Phototherapy module, companion animal body-shape-customized phototherapy chain system using same, and wearable system using same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a companion animal phototherapy module and a phototherapy system using same. The phototherapy module comprises: a main body having a bezel facing the body of a companion animal; a light delivery unit for irradiating, with therapeutic light, the skin of the companion animal placed in the bezel; and a light source provided in the main body so as to generate the therapeutic light for the companion animal, wherein the light delivery unit can include: a light guide unit for guiding the light from the light source therein; and one or more light delivery lenses which are coupled to the light guide unit, and which protrude to the outside of a panel so as to pass through a body hair layer of the companion animal and approach or contact the skin thereof.

Description

Phototherapy module, pet body-type customized phototherapy chain system applying the same, and wearable system applying the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light-therapy module, a pet body-type customized light-therapy system applying the same, and a wearable system applying the system, and provides a pet body-type customized light-therapy system configured as a chain type designed to be easier to use and to maximize the phototherapy effect.

[0002] Unlike humans, pets have difficulty communicating and often cannot directly express physical ailments. In particular, various health problems can arise, such as skin diseases, physical pain, and neurological issues due to aging. These problems not only lower the quality of life for pets but can also place a burden on their owners.

[0003] Recently, treatment methods utilizing light (light sources) are gaining increasing attention to address these issues. Light therapy has the advantage of having fewer side effects and being relatively easy to use compared to conventional drug treatments or physical procedures. Phototherapy devices specifically designed for pets have been developed to maximize these advantages.

[0004] Existing phototherapy devices had the following limitations. Guardians had to hold the device directly and place it against a specific part of the pet's body to use it. However, since pets often do not stay still, it was difficult to sustain treatment.

[0005] Some products had limited utility because they could only be used effectively if the pet stayed in a specific location.

[0006] Furthermore, since pets' skin is covered in fur, conventional light irradiation methods often fail to deliver sufficient light. To address this issue, existing products have opted to increase light intensity (using high-output LEDs), but this leads to higher power consumption and may cause discomfort to the pets.

[0007] Although some products were designed for pets to wear, the attachment method was unstable, causing the treatment site to constantly shift or the therapeutic effect to be inconsistent; furthermore, it was difficult to expect significant therapeutic effects when worn on furry pets.

[0008] -Prior Art Literature-

[0009] Japanese Patent Publication 2022-4479

[0010] Japanese Registered Patent 3731983

[0011] Korean Published Patent 10-2019-0128825

[0012] The present disclosure presents a phototherapy module as a phototherapy device for pets, a system applying the module, and a wearable system for phototherapy of pets applying the module or the system.

[0013] The present disclosure provides a light-therapy module that can reduce stress on pets caused by the attachment of a light therapy device by applying it to wearables such as leashes, harnesses, clothing, hats, shoes, and other accessories that are normally worn, a system for applying the same, and a wearable system for pet light-therapy that applies the light-therapy module or the system.

[0014] The present disclosure provides a chain-type pet body-type customized light-therapy system that allows a plurality of light-therapy modules to be assembled in various forms to be adapted to the pet's body shape or attachment location, and a wearable system to which the same is applied.

[0015] A phototherapy module according to the present disclosure: is

[0016] A main body equipped with a bezel facing the pet's body;

[0017] A light injection unit for irradiating therapeutic light onto the skin of a pet installed on the above bezel; and

[0018] A light source provided in the above main body that generates therapeutic light for companion animals; is provided;

[0019] Here, the light injection unit: is

[0020] A light guiding part that guides light from the above light source within itself; and

[0021] It comprises one or more light injection lenses that are coupled to the light guide portion and protrude outside the panel, passing through the pet's body hair layer and approaching or contacting the skin.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0023] A plurality of light injection lenses may be integrally formed in the light guide portion; and the main body may include a bezel on which the light injection portion is installed.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0025] The light injection lens above has a shape among a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a prismatic cylinder, and a cone, and can be formed integrally with the light guide part.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0027] The light guide portion may have a plate-like shape, and the light source may include a plate-like light source installed in close contact with the light guide portion.

[0028] The light-therapy module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may further comprise a holding member for attaching the main body to a pet's wearable device.

[0029] A light-therapy module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may further comprise a circuit portion for controlling the light source, and the main body may be provided with a control panel connected to the circuit portion.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuit may further comprise a wireless communication unit for wireless control of a user.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0032] The above main body: is

[0033] A bezel on which the light injection unit is installed; and

[0034] A cover that covers the above bezel and forms a space for accommodating the light source and the light input part; may be provided.

[0035] The above bezel may have a border surrounding a cavity where the light injection lenses of the light injection part are exposed, and

[0036] The light injection unit may have a frame that supports an optical member, the light guide unit and a light injection lens formed integrally with the light guide unit.

