DEVICE FOR THE PHYSICAL RELAXATION OF A PERSON

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the physical relaxation of a person. The device comprises at least one contact surface (11), on which at least parts of the person come into physical contact with the device. The device additionally comprises at least one relaxation means for generating and/or blocking stimuli in order to relax the person and at least one lighting means (13), which is designed to emit optical radiation in a wavelength range between 200 nm and 230 nm and supply a radiation region with optical radiation with a peak ranging between 207 and 222 nm. The invention also relates to the use of a lighting means for the aforementioned purpose and to a method for disinfecting a device for the physical relaxation of a person.

Claims

1. A device for physical relaxation of a human, comprising: a. at least one contact surface on which at least parts of the human come into physical contact with the device; b. at least one relaxation means for producing and/or inhibiting a stimulus/stimuli to relax the human; and c. at least one light source adapted to emit optical radiation in a wavelength range between 200 nm and 230 nm, and wherein said at least one light source is adapted to irradiate a radiation area with optical radiation having a peak in a wavelength range between 207 nm and 222 nm.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said light source is adapted to expose said radiation area to optical radiation having a peak in a wavelength range between 207 nm and 222 nm, such that within said radiation area there is a dose between at least 0.5 mJ/cm.sup.2 to at most 450 mJ/cm.sup.2.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises an excimer-based lamp.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a band-pass filter adapted to substantially let pass therethrough wavelengths within a spectral range between 200 nm and 230 nm.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the band-pass filter is a short-pass filter having a transmission range of less than 230 nm.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a cooling system, particularly comprises a flow generator for cooling by air.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a plurality of light sources, each having a radiation area.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the radiation area is adapted to substantially completely cover the at least one contact surface in the unused state.

9. The device according to claim 1, comprising a control unit for the light source(s).

10. The device according to claim 1, comprising a carrier for holding the at least one light source, particularly wherein the carrier is configured as a swivel arm with at least one joint for aligning the radiation area.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the relaxation device for producing and/or inhibiting a stimulus/stimuli for human relaxation is a relaxation device selected from the group consisting of: massage table, therapy chair, dry massager, bath tub, sensory deprivation and/or attenuation capsule, and automatic massager.

12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a ventilation system for generating a ventilation flow, and at least one disinfection chamber in fluid communication of the ventilation flow and adapted to perform physical disinfection of the ventilation flow.

13. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor adapted to detect the position of the light source relative to the contact surface.

14. A method of using at least one light source, which is designed to emit optical radiation in a wavelength range between 200 nm and 230 nm, for generating a radiation area with optical radiation having a peak in a wavelength range between 207 nm and 222 nm in a relaxation device, such that a contact surface of the relaxation device is irradiated in the effective range of the radiation area.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein a carrier is provided for functional connection to the relaxation device, such that the radiation area can be aligned relative to the contract surface.

16. A method of disinfecting a device for physical relaxation of a human, comprising the steps of: a. providing at least one light source adapted to emit optical radiation in a wavelength range between 200 nm and 230 nm for exposing a radiation area to optical radiation having a peak in a wavelength range between 207 nm and 222 nm; b. positioning the light source so that at least one contact surface of the device to be disinfected is located in a radiation area; and c. exposure of the surface to radiation with a peak in a wavelength range between 207 nm and 222 nm.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the positioning is performed via a controller.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the positioning is performed by means of a carrier designed as a swivel arm.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the positioning is performed automatically by a control unit based on a detected position of the light source relative to the contact surface.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein said light source is adapted to expose said radiation area to optical radiation having a peak in a wavelength range between 207 nm and 222 nm, such that within said radiation area there is a dose between at least 2 mJ/cm.sup.2 to at most 20 mJ/cm.sup.2.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0077] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures. Wherein:

[0078] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0079] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0080] FIG. 3a shows a component set for upgrading an existing physical relaxation device;

[0081] FIG. 3b shows a detailed view of the light source of device 3a;

[0082] FIG. 4 shows another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, and

[0083] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0084] FIG. 6 shows a transmission curve of a suitable band-pass filter, and

[0085] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a wavelength range according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] FIG. 1 shows a basic embodiment of a device according to the invention. The device is a device for physical relaxation of a person, in which the person seeking relaxation can assume a lying position. A contact surface 11 is provided for this purpose, which is designed as a lying surface. In the present example, the lying surface is anatomically shaped such that a head area has a support function at the neck. The contact surface 11 can particularly be provided as a massage surface. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the contact surface 11 can, for example, be configured as a membrane which is capable of transferring to the user kinetic forces transmitted from a couch body 10 to the contact surface 11. Thus, the couch body 10 may be formed as a dry massage device together with a contact surface 11 configured as a membrane.

