Device with light-emitting diodes and elastomer contact surfaces

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (99) for applying electromagnetic radiation to a human or animal body in a spectral range of between 280 nm and 2500 nm, in particular a spectral range of UV-B to far infrared. The device comprises an arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (12), said arrangement being designed to generate electromagnetic radiation in the desired spectral range and being arranged on a carrier medium (10). The device furthermore comprises an intermediate space (Z1) between the arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (12) and the human or animal body (100) to be irradiated. The device furthermore comprises an elastomer (13, 14) which substantially fills the intermediate space. The elastomer (13, 14) which substantially fills the intermediate space forms a contact surface (3) for the human or animal body (100) to be irradiated. The invention furthermore comprises a method for producing a device according to the invention, and to a solarium having at least one device according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Device with LEDs and elastomer contact surfaces

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for exposing a human or animal body to electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of between 280 nm and 2,500 nm, in particular in a spectral range from UV-B to far infrared, as well as to a method for producing such a device and to a solarium for irradiating a human body with UV light, comprising such a device, all in accordance with the preambles of the patent claims.

[0003] Technological background

[0004] Numerous therapeutic devices offering various light therapies for both medical and cosmetic purposes require users to be at least partially undressed before coming into physical contact with the device. Tanning beds typically feature a reclining surface made of transparent plastic and more or less ergonomically designed, so that lying on it is perceived as somewhat comfortable. However, the plastic surfaces are often hard. In addition, the plastic initially feels cold, making lying on it uncomfortable. The hard plastic elements previously used in tanning beds are also rigid and, due to their sheer size, make the device difficult to maintain and transport.

[0005] In previous solariums and similar devices, such as infrared loungers, the desired electromagnetic radiation was primarily generated using fluorescent tubes. The fluorescent tubes were housed in a light box, which enclosed an air space, up to the transparent or translucent lying surface. This air space was heated by the use of the fluorescent tubes, so that suitable ventilation elements removed the warm exhaust air from this ventilation space and could also be used to heat the surrounding space, e.g. around the user. With the introduction of more energy-efficient electrical light-emitting diodes in the field of generating medically or cosmetically relevant electromagnetic radiation, the waste heat is concentrated more on the carrier of the light-emitting diodes, i.e.the actual diodes, and suitable heat exchangers or ventilation are provided to relieve the thermal load on the LEDs, which increases the longevity of the lamps.

[0006] Previous concepts focused on harnessing this energy efficiency, such as WO 2021 / 160223 from JK-Holding GmbH. Replacing fluorescent tubes with LEDs did not address the problem of unpleasant plastic surfaces.

[0007] There is therefore a need for further improvements in the field of physiologically and / or cosmetically relevant radiation devices that provide for physical contact of the user with the device.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide devices of the type mentioned above which overcome at least one disadvantage of the known devices.

[0010] It is a particular object of the present invention to provide devices of the type mentioned above that are perceived as more pleasant by users right from the start. A further object of the present invention may be to provide corresponding methods for manufacturing such devices.

[0011] It is also a particular object of the present invention to provide a corresponding device which can realize additional functional advantages compared to a rigid plastic surface.

[0012] At least one of these objects has been achieved with a device according to the characterizing part of the independent claims.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention relates to a device for exposing a human or animal body to electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of between 280 nm and 2,500 nm. The spectral range is particularly preferably from UV-B to far infrared. Devices for exposing a human or animal body to electromagnetic radiation that operate in the UV-B to far infrared range are commonly known to those skilled in the art. For example, devices intended to promote vitamin D use radiation in the UV-B range. The far infrared range, on the other hand, is used for relaxation and to improve blood circulation in tissue. In between are devices that can carry out photobiological stimulation or devices that serve for tanning, so-called "solariums". Suitable devices include, for example:The device shown in WO 2020 / 202063 A1 by JK Holding GmbH, which provides biostimulating phototherapy, is also suitable. Devices with additional functional aspects, such as massage elements or elements for inhaling aerosols and / or vapor mixtures, are also suitable, as shown in WO 2021 / 181296 by JK Holding GmbH.

[0014] The device comprises an arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes on a carrier medium, which is designed to generate electromagnetic radiation in the desired spectral range. In a particular embodiment, the arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes can comprise light-emitting diodes that are each designed for different spectral ranges. A person skilled in the art is familiar with the selection and arrangement of light-emitting diodes in order to generate a desired spectral range. In the sense of the present invention, a desired spectral range can be understood as a sub-range from the above-mentioned spectral range of between 280 nm and 2,500 nm, in particular from a spectral range in the UV-B range up to the far infrared. In an embodiment according to the invention, for exampleThe arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes may comprise differently constructed light-emitting diodes on a carrier medium, each of which is selected in its individual number and type so that a specific spectral range of electromagnetic radiation is imitated. For example, an arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes may comprise those designed to emit electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of between 400 nm and 315 nm (UV-A range) and further comprise those designed to emit electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of between 315 nm and 280 nm (UV-B range), as well as those designed to emit electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of between 280 and 100 nm (UV-C range). The UV range used for solariums, for example, lies in the spectral range of between 400 and 315 nm. Additional UV-B ranges may be provided if, for example,Vitamin D synthesis is to be stimulated. For the purposes of the present invention, a desired spectral range can also be understood as a defined spectral range.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the device comprises a radiation side facing away from the carrier medium.

