WO2007059813A1

WO2007059813A1 - Irradiating device for fingernails or toenails and method of irradiating photopolymerisable compounds on fingernails or toenails

Info

Publication number: WO2007059813A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/008480
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mirko Koschar
Original assignee: Cos Trade Beauty Consulting Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-11-28
Filing date: 2006-08-30
Publication date: 2007-05-31
Also published as: DE202005018552U1; EP1955336A1; PL1955336T3; ATE476743T1; DE502006007607D1; EP1955336B1

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

Finger or toenail irradiation device and method for irradiating photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails

The present invention relates to a device for irradiating photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails and a method for irradiating photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails. In particular, it relates to a portable and mobile table lamp for the consolidation of light-curing gels in the course of finger or toenail treatment.

Such devices are needed, for example, to harden so-called ^' tips' which are used for short or broken fingernails or toenails. These tips have to chemical compounds (eg monomers), which harden by irradiation with so-called UV light short wavelength. For an artificial finger or toenail, for example, tips are used, which have a length of up to 5cm. The attached tip, which is attached to the top of the natural foot or fingernail, must then be edited to compensate for the heels. Here, a nail gel containing the photopolymerizable compound is uniformly modeled in one or more layers and cured repeatedly. Only afterwards, when the tips are glued to the natural nails, they are shortened to the desired length and usually painted.

For curing the nail gel bulbs are used, activate the photoinitiators contained therein. For example, urethane acrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate and bisphenol A diglycidyl methacrylate and other similar compounds are used as photopolymerizable compounds (monomers) in nail gels. In the known irradiation devices repeatedly occur problems in terms of the life of the lamps. In addition, the known devices are usually very large and operable only with considerable manual effort.

Object of the present invention is to provide a device for irradiating photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails, which solve the described with reference to the prior art, at least partially technical problems. In particular, a device is to be specified, which has a long life and at the same time ensures a high-quality result with regard to the curing of photopolymerizable compounds. In addition, the device should be robust and versatile. In addition, it should be specified for irradiation of photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails, which allows a simple, gentle for the operator and effective curing of the respective nail polish.

These objects are achieved with a device according to the features of claim 1 or with a method according to the features of claim 16. Further advantageous embodiments of the devices are described in the respective dependent formulate claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with each other in any technologically meaningful manner, and show other embodiments of the device according to the invention. The following description, in particular also in connection with the figures, illustrates the invention further and shows particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.

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, which is at least partially embodied with a reflector, a light-emitting diode array which is positioned in the irradiation space and comprises between 6 and 12 light-emitting diodes, so that an emission maximum in the range of 360 to 410 nm, preferably from 380 to 410 nm and in particular in the range of 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 arrangement that controls at least the irradiation time or the irradiation power.

The housing may in principle be made of metal or plastic, wherein an outer surface made of plastic is preferred. Usually, the housing comprises at least one, possibly removable, upper part and one, possibly solid, base plate.

The irradiation room is preferably designed with a displaceable support for fingers or toes. This means that the relative position of the overlay to the irradiation room can be varied. Usually, the irradiation space is so large that at least all fingers of a hand or toe of a foot can be positioned therein simultaneously, but this is not necessarily the case. In addition, at least one reflector is arranged inside the irradiation space or at its boundary, wall, etc. By this is meant a reflecting surface which, in view of the light emitted by the light-emitting diode array, has a reflection effect of appreciable extent towards the fingers or toes. Preferably, at least 50% of the wall of the irradiation space is provided with a reflector (e.g., one-piece and / or bent), the reflector being 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 um- Holds 6 to 12 light-emitting diodes so that the specified emission maximum can be mimicked. For this purpose, the light-emitting diodes can 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 device for the light-emitting diode arrangement is preferably mounted in the interior of the housing. The control unit is connected on the one hand to a current or voltage source and on the other hand to the light-emitting diode arrangement. The irradiation duration and / or the irradiation power can be varied by means of the control unit due to manual and / or automatic control commands. An influence of the irradiation power is achieved primarily by the variation of a power supply to the LEDs. The irradiation time is limited by the supply of current to the LEDs.

The device comes with a surprisingly small number of light emitting diodes with a relatively narrow beam angle, which in particular has a cost-effective production and cost-effective maintenance of the irradiation device result. In addition, the radiation is concentrated on the fingers and / or toes. This reduces the zone of influence of the light on the surrounding hand areas or foot areas. Thus, the effects of such irradiation on the skin surrounding the nails can also be reduced.

