Body irradiation device for application of actinic radiation to living organisms

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body irradiation device for the application of actinic radiation to living organisms, in particular humans, having at least one irradiation module, the at least one irradiation module comprising a printed circuit board, a first LED radiation source configured to emit UV-A radiation, and a second LED radiation source configured to emit UV-B radiation, the first and second LED radiation sources being arranged on the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board comprising at least one first circuit and at least one second circuit, the at least one first circuit interconnecting the first LED radiation sources and the at least one second circuit interconnecting the second LED radiation sources, the printed circuit board comprising separate electrical connections for the at least one first circuit and the at least one second circuit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a body irradiation device for applying actinic radiation to living organisms, in particular humans, comprising at least one irradiation module with a printed circuit board, an LED radiation source, various circuits and their electrical connections. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, body irradiation devices for the human body are known, configured in the form of solariums with a reclining surface, standing tanning machines or red light therapy couches, in which a specific wavelength range of the radiation spectrum acts on the body or on a part of the body in order to affect cosmetic aspects of the body, the wellness, health or regeneration of the body or of a person.

[0003] Generally, such body irradiation devices use low-radiation tubes, high-pressure radiation tubes, or high-pressure radiation lamps, and in recent years, LED radiation sources have increasingly been used in body irradiation devices.

[0004] Patent Document 1 relates to a body irradiation device for irradiating a human body or a part of a human body with cosmetically and hygienically beneficial radiation, the body irradiation device having an irradiation source with a base, at least one first LED chip capable of emitting a first radiation spectrum having a first radiation peak, and at least one second LED chip capable of emitting a second radiation spectrum having a radiation peak different from the first radiation peak, the first LED chip and the second LED chip being arranged under a common lens in an LED housing and being individually controllable.

[0005] Patent document 2 relates to a body irradiation device for applying directional actinic radiation to a living body, having at least one irradiation module, wherein the at least one irradiation module: at least two LED radiation sources for producing actinic radiation, arranged on a common carrier; a plate hanging over at least two LED radiation sources; a spacer between the plate and the carrier that maintains a predetermined distance between the plate and the carrier; at least two plano-convex optical lenses materially connected to the plate with flat surfaces of the lenses facing the carrier, each one lens configured and arranged to at least approximately collimate or direct radiation emitted from the LED radiation source; It has. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] German Utility Model No. 202021100716 [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 202021104364 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved body irradiation device for the application of actinic radiation to living organisms, and in particular to use such a body irradiation device to provide targeted irradiation with various types of actinic radiation, in particular UV-A and UV-B radiation, and preferably infrared radiation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by the teaching of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a body irradiation device for applying actinic radiation to a living organism, in particular a human being, comprising: at least one illumination module having a first LED radiation source configured to emit UV-A radiation and a second LED radiation source configured to emit UV-B radiation; control means for controlling the first LED radiation source and the second LED radiation source, in particular through their respective circuits, so that a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation dose of UV-A radiation and a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation dose of UV-B radiation are emitted; It has.

[0010] A second aspect of the invention relates to a body irradiation device for applying actinic radiation to a living organism, in particular a human being, comprising at least one irradiation module, the at least one irradiation module comprising: A printed circuit board; a first LED radiation source configured to emit UV-A radiation; and a second LED radiation source configured to emit UV-B radiation; and and The first and second LED radiation sources are disposed on a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having at least one first circuit and at least one second circuit, the at least one first circuit interconnecting the first LED radiation sources and the at least one second circuit interconnecting the second LED radiation sources, and the printed circuit board having separate electrical connections for the at least one first circuit and the at least one second circuit.

[0011] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method, in particular a non-therapeutic method, for applying actinic radiation to a living organism, in particular a human being, using a body irradiation device in particular as defined in one of the preceding claims, said method comprising: controlling at least one first circuit and at least one second circuit to emit a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation dose of UV-A radiation and a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation dose of UV-B radiation; at least one first circuit interconnects first LED radiation sources configured to emit UV-A radiation; At least one second circuit interconnects a second LED radiation source configured to emit UV-B radiation.

[0012] The term "actinic radiation" in the present invention means light or (broader) radiation from the entire electromagnetic spectrum that has a photochemical (including photobiochemical) effect and that may include light / radiation of natural or artificial origin (see definitions in "Roempp Chemie-Lexikon", Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, Germany). In the claims and the description, "actinic light" or "actinic radiation" is used for light or radiation of artificial origin, preferably light / radiation emitted from the radiation source of a body irradiation device.

[0013] In preferred embodiments of the body irradiation device, which may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more or all of the other features of the present invention, the actinic radiation may be actinic radiation having a broad wavelength range. Alternatively, and this is also preferred, the actinic radiation may be actinic radiation having a narrow wavelength range, or even actinic radiation having a specific wavelength or multiple specific wavelengths. This is known to those skilled in the art, who can select the wavelength or wavelength range or band to be used according to the requirements of each individual case.

[0014] UV-B radiation in the sense of the present invention is actinic radiation having a wavelength preferably in the range from 280 nm to 315 nm.

[0015] UV-A radiation in the sense of the present invention is actinic radiation having a wavelength preferably in the range of 315 nm to 400 nm.

[0016] Short-wave UV-B radiation in the sense of the present invention is actinic radiation with a wavelength in the range of approximately 298 nm to 315 nm.

[0017] UV-B radiation specifically stimulates the production of new pigments, especially melanin. UV-A radiation specifically stimulates the browning of pigments, especially the conversion of melanin. Short-wave UV-B radiation specifically stimulates the biosynthesis of vitamin D, a precursor to vitamin D, in human skin.

[0018] Infrared radiation in the sense of the present invention is actinic radiation, preferably in the wavelength range of 400 nm, in particular 550 to 850 nm, which stimulates the biosynthesis of compounds useful for skin care, rejuvenation and regeneration, such as collagen, elastin, keratin, hyaluronic acid, etc.

[0019] "About" means ±2 nm in connection with any mention of wavelength in the sense of the present invention. Preferably, a monochromatic LED has a wavelength band around such a characteristic wavelength.

[0020] An LED radiation source in the sense of the present invention preferably comprises a single LED chip or a plurality of LED chips. Alternatively or additionally, the LED radiation source comprises a receptacle and / or an interconnection of the LED chips. LED stands for "light emitting diode".

[0021] The means in the sense of the present invention are preferably implemented by hardware and / or software technology and in particular comprise a processing unit, in particular a digital processing unit, in particular a microprocessor unit (CPU), and / or one or more programs or program modules, preferably connected by data or signals to a memory and / or a bus system. The CPU is further preferably configured to process instructions implemented as a program stored in the memory system, to detect input signals from the data bus, and / or to generate output signals to the data bus. The memory system preferably comprises one or more, in particular different, storage media, in particular optical, magnetic, solid-state, and / or other non-volatile media. The program may be such that it embodies or is capable of executing the methods described herein, such that the CPU is capable of executing the steps of such methods. In particular, the control means in the sense of the present invention is a software-implemented controller or control device.

[0022] The term UV radiation in the sense of the present invention includes UV-A radiation and UV-B radiation.

[0023] The term radiation intensity in the sense of the present invention is preferably synonymous with the term illumination intensity.

[0024] The term specific in the sense of the present invention preferably means predetermined.

[0025] The present invention is based on the realization that the use of UV-A and UV-B LEDs as radiation sources allows for targeted emission in the UV and UV-B spectrum.

[0026] The present invention makes it possible to arrange a large number of LED radiation sources in the UV-A and UV-B spectrum in a relatively small space, on the one hand to form a homogeneous radiation field for the different radiation spectra, and on the other hand to individually control the LED radiation sources with different radiation spectra, so that the emission spectrum can be configured in a controlled manner and also controlled in terms of the respective emitted intensities of the various radiation spectra of the LEDs and the total emitted radiation amount.

[0027] In this case, the radiation intensity and / or radiation dose emitted from the first radiation source and the radiation intensity and / or radiation dose emitted from the second radiation source can preferably be changed individually by the control means.

[0028] The present invention allows for the temporal separation of photobiological effects by exploiting their different temporal progression, for example, pigment production and pigment browning can be treated separately, and different irradiation scenarios can be achieved by a single user.

