Deformable phototherapy tablet

Abstract

The flexible and deformable phototherapy device (10) adapted to come into contact with a surface to be treated on the skin of a user. The device (10) comprises a light source (20) comprising a plurality of light-emitting components (22) and a network (24) for electrically interconnecting the components (22) with each other for their electrical power supply, a heat dissipation layer for the heat emitted by the light source (20), a deformable substrate (30) delimiting a face for emitting the light flux, incorporating in its mass, the light source (20).The heat dissipation layer (24) is formed by a juxtaposition of electrically and thermally conductive deformable metal plates (26, 26A, 26B), the plates (26, 26A, 26B) being disjointed and separated by interstices (i) forming electrical insulation tracks (27) of the metal plates (26, 26A, 26B) between them such that the electrical insulation tracks (27) delimit the electrical interconnection network (24) of the components (22) between them in the heat dissipation layer (24). Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Deformable phototherapy tablet.

[0001] The present invention relates to a phototherapy device for the treatment of an external region of the body of a living being for medical or cosmetic use. It applies more particularly but not exclusively to use in intimate contact with the skin of a user.

[0002] Phototherapy treatment consists of applying light radiation having a predefined emission spectrum directly to the region of the body to be treated. The radiation is preferably substantially monochromatic or has an emission spectrum within a narrow band of wavelengths. Generally, the emission spectrum includes a maximum wavelength located in red visible light or in blue visible light, these wavelengths having demonstrated particular effectiveness for the treatment of certain skin conditions.

[0003] It has thus been observed during numerous scientific studies that phototherapy treatment in a predefined wavelength range, particularly in red or blue light, can have a beneficial effect on numerous skin problems, such as scars, stretch marks, acne, wrinkles and fine lines, but also certain skin cancers.

[0004] The invention applies more particularly to non-rigid phototherapy devices which can deform at least slightly under the effect of manual pressure.

[0005] Such devices make it possible to improve the effectiveness of penetration of phototherapy light into the tissues of the patient's body by adapting to the shape of the region of the body to be treated, whether it be the face, the hand, the bust, etc. This conformation makes it possible to limit the presence of shadowy areas on the face.

[0006] It is also easy in this case to hold the device against the region of the body to be treated thanks to different attachment means which leave the user's hands free. The effect produces on the user a state of increased relaxation and greater well-being.

[0007] A light-emitting diode phototherapy device is already known from the prior art, which is in the form of a bandage. In this case, the light source with light-emitting diodes is carried by a printed circuit board incorporated inside the bandage. The printed circuit board has predefined cutouts allowing improved bending of the board.

[0008] The disadvantage of such a device is that generally the printed circuit board has very low elastic properties and that after a certain number of bendings of the device, the board may have areas of weakening, or even areas of breakage which could lead to electronic malfunctions of the device.

[0009] Another disadvantage of the devices of the prior art is that they present a risk of overheating which can produce discomfort for the user, or even sometimes burns on the skin.

[0010] The invention aims in particular to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a phototherapy device which can be deformed while preserving the integrity of the light source and its electronic circuit by ensuring heat dissipation. Description of the invention

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a flexible and deformable light device, in particular adapted to come into contact with a surface to be treated on the skin of a user, of the type comprising a light source comprising a plurality of light-emitting components and a network for electrically interconnecting the components together for their electrical power supply, a heat dissipation layer for the heat emitted by the light source, a deformable substrate delimiting a face for emitting the light flux, incorporating in its mass, the light source, characterized in that the heat dissipation layer is formed by a juxtaposition of electrically and thermally conductive deformable metal plates,the plates being disjointed and separated by interstices forming an inverse network of electrical insulation tracks of the metal plates between them to define by complementarity the electrical interconnection network of the components between them in the heat dissipation layer.

[0012] Thanks to the increased heat exchange surface of the tablet of the invention, the phototherapy device allows efficient heat dissipation of the heat emitted by the light components. This ensures the user a pleasant sensation of warmth without discomfort linked to overheating of the components. This also provides the user with a high-quality perception of the device while forming a uniformly aesthetic whole of the device.

