Light therapy device

Abstract

To provide a light therapy device that emits laser light for treatment in a state where a tip of a laser probe is brought into contact with a contact object part, and is excellent in usability and safety.SOLUTION: A light therapy device includes: a laser light irradiation probe 100 which comprises a cylindrical body 110 in which a laser element is provided therein and whose tip is an annular end 111, and in which the cylindrical body 110 is provided on one end of a probe body 120; and a control device 300 which has a function to control the laser element. On the annular end 111, n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 3) touch sensors TS1 to TS3 are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. The control device 300 outputs a laser element drive signal on the basis of contact signals output by at least m (m is an integer greater than n / 2) touch sensors adjacent to each other in the n touch sensors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a phototherapy device. [Background technology]

[0002] When ligaments, tendons, muscles, or nerves are damaged due to accidents or exercise, low-frequency therapy devices and ultrasonic therapy devices are mainly used in treatment facilities such as bone setting clinics. Although these treatment devices are expected to have some effect by utilizing their respective characteristics, they have been considered unsuitable for treating ligaments, etc. On the other hand, light therapy devices using laser light, which are expected to be effective in treating ligaments, etc., have recently been widely used (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The laser treatment device described in Patent Document 1 has a laser light irradiating probe 900 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "laser probe 900") shown in Fig. 11. The laser probe 900 has a laser element (not shown) provided inside a tip portion 910. The tip portion 910 is provided with a touch switch 920 as a touch sensor. A probe body 930 of the laser probe 900 is provided with an irradiation switch 940.

[0004] When such a laser probe 900 is used, a tip 910 of the laser probe 900 is pressed against a contacted part (assumed to be the surface of the skin) and an irradiation switch 940 is operated to emit a laser beam. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-4880 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the laser treatment device described in Patent Document 1, the configuration of the tip 910 of the laser probe 900 and the touch switch 920 provided at the tip 910 are not shown in detail, but it is conceivable that the tip 910 may be ring-shaped so as to surround the laser element, and the touch switch 920 may be provided at the ring-shaped tip 910, for example.

[0007] In the laser probe 900 having such a structure, when the tip 910 comes into contact with the surface of the skin, the touch switch 920 turns on, but when a part of the tip 910 is separated from the surface of the skin, the touch switch 920 turns off. In this case, even if the irradiation switch 940 is operated, the laser light is not output.

[0008] That is, when a part of the tip 910 of the laser probe 900 is separated from the surface of the skin during treatment by irradiating the laser light, the output of the laser light stops at that point. Since the surface of the skin of the human body is often curved or uneven, a part of the tip 810 is likely to separate from the surface of the skin during treatment, and the output of the laser light stops. In this case, the laser light cannot be continuously output until the set time is reached. For this reason, the practitioner needs to pay attention during treatment so that the tip 910 is in appropriate contact with the surface of the skin (so that the touch switch 920 is not turned off), which makes it difficult to use.

[0009] If a touch switch 920 is provided around the entire circumference of the tip 910 of the laser probe 900, even if part of the tip 910 becomes detached from the surface of the skin, the touch switch 920 will not turn off, so that the laser light can be continuously output until the set time is reached.

[0010] However, if the touch switch 920 is provided around the entire circumference of the tip 910 of the laser probe 900, the laser light will be output even if the laser probe 900 is greatly tilted and most of the tip 910 is separated from the surface of the skin, and the laser light will be irradiated in an unintended direction. This not only makes it difficult to perform appropriate treatment, but also poses safety problems. Therefore, there is a demand for the development of a phototherapy device using laser light that is both easy to use and safe.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an optical therapy device that is easy to use and safe, which performs treatment by irradiating laser light while the tip of the laser probe is in contact with the contacted part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] [1] The phototherapy device of the present invention comprises a laser light irradiating probe having a cylindrical body with a laser element disposed therein and a tip having an annular end, the cylindrical body being disposed at one end of a probe body, and a control device having a function of controlling the laser element, wherein the annular end has n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 3) touch sensors disposed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, and the control device outputs a laser element drive signal based on contact signals output by at least m (m is an integer greater than n / 2) adjacent touch sensors among the n touch sensors.

[0013] According to the present invention, when the control device receives contact signals from at least m (m is an integer greater than n / 2) adjacent touch sensors among the n touch sensors, the control device controls the laser element to output laser light. Note that an integer greater than n / 2 is, for example, 3 / 2=1.5 when the number of touch sensors is 3 (n=3), so "at least m" is "2", an integer greater than 1.5. Therefore, when the number of touch sensors is three, the control device controls the laser element to output laser light upon receiving contact signals from at least two of the three touch sensors.

[0014] In this way, when at least m (m is an integer greater than n / 2) touch sensors out of the n touch sensors are in contact with the contacted portion (for example, the surface of the skin), the output of the laser light continues. Therefore, even if the surface of the skin is curved or uneven and part of the tip of the laser light emitting probe (the annular end of the cylindrical body) is likely to separate from the surface of the skin, the output of the laser light can be continued for the set time without interruption.

[0015] In addition, when the laser element is emitting laser light, at least m adjacent touch sensors (for example, two touch sensors when there are three touch sensors) are in contact with the surface of the skin, so even if one touch sensor is away from the surface of the skin, the annular end is only slightly tilted relative to the surface of the skin. Therefore, the laser light is not irradiated far from the surface of the skin, and appropriate treatment can be continued. In addition, it is possible to prevent the laser light from being irradiated to unintended locations, which provides excellent safety.

[0016] Thus, according to the optical therapy device of the present invention, which performs treatment by irradiating the affected area with laser light while the tip of the laser probe is in contact with the contacted part, the optical therapy device is easy to use and safe.

[0017] [2] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable that n is 3, and the control device outputs the laser element drive signal based on the contact signals output by at least two of the three touch sensors.

[0018] In this way, the number of touch sensors is three, and when a contact signal is received from at least two of the three touch sensors, laser light is output from the laser element. This makes it possible to minimize the number of touch sensors while still determining whether the annular end of the probe is properly contacting the affected area.

[0019] [3] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, the tubular body is attached to the probe body via an elastic member so that a portion of the tubular body protrudes from the probe body and is freely expandable and contractable along the central axis of the tubular body, and it is preferable that when a pressing force along the central axis of the tubular body is applied to the annular end, the tubular body moves toward the end side opposite the one end of the probe body against the stretching force of the elastic member, and when the pressing force is released, the tubular body returns to its state before the pressing force was applied.

