Light irradiation device

Abstract

To provide a light irradiation device capable of accurately applying light according to affected areas and symptoms thereof.SOLUTION: A light irradiation device 1 for applying light to affected areas, comprises: a device body 2 including a substrate 5 and a light emitting unit 7 disposed on at least one surface 5a of the substrate 5 and having a plurality of light emitters 6 with different light emission wavelengths; and a controller 3 that is provided with a control unit 8 for controlling light emission from the light emitting unit 7. The light emitting unit 7 includes at least a first light emitter 6a for emitting light of a wavelength in a first band and a second light emitter 6b for emitting light of a wavelength in a second band different from the first band. The control unit 8 at least switches between a first mode of causing the first light emitter 6a to emit light, a second mode of causing the second light emitter 6b to emit light, and a third mode of causing the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b to emit light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, phototherapy has been performed to promote wound healing such as trauma and surgical wounds or to relieve pain by irradiating light from the skin or mucous membrane onto the affected area of a patient. In phototherapy, light of various wavelengths such as the visible light region, ultraviolet region, radio frequency region, or infrared region is irradiated to the affected area of the patient by a phototherapy device according to the treatment method.

[0003] Examples of devices used for such phototherapy include a device that irradiates laser light to a treatment target site (Patent Document 1), and a device that irradiates monochromatic light to a treatment target site (Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There are various affected areas and symptoms that require phototherapy. Also, the symptoms change over time. Therefore, for phototherapy devices used in phototherapy, light irradiation according to the position of the affected area, its symptoms, and the passage of time is required.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present technology is to provide a light irradiation device that can accurately irradiate light according to the affected area and its symptoms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a light irradiation device according to the present technology is a light irradiation device that irradiates light on an affected part, and includes a device body including a substrate and a light emitting part disposed on at least one surface of the substrate and having a plurality of light emitters with different emission wavelengths, and a controller provided with a control part for controlling the light emission from the light emitting part. The light emitting part has at least a first light emitter that emits light with a wavelength in a first band and a second light emitter that emits light with a wavelength in a second band different from the first band. The control part switches and executes at least a first mode for causing the first light emitter to emit light, a second mode for causing the second light emitter to emit light, and a third mode for causing the first light emitter and the second light emitter to emit light.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the light irradiation device to which the present technology is applied, the emission wavelengths and the integrated light amounts in the first to third modes can be made different. Therefore, by switching the mode, it is possible to irradiate the optimal light according to the affected part and the course of its symptoms.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0010] Hereinafter, a light irradiation device to which the present technology is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present technology is not limited to the following embodiments, and it goes without saying that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology. In addition, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of each dimension and the like may be different from the actual ones. Specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Needless to say, there are also portions where the relationships and ratios of the dimensions to each other are different among the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a light irradiation device 1 to which the present technology is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the light irradiation device 1 to which the present technology is applied includes a device main body 2 including a substrate 5 and a light emitting unit 7 disposed on at least one surface of the substrate 5 and having a plurality of light emitters 6 having different emission wavelengths, and a controller 3 provided with a control unit 8 for controlling the light emission from the light emitting unit 7.

[0012] The light emitting unit 7 has at least a first light emitter 6a that emits light having a wavelength in a first band and a second light emitter 6b that emits light having a wavelength in a second band. The light emitting unit 7 has different wavelengths (wavelength: nm) and radiant fluxes (Radiant Flux: W) of the irradiation light emitted from the first light emitter 6a and the irradiation light emitted from the second light emitter 6b.

[0013] The control unit 8 switches and executes at least a first mode for causing the first light emitter 6a to emit light, a second mode for causing the second light emitter 6b to emit light, and a third mode for causing the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b to emit light.

[0014] As a result, the light irradiation device 1 can vary the irradiance (W / m 2 ) and the absorbed energy (J) on the affected area in the first to third modes. Therefore, by switching the mode, it is possible to irradiate the optimal light according to the affected area and its symptoms.

[0015] Hereinafter, each component of the light irradiation device 1 will be described in detail.

[0016] [Device main body] The device main body 2 includes a substrate 5 and a light emitting unit 7 disposed on at least one surface of the substrate 5 and having a plurality of light emitters 6 with different emission wavelengths.

