JP2016214588A - Optical treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical treatment device equipped with an organic electroluminescent element in which heat generation during treatment is reduced, and adhesion and curved surface adaptability with an affected part are excellent, and which can stably irradiate light of a wavelength optimum for treatment, which exerts a high optical treatment effect.SOLUTION: An optical treatment device includes an organic electroluminescent element whose light-emitting wavelength is in a wavelength region of 400-2,000 nm as a surface emitting light source. The organic electroluminescent element has two or more kinds of luminescent materials with different light emission wavelengths on a flexible substrate, and has an adhesive layer that comes in contact with an affected part on the surface opposite to the surface having the luminescent materials on the flexible substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a phototherapy device, and more particularly to a phototherapy device comprising an organic electroluminescence element containing two or more luminescent materials as an irradiation light source and an adhesive layer.

  Conventionally, it is known that treatment with light irradiation, so-called phototherapy, is effective for a specific disease. For example, treatment for pain relief such as stiff shoulders and low back pain and thin hair treatment is performed by irradiation with red light or infrared light. By irradiating this infrared ray, for example, near-infrared light, by expanding the blood vessels, increasing tissue blood flow, suppressing the excitement of the sympathetic nervous system, activating cellular tissues and promoting wound healing, It is well known to work on inflammatory cytokines and analgesics to produce anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In particular, it has been clarified that the near-infrared region in the vicinity of a wavelength of 800 to 900 nm with little absorption to water, hemoglobin, and melanin is excellent in living body permeability and suppresses inflammation and pain by an action mechanism different from the thermal effect. . On the other hand, for treatment of atopic dermatitis, treatment by irradiation with blue light or ultraviolet light is performed.

  In this way, light of various wavelengths is used for the treatment of various diseases, and the method of treating using such irradiation light is called phototherapy, and photochemotherapeutic agents are used in combination with light irradiation. Such a treatment method is called photodynamic therapy (PDT, Photo Dynamic Therapy). In this PDT, a photosensitive therapeutic agent known as a photochemotherapeutic agent is supplied to the treated area of the body from the outside or the inside. These therapies can be used to treat various skin and internal diseases.

  As a phototherapy device used for the phototherapy as described above, a plurality of light emitting means in which inorganic light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as LEDs) are arranged on the surface, and each of the light emitting means emits light. There has been proposed a phototherapy device for performing treatment such as remission of inflammatory pain with near-infrared light, which includes a control means for controlling the amount and light emission time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the phototherapy device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the light intensity distribution and the temperature distribution on the treatment light irradiation surface are made uniform, and the treatment light is uniformly irradiated to the entire irradiation surface serving as a treatment site. It is said that the effect can be enhanced.

  However, an LED used as a light source has a rigid diffuser plate and the like, and is a light-emitting element with poor flexibility. For example, the curved surface structure of an affected area to be treated is irradiated with light uniformly. When trying to do so, it is necessary to arrange a large number of LEDs, the light emission control of a large number of LEDs becomes complicated, and the influence of heat generated by the LEDs themselves is also a problem.

  In response to the above problems, a phototherapy device using an organic light-emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as an organic electroluminescence element, an OLED, or an organic EL element) as a light source has been proposed. For example, a device for phototherapy is disclosed in which a mobile device used for therapeutic or cosmetic treatment is treated by light irradiation using an organic light-emitting diode as an organic light-emitting semiconductor in an area to be treated (for example, Patent Documents). 2).

  It is also a phototherapy device using organic electroluminescence elements, using a flexible base material, for the purpose of monitoring a flexible conformal medical light source and blood properties (for example, the level of CO, oxygen, or bilirubin) Related diagnostic devices and phototherapy devices for the treatment of animals such as psoriasis and some forms of cancer are disclosed (see, for example, US Pat.

  However, in the phototherapy device using the proposed organic EL element, the device is devised to irradiate the affected part with uniform light. However, the light source unit of the phototherapy device composed of OLEDs In many cases, the affected part having a curved surface is often arranged at a position spaced apart from the affected part. As a result, the affected area such as arms, legs, face, and torso moves or moves during treatment, resulting in a deviation in the direction of the light beam during irradiation and the position of the affected area, thus providing effective phototherapy. I can't do that.

  On the other hand, in phototherapy, selecting an optimal wavelength for light irradiation according to the type of treatment target is an important condition for enhancing the phototherapy effect. Further, in the phototherapy device having a specific emission wavelength, the skin color varies depending on the race of the target patient, for example, white, yellow race, black, etc., individual differences, and age differences. It is difficult to irradiate all target patients with light with an optimal spectrum of light.

  For such a problem, a phototherapy device having an organic electroluminescence element that emits a therapeutic wavelength and a control module that controls light emission conditions of the organic electroluminescence element is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 4). . According to the method disclosed here, by selecting a plurality of OLEDs or controlling light emission with a control module, the light irradiation system can be controlled to irradiate light having a desired wavelength. .

  However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 4 is a method of performing treatment by combining a plurality of monochromatic light emitting OLEDs and having OLEDs having light emission necessary for treatment in order to obtain a toning function. Since a large number of OLEDs are arranged, the size of the device is increased, and there is a problem that uniformity of light emission luminance, wearability at the time of treatment, a control circuit as a phototherapy device becomes complicated, and cannot function efficiently. ing.

  Therefore, a phototherapy device using an organic EL element (OLED) as a light source can stably adhere to the affected area of the curved surface to be treated, and a single irradiation light corresponding to the phototherapy purpose can be obtained. The development of a phototherapy device that can cope with this type of organic EL element and generates a small amount of heat during irradiation is eagerly desired.

JP 2009-055969 A JP 2005-520583 A JP-T 2007-518467 Special table 2012-514498 gazette

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the solution to the problem is that there is little heat generation at the time of treatment, the adhesiveness to the affected area and the curved surface correspondence are excellent, and the light having the optimum wavelength for treatment is stabilized. It is an object of the present invention to provide a phototherapy device having an organic electroluminescence element that can be irradiated and having a high phototherapy effect.

  As a result of intensive studies in view of the above problems, the present inventors have a wide emission wavelength range from the visible light range to the infrared light range, and two or more types of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths on a flexible substrate. The surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the surface having the light-emitting material, and the phototherapy device having an adhesive layer on the surface facing the affected area on which phototherapy is performed, causes less fever during treatment, and the affected area. The present inventors have found that a phototherapy device that is excellent in adhesiveness and curved surface compatibility and can stably irradiate light having a wavelength optimal for treatment can be obtained.

  That is, the said subject of this invention is solved by the following means.

1. A phototherapy device comprising an organic electroluminescence element having an emission wavelength in the wavelength range of 400 to 2000 nm as a surface-emitting light source,
The organic electroluminescence element has two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths on a flexible substrate,
An apparatus for phototherapy, comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in contact with an affected area on a surface of the flexible substrate opposite to a surface having the light emitting material.

  2. 2. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the organic electroluminescence element has a color matching function for adjusting a light emission wavelength.

  3. The thickness of the said organic electroluminescent element is 500 micrometers or less, The apparatus for phototherapy of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  4). The light emitting material having two or more kinds of different emission wavelengths is selected from materials having a light emission maximum wavelength in a wavelength range of 400 nm or more and less than 700 nm. The phototherapy device according to 1.

  5. Item 4 is characterized in that the light emitting material has three kinds of light emitting materials having different light emitting wavelengths, and the light emitting maximum wavelengths of the light emitting materials are in the range of 430 to 470 nm, 500 to 540 nm, and 610 to 650 nm. The device for phototherapy as described.

  6). The light emitting material having two or more kinds of emission wavelengths different from each other is selected from materials having a light emission maximum wavelength in a wavelength region of 700 nm or more and less than 950 nm. The phototherapy device according to 1.

  7). Item 7. The light emitting material having two types of light emitting wavelengths different from each other, and the light emitting maximum wavelength of each of the light emitting materials is in a range of 780 to 820 nm and in a range of 880 to 920 nm. Light therapy device.

  8). The organic electroluminescence element has two or more organic functional layer units sandwiched between a pair of electrodes on a flexible substrate, has an intermediate electrode between the organic functional layer units, and the two or more The organic functional layer unit comprises a total of two or more luminescent materials having different emission wavelengths, The phototherapy device according to any one of items 1 to 7 above.

  9. The phototherapy device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein a photochemotherapeutic agent is used together with the organic electroluminescence element.

  By means of the above-mentioned means of the present invention, an organic electroluminescence device is provided that has little heat generation at the time of treatment, has excellent adhesion to the affected area and is compatible with a curved surface, and can stably irradiate light having a wavelength optimal for treatment. It is possible to provide a phototherapy device having a high phototherapy effect. Furthermore, various effects can be obtained with one phototherapy device.

  It is presumed that the above problem can be solved by the configuration defined in the present invention for the following reason.

  In the phototherapy device of the present invention, the organic electroluminescence element used for the treatment has a structure in which two or more organic functional layer units including a light emitting layer are stacked, and is in close contact with the affected part on the opposite side across the substrate. It has an adhesive layer.

  In general, an organic electroluminescent element is applied with a large current, and the current efficiency (cd / A) decreases as the luminance increases. Therefore, in a treatment apparatus that is used in a high luminance area, it is more efficient to divide and radiate an arbitrary luminance with a plurality of organic functional layer units, rather than driving a single organic functional layer unit. It is possible to suppress.

  Moreover, it is possible to freely adjust the shape and intensity of the emission color and emission spectrum by using light emitting materials having different emission colors for the plurality of organic functional layer units and driving them independently.

  For this reason, it has shape flexibility for the affected area of the curved surface to be treated, can be easily worn, and the user can freely adjust the spectrum of the irradiation light. Occasionally, the amount of heat generation was small, and a phototherapy device equipped with a high-brightness organic electroluminescence element could be realized.