[0020] In this way, the cylindrical body is provided so as to be freely expandable and contractible relative to the probe body, so that the annular end can be easily brought into close contact with the skin when pressed against the surface of the skin, thereby allowing the annular end to be brought into proper contact with the surface of the skin.

[0021] [4] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, the laser element is preferably a laser element that outputs laser light having a peak wavelength in the range of 800 nanometers to 870 nanometers. Laser light with a peak wavelength in the range of 800 to 870 nanometers is infrared laser light, and is expected to be effective in treating areas relatively deep below the epidermis, for example, when ligaments, tendons, muscles, or nerves are damaged.

[0022] [5] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is also preferable that the laser element is a laser element that outputs laser light having a peak wavelength in the range of 630 nanometers to 680 nanometers. Laser light with a peak wavelength in the range of 630 nanometers to 680 nanometers is red laser light, and is expected to be effective in treatments targeting areas relatively shallow below the epidermis (areas close to the surface of the skin).

[0023] [6] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable that a timer is connected to the control device, and that after outputting the laser element drive signal, the control device stops outputting the laser element drive signal when a timing signal indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed is output from the timer.

[0024] This allows the treatment time by the laser element to be limited to an appropriate time. By setting the irradiation time to, for example, 5 seconds, the output of the laser element can be forcibly stopped when the time reaches 5 seconds after the start of output of the laser element. This prevents the laser light from being irradiated to the same location beyond the limit of the irradiation time, ensuring safety. When irradiating the same location with the laser light for a predetermined time or longer, it is also possible to perform the irradiation in several separate sessions. Specifically, if the irradiation time of the laser light for one time on the same location is, for example, 5 seconds, the laser light can be irradiated to the same location intermittently in multiple sessions for 5 seconds each.

[0025] [7] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device has a function of controlling the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element by performing PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control on the laser element.

[0026] In this way, the intensity of the laser element can be controlled by performing PWM control on the laser element. For example, when controlling the on / off of the laser element at a predetermined frequency, the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element (intensity per unit time) can be controlled by appropriately setting the on / off ratio (duty) in one cycle for each cycle.

[0027] [8] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device has a function of controlling the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element by controlling the laser element to continuously and repeatedly change the magnitude of the forward current flowing through the laser element over time.

[0028] By performing such control, the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element changes continuously and repeatedly over time. Specifically, the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element changes in a wave-like manner. By irradiating such a laser light onto the surface of the skin, the laser light is irradiated onto the surface of the skin while repeatedly varying in intensity, so that a therapeutic effect different from that obtained by irradiating a laser light of a constant intensity can be expected.

[0029] [9] It is preferable that the phototherapy device of the present invention further comprises an LED light irradiation device having an LED array in which a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements are arranged two-dimensionally.

[0030] By having such an LED light irradiation device, it is possible to irradiate a predetermined area including the affected area with LED light. Therefore, by having such an LED light irradiation device, that is, an LED light irradiation device capable of irradiating a predetermined area including the affected area with LED light, and a laser light irradiation probe capable of irradiating a pinpoint with laser light, it is possible to provide a phototherapy device that can be expected to have a high therapeutic effect.

[0031]

[10] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable that the LED element outputs LED light having a peak wavelength in the range of 630 nanometers to 680 nanometers.

[0032] Light with this wavelength (red light) is believed to warm the affected area and is expected to have the effect of promoting blood circulation. Therefore, by irradiating a specific area including the affected area with LED light output from an LED array in which multiple LED elements with this wavelength are arranged two-dimensionally, the entire specific area including the affected area can be heated, and the effect of promoting blood circulation can be expected.

[0033]

[11] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, the LED array is preferably configured as an LED light irradiation head in which the plurality of LED elements are two-dimensionally arranged on a flat surface.

[0034] This allows LED light to be irradiated to various parts of the body. For example, the LED light irradiation head is configured so that the flat surface on which the LED elements are arranged can be freely oriented in multiple directions. This allows the LED light irradiation head to easily irradiate LED light to various parts of the body.

[0035]

[12] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable that the LED array is made of a flexible band-shaped member and is configured as an LED light irradiation band in which the multiple LED elements are arranged two-dimensionally on the band-shaped member.

[0036] In this way, the LED array is configured as an LED light irradiation band, so that it can be used by wrapping or attaching it to an arm or leg. In this case, the LED light irradiation band is in contact with a predetermined area including the affected area, and the LED light is irradiated in that state. Therefore, the LED light is efficiently irradiated to the predetermined area including the affected area, and a higher therapeutic effect can be expected.

[0037]

[13] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device further has a function of controlling the intensity of LED light output by each LED of the multiple LED elements by performing PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control on the multiple LED elements.

[0038] In this way, the intensity of an LED element can be controlled by performing PWM control on the LED element as well. For example, when controlling the on / off of an LED element at a specific frequency, the intensity of the LED light output by the LED element (intensity per unit time) can be controlled by appropriately setting the on / off ratio (duty) in one cycle for each cycle.

[0039]

[14] In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device further has a function of controlling the intensity of LED light output by each of the plurality of LED elements by controlling the magnitude of the forward current flowing through the plurality of LED elements to change continuously and repeatedly over time.

[0040] By performing this type of control on each LED element, the intensity of the LED light output by each LED element changes continuously and repeatedly over time. Specifically, the intensity of the LED light output by each LED element changes in a wave-like pattern. By irradiating such LED light onto the surface of the skin, the LED light is irradiated onto the surface of the skin with repeated changes in intensity, which is expected to produce a different therapeutic effect than when LED light of a constant intensity is irradiated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a phototherapy device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a laser light projection probe 100. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a control system of the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic circuit configuration for PWM controlling a laser element 130. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a basic circuit configuration for controlling the magnitude of a forward current flowing through a laser element 130 to change continuously and repeatedly over time. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a phototherapy device 2 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a control system of a phototherapy device 2 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of a basic circuit configuration for PWM-controlling an LED element 510. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a basic circuit configuration for controlling the magnitude of a forward current flowing through an LED element 510 to change continuously and repeatedly over time. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a laser light irradiation probe 900 provided in a conventional phototherapy device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Hereinafter, a form for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiment") will be described. The embodiment described below shows a preferred form for carrying out the invention, and does not limit the invention according to the claims. Note that components with the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same components, and therefore the description of the components may be omitted in other drawings. Also, each drawing is a schematic diagram showing an example, and does not necessarily strictly reflect the actual shape, dimensions, etc.

[0043] [Embodiment 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a phototherapy device 1 according to embodiment 1. The phototherapy device 1 according to embodiment 1 includes a laser light irradiating probe 100 having a function of irradiating an affected area with laser light, and a control device 300 that performs various controls required for irradiating the laser light. The control device 300 is housed in a controller 400.

