes. Therefore, by switching the mode, the most suitable light can be irradiated in accordance with the progress of the affected part and its symptoms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the light irradiation device to which the present technology is applied.

[0010] Figure 2 A functional block diagram showing one configuration example of the device main body and the controller.

[0011] Figure 3 A plan view showing the light irradiation device related to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 A diagram showing the use state of the light irradiation device related to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 A diagram showing the support of the light irradiation device related to the first embodiment, (A) is a plan view, and (B) is a plan view showing the state in which the pocket is attached.

[0014] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view showing the device main body of the light irradiation device related to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 A plan view showing the light irradiation device related to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 A diagram showing the use state of the light irradiation device related to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The light irradiation device to which the present technology is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present technology is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can of course be made without departing from the gist of the present technology. In addition, the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional proportions and the like can differ from actual dimensional proportions. The specific dimensions and the like should be judged in consideration of the following description. Furthermore, there are of course parts that differ in size or proportion between different drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the light irradiation device 1 to which the present technology is applied. As shown in Figure 1 the present technology is applied has a device main body 2 and a controller 3. The device main body 2 has a substrate 5 and a light emission portion 7 disposed on at least one side surface of the substrate 5, and the light emission portion 7 has a plurality of light emitters 6 that differ in light emission wavelength. The controller 3 is provided with a control portion 8 to control the light emission of the light emission portion 7.

[0019] The light-emitting unit 7 has at least a first light emitter 6a for emitting light of a first frequency band wavelength and a second light emitter 6b for emitting light of a second frequency band wavelength. The wavelength (nm) of the illumination light emitted by the first light emitter 6a of the light-emitting unit 7 is different from the wavelength of the illumination light emitted by the second light emitter 6b, and their radiant flux (W) is different.

[0020] The control unit 8 can switch between executing at least a first mode that makes the first light emitter 6a emit light, a second mode that makes the second light emitter 6b emit light, and a third mode that makes both the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b emit light.

[0021] Therefore, the light irradiation device 1 can change the irradiance (W / m²) and absorbed energy (J) on the affected area in three modes, from the first to the third. Thus, the most suitable light can be irradiated according to the affected area or its symptoms by switching modes.

[0022] The following will provide a detailed description of each structure of the light irradiation device 1.

[0023] (Device body) The device body 2 has a substrate 5 and a light-emitting part 7 disposed on at least one side of the substrate 5. The light-emitting part 7 has a plurality of light emitters 6 with different light emission wavelengths.

[0024] (Substrate) The substrate 5 is an insulating substrate, which, depending on the application, can be formed from a flexible insulating film (e.g., polyimide) or a rigid substrate (e.g., glass epoxy board). Preferably, the substrate 5 can be a flexible substrate that provides excellent fit to the affected area. By using a flexible substrate, even if the affected area is a curved surface such as the wrist, leg, face, or buttocks, the device body 2 can fit tightly to the affected area, thereby enabling effective light irradiation.

[0025] Regarding the flexible substrate 5, in addition to polyimide resin films, various materials can be used, such as fluororesin, silicone resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, liquid crystal polymer films, or highly reflective resin films made by coating the surface of these films with resins containing white pigments (white resin, white photoresist, etc.), and highly reflective resin films mixed with white pigments.

[0026] The area of the substrate 5 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately designed in accordance with the purpose and the number and configuration pattern of the first and second light emitters 6a, 6b. For example, the light irradiation device 40 described later for treating temporomandibular joint disorders has a substrate of a size (e.g., 60 to 85 mm by 115 to 120 mm) that covers the temporomandibular joint and the corresponding parts around it. In addition, the light irradiation device 50 described later for treating the mucous membrane in the oral cavity has a substrate of a size (e.g., 50 to 60 mm by 60 to 90 mm) that can be easily worn on the tongue surface or the inner side of the cheek.

[0027] The thickness of the substrate 5 is also not particularly limited and can be appropriately designed in accordance with the purpose, for example, to be about 0.5 mm.

[0028] Note that, in the light irradiation device 1, the surface of the substrate 5 on which the light emitters 6 are mounted is the front surface 5a, and the surface of the substrate 5 opposite to the front surface 5a is the back surface 5b.

