Treatment device

Abstract

The aim is to create a treatment device that can effectively cure symptoms caused by skin diseases. [Solution] The device comprises a discharge section having a first channel inside and discharging within the first channel, a gas introduction section supplying gas to the first channel, and one or more irradiation tubes having a second channel that intersects with and communicates with the first channel, wherein the discharge section generates ultraviolet light and plasma and / or active species generated by the plasma, and the irradiation tube has an opening at its tip and irradiates the ultraviolet light generated in the discharge section and / or the plasma and / or active species from the opening.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a therapeutic device. [Background Art]

[0002] Ultraviolet rays are sometimes used for treating skin diseases and the like due to their bactericidal effect. For example, the human scalp and animal skin are covered with hair and body hair, so the irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays to the skin decreases, making it impossible to sufficiently obtain the effect of ultraviolet irradiation. To address such problems, a sterilization apparatus having an ultraviolet light-emitting element and comb teeth that propagate light generated from the ultraviolet light-emitting element has been proposed (Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0086137 Specification [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, although conventional techniques can perform sterilization or antibacterial treatment, they cannot be expected to have a healing effect on inflammation, itching and the like caused by skin diseases such as atopy and wounds. An object of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic device that can effectively heal symptoms caused by skin diseases. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The present invention has the following aspects. <1> a discharge part having a first flow passage inside and configured to discharge in the first flow passage; a gas introduction part configured to supply gas to the first flow passage; one or more irradiation tubes each having a second flow passage that intersects the first flow passage and communicates with the first flow passage; The discharge unit generates ultraviolet light and either or both plasma and / or the reactive species generated by the plasma. The irradiation tube has an opening at its tip, and the treatment device irradiates the ultraviolet light generated in the discharge section, the plasma, and / or the active species through the opening. <2> Having two or more of the irradiation tubes, The two or more irradiation tubes are positioned side by side along the first flow path. <1> The treatment device described above. <3> The discharge section is a dielectric barrier discharge type, a corona discharge type, or a surface discharge type. <1> or <2> The treatment device described above. <4> The discharge section comprises a pair of dielectrics facing each other across the first flow path, and a pair of electrodes located on the outer surfaces of the pair of dielectrics and facing each other across the first flow path. The second channel of the irradiation tube communicates with one of the pair of dielectrics through a through-hole that penetrates the electrode located on the outer surface of the dielectric. <1> or <2> The treatment device described above. <5> The discharge section has a first electrode and a second electrode, The second electrode has a through hole that connects the first channel and the second channel. The first electrode faces the second electrode across the first flow path and has a needle-shaped electrode portion that protrudes at the position of the through hole. <1> or <2> The treatment device described above. <6> The discharge section has a first electrode facing the irradiation tube via the first flow path, A dielectric covering the first electrode on the first channel side, The dielectric comprises a second electrode located on the surface of the first channel in the dielectric, exposing the dielectric at one or more locations. <1> or <2> The treatment device described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the therapeutic device of the present invention, symptoms caused by skin diseases can be effectively cured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a treatment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a treatment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] In this specification and the claims, the "~" indicating a numerical range means that the numbers before and after it are included as the lower and upper limits, respectively.

[0009] The therapeutic device of the present invention comprises a discharge unit, a gas introduction unit, and an irradiation tube. The discharge unit generates ultraviolet light and plasma and / or active species generated by the plasma. The irradiation tube irradiates the patient with the ultraviolet light generated in the discharge unit and / or both the plasma and / or active species. The therapeutic device of the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments.

[0010] (First embodiment) A therapeutic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The treatment device 1 in Figure 1 comprises an irradiating element 2 and a gas supply source 4. The irradiating element 2 has a shape similar to that of a comb, hairbrush, or other instrument used to comb hair or body hair.

