JP6488056B1 - Light irradiation device and method of manufacturing light irradiation device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to improve the effect of a light irradiation apparatus that irradiates light on an irradiated portion of a human body. A light emitting unit of a light irradiating device includes a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged, and a direction perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the substrate is called an up and down direction, and a side on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged is an upper side. A lower case provided below the substrate, and each of the plurality of light emitting elements is arranged such that the optical axis is inclined from the vertical direction, and the lower case is a plurality of lower cases arranged on the substrate. The light emitting element has a receiving portion for supporting each of the light emitting elements from obliquely below. [Selection] Figure 17

Description

  The present invention relates to a light irradiation apparatus for irradiating light on an irradiated region of a human body and a method for manufacturing the light irradiation apparatus.

  It has been reported that irradiation of red light from a red LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) or a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) has an effect of promoting the growth of human hair (for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3). reference). It is considered that hair growth is promoted by stimulating and activating the hair papilla cells by irradiation with red light and promoting secretion of cell growth factors such as HGF and VEGF-A.

"Possibility of application of LED to hair medical treatment: Analysis of promotion effect and mechanism of red LED on mouse hair growth", Inui Shigeki, Journal of Japanese Society of Laser Therapy, Vol. 11, No. 2, 29-32, 2012 "Analysis of the possibility of hair growth promoting action of red light emitting diode (LED) and its mechanism", Inui Shigeki, Skin and Beauty, Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 9-12, 2013 "Development of ultra-narrow band LED light source and its dermatological application", Masahiro Ogasawara, Takashi Hirao, Shizuo Fujita, Materials, Vol. 64, No. 5, pp. 405-409, May 2015

  There are many people who suffer from thinning or hair loss regardless of race or gender, and many people are waiting for the provision of equipment for hair growth and hair growth using such red light. The inventors of the present invention have conducted experiments aiming at the development of a technique capable of enhancing the effect of light irradiation on the irradiated part of the human body, and have arrived at the present invention.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a subject, The objective is to provide the technique which improves the effect of the light irradiation apparatus which irradiates light to the to-be-irradiated part of a human body.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a light irradiation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a substrate on which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged, and a direction perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the substrate is referred to as an up-and-down direction. And the lower case provided below the substrate, each of the plurality of light emitting elements is arranged so that the optical axis is inclined from the vertical direction, the lower case is It has a receiving part for supporting each of the several light emitting element arrange | positioned at the board | substrate from diagonally downward.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a light irradiation device. This method is a method for manufacturing a light irradiation device, in which a direction perpendicular to the arrangement surface of a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged is called an up-down direction, and a side on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged is called an upper side. In this case, a step of placing the substrate on a lower case in which a receiving portion for receiving a plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the substrate from obliquely below is formed, and a receiving portion of the plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the substrate And inclining the plurality of light emitting elements against each other.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a light irradiation device. This light irradiation apparatus includes a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged, and the plurality of light emitting elements are arranged so that stopper portions of electrode terminals are located inside through holes of the substrate.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the effect of the light irradiation apparatus which irradiates light to the to-be-irradiated part of a human body can be improved.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the light irradiation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a front view of the light irradiation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a sectional side view of the light irradiation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a front view of the cover member of the light irradiation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a side view of the cover member of FIG. It is a rear view of the cover member of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the periphery of a cover member and a light emitting element. It is a front view of the hood member of the light irradiation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a side view of the hood member of FIG. It is a front view of the several light emitting element of the light irradiation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a side view of the several light emitting element of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the cylindrical part and fitting cylinder part of FIG. It is a block wiring diagram of the light irradiation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the temperature characteristic of a LED lamp. It is a figure which shows the result of the hair growth experiment of a mouse | mouth. It is a figure which shows the result of a human hair growth experiment. It is the upper surface perspective view which looked at the light emission part of a present Example from diagonally upward. 18A, 18B, and 18C are a plan view, a front view, and a rear perspective view, respectively, of the light emitting unit of this example. It is a figure which shows typically the structural member of the light emission part of a present Example. 20A, 20B, and 20C are respectively a top perspective view, a rear perspective view, and a plan view of the upper case of the light emitting unit of the present embodiment. FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C are respectively a top view, a front view, and a rear view of the wiring board of the light emitting unit of this example. 22A, 22B, and 22C are respectively a top perspective view, a front view, and a rear perspective view of the lower case of the light emitting unit of the present embodiment. FIGS. 23A and 23B are top perspective views of the wiring board of the light emitting unit of this embodiment and the lower case on which the wiring board is placed, respectively. 24 (a) and 24 (b) are dimension diagrams of the light emitting section of the present example. 25 (a) and 25 (b) are dimension diagrams of the wiring board of this example. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the light emitting element arrange | positioned at a wiring board. It is a figure which shows typically the structural member of another Example of a light emission part. 28A, 28B, and 28C are respectively a top perspective view, a rear perspective view, and a plan view of the upper case of the light emitting unit of the present embodiment. FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C are respectively a top perspective view, a front view, and a rear perspective view of the lower case of the light emitting unit of this embodiment.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components and members shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. In addition, the dimensions of the members in each drawing are appropriately enlarged or reduced for easy understanding. Also, in the drawings, some of the members that are not important for describing the embodiment are omitted.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, an irradiated region such as a scalp of a human body is irradiated with red light having a wavelength near 638 nm capable of promoting hair growth and hair growth from an LED while being irradiated with an appropriate temperature of air. A light irradiation device for blowing air will be described.

The present inventors develop a light irradiation apparatus for irradiating red light having a wavelength near 638 nm, which has been proved to have an effect of promoting hair growth and hair growth by papers such as Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3. At the time, a questionnaire was used to determine when the user of the light irradiation device wanted to use it. The target of the questionnaire is a total of 21 people, 15 men and 6 women who desire thin hair care and hair care, and the average age is 47.5 years old. The results of the questionnaire were as follows.
(1) We want to carry out at the same time when using a hair dryer: 15 people (71.4%)
(2) We want to carry out at the time of use of washstand: Three people (14.3%)
(3) You may need special time for hair care and hair care: 3 people (14.3%)
It was also found that everyone thought that they were taking care of thinning hair or taking care of hair as “not wanting to be known” or “preferably not knowing” to their families.

  From the results of the above questionnaire survey, even those who care about thinning hair and want thin hair care or hair care, few people want to spend time for that purpose, and many people It turns out that he wants to carry out thinning hair care and hair care in action. According to the results of surveys on the use of hair dryers by Japanese men and women under 70, the percentage of people who use hair dryers “frequently” or “sometimes” is 91.8% for women and 61.6% for men. Therefore, it can be said that performing thinning hair care and hair care when using a hair dryer matches behavior in daily life. According to another survey, the number of people who care about the reduction in hair volume due to thinning hair has increased from around 40s in both men and women, and 95% of women and 78.8% of men are in their 60s. About 87% of people are concerned about future thinning hair, and about 87% want it.

  Based on the results of the above questionnaire survey, the inventors made a prototype of a light irradiation device in which a high energy density red LED unit was incorporated into a hair dryer, and performed hair growth experiments on mice and humans. The details of the hair growth experiment will be described in detail in Examples below.

  From hair growth experiments on mice, hair growth and hair-growth effects can be obtained just by irradiating red light, but red light is emitted by irradiating red light while blowing warm air heated to body temperature. It has been found that a higher hair growth and hair growth effect can be obtained than in the case of merely doing. Also in human hair growth experiments, clear hair growth and hair growth effects were observed in all subjects by irradiating red light while blowing warm air heated to a temperature similar to body temperature.

  It has been reported that stretch stimulation by scalp massage suppresses hair loss factors such as IL-6 and TNT-α and is effective in normalizing the hair cycle and regenerating hair (for example, “Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue ", Taro Koyama, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Takanori Hama, Kasumi Murakami, Rei Ogawa, An Open Access Journal, January 25, 2016). Stimulation similar to massage is given to the scalp even by moderate ventilation, and it is considered that the effect of suppressing the hair loss factor is exhibited.

  Even if air is blown at room temperature without heating, it is thought that the scalp can be stimulated in the same way as massage, and an effect of suppressing hair loss factor can be obtained. Since the transmittance of the stratum corneum of the skin can be increased by blowing air, a higher effect can be expected. In addition, as mentioned above, many users want to carry out thin hair care and hair care by irradiating with red light when using a hair dryer when drying the hair after washing or setting the hair before going out. If you want to use a hair dryer to dry or set your hair, it is more effective to dry or set hair by blowing warm air that is moderately warm than blowing air at room temperature. Therefore, it is desirable that a light irradiation device for thin hair care and hair care also has a function of blowing warm air that is appropriately heated. From the viewpoint of promoting hair growth and hair growth, it is possible that the effect of suppressing the hair loss factor can be enhanced by the relaxation effect when blowing warm air heated to about body temperature to the scalp, and cell growth factor Since there is a possibility that it can be activated, there is a possibility that hair growth and hair growth can be further promoted by a synergistic effect.

  However, when a function for blowing warm air is mounted on a light irradiation device that emits red light from an LED, a new problem arises that the LED is vulnerable to heat and its characteristics can change depending on the temperature. Since it is important to irradiate the irradiated site with light having a wavelength of around 638 nm, which has been known to have an effect on hair growth and hair growth, with sufficient illuminance, the temperature of the LED rises due to warm air and light is emitted. If the wavelength of light deviates from the vicinity of 638 nm or the intensity of emitted light decreases, the effect of hair growth and hair growth at the irradiated site will be reduced, and this is a fall.

  In order to solve such a problem, the light irradiation device of the present embodiment has a wavelength and irradiation energy that can promote hair growth or hair growth in the irradiated site in an environment where the light irradiation device is used. The light irradiation device LED, a circuit for supplying power to the LED, a blower for sending warm air, and a temperature for adjusting the temperature of the hot air so that the irradiated portion is irradiated with light from the light emitting unit Each component, such as a temperature adjustment part and the control part which controls them, is comprised. More specifically, the wavelength is a wavelength in a predetermined range including 638 nm, for example, a wavelength of 634 to 639 nm. The temperature of the air sent out by the blower is a temperature around the body temperature at which the user feels comfortable and can be expected to increase the skin permeability of the stratum corneum, and is, for example, 35 to 45 ° C.