[0029] (Light emitting portion) A wiring (not shown) is formed on the substrate 5, and the light emitters 6 that constitute the light emitting portion 7 are mounted on the wiring. The wiring is formed of, for example, a copper-plated wiring whose surface is covered with silver plating. From the viewpoint of light emission efficiency, the wiring material is preferably low impedance. In addition, from the viewpoint of returning light reflected by the affected part to the affected part during light irradiation to reduce loss, a material with a high surface reflectance, for example, a material with a total beam reflectance of 80% or more, is preferable.

[0030] The light emitters 6 are connected to the connection terminal portion 11 provided on the front surface 5a or the back surface 5b of the substrate 5 through the wiring on the substrate 5. The connection terminal portion 11 is connected to the controller 3 through the power supply line 15. The light emitters 6 are controlled by the controller 3 connected to the end portion of the power supply line 15 to control light irradiation (e.g., ON and OFF of irradiation), irradiation mode (the first light emitter 6a and / or the second light emitter 6b, time (seconds), radiant intensity (W / m2), and absorbed energy (J), etc.).

[0031] (Light emitter) The light emitters 6 are not particularly limited and can be exemplified by, for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), semiconductor laser diodes (LDs), polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs), light emitting polymers (LEPs), optical fiber bundles, or combinations of these, but are not limited thereto. The light emitters 6 can be connected to the wiring through a solder pad or the like (not shown) mounted on the front surface 5a of the substrate 5.

[0032] The light emitters 6 constituting the light emitting section 7 have first light emitters 6a that emit light of a first wavelength band and second light emitters 6b that emit light of a second wavelength band. The first wavelength band and the second wavelength band are different wavelengths, for example, the first band is 640 to 770 nm (660 ± 10%), and the second band is 770 to 1000 nm (880 ± 10%). Note that in this specification, in cases where the first light emitters 6a and the second light emitters 6b are not distinguished or in cases where both the first and second light emitters 6a, 6b are referred to, the light emitters 6 will be referred to as "light emitters 6". The same applies in cases where light emitters other than the first and second light emitters 6a, 6b (for example, a third light emitter described later) are provided.

[0033] The light emitting section 7 is constituted by units composed of the first light emitters 6a and the second light emitters 6b, and a plurality of units are provided on the surface 5a of the substrate 5. The structure of the units is not particularly limited and can be designed arbitrarily. In the example shown in the drawing, the units are arranged uniformly, and each unit is composed of one first light emitter 6a and two second light emitters 6b. Figure 1

[0034] The light irradiation device 1 has at least three modes for causing the light emitters 6 to emit light. That is, the light irradiation device 1 has a first mode in which only the first light emitters 6a emit light, a second mode in which only the second light emitters 6b emit light, and a third mode in which the first light emitters 6a and the second light emitters 6b emit light. The switching of the modes is controlled by a control section 8 provided in a controller 3 described later.

[0035] The wavelength of the irradiation light emitted by the first light emitters 6a and the wavelength of the irradiation light emitted by the second light emitters 6b (wavelength: nm) and the radiant fluxes (Radiant Flux: W) of both are different. Therefore, the light irradiation device 1 is capable of changing the irradiance (Irradiance: W / m2) and the absorbed energy (J) to the affected part in the first to third modes by the mode switching of the control section 8, and further capable of irradiating the most suitable light according to the affected part or its symptoms.

[0036] In addition thereto, the light irradiation device 1 can set a suitable light irradiation pattern in various modes, for example, the first light emitters 6a and / or the second light emitters 6b can be lit with the same irradiance, or can be caused to flicker. In addition, the irradiation position, the irradiance, or the irradiation pattern can be set to vary with time.

[0037] ​Further, the light irradiation device 1 can make the output (irradiance) of the light of the first band wavelength of the first light emitter 6a different between the first mode and the third mode. For example, the output can be increased in the first mode in which only the first light emitter 6a emits light, and the output can be decreased in the third mode in which the second light emitter 6b emits light together.

[0038] An LED that emits red light (emission wavelength: 640 to 770 nm) is exemplified as the first light emitter 6a. Further, an LED that emits infrared light (emission wavelength: 770 to 1000 nm or so) is exemplified as the second light emitter 6b.