[0017] [Substrate] The substrate 5 is an insulating substrate and is formed of, for example, a flexible insulating film such as polyimide or a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate according to the application. As the substrate 5, a flexible substrate with excellent adhesion to the affected area is preferable. By using a flexible substrate, even when the affected area has a curved surface such as an arm, leg, face, or buttocks, the device main body 2 can be brought into close contact with the affected area, and light can be irradiated efficiently.

[0018] As the flexible substrate 5, in addition to the polyimide resin film, for example, films of fluororesin, silicone resin, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin, liquid crystal polymer, etc., and highly reflective resin films coated with a resin containing a white pigment (white resin, white resist, etc.) on the surface of these films, highly reflective resin films mixed with a white pigment, etc., various materials can be used.

[0019] The area of the substrate 5 is not particularly limited and is appropriately designed according to the application and the number and arrangement pattern of the first and second light emitters 6a and 6b. For example, in the light irradiation device 40 used for treating temporomandibular joint disorder described later, it has a size that covers the temporomandibular joint and the corresponding parts around it (for example, 60 to 85 mm × 115 to 120 mm). Also, in the light irradiation device 50 used for treating the oral mucosa described later, it has a size that can be easily attached to the tongue or the inner side of the cheek (for example, 50 to 60 mm × 60 to 90 mm).

[0020] The thickness of the substrate 5 is also not particularly limited and is appropriately designed according to the application, and is, for example, about 0.5 mm thick.

[0021] In the light irradiation device 1, the surface of the substrate 5 on which the light emitter 6 is mounted is defined as the front surface 5a, and the surface of the substrate 5 opposite to the front surface 5a is defined as the back surface 5b.

[0022] [Light emitting part] Wiring (not shown) is formed on the substrate 5, and the light emitter 6 that constitutes the light emitting part 7 is mounted on the wiring. The wiring is formed of, for example, copper-plated wiring whose surface is covered with silver plating. The wiring material is preferably low-resistance from the viewpoint of luminous efficiency. Also, from the viewpoint of reducing loss by returning the light reflected from the affected part during light irradiation back to the affected part, a material with a high surface reflectance, for example, a material with a total luminous flux reflectance of 80% or more, is preferable.

[0023] The light emitter 6 is connected to the connection terminal part 11 provided on the front surface 5a or the back surface 5b of the substrate 5 via the wiring on the substrate 5. The connection terminal part 11 is connected to the controller 3 via the electric cable 15. The light emitter 6 is controlled by the controller 3 connected to the end of the electric cable 15 for light irradiation, for example, irradiation ON and irradiation OFF, irradiation mode (the first light emitter 6a and / or the second light emitter 6b, time (sec), irradiance (W / m 2 ), absorbed energy (J), etc.).

[0024] [Light emitter] The light emitter 6 is not particularly limited. For example, a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a semiconductor laser diode (LD), a polymer light emitting diode (PLED), a light emitting polymer (LEP), an optical fiber bundle, etc., or a combination thereof, etc. are exemplified, but not limited thereto. The light emitter 6 is connected to the wiring by being surface-mounted on a pad (not shown) provided on the surface 5a of the substrate 5, etc.

[0025] The light emitter 6 constituting the light emitting unit 7 has a first light emitter 6a that emits light having a wavelength in a first band and a second light emitter 6b that emits light having a wavelength in a second band. The wavelength of the first band and the wavelength of the second 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%). In this specification, when the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b are not distinguished, or when both the first and second light emitters 6a, 6b are referred to, it may be referred to as "light emitter 6". The same applies when a light emitter other than the first and second light emitters 6a, 6b, such as a third light emitter described later, is provided.

[0026] The light emitting unit 7 constitutes a unit by a combination of the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b, and a plurality of units are provided on the surface 5a of the substrate 5. The configuration of the unit is not particularly limited and can be arbitrarily designed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, units each composed of one first light emitter 6a and two second light emitters 6b are evenly arranged.

[0027] The light irradiation device 1 has at least three modes for irradiating the light emitter 6. That is, the light irradiation device 1 has a first mode in which only the first light emitter 6a emits light, a second mode in which only the second light emitter 6b emits light, and a third mode in which both the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b emit light. The switching of the modes is controlled by a control unit 8 provided in a controller 3 described later.