In the present embodiment, the light irradiation device is configured so that the light irradiated to the irradiated site has a predetermined range of wavelengths and irradiation energy including 638 nm that can promote hair growth or hair growth in the irradiated site. In order to do so, the light irradiation device of the following three aspects is proposed.
[Aspect 1] An LED having a temperature characteristic such that light having a wavelength in a predetermined range including 638 nm is output in the temperature range of the air sent from the air blowing unit of the light irradiation device. Alternatively, a circuit capable of compensating the temperature characteristics of the LED so that light of a wavelength in a predetermined range including 638 nm is output from the LED is mounted.
[Aspect 2] The air blowing unit and the LED are mounted in a positional relationship such that the LED is not heated by the air sent from the air blowing unit of the light irradiation device or is not easily heated.
[Aspect 3] The wavelength or irradiation energy of light irradiated on or near the irradiated site is detected, and the wavelength or irradiation energy of light output from the LED is dynamically controlled based on the detected wavelength or irradiation energy. To do.

[Configuration example of light irradiation device]
First, the structural example of the light irradiation apparatus of this Embodiment is shown. Then, the detail of the light irradiation apparatus of said aspect 1-3 is demonstrated.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the light irradiation apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of the light irradiation apparatus 100, and FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a side cross section of the light irradiation apparatus 100. Hereinafter, description will be made based on the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The direction X corresponds to the horizontal left-right direction, the direction Y corresponds to the horizontal front-rear direction, and the direction Z corresponds to the vertical up-down direction. The direction Y and the direction Z are orthogonal to the direction X, respectively. The direction X may be described as the left direction or the right direction, the direction Y may be expressed as the forward direction or the rear direction, and the direction Z may be expressed as the upward direction or the downward direction.
This is referred to as the radial direction described later.
Regardless of the representation of these directions, the light irradiation device 100 can be used in any posture.

  Description of the light irradiation apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment demonstrates the example which uses the light irradiation apparatus which has a hair dryer shape for scalp or hair as an example of the skin or body hair which is a to-be-irradiated part. The light irradiation apparatus 100 can also be used for body hair in parts other than the head hair, such as eyebrows and wrinkles, and the skin in the vicinity of the base.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light irradiation device 100 according to the embodiment illuminates a scalp or hair that is an example of the blower 40 for sending the air flow 42 flowing in the first direction P and the irradiated part 70. And the light emitting unit 10 that outputs the luminous flux 28. The light emitting unit 10 is provided on the first direction P side of the air blowing unit 40.

  It is conceivable that the temperature of the irradiated portion 70 rises when the irradiated portion 70 is irradiated with the light flux 28 in the state where the light irradiation device 100 is placed in the vicinity of the irradiated portion 70. Further, it is conceivable that the temperature of the irradiated portion 70 is raised by the light irradiation device 100 itself generating heat during use. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, the air blowing unit 40 is configured to send the air flow 42 toward the irradiated unit 70. The irradiated portion 70 receives the air flow 42 so that the temperature rise can be mitigated. Further, since the irradiated portion 70 receives the unheated cool breeze, the user's tension is relaxed and the blood flow is improved, so that there is also a synergistic effect of receiving the light flux 28 and the air flow 42 on the scalp. I can expect.

(Cover member)
Next, the cover member 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 is a front view of the cover member 18, FIG. 5 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 6 is a rear view thereof. When the plurality of light emitting elements 20 directly come into contact with the scalp or the hair, which is an example of the irradiated portion 70, foreign substances such as sebum may adhere to the plurality of light emitting elements 20 and the surfaces of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 may become cloudy. It is conceivable that the amount of light output decreases when the surfaces of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are clouded. For this reason, it is desirable that the plurality of light emitting elements 20 do not directly contact the irradiated portion 70. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, the light emitting unit 10 is provided with a replaceable cover member 18 through which the light flux 28 is transmitted. In this case, when a foreign substance adheres to the cover member 18, it can remove and wash | clean. The cover member 18 may be attached so as to be manually replaceable without using a tool. The cover member 18 may be provided with an engaging portion that can be easily attached and detached.

(Protruding part)
When the surface on the front side of the cover member is flat, the cover member presses the head hair to make it dense so that the ratio of the luminous flux hitting the hair increases and the ratio reaching the scalp decreases. Therefore, in the light irradiation apparatus 100, the cover member 18 has a plurality of protrusions 19 that protrude in the first direction and come into contact with the irradiated portion 70. In this case, the protrusion 19 is divided between the hairs, and the tip of the protrusion 19 approaches the scalp, so that the light beam 28 can efficiently reach the scalp. You may make it the front-end | tip of the protrusion part 19 contact | abut to a scalp. When the tip of the protrusion 19 hits the scalp, it is possible to apply an appropriate stimulus to the scalp and promote blood flow.

  From the viewpoint of suppressing the increase in size, it is desirable that the light emitting portion has a small size in the front-rear direction. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, as shown in FIG. 7, the cover member 18 is provided with a recess 19 b that houses at least a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 20. By accommodating, for example, the tip of the light emitting element 20 in the recess 19b, the size of the light emitting unit 10 in the front-rear direction can be reduced. The recess 19b may be provided corresponding to the protrusion 19.

  It is desirable that harmful ultraviolet light contained in the luminous flux 28 is as little as possible. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, the cover member 18 is formed of a material that attenuates ultraviolet light. In this case, since the ultraviolet light contained in the light flux 28 transmitted through the cover member 18 is small, the user can use it with peace of mind.

  In many cases, the irradiated portion is curved, for example, the head is substantially spherical. For this reason, it is desirable that the shape of the cover member is set corresponding to the curved shape of the irradiated portion. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 18 is moved in the first direction from the retreat area 18a and the retreat area 18a retreating toward the blower section 40 in the front-rear direction which is the first direction P. And an advance region 18b that advances forward at P. In this case, the retreat area 18 a and the advance area 18 b of the cover member 18 can be arranged corresponding to the curved shape C of the irradiated portion 70.

(Hood member)
Next, the hood member 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a front view of the hood member 15, and FIG. 9 is a side view thereof.
If a part of the light beam 28 leaks to the outside, it is considered that the leaked light enters the eyes. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, the light emitting unit 10 is provided with the hood member 15 that surrounds the light flux 28 on the first direction P side. By providing the hood member 15, the amount of light leaking to the outside can be reduced. In addition, the light quantity which leaks outside can be further reduced by providing the hood member 15 so that the irradiated part 70 may be contacted. The hood member 15 may be provided so as to protrude forward from the protruding portion 19 of the cover member 18. The hood member 15 is provided with a retreat area 15a corresponding to the retreat area 18a of the cover member 18 and a forward area 15b corresponding to the forward area 18b. The advance region 15b advances forward in the first direction P from the retract region 15a.

  Next, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 is a front view of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 attached to the wiring board 13, and FIG. 11 is a side view thereof.

  From the viewpoint of the convenience of the user, it is desirable that the light irradiation device can irradiate a light beam over a wide range. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, the light emitting unit 10 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 20, as shown in FIG. As the plurality of light emitting elements 20, for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes) or LDs (diode lasers) can be used. In the light irradiation device 100, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged so as to surround the air flow 42. In particular, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged, for example, in a ring shape at a position surrounding the air flow 42 while avoiding the central portion of the air flow 42 on the first direction P side of the air blowing unit 40. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be arranged in a circular shape, an oval shape, or a polygonal shape surrounding the air flow 42.

  As described above, since the head is substantially spherical, the irradiated part is often curved. For this reason, it is desirable that the position of each light emitting element is set corresponding to the curved shape of the irradiated portion. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, as shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are, in the front-rear direction that is the first direction P, the light emitting elements 20a that recede toward the air blowing section in the first direction P; And the light emitting element 20b advanced in the first direction from the retreating light emitting element 20a. That is, in the light irradiation device 100, each of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 is arranged so as to change the position in the front-rear direction so as to follow the curved shape C of the head. In the light irradiation apparatus 100, as an example, the light emitting element 21 in the vicinity of the center in the direction Z (vertical direction) is in the front-rear direction, which is the first direction P, from the light emitting elements 22 on both sides (upper and lower sides). It is set back to the rear side. The difference in distance from the head surface of each of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 is reduced, and the light flux 28 can be effectively irradiated.

  It is desirable that the amount of light received in the irradiated portion has a small deviation at each site in the irradiated portion. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, at least a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 is provided to be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction that is the first direction P. That is, in the light irradiation device 100, at least some of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are provided such that the optical axis is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. In the light irradiation apparatus 100, as an example, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are inclined inward so that their optical axes intersect at the front. In particular, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are inclined so that the optical axis of the light emitting element 20 faces a portion where the central portion of the air flow 42 of the irradiated portion 70 hits at a position avoiding the central portion of the air flow 42. Provided. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be inclined outward so that their optical axes open forward. Such an inclination direction can be set corresponding to the directivity of the light emitting element. Such an inclination can be set in a range of 3 degrees to 30 degrees, for example. In the light irradiation device 100, the optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are provided obliquely inwardly by 3 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction.

  When outputting a light beam with a large amount of light, there is a concern about the temperature rise of the light emitting element of the light emitting unit and the surrounding electronic components. When these components are used at a high temperature, the lifetime of the light-emitting element and the electronic component is shortened. Therefore, it is desirable that the light-emitting element and its surrounding electronic components are used while being cooled. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, as shown in FIG. 3, at least a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 is arranged in a region through which the air flow 42 passes. That is, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged in a range extending forward from the delivery port 114. In this case, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are cooled by the air flow 42 delivered from the delivery port 114, and the temperature rise is suppressed.

  Moreover, in the light irradiation apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 3, the light emission part 10 is the range through which the airflow 42 passes at least one part of the electronic component 14 electrically connected to either of the some light emitting elements 20. As shown in FIG. Is arranged. That is, at least a part of the electronic component 14 is arranged so that heat dissipation is promoted by the air flow 42. In this case, since the air flow 42 hits the electronic component 14, the electronic component 14 is cooled and the temperature rise is suppressed.

  It is desirable to reduce the possibility that the light beam 28 output from the light emitting unit 10 will enter the eyes. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, as shown in FIG. 3, when the light emitting unit 10 is separated from the irradiated unit 70 by a predetermined distance or more, the current limit is configured to cut off or reduce the current supplied to the light emitting unit 10. The unit 32 is provided. That is, in the light irradiation device 100, the light emitting unit 10 is energized and outputs the light flux 28 in a state where the light emitting unit 10 is close to the irradiated unit 70, and the energization is substantially stopped when moving away from the irradiated unit 70. Is configured to do. For example, the current limiting unit 32 may be configured to detect a distance from the light emitting unit 10 and to control energization to the light emitting unit 10 according to the detected distance. In addition, the current limiting unit 32 may be configured to energize the light emitting unit 10 when the light emitting unit 10 contacts the irradiated portion 70 or its periphery. When the light emitting unit 10 moves away from the head, the output of the light beam 28 automatically decreases, so that the possibility of the light beam 28 entering the eye can be reduced. For ease of understanding, the description of the current limiting unit 32 is omitted in FIGS.