[0044] The laser light emitting probe 100 has a cylindrical body 110 with a tip end formed as an annular end 111. The cylindrical body 110 is provided at one end of a probe main body 120, and a laser element 130 (laser diode) not shown in FIG. 1 is provided inside the cylindrical body 110 (see FIG. 2). The cylindrical body 110 and the probe main body 120 are made of a non-conductive material such as a synthetic resin. In addition, an indicator lamp 190 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the probe main body 120 to indicate that laser light is being output from the laser element 130.

[0045] Additionally, the annular end 111 of the cylindrical body 110 is provided with a plurality of (three) touch sensors TS1, TS2, TS3 (see FIG. 2). The touch sensors TS1, TS2, TS3 output a contact signal when they come into contact with a contact surface. Note that the touch sensors used here are capacitive touch sensors. Additionally, since it is assumed that the annular end 111 comes into contact with the surface of the skin, in the following description, the "contact surface" is described as the "surface of the skin." In this case, the "surface" of "surface of the skin" may be omitted and simply written as "skin." The arrangement of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, TS3 will be described later.

[0046] On the other hand, in addition to the control device 300, the controller 400 has a setting section 410 where the practitioner sets various settings, a display section 420 that displays the operating status, and a power switch 430. The laser light irradiation probe 100 and the controller 400 are connected by a cable 200 and a connector 210, and signals can be exchanged between the laser light irradiation probe 100 and the control device 300.

[0047] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the laser light irradiation probe 100. Fig. 2(a) shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a cylindrical body 110 and a probe main body 120 in the laser light irradiation probe 100, and Fig. 2(b) shows a schematic plan view of Fig. 2(a) taken along a central axis Oz1 of the cylindrical body 110. In the following description, the laser light irradiation probe 100 may be abbreviated as "laser probe 100".

[0048] The cylindrical body 110 is provided such that the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 110 is aligned with the inner peripheral surface of the probe body 120, and a portion of the cylindrical body 110 protrudes from the probe body 120. An annular plate 140 having a space near the center is attached to the rear end of the cylindrical body 110 (the end opposite to the annular end 111 side). A cylindrical laser element mounting base 150 penetrates the space of the annular plate 140, and a laser element 130 is attached to the tip of the laser element mounting base 150. The laser element 130 outputs laser light outward from the annular end 111 along the central axis Oz1 of the cylindrical body 110.

[0049] The rear end of the laser element mounting base 150 is fixed to a partition plate 160 provided inside the probe body 120. A coil spring 170 serving as an elastic member is interposed between the partition plate 160 and the annular plate 140. The laser element mounting base 150 is provided so as to pass through the hollow portion of the coil spring 170.

[0050] Since the cylindrical body 110 is attached to the probe main body 120 in this manner, the cylindrical body 110 is movable (stretchable) within a predetermined range in a direction along the central axis Oz1 of the cylindrical body 110. Therefore, when a pressing force is applied to the cylindrical body 110 with the annular end portion 111 in contact with the skin, the cylindrical body 110 moves from the initial state (state before the pressing force is applied) shown in Fig. 2(a) along the inner circumferential surface of the probe main body 120 toward the other end of the probe main body 120 against the tension of the coil spring 170. Then, when the pressing force is released, the cylindrical body 110 returns to the initial state (state before the pressing force is applied) shown in Fig. 2(a) by the tension of the coil spring 170.

[0051] Further, a flange portion 180 for regulating the amount of movement of the cylindrical body 110 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the probe main body 120, and the cylindrical body 110 is movable until the annular plate 140 abuts against the flange portion 180. That is, when the cylindrical body 110 moves along the central axis Oz1 toward the other end side of the probe main body 120, the cylindrical body 110 is movable until the annular plate 140 abuts against the flange portion 180.

[0052] The amount of movement of the cylindrical body 110 at this time is the distance d between the annular plate 140 and the flange 180 when the cylindrical body 110 is not pressed (the initial state shown in FIG. 2(a)). Here, the distance d between the annular plate 140 and the flange 180 is set so that the laser element 130 does not come into direct contact with the skin and the distance between the laser element 130 and the skin is appropriately maintained even when the annular end 111 is brought into contact with the skin and pressed strongly.

[0053] Next, the annular end 111 and the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2. In the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, the annular end 111 has a circular ring shape in a plan view as shown in Fig. 2(b). Three touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 are provided at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction on the annular end 111.

[0054] In the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, the three touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the annular end portion 111. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 may be bent from the annular end portion 111 to reach the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 110.

[0055] Here, the circumferential length L1 of each touch sensor TS1, TS2, TS3, i.e., the length L1 along the outer periphery of the annular end 111 of each touch sensor TS1, TS2, TS3, is not particularly limited, but in the phototherapy device 1 of embodiment 1, it is set to the length obtained by dividing the outer periphery of the annular end 111 into six equal parts.

[0056] For example, if the outer periphery of the annular end 111 is 30 mm, the circumferential length L1 of each of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 is 5 mm, and the interval L2 between adjacent touch sensors is also 5 mm. Here, the interval between adjacent touch sensors is a non-conductive section because the cylindrical body 110 is made of a non-conductive material. Therefore, the interval L2 between adjacent touch sensors can be said to be the circumferential length L2 of each non-conductive section.

[0057] Here, the case where the circumferential length L1 of each of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 is the same as the circumferential length L2 of each of the non-conductive sections has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the circumferential length L1 of each of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 may be set to be shorter than the circumferential length L2 of each of the non-conductive sections, or conversely, the circumferential length L1 of each of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 may be set to be longer than the circumferential length L2 of each of the non-conductive sections. However, it is preferable to set these lengths L1 and L2 so that it can be determined whether the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin.

[0058] Here, "a state in which the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin" means a state in which at least two of the three touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 are in contact with the skin, as will be described later.

[0059] In addition to the components described above, inside the laser probe 100 there are also touch sensors TS1, TS2, TS3, the laser element 130, and signal lines (lead wires) that electrically connect the indicator lamp 190 to the control device 300, but these are not shown in the figure.

[0060] Here, the laser element 130 used in the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment is preferably a laser element usable for medical purposes. For example, the laser element 130 preferably outputs infrared (near-infrared) laser light with a peak wavelength in the range of 800 nm (nanometers) to 870 nm (nanometers). In the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, the peak wavelength is 825 nm. The oscillation output of the laser light is preferably up to about several hundreds of mW (milliwatts), and as an example, it is preferably about 200 mW.