Schematic which shows an example of the phototherapy method which adheres the apparatus for phototherapy provided with the flexible organic EL element to the affected part of a curved surface through an adhesive layer Schematic sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of the organic EL device according to the present invention Schematic sectional view showing an example (embodiment 1) of a configuration of an independently driven (toning method) organic EL element having two independent light emitting units Schematic sectional view showing an example (Embodiment 2) of a configuration of an independently driven (toning method) organic EL element having three independent light emitting units Schematic sectional view showing another example (embodiment 3) of the structure of an organic EL element of independent drive type (toning method) having three independent light emitting units

  The phototherapy device of the present invention comprises an organic electroluminescence element having a light emission wavelength in the wavelength range of 400 to 2000 nm as a surface light source, and the organic electroluminescence element has two or more kinds of light emission wavelengths on a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in contact with the affected area on the surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the surface having the light-emitting material. This feature is a technical feature common to the inventions according to claims 1 to 11.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the organic electroluminescence element has a toning function for adjusting a light emission wavelength, from the viewpoint that the effect of the present invention can be further expressed. In addition, when the thickness of the organic electroluminescence element is 500 μm or less, high flexibility can be obtained, and a light emitting surface shape can be stably formed corresponding to the form of the affected part. To preferred. In addition, the thickness of the organic electroluminescent element as used in the field of this invention means the range from the flexible base material (1) shown in FIG. 1 mentioned later to the flexible substrate (4) which comprises a sealing member, and the adhesion which concerns on this invention The thickness of the agent layer is not included.

  Further, as the light emitting materials having two or more different emission wavelengths, selecting from materials having a light emission maximum wavelength in a wavelength region of 400 nm or more and less than 700 nm, and furthermore, as three types of light emitting materials having different light emission wavelengths, Selecting and configuring a light-emitting material having a light emission maximum wavelength within the visible light range of 430 to 470 nm, 500 to 540 nm, and 610 to 650 nm is possible by using light in the visible light region to treat various diseases. This is a preferable configuration from the viewpoint that effective treatment can be performed for the symptom.

  Further, two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different light emission wavelengths are selected from materials having a light emission maximum wavelength in a wavelength region of 700 nm or more and less than 950 nm. Selecting and configuring a light emitting material having an emission maximum wavelength in the near infrared region of 820 nm and 880 to 920 nm is effective for treating various diseases and cosmetic symptoms using light in the near infrared region. This is a preferable configuration from the viewpoint of performing a typical treatment.

  In the phototherapy device of the present invention, two or more organic functional layers sandwiched between a pair of electrodes on a flexible substrate as a structure of an organic EL element containing two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths. Independently driven toning including a unit, an intermediate electrode between the organic functional layer units, and the two or more organic functional layer units including a total of two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths It is a system, and by driving each organic functional layer unit independently, a desired emission spectrum suitable for treatment can be stably emitted, and the effect of phototherapy can be maximized. be able to.

  In the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable to use a photochemotherapeutic agent together with phototherapy using an organic electroluminescence element from the viewpoint of further enhancing the phototherapy effect.

  Hereinafter, the present invention, its components, and modes and modes for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail. In addition, "-" shown in this invention is used in the meaning which includes the numerical value described before and behind that as a lower limit and an upper limit.

《Phototherapy device》
The phototherapy device of the present invention is a phototherapy device that uses an organic electroluminescence element as a surface-emitting light source and irradiates the affected area with light, and the organic electroluminescence element is provided on two types of flexible substrates. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a light emitting material having a different light emission wavelength, having a light emission wavelength in the range of 400 to 2000 nm, and being in contact with the affected area on the surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the surface having the light emitting material. It is characterized by having.

  Since the phototherapy device of the present invention has a flexible base material and is provided with an organic EL element that is freely bent, it can have a form corresponding to the shape of the treatment affected area having various curved surfaces, By providing a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the opposite surface side (surface facing the affected area) of the flexible base material, the organic EL element, which is a light source for phototherapy, can be arranged at an accurate position on the affected area, Displacement due to movement of the affected area during treatment can be prevented, and it is possible to irradiate the affected area with treatment light at a pinpoint, so there is no need to provide a large area surface emitting member, and stable conditions It is possible to obtain an effective therapeutic effect by enabling the light irradiation at, and suppressing the heat generation at the affected part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on the drawings. Here, first, a schematic overall configuration of the phototherapy device of the present invention will be described, and further, a basic configuration of the organic EL element and each embodiment of the organic EL element will be described. Subsequently, the outline | summary of the component of an organic EL element and the phototherapy method is demonstrated.

  In addition, in each embodiment demonstrated below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, numerals in parentheses after each constituent element indicate the reference numerals of the constituent elements described in each figure.

[Outline of phototherapy device]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a phototherapy method in which a phototherapy device including a flexible organic EL element is brought into close contact with a curved affected area via an adhesive layer.

  The phototherapy device (M) shown in FIG. 1 has a light emitting unit (U) including one or more organic functional layer units sandwiched between a pair of electrodes on a flexible substrate (1). An adhesive layer (5) is provided on the back side of the organic EL element (OLED) composed of the sealing adhesive layer (3) and the flexible sealing substrate (4) on the top and the flexible base material (1). It has been. The light emitting unit (U) is connected to a light emission control means (not shown) for controlling the light emission amount, the light emission wavelength, and the light emission time.

  An organic EL element (OLED) used for phototherapy is held in close contact with the affected area (AP) via the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5). At this time, the organic EL element (OLED) having the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5) has flexibility and can freely form shapes corresponding to various surface forms of the affected part (AP).

  In the following description, in the present invention, a configuration in which an organic functional layer unit including a light emitting layer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes and a flexible sealing member is provided on a flexible substrate is referred to as an “organic EL element (OLED)”. A configuration composed of a pair of electrodes, for example, an anode, a light emitting layer, an organic functional layer group, and a cathode is referred to as a “light emitting unit (U)”. It is called “organic functional layer unit (2)”.

  In the present invention, the phototherapy device (M) refers to a configuration composed of an organic EL element (OLED) and an adhesive layer (5). In the description using the following drawings, the adhesive layer (5 ) May be described as a constituent element of the organic EL element (OLED).

<< Basic structure of organic EL element >>
Next, a more detailed configuration of the organic EL element (OLED) will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a partial configuration diagram illustrating the configuration including the light emitting unit (U) of the organic EL element (OLED) shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. At this time, for the sake of convenience, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5) will be described as one element constituting the organic EL element (OLED).

  The organic EL element (OLED) according to the present invention has an organic functional layer unit (2) containing two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths on the flexible substrate (1).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, on the flexible substrate (1), a first electrode (6, for example, an anode) constituting a pair of electrodes, and a hole injection layer or a hole on the first electrode (6). Organic functional layer group 1 (7) composed of a transport layer and the like, a light emitting layer group (8) containing two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths, and an organic function composed of an electron injection layer and an electron transport layer It has an organic functional layer unit (2) composed of layer group 2 (9).

  In FIG. 2, only one organic functional layer unit (2) is shown for convenience, but a structure in which two or more organic functional layer units (2) are stacked may be used. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, when the organic functional layer unit (2) is used alone, the light emitting layer has a two-layer structure, and two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths are used in each light emitting layer. A configuration in which each of them exists separately is preferable.

  A second electrode (10, for example, a cathode) is formed on the organic functional layer unit (2) described above, and the light emitting unit (U) is formed from the first electrode (6) to the second electrode (10). Is configured. A sealing adhesive layer (3) and a flexible sealing substrate (4) are provided on the second electrode (10) so as to cover at least the organic functional layer unit (2), and an organic EL element ( OLED).

  In addition, the surface of the flexible substrate (1) opposite to the surface on which the light emitting unit (U) is formed is light transmissive, and the organic EL element (OLED) is in close contact with the affected area (AP). The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5) is provided. The light transmittance in the present invention means that the transmittance of the light emission wavelength of the organic EL element is 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, and more preferably in the wavelength range of 400 to 2000 nm. Is 85% or more.

  In the organic EL element (OLED) shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode (6) is formed of a transparent electrode, so that the emitted light L emitted from the light emitting point h of the light emitting unit (U) is a transparent electrode. It is taken out from the first electrode (6) side and irradiated to the affected area (AP) through the adhesive layer (5).

  The organic EL element (OLED) according to the present invention is characterized in that the emission wavelength is in the range of 400 to 2000 nm, which is from the visible light to the near infrared region. By having a specific light emission wavelength in such a wide light emission region, light emission suitable for organic EL treatment can be selected at any time. Such selection of the emission wavelength can be achieved by appropriately selecting the kind or combination of two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths used in the light emitting layer.

  In the organic EL device according to the present invention, a combination of emission wavelengths as shown below is a preferable embodiment from the viewpoint of further exerting the effects of the present invention.

  The first configuration is a case where light treatment is performed using a wavelength in the visible light region, and two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different light emission wavelengths are more than materials having a light emission maximum wavelength in the visible light region of 400 nm or more and less than 700 nm. The configuration to be selected. A more preferable combination is a blue light emitting material B having a light emission maximum wavelength in a blue light emission region of 430 to 470 nm and a green light emitting material having a light emission maximum wavelength in a green light emission region of 500 to 540 nm as light emitting materials having different light emission wavelengths. G and a combination of three kinds of red light-emitting material R having a light emission maximum wavelength in a red light emission region of 610 to 650 nm. With such a combination, it is possible to adjust the light to the optimum light for each light treatment in the visible light region.

  The second configuration is a configuration in which two or more types of light emitting materials having different light emission wavelengths are selected from materials having a light emission maximum wavelength in a near infrared wavelength region of 700 nm or more and less than 950 nm.