[0029] By providing multiple circuits of the same radiation spectrum, different areas of the body or body parts can further be controlled differently depending on the desired effect and the photobiological sensitivity of the user, in particular the face of the user can be illuminated differently than other parts of the body.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one illumination module further comprises: at least one first printed circuit board having a first LED radiation source disposed thereon; and at least one second printed circuit board on which a second LED radiation source is disposed; The first printed circuit board has a first region, the second printed circuit board has a second region, the first region overlapping the second region, and a first LED radiation source is disposed in at least one of the first regions and a second LED radiation source is disposed in at least one of the second regions.

[0031] By providing different printed circuit boards for the different LED radiation sources, they can be controlled separately from each other. Furthermore, by replacing the individual printed circuit boards, each type of LED radiation source can be individually renewed. This is particularly advantageous since UV-B LEDs have a shorter lifespan than UV-A LEDs. In particular, UV-B LEDs experience a greater drop in output power over time than UV-A LEDs.

[0032] Nevertheless, the overlapping areas of the printed circuit board and the corresponding arrangement of the radiation sources in these areas can ensure that a sufficiently homogeneous UV-A radiation field and a sufficiently homogeneous UV-B radiation field are formed in the same spatial portion.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one first printed circuit board and the at least one second printed circuit board are alternately arranged mainly in the longitudinal direction of the body irradiation device, which also ensures that a sufficiently homogeneous UV-A radiation field and a sufficiently homogeneous UV-B radiation field are generated in the longitudinal direction of the body irradiation device.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the first printed circuit board has at least one first circuit and the second printed circuit board has at least one second circuit, the at least one first circuit connecting the first LED radiation sources to each other and the at least one second circuit connecting the second LED radiation sources to each other, and the printed circuit board has separate electrical connections for the at least one first circuit and the at least one second circuit.

[0035] This allows for improved control of different types of LED radiation sources.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the body irradiation device further has an exposure tunnel in which a user can lie down to receive actinic radiation irradiation, and the exposure tunnel is closed mainly by pivoting the upper part of the body irradiation device towards the lower part of the body irradiation device, and the lower part of the body irradiation device has at least one substantially transparent surface, below which an irradiation module is arranged, and also above which an irradiation module is arranged.

[0037] This configuration is particularly advantageous when the patient is receiving whole body treatment while lying down.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the body irradiation device comprises more first LED radiation sources than second LED radiation sources.

[0039] To obtain a sustained tanning effect, it is advantageous to generate a higher radiation intensity in the UV-A range than in the UV-B range. In particular, UV-B has a higher erythema-effective radiation intensity on the user's skin at the same nominal (physical) radiation intensity as UV-A. Therefore, to obtain a photobiological effect, it is advantageous to emit more UV-A radiation intensity than UV-B radiation intensity. This is obtained in particular by the respective number of LED radiation sources in the respective wavelength ranges.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the number of first LED radiation sources is selected such that the operating voltage of the at least one first circuit does not exceed about 70 V, preferably about 60 V, more preferably about 48 V, even more preferably about 36 V. Alternatively or additionally, the number of second LED radiation sources is also selected such that the operating voltage of the at least one second circuit does not exceed about 70 V, preferably about 60 V, more preferably about 48 V, even more preferably about 36 V.

[0041] This eliminates or reduces the need for separate insulation in the circuit, which simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing the illumination module.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the first and second LED radiation sources are arranged staggered, which also makes it possible to achieve a particularly homogeneous radiation field of the irradiation module.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the printed circuit board has a separate electrical connection for each of the first circuits and / or a separate electrical connection for each of the second circuits.

[0044] This allows each circuit to be controlled individually.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the first LED radiation sources cover different bands, in particular frequency bands and / or wavelength bands, of the UV-A spectrum, and a first circuit interconnects the first LED radiation sources for each single determined band of the UV-A spectrum, and / or the second LED radiation sources cover different bands of the UV-B spectrum, and a second circuit interconnects the second LED radiation sources for each single determined band of the UV-B spectrum.

[0046] This allows any number of wavelength ranges of LEDs to be combined in each circuit. Depending on the activation or control of each circuit and the associated radiation spectrum, different effects and / or types of treatment can be produced. This allows, for example, different UV classes of body irradiation devices, in particular solariums, to be realized in one device. Preferably, in this way, multiple devices with fixed, i.e., non-variable, irradiation source equipment can be realized in one body irradiation device.

[0047] In further advantageous embodiments of the body irradiation device, the second LED radiation source is configured to emit UV-B radiation from the following bands: about 297 nm, about 308 nm, about 311 nm, about 312 nm, and / or from about 280 nm to about 315 nm.

[0048] All of these wavelengths produce photobiological effects in humans. At 308 nm in particular, high photobiological effects can be achieved at low radiation intensities. Preferably, the peak radiation intensity of the second LED radiation source is located at this wavelength.

[0049] In a further advantageous embodiment, the body irradiation device further comprises: a third radiation source configured to emit further actinic radiation, in particular infrared radiation; The printed circuit board has at least one third circuit, the third circuit interconnecting the third radiation sources, and the printed circuit board further has a separate electrical connection for the at least one third circuit.

[0050] By providing means for emitting additional types of actinic radiation, additional photobiological effects can be activated by the body irradiation device.

[0051] Preferably, the first circuit exclusively connects the first radiation source, the second circuit exclusively connects the second radiation source, and / or the third circuit exclusively connects the third radiation source.

[0052] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, at least two circuits cross on the printed circuit board, each circuit having a bridge. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly homogeneous radiation distribution for LED radiation sources with different radiation spectra. In particular, the LED radiation sources can be arranged alternately in the direction of the radiation surface.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the irradiation module comprises a transparent plate covering the first LED radiation source and the second LED radiation source, the plate being spaced apart from the printed circuit board, and at least one surface of the plate, in particular the surface of the plate facing away from the printed circuit board, is satin-finished.

[0054] The satin finish of the transparent plate further achieves scattering of the light emitted from the LED radiation source, which also contributes to particularly uniform irradiation of the body. Therefore, the plate is preferably the single optical system of at least one irradiation module. The manufacturing costs of the irradiation module are reduced because additional optical elements such as lenses or collimators and their installation are no longer necessary.

[0055] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the plate is a glass plate.

[0056] Glass has good resistance to UV radiation.

[0057] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the radiation angle of the first LED radiation source and / or the second LED radiation source does not exceed about 50°, preferably about 40°, more preferably about 30°, most preferably about 45°.

[0058] By using an LED radiation source with a relatively small emission angle, a particularly simple structure can be realized without the use of reflective collimators and lenses for collimating the emitted radiation, which nevertheless achieves good homogeneity of the irradiation, i.e., a uniform distribution of the radiation dose on the surface to be irradiated.

[0059] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the irradiation module further comprises an at least partially transparent plastic plate, which covers in particular the side of the plate facing the printed circuit board and which has a recess in the area of ​​the first LED radiation source and / or in the area of ​​the second LED radiation source.

[0060] This allows darkening of specific areas of the body depending on the construction of the plastic plate.

[0061] Preferably, the plastic plate contains a fluorescent material, in particular is coated with a fluorescent material. In this case, the plastic plate serves as an optical control function for users who have poor perception of UV radiation or who can no longer perceive it, for example in the short-wavelength UV-B range. The fluorescent plastic disk alerts the user to the presence of potentially harmful radiation for the eyes or skin. In this case, the fluorescent material converts UV radiation at least partially into visible light.

[0062] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the plate has, in particular on the side facing away from the printed circuit board, an engraving in the region of the first LED radiation source and / or in the region of the second LED radiation source, preferably in the form of a ring, more preferably in the form of several concentric rings.

[0063] The engraving creates an element particularly suitable for control functions, which emits light when visible light is incident on the engraving, thereby increasing safety for the user.

[0064] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the first and second LED radiation sources are controlled such that the radiation intensity of the first LED radiation source of the at least one first circuit and / or the radiation intensity of the second LED radiation source of the at least one second circuit varies over time.

[0065] By varying the duration of exposure, it is possible to exploit different temporal progressions of photobiological effects and temporally separate these effects, for example, by first applying UV-B radiation to stimulate pigment production and then UV-A radiation to induce pigment browning.

[0066] In a further advantageous embodiment, the body irradiation device comprises a sensor configured to measure at least one physiological parameter, in particular pigmentation and / or a response of the skin of a living body to the irradiation dose, and the first LED radiation source and the second LED radiation source are controlled to vary their radiation intensity in dependence on the at least one physiological parameter.

[0067] By taking physiological parameters into account, the treatment process can be customized for the user. Furthermore, the user can set the desired outcome of the treatment and adjust the irradiation accordingly. Such an irradiation outcome can be, for example, pre-tanning, color or degree of tanning.