(Signal output section)
For example, the light irradiation apparatus may be used for a predetermined time for each irradiated portion by dividing the head into a plurality of irradiated portions. From the viewpoint of ease of use, the use time for each irradiated portion is preferably in the range of 3 seconds to 30 seconds, more preferably in the range of 5 seconds to 20 seconds. The use time for each irradiated part is short when the luminous flux of the light irradiation device is large, and is long when the light flux is small. It is convenient for the user if a signal is output for such usage time. Therefore, the light irradiation device 100 includes a signal output unit 34 configured to output a signal that can be perceived by the user at a predetermined timing, as shown in FIG. As an example, the signal output unit may output a beep sound 34e that is a signal every set time (for example, 10 seconds). The user can switch the use position at the timing of the signal. The signal is not particularly limited as long as it can be perceived by the user. In order to facilitate understanding, the illustration of the signal output unit 34 is omitted in FIGS.

  It is desirable that the usage time for each irradiated portion is uniform. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, the signal output unit 34 outputs a signal using at least one of sound, vibration, and light at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of supply of current to the light emitting unit 10. It is configured. As an example, the signal output unit 34 may output a beep sound 34e that is a signal at a timing when a set time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of supply of current to the light emitting unit 10. The user can switch the use position at the timing of the beep sound 34e. In this case, the usage time for each irradiated portion can be easily aligned.

  If the light irradiation device can be separated into several blocks, the storage becomes compact and convenient to carry. On the other hand, it is desirable that the light irradiation device can supply power to only one of the light emitting unit and the air blowing unit and to the other. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 100, the light emitting unit 10 is detachably attached to the air blowing unit 40 on the first direction P side. In particular, the light emitting unit 10 is provided so that it can be manually attached to and detached from the air blowing unit 40 without using a tool. The light emitting part 10 has a second contact part 38 for receiving supply of current from the air blowing part 40. The air blowing part 40 has a first contact part 36 that is electrically connected to the second contact part 38 when the light emitting part 10 is mounted. By configuring in this way. The light irradiation device 100 can be stored separately in the light emitting unit 10 and the air blowing unit 40. Further, the light irradiation device 100 can supply power to the light emitting unit 10 via the first contact part 36 and the second contact part 38 only by supplying power to the air blowing part 40 side by attaching the light emitting part 10 to the air blowing part 40. The first contact portion 36 can be provided on the inner side close to the air flow 42 of the housing 110 that is the outer shell of the air blowing unit 40 or on the outer side opposite to the air flow 42. In the light irradiation apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, as an example, the first contact portion 36 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 82 that is an end in the first direction of the housing 110 to be described later.

  Next, a specific structure of the light irradiation apparatus 100 will be described.

(Blower part)
As shown in FIG. 3, the blower 40 includes a housing 110, a grip 108, a suction port 116, a delivery port 114, an impeller 43, a motor 41, a heater 44, a control unit 50, and a switch. A portion 52, a passage portion 118, a first contact portion 36, a power supply portion 124, and a tubular portion 82 are included.

  The housing 110 is an outer shell of the air blowing unit 40 and accommodates and holds main components of the air blowing unit 40 therein. The casing 110 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical member, and can be formed from a resin material by a molding process. The grip part 108 is a part for the user to hold with the hand, and is attached so as to protrude downward from the outer peripheral lower surface near the rear part of the housing 110. The grip part 108 may be connected to the housing 110 via hinge means that enables bending.

  The suction port 116 is an opening for introducing air to be blown into the housing 110 from the atmosphere space, and is provided on the rear side of the housing 110, for example. The suction port 116 may be provided with a mesh member (not shown) that suppresses entry of foreign matter. The delivery port 114 is an opening for delivering the air flow 42 and is provided on the front side of the housing 110. The delivery port 114 may be provided with a mesh member (not shown) that suppresses entry of foreign matter.

  The impeller 43 is a blade member for extruding the rear air forward by rotating, and can be formed from a resin material, for example, by a molding process. The impeller 43 is provided in the housing 110 on the front side of the suction port 116. The motor 41 is an electric motor for rotationally driving the impeller 43, and rotates when current is supplied from the control unit 50. The motor 41 is provided on the front side of the impeller 43 in the housing 110, and the rotation shaft (not shown) of the motor 41 is fixed to the center of the impeller 43.

  The heater 44 is an electric heater for heating the air flow pushed out by the impeller 43, and generates heat when current is supplied from the control unit 50. The heater 44 is provided on the front side of the motor 41 of the housing 110. The control unit 50 is configured to control electric power supplied from the power supply unit 124 and supply current to each of the motor 41, the heater 44, and the light emitting unit 10 according to the state of the switch unit 52. The control unit 50 is accommodated and fixed in the grip unit 108, for example. The control unit 50 may be accommodated in the housing 110. A means for limiting the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 10 may be provided from the viewpoint of limiting excessive irradiation to the irradiated portion 70. As an example, the control unit 50 may be configured to limit power supply to the light emitting unit 10 based on a value obtained by a predetermined calculation using a supply current and a supply time to the light emitting unit 10 as parameters.

  The switch unit 52 is a member that switches the operation mode of the light irradiation apparatus 100. The switch unit 52 can include a mechanical switch having a mechanical contact and an electronic switch that detects electronic contact and switches electronically. The switch part 52 is attached to the grip part 108 so that the protrusion part 52a protrudes into the opening 108a on the front side of the grip part 108. The switch part 52 is configured to switch between a plurality of modes by pushing the protruding part 52a backward. For example, from the entire off state, current is supplied to the motor 41 by the first push and air blowing is started, current is supplied to the light emitting unit 10 by the second push and light emission is started, and light is emitted by the third push. It is possible to turn off the current of the section 10 and supply the current to the heater 44 to start heating, and to turn off the whole by pushing in the fourth time. The switch unit 52 can include a plurality of electrical switches. The switch unit 52 may include a light emission control switch for starting or stopping power supply to the light emitting unit 10, and the light emission control switch is configured to start or stop power supply according to the attitude of the light irradiation device 100. May be. As an example, the light emission control switch may be configured to start power supply to the light emitting unit 10 in a predetermined posture (for example, a posture in which the light emitting unit 10 faces the head).

  The air blowing unit 40 is provided with an electric cable 126 for supplying a current to the light emitting unit 10 when the light emitting unit 10 is mounted. The first contact part 36 has a contact for electrical connection with the second contact part 38, and is electrically connected to the output part of the control part 50 by an electric cable 126. The passage portion 118 is a passage for protecting the electric cable 126 connected from the control portion 50 to the light emitting portion 10 from the heat of the heater 44. In particular, the electric cable 126 is wired through a tubular passage portion 118 provided, for example, inside the housing 110 that is an outer shell of the blower portion 40. The passage portion 118 is provided below the housing 110 in order to accommodate the electric cable 126.

  The power supply unit 124 is an electric circuit for sending electric power supplied from a power cable (not shown) to the control unit 50 and is housed and fixed in the grip unit 108. The power supply unit 124 may include a rectifier circuit and a smoothing circuit.

  The cylindrical part 82 is a hollow cylindrical part provided at the end in the first direction P of the air blowing part 40 (see also FIG. 1). An outlet 114 for sending the air flow 42 is formed inside the cylindrical portion 82. The cylindrical portion 82 is fitted with a fitting cylindrical portion 84 of the light emitting portion 10 described later. In particular, at least the tip of the cylindrical portion 82 is accommodated inside the fitting cylindrical portion 84. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cylindrical portion 82 and a fitting cylindrical portion 84 to be described later. The cylindrical part 82 is provided with an attaching / detaching mechanism for attaching the light emitting part 10 to the air blowing part 40 in a detachable manner. In particular, the cylindrical portion 82 is provided with a fitting outer peripheral surface 82a provided in front of the housing 110 and a claw portion 82b provided on the fitting outer peripheral surface 82a. The fitting outer peripheral surface 82a is formed with a smaller diameter than, for example, a region on the rear side thereof. One or a plurality of (for example, two) claw portions 82b may be provided on the fitting outer peripheral surface 82a. The fitting outer peripheral surface 82 a is configured to be fitted to the fitting inner peripheral surface 84 a of the fitting cylinder portion 84. The claw portion 82b is configured to be engaged with a step portion 84b of the fitting cylinder portion 84 to be described later.

(Light emitting part)
As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting unit 10 includes a housing 30, a vent 86, a cover member 18, a hood member 15, a wiring board 13, an electronic component 14, a plurality of light emitting elements 20, The contact part 38 and the fitting cylinder part 84 are included.

  The housing 30 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical member for accommodating and holding main components of the light emitting unit 10 therein. The housing 30 fits into a housing cylinder portion 31 that houses the annular wiring board 13 that fixes the plurality of light emitting elements 20, and a tubular portion 82 that is provided at the end portion 40 a on the first direction P side of the blower portion 40. The fitting cylinder part 84 and the intermediate cylinder part 17 provided between the accommodation cylinder part 31 and the fitting cylinder part 84 are included. As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate cylinder portion 17 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the wiring board 13. Compared with the case where the inner diameter is large, the rate at which the air flow 42 strikes the inside of the wiring board 13 and diffuses can be reduced. The intermediate cylinder part 17 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the front end of the cylindrical part 82 of the blower part 40. Compared to the case where the inner diameter is large, the intermediate cylindrical portion 17 can be collected closer to the center portion while suppressing the diffusion of the air flow 42. By collecting the air flow 42 closer to the center, the air flow 42 can be efficiently sent to the irradiated portion 70 illuminated by the light flux 28.