[0039] Further, the light emitting section 7 can also have a third light emitter that emits light of a third band wavelength different from the first band and the second band. As the third band wavelength, for example, a light emitter that emits light of a blue band wavelength (emission wavelength: 430 to 490 nm) can be used. The light irradiation device 1 can irradiate more suitable light according to the affected part or its symptoms by setting a mode in which the third light emitter is used alone or simultaneously with one or both of the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b.

[0040] Red light (emission wavelength: 640 to 770 nm) is considered to be relatively effective for relieving pain on the outside of the affected part. Further, infrared light (emission wavelength: 770 nm to 1000 nm or so) is considered to be effective for promoting blood circulation, bone treatment, and relieving pain on the inside of the affected part. Blue light (emission wavelength: 430 to 490 nm) is considered to have an effect of sterilizing or disinfecting bacteria and the like. For example, in a case where the light irradiation device 1 is used for relieving severe pain, the first mode in which only red light is emitted from the first light emitter 6a is selected. Since the output of the first light emitter 6a is higher in the first mode than in the other modes, more suitable light for relieving pain can be emitted.

[0041] (Temperature detection section) Note that a temperature detection section 17 for detecting the temperature of the light emitter 6, such as a thermistor, can also be provided on the substrate 5. Thus, when the light emitter 6 is heated to a set temperature or more, light irradiation can be controlled to stop, thereby enabling protection of the wearer and the device main body 2.

[0042] (Controller) Next, a controller 3 provided with a control section 8 that controls the light emission of the light emitting section 7 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 3 is connected to the device main body 2 through a power supply line 15. Further, the controller 3 is connected to a power supply unit 18 through the power supply line 15. The controller 3 is detachably connected to the device main body 2 and the power supply unit 18 through the power supply line 15. Figure 1

[0043] ​A power adapter 18a that connects to a household outlet, or a portable power bank 18b containing a rechargeable or disposable battery, can be used as the power unit 18. By separating the device body 2 from the controller 3 and the power unit 18 and connecting them with a power cord, the weight borne by the wearer when wearing the device body 2 is only the weight of the device body 2 itself. This prevents misalignment of the wearing position, reduces the burden on the wearer when wearing the device body 2 on the affected area, and improves operability. Furthermore, the detachability of the device body 2 and the power cord 15 makes maintenance such as replacing or cleaning the device body 2 after use easier.

[0044] It should be noted that a secondary battery can also be built into the controller 3 or the device body 2. The controller 3 or the device body 2 can be connected to a power supply connected to a household socket via a power cord, thereby charging the secondary battery built into the controller 3 or the device body 2.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a functional block diagram of a structural example of the device body 2 and the controller 3. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the controller 3 includes a control unit 8 and an operation unit 21. The control unit 8 can control the irradiation area, irradiation time, wavelength of the irradiated light, and irradiance of the light emitter 6 based on a program. It can also store the pre-set irradiation area, irradiation time, wavelength of the irradiated light, irradiance, and energy absorption mode, or the operation record of the light irradiation device 1, in a memory or storage device. The operation unit 21 includes buttons for operating the power switch (ON / OFF), the irradiation switch (ON / OFF), or selecting the mode.

[0046] It should be noted that the controller 3 may also include a setting unit 22, a display unit 24, a notification unit 25, or a communication unit 26. The setting unit 22 allows manual setting of the irradiation location, irradiation time, wavelength of the irradiated light, irradiance, and absorbed energy. The display unit 24, such as an LCD panel, displays information such as the operating status or operation records of the light irradiation device 1, plan management, remaining irradiation time, and remaining battery power. The notification unit 25 notifies the user of the end of the set irradiation or an error status via an alarm sound, light emission, or vibration. The communication unit 26 connects to an external server 31 via a network to update the control program or plan stored in the control unit 8 and to transmit the operation records stored in the control unit 8.

[0047] The control section 8 has a microprocessor 28. The microprocessor 28 is used for information transmission between a memory 29 or a storage 34, including a program of the first to third modes and the like, and a record of the operation of the light irradiation device 1 and the like. Further, the microprocessor 28 saves the setting information of the setting section 22 in the memory 29 or the storage 34, and controls the irradiation of the light emitter 6 according to the setting saved in the memory 29 or the storage 34.

