Light irradiation device

Abstract

Provided is a light irradiation device that can perform precise light irradiation in accordance with an affected part and a symptom thereof. A light irradiation device 1 for irradiating an affected part with light comprises: a device body 2 that includes a substrate 5 and a light emission unit 7 which is disposed at least on one surface 5a of the substrate 5 and which includes a plurality of light emitters 6 having different light emission wavelengths; and a controller 3 that is provided with a control unit 8 which controls light emission from the light emission unit 7. The light emission unit 7 includes at least a first light emitter 6a that emits light with a wavelength of a first band and a second light emitter 6b that emits light with a wavelength of a second band which is different from the first band. The control unit 8 at least switches between and performs 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.

Description

light irradiation device

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

[0002] Phototherapy has traditionally been used to promote wound healing after trauma or surgery and to relieve pain by irradiating the affected area of ​​a patient with light through the skin or mucous membrane. Phototherapy involves irradiating the affected area with light of various wavelengths, such as visible light, ultraviolet light, radio frequency light, or infrared light, depending on the treatment method, using a phototherapy device.

[0003] Examples of devices used in such phototherapy include a device that irradiates a treatment target area with laser light (Patent Document 1) and a device that irradiates a treatment target area with monochromatic light (Patent Document 2).

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-038221 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-212250

[0005] There are a variety of affected areas and symptoms that require phototherapy. Symptoms also change over time. Therefore, phototherapy devices used in phototherapy must irradiate light in accordance with the location of the affected area, symptoms, and the passage of time.

[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.

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems, the light irradiation device according to the present technology is a light irradiation device that irradiates an affected area with light, and includes: a device main body including a substrate; and a light-emitting unit that is disposed on at least one surface of the substrate and has a plurality of light emitters with different emission wavelengths; and a controller provided with a control unit that controls light emission from the light-emitting unit, wherein the light-emitting unit has at least a first light emitter that emits light of a wavelength in a first band and a second light emitter that emits light of a wavelength in a second band different from the first band, and the control unit switches between at least a first mode in which the first light emitter emits light, a second mode in which the second light emitter emits light, and a third mode in which the first light emitter and the second light emitter emit light.

[0008] According to the light irradiation device to which the present technology is applied, the emission wavelength and the integrated light amount can be made different in the first to third modes, and therefore, by switching the modes, it is possible to irradiate the optimal light depending on the affected area and the progression of the symptoms.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a light irradiation device to which the present technology is applied. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a device main body and a controller. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a light irradiation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a usage state of the light irradiation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a holder of the light irradiation device according to the first embodiment, where (A) is a plan view and (B) is a plan view showing a state in which a pocket is attached. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a device main body of the light irradiation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a light irradiation device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a usage state of the light irradiation device according to the second embodiment.

[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 various modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology. In addition, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from the actual ones. Specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following explanation. In addition, the drawings may include parts in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram 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 that is disposed on at least one surface of the substrate 5 and has a plurality of light emitters 6 with different emission wavelengths, and a controller 3 that is provided with a control unit 8 that controls light emission from the light emitting unit 7.

[0012] The light-emitting unit 7 has at least a first light emitter 6 a that emits light of a first wavelength band and a second light emitter 6 b that emits light of a second wavelength band. In the light-emitting unit 7, the wavelength of the irradiation light emitted from the first light emitter 6 a is different from that of the irradiation light emitted from the second light emitter 6 b, and the wavelength (wavelength: nm) and radiant flux (Radiant Flux: W) thereof are different.

[0013] The control unit 8 switches between at least a first mode in which the first light emitter 6a emits light, a second mode in which the second light emitter 6b emits light, and a third mode in which the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b emit light.

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

[0015] Each component of the light irradiation device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0016] [Device Main Body] The device main body 2 includes a substrate 5 and a light emitting section 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, depending on the application. A flexible substrate that has excellent adhesion to the affected area is preferred as the substrate 5. By using a flexible substrate, even if 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, allowing for efficient light irradiation.

[0018] As the flexible substrate 5, various materials can be used other than polyimide resin film, such as films of fluororesin, silicone resin, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin, liquid crystal polymer, etc., highly reflective resin films in which a resin containing a white pigment (white resin, white resist, etc.) is applied to the surface of these films, and highly reflective resin films in which a white pigment is mixed.