[0013] The principle of the invention is based on an optimization of the surface occupied by the electrical connectors of the electrical interconnection network which themselves form very effective heat sinks.

[0014] The device according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each component is mounted as a bridge between two plates.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the deformable metal plates form flexible tabs forming a matrix of substantially parallel strips, juxtaposed and separated from each other by the interstices and the components are bridged between two adjacent boards, forming a row of components electrically connected in parallel by the two adjacent boards.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises first and second light sources and first and second heat dissipation layers such that the device has a double light emission face.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the component is a light-emitting diode.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one corner side plate with a general L shape comprising a contact end terminal forming a contact pad for electrical connection to an external electrical power supply connector.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal plate is made of a material essentially comprising copper.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plate has a general polygonal shape, for example rectangular, square or “L” shaped, and / or with rounded edges.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the substrate layer is made of a material essentially comprising polyurethane.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each plate is formed from a copper sheet.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thickness of each copper sheet is greater than 30 micrometers, preferably greater than 100 micrometers.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an intermediate reinforcing layer.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate layer comprises a transparent PET.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light components emit in a red spectrum with a wavelength between 620 and 640 nm.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surface area of ​​the reverse network of electrical insulation tracks represents less than 10% of the surface area of ​​the heat dissipation layer and preferably less than 5%, and at best preferably less than 2%.

[0029] The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear better, on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments shown as non-limiting examples. The description refers to the appended drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a phototherapy device according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic top view of a light source of the device according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the phototherapy device of [Fig.l];

[0033] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a top view (4A), bottom view (4B), side view (4C), perspective view (4D) of a luminous component of the light source of the device of [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an enlarged partial view of the light component of [Fig.4];

[0035] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the phototherapy device in a configuration distorted by a user;

[0036] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents an example of application of the phototherapy device.

[0037] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variant of the phototherapy device of [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] [Fig. 1] shows schematically a phototherapy device according to the invention. The device is designated by the general reference 10.

[0039] In the example illustrated, the device 10 is in the form of a flexible and deformable tablet adapted to come into contact with a surface to be treated on the skin of a user ([Fig.7]).

[0040] The tablet 10 comprises a light source 20 comprising a plurality of light-emitting components 22 and a network 24 for electrically interconnecting the components 22 with each other for their electrical power supply.

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the tablet 10 is formed by a deformable substrate 30 delimiting a face 12 for emitting the light flux and an opposite face 14 for presentation. The substrate 30 completely incorporates the light source 20 in its mass. The layer of the substrate 30 is made, for example, from a material essentially comprising polyurethane. The material is in the form of a resin for coating or encapsulating the light source 20 which makes it possible to isolate and protect the electrical interconnection network 24 and the components 22 from attacks inherent in difficult environments (humidity, thermal or physical shocks and contaminants in general (sweat, dust, residues of cosmetic products, etc.)).

[0042] The material of the substrate is present before transformation for example in the form of a mass which can flow into a mold delimiting a free molding cavity sized to the format of the desired tablet 10 inside which the light source 60 is positioned. Then the material of the substrate 30 undergoes a step of hardening by various methods which are known to those skilled in the art.

[0043] Preferably, the light-emitting components 22 comprise light-emitting diodes. For example, the light components 22 emit in a red spectrum with a wavelength between 620 and 640 nm, preferably around 630 nanometers.

[0044] Such a light-emitting component 22 is shown in detail in [Fig. 4]. In the illustrated example, this component comprises a light-emitting top face and a bottom face for mounting on a support for its electrical connection. The bottom face comprises, in the example described, two locations delimiting solder pads for mounting the component on a support as will be described below.

