DE202005018552U1 - Irradiation device for fingernails or toenails - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) and method for irradiating photopolymerisable compounds on fingernails or toenails comprising at least: a housing (2), an irradiating space (3), which is at least partly formed by the housing (2) and in which a rest (4) for fingers or toes is provided, at least partially configured with a reflector (5), an LED arrangement (6), which is positioned in the irradiating space (3) and comprises between 6 and 12 LEDs (7), so that a maximum emission (8) in the range of 360 to 410 nm, preferably from 380 to 410 nm and in particular in the range from 400 405 nm, can be emitted and with the LEDs (7) having a maximum radiating angle (9) of less than 60°, and a control device (10) for the LED arrangement (6), which controls at least the irradiating time or the irradiating power.

Description

The The present invention relates to a device for irradiation of photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails. she in particular concerns a portable and mobile table lamp for solidification of light-curing gels in the course of a finger or toenail treatment.

Such equipment are used e.g. needed to cure so-called "tips" that be used on short or broken fingernails or toenails. These For this purpose, tips have chemical compounds (for example monomers) which cure by irradiation with so-called UV light short wavelength. For one artificial Finger or toenail For example, used tips that have a length of up to 5cm. The set tip, on the top of the natural Foot or Fingernail is attached, then still needs to be edited, for the heels compensate. Here, a photopolymerizable compound containing Nail gel evenly in one or several layers modeled and repeatedly cured. First afterwards, when the tips are pasted on the natural nails, will be you to the desired Length shortened and normally painted.

To the Harden the nail gel lamps are used, the containing therein Activate photoinitiators. As photopolymerizable compounds (Monomers) in nail gels are, for example, urethane acrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate and bisphenol A diglycidyl methacrylate and other similar ones Connections used.

at the known radiation equipment Repeated problems occur with regard to the life of the lamps on. About that In addition, the known devices mostly very big and operable only with considerable manual effort.

task The present invention is an apparatus for irradiation of photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails, those described with reference to the prior art technical Solve problems at least partially. In particular, a device should be specified, which is a long Lifetime and at the same time a high quality result with regard to curing guaranteed by photopolymerizable compounds. In addition, the device should be robust and versatile.

These Tasks are solved with a device according to the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the devices are dependent on the formulate claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims in any technologically meaningful way combined with each other can be and other embodiments show the device of the invention.

• – ein Gehäuse,
• – einen Bestrahlungsraum, der zumindest teilweise von dem Gehäuse gebildet und in dem eine Auflage für Finger- oder Zehen vorgesehen ist, wobei dieser zumindest teilweise mit einem Reflektor ausgeführt ist,
• – eine Leuchtdiodenanordnung, die im Bestrahlungsraum positioniert ist, und zwischen 6 und 12 Leuchtdioden umfasst, so dass ein Emissionsmaximum im Bereich von 360 bis 410 nm, vorzugsweise von 380 bis 410 nm und insbesondere im Bereich von 400 bis 405 nm, imitiert werden kann, wobei die Leuchtdioden einen maximalen Strahlungswinkel von weniger als 60° aufweisen,
• – ein Steuergerät für die Leuchtdiodenanordnung, die wenigstens die Bestrahlungsdauer oder die Bestrahlungsleistung kontrolliert.

The device according to the invention for irradiating photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails has at least the following:

• A housing,
• An irradiation space, which is at least partially formed by the housing and in which a support for finger or toe is provided, said support being at least partially provided with a reflector,
• A light-emitting diode array positioned in the irradiation space and comprising between 6 and 12 light-emitting diodes, so that an emission maximum in the range from 360 to 410 nm, preferably from 380 to 410 nm and in particular in the range from 400 to 405 nm, can be imitated, wherein the light-emitting diodes have a maximum radiation angle of less than 60 °,
• - A control device for the light-emitting diode array, which controls at least the irradiation time or the irradiation power.