  As light used for phototherapy, near-infrared light having an emission wavelength in the range of 700 nm or more and less than 950 nm is not easily affected by hemoglobin, and therefore has a low light absorption rate in vivo, which is 10 in comparison with visible light. It is possible to travel a distance more than double, and it is possible to reach the deep part of the body, and as a result, effective phototherapy can be performed.

  A more preferable combination is a combination of a light emitting material having a light emission maximum wavelength in a wavelength region of 780 to 820 nm and a light emitting material having a light emission maximum wavelength in a wavelength region of 880 to 920 nm as light emitting materials having different light emission wavelengths.

<< Specific configuration of organic EL element >>
In the organic EL element which concerns on this invention, the structure described below is a preferable aspect.

  That is, as an organic EL element, two or more organic functional layer units are sandwiched between a pair of electrodes (for example, an anode and a cathode) on a flexible substrate, and an intermediate electrode is provided between the organic functional layer units. Forms two or more light emitting units (U) that can independently control light emission, and each of the light emitting layers constituting the two or more organic functional layer units includes a total of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths. The structure of the independent drive type | mold (coloring system) which contains 2 or more types by (Embodiment 1-3, refer FIGS. 3-5 mentioned later.).

  Next, a configuration of a typical organic EL element according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration of the organic EL element according to the present invention described below is not limited to the configuration exemplified here.

[Embodiment 1: Independently driven organic EL element having two independent light emitting units]
The organic EL element shown in FIG. 3 has two organic functional layer units on a pair of electrodes, an intermediate electrode is disposed between the two organic functional layer units, and each of the two light emitting units is formed independently. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example (embodiment 1) of the structure of the organic electroluminescent element of the independent drive type (coloring system) which is.

  The structure of the organic EL element (OLED) shown in FIG. 3 is that a transparent anode (6) is formed on a flexible substrate (1), and a first hole injection layer (HIL1) and a first hole are formed thereon. A hole transport layer (HTL1) is stacked, a first light emitting layer (12) is stacked thereon, and a first electron transport layer (ETL1) and a first electron injection layer (EIL1) are further formed thereon. ) To form an organic functional layer unit 1 (2A), an intermediate electrode (15) is formed on the organic functional layer unit 1 (2A), and a lead wire is provided between the anode (6) and the intermediate electrode (15). The first light emitting unit (U1) that can be independently controlled is configured by connecting at (11A).

  Next, a second hole injection layer (HIL2) and a second hole transport layer (HTL2) are laminated on the intermediate electrode (15), and a second light emitting layer (13) is laminated thereon. Furthermore, a second electron transport layer (ETL2) and a second electron injection layer (EIL2) are stacked thereon to form an organic functional layer unit 2 (2B), and a cathode (10) is provided as the uppermost layer. It has been. Further, the intermediate electrode (15) and the cathode (10) are connected by a lead wire (11B) to constitute a second light emitting unit (U2) capable of independent control.

  And it has an adhesive layer (5) in the surface on the opposite side to the surface in which each functional layer of the organic EL element of a flexible base material (1) is formed, and an organic EL element (OLED) in an affected part (AD) ) In close contact and the organic EL element (OLED) is placed at an accurate position, a high phototherapy effect can be exhibited.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting unit 1 (U1) is made independent by applying a voltage (V1) between the transparent anode (6) and the intermediate electrode (15) via the lead wire (11A). The light emitting unit 2 (U2) is independently driven by applying a voltage (V2) via the lead wire (11B) between the intermediate electrode (15) and the cathode (10). The emitted light (L) is emitted from the transparent anode (5) side.

  In such a configuration, the light emitting material contained in the first light emitting layer (12) constituting the organic functional layer unit 1 (2A) and the second light emitting layer (the organic functional layer unit 2 (2B)) ( 13) contains light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths.

  Further, the intermediate electrode is preferably a transparent electrode, for example, formed of a thin metal electrode, for example, a thin film silver electrode, and the intermediate electrode is an independent connection terminal for obtaining an electrical connection. have.

  The phototherapy device having the organic EL element (EL) having the structure shown in FIG. 3 generates little heat during treatment, has excellent adhesion to the affected area, and curved surface compatibility, and can provide a toning function. By appropriately selecting light having the optimum wavelength for treatment, a phototherapy device that exhibits a high phototherapy effect can be realized.

[Embodiment 2: Independently driven organic EL element having three light emitting units]
The organic EL element shown in FIG. 4 has three organic functional layer units on a pair of electrodes, an intermediate electrode is arranged between the three organic functional layer units, and the three light emitting units can be driven independently. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example (embodiment 2) of a configuration of an independently driven (toning method) organic EL element that can be formed on the flexible substrate (1). Then, a transparent anode (6) is formed, and an organic functional layer unit 1 (2A) including the first light emitting layer is formed on the transparent anode (6) in the same manner as shown in FIG. The first light emitting unit (U1) that can be independently controlled by forming the intermediate electrode 1 (15A) on (2A) and connecting the anode (6) and the intermediate electrode 1 (15A) with a lead wire (11A). ).

  Next, the organic functional layer unit 2 (2B) including the second light-emitting layer is formed on the intermediate electrode 1 (15A) in the same manner as the structure of FIG. 3, and the intermediate is formed on the organic functional layer unit 2 (2B). The electrode 2 (15B) is formed, and the intermediate electrode 1 (15A) and the intermediate electrode 2 (15B) are connected by a lead wire (11B) to form a second light emitting unit (U2) that can be controlled independently. ing.

  Next, the organic functional layer unit 3 (2C) including the second light emitting layer is similarly formed on the intermediate electrode 2 (15B), the cathode (6) is provided as the uppermost layer, and the intermediate electrode 2 (15B) ) And the cathode (6) are connected by a lead wire (11C) to constitute a third light emitting unit (U3) capable of independent control.

  And it has an adhesive layer (5) in the surface on the opposite side to the surface in which each functional layer of the organic EL element of a flexible base material (1) is formed, and an organic EL element (OLED) in an affected part (AD) ) In close contact and the organic EL element (OLED) is placed at an accurate position, a high phototherapy effect can be exhibited.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the voltage (V1) is applied between the transparent anode (6) and the intermediate electrode 1 (15A) via the lead wire (11A), whereby the light emitting unit 1 (U1) is mounted. The light emitting unit 2 (U2) can be driven independently by applying a voltage (V2) between the intermediate electrode 1 (15A) and the intermediate electrode 2 (15B) via the lead wire (11B). Independent drive, and further, the voltage (V3) is applied via the lead wire (11C) between the intermediate electrode 2 (15B) and the cathode (10), thereby independently driving the light emitting unit 3 (U3), In either case, emitted light (L) is emitted from the transparent anode (6) side.

  In such a structure, the 1st light emitting layer which comprises the organic functional layer unit 1 (2A), the 2nd light emitting layer which comprises the organic functional layer unit 2 (2B), and the organic functional layer unit 3 (2C) The third light-emitting layer constituting the light-emitting layer contains at least two different light-emitting materials, but preferably the light-emitting layers constituting the three organic functional layer units are different from each other. It is preferable that

  Further, the intermediate electrode is preferably a transparent electrode, for example, formed of a thin metal electrode, for example, a thin film silver electrode, and the intermediate electrode is an independent connection terminal for obtaining an electrical connection. have.

  The organic EL element in which the light emitting units capable of independent driving described in the first and second embodiments are stacked in the vertical direction is a conventional method in which the organic EL elements are arranged in the horizontal direction to obtain a toning function. On the other hand, the arrangement area of the organic EL element can be reduced, and it has excellent advantages as production suitability, which is a preferred embodiment.

[Embodiment 3: Independently driven organic EL element having three light emitting units]
The organic EL element shown in FIG. 5 has three organic functional layer units on a pair of electrodes, an intermediate electrode is arranged between the three organic functional layer units, and the three light emitting units can be driven independently. Independently driven (color-adjusting type) organic EL element, an intermediate electrode is formed of a silver thin film electrode containing silver as a main component, and a substance having an interaction with silver is placed adjacent to the silver thin film electrode. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example (embodiment 3) of the structure which provided the base layer to contain With respect to the structure shown in FIG. 4 demonstrated above, each intermediate electrode (15A and 15B) is a metal which has silver as a main component. This is a structure in which an underlayer (16A and 16B) containing a substance having an interaction with silver is formed under each electrode layer.

  By providing a silver thin film electrode as an intermediate electrode, high light transmittance and conductivity can be obtained. Further, by providing a base layer containing a substance having an interaction with silver in advance, a silver thin film electrode can be formed. Aggregation of silver atoms and generation of mottle can be suppressed, and a silver thin film electrode with high homogeneity can be formed.

  That is, the phototherapy device having the organic EL element (EL) having the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 has little heat generation during treatment, excellent adhesion to the affected area, and curved surface compatibility, and has a toning function. A device for phototherapy that exhibits a high phototherapy effect can be realized by appropriately selecting light having a wavelength that is optimal for treatment.

<< Organic EL element >>
Subsequently, the detail of each component of each organic EL element (OLED) demonstrated in the said FIGS. 1-5 is demonstrated.

  In the organic EL element (OLED) according to the present invention, as described in FIG. 2, the anode (6) as the first electrode is formed on the flexible substrate (1), and then, for example, a hole injection layer, a positive electrode, An organic functional layer group 1 (7) composed of a hole transport layer and the like, a light emitting layer (8), for example, an organic functional layer group 2 (9) composed of an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, and the like are laminated, A light emitting area is formed. Further, a cathode (10) as a second electrode, a sealing adhesive layer (3), and a flexible sealing substrate (4) are provided on the upper part.

  Furthermore, as a feature of the organic EL element (OLED) according to the present invention, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5) is formed on the surface of the flexible substrate (1) opposite to the surface on which each functional layer of the organic EL element is formed. ).