[0061] As described above, the "state in which the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin" means that at least two of the three touch sensors TS1 to TS3 are in contact with the skin. In other words, the "state in which the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin" means that at least two of the three touch sensors TS1 to TS3 are outputting signals (called contact signals) indicating that they are in contact with the skin. In other words, even if one of the three touch sensors TS1 to TS3 is not in contact with the skin, the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin as long as the other two touch sensors are in contact with the skin.

[0062] In this way, even if one of the three touch sensors TS1 to TS3 is not in contact with the skin, as long as the other two touch sensors TS2 and TS3 are in contact with the skin, it is determined that the annular end 111 of the laser probe 100 is in proper contact with the skin, and therefore it is possible to prevent a problem in which the irradiation of the laser light stops at the point when the annular end 111 of the laser probe 100 moves away from the skin even slightly while the laser light is being irradiated for treatment. This eliminates the need for the practitioner to constantly check whether the annular end 111 is in proper contact with the skin during the treatment, and allows the treatment to be performed efficiently.

[0063] In addition, when the laser element 130 is emitting laser light, at least two touch sensors are in contact with the affected area, so even if one touch sensor is separated from the skin, the annular end 111 is only slightly tilted relative to the skin. Therefore, the laser light is not irradiated far from the affected area, and appropriate treatment can be continued. In addition, it is possible to prevent the laser light from being irradiated to unintended areas, and this provides excellent safety.

[0064] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the control system of the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the laser element 130, the indicator lamp 190, and the three touch sensors TS1 to TS3 are connected to a control device 300. The control device 300 outputs a laser element drive signal to the laser element 130 based on contact signals output from at least two of the three touch sensors TS1 to TS3. This causes the laser element 130 to output laser light.

[0065] The control device 300 is also connected to a timer 310, as well as to a setting unit 410 and a display unit 420 shown in FIG. 1. The setting unit 410 allows the practitioner to perform various settings such as the irradiation time of S1 times of laser light. The display unit 420 displays the contents set by the setting unit 410 and the operating state of the phototherapy device 1. The timer 310 outputs a timing signal corresponding to the set time. For example, in a case where the irradiation time of one time of the laser element 130 is set to 5 seconds, the control device 300 stops outputting the laser element driving signal to the laser element 130 when the timer 310 outputs a timing signal indicating that 5 seconds have passed after outputting the laser light driving signal.

[0066] The duration of one irradiation of the laser element 130 varies depending on the magnitude of the oscillation output of the laser element used, but here, a case where the limit is 5 seconds will be described. Specifically, when a contact signal is output from at least two touch sensors, the control device 300 outputs a laser element drive signal to the laser element 130, drives the timer 310, and monitors a timing signal (a timing signal indicating that 5 seconds have passed) from the timer 310. Then, when the control device 300 receives a timing signal (a timing signal indicating that 5 seconds have passed) from the timer 310, it stops outputting the laser element drive signal. This makes it possible to limit the duration of one irradiation of the laser light output by the laser element 130 to 5 seconds.

[0067] It is preferable that the laser element 130 outputs a single irradiation time of the laser light for about 5 seconds, but in actual treatment, the irradiation is repeated several times depending on the symptoms. For example, the laser light is intermittently irradiated for 5 seconds each time, and the number of irradiations is appropriately set depending on the symptoms. The setting unit 410 of the controller 400 can set the irradiation time and the number of irradiations of the laser light each time.

[0068] When a practitioner uses the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment configured in this way to treat an affected area, he or she first turns on the power switch 430 provided on the controller 400, and then sets various information such as the duration of one laser light irradiation and the number of irradiations using the setting unit 410. The settings in the setting unit 410 can also set the intensity of the laser light in addition to the duration of one laser light irradiation and the number of irradiations, which will be described later.

[0069] In this way, after turning on the power switch 430, the laser light irradiation time and the number of irradiations are set, and the annular end 111 is brought into contact with the skin so that the laser light output from the laser element 130 is irradiated to the affected area. Here, in the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, the cylindrical body 110 is provided so as to be freely stretchable with respect to the probe main body 120. Therefore, when the annular end 111 is pressed against the skin, the annular end 111 is easily attached to the skin. Therefore, the practitioner can reliably bring the annular end 111 into contact with the skin simply by performing an operation of pressing the annular end 111 of the laser probe 100 against the skin.

[0070] At this time, if all three touch sensors TS1 to TS3 provided on the annular end 111 are in contact with the affected area, it goes without saying that the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin. However, even if only two of the three touch sensors TS1 to TS3 are in contact with the affected area, the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin.

[0071] As a result, even if the annular end 111 of the laser probe 100 is slightly tilted during treatment, as long as at least two touch sensors are in contact with the skin, the irradiation of the laser light to the affected area continues uninterrupted, allowing for efficient treatment. Even if one touch sensor is away from the skin, when two touch sensors are in contact with the skin, the annular end 111 is not extremely tilted or misaligned with respect to the skin, so the laser light output from the laser element 130 is not irradiated to unintended locations.

[0072] On the other hand, when all three touch sensors are removed from the skin or when two of the three touch sensors are removed from the skin, no laser light is output. When all three touch sensors are removed from the skin or when two of the three touch sensors are removed from the skin, this means that the laser probe 100 is not in contact with the skin at all or is significantly tilted relative to the skin.

[0073] In this state, if the laser light is output, the laser light may be irradiated to an unintended location. In this case, the laser light may enter the eyes, which is a safety problem. In the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, when all three touch sensors are separated from the skin, or when two of the three touch sensors are separated from the skin, the laser light is not output, which is also excellent in safety.

[0074] In this way, in the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, when at least two of the three touch sensors are in contact with the affected area, the irradiation of the laser light continues. Therefore, even if the surface of the skin with which the tip (annular end 111) of the laser probe 100 is in contact is curved or uneven, as long as two of the three touch sensors are in contact with the affected area, the irradiation of the laser light to the affected area continues uninterrupted, and efficient treatment can be performed.

[0075] In the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, the laser element 130 outputs a laser beam having a wavelength of 825 nm, and treatment using the laser beam having such a wavelength is possible. The laser beam having such a wavelength is an infrared laser beam, and is expected to be effective in treatment targeting a relatively deep area from the epidermis. For example, it is expected to be effective in treatment when a ligament, tendon, muscle, or nerve is damaged. In addition, the oscillation output of the laser element 130 is preferably up to about several hundreds of mW, and as an example, about 200 mW is preferable, so that it is also excellent in safety.