The casing can basically be made of metal or plastic, with an outer surface of plastic preferred is. Usually includes the housing at least one, possibly removable, upper part and one, possibly massive, Baseplate.

Of the Irradiation space is preferred with a sliding support designed for fingers or toes. The means that the relative position of the overlay to the irradiation room can be varied. Usually the irradiation room is so big that at least all the fingers of a hand or toes of a foot at the same time can be positioned in it however, this is not necessarily the case. Inside the irradiation room or at the boundary, wall, etc. is also at least one reflector arranged. This refers to a reflective surface which, in terms of from the emitted light from the LED array, a reflection effect considerable extent towards the fingers or toes. Prefers is at least 50% of the wall of the irradiation room with a (e.g. one-piece and / or curved) reflector provided, wherein the reflector is advantageously made of a metallic material.

The light-emitting diode arrangement is preferably arranged so that it can emit light from above on the fingers or toes. The light-emitting diode arrangement comprises 6 to 12 light-emitting diodes, so that the specified emission maximum can be imitated. For this purpose, the light-emitting diodes may be provided with a filter which only transmits light of the specified emission maximum, however, an embodiment in which the light-emitting diodes themselves generate the corresponding light is preferred. In this case, the light-emitting diodes have a maximum radiation angle of less than 60 °, preferably even only at most 40 ° (which is realized for example by means of a corresponding glass lens of the light emitting diode). Advantageously, the LEDs are arranged in a row which follows substantially the course of the fingernails or toenails, for example, is substantially semicircular or elliptical.

The control unit for the Light-emitting diode arrangement is preferably mounted in the interior of the housing. The control unit is on the one hand with a current or voltage source and on the other hand connected to the light emitting diode array. The duration of irradiation and / or the irradiation power may be due to manual and / or automatic control commands by means of the control unit be varied. An influence on the irradiation power becomes primary achieved by varying a power supply to the LEDs. The irradiation time is determined by the supply of electricity towards the Light emitting diodes limited.

The Device comes with a surprising small number of light emitting diodes with a relatively narrow beam angle from what in particular a cost-effective production and a cost-effective maintenance of the irradiation device entails. About that In addition, the radiation is especially on the fingers and / or toes concentrated. This turns the zone of influence of the light on the surrounding hand areas or foot areas reduced. So can also the effects of such irradiation on the Surrounding nails Skin be reduced.

According to one Further development of the device are the light-emitting diodes with a metallic Heat sink in Contact. In the light-emitting diodes used here are preferred so-called high-performance light-emitting diodes used with high Stream be operated, for example, above 200 mA or even above 300 mA. Very particular preference is given to high-performance light-emitting diodes, which can be operated with a maximum current of up to 400 mA. Also if regularly only there is a short duration of irradiation, it is remarkable heat source at least weaken in the interior of the irradiation room. Therefore It is proposed here that the light-emitting diodes with a metallic Heat sink in contact are, with the light emitting diodes advantageously directly on this Heatsink mounted are that dissipates the heat generated at the LEDs.

Further It is also proposed that the light emitting diode array irradiation in the Range from 10 watts to 50 watts. The light-emitting diode arrangement should in particular be able to provide at least 40 watts. With such an irradiation power, relatively few LEDs can be used be used, for example, only B.

According to one advantageous development of the device has the light emitting diode array in terms of the support a non-perpendicular main irradiation direction. The In other words, that means the main direction of irradiation is not directed vertically from top to bottom towards the support. Preferably, the main irradiation direction is inclined, advantageously from an area above the fingers or the hand to the fingernails, where especially in this case the re the fingernails opposite Reflector surfaces a uniform irradiation the fingernails enable. In particular in combination with the substantially linear arrangement the light-emitting diodes in the manner of a semicircle or an elliptical section can also be a uniform distance out to the fingernails will be realized. Thus, the irradiation can be further concentrated on the fingernails become.