[0045] The light component 22 is in this example a light-emitting diode emitting mainly in a range between 620 and 640 nanometers, preferably around the wavelength of 630 nanometers. For example, the light-emitting diode 22 is a high-power diode with a nominal voltage of approximately 3 Volts. Each diode is for example controlled by the driver circuit with a current of the order of 120 mA under a voltage of 3.3 Volts, which represents a power of approximately 400 mW. Furthermore, preferably, the light power of each diode 22 is greater than 5 lumens, preferably greater than 15 lumens.

[0046] In the example described, the luminous component 22 has a general housing shape with a width of 1.90 millimeters and a length of 2.03 millimeters.

[0047] According to the invention, the tablet 10 comprises a layer 24 for dissipating the heat emitted by the light source 20. According to the invention, the heat dissipation layer is formed by a juxtaposition of electrically and thermally conductive deformable metal plates 26.

[0048] As clearly appears in [Fig. 2], the plates 26 are disjointed and separated by gaps 27 forming electrical insulation tracks of the metal plates 26 between them. By "gap", is meant, within the meaning of the present invention, a small empty space between the parts of a whole formed, in the present case, by the plates 26.

[0049] In particular, the plates 26 are disjointed and separated by the interstices 27 forming an inverse network of electrical insulation tracks of the metal plates 26 between them, which makes it possible to define electrical conduction paths delimiting by complementarity the electrical interconnection network 24 of the components 22 between them in the heat dissipation layer.

[0050] It is therefore understood from the invention that the plates 26 are juxtaposed in the manner of a paved or tiled surface to form an inverted circuit of tracks. electrical insulation. This makes it possible to occupy a maximum surface area of ​​the tablet 10 while ensuring a function of electrical interconnection network of the components between them thanks to the presence of the electrically insulating tracks which define and delimit the electrical conduction paths of the electrical interconnection network 24.

[0051] Thus, the set of plates 26 forms an increased heat exchange surface allowing an action of dissipation of the heat from the components 22 towards the outside of the tablet 10.

[0052] It can be understood that the width of the gaps is defined such that the plates 26 are electrically insulated from each other. Preferably, the width of the gaps is approximately 0.4 to 1 millimeter, preferably around 0.5 millimeters.

[0053] Preferably, each component 22 is mounted as a bridge between two plates 26. For example, the deformable metal plates 26 form flexible tabs forming a plurality of substantially parallel strips, juxtaposed and separated from each other by the gaps 27 and the components 22 are mounted as a bridge between two adjacent plates 26 forming a row of components 22 electrically connected in parallel by the two plates 26.

[0054] Such a mounting of the component 22 in a bridge on two plates 26 has been illustrated in detail. It can be seen that the component comprises a first solder pad 23 extending over a first plate and a second solder pad 25 extending over a second adjacent plate, the two pads being separated by a gap of approximately 0.5 millimeters. In the example described, the gap i is within a range of values ​​from 0.4 to 1 expressed in millimeters. The first pad 23 forms in this example the anode of the diode 22.

[0055] Furthermore, as clearly appears in [Fig. 3], the network 24 comprises at least one corner side plate 26A, 26B with a general L shape comprising a contact end terminal forming a contact pad for electrical connection to a power supply connector port 28 of the device 10.

[0056] Preferably, the plates 26 have a general polygonal shape, for example rectangular, square or “L” shaped, and / or with rounded edges.

[0057] Preferably, each metal plate 26 is made of a material essentially comprising copper and for example in the form of a copper sheet. For example, the thickness of each copper sheet is greater than 30 micrometers, preferably greater than 100 micrometers in order to ensure effective heat dissipation.

[0058] In the mode illustrated by the figures, the network 22 has a topology in the form matrix of rows of plates 26 which covers a maximum surface area of ​​the tablet 10.

[0059] The proportion of the surface area of ​​the plates (which corresponds to the surface area of ​​the electrical interconnection network 24) relative to the total surface area of ​​the reverse and connection networks is preferably greater than 90%, preferably greater than 95% and in this example around 98%. In the context of the present invention, the term "around" is synonymous with "approximately" and means plus or minus 10% of the nominal value of this number.

