DE102015107669A1 - Light therapy system in conjunction with a shower screen - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light therapy system for pain treatment during a shower, comprising: a) at least one light unit (1) having a housing (5) and at least one light source (2) therein, the light source (2) having a first light (3) produces and emits a bluish spectrum; and b) a shower wall (9) which is at least partially transparent to the first light (3) and has first and second surfaces and end faces; wherein the light unit (1) is arranged on the shower wall (9) such that the first light (3) radiates into the shower wall (9), passes through the shower wall (9) and at least out of the second light (4) second surface of the shower wall (9) emerges.

Description

The present invention relates to a light therapy system which is combined with a shower wall to be irradiated during a shower at the same time for therapeutic purposes with light.

• a) Prof. Dr. Hubert J. Bardenheuer (Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg), Vortrag Frankfurt, 7. März 2013 ;
• b) http://www.philips.de/e/bluetouch/home.html#blue-light-technology: „Therapie mit blauem Licht” .

Light therapy systems with blue light find therapeutic application in the areas of pain relief or in Palleativmedizin and circulation stimulation. This applies to all parts of the body, but especially to the lumbar and spine area with back pain. Likewise, sleep and recovery disorders can be treated by a light acting on the skin light, for example, for patients to achieve longer sleep times or shorter recovery times, or even to reduce depression or cure. There are numerous medical therapeutic publications, such as in

• a) Prof. Dr. Hubert J. Bardenheuer (Heidelberg University Hospital), lecture Frankfurt, 7 March 2013 ;
• b) http://www.philips.de/e/bluetouch/home.html#blue-light-technology: "Therapy with blue light" ,

For example, Philips has released a lighting system under the World Cup number 3931 of November 2011, which is intended for such applications as described above. The lighting system is designed as a ceiling lighting system that is installed, for example, over a bed where the patient stays for a long time. The only problem is that the patient is usually covered in bed and therefore a light therapy either acts only on the facial skin or the patient has to take extra time for a light therapy in the uncovered state. Another disadvantage is that if the light of the ceiling lighting system should have an effect on the skin and the underlying tissue, a relatively large light intensity is needed to achieve the effect in about 2 meters away. The light intensity hits the eyes, which is why only a low light intensity is permitted and a correspondingly longer treatment time is needed to achieve the desired effect.

Also known are individually placeable small light panels that emit blue light and can be attached to the body with a plaster or with back straps. Such light panels are known for example from Philips under the name Bluetouch and can also be worn under clothing for a long-term use. The disadvantage here is that they apply under the clothing in height and therefore cosmetically problematic and therefore often are not so well used.

It would therefore be desirable to find an alternative and easy-to-use solution that is as easy as possible to apply or apply daily and takes the daily routine with as little time as possible. Especially working people who work a lot at the desk, often suffer from back problems and back tension, but unfortunately often do not have much time to apply daily light therapy.

Therefore, an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in the provision of a light therapy device for pain therapy with bluish light that can be applied by a patient as simple and time-saving that disturbs the daily routine as little as possible and cosmetically as inconspicuous as possible.

The above objects and other objects to be taken from the description are achieved by a device according to the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

• – mindestens eine Lichteinheit (1) mit einem Gehäuse (5) und mindestens einer Lichtquelle (2) darin, wobei die Lichtquelle (2) ein erstes Licht (3) mit einem bläulichen Spektrum erzeugt und emittiert; und
• – eine Duschwand (9), die zumindest partiell für das erste Licht (3) transparent ausgebildet ist und eine erste und eine zweite Oberfläche sowie Stirnseiten hat;
• – wobei die Lichteinheit (1) so an der Duschwand (9) angeordnet ist, dass das erste Licht (3) in die Duschwand (9) hinein strahlt, durch die Duschwand (9) hindurch geht und als zweites Licht (4) zumindest aus der zweiten Oberfläche der Duschwand (9) austritt.