[0048] The microprocessor 28 operates according to the operation of a power switch 32 for controlling the on or off of the power supply, and an operation switch 33 for controlling the start or stop of the irradiation. Further, the microprocessor 28 can stop the light irradiation according to the signal from the temperature detection section 17 such as a thermistor and the like. Thereby, when the light emitter 6 is heated to the set temperature or more, the light irradiation can be controlled to stop, so that the wearer and the device main body 2 can be protected.

[0049] Further, in the case where the power supply unit 18 is constituted by a mobile power supply, the microprocessor 28 receives the output from a detection circuit 35 for detecting the output voltage to judge the charge amount, and controls the display section 24 or the notification section 25 to communicate to the user.

[0050] (First Embodiment) Next, a specific application example of the light irradiation device 1 will be described. Note that the following embodiment is only one application example of the light irradiation device 1, and the present application is not limited to this embodiment.

[0051] The light irradiation device 40 related to the first embodiment is used for treating temporomandibular joint disorders and disorders (TMJ / TMD). Figure 3 is a plan view of the light irradiation device 40, Figure 4 is a view showing the use state of the light irradiation device 40. The light irradiation device 40 has the device main body 2 and a support 41. The support 41 is used for housing the device main body 2, and is wound around the face of the user to place the device main body 2 at a predetermined position of the face.

[0052] Figure 5 is a view showing the support 41, (A) is a plan view, and (B) is a plan view showing the state where the pocket is attached. The support 41 is formed in a band-like shape, and two pockets 42 for housing the device main body 2 are provided at a longitudinal direction interval. In the light irradiation device 40, the device main body 2 is housed with the light emitting section 7 facing the front surface of the pocket 42 having light transmissivity, and is wound around the head of the user in a vertical direction Figure 4 ). Thereby, the light emitting section 7 of the device main body 2 can face and be held at the corresponding portion of the temporomandibular joint and the periphery thereof of the user, and irradiate the light of the corresponding mode.

[0053] The support member 41 is made of materials such as polyester or polyurethane, which have moderate elasticity and strength. Of course, the material of the support member 41 is not limited to these. In addition, locking parts 46 such as Velcro or hooks are provided at both longitudinal ends of the support frame 41, thereby wearing and fixing the light irradiation device to the user's face.

[0054] The pocket 42 is composed of a nearly rectangular covering layer 42a. The covering layer 42a is formed of a light-transmitting material that allows light from the light-emitting part 7 to pass through. Examples of such light-transmitting materials include PET, PVC, PC, PMMA, and TPU. For instance, the pocket 42 is formed by attaching the covering layer 42a to the support member 41 by means of sewing or bonding, leaving one side open. The support member 41 can be inserted into or removed from the device body 2 from the open end of the pocket 42.

[0055] Furthermore, the support member 41 has a terminal hole 43 on the inside of the pocket 42 so that the connection terminal portion 11 of the device body 2 is exposed. When the device body 2 is stored in the pocket 42, the connection terminal portion 11 provided on the back surface 5b of the substrate 5 will be exposed from the terminal hole 43, thereby enabling connection to the power cord 15.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, the device body 2 for the light irradiation device 40 includes a substrate 5 on which a light-emitting part 7 is provided, a tray 44 that clamps the substrate 5 from both sides, and a protective cover 45. By clamping the substrate 5 with the tray 44 and the protective cover 45, not only is operability improved, but the light-emitting part 7 is also protected.

[0057] The substrate 5 is approximately trapezoidal with rounded corners. Six rows of unit columns 47, arranged at predetermined intervals, are provided on the surface 5a. Each unit column 47 is composed of four or three first light emitters 6a and second light emitters 6b. In the light irradiation device 40, the arrangement of the light emitters 6 or units is not limited to this. Furthermore, elliptical openings 48 are provided between the unit columns 47.

[0058] Similar to substrate 5, tray 44 is approximately trapezoidal with rounded corners and has a receiving recess 49 for receiving substrate 5. Furthermore, tray 44 can be formed of a flexible resin material, such as polyimide resin, fluororesin, silicone resin, PET resin, or the aforementioned resins containing white pigments (white resin, white photoresist, etc.). It should be noted that the material of tray 44 is not limited to these.