  The present invention is characterized by a structure in which at least two organic functional layer units (2) composed of at least an organic functional layer group 1 (7), a light emitting layer (8), and an organic functional layer group 2 (9) are stacked. And

  The configuration example of the organic EL element applicable to the phototherapy device of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the conditions specified in the present invention are satisfied. For example, the configuration described with reference to FIGS. Can be cited as an example. However, in this invention, it is not limited by the structure illustrated in FIGS.

  Regarding the outline of the organic EL element applicable to the present invention, for example, JP2013-157634A, JP2013-168552A, JP2013-177361A, JP2013-187221A, JP JP 2013-191644 A, JP 2013-191804 A, JP 2013-225678 A, JP 2013-235994 A, JP 2013-243234 A, JP 2013-243236 A, JP 2013-2013 A. JP 242366, JP 2013-243371, JP 2013-245179, JP 2014-003249, JP 2014-003299, JP 2014-013910, JP 2014-014933 Gazette, JP, 2014-017494, A It can be mentioned configurations described in.

  Specific examples of the tandem organic EL element include, for example, US Pat. No. 6,337,492, US Pat. No. 7,420,203, US Pat. No. 7,473,923, US Pat. , 872,472, U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,734, U.S. Pat. No. 6,337,492, etc., JP-A 2006-228712, JP-A 2006-24791, JP-A 2006-49393. No., JP-A-2006-49394, JP-A-2006-49396, JP-A-2011-96679, JP-A-2005-340187, JP-B-4714424, JP-A-34968681, JP-A-3848564, JP-A-4421169, JP 2010-192719 A, JP 2009-076929 A, JP 2008-078414 A, JP 2007-059 A 48, JP 2003-272860 A, JP 2003-045676 A, etc., WO 2005/009087, WO 2005/094130, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to these.

  Furthermore, each constituent material which comprises an organic EL element is demonstrated.

(Adhesive layer)
The phototherapy device of the present invention is characterized in that an adhesive layer is provided on the side of the organic EL element facing the affected area.

  The pressure-sensitive adhesive used for forming the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer according to the present invention has a light transmittance of 50% or more in the wavelength range of 400 to 2000 nm and stably fixes the organic EL element to the affected skin. There is no particular limitation as long as it is a material capable of obtaining adhesiveness.

  As the pressure-sensitive adhesive applicable to the present invention, a pressure-sensitive adhesive widely used in external patches such as poultices and the formation method thereof can be applied. Details of the pressure-sensitive adhesive include, for example, JP-A-2001-0978857. JP, JP 2001-348329, JP 2002-087954, JP 2002-104957, JP 2004-174202, JP 2004-224701, JP 2005-263756. JP, 2007-112991, JP 2011-066861, JP 2011-20997, JP 2012-97108, JP 2012-140460, JP 2013-095749, etc. Can be mentioned.

  For example, as an adhesive, hydrophilic acrylic polymer adhesives represented by polyacrylic acid adhesives, polyvinyl acetal adhesives, polyvinyl alcohol adhesives, polyvinyl alcohol adhesives, vinyl acetate adhesives, rubber Adhesives such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, isoprene rubber, polyisobutylene (PIB), styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutene, etc. Can be mentioned.

  Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the thickness of an adhesive layer, It is preferable to select within the range of 100-1000 micrometers.

[Flexible substrate]
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a flexible base material (1) applicable to an organic EL element (OLED), For example, types, such as glass and a plastic, can be mentioned.

  The flexible base material as used in the present invention refers to a base material that is wound around a φ (diameter) 50 mm roll and does not crack or the like before and after winding with a constant tension, and more preferably a base material that can be wound around a φ30 mm roll. Say.

  The flexible substrate according to the present invention may be light transmissive or light opaque. The flexible substrate applicable to the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a resin substrate, a thin film metal foil, and a thin plate flexible glass.

  However, in the configuration in which the light L is extracted from the flexible substrate (1) side as shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, the flexible substrate (1) needs to be a transparent material, and a transparent flexible substrate that is preferably used. Examples of the material (1) include glass, quartz, and a resin base material. Among them, the resin base material is more preferable from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility with excellent bending resistance to the organic EL element.

  Examples of the resin base material applicable to the present invention include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (abbreviation: PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (abbreviation: PEN), polyethylene, polypropylene, cellophane, cellulose diacetate, and cellulose triacetate (abbreviation: TAC). ), Cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate (abbreviation: CAP), cellulose esters such as cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose nitrate and their derivatives, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene vinyl alcohol, syndiotactic polystyrene , Polycarbonate (abbreviation: PC), norbornene resin, polymethylpentene, polyetherketone, polyimide, polyethersulfone ( Name: PES), polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfones, polyether imide, polyether ketone imide, polyamide, fluororesin, nylon, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic and polyarylates, Arton (trade name, manufactured by JSR) and Appel (product) Name, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) and the like.

  Among these resin base materials, film base materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (abbreviation: PET), polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (abbreviation: PEN), polycarbonate (abbreviation: PC) are available in terms of cost and availability. It is preferably used as a resin substrate having excellent flexibility. The resin base material may be an unstretched film or a stretched film.

  The resin substrate applicable to the present invention can be produced by a conventionally known general film forming method. For example, a melt casting method for producing an unstretched resin base material that is substantially amorphous and not oriented by melting a resin as a material with an extruder, extruding it with an annular die or a T-die, and rapidly cooling it. A solution stream is prepared by dissolving a resin component in an organic solvent or the like to prepare a dope, and casting and drying the dope on an endless metal belt to produce an unstretched and unoriented resin base material. The extended law etc. can be applied. In addition, after the film formation, the unstretched resin base material is uniaxially stretched, tenter-type sequential biaxial stretch, tenter-type simultaneous biaxial stretch, tubular-type simultaneous biaxial stretch, and other known methods such as the transport direction of the resin base material. A stretched resin base material can be produced by stretching in a direction (vertical axis direction, MD direction) or a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the resin base material (horizontal axis direction, TD direction). Although the draw ratio in this case can be suitably selected according to the resin used as the raw material of the resin base material, it is preferably in the range of 2 to 10 times in the vertical axis direction and the horizontal axis direction.

  The thickness of the resin substrate is preferably a thin resin substrate in the range of 3 to 200 μm, more preferably in the range of 10 to 150 μm, and particularly preferably in the range of 20 to 120 μm. Is within.

  Moreover, the thin plate flexible glass applicable as a flexible base material which concerns on this invention is a glass plate made thin enough to bend. The thickness of the thin flexible glass can be appropriately set within a range where the thin flexible glass exhibits flexibility and is not damaged by bending.

  Examples of the thin flexible glass include soda-lime glass, barium / strontium-containing glass, lead glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, barium borosilicate glass, and quartz. As thickness of thin plate flexible glass, it is the range of 5-300 micrometers, for example, Preferably it is the range of 20-150 micrometers.

  The material for forming the thin film metal foil is, for example, one or more metals selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, zinc, chromium, titanium, molybdenum, silicon, germanium, and tantalum. The thing which consists of alloys is mentioned. The thickness of the thin film metal foil can be appropriately set within a range in which the thin film metal foil exhibits flexibility, and is, for example, in the range of 10 to 100 μm, and preferably in the range of 20 to 60 μm.

(First electrode: anode)
As an anode constituting the organic EL element, a metal such as Ag or Au or an alloy containing a metal as a main component, a CuI or indium-tin composite oxide (ITO), a metal oxide such as SnO ₂ and ZnO can be cited. However, a metal or a metal-based alloy is preferable, and silver or a silver-based alloy is more preferable.

  When the transparent anode is composed mainly of silver, the silver purity is preferably 99% or more. Further, palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), gold (Au), or the like may be added to ensure the stability of silver.

  The transparent anode is a layer composed mainly of silver, but specifically, it may be formed of silver alone or an alloy containing silver (Ag). Examples of such alloys include silver / magnesium (Ag / Mg), silver / copper (Ag / Cu), silver / palladium (Ag / Pd), silver / palladium / copper (Ag / Pd / Cu), silver -Indium (Ag.In) etc. are mentioned.

  Among the constituent materials constituting the anode, the anode constituting the organic EL device according to the present invention is a transparent anode composed mainly of silver and having a thickness in the range of 2 to 20 nm. Preferably, the thickness is more preferably in the range of 4 to 12 nm. A thickness of 20 nm or less is preferable because the absorption component and reflection component of the transparent anode can be kept low and high light transmittance can be maintained.

  In the present invention, the layer composed mainly of silver means that the silver content in the transparent anode is 60% by mass or more, preferably the silver content is 80% by mass or more, More preferably, the silver content is 90% by mass or more, and particularly preferably the silver content is 98% by mass or more. The term “transparent” in the transparent anode according to the present invention means that the light transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm is 50% or more.

  The transparent anode may have a configuration in which a layer composed mainly of silver is divided into a plurality of layers as necessary.

  Further, in the present invention, when the anode is a transparent anode composed mainly of silver, a base layer may be provided at the lower portion from the viewpoint of improving the uniformity of the silver film of the transparent anode to be formed. preferable. Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular as a base layer, It is preferable that it is a layer containing the organic compound which has a nitrogen atom or a sulfur atom, and the method of forming a transparent anode on the said base layer is a preferable aspect.

[Intermediate electrode]
In the organic EL device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the anode and the cathode have a structure in which two or more organic functional layer units each composed of an organic functional layer group and a light emitting layer are stacked. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when two or more organic functional layer units are formed as light emitting units that can be driven independently, they have independent connection terminals in order to obtain electrical connection. It is preferable to take a structure separated by an intermediate electrode.

  As a material constituting the intermediate electrode, a material applicable to the formation of the first electrode (3, anode) described above can be similarly used.