According to the present invention, there is provided a light therapy apparatus for pain treatment that is easily usable during a shower, comprising:

• At least one light unit ( 1 ) with a housing ( 5 ) and at least one light source ( 2 ), wherein the light source ( 2 ) a first light ( 3 ) is generated and emitted with a bluish spectrum; and
• - a shower wall ( 9 ) which at least partially for the first light ( 3 ) is transparent and has a first and a second surface and end faces;
• - wherein the light unit ( 1 ) so on the shower wall ( 9 ) is arranged that the first light ( 3 ) in the shower wall ( 9 ), through the shower wall ( 9 ) goes through and as a second light ( 4 ) at least from the second surface of the shower wall ( 9 ) exit.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that an application of light therapy can take place during a daily showering process. Anyway, a patient takes a shower every day before, whereby his skin, especially in the area of the loins and the lower spine, is freely accessible for light therapy and is close to the shower wall, which is why the light therapy only requires a correspondingly lower light intensity compared to a ceiling lighting system. When using the light therapy, the patient loses no time and it is also no special Liegeweise or the like required. The light therapy device can Simple and visually pleasing to install in the bathroom and irradiates the body laterally, unlike a ceiling light, which would radiate substantially from the top of the patient's head. The shower screen simply shields the light unit from water. On the shower wall, the light output of the second light can be ideally adjusted at a desired treatment level, such as the height of the lower spine.

In a first embodiment of the light therapy system in which the light is guided substantially initially along the shower wall and between the first and the second surface, a height range for the light emission, which takes place substantially horizontally, is generated in that the surface of the shower wall is preferred especially roughened or worked in this height range to let the light escape.

In a second embodiment of the light therapy system, the light unit is disposed on the first surface of the shower wall and radiates through the shower wall so that the second light exits the second surface and radiates substantially horizontally to the patient. The treatment level is very easy by a corresponding height arrangement and attachment to the shower wall possible.

Both with the first and the second embodiment of the light therapy system can be achieved in a simple manner, a constant treatment height for the patient.

In the first embodiment with an irradiation of the first light in the end face of the shower wall, the second light can also be radiated on both sides of the shower wall, so that thereby add a therapy time in the shower and a therapy time behind the shower, such as in front of the sink.

In the second embodiment, with a radiation of the shower wall from the first to the second surface, a higher light intensity can be emitted. By the light unit is preferably designed grid-shaped with holes, the light unit is still visible, so that a visual contact from the shower through the light unit through - and in the opposite direction - remains.

Further advantages of the present invention are described in the detailed description of the respective embodiments.

A preferred embodiment according to the present invention is illustrated in the following drawings and detailed description, but is not intended to limit the present invention thereto.

Show it

1 in a perspective view of an embodiment of a first embodiment of a light therapy system comprising a shower wall having a first and a second light unit, which are arranged at a lower and upper end side, and each couple a first light in a respective end face of the shower wall therein, said first light is passed through the shower wall and exits as a second light to a first and second surface;

2 in a perspective view of the light unit 1 comprising a housing and light sources radiating therein in one direction;

3 in a perspective view of an embodiment of a second embodiment of the light therapy system comprising a shower wall with a arranged on a first surface of the shower wall light unit which radiates through the shower wall, wherein the light unit is designed as a panel with webs and intermediate holes and the light sources behind the webs are arranged, wherein the intermediate holes allow a view through the panel and the shower wall;

4 in a side view as a sectional image of the light unit 3 disposed on the first surface of the shower wall, the light unit having a housing with light sources disposed therein radiating the first light;

5 in a side view as a sectional view of another light unit, which is similar to the light unit 3 and is also arranged, the other light unit being directed to a first side in the direction of the shower wall, as in FIG 3 and 4 radiates, and in addition in the opposite direction and thus away from the shower wall emits a different light; and

6 in a top view as a sectional view of another light unit, which is similar to the light unit 3 and 4 is, but the shower wall has a round shape and the light unit is adjusted accordingly.

Detailed description of an embodiment

The light therapy system according to the invention for the treatment of pain and / or for the prophylaxis of pain essentially comprises a shower wall 9 and at least one light unit 1 , where the light unit 1 a first light 3 generated with a bluish spectrum or a bluish wavelength and so on the shower screen 9 is arranged that the first light 3 in the shower wall 9 is coupled. The shower wall 9 is for the first light 3 formed at least partially transparent and has a first surface, a parallel second surface and end faces at the edges. The first surface of the shower screen 9 preferably points away from an interior of a shower cubicle, on which the shower wall 9 is arranged, wherein the second surface is aligned accordingly to the interior of the shower stall. The shower wall 9 is designed to be the first light 3 in conducts and decouples at least from the second surface and as a second light 4 radiates.

The light unit 1 essentially comprises a housing 5 with at least one or a plurality of light sources 2 in this. In this case, the at least one light source generates 2 the first light 3 with the bluish spectrum. In addition, the light unit 1 Also included optical filters to the first light 3 to produce with the desired bluish spectrum.