  The vent 86 is an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the housing 30, and one or a plurality of (for example, four) vent holes 86 are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate cylindrical portion 17 of the housing 30. Providing the air vent 86 facilitates ventilation of the air inside the housing 30 and suppresses the temperature rise of the irradiated portion 70. The housing 30 can be formed from a resin material by a molding process, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the cover member 18 is a substantially disk-shaped member provided perpendicular to the front-rear direction (direction X), and has an inner peripheral portion 18 j and an outer peripheral portion 18 k. The cover member 18 is formed in a shape surrounding the air flow 42 on the first direction P side of the blower 40. The cover member 18 may be formed in a hollow ring shape. The resistance of the air flow 42 can be suppressed by forming the cover member 18 to be hollow. The cover member 18 can be formed by, for example, a molding process from a resin material having good light transmittance. A plurality of (for example, 24) projecting portions 19 projecting forward are provided on the front side of the cover member 18. The protruding portion 19 has a shell shape in which a hemisphere is coupled to the tip of the cylinder. As shown in FIG. 6, the cover member 18 has a plurality of recesses 19 b that accommodate the tip portions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20. A plurality of (for example, 24) recesses 19b are provided so as to be recessed in the front side on the rear side of the cover member 18. The concave portion 19 b corresponds to the protruding portion 19. In other words, the cover member 18 has a plurality of protrusions 19 that protrude in the first direction P side on the surface opposite to the surface on which the plurality of recesses 19b are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hood member 15 is a hollow cylindrical member extending in the front-rear direction (direction X), and has an inner peripheral portion 15j and an outer peripheral portion 15k. The hood member 15 can be formed from a resin material by a molding process, for example. The hood member 15 may be formed of a material that is less light transmissive than the cover member 18. A reflective surface may be formed on the inner surface of the hood member 15. The hood member 15 may be formed so as to be attached to and detached from the light emitting unit 10 in a state of being integrated with the cover member 18.

  The light emitting unit 10 includes a wiring board 13 that is a printed wiring board for fixing the plurality of light emitting elements 20. As shown in FIG. 11, the wiring board 13 has a substantially disk shape provided perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The wiring board 13 has an annular shape surrounding the air flow 42 on the first direction P side of the blower 40 (see also FIGS. 1 and 3). The wiring board 13 has an inner peripheral portion 13j and an outer peripheral portion 13k. The wiring board 13 has an outer peripheral portion 13k fixed to the step portion of the housing 30 by screwing or bonding. The electronic component 14 may include a resistor that limits a current flowing through the plurality of light emitting elements 20, a capacitor that smoothes the voltage, and the like. The electronic component 14 is fixed to the front surface portion and the rear surface portion of the wiring board 13 by soldering, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 include a plurality (for example, 24) of LEDs 20 m arranged on the front surface side of the wiring board 13 at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Although there is no special restriction | limiting as LED20m, In the light irradiation apparatus 100 of embodiment, LED with a wavelength of 620-670 nm (red) is selected. For example, using 638 nm red light at a light intensity time product of 1 J (= W · s) to 1.5 J (= W · s) per square centimeter, knowledge that activation of the subcutaneous tissue is effective is obtained. ing. In this case, it is desirable to adjust the irradiation time so that the amount of light is suppressed to a range in which the irradiated portion 70 is not damaged such as sunburn, and more preferably in a range in which the user does not feel pain. Further, the light intensity of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 is set so that the above light intensity time product can be obtained in the range of one irradiation time of one place in the range of 3 to 30 seconds, more preferably in the range of 5 to 20 seconds. May be.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the second contact portion 38 has a contact for electrical connection with the first contact portion 36, and is electrically connected to the plurality of light emitting elements 20 by the electric cable 128. ing. The second contact part 38 is provided, for example, on the inner peripheral part of the fitting cylinder part 84. In a state where the light emitting unit 10 is attached to the blower unit 40, the two contacts of the second contact unit 38 are electrically connected to the two contacts of the first contact unit 36.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the fitting cylinder portion 84 is provided with an attaching / detaching mechanism for detachably attaching the light emitting portion 10 to the air blowing portion 40. The fitting cylinder portion 84 is formed with a fitting inner peripheral surface 84a provided at the rear of the housing 30 and a stepped portion 84b formed on the fitting inner peripheral surface 84a. One or a plurality of (for example, two) stepped portions 84b may be provided on the fitting inner peripheral surface 84a. The fitting inner peripheral surface 84 a is configured to fit to the fitting outer peripheral surface 82 a of the tubular portion 82. The stepped portion 84b is configured to engage with the claw portion 82b of the cylindrical portion 82.

(Current limiter)
The current limiting unit 32 is configured to cut off or reduce the current supplied to the light emitting unit 10 when the light emitting unit 10 is separated from the irradiated unit 70 by a predetermined distance or more. The current limiting unit 32 includes a sensor unit 32a, and is configured to cut off or reduce the current supplied to the light emitting unit 10 according to the state of the sensor unit 32a. As the sensor unit 32a, a limit switch whose output state changes corresponding to mechanical contact, or a distance sensor using light or sound waves can be employed. In the light irradiation apparatus 100 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the sensor part 32 a is attached to the outer peripheral part of the housing 30. In the light emitting unit 10, the sensor unit 32 a has a distal end portion 32 e that is an overhanging portion that projects in the first direction P side. The sensor part 32a has a built-in limit switch 32b that is turned on when the tip part 32e is pushed in contact with the irradiated part 70.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the limit switch 32 b is connected in series with the light emitting unit 10, and is off when not in use, and is turned on when the tip 32 e comes into contact with the irradiated portion 70 and energizes the light emitting unit 10. That is, the light emitting unit 10 is configured to start light emission at the timing when the tip end portion 32 e contacts the irradiated portion 70. By adjusting the position of the tip 32e, the switching distance between energization and non-energization can be set to a desired distance. Further, as an example, the light emitting unit 10 may be configured to stop light emission when a preset timer time has elapsed from the timing when the tip end portion 32 e contacts the irradiated portion 70. As another example, the light emitting unit 10 outputs at least one of sound, vibration, and light when a preset timer time elapses from the timing when the tip 32e that is the overhanging portion contacts the irradiated portion 70. The used cue may be output. Such a cue can be output by providing a cue output unit 34 described later. As these operation timings, instead of the timing at which the tip 32e contacts the irradiated portion 70, the timing at which the tip 32e approaches the irradiated portion 70 below a preset distance may be used. Good.

(Signal output section)
The cue output unit 34 is configured to output a cue using at least one of sound, vibration, and light at a predetermined timing. The signal output unit 34 is provided in the light emitting unit 10 or the air blowing unit 40. In the light irradiation device 100, the signal output unit 34 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the housing 30 as shown in FIG. 3. In the light irradiation apparatus 100 of the embodiment, the signal output unit 34 is configured to output a signal at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of supply of current to the light emitting unit 10. As shown in the block wiring diagram of FIG. 13, the signal output unit 34 includes a timer unit 34a whose output state changes from off to on when the timer time set after the start of energization to the light emitting unit 10 has elapsed, and the timer unit 34a Buzzer means 34b for generating a beep sound 34e when the output state is ON. The timer means 34a becomes active when the light emitting unit 10 is energized, and starts counting time. The timer means 34a energizes the buzzer means 34b when a predetermined time count elapses and generates a beep sound 34e. When the light emitting unit 10 is deenergized, the timer means 34a is reset and the buzzer means 34b pauses. Further, when the light emitting unit 10 is energized, the timer means 34a becomes active, and the signal output unit 34 repeats the above operation.

Next, a method of using the light irradiation device 100 configured as described above will be described.
(1) 1st usage pattern The 1st usage pattern uses only the light emission function of the light emission part 10 by making the ventilation part 40 into a non-operation state. This mode is referred to as a first mode. First, the switch unit 52 is operated to switch the light irradiation device 100 to the first mode. In this state, the current limiting unit 32 is working, and the light emitting unit 10 is in a non-light emitting state. When the light emitting unit 10 is brought close to the head and the tip 32e comes into contact with the irradiated portion 70, the light emitting portion 10 is energized to start light emission and irradiate the irradiated portion 70 with the light flux 28. At the same time, the timer means 34a is activated. For example, when a set 10 seconds elapses, a beep sound 34e is generated from the buzzer means 34b. In response to the beep sound 34e, the user once separates the light emitting unit 10 from the head. In this state, the light emission and beep sound 34e are stopped. When the user places the light emitting unit 10 close to the irradiated part 70 at another position on the head and the tip 32e comes into contact with the irradiated part 70, the same operation as described above is repeated. By repeating these operations, the light beam 28 can be received in a desired range of the head.

(2) Second usage pattern The second usage pattern is used together with the light emitting function of the light emitting section 10 with the air blowing unit 40 in a state of blowing unheated cool air. This mode is referred to as a second mode. First, the switch unit 52 is operated to switch the light irradiation device 100 to the second mode. In this state, the unheated air flow 42 sent out by the blower 40 passes through the hole 16 of the light emitting unit 10 and is discharged from the outlet 16b. When the light emitting unit 10 is brought close to the head, the air flow 42 hits the head. Further, when the light emitting unit 10 is brought close to the head and the tip 32e comes into contact with the irradiated portion 70, the light emitting portion 10 is energized to start light emission and irradiate the irradiated portion 70 with the light flux 28. That is, in this state, the non-heated air flow 42 and the light flux 28 simultaneously strike the irradiated portion 70. As in the first use mode, the beep sound 34e is generated at a predetermined timing by operating the signal output unit 34. In response to the beep sound 34e, the user repeats the same operation as described above by placing the light emitting unit 10 on the irradiated portion 70 at another position on the head. By repeating these operations, the user can simultaneously receive the unheated air flow 42 and the luminous flux 28 in a desired range of the head.

(3) Third usage pattern The third usage pattern is used together with the light emitting function of the light emitting section 10 in a state in which the warm air that has heated the air blowing section 40 is blown. This mode is referred to as a third mode. First, the switch unit 52 is operated to switch the light irradiation device 100 to the third mode. In this state, the heated air flow 42 sent out by the blower 40 passes through the hole 16 of the light emitting unit 10 and is discharged from the outlet 16b. The following operation is the same as in the second usage pattern, and by repeating this operation, the air flow 42 and the luminous flux 28 heated to the desired range of the head can be simultaneously received.

(4) 4th usage pattern The 4th usage pattern uses only the ventilation function of the ventilation part 40 by making the light emission part 10 into a non-operation state. In this case, the light emitting unit 10 may be used in a state where it is detached from the air blowing unit 40 or may be used in a state where it is attached. In the following, an example of use in an attached state will be described. This mode is referred to as a fourth mode. First, the switch unit 52 is operated to switch the light irradiation device 100 to the fourth mode. In this state, the non-heated or heated air flow 42 sent out by the air blowing unit 40 passes through the hole 16 of the light emitting unit 10 and is discharged from the outlet 16b. According to the fourth mode of use, the user can receive an unheated or warmed air stream 42 in the desired range of the head. In the fourth usage pattern, the signal output unit 34 may be used or may not be used.