According to a development of the device, the light emitting diodes are in contact with a metallic heat sink. In the case of the light-emitting diodes used here, so-called high-power light-emitting diodes are preferably used, which are provided with high power Be operated currents, 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. Even if there is only a short period of irradiation on a regular basis, at least a remarkable heat source inside the irradiation room should at least be attenuated. Therefore, it is proposed here that the light-emitting diodes are in contact with a metallic heat sink, the light-emitting diodes advantageously being mounted directly on this heat sink, which dissipates the heat produced by the light-emitting diodes.

Furthermore, it is also proposed that the light-emitting diode arrangement has a radiation power in the range of 10 watts to 50 watts. The light-emitting diode arrangement should in particular be able to provide at least 40 watts. In such an irradiation power relatively few LEDs can be used, for example, only 8th

According to an advantageous development of the device, the light-emitting diode arrangement has a non-perpendicular main irradiation direction with respect to the support. In other words, this means that the main direction of irradiation is not directed vertically from top to bottom towards the support. Preferably, the main direction of irradiation is inclined, advantageously from an area above the fingers or the hand to the fingernails, in which case the reflector surfaces opposite the fingernails enable a uniform irradiation of the fingernails. In particular, in combination with the substantially linear arrangement of the light-emitting diodes in the manner of a semicircle or an elliptical section, moreover, a uniform distance to the fingernails can be realized. Thus, the irradiation can be further focused on the fingernails.

It is also advantageous that the control unit has storage means for the retrievable storage of temporal irradiation performance curves. This will opens the fact that by the selection of certain irradiation performance curves automatically adapted to the respective situation irradiation is initiated by the control unit.

Furthermore, it is also proposed that a read-write unit be provided for retrieving and integrating information relating to a storage means. In this way, the storage means can be updated, for example, with regard to the photopolymerizable compounds used. For this purpose, the read-write unit can be connected to external data processing systems, for example, and new information can be transmitted to the storage means. Such a connection can also be wireless, for example via the Internet.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the control unit is connected to identification means which realize a predetermined temporal irradiation performance curve 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. For appropriate identification, color patterns (e.g., attached to the package of the nail gels), bar codes, and the like may be interrogated. 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.

In a further development of the device, the housing has a lateral opening towards the irradiation space, in which the tray is arranged to be horizontally movable. A horizontally arranged support has the advantage that a very comfortable position of the hand during irradiation is possible. By means of the horizontal mobility of the support a safe imports of the hand or the foot is 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 the Foot is guaranteed relative to the LED array. Preferably, the device has several, possibly different, conditions, so that a position of the support is provided, in which it is easily detachable from the device. The interchangeability of the support has the advantage that at the same time a cleaning of such a support and an irradiation by means of another edition can be performed.

In particular, for this it is advantageous that the support is releasably locked in a guide of the housing. Advantageously, the housing has a corresponding rail-like guide, engage in the corresponding projections of the support. In an end position the pad can then be removed.

It is further proposed that the support has fastening means for releasably securing a protective layer. Such a protective layer may, for example, be a type of foil or the like which is applied to partial regions of the overlay. With such a protective layer in particular the hygiene can be improved. The attachment means may be, for example, grooves, hooks or the like in which e.g. a rubbery stretch film is anchored.

It is also advantageous if the device has cleaning means for at least partial cleaning and / or disinfection of the irradiation space and / or the support and / or a protective layer of a support. The cleaning agents may in particular comprise brushes, nozzles, scrapers, cleaning or disinfectant tanks and the like.

Furthermore, it is also proposed that the support has a front, directed toward the irradiation room end face, with a staggered edge extending to the attachment of the knuckles or toe ankles is provided. The aim of this provision is to ensure a more accurate alignment of the finger or toenails to light emitting diode array. In known editions, it is customary to make an outgoing from the palm of your hand positioning of the nails. In Considering different proportions of palm and finger, the positioning was no longer sufficiently accurate. Therefore, a substantially straight edge was provided here, against which the knuckles or toe knuckles are applied. In particular, differently pronounced heel of the hand no longer play a noteworthy role. The edge is preferably at a distance of 9 to 11 cm from the front end.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the device in which an emergency switch is provided for interrupting the irradiation process. Advantageously, this emergency switch is designed to cooperate with the support, so that, for example, when moving out of the support, the irradiation is automatically interrupted or interrupted. Very particular preference is given to an embodiment wherein the emergency switch is at the same time an activation switch, so that irradiation can take place, for example, when the position of the support is in the inserted position. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if the support cooperates with so-called limit switches, the one end position has the interruption of the radiation result, while the other end position, the radiation is only released.