[0068] In a further advantageous embodiment, the body irradiation device has a user interface, which is configured in such a way that the emitted radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of UV-A radiation and the emitted radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of UV-B radiation can be set in particular individually by means of the user interface depending on the maximum permissible erythema-effective radiation intensity of UV radiation, and the first LED radiation source and the second LED radiation source (5) are controlled in the user interface based on a selection of the emitted radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of UV-A radiation and the emitted radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of UV-B radiation.

[0069] The use of UV-LEDs as the radiation source allows for individual setting of the radiation intensity. Through the user interface, the user can specify which UV radiation intensity they are exposed to. Furthermore, the user can also set the radiation spectrum to be irradiated. The maximum permissible erythema-effective radiation intensity is used as a reference value for setting the radiation intensity. This may be a legally prescribed value or a freely selected value within the legal requirements.

[0070] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, it is additionally possible to set the time course of the radiation intensity to be emitted of UV-A radiation and the time course of the radiation intensity to be emitted of UV-B radiation via the user interface, and the first LED radiation source and the second LED radiation source are additionally controlled based on the selection of the time course.

[0071] By considering the time course of irradiation, it is possible to take advantage of the different temporal progression of photobiological effects, which are separated in time, for example, UV-B radiation can be first applied to stimulate pigment production, followed by UV-A radiation to induce pigment browning.

[0072] In a further advantageous embodiment, the body irradiation device further comprises a user interface, the control means stores at least one irradiation scenario for which a maximum tolerable erythema-effective irradiance of UV radiation is determined, the irradiation scenario including a plurality of irradiation profiles; The plurality of irradiation profiles respectively determine the emitted radiation intensity and / or the emitted radiation dose of UV-A radiation and the emitted radiation intensity and / or the emitted radiation dose of UV-B radiation depending on the maximum erythema-effective radiant intensity of the UV radiation; the user interface is configured to allow selection of a plurality of illumination profiles; The first and second LED radiation sources are controlled based on a selection of one of a plurality of illumination profiles at a user interface.

[0073] Preferably, the control means stores a plurality of irradiation scenarios selectable by a user interface, and for each irradiation scenario, a different maximum permissible erythema-effective irradiance of UV radiation is determined.More preferably, the irradiation profile additionally includes a time course of the emitted irradiance of UV-A radiation and a time course of the emitted irradiance of UV-B radiation determined by the user interface.

[0074] The use of UV-LEDs as a radiation source allows for the definition of an irradiation profile that determines the radiation spectrum in terms of radiation intensity in each region of the irradiation spectrum. Furthermore, the time progression of irradiation may be determined through the irradiation profile. This greatly simplifies the user's operation when setting up treatment, thereby simultaneously ensuring maximum treatment efficiency and improved safety. When multiple irradiation scenarios exist, boundary conditions for treatment using various irradiation profiles may be set through the irradiation scenarios. For example, the maximum tolerable erythema-effective radiation intensity used as a reference may be set through the irradiation scenario. Furthermore, the mood or atmosphere of the actinic radiation treatment may preferably be set through the irradiation scenario and irradiation profile. In this case, possible parameters include the temperature in the treatment room, the color of the light in the treatment room, the background noise in the treatment room, the odor in the treatment room, the steam in the treatment room, the ventilation in the treatment room, and / or the mixture of UV radiation and warming infrared radiation. The irradiation scenario generally defines which parameters are active and which parameter value ranges are possible. The irradiation profile determines the specific values ​​or the time progression of the values ​​of the parameters.

[0075] The time course of the irradiation profile can be over a single treatment or multiple treatments, especially over several days, which can be advantageous, for example, for controlled pigment production.

[0076] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the user interface is configured in such a way that a plurality of irradiation profiles can be selected, in particular successively, between a maximum irradiation profile with the highest radiation intensity and / or radiation dose to be emitted and at least one radiation profile with a lower radiation intensity and / or radiation dose to be emitted.

[0077] This allows particularly fine setting of the parameters of the irradiation profile.

[0078] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the emitted radiation intensity and / or the emitted radiation dose of UV-A radiation varies between different irradiation profiles differently from the emitted radiation intensity and / or the emitted radiation dose of UV-B radiation.

[0079] This allows optimizing the photobiological effect.

[0080] In a further advantageous embodiment, the body irradiator has at least two irradiation profiles from the following group of irradiation profiles: morning-strong, morning-medium, morning-sensitive, day-strong, day-medium, day-sensitive, evening-strong, evening-medium, evening-sensitive. At 100% UV-A radiation and 100% UV-B radiation, at least approximately the maximum permissible erythema-effective irradiance of UV radiation is achieved, and the irradiation profiles are defined in the table below.

[0081] [Table 1]

[0082] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the at least one irradiation module further comprises a third LED radiation source configured to emit red radiation and / or infrared radiation, The control means is configured to control the third LED radiation source so that a particular radiation intensity and / or a particular radiation dose of red radiation and / or infrared radiation is emitted.

[0083] By adding red and / or infrared radiation, the mood or atmosphere of the treatment room can be effectively influenced. Additionally, infrared radiation can provide additional photobiological effects.

[0084] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the irradiation profile from the set of irradiation profiles is further defined as follows, such that at 100% red irradiation at least approximately the maximum permissible radiation intensity of red and / or infrared radiation is obtained.

[0085] [Table 2]

[0086] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the at least one irradiation module further comprises a fourth LED radiation source configured to emit radiation in the visible spectrum and connected in series with the second LED radiation source in a second circuit.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the fourth LED radiation source has the same power supply as the second LED radiation source.

[0088] Alternatively or additionally, the fourth LED radiation source is controlled by the control means together with the second LED radiation source such that the fourth LED radiation source is activated whenever the second LED radiation source is activated.

[0089] One or all of these embodiments ensure that the fourth LED radiation source always works in conjunction with the second LED radiation source emitting UV-B radiation, emitting light in the visible spectrum that can be perceived by the user. Depending on the radiation spectrum, UV-B radiation may be barely visible to the user or may not be visible at all. Because UV-B radiation can be damaging to the user's skin and / or eyes, the fact that the second LED radiation source is perceptible to the user when it emits radiation is an added safety feature. Furthermore, the fourth LED radiation source can be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere within the treatment room. Preferably, the fourth radiation source has a yellow color.

[0090] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, in the longitudinal direction of the body irradiation device, more first LED radiation sources and / or second LED radiation sources are arranged in the section of the irradiation module in which the face of the living body is located during normal use than in other sections of the body irradiation device.

[0091] This ensures that the user receives a higher radiation dose in the facial area than in other areas of the body, while the LED radiation sources in the facial area can be controlled in generally the same way, in particular with the same control current, as in other areas of the body irradiation device.

[0092] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the number of second LED radiation sources of at least one irradiation module is selected such that the second LED radiation sources can be operated at less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, most preferably 50% of their rated current or rated power to emit a specific radiation intensity of UV-B radiation within a predetermined time and / or to emit a specific radiation dose of UV-B radiation.

[0093] UV-B LEDs are characterized by a significant decrease in their output power over their lifetime. By reducing the control current and / or the emitted power, the lifetime of the second LED radiation source can be extended. Ideally, sufficient radiation intensity of the second LED radiation source is guaranteed throughout the lifetime of the body radiation device.

[0094] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, at least one irradiation module has a housing with end faces, the end faces being provided with air-permeable areas for supplying air, and the central area of ​​the housing being provided with an opening for discharging air.

[0095] This allows for efficient cooling of the first and second LED radiation sources and other electronic and electrical components mounted on the irradiation module without impacting the treatment room.

[0096] In a further advantageous embodiment of the body irradiation device, the opening of the housing of at least one irradiation module is connected to an air duct provided at the top or bottom of the body irradiation device, and the air duct leads to a fan provided at the bottom of the body irradiation device.

[0097] This eliminates the need for individual fans in each irradiation module housing, thereby reducing energy consumption and noise load.

[0098] Features and advantages cited in relation to the first aspect of the invention also apply correspondingly to the second and third aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

[0099] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the circuits are controlled such that the radiation intensity of the first LED radiation source of the at least one first circuit and / or the radiation intensity of the second LED radiation source of the at least one second circuit varies over time.

[0100] This allows for the temporal separation of photobiological effects to be exploited, for example with respect to pigment production and subsequent pigment browning.

[0101] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the radiation intensity is varied according to a predefined time profile.