[0059] Further, the protective cover 45 is used to cover the surface 5a of the substrate 5 housed in the tray 44, and is provided with an elliptical protrusion 48a for insertion into an opening 48 provided on the substrate 5. By inserting the protrusion 48a into the opening 48, the protective cover 45 can position the substrate 5. In addition, depending on the position of the light emitter 6 formed on the substrate 5, a recess 45a is provided on the protective cover 45 to prevent interference with the light emitter 6. The protective cover 45 is formed of a resin material that is transparent to light, has light transmittance, and is flexible, such as PET, PVC, PC, PMMA, TPU, or the like. Note that the material of the protective cover 45 is not limited to these.

[0060] In the light irradiation device 40, since the support 41 and the device body 2 housed in the support 41 are flexible, as shown in FIG. 2, when the support 41 is wound in the longitudinal direction and worn on the head of a user, the light emitting portion 7 of the device body 2 can be brought into close contact with the corresponding portion of the temporomandibular joint and its surrounding portion of the user. Thus, the light irradiation device 40 does not affect the feeling of wearing, and can effectively irradiate the affected portion with light of the corresponding mode. Note that the light irradiation device 40 can also be used on portions other than the head. Figure 4

[0061] The following describes an example of the setting of the wavelength, radiant intensity, irradiation time, and absorbed energy of the light emitter 6 in each mode of the light irradiation device 40. The surface of the substrate 5 is provided with 21 LED units as the light emitter 6, each of which is composed of an LED that emits red light (emission wavelength: 640 to 770 nm) as the first light emitter 6a and an LED that emits infrared light (emission wavelength: 770 to 1,000 nm or so) as the second light emitter 6b. The substrate 5 is provided on one side of the support 41, and the light irradiation device 40 is provided with a total of 42 LED units. Note that the operation stop temperature of the light emitter 6 monitored by the temperature detection portion 17 is set to, for example, 43°C in any mode.

[0062] In the first mode, only red light is emitted by the first light emitter 6a. Each first light emitter 6a can be set in the range of an operation current of 9 mA ± 10% (8.1 to 9.9 mA), a radiant flux per unit area of 14.0 mW / cm2± 10% (12.6 to 15.4 mW / cm2), and an operation time of 360 seconds ± 10% (324 to 396 seconds). When the operation current is 9 mA, the radiant flux per unit area is 14.0 mW / cm2, and the operation time is 360 seconds, the total amount of the radiant intensity of the red light emitted from each device body 2 is 294.0 mW / cm2, the total amount of the radiant intensity of the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 588.0 mW / cm2, the absorbed energy (J) of the irradiation light from each device body 2 is 105.8 J, and the total absorbed energy of the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 211.6 J.​

[0063] In the second mode, only infrared light is emitted by the second light emitters 6b. Each second light emitter 6b can be set in the range of an operating current of 33 mA ± 10% (29.7 to 36.3 mA), a radiant flux per unit area of 65.4 mW / cm2± 10% (58.9 to 71.9 mW / cm2), and an operating time of 360 seconds ± 10% (324 to 396 seconds). When the operating current is 33 mA, the radiant flux per unit area is 65.4 mW / cm2, and the operating time is 360 seconds, the total amount of the radiant intensity of the infrared light emitted from each device body 2 is 1372.9 mW / cm2, the total amount of the radiant intensity of the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 2745.8 mW / cm2, and the absorbed energy (J) of the irradiation light from each device body 2 is 494.2 J, and the total absorbed energy of the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 988.4 J.