According to yet another embodiment of the device, wherein the housing has a lateral opening to the irradiation space, this Öfϊhung is provided with a screen. This screen can be arranged quite flexible, so that they can move, for example, to import the hand or foot in the irradiation room away. Taking into account the reflectors arranged on the inside, the screen continues to increase the operational reliability of the device.

Furthermore, contact inhibiting means may be provided which hinder a contact of the light-emitting diodes. This ensures, in particular, that the operator can not reach the light-emitting diodes during handling of the device due to uncontrolled movements. This reduces graces the risk of injury to the user and increases the life of the LEDs.

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 for irradiating photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails is proposed 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 of 360 to 410 nm, preferably 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 has been found that for a uniform cure of such nail gels on the finger or on the toe as far as possible non-constant irradiation conditions should be created. In particular, in the case of the high-performance light-emitting diodes described above, the changed curing behavior and the user's perception must be taken into account. Therefore, it has been found to be advantageous to carry out such a highly concentrated irradiation with different irradiation powers, even if this possibly results in a longer irradiation duration.

In this case, a method is particularly preferred in which the irradiation is carried out with a varying irradiation power during one period of time and a further period of time with a constant irradiation power. This means in particular that in a period of time, the irradiation power, preferably constant, is increased or decreased. This makes it possible for the user to to get used to and / or wean off again. This significantly improves the ease of use. In addition, the different layers of the nail gel are achieved more uniformly by these varying irradiation powers.

It is particularly advantageous to start the irradiation with a low power phase, which lasts for 10 to 15 seconds, in particular for 30 to 45 seconds. In this "warm-up phase", the nail gels are irradiated uniformly and less intensively, whereby the formation of superficial hardening layers is largely avoided, which would impair a possibly required depth effect of the light.

It is preferred that the irradiation takes place in a low-power phase with a radiation power in the range of 6 to 14 watts, in particular in the range of about 10 watts.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the irradiation after a low-power phase is converted into 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 takes place in a high-power phase with an irradiation phase in the range above 20 watts, in particular in a range of 20 to 30 watts.

Further, for the curing of nail gels, it is proposed that the irradiation be terminated with a high-performance phase lasting for 30 to 60 seconds, in particular for 40 to 50 seconds.

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

In principle, it is preferred that these time segments are executed repetitively during irradiation, so that, for example, the above-mentioned time segments are subdivided into a plurality of pulse irradiation sections (in particular more than 3, in particular 5, 6 or 7). Very particular preference is then in particular the following method:

1st impulse:

Low power phase: 3 to 10 seconds with approx. 1.0 - 1.5 mW / cm ²

High power phase: 1 to 3 seconds with approx. 6.0 - 8.0 mW / cm

2nd pulse: Low power phase: 20 to 30 seconds with approx. 0.3 - 0.5 mW / cm High power phase: 0.2 to 1 second with approx. 3.5 - 4.5 mW / cm ²

3rd impulse:

Low power phase: 15 to 25 seconds with approx. 0.3 - 0.5 mW / cm High power phase: 0.5 to 2 seconds with approx. 2.5 - 3.5 mW / cm ²

4th impulse:

Low power phase: 6 to 15 seconds with approx. 0.3 - 0.5 mW / cm High power phase: 0.5 to 2 seconds with approx. 1.8 - 2.3 mW / cm ²

5th impulse:

Low power phase: 2 to 10 seconds with approx. 2.5 - 3.5 mW / cm ² High power phase: 0.5 to 2 seconds with approx. 6.0 - 8.0 mW / cm ²

It should be noted that the power density (mW / cm) was determined at a distance of 50 mm from the lenses of the LED. Note and to emphasize as particularly preferred are the following

aspects:

At least a portion of successive pulses are implemented with a reduced power density (L) of the respective high power phases

(L1> L2> L3> L4).

The low power phase of the last pulse is higher than the high power phase of the penultimate pulse, so that in particular over the last two pulses always an increase in power density is realized. The first and last pulses have the highest power density, in particular both high power phases forming the longest duration of all high power phases.

In principle, the pulses can also be repeated one at a time before the next pulse is activated.