[Light emitting layer]
In the organic EL element (OLED), the light emitting layer (8) composed of two or more layers contains two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths.

  As the light emitting material applicable to the present invention, a phosphorescent light emitting compound or a fluorescent compound can be used. In the present invention, it is particularly preferable to use a phosphorescent light emitting compound as the light emitting material.

  This light emitting layer is a layer that emits light by recombination of electrons injected from the electrode or the electron transport layer and holes injected from the hole transport layer, and the light emitting portion is in the layer of the light emitting layer. Alternatively, it may be the interface between the light emitting layer and the adjacent layer.

  Such a light emitting layer is not particularly limited as long as it has two or more layers and the light emitting materials contained in each light emitting layer have different emission wavelengths.

  The total thickness of the light emitting layers is preferably in the range of 2 to 200 nm, and more preferably in the range of 2 to 60 nm because a lower driving voltage can be obtained. In addition, the sum total of the thickness of a light emitting layer is the thickness also including the said intermediate | middle layer, when a nonluminous intermediate | middle layer exists between light emitting layers.

  For the light emitting layer as described above, a light emitting material and a host compound to be described later may be used by publicly known methods such as a vacuum deposition method, a spin coating method, a casting method, an LB method (Langmuir-Blodget, Langmuir Broadgett method), and an ink jet method. Can be formed.

  In the light emitting layer, a plurality of light emitting materials may be mixed, and a phosphorescent light emitting material and a fluorescent light emitting material (also referred to as a fluorescent dopant or a fluorescent compound) may be mixed and used in the same light emitting layer. The structure of the light-emitting layer preferably includes a host compound (also referred to as a light-emitting host) and a light-emitting material (also referred to as a light-emitting dopant compound), and emits light from the light-emitting material.

<Host compound>
As the host compound contained in the light emitting layer, a compound having a phosphorescence quantum yield of phosphorescence emission at room temperature (25 ° C.) of less than 0.1 is preferable. Further, the phosphorescence quantum yield is preferably less than 0.01. Moreover, it is preferable that the volume ratio in the layer is 50% or more among the compounds contained in a light emitting layer.

  As the host compound, a known host compound may be used alone, or a plurality of types of host compounds may be used. By using a plurality of types of host compounds, it is possible to adjust the movement of charges, and the efficiency of the organic electroluminescent device can be improved. In addition, by using a plurality of kinds of light emitting materials described later, it is possible to mix different light emission, thereby obtaining an arbitrary light emission color.

  The host compound used in the light emitting layer may be a conventionally known low molecular compound or a high molecular compound having a repeating unit, and a low molecular compound having a polymerizable group such as a vinyl group or an epoxy group (evaporation polymerizable light emitting host). )

  Examples of the host compound applicable to the present invention include, for example, JP-A Nos. 2001-257076, 2001-357777, 2002-8860, 2002-43056, 2002-105445, 2002-352957, 2002-231453, 2002-234888, 2002-260861, 2002-305083, US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0112407, US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0030202, International Publication No. 2001/039234, International Publication No. 2008/056746, International Publication No. 2005/089025, International Publication No. 2007/063754, International Publication No. 2005/030900, International Publication 2009 No. 086028, WO 2012/023947, can be mentioned JP 2007-254297, JP-European compounds described in Japanese Patent No. 2034538 Pat like.

<Light emitting material>
As the light-emitting material that can be used in the present invention, a phosphorescent compound (also referred to as a phosphorescent compound, a phosphorescent material, or a phosphorescent dopant) and a fluorescent compound (both a fluorescent compound or a fluorescent material) are used. In particular, it is preferable to use a phosphorescent compound from the viewpoint of obtaining high luminous efficiency.

<Phosphorescent compound>
A phosphorescent compound is a compound in which light emission from an excited triplet is observed. Specifically, it is a compound that emits phosphorescence at room temperature (25 ° C.), and the phosphorescence quantum yield is 0 at 25 ° C. A preferred phosphorescence quantum yield is 0.1 or more, although it is defined as 0.01 or more compounds.

  The phosphorescence quantum yield can be measured by the method described in Spectroscopic II, page 398 (1992 edition, Maruzen) of Experimental Chemistry Course 4 of the 4th edition. The phosphorescence quantum yield in the solution can be measured using various solvents, but when using a phosphorescent compound in the present invention, the phosphorescence quantum yield is 0.01 or more in any solvent. Should be achieved.

  The phosphorescent compound can be appropriately selected from known compounds used for the light emitting layer of a general organic EL device, but preferably contains a group 8-10 metal in the periodic table of elements. More preferred are iridium compounds, more preferred are iridium compounds, osmium compounds, platinum compounds (platinum complex compounds) or rare earth complexes, and most preferred are iridium compounds.

  In the present invention, the light emitting layer has two light emitting layers. At least one of the light emitting layers may contain two or more phosphorescent compounds, and the concentration ratio of the phosphorescent compounds in the light emitting layer is The aspect which is changing in the thickness direction of the light emitting layer may be sufficient.

  Specific examples of known phosphorescent compounds that can be used in the present invention include compounds described in the following documents.

  Nature 395, 151 (1998), Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 1622 (2001), Adv. Mater. 19, 739 (2007), Chem. Mater. 17, 3532 (2005), Adv. Mater. 17, 1059 (2005), International Publication No. 2009/100991, International Publication No. 2008/101842, International Publication No. 2003/040257, US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/835469, US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 /. Examples thereof include compounds described in US Patent No. 0202194, US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0087321, US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0244673, and the like.

  Inorg. Chem. 40, 1704 (2001), Chem. Mater. 16, 2480 (2004), Adv. Mater. 16, 2003 (2004), Angew. Chem. lnt. Ed. 2006, 45, 7800, Appl. Phys. Lett. 86, 153505 (2005), Chem. Lett. 34, 592 (2005), Chem. Commun. 2906 (2005), Inorg. Chem. 42, 1248 (2003), International Publication No. 2009/050290, International Publication No. 2009/000673, US Pat. No. 7,332,232, US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0039776, US Pat. No. 6,687,266, US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0008670, US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0015355, US Pat. No. 7,396,598, US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0138667, US Pat. No. 7090928 And the like.

  Also, Angew. Chem. lnt. Ed. 47, 1 (2008), Chem. Mater. 18, 5119 (2006), Inorg. Chem. 46, 4308 (2007), Organometallics 23, 3745 (2004), Appl. Phys. Lett. 74, 1361 (1999), International Publication No. 2006/056418, International Publication No. 2005/123873, International Publication No. 2005/123873, International Publication No. 2006/082742, US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0260441. U.S. Pat. No. 7,534,505, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0190359, U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,722, U.S. Pat. No. 7,279,704, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/103874, etc. Mention may also be made of the compounds described.

  Furthermore, International Publication No. 2005/076380, International Publication No. 2008/140115, International Publication No. 2011/134013, International Publication No. 2010/086089, International Publication No. 2012/020327, International Publication No. 2011/051404. Further, compounds described in International Publication No. 2011/073149, JP2009-114086, JP2003-81988, JP2002-363552, and the like can also be mentioned.

  In the present invention, preferred phosphorescent compounds include organometallic complexes having Ir as a central metal. More preferably, a complex containing at least one coordination mode of a metal-carbon bond, a metal-nitrogen bond, a metal-oxygen bond, or a metal-sulfur bond is preferable.

  The phosphorescent compound described above (also referred to as a phosphorescent metal complex) is described in, for example, Organic Letter, vol. 16, 2579-2581 (2001), Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 30, No. 8, 1685-1687 (1991), J. Am. Am. Chem. Soc. , 123, 4304 (2001), Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 40, No. 7, 1704-1711 (2001), Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 41, No. 12, 3055-3066 (2002) , New Journal of Chemistry. 26, 1171 (2002), European Journal of Organic Chemistry, 4, 695-709 (2004), and methods disclosed in the references described in these documents. Can be synthesized.

<Fluorescent compound>
Fluorescent compounds include coumarin dyes, pyran dyes, cyanine dyes, croconium dyes, squalium dyes, oxobenzanthracene dyes, fluorescein dyes, rhodamine dyes, pyrylium dyes, perylene dyes, stilbene dyes. And dyes, polythiophene dyes, and rare earth complex phosphors.

(Organic functional group)
Next, each layer constituting the organic functional layer unit will be described in the order of a charge injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, and a blocking layer.

(Charge injection layer)
The charge injection layer is a layer provided between the electrode and the light emitting layer in order to lower the driving voltage and improve the light emission luminance. “The organic EL element and its industrialization front line (November 30, 1998, NT. The details are described in Chapter 2, “Electrode Material” (pages 123 to 166) of the second edition of “S. Co., Ltd.”, and there are a hole injection layer and an electron injection layer.

  In general, the charge injection layer is present between the anode and the light emitting layer or the hole transport layer in the case of a hole injection layer, and between the cathode and the light emitting layer or the electron transport layer in the case of an electron injection layer. However, the present invention is characterized in that the charge injection layer is disposed adjacent to the transparent electrode. When used in an intermediate electrode, it is sufficient that at least one of the adjacent electron injection layer and hole injection layer satisfies the requirements of the present invention.

  The hole injection layer is a layer disposed adjacent to the anode, which is a transparent electrode, in order to lower the driving voltage and improve the luminance of light emission. “The organic EL element and its industrialization front line (November 30, 1998 (Issued by TS Co., Ltd.) ”, Chapter 2“ Electrode Materials ”(pages 123 to 166) in the second volume.