[0087] The dry massage device comprises a series of pivotable water jet nozzles and a common space filled with water between the couch neck body 10 and the contact surface 11 formed as a membrane. The massage jets can selectively massage individual areas of the body of a person lying on the device for physical relaxation with a jet of water. The membrane prevents the water jet from wetting the user in the process. Appropriate pumps inside the couch body 10 can provide a steady flow of water. In addition, such devices for physical relaxation of a person can be designed with heating and/or cooling elements to heat, respectively cool, the respective water jet. The contact surface, which is configured as a membrane, allows this temperature effect to act on the user.

[0088] In use, the contact surface 11 is exposed to direct body contact by the user. A person who wants to use the device shown for physical relaxation lies down on the contact surface 11. Thus, it is crucial that this surface is found as hygienically flawless as possible. For this purpose, the device shown in FIG. 1 has a light source 13 with a beam angle that defines a radiation area A. The beam angle is selected and controlled by the shape of the lamp and any reflectors in the lamp body in such a way that the contact surface is located in the radiation area from the head end to the foot end and over the entire width of the contact surface and can be exposed to the respective optical radiation. In the present example, the light source is connected to the couch body 10 via a carrier 12. The couch body 10 can be positioned on a surface by means of feet 9.

[0089] In particular embodiments, the feet 9 may further comprise rollers to make the devices movable.

[0090] In the present example, the light source is selected to emit UV radiation at a wavelength of 222 nm. To ensure that the wavelength is within as narrow a spectrum as possible, with a peak at 222 nm, a narrow spectrum krypton chlorine excimer lamp is used in this example. In addition, the lamp is designed with a band-pass filter that substantially absorbs wavelengths outside 222 nm. For example, short-pass filters made of synthetic quartz glass with single or multiple coatings are suitable.

[0091] In operation, the light source can act continuously. Any safety limits and maximum doses can be set. As a rule, such devices are in any case limited in their duration of use. For example, devices accessible in public spaces for the relaxation of a person are often equipped with a payment system with which the respective user purchases a certain unit of time for use on the device. Preferably, a non-contact payment system is used for a device according to the invention. A typical treatment on a massage table according to the invention, e.g. the dry massage table described at the outset, lasts between five and 45 minutes. Due to the low effects of the wavelengths mentioned for the human body as well as for the human eye, and its effectiveness regarding microorganisms, the respective light source does not need to be switched off during use. On the contrary, it may even be desirable if, in addition to the massage effect, a disinfecting effect of the user's clothing or body also takes place.

[0092] In addition, in the present example, air cooling may be provided for the krypton chlorine gas lamp with a peak at 222 nm.

[0093] Another embodiment according to the invention of the device is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 can be used, for example, as an inhaler and steam hood in which an inhalation treatment is performed while the user is seated. The capsule shown in FIG. 2 can also be used as a relaxation capsule, e.g. by using sensory deprivation materials such as insulating materials.

[0094] Accordingly, the device for relaxing a person shown in FIG. 2 has a contact surface 11 in the form of a seating surface. This contact surface 11 is based on a chair body 14, which can also be placed on the ground by means of feet 9. A hood 16 which extends over the head and shoulders to the middle of a user's torso is provided in the head area of the contact surface 11, on which a person seeking relaxation can sit down. The hood can be configured to be movable, so that it can be transferred from an open (not shown) to a closed state (shown) via a swivel mechanism. This makes it easier for people to climb on the device. Inside the hood is a defined hood volume. The hood can be opened and closed via a pivot axis 15. Some devices of the type shown are mechanically capable of opening and closing the hood 16. For example, after a selected program, the hood can be closed automatically and a respective relaxation program can run. Devices shown may have a variety of possible relaxation programs. For example, the hood 16 may be lined or formed with noise attenuating materials, such as acoustic foams, such that noise attenuation occurs internally and relaxation is possible through auditory deprivation. It is also conceivable that additional loudspeakers are provided inside the hood to play an appropriate music or speech program, such as a guided meditation. The material of the hood 16 may be transparent, opaque or non-transparent, depending on the desired type of relaxation. Also, outlet nozzles may be provided for vapors and odorous substances, which create a relaxing atmosphere inside the hood 16 by supplying such substances to a user's respiration. Also conceivable are various light programs, which can promote relaxation.