[0064] In the third mode, red light is emitted by the first light emitters 6a and infrared light is emitted by the second light emitters 6b at the same time. Each first light emitter 6a can be set in the range of an operating current of 7 mA ± 10% (6.3 to 7.7 mA), each second light emitter 6b can be set in the range of an operating current of 33 mA ± 10% (29.7 to 36.3 mA), a radiant flux per unit area can be set in the range of 79.4 mW / cm2± 10% (71.5 to 87.3 mW / cm2), and an operating time can be set in the range of 360 seconds ± 10% (324 to 396 seconds). When the operating current of the first light emitters 6a is 7 mA, the operating current of the second light emitters 6b is 33 mA, the radiant flux per unit area is 79.4 mW / cm2, and the operating time is 360 seconds, the total amount of the radiant intensity of the infrared light emitted from each device body 2 is 1666.9 mW / cm2, the total amount of the radiant intensity of the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 3333.8 mW / cm2, the absorbed energy (J) of the irradiation light from each device body 2 is 600.0 J, and the total absorbed energy of the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 1200.0 J.

[0065] Note that the radiant intensity is obtained by measuring the radiant flux per unit area irradiated from the light emitters 6 using a radiometer. The total amount of the radiant intensity from each device body 2 can be obtained by multiplying the radiant intensity of each light emitter 6 by the number of light emitters 6. Further, the absorbed energy (W⋅sec) of the light irradiated from each device body 2 can be obtained by multiplying the total amount of the radiant intensity (W) by the irradiation time (sec).

[0066] The values of the light emission wavelength, the radiant intensity, the operation time, and the absorbed energy of the light emitter 6 in each of the above-described modes are merely examples, and the set values of each mode are not limited to the above-described values. Furthermore, the light irradiation device 40 can also change the light emission color of the indicator lamp indicated in the notification portion 25 of the controller 3 in the first to third modes to identify which mode is being driven.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the light irradiation device 1 will be described. The light irradiation device 50 related in the second embodiment is a light irradiation device for treating the mucosa in the oral cavity. Figure 7 is a plan view of the light irradiation device 50, Figure 8 is a view showing the use state of the light irradiation device 50. The light irradiation device 50 has the device main body 2 and an outer material 51 for housing the device main body 2 and holding the device main body 2 in the oral cavity.

[0068] For example, the outer material 51 is an elliptical plate shape in plan view, and has a size that can be held between the tongue surface and the palate or between the cheek and the outside of the tooth row in the oral cavity. Furthermore, the outer material 51 has a light-transmitting property at least at a portion facing the light emission portion 7 of the device main body 2, so that light from the light emission portion 7 can be irradiated. A side edge portion of the outer material 51 in the long axis direction is formed with a lead-out portion 52 for leading out the power supply line 15. In the device main body 2, the connection terminal portion 11 formed on the substrate 5 and the power supply line 15 are connected, and the power supply line 15 is led out from the lead-out portion 52 and connected to the controller 3.

[0069] The material of the outer material 51 is the same as that of a mouthpiece or the like used in the conventional sports or medical fields, and is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material to irradiate light from the light emission portion 7 and has flexibility and shape retention. Specifically, the material of the outer material 51 is a resin having moderate hardness and softness suitable for the shape of the oral cavity, and for example, an olefin-based resin, a polyester-based resin, a urethane resin such as a polyurethane, a polyimide-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a styrene-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, a carbonate-based resin, or the like can be used, but is not limited to these materials.

[0070] Among the above-described olefin-based resins, polyethylene (PE), a polyethylene-based resin, polypropylene (PP), a polypropylene-based resin, and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), or the like are preferable, and polyethylene (PE), a polyethylene-based resin, polypropylene (PP), a polypropylene-based resin, or the like are more preferable.

[0071] The polyester-based resin is a polycondensate of a polybasic acid (dicarboxylic acid or the like) and a polyhydric alcohol (diol or the like). Examples of the above-described polyester-based resin include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like.

[0072] The urethane-based resin is a polycondensate of a compound having an isocyanate group and a compound having a hydroxyl group. Examples of the urethane-based resin include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and the like.

[0073] The polyamide-based resin is a polymer (copolymer) formed by bonding a plurality of monomers through an amide bond. Examples of the polyamide-based resin include nylon, para-aramid, meta-aramid, and the like.

[0074] The acrylic-based rubber resin is a polymer (copolymer) having an acrylic-based rubber as a main component. Examples of the acrylic-based rubber resin include a block copolymer of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate, and the like.

[0075] Note that the outer material 51 can be composed of a plurality of components, and each component can be formed of a different material to change the hardness.