[0076] Incidentally, the control device 300 can have a function of performing PWM (Pulse with Modulation) control on the laser element 130. Specifically, when controlling the laser element 130 with a square wave signal having a frequency of, for example, several tens of KHz, the intensity (intensity per unit time) of the laser light output by the laser element 130 can be controlled by appropriately setting the on / off ratio (duty) in each period. In this case, a switching element such as a transistor is interposed in the current path of the laser diode as the laser element 130, and the on / off ratio (duty) in one period of the control signal input to the control terminal (for example, the base electrode of the transistor) of the switching element is appropriately set in each period. This allows the intensity (intensity per unit time) of the laser light output by the laser element 130 to be controlled.

[0077] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a basic circuit configuration for PWM controlling the laser element 130. Although various transistors such as MOSFETs can be used as the switching element, an npn-type transistor is used here. Also, since FIG. 4 shows an example of a basic circuit configuration for explaining PWM control of the laser element (laser diode) 130, circuit components such as resistors are omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, a voltage Vin is supplied to the anode side of the laser element 130, and a collector electrode C of a transistor Tr is connected to the cathode side of the laser element 130.

[0078] In the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 4, the transistor Tr functions as a switching element. Therefore, by adjusting the on / off time of the transistor Tr, the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element 130 can be controlled. Specifically, for example, when the transistor Tr is turned on / off by a rectangular wave signal of a predetermined frequency (e.g., 10 KHz), the intensity (intensity per unit time) of the laser light output by the laser element 130 can be controlled by appropriately setting the on / off ratio (duty) in each period.

[0079] Here, it is preferable that the intensity of the laser light can be appropriately set in the setting unit 410 of the controller 400. For example, the intensity of the laser light can be set in three stages, such as "strong", "medium", and "weak". In this case, the on / off ratio (duty) of each period is set in correspondence with "strong", "medium", and "weak". As a result, for example, when the intensity of the laser light is set to "strong", the transistor Tr is turned on / off according to the on / off ratio (duty) in each period set in correspondence with "strong", and when the intensity of the laser light is set to "weak", the transistor Tr is turned on / off according to the on / off ratio (duty) in each period set in correspondence with "weak".

[0080] The intensity of the laser light is not limited to be set in three stages such as "strong", "medium", and "weak", and may be set in more detailed stages. In addition, in Fig. 4, the transistor Tr is shown as being interposed on the cathode side (between the cathode of the laser element 130 and ground in the case of Fig. 4) in the current path of the laser element 130, but the circuit may be configured so that the transistor Tr is interposed on the anode side of the laser element 130 (between the anode of the laser element 130 and the supply terminal of the voltage Vin in the case of Fig. 4).

[0081] The above describes the case where the intensity of the laser light output by laser element 130 is controlled by performing PWM control on laser element 130. However, the intensity of the laser light output by laser element 130 can also be controlled by performing control to continuously and repeatedly change the magnitude of the forward current flowing through laser element 130 over time.

[0082] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a basic circuit configuration for controlling the magnitude of the forward current If flowing through the laser element 130 to change continuously and repeatedly over time. Since Fig. 5 also shows a basic circuit configuration like Fig. 4, circuit components such as resistors are not shown.

[0083] 5 is basically the same as the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 4, but the transistor Tr connected to the current path of the laser element 130 functions as an amplifying element. Here, a signal whose voltage changes continuously and repeatedly over time is input to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr, and the current flowing between the collector electrode C and emitter electrode E of the transistor Tr (the forward current If flowing through the laser element 130) is controlled to change continuously over time. The voltage of the signal applied to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr is set to a voltage less than the threshold voltage of the transistor Tr.

[0084] For example, an integrating circuit IC is connected to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr, and a square wave signal of a predetermined frequency (e.g., about 1 KHz) in which sparse and dense patterns appear in each period is input to the integrating circuit IC for time integration. The time-integrated signal becomes a signal whose voltage changes continuously and repeatedly over time, and this signal is applied to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr. In this case, the transistor Tr functions as an amplifying element, and the magnitude of the forward current If flowing through the laser element 130 changes continuously and repeatedly over time in response to the signal applied to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr.

[0085] As a result, the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element 130 changes continuously and repeatedly over time. Specifically, the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element 130 changes to draw a wave. Therefore, by appropriately setting the square wave signal input to the integration circuit IC, the period and height of the wave can be changed. In this way, by irradiating the skin with laser light whose intensity changes continuously and repeatedly over time, the laser light is irradiated onto the surface of the skin while repeatedly changing in intensity, so that a treatment effect different from that obtained by irradiating laser light of a constant intensity can be expected.

[0086] [Embodiment 2] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the case where the laser light (infrared laser light) outputted by the laser element 130 is used for phototherapy has been exemplified, but in addition to the laser light, LED light outputted by a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements can be used for phototherapy. The LED light outputted by each LED element is preferably red LED light having a wavelength (peak wavelength) within the range of 630 nm to 680 nm. In the phototherapy device 2 according to embodiment 2, the peak wavelength is described as 660 nm.

[0087] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a phototherapy device 2 according to embodiment 2. In Fig. 6, the same components as those of the phototherapy device 1 according to embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 6, the phototherapy device 2 according to Embodiment 2 further includes an LED light irradiation device 500 having an LED array AR in which a plurality of LED elements are two-dimensionally arranged, in addition to the laser probe 100. Here, the LED array AR is configured as an LED light irradiation head 520 in which a plurality of LED elements 510 are two-dimensionally arranged on a flat plate surface 521.

[0089] In the LED light irradiation head 520, for example, j (j is an integer of 2 or more) LED elements in the vertical direction and k (k is an integer of 2 or more) LED elements in the horizontal direction are arranged in a matrix on the flat plate surface 521. Here, j may be equal to k, or j > k or j < k. Note that the number of LED elements 510 is not particularly limited, but in the phototherapy device 2 according to Embodiment 2, j = 3 and k = 6. That is, in the phototherapy device 2 according to Embodiment 2, it is assumed that three LED elements 510 are arranged in the vertical direction and six LED elements 510 are arranged in the horizontal direction in a matrix. Here, although the LED elements 510 are arranged in a matrix, they may be arranged so as to be two-dimensionally scattered on the flat plate surface 521 instead of being arranged in a matrix.

[0090] Further, in the phototherapy device 2 according to Embodiment 2, the LED light irradiation device 500 is of a stand type, and the LED light irradiation head 520 is attached to a support column 540 erected on a pedestal portion 530. And the LED light irradiation head 520 is attached to the support column 540 so that the flat plate surface 521 on which the LED elements 510 are arranged can be freely directed in multiple directions.