[0060] In other words, the surface area of ​​the reverse network of electrical insulation tracks 27 represents less than 10% of the surface area of ​​the heat dissipation layer 24 and preferably less than 5%, and at best preferably less than 2%.

[0061] In the illustrated example, the strips have a length of approximately 30 millimeters, a width of approximately 5 to 10 millimeters and the interstices have a width of approximately 0.4 to 1 millimeter.

[0062] The positioning of the plates 26 is optimized in order to cover a maximum surface area of ​​the tablet.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the deformable metal plates 26 form flexible tabs forming a plurality of substantially parallel strips, juxtaposed and separated from each other by the gaps 27. Thus, in this case, the components 22 are mounted in a bridge between two adjacent plates 26, 26A, 26B, forming a row of components 22 electrically connected in parallel by the two plates 26.

[0064] For example, each metal plate 22 is made of a material essentially comprising copper. The plate 30 has a generally polygonal shape, for example rectangular, square or “L” shaped, and / or with rounded edges.

[0065] Preferably, the substrate 30 comprises an intermediate reinforcing layer 32 configured to impose a continuous and controlled deformation on the substrate 30.

[0066] Preferably, the intermediate layer 32 has a thickness of between 400 micrometers and 600 micrometers. For example, the intermediate layer 32 comprises a transparent PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

[0067] Thanks to the presence of this intermediate reinforcing layer 32, when the device 10 is subjected to deformation forces, the intermediate reinforcing layer 32 makes it possible to impose a continuous and controlled deformation of the substrate 30 in order to avoid strong shear stresses and / or bending stresses which can locally weaken and cause, for example, breaks in electrical continuity between a component 22 and a wafer 26.

[0068] Preferably, the plates 26 have a generally rectangular shape as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. However, the invention is not limited to a particular shape. plates 26 and may take any other shape or dimensions. For example, in a variant not illustrated, the plates 26 may have a generally square shape.

[0069] Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the tablet 10 is, in this example, provided with the connector port 28 which is arranged at the periphery of the tablet 10 in order to present an electrical power supply interface with external connection means 40. For example, this interface may be of the snap-on magnetic coupling type with a complementary connector socket 42A of the connection means 40 for the electrical power supply of the light source 20.

[0070] The socket 42A and the port 28 may have rotational symmetry such that a 180-degree rotation of either the socket or the port, clockwise or counterclockwise, results in an identical electrical connection, thereby eliminating the need to check alignment when making a connection. Alternatively, the socket 42A and the port 28 may only be connected in a single position. In this case, the magnetized elements of the magnetically coupled interface are polarized such that the user can only connect the interface in a single position. In this variant, the interface is thus provided with a keying device so that if the relative direction of the socket 42A and the port 28 is reversed, the magnetized elements repel each other.

[0071] In the example described, the connector port 28 makes it possible to form a connectable interface accessible from the outside of the tablet 10 for the connection of the connector socket 42A of the connection means 40, complementary to the connector port 28. Preferably, this connectable interface is of the magnetic coupling and snap-on type.

[0072] Furthermore, the connector socket 42A is also connected to a first end of an electrical power supply cable 42, this cable 42 being provided at its other end with a connector 42B of the “USB” type or equivalent. For this purpose, preferably, the connection means 40 comprise a separable connector socket block 44, “USB” compatible in standard format for electrical connection to a domestic electrical power supply network.

[0073] [Fig. 7] illustrates a particular application of the phototherapy device 10 for use on a ventral portion of a user's body. The flexible and deformable tablet 10 is arranged against the surface of the user's body to be treated.

[0074] In the variant illustrated in [Fig.8], the tablet 10 has a double light emission face and for this purpose comprises first and second light sources 20 and 120 each comprising a plurality of light emission components 22 and first and second networks 24 and 124 for electrically interconnecting the components 22 with each other for their electrical power supply.

[0075] As previously described for the case of a tablet with a single emission face luminous, each heat dissipation layer 24, 124 is formed by a juxtaposition of electrically and thermally conductive deformable metal plates 26, 26A, 26B, the plates 26, 26A, 26B being disjointed and separated by interstices 27.

[0076] In particular, the interstices 27 of each layer 24 or 124 form an inverse network of electrical insulation tracks of the metal plates 26, 26A, 26B between them to define by complementarity the electrical interconnection network 24 or 124 of the components 22 between them in the heat dissipation layer 24 or 124.

[0077] In this variant, the tablet 10 is formed by a deformable substrate 30 delimiting opposite faces for emitting the light flux. The tablet 10 is a double-sided tablet and emits light from each of its opposite faces. Preferably, as shown in [Fig. 8], the substrate 30 comprises an intermediate thermal insulation layer 132 which thermally separates the two electrical interconnection networks 24 and 124. Furthermore, advantageously, this intermediate layer 132, made for example of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) makes it possible to reinforce the tablet 10 and is configured to impose a continuous and controlled deformation on the substrate 30.

[0078] Although not illustrated, the two networks 24 and 124 are electrically connected to each other so that the tablet 10 only has a single connector port 28 for powering the two light sources 20 and 120.

[0079] A particular application of this tablet according to the variant illustrated in [Fig.8] can be provided for use in the crotch by positioning the double-sided tablet vertically between the legs. This makes it possible to act simultaneously on the body parts of the legs which face each other.

[0080] Of course, other embodiments are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to the invention which has just been described by way of example. For example, other applications of the tablet may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, for example an application for stimulating the growth or photosynthesis of living organisms.

Claims

Claims

1. Flexible and deformable luminous device (10), in particular adapted to come into contact with a surface to be treated of the skin of a user, of the type comprising: - a light source (20, 120) comprising a plurality of light-emitting components (22) and a network (24, 124) for electrically interconnecting the components (22) with each other for their electrical supply, - a layer (24, 124) for heat dissipation of the heat emitted by the light source (20), - a deformable substrate (30) delimiting a face for emitting the light flux, incorporating in its mass, the light source (20), characterized in that the heat dissipation layer (24, 124) is formed by a juxtaposition of electrically and thermally conductive deformable metal plates (26, 26A, 26B), the plates (26, 26A,26B) being disjointed and separated by interstices (27) forming an inverse network of electrical insulation tracks of the metal plates (26, 26A, 26B) between them to define by complementarity the electrical interconnection network (24, 124) of the components (22) between them in the heat dissipation layer (24, 124).,

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising first (20) and second (120) light sources and first (24) and second (124) heat dissipation layers such that the device (10) has a double light emission face.

3. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each component (22) is mounted as a bridge between two plates (26, 26A, 26B).

4. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deformable metal plates (26, 26A, 26B) form flexible tabs forming a matrix of substantially parallel strips, juxtaposed and separated from each other by the interstices (27) and the components (22) are mounted in a bridge between two adjacent plates (26, 26A, 26B) forming a row of components (22) electrically connected in parallel by the two adjacent plates (26, 26A, 26B).

5. A device (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the component (22) is a light-emitting diode.

6. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one corner side plate (26A, 26B) with a general L shape comprising a contact end terminal forming a contact pad for electrical connection to an external electrical power supply connector (28).

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the metal plate (26) is made of a material essentially comprising copper.

8. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the plate (26) has a generally polygonal shape, for example rectangular, square or “L” shaped, and / or with rounded edges.

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the layer of the substrate (30) is made of a material essentially comprising polyurethane.

10. A device (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each wafer (26) is formed from a copper foil.

11. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the thickness of each copper sheet is greater than 30 micrometers, preferably greater than 100 micrometers.

12. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an intermediate reinforcing layer (32, 132).

13. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer (32) comprises a transparent PET.

14. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the luminous components (22) emit in a red spectrum of wavelength between 620 and 640 nm.

15. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the surface area of ​​the inverse network of electrical insulation tracks (27) represents less than 10% of the surface area of ​​the heat dissipation layer (24) and preferably less than 5%, and at best preferably less than 2%.

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