The bluish first light 3 and accordingly the second light 4 are preferably selected such that a light intensity and the bluish spectrum of the second light 4 a good therapeutic effect on a patient for pain relief and / or pain prophylaxis and / or but also for better blood circulation exerts. The height on the shower wall 9 for a coupling of the second light 4 is preferably chosen so that the height substantially corresponds to a desired treatment area for the patient. In this case, a perforated screen foil at the height of the desired treatment area on the shower wall may also be preferred 9 be glued or printed, wherein the hole grid foil is preferably formed in the height of the treatment area, a maximum light intensity of the second light 4 to let emerge, and preferably shade higher areas so that there is no glare of the patient's eyes.

The bluish spectrum with its maximum intensity preferably lies in the wavelength range 435-480 nm or 400-500 nm. However, the bluish spectrum may also contain UV-A components in order to additionally stimulate skin functions. The UV-A components are in known wavelength ranges of high altitude, such as in the range of 315-400 nm. Preferably, the blue spectrum with its maximum intensity in the UV-A range of 315-400 nm. Preferably, the bluish spectrum is a mixture of therapeutic light wavelengths. The therapeutic wavelengths of light for the UV-A skin stimulation are preferably in the range of 315-400 nm. The therapeutic wavelengths of light for the pain therapy are preferably in the range of 400-500 nm or 420-480 nm. Preferably, the spectrum also has portions which are suitable for a bacterial destruction and / or are selected for skin cleansing.

In 1 An example of a first embodiment of the light therapy system for pain treatment and / or pain prophylaxis during showering is shown. Here is a first light unit 1 at a lower end of the shower wall 9 and a second light unit 1 on an upper end of the shower wall 9 arranged. The respective first light 3 is in the respective end of the shower wall 9 coupled. The shower wall 9 is designed to be the first light 3 in it along the shower screen 9 on and on the second surface and preferably on the first surface of the shower wall 9 as the second light 4 emits or emits. To the second light 4 in an exit area on the respective surface of the shower wall 9 to emerge, the respective surface in the exit region has an increased roughness which is so high that the light which is conducted along the shower wall therein exits with the roughness due to the increased roughness in the exit region on the surface. Alternatively, the shower wall 9 In the exit region also be designed so that the light by scattering in the transparent shower wall 9 exits laterally through the respective surface. For example, scattering may be created by bubbles embedded in the shower wall in the exit region, mirror elements, granules, other phase transitions, other fabric-field systems, energy fields, interference, or by nano-structures or combinations thereof.

General is the light unit 1 according to the first embodiment so on the shower wall 9 arranged that the first light 3 at least on one end of the shower wall 9 is coupled therein, wherein the shower wall 9 is formed, the first light 3 inside the shower screen 9 forward and in the exit area on at least the second surface of the shower wall 9 to let the light escape. Here is the shower wall 9 in the exit area for the second light 4 preferably roughened by grinding marks or dents, holes, indents, bumps or protrusions, or in other forms known to those skilled in the art, for coupling and emitting light guided in a disk or rod laterally to the disk , Preferably, the first surface of the shower wall 9 roughened in the exit area to the second light 4 also decouple at the first surface and radiate. Advantageous in a two-sided radiation of the second light 4 from the first and the second Surface is that the patient is irradiated both while showering, and afterwards or before the shower.

The light unit 1 can be in a frame of the shower wall 9 be built or even the frame for the shower screen 9 form, for example, as a U-profile or L-profile with cover. The light unit 1 can also be so far from the shower wall 9 be spaced that still enough first light 3 in the shower wall 9 is coupled. For example, the first light could be 3 be coupled by a laser light source from the ceiling.

In 2 is an example of the lighting unit 1 shown a housing 5 with a series of light sources 2 that the first light 3 generate. The housing 5 is preferred as a frame for the shower wall 9 formed or is preferably in the context of the shower wall 9 integrated. The at least one or the plurality of light sources 2 are preferably arranged on an elongate board which has a contact connection to a power supply at one point. Preferably, the power supply is one of the shower wall 9 and the shower remotely located power supply that provides a non-hazardous extra voltage for which the light unit 1 is preferably designed. Preferably, the frame is attached to all sides of the shower wall.