[0019] The area of ​​the substrate 5 is not particularly limited and is designed appropriately depending on the application and the number and arrangement pattern of the first and second light emitters 6a, 6b. For example, in the case of a light irradiation device 40 used for treating temporomandibular joint disorders (described later), the size is set to be large enough to cover the temporomandibular joint and its surrounding area (e.g., 60-85 mm x 115-120 mm). In addition, in the case of a light irradiation device 50 used for treating the oral mucosa (described later), the size is set to be large enough to be comfortably worn on the tongue or inside the cheek (e.g., 50-60 mm x 60-90 mm).

[0020] The thickness of the substrate 5 is not particularly limited and is appropriately designed depending on 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 referred to as a front surface 5a, and the surface of the substrate 5 opposite to the front surface 5a is referred to as a back surface 5b.

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

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

[0024] [Light Emitter] The light emitter 6 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), semiconductor laser diodes (LDs), polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs), light emitting polymers (LEPs), optical fiber bundles, or combinations thereof. The light emitter 6 is connected to wiring by, for example, surface mounting on pads (not shown) provided on the surface 5 a of the substrate 5.

[0025] The light emitters 6 constituting the light-emitting unit 7 include a first light emitter 6a that emits light of a first wavelength band and a second light emitter 6b that emits light of a second wavelength band. The wavelengths of the first and second wavelength bands are different. For example, the first wavelength band is 640 to 770 nm (660±10%), and the second wavelength band is 770 to 1000 nm (880±10%). Note that in this specification, the term "light emitter 6" may be used when there is no distinction between the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b or when referring to both the first and second light emitters 6a and 6b. The same applies when a light emitter other than the first and second light emitters 6a and 6b, such as a third light emitter described below, is provided.

[0026] The light-emitting section 7 is configured as a unit by combining a first light emitter 6a and a second light emitter 6b, and a plurality of units are provided on the surface 5a of the substrate 5. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the units, and they can be designed as desired. In the example shown in Fig. 1, units each consisting 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 emitters 6. That is, the light irradiation device 1 has a first mode in which only the first light emitter 6 a emits light, a second mode in which only the second light emitter 6 b emits light, and a third mode in which both the first light emitter 6 a and the second light emitter 6 b emit light. The mode switching is controlled by a control unit 8 provided in the controller 3, which will be described later.

[0028] The wavelength (nm) and radiant flux (W) of the irradiation light emitted from the first light emitter 6a and the second light emitter 6b are different. Therefore, the light irradiation device 1 can change the mode by the control unit 8, thereby adjusting the irradiance (Irradiance: W / m) on the affected area in the first to third modes. ２ By varying the energy density (J) and absorbed energy (J), it is possible to irradiate the optimal light depending on the affected area and its symptoms.

[0029] In addition, the light irradiation pattern in each mode of the light irradiation device 1 can be set appropriately, and the first light emitter 6a and / or the second light emitter 6b may be uniformly lit with the same irradiance or may be blinked. Furthermore, the irradiation position, irradiance, and irradiation pattern may be set to vary over time.

[0030] Furthermore, the light irradiation device 1 may have different output (radiant flux) of light of the first wavelength band from the first light emitter 6 a in the first mode and the third mode. For example, the output may be high in the first mode in which only the first light emitter 6 a emits light, and low in the third mode in which both the first light emitter 6 a and the second light emitter 6 b emit light.

[0031] An example of the first light emitter 6a is an LED that emits red light (emission wavelength: 640 to 770 nm), and an example of the second light emitter 6b is an LED that emits infrared light (emission wavelength: approximately 770 to 1000 nm).

[0032] Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 7 may have a third light emitter that emits light in a third band of wavelengths different from the first band and the second band. The third light emitter may emit light with a wavelength in the blue band (emission wavelength: 430 to 490 nm), for example, as the third band of wavelengths. The light irradiation device 1 can irradiate more optimal light depending on the affected area and its symptoms by setting a mode in which the third light emitter is used alone or in combination with either or both of the first and second light emitters 6a and 6b.

