RADIATION MODULE AND DEVICE FOR RADIATION WITH MEDICAL-COSMETIC RADIATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an irradiation module for use in a device for irradiating with medical-cosmetic radiation, comprising a plurality of LEDs arranged on a carrier. The invention further relates to a device comprising a plurality of irradiation modules for irradiating with medical-cosmetic radiation, which are housed in a housing part.

[0002] Devices for irradiation with medical-cosmetic radiation are known in practice, particularly in the form of solariums, in which a user is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, particularly in the UV-A and UV-B spectrum, to stimulate tanning. The irradiation modules are designed as low-pressure fluorescent tubes or high-pressure lamps, which, however, require accommodation in relatively large housings and themselves take up a considerable amount of space. Furthermore, the fluorescent tubes and high-pressure lamps are difficult to individually adjust to the desired irradiation result, and in particular, the known devices cannot be optimally adjusted to different users, so that the irradiation result varies between slim and heavyset individuals. Finally, the known devices consume a lot of energy.

[0003] In the field of skin irradiation, medical-cosmetic radiation-emitting devices are used, the radiation of which produces a photobiological effect in the irradiated person. The medical-cosmetic radiation hits the person's skin but, depending on the specific wavelength, can penetrate deeper regions of the body. The effect includes, for example, a tanning of the skin, but other physiological and psychological effects also result from the irradiation. Medical-cosmetic radiation encompasses the spectrum of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible (VIS) radiation, and near infrared (nIR) radiation. UV radiation has wavelengths in the spectrum between 100 nm and approximately 380 nm, VIS radiation has wavelengths in the spectrum between approximately 380 nm and approximately 780 nm, and nIR radiation has wavelengths in the spectrum between approximately 780 nm and 1400 nm.The aforementioned spectra merge into one another. Depending on the medical-cosmetic application, the radiation can be concentrated on a sub-spectrum of the aforementioned spectra. For this purpose, medical-cosmetic radiation-emitting devices can also be dedicated to individual wavelengths, e.g., the UV radiation generated by radiation tubes. However, the use of a radiation tube is not mandatory. Due to the therapeutic effects of medical-cosmetic radiation, it can also be referred to as medical-cosmetic-therapeutic radiation. The spectrum of UV-A radiation ranges from approximately 380 nm to 315 nm, while the spectrum of UV-B radiation ranges from approximately 315 nm to 280 nm. Beyond 280 nm to approximately 100 nm is the spectrum of UV-C radiation, which can cause damage to the human body.

[0004] Devices for acting on a user's skin are known in practice, such as those used in tanning salons, where a person to be irradiated can lie on a cover forming a lying surface or covering surface for the purpose of tanning their skin through pigmentation. A UV radiation-emitting arrangement, generally comprising a plurality of radiation tubes, in particular fluorescent tubes, is arranged beneath the cover. The cover can be removed or pivoted to access the radiation tubes. Such tanning devices usually also have a further structural unit with additional radiation tubes and a second cover, which can be pivoted together towards the person to be irradiated, allowing the person to be tanned from two sides.

[0005] So-called standing tanners are also known in practice, where the person being tanned does not lie horizontally on the cover, but is surrounded by the UV radiation emitting device in a vertical position. In a standing tanner, the radiation tubes run vertically.

[0006] Devices for acting on the skin are known, for example, from US 2004 / 075065 A1.

[0007] It is the object of the invention to provide an irradiation module or a device and a method for irradiation with which an improved irradiation result is achieved.

[0008] The present invention is defined in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, an irradiation module for use in a device for irradiating with medical-cosmetic radiation is provided, comprising a plurality of LEDs arranged on a carrier, wherein a first group of LEDs emitting radiation of the UV-A spectrum and a second group of second LEDs emitting radiation of the UV-B spectrum are arranged on the carrier. By arranging LEDs of the UV-A and UV-B spectra in a mixed manner, a favorable irradiation result is achieved, wherein the LEDs of the UV-B spectrum in particular have a much higher photobiological effect than the LEDs of the UV-A spectrum. The irradiation module can be arranged at various locations in the irradiation device, for example in the area of ​​the facial irradiation, in the area of ​​the torso irradiation and / or in the area of ​​the shoulders irradiation.

[0010] The first LEDs of the UV-A spectrum and the second LEDs of the UV-B spectrum are designed as different chips arranged on the carrier, with the two LEDs also differing in their radiation characteristics. The contacting of the LEDs is also implemented differently, with the LEDs of the first group preferably being controlled together, and the LEDs of the second group also being controlled together. However, it is also possible to control the LEDs individually, or to provide several first groups of first LEDs and several second groups of second LEDs on the carrier.

[0011] The support is expediently designed as a flat plate, for example, rectangular. This allows reflectors to be easily arranged downstream with an axis perpendicular to the support. Alternatively, the support can also be designed with a curve so that the LEDs are arranged on a concave side or, alternatively, on a convex side of the support, making the irradiation modules more easily able to follow the geometry of a human body. Alternatively, the support can be designed as a folded part, in which the LEDs on the folded flat sections form an angle to one another.