In 3 an example of a second embodiment of the light therapy system for pain treatment and / or pain prophylaxis during showering is shown. Here is the light unit 1 on the first surface of the shower screen 9 so arranged that the first light 3 from the first surface to the second surface of the shower screen 9 through and out of it as the second light 4 exit. The light unit is preferred 1 trained and arranged to be the first light 3 substantially perpendicular to the first surface of the shower screen 9 radiates, so that the second light 4 only slightly less light intensity than the first light 3 , Preferably, the second surface may also be roughened to have a greater scattering effect. Preferably, the second surface is formed in the exit region so as to emit as much light intensity as possible to the treatment area of the patient. The light unit is preferred 1 in the exit area of the second light 4 on the first surface of the shower screen 9 arranged. Here is the light unit 1 on the first surface of the shower screen 9 preferably glued, screwed, hung or attached via at least one suction cup. Preferably, the light unit 1 one to the shower wall 9 open but air-tight sealed to the circulating air channel, which can be placed under negative pressure to the light unit 1 by vacuum on the shower screen 9 to attach and be able to solve by a pressure equalization again.

Preferably, as well as in 3 shown, the housing has 5 the light unit 1 a latticed structure of webs 5a and intermediate openings 5b on, behind the jetties 5a the at least one light source 2 or a variety of light sources 2 are arranged. The openings 5b are translucent, which represents a visually pleasing structure and which makes you look good enough through the shower screen 9 in the area of the light unit 1 can see through. Preferably, the lattice-shaped structure of the housing 5 a plurality of openings in the range of 4-100, but it may also be fewer or more openings.

In 4 is the light unit 1 on the shower screen 9 shown in a side view as a sectional view. You can see the webs 5a and the openings 5b and the light sources 2 ,

Preferably, the light source comprises 2 Here are a variety of laser diodes, which are the first light 3 produce. In this case, it is also possible to use stray filters for a light distribution.

The openings are preferred 5b to the jetties 5a an area ratio of at least 50% or at least 25%.

The second surface of the shower screen 9 is preferably smooth in the second embodiment, thereby enabling easy cleaning. Because the first light 3 preferably with a substantially vertical angle of incidence in the shower wall 9 enters, the first light enters 3 largely unhindered or little reflected through the shower wall.

The position of the light unit is preferred 1 changeable and adjustable, for example, to another patient. Thus, the treatment area can be changed, such as for the neck, head or knees.

In 5 is another embodiment of the light unit 1 shown in which the light unit 1 to the first light 3 in addition, another light 6 in an opposite direction.

In 6 a modified embodiment of the light therapy system is shown in which the shower wall 9 and accordingly also the light unit 1 are designed around.

Generally:

The shower wall is preferred 9 one for the first light 3 transparent pane made of glass, ESG, VSG glass or acrylic glass or another material. Here, the shower wall 9 outside of an optical area, the top to the light pipe and Radiating, including non-transparent parts, such as a frame member, a mirror coating, glued hinges or other parts.

The shower wall is preferred 9 either fixed, sliding, hinged or hinged to the shower. The shower wall 9 may have a flat or round shape.

The light unit is preferred 1 on an outer side of the shower screen 9 , which is the first surface, arranged, which remains dry.

Preferably, the at least one light source 2 an LED or a plurality of LEDs or laser diodes. The plurality of light sources is preferred 2 arrayed or arranged in rows. Preferably, the at least one light source 2 a plurality of LEDs in order to produce the broadest and broadest possible radiation characteristic. Preferably, the at least one light source 2 an LED or a series of LEDs with different wavelengths or spectral ranges.

Preferably, the light unit comprises 1 a motion sensor for detecting the patient, wherein the detection of the patient is an activation or intensification of the light source 2 triggers and controls. Preferably, upon activation, the light source remains 2 activated for a preset time.

The light unit is preferred 1 formed by a first emission direction of the first light 3 in the direction of the shower wall 9 and additionally a second opposite emission direction of another light 6 that is from the shower screen 9 away radiates, as in 5 exemplified. In this case, the more light 6 the same spectral range as the first light 3 , However, the further light can preferably also have a spectral range and a light intensity which are adapted for a further therapeutic application.

Preferably, at least a portion of the first and second surfaces has an inwardly directed reflection, wherein at least a second portion of the second surface, which is the exit region for the second light 4 forms, open, that is unobstructed, or is designed as a hole pattern to from the second section, the second light 4 to let escape. Preferably, the second portion of the surface is formed by stripes or by the hole pattern so that a substantially uniform light emission of the second light 4 along or over the second section.

The shower wall is preferred 9 a fixed or a movable side wall, a swinging door, a sliding door, or another fixed or movable shower wall element.

The standards in the 1 - 5 are intended only as examples and to a purely schematic representation. Real yardsticks show the standards of the shower walls 9 or shower wall parts, wherein the light units may be larger or much smaller than shown, can fail.