[0016] The device further comprises a gap between the arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes and the human or animal body to be irradiated. In practice, this gap represents the path that the electromagnetic radiation must travel from its origin, i.e. from each of the arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes to the object to be irradiated. In the prior art, this gap was usually made of air, i.e. it was essentially empty. The gap was defined by a distance between the light source and a surface on which the animal or human body to be irradiated rested. Typically, this surface was a plastic surface, usually a translucent acrylate polymer.

[0017] According to the invention, the device comprises an elastomer that substantially fills the gap. The electromagnetic radiation now impinges on the body to be acted upon not through air, but through this medium, namely the elastomer that substantially fills the gap. For the purposes of the present invention, an elastomer can be understood, for example, as a polymer that has the elastic properties of rubber. Particularly preferably, this can be understood as meaning that it undergoes a certain deformation under the action of a force, but returns to its original shape when the deforming force is removed.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the elastomer has a glass transition temperature which is lower than room temperature, particularly preferably lower than 10° Celsius, further particularly preferably lower than 0° Celsius.

[0019] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the elastomer is selected such that it is subject to no or only negligible swelling upon contact with liquids. Alternatively and / or additionally, the elastomer is provided with a surface treatment that substantially prevents swelling. Particularly preferably, the elastomer is provided with a hydrophobic surface coating.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the elastomer is resistant to at least one of: light, in particular UV radiation and / or infrared radiation, cleaning agents, in particular surfactant-containing cleaning agents, in particular alcohol-based cleaning agents (preferably comprising ethanol, isopropanol and / or glycol ether), in particular acid-containing cleaning agents (preferably acetic acid-containing cleaning agents), in particular hydrogen peroxide-containing cleaning agents, in particular alkaline cleaning agents, disinfectants (preferably comprising benzalkonium chloride and / or isopropyl alcohol) and / or perspiration.For the purposes of the present invention, "permanent" can be understood as meaning that no or only insignificant chemical and / or physical changes occur during the intended exposure of the elastomer to these effects or substances; in particular, within a defined period of use of between 1 and 5 years.

[0021] In the present invention, the elastomer substantially filling the gap forms a contact surface for the human or animal body to be acted upon.

[0022] Particularly preferably, a support surface is formed as a contact surface.

[0023] For the purposes of the present invention, a contact surface can be understood as a surface on which a human or animal body rests during exposure to electromagnetic radiation, either e.g. while sitting or lying down. Through this contact, the body exerts a force on the contact surface, which can be caused e.g. by the weight of the human or animal body. In the course of the present invention, for example, an elastic deformation of the contact surface, or of the elastomer essentially filling the intermediate space, can then take place. Depending on the choice of elastomer, e.g. via the degree of cross-linking, a person skilled in the art can control the extent of this elastic deformation. In this case, the person skilled in the art can also take individual preferences into account or keep the specific application in mind, for example by considering how long a user has to sit or lie on a device according to the invention during exposure.The device according to the invention offers numerous advantages. The elastomeric contact surface makes the device more comfortable to use overall, making it easier to lie or sit on. Furthermore, since the path of the electromagnetic radiation is now filled with a medium other than air, it is possible to provide numerous functional elements that enhance the use of the device according to the invention. The medium can, for example, be designed so that the refraction of the electromagnetic radiation behaves differently than with direct exposure. For example, materials can be used that cause scattering or have additional integrated elements that can interact in various ways with the irradiation function of the device according to the invention.

[0024] A further advantage can be that an elastomeric surface is perceived as warmer by users than a glass or plastic surface. In addition, the waste heat from the LEDs can be transferred directly to the elastomer, thus achieving a pleasant warming of this elastomer. It has been proven, for example, that the human perception of heat is subjective and influenced by the object and its composition. For example, wood, which has the same temperature as a metal surface, is subjectively perceived as warmer to the touch. In the present example, although not bound to this theory, the same effect can occur if an elastomeric surface, i.e. a comparatively soft surface, is perceived as warmer than a hard surface, e.g. an acrylic glass plate.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the elastomer comprises a silicone elastomer. In particular, the elastomer comprises a transparent and / or translucent silicone elastomer.