[0012] The carrier can also be quite large, so that, for example, essentially only one carrier needs to be arranged in a housing part of a device. Depending on the intended application, the geometry of the carrier can be freely designed. A particularly advantageous shape is, for example, when the carrier is designed as a ring segment or as part of a polygon, thus at least partially enclosing a tube for a user. In this case, the LEDs are arranged on the inside of the carrier.

[0013] The first LEDs account for between 50% and 90% of the total of the first and second LEDs, and the second LEDs account for between 50% and 10% of the total of the first and second LEDs. This means that at least one-tenth and a maximum of half of the LEDs are second LEDs emitting UV-B radiation, which is advantageous given the significantly higher photobiological efficacy. Ideally, the proportion of first LEDs is between 70% and 80%, and the proportion of second LEDs is between 20% and 30%.

[0014] If the first and second LEDs are arranged equally on the carrier, it is particularly advantageous if they alternate in a checkerboard pattern. Alternatively, the rows and / or columns can be equipped with alternating first and second LEDs.

[0015] The number of LEDs arranged on a carrier can easily amount to several hundred LEDs, which also depends on the size of the carrier. According to a favorable embodiment, the number of LEDs arranged on a carrier is selected between approximately 10 and approximately 600 LEDs, but preferably between 20 and 60 LEDs. Since the LEDs generate a noticeable amount of heat, it is expedient to connect the carrier to a heat transfer plate and cool it with external means, so that the number of LEDs expediently arranged on a carrier and cooled by a cooling device is, for example, 40.

[0016] Preferably, ten or twenty LEDs, or an integer multiple thereof, are arranged on a carrier, with two, four, or an integer multiple thereof being configured as second LEDs. This achieves a good mix of the radiation generated by the two spectra of the two groups, resulting in a favorable tan for the user.

[0017] Advantageously, the LEDs arranged on the carrier are exclusively those of the first group and the second group, so that the sum of the first LEDs and the second LEDs equals the sum of the UV radiation-emitting LEDs, and the second LEDs make up 20% of this sum.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the LEDs are arranged on the carrier in an array of four rows and five columns, with the middle column expediently being formed by second LEDs, while the remaining columns are formed by first LEDs. This allows a suitable ratio of 80:20, or 16:4 with 20 LEDs, to be achieved, which achieves favorable irradiation characteristics. It is possible to arrange several of the irradiation modules next to each other and thus configure entire surface areas with irradiation modules.

[0019] The spacing between adjacent LEDs in the same column or row is expediently constant and is preferably between 1 cm and 4 cm, particularly preferably between 1.25 cm and 2.25 cm, and ideally between 1.5 cm and 2 cm. This allows any reflectors to be provided to be sufficiently large to even out the radiation emitted by the LEDs and thus achieve a uniform irradiation result.

[0020] The first LEDs and / or the second LEDs are expediently equipped with a primary optic in the form of a silicone lens, which ensures that the LED's radiation exits essentially in the desired direction. The primary optic focuses the radiation emitted by the LEDs, thus preventing unnecessary losses. Instead of a silicone lens, the primary optic can also be implemented in another way.

[0021] Preferably, the second LEDs are driven with a lower power than the first LEDs, since the photobiological effect of the second LEDs is significantly higher despite the lower efficiency of the second LEDs. This is intended to effectively prevent burns in the person being irradiated.

[0022] The carrier is connected to a heat transfer plate to dissipate the heat generated by the operation of the LEDs. The heat transfer plate is expediently connected to a heat exchanger via cooling lines, which, depending on the installation situation, can also be arranged at a distance from the heat transfer plate. For this purpose, the heat transfer plate expediently has channels or capillaries in which a fluid, which is fed to the heat exchanger via the cooling lines, can circulate and cool the plate. The fluid can be a gas, a gas-liquid mixture, or a liquid. Ventilation slots can also be arranged in the heat transfer plate to allow cooling with ambient air.

[0023] Each LED is assigned a reflector connected to the carrier, which ensures a more uniform radiation distribution from each LED. The reflector is particularly advantageous when uniform radiation distribution cannot be achieved by the primary optics.

[0024] The reflectors extend conically from the LEDs and are arranged in a common structural unit, which allows the entire structural unit to be connected to the carrier. The axes of the reflectors are conveniently aligned with the spacing of the LEDs, allowing the structural unit to be centered on the carrier for all LEDs. It is advantageously provided that the first and second LEDs are equipped with the same reflector, allowing the first and second LEDs to be arranged in different positions without requiring a different structural unit design.

[0025] The assembly with the reflectors, the support, and the heat transfer plate are connected to each other so that they can be used together in a single irradiation device. The connection is preferably made by screwing, but it is also possible to rivet, glue, or connect the aforementioned parts together in some other way.