[0028] The wavelength of the irradiation light emitted from the first light emitter 6a, the wavelength (wavelength: nm) of the irradiation light emitted from the second light emitter 6b, and its radiant flux (Radiant Flux: W) are different. Therefore, by switching the mode by the control unit 8, the irradiance (Irradiance: W / m 2 ) and the absorbed energy (J) for the affected part in the first to third modes can be made different, and the optimal light can be irradiated according to the affected part and its symptoms.

[0029] In addition to this, the light irradiation device 1 can also appropriately set the light irradiation pattern in each mode. The first light emitter 6a and / or the second light emitter 6b may be lit at the same irradiance uniformly, or may be blinked. Also, it may be set so that the irradiation position, irradiance, and irradiation pattern vary temporally.

[0030] Also, the light irradiation device 1 may make the output (radiant flux) of the light having the wavelength in the first band of the first light emitter 6a different between the first mode and the third mode. For example, the output may be increased in the first mode in which only the first light emitter 6a emits light, and the output may be decreased in the third mode in which it emits light together with the second light emitter 6b.

[0031] As the first light emitter 6a, an LED that emits red light (emission wavelength: 640 to 770 nm) is exemplified. Also, as the second light emitter 6b, an LED that emits infrared light (emission wavelength: about 770 nm to 1000 nm) is exemplified.

[0032] Also, the light emitting unit 7 may have a third light emitter that emits light having a wavelength in a third band different from the first band and the second band. As the wavelength of the third band, for example, light having a wavelength in the blue band (emission wavelength: 430 to 490 nm) can be used as the third light emitter. By setting the mode in which the light irradiation device 1 uses the third light emitter alone or together with one or both of the first and second light emitters 6a and 6b, more optimal light can be irradiated according to the affected part and its symptoms.

[0033] Red light (emission wavelength: 640 - 770 nm) is said to be effective in relatively relieving pain outside the affected area. Also, infrared light (emission wavelength: about 770 nm - 1000 nm) is said to be effective in promoting blood flow, treating bones, and relieving pain inside the affected area. Blue light (emission wavelength: 430 - 490 nm) is said to have a bactericidal and disinfecting effect on bacteria and the like. When the light irradiation device 1 is used, for example, to relieve severe pain, the first mode of irradiating red light only from the first light emitter 6a is selected. Since the output of the first light emitter 6a in the first mode is larger than that in other modes, light more suitable for relieving pain can be irradiated.

[0034] [Temperature detection unit] Note that a temperature detection unit 17 such as a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the light emitter 6 may be provided on the substrate 5. Thereby, when the light emitter 6 is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, the light irradiation can be stopped and controlled to protect the wearer and the device main body 2.

[0035] [Controller] Next, the controller 3 provided with the control unit 8 for controlling the light emission from the light emitting unit 7 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 3 is connected to the device main body 2 via the electric cable 15. Also, the controller 3 is connected to the power supply unit 18 via the electric cable 15. The controller 3 is detachably connected to the device main body 2 and the power supply unit 18 via the electric cable 15.

[0036] As the power supply unit 18, a power supply device (adapter) 18a connected to a household outlet, a mobile battery 18b that houses a rechargeable or disposable battery, etc. can be used. In this way, by separating the device main body 2, the controller 3, and the power supply unit 18 and connecting them with a cable, the weight applied when the device main body 2 is worn becomes only the weight of the device main body 2 itself, which can prevent displacement of the mounting position, reduce the burden on the wearer who mounts the device main body 2 on the affected part, and further improve the operability. Also, since the device main body 2 is detachable from the power cable 15, maintenance such as replacing or cleaning only the device main body 2 after use becomes easy.

[0037] Note that a secondary battery may be built into the controller 3 or the device main body 2. The secondary battery built into the controller 3 or the device main body 2 can be charged by connecting the controller 3 or the device main body 2 to a power supply device connected to a household outlet via a power cable.