[0026] For use in the device according to the invention, an elastomer is preferably selected which allows at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the defined spectral range to pass through. Silicone elastomers have proven particularly suitable because they can have glass transition temperatures of less than -50° Celsius. The melting temperatures are often (depending on the choice of additives and the degree of crosslinking) above 250° Celsius, which makes them ideal for use as a filler for the entire space between the arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes and the body to be acted upon. Furthermore, the dielectric properties of silicone elastomers can be controlled by a specialist with the addition of additives. Silicone elastomers are also resistant to environmental influences, such as moisture and radicals, such asOzone, and they can be specifically selected or provided with additives for a variety of lighting applications, such as being designed to be substantially translucent and resistant to UV radiation.

[0027] Another advantage is that silicone is non-toxic and can be sterilized.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the carrier medium comprises at least one heat exchanger.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the carrier medium comprises a heat exchanger facing away from the intermediate space.

[0030] A heat exchanger can be used to dissipate heat from the LEDs in addition to direct contact with the elastomer. This can help improve the lifetime of the LEDs and control spectrum drift.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the carrier medium comprises one or more ribs extending substantially perpendicularly from the carrier medium into a space on the side facing away from the intermediate space. This space can, for example, be an air space that is additionally designed to dissipate waste heat by means of fans provided in the device.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the carrier medium, which is formed from a carrier plate, has one or more surface-enlarging structures in order to facilitate the dissipation of heat to an adjacent medium.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the contact surface comprises recesses and / or indentations for accommodating the human or animal body to be impacted. Particularly preferably, the contact surface has recesses and / or indentations that are ergonomically and / or anatomically adapted to the human body to be impacted. This can include, for example, a raised head area, a neck support, a depression for the pelvis, etc., each according to the requirements of the person skilled in the art for the specific device. In a particular embodiment, the intermediate space comprises a plurality of different elastomers. Particularly preferably, these elastomers have different physical properties.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the elastomers are applied to the light-emitting diodes in a substantially airtight and materially bonded manner.

[0035] A plurality of elastomers can be used, for example, when the haptic properties of a contact surface are to differ from the properties of the elastomer which lies directly on the LEDs. In this embodiment, for example, a plurality of elastomers can be present as a laminate, i.e. a first elastomer layer is applied directly to the LEDs, and a second elastomer layer is applied thereon. The second elastomer layer forms the contact surface. The two elastomer layers are bonded to one another, with the first elastomer layer additionally bonded to the carrier medium and the LEDs. One advantage of such a multi-layer arrangement can be that, for example, a first elastomer can be selected based on its thermal properties being optimized with regard to thermal conductivity, in order to, for example, dissipate heat from the LEDs.The second elastomer can be optimized for its haptic properties, for example, creating a particularly pleasant skin feel upon physical contact with the human or animal body. Other effects that can be achieved with multiple elastomer layers include different refractive indices at phase transitions between the elastomers, if they differ in their optical properties. This can, for example, create various effects, such as radiation colining, radiation diffusion, or similar.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the elastomer comprises at least one additive that causes a spectral shift. For example, the spectral color of the light emitted by the LEDs can be shifted by the additive. Violet light, for example, can be shifted into the blue spectrum, yellow light into the red spectrum, etc.

[0037] For the purposes of the present invention, various physical properties can be included, e.g., a dielectric property, i.e., electrical conductivity, or they can include optical properties, i.e., the way light passes through the medium, enters, exits, etc., or thermally conductive properties. However, additional physical properties can also be present that are achieved, for example, through additives. For example, the addition of a fluorescent pigment can trigger an optical effect during use.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the device comprises at least one reflection element for directing the electromagnetic radiation.

[0039] Particularly preferably, the reflection element is attached to or on the carrier medium.

[0040] Particularly preferably, the reflection element is mounted around the LED(s). The reflection element can serve, for example, to focus electromagnetic radiation generated by the LEDs and direct it onto the body to be illuminated.

[0041] Particularly preferably, each individual LED is equipped with a reflection element. Suitable examples include substantially conical funnels with reflective surfaces that reflect the outgoing radiation in a desired direction. Alternatively and / or additionally, lenses can be provided that focus the radiation from the LEDs. It is also conceivable to provide lenses made of or comprising an elastomer.

[0042] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting diodes comprise essentially plano-convex lenses made of an elastomer, which are integrally embedded in another elastomer.