Further possible embodiments are described in the following claims.

In particular, the various features of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other, as far as they are not technically exclusive.

The reference numerals mentioned in the claims are only for clarity and do not limit the claims in any way to the shapes shown in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

light unit

2

light source

3

first light

4

second light

5

casing

5a

web

5b

opening

6

another light

9

shower screen

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• Prof. Dr. Hubert J. Bardenheuer (University Hospital Heidelberg), Lecture Frankfurt, March 7, 2013 [0002]
• http://www.philips.de/e/bluetouch/home.html#blue-light-technology: "Therapy with blue light" [0002]

Claims (13)

Light therapy system for pain treatment and prophylaxis during a shower, comprising: a) at least one light unit ( 1 ) with a housing ( 5 ) and at least one light source ( 2 ), wherein the light source ( 2 ) a first light ( 3 ) is generated and emitted with a bluish spectrum; and b) a shower wall ( 9 ) which at least partially for the first light ( 3 ) is transparent and has a first and a second surface and end faces; c) the light unit ( 1 ) so on the shower wall ( 9 ) is arranged that the first light ( 3 ) in the shower wall ( 9 ), through the shower wall ( 9 ) goes through and as a second light ( 4 ) at least from the second surface of the shower wall ( 9 ) exit. A light therapy system according to claim 1, wherein the bluish spectrum has an intensity peak lying in the wavelength range of 435-480 nm or 400-500 nm, which is particularly well suited for pain treatment and / or prophylaxis in humans; and / or wherein the bluish spectrum is a mixture of different therapeutic wavelength ranges, wherein a first wavelength maximum in the range of 435-480 nm or 400-500 nm for pain treatment or prophylaxis in humans and a second wavelength maximum in the range of 315-400 nm UV-A skin stimulation or bacterial destruction is. A light therapy system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light unit ( 1 ) so on the shower wall ( 9 ) is arranged that the first light ( 3 ) in at least one end face of the shower wall ( 9 ), the first light ( 3 ) in an interior of the shower wall ( 9 ), wherein at least the second surface of the shower wall ( 9 ) in an exit region of the second light ( 4 ) so roughened or the shower wall ( 9 ) is formed in this region, so that the light in the exit region on the second surface than the second light ( 4 ) exit. Light therapy system according to claim 3, wherein also the first surface of the shower wall ( 9 ) is roughened or has bumps to the second light ( 4 ) to emerge also on the first surface. A light therapy system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light unit ( 1 ) on the first surface of the shower wall ( 9 ) is arranged so that the first light ( 3 ) from the first surface to the second surface of the shower wall ( 9 ) and from this as the second light ( 4 ) exit. A light therapy system according to claim 5, wherein the housing ( 5 ) of the light unit ( 1 ) a latticed structure of webs ( 5a ) and intermediate openings ( 5b ), wherein behind the webs ( 5a ) the at least one light source ( 2 ) and the openings ( 5b ) are transparent, so that through the openings ( 5b ) of the light unit ( 1 ) can see through. A light therapy system according to claim 6, wherein the openings ( 5b ) to the webs ( 5a ) have an area ratio of at least 50%. Light therapy system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the shower wall ( 9 ) one for the first light ( 3 ) is transparent disc; and / or wherein the light unit ( 1 ) on an outer side of the shower wall ( 9 ), which remains dry. Light therapy system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source ( 2 ) comprises a plurality of LEDs, which are arranged in a matrix or row. Light therapy system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the light unit ( 1 ) comprises a motion sensor for detecting a person and upon detection of the person the light source ( 2 ) is activated; and / or wherein upon activation the light source ( 2 ) remains activated for a preset time. Light therapy system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the light unit ( 1 ) is formed by a first emission direction of the first light ( 3 ) in the direction of the shower wall ( 9 ) and in addition a second opposite emission direction of a further light ( 6 ), which from the shower wall ( 9 ) away. A light therapy system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the first and second surfaces has an inwardly directed mirroring, wherein at least a second portion of the second surface that covers the exit area for the second light ( 4 ) is formed, is open or formed as a hole pattern, in the second section or the exit area, the second light ( 4 ) to let escape. Light therapy system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the shower wall ( 9 ) is a fixed or a movable side wall, a swinging door, a sliding door or another fixed or movable shower wall element and / or wherein the shower wall ( 9 ) a flat or curved shape and the light unit ( 1 ) is adjusted accordingly.

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