[0102] In a further advantageous embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: The method includes measuring at least one physiological parameter, in particular pigmentation and / or skin response to the radiation intensity and / or radiation dose of the living body, the radiation intensity and / or radiation dose varying depending on the at least one physiological parameter.

[0103] This allows the user to set the desired outcome of the treatment and adjust the exposure accordingly, which may be, for example, pre-tanning, color, or degree of tanning.

[0104] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the at least one first and / or second circuit is controlled such that the first LED radiation source emits approximately 98% and the second LED radiation source emits approximately 2% of the radiation intensity generated by the body irradiator.

[0105] This results in a particularly good tanning effect.

[0106] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the at least one first circuit and / or the at least one second circuit are individually controlled in a pulsed manner.

[0107] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the at least one third circuit is also controlled in such a way that a specific radiation profile and / or a specific radiation dose is emitted.

[0108] More preferably, the radiation intensity of the further actinic radiation of the third radiation source is also varied over time.

[0109] In a further advantageous embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: detecting a particularly individual selection of the radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of UV-A radiation and the radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of UV-B radiation depending on the maximum permissible erythema-effective radiation intensity of UV radiation, The first LED radiation source and the second LED radiation source are controlled based on a selection of the radiation intensity and / or amount of radiation to be emitted of UV-A radiation and the radiation intensity and / or amount of radiation to be emitted of UV-B radiation.

[0110] In a further advantageous embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a maximum tolerable erythema-effective irradiance of UV radiation is determined, and preparing at least one irradiation scenario including a plurality of irradiation profiles; detecting a selection of an irradiation profile from a plurality of irradiation profiles, each of which determines a to-be-emitted radiation intensity and / or a to-be-emitted radiation dose of UV-A radiation and a to-be-emitted radiation intensity and / or a to-be-emitted radiation dose of UV-B radiation depending on a maximum tolerable erythema-effective radiation intensity of UV radiation; The first LED radiation source and the second LED radiation source are controlled based on a selection of an illumination profile from a plurality of illumination profiles.

[0111] In a further advantageous embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: The method includes detecting a selection of an illumination scenario from a plurality of illumination scenarios, for each illumination scenario a different maximum tolerable erythema-effective radiant intensity of UV radiation is determined.

[0112] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the second LED radiation source is operated at less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, most preferably about 50% of the rated current or rated power of the second LED radiation source.

[0113] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the first and second LED radiation sources are controlled in different sections in the longitudinal direction of the body irradiation device, in particular on different printed circuit boards, so that different radiation intensities and / or radiation doses are emitted in the different sections.

[0114] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which refers to the drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0115] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a body irradiation device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of an illumination module. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the illumination module. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a top view showing a third embodiment of the irradiation module. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of a third embodiment of the illumination module according to FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the plastic plate of the third embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5; [Figure 7]FIG. 6 is a rear view of a third embodiment of the illumination module according to FIGS. 4 and 5; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a second embodiment of a body irradiation device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a top view showing a printed circuit board of a fourth embodiment of an irradiation module. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged top view of the printed circuit board shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the illumination module. [Figure 12] 12 shows an enlarged cross section of a fourth embodiment of the illumination module according to FIG. 11; FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a user interface. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the functions of the user interface according to FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a second diagram showing the user interface according to FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for applying actinic radiation to a living body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0116] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a body irradiation device 1 .

[0117] The body irradiation device 1 has an exposure tunnel 17 in which a user can lie down to be exposed to actinic radiation.

[0118] Preferably, the exposure tunnel 17 is closed after the user enters the exposure tunnel 17 by mainly pivoting the upper part 18 of the body irradiation device 1 towards the lower part 19 of the body irradiation device 1 .

[0119] The lower part 19 of the body irradiation device 1 has an at least substantially transparent surface 35, below which the irradiation modules 2 are arranged in two housings 33. An irradiation module 2 is also arranged in the upper part 18.

[0120] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the lower part 19 further comprises a housing 33 with a further illumination module 2 arranged above a transparent surface 35. In this case, the actually pivotable upper part 18 only comprises two housings 33 with illumination modules 2, since the connections 36 for pivoting the upper part 18 between the two front and rear housings 33 in Fig. 1 are arranged above the transparent surface 35. The transparent surface 35, preferably formed by a glass or acrylic plate, is supported by two frame members 37a, 37b.

[0121] In this case, preferably a plurality of irradiation modules 2 are arranged in the housings 33 of the irradiation modules 2 in the longitudinal direction of the exposure tunnel 17, and the irradiation modules 2 can preferably be controlled separately from one another, so that different regions of the user's body, such as the head, torso, shoulders, legs, front and back, can be irradiated with different radiation spectra and / or radiation intensities or temporal radiation profiles.

[0122] Alternatively, a single illumination module 2 can be arranged in the housing 33. In this case, each LED radiation source 4, 5 or circuit 6A, 6B, 7 with each of the LED radiation sources 4, 5 is controlled separately.

[0123] Preferably, the body irradiation device 1 comprises control means 25 which are used to control at least the LED radiation sources 4, 5, 11, 29 (not shown). The control means 25 is preferably configured as a software implemented control implemented in a computing unit of the body irradiation device 1 or as an independent control device.

[0124] The illumination module 2 preferably has air-permeable areas at the end faces 34 a, 34 b through which air can be taken in for cooling the LED radiation sources and the electronics required to operate the LED radiation sources 4, 5, 11, 29 (not shown) within the illumination module 2. This air is expelled again through an opening in the central region of the housing 33.

[0125] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the illumination module 2 .

[0126] In this case, a first LED radiation source 4 and a second LED radiation source 5 are arranged on the printed circuit board 3. The first LED radiation source 4 is electrically connected in series by two circuits 6A, 6B, whereby circuit 6A connects the LED radiation source 4 on the left side of the printed circuit board 3 in Fig. 2, and circuit 6B connects the first UV-A radiation source on the left side of the printed circuit board 3 in Fig. 2. Both circuits 6A, 6B are individually contacted via respective contacts 8, 9 and can therefore also be controlled separately.

[0127] By splitting the UV-A radiation source into two circuits 6a, 6b, the total operating voltage to be applied can be halved: if a UV-A-LED chip 5 with an operating voltage of 3.7V is used, this can limit the total operating voltage for operating the circuit 6a connecting the UV-A-LED radiation source to 66.6V.

[0128] Furthermore, the illumination module 2 comprises a further circuit 7 electrically connecting in series a second LED radiation source emitting UV-B radiation. This further circuit 7 crosses both the circuit 6A and the circuit 6B on the printed circuit board 3. At the crossing point, a bridge 23 is arranged to guide the further circuit 7 beyond the circuits 6A, 6B.

[0129] Furthermore, the printed circuit board 3 has a predetermined breaking point in the central region of Figure 2. This predetermined breaking point is also bridged by the further circuit 7 by means of a bridge 23.

[0130] As can be seen from Figure 2, the first LED radiation sources 4 emitting UV-A radiation are arranged in rows and columns, and the second LED radiation sources 5 emitting UV-B radiation are also arranged in rows and columns, each offset relative to the first LED radiation sources 4.

[0131] Further circuits 7 can also be separately contacted and thus controlled through further contacts 10 .

[0132] By arranging the UV-B LEDs 5 in the gaps between the UV-A LEDs 4, a particularly homogeneous irradiation of both radiation types can be ensured. On the one hand, a homogeneous irradiation intensity is ensured on the irradiation surface, for example in the exposure tunnel 17, and on the other hand, a relatively large surface can be irradiated using the irradiation module 2.

[0133] If this is advantageous in the application, preferably a single, correspondingly sized irradiation module 2 can be used to irradiate the exposure tunnel 17 over its entire length.

[0134] 3 shows a second embodiment of the illumination module 2, which is largely identical to the embodiment of FIG.

[0135] However, unlike the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, the printed circuit board 3 comprises a third LED radiation source 11 emitting red or infrared light, which are likewise electrically connected in series with each other by a separate circuit 12.

[0136] In this case, preferably, two circuits 12 are provided on the left and right portions as shown in Figure 3. These circuits also preferably have separate contacts (not shown).

[0137] 4 shows a third embodiment of the illumination module 2. In this third embodiment, the printed circuit board on which the LED chips or illumination sources 4, 5, 11 are arranged is covered with a glass plate 15, the side of which facing away from the printed circuit board 3 is satin-finished. Furthermore, the glass plate 15 is engraved with a ring 20.