[0037] Chain-type pet body shape customized light-therapy system according to the present disclosure: is

[0038] A plurality of phototherapy modules comprising at least one master module and one or more slave modules; and

[0039] A hinge module that mechanically / electrically connects the master module and the slave module; is provided,

[0040] Here,

[0041] The above master module: is

[0042] It comprises a main light source; a battery for driving the light source; a main control unit for controlling the light source and the driving battery; and a first connection unit for outputting a control signal from the main control unit or power from the battery to the outside.

[0043] The above slave module: is

[0044] Sub light source; a sub-control unit that controls the sub light source by a control signal from the main control unit of the master module; and

[0045] A second connection unit that receives a control signal from the main control unit of the above master module; and

[0046] The above hinge module: is

[0047] A first corresponding coupling part connected to the first connection part of the main module in a complementary coupling structure;

[0048] A second corresponding coupling part connected to the second connection part of the above submodule in a complementary coupling structure; and

[0049] It comprises a hinge body that supports the first corresponding joint and the second corresponding joint so as to be rotatable with each other.

[0050] According to one or more embodiments,

[0051] The above master module and slave module may have the external shape of a prismatic hexahedron having four sides, and the first connection part may be provided on the first side of the master module, and the second connection part may be provided on the first side of the sub-optical-therapy module corresponding to the first side of the master module.

[0052] According to one or more embodiments,

[0053] A first connection part having the same structure as the first connection part of the master module may be provided on a second side facing the first side of the sub-optical-therapy module, and the first connection part of the sub-optical-therapy module may have a structure in which an additional sub-optical-therapy module is connected by the hinge module.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments,

[0055] A first connection part and a second connection part may be additionally provided on each of the third and fourth sides between the first and second sides of the above-mentioned sub-optical-therapy module.

[0056] According to one or more embodiments,

[0057] The above master module may have the external shape of a prismatic hexahedron having four sides, and the first connection part may be provided on at least two of the four sides.

[0058] According to one or more embodiments,

[0059] The sub-control unit of the slave module above may be configured to simply control the on-off of the plurality of phototherapy modules by a signal from the main control unit.

[0060] According to one or more embodiments,

[0061] The above slave module may be equipped with a separate built-in battery for driving a light source, and the sub-control unit of the slave module may be configured to control the on-off of the plurality of light-therapy modules and to control the charging of the separate battery by means of a signal from the main control unit.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments,

[0063] The above master module and slave module: is

[0064] A main body equipped with a bezel facing the pet's body;

[0065] A light injection unit installed on the above bezel for irradiating therapeutic light onto the skin of a pet; and

[0066] The above main body may be provided with a light source that generates therapeutic light for companion animals.

[0067] The above light injection unit: is

[0068] A light guiding part that guides light from the above light source within itself; and

[0069] One or more light injection lenses may be provided that are coupled to the light guide portion and protrude outside the panel, passing through the pet's body hair layer and approaching or contacting the skin.

[0070] According to one or more embodiments, the plurality of light injection lenses may be integrally formed in the light guide portion, and the main body may include a bezel on which the light injection portion is installed.

[0071] According to one or more embodiments,

[0072] The light injection lens has a shape among a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a prismatic cylinder, and a cone, and can be formed integrally with the light guide part.

[0073] According to one or more embodiments,

[0074] The light guide part may have a plate-like shape, and the light source may include a plate-like light source installed in close contact with the light guide part.

[0075] A wearable system for pet phototherapy according to the present disclosure: is

[0076] A wearable device worn on the body of a pet; and

[0077] A holding member for attaching a phototherapy system to the above-mentioned wearable, and

[0078] Here, the above-mentioned phototherapy system: is,

[0079] A plurality of phototherapy modules comprising at least one master module and one or more slave modules; and

[0080] A hinge module that mechanically / electrically connects the master module and the slave module; is provided,

[0081] The above master module: is

[0082] Main light source; battery for driving the light source;

[0083] A main control unit for controlling the above light source and driving battery; and

[0084] A first connection unit that outputs a control signal from the main control unit or power from the battery to the outside; comprising

[0085] The above slave module: is

[0086] Sub light source; a sub-control unit that controls the sub light source by a control signal from the main control unit of the master module; and

[0087] A second connection unit that receives a control signal from the main control unit of the above master module; and

[0088] The above hinge module: is

[0089] A first corresponding coupling part connected to the first connection part of the main module in a complementary coupling structure;

[0090] A second corresponding coupling part connected to the second connection part of the above submodule in a complementary coupling structure; and

[0091] It may be provided with a hinge body that supports the first corresponding joint and the second corresponding joint so as to be rotatable with each other.

[0092] According to one or more embodiments, each of the master module and slave modules of the wearable system for pet light-therapy: is

[0093] A main body equipped with a bezel facing the pet's body;

[0094] A light injection unit installed on the above bezel for irradiating therapeutic light onto the skin of a pet; and

[0095] The above main body may be provided with a light source that generates therapeutic light for companion animals.

