JP2006015051A - Photo-therapy apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photo-therapy apparatus which does not emit harmful ultraviolet rays of less than 280 nm, can emit useful ultraviolet rays of 280-400 nm and infrared rays of 650-1,500 nm, eliminating visible light rays between the ultraviolet rays and the infrared rays. <P>SOLUTION: The photo-therapy apparatus has a spectroscopic correcting filter which does not transmit the ultraviolet rays of less than 280 nm and transmits the ultraviolet rays of 280-400 nm and the infrared rays of 650-1,500 nm and substantially blocks at least wavelength components between the ultraviolet rays and the infrared rays. The spectroscopic correcting filter has a first area to transmit the ultraviolet rays and a second area to transmit the infrared rays in the same surface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a phototherapy device, and more particularly to a phototherapy device capable of irradiating a light beam combining ultraviolet rays and infrared rays.

  In this type of phototherapy device, keratinocytes are stimulated and synthesized by ultraviolet rays, and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) generation action and infrared rays are stimulated to expand blood vessels from outside the body (thermal stimulation), The blood circulation promoting action that improves the flow is one of the important factors.

  For this purpose, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a phototherapy device in which a xenon lamp and a multilayer-deposited spectral correction filter are combined. The characteristics of the spectral correction filter here are shown in FIG. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the emitted lights 611, 614, and 615 are transmitted through the filter A 612 having the characteristics shown in FIG. 6C and the filter B 613 having the characteristics shown in FIG. . The filter characteristics at this time are shown in FIG. That is, a filter through which the emitted light 611, 614, 615 is transmitted between the wavelength λ1 and the wavelength λ2.

  In this example, a spectral distribution similar to a so-called sun bath using sunlight is provided. Patent Document 2 discloses a phototherapy device that has a therapeutic effect by irradiation with light and has little stimulation to the retina.

JP-A-2002-263206 (p.2-3, FIGS. 3 and 6) JP2003-325684A (FIG. 4) Fukui Yasuhiko, “Rehabilitation Medicine Complete Book 8 Physical Therapy”, 3rd edition, Ishiyaku Shuppan Co., Ltd., May 1991, p35-43 Negishi Naoki, Kikuchi Nobu, “Infrared Biological Action”, Ceramics, Japan Ceramic Society, 1988, 23rd, No. 4, p335-339

  However, Non-Patent Document 1 describes that the wavelength having the main action does not necessarily have to be continuous light in a wide band like sunlight, and it is only necessary to have ultraviolet rays and near infrared rays.

  However, since the spectral correction filter used in the phototherapy device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not transmit a wavelength of 800 nm to 1000 nm, which has a high skin penetration power, it can sufficiently provide the original thermal stimulus. I can't.

Further, in Patent Document 1, heat more than necessary is generated by near infrared rays. However, in the xenon lamp shown in the embodiment of Patent Document 1, the relative value of the whole wavelength is not so much even if the emission line spectrum is considered. It does not radiate strong infrared rays, and infrared rays with high skin permeability of 800 nm to 1000 nm are in a state equal to nothing. Furthermore, although some infrared rays of 1000 nm or more are radiated, infrared penetration of 1500 nm or more drastically decreases skin penetration and is absorbed by almost the upper layer of the skin. It is not possible to perform the function as a phototherapy device. (Non-Patent Document 2)
The main object of the present invention is to irradiate useful ultraviolet rays of 280 nm to 400 nm and infrared rays of 650 nm to 1500 nm without being irradiated with harmful ultraviolet rays of less than 280 nm, excluding visible light between ultraviolet rays and infrared rays. It is to provide a phototherapy device.

  Therefore, it is a phototherapy device that performs treatment by irradiating the affected area with ultraviolet rays and infrared rays, and the emitted light has at least one kind of light source having an emission line or continuous spectrum in the range of 280 nm to 2500 nm, and less than 280 nm A spectral correction filter that does not transmit ultraviolet light and transmits ultraviolet light of 280 nm to 400 nm and infrared light of 650 nm to 1500 nm and substantially blocks at least a wavelength component between the ultraviolet light and the infrared light, Has a structure in which the first region that transmits the ultraviolet rays and the second region that transmits the infrared rays are in the same plane, and the first region and the second region have substantially the same area. It is characterized by having.

  At this time, the light source is selected from the group including xenon lamps, fluorescent lamps (= low pressure mercury lamps including ultraviolet fluorescent lamps and sterilizing lamps), high pressure mercury lamps, ultrahigh pressure mercury lamps and light bulbs. be able to.

  According to the present invention, the first effect can block ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of less than 280 nm harmful to the human body. The second effect is that 280 nm to 400 nm ultraviolet rays useful for the treatment of skin diseases and the like, and 650 nm to 1500 nm infrared rays, in particular, light of around 800 nm, which has high skin permeability and a high thermal effect to warm the body from the outside, are efficiently used. A phototherapy device that irradiates and has less irritation to the eyes is provided, and an effect of enabling effective phototherapy is obtained.

Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied will be described. The following description is to describe the embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are omitted and simplified as appropriate. Moreover, those skilled in the art can easily change, add, and convert each element of the following embodiments within the scope of the present invention. In addition, what attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure has shown the same element, and abbreviate | omits description suitably.
(First embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (a) is a diagram schematically showing an outline of a cross section of the phototherapy device of the first embodiment of the present invention. is there. FIG. 1B is a front view of the filter described in the partial diagram (a). Referring to FIG. 1A, the phototherapy device 100 of this embodiment includes a xenon lamp 112 as a light source, and a xenon lamp 112. , A diffuse reflection plate 113 that reflects light toward the front, that is, the irradiation window 111 side, a filter unit 110 that transmits only radiated light in a desired wavelength range, a starter 115 and a lamp driving circuit, A power supply unit (not shown) including a control circuit, a display circuit, and the like is included.

  Moreover, it has a cooling fan 116 for cooling the lamp 112 and peripheral members, and a power supply cable attaching portion 117 for supplying power to the phototherapy device 100. The light emitted from the xenon lamp 112 is blocked by the filter unit 110 in the harmful wavelength band and corrected to an appropriate intensity, and is irradiated from the irradiation window (not shown) to the irradiated part (not shown). Not). In FIG. 1 (a), illustration of electrical connections and the like between components is omitted to avoid inconvenience and make it easy to understand.

  Next, referring to FIG. 1B, the filter unit 110 that transmits only the radiated light in a desired wavelength band transmits the filter A (110-1) that transmits the first transmission wavelength and the second transmission wavelength. Filter B (110-2) to be arranged on the same plane. That is, the filter unit 110 has a structure that is divided into two by the filter A (110-1) and the filter B (110-2).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the filter unit 110. FIG. 2A shows characteristics of a filter that transmits ultraviolet rays of 280 nm to 400 nm and infrared rays of 650 nm to 1500 nm. The filter A has a characteristic of transmitting ultraviolet rays of 280 nm to 400 nm (see FIG. 2B). The filter B has a characteristic of transmitting infrared rays with a wavelength of 650 nm to 1500 nm (see FIG. 2C).

  The filter unit 110 of the phototherapy device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a filter A and a filter B divided into two (see FIG. 2D). Furthermore, the filter unit 110 of the phototherapy device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a filter (110-3) in which the filter A and the filter B are alternately divided into four (FIG. 2). (See (e)).

  Further, although not shown, the filter unit 110 of the phototherapy device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a filter in which the filters A and B are alternately divided into eight.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the filter unit 110 may have a configuration in which the area ratio between the filter A and the filter B is different.

  A xenon lamp driving circuit (not shown) included in the control circuit unit switches a voltage obtained by rectifying AC100V to generate a high-frequency voltage, transforms the voltage, and then rectifies and smoothes the lamp 112 to light up. In order to facilitate the start of the lamp 112, a high voltage is applied from the starter 115 for a certain period of time. The xenon lamp 112 is cooled by the cooling fan 116 because its life is shortened if the temperature during lighting is too high. Further, in order to change the light intensity according to the symptoms of the skin disease that is not shown in the figure, it is simple and useful to change the distance between the irradiated part and the xenon lamp 112 as the light source. A distance between the irradiated portion and the light source is measured by a sensor (not shown), and an appropriate display is displayed on, for example, the operation panel unit according to the measurement result.

The emission spectrum of the xenon lamp has a broad emission spectrum with a wavelength of 220 nm to 2500 nm, and is one of light sources suitable as a light source for phototherapy devices, but contains ultraviolet rays harmful to the human body with a wavelength of less than 280 nm. This wavelength band needs to be cut. In addition, there is a strong line spectrum of xenon in the near-infrared region where the wavelength is around 750 nm to 1000 nm, which is effective for the treatment of skin diseases, but also moderate to suppress acute skin inflammation and excessive skin drying. Need to control.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention, and schematically showing a schematic cross section of a phototherapy device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a phototherapy device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a xenon lamp 212 as a light source, a light source holder 214 loaded with the xenon lamp 212, and a front portion, that is, an irradiation window portion 211. An elliptical reflector 213 that reflects to the side and connects the focal point 221, a filter unit 210 that transmits only radiated light in a desired wavelength range, a starter 215, a lamp drive circuit, a control circuit, a display circuit, and the like. .