Advantageous is also that the control device storage means for the retrievable storage of temporal irradiation performance curves. This will be the opportunity opened, that by the selection of certain irradiation performance curves a Irradiation adapted to the respective situation automatically from control unit is initiated.

Further It is also suggested that a read-write unit be called for retrieval and integrating information regarding a storage means is. This allows the storage means, for example, in terms on the used reaching photopolymerizable compounds To update. For this purpose, the read-write unit, for example be connected to external data processing equipment and new Transfer information to the storage means. Such a connection can also wirelessly, for example via the internet is done.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the control unit is connected to identification means which realize a predetermined temporal irradiation performance as a function of external information. This means in particular that the identification means automatically recognize which photopolymerizable compounds or nail gels are to be irradiated. To a corre For example, color patterns, barcodes and the like can be queried (eg, on the packaging of the nail gels). On the basis of this identification means, the user can then be offered various irradiation performance curves or a fixed predetermined one can be selected.

one Further development of the device, the housing has a lateral opening towards the irradiation room, in which the tray is horizontally movable is arranged. A horizontally arranged support has the advantage that a very comfortable position of the hand during the irradiation is possible. through The horizontal mobility of the support becomes a safe one Introduce the hand or the foot realized in the irradiation room, wherein by means of the support at the same time a relatively exact positioning or fixation of the hand or of the foot is guaranteed relative to the LED array. Has preferred the device has several, possibly different, supports, so that a position of the pad is provided, in which this easily detached from the device is. The interchangeability of the edition has the advantage that at the same time a cleaning of such a support and irradiation by means of a other edition performed can be.

Especially therefor It is advantageous that the pad detachable in a guide of the housing is locked. Advantageously, the housing has a corresponding rail-like Guide, in there corresponding projections intervene the pad. In an end position, the edition then be removed.

Further It is suggested that the support fasteners for releasably securing a protective layer. Such a protective layer can, for example a kind of foil or the like, which on portions of the edition is attached. In particular, with such a protective layer the hygiene can be improved. The attachment means may, for example Grooves, hooks or the like in which e.g. a rubbery one Stretching foil is anchored.

Advantageous is also when the device cleaning agent for at least partially cleaning and / or disinfecting the irradiation room and / or the circulation and / or a protective layer of a pad. The cleaning agents can especially brushes, nozzles, Scrapers, cleaning or disinfectant tanks and the like include.

Further It is also suggested that the pad should be a front, towards the front Irradiation space oriented face has, with an offset to it extending edge for attachment of the knuckles or toe ankles provided is. The aim of this provision is to achieve a more accurate alignment of the Finger or toe nails to ensure the light emitting diode arrangement. In known conditions, it is common to a from the palm of your hand outgoing positioning of the nails make. In view of different proportions of the ball of the thumb and fingers, the positioning was no longer sufficiently accurate. Therefore, a substantially straight edge was provided here, against the knuckles or toe-ankle be created. In particular, different degrees of handball play with it no noteworthy role. The edge is preferred with a Distance from 9 to 11 cm from the front end.

Especially preferred is an embodiment of the device in which an emergency switch is provided for interrupting the irradiation process. Favorable Way, this emergency switch is designed to cooperate with the support, so that, for example, when moving out of the pad automatically the irradiation is interrupted or interrupted. Most notably preferred is an embodiment, wherein the emergency switch at the same time is an activation switch, so that when pushed in Position of the pad can be irradiated. Therefore It is particularly advantageous if the edition with so-called End-position switches cooperates, the one end position the interruption which results in radiation while the other end position, the radiation is only released.

According to one more further embodiment of the device, wherein the housing a lateral opening towards the irradiation room, this opening is with a screen Mistake. This screen can be arranged quite flexible, so that they are, for example, for the import of the hand or the foot in the Moving radiation room away. Considering the inside arranged reflectors further increases the screen Operational safety of the device.