[0033] Red light (emission wavelength: 640 to 770 nm) is said to be relatively effective in relieving pain on the outside of the affected area. Infrared light (emission wavelength: approximately 770 nm to 1000 nm) is said to be effective in promoting blood flow, healing bones, and relieving pain on the inside of the affected area. Blue light (emission wavelength: 430 to 490 nm) is said to have sterilizing and disinfecting effects against bacteria, etc. When the light irradiation device 1 is used to relieve severe pain, for example, the first mode is selected, in which red light is emitted only from the first light emitter 6a. Because the output of the first light emitter 6a in the first mode is greater than in the other modes, light more suitable for pain relief can be emitted.

[0034] [Temperature Detection Unit] The substrate 5 may be provided with a temperature detection unit 17 such as a thermistor that detects the temperature of the light emitter 6. This makes it possible to control the device to stop emitting light when the light emitter 6 heats up to a predetermined temperature or higher, thereby protecting the wearer and the device main body 2.

[0035] [Controller] Next, we will explain the controller 3, which is provided with a control unit 8 that controls light emission from the light emitting unit 7. As shown in Fig. 1, the controller 3 is connected to the device main body 2 via an electric cable 15. The controller 3 is also connected to a 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] The power supply unit 18 can be a power supply device (adapter) 18a connected to a household outlet, or a mobile battery 18b that accommodates rechargeable or disposable batteries. By separating the device main body 2 from the controller 3 and power supply unit 18 and connecting them via a cable, the weight of the device main body 2 itself is the only weight imposed when the device main body 2 is worn, preventing misalignment, reducing the burden on the wearer who wears the device main body 2 on the affected area, and improving operability. Furthermore, the device main body 2 being detachable from the power cable 15 facilitates maintenance, such as simply replacing or cleaning the device main body 2 after use.

[0037] The 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 via a power cable to a power supply device connected to a household outlet.

[0038] 1 and 2 are functional block diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the device main body 2 and the controller 3. As shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the controller 3 includes a control unit 8 that controls the irradiation area, irradiation time, wavelength of irradiation light, irradiance, etc. of the light emitter 6 based on a program, and stores in memory or storage a mode in which the irradiation area, irradiation time, wavelength of irradiation light, irradiance, absorbed energy, etc. are set in advance, as well as the operation history of the light irradiation device 1, and an operation unit 21 that includes operation buttons for turning the power on and off, turning irradiation on and off, and selecting a mode.

[0039] The controller 3 may also be provided with a setting unit 22 for manually setting the irradiation area, irradiation time, wavelength of irradiation light, irradiance, absorbed energy, etc.; a display unit 24 such as a liquid crystal panel for displaying the operation status and operation history of the light irradiation device 1, schedule management, remaining time of light irradiation, remaining battery power, etc.; an alarm unit 25 for notifying the completion 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 updating the control program and schedule stored in the control unit 8, transmitting the operation history saved in the control unit 8, etc.

[0040] The control unit 8 has a microprocessor 28. The microprocessor 28 communicates information such as programs for the first to third modes and the operation history of the light irradiation device 1 with the memory 29 and storage 34. The microprocessor 28 also stores the setting information of the setting unit 22 in the memory 29 or storage 34, and controls the irradiation of the light emitter 6 in accordance with the settings stored in the memory 29 or storage 34.

[0041] The microprocessor 28 operates in response to the operation of a power switch 32 that turns the power on and off and an operation switch 33 that starts and stops irradiation. The microprocessor 28 also stops light irradiation in response to a signal from a temperature detection unit 17 such as a thermistor. This allows control to stop light irradiation when the light emitter 6 heats up to a predetermined temperature or higher, thereby protecting the wearer and the device main body 2.

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

[0043] First Embodiment Next, a description will be given of a specific application example of the light irradiation device 1. Note that the following embodiment is one 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 to treat temporomandibular joint disorders and disorders (TMJ / TMD). Fig. 3 is a plan view of the light irradiation device 40, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the light irradiation device 40 in use. The light irradiation device 40 has a device main body 2 and a holder 41 that stores the device main body 2 and is wrapped around the user's face to place the device main body 2 at a predetermined position on the face.