  Moreover, it has a cooling fan 216 for cooling the lamp 212 and the peripheral members, and a power supply cable attachment portion 217 for supplying power to the phototherapy device 200. The light emitted from the xenon lamp 212 is blocked by the filter unit 210 in the harmful wavelength band and is corrected to an appropriate intensity, and is irradiated from the irradiation window (not shown) to the irradiated part (not shown). Not).

  Furthermore, the phototherapy device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a light guide 223 that guides light 222 from the focal point 221.

Here, the filter unit 210 of the phototherapy device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same characteristics as the filter unit 110 of the phototherapy device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Further, the configuration is such that the filter A and the filter B are divided into two (see FIG. 2D). Furthermore, the filter unit 210 of the phototherapy device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be configured so that the filter A and the filter B are alternately divided into four (see FIG. 2E).
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention, and schematically showing a schematic cross section of a phototherapy device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The phototherapy device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the light guide 323 for guiding the light 322 from the focal point 321 and the cylindrical light guide 330, and the light therapy according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It has the same components as the vessel 200. These identical components are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The phototherapy device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a filter A and a filter B in the filter unit 110 of the phototherapy device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and further includes a neutral filter 131. It is a configuration.

  According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), it is possible to control the amount of transmission uniformly such as 30 to 50% with respect to the wavelength.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the first to third embodiments, the heat radiating holes 441 are provided corresponding to the back side of the reflecting plate. Thereby, the air flow 440 sent from the fan 415 efficiently cools the xenon lamp.

  Still further, the light guide 223 in the phototherapy device 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention is specifically replaced with an optical fiber for illumination used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) or the like. You can also. Similarly, the cylindrical light guide 330 in the phototherapy device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is converted into a photodynamic therapy (PDT: Photo) in the same manner as the phototherapy device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It can be replaced with an optical fiber for illumination used in Dynamic Therapy).

  Further, the spectral correction filter 110 used in the phototherapy device 100 of the present embodiment is configured to transmit ultraviolet rays of 280 nm to 400 nm and infrared rays of 650 nm to 1500 nm. Specifically, for example, those containing divalent and trivalent iron ions based on phosphate glass can be used. In this case, the transmittance of 280 nm to 2500 nm, particularly 600 nm to 1000 nm can be controlled by the iron ion content, and the transmittance of 800 nm is more preferably 30% to 70%. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the spectral transmission characteristics of the spectral correction filter 110, with the horizontal axis and the vertical axis representing the light wavelength (unit: nm) and spectral transmittance (unit:%), respectively. The light irradiated from the irradiation window 111 of the phototherapy device 100 of the present embodiment blocks ultraviolet light having a wavelength less than 280 nm harmful to the human body, and the light having a wavelength of 280 nm to 2500 nm has a wavelength of about 750 nm to 1000 nm. Transmission can be performed while suppressing the intensity of a strong line spectrum in the vicinity. In particular, the transmittance of the spectral correction filter 110 at a wavelength of 800 nm is 50% or more, and the intensity of light having a wavelength near 800 nm can be secured. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 280 nm to 400 nm and infrared rays having a wavelength of 650 nm to 1500 nm useful for the treatment of skin diseases and the like, particularly a light having a temperature of about 800 nm, which has high skin permeability and a high thermal effect to warm the body from the outside. it can.

  FIG. 6 is a graph showing the characteristics of a spectral correction filter conventionally used for comparison with the characteristics of the spectral correction filter of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of spectral irradiance distribution used in a conventional phototherapy device, with the horizontal axis and the vertical axis representing the wavelength of light (unit: nm) and the spectral radiation intensity, respectively.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of the spectral irradiance distribution used in the phototherapy device of this embodiment, with the horizontal axis and the vertical axis representing the wavelength of light (unit: nm) and the spectral radiation intensity, respectively. is there. As is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the phototherapy device of this embodiment can substantially eliminate light that is dazzling in the eyes.

  As described above, the phototherapy device of the present invention blocks ultraviolet rays having a wavelength harmful to the human body that is less than 280 nm, and is useful for treating skin diseases and the like, and ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 280 nm to 400 nm and infrared rays having a wavelength of 650 nm to 1500 nm. It can efficiently irradiate light near 800 nm, which has high skin permeability and warms the body from the outside, and has a large thermal effect, and a large therapeutic effect can be obtained with a simple configuration.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to description of the said embodiment, A various change is possible within the range of the technical thought.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a xenon lamp having continuous light emission in a wide band is used as the light source. However, a first light source such as an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp having a main light emission region at 280 nm to 400 nm and a main light source at 650 nm to 1000 nm are used. For example, a second light source such as a halogen light bulb having a light emitting area may be combined.

  Since the halogen light bulb can be made smaller in size than the general infrared light bulb, the entire phototherapy device can be made smaller and functional. However, it emits light in a wide wavelength range from ultraviolet to far infrared. Therefore, when the light source is composed of a first light source such as an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp and a second light source such as a halogen bulb, only the light from the halogen bulb is transmitted through the spectral correction filter with an appropriate light distribution means, for example. It suffices to block ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of less than 280 nm.