[0138] Each of the concentric ring arrangements 20 preferably covers one of the UV-A-LED chips 4. A further concentric ring 24 preferably covers the UV-B-LED chip 5.

[0139] Unlike the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment there are only eight UV-B LED chips 5. If UV-B LED chips 5 with an operating voltage of 5.5 V are used, this may limit the total operating voltage for operating the circuit 7 connecting the UV-B LED radiation sources to 44 V. Obviously, in the first and second embodiments, the number of UV-B LED radiation sources can be reduced accordingly.

[0140] FIG. 5 is a side view of the third embodiment according to FIG.

[0141] As is clear from Figure 5, the glass plate 15 is held at a distance from the printed circuit board 3 by fastening means (screws in Figure 5). Element 22 in Figure 5 is a heat sink. A further plastic plate 16 is preferably arranged between the glass plate 15 and the printed circuit board 3, the plastic plate 16 preferably being adjacent to the glass plate 15. The plastic plate 16 is preferably fluorescent and has a preferably circular recess in the area covering the LED chips or LED radiation sources 4, 5, 11, through which radiation emitted by the LED chips 4, 5, 11 can impinge unhindered on the glass plate 15.

[0142] Such a plastic plate 16 is shown in FIG.

[0143] 7 is a rear view of the irradiation module 2. Here, the cooling fins 42 of the cooling member 22 are visible.

[0144] FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the body irradiation device 1 .

[0145] This embodiment of the body irradiation device 1 also has an upper part 18 and a lower part 19, the upper part 18 being pivotable relative to the lower part 19 in the region of the connection 36. Two irradiation modules 2 are attached to a pivot arm 40 of the upper part 18. Furthermore, the upper part 18 has a first display 26a on the front side of the body irradiation device 1 and a second display 26b in the region of the end face of the body irradiation device 1.

[0146] The lower part 19 of the body irradiation device 1 also has irradiation modules 2. One of these irradiation modules 2 is arranged in a lateral region of the body irradiation device 1 above a transparent surface 35 of the lower part 19, on which a user lies in the longitudinal direction of the body irradiation device 1 during normal use of the body irradiation device 1. Two further irradiation modules 2 are arranged below the transparent surface. The irradiation modules 2 are respectively held by holding arms 41 a, 41 b. The holding arm 41 b further supports the upper part 18 of the body irradiation device 1 via a connecting part 36. The lower part 19 further has a base 39 connected to the holding arms 41 a, 41 b. The transparent surface 35, preferably formed by a glass or acrylic plate, is supported relative to the base 39 by two frame members 37 a, 37 b.

[0147] A comfort fan 38a, which cools the user by air injection during normal operation, is attached to at least one of the frame members 37a and 37b (frame member 37a in FIG. 8). However, the comfort fan 38a can also be attached to another member of the body irradiation device 1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the comfort fan 38a is preferably configured as a type of bracket having a recess in the frame member 37a. Air is preferably discharged primarily in the longitudinal direction of the body irradiation device 1 through slots provided in the bracket, thereby generating a primary air flow in the direction of or approximately parallel to the transparent surface. This primary air flow preferably generates a secondary air flow, which flows through the recess. The primary air flow cools the user together with the secondary air flow, thereby achieving good cooling performance. Furthermore, the recess has the effect of creating an open space, which reduces the user's feeling of being cramped inside the body irradiation device 1. Such a comfort fan 38a can also be attached to the body irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1 or to other types of body irradiation device 1 within the meaning of the present disclosure.

[0148] Preferably, the body irradiation device 1 comprises a control means 25 used to control at least the LED radiation sources 4, 5, 11, 29. The control means 25 is preferably configured as a software implemented controller implemented in a computing unit of the body irradiation device 1 or configured as an independent control device. Preferably, the computing unit 25 or the control device 25 is arranged in a base 39 of the lower part 19 of the body irradiation device 1, as shown in FIG.

[0149] Furthermore, in the head region of the body irradiation device 1 in the irradiation module 2 arranged above the transparent surface 35, at least one further comfort fan 38b is provided.

[0150] The irradiation module 2 has a housing 33 which is bounded on the side facing a transparent surface 35 by a transparent plate 15 from which radiation emitted by each irradiation source (not shown) can exit.

[0151] Furthermore, the irradiation module 2 preferably has air-permeable areas on the end faces 34a, 34b through which air can be taken in to cool the radiation source and the electronics required to operate the radiation source within the irradiation module 2. This air passes through openings in the respective housings 33, through air ducts provided in the pivoting arm 40 and the holding arms 41a, 41b, and is expelled by fans (not shown) installed in the air ducts to the lower part of the body irradiation device 1, in particular its base 39.

[0152] The displays 26a, 26b configured as user interfaces allow the user to make settings for operating the body irradiation device 1. Preferably, these displays are therefore configured as touch screens.

[0153] FIG. 9 is a top view of the printed circuit boards 3a and 3b of the irradiation module 2 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0154] The LED radiation sources 4, 5, 29, in particular the printed circuit boards 3a, 3b on which the LED chips are mounted, are arranged inside the housing 33 of the illumination module 2 and, as will be explained below, are preferably covered by a plate 15, in particular a glass or acrylic plate, which in normal use serves as a lying surface for the user. At the longitudinal edge of the area defined by the larger printed circuit board 3a, a further radiation source 11, in particular a third LED radiation source preferably configured in the form of an LED light strip, is arranged.

[0155] As can be seen from Fig. 9, the first printed circuit board 3a and the second printed circuit board 3b preferably have a kind of butterfly shape, and more preferably the two halves of each printed circuit board 3a and 3b are axially symmetrical with respect to a central axis. As can be seen from Fig. 9, the contours of the first printed circuit board 3a and the second printed circuit board 3b preferably complement each other so that they can be arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the illumination module 2.

[0156] A first LED radiation source 4 is arranged on the first printed circuit board 3a, which preferably has a larger area than the second printed circuit board 3b. The arrangement of the first LED radiation sources 4 on the first printed circuit board 3a preferably forms sectors of concentric rings. The second LED radiation source 5 and the fourth LED radiation source 29 arranged on the second printed circuit board 3b are preferably arranged so as to substantially complement the sectors of the concentric rings formed by the first LED radiation source 4. Additionally, further second LED radiation sources 5 and fourth LED radiation sources 29 are arranged along the axis of symmetry of the second printed circuit board 3b. The second LED radiation source 5 and the fourth LED radiation source 29 are preferably arranged in pairs, in particular adjacent to each other, on the second printed circuit board 3b.

[0157] In the fourth embodiment of the irradiation module 2 shown in FIG. 9, the irradiation module 2 has ten first printed circuit boards 3a and nine second printed circuit boards 3b.

[0158] The two printed circuit boards 3a arranged in the section 32a where the user's face is placed during normal use of the body irradiation device 1 preferably have more first LED radiation sources 4 than the first printed circuit board 3a arranged in the second section 32b. The second printed circuit board 3b arranged in the first section 32a also has more second LED radiation sources 5 than the second printed circuit board 3b arranged in the illustrated second section 32b.

[0159] In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first printed circuit boards 3a of the first section 32a each have 49 first LED radiation sources 4, and the second printed circuit boards 3b each have 16 second LED radiation sources 5 and 16 fourth LED radiation sources 29.

[0160] In the second section 32b, the first printed circuit boards 3a each have 39 first LED radiation sources 4, and the second printed circuit boards 3b each have 12 second LED radiation sources 5 and 12 fourth LED radiation sources 29.

[0161] Preferably, the first LED radiation source 4 emits UV-A radiation and the second LED radiation source 5 emits UV-B radiation. This means that preferably the main part of the radiation spectrum emitted by the first LED radiation source 4 is in the UV-A radiation range and the main part of the radiation spectrum emitted by the second LED radiation source 5 is in the UV-B spectrum. The third LED radiation source 11 preferably emits red radiation and / or infrared radiation. The fourth radiation source 29 preferably emits radiation in the visible spectrum, in particular the yellow spectrum.

[0162] Preferably, the first LED radiation source 4 and the second LED radiation source 5 have an emission angle of about 45°, ie an angle of about twice 22.5° with respect to the surface normal.

[0163] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of area A in FIG.

[0164] As is apparent from Figure 10, the first printed circuit board 3a and the second printed circuit board 3b are preferably interlocked. In particular, the first printed circuit board 3a has a first region 30 that interlocks with a second region 31 of the second printed circuit board 3b.