[0026] According to a particularly preferred development, the assembly for the reflectors has at least one recess for a third LED, which is equipped without a reflector and emits visible radiation. The LED, which emits, for example, red light, can be arranged in an area surrounded by four reflectors, so that the third LED, which emits visible radiation, can be used for the simultaneous or successive application of light therapy in the irradiation device.

[0027] If the irradiation module is equipped without reflectors, the third LED, which emits visible radiation, can also be positioned on the carrier. The third LEDs are not taken into account when determining the ratio of the first LEDs to the second LEDs. Alternatively, the third LED can also be equipped with a reflector, which may or may not be the same as the first and / or second LEDs.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the heat transfer plate is connected to the cooling lines via a plug-in connection. This allows the assembly consisting of the heat transfer plate, carrier, and reflector assembly to be easily replaced, even within an irradiation device, and allows a carrier with different configurations of first and second LEDs to be used depending on the application. Furthermore, a carrier can be easily replaced if the LEDs are damaged or their characteristics make them impractical.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment, one of the cooling lines can also be designed as an electrical conductor for contacting the LEDs arranged on the carrier, so that in addition to replacing the carrier, the electrical contact is also realized in the manner of a plug-in solution.

[0030] In a favorable development, the assembly with the reflectors is equipped with a cover plate having a number of circular recesses corresponding to the number of reflectors, wherein the plate is preferably made of acrylic glass. The circular recesses are aligned with the axes of the reflectors and are provided on their inner circumference with a fluorescent coating that is excited to glow due to the excitation by the radiation emitted by the first LEDs and / or second LEDs. In this way, it is advantageously achieved that a user who is exposed to radiation from an irradiation module can distinguish whether the first LEDs and / or second LEDs, which do not radiate in the visible range, are actively emitting radiation or not.The disc is conveniently screwed together with the assembly consisting of the heat transfer plate, support, and assembly unit. Preferably, if third LEDs are provided, holes are also provided in the disc to allow the visible radiation emitted by these LEDs to pass through. It is possible to select the fluorescent coating so that it glows in a color that has a phototherapeutic effect on the human body.

[0031] A favorable use of an irradiation module is in a unit for tanning the shoulders. Another favorable use of an irradiation module is in a unit for tanning the face. Another favorable use of an irradiation module is in a device for tanning the entire body, in particular the torso, arms, and legs of a user.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for irradiation with medical-cosmetic radiation is characterized in that at least one irradiation module as described above is provided therein. It is possible to arrange a plurality of irradiation modules in the device, which enclose a tunnel or tube next to one another, in which a user can find space, standing or lying down, to tan their skin, in particular, under the influence of the radiation.

[0033] The irradiation modules are advantageously small and lightweight, allowing them to be easily installed and / or replaced. The device then advantageously provides means for electrically connecting the irradiation modules, which can be inserted and connected, or disconnected or removed again, depending on the intended application.

[0034] The device expediently has a series of slots to which, for example, the irradiation modules described above, but also other modules such as those with third LEDs from the visible spectrum, can be connected. In this way, the device can be operated either as a tanning device if the aforementioned irradiation modules or other irradiation modules are used, or as a light therapy device if modules with third LEDs from the visible spectrum are connected. At the same time, the modularity of the device allows for easy user-specific modification. For this purpose, it is advantageously provided that a controller recognizes the modules used and ensures that they are operated in a permissible manner. In this way, a defective module can be easily exchanged and replaced.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for irradiation with medical-cosmetic radiation is provided, comprising a plurality of irradiation modules for irradiation with medical-cosmetic radiation, which are accommodated in a housing part, wherein at least one of the irradiation modules can be adjusted individually or together with other irradiation modules within the housing part towards a user. This advantageously ensures that the irradiation modules and thus the device can irradiate a user arranged in the device close to the body contour and thus with favorable energy consumption, wherein in particular, adaptation to the user's body geometry is possible. For tall or heavily built users, the irradiation module is retracted to avoid burns on the skin or exceeding the irradiation dose.For short or slim users, the irradiation module is advanced to achieve optimal irradiation results. In addition to the essentially axial adjustment toward the user's body, the irradiation module can also be pivoted and moved back and forth, thus evening out the irradiation results. At the same time, the irradiation modules can irradiate hard-to-reach areas, such as the shoulders or body cavities, from different angles, thus tanning.

[0036] The irradiation modules are advanced either pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanically, e.g., by means of a rack and pinion or a spindle / spindle nut system. The drive is preferably provided by an electric motor, since the device is operated with electrical energy anyway. If several irradiation modules are to be brought close to the user's body, the transitions between adjacent modules are preferably sealed by a seal, e.g., a membrane coating, to avoid difficulties during cleaning. However, it is also possible to move entire sections of the housing part as a whole after the tube or tunnel has been formed, in which case the housing part is positioned relatively close to the body.The irradiation modules are then positioned within the housing towards the user's body in order to achieve a favorable irradiation result with low energy consumption by optimizing the distance.