[0095] In a particular embodiment, for example, the hood and hood interior may be configured to play a light program corresponding to a forest spectrum. At the same time, relaxing forest sounds, such as the rustling of leaves or the chirping of birds, can be played, and relaxation-promoting scents and substances such as resin and pine scents can be fed into the hood via an outlet.

[0096] In the present example, the contact surface 11 is not a planar surface, but is divided into different areas. Accordingly, a plurality of light sources 13 have been provided on the hood, each having its own radiation area A1, A2, A3. The reflectors and lamp geometry for radiation areas are selected such that essentially the entire contact surface 11 can be exposed to the respective radiation. In particularly used areas, e.g. in the area of a headrest (not shown), two light sources can form an overlapping area between the radiation areas A1 and A2 to even increase the disinfection effect. For efficiency reasons, in the present example, one light source 13 is then sufficient in less critical areas, such as the foot area, to form a radiation area A3 that disinfects the foot area. As in the device shown above according to FIG. 1, the light sources do not need to be switched off in this embodiment as well when they are used by humans, since the light sources 13 comprise lamps capable of emitting a spectrum with a peak of 207 nm.

[0097] Appropriate band-pass filters can further narrow the wavelength range so that the peak becomes more specific and the corresponding adverse effects of UV radiation on the body are avoided without diminishing the disinfecting effect of the UV light. In the present example, a krypton bromine excimer lamp is used to generate a 207 nm UV light wavelength.

[0098] Such lamps are known with respect to their mode of operation (Buonanno M., et al. 207-nm UV Light—A Promising Tool for Safe Low-Cost Reduction of Surgical Site Infections; In Vitro Studies. PLoS One 8(10), 2013).

[0099] In order to further improve the disinfection of contact surfaces and to upgrade existing devices for physical relaxation, FIG. 3a shows a device which comprises a respective light source and can be connected to a carrier with a device for physical relaxation. The disinfection device 20 includes, at a head end, a respective light source 13 comprising an excimer lamp capable of generating optical radiation having a peak in a wavelength range between 207 and 222 nm. An energy in the radiation area of approx. 2-20 mJ/cm.sup.2 is targeted.

[0100] The light source 13 is housed in a light source socket and has an additional reflector screen 21, which controls a respective radiation cone. The reflector 21 and the light sources 13 are housed in a lamp housing 22. Preferably, the lamp housing 22 comprises means for facilitating heat dissipation, for example, ribs or fins may be provided which allow for easier heat exchange between the “placeholder” 22 and the ambient temperature. The light source 13 and the respective lamp socket form the distal end of a pivot arm. Also attached to the distal end of the “placeholder” 22 is a sensor 28 which is capable of detecting optical signals. For example, the sensor may be configured to detect motion or to detect the presence of an obstacle or user.

[0101] The optical sensor can also be configured to measure a distance. In addition, accelerometers and magnetometers (not shown) may be provided in the lamp head 22 which detect the position of the lamp head in space. The beam may be formed of various joint modules 23.1, 23.2, 23.3 and 23.4, which are connected to each other by various joints 24.1, 24.2, 24.3. The number of joint modules 23.1, . . . 23.4 and joints 24.1, 24.2, 24.3 can be formed by the desired number of degrees of freedom and the alignment geometry of the carrier.

[0102] The carrier rests on a foot element 25, which is coupled to a connecting plate 26. An interface 27 allows the device to be connected to a control system and to an electrical supply of a device for physical relaxation of a human. If said device has a respective control unit, a respective maintenance program can be carried out by the carrier and the disinfection arm, for example, by means of a data record containing the device identification and type, as well as the configuration of the device, which program ensures that the entire contact surface is treatable. For example, difficult-to-reach zones of a device for relaxation or generally of a device that can be used by the public can be reached by means of the robot, e.g., recessed grips or levers can be specifically addressed by the robot arm and irradiated with the light source.