[0045] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the holder 41, with (A) a plan view and (B) a plan view showing the state in which the pockets are attached. The holder 41 is formed in a roughly band-like shape and has two pockets 42 for storing the device main body 2, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The light irradiation device 40 is used by storing the device main body 2 in the pockets 42 with the light-emitting unit 7 facing the front side of the light-transmitting pockets 42, and wrapping the device around the user's head in the vertical direction (FIG. 4). This allows the light-emitting unit 7 of the device main body 2 to be held facing the area corresponding to the user's temporomandibular joint and its surroundings, allowing light to be emitted according to the mode.

[0046] The holder 41 is made of a material such as polyester or polyurethane, and has appropriate flexibility and strength. It is needless to say that the material of the holder 41 is not limited to these. Furthermore, both longitudinal ends of the holder 41 are provided with fastening portions 46, such as hook-and-loop fasteners or hooks, which allow the holder 41 to be attached and secured to the user's face.

[0047] The pocket 42 is made of a substantially rectangular cover 42a made of a light-transmitting material that transmits light from the light-emitting unit 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, gluing, or the like so that one side is open. The holder 41 is configured so that the device main body 2 can be inserted and removed from the open end of the pocket 42.

[0048] Moreover, the holder 41 is provided with a terminal hole 43 inside the pocket 42, which exposes the connection terminal portion 11 of the device main body 2. When the device main body 2 is stored 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] 6, the device body 2 used in the light irradiation device 40 includes a substrate 5 on which the light-emitting unit 7 is provided, 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, it is easy to handle and the light-emitting unit 7 can be protected.

[0050] The substrate 5 has a generally trapezoidal shape with rounded corners, and six unit rows 47 are provided at predetermined intervals on the surface 5a, each row having four or three units, each of which is a combination of a first light emitter 6a and a second light emitter 6b. The arrangement pattern of the light emitters 6 or units in the light irradiation device 40 is not limited to this. Elliptical openings 48 are provided between the unit rows 47.

[0051] The tray 44, like the substrate 5, has a generally trapezoidal shape with rounded corners and is provided with a storage recess 49 for storing the substrate 5. The tray 44 can be made of a flexible resin material, such as polyimide resin, fluororesin, silicone resin, PET resin, or any of these resins containing a white pigment (white resin, white resist, etc.). However, the material of the tray 44 is not limited to these.

[0052] The protective cover 45 covers the surface 5a of the substrate 5 stored in the tray 44, and is provided with an oval convex portion 48a that is inserted into an opening 48 formed in the substrate 5. The protective cover 45 can position the substrate 5 by inserting the convex portion 48a into the opening 48. The protective cover 45 is also provided with a concave portion 45a that prevents interference with the light emitter 6, depending on the position where the light emitter 6 is formed on the substrate 5. The protective cover 45 is formed from a flexible and optically transparent resin material that transmits light from the light-emitting portion 7, such as PET, PVC, PC, PMMA, or TPU. However, the material of the protective cover 45 is not limited to these.

[0053] The light irradiation device 40 has a flexible holder 41 and a device main body 2 housed in the holder 41. When the holder 41 is wrapped around the user's head in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 4, the light-emitting unit 7 of the device main body 2 can be fitted closely to the area corresponding to the temporomandibular joint and its surroundings. Therefore, the light irradiation device 40 does not impair the wearing comfort and can efficiently irradiate the affected area with light according to the mode. The light irradiation device 40 may also be used on areas other than the head.

[0054] Below, we will explain examples of setting the wavelength, irradiance, irradiation time, and absorbed energy of the light emitter 6 in each light irradiation mode. Twenty-one LED units are provided on the surface of the substrate 5 as the light emitters 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 emits infrared light (emission wavelength: approximately 770 to 1000 nm) as the second light emitter 6b. The light irradiation device 40 has the substrate 5 provided on one side of the holder 41, and is equipped with a total of 42 LED units. In all modes, the operation 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 emitters 6a. The operating current of each first light emitter 6a is set to 9 mA±10% (8.1 to 9.9 mA), and the radiant flux per unit area is set to 14.0 mW / cm. ２ ±10% (12.6~15.4mW / cm ２ ), the operating time may be set within the range of 360 seconds ±10% (324 to 396 seconds). Operating current: 9 mA, radiant flux per unit area: 14.0 mW / cm ２ , operation time: 360 sec, the total irradiance of the red light emitted from each device body 2 is 294.0 mW / cm ２ , and the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 588.0 mW / cm ２ The absorbed energy (J) of the light irradiated from each device body 2 is 105.8 J, and the absorbed energy (J) of the light irradiated from the entire light irradiation device 40 is 211.6 J.