[0037] To enable a cost-effective three-dimensional delivery of the irradiation modules, the irradiation module is advantageously designed with a honeycomb-shaped support, which, for example, forms a hexagonal surface, with an adjacent honeycomb body connected to each edge. Alternatively, a support with a different geometry can be provided with the hexagonal supports to achieve a spherical curvature.

[0038] According to another alternative embodiment, the carriers with the LEDs can also be mounted on a three-dimensional surface that allows flexible positioning, whereby not the individual irradiation module but the surface as a whole is designed to be displaceable.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, means for measuring the distance of the user from the at least one irradiation module are provided, which are expediently arranged in the housing part, so that the distance of the user from the housing part can be measured at a characteristic point or at several points that result in a body contour. The means for measuring the user's distance can be optical means, but it is also possible to provide a scale on a housing part, such as a checkerboard pattern, which enables the measurement of the user's body and thus the determination of the distance to the respective irradiation modules. The scale can also be detected by the measuring means in an image reflected by the housing part.

[0040] The irradiation module can then be conveniently positioned toward the user in such a way that it always maintains a preset, optimal distance from the user. This distance, which may also be specified for safety reasons, enables particularly favorable irradiation results while simultaneously adhering to irradiation limits and simultaneously consuming as little energy as possible. The irradiation modules are conveniently operated at a preset power level, and the irradiation results are optimized primarily by positioning them toward the user's body.

[0041] Adjacent irradiation modules are expediently sealed with a flexible membrane to prevent the ingress of contaminants. Especially when the individual irradiation modules are advanced to different distances, there is a risk of gaps forming between the adjacent modules, into which contaminants can penetrate. For this purpose, it is necessary to select a seal that is also resistant to medical-cosmetic radiation, especially its UV component.

[0042] Preferably, however, it is provided that the irradiation modules are relocated within the housing part so that the sealing is made possible by the housing part made of acrylic glass.

[0043] The irradiation modules are preferably rectangular, especially square. This allows surfaces to be easily formed from a plurality of irradiation modules. Alternatively, the irradiation modules can also be honeycomb-shaped or circular, or have a sphere, which allows the radiation to be directed particularly efficiently toward the user.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for irradiating a user with medical-cosmetic radiation is provided, comprising a plurality of irradiation modules for irradiating them with medical-cosmetic radiation, which are accommodated in a housing part. The irradiation modules have a plurality of LEDs that emit radiation of the UV-A and / or UV-B spectrum. The LEDs can be controlled individually or jointly, in particular in groups of LEDs with the same spectrum, to emit radiation with a predeterminable intensity. This advantageously creates a device that enables the irradiation of the user with medical-cosmetic radiation in a point-like or planar manner by using only the LEDs required for a desired irradiation.This not only saves energy and reduces the strain on the user's body, but also allows specific irradiation programs to be set by controlling the LEDs individually or in groups, for example by using pulsed LEDs or by applying different radiation intensities depending on the body region.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, an area of ​​the device occupied by a user is detected, and the LEDs assigned to the unoccupied area are optionally controlled with reduced power or not at all. For example, in response to varying body height, the LED or irradiation module assigned to the foot area can be controlled or remain switched off. For a tall person, the irradiation power in the foot area is necessary, but for a shorter person, this radiation is of no use. This expediently saves energy and also reduces heat generation in the device. The LEDs or irradiation modules can be controlled accordingly for people of different heights.

[0046] In a particularly useful development, the device comprises an input unit, in particular a touch display, via which the user can select or define body zones to be irradiated with reduced intensity. In response, the control system reduces the power of the LEDs or irradiation modules. In particular, with the point-shaped LEDs, the areas can be sharply defined, which is difficult with irradiation modules designed as fluorescent tubes. Furthermore, the LEDs can be controlled with a comparatively linear characteristic, thus enabling almost continuous adjustment of the irradiation intensity of the LEDs.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for irradiating a user with medical-cosmetic radiation is provided, comprising a plurality of irradiation modules for irradiating the user with medical-cosmetic radiation, which are accommodated in a housing part, wherein means are provided for detecting the user to be irradiated, and wherein the irradiation modules or individual radiation sources of the irradiation modules can be controlled depending on characteristics of the detected user. This advantageously creates a device that characterizes the position and condition of the user's body and adapts the radiation output of the irradiation modules to the position and / or condition, in particular the dimensions, of the body. This advantageously allows possibly unnecessary radiation sources to be operated at reduced power or without power, thereby reducing energy consumption.Furthermore, the distance of the radiation modules from the body can be optimally adjusted, usually to a distance of approximately 20 cm to 30 cm from the body surface. Depending on the shape of the user's body, for example, whether they are thick or thin, the irradiation modules are operated with the required intensity and / or with the required distance of the irradiation modules from the body, so that individually optimized irradiation is achieved for each user. In contrast to the prior art solution, in which the irradiation modules are designed to envelop the body within a sphere that the body does not exceed in order to avoid harmful radiation, the device allows for individual adaptation to the body, so that slim people in particular, who are a great distance from the intended enveloping sphere, are provided with a sufficient radiation dose.