[0103] Thus, the present embodiment is not limited to static disinfection of a static contact surface, but may perform dynamic disinfection after use, during use, or prior to use of a device for relaxation. In this case, the sensor system can be used to prevent that a user is unintentionally affected by a maintenance program in that the robot arm detects such a user and keeps an appropriate safety distance. Preferably, the light source 13 is protected from being touched by a user via contact protection.

[0104] The interface 27 may further be configured to be connected to a ventilation system. A respective ventilation flow can thus also be directed through the robot arm and ejected, for example, via respective ejection nozzles at the distal end, i.e. at the head part of the robot arm. Particularly preferably, such a ventilation system is also designed with a disinfection chamber. Since this ventilation system can include a disinfection chamber that is not in contact with the user, it can be operated with conventional disinfection, e.g., with a wavelength range of 254 nm. Thus, a device for the relaxation of a human can be generated which is safe to operate and ensures virtually germ-free use, even in public areas.

[0105] FIG. 3b shows the respective distal end, i.e. the head part of the robot arm of FIG. 3a in detail. Accordingly, the lamp housing 22 together with the accordingly mounted reflectors and the light source (not shown in FIG. 3b) form a respective radiation area A. This radiation area A can be fed as a parameter into a control unit, such that the control unit is able to use this radiation area to ensure that proper disinfection of all surfaces can take place. In fact, the control unit can guarantee that a maximum effective distance is always maintained between the light source 13 and the contact surface 11 to be disinfected. For support, the sensor 28 can dynamically detect the respective distance and forward it to the control unit.

[0106] The pivotable elements 23.4 allow numerous degrees of freedom, making it possible to o disinfect an object essentially independently of even complicated geometries with the solution according to the invention.

[0107] Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 . The device shown is a footbath device 30. The footbath device 30 also has a seat back 31 and a seat body 14, which rests on said feet 9 already described and can thus be positioned on a surface. A new feature of the footbath device 30 is a foot tub 32 which is filled with a liquid. A plurality of massage nozzles 33 which kinetically apply a jet of liquid to the lower legs and calves are formed on the side facing the seat body 14. The foot tub 34 also has two light sources 13. The light sources are positioned so that substantially the entire interior of the tub 34 can be exposed to the optical radiation.

[0108] Surprisingly, it was found that water is in no way detrimental to the mode of operation of the respective UV light in the spectrum mentioned as a transmission medium. This also ensures that the water used for the footbath device 30 is always germ-free. In accordance with the embodiments described above, the light sources 13 may emit a wavelength with a peak in the range of 207 to 222 nm, wherein one wavelength may be selected or a combination of a plurality of wavelengths and respective band-pass filters may be provided to keep the peak narrow.

[0109] FIG. 5 shows another device according to the invention, which in this case is a wearable vest with a neck portion 46. This neck portion 46 has mechanically operating massage rollers 43 which kinetically work the neck muscles and counteract relaxation of the user 41. On the body side (for illustrative purposes, the neck element 46 is shown transparent in the present example), illuminating means 13 are provided which cover the contact surface between the user 41 and the rolling rollers 43 with respective radiation areas A1, A2, such that the entire contact surface between the neck device 46 and the user 41 can be disinfected.

[0110] FIG. 6 shows a transmission curve of a suitable filter for a light source, e.g. as used in the embodiment according to FIG. 1. The filter used is a filter based on a double-coated synthetic quartz glass, e.g. made of SiCl.sub.4 (silicon tetrachloride). The coating serves as an interference filter and can be applied by means of a physical or chemical gas vapor deposition process. Particularly preferably, the filters used have a sharp transition between transmission and reflection.

[0111] The exemplary short-pass filter shown has an optical transmission of more than 90% in the range between 210 and about 230 nm, with the edge at 229 to 232 nm.

[0112] FIG. 7 shows an example of a generated wavelength for use according to the invention with a peak in the range of 222 nm. Such a wavelength can be generated when using a krypton chlorine excimer lamp with an emission spectrum with a peak at 222 nm after filtering with a filter as described for FIG. 7.

[0113] The relative power is essentially in the range of 222 nm, with a half-width of the spectrum of about 4 nm in the present example.

[0114] The present invention discloses devices and the use of light sources, as well as methods of operating said devices, which are suitable for improving public confidence in relaxation devices while providing hygienic devices that counteract the spread of germs.

[0115] It goes without saying that numerous other areas of application in the field of relaxation devices are conceivable to a person skilled in the art on the basis of the exemplary embodiments described.