[0043] In a particular embodiment, the elastomer comprises at least one additive. The additive can, for example, be a reflective element designed to at least partially reflect the light, or electromagnetic radiation, that passes through the elastomer as a medium.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, these reflective elements can essentially be spherical beads made of crystal glass. These essentially spherical beads made of crystal glass create a lustrous effect when light penetrates the elastomer. In addition to the optical effect, they can be used to diffuse the radiation onto the contact surface and the body resting on it, thus achieving a milder effect. Other reflective elements can be, for example, color pigments. The color pigments can serve, on the one hand, to color the elastomer, but also to exert a "milky" effect on the light or electromagnetic radiation emitted from it. Other suitable additives can be, for example, flame retardants.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the elastomer comprises luminescent particles and / or absorption or scattering particles. Luminescent particles can, for example, be particles consisting of substances that can be created by exposure to electromagnetic radiation and are accordingly capable of emitting photons. Suitable additives can, for example, be those that have fluorescent or phosphorescent properties. A person skilled in the art can additionally combine this with a specific color luminescence, for example, to make invisible electromagnetic radiation visible to the user. In practice, this would then look like this:a fluorescent or phosphorescent component in a particle would be attracted by electromagnetic radiation that would otherwise be invisible to the human eye and would emit corresponding photons, thus producing an effect that is perceptible to the human eye.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises an additional contact surface. This additional contact surface is made of a transparent thermoplastic, with acrylic glass having proven particularly suitable. Acrylic glass, in particular polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is commonly used in tanning beds as a lying surface and is known to those skilled in the art for its translucent properties.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the carrier medium is essentially flexible. For example, instead of a rigid plate, the carrier medium can be based on a fabric or a plastic carrier film, so that the carrier medium is capable of, for example, substantially following elastic deformation of the elastomer. This makes it possible to design the entire arrangement with the elastomer laminated to it flexible. This can be utilized on the one hand on the assembly side, for example, by allowing arrangements manufactured and stored as plates with light-emitting diodes and elastomer layers laminated to them to be deformable during assembly, for example in a curved irradiation chamber.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the elastomer is bonded to the LEDs by a material fit. For example, the elastomer can be poured onto the LED array as a melt in a substantially pourable state, so that the elastomer forms a material fit with the carrier medium and / or the LEDs. This material fit makes it possible to utilize the elastomer's thermally conductive properties to dissipate any waste heat from the LEDs or to heat the contact surface to a desired temperature.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the elastomer is between 1 cm and 20 cm thick, particularly preferably between 2.5 cm and 5 cm thick, starting from the support medium. The elastomer can have varying thicknesses across the entire support surface. For example, a head area for supporting the head or neck can be up to 20 cm thick and taper back to 5 cm. Correspondingly thicker areas could also be provided, for example, for lordosis or as a knee support.

[0050] Particularly preferably, the elastomer is substantially free of air inclusions. Those skilled in the art are familiar with techniques for casting elastomers that allow for a casting that is substantially free of air inclusions.

[0051] In a particular embodiment, the elastomer comprises an additive for influencing the electrical conductivity. In common applications, for example, with silicone elastomers, various carbon blacks are used to control the conductivity of the silicone elastomer. The advantages that can be achieved are manifold. For example, elastomers can be provided that have different conductivities in certain areas. The conductivity can in particular extend to the point where electrical transmission is possible between a human or animal body located on the contact surface and a corresponding sensor or impulse arrangement. This can also make it possible, for example, to provide electrostimulating elements in the device according to the invention. As an alternative to electrostimulation, the conductivities in the elastomer can also be controlled in such a way that corresponding sensors are operated. For example,It is possible to provide sensors capable of detecting the presence of a human or animal body on the contact surface via a conductive elastomer layer based on capacitive voltage differences. This can, for example, be directly linked to the machine control system or, alternatively or additionally, be accompanied by local effects. Such local effects could, for example, include the activation of LEDs when a person or animal is located on the surface. Physical contact could then, for example, initiate the activation of the application process.

[0052] In a particular embodiment, the sensor is designed to detect at least one parameter in addition to the presence, for example the size of the user and / or the weight of the user.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the arrangements of a plurality of light-emitting diodes are designed as structural modules. In the context of the present invention, a structural module can be one which is designed as a component for integration into a device according to the invention. The structural module can, for example, be aligned through its geometric shape to take up a particular position in a device according to the invention. For example, a structural module can be designed for a foot part of a device according to the invention which is designed, for example, to accommodate an entire person. This can be achieved with appropriate geometric shapes. An advantage of the design as a structural module is that, for example, the individual modules can be replaced for maintenance purposes. In addition, the individual modules can be put together according to preferences. For example,By choosing the elastomer, any additives, or the appropriate configuration with the desired spectral range of the LED array, a variety of modular solutions can be realized. Structural modularity also makes it possible to simplify manufacturing. Thus, various identical modules can be provided, which, when assembled into a device according to the invention, can assume a different form or function depending on their placement.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the arrangements of a plurality of light-emitting diodes are designed as functional modules. For the purposes of the present invention, functional modules can be understood as those which have a particular intrinsic function. A functional module can, for example, be designed to emit a specific portion of electromagnetic radiation in the aforementioned spectral range of between 280 nm and 2,500 nm. For example, a functional module can be designed to specifically emit UV radiation in a UV-B spectral range. Another functional module can, for example, be designed to specifically focus radiation in an infrared range. These functional modules can accordingly be used, for example, for a customized composition of a device according to the invention. The corresponding modules can thus be designed to achieve a mixed effect. Depending on the desired application, for example,A different number of modules emitting electromagnetic radiation in the far-infrared range, along with a specific number of modules emitting light in the visible spectrum. Combined with the solution involving structural modules, this allows for the realization of any desired and customized combination of effects, both in terms of the exposure to electromagnetic radiation and the haptic and geometric properties of the device.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one sensor element.