  As another configuration example of the light source, a sterilizing lamp may be used as the first light source, and a halogen bulb may be combined with the second light source. In this case, since the light emitted from the first light source also contains ultraviolet light having a wavelength less than 280 nm that is harmful to the human body, it is necessary to block the light having a wavelength less than 280 nm with the spectral correction filter. Therefore, in this case, after the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source is combined by appropriate first and second light distribution means (both not shown), one spectral correction filter is used. It is reasonable to control the light that is obtained. In addition, as a light distribution means, for example, when the shape of the lamp is annular, it can be distributed in the irradiation direction with a parabolic reflector, and when the shape of the lamp is tubular, it is formed with a metal plate such as a stainless steel plate. It is also possible to place the inner surface in a mirror-treated container so that light is efficiently reflected, and to open only a portion where light distribution is desired.

  In the case where the light source is composed of the first light source and the second light source, in the above example, the halogen light bulb is used as the second light source. However, it is possible to replace this with an infrared light bulb or an incandescent light bulb. The transmission characteristics of the spectral correction filter may be adjusted according to the light bulb used.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a single spectral correction filter is used has been described. However, a plurality of spectral correction filters are used to select a wavelength according to the light source used to obtain target irradiation light. In addition, the strength may be adjusted.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the phototherapy device of the present invention can be used in combination with support means having appropriate moving means such as casters and the description thereof will be omitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a filter. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the filter part of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the spectral radiation intensity distribution of the phototherapy device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the conventional filter part. It is a graph which shows the example of the conventional spectral radiation intensity distribution. It is a graph which shows the example of the spectral radiation intensity distribution of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of another filter part. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a neutral filter part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,200,300 Phototherapy device 110,210 Filter part 111 Irradiation window part 112 Xenon lamp 113 Diffuse reflector 114 Light source holder 115 Starter 116 Cooling fan 117 Power supply power cable attachment part

Claims (11)

A phototherapy device that performs treatment by irradiating an affected area with irradiation light including ultraviolet rays and infrared rays, and at least one light source having emission lines or continuous spectrum in the range of 280 nm to 2500 nm, and 280 nm A spectral correction filter that transmits ultraviolet rays of 280 nm to 400 nm and infrared rays of 650 nm to 1500 nm without transmitting less ultraviolet rays, and substantially blocks at least a wavelength component between the ultraviolet rays and the infrared rays, The correction filter has a structure in which the first region that transmits the ultraviolet rays and the second region that transmits the infrared rays are in the same plane, and the first region and the second region are substantially equal. A phototherapy device having an area. The spectral correction filter has a structure in which a first region that transmits the ultraviolet light and a second region that transmits the infrared light are in the same plane, and the first region and the second region are The phototherapy device according to claim 1 divided into two. The spectral correction filter has a structure in which a first region that transmits the ultraviolet light and a second region that transmits the infrared light are in the same plane, and the first region and the second region are The phototherapy device according to claim 1 divided into four. The spectral correction filter has a structure in which a first region that transmits the ultraviolet light and a second region that transmits the infrared light are in the same plane, and the first region and the second region are The phototherapy device according to claim 1, which is divided into eight. The phototherapy device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a neutral filter that attenuates the intensity of the transmitted light of the spectral correction filter. 6. The phototherapy device according to claim 5, wherein the neutral filter has a transmittance at 800 nm of 30% to 70%. The phototherapy device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a reflector so that the emitted light of the light source emits the irradiation light. 2. The light source is selected from the group including a xenon lamp, a fluorescent lamp (= low pressure mercury lamp including ultraviolet fluorescent lamp and sterilizing lamp), a high pressure mercury lamp, an ultra high pressure mercury lamp and a light bulb. The phototherapy device according to any one of 1 to 7. The phototherapy device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the spectral correction filter is an optical filter in which a glass substrate is provided with a predetermined metal ion to have spectral characteristics. A phototherapy device that performs treatment by irradiating an affected area with irradiation light including ultraviolet rays and infrared rays, and at least one light source having emission lines or continuous spectrum in the range of 280 nm to 2500 nm, and 280 nm A spectral correction filter that transmits ultraviolet rays of 280 nm to 400 nm and infrared rays of 650 nm to 1500 nm without transmitting less ultraviolet rays, and substantially blocks at least a wavelength component between the ultraviolet rays and the infrared rays, The correction filter has a structure in which the first region that transmits the ultraviolet rays and the second region that transmits the infrared rays are in the same plane, and the first region and the second region have different areas. A phototherapy device comprising: The phototherapy device according to claim 7, further comprising a light guide that guides the irradiation light.

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