Of others can Contact inhibiting means be provided, which is a touch of the LEDs hinder. This ensures in particular that the operator during the Handling of the device by uncontrolled movements not can get to the LEDs. This reduces the risk of injury the user and increases the life of the LEDs.

• – Applizieren eines Nagelgels mit fotopolymerisierbaren Verbindungen auf einem Finger- oder Fußnagel,
• – Bestrahlen des Nagelgels über eine vorgegebene Bestrahlungsdauer mit Licht aufweisend ein Emissionsmaximum im Bereich 360 bis 410 nm, vorzugsweise von 380 bis 410 nm und insbesondere im Bereich von 400 bis 405 nm, wobei mindestens zwei Zeitabschnitte mit verschiedener Bestrahlungsleistung durchgeführt werden.

Hereinafter, a preferred mode of operation of such a device will be described, wherein the method now given may optionally also be used independently of the device described according to the invention. Accordingly, a method is proposed for irradiating photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails, which comprises at least the following steps:

• Applying a nail gel with photopolymerizable compounds on a fingernail or toenail,
• - Irradiating the nail gel over a predetermined irradiation time with light having an emission maximum in the range 360 to 410 nm, preferably from 380 to 410 nm and in particular in the range of 400 to 405 nm, wherein at least two time periods are performed with different irradiation power.

It was found out for a uniform curing of such Nail gels on the finger or toe if possible non-constant irradiation conditions should be created. Especially in the case of those described above High-performance light-emitting diodes is the changed curing behavior as well as the feeling the user to consider. Therefore, it has been found advantageous to have such a high concentration To perform irradiation with different irradiation services, too if necessary, a longer one Irradiation time result.

Especially preferred is a method; wherein the irradiation during a Period with varying and a further period of time is performed with a constant irradiation power. This means in particular that in a period of time the Irradiation power, preferably constant, increased or decreased. In order to Is it possible, the user to get used to the high-power radiation or to wean again. This significantly improves the ease of use. Furthermore Due to these varying irradiation powers the different ones become Layers of the nail gel achieved more evenly.

there it is particularly advantageous to irradiate with a low power phase to start, these being over 10 to 15 seconds, in particular over 30 to 45 seconds. In this "warm-up phase" the nail gels evenly and less intensively irradiated, with the formation of superficial Aushärtungsschichten Mostly is avoided, which is a possibly required depth effect of Impair light would.

Prefers it is that the irradiation in a low-power phase with an irradiation power in the range of 6 to 14 watts, especially in the range of about 10 watts.

Of Further, it is advantageous if the irradiation after a low power phase transferred to a high power phase within a period of 3 to 7 seconds. Advantageously, the period is in the range of 4.5 to 6.5 Seconds. It is particularly desirable that the irradiation in a high power phase with an irradiation phase in the area above 20 watts, especially in a range of 20 to 30 watts.

Further will harden of nail gels suggested that irradiation with a high-performance phase is over, over Lasts 30 to 60 seconds, especially about 40 to 50 seconds.

For a steady and permanent formation of the nail gels on the fingernails or toenails, in particular with the above described according to the invention Device, a method is advantageous, wherein an irradiation period from 45 to 115 seconds, especially from 55 to 95 seconds.

Especially preferred photoinitiators present in the polymerizable nail gels are to be used are: Methylbenzoylformiat; Ethyl 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphenylphosphinate; 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone; (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl) phosphine oxide; Bis (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphine oxide; benzophenone; 1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone; Phenyiglyoxalsäuremethylester; 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-1-one.

The Invention and the technical environment are described below closer to the figures explained. It should be noted that the figures were particularly preferred variants but to which the invention is not limited. Show it schematically tischn:

1 a first embodiment variant of the device according to the invention in partial cross-section,

2 : a further embodiment of the device according to the invention

3 : An illustration of the design of a light-emitting diode for use in a device according to the invention,

4 a light-emitting diode arrangement in cooperation with a control device of a further embodiment variant,

5 : an embodiment of a support for a hand, and

6 : a representation of an irradiation procedure.