[0038] FIGS. 1 and 2 show functional block diagrams showing a configuration example of the device main body 2 and the controller 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the controller 3 controls the irradiation site, irradiation time, wavelength of the irradiation light, irradiance, etc. of the light emitter 6 based on a program, or a mode in which the irradiation site, irradiation time, wavelength of the irradiation light, irradiance, absorption energy, etc. are set in advance, and stores the operation history of the light irradiation device 1 in a memory or a storage. The controller 3 also includes an operation unit 21 having operation buttons for performing operations such as turning the power on / off, turning the irradiation on / off, and selecting a mode.

[0039] Note that the controller 3 may be provided with a setting unit 22 for manually setting the irradiation site, irradiation time, wavelength of the irradiation light, irradiance, absorbed energy, etc., a display unit 24 such as a liquid crystal panel for displaying the operating state and operating history of the light irradiation device 1, schedule management, remaining time of light irradiation, battery remaining amount, etc., a notification unit 25 for notifying the end of a predetermined light irradiation, an error state, etc. by an alarm sound, light emission, vibration, etc., and a communication unit 26 for connecting to an external server 31 via the Internet and performing updates of the control program and schedule stored in the control unit 8, transmission of the operating history stored in the control unit 8, etc.

[0040] The control unit 8 includes a microprocessor 28. The microprocessor 28 performs information communication of programs such as the first to third modes and the operating history of the light irradiation device 1 with the memory 29 and the storage 34. Further, the microprocessor 28 stores the setting information of the setting unit 22 in the memory 29 or the storage 34, and controls the irradiation of the light emitter 6 according to the settings stored in the memory 29 or the storage 34.

[0041] The microprocessor 28 operates in response to the operations of a power switch 32 for turning the power on / off and an operation switch 33 for operating the irradiation start / stop. Further, the microprocessor 28 stops the light irradiation in response to a signal from a temperature detection unit 17 such as a thermistor. Thereby, when the light emitter 6 is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, the light irradiation can be stopped and controlled to protect the wearer and the device main body 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the microprocessor 28 receives the output of a detection circuit 35 for detecting the output voltage when the power unit 18 is configured with a mobile battery, determines the charge amount, and controls the display unit 24 and the notification unit 25 to notify the user.

[0043] [First Embodiment] Next, a specific application example of the light irradiation device 1 will be described. Note that the following embodiment is an application example of the light irradiation device 1, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0044] The light irradiation device 40 according to the first embodiment is used for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ / TMD). FIG. 3 is a plan view of the light irradiation device 40, and FIG. 4 is a view showing the usage state of the light irradiation device 40. The light irradiation device 40 includes a device main body 2 and a holder 41 that houses the device main body 2 and is wound around the user's face to apply the device main body 2 to a predetermined position on the face.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a view showing the holder 41, (A) is a plan view, and (B) is a plan view showing the state of attaching the pocket. The holder 41 is formed in a substantially belt shape, and two pockets 42 for housing the device main body 2 are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction. The light irradiation device 40 houses the device main body 2 in the pocket 42 such that the light emitting part 7 faces the front side of the pocket 42 having light transmissivity, and is wound around the user's head in the vertical direction for use (FIG. 4). Thereby, the light emitting part 7 of the device main body 2 is opposed to and held at a site corresponding to the temporomandibular joint of the user and its surroundings, and light according to the mode can be irradiated.

[0046] The holder 41 is formed of a material such as polyester or polyurethane and has appropriate stretchability and strength. Of course, the material of the holder 41 is not limited to these. In addition, locking parts 46 such as hook-and-loop fasteners or hooks are provided at both longitudinal ends of the holder 41, whereby it can be attached to and fixed on the user's face.

[0047] The pocket 42 is composed of a substantially rectangular cover 42a formed of a material having light transmissivity that transmits the light of the light emitting part 7, such as PET, PVC, PC, PMMA, or TPU. The pocket 42 is formed, for example, by attaching the cover 42a to the holder 41 by sewing, adhesion, etc. so that one side is open. The device main body 2 can be inserted into and removed from the holder 41 from the open end of the pocket 42.