[0165] In this case, preferably a first LED radiation source 4 is arranged in the area of ​​the first area 30, and preferably a second LED radiation source 5 is arranged in the area of ​​the second area 31, in particular paired with a fourth LED radiation source 29. Due to the overlapping of the first area 30 and the second area 31, and the first LED radiation source 4 and the second LED radiation source 5 arranged in these areas 30, 31, respectively, it is possible to obtain a relatively uniform irradiation intensity of UV-A radiation and UV-B radiation in the longitudinal direction of the irradiation module 2, even though only the first LED radiation source 4 emitting UV-A radiation and the second LED radiation source 5 emitting UV-B radiation are arranged on the first printed circuit board 3 a and the second printed circuit board 3 b arranged adjacently in the longitudinal direction of the irradiation module 2.

[0166] Furthermore, in FIG. 10 two third LED radiation sources 11 are visible in cross section, which, as mentioned above, are preferably formed by LED light strips.

[0167] 11 is a cross-sectional view of an irradiation module 2 according to a fourth embodiment, taken at the height of the first printed circuit board 3a.

[0168] The printed circuit board 3a is preferably attached to the housing by means of fastening means (not numbered). The same applies to the third LED radiation source 11, which is preferably supported by a further printed circuit board (not numbered). The first LED radiation source 4 on the printed circuit board 3a is preferably covered by a plate 15, in particular a transparent glass or acrylic plate. The plate 15 is also supported on the housing 33 of the illumination module 2 by means of fastening means (not numbered).

[0169] On the rear side of the printed circuit board 3a facing the plate 15, a cooling element 22 is preferably arranged. On this rear side, on a further fastening element (without reference number), a power supply 43 for the first LED radiation source 4 of the first printed circuit board 3a is arranged.

[0170] The relatively large air space in the irradiation module 2 allows all components to be well cooled by air, which is preferably drawn into the irradiation module 2 through the end faces 34a, 34b (not shown) and then exhausted through openings in the irradiation module 2, as already explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0171] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of region B in FIG.

[0172] As is clear from FIG. 12, the cooling member 22 preferably has cooling fins 42 to obtain better cooling performance.

[0173] The plate 15 is preferably satin-finished on one side, preferably the side facing away from the first printed circuit board 3a.

[0174] Furthermore, the distance between the plate 15 and the surface of the printed circuit board is between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, preferably between about 15 mm and about 10 mm, most preferably about 13 mm, which allows a particularly good scattering effect of the radiation emitted by the first and second LED radiation sources, and therefore a particularly homogeneous radiation distribution on the surface of the user's body to be irradiated.

[0175] 13 is a diagram showing the first user interface 26a. Preferably, the second user interface 26b shown in FIG. 8 may have the same configuration.

[0176] Preferably, the user interfaces 26a, 26b are configured as touch screens, although other types of user interfaces that allow for user input are also contemplated.

[0177] 13, the user interface 26a has a first controller 44 by means of which various illumination profiles 28a, 28b, 28c can be set in an illumination scenario 27a, which is preferably also displayed below on the user interface 26a as well. More preferably, each illumination scenario 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e can also be selected by touching the respective graphic representing the illumination scenario.

[0178] Furthermore, in the right area of ​​the user interface 26a, a setting screen for the stereo system preferably built into the irradiation device 1 can be selected, and in the left area of ​​the user interface 26a, a setting screen for the comfort fans 38a, 38b (not shown) and a setting screen for the irradiation shown can be selected.

[0179] Each irradiation scenario 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e preferably has at least two irradiation profiles 28a, 28b, 28c. These irradiation profiles 28a, 28b, 28c are preferably selected from the following irradiation profile group: morning-high intensity, morning-medium intensity, morning-sensitive; daytime-high intensity, daytime-medium intensity, daytime-sensitive; and evening-high intensity, evening-medium intensity, evening-sensitive. The above-mentioned irradiation profiles 28a, 28b, 28c are defined in the table below, and achieve at least approximately the maximum permissible erythema-effective radiant intensity of UV radiation at 100% UV-A radiation and 100% UV-B radiation. The maximum permissible erythema-effective radiant intensity may be a legal value or may be determined individually, for example, by the operator of each body irradiation device 1.

[0180] [Table 3]

[0181] Further irradiation profiles can be defined from the above group according to the following table, where visible means radiation in the visible range, in particular in the red and / or infrared spectrum, where 100% radiation corresponds to the given value:

[0182] [Table 4]

[0183] Furthermore, by selecting the illumination scenarios 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, it is possible to determine offset values ​​for each illumination profile 28a, 28b, 28c that vary the radiation intensity across the emission spectrum, thereby allowing the selection of time-of-day dependent illumination profiles that are typical for, for example, different regions of the world.

[0184] Preferably, the illumination profiles 28a, 28b, 28c are not only discretely selectable, but are preferably continuously variable between a maximum value of illumination represented by illumination profile 28b and a minimum value of illumination intensity represented by illumination profiles 28a and 28c.

[0185] This type of control of irradiation intensity is shown in the functional schematic diagram of user interface 26a in Figure 14. Here, controller 44a can move along a curve between discrete irradiation scenarios Morning-Intensity 28a on the left, through Day-Intensity 28b, and to discrete scenario Evening-Intensity 28c. Depending on the position of controller 44a, UV-A and UV-B irradiation changes according to the curve shown at the bottom of Figure 14.

[0186] In this way, continuous, stepless adjustment between two discrete extreme scenarios, morning intensity and evening intensity, of the irradiation scenarios 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e is possible.

[0187] In this case, preferably, the third LED radiation source 11 and / or the fourth LED radiation source 29 generates a lighting mood that corresponds to the selected illumination scenario, respectively.

[0188] Furthermore, through the irradiation scenarios 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e and the irradiation profiles 28a, 28b, 28c, the mood or atmosphere of the actinic treatment can be preferably set, with possible parameters including the temperature in the treatment room, the color of the light in the treatment room, the background noise in the treatment room, the smell in the treatment room, the steam in the treatment room, the ventilation in the treatment room, and / or the mixture of warming infrared radiation with UV radiation.

[0189] The exposure scenarios 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e preferably generally specify which parameters are active and which value ranges of the parameters are possible.

[0190] The illumination profiles 28a, 28b, 28c preferably determine specific values ​​of parameters or a progression of values ​​over time.

[0191] Figure 15 shows a second view of the first user interface 26a, which may also be displayed on the user interface 26b, as already explained with reference to Figure 13.

[0192] In contrast to the first diagram of Figure 13, this diagram has a second controller 44b, which can be used to adjust the illumination intensity in section 32b of the illumination module 2, where the user's body is located during normal use.

[0193] Additionally, a third controller 44c can preferably be used to adjust the radiation intensity in the section 32a of the illumination module 2 where the user's face is located during normal use, thereby allowing the two sections 32a, 32b to be controlled independently of each other.

[0194] Similar to the diagram shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 15 shows selection options for selecting other screens of the control unit in the left and right areas of the user interface 26a.

[0195] 16 shows an embodiment of a method 100 for applying actinic radiation to a living body, in particular a non-therapeutic method, preferably using a body irradiation device 1 as described with reference to the previous figures and embodiments.

[0196] Preferably, a body irradiation device 1 is used as described with reference to the preceding figures and examples.

[0197] In this case, the radiation intensity emitted by the first LED radiation source 4 and the radiation intensity emitted by the second LED radiation source 5 can be adjusted individually. In particular, the first LED radiation source 4 of the first printed circuit board 3a are connected to each other for this purpose via a first circuit, and the second LED radiation source 5 and the fourth LED radiation source 29 comprising the second printed circuit board are connected to each other via a further circuit. These circuits are preferably supplied separately by separate power supplies. Preferably, each printed circuit board 3a, 3b is supplied by a separate power supply.

[0198] Alternatively, the first group of printed circuit boards 3 a and the second group of printed circuit boards 3 b or their respective circuits may be supplied by a single power supply 43 .

[0199] In a first step 101a of the method 100, a selection of the radiation intensity and / or radiation dose of UV-A radiation to be emitted is preferably detected. Simultaneously or independently, a selection of the radiation intensity and / or radiation dose of UV-B radiation to be emitted is preferably detected. Preferably, the respective selections are detected through user interfaces 26a, 26b, which are advantageously configured as touchscreens. Controllers 44a, 44b, 44c are provided on such touchscreens 26a, 26b, and by means of the controllers 44a, 44b, 44c, the UV-A radiation to be emitted and the UV-B radiation to be emitted can be adjusted together or individually.