[0056] Particularly preferably, the sensor element is a sensor element which is capable of sensing a force.

[0057] The sensor element is particularly preferably a piezoelectric sensor for detecting a force on the gap and / or the elastomer. Piezoelectric sensors are known to those skilled in the art. In the course of the present invention, a further advantage arises in the application of the elastomer that a force transmission through the elastomer can be detected by means of sensors. For example, piezoelectric sensors on the carrier medium or elsewhere in the area of ​​the elastomer can be used to detect a force. In practice, this force would be triggered, for example, by a human or animal body located on the contact surface. This has application-side advantages, for example, for the purpose of energy efficiency, only parts of an entire set of arrangements with light-emitting diodes are activated, which are also correspondingly capable of applying pressure to a contact surface used. For example,individual LEDs or entire arrays of light-emitting diodes can be left off during exposure if they would not contribute to the exposure success anyway, e.g. because a particularly small or delicate person is lying on the contact surface and therefore some of the LEDs cannot be used efficiently. Alternatively and / or additionally, such sensors are suitable for achieving cosmetic effects on the device. For example, light or sound effects can be triggered by detecting the aforementioned force using the piezoelectric sensors. The piezoelectric sensors, or rather the sensors that are suitable for detecting a force on the elastomer, can also interact with the control device to adapt the exposure in the event of a change in position, e.g. by switching individual light-emitting diodes or entire arrays of light-emitting diodes on and / or off.

[0058] Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a control element for controlling the array of a plurality of light-emitting diodes in their reproduction of electromagnetic radiation. Particularly preferably, the control unit is designed to perform this control in response to the detection of a human or animal body on a contact surface, as already described above, for example.

[0059] Bridging a gap with an elastomer, as shown in the device according to the invention, therefore results in numerous special advantages. A person skilled in the art will appreciate from the present description that any combination of these special embodiments can be implemented in accordance with the invention, provided they are not mutually exclusive.

[0060] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a device according to the invention. The method comprises the step of providing a mold for receiving an array of a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes are designed to generate electromagnetic radiation in a desired spectral range and are arranged on a carrier medium.

[0061] The method according to the invention also provides the step of providing a castable potting compound comprising a curable elastomer. The method according to the invention further provides for pouring the potting compound into the mold and subsequently curing the elastomer.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the mold is designed to meet the requirements as a structural module, as described above. In a particular embodiment, the mold is designed to provide appropriate ergonomic and / or anatomical adaptations for accommodating a human or animal body.

[0063] In a further particular embodiment, the process according to the invention further comprises providing a masterbatch which comprises the additives for achieving one or more of the above-mentioned effects.

[0064] Particularly preferably, the masterbatch is mixed essentially homogeneously into a pourable potting compound. Casting the potting compound using an extruder has proven particularly suitable. This allows for simultaneous mixing and casting of the potting compound.

[0065] In a particular embodiment, the method further comprises providing at least one second castable potting compound comprising a second curable elastomer. Accordingly, the method also comprises casting the second potting compound to form a laminate of the at least two elastomers.

[0066] Particularly preferably, these elastomers are two elastomers with different physical properties. These physical properties are either due to the degree of crosslinking or the choice of elastomers, or, in the case of identical elastomers, to the selection of additives.

[0067] By controlling parameters such as the operating temperature during encapsulation, a specialist can also create appropriate structures. For example, elastomers can be applied drop by drop to the lenses of LEDs to enable appropriate phase transitions during subsequent lamination with other elastomers.

[0068] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a solarium for irradiating a human body with UV light. The solarium comprises at least one device according to the preceding description. It further comprises a cover element with at least one second arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes, which is designed to generate electromagnetic radiation in the UV spectral range. The present invention will now be explained in more detail below using specific exemplary embodiments and figures, but is not limited to these.

[0069] A person skilled in the art will gain further advantageous embodiments of the present invention from studying these examples.

[0070] For ease of reference, identical elements have been given the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures are purely schematic.