  The details of the hole injection layer are also described in JP-A-9-45479, JP-A-9-260062, JP-A-8-288069, etc. Examples of the material used for the hole injection layer include: , Porphyrin derivatives, phthalocyanine derivatives, oxazole derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, triazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, pyrazoline derivatives, pyrazolone derivatives, phenylenediamine derivatives, hydrazone derivatives, stilbene derivatives, polyarylalkane derivatives, triarylamine derivatives, carbazole derivatives, Inrocarbazole derivatives, isoindole derivatives, acene derivatives such as anthracene and naphthalene, fluorene derivatives, fluorenone derivatives, polyvinylcarbazole, aromatic amines introduced into the main chain or side chain Material or oligomer, polysilane, a conductive polymer or oligomer (e.g., PEDOT (polyethylene dioxythiophene): PSS (polystyrene sulfonic acid), aniline copolymers, polyaniline, polythiophene, etc.) and the like can be mentioned.

  Examples of the triarylamine derivative include benzidine type represented by α-NPD (4,4′-bis [N- (1-naphthyl) -N-phenylamino] biphenyl), and MTDATA (4,4 ′, 4 ″). Examples include a starburst type represented by -tris [N- (3-methylphenyl) -N-phenylamino] triphenylamine) and a compound having fluorene or anthracene in the triarylamine-linked core.

  In addition, hexaazatriphenylene derivatives such as those described in JP-A-2003-519432 and JP-A-2006-135145 can also be used as a hole transport material.

  The electron injection layer is a layer provided between the cathode and the light emitting layer for lowering the driving voltage and improving the light emission luminance. When the cathode is composed of the transparent electrode according to the present invention, Chapter 2 “Electrode materials” (pages 123-166) of the second edition of “Organic EL elements and their forefront of industrialization” (published on November 30, 1998 by NTT) ) Is described in detail.

  The details of the electron injection layer are described in JP-A-6-325871, JP-A-9-17574, JP-A-10-74586, and the like. Specific examples of materials preferably used for the electron injection layer are as follows. Metals represented by strontium and aluminum, alkali metal compounds represented by lithium fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, etc., alkali metal halide layers represented by magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride, etc. Examples thereof include an alkaline earth metal compound layer typified by magnesium, a metal oxide typified by molybdenum oxide and aluminum oxide, and a metal complex typified by lithium 8-hydroxyquinolate (Liq). Moreover, when the transparent electrode in this invention is a cathode, organic materials, such as a metal complex, are used especially suitably. The electron injection layer is desirably a very thin film, and although depending on the constituent material, the layer thickness is preferably in the range of 1 nm to 10 μm.

(Hole transport layer)
The hole transport layer is made of a hole transport material having a function of transporting holes. In a broad sense, the hole injection layer and the electron blocking layer also have the function of a hole transport layer. The hole transport layer can be provided as a single layer or a plurality of layers.

  The hole transport material has any of hole injection or transport and electron barrier properties, and may be either organic or inorganic. For example, triazole derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, polyarylalkane derivatives, pyrazoline derivatives, pyrazolone derivatives, phenylenediamine derivatives, arylamine derivatives, amino-substituted chalcone derivatives, oxazole derivatives, styrylanthracene derivatives, fluorenone derivatives, hydrazone derivatives, Examples include stilbene derivatives, silazane derivatives, aniline copolymers, conductive polymer oligomers, and thiophene oligomers.

  As the hole transport material, those described above can be used, but porphyrin compounds, aromatic tertiary amine compounds and styrylamine compounds can be used, and in particular, aromatic tertiary amine compounds can be used. preferable.

  Representative examples of aromatic tertiary amine compounds and styrylamine compounds include N, N, N ′, N′-tetraphenyl-4,4′-diaminophenyl, N, N′-diphenyl-N, N′— Bis (3-methylphenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl] -4,4′-diamine (abbreviation: TPD), 2,2-bis (4-di-p-tolylaminophenyl) propane, 1,1 -Bis (4-di-p-tolylaminophenyl) cyclohexane, N, N, N ', N'-tetra-p-tolyl-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, 1,1-bis (4-di-p -Tolylaminophenyl) -4-phenylcyclohexane, bis (4-dimethylamino-2-methylphenyl) phenylmethane, bis (4-di-p-tolylaminophenyl) phenylmethane, N, N'-diphenyl-N, '-Di (4-methoxyphenyl) -4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, N, N, N', N'-tetraphenyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-bis (diphenylamino) c Audriphenyl, N, N, N-tri (p-tolyl) amine, 4- (di-p-tolylamino) -4 '-[4- (di-p-tolylamino) styryl] stilbene, 4-N, N- Examples include diphenylamino- (2-diphenylvinyl) benzene, 3-methoxy-4′-N, N-diphenylaminostilbenzene, N-phenylcarbazole and the like.

  For the hole transport layer, known methods such as vacuum deposition, spin coating, casting, printing including ink jet, and LB (Langmuir Brodget, Langmuir Broadgett) are used as the hole transport material. Thus, it can be formed by thinning. Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular about the layer thickness of a positive hole transport layer, Usually, about 5 nm-5 micrometers, Preferably it is the range of 5-200 nm. The hole transport layer may have a single layer structure composed of one or more of the above materials.

  Moreover, p property can also be made high by doping the material of a positive hole transport layer with an impurity. Examples thereof include JP-A-4-297076, JP-A-2000-196140, 2001-102175 and J.P. Appl. Phys. 95, 5773 (2004), and the like.

  Thus, it is preferable to increase the p property of the hole transport layer because an element with lower power consumption can be manufactured.

(Electron transport layer)
The electron transport layer is made of a material having a function of transporting electrons, and in a broad sense, an electron injection layer and a hole blocking layer are also included in the electron transport layer. The electron transport layer can be provided as a single layer structure or a stacked structure of a plurality of layers.

  In the electron transport layer having a single-layer structure and the electron transport layer having a multilayer structure, an electron transport material (also serving as a hole blocking material) constituting a layer portion adjacent to the light emitting layer is used as an electron transporting material. What is necessary is just to have the function to transmit. As such a material, any one of conventionally known compounds can be selected and used. Examples include nitro-substituted fluorene derivatives, diphenylquinone derivatives, thiopyran dioxide derivatives, carbodiimides, fluorenylidenemethane derivatives, anthraquinodimethane, anthrone derivatives, and oxadiazole derivatives. Furthermore, in the above oxadiazole derivative, a thiadiazole derivative in which the oxygen atom of the oxadiazole ring is substituted with a sulfur atom, and a quinoxaline derivative having a quinoxaline ring known as an electron-withdrawing group can also be used as a material for the electron transport layer. it can. Furthermore, a polymer material in which these materials are introduced into a polymer chain, or a polymer material having these materials as a polymer main chain can also be used.

In addition, metal complexes of 8-quinolinol derivatives such as tris (8-quinolinol) aluminum (abbreviation: Alq ₃ ), tris (5,7-dichloro-8-quinolinol) aluminum, tris (5,7-dibromo-8- Quinolinol) aluminum, tris (2-methyl-8-quinolinol) aluminum, tris (5-methyl-8-quinolinol) aluminum, bis (8-quinolinol) zinc (abbreviation: Znq), etc. and the central metal of these metal complexes A metal complex replaced with In, Mg, Cu, Ca, Sn, Ga, or Pb can also be used as a material for the electron transport layer.

  The electron transport layer can be formed by thinning the above material by a known method such as a vacuum deposition method, a spin coating method, a casting method, a printing method including an inkjet method, and an LB method. Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular about the layer thickness of an electron carrying layer, Usually, about 5 nm-5 micrometers, Preferably it exists in the range of 5-200 nm. The electron transport layer may have a single structure composed of one or more of the above materials.

(Blocking layer)
The blocking layer includes a hole blocking layer and an electron blocking layer, and is a layer provided as necessary in addition to the constituent layers of the organic functional layer unit 3 described above. For example, it is described in JP-A Nos. 11-204258, 11-204359, and “Organic EL elements and their forefront of industrialization” (issued by NTT, Inc. on November 30, 1998). Hole blocking (hole block) layer and the like.

  The hole blocking layer has a function of an electron transport layer in a broad sense. The hole blocking layer is made of a hole blocking material that has a function of transporting electrons but has a very small ability to transport holes, and recombines electrons and holes by blocking holes while transporting electrons. Probability can be improved. Moreover, the structure of an electron carrying layer can be used as a hole-blocking layer as needed. The hole blocking layer is preferably provided adjacent to the light emitting layer.

  On the other hand, the electron blocking layer has a function of a hole transport layer in a broad sense. The electron blocking layer is made of a material that has the ability to transport holes and has a very small ability to transport electrons. By blocking holes while transporting holes, the probability of recombination of electrons and holes is improved. Can be made. Moreover, the structure of a positive hole transport layer can be used as an electron blocking layer as needed. The layer thickness of the hole blocking layer applied to the present invention is preferably in the range of 3 to 100 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 to 30 nm.

[Second electrode: cathode]
The cathode is an electrode film that functions to supply holes to the organic functional layer group and the light emitting layer, and a metal, an alloy, an organic or inorganic conductive compound, or a mixture thereof is used. Specifically, gold, aluminum, silver, magnesium, lithium, magnesium / copper mixture, magnesium / silver mixture, magnesium / aluminum mixture, magnesium / indium mixture, indium, lithium / aluminum mixture, rare earth metal, ITO, ZnO, TiO Oxide semiconductors such as ₂ and SnO ₂ .

  The cathode can be produced by forming a thin film of these conductive materials by a method such as vapor deposition or sputtering. The sheet resistance as the second electrode is preferably several hundred Ω / □ or less, and the film thickness is usually selected in the range of 5 nm to 5 μm, preferably 5 to 200 nm.

  In the case where the organic EL element is a double-sided light emitting type in which the emitted light L is extracted also from the cathode side, a cathode having good light transmittance may be selected and configured.

(Sealing member)
Examples of the sealing means used for sealing the organic EL element include a method in which a flexible sealing member, a cathode, and a transparent base material are bonded with a sealing adhesive.