[0200] Additionally, it is preferably detected whether different radiation intensities and / or radiation doses should be emitted in the different sections 32a, 32b of the body irradiation device 1. This can also be done through the corresponding controllers 44a; 44b, 44c of the user interfaces 26a, 26b.

[0201] At this time, the input by the user is detected through the user interfaces 26a and 26b.

[0202] Preferably, the emitted radiation intensity and / or radiation dose of UV-A radiation and UV-B radiation is selected depending on the maximum allowable erythema-effective radiation intensity, which is stored in the control device 25 by the control means 25, particularly by a computer-implemented control unit. The erythema-effective radiation or power is preferably specified in power per square meter [W / square meter] and takes into account the erythema effectiveness of each type of radiation. The term erythema effectiveness refers to the ability of ultraviolet radiation to cause sunburn in the skin after a certain threshold, such as an erythema threshold dose or threshold exposure time, is exceeded. Since skin sensitivity to erythema depends on the dose and wavelength, the erythema effectiveness of a UV radiation source is determined by its spectral distribution and radiant intensity. For example, UV-B radiation has a higher erythema effectiveness than UV-A radiation.

[0203] For these photobiological effects, see also the standards IEC 60335-2-27 and DIN EN 60335-2-27 for additional information.

[0204] In an alternative embodiment, in the first sub-step 101b-1, at least one irradiation scenario 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e is made selectable, in particular through the user interface 26a, 26b, which irradiation scenario 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e also determines the maximum permissible erythema-effective irradiation intensity.

[0205] Furthermore, each of the irradiation scenarios 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, and 27e preferably includes a plurality of irradiation profiles 28a, 28b, and 28c, each of which determines the emitted radiation intensity and / or the emitted radiation dose of UV-A radiation and UV-B radiation, depending on the maximum permissible erythema-effective radiation intensity of UV radiation.

[0206] Thus, different irradiation profiles 28a, 28b, 28c determine different intensities of irradiation of the user in the body irradiation device 1. Furthermore, the irradiation profiles 28a, 28b, 28c can determine the amount of UV-A radiation and UV-B radiation to be emitted. The time course of UV-A radiation and UV-B radiation can also be determined.

[0207] If a third LED radiation source 11 and / or a fourth LED radiation source 29 are present, their radiation intensity to be emitted as well as the time course of the radiation intensity and also the total amount of radiation to be emitted can be determined by irradiation profiles 28a, 28b, 28c in relation to these third radiation sources 11 and / or these fourth LED radiation sources 29, in particular in relation to red radiation and / or infrared radiation and / or radiation in the visible spectrum.

[0208] This allows the illumination scenarios 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e to be combined with illumination profiles 28a, 28b, 28c to achieve a wide variety of illumination variants that evoke or recreate different geographic locations in terms of illumination type and mood. For example, (as shown in FIG. 13) the control means 25 can store illumination scenarios for the Bahamas, Paris, Berlin, the Cote d'Azur, the Canary Islands, etc., each of which can be selected by the user. Preferably, the emitted actinic radiation and the mood or atmosphere mimic these locations.

[0209] In a second sub-step 101b-2, a user selection of a respective irradiation scenario from a plurality of irradiation scenarios 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e is detected.

[0210] This selection is also preferably detected through the user interfaces 26a, 26b. Based on the selection of the exposure scenario 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, the user is provided with a plurality of exposure profiles 28a, 28b, 28c for selection, also preferably through the user interfaces 26a, 26b.

[0211] In a third sub-step 101b-3, a selection of a respective illumination profile from the plurality of illumination profiles 28a, 28b, 28c is detected.

[0212] Therefore, the body irradiation device 1 preferably has functions and corresponding means to allow the user to select such a scenario, for example specifying a particular geographical location on the Earth and the time of day the irradiation should be simulated, such as Malibu in the afternoon in June or Mallorca in the afternoon in August.

[0213] Preferably, the body irradiation device 1 comprises location determination means, for example a GPS module, in order to determine its location and to control the irradiation depending on this geographical location.

[0214] In a second step 102, preferably physiological parameters of the user are measured, in particular pigmentation and / or skin response to the radiation dose. The emitted radiation intensity of each of the LED radiation sources 4, 5 can be varied in dependence on at least one physiological parameter.

[0215] Alternatively or additionally, in a second step, the actually emitted radiation intensity, in particular the radiation intensity of UV-A radiation and / or UV-B radiation, can be measured and the radiation intensity can be varied depending on the actual radiation intensity.

[0216] In a third step 103, the LED radiation sources are controlled so that a certain radiation intensity, in particular in a time-dependent manner, and / or a certain radiation amount is emitted within a predefined period. In particular, UV-A radiation, UV-B radiation, and / or red radiation and / or infrared radiation of the first LED radiation source 4, the second LED radiation source 5, and the third LED radiation source 11, respectively, can be emitted in a controlled manner in this way. Preferably, the radiation intensity of the LED chip or LED radiation source 4 emitting UV-A radiation and / or the radiation intensity of the LED chip or LED radiation source 5 emitting UV-B radiation can be varied over time.

[0217] In particular, the circuits 6a, 6b, 7 connecting the first LED radiation source 4, the second LED radiation source 5, and the third LED radiation source 11 to each other are controlled so that the radiation intensity of each of the LED radiation sources 4, 5, 11 varies over time.

[0218] In this regard, the specific temporal irradiation profile 28a, 28b, 28c and / or the specific radiation dose may be determined based on the measurement of at least one physiological parameter performed in the second step 102. Furthermore, the specific temporal irradiation profile 28a, 28b, 28c and / or the specific radiation dose may be predetermined based on further criteria.

[0219] The second LED radiation source 5 is further controlled to operate at less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, and most preferably about 50% of the rated current or power of the second LED radiation source 5 .

[0220] Furthermore, the first LED radiation source 4 and the second LED radiation source 5 are controlled so that different radiation intensities and / or radiation doses are emitted in different longitudinal sections 32a, 32b of the body irradiation device 1, preferably in different sections 32a, 32b.

[0221] Using the body irradiation device 1 and method 100, different types of radiation, in particular UV-A radiation, UV-B radiation and red or IR radiation, can be varied independently of each other in time, thereby imitating different scenarios of natural irradiation, in particular solar irradiation.

[0222] It should be noted that the embodiments are merely examples that are not intended to limit the scope of protection, application and structure in any way. Rather, the above description provides a guide for a person skilled in the art to implement at least one embodiment, and various modifications can be made, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described elements, without departing from the scope of protection resulting from the claims and equivalent combinations of features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 1 Body irradiation device 2. Irradiation module 3, 3a, 3b Printed circuit board 4. First LED radiation source (UV-A radiation) 5 Second LED radiation source (UV-B radiation) 6a, 6b Circuit for connecting first LED radiation sources in series 7 Circuit for connecting a second LED radiation source in series 8, 9 Contacts of circuits 6a, 6b 11 Third LED radiation source (red light or IR light) 12 Circuit according to Figure 3 15 plates 16 plastic plates 17 Exposure Tunnel 18 Upper part of body irradiation device 19 Lower part of body irradiation device 1 20 Ring arrangement covering the first LED radiation source 22 Cooling element 23 Bridge for conducting further circuit 7 over circuits 6a, 6b 24 Ring arrangement covering the second LED radiation source 25 Control Measures 26a, 26b User Interface 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e Irradiation Scenarios 28a, 28b, 28c Irradiation Profiles 29 The fourth LED radiation source 30 First Area 31 Second Area Sections 32a and 32b 33 Housing 34a, 34b end face 35 Transparent Surface 36 Connecting part 37a, 37b frames 38a, 38b Comfort Fan 39 Base 40 Swivel Arm 41a, 41b holding arms 42 Cooling fins 43 Power supply section 44 Controller

Claims

1. A body irradiation device (1) for applying actinic radiation to a living organism, in particular a human being, comprising: At least one illumination module (2), a first LED radiation source (4) configured to emit UV-A radiation; at least one irradiation module (2) having a second LED radiation source (5) configured to emit UV-B radiation; and control means (25) for controlling the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5), in particular through their respective circuits (6a, 6b, 7), so that a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation dose of UV-A radiation and a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation dose of UV-B radiation are emitted, A body irradiation device (1) having:

2. At least one of the illumination modules (2) further comprises: at least one first printed circuit board (3a) on which the first LED radiation source (4) is arranged; and at least one second printed circuit board (3b) on which the second LED radiation source (5) is arranged, The first printed circuit board (3a) has a first region (30), the second printed circuit board (3b) has a second region (31), and the first region (30) overlaps with the second region (31); 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first LED radiation source (4) is arranged in at least one of the first regions (30) and the second LED radiation source (5) is arranged in at least one of the second regions.