1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 in partial cross-section. The device 1 includes a housing 2 that has an irradiation room 3 forms. In the irradiation room 3 is partly an edition 4 intended for fingers or tens (not shown). On the inner wall of the irradiation room 3 is a large reflector 5 intended. The light-emitting diode arrangement 6 is up in the case 2 arranged and radiates light into the irradiation room 3 with an emission maximum in the range of preferably 400 to 405 nm. The light is provided with light-emitting diodes 7 generated, the line in the light emitting diode array 6 are arranged. The light-emitting diodes 7 are doing on a metallic heat sink 11 attached, which during the operation of the light-emitting diodes 7 dissipates the resulting heat. To prevent contact in the interior 3 arranged fingers or toes with the LEDs 7 is a contact impediment 25 intended. To protect the user is the side opening 16 to the irradiation room 3 with a screen 24 Mistake. For controlling the irradiation by means of the light-emitting diodes 7 is furthermore a control unit 10 provided, which controls the irradiation duration and the irradiation power. To operate the device 1 this is with a power supply 26 executed, which realizes the required voltage source for operation.

2 schematically shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 , The edition 4 on the surface with a padding 28 is provided for fixing the handball, it can be horizontal in the irradiation room 3 be introduced, taking a route 29 for example, more than 5 cm is realized. However, the distance can be different or adjustable depending on the type and / or size of the support, for example. This is the edition 4 in an appropriate leadership 17 of the housing 2 releasably locked. Shown is also the emergency switch 23 in the extended position of the support 4 a power supply to the LED array 6 in derogation. To identify the retracted position of the support 4 For example, in the base plate 27 of the housing 2 two corresponding positioning detection means may be provided.

On the outer surface of the housing 2 can additionally a mirror 31 be provided, for example, allows an enlarged view of the fingernails for subsequent review.

In the embodiment shown here are several selector switches 30 for the realization of different irradiation modes by means of the control unit 10 intended. As a voltage source, this device 1 with a battery 32 equipped, which is advantageously rechargeable.

In 3 are the preferred characteristics of the light emitting diode 7 illustrated. The light-emitting diode 7 indicates accordingly, as in left 3 shown, a main radiation direction 12 on, with the light-emitting diodes used here being used 7 a maximum radiation angle 9 is realized of less than 60 °, advantageously of at most 40 °. The light-emitting diode 7 emits highly monochromatic light with an emission maximum 8th in the range of advantageously 400 to 405 nm. For illustration is right in 3 a diagram showing the intensity 33 over the wavelength 34 is shown.

4 schematically shows a line-like arrangement of LEDs 7 on a heat sink 11 the light emitting diode array 6 , To operate this LED array 6 , which is for example positioned semicircular or elliptical around a lateral opening, in turn serves the control unit 10 , This controller 10 includes storage means 13 for the retrievable storage of temporal irradiation performance curves. There is also a read-write unit 14 for retrieving and integrating information regarding the storage means 13 intended. The control unit 10 is still with identification means 15 connected, which realize in dependence of external information a given temporal irradiation performance curve.

5 illustrates the position of a hand 35 on a particular embodiment of the edition 4 , This is the edition 4 with a front, directed towards the irradiation room end face 21 executed. Added to this is an edge 22 to attach the knuckles 20 provided, if necessary, with a padding 28 can be provided. This edge 22 allows exact positioning of the fingernails in the irradiation room, so that a desired main irradiation direction 12 that is non-perpendicular, realized.

The edition shown here 4 also has fasteners 18 for releasably securing a protective layer 19 , This protective layer 19 may for example be a plastic molding or a protective film.