[0048] To detect a user to be irradiated, a sensor is expediently provided which detects the user's body. In a simple embodiment, this can be a camera which compares an image of the device with and without the user and, on this basis, determines which irradiation modules or LEDs are not required. The camera can be designed as a CCD line scan camera to prevent images of the users from being created in an improper manner. Alternatively, the camera can also be designed specifically for the radiation emitted by the lighting modules, so that those lighting modules or LEDs that are not shadowed by the user's body are detected by the camera. To be able to identify the individual modules or LEDs more easily, they can be controlled with specific frequencies which enable a clear assignment of the irradiation module or LED.the LED to a specific location using the camera's evaluation circuit provided in the control system.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for irradiating a user with medical-cosmetic radiation is provided, comprising a plurality of irradiation modules for irradiating with medical-cosmetic radiation, which are accommodated in a housing part, wherein a sensor is provided which detects the radiation emitted by the irradiation modules, and wherein the irradiation modules can be controlled with modified operating parameters by a controller in response to a deviation of the detected radiation from a predeterminable radiation value in order to adapt the emitted radiation to the predeterminable value. This advantageously creates a device which enables dynamic adaptation of the irradiation modules to a predefined radiation output. On the one hand, this prevents the maximum permissible radiation intensity for a user from being exceeded due to irradiation modules that are possibly set too high.Such excessive radiation intensity can also occur if individual radiation sources in the irradiation modules, particularly LEDs, change their radiation characteristics over the course of their operating life and, atypically, emit not at a lower intensity, but with increasing intensity. The resulting exceedance of the radiation dose for a user is reliably detected by the sensor and prevented by adjusting the emitted radiation downwards to the preset value. Conversely, it is possible that an irradiation module does not reach the preset radiation level due to aging or other effects. In this case, the control system enables radiation compensation, ensuring that the desired irradiation result is reliably guaranteed at all times.In contrast to prior art solutions, in which the control of the irradiation modules is corrected using experimentally determined radiation characteristic curves, the control is dynamic and can be carried out practically before or after each irradiation process, and even during the irradiation process. This allows deviations that occur over the course of the day to be advantageously compensated for. For example, it has been observed with some devices that, after a longer interruption, the radiation intensity after the device has been started up is lower for an initial period than the average radiation intensity subsequently emitted. At the same time, it has been determined that the radiation intensity also depends on the ambient temperature of the device, so that different values ​​result depending on the device's air conditioning.Finally, it has been determined that the empirically determined characteristic curves only allow for an approximate adjustment for power losses due to aging, and that the scatter is so large that individual radiation doses are generated that are either too high or too low. A particular problem in practice is that sometimes not all radiation modules are replaced, but only some, for example, beam tubes that are already flickering noticeably. If the control system is then aligned to the characteristic curve of the new beam tubes, the power of the remaining old fluorescent tubes is too low, and vice versa. In this case, dynamic control of the radiation intensity enables a result corresponding to the specified radiation value, even with such a mixed configuration of radiation modules.

[0050] According to a first preferred embodiment, the irradiation modules are operated at a constant voltage, and then the irradiation modules are controlled by pulse width modulation. This allows the pulse width to be adjusted and the radiation intensity of the irradiation modules to be adjusted if deviations are detected.

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment, the irradiation modules are operated with a constant current, and the irradiation modules are controlled by varying the current intensity. This allows the radiation intensity to be continuously varied to a predeterminable value.

[0052] The features of the devices and irradiation modules described above can also be easily combined in a common device, so that in particular a device that combines several of the aforementioned features is also the subject of the present disclosure.

[0053] A method for irradiation with medical-cosmetic radiation, in particular in a device as described above, is described for illustrative purposes, comprising a plurality of irradiation modules for irradiation with medical-cosmetic radiation, which are selected from the group comprising fluorescent tubes, LEDs, organic LEDs and high-pressure lamps, wherein the irradiation modules optionally emit only a partial spectrum of the medical-cosmetic radiation, in particular the partial spectrum for UV-A radiation described above and / or the partial spectrum for UV-B radiation described above. A sensor is provided which detects the radiation emitted by the irradiation module, and the irradiation modules are controlled with changed operating parameters by a controller in response to a deviation of the detected radiation from a predeterminable value of the radiation in order to adapt the emitted radiation to the predeterminable value.This advantageously achieves a simple and reliable control of the radiation intensity of individual radiation sources, individual radiation modules or the entire device, so that it is ensured that the user is not exposed to a higher radiation dose than desired or permissible, but at the same time it is also ensured that the radiation dose is sufficient to achieve the effect of the radiation, usually a tanning of the skin.

[0054] The sensor is advantageously highly sensitive to UV radiation, which, unlike visible radiation, also poses a risk to the human body if exposed to excessively long radiation. This reliably prevents incorrect settings, particularly for spectra of medical and cosmetic radiation, which carry the risk of burns.

[0055] Advantageously, at least one further sensor is provided which optionally detects the same spectrum or a different spectrum as the first sensor.