  The light irradiation device 100 may be used in a state where at least a part of the front side which is the first direction P side of the light emitting unit 10 is in contact with the head. In particular, in the first to third usage patterns described above, a part of the light irradiation device 100 can be used in a state of being in contact with the head. By using in this way, the amount of light leaking to the outside can be reduced.

Next, features of the light irradiation apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the light irradiation apparatus 100, the cover member 18 has a plurality of projecting portions 19 projecting in the first direction P side on the surface opposite to the surface on which the plurality of concave portions 19b are provided. According to this configuration, the projecting portion 19 can be divided between hairs such as head hair, and the concentration of hair such as head hair can be reduced.

  In the light irradiation device 100, the intermediate cylinder portion 17 has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the blower portion 40 in the first direction end. According to this configuration, the air flow 42 can be efficiently sent to the irradiated portion 70 illuminated by the light flux 28 by constricting the air flow 42 and collecting it near the center.

  In the light irradiation apparatus 100, the intermediate cylinder part 17 is provided with a vent hole 86 that is one or a plurality of openings that communicate the inside and the outside of the intermediate cylinder part. According to this configuration, ventilation of the air inside the housing 30 can be promoted, and the temperature rise of the light emitting unit 10 can be suppressed.

  The light irradiation device 100 includes a blower unit 40 for sending out an air flow 42 flowing in the first direction P, and a light emitting unit 10 that outputs a light beam 28 for illuminating the skin or hair that is the irradiated unit 70. The light emitting unit 10 is provided on the first direction P side of the air blowing unit 40. With this configuration, in the light irradiation device 100, the irradiated portion 70 can receive the light flux 28.

  In the light irradiation apparatus 100, the air blowing unit 40 is configured to send the air flow 42 toward the irradiated unit 70, and thus the irradiated unit 70 can receive the air flow 42 together with the light flux 28.

  In the light irradiation device 100, the cover member 18 through which the light flux 28 is transmitted is provided in the light emitting unit 10 so as to be replaceable. Therefore, the possibility that the plurality of light emitting elements 20 directly contact the irradiated portion 70 can be reduced.

  In the light irradiation apparatus 100, since the cover member 18 has a plurality of protrusions 19 that protrude in the first direction P side, the protrusions 19 can be divided between the hairs to reduce the density of the hairs. . Moreover, in the light irradiation apparatus 100, since the cover member 18 is provided with the recessed portions 19b for accommodating at least a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 20, the distal end portion of the light emitting elements 20 can be accommodated in the recessed portions 19b. Moreover, in the light irradiation apparatus 100, since the cover member 18 is formed of a material that attenuates ultraviolet light, the cover member 18 can attenuate the ultraviolet light of the light flux 28.

  In the light irradiation apparatus 100, the cover member 18 is moved forward in the first direction P from the retracted area 18 a and the retracted area 18 a that is retracted toward the blower 40 in the front-rear direction that is the first direction P. Since the region 18b is included, the cover member 18 can correspond to the curved shape of the irradiated portion 70.

  In the light irradiation device 100, the hood member 15 that surrounds the light flux 28 on the first direction P side is provided in the light emitting unit 10, so that the hood member 15 can cover the light flux 28.

  In the light irradiation device 100, the light emitting unit 10 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 20, and thus the light emitting unit 10 can emit light by the plurality of light emitting elements 20.

  In the light irradiation apparatus 100, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged in the front-rear direction, which is the first direction P, in the first direction P than the light emitting elements 20 a that are retracted toward the blower side and the light emitting elements 20 a that are retracted. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 can correspond to the curved shape of the irradiated portion 70 since the light emitting elements 20b moving forward in one direction are included.

  In the light irradiation device 100, at least a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 is provided to be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction that is the first direction P. Therefore, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are inclined from the first direction P. A light emitting device can be included.

  In the light irradiation apparatus 100, at least a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 is disposed in a region through which the air flow 42 passes. Therefore, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 include light emitting elements disposed in a region through which the air flow 42 passes. Can be included.

  In the light irradiation device 100, the light emitting unit 10 is disposed in a range in which at least a part of the electronic component 14 electrically connected to any of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 passes through the air flow 42. 10 may include electronic components disposed in the region through which the airflow 42 passes.

  The light irradiation apparatus 100 includes the current limiting unit 32 configured to cut off or reduce the current supplied to the light emitting unit 10 when the light emitting unit 10 is separated from the irradiated unit 70 by a predetermined distance or more. When away from the irradiation unit 70, the current of the light emitting unit 10 can be changed.

  Since the light irradiation apparatus 100 includes the cue output unit 34 configured to output a cue that can be perceived by the user at a predetermined timing, the user can perceive the arrival of the predetermined timing by the cue. .

  In the light irradiation apparatus 100, the signal output unit 34 is configured to output a signal using at least one of sound, vibration, and light at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of supply of current to the light emitting unit 10. Therefore, the user can perceive the arrival of the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed due to at least one of sound, vibration, and light.

  In the light irradiation device 100, the light emitting unit 10 is provided so as to be attachable to and detachable from the air blowing unit 40, and the air blowing unit 40 includes a first contact part 36 for supplying current to the light emitting unit 10. The light emitting unit 10 includes the second contact part 38 that is electrically connected to the first contact part 36 in a state where the light emitting part 10 is attached to the air blowing part 40, and thus the light irradiation device 100 removes the light emitting part 10. be able to.

  In the above, it demonstrated based on embodiment of this invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are examples, and that various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention, and that such modifications and changes are also within the scope of the claims of the present invention. It is where it is done. Accordingly, the description and drawings herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

(Modification 1)
In the light irradiation apparatus 100, the example using the LED that outputs red light has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, LEDs that output green or blue light may be used, or LEDs that output light of different colors may be used in combination.

(Modification 2)
In the light irradiation apparatus 100, the example in which the LED or the LD is used as the light emitting element has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, other types of light emitting elements such as organic EL elements may be used.

(Modification 3)
In the light irradiation apparatus 100, although the example in which the ventilation part 40 mainly has a form of a hand-held hair dryer was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. The ventilation part of a light irradiation apparatus may be supported by the stand. In addition, the light irradiation device may include a bowl-shaped accommodation unit that accommodates at least a part of the head, and the air blowing unit and the light emitting unit may be provided in the accommodation unit.

(Modification 4)
In the light emitting unit 10 of the light irradiation device 100, the example in which the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged in a single annular shape at a substantially rotationally symmetric position has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The plurality of light emitting elements may be arranged in multiple rings. The plurality of light emitting elements may be arranged at point-symmetrical or line-symmetrical positions. The plurality of light emitting elements may be arranged at asymmetric positions that are neither point-symmetric nor line-symmetric. The plurality of light emitting elements may include portions arranged in an array or a matrix.

(Modification 5)
The light irradiation apparatus of the present invention may be provided with means for sending air containing negative ions, means for sending mist obtained by atomizing a liquid such as water or cosmetic liquid, and the like.

[Aspect 1]
The above-described light irradiation apparatus is configured so that the light irradiated to the irradiated portion has a wavelength and irradiation energy in a predetermined range including 638 nm that can promote hair growth or hair growth in the irradiated portion. An aspect is demonstrated.

  The light irradiation device of aspect 1 uses an LED having a temperature characteristic such that light of a wavelength in a predetermined range including 638 nm is output in the temperature range of air sent from the blower, or 638 nm A circuit capable of compensating the temperature characteristics of the LED is mounted so that light having a wavelength in a predetermined range including the light is output from the LED.

  As an LED having such temperature characteristics, for example, a commercially available LED lamp can be used. FIG. 14 shows the temperature characteristics of this LED lamp. The inventor has verified through experiments that this LED lamp has the specified temperature characteristics. Set the ambient temperature to 25 ° C, 35 ° C, 45 ° C, and 55 ° C, supply current of 30mA, 40mA, and 50mA to the LED, light it continuously for 120 minutes, measure the light intensity with a power meter, The wavelength of the light was measured by the instrument. FIG. 14 shows the change over time of the light intensity and the change over time of the peak value of the wavelength at each ambient temperature when supplying the maximum rated current of 50 mA. Although the wavelength peak value shifts to the longer wavelength side as the temperature rises, the wavelength peak value is in the range of 634 nm to 639 nm including 638 nm at any environmental atmospheric temperature. Also, the light intensity was kept almost constant regardless of the ambient temperature. As described above, it was confirmed that by using the LED having the above model number, light having a wavelength in a predetermined range including 638 nm was output in the temperature range of the air sent from the blower.

  The light irradiation device of aspect 1 uses an LED having a temperature characteristic such that light having a wavelength in a predetermined range including 638 nm is output in the range of the temperature of air sent from the blower, or 638 nm. Since a circuit capable of compensating temperature characteristics is mounted so that light in a predetermined range including light is output from the LED, the air sent from the blower hits the LED, and the LED is sent from the blower There is no problem even if the air is heated. Therefore, in the light irradiation device of aspect 1, the light emitting unit may be provided on the outer peripheral portion outside the air flow sent from the air blowing unit, as in the light irradiation device 100 described above. A light emitting unit may be provided near the inner center, or a light emitting unit may be provided over the entire surface of the air blowing port. The light emitting unit may be provided at a position between the air blowing unit and the irradiated site when the irradiated site is irradiated with light.

[Aspect 2]
The light irradiation apparatus of aspect 2 mounts a ventilation part and LED by the positional relationship which LED is not heated by the air sent from the ventilation part of a light irradiation apparatus, or it is hard to be heated. That is, the light emitting unit is provided at a position that is out of the space between the air blowing unit and the irradiated site when the irradiated site is irradiated with light. For example, like the light irradiation apparatus 100 described above, a light emitting unit may be provided on the outer peripheral portion outside the air flow sent from the air blowing unit.

  In the light irradiation device according to aspect 2, since the LED is disposed at a position that is not easily affected by the temperature of the air flow sent from the blower, light having a wavelength in a predetermined range including 638 nm is output at room temperature. In the case of an LED, an LED having a temperature characteristic such that light having a wavelength outside the predetermined range including 638 nm is output at the temperature of the air flow sent from the blower unit can be used.

[Aspect 3]
The light irradiation apparatus according to aspect 3 detects the wavelength or irradiation energy of light irradiated on or near the irradiated portion, and determines the wavelength or irradiation energy of light output from the LED based on the detected wavelength or irradiation energy. Control dynamically.