3. A body irradiation device (1) as described in claim 2, wherein at least one first printed circuit board (3a) and at least one second printed circuit board (3b) are arranged alternately mainly in the longitudinal direction of the body irradiation device (1).

4. Further comprising a printed circuit board (3), the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5) are arranged on the printed circuit board (3); 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (3) comprises at least one first circuit (6 a, 6 b) and at least one second circuit (7), wherein the at least one first circuit (6 a, 6 b) interconnects the first LED radiation sources (4) and the at least one second circuit (7) interconnects the second LED radiation sources (5), and the printed circuit board (3) comprises separate electrical connections (8, 9, 10) for the at least one first circuit (6 a, 6 b) and the at least one second circuit (7).

5. 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control means is configured to control the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5) in different longitudinal sections (32a, 32b) of the body irradiation device (1), in particular on different printed circuit boards (3a, 3b), so that different radiation intensities and / or radiation doses are emitted.

6. The body irradiation device (1) further includes an exposure tunnel (17) in which a user can lie down so as to be irradiated with actinic radiation, The exposure tunnel (17) is closed mainly by pivoting the upper part (18) of the body irradiation device (1) towards the lower part (19) of the body irradiation device (1); the lower part (19) of the body irradiation device (1) has an at least generally transparent surface, under which an irradiation module (2) is arranged; 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation module (2) is also arranged on the upper part (18).

7. 2. A body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, comprising more of said first LED radiation sources (4) than said second LED radiation sources (5).

8. At least one of the illumination modules further comprises:

2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent plate (15) covering the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5), the plate (15) being spaced apart from the printed circuit board (3), and at least one surface of the plate (15), in particular the surface (9) of the plate (6) facing away from the printed circuit board (3), is satin-finished.

9. 9. Body irradiation device (1) according to claim 8, wherein said transparent plate is the single optical system of at least one of said irradiation modules (2).

10. 10. Body irradiation device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the transparent plate (15) is a glass plate or an acrylic plate.

11. 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the radiation angle of the first LED radiation source (4) and / or the second LED radiation source (5) does not exceed about 50°, preferably about 40°, more preferably about 30°, and most preferably about 45°.

12. 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5) are controlled such that the radiation intensity of the first LED radiation source (4) and / or the radiation intensity of the second LED radiation source (5) varies over time.

13. 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to measure at least one physiological parameter, in particular pigmentation and / or a response of the skin of a living body to an irradiation dose, and wherein the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5) are controlled such that their radiation intensity varies depending on the at least one physiological parameter.

14. The device further comprises user interfaces (26a, 26b) configured in such a way that the to-be-emitted radiation intensity and / or the to-be-emitted radiation dose of UV-A radiation and the to-be-emitted radiation intensity and / or the to-be-emitted radiation dose of UV-B radiation can be specifically and individually set by means of the user interfaces (26a, 26b) in dependence on the maximum permissible erythema-effective radiation intensity of UV radiation, 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5) are controlled at the user interface (26a, 26b) based on a selection of the radiation intensity to be emitted and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of the UV-A radiation and the radiation intensity to be emitted and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of the UV-B radiation.

15. 15. The body irradiation device (1) of claim 14, wherein the irradiation profile further determines the time course of the emitted radiation intensity of UV-A radiation and the time course of the emitted radiation intensity of UV-B radiation via the user interface (26a, 26b).

16. 15. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the user interface (26a, 26b) is configured so that the plurality of irradiation profiles (28a, 28b, 28c) can be selected, in particular continuously, between a maximum radiation profile (28a) with the highest radiation intensity and / or radiation dose to be emitted and at least one radiation profile (28b, 28c) with a lower radiation intensity and / or radiation dose to be emitted.

17. 15. A body irradiation device (1) as described in claim 14, wherein the emitted radiation intensity and / or the emitted radiation dose of UV-A radiation varies between different irradiation profiles (28a, 28b, 28c) differently from the emitted radiation intensity and / or the emitted radiation dose of UV-B radiation.

18. At least one of the illumination modules (2) further comprises a third LED radiation source (11) configured to emit red and / or infrared radiation, 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control means (25) is configured to control the third LED radiation source (11) so that a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation amount of red radiation and / or infrared radiation is emitted.

19. 2. The body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the irradiation modules (2) further comprises a fourth LED radiation source (29) configured to emit radiation in the visible spectrum and controlled together with the second LED radiation source (5) such that the fourth LED radiation source (29) is activated when the second LED radiation source (5) is activated.

20. 2. The body irradiation device (1) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the irradiation modules (2) has a housing (33) with end faces (34), the end faces (34a, 34b) having air-permeable areas for air supply, and a central area of ​​the housing (33) having an opening for air discharge.

21. A body irradiation device (1) as described in claim 20, wherein an opening in the housing (33) of at least one of the irradiation modules (2) is connected to an air duct at the upper part (18) or lower part (19) of the body irradiation device (1), and the air duct leads to a fan at the lower part (19) of the body irradiation device (1).

22. A non-therapeutic method (100) for applying actinic radiation to a living organism, in particular a human being, in particular using a body irradiation device (1) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: a step (103) of controlling the at least one first circuit (6a, 6b) and the at least one second circuit (7) so that a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation dose of UV-A radiation and a specific radiation intensity and / or a specific radiation dose of UV-B radiation are emitted, at least one said first circuit (6a, 6b) interconnects first LED radiation sources (4) configured to emit UV-A radiation; A method (100) for interconnecting at least one said second circuit (7) with a second LED radiation source (5) configured to emit UV-B radiation.

23. 23. The method (100) according to claim 22, wherein the circuits (6a, 6b, 7) are controlled such that the radiation intensity of the first LED radiation source (4) of at least one of the first circuits (6a, 6b) and / or the radiation intensity of the second LED radiation source (5) of at least one of the second circuits (7) varies in time.

24. 23. The method (100) of claim 22, further comprising the step of measuring (102) at least one physiological parameter of a living organism, in particular pigmentation and / or a response of the skin to the radiation dose, wherein the radiation intensity varies depending on said at least one physiological parameter.

25. The method further comprises a step (101a) of detecting a selection, in particular an individual selection, of the radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of UV-A radiation and the radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose to be emitted of UV-B radiation depending on the maximum permissible erythema-effective radiation intensity of UV radiation, 23. The method (100) according to claim 22, wherein the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5) are controlled based on a selection of an emitted radiation intensity and / or an emitted radiation amount of UV-A radiation and an emitted radiation intensity and / or an emitted radiation amount of UV-B radiation.

26. A step (101b-1) in which a maximum tolerable erythema-effective radiant intensity of UV radiation is determined and at least one irradiation scenario (27a, 27b, 27c, 27d) including a plurality of irradiation profiles (28a, 28b, 28c) is provided; The method further comprises a step (101b-3) of detecting a selection of an irradiation profile from a plurality of irradiation profiles (28a, 28b, 28c), wherein the irradiation profile determines the radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose of UV-A radiation and the radiation intensity and / or the radiation dose of UV-B radiation, respectively, depending on the maximum permissible erythema-effective radiation intensity of UV radiation, 23. The method (100) of claim 22, wherein the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5) are controlled based on a selection of one irradiation profile from a plurality of the irradiation profiles (28a, 28b, 28c).

27. 27. The method (100) of claim 26, further comprising a step (101b-2) of detecting a selection of an irradiation scenario from a plurality of irradiation scenarios (27a, 27b, 27c, 27d), wherein for each of the irradiation scenarios (27a, 27b, 27c, 27d) a different maximum tolerable erythema-effective radiant intensity of UV radiation is determined.

28. 23. The method (100) of claim 22, wherein the second LED radiation source is operated at less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, and most preferably about 50% of the rated current or power of the second LED radiation source.

29. 23. The method (100) according to claim 22, wherein the first LED radiation source (4) and the second LED radiation source (5) are controlled in different sections (32a, 32b) in the longitudinal direction of the body irradiation device (1), in particular on different printed circuit boards, so that different radiation intensities and / or radiation doses are emitted in the different sections (32a, 32b).

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