[0076] The outer material 51 can be obtained by integrally molding the material described above with the device body 2. The injection conditions of the material are set according to the size and shape of the outer material 51, and in the case of being composed of a single material, the entire outer material 51 is molded with one metal mold. The outer material 51 can have a size suitable for use in the average human oral cavity. When the wearer is an adult, it can be manufactured as an adult light irradiation device 50 corresponding to the size of the average adult oral cavity, and when the wearer is a child, it can be manufactured as a child light irradiation device 50 corresponding to the size of the average child oral cavity.

[0077] Further, in the case where the outer material 51 is composed of a plurality of components, for example, after each component is formed by molding or the like, it can be formed by adhesion or fusion, or the like, with the device body 2 sandwiched between the components.

[0078] The light irradiation device 50 is held between the tongue surface and the palate or between the cheek and the outside of the teeth row in the oral cavity with the light emitting portion 7 facing the inside of the palate or the cheek. Thereby, light of the corresponding mode can be irradiated to the affected part on the inside of the palate or the cheek.

[0079] Note that the light irradiation device 50 can also be provided with the light emitting portion 7 on the back surface 5b side of the substrate 5 of the device body 2, and the part of the outer material 51 facing the light emitting portion 7 on the back surface 5b side can have light transmissivity. Thereby, the light irradiation device 50 can irradiate light to the affected part on both the tongue surface and the palate, or the affected part on both the inside of the cheek and the gums (gingiva).

[0080] In each mode of light irradiation of the light irradiation device 50, the wavelength, the radiant intensity, the irradiation time, and the set value of the absorbed energy of the light emitter 6 can be the same as those of the light irradiation device 40 described above, but are of course not limited thereto.

[0081] Symbol explanation 1: light irradiation device 2: device main body 3: controller 5: substrate 6: light emitter 6a: first light emitter 6b: second light emitter 7: light emitting portion 8: control portion 11: connection terminal portion 15: power supply line 17: temperature detection portion 18: power supply unit 21: operation portion 22: setting portion 24: display portion 25: notification portion 26: communication portion 28: microprocessor 29: memory 31: server 32: power supply switch 33: operation switch 34: storage 35: detection circuit 40: light irradiation device 41: support 42: pocket 43: terminal hole 44: tray 45: protective cover 45a: recessed portion 47: unit column 48: opening portion 48a: protruding portion 49: housing recessed portion 50: light irradiation device 51: outer material 52: lead-out portion

Claims

1. A light irradiation device for directing light onto a affected area, comprising: The device body includes a substrate and a light-emitting part, wherein the light-emitting part is disposed at least on one side of the substrate and has multiple light emitters with different emission wavelengths; The controller includes a control unit for controlling the light-emitting part to emit light; The light-emitting part has at least a first light emitter that emits light of a wavelength in a first frequency band and a second light emitter that emits light of a wavelength in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The control part is at least used to switch between executing a first mode that makes the first light emitter emit light, a second mode that makes the second light emitter emit light, and a third mode that makes both the first light emitter and the second light emitter emit light.

2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the first frequency band is 640-770nm and the second frequency band is 770-1000nm.

3. The light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output of light of the wavelength of the first frequency band is different in the first mode and the third mode.

4. The light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light-emitting part has a third light emitter that emits light with a wavelength of a third frequency band different from the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the third frequency band being 430 to 490 nm.

5. The light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is flexible and can fit tightly to the affected area.

6. The light irradiation device according to claim 5, comprising a pocket for receiving the device body and a support for wearing on the affected area, the pocket being formed of a material that allows light from the light-emitting part to pass through, so that light can irradiate the affected area of ​​the wearer of the support.

7. The light irradiation device according to claim 6, wherein the support is worn on the face and the light irradiates the skin of the temporomandibular joint and the corresponding area around it.

8. The light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device body is covered by an outer material formed of resin material, the outer material having at least one side facing the light-emitting part being translucent, and light can be irradiated through the outer material.

9. The light irradiation device according to claim 8, wherein the light-emitting part is also disposed on a side opposite to one side of the substrate.

10. The light irradiation device according to claim 8, wherein the light irradiation device is held between the tongue and the palate or between the cheek and the outer side of the teeth in the oral cavity, and irradiates light in the oral cavity.

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