[0048] Further, the holder 41 is provided with a terminal hole 43 that exposes the connection terminal portion 11 of the apparatus main body 2 inside the pocket 42. When the apparatus main body 2 is housed in the pocket 42, the connection terminal portion 11 provided on the back surface 5b of the substrate 5 is exposed from the terminal hole 43 and can be connected to the electric cable 15.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus main body 2 used in the light irradiation apparatus 40 includes a substrate 5 provided with an issuing portion 7, and a tray 44 and a protective cover 45 that sandwich the substrate 5 from both sides. By sandwiching the substrate 5 between the tray 44 and the protective cover 45, the handleability is excellent and the light emitting portion 7 can be protected.

[0050] The substrate 5 has a substantially trapezoidal shape with rounded corners, and six unit rows 47 in which four or three units each formed by a combination of a first light emitter 6a and a second light emitter 6b are arranged at a predetermined interval are provided on the surface 5a. The arrangement pattern of the light emitters 6 to units in the light irradiation apparatus 40 is not limited to this. Further, an elliptical opening 48 is provided between the unit rows 47.

[0051] Similar to the substrate 5, the tray 44 has a substantially trapezoidal shape with rounded corners and is provided with a storage recess 49 for storing the substrate 5. Further, the tray 44 can be formed of a resin material having flexibility, for example, a polyimide resin, a fluororesin, a silicone resin, a PET resin, or a material in which these resins contain a white pigment (white resin, white resist, etc.). Note that the material of the tray 44 is not limited to these.

[0052] In addition, the protective cover 45 covers the surface 5a of the substrate 5 housed in the tray 44, and is provided with an elliptical convex portion 48a that is inserted into the opening 48 provided in the substrate 5. By inserting the convex portion 48a into the opening 48, the protective cover 45 can position the substrate 5. Further, the protective cover 45 is provided with a concave portion 45a that prevents interference with the light emitter 6 according to the formation position of the light emitter 6 of the substrate 5. The protective cover 45 is formed of a resin material having light transmissibility and flexibility that transmits the light of the light emitting portion 7, such as PET, PVC, PC, PMMA, TPU, etc. Note that the material of the protective cover 45 is not limited to these.

[0053] Since the light irradiation device 40 has flexibility in the holder 41 and the device body 2 housed in the holder 41, as shown in FIG. 4, when the holder 41 is wound around the user's head in the vertical direction and worn, the light emitting portion 7 of the device body 2 can be brought into close contact with the site corresponding to the user's temporomandibular joint and its surroundings. Therefore, the light irradiation device 40 does not impair the wearing feeling, and can efficiently irradiate the affected area with light according to the mode. Note that the light irradiation device 40 may be used for parts other than the head.

[0054] Hereinafter, setting examples of the wavelength, irradiance, irradiation time, and absorption energy of the light emitter 6 in each mode of light irradiation will be described. On the surface of the substrate 5, 21 LED units are provided as the light emitter 6, and each unit 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 irradiates infrared light (emission wavelength: about 770 nm to 1000 nm) as the second light emitter 6b. The light irradiation device 40 is provided with the substrate 5 on one side of the holder 41, and a total of 42 LED units are provided. Note that in any mode, the operating stop temperature of the light emitter 6 monitored by the temperature detection unit 17 is set to, for example, 43°C.

[0055] In the first mode, only red light is emitted by the first light emitter 6a. The operating current of each first light emitter 6a is set to 9 mA ± 10% (8.1 - 9.9 mA), the radiant flux per unit area is 14.0 mW / cm 2 ± 10% (12.6 - 15.4 mW / cm 2 ), and the operating time may be set in the range of 360 sec ± 10% (324 - 396 sec). When the operating current is 9 mA, the radiant flux per unit area is 14.0 mW / cm 2 , and the operating time is 360 sec, the total irradiance of the red light irradiated from each device body 2 is 294.0 mW / cm 2 , and for the entire light irradiation device 40, it is 588.0 mW / cm 2 . Thus, the absorption energy (J) of the irradiated light from each device body 2 is 105.8 J, and for the entire light irradiation device 40, it is 211.6 J.