[0091] In addition, the LED light irradiation device 500 is provided with an LED light irradiation switch 522. This LED light irradiation switch 522 can be provided on any one of the LED light irradiation head 520, the pedestal portion 530, or the support column 540. In Fig. 6, the case where it is provided on the LED light irradiation head 520 is illustrated as an example.

[0092] In the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment, the controller 400 has an internal control device 300, similar to the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, and is provided on the surface with a setting unit 410 where the practitioner sets various information when performing treatment, a display unit 420 that displays the operating status, etc. In the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment, the information set by the setting unit 410 can be the irradiation time of the laser light once, the number of irradiations, the intensity of the laser light, etc., as well as the irradiation time of the LED light, the intensity of the LED light, etc.

[0093] The LED light irradiation device 500 (in this case, the LED light irradiation head 520) and the controller 400 are connected by a cable 550 and a connector 560, enabling transmission and reception of signals between the LED light irradiation head 520 and the control device 300.

[0094] In the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment, the LED light irradiation device 500 is provided, so that the red LED light can be irradiated to a predetermined area including the affected area. This makes it possible to warm the predetermined area including the affected area, and is expected to have the effect of promoting blood circulation.

[0095] Furthermore, in the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment, in addition to treatment (referred to as laser phototherapy) using laser light (infrared laser light) outputted by the laser probe 100, treatment (referred to as LED phototherapy) using red LED light outputted by the LED light irradiation head 520 of the LED light irradiation device 500 is possible. In this way, the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment can perform both laser phototherapy and LED phototherapy, and therefore can be a phototherapy device that can be expected to have a high therapeutic effect.

[0096] 7 is a diagram for explaining a control system of the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment. In the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment, the control device 300 has a function of controlling the LED light irradiation device 500 in addition to a function of controlling the laser probe 100. When performing LED light therapy using the LED light irradiation device 500, the practitioner turns on the LED light irradiation switch 522 (see FIG. 6). When the LED light irradiation switch 522 is turned on, the control device 300 outputs an LED element drive signal to the LED light irradiation device 500. As a result, red LED light is output from each LED element 510 of the LED light irradiation head 520.

[0097] Here, the irradiation time of the red LED light is preferably about 10 to 30 minutes, but is not limited thereto and can be appropriately set according to the symptoms by the setting unit 410. By setting the irradiation time in the setting unit 410, the control device 300 can automatically stop the output of the LED light based on the timing signal output from the timer 310 (the timing signal corresponding to the set time).

[0098] The phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment configured in this manner can selectively perform either laser phototherapy or LED phototherapy depending on the symptoms of the affected area, and can also perform both laser phototherapy and LED phototherapy consecutively. When performing both laser phototherapy and LED phototherapy consecutively, it is preferable to first irradiate a predetermined area including the affected area with red LED light for a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 30 minutes) depending on the symptoms of the affected area, and then irradiate the affected area with pinpoint infrared laser light for a predetermined time (about 5 seconds). Experiments have shown that by performing the treatment in this order, a higher therapeutic effect can be obtained depending on the symptoms of the affected area.

[0099] As described above, since the time for one treatment with the laser light is preferably about 5 seconds, when both the LED light treatment and the laser light treatment are performed, the laser light treatment is performed by intermittently repeating the laser light irradiation for about 5 seconds a predetermined number of times. The number of times of irradiation of the laser light is appropriately set according to the symptoms. In this way, the setting of the LED light irradiation time when performing the LED light treatment and the laser light treatment sequentially, the setting of the time for one irradiation of the laser light, the setting of the number of times of irradiation of the laser light, etc. can be set by the setting unit 410 of the controller 400. In addition, the setting unit 410 can set the intensity of the laser light as described in the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment. The intensity of the LED light can also be set, which will be described later.

[0100] Although the LED light irradiation time can be automatically stopped by a timing signal from the timer 310, the practitioner can also stop the LED light irradiation as appropriate at the appropriate time. On the other hand, since the irradiation time of the laser light is limited for one irradiation from the viewpoint of safety, it is preferable to control the laser light irradiation by the timing signal from the timer 310. For example, if the irradiation time for one irradiation is set to 5 seconds, it is preferable to control the laser light irradiation so that it is automatically stopped when the laser light irradiation reaches 5 seconds.

[0101] Although not shown in FIG. 7, a selection switch for selecting either LED light therapy or laser light therapy may be provided in the setting unit 410 of the controller 400, so that only one of the LED light therapy and the laser light therapy can be selected by the selection switch.

[0102] Also, in the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment, the control device 300 can have a function of PWM control over each LED element 510 of the LED light irradiation device 500 in the same manner as the PWM control over the laser element .

[0103] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a basic circuit configuration for PWM-controlling an LED element 510. In this case as well, an npn-type transistor is used as the switching element. Also in Fig. 8, circuit components such as resistors are omitted from illustration.

[0104] In the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment, as described above, the LED elements 510 are arranged in three vertical rows and six horizontal rows. For this reason, FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit configuration in which six rows of three LED elements 510 connected in series are arranged in parallel. A voltage Vin is supplied to the anode side of the first LED element (referred to as LED element 511) in each row, and the cathode of the last LED element (referred to as LED element 513) in each row is commonly connected to the collector electrode C of the transistor Tr. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit configuration in which six rows of three LED elements connected in series are arranged in parallel, but this is not limiting, and the number of rows and the number of LED elements in each row can be appropriately set according to the total number of LED elements.

[0105] In the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 8, as explained in Fig. 4, the transistor Tr functions as a switching element, and the on / off time of the transistor Tr is adjusted to control the output of each LED element 510. Specifically, for example, when the transistor Tr is turned on / off by a rectangular wave signal of a predetermined frequency (e.g., 10 KHz), the intensity of the LED light (intensity per unit time) output by each LED element 510 can be controlled by appropriately setting the on / off ratio (duty) in each cycle.

[0106] It is preferable that the intensity of the LED light can be appropriately set in the setting unit 410 of the controller 400. For example, as in the case of the phototherapy device 1 according to the first embodiment, it may be possible to set it in three stages, such as "strong", "medium", and "weak". Thereby, for example, when it is set to "strong", the transistor Tr is turned on and off according to the on / off ratio (duty) in each cycle set corresponding to "strong", and when the intensity of the LED light is set to "weak", the transistor Tr is turned on and off according to the on / off ratio (duty) in one cycle set corresponding to "weak".