  The light irradiation apparatus according to aspect 3 includes a light detection unit for detecting the wavelength or irradiation energy of light irradiated to the irradiated site. Based on the wavelength or irradiation energy of the light irradiated to the irradiated site detected by the light detection unit, the control unit is configured so that the light irradiated to the irradiated site has a predetermined wavelength and irradiation energy. Control the circuit. As a result, the characteristics of the LED change due to the influence of temperature or the like, and even if the light irradiated to the irradiated site deviates from the range of the predetermined wavelength and irradiation energy, a circuit for supplying power to the LED or LED is provided. By dynamically controlling, the light irradiated to the irradiated site can be set to have a predetermined wavelength and irradiation energy, so that the effect of hair growth and hair growth at the irradiated site can be exhibited.

  The light irradiation apparatus according to the first to third aspects may include a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the irradiated portion. In this case, the control unit controls the light emitting unit, the air blowing unit, or the circuit based on the temperature of the irradiated site detected by the temperature detecting unit so that the temperature of the irradiated site becomes a temperature within a predetermined range. Thereby, the temperature of a to-be-irradiated site | part can be kept at the temperature which can raise the effect of hair growth and hair growth. In addition, the temperature can be appropriately controlled so that the temperature of the irradiated portion does not increase due to light irradiation and cause burns or the like.

  The light irradiating device according to the first to third aspects is provided to abut the irradiated portion around the irradiated portion when the irradiated portion is irradiated with light, and to separate the irradiated portion from the light emitting unit and the air blowing unit. A spacer may be provided. In this case, the light detection unit or the temperature detection unit may be installed on the spacer. Thereby, the irradiated light and temperature can be detected at a position closer to the irradiated portion, and the wavelength, illuminance, and temperature of the light can be controlled more accurately.

[Example 1: Hair growth experiment of mice]
The light irradiation apparatus according to the above-described embodiment was prototyped and a mouse hair growth experiment was performed using the prototype. The wavelength range of the light emitting part of the prototype is 620 to 640 nm, the irradiation energy is 1.0 J / cm ² , and the temperature of the warm air sent is about 42 ° C. at room temperature.

  A 6-week-old C3H / He male mouse (Japan SLC Co., Ltd.) was purchased, and after 1 week of preliminary breeding, the experiment was started from 7 weeks of age. Six mice each of test group 1, test group 2, and control group 3 groups were housed in a polycarbonate cage and reared at room temperature of 23 ° C. ± 3 ° C. for 12 hours per day. Japan Agricultural Industry Co., Ltd. standard data and water can be freely consumed.

  First, the trunk back coat of each individual is shaved, and the test group 1 includes 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 from the start of the experiment. On the 34th, 36th, and 38th days, the LED light is irradiated for 1 minute and the warm air is blown, and the test group 2 is irradiated with the LED light for 1 minute on the same day as the test group 1, but the blowing is not performed. The control group was not irradiated with LED light and was not blown. On the 10th, 17th, 22nd, 27th, 34th, and 41st days from the start of the experiment, the shaved portion was photographed, and the area ratio of the hair growing portion relative to the shaved portion was calculated using image analysis software to obtain the hair growth rate.

  FIG. 15 shows the results of mouse hair growth experiments. In the test group 1 and test group 2 individuals, hair growth was confirmed from the 17th day. On day 34, the hair growth rate of the test group 1 individuals showed a significant difference from the control group. On day 41, the hair growth rate of the test group 2 individuals also showed a significant difference from the control group. It can be seen that the hair growth rate of the test group 1 individuals is higher than the hair growth rate of the test group 2 individuals. Thus, it was confirmed that it is more effective for hair growth to blow warm air in addition to irradiation of red LED light than to irradiation of red LED light.

  The hair on the 41st day before the start of the experiment of each test group was photographed with an optical microscope and compared. The hair randomly selected from the shaving of the mouse before the start of the experiment was compared with the images of the hair tip, hair papilla, and hair shaft of the same mouse on the 41st day after the start of the experiment. Regarding the hair ends, the test group 1 and the test group 2 improved the phenomenon that the hair ends were broken into 2 to 3 pieces, and particularly in the test group 1, the hair ends were strong. As for the dermal papilla, a dark and clear tissue image was observed in Test Group 1. In the test group 2, although it was in the improvement tendency before the experiment start, it was suggested that the transmittance | permeability is comparatively high and a tissue density is low. As for the hair shaft, in the test group 1, a dark and clear image was observed in all the hair shafts. In Test Group 2, a clear image was observed except for a part. From these results, it was confirmed that the hair quality was improved and the hair care effect was obtained by irradiation with red LED light. This is considered to suggest the possibility that hair growth factor may positively affect hair quality improvement. It was suggested that it is more effective to improve the hair quality by blowing warm air in addition to the irradiation of the red LED light than the irradiation of the red LED light.

[Example 2: Human hair growth experiment]
Using the same prototype as in Example 2, a human hair growth experiment was performed. We wanted to carry out thinning hair care and hair care, and recruited subjects who did not suffer from lifestyle-related diseases, etc., 12 women (38-55 years old), 8 men (41-67 years old), 20 people in total ( The experiment was conducted with an average age of 46.5 years). It should be noted that the condition of the subject's hair at the start of the experiment varies greatly between individuals and the hair thinness history varies greatly, and it is difficult to unify the background, so these individual differences are not considered.

  This experiment was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki revised in 2013. During the experiment period, subjects were allowed to continue to live in their normal lifestyle, and there were no particular restrictions, but intake of supplements and the start of new exercises were prohibited.

  For all subjects, set a placebo period for control for 2 to 3 months from the start of the experiment, telling them that invisible light will be irradiated, and suggesting that the invisible light may be effective for thinning hair and hair care. Actually, an experimental machine that does not irradiate LED light was used. Then, it replaced with the same prototype as Example 2, and continued use, and irradiation of red LED light and blowing of warm air were performed. Since there was no restriction on the irradiation time and the number of times of use of the red LED light by the prototype, the irradiation energy depends on the usage habits of the individual hair dryer.

  From the image of the subject's hair, hair growth and hair growth were observed for all subjects about 2 to 3 months after the start of use of the prototype.

  In the analysis of conventional hair growth experiments, the reproducibility of the measurement site was ensured by shaving the subject's body hair and marking the skin before the start of the experiment. Is large and can interfere with social life. Therefore, in this experiment, analysis by the hue histogram method was performed as the first analysis method. The image of the subject's head was separated into hues and binarized to calculate the hair area ratio. The first analysis method is suitable for qualitatively observing hair growth and hair growth, but it is difficult to reproduce the imaging conditions every time, and thus there is a difficulty in quantitative analysis.

  Therefore, the analysis by the binarized mesh method was performed as a second analysis method more suitable for quantitative analysis. By each subject setting the imaging position of the top of the subject to be imaged by the physical spatial coordinates of the subject's ear position and the subject's recumbent position, and using the same imaging device each time Improved reproducibility.

  The hair spacing was about 700 to 1200 μm regardless of gender, and averaged 780 ± 180 μm, although there was a difference depending on the site such as the top of the head and the temporal region. The image of the measurement site of the test subject was divided into meshes with this hair interval, and binarized by whether each mesh had hair from the pores, thereby expressing the hair growth situation. According to such an analysis method, it was found that the hair growth situation can be analyzed without being affected by hair dyeing or the like.

  FIG. 16 shows the result of counting the number of meshes with no hair. The smaller the count value is, the more hair is growing. Therefore, a decrease in the count value indicates that there is a hair growth effect. As apparent from FIG. 16, the effect of hair growth was observed in all subjects. The irradiation site is an average of 3.5 sites per person, and the average irradiation time is about 10 seconds per part. None of the subjects complained of any side effects or discomfort, and all of the female subjects reported that they had an effect on hair care, such as “Glossy hair” and “Hair became easier to gather”.

  Thus, it was confirmed by the experiment by the present inventors that the light irradiation device of the present embodiment has an effect of promoting hair growth and hair growth.

(Light emitting part)
Next, another example of the light emitting unit will be described. FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the light emitting unit 200 according to the present embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. The light emitting unit 200 may be mounted on the light irradiation device 100 instead of the light emitting unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the light irradiation device 100 together with members such as the hood member 15 and the housing 30 constituting the light emitting unit 10. It may be mounted on.

  In the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged in an annular shape so as to surround the air flow 42, and the optical axis is inclined inside the polygon having the positions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 as vertices. Provided. Thereby, since the light emitted from the several light emitting element 20 can be condensed and irradiated to a to-be-irradiated site | part, the irradiation efficiency of light can be improved. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 are preferably arranged at the positions of the vertices of the regular polygon, and the optical axes of the respective light emitting elements 20 form side ridges of a regular polygonal pyramid having the regular polygon as a bottom surface. Provided. Moreover, when irradiating light to the irradiated site from the plurality of light emitting elements 20, preferably, the irradiated site is adjusted to be the position of the top of the regular polygonal pyramid. Therefore, the angle of the optical axis of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 depends on the radius of the circumscribed circle of the regular polygon formed by the plurality of light emitting elements 20 and the distance from the plane defined by the regular polygon to the irradiated site. May be determined.

  The plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be arranged in an annular shape, a semicircular shape, or an arc shape. A plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be further arranged inside a polygon whose apexes are the positions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20. For example, a plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be arranged to constitute a plurality of rings arranged concentrically. Further, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be arranged so that the optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are concentrated at one point, or the plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be arranged so that there are two or more intersections. Good. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be arranged such that the intersections of the optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 overlap the center of the air flow 42, or may be arranged so as not to overlap. When there are a plurality of intersections of the optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements 20, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be arranged so that the centers of gravity of the intersections overlap the center of the air flow 42.

  18A, 18B, and 18C are a plan view, a front view, and a rear perspective view of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment, respectively. The light emitting unit 200 includes an upper case 210 and a lower case 220 that sandwich the wiring board 13 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged. The upper case 210 is provided with openings 212 at positions corresponding to the plurality of light emitting elements 20. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 are provided such that at least a part of the bullet-shaped sealing portion protrudes from the opening 212.

  FIG. 19 schematically shows constituent members of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment. Since the drawing schematically shows the arrangement relationship of a plurality of members constituting the light emitting unit 200, the orientation and scale of each member are not necessarily accurate. The light emitting unit 200 includes an upper case 210, a wiring board 13, and a lower case 220 in order from the side closer to the irradiated site.