[0011] The irradiating body 2 has an outer casing 8, a gas introduction section 6, a discharge section 10, and two or more irradiation tubes 20. The discharge section 10 is located inside the outer casing 8. The discharge section 10 includes a dielectric 14, a first electrode 12, and a second electrode 16. The dielectric 14 has a first dielectric member 14a and a second dielectric member 14b that are spaced apart and facing each other, with the space between the first dielectric member 14a and the second dielectric member 14b forming the first flow path 11. In other words, the dielectric 14 consists of a pair of opposing dielectric members. The first electrode 12 is located on the outer surface of the first dielectric member 14a. The second electrode 16 is located on the outer surface of the second dielectric member 14b. With this configuration, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 face each other via the dielectric 14. The first electrode 12 is connected to a high-voltage line (not shown). That is, the first electrode 12 functions as an application electrode. The second electrode 16 is connected to a ground line (not shown). That is, the second electrode 16 functions as a ground electrode. As described above, the discharge mode of the discharge unit 10 of the present embodiment is a parallel flat plate type dielectric barrier discharge mode.

[0012] The gas introduction unit 6 connects the first flow path 11 of the discharge unit 10 and the gas supply source 4.

[0013] The irradiation tube 20 protrudes from the second electrode 16. In the present embodiment, the second electrode 16 is exposed, but the second electrode 16 may be covered with an insulating material or the like. Two or more irradiation tubes 20 are arranged along the first flow path 11. For example, if the irradiation body 2 is comb-shaped, the two or more irradiation tubes 20 are arranged in a single row along the extending direction of the first flow path 11. If the irradiation body 2 is head brush-shaped, the two or more irradiation tubes 20 are dispersed and arranged in a planar direction. In the present embodiment, the comb portion or the brush portion is formed by the two or more irradiation tubes 20.

[0014] The irradiation tube 20 has a second flow path 22 inside. The second flow path 22 of the irradiation tube 20 penetrates the second electrode 16 and the second dielectric member 14b, and communicates with the first flow path 11. In the present embodiment, the second flow path 22 intersects the first flow path 11 substantially perpendicularly. The irradiation tube 20 has an opening 24 of the second flow path 22 at its distal end (the side opposite to the base end which is the side in contact with the discharge unit 10).

[0015] The material of the exterior 8 is not particularly limited, and may be a conductive material or an insulating material. However, from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of local discharge due to high voltage, an insulating material is preferable. Examples of insulating materials include resins, ceramics, and glass. Examples of resins include polystyrene, polyolefins, polyesters, and acrylics.

[0016] The size of the irradiating body 2 is similar to that of a regular comb or hairbrush. For example, the size of the irradiating body 2 is approximately 5-20 cm in length, 0.5-15 cm in width, and 0.5-3 cm in thickness.

[0017] The gas introduction section 6 can be any device capable of introducing gas into the first flow path 11, and examples include a nozzle with or without a check valve. The material of the gas inlet 6 is the same as the material of the exterior 8. The materials of the gas inlet 6 and the exterior 8 may be the same or different.

[0018] Examples of gas supply sources 4 include pumps or fans that transport air, gas cylinders, etc.

[0019] The material of the first electrode 12 can be, for example, stainless steel, copper, tungsten, aluminum, or other metals, or carbon. The thickness of the first electrode 12 can be appropriately determined considering the material and other factors, for example, it can be 3 to 50 mm. Furthermore, the first electrode 12 may be a metal film printed on the first dielectric member 14a. When the first electrode 12 is a thin film, the thickness of the first electrode 12 is, for example, 50 nm to 5 μm.

[0020] The material of the second electrode 16 is the same as the material of the first electrode 12. The material of the second electrode 16 may be the same as the material of the first electrode 12, or it may be different. The thickness of the second electrode 16 is the same as the thickness of the first electrode 12. The thickness of the second electrode 16 may be the same as or different from the thickness of the first electrode 12.

[0021] The material of the first dielectric member 14a can be any insulating material. Examples of materials for the first dielectric member 14a include resin, ceramics, and glass. Among these, resin is preferred for the material of the first dielectric member 14a because it is easy to mold. Examples of resins include polystyrene, polyolefin, polyester, and acrylic. The thickness of the first dielectric member 14a is not particularly limited and is determined appropriately considering the material of the first dielectric member 14a, the voltage applied to the electrode pair, etc.