[0056] Preferably, one or more of the irradiation modules are each assigned a dedicated sensor, and the irradiation modules can also be individually switched on and off so that specific radiation intensities for each module can be detected by the sensor. For example, it is possible to adjust the radiation intensity of a single LED on an irradiation module comprising LEDs. Preferably, however, the entire irradiation module is adjusted, which is generally sufficient to avoid deviations from the preset radiation values ​​due to the similarity of the LEDs used.

[0057] It is possible to control the irradiation modules or the irradiation module LEDs in individual segments corresponding to body areas, in order to adjust the irradiation result—usually a tan—according to the skin's sensitivity. It is possible to measure the skin's sensitivity with a specific detector before or during tanning.

[0058] It is possible to provide a plurality of sensors in the device, each of which can reliably monitor an area corresponding to a body area of ​​the user.

[0059] A method for irradiating a user with medical-cosmetic radiation is described for illustrative purposes, in particular as described above, comprising a plurality of irradiation modules for irradiating with medical-cosmetic radiation, which are selected from the group comprising fluorescent tubes, LEDs, organic LEDs and high-pressure lamps, wherein the irradiation modules optionally emit only a partial spectrum of the medical-cosmetic radiation, in which a user sensor is provided which detects body characteristics of the user, and in which the irradiation modules can be controlled in response to body characteristics detected by the user sensor by a controller with operating parameters which adapt the emitted radiation to detected body characteristics.This advantageously makes it possible to record user-specific parameters via a user sensor and, in response to the recorded data, to adjust the device, and in particular the irradiation modules, to the user and their body characteristics. This advantageously makes irradiation effective and ensures that device settings that are harmful to the user are avoided. The user sensor makes it possible to take user-specific information into account for the procedure, for example the dimensions of the user's body or certain properties of this body. This enables irradiation tailored to the individual. The user's individual setting parameters can preferably be stored in a memory of the device or the user and read in as needed.

[0060] According to a first preferred embodiment of the method, the user sensor determines the properties of the body, selected from the group comprising the height, width, and circumference of the body, and the position and / or intensity of the irradiation modules is adapted to the detected properties. The position of the irradiation modules can be changed by advancing them towards the body, with means for advancing expediently being displaced by the controller according to the predetermined distance from the body. The intensity of the irradiation modules can be adjusted by the controller, with particularly effective adaptation to the body properties being achieved when the irradiation modules are designed as a carrier with a plurality of point LEDs.

[0061] According to a further preferred embodiment, the user sensor detects the location and / or type of skin features on the user's body, selected from the group comprising tattoos, burns, wounds, moles, scars, white spots, pigmentation disorders, tanning, and skin type, and the location and / or intensity of the irradiation modules are adapted to the detected skin features. For example, it is possible to compensate for increased absorption behavior with regard to medical-cosmetic radiation in the case of tattoos or moles by reducing the radiation intensity of the irradiation modules or the LEDs preferably provided therein.Similarly, areas of skin that are unable to achieve tanning through pigmentation, particularly due to scars, white spots, pigmentation disorders, or wounds, can also be irradiated at reduced power to reliably prevent damage to the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Finally, the user sensor can also detect skin type and tanning, particularly skin pigmentation, and adjust the irradiation modules based on the detected skin characteristics. If the user sensor repeatedly scans the user's body, it is also possible to determine the user's skin type and any tanning.

[0062] Preferably, the irradiation modules comprise LEDs that are operated in pulsed mode, at least temporarily. Pulsed operation of the LEDs makes it possible to stimulate photobiological effects in the user's body.

[0063] The methods described above can in particular also be designed as methods for operating the device, in particular the device described above, for irradiation, so that a method for operating a device for irradiation is obtained which has the features of the aforementioned method.

[0064] Further advantages, features, properties and developments of the invention emerge from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the dependent claims.

[0065] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and a preferred embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of an irradiation device according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of an irradiation module according to the invention, which can be used in the device of Fig. 1 is installed.

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a device for irradiating a user, schematically represented by their human body 10, with medical-cosmetic radiation, which device comprises a lower housing part 20 and an upper housing part 30, which are hingedly connected to one another along an axis A. The upper housing part 30 can be pivoted upward to provide access for the user 10, and can be pivoted downward so that the housing parts 20, 30 enclose a tunnel-like tube 2 in which the user 10 lies.

[0067] The housing parts 20, 30 are encapsulated in acrylic glass, with a lying surface 21 made of acrylic glass in the lower housing part 20. It is possible to equip the lying surface with a silicone mat connected to the lying surface 10, which is flexible and provides a more pleasant feel for the person 10. The acrylic glass and the silicone mat are each permeable to at least some of the medical-cosmetic radiation.