  The light emitting unit 200 is mounted on the light irradiation apparatus 100 so that the upper case 210 side close to the irradiated part is the front and the lower case 220 side far from the irradiated part is the rear, but the above-described plurality of members are assembled. When the light emitting unit 200 is manufactured, the wiring board 13 and the upper case 210 are sequentially stacked on the lower case 220. Therefore, in the following description, as shown in this figure, the wiring board is stacked. A direction perpendicular to the arrangement surface 13 is referred to as an up-down direction, and a side where the light emitting element 20 is disposed is referred to as an upper side.

  20A, 20B, and 20C are a top perspective view, a rear perspective view, and a plan view of the upper case 210 of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment, respectively. The upper case 210 is provided with an opening 212 at a position corresponding to the light emitting element 20. The upper surface of the upper case 210 is provided so as to become lower from the outer peripheral side toward the center side. That is, the upper surface of the upper case 210 is formed such that the outer peripheral side advances toward the irradiated portion and the center side moves backward toward the blower unit 40. Further, the side surface 212j on the center side of the opening 212 of the upper case 210 is inclined so as to face obliquely upward. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the shielding or diffusion of a part of the light emitted obliquely forward from the plurality of light emitting elements 20 toward the irradiated portion. In addition, it is possible to prevent a plurality of light emitting elements 20 provided so that the optical axis is inclined toward the center of the ring from coming into contact with the upper case 210 to shift the direction of the optical axis.

  FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C are respectively a top view, a front view, and a rear view of the wiring board 13 of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment. The wiring board 13 has a donut shape, and the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are annularly arranged so as to surround the air flow 42. When the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged on the wiring board 13, the optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged so as to be vertically upward with respect to the upper surface of the wiring board 13. As will be described later, When the light emitting unit 200 is assembled, the electrode terminals 23 of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are bent so that the optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are inclined toward the center of the ring. The wiring board 13 is provided with a notch 24 for aligning the wiring board 13 and the lower case 220. In addition, the wiring board 13 is provided with a wiring hole 26 through which a wiring connecting the electrode terminals 23 of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 to the control unit 50 is passed.

  22A, 22B, and 22C are respectively a top perspective view, a front view, and a rear perspective view of the lower case 220 of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment. The lower case 220 includes a bottom surface part 224 for placing the wiring board 13, and a cylindrical part 222 that is inserted into an opening inside the wiring board 13 when the wiring board 13 is placed on the bottom surface part 224. Is provided. The cylindrical portion 222 is provided with a receiving portion 229 for receiving each of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 from an obliquely lower side inside the polygon having the positions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 as apexes. The bottom surface part 224 is provided with a wiring hole 226 for passing a wiring connecting the wiring board 13 and the control unit 50 and a locking part 228 for locking the cutout part 24 of the wiring board 13.

  FIGS. 23A and 23B are top perspective views of the wiring board 13 of the light emitting unit 200 of this embodiment and the lower case 220 on which the wiring board 13 is placed, respectively. The wiring board 13 is mounted on the bottom surface part 224 of the lower case 220 so that the plurality of notches 24 provided on the wiring board 13 are locked by the plurality of locking parts 228 provided on the lower case 220. Placed. At this time, the wiring hole 26 of the wiring board 13 and the wiring hole 226 of the lower case 220 are configured to overlap at the same position. Therefore, the wiring from the wiring board 13 can be connected to the control unit 50 behind the lower case 220 through the wiring hole 26 and the wiring hole 226.

  The bottom surface portion 224 of the lower case 220 is configured to cover the wiring board 13. Accordingly, it is possible to protect the air flow 42 from directly hitting the wiring substrate 13, so that the light emitting element 20 is heated by the heated air flow 42, or foreign matter or the like riding on the air flow 42 is connected to the wiring substrate 13. Can be suppressed. Further, the heat generated in the wiring board 13 can be efficiently radiated through the bottom surface portion 224 of the lower case 220. The lower case 220 may be waterproofed so that the moisture contained in the air flow 42 does not cause condensation on the wiring board 13 or the light emitting element 20.

  The receiving portion 229 is a half having an inner diameter that is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sealing portion so that a part of the side surface of the bullet-shaped sealing portion of the light emitting element 20 contacts. A part of the cylinder has a concave shape inclined at the same angle as the light emitting element 20. Thereby, the heat generated in the light emitting element 20 can be efficiently radiated from the lower case 220 through the receiving portion 229, so that the light irradiated to the irradiated site due to the temperature rise of the light emitting element 20 Can be prevented from shifting. Moreover, since the receiving part 229 supports the light emitting element 20 from obliquely below, it is possible to prevent the light axis from further tilting toward the center of the ring and shifting the optical axis. The receiving part 229 may be provided so that an arbitrary part other than the sealing part of the light emitting element 20 contacts. Similarly, the upper case 210 may be provided in contact with at least a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 20.

  The upper case 210 and the lower case 220 are preferably formed from a resin having high thermal conductivity. As a result, heat generated in the wiring board 13 and the light emitting element 20 can be efficiently radiated to the outside, so that problems due to temperature rises of the wiring board 13 and the light emitting element 20 can be suppressed. Further, even when the heated air flow 42 is sent toward the irradiated site, the time until the upper case 210, the lower case 220, the wiring board 13, and the light emitting element 20 reach the thermal equilibrium state is set. Since the length can be increased, the light emitting element 20 can be maintained at its original lifetime. The upper case 210 or the lower case 220 may be formed of a resin having a higher thermal conductivity than an epoxy resin generally used for a sealing part of a bullet-type LED. For example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ( (ABS) resin may be used. The upper case 210 or the lower case 220 has a thermal conductivity of 0.2 [W / m · K] or more, preferably 0.21 [W / m · K] or more, more preferably 0.22 [W / m. · K] or more, more preferably 0.25 [W / m · K] or more. As the resin for forming the upper case 210 and the lower case 220, the surface area and volume of the upper case 210 and the lower case 220, the thermal conductivity of the resin, the specific heat of the resin, and the air flow 42 blown to the irradiated site It is preferable to select a resin that provides a necessary cooling effect according to the temperature, the rated temperature of the light emitting element 20 and the wiring board 13, and the like.

  The resin forming the upper case 210 or the lower case 220 may be a white resin. For example, by forming the lower case 220 with a white resin, it is possible to make it difficult for the lower case 220 to absorb the radiant heat of the heated air flow 42 delivered from the rear of the lower case 220. Further, a mirror surface may be formed on the back surface of the lower case 220. Thereby, the temperature rise of the wiring board 13 and the light emitting element 20 can further be suppressed.

  FIGS. 24A and 24B are dimension diagrams of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment. FIGS. 25A and 25B are dimension diagrams of the wiring board 13 of this embodiment. The dimensions shown in this figure are examples, and can be changed as appropriate according to the dimensions and applications of the light irradiation apparatus 100.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light emitting element 20 arranged on the wiring board 13. This figure shows an example in which a bullet-type LED 91 is used as the light emitting element 20. As shown in FIG. 26A, the electrode terminals of the anode 92 and the cathode 93 of the LED 91 are inserted into the through holes 90 of the wiring board 13. A stopper portion 94 is provided on the anode 92 and the cathode 93. The stopper portion 94 is formed when the LED 91 is separated from the tie bar. The stopper portion 94 is wider than the other portions of the anode 92 and the cathode 93 and is formed at a position common to the plurality of LEDs 91. In the light emitting unit 200 of this embodiment, the height of the LED 91 is adjusted and soldered to the wiring board 13 so that the stopper part 94 is positioned inside the through hole 90 of the wiring board 13. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 may be automatically arranged on the wiring board 13 using an inserter or the like.

  When manufacturing the light emitting unit 200, as shown in FIG. 26B, the anode 92 and the cathode 93 are bent in the stopper unit 94, and the optical axis of the LED 91 is tilted. Since the electrode terminal is bent at the wide stopper portion 94, the LED 91 can be tilted more easily. In addition, since the bent portion can be protected by the through hole 90, it is possible to prevent the optical axis from deviating due to a change in the inclination angle after manufacturing. The stopper portion 94 may be formed thinner than other portions of the electrode terminal. Thereby, the stopper part 94 can be further easily bent.

  A method for manufacturing the light emitting unit 200 of this embodiment will be described. First, as described above, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged on the wiring board 13, adjusted so that the stopper portion 94 is positioned inside the through hole 90, fixed by soldering, and the remaining electrode terminals are cut. To do. Next, the wiring board 13 is placed on the bottom surface part 224 of the lower case 220, and the notch part 24 is locked by the locking part 228 to fix the wiring board 13 to the lower case 220. Subsequently, the sealing portions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are pressed against the receiving portions 229 of the lower case 220 from obliquely above the outer side of the ring, whereby the electrode terminals 23 of the respective light emitting elements 20 are bent at the stopper portions 94, The light emitting element 20 is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle. By forming the receiving portions 229 in accordance with the inclination angles of the plurality of light emitting elements 20, the light emitting elements 20 can be accurately inclined to a desired inclination angle simply by pressing the light emitting elements 20 against the receiving portions 229. Although the light emitting elements 20 may be pressed against the receiving part 229 one by one, a pressing member for pressing the plurality of light emitting elements 20 against the receiving part 229 at a time may be used. This holding member has a shape of the side surface of the truncated cone, and the radius of the upper surface of the truncated cone is slightly smaller than the circumscribed circle circumscribing the sealing portions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20, and the radius of the bottom surface of the truncated cone is Slightly larger than the circumscribed circle. By pressing the plurality of light emitting elements 20 against the receiving portion 229 from above using such a pressing member, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 can be inclined at the same time. Thereby, the several light emitting element 20 can be inclined to a predetermined inclination angle easily and accurately. Finally, the upper case 210 is covered from above and fixed to the lower case 220.

  FIG. 27 schematically illustrates constituent members of still another example of the light emitting unit 200. Since this figure also schematically shows the arrangement relationship of a plurality of members constituting the light emitting unit 200, the orientation and scale of each member are not necessarily accurate. The light emitting unit 200 includes an upper case 230, a wiring board 13, and a lower case 240 in order from the side closer to the irradiated site. The upper case 230 of the light emitting unit 200 according to the present embodiment also serves as the above-described pressing member. The wiring board 13 of the light emitting unit 200 of this embodiment is the same as the wiring board 13 shown in FIG. A vent 244 is provided in the lower case 220 of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment. Differences from the configuration of the light emitting unit 200 shown in FIGS. 19 to 23 will be mainly described.