[0056] In the second mode, only infrared light is emitted by the second light emitters 6b. The operating current of each second light emitter 6b is set to 33 mA±10% (29.7 to 36.3 mA), and the radiant flux per unit area is set to 65.4 mW / cm. ２ ±10% (58.9~71.9mW / cm ２ ), the operating time may be set within the range of 360 seconds ±10% (324 to 396 seconds). Operating current: 33 mA, radiant flux per unit area: 65.4 mW / cm ２, operation time: 360 seconds, the total irradiance of the infrared light irradiated from each device body 2 is 1372.9 mW / cm ２ , and the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 2745.8 mW / cm ２ The absorbed energy (J) of the light irradiated from each device body 2 is 494.2 J, and the absorbed energy (J) of the light irradiated from the entire light irradiation device 40 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 set to 7 mA±10% (6.3 to 7.7 mA), the operating current of each second light emitter 6b is set to 33 mA±10% (29.7 to 36.3 mA), and the radiant flux per unit area is set to 79.4 mW / cm. ２ ±10% (71.5~87.3mW / cm ２ ), the operating time may be set within a range of 360 seconds ±10% (324 to 396 seconds). Operating current of the first light emitter 6a: 7 ​​mA, operating current of the second light emitter 6b: 33 mA, radiant flux per unit area: 79.4 mW / cm ２ , operation time: 360 seconds, the total irradiance of the infrared light irradiated from each device body 2 is 1666.9 mW / cm ２ , and the light irradiation device 40 as a whole is 3333.8 mW / cm ２ The absorbed energy (J) of the light irradiated from each device body 2 is 600.0 J, and the absorbed energy (J) of the light irradiated from the entire light irradiation device 40 is 1200.0 J.

[0058] The irradiance can be determined by measuring the radiant flux of light incident per unit area using an irradiance meter after irradiating from the light emitters 6. The total amount of irradiance from each device body 2 can be determined by multiplying the irradiance of each light emitter 6 by the number of light emitters 6. The absorbed energy (W·sec) of light irradiated from each device body 2 can be determined by multiplying the total amount of irradiance (W) by the irradiation time (sec).

[0059] The values ​​of the emission wavelength, irradiance, operating time, and absorbed energy of the light emitter 6 in each of the above modes are merely examples, and the set values ​​for each mode are not limited to those described above. In addition, the light irradiation device 40 may be configured so that the color of the light emitted by the indicator of the notification unit 25 of the controller 3 changes for each of the first to third modes, making it possible to identify which mode the device is operating in.

[0060] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the light irradiation device 1 will be described. A light irradiation device 50 according to the second embodiment is used for treating mucous membranes in the oral cavity. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the light irradiation device 50, and Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the light irradiation device 50 in use. The light irradiation device 50 has a device main body 2 and an exterior material 51 in which the device main body 2 is built and which is held in the oral cavity.

[0061] The exterior material 51 has a plate shape that is, for example, oval in plan view, and is sized so that it can be held in the oral cavity between the tongue and the palate or between the cheek and the outside of the dentition. At least the portion of the exterior material 51 that faces the light-emitting unit 7 of the device main body 2 is transparent, allowing light to be emitted from the light-emitting unit 7. A lead-out portion 52 from which the electric cable 15 is led out is formed on one side edge in the longitudinal direction of the exterior material 51. In the device main body 2, a connection terminal portion 11 formed on the substrate 5 is connected to the electric cable 15, and the electric cable 15 is led out from the lead-out portion 52 and connected to the controller 3.

[0062] The material of the exterior material 51 is similar to the material of mouthpieces and the like conventionally used in the fields of sports and medicine, and is formed from a transparent or translucent resin material that is flexible and has shape retention and that can emit light from the light-emitting unit 7. Specifically, the material of the exterior material 51 can be a resin that conforms to the shape of the oral cavity and has appropriate hardness and softness, such as, but not limited to, an olefin-based resin, a polyester-based resin, a urethane resin such as polyurethane, a polyimide-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a styrene-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a carbonate-based resin.