6 now illustrates a preferred method for operating such a device. This in 6 The diagram illustrates the irradiation power 39 over time 42 , Accordingly, the method for irradiating photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails is carried out with the following steps: in a first period of time 36 of about 45 seconds becomes a low power phase 40 carried out. in the This is done in a second period of time 37 a variation of the irradiation power 39 up to a high performance phase 41 , The length of time for the second period of time 37 is chosen especially in the range around 5 seconds. This is followed by a third period 38 in which a high-performance phase 41 is performed with an irradiation power above 20 watts. Accordingly, the duration of treatment is set in the embodiment of the method described here 43 from three periods together.

The above-described device and the described method allows a user-friendly irradiation of nail gels on finger or toenails of People.

1

contraption

2

casing

3

treatment room

4

edition

5

reflector

6

LED array

7

led

8th

emission maximum

9

Beam angle

10

control unit

11

heatsink

12

Main irradiation direction

13

storage means

14

Read-write unit

15

identification means

16

opening

17

guide

18

fastener

19

protective layer

20

knucklebone

21

front

22

edge

23

Emergency switch

24

modesty panel

25

Contact obstruction agent

26

power adapter

27

baseplate

28

upholstery

29

route

30

selector

31

mirror

32

battery

33

intensity

34

wavelength

35

hand

36

first period

37

second period

38

third period

39

irradiation power

40

Low-power phase

41

High-performance phase

42

Time

43

duration of treatment

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 1 ) for the irradiation of photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails, comprising at least: - a housing ( 2 ), - an irradiation room ( 3 ), at least partially from the housing ( 2 ) and in which an edition ( 4 ) is provided for fingers or toes, this at least partially with a reflector ( 5 ), - a light-emitting diode arrangement ( 6 ) in the irradiation room ( 3 ) and between 6 and 12 light-emitting diodes ( 7 ), so that an emission maximum ( 8th ) in the range 360 to 410 nm, preferably from 380 to 410 nm and in particular in the range of 400 to 405 nm, can be emitted, wherein the light emitting diodes ( 7 ) a maximum radiation angle ( 9 ) of less than 60 °, - a control unit ( 10 ) for the light-emitting diode arrangement ( 6 ) which controls at least the irradiation time or the irradiation power. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting diodes with a metallic heat sink ( 11 ) are in contact. Contraption ( 1 ) according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the light-emitting diode arrangement ( 6 ) is an irradiation power in the range of 10 W to 50 W. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light-emitting diode arrangement ( 6 ) regarding the edition ( 4 ) a non-perpendicular main irradiation direction ( 12 ) Has. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control device ( 10 ) Storage means ( 13 ) for the retrievable storage of temporal irradiation performance curves. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a read-write unit ( 14 ) for retrieving and integrating information relating to a storage means ( 13 ) is provided. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control device ( 10 ) with identification means ( 15 ), which realize a predetermined temporal irradiation performance as a function of external information. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the housing ( 2 ) a side opening ( 16 ) to the irradiation room ( 3 ), in which the support ( 4 ) is arranged horizontally movable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support ( 4 ) detachable in a guide ( 17 ) of the housing ( 2 ) is locked. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support ( 4 ) Fastening means ( 18 ) for releasably securing a protective layer ( 19 ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning agent for at least partial cleaning and / or disinfection of the irradiation space ( 3 ) and / or the edition ( 4 ) and / or a protective layer ( 19 ) of an edition ( 4 ) are provided. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support ( 4 ) a front to the irradiation room ( 2 ) aligned end face ( 21 ), with an offset edge ( 22 ) is provided for the attachment of the knuckles or toe ankles. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which an emergency switch ( 23 ) is provided for interrupting the irradiation process. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the housing ( 2 ) a side opening ( 16 ) to the irradiation room ( 3 ) provided with a screen ( 24 ) is provided. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which contact-inhibiting means ( 25 ) are provided, which is a touch of the light-emitting diodes ( 7 ) with special needs.