[0071] Character description

[0072] They show:

[0073] Fig. 1 shows schematically a solarium as can be realized with a device according to the invention;

[0074] Fig. 2 shows schematically an arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes with a coating of two elastomers;

[0075] Fig. 3 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0076] Fig. 4a shows schematically a structure of an arrangement with an elastomer;

[0077] Fig. 4b shows schematically the arrangement of Fig. 4a in use;

[0078] Fig. 5 schematically shows a particular embodiment with corresponding additives;

[0079] Fig. 6a shows a device according to the invention in a special embodiment in plan view;

[0080] Fig. 6b is a longitudinal cross-section along the axis AA' of Fig. 6a, and

[0081] Fig. 7 schematically shows another particular embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0082] Fig. 1 schematically shows an implementation of the device according to the invention in a solarium 1. The solarium 1 comprises a cover element 2 equipped with lighting means 2.1. The cover element 2 can be moved from an open state (shown) to a closed state (not shown) via a pivot axis 2.2. In the closed state, the solarium 1 forms an irradiation chamber in which a person can be exposed to tanning UV radiation. During exposure, a person lies on a contact surface 3. The contact surface 3 is composed of a plurality of functional and structural modules. These modules primarily serve to ergonomically accommodate the user, but can also have additional functions in the selection of their LEDs. In the present example, the entire contact surface 3 is formed from three structural modules. One contact surface is the body 3.1 is designed to accommodate the upper body, so that a user rests with their shoulders and back on the torso contact surface 3.1. A hip contact surface 3.2 adjoins the torso contact surface 3.1 and is inclined and raised relative to the latter, so that the thighs are slightly bent and the hips relaxed when lying down. Directly adjacent is a leg contact surface 3.3, which again has an angle of inclination relative to the hip contact surface 3.2, so that the legs rest essentially horizontally again.

[0083] The contact surfaces 3 of the respective torso contact surface 3.1, hip contact surface 3.2, and leg contact surface 3.3 are made of a silicone elastomer that is deformable under pressure. The silicone elastomer is translucent and designed to transmit essentially all of the radiation emitted by light-emitting diodes that are directly connected to the corresponding contact surfaces and surrounded by the elastomeric silicone mass into the exposure space and thus to the user. The light-emitting diodes, as well as corresponding electronics and controls, are housed in a box 40. The box 40 can also have cooling elements to cool the diodes on the side facing away from the irradiation and / or be designed with corresponding cooling fins to dissipate any waste heat to the environment. The solarium 1 stands on feet 50. Fig.Figure 2 shows a device according to the invention for exposing a human or animal body to electromagnetic radiation. The device 99 comprises a carrier medium 10, wherein in the present example, the carrier medium 10 is designed as an LED circuit board on which a number of light-emitting diodes 12 are formed. The carrier medium 10 is arranged on a heat exchanger 11. In the present example, the heat exchanger 11 consists essentially of aluminum and is designed to dissipate waste heat from the light-emitting diodes 12 to the environment via the carrier medium 10. In the present example, the heat exchanger 11 is also designed as a U-profile, which allows the inclusion of elastomer masses 13, 14 and thus also serves directly as a mold. In the present example, the device according to the invention comprises two elastomers 13, 14. A first elastomer 13 is cast as a potting compound in material contact with the light-emitting diodes 12 and the carrier medium 10.This first elastomer 13 serves to seal the LEDs 12 and comprises a crystal-clear and UV-resistant elastomer. In this example, the first elastomer 13 is a silicone elastomer 13.

[0084] A second seal with a translucent encapsulant is applied to the first elastomer 13. This forms a second elastomer 14, which is bonded to the first elastomer 13 and forms a contact surface 3. During use, the contact surface 3 is the surface that the human or animal user physically contacts.

[0085] In the present example, a potting compound is applied to the carrier medium 10 with the LEDs 12 via a casting channel 15. Various methods for casting or injecting silicones into a casting mold are known to those skilled in the art. It has proven particularly advantageous for the present invention if the potting compound is essentially free of air inclusions.

[0086] The potting compound in the present example can either cure through oxygen reaction or involve an additional curing step. Curing by at least UV-induced crosslinking of the elastomers has proven particularly suitable. Suitable elastomers with the necessary reactants for polymeric crosslinking are known to those skilled in the art.

[0087] Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a solarium 1 with the device according to the invention. In the present example, a human user 100 lies on a contact surface 3. Above the user 100, a cover element is provided, consisting of a cover shell 19, which comprises a lamp 9 capable of exposing the user to electromagnetic radiation. The lamp 9 is located behind an acrylic glass plate 17.

[0088] The device in Fig. 3 can be implemented as a solarium, as an infrared therapy couch, or as a photobiological stimulation unit or have a combination of these functions.

[0089] The contact surface 3 has a head contact surface 3.5 for the head section. The head contact surface 3.5 is designed as a cushion and has a particularly thick layer of elastomer. The contact surface 3 is directly bonded to a support medium 10. In the present example, the support medium 10 follows the contours of the contact surface 3 and thus forms a substantially ergonomic lying surface. Comfort is further improved by the elastic deformation of the elastomer in the contact surface 3. The support medium 10 also has a series of light-emitting diodes (not shown in Fig. 3) designed to expose the user 100 to electromagnetic radiation.