  28A, 28B, and 28C are respectively a top perspective view, a rear perspective view, and a plan view of the upper case 230 of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment. The inner side from the opening 212 on the upper surface of the upper case 230 is provided so as to become lower from the outer peripheral side toward the center side, similarly to the upper case 210 shown in FIG. Outside the opening 212 on the upper surface of the upper case 230, a truncated cone-shaped inclined surface 232 and a bottom surface 234 lower than the inside of the opening 212 are provided. A pressing portion 236 for pressing the side surfaces of the sealing portions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 against the receiving portion of the lower case 240 from an obliquely upper side outside the ring is formed on the back surface of the slope portion 232.

  29A, 29B, and 29C are respectively a top perspective view, a front view, and a rear perspective view of the lower case 240 of the light emitting unit 200 of the present embodiment. The lower case 240 includes a bottom surface part 224 for placing the wiring board 13, and a cylindrical part 242 that is inserted into an opening inside the wiring board 13 when the wiring board 13 is placed on the bottom surface part 224. Is provided. The cylindrical portion 242 is provided with a receiving portion 249 for receiving each of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 from obliquely below on the center side of the ring. In the lower case 240 of this embodiment, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 242 is larger than that of the lower case 220 shown in FIG. 22, so that the semi-cylindrical concave surface of the receiving portion 249 is formed larger. Thereby, since the contact area with the sealing part of the light emitting element 20 becomes larger, while being able to transmit the heat of the light emitting element 20 to the lower case 240 more efficiently, the light emitting element 20 is supported more strongly. Can do.

  In order to incorporate a part of the air flow 42 from the rear into the space between the lower case 240 and the upper case 230 in the vicinity of the position where the top portions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 abut on the cylindrical portion 242 of the lower case 240. Vents 244 are provided. The air flowing in from the vent 244 strikes the back surface of the upper case 230 and is blown down toward the plurality of light emitting elements 20 and the wiring board 13. Thereby, the some light emitting element 20 and the wiring board 13 can be cooled efficiently. Further, it is possible to further increase the thermal time constant until the system including the upper case 230, the lower case 240, the wiring substrate 13, and the light emitting element 20 reaches a thermal equilibrium state after the heated air flow 42 is delivered. Therefore, the lifetime of the light emitting element 20 can be kept longer. The ventilation hole may have an arbitrary shape, and may be provided at any arbitrary position of the lower case 240 or the upper case 230. A gap may be provided between the lower case 240 and the upper case 230 to form a vent.

  Also in the lower case 240 of the present embodiment, the bottom surface portion 224 is provided so as to cover the wiring board 13 in the same manner as the lower case 220 shown in FIG. Inflow is blocked. Therefore, although the vent 244 is provided in the cylindrical portion 242 of the lower case 240, the lower case 240 may be configured so as not to block the inflow of air to the wiring board 13.

  A slit or lead for generating sound by the air flow may be provided at the opening 212 of the upper case 230 or the air outlet. For example, it is possible to generate a chord that matches the operation sound of the motor 41 by configuring so that a sound having the same phase and low frequency as the rotation frequency of the motor 41 of the blower 40 can be generated. Thereby, an unpleasant operation sound can be softened. Or you may comprise so that the sound of an antiphase with the operating sound of the motor 41 can be generated. Thereby, the operation sound of the motor 41 can be silenced or reduced.

  When the air flow 42 having a relatively high flow rate is delivered, the upper case 230 and the lower case 240 are opened from the opening provided in the upper case 230 or the lower case 240 by using the negative pressure generated around the air flow 42. Air may be allowed to flow into the space between.

  A method for manufacturing the light emitting unit 200 of this embodiment will be described. First, as described above, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged on the wiring board 13, adjusted so that the stopper portion 94 is positioned inside the through hole 90, fixed by soldering, and the remaining electrode terminals are cut. To do. Next, the wiring board 13 is placed and fixed on the bottom surface part 224 of the lower case 240. Subsequently, the upper case 230 is covered from above. At this time, the pressing portions 236 of the upper case 230 press the sealing portions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 against the receiving portions 249 of the lower case 240 from obliquely above the outer side of the ring, and thus the electrode terminals 23 of the plurality of light emitting elements 20. The light emitting elements 20 can be inclined at a predetermined inclination angle by bending them together at the stopper portion 94. As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 200 in which the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are inclined at a predetermined inclination angle can be easily manufactured simply by covering the upper case 230 and fixing it to the lower case 240. can do.

  As described above, the example in which the light irradiation device is used to promote hair growth and hair growth of head hair and the like has been described. However, the light irradiation device of the present embodiment can also be used for other purposes.

  For example, a light irradiation device can be used to irradiate the affected area with light for the purpose of alleviating pain. In this case, for example, an LED that outputs light having a wavelength of 790 to 904 nm may be used. In this case as well, by blowing warm air to the affected area, blood circulation in the affected area can be improved, the relaxation effect in the affected area can be improved, and the permeability of the stratum corneum can be increased. Also in this case, the light irradiation device is configured such that the light irradiated to the affected area has the above-described predetermined wavelength and irradiation energy.

  In addition, a light irradiation device can be used as an ultraviolet ray treatment device for treating vitiligo or psoriasis. In this case, for example, an LED that outputs light having a wavelength near 308 nm may be used. In this case as well, by blowing warm air to the affected area, blood circulation in the affected area can be improved, the relaxation effect in the affected area can be improved, and the permeability of the stratum corneum can be increased. Also in this case, the light irradiation device is configured such that the light irradiated to the affected area has the above-described predetermined wavelength and irradiation energy.

  When the light irradiation device of the present embodiment is used for the purpose of promoting hair growth and hair growth, used for the purpose of alleviating pain, or used for the purpose of treating skin diseases, the light emitting device 20 The irradiated site may be irradiated while changing the intensity of the irradiated light within a predetermined range. Rather than continuously irradiating light of a certain intensity, it is expected that it will be possible to continue to give new stimuli to the irradiated area by irradiating while changing the intensity of the light, and a higher effect can be expected. Is done. Moreover, you may send to the to-be-irradiated part, changing the air volume of the airflow sent from the ventilation part 40 in a predetermined range. For example, the air flow may be sent with an air volume that causes 1 / f fluctuation. Thereby, it is expected that a higher relaxation effect can be obtained.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Light emission part, 13 Wiring board, 14 Electronic component, 15 Hood member, 16 Middle hole part, 16b Outlet part, 17 Intermediate cylinder part, 18 Cover member, 18a Retraction area | region, 18b Advance area | region, 19 Protrusion part, 19b Recessed part, 20 Light emitting element, 21 Light emitting element, 22 Light emitting element, 23 Electrode terminal, 24 Notch part, 26 Wiring hole, 28 Light flux, 30 Housing, 32 Current limiting part, 32b Limit switch, 34 Signal output part, 36 First contact part, 38 2nd contact part, 40 ventilation part, 41 motor, 42 air flow, 43 impeller, 44 heater, 50 control part, 52 switch part, 70 irradiated part, 82 cylindrical part, 84 fitting cylinder part, 86 vent hole, 90 through hole, 91 LED, 92 anode, 93 cathode 94 Stopper part, 100 Light irradiation device, 108 Grip part, 110 Housing, 114 Outlet, 116 Suction port, 118 Passage part, 124 Power supply part, 126 Electrical cable, 128 Electrical cable, 200 Light emitting part, 210 Upper case, 212 Opening part, 220 lower case, 222 cylinder part, 224 bottom face part, 226 wiring hole, 228 locking part, 229 receiving part, 230 upper case, 232 slope part, 234 bottom face part, 236 pressing part, 240 lower case, 242 cylinder part, 244 vent, 249 receiving part.

Claims (15)

A substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged;
When the direction perpendicular to the substrate placement surface is referred to as the up and down direction, and the side on which the plurality of light emitting elements are disposed is referred to as the upper side, a lower case provided below the substrate;
With
Each of the plurality of light emitting elements is disposed such that an optical axis is inclined from the vertical direction,
The lower case includes a receiving portion for supporting each of a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate from obliquely below. Each of the plurality of light emitting elements is disposed so that an optical axis is inclined inward of a polygon having a vertex at the position of the plurality of light emitting elements,
The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion is provided so as to support the light emitting element from an obliquely lower side inside the polygon. The receiving portion has a concave surface facing obliquely upward;
The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein a side surface of the light emitting element is configured to abut against the concave surface of the receiving portion. An upper case provided above the substrate;
The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the upper case includes a pressing portion for pressing each of the plurality of light emitting elements against the receiving portion from obliquely above the outer side of the polygon. It further includes a blower that sends out an air flow toward the irradiated part of the human body,
The light emitting device according to claim 4 , wherein the light emitting element is disposed outside the air flow.   The light irradiation device according to claim 4, wherein the lower case or the upper case has a vent for allowing air to flow into a space between the lower case and the upper case.   The said lower case or the said upper case is formed with resin which has higher heat conductivity than resin which comprises the sealing part which seals the said light emitting element. The light irradiation apparatus as described in.   The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lower case or the upper case is made of acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene resin. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising a heating unit for heating the air flow sent out by the blower unit.   The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the lower case or the upper case is formed of a white resin.   The light source having a wavelength and irradiation energy capable of promoting hair growth or hair growth in an irradiated region of a human body is configured to be irradiated from the light emitting element to the irradiated region. The light irradiation apparatus according to any one of 10.   The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the irradiation site is configured to be irradiated with light having a wavelength in a predetermined range including 638 nm. A method of manufacturing a light irradiation device,
When a direction perpendicular to an arrangement surface of a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged is referred to as an up-down direction, and a side on which the plurality of light emitting elements are arranged is referred to as an upper side, the substrate is a plurality of elements arranged on the substrate. Placing the light emitting element on the lower case formed with a receiving part for receiving the light emitting element from obliquely below;
Inclining the plurality of light emitting elements by pressing the plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate against the receiving portion;
A method comprising the steps of:   The step of tilting the light emitting element includes a step of covering an upper case having a pressing portion for pressing each of the plurality of light emitting elements against the receiving portion from above obliquely from above the substrate. 14. The method according to 13. Before the step of placing the substrate on the lower case,
Inserting electrode terminals of the plurality of light emitting elements into through holes of the substrate;
Adjusting the heights of the plurality of light emitting elements such that stopper portions of the electrode terminals are located inside the through holes;
15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: