Abstract:
An irradiation device for irradiating of body parts of a patient is provided, with a carrier system which provides a basic framework of the irradiation device with at least one light head with a light source for the irradiation, and a control element for operating the irradiation device. The irradiation device moreover includes a separate control module that is connected with the carrier system with at least one control for controlling the at least one light head. Innovative assembly and connection arrangements aid rapid and secure positioning.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application relates to and claims priority from German Ser. No. 10 2010 047 494.0 filed Oct. 6, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION 
     
       FIG. 2 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an irradiation device for irradiating body parts of a patient with a carrier system, at least one light head, and a control element. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Industrial applications of irradiation devices for irradiation of body parts of a patient are known from the art as so-called partial-body therapy units for the irradiation of hands, feet, or the chest, the back, breech, knee, or lower leg within the scope of so-called UV phototherapy. The known therapy units as a rule consist of an equipment carrier which designed as a trolley. Attached on the equipment carrier are light heads, so-called treatment heads, which in each case have a light source as well as ballasts for their control. The treatment heads are consequently very heavy and are therefore firmly bolted or statically locked with the equipment carrier as a rule. The treatment heads are normally aligned once during the assembly of the unit, by using special tools. With these units it is therefore not possible to adjust the treatment heads and/or the entire unit individually for the therapy of a single patient, and thus perform an ergonomic adaptation. The patient rather has to adapt to the irradiation device and must accordingly be positioned relative to the unit. This means that the patient must remain in an uncomfortable position for the entire time of the treatment, if necessary, which can sometimes last as long as several minutes. 
     Due to the firmly integrated treatment heads, the therapy unit can moreover not be adapted to different types of treatment, since it is not possible to align the treatment heads appropriately. While the emission surface for the irradiation of hands should be aligned as level as possible, the emission surface for facial treatment should essentially have a steep angle of inclination in order to be parallel to the face. A change in the alignment of the treatment heads is only possible by using corresponding tools and is also conditional upon sufficient pivotability of the treatment heads. Due to the required complexity, it can therefore not be individually adapted to the respective patient. 
     A further disadvantage results from the controls and control elements respectively integrated in the individual treatment heads as well as their decentralized configuration resulting therefrom, whereby the operation of the entire therapy unit becomes complicated. The consequence is that the user requires to have direct access to the respective treatment heads in order to operate it. Especially treatment heads that are arranged in a lower area of the therapy unit require that the user assumes a stooped posture in order to operate the unit. Where therapy units have a particular height and where treatment buttons are provided in this area, particularly shorter people have significant problems in operating these control elements as well as taking readings of corresponding displays. In addition, with therapy units known from prior art it is necessary that the user has to stand in front of the unit in order to operate it and to operate the control elements arranged on the treatment heads. It is therefore not possible to place the patient in front of the unit before it is operated. Any adjustments must have rather been completely finalized in advance. 
     Depending upon therapy, it may be required to replace the treatment heads and use with treatment heads that have a different light source, such as UV-A and UV-B light sources. With the known equipment as previously described, this would require using additional tools. Such replacement would moreover be possible only using significant force, because of the considerable weight of the treatment heads already mentioned previously. 
     Because each treatment head has its own control element and a control panel, in addition not just the operation of the individual control elements is inconvenient, but rather also a correspondingly higher number of individual control elements and/or operating elements is necessary, as a result of which a high amount of resources and expenditure is necessary. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved irradiation device for irradiating body parts of a patient with a carrier system, at least one light head, and a control element 
     ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In response, it is now recognized as an object of the invention therefore to provide an irradiation device that can be individually and ergonomically adapted to the patient to be treated, so that the patient can be placed in front of the unit in a comfortable position. In addition, the irradiation device must also be adaptable to the different types of treatments and therapies and also be easy and convenient to operate. 
     In brief an aspect of the invention is to provide an irradiation device for irradiating body parts of the patient is provided, which comprises a carrier system that provides a basic framework of the irradiation device. 
     In another aspect of the invention an irradiation device for irradiating of body parts of a patient is provided, with a carrier system which provides a basic framework of the irradiation device with at least one light head with a light source for the irradiation, and a control element for operating the irradiation device. The irradiation device moreover includes a separate control module that is connected with the carrier system with at least one control for controlling the at least one light head. Innovative assembly and connection arrangements aid rapid and secure positioning. 
     The irradiation device moreover contains at least one light head with a light source for the irradiation, and a control element for operating the irradiation device. The irradiation device moreover includes a separate control module with at least one control for controlling the at least one light head, where said separate control module is connected with the carrier system. 
     Consequently, the control of one or multiple light heads is designed as a common separate device and is not integrated in the respective light heads. Such type of control inter alia includes ballasts, in particular magnetic ballasts, and further electronic components for the control of the light sources in the at least one light head. This offers the possibility to significantly reduce the weight of the respective light head and to integrate the said components into the independent, separate control module, and to combine them there. Therefore, a single and common control of multiple light heads can be provided. Preferably, because of the combination of the individual components and controls they can be used together, which in turn preserves resources. 
     The separate control module can moreover be designed as a control cabinet or a rack. Control cabinet specifically means a housing which contains the components and electronic components which are assigned to the control for controlling the light heads. The control cabinet essentially has a stretched, rectangular structure, for example. The control cabinet is preferably designed like a panel with a small depth relative to its width and a large height. Preferably, the control cabinet preferably has at least one level front side which is facing the patient in the operational state. 
     Pursuant to a further embodiment, the at least one light head has a modular design and is detachably connected with the control module. This means that the light is exclusively arranged on the control module, but does not have its own connection to the carrier system. Furthermore, because of its modular design and the detachable connection, the light head is arranged on the control module so it can be replaced, and can be removed or replaced as required. For this purpose, the detachable connection is preferably designed such that the light head can be removed and/or inserted without using tools, but is adequately fixed for safe operation, however. 
     According to another embodiment, the control module is connected relative to the carrier system pivotable with the carrier system about a first pivot axis. In this manner, the control module can be pivoted relative to the carrier system in order to adapt the irradiation device individually to the patient undergoing the therapy. The carrier system can essentially have a U-shaped design, for example, wherein the pivot axis is supported on the two outer ends of the two legs of the U-shaped carrier system so that it connects the two ends to each other. 
     Preferably, the at least one light head his pivotable relative to the control module about a second pivot axis, in each case. This facilitates improved, universal applicability of the respective light head, since it can be pivoted into the optimal position for the respective application. If the back of the hand of a patient placed in front of the unit is to be irradiated, for example, then the light head can be pivoted such that its direction of radiation is aligned parallel to the hand, for example. If, on the other hand, the face of the patient is to be irradiated, then the direction of radiation can be rotated into the desired direction by pivoting the light head. 
     The first pivot axis and the respective second pivot axis are preferably essentially aligned parallel to one another. This facilitates a particularly advantageous and flexible adaptation of the irradiation device to the different body sizes of the patients undergoing therapy. Both the first as well as also the second pivot axis can be essentially horizontally aligned in their operating status, for example. 
     Pursuant to a further embodiment, the at least one light head is communicatively connected with the separate control module for exchange of information. The exchange of information between the light head and the control module is particularly important to take into account the type of lamp used, in order to exclude a malfunction or incorrect radiation doses and to ensure the patient&#39;s safety. 
     Because of the option of being able to replace the at least one light head, the control module is preferably designed such that it can identify the respective light head. This includes the identification of the slot where the respective light head is arranged as well as the ability to read out a storage medium provided in the light head. In this storage medium, at least one of the following specifications is stored, for example: component parts of the lamp, i.e. type of light source, intensity, operating time and/or serial number of the respective light head. Naturally, also other or additional specifications can have been stored. 
     These specifications are preferably read out by means of a bus system at predefined times, at regular intervals, or after fitting a new light head onto the control module. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the first pivot axis runs essentially through a center of gravity of the control module. The torques can thus be reduced because of the own weight of the control module, and the stability of the irradiation device can be increased. 
     Pursuant to another embodiment, the carrier system can be designed mobile so that the irradiation device can traverse. This facilitates particularly easy handling as well as universal applicability of the irradiation device. 
     The at least one light head is preferably respectively connected by means of detachable plug-and-socket devices with the control module. 
     For this purpose, the control module has corresponding receptacles in the form of plug-in places for inserting at least one light head. If several of these plug-in places exist, then the one or the several light heads can be preferably placed onto these in any combination. The detachable plug-and-socket devices can be combined with further form-closed and/or force-closed type of connections. Preferably, a combined connection for inserting and subsequently locking the light head in place by means of pivoting the light head pursuant to  FIGS. 1 to 12  can be provided. 
     Pursuant to a further embodiment, the control element of the irradiation device is connected pivotable about at least a third pivot axis with the control module. The control element can therefore be moved into different positions, which thus permits individual adaptation for the respective purpose or to the operating personnel. The control element is preferably connected pivotable with the control module via a swivel arm and can engage in defined swivel positions, so that unintentional pivoting is prevented during the operation of the control element. The respective detent mechanism can be designed such that in order to perform the adjustment, the control element or the swivel arm must initially be lifted from a latched position by pivoting the control element and/or the pivot arm into the desired position, for example. The control element and/or the swivel arm will preferably reengage into the desired position on its own. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one light head can be pivoted by an angle which is made up from the amount of a swivel angle of the control module about the first pivot axis and an additional 180°. If the pivoting element can therefore be pivoted by up to 20°, then the light head can be pivoted about its second pivot axis by at least 200°. This presents the possibility to operate the light head both for radiation in a first direction as well as also in one direction that is opposite by 180° hereto, even if the control module is additionally pivoted. If the direction of radiation of the light head in a first position for irradiating a foot is vertical to the bottom, for example, then the light head can be pivoted throughout the aforementioned angular range such that the direction of radiation points to the top in the opposite direction. 
     The at least one light head can include at least one supporting arm for the detachable connection with at least one holder element formed on the control module for partially holding the at least one supporting arm, for example. The holder elements, also designated as holders in the following, are arranged on the previously described front side that is facing the patient during operation, for example. 
     The supporting arm is preferably U-shaped, wherein a casing of the light head is arranged between the two legs of the U-shaped supporting arm so that it can be pivoted relative to it. A base section of the U-shaped supporting arm which joins the two legs is connected with the control module in the assembled state. 
     In the assembled state, the base section of the U-shaped supporting arm is preferably connected with the front side facing the patient during operation. 
     The at least one supporting arm can furthermore include at least one locking lever for the optional engagement of the light head on the control module. The control module has appropriately designed holder elements for this purpose, into which the locking lever can engage by means of a latch lug at least in sections. 
     In addition, the at least one light head can be fixable optionally relative to the control module by means of a latching arrangement. 
     The swiveling motion of the light head about the second pivot axis can therefore be optionally arrested by means of the latching arrangement, and the light head can be aligned correspondingly. 
     The invention furthermore teaches that a light head is proposed, which is designed according to the description provided. Likewise, a rack pursuant to the description is proposed, which consists of at least the carrier system and a control element as well as a control module designed according to the description for holding a correspondingly designed light head. 
     The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation of an irradiation device as taught by the invention in the vertical position. 
         FIG. 2  is the irradiation device as taught by the invention according to  FIG. 1 , in a pivoted position. 
         FIG. 3  is the irradiation device as taught by the invention from  FIG. 1 , in a horizontal position with the control element unfolded. 
         FIG. 4  is the irradiation device as taught by the invention from  FIG. 1  in a further horizontal position with the control element folded up. 
         FIG. 5  is a light head as taught by the invention for an irradiation device according to the  FIGS. 1-4  in a side elevation of a support arm and casing is shown in two pivoted positions through a pivot turn, from a first position to a second pivoted position. 
         FIG. 6  is the irradiation device as taught by the invention as a front elevation with an installed light head. 
         FIG. 7 , with details A and B, is a lateral projection of a light head in the installed state, with a lateral detail view of a latching arrangement as well as a lateral detail view of a locking lever. 
         FIG. 8 , with details C and D, is a horizontal projection of the irradiation device as taught by the invention with a cutaway detail view of the latching arrangement as well as a cutaway detail view of a contact connection of a light head with the irradiation device. 
         FIG. 9 , with details E and F, is a further lateral view of the light head. 
         FIG. 10 , with details G and H, is a further lateral view of the light head pursuant to  FIG. 7  with the latching arrangement detached. 
         FIG. 11 , and details J and K, and  FIG. 12 , with details L and M, are the light head according to  FIGS. 9 and 10  in the unlatched state of the locking lever and the latching arrangement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       FIG. 1  shows an irradiation device  1  as taught by the invention in the vertical position. The irradiation device  1  comprises a carrier system  30  which provides a basic framework of the irradiation device  1  and carries its further components. In the represented embodiment it is designed traversable by means of castors on a foot  30   a  of the carrier system  30 . 
     The carrier system  30  has two legs  30   b  that essentially extend in a vertical direction from the foot  30   a , which are respectively supported on the foot  30   a  by means of a brace  30   c . The legs  30   b  together with the foot  30   a  form an essentially U-shaped design of the carrier system  30  (see  FIGS. 3 and 6 ). Each of the two legs  30   b  has a bearing  21  on one end facing away from the foot  30   a , in which a first pivot axis  21  is supported. This connects a separate control module  20  pivotable to the carrier system  30 , in which controls for controlling of light heads  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  of the irradiation device  1 , in particular its ballasts, are arranged. The weight of the individual light heads  11 - 14  can therefore be reduced. The control module  20  represented is designed as a control cabinet, which is designed with a longitudinal extension aligned vertically and essentially plate-like with a domed rear side. In the represented embodiment, the control module  20  is suspended by means of the first pivot axis  31  at its center of gravity on the carrier system  30 , and can be pivoted about the first pivot axis  31 . The swiveling motion can be limited in the bearings  21  by stops (not shown), for example. Preferably, a swiveling motion of the control module  20  from the starting position represented in  FIG. 1  is possible with a angle of inclination of 0° relative to the perpendicular in a pivoted position pursuant to  FIG. 2  with an angle of inclination of 20°, for example, relative to the perpendicular and/or the starting position for an anatomical and ergonomic adaptation to a patient undergoing radiation. The swiveling of the control module  20  can be performed by means of gearing  24  or  25 . 
     The described control module  20 , designed as a control cabinet, has a first front side  20   a , which in an operating status is facing a patient undergoing radiation. On this front side  20   a , multiple holders  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  are arranged for the detachable connection of the modularly designed light heads  11 - 14  with the control module  20 . The represented light heads  11 - 14  have supporting arms  16 , which on one end of the respective light head facing away have pivot pins for insertion into the holders  41 - 44 . After inserting the pivot pins into the holders  41 - 44  of the control module  20 , the respective light head can be swiveled in a downward motion and be connected with a plug-and-socket device located below the pivot pin for the control module  20  and/or detachably engaged into it (see  FIG. 5 ). In the embodiment represented, four holders  41 - 44  for light heads  11 - 14  are represented, which can be occupied and combined as desired. Apart from the illustrated assignment of all four holders  41 - 44 , for example, likewise merely one, two, or three of the holders  41 - 44  can be assigned in any combination, whereby a particularly flexible possibility for combining the light heads  11 - 14  is obtained. A different center of gravity position of the pivotable control module  20  which is created in this context can be supported by the irreversibility of the gearing  24  or  25 . Naturally it is also possible to provide a corresponding irradiation device  1  with a larger or lesser number of holders  41 - 44  and light heads  11 - 14 . 
     Each of the light heads  11 - 14  includes a casing  15  which can be pivoted about a second pivot axis  17  relative to the respective supporting arm  16  and/or the control module  20 , as a result of which the light heads  11 - 14  can be universally adapted individually for the irradiation of highly different body sections. 
     The irradiation device  1  in addition has a control element  50  for operating the irradiation device  1 , particularly for the central control of the light heads  11 - 14  via the common control element  50 . This can be pivoted about a third pivot axis  53  relative to the control module  20 . The control element  50  can therefore be pivoted and operated in the vicinity of the front side  20   a  of the control module  20  pursuant to the  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, the control element  50  can be pivoted pursuant to  FIG. 4  onto a rear side of the irradiation device  1 . For this purpose, the control element  50  of the irradiation device  1  can be pivoted by at least 180°. The control element  50  is preferably connected with the control module  20  by means of a swivel arm  51  which is designed to lock into its end positions, so that inadvertent twisting is prevented during operation of the control element  50 . In order to adjust the control element  50  and/or the swivel arm  51 , it must be lifted out of its detent mechanism and can then subsequently be put into a desired position. A negative tilt of the control element  50  in case of a pivoted control module  20  pursuant to  FIG. 2  which could theoretically develop, will be obviated by a tilted arrangement of the third pivot axis  53  as well as by a respective construction of the swivel arm  51 . The control element  50  therefore stands at least vertical, even with a tilted control module  20 . Any further joints are therefore unnecessary, and the irradiation device  1  can be operated optimally. 
     As previously mentioned,  FIG. 2  shows the irradiation device  1  as taught by the invention in a pivoted position  23 . Because of the tilt of the control module  20  about an angle of inclination of 20° relative to the perpendicular  22 , the light heads  11  and  12  arranged above the bearing  21  move towards a patient who is sitting in front of the irradiation device  1 . 
     The light heads  13  and  14  arranged below the bearing  21 , are swiveled away from the patient, however. In this manner, the described ergonomic adaptation to the respective patient can be performed. With tall patients, for example, the control module  20  can be brought into the pivoted position  23 , whereas with small patients, the control module  20  can be brought into the upright position  22 , since in the upright position  22  the distance of the light heads  13  and  14  is reduced for the irradiation of feet to the light heads  11  and  12  for the irradiation of hands. 
       FIG. 3  shows the irradiation device  1  as taught by the invention from  FIG. 1  in a horizontal projection with a folded-out control element  50 , the control panel  52  of which faces into the same direction A like the front side  20   a.    
     In  FIG. 4 , the irradiation device  1  as taught by the invention is represented pursuant to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , wherein the control element  50  is pivoted by 180° relative to the position shown in  FIG. 3  and is thus arranged on a rear side B of the irradiation device  1 . The control panel  52  is therefore to be operated from the rear side of the irradiation device  1 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a light head  12  as taught by the invention for an irradiation device  1  according to one of the  FIGS. 1-4  in a lateral view in two different pivoted positions 0° and 200°, which are respectively represented by dashed lines. In each case, an emission surface and/or a light exit surface X of the casing  15  serves as a reference surface, which in a starting position 0° with a swivel angle 0° is directed vertically down and in a position swiveled by 200° faces oblique to the top. 
     For this purpose, the casing  15  of the light head  12  can be swiveled relative to its supporting arms  16  about the second pivot axis  17 . It is thus possible to align the light exit surface X also in the case of the swiveled control module  20  level to the top and/or level to the bottom. This will ensure an optimal adaptation to the ergonomics of the patient and the selected form of treatment. Preferably, the connection cables for the lamps of the light head arranged in the casing  15  are laid through the second pivot axis  17  as well as likewise preferably led covered in the supporting arms  16  up to its end facing away for connecting the control module (cabling not shown). In this manner, the described pivotability of the casing  15  is not impaired by interference through cables. The represented light head  12  has a curved form on its upper side, so that an oblique sloping contour of the casing  15  results with respect to the side surfaces of the casing, which makes it possible to reduce the distances of the light heads to a minimum in the installed state, so that they do not affect each other during pivoting. 
       FIG. 6  shows the irradiation device  1  as taught by the invention with merely one light head  12 . What can be recognized is the essentially U-shaped design of the carrier system  30  as well as the first pivot axis  31  about which the control module  20  is pivoted. As already previously described, the front side  20   a  that is facing the patient of the control module  20  has four holders  41 - 44  for holding modularly designed light heads  11 - 14  (see  FIG. 1 ), in which merely the second-from-the-top holder  42  is occupied with a light head  12 . 
     Also represented are contact connections  90  for electrical and/or communicative connection of the light heads with the control module  20  for controlling and/or transmission of information. Because of the previously described central arrangement of the controls of the light heads in the control module  20 , in particular of the ballasts, the weight of the light heads  11 - 14  can be reduced significantly. Therefore units that can be handled well are created, which can be arranged easily on the control module  20 . Arranging and removing and/or separating the light heads  11 - 14  from the control module  20  can preferably be performed without tools, so that an extremely flexible system is provided, which can be combined and adapted depending upon the individual requirement for the respective patient. In order to ensure safe operation, the light heads  11 - 14  must be securely attached on the control module  20  preventing them from being disconnected inadvertently. The same is applicable for the electrical connection of the light heads  11 - 14  with the control module  20 . As already previously noted and represented in detail in  FIGS. 6-8 , the casing  15  of a light head is attached to the control module  20  by means of its supporting arm  16 , wherein the supporting arm  16  is inserted into a section of the holder  42  that is designed as a slotted link with one pivot pin each in a left area L 1  and a right area R 1 . Because of the rotation point  74  that is formed hereby, the supporting arm  16 , due to the weight of the light head  12 , performs a slewing motion down and automatically engages by means of a locking lever  75  into a lower detent link  71  of the control module  20 , which represents a second section of the holder  42 . This prevents inadvertent detachment of the connection between the light head  12  and/or its supporting arm  16  and the control module  20 . The locking lever  75  preferably drops back into its detent position through its own weight. 
     Therefore, the user does not have to lock the light head  12  into place by having to undertake a separate locking step. This rather occurs automatically and can therefore not be forgotten. The force required for plugging-in the contact connection  90  between the supporting arm  16  and the control module  20  is likewise provided through the own weight of the light head  12 , and corresponding contacting is therefore established automatically. The supporting him  16  is preferably designed as a U-shaped component, where the light head  12  is arranged between the two U-legs. The supporting him  16  can accordingly be connected with the control module  20  with its base section connecting the two legs. The contact connection  90  is likewise preferably integrated in the center of this base section of the supporting arm  15  and supported with a cover  91 , thus preventing any contact with the contact connection  90  (see  FIG. 8 , detail C). For this arrangement it is necessary, however, to use a mating pair of connectors that does not have its own locking mechanism. This means that no separate locking mechanism apart from the detent mechanism of the locking levers has to be disconnected on the contact connection  90  when the respective light head is removed. 
     As represented in  FIGS. 6-10 , the housing  15  of the light head  12  is secured against twisting by means of a toothed lock washer  60  and a detent link  77  in an upper part of the locking lever  75 . In the representative embodiment, merely the locking lever  75  on the right side ( FIG. 7 ) is actually engaged in the detent link  77 , so that it is possible to swivel the light head  12  using only one hand. Alternatively, the locking lever  75  of the left side can instead be engaged (not shown), or even both, whereas in the last case, a single-handed operation is no longer possible (both of the last mentioned cases are not shown). 
     In order to adjust an inclination angle of the casing  15  in the representative embodiment, the locking lever  75  on the right side R 2  is pulled slightly to the top. The detent link  77  releases the toothed lock washer  60 , and the casing  15  can be turned with the other hand. In this instance, the locking lever  75  must be retained, because it draws back into its original position because of its own weight and will cause automatic engagement. In order to enable this mode of operation, the locking lever  75  on the left side L 2  is always disengaged by means of an asymmetric milling  81  on a bushing  80 . This means that the toothed lock washer  60  is not engaged in the detent link  77 . It is mainly provided for use of identical parts, but it could also be omitted or be replaced by components without teeth. The engagement in the lower detent link  71  on the switching element  20  in this case is nevertheless provided on both sides, however. In order to configure the adjustment motion smooth and cushioned, the toothed lock washers  60  can be inhibited on both sides by means of O-rings  82 . The O-rings  82  are pressed against the toothed lock washers  60  by means of a screwed connection of the bushing  80  with the support  83 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  show the light head  12  according to  FIGS. 9 and 10  in an unlatched stage of the locking lever  75  and the toothed lock washer  60 . In order to separate the light head  11 - 14  from the control module  20 , both locking levers  75  in the area of the casing  15  are completely pulled to the top. Latch lugs  76  which are arranged on an opposite end of the locking lever  75  are removed from the detent link  71  for this purpose. The light head  12  can subsequently be easily lifted away from the control module  20  with a swiveling motion and thereafter be removed from the section of the holder  72  that is formed as a slotted link. 
     Because of the represented possibility of unrestricted pluggability and combination options of the light heads and their various embodiments and component parts, in particular UV-A or UV-B sources of radiation, they must be identified at the respective plug-in places with the corresponding component parts. For this purpose, the control module  20  detects the respective light heads  11 - 14  as well as the selected holder. Each holder has a coding board  92  that is provided on the control module  20 , so that a unique coding can be assigned. This is performed by means of jumpers, for example, which can be placed correspondingly. In addition, each light head  11 - 14  is preferably equipped with a storage medium  93 , on which the light head  11 - 14  specifications are stored in duplicate. These specifications include the component parts of the lamp, for instance, intensity, operating time of the respective light head as well as its serial number. Each light head is therefore uniquely identifiable. This information is transmitted by means of a bus line in freely definable time intervals or during docking onto the control module  20 , for example. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 
       1  Irradiation device 
       11  Light head 
       12  Light head 
       13  Light head 
       14  Light head 
       15  Casing 
       16  Supporting arm 
       17  Second pivot axis 
       20  Control module 
       21  Bearing 
       22  Vertical position 
       23  Pivoted position 
       24  Gearing 
       25  Gearing 
       30  Carrier system 
       30   a  Base 
       30   b  Leg 
       30   c  Brace 
       31  First pivot axis 
       41  Holders 
       42  Holders 
       43  Holders 
       44  Holders 
       50  Control element 
       51  Swivel arm 
       52  Control panel 
     Pivot axis 
       53  Third pivot axis 
       60  Toothed lock washer 
       71  Lower detent link 
       72  Lower holder 
       74  Rotation point 
       75  Locking lever 
       76  Latch lug 
       77  Detent link 
       80  Bushing 
       81  Milling 
       82  O-rings 
       83  Support 
       90  Contact connection 
       91  Cover 
       92  Coding board 
       93  Storage medium 
     Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.