[0068] Irradiation modules 40 are arranged in the lower housing part 20 and the upper housing part 30, respectively, and are directed in the direction of the tube 2 in the housing parts 20, 30. The irradiation modules 40 are rectangular and arranged next to one another in the lower housing part 20, parallel to the lying surface 21. Furthermore, irradiation modules 40, which can irradiate the person 10, are also provided on the vertical section 22 of the lower housing part 20, which is approximately perpendicular to the lying surface 21. In the upper housing part 30, a plurality of irradiation modules 40 are arranged in a row, each abutting one another, wherein the irradiation modules arranged in a row are angled relative to the adjacent row in order to be able to reproduce the semicircular contour of the upper housing part 30 within the housing part 30.Depending on the radius and the size of the irradiation modules, the angle is between 5° and 25°, preferably about 10°.

[0069] At a head end of the tube 2, a shoulder tanning device 50 is arranged, which irradiates in particular the head and shoulder of the user 10, wherein two further irradiation modules 40 are arranged within the shoulder tanning device 50.

[0070] The irradiation modules 40 are connected to a controller S of the device 1.

[0071] In Fig. 2 An exploded view of a control module 40 is shown. It can be seen that a plurality of a total of twenty LEDs 42, 43 are mounted on a carrier 41, which are connected to an electrical power supply via the carrier 41. It is also possible to provide the LEDs in a different number and / or arrangement than the present 4x5 array.

[0072] It can be seen that a total of six LEDs 43 are arranged on the carrier 41, which emit radiation of the UV-B spectrum, while the remaining fourteen LEDs 42 emit radiation of the UV-A spectrum.

[0073] A structural unit 44 with 20 identically designed reflectors 44a is provided in front of the carrier 41 with the LEDs 42, 43, the hole size of the reflectors 44a being matched to the LEDs 42, 43. For this purpose, the reflectors 44a are connected to a disk 44b, which has openings for the reflectors 44a, in an area spaced apart from the LEDs 42, 43, so that the structural unit 44 can be handled as a single part.

[0074] In front of the assembly 44 is an annular disk 45, which has a number of circular recesses 45a in a plate body corresponding to the number of reflectors 44a, which are coated with a fluorescent material on their inner circumference. When the LEDs 42, 43 are caused to emit radiation, this radiation excites the fluorescent material of the rings 45a, and due to the visible light emitted by the rings 45a, it can be recognized that the LEDs 42, 43 are also emitting radiation.

[0075] On the side of the carrier 41 facing away from the LEDs 42, 43, a heat transfer plate 46 is arranged. This plate is designed as a plate body and is intended to dissipate the heat generated during operation of the LEDs 42, 43. For this purpose, the heat transfer plate 46 is connected via a first cooling line 47 and a second cooling line 47 to a heat sink 48 designed as a heat exchanger, wherein a circulating cooling fluid is provided between the heat transfer plate 46, which is designed with cavities, the first cooling line 47, the heat sink 48, and the second cooling line 47. The cooling of the heat transfer plate 46 can be achieved in particular by phase transformation of the cooling fluid between the heat transfer plate 46, on the one hand, and the heat sink 48, on the other.

[0076] The irradiation modules 40 installed in the housing part 20 or housing part 30 are all constructed in the same way, but it is understood that the irradiation modules can also be constructed and / or controlled differently depending on the light sensitivity of certain parts of the user 10.

[0077] A first sensor 61 is provided in the upper housing part 30. This sensor determines the body characteristics of the user 10, in particular their height, width, circumference, and the position of the arms and legs. Depending on the detected body characteristics, the radiation output of the irradiation modules 40 is adjusted. For example, the irradiation module 40 facing away from the head end can be completely switched off when the user's legs no longer cover this irradiation module 40.

[0078] Sensor 61 can alternatively or additionally detect certain skin characteristics of the user's 10 body, such as the presence of tattoos, burns, wounds, moles, scars, white spots, pigmentation disorders, current tanning, and even skin type. This second sensor, which can also be configured as a camera and connected to an evaluation logic, detects the color and contrast of the skin with high resolution and evaluates the captured images to determine the aforementioned specific body characteristics. Depending on the skin characteristics, the irradiation module 40 is then operated at a reduced power if, based on the detected skin characteristics, there is a risk of skin burns under normal radiation and exposure.

[0079] Finally, a second sensor 62 is arranged in the upper housing section, which detects the radiation from the irradiation modules 40 or the associated LEDs 42, 43. The second sensor 62 or its evaluation unit compares the detected radiation with target values ​​stored, for example, in the controller S. In response to a deviation of the detected values ​​from the target values, the controller causes the operating parameters of the irradiation modules 40 to be adjusted so that they are adjusted to the target value.

[0080] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the irradiation module is equipped with two types of LEDs 42, 43 that emit different ultraviolet spectra. It is understood that additional LEDs with a different spectrum than the two LEDs 42, 43 can also be provided in the irradiation module.

[0081] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the irradiation module has six LEDs 43 with a UV-B spectrum and fourteen LEDs with a UV-A spectrum. It is understood that the number of LEDs with the corresponding spectrum can also be distributed differently depending on the application.