[0056] In the second mode, only infrared light is emitted by the second light emitter 6b. The operating current of each second light emitter 6b is set to 33 mA ± 10% (29.7 - 36.3 mA), the radiant flux per unit area is 65.4 mW / cm 2 ± 10% (58.9 - 71.9 mW / cm 2 ), and the operating time may be set in the range of 360 sec ± 10% (324 - 396 sec). When the operating current is 33 mA, the radiant flux per unit area is 65.4 mW / cm 2 , and the operating time is 360 sec, the total irradiance of the infrared light irradiated from each device body 2 is 1372.9 mW / cm 2 , and for the entire light irradiation device 40, it is 2745.8 mW / cm 2 . Thus, the absorption energy (J) of the irradiated light from each device body 2 is 494.2 J, and for the entire light irradiation device 40, it is 988.4 J.

[0057] In the third mode, the first light emitter 6a emits red light and the second light emitter 6b emits infrared light. The operating current of each first light emitter 6a is 7 mA ± 10% (6.3 - 7.7 mA), the operating current of each second light emitter 6b is 33 mA ± 10% (29.7 - 36.3 mA), and the radiant flux per unit area is 79.4 mW / cm2 ±10% (71.5~87.3 mW / cm 2 )、The operating time may be set within the range of 360 sec ± 10% (324~396 sec). The operating current of the first light emitter 6a: 7 mA, the operating current of the second light emitter 6b: 33 mA, the radiant flux per unit area: 79.4 mW / cm 2 When the operating time is 360 sec, the total irradiance of the infrared light irradiated from each device main body 2 is 1666.9 mW / cm 2 For the entire light irradiation device 40, it is 3333.8 mW / cm 2 and the absorption energy (J) of the irradiated light from each device main body 2 is 600.0 J, and for the entire light irradiation device 40, it is 1200.0 J.

[0058] Note that the irradiance can be obtained by irradiating from the light emitter 6 and measuring the radiant flux of the light incident per unit area with an irradiance meter. The total irradiance from each device main body 2 can be obtained by multiplying the irradiance of each light emitter 6 by the number of light emitters 6. Also, the absorption energy (W·sec) of the light irradiated from each device main body 2 can be obtained by multiplying the total irradiance (W) by the irradiation time (sec).

[0059] The values of the emission wavelength, irradiance, operating time, and absorption energy of the light emitter 6 in each of the above modes are examples, and the set values of each mode are not limited to those described above. Also, the light irradiation device 40 may be configured such that the emission color of the indicator of the notification unit 25 of the controller 3 changes for each of the first to third modes, and it can be identified in which mode it is being driven.

[0060] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the light irradiation device 1 will be described. The light irradiation device 50 according to the second embodiment is used for treating the mucosa in the oral cavity. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the light irradiation device 50, and FIG. 8 is a view showing the usage state of the light irradiation device 50. The light irradiation device 50 includes a device main body 2 and an exterior member 51 in which the device main body 2 is incorporated and which is held in the oral cavity.

[0061] The exterior member 51 is, for example, plate-shaped and elliptical in plan view, and has a size that can be held between the tongue and the palate or between the cheek and the outside of the dental arch in the oral cavity. Further, at least the part of the exterior member 51 facing the light-emitting part 7 of the apparatus main body 2 is transparent, and light can be irradiated from the light-emitting part 7. A lead-out part 52 from which the electric cable 15 is led out is formed at one side edge part in the major axis direction of the exterior member 51. The connection terminal part 11 formed on the substrate 5 of the apparatus main body 2 is connected to the electric cable 15, and the electric cable 15 is led out from the lead-out part 52 and connected to the controller 3.

[0062] The material of the exterior member 51 is the same as that of materials such as mouthpieces conventionally used in the fields of sports and medicine, and is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material that can transmit light from the light-emitting part 7 and has flexibility and shape retention. Specifically, as the material of the exterior member 51, resins that conform to the oral cavity shape and have appropriate hardness and softness can be used, for example, olefin resins, polyester resins, urethane resins such as polyurethane, polyimide resins, silicone resins, styrene resins, acrylic resins, polyamide resins, and carbonate resins, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0063] As the above olefin resin, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-based resin, polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-based resin, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), etc. are preferable, and polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-based resin, polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-based resin, etc. are more preferable.