[0096] Here, the light injection unit: is

[0097] A light guiding part that guides light from the above light source within itself; and

[0098] One or more light injection lenses may be provided that are coupled to the light guide portion and protrude outside the panel, passing through the pet's body hair layer and approaching or contacting the skin.

[0099] The attached drawings and photographs individually show some elements of a phototherapy module for phototherapy according to the present disclosure, a phototherapy system applying the same, and a wearable system applying the system, either wholly or partially, and the embodiments illustrated in these drawings do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] FIG. 1 illustrates a chain-type pet body shape-customized light therapy system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in three dimensions.

[0101] FIG. 2 illustrates a wearable system for phototherapy according to the present disclosure attached to the body of a large dog as a pet.

[0102] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the attachment positions of a light-therapy wearable assembled in a V-shape and a straight line on the body of a small dog as a pet.

[0103] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a phototherapy module for phototherapy applied to a chain-type pet body shape-customized phototherapy system according to the present disclosure.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the back of the phototherapy module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view conceptually showing the schematic configuration of a hinge module applied to a phototherapy system according to the present disclosure.

[0106] FIG. 8 is a side view of the phototherapy module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a front view of a front bezel showing the light injection part in the light-therapy module according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8.

[0108] FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of each of the front plate and the light injection lens and the correlation structure thereof in a phototherapy system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] FIG. 11 illustrates the shapes of various tips of a light injection lens according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which a plurality of light injection lenses are integrally formed with a single light guide unit according to one embodiment of a light therapy module according to the present disclosure.

[0111] FIG. 13 illustrates the structure of a frame accommodating an optical member in a phototherapy module of a phototherapy system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the specific structure of a phototherapy module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] FIG. 15 illustrates the circuit configuration of a phototherapy module according to the present disclosure.

[0114] FIG. 16 illustrates a phototherapy system composed of one master module and a plurality of slave modules according to the present disclosure.

[0115] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the concept of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the concept of the present invention may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the concept of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the embodiments described below. It is preferable to interpret the embodiments of the concept of the present invention as being provided to more completely explain the concept of the present invention to those with average knowledge in the art. Identical reference numerals denote identical elements throughout. Furthermore, various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0116] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the concept of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and conversely, the second component may be named the first component.

[0117] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the concept of the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, expressions such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, number, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0118] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the concept of the present invention pertains. Furthermore, it will be understood that commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their intent in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0119] Where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the description.

[0120] A chain-type pet body shape customized light therapy system according to one or more embodiments is described below.

[0121] FIG. 1 illustrates a chain-type pet body shape customized light-therapy system (300, hereinafter light-therapy system) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in more detail.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 1, the light-therapy system (10) according to the present disclosure is implemented in a chain structure in which a plurality of slave modules (100s) are connected in succession to one master module (100m).

[0123] These master modules (100m) and slave modules (100s) are rotatably connected to each other by a hinge module (320) that functions as a mechanical / electronic interface, and at least one of the power and control signals from the master module (100m) is provided to the slave module (100s) by an electrical connection structure provided through the hinge module (320), so that the slave module (100s) can be linked to the operation of the master module (100m).

[0124] The master module (100m) and slave module (100s) are light sources that provide light for phototherapy of companion animals, and are mechanically and electrically connected to each other to form a single body, and in a connected state, the slave module (100s) is electrically controlled by a control signal from the master module (100m).

[0125] FIG. 2 illustrates a wearable system applying a light-therapy system (10) attached to the body of a large dog as a pet (1).

[0126] A wearable device (200) equipped with a clip-type belt (211) that wraps around various parts of the pet's body (1) is fitted onto the body of the pet (1), and the light-therapy system (10) can be installed on the body of the pet (1) by relying on this wearable device (200). Various types of holding members (130), such as clips, can be provided so that a plurality of master modules (100m) and slave modules (100s) of the light-therapy system (10) are combined in a chain-like manner and can be attached to the wearable device (200).

[0127] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the state of a wearable system for phototherapy according to the present disclosure, assembled in a V-shape and a straight line on the body of a small dog in a worn state.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 3 (a) and (b), a light-therapy system (10) having a structure in which one master module (100m) and two slave modules (100s) are assembled in a V shape by two hinge modules (320) can be fixed by a holding member in the center of a Y-shaped harness (210) equipped with a clip-type belt (211) that wraps around various parts of a small dog and corresponds to a wearable device on the chest of a small dog.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 4 (a) and (b), a light-therapy system (10) in which one master module (100m) and four slave modules (100s) are assembled in a straight line by a plurality of hinge modules (320) along the longitudinal direction of the harness parallel to the spine of a small dog can be fixed by a holding member (130).

[0130] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a light therapy module (100) applied to a chain-type pet body shape customized light therapy system (10).

[0131] The light-therapy module (100), implemented as the aforementioned master module (100m) and slave module (100s), comprises a module body (110) and a light injection part (120) provided in the bezel (110f) of the module body (110). In FIG. 1, reference numeral "100e" indicates the edge of the opening in the front bezel (110f) where the light injection part (120) is installed.

[0132] The light injection part (120) installed inside the opening border (110e) of the front bezel (110f) may be equipped with a plurality of protruding light injection lenses (121) provided on one side or bottom surface of the module body (110), and in this embodiment, a cylinder, a rectangular column, or a cone-type light injection lens (121). The light injection lens (121) is an optional element, and according to another embodiment, the light injection part (120) may have a flat surface without the light injection lens (121).

[0133] The light injection lens (121), which is an optional element, is installed to protrude from the front bezel (110f) of the module body (110) so that when the light injection part (120) is in close proximity to the pet's skin, the end of the light injection lens (121) passes through the pet's body hair layer and comes into close proximity to or contacts the pet's skin. Accordingly, therapeutic light supplied to the light injection lens (121) through the light guide part (123) can be injected deep into the pet's subcutaneous tissue through its end.

[0134] The light injection lens (121) can be considered a very effective light injection medium for furry pets. However, the light injection lens (121) is an optional element that may not be necessary depending on the type of pet.

[0135] The light injection lens (121) mentioned above is described in detail again in the description of FIG. 8.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the back of the light-therapy module (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] The module body (110) of the light-therapy module (100) is equipped with a frame cover (110b) facing the front bezel (110f), and a holding member (130), such as a clip, is provided on the frame cover (110b) to attach close to the body of the pet. The holding member (130) is a part that is fitted into a part of wearable gear, such as a hat worn on the pet's head, a harness worn on the pet's body, a neck band or collar wrapped around the neck, a jacket or pet wear worn on the pet's body, and is a part that holds the light-therapy module (100) to the wearable gear in a detachable manner.

[0138] Meanwhile, the sides of the module body (110) of the optical therapy module (100), which is implemented as a master module (100m) and a slave module (100s), may be equipped with a first connection part (180) and a second connection part (190) into which a hinge module (320) that electrically and mechanically connects the modules is fitted.

[0139] The installation portions of the first connection part (180) and the second connection part (190) can be selected according to the design, and both the first connection part (180) and the second connection part (190) may be installed in one light-therapy module (100), or only one of them may be installed, and this is determined by the connection structure of the light-therapy module (100) by the hinge module (320).

[0140] Each of the first connection part (180) and the second connection part (190) formed on the sides of the module body (110) of the light-therapy module (100) has at least two socket holes for transmitting and receiving signals. In this embodiment, the first connection part (180) has a pair of first socket slots (180a, 180b), and the second connection part (190) also has a pair of second socket slots (190a, 190b).

[0141] The first connection part and the second connection part are both formed on one module body (110), and according to another embodiment, only one of them may be provided. Basically, the module body (110) applied as a master module has the first connection part (180), and the module body (110) applied as a slave module has the second connection part (190). Meanwhile, in the embodiment shown in the drawing, both modules may have both the first connection part (180) and the second connection part (190).

[0142] Inside the first socket slot (180a, 190a) and the second socket slot (180a, 180b) of each of the above connection parts (180, 190), a first corresponding connection part (321) of a hinge module (320) inserted into the first socket slot (180a, 190a) and the second socket slot (180a, 180b), a first terminal part (330a) and a second terminal part (330b) electrically connected to the first corresponding connection part (321) are provided, and these terminal parts (330a, 330b) are connected to a control circuit part (160) inside the optical therapy module (100).

[0143] The hinge module (320) has a first corresponding connection part (321) connected to a first connection part (180) in a complementary coupling structure and a second corresponding connection part (322) that can be connected thereto by having a structure of complementary coupling corresponding to a second connection part (190).

[0144] The first corresponding connection part (321) has a pair of parallel plate-shaped first plug pins (321a, 321b), and the second corresponding connection part (322) has a pair of parallel second plug pins (322a, 322b).

[0145] The spacing (D1) between the first socket slots (180a, 180b) of each of the first connection part (180) and the second connection part (190) and the spacing (D2) between the second socket slots (190a, 190b) are different from each other, and accordingly, the spacing of the plug pins of each of the first corresponding connection part (321) and the second corresponding connection part (322) of the hinge module (320) is determined.

[0146] That is, the spacing of the first plug pins (321a, 321b) of the first corresponding connection part matches the spacing (D1) of the first socket slots (180a, 180b) of the first connection part (180), and the spacing of the first plug pins (322a, 322b) of the second plug part matches the spacing (D1) of the second socket slots (190a, 190b) of the second connection part (190).

[0147] In the description of the above embodiment, it was explained that a socket structure in the form of a female of the master module (100m) is provided, and a pin structure in the form of a male of the corresponding hinge module (320) is provided so that they are coupled to each other. However, this is an example of a complementary coupling structure, and a male and female structure of the opposite form may be provided, and this also falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0148] In this embodiment, the holding member (130) is shown in the form of a clip made of a plate-shaped member having its own elasticity, but according to other embodiments, it may have the form of a general spring clamp. When the light-therapy module (100) is worn on the body of a pet relying on a wearing device, the module body (110) is positioned between the body of the pet and the wearing device, and at this time, the holding member (130) is fitted into a part of the wearing device such as a harness, neck band or collar, jacket or pet wear.

[0149] In this state, the light-therapy module (100) is attached to the body of the pet by means of a wearable device, and thus the light injection lens (121) provided on the front of the light injection part (120) is brought close to or attached to the body of the pet, and thus the therapeutic light supplied by the light injection lens (121) is supplied directly to the skin of the pet.

[0150] Inside the module body (110), a light source, a battery that supplies power to the light source, and a control circuit unit (described later) that controls the power supply to the light source are installed, and on one side of the frame cover (110b), a control panel (140) of a membrane or touch structure connected to the control circuit unit may be provided, for example, having a touch switch, a potentiometer, or a signal lamp that displays the operating status of the light source.

[0151] The arrangement of such elements, etc., can be easily realized based on general technology and does not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, according to other embodiments, they may be installed on the outer surface of the module body (110), for example, a part of a panel or a part of a side section.

[0152] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view conceptually showing the schematic configuration of the hinge module (320).

[0153] Referring to FIG. 7, the hinge module (320) has a structure in which a plurality of parts are threaded onto a single support rod (331) and rotatably supported.

[0154] The above support rod (331) is provided with a central support body (331c) and threaded portions (331a, 331b) at both ends. End cap members (332a, 332b) of female threads are detachably fixed to both threaded portions (331a, 331b).

[0155] The parts through which the above support rod (331) passes are, from the left side of the drawing, a second pin support (322am) on one side of the second corresponding connection part (322), a first pin support (321am) on one side of the first corresponding connection part (321) and a spacer (321c) and a first pin support (321bm) on the other side, and a second pin support (322bm) on the other side of the second corresponding connection part (322), and at both ends there are end cap members (332a, 332b) that are coupled to the support body (331c) and the screw parts (331a, 331b) at both ends, respectively.

[0156] The first pin supports (321am, 322am) and a pair of first plug pins (321a, 321b) and second plug pins (322a, 322b) coupled to each of these may be conductors.

[0157] This is intended to electrically connect the first plug pins (321a, 321b) of the first corresponding connection part (321) and the second plug pins (322a, 322b) of the second corresponding connection part (322), respectively, and according to other embodiments, other types of designs for achieving such electrical connection are also possible. In this structure, a spacer (321c) provided between the first pin support (321am) on one side of the first corresponding connection part (321) and the first pin support (321bm) on the other side is for electrical insulation.

[0158] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hinge module (320) is explained with further emphasis.

[0159] As described above, the hinge module (320) having an electromechanical connection structure physically or electrically connects the master module (100m) and the slave module (100s). That is, the hinge module (320) can be rotatably connected to each of the master module (100m) and the slave module (100s) by a hinge structure that applies a simple mechanical connection structure or a relative rotatable structure.

[0160] These hinge modules (320) may have an electrical connection structure for electrical connection between modules connected by this, which may have plug parts or plug pins as described above, and these may be paired and contact their bodies with each other as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, or interconnected by appropriate connecting parts. The connection structure of 320 embedded in these hinge modules (320) and the phototherapy module (100) can be easily implemented by selectively employing various known technologies.

[0161] The hinge module (320) described above can electrically connect the modules, thereby supplying electricity from the master module (100m) to the slave module (100s), and then from the slave module (100s) to another slave module (100s), so that the slave modules (100s) can generate light together with the master module (100m) by the operation of one master module (100m).

[0162] According to the present embodiment, a light-therapy system (10) in which a plurality of light-therapy modules are combined in a chain-like manner can be implemented in various forms by selecting the number of connected modules and the direction of connection, and the hinge module of the above-described embodiment can also be implemented by a flexible cable structure with connectors provided at both ends.

[0163] FIG. 8 is a side view of the light-therapy module (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the light-therapy module (100) comprises a module body (110) having a front bezel (110f) and a frame cover (110b) on the opposite side, a light injection part (120) which is provided on the front bezel (110f) side and was briefly mentioned in the description of FIG. 5, and a holding member (130) which is provided on the frame cover (110b) side and fixes the light-therapy module (100) to a part of a pet wearing device.

[0165] FIG. 9 is a front view of a front bezel (110f) showing the light injection part (120) in the light-therapy module (100) according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8.

[0166] A light injection section (120) occupying most of the front bezel (110f) is provided in the center of the square front bezel (110f).