[0082] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the carrier 41 of the irradiation module 40 is substantially rectangular and has an array of 4x5 LEDs 42, 43. It is understood that the carrier 41 may also have a different shape, for example, square or hexagonal, and that the LEDs 42, 43 may also be arranged differently on the carrier 41.

[0083] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the support 41 is mounted on a heat transfer plate 46, which is connected to a heat exchanger via cooling lines 47. It is understood that the heat exchanger 48 can be simultaneously connected to another support 41 via additional cooling lines, and that it is also possible to connect several heat transfer plates to the heat exchanger 48 via connecting lines to form a closed system.

[0084] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which all irradiation modules 40 in the device 1 are designed in the same way. It is understood that the irradiation modules 40 for the shoulder and head area, the irradiation modules in the lower housing part 20, and the irradiation modules in the upper housing part 30 can each also be designed differently and, in particular, can also have a different number of LEDs.

[0085] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the irradiation modules 40 are arranged in a fixed position in the housing parts 20, 30 and are controlled essentially in response to data acquired by the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62. It is understood that instead of electrically controlling the irradiation modules 40, they can also be adjustable with respect to their distance from the body of the user 10, for example, via pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical adjustment devices.

[0086] The invention has been explained above with reference to an exemplary embodiment in which the device 1 has a stationary lower part 20 and an upper housing part 30 that can be pivoted downwards onto the lower part 20, wherein the user 10 rests on a lying surface 21 of the lower housing part 20. It is understood that the device can also be designed in the form of a standing tanner, in which the two housing parts are arranged essentially vertically, and in which the user stands essentially on the floor and is surrounded by the housing parts during the irradiation.

[0087] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which a sensor 61, 62 detects properties of the device 1 or the person 10. It is understood that multiple sensors can also be provided for this purpose, and that the data obtained by the sensors can also be stored to document the proper setting of the device.

Claims

1. An irradiation module for use in a device (1) for irradiation with medical-cosmetic radiation, comprising a plurality of LEDs (42; 43) arranged on a carrier (41), a first group of first LEDs (42), which emit radiation in the UVA spectrum, and a second group of second LEDs (43), which emit radiation in the UVB spectrum, being arranged on the carrier (41), and the first LEDs making up between 50% and 90% of the total from the first and second LEDs, and the second LEDs (43) making up between 50% and 10% of the total from the first and second LEDs, characterized in that the carrier is connected to a heat-transfer plate (46), and in that a reflector (44a) is assigned to each LED (42; 43), which reflector is connected to the carrier (41), in that the reflectors (44a) extending from the LEDs (42; 43) in a tapering manner are arranged as a field in a common modular unit (44), and in that the modular unit (44), the carrier (41), and the heat-transfer plate (46) are interconnected.

2. The irradiation module according to claim 1, wherein twenty LEDs (42; 43) or an integer multiple thereof are arranged on a carrier, and four or an integer multiple of the LEDs are each formed as second LEDs (43).

3. The irradiation module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the LEDs (42; 43) are arranged on the carrier in a field made up of four rows and five columns, and the middle column is formed by second LEDs (43).

4. The irradiation module according to claim 3, wherein the distance between adjacent LEDs (42; 43) in the same column or row is between 1 cm and 4 cm, preferably between 1.25 cm and 2.25 cm, and particularly preferably between 1.5 cm and 2 cm.

5. The irradiation module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the LEDs (42; 43) are equipped with primary optics in the form of a silicone lens.

6. The irradiation module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second LEDs (43) are actuated at a lower power level than the first LEDs (42).

7. The irradiation module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heat-transfer plate (46) is connected to a heat exchanger (48) via cooling lines (47).

8. The irradiation module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular unit (44), the carrier (41), and the heat-transfer plate (46) are screwed together.

9. The irradiation module according to claim 9, wherein the modular unit (44) comprises at least one recess for a third LED that is not equipped with a reflector and emits visible radiation.

10. A device for irradiation of a user with medical-cosmetic radiation, comprising at least one irradiation module (40) according to any of the preceding claims.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein an input unit is provided for the user (10), and the user (10) can select regions in which the LEDs (42; 43) assigned to the selected region are actuated at reduced power or are not actuated at all.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein a sensor (61), which detects the body of the user, is provided for detecting a user (10) to be irradiated.

13. A device for irradiation of a user (10) with medical-cosmetic radiation according to claim 10, comprising a plurality of irradiation modules (40) for irradiation with medical-cosmetic radiation according to any of claims 1-9, which modules are housed in a housing part (20; 30), wherein a sensor (62) is provided which detects the radiation being emitted by the irradiation modules (40), and the irradiation modules (40) can be actuated by a controller (S) with modified operating parameters in response to a deviation in the detected radiation from a specifiable value for the radiation, in order to adjust the emitted radiation to the specifiable value.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the irradiation modules (40) are operated at a constant voltage, and the irradiation modules (40) are actuated by means of pulse-width modulation.

15. The device according to claim 13, wherein the irradiation modules (40) are operated at a constant current, and the irradiation modules (40) are actuated by means of modifying the amperage.