The procedure in connection with the device can be easily adapted if a user interface is provided with the parameters for pulse according to the wishes of the operator and / or depending on the nail gel (eg directly by detection and retrieval from a data memory) , Duration and / or power density can be adjusted. For this purpose, the device can have a terminal or be connected to one with which the input or activation of the method is made possible.

Particularly preferred photoinitiators to be used in the polymerizable nail gels are: methyl benzoylformate; Ethyl 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphenylphosphinate; 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone; (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl) phosphinepoxide; Bis (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) -

phenylphosphine; benzophenone; 1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone; Phenylglyoxalsäuremethylester; 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropane-1-one. The invention and the technical environment will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred embodiments, to which the invention is not limited. Shown schematically:

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

2 shows a further embodiment variant of the device according to the invention,

3 shows an illustration of the configuration of a light-emitting diode for use in a device according to the invention,

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

5 shows an embodiment variant of a support for a hand, and

6 shows a representation of an irradiation method.

1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment variant of the device 1 according to the invention in partial cross-section. The device 1 comprises a housing 2, which forms an irradiation space 3. In the irradiation room 3, a support 4 for fingers or tens (not shown) is partially provided. On the inner wall of the irradiation chamber 3, a large-area reflector 5 is provided. The light-emitting diode arrangement 6 is arranged at the top in the housing 2 and radiates light into the irradiation space 3 with an emission maximum in the range of preferably 400 to 405 μm. The light is generated with light-emitting diodes 7, which are arranged linearly in the light-emitting diode arrangement 6. The LEDs 7 are mounted on a metallic heat sink 11, the dissipates the heat generated during operation of the LEDs 7 heat. To prevent contact of the arranged in the interior of 3 fingers or toes with the light emitting diodes 7, a contact disabling means 25 is provided. To protect the user, the lateral opening 16 is provided with a viewing aperture 24 towards the irradiation space 3. For controlling the irradiation by means of the light-emitting diodes 7, a control unit 10 is furthermore provided, which controls the irradiation duration and the irradiation power. For operation of the device 1, this is carried out with a power supply 26, which realizes the required voltage source for operation.

Fig. 2 shows schematically a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1. The support 4, which is provided on the surface with a padding 28 for fixing the handball can be introduced horizontally in the irradiation chamber 3, wherein a distance 29 of, for example, more than 5 cm is realized. However, the route may be e.g. be different or adjustable depending on the type and / or size of the edition. For this purpose, the support 4 is releasably locked in a corresponding guide 17 of the housing 2. Shown is also the emergency switch 23, which prevents a power supply to the light-emitting diode array 6 in retracted position of the support 4. To identify the retracted position of the support 4, two corresponding positioning detection means can be provided, for example, in the base plate 27 of the housing 2.

On the outer circumferential surface of the housing 2, a mirror 31 can additionally be provided which, for example, allows an enlarged representation of the fingernails for subsequent inspection.

In the embodiment variant shown here, a plurality of selector switches 30 are provided for realizing different irradiation modes by means of the control unit 10. As a voltage source, this device 1 is equipped with a battery 32, which is advantageously rechargeable. In Fig. 3, the preferred characteristics of the light emitting diode 7 are illustrated. Accordingly, the light-emitting diode 7 has, as shown on the left in FIG. 3, a main radiation direction 12, with the light emitting diodes 7 used here having a maximum radiation angle 9 of less than 60 °, advantageously of at most 40 °. The light-emitting diode 7 radiates highly monochromatic light with an emission maximum 8 in the range of advantageously 400 to 405 nm. For illustration, a diagram is shown on the right side of FIG. 3, wherein the intensity 33 is shown over the wavelength 34.

4 shows schematically a line-like arrangement of light-emitting diodes 7 on a heat sink 11 of the light-emitting diode arrangement 6. In order to operate this light-emitting diode arrangement 6, which is positioned for example in a semicircular or elliptical manner around a lateral opening, then the control device 10 is used Storage means 13 for the retrievable storage of temporal irradiation performance curves. In addition, a read-write unit 14 for retrieving and integrating information regarding the storage means 13 is provided. The control unit 10 is furthermore connected to identification means 15, which realize a predetermined time irradiation performance curve as a function of external information.