[0167] The light injection unit (120) has a structure in which light injection lenses (121) are densely arranged in a matrix form on a single front plate (122f). The front plate (122f) supports and protects the light injection lenses (121) and has a surface parallel to the surface of the front bezel (110f). According to another embodiment, the front plate (122f) may be composed of an assembly of multiple divided plates.

[0168] A power supply unit, such as a light source and a battery, that supplies light to the light injection lens (121) is installed on the rear side of the front plate (122f), that is, inside the module body (110), and this will be explained later.

[0169] FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of the front plate (122f) and the light injection lens (121), respectively, and the correlation structure thereof, in a phototherapy module as a phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] First, each of the light injection lenses (121) has a cone shape, and the large diameter portions are combined into one structure when multiple light injection lenses (121) are densely packed.

[0171] The part formed by combining the large diameter portions into one is a light guide portion (123) that supplies light to the light injection lenses (121). A plurality of light injection lenses (121) combined into one by the light guide portion (123) together with the light guide portion (123) form an optical member (123m) that performs light wave guidance and injection. In this embodiment, the light guide portion (123) is shown as a plate shape, but according to other embodiments, it may have a shape other than a plate shape that allows for light wave guidance.

[0172] Accordingly, a plurality of light injection lenses (121) are arranged on the front surface of the light guide portion (123) in the optical member (123m), and a normal light source (150) may be provided on the back surface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] As the above plate-shaped light source (150), a surface light source such as an OLED light source can be applied as a light source capable of emitting monochromatic light or dichromatic light, for example.

[0174] This surface light emitter emits white light and, through circuit control, may also emit monochromatic light or light of a specific color according to a combination of blue, green, and red light.

[0175] Meanwhile, since the tip portion of the light injection lens (121) is the part that comes into contact with the body of the pet, it can be formed in an appropriate shape to disperse pressure concentration caused by the tip portion.

[0176] FIG. 11 illustrates the shapes of various tips of a light injection lens (121) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0177] As shown in (A) of FIG. 11, for example, the tip portion (121t) may be formed in the shape of an arc of a predetermined diameter, or as shown in (B), the tip portion (121t') may be formed in the shape of a flat piece with a predetermined area, or as shown in (C), the tip portion (121t) may be formed, or as shown in (D), it may be formed in the shape of a simple cylinder.

[0178] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a light injection lens (121) having various tip shapes as described above may be formed as a single unit with a light guide portion (123), or a plurality of light injection lenses (121) and one or more light guide portions (123) may each be manufactured separately and then integrally combined. Such a light injection lens (121) is an optional element according to the present embodiment, and therefore, in other embodiments, a front plate (122f) with a smooth, flat surface may be applied.

[0179] FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which a plurality of light injection lenses (121) are integrally formed with a single light guide part (123) according to one embodiment of a light therapy module according to the present disclosure.

[0180] A plurality of light injection lenses (121) are integrally formed in the above plate-shaped light guide (123).

[0181] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the light injection lens (121) may be formed in various shapes other than cone shape, such as a cylindrical shape, a square prism shape, a polygonal prism shape, a star prism shape having a star-shaped cross section, or an elliptical prism shape having an elliptical cross section.

[0182] FIG. 13 illustrates the structure of a frame (122) that accommodates the optical member (123m) in a phototherapy module of a phototherapy system (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the optical member (123m) is attached to a front plate (122f) of a light-injecting plate, a rim (122r) formed at a predetermined height around the perimeter of the front plate (122f) and covering the side of the light-guiding part (123) of the optical member (123m), and a stepped flange (122s) formed on the rim (122r).

[0184] A plurality of through holes (122h) are formed in the front plate (122f) of the above pattern through which the light injection lens (121) of the optical member (123m) passes.

[0185] The above flange (122s) is a part that extends on the inside of a border (110e) that surrounds an opening formed in the front bezel (110f) of the module body (110), and fixes the light injection part (120) to the front bezel (110f) of the module body (110), and this can be modified and designed in various forms according to the design of the phototherapy device.

[0186] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the specific structure of a light-therapy module (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 14, the module body (110) of the light-therapy module (100) is equipped with a front bezel (110f) and a frame cover (110b) that are detachably assembled into one.

[0188] A light injection unit (120) is installed in the front bezel (110f) in a cavity surrounded by a bezel border (110e). A stepped holding member (130) provided on the front plate (122f) of a frame (122), which is an element of the light injection unit (120), is secured by being hooked on the inside of the bezel border (110e).

[0189] Inside the light guide section (123) of the light injection section (120), a plate-shaped light source (150) that generates therapeutic light, a power supply section (170) such as a battery as a means of supplying power to the light source, and a control circuit section (160) that receives electrical operation from a user from the outside and controls the light source (150) are installed. The power supply section (170) may further include a battery as a power source and a charging circuit for charging the battery, and may be controlled by the control circuit section (160).

[0190] The above control circuit (160) is connected to the first and second terminal sections (330a, 330b) embedded in the module body (110) of the light-therapy module (100), and inputs and outputs control signals through these terminal sections (330a, 330b).

[0191] The above terminal portions (330a, 330b) have an internal connection structure connected to electrical connection components of a hinge module (320), such as plug pins, which are mounted on the aforementioned first connection portion (180) and second connection portion (190), and these plug pins are connected to the control circuit portion (160).

[0192] And the frame cover (110b) of the module body (110) is provided with a holding member (130), such as a clip, and a control panel (140) for external operation by the user as described above.

[0193] FIG. 15 illustrates the circuit configuration of a light-therapy module (100) according to the present disclosure.

[0194] This circuit configuration includes a control panel (140) that accepts user control and a control circuit unit (160) that accepts signals from the control panel. The control circuit unit (160) controls a light source (150) according to user control through the control panel (140). The control circuit unit (160) is operated by a power supply unit (170), such as a battery, as a power source, and the light source (150) is also turned on and off by the power supply unit (170).

[0195] The control circuit unit (160) may also be equipped with a charging circuit for charging the power supply unit (170) and an external power input terminal. Additionally, the control circuit unit (160) may further be equipped with a wireless communication unit for control from a user via wireless communication.

[0196] Additionally, the control circuit (160) can send control signals or power to other slave modules (100s) through a hinge module (320) serving as a mechanical / electronic interface. Here, the optical therapy module may be a master module (100m) that transmits power to other modules, and the module receiving power from the master module (100m) may be a slave module (100s).

[0197] In this way, the slave module (100s) that receives power may not have a built-in battery, and the light source of the built-in slave module (100s) may operate by power from the master module (100m). Therefore, the circuit built into the slave module (100s) may be a simple passive circuit for signal transmission.

[0198] The fastening structure of the module body (110) and various parts within the module body (110) is not depicted in FIGS. 1 to 15, and can be easily implemented by applying a known structure at the level of general common sense.

[0199] Meanwhile, the light-therapy module according to the present disclosure as described above is formed in a chain-like manner as a plurality of units to constitute a chain-type light-therapy system (10) according to the present invention.

[0200] FIG. 16 illustrates a light-therapy system (10) according to the present disclosure, specifically a light-therapy system (10) composed of one master module (100m) and a plurality of slave modules (100s).

[0201] Referring to FIG. 16, the light-therapy system (10) according to the present disclosure has a structure in which a plurality of light-therapy modules (100), specifically one master module (100m) and a plurality of slave modules (100s), are connected in a chain-like manner by a hinge module (320) which is a mechanical / electronic interface. The hinge module (320) as a mechanical / electronic interface may have an electrical circuit including an electrical connection line that simply transmits power.

[0202] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, a person skilled in the art will be able to modify and implement the present invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, future modifications to the embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the technology of the present invention.

Claims

1. As a phototherapy module, A main body equipped with a bezel facing the pet's body; A light injection unit for irradiating therapeutic light onto the skin of a pet installed on the above bezel; and A light source provided in the above main body that generates therapeutic light for companion animals; is provided; Here, the light injection unit: is A light guiding part that guides light from the above light source within itself; and A light-therapy module comprising one or more light injection lenses that are coupled to the light guide portion and protrude outside the panel to pass through the pet's body hair layer and come into close contact with or contact the skin.

2. In Paragraph 1, A plurality of light injection lenses are integrally formed in the light guide portion; The above-described main body is a light-therapy module comprising a bezel on which the light injection part is installed.

3. In Paragraph 1, The light injection lens has a shape among a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a prismatic cylinder, and a cone, and is a light-therapy module formed integrally with respect to the light guide part.

4. In Paragraph 1, The light injection lens has a shape among a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a prismatic cylinder, and a cone, and is formed integrally with respect to the light guide portion; A light-therapy module in which the light guide portion is plate-shaped and the light source is installed in close contact with the light guide portion and is a plate-shaped light source.

5. In Paragraph 1, A light-therapy module further comprising a holding member for attaching the above-mentioned main body to a pet's wearing device.

6. In Paragraph 1, Further comprising a circuit unit for controlling the light source, A light-therapy module having a control panel connected to a circuit board in the main body.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above circuit section further comprises a wireless communication section for wireless control by a user, an optical therapy module.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above main body: is A bezel on which the light injection unit is installed; and A cover that covers the above bezel to form a space for accommodating the light source and the light input part; provided, The above bezel has a border surrounding a cavity where the light injection lenses of the light input portion are exposed, and The light injection section comprises a light-therapy module having a frame that supports an optical member, the light injection section comprising a light guide section and a light injection lens integrally formed in the light guide section.

9. As a chain-type pet body-fit customized light-therapy system, A plurality of phototherapy modules comprising at least one master module and one or more slave modules; and A hinge module that mechanically / electrically connects the master module and the slave module; provided therein The above master module: is It comprises a main light source; a battery for driving the light source; a main control unit for controlling the light source and the driving battery; and a first connection unit for outputting a control signal from the main control unit or power from the battery to the outside. The above slave module: is A sub-light source; a sub-control unit that controls the sub-light source by a control signal from a main control unit of the master module; and a second connection unit that receives a control signal from the main control unit of the master module; and A chain-type pet body-shaped phototherapy system comprising: a hinge module having a first corresponding coupling part connected to a first connection part of the master module in a complementary coupling structure; a second corresponding coupling part connected to a second connection part of the sub module in a complementary coupling structure; and a hinge body that supports the first corresponding coupling part and the second corresponding coupling part so as to be rotatable to each other.

10. In Paragraph 9, A chain-type pet body-shaped customized light-therapy system wherein the master module and slave module have the external shape of a prismatic hexahedron having four sides, the first connection part is provided on the first side of the master module, and the second connection part is provided on the first side of a sub-light-therapy module corresponding to the first side of the master module.

11. In Paragraph 9, A chain-type pet body-shaped customized light-therapy system, wherein a first connection part having the same structure as the first connection part of the master module may be provided on a second side facing the first side of the sub-light-therapy module, and an additional sub-light-therapy module is connected to the first connection part of the sub-light-therapy module by the hinge module.

12. In Paragraph 11, A chain-type pet body shape customized light-therapy system, wherein in the above-described sub-light-therapy module, a first connection part and a second connection part are additionally provided on each of the third and fourth surfaces between the first surface and the second surface.

13. In Paragraph 9, A chain-type pet body-shaped phototherapy system, wherein the master module is a prismatic hexahedron having four sides, and the first connection part is provided on at least two of the four sides.

14. In Paragraph 9, A chain-type pet body-type customized light-therapy system, wherein the sub-control unit of the slave module is configured to simply control the on-off of the light-therapy module by a signal from the main control unit.

15. In Paragraph 9, A chain-type pet body-type customized light-therapy system, wherein the slave module has a separate battery for driving a light source, and the sub-control unit of the slave module is configured to control the on-off of the light-therapy module and the charging of the separate battery by means of a signal from the main control unit.

16. In Paragraph 9, The above master module and slave module: is A main body equipped with a bezel facing the pet's body; A light injection unit installed on the above bezel for irradiating therapeutic light onto the skin of a pet; and A light source provided in the above main body that generates therapeutic light for companion animals; is provided; The above light injection unit: is A light guiding part that guides light from the above light source within itself; and A chain-type pet body shape customized light-therapy system comprising: one or more light injection lenses coupled to the light guide portion, protruding outside the panel and passing through the pet's body hair layer to approach or contact the skin.

17. In Paragraph 15, A chain-type pet body-shaped customized light-therapy system in which the light injection lens has a shape among a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a prismatic cylinder, or a cone, and is integrally formed with respect to the light guide part.

18. In Paragraph 15, The light injection lens has a shape among a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a prismatic cylinder, and a cone, and is formed integrally with respect to the light guide portion; A chain-type pet body-shaped customized light-therapy system, wherein the light guide part is plate-shaped and the light source is installed in close contact with the light guide part and is a plate-shaped light source.

19. As a wearable system for companion animal phototherapy, A wearable device worn on the body of a pet; and A holding member for attaching a phototherapy system to the above-mentioned wearable, and Here, the above-mentioned phototherapy system: is, A plurality of phototherapy modules comprising at least one master module and one or more slave modules; and A hinge module that mechanically / electrically connects the master module and the slave module; is provided, Here, the above master module: is Main light source; battery for driving the light source; A main control unit for controlling the above light source and driving battery; and A first connection unit that outputs a control signal from the main control unit or power from the battery to the outside; comprising The above slave module: is Sub light source; a sub-control unit that controls the sub light source by a control signal from the main control unit of the master module; and A second connection unit that receives a control signal from the main control unit of the above master module; and The above hinge module: is A first corresponding coupling part connected to the first connection part of the above master module in a complementary coupling structure; A second corresponding coupling part connected to the second connection part of the above submodule in a complementary coupling structure; and A wearable system for pet phototherapy comprising: a hinge body that supports a first corresponding coupling part and a second corresponding coupling part so as to be rotatable to each other.

20. In Paragraph 19, Each of the above master module and slave modules: A main body equipped with a bezel facing the pet's body; A light injection unit installed on the above bezel for irradiating therapeutic light onto the skin of a pet; and A light source provided in the above main body that generates therapeutic light for companion animals; is provided; The above light injection unit: is A light guiding part that guides light from the above light source within itself; and A wearable system for pet phototherapy comprising: one or more light injection lenses coupled to the light guide portion, protruding outside the panel and passing through the pet's body hair layer to approach or contact the skin.

Images