[0107] The intensity of the LED element 510 is not limited to be set in three stages such as "strong", "medium", and "weak", and may be set more finely. Also, in Fig. 8, the transistor Tr is shown as being interposed on the cathode side of each LED element 510 in the current path of each LED element 510 (between the cathode of the LED element 513 in the final stage and the ground in the case of Fig. 8), but the circuit may be configured so that the transistor Tr is interposed on the anode side of each LED element 510, that is, between the anode of the LED element 511 in the first stage and the supply terminal of the voltage Vin in the case of Fig. 8.

[0108] The above describes the case where the intensity of each LED light is controlled by performing PWM control on each LED element 510. However, the LED light intensity output by each LED element 510 can also be controlled by performing control to continuously and repeatedly change the magnitude of the forward current If flowing through each LED element 510 over time.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a basic circuit configuration for controlling the magnitude of the forward current If flowing through each LED element 510 to change continuously and repeatedly over time. In FIG. 9 as well, circuit components such as resistors are omitted. The circuit configuration shown in FIG. 9 is the same as that shown in FIG. 8, but the transistor Tr functions as an amplifying element. Here, a signal whose voltage changes continuously and repeatedly over time is input to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr, so that the current flowing between the collector electrode C and the emitter electrode E of the transistor Tr (the forward current If flowing through each LED element 510) changes continuously over time. The voltage of the signal applied to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr is set to a voltage less than the threshold voltage of the transistor Tr.

[0110] For example, an integrating circuit IC is connected to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr, and a square wave signal of a predetermined frequency (e.g., about 1 KHz) in which sparse and dense patterns appear within each period is input to the integrating circuit IC and integrated over time. The time-integrated signal has a waveform in which the voltage changes continuously and repeatedly over time, and this signal is applied to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr.

[0111] In this case, the transistor Tr functions as an amplifying element, and the magnitude of the forward current If flowing through each LED element 510 changes continuously and repeatedly over time according to the signal applied to the base electrode B of the transistor Tr. As a result, the intensity of the LED light output by each LED element 510 changes continuously and repeatedly over time. Specifically, the intensity of the LED light output by each LED element 510 changes to draw a wave. Therefore, by appropriately setting the square wave signal input to the integration circuit IC, the period and height of the wave can be changed. By irradiating the skin with LED light whose intensity changes continuously and repeatedly over time in this way, the LED light is irradiated on the surface of the skin while repeating the intensity and the intensity. Therefore, a therapeutic effect different from that of irradiation with LED light of a constant intensity can be expected.

[0112] (Modification of the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment) The LED light irradiation device 500 has a structure in which the LED light irradiation head 520 as the LED array AR is attached to the support 540, but the LED array AR may be structured so that it can be detachably wrapped around an arm or leg, or detachably attached to the chest or back. The LED array AR having such a structure is referred to as an "LED light irradiation belt 570" here.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the LED light irradiation band 570 is made of a flexible band-shaped member, and a plurality of LED elements 510 are arranged two-dimensionally on the band-shaped member. Specifically, the LED light irradiation band 570 is made of a band-shaped LED mounting base 571 made of a flexible material such as synthetic fiber, and the LED elements 510 are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions. The arrangement of the LED elements 510 can be, for example, a matrix arrangement of three LED elements 510 in the vertical direction and six LED elements 510 in the horizontal direction, as in the LED light irradiation head 520, but the LED elements 510 may be arranged so as to be scattered two-dimensionally instead of being arranged in a matrix. The number of LED elements 510 can be set appropriately.

[0114] In addition, the LED light irradiation device 500 (in this case, the LED light irradiation band 570) and the controller 400 can be connected by a cable 580 and a connector (not shown), making it possible to send and receive signals between the LED light irradiation band 570 and the control device 300.

[0115] When the affected area is an arm or a leg, the LED light irradiation band 570 having such a structure can be wrapped around the arm or leg to cover it. Specifically, when attaching it to an arm or a leg, it is wrapped around the affected area and attached to the affected area by joining one joint 572 of the hook-and-loop fastener provided at the end of the LED light irradiation band 570 to the other engagement part (not shown) of the hook-and-loop fastener provided on the back surface of the LED light irradiation band 570.

[0116] On the other hand, when the LED light irradiation band 570 is attached to an affected area such as the chest or back where the LED light irradiation band 570 cannot be wrapped, the LED light irradiation band 570 is attached by sticking it. In this case, the LED light irradiation band 570 is placed on the affected area and fixed with a separately prepared belt or the like. Even if the LED array AR is such an LED light irradiation band 570, treatment can be performed in the same procedure as the phototherapy device 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0117] Also, in each LED element 510 of the LED light irradiation zone 570, which is a modified example of the phototherapy device 2 according to the embodiment 2, the control device 300 can perform the same control as that for each LED element 510 of the phototherapy device 2 according to the embodiment 2. That is, the control device 300 can perform PWM control for each LED element 510 of the LED light irradiation zone 570. Also, the control device 300 can perform control to continuously and repeatedly change the magnitude of the forward current flowing through the LED element 510 over time.

[0118] In addition, both the LED light irradiation head 520 in the phototherapy device 2 according to the embodiment 2 and the LED light irradiation band 570 in the modified example of the phototherapy device 2 according to the embodiment 2 may be provided. In this case, either one of the LED light irradiation head 520 and the LED light irradiation band 570 may be connectable to the controller 400, or both the LED light irradiation head 520 and the LED light irradiation band 570 may be connectable at the same time.

[0119] In this way, by providing both the LED light irradiation head 520 and the LED light irradiation band 570, it is possible to use them according to the affected area. In addition, if both the LED light irradiation head 520 and the LED light irradiation band 570 can be connected at the same time, it is also possible to irradiate LED light to two affected areas at the same time.

[0120] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0121] (1) In the above embodiment, the peak wavelength of the laser light output by the laser element 130 is in the range of 800 nm to 870 nm. However, this is not limited to this. Depending on the symptoms and treatment contents, it is also possible to use a laser element that outputs red laser light having a peak wavelength in the range of 630 nm to 680 nm.

[0122] Phototherapy using red laser light having such a peak wavelength is expected to be effective in treating areas relatively shallow below the epidermis (areas close to the surface of the skin).

[0123] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the indicator lamp 190 indicating that the laser light is being output is provided in one unit, but an indicator lamp may be provided corresponding to each of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3. With such a configuration, it is possible to tell at a glance which touch sensor is in proper contact with the skin based on the lighting state of the indicator lamp provided corresponding to each of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3. In other words, it is possible to tell at a glance which touch sensor is away from the skin. This allows for efficient treatment. In addition, when an indicator lamp is provided corresponding to each of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3, the indicator lamps corresponding to each of the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 may each emit a different light color.