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

[0064] The polyester resin is a polycondensation product of a polycarboxylic acid (such as a dicarboxylic acid) and a polyalcohol (such as a diol). Examples of the polyester resin include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

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

[0066] Polyamide resins are (co)polymers formed by bonding a large number of monomers together through amide bonds. Examples of polyamide resins include nylon, para-amide, and meta-amide.

[0067] The acrylic rubber resin is a (co)polymer containing acrylic rubber as a main component. Examples of the acrylic resin include a block copolymer of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate.

[0068] The exterior material 51 may be configured from a plurality of parts, each of which may be made of a different material with different hardness.

[0069] The exterior material 51 is obtained by molding the material described above integrally with the device main body 2. The injection conditions for the material are set according to the size and shape of the exterior material 51, and when made of a single material, the entire exterior material 51 is molded using a single mold. The size of the exterior material 51 need only be suitable for fitting into the oral cavity of an average person. When the wearer is an adult, the light irradiation device 50 for adults is manufactured to have a size that corresponds to the oral cavity of an average adult, and when the wearer is a child, the light irradiation device 50 for children is manufactured to have a size that corresponds to the oral cavity of an average child.

[0070] Furthermore, when the exterior material 51 is made up of multiple parts, for example, each part can be formed by molding, and then the device main body 2 can be sandwiched between each part and then formed by bonding or welding.

[0071] The light irradiation device 50 is held in the oral cavity between the tongue and the palate or between the cheek and the outer dentition, with the light-emitting unit 7 facing the inside of the palate or cheek. Then, light according to the mode can be irradiated onto the affected area on the palate or inside of the cheek.

[0072] The light irradiation device 50 may also be provided with a light-emitting unit 7 on the back surface 5b of the substrate 5 of the device body 2, and the exterior material 51 may be formed so that the portion facing the light-emitting unit 7 on the back surface 5b is transparent. This allows the light irradiation device 50 to irradiate light to affected areas on both the tongue and palate, or both the inside of the cheek and the gums (gingiva).

[0073] The set values ​​of the wavelength, irradiance, irradiation time, and absorbed energy of the light emitter 6 in each light irradiation mode of the light irradiation device 50 can be set in the same way as the light irradiation device 40 described above, but it goes without saying that they are not limited to this.

[0074] 1 Light irradiation device, 2 Device body, 3 Controller, 5 Board, 6 Light emitter, 6a First light emitter, 6b Second light emitter, 7 Light emitting unit, 8 Control unit, 11 Connection terminal unit, 15 Electric cable, 17 Temperature detection unit, 18 Power supply unit, 21 Operation unit, 22 Setting unit, 24 Display unit, 25 Notification unit, 26 Communication unit, 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 Protective cover, 45a Recess, 47 Unit row, 48 Opening, 48a Convex portion, 49 Storage recess, 50 Light irradiation device, 51 Exterior material, 52 Lead-out unit

Claims

1. A light irradiation device for irradiating an affected area with light, comprising: a device body including a substrate and a light-emitting unit having a plurality of light emitters with different emission wavelengths arranged on at least one surface of the substrate; and a controller provided with a control unit for controlling light emission from the light-emitting unit, the light-emitting unit having at least a first light emitter that emits light of a first wavelength band and a second light emitter that emits light of a second wavelength band different from the first band, and the control unit switches between at least a first mode in which the first light emitter emits light, a second mode in which the second light emitter emits light, and a third mode in which the first light emitter and the second light emitter emit light.

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

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

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

5. The light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is flexible and can be brought into close contact with the affected area.

6. A light irradiation device as described in claim 5, comprising a holder having a pocket in which the device body is stored and which is attached to the affected area, the pocket being made of a material which transmits the light of the light-emitting section, and capable of irradiating light to the affected area of ​​a person wearing the holder.

7. The light irradiation device according to claim 6, wherein the holder is attached to the face and irradiates light from above the skin to the area corresponding to the temporomandibular joint and its surroundings.

8. A light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device body is covered with an exterior material formed from a resin material, and at least a surface of the exterior material facing the light-emitting section is optically transparent, and light can be irradiated through the exterior material.

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

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

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