[0022] The material of the second dielectric member 14b is the same as the material of the first dielectric member 14a. The material of the second dielectric member 14b may be the same as the material of the first dielectric member 14a, or it may be different. The thickness of the second dielectric member 14b is the same as the thickness of the first dielectric member 14a. The thickness of the second dielectric member 14b may be the same as or different from the thickness of the first dielectric member 14a.

[0023] The distance between the first dielectric member 14a and the second dielectric member 14b is appropriately determined considering the voltage applied between the electrodes, for example, to 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0024] The material of the irradiation tube 20 is not particularly limited and may be a conductive material or an insulating material. However, an insulating material is preferred from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of localized discharge due to high voltage. Examples of insulating materials include resins, ceramics, and glass. Examples of resins include polystyrene, polyolefins, polyesters, and acrylics.

[0025] The number of irradiation tubes 20 is not particularly limited and can be determined as appropriate depending on the application. The distance (pitch) between adjacent irradiation tubes 20 is not particularly limited and can be determined as appropriate depending on the application. Furthermore, all pitches may be the same or they may be different from one another.

[0026] The length L20 (distance from the base to the tip) of the irradiation tube 20 can be appropriately determined depending on the application. For example, the length L20 is set to 5 to 50 mm. The diameter of the irradiation tube 20 can be appropriately determined depending on the application, for example, 1 to 5 mm. The diameter of the opening 24 of the irradiation tube 20 is, for example, 0.2 to 2 mm.

[0027] <How to use the treatment device> The method of using the treatment device 1 of this embodiment (treatment method) will now be described. Gas (plasma generating gas) G is supplied from the gas supply source 4 to the first channel 11 via the gas introduction section 6. The gas supplied to the first channel 11 flows sequentially through the first channel 11 and the second channel 22 and flows out from the opening 24.

[0028] Examples of plasma generating gas G include noble gases such as helium, neon, argon, and krypton, as well as nitrogen. These gases may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The plasma generating gas G preferably has nitrogen as its main component. Here, having nitrogen as its main component means that the nitrogen contained in the plasma generating gas G is more than 50% by volume. That is, the nitrogen contained in the plasma generating gas G is preferably more than 50% by volume, more preferably 70% by volume or more, even more preferably 80-100% by volume, and particularly preferably 90-100% by volume. The gas components other than nitrogen in the plasma generating gas G are not particularly limited, and examples include oxygen and noble gases. By having nitrogen as the main component, the oxygen in the plasma generating gas G can be reduced, and the ozone in the active gas can be reduced. The flow rate of the plasma generation gas G is preferably, for example, 1 to 10 L / min.

[0029] An AC voltage is applied from the power supply unit between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16. In the discharge unit 10, a discharge occurs between the two electrodes, ionizing the plasma generating gas G flowing through the first channel 11 and generating plasma. The plasma generated in the discharge unit 10 changes its gas composition and generates an active gas containing active species such as radicals, becoming a fluid (active fluid) containing at least one of the plasma and the active gas. The active fluid flows through the first channel 11 and the second channel 22 and is discharged from the opening 24. In addition, ultraviolet light is generated within the discharge section 10 by the discharge. The ultraviolet light generated within the discharge section 10 passes through the second channel 22 and is discharged from the opening 24.

[0030] The AC voltage applied to the electrode pair is preferably between 5kVpp and 20kVpp. Here, the unit "Vpp (Volt peak to peak)" representing the AC voltage is the potential difference between the highest and lowest values ​​of the AC voltage waveform. If the applied AC voltage is below the above upper limit, the temperature of the generated active fluid can be lowered. If the applied AC voltage is above the above lower limit, plasma and ultraviolet light can be generated even more efficiently.

[0031] The frequency of the AC voltage applied between the electrodes is preferably 0.5 kHz or more and less than 20 kHz, more preferably 1 kHz or more and less than 15 kHz, even more preferably 2 kHz or more and less than 10 kHz, particularly preferably 3 kHz or more and less than 9 kHz, and most preferably 4 kHz or more and less than 8 kHz. If the frequency of the AC voltage is below the upper limit mentioned above, the temperature of the generated active fluid can be lowered. If the frequency of the AC voltage is above the lower limit mentioned above, plasma and ultraviolet light can be generated even more efficiently.