[0090] The carrier medium 10 also has heat exchangers 11 designed as fins on the side facing away from the heat source. A device controller 61 serves to control the LEDs on the carrier medium. Sensor elements 62 can forward measurement data relevant for the control to the control element 61. In the present example, the control element 61 is also connected to a communication unit 63, which can access stored user data or establish a network connection to exchange data or functional instructions with third-party devices. A communication unit 63 that can be connected to a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone, is particularly suitable.

[0091] Fig. 4a shows a detailed view of a section of a device according to the invention, wherein a total of three light-emitting diodes 12 are applied to a carrier medium 10. The light-emitting diodes 12 have reflection elements 16. The reflection elements 16 are arranged essentially conically around the light-emitting diodes 12, so that radiation from the light-emitting diodes 12 can be focused and emitted essentially vertically upwards in the present viewing plane. The light-emitting diodes 12 are encapsulated on the carrier medium 10, together with the reflection elements 16, in an elastomer 13. In the present example, the elastomer 13 is a silicone elastomer.

[0092] Fig. 4b shows how this silicone elastomer 13 is elastically deformed due to the application of a mechanical force by a part of a human body 100.1. In the present example, sensors could also be provided which are able to register this force, for example in the vicinity of the carrier medium 10, using piezoelectric detection. For example, a controller can be designed to operate only those LEDs on a carrier medium 10 which are also directed at a corresponding body part. In the present example of Fig. 4b, for example, viewed from the left, the second and third LEDs would be activated by the detection of a force, while the first LED would remain switched off, since the electromagnetic beam cone generated by it would be directed past the body part 100.1 via the reflector 16.

[0093] Fig. 5 schematically shows a further partial implementation of the teaching according to the invention in an alternative device. In the present example, the carrier medium 10 comprises an indentation which is designed as a reflection element 16 around a light-emitting diode 12. In this example, the light-emitting diodes 12 are not applied to the carrier medium 10, but are located in special recesses which can simultaneously serve as reflectors 16, e.g. via a corresponding coating. The present example shows how the emission of electromagnetic radiation A1, A2 by the reflectors and the light-emitting diode is designed to bridge a gap up to the human or animal body essentially normal to the carrier medium 10. In the present example, the light-emitting diode 12 is encapsulated in an elastomer 13 which has particles 200 as an additive.The particles 200 present can exert various physical effects on the radiation. For example, the radiation can be reflected B1 by the particles 200, or it can also be absorbed. Alternatively to reflection, it is also conceivable that the particles 200 have fluorescent properties and are excited by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, thus emitting light.

[0094] A further alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown in Fig. 6a. In Fig. 6a, a carrier medium 10 is provided, on which various types of light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2 are formed. In the present example, the carrier medium 10 comprises a first light-emitting diode 12.1, which is designed, for example, to emit radiation in a spectral range of UV-C radiation, and a second light-emitting diode 12.2, which is designed to emit radiation in a second spectral range, e.g. in the UV-B range. In the present example, the light-emitting diodes can emit as a group, so that a resulting spectral composition from the UV-C to the UV-B range is created when the radiation is emitted. In the present example, the light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2 are encapsulated in a mixture of two elastomers 13, 14.In contrast to the previous examples, in which the elastomers 13, 14 were always present in horizontal layers, in the present example they are laterally separated from one another. This creates a first region in which a first elastomer 13 has been cast onto the carrier medium 10 and firmly encloses the corresponding light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2, and a second region on which a second elastomer 14 is cast onto the carrier medium 10 and only encloses light-emitting diodes of the first type 12.1, 12.1. This means that, for example, different additives used in the individual elastomers 13, 14 can serve to indicate that certain light sources are switched on. In the present example, for example, a fluorescent particle can be provided which is applied in the UV-B range and enables color reproduction when the second light source 12.2 is active. Analogously, an alternative fluorescent particle can be provided for the second elastomer 14.

[0095] Fig. 6b shows the device 1 from Fig. 6a in the longitudinal cross-sectional plane A-A'. Two types of light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2 are mounted on the carrier medium 10. From left to right, a first UV-A light-emitting diode 12.1 is mounted, followed by a UV-B light-emitting diode 12.2 and another UV-A light-emitting diode 12.1. The first two light-emitting diodes, i.e., the light-emitting diode 12.1 and the light-emitting diode 12.2, are surrounded by a first elastomer 13, while the last UV-A light-emitting diode 12.1 is surrounded by the second elastomer 14.