[0064] The polyester resin is a polycondensate of a polyvalent carboxylic acid (such as a dicarboxylic acid) and a polyalcohol (such as a diol). Examples of the above polyester resin include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0065] The urethane resin is a polycondensate of a compound having an isocyanate group and a compound having a hydroxyl group. Examples of the above urethane resin include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0066] The polyamide resin is a (co)polymer formed by bonding a large number of monomers through amide bonds. Examples of the above polyamide resins include nylon, para-aramid, and meta-aramid.

[0067] The acrylic rubber resin is a (co)polymer mainly composed of acrylic rubber. Examples of the above acrylic resins include block copolymers of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate.

[0068] Note that the exterior member 51 may be composed of a plurality of parts, each part may be formed of a different material, and the hardness may be changed.

[0069] The exterior member 51 can be obtained by integrally molding the above-described material with the apparatus main body 2 by injection molding. The injection conditions of the material are set according to the size and shape of the exterior member 51. When it is composed of a single material, the entire exterior member 51 is molded with one mold. The size of the exterior member 51 only needs to have a size suitable for fitting into the oral cavity of an average person. When the wearer is an adult, it is manufactured as an adult light irradiation device 50 having a size corresponding to the oral cavity of an average adult. When the wearer is a child, it is manufactured as a child light irradiation device 50 having a size corresponding to the oral cavity of an average child.

[0070] When the exterior member 51 is composed of a plurality of parts, for example, after each part is formed by injection molding or the like, it can be formed by adhesion, welding, or the like while sandwiching the apparatus main body 2 between the parts.

[0071] The light irradiation device 50 is held between the tongue and the palate or between the cheek and the outside of the dental arch in the oral cavity, with the light emitting portion 7 facing the inside of the palate or the cheek. Then, light corresponding to the mode can be irradiated onto the affected area inside the palate or the cheek.

[0072] Note that the light irradiation device 50 may also be provided with a light emitting portion 7 on the back surface 5b side of the substrate 5 of the device main body 2, and the exterior material 51 may be formed such that the portion facing the light emitting portion 7 on the back surface 5b side has permeability. Thereby, the light irradiation device 50 can irradiate light on the affected parts on both the tongue and the palate, or on the affected parts on both the inner side of the cheek and the gum (gingiva).

[0073] The set values of the wavelength, irradiance, irradiation time, and absorption energy of the light emitter 6 in each mode of light irradiation of the light irradiation device 50 can be set in the same manner as the above-described light irradiation device 40, but it goes without saying that it is not limited thereto.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0074] 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 Electric cable, 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 switch, 33 Operation switch, 34 Storage, 35 Detection circuit, 40 Light irradiation device, 41 Holder, 42 Pocket, 43 Terminal hole, 44 Tray, 45 Protection cover, 45a Recess, 47 Unit row, 48 Opening, 48a Projection, 49 Storage recess, 50 Light irradiation device, 51 Exterior material, 52 Lead-out portion

Claims

1. In a light irradiation device for irradiating light to an affected part, an apparatus main body including a substrate and a light emitting part disposed on at least one surface of the substrate and having a plurality of light emitters with different emission wavelengths; a controller provided with a control unit for controlling the light emission from the light emitting part, the light emitting part has at least a first light emitter that emits light with a wavelength in a first band and a second light emitter that emits light with a wavelength in a second band different from the first band, the control unit executes at least switching between a first mode for causing the first light emitter to emit light, a second mode for causing the second light emitter to emit light, and a third mode for causing the first light emitter and the second light emitter to emit light. A light irradiation device.

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

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

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

5. the substrate has flexibility and is capable of being in close contact with the affected part. The light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. having a pocket for housing the apparatus main body and including a holder to be attached to the affected part, the pocket is made of a material that transmits the light from the light emitting part, the holder is capable of irradiating light to the affected part of the wearer. The light irradiation device according to claim 5.

7. The holder is mounted on the face and irradiates light from the skin onto the temporomandibular joint and the corresponding area around it. The light irradiation device according to claim 6.

8. The device body is covered with an exterior material formed of a resin material. At least the surface of the exterior material facing the light emitting part has light transmissivity. The light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2, which is capable of irradiating light through the exterior material.

9. The light irradiation device according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting part is also provided on the surface of the substrate opposite to one surface thereof.

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

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