[0032] With the active fluid and ultraviolet light being discharged from the opening 24, the opening 24 of the irradiation tube 20 is brought close to or in contact with the skin while parting the hair and body hair with the irradiation tube 20. In this way, the active fluid and ultraviolet light are irradiated onto the affected area of ​​the skin. In the affected area, ultraviolet light sterilizes the tissue, while the activated fluid stimulates the living tissue, promoting the healing of skin diseases. In this way, inflammation and itching caused by skin diseases are cured.

[0033] (Second Embodiment) A treatment device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The main points to be described will be the differences from the first embodiment, and the descriptions of common components will be omitted. The treatment device 101 in Figure 2 differs from the first embodiment in that it has a corona discharge type discharge unit 110.

[0034] The treatment device 101 includes an irradiating body 102 and a gas supply source 4. The morphology of the irradiating body 102 is the same as that of the irradiating body 2. The irradiating body 102 has an outer casing 8, a gas introduction section 6, a discharge section 110, and two or more irradiation tubes 20. The discharge section 110 has a first electrode 112 and a second electrode 16 facing each other across a first flow path 111. The first electrode 112 has two or more needle-shaped electrode portions 112a. In a plan view (viewed in direction F in Figure 2), the needle-shaped electrode portions 112a coincide with the position of the second flow path 22 of the irradiation tube 20. That is, the needle-shaped electrode portions 112a protrude from the first electrode 112 toward the second flow path 22. Also, there is one needle-shaped electrode portion 112a for each irradiation tube 20. The material of the first electrode 112 is the same as the material of the first electrode 12.

[0035] The instructions for using the treatment device 101 will be explained. While supplying plasma generating gas G into the first channel 111, an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 16. When an alternating voltage is applied between the electrodes, a discharge occurs between the electrodes in the discharge section 110, ionizing the plasma generating gas G flowing through the first channel 111 and generating plasma. The plasma generated in the discharge section 110 changes its gas composition and generates an active gas containing active species such as radicals, becoming a fluid (active fluid) containing at least one of the plasma and the active gas. The active fluid flows through the first channel 111 and the second channel 22 and is discharged from the opening 24. In addition, ultraviolet light is generated within the discharge section 110 by the discharge. The ultraviolet light generated within the discharge section 110 passes through the second channel 22 and is discharged from the opening 24.

[0036] With the active fluid and ultraviolet light being discharged from the opening 24, the affected area of ​​the skin is irradiated with the active fluid and ultraviolet light in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0037] According to this embodiment, since it is equipped with a corona discharge type discharge section, the electric field is not uniform, but it is possible to generate active species with a relatively long lifespan.

[0038] (Third embodiment) A treatment device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The main points to be described will be the differences from the first embodiment, and the common components will not be explained. The treatment device 201 in Figure 3 differs from the first embodiment in that it has a surface discharge type discharge unit 210.

[0039] The treatment device 201 includes an irradiating body 202 and a gas supply source 4. The morphology of the irradiating body 202 is the same as that of the irradiating body 2. The irradiating body 202 has an outer casing 8, a gas introduction section 6, a discharge section 210, and two or more irradiation tubes 20. The discharge section 210 includes a flat dielectric 214, a second electrode 216 located on the surface of the dielectric 214 facing the first flow path 211, and a first electrode 212 facing the second electrode 216 via the dielectric 214. In this embodiment, the first electrode 212 is flat and functions as a back electrode. The second electrode 216 is positioned in a plan view to coincide with the second flow path 22 of the irradiation tube 20. In addition, the second electrodes 216 are spaced apart from each other, forming exposed portions 217 between adjacent second electrodes 216 where the dielectric 214 is exposed. That is, the second electrode 216 exposes the dielectric 214 at one or more locations. In this embodiment, the number of second electrodes 216 corresponding to the irradiation tube 20 are spaced apart from each other, but the second electrode 216 may also be an electrode having two or more through holes, such as a mesh or perforated metal.

[0040] The material of the first electrode 212 is the same as the material of the first electrode 12. The material of the second electrode 216 is the same as the material of the second electrode 16. The material of dielectric 214 is the same as the material of dielectric 14.