  As a sealing member, it should just be arrange | positioned so that the display area | region of an organic EL element may be covered, and it may be concave plate shape or flat plate shape. Further, transparency and electrical insulation are not particularly limited.

  Specifically, a thin film glass plate, a polymer plate, a film, a metal film (metal foil) having flexibility, and the like can be given. Examples of the glass plate include soda-lime glass, barium / strontium-containing glass, lead glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, barium borosilicate glass, and quartz. Examples of the polymer plate include polycarbonate, acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polyether sulfide, and polysulfone. Examples of the metal film include one or more metals or alloys selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, zinc, chromium, titanium, molybdenum, silicon, germanium, and tantalum.

In the present invention, as the sealing member, a polymer film and a metal film can be preferably used from the viewpoint that the organic EL element can be thinned. Further, the polymer film has a water vapor transmission rate of 1 × 10 ⁻³ g / m ² .multidot.m at a temperature of 25 ± 0.5 ° C. and a relative humidity of 90 ± 2% RH measured by a method according to JIS K 7129-1992. The oxygen permeability measured by a method according to JIS K 7126-1987 is preferably 1 × 10 ⁻³ ml / m ² · 24 h · atm (1 atm is 1.01325 × 10 ⁵ a Pa) equal to or lower than a temperature of 25 ± 0.5 ° C., water vapor permeability at a relative humidity of 90 ± 2% RH is preferably not more than ^{1 × 10 -3 g / m 2} · 24h.

  In the gap between the sealing member and the display area (light emitting area) of the organic EL element, an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon, or an inert liquid such as fluorocarbon or silicon oil is injected in the gas phase and liquid phase. You can also Further, the gap between the sealing member and the display area of the organic EL element can be evacuated, or a hygroscopic compound can be sealed in the gap.

  Further, the organic EL element is transparent in a state that completely covers the light emitting functional layer unit and exposes the terminal portions of the anode (3) as the first electrode and the cathode (6) as the second electrode in the organic EL element. A sealing film can also be provided on the substrate.

  Such a sealing film is configured using an inorganic material or an organic material, and in particular, a material having a function of suppressing intrusion of moisture, oxygen, or the like, for example, an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon dioxide, or silicon nitride. Used. Furthermore, in order to improve the brittleness of the sealing film, a laminated structure may be formed by using a film made of an organic material together with a film made of these inorganic materials.

  The method for forming these sealing films is not particularly limited. For example, vacuum deposition, sputtering, reactive sputtering, molecular beam epitaxy, cluster ion beam, ion plating, plasma polymerization, An atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization method, a plasma CVD method, a laser CVD method, a thermal CVD method, a coating method, or the like can be used.

  The sealing material as described above is provided in a state in which the terminal portions of the anode (3) as the first electrode and the cathode (6) as the second electrode in the organic EL element are exposed and at least the light emitting functional layer is covered. It has been.

[Method for producing organic EL element]
As a method for producing an organic EL element, an anode, an organic functional layer group 1, a light emitting layer, an organic functional layer group 2 and a cathode are laminated on a transparent substrate to form a laminate.

  First, a transparent substrate is prepared, and a thin film made of a desired electrode material, for example, an anode material, is deposited on the transparent substrate so as to have a thickness of 1 μm or less, preferably within a range of 10 to 200 nm. The anode is formed by a method such as sputtering. At the same time, a connection electrode portion connected to an external power source is formed at the anode end portion.

  Next, a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer constituting the organic functional layer group 1, a light emitting layer, an electron transport layer constituting the organic functional layer group 2, and the like are sequentially laminated thereon.

The formation of each of these layers includes spin coating, casting, inkjet, vapor deposition, and printing, but vacuum vapor deposition is easy because a homogeneous layer is easily obtained and pinholes are difficult to generate. The method or spin coating method is particularly preferred. Further, different formation methods may be applied for each layer. When employing a vapor deposition method for forming each of these layers, the vapor deposition conditions vary depending on the type of compound used, but generally a boat heating temperature of 50 to 450 ° C. and a degree of vacuum of 1 × 10 ⁻⁶ to 1 × 10 ⁻² Pa. In addition, it is desirable to appropriately select each condition within the range of the deposition rate of 0.01 to 50 nm / second, the substrate temperature of −50 to 300 ° C., and the layer thickness of 0.1 to 5 μm.

  After the organic functional layer group 2 is formed as described above, a cathode is formed thereon by an appropriate formation method such as vapor deposition or sputtering. At this time, the cathode is patterned in a shape in which a terminal portion is drawn from the upper side of the organic functional layer group to the periphery of the transparent substrate while maintaining an insulating state with respect to the anode by the organic functional layer group.

  After forming the cathode, the transparent base material, the anode, the organic functional layer group, the light emitting layer, and the cathode are sealed with a sealing material. That is, a sealing material covering at least the organic functional layer group is provided on the transparent substrate with the terminal portions of the anode and the cathode exposed.

<< Summary of phototherapy using organic EL elements >>
Next, an outline of a phototherapy method (hereinafter also referred to as a phototherapy method according to the present invention) using the phototherapy device of the present invention will be described.

  As described above, the phototherapy method or phototherapy in the present invention is a method for performing treatment by light irradiation, that is, so-called phototherapy for a specific disease, and the phototherapy device of the present invention is described above. Equipped with the organic EL element according to the present invention, the organic EL element is disposed in close contact with the affected skin such as the skin through an adhesive layer, and the affected part is irradiated with light rays effective for phototherapy. Device.

  For example, for relief of pain such as stiff shoulders and back pain and treatment of thinning hair, treatment by irradiation with red light or infrared light is performed. This infrared treatment is performed by, for example, irradiating the affected area with near-infrared light to increase blood flow by expanding blood vessels, suppressing excitement of the sympathetic nervous system, or activating cellular tissue to activate wounds. It promotes healing and acts on inflammatory cytokines and analgesics to bring about anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In particular, the near-infrared region in the vicinity of a wavelength of 800 to 900 nm that absorbs less water, hemoglobin, and melanin has excellent biological permeability, and can suppress inflammation and relieve pain by an action mechanism different from the thermal effect. Treatment of atopic dermatitis by blue or ultraviolet irradiation.

  Thus, for the treatment of various diseases, a method using light is referred to as phototherapy, and a treatment using a photochemotherapeutic agent together with light irradiation is referred to as photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this PDT, a photosensitive therapeutic agent known as a photochemotherapeutic agent is supplied in advance to the treatment area of the body from the outside or the inside, and then an organic EL element is disposed thereon via an adhesive layer It is.

  The phototherapy method according to the present invention can be applied to the treatment of any illness, syndrome, disease, symptom, or various illnesses that respond to phototherapy or cosmetic symptoms.

  Therapeutic diseases and cosmetic conditions to which phototherapy can be applied include, for example, skin diseases and skin-related symptoms including skin aging and cellulite, enlarged pores, oily skin, folliculitis, Precancerous actinic keratosis, skin damage, aging, bruised and sun-damaged skin, eyelids, skin ulcers (diabetic, pressure ulcer, venous stasis), rosacea acne, cellulite Light adjustment of sebaceous glands and surrounding tissues, scoring, acne scars and acne bacteria, inflammation, pain, trauma, mental and nervous system related diseases and symptoms, comedones, edema, Paget's disease, primary tumor and metastasis Sex tumors, connective tissue diseases, collagen treatment, fibroblasts, and fibroblast-derived cell levels in mammalian tissues, retinal irradiation, neoplastic diseases, neovascular diseases and hypertrophic diseases, inflammatory and allergic reactions, sweat, D Phosphorus sweat gland (sweat gland) or sweat from the apocrine gland and hyper-hydrosis, jaundice, vitiligo, ocular neovascular disease, bulimia nervosa, herpes zoster, seasonal affective disorder, depression, sleep disorder, skin Cancer, Kriegler-Nager disease, atopic dermatitis, diabetic skin ulcer, pressure ulcer, bladder infection, muscle pain relief, pain, joint stiffness, bacterial reduction, gingivitis, tooth whitening, teeth and mouth tissue Treatment, wound healing.

  The cosmetic symptoms are selected from acne, skin rejuvenation and skin wrinkles, cellulite and vitiligo, and psoriasis (mild, mild to severe, and severe).

[Wavelength applied to phototherapy]
The phototherapy device of the present invention is characterized in that the emission wavelength of the organic EL element is in the wavelength range of 400 to 2000 nm.

  Furthermore, the emission wavelength of the organic EL element is preferably in the range of 400 to 1000 nm, more preferably 400 to 950 nm, and particularly preferably 430 to 950 nm.

  More specifically, as described above, in the phototherapy using visible light, the light emitting layer contains two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths, and these light emitting materials are in a wavelength region of 400 nm or more and less than 700 nm. It is selected from materials having a light emission maximum wavelength, and furthermore, has three kinds of light emitting materials having different light emission wavelengths, and each light emission material has a light emission maximum wavelength of 430 to 470 nm, 500 to 540 nm, and 610 to 650 nm. A configuration within the range is a preferred embodiment.

  Further, in phototherapy using near infrared light, two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths are selected from materials having an emission maximum wavelength in a wavelength region of 700 nm or more and less than 950 nm, A configuration in which the emission maximum wavelength of the luminescent material is in the range of 780 to 820 nm and in the range of 880 to 920 nm is a preferred embodiment.

  One of the main effects of phototherapy using the phototherapy device of the present invention is known to be able to alleviate, for example, stiffness and pain by irradiating the skin surface with light of various wavelengths. ing. That is, stimulation of metabolism in mitochondria. After the phototherapy, the cells increase in metabolism, improve transmission, and improve resistance to good stress and the like.