Fig. 5 illustrates the position of a hand 35 on a particular embodiment of the support 4. For this purpose, the support 4 is designed with a front, directed towards the irradiation space end 21. For this purpose, an edge 22 is provided for the attachment of the knuckles 20, which may optionally be provided with a padding 28. This edge 22 allows exact positioning of the fingernails in the irradiation space, so that a desired main irradiation direction 12, which is non-perpendicular, is realized. The pad 4 shown here also has fastening means 18 for releasably securing a protective layer 19. This protective layer 19 may be, for example, a plastic molding or a protective film.

Fig. 6 now illustrates a preferred method of operating such a device. The diagram shown in FIG. 6 illustrates the irradiation performance 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 time interval 36 of about 45 seconds, a Low power phase 40 performed. This is followed by a variation of the irradiation power 39 up to a high-power phase 41 in a second time interval 37. The time duration for the second time interval 37 is selected in particular in the range of 5 seconds. This is followed by a third time section 38, in which a high-power phase 41 with an irradiation power above 20 watts is performed. Accordingly, in the embodiment variant of the method described here, the treatment duration 43 is composed of three time segments.

The device described above and the described method enable user-friendly irradiation of nail gels on fingernails or toenails of humans.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 device

2 housings

3 irradiation room

4th edition

5 reflector

6 light-emitting diode arrangement

7 LED

8 emission maximum

9 radiation angle

10 control unit

11 heat sink

12 main irradiation direction

13 storage means

14 read-write unit

15 means of identification

16 opening

17 leadership

18 fasteners

19 protective layer

20 knuckles

21 front side

22 edge

23 emergency switch

24 screen

25 contact impediment

26 power supply

27 base plate

28 padding

29 route 30 selector switch

31 mirrors

32 battery

33 intensity 34 wavelength

35 hand

36 first period

37 second period of time

38 third period 39 irradiation power

40 low power phase

41 high performance phase

42 time

43 treatment duration

Claims

claims

1. Device (1) for the irradiation of photopolymerizable compounds on fingernails or toenails having at least:

a housing (2),

an irradiation space (3) which is at least partially formed by the housing (2) and in which a support (4) for fingers or toes is provided, this at least partially being designed with a reflector (5), - a light-emitting diode arrangement (6 ) positioned in the irradiation space (3) and comprising between 6 and 12 light-emitting diodes (7), so that an emission maximum (8) in the range 360 to 410 nm, preferably 380 to 410 nm and in particular in the range of 400 to 405 nm, wherein the light emitting diodes (7) have a maximum radiation angle (9) of less than 60 °,

- A control unit (10) for the light emitting diode array (6), which controls at least the irradiation time or the irradiation power.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting diodes with a metallic see heat sink (11) are in contact.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light emitting diode array (6) is an irradiation power in the range of 10 W to 50 W.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light-emitting diode arrangement (6) with respect to the support (4) has a non-perpendicular main irradiation direction (12).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control ergerät (lθ) storage means (13) for the retrievable storage of temporal

Irradiation performance has.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a read-write unit (14) for retrieving and integrating information relating to a storage means (13) is provided.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (10) with identification means (15) is connected, which realize a predetermined temporal irradiation performance as a function of external information.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) has a lateral opening (16) towards the irradiation space (3), in which the support (4) is arranged horizontally movable.

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (4) releasably in a guide (17) of the housing (2) is locked.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (4) fastening means (18) for releasably securing a protective layer (19).

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning means for at least partial cleaning and / or Desüifizierung the irradiation space (3) and / or the support (4) and / or a protective layer (19) of a support (4 ) are provided.

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (4) has a front towards the irradiation chamber (2) aligned end face (21), wherein an offset thereto extending edge (22) provided for the attachment of the knuckles or toe bones is.

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an emergency switch (23) is provided for interrupting the irradiation process.

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) has a lateral opening (16) towards the irradiation space (3), which is provided with a screen (24).

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact obstruction means (25) are provided which obstructs a touch of the LED (7).

16. A method of irradiating photopolymerisable compounds on fingers ^• ger or toenails proposed which holds at least the following steps environmentally: - applying a nail gel with photopolymerisable compounds on fingernails or toenails,

- Irradiation of the nail gel over a given irradiation period 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 carried out with different irradiation power.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the irradiation during a period of varying and a further period of time is performed with a constant Irradationsleisrung.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the irradiation starts with a low-power phase, which lasts for 10 to 15 seconds.

The method of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the irradiation is in a low power phase with an irradiation power in the range of 6 to 14 watts.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the irradiation is transferred to a high-power phase after a period of 3 to 7 seconds after a low power phase.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the irradiation is terminated with a high-power phase, which lasts for 30 to 60 seconds.