[0041] This section explains how to use the treatment device 201. While supplying plasma generating gas G into the first channel 211, an AC voltage is applied between the first electrode 212 and the second electrode 216. When an AC voltage is applied between the electrodes, a discharge occurs along the dielectric at the exposed portion 217 between the second electrode 216 in the discharge section 210, ionizing the plasma generating gas G flowing through the first channel 211 and generating plasma. The plasma generated in the discharge section 210 changes its gas composition and generates an active gas containing active species such as radicals, becoming a fluid (active fluid) containing at least one of the plasma and the active gas. The active fluid flows through the first channel 211 and the second channel 22 and is discharged from the opening 24. In addition, ultraviolet light is generated within the discharge section 210 by the discharge. The ultraviolet light generated within the discharge section 210 passes through the second channel 22 and is discharged from the opening 24.

[0042] With the active fluid and ultraviolet light being discharged from the opening 24, the affected area of ​​the skin is irradiated with the active fluid and ultraviolet light in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0043] According to this embodiment, since it is equipped with a surface discharge type discharge section, stable discharge can be performed in various gases without being affected by the composition of the plasma generation gas. For this reason, the therapeutic device of this embodiment can efficiently generate active gas because it has greater electrostatic energy than corona discharge.

[0044] (Other embodiments) In the first to third embodiments, the first electrode is used as the application electrode and the second electrode is used as the ground electrode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the therapeutic device of the present invention, the first electrode may be used as the ground electrode and the second electrode as the application electrode. However, from the viewpoint of more reliably preventing electric shock to the affected area, it is preferable to use the second electrode as the ground electrode.

[0045] In the first to third embodiments, there are two or more irradiation tubes, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the therapeutic device of the present invention, the number of irradiation tubes is determined considering the application. For example, when the therapeutic device of the present invention is used for treatment of the outer ear or nasal cavity, it is preferable to have one irradiation tube. When there is one irradiation tube, the shape of the irradiating body may be other than the shape of a comb or hairbrush. For example, the irradiating body may be pencil-shaped with one irradiation tube.

[0046] In the first to third embodiments, only the head portion of a so-called hairbrush is shown, but the treatment device of the present invention may also have a handle, grip, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1, 101, 201 Treatment device 2, 102, 202 Irradiating bodies 4. Gas supply sources 6. Gas inlet 8. Exterior 10, 110, 210 discharge section 11, 111, 211 First channel 12, 112, 212 first electrode 14,214 Dielectrics 16, 216 second electrode 20 Irradiation tube 22 Second flow path 24 openings

Claims

1. A discharge unit having a first channel inside and discharging within the first channel, A gas introduction unit that supplies gas to the first flow path, The irradiation tube comprises one or more irradiation tubes having a second channel that intersects with the first channel and communicates with the first channel, The discharge unit generates ultraviolet light and either or both plasma and / or the reactive species generated by the plasma. The irradiation tube has an opening at its tip, and the treatment device irradiates the ultraviolet light generated in the discharge section, the plasma, and / or the active species through the opening.

2. Having two or more of the irradiation tubes, The treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two or more irradiation tubes are positioned side by side along the first flow path.

3. The therapeutic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge section is a dielectric barrier discharge type, a corona discharge type, or a surface discharge type.

4. The discharge section comprises a pair of dielectrics facing each other across the first flow path, and a pair of electrodes located on the outer surfaces of the pair of dielectrics and facing each other across the first flow path. The treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second flow path of the irradiation tube communicates with one of the pair of dielectrics through a through-hole that penetrates an electrode located on the outer surface of the dielectric.

5. The discharge section has a first electrode and a second electrode, The second electrode has a through hole that connects the first channel and the second channel. The therapeutic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrode faces the second electrode across the first flow path and has a needle-shaped electrode portion that protrudes at the position of the through hole.

6. The discharge section has a first electrode facing the irradiation tube via the first flow path, A dielectric covering the first electrode on the first channel side, The therapeutic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second electrode located on the surface of the first channel in the dielectric, exposing the dielectric at one or more locations.

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