[0096] Fig. 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a carrier element 10 on which a row of light-emitting diodes 12 are mounted. The light-emitting diodes 12 are surrounded by a lens-shaped first elastomer layer 13. A second elastomer layer 14 is laminated onto this. In the present example, there is a material bond between the light-emitting diodes 12 and the first elastomer 13. The refractive index that arises at the contact surface and the material bond between the first elastomer 13 and the second elastomer 14 and the lens-shaped design of the first elastomer 13 result in refraction that breaks the radiation C1 emitted by the light-emitting diode 12 at an angle of refraction 80 to form an output beam C2. This can, for example, collimate light emissions from the light-emitting diodes and thus further increase the efficiency of an application.

[0097] The present invention demonstrates a number of examples and advantages of how LEDs embedded in elastomers can make physical contact more pleasant for subsequent application to human or animal bodies. Furthermore, the inventive solution enables numerous functional advantages. By selecting additives or the geometric shape of the corresponding elastomer layers, physical effects can be created that can have a direct influence on the irradiation or can have advantages regarding the efficiency or cosmetic design of the device.

[0098] List of reference symbols

[0099] 1 solarium

[0100] 2 cover element

[0101] 2.1 Light sources

[0102] 2.2 Swivel axis

[0103] 3 Contact surface

[0104] 3.1 Contact surface fuselage

[0105] 3.2 Contact surface hip

[0106] 3.3 Contact surface legs

[0107] 3.5 Contact surface head

[0108] 9 bulbs

[0109] 10 Carrier medium

[0110] 11 heat exchangers

[0111] 12 LEDs

[0112] 12.1 UV-A LED

[0113] 12.2 UV-B LED

[0114] 13 first elastomer

[0115] 14 second elastomer 16 reflective element

[0116] 18 Corpus

[0117] 40 boxes

[0118] 50 feet

[0119] 99 Device 100 User

[0120] Z1 Intermediate space / lounger

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (99) for exposing a human or animal body (100) to electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of between 280 nm and 2500 nm, in particular in a spectral range from UV-B to far infrared, comprising: a. an arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (12) which is designed to generate electromagnetic radiation in the desired spectral range and is arranged on a carrier medium (10); b. an intermediate space (Z1), in particular an intermediate space (Z1) designed as a bed, between the arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (12) and the human or animal body (100) to be exposed; c. An elastomer (13, 14) substantially filling the intermediate space (Z1), wherein the elastomer (13, 14) substantially filling the intermediate space (Z1) forms a contact surface (3) for the human or animal body (100) to be acted upon, in particular forms a bearing surface.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the elastomer comprises a silicone elastomer, in particular a transparent and / or translucent silicone elastomer.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the carrier medium comprises at least one heat exchanger, in particular at least one heat exchanger facing away from the intermediate space.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact surface has formations and / or indentations for receiving the human or animal body to be acted upon, in particular is anatomically and / or ergonomically adapted to the human or animal body to be acted upon.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intermediate space comprises a plurality of different elastomers, in particular with different physical properties.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the carrier medium has at least one reflection element for directing the electromagnetic radiation.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastomer comprises at least one additive, in particular an additive selected from the group consisting of: reflection elements, in particular of substantially spherical beads made of crystal glass, color pigments, flame retardants, luminescent particles and / or absorption or scattering particles.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device has at least one further contact surface made of a transparent thermoplastic material, in particular acrylic glass.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the carrier medium is substantially flexible.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the elastomer is integrally bonded to the light-emitting diodes.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the elastomer comprises an additive for influencing the electrical conductivity.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the arrangements of a plurality of light-emitting diodes are formed as structural modules, in particular wherein a module has a geometric shape which is assigned to a part of a human or animal body to be acted upon.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the arrangements of a plurality of light-emitting diodes are designed as functional modules, in particular wherein a module comprises a selection of light-emitting diodes which are capable of emitting a selection of electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of between 280 nm and 2500 nm, in particular in a spectral range from UV-B to far infrared.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one sensor element, in particular a piezoelectric sensor for detecting a force on the intermediate space and / or the elastomer.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a control element for controlling the arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes in their reproduction of electromagnetic radiation, in particular as a function of a detection of a human or animal body on a contact surface.

16. A method for producing a device according to claim 1, comprising the steps: a. Providing a mold for receiving an array of a plurality of light-emitting diodes, which is designed to generate electromagnetic radiation in the desired spectral range and is arranged on a carrier medium; b. Providing a castable potting compound comprising a curable elastomer; c. Pouring the potting compound into the mold and subsequently curing the elastomer.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the steps: b. Providing at least one second castable potting compound comprising a second curable elastomer, and c. Potting the second castable potting compound comprising a second curable elastomer, so that a laminate of at least two elastomers is formed, in particular two elastomers with different physical properties and / or additives.

18. A solarium for irradiating a human body with UV light, comprising at least one device according to one of claims 1 to 15, and further comprising a cover element with at least one second arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes, which is designed to generate electromagnetic radiation in the UV spectral range.

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