  The organic EL device according to the present invention can be used for cell stimulation. A preferred wavelength or wavelength range for cell stimulation is 600 to 900 nm, more preferably 620 to 880 nm, and particularly preferably 650 to 870 nm. Examples of particularly preferred wavelengths for cell stimulation are 683.7 nm, 667.5 nm, 772.3 nm, 750.7 nm, 846 nm, and 812.5 nm.

  The wavelength or wavelength range applied for skin care and skin repair is preferably in the range of 400 to 800 nm, more preferably in the range of 450 to 750 nm, still more preferably in the range of 500 to 700 nm. Preferably it is the range of 580-640 nm.

  Moreover, as an organic EL element used for acne treatment, a combination of red light and blue light is particularly preferable. The red light is preferably selected from the range of 590 to 750 nm, more preferably 600 to 720 nm, and still more preferably 620 to 700 nm. Two additional wavelengths preferred for the treatment of acne are 633 nm and 660 nm.

  In the case of a comedone, it is particularly preferable to apply an organic EL element that emits light having a wavelength of 500 nm or a wavelength in the range of 500 to 700 nm.

  The wavelength for treatment or prevention of cellulite (subcutaneous fat) is in the range of 400 to 1000 nm, preferably in the range of 400 to 900 nm, more preferably in the range of 450 to 900 nm, and particularly preferably in the range of 500 to 850 nm. It is.

  In addition, the wavelength for treatment or prevention of skin aging and the reduction or prevention of wrinkle formation is in the range of 400 to 950 nm. This wavelength is preferably in the range of 550 to 900 nm, more preferably in the range of 550 to 860 nm.

  Moreover, the organic EL element applied to skin rejuvenation emits light in the range of 700 to 1000 nm, preferably in the range of 750 to 900 nm, more preferably in the range of 750 to 860 nm, and particularly preferably in the range of 800 to 850 nm. It is an organic EL element.

  The wavelength for treatment and prevention of skin redness is in the range of 460 to 660 nm. The wavelength is preferably in the range of 500 to 620 nm, more preferably in the range of 540 to 580 nm. One particularly preferred wavelength for this purpose is 560 nm.

  The wavelength for treatment and prevention of dermatitis is in the range of 470 to 670 nm. The wavelength is preferably in the range of 490 to 650 nm, more preferably in the range of 530 to 610 nm. Two particularly preferred wavelengths for this purpose are 550 nm and 590 nm.

  Moreover, the wavelength for the treatment and prevention of atopic eczema is in the range of 470 to 670 nm. The wavelength is preferably in the range of 490 to 650 nm, more preferably in the range of 530 to 610 nm.

  The wavelength used for the treatment of edema is preferably in the range of 760 to 940 nm, more preferably in the range of 780 to 920 nm, still more preferably in the range of 800 to 900 nm, and particularly preferably in the range of 820 to 880 nm. .

  Moreover, the phototherapy device of the present invention can be used to treat a wound. Preferred wavelengths for the treatment of wounds by phototherapy are in the range of 600-950 nm, more preferably in the range of 650-900 nm, particularly preferred wavelengths are 660, 720, 880 nm.

  In addition, as described in JP-T-2002-51916, by irradiating 1917 nm infrared rays, the immune system is stimulated, so that no harm is caused to normal cells. Can be treated.

  Moreover, the wavelength for the treatment and prevention of nervous system and mental diseases and symptoms is in the range of 350 to 600 nm. The wavelength is preferably in the range of 400 to 550 nm, more preferably in the range of 440 to 500 nm. Two preferred wavelengths for this purpose are 460 nm and 480 nm.

[Photodynamic therapy (PDT)]
In the phototherapy method using the phototherapy device of the present invention, it is preferable to apply photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a photochemotherapeutic agent together with light irradiation by an organic EL element.

  PDT provides a topical or internal use of a photosensitive therapeutic agent known as a photopharmacological agent to the region of the body to be treated. Next, in this region, the photochemotherapy agent is activated by radiating light having an appropriate wavelength and intensity with the phototherapy device of the present invention. For example, a method of treating a tumor in which a photosensitizing substance as a photochemotherapeutic agent is taken into tumor cells and irradiated with light to kill the cells. More specifically, reactive oxygen is generated by introducing photosensitized fluorescent protein or the like into tumor cells or endothelial cells of new blood vessels in tumor tissue and irradiating with appropriate light. This active oxygen is a method in which tumor cells or tumor tissue are damaged and the tumor disappears.

  As a photochemotherapeutic agent (also referred to as a photosensitizing compound) applied to the photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is converted into a cytotoxic form upon irradiation with a photoactivating light beam, or is cytotoxic. A formulation containing a photosensitizing substance that gives rise to seeds.

  Photochemotherapeutic agents can be used for either systemic or local administration (eg, by delivery to the intestine, buccal, sublingual, gingival, palate, nasal, lung, vagina, rectum or eyeball). Photodynamic therapy formulations can also be provided in dosage forms suitable for oral or parenteral administration. Among these, photodynamic therapy preparations for topical administration include gels, creams, ointments, sprays, lotions, waxes, sticks, soaps, powders, tablets, films, vaginal suppositories, aerosols Formulated in any of drops, solutions, and conventional pharmaceutical forms in the art. In the case of topical administration or oral administration, absorption enhancers such as lubricants, moisturizers, emulsifiers, suspending agents, preservatives, sweeteners, flavoring agents, surface penetration aids and the like may be further included as necessary. .

  Examples of the photochemotherapeutic agent include 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (Crawford Pharmaceuticals), methylaminolevulinic acid (Metfix (registered trademark)), and Photocure (Photocure). ) And other topical agents. Also, for example, Photofin® (Photofin®) (from Axcan) and Foscan® (Fosscan®) (from Biolittech Ltd) There are injection drugs mainly used for malignant diseases. The drug is often applied in an inactive form, which is metabolized to a photosensitive photochemotherapeutic agent.

[Other functions of phototherapy device]
Various functions can be imparted to the phototherapy device of the present invention as needed together with the organic EL element described above.

For example,
1) A method of providing a function of automatically turning off the device when an organic EL element generates heat or overheats by installing an “overdoing prevention timer” for preventing excessive light irradiation,
2) A method of installing a sheet having a fine hole on the surface side in contact with the affected part with a slight gap from the organic EL element in order to prevent the affected part from being swollen. At this time, in order to impart a light irradiation effect to the formed hole portion, it is preferable that the configuration has a light extraction film and an internal scattering layer.
3) To have a toning function to change the emission color of the organic EL element when the set time comes to notify the completion of phototherapy;
4) A function that can switch the light irradiation intensity without changing the color tone of the emitted light,
5) The provision of a waterproof function that can be used safely even in an environment where water is used,
6) As an organic EL element, it has a wide light emitting area and high light emission uniformity (for this function, it is effective to apply a grid electrode),
Etc.

  The phototherapy device of the present invention is a high-intensity organic EL device that generates little heat during treatment, has excellent adhesion to an affected area and is compatible with curved surfaces, and can stably irradiate light having a wavelength optimal for treatment. It is a device for phototherapy provided with an element, and can be applied to treatments of various diseases, syndromes, diseases, symptoms, or various diseases that respond to organic EL treatment and cosmetic symptoms.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Flexible base material 2, 2A, 2B, 2C Organic functional layer unit 3 Adhesive layer for sealing 4 Flexible sealing substrate 5 Adhesive layer 6 1st electrode (anode)
7, 9 Organic functional layer group 8 Light emitting layer group 10 Second electrode (cathode)
11, 11-A, 11-B, 11-C Lead wire 12, 13 Light emitting layer 15, 15A, 15B Intermediate electrode 16A, 16B Underlayer AP Affected area EIL, EIL1, EIL2 Electron injection layer ETL, ETL1, ETL2 Electron transport layer HIL, HIL1, HIL2 Hole injection layer HTL, HTL1, HTL2 Hole transport layer L Emission light h Emission point M Phototherapy device OLED Organic EL element V1, V2, V3 Voltage U, U1, U2, U3 Light emission unit

Claims (9)

A phototherapy device comprising an organic electroluminescence element having an emission wavelength in the wavelength range of 400 to 2000 nm as a surface-emitting light source,
The organic electroluminescence element has two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths on a flexible substrate,
An apparatus for phototherapy, comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in contact with an affected area on a surface of the flexible substrate opposite to a surface having the light emitting material.   The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the organic electroluminescence element has a toning function for adjusting a light emission wavelength.   The thickness of the said organic electroluminescent element is 500 micrometers or less, The apparatus for phototherapy of Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.   4. The light-emitting material having two or more different emission wavelengths is selected from materials having a light emission maximum wavelength in a wavelength region of 400 nm or more and less than 700 nm. 5. The phototherapy device according to 1.   5. The light emitting material having three kinds of light emitting wavelengths different from each other, and the light emitting maximum wavelength of each of the light emitting materials is in a range of 430 to 470 nm, 500 to 540 nm, and 610 to 650 nm. The device for phototherapy as described.   4. The light-emitting material having two or more different emission wavelengths is selected from materials having emission maximum wavelengths in a wavelength region of 700 nm or more and less than 950 nm. 5. The phototherapy device according to 1.   7. The light emitting material having two kinds of light emitting wavelengths different from each other, and the light emitting maximum wavelength of each of the light emitting materials is in a range of 780 to 820 nm and in a range of 880 to 920 nm. Light therapy device.   The organic electroluminescence element has two or more organic functional layer units sandwiched between a pair of electrodes on a flexible substrate, has an intermediate electrode between the organic functional layer units, and the two or more The organic functional layer unit includes a total of two or more kinds of light emitting materials having different emission wavelengths, and the device for phototherapy according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   The phototherapy device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a photochemotherapeutic agent is used together with the organic electroluminescence element.

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