[0124] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the touch sensors TS1, TS2, and TS3 are illustrated as being capacitive touch sensors. However, the present invention is not limited to capacitive touch sensors, and other touch switches, such as pressure-sensitive switches, may also be used.

[0125] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the laser probe 100 is provided with three touch sensors, but the number may be four or more. That is, n (n is an integer equal to or greater than three) touch sensors are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction on the annular end 111, and the control device 300 outputs a laser element drive signal based on contact signals output by at least m (m is an integer greater than n / 2) adjacent touch sensors among the n touch sensors.

[0126] For example, in the case where there are four touch sensors (n=4), "at least m adjacent ones of n" is an integer greater than 4 / 2=2, so it is at least three adjacent ones (m=3). Therefore, in the case where there are four touch sensors, when contact signals are output from at least three adjacent ones of the four touch sensors, the control device 300 determines that "the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin," and outputs a laser element drive signal to the laser element 130.

[0127] Also, in the case where there are six touch sensors (n=6), at least m adjacent ones of the n are an integer greater than 6 / 2=3, so there will be at least four adjacent ones (m=4). Therefore, in the case where there are six touch sensors, when contact signals are output from at least four adjacent ones of the six touch sensors (four adjacent ones of the six), the control device 300 determines that “the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the skin” and outputs a laser element drive signal to the laser element 130. Although the number of touch sensors is set to three or more, it is preferable to set the upper limit to around six in order to prevent the control from becoming complicated.

[0128] (5) In the above-described embodiments, no mention was made of providing a switch (laser light irradiation switch) for irradiating laser light, but a laser light irradiation switch may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the probe body 120, and when the laser light irradiation switch is operated by the practitioner and the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the affected area, the control device 300 may output a laser element drive signal to the laser element 130. In this way, the laser light is output only when the laser light irradiation switch is operated by the practitioner and the annular end 111 is in appropriate contact with the affected area, which provides a higher level of safety.

[0129] (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the laser probe 100 has an external shape of a straight tube type, and the central axis Oz1 (see FIG. 2) of the cylindrical body 110 in which the laser element 130 is housed and the central axis Oz2 (see FIG. 2) of the probe main body 120 are on the same line. However, the laser probe 100 is not limited to a straight tube type. For example, the laser probe 100 may have a shape in which the cylindrical body 110 in which the laser element 130 is housed is bent into a hook shape at a predetermined angle with respect to the probe main body 120.

[0130] (7) In each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which an acupoint detection function for detecting acupoints is further provided. In this case, an acupoint detection device having the acupoint detection function may be provided separately from the laser probe 100 and the LED light irradiation device 500, or the laser probe 100 may have a structure having the acupoint detection function. When an acupoint is detected by the acupoint detection function, the phototherapy described in the first or second embodiment is performed on the location of the detected acupoint. This allows the phototherapy to be performed on the location of the detected acupoint, thereby enabling more effective phototherapy to be performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1,2...phototherapy device, 100...laser light irradiation probe (laser probe), 110...cylindrical body, 111...annular end, 120...probe body, 130...laser element (laser diode), 140...annular plate, 150...laser element mounting base, 160...partition plate, 170...coil spring (elastic member), 180...flange portion, 190...indicator lamp, 200...cable, 210...connector, 300...control device, 400...controller, 4 10... setting unit, 420... display unit, 500... LED light irradiation device, 510... LED element, 520... LED light irradiation head, 521... flat surface of LED light irradiation head, 522... LED light irradiation switch, 530... base, 540... support, 550... cable, 560... connector, 570... LED light irradiation band, 571... band-shaped LED mounting base, 572... one joint of hook-and-loop fastener, 580... cable, AR... LED array, TS1, TS2, TS3... touch sensor

Claims

1. a laser light irradiation probe having a cylindrical body with a laser element provided therein and a ring-shaped tip, the cylindrical body being provided at one end of a probe body; A control device having a function of controlling the laser element; Equipped with The annular end portion is provided with n touch sensors (n is an integer of 3 or more) at predetermined intervals along a circumferential direction, The control device is characterized in that it outputs a laser element drive signal based on contact signals output by at least m (m is an integer greater than n / 2) adjacent touch sensors among the n touch sensors.

2. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, The n is 3, and the control device outputs the laser element drive signal based on the contact signal output by at least two of the three touch sensors.

3. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, the cylindrical body is provided on the probe body via an elastic member so as to be partially protruding from the probe body and to be freely stretchable along a central axis of the cylindrical body; This phototherapy device is characterized in that when a pressing force along the central axis of the cylindrical body is applied to the annular end, the cylindrical body moves toward the end opposite the one end of the probe body against the tensile force of the elastic member, and when the pressing force is released, the cylindrical body returns to the state it was in before the pressing force was applied.

4. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, The phototherapy device is characterized in that the laser element is a laser element that outputs laser light having a peak wavelength in the range of 800 nanometers to 870 nanometers. A light therapy device with the following characteristics.

5. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, The phototherapy device is characterized in that the laser element is a laser element that outputs laser light having a peak wavelength in the range of 630 nanometers to 680 nanometers.

6. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, A timer is connected to the control device, and the control device stops outputting the laser element drive signal when a timing signal indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed is output from the timer after outputting the laser element drive signal.

7. In the phototherapy device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The control device has a function of controlling the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element by performing PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control on the laser element.

8. In the phototherapy device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The control device is characterized in that it has the function of controlling the intensity of the laser light output by the laser element by controlling the magnitude of the forward current flowing through the laser element to continuously and repeatedly change over time.

9. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, A phototherapy device further comprising an LED light irradiation device having an LED array in which a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements are arranged two-dimensionally.

10. The phototherapy device according to claim 9, The phototherapy device is characterized in that the LED element outputs LED light having a peak wavelength in the range of 630 nanometers to 680 nanometers.

11. The phototherapy device according to claim 9, The phototherapy device is characterized in that the LED array is configured as an LED light irradiation head in which the plurality of LED elements are two-dimensionally arranged on a flat surface.

12. The phototherapy device according to claim 9, The LED array is made of a flexible band-shaped material, and is configured as an LED light irradiation band in which the multiple LED elements are arranged two-dimensionally on the band-shaped material.

13. In the phototherapy device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, The control device further has a function of controlling the intensity of LED light output by each LED of the plurality of LED elements by performing PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control on the plurality of LED elements.

14. In the phototherapy device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, The control device is characterized in that it further has a function of controlling the intensity of LED light output by each LED of the multiple LED elements by controlling the magnitude of the forward current flowing through the multiple LED elements to change continuously and repeatedly over time.

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