FR2596654A1 - Portable electronic apparatus for treating the skin and/or for so-called electrotherapy treatments and the applications of this apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention relates to the technical sector of medical science and hygiene and more particularly to physiotherapy and massage apparatuses, devices for preparing the skin, devices for introducing agents into the body, and electrotherapy. The apparatus comprises, in combination, an internal driving and programming clock H and an electronic control counter C1 subjected to control S1 and selection S2 means, an integrated circuit C2 directly slaved to the selection means S2 in order to control, as a function of the internal programming of the apparatus, one or more generators of functions, in variable combinational logic of sequencing and/or of simultaneity, the said generator or generators being designed to be connected to electrodes capable of being fitted to various supports, taking into account the desired applications and the surfaces to be treated.

Description

 The invention relates to a portable electronic device for the treatment of the skin and / or to provide so-called electrotherapy treatments, and applications of this device.

 The object of the invention is related to the technical field of medical sciences and hygiene and more particularly to physiotherapy, massage, skin preparation devices, devices for introducing agents into the body. , electrotherapy.

 Muscular stimulation apparatus for therapeutic use is known. These devices produce currents of variable frequency and amplitude given the specific applications sought. The waveform of the current and its period are transmitted to the patient by means of electrodes which at the end have different accessories depending on the care and treatment to be performed.

 These types of devices are complex facilities at a high cost which considerably limits their use. In addition, the possibilities are relatively limited and fixed to a few applications only. Their manipulation is reserved to specialists.

 There are also electronic devices in the form of a box for the treatment of the skin by cosmetics. Most devices have a very limited use or they are very expensive devices and not very accessible to an individual.

 To overcome these drawbacks, it is advantageous to mention Patent Application No. 84.06823, of which the Applicant hereof is also a holder, and which essentially discloses an apparatus for promoting penetration. and the deep impregnation of the skin with cosmetics by employing and combining a number of treatment processes using mainly the ionizing effect, the heating effect and the vibrating effect.

 From this prior art, the object of the invention is to provide, in a simple, efficient and rational manner, the use of a portable electronic device shaped to ensure the deep penetration and impregnation of the skin by products. cosmetics and medications on the one hand, to stimulate and regenerate the skin on the other hand, including its ancillary structures, exchanges with the external and internal environments and finally, to provide so-called electrotherapy treatments.

 For this purpose, the apparatus is remarkable in that it comprises, in combination, an internal control and programming clock and an electronic control counter subject to control and selection means, an integrated circuit directly controlled by means of selection for controlling, according to the programming internal to the apparatus, one or more function generators s in a successive or alternative manner, the said generator or generators being shaped for other connected to electrodes susceptible other adapted on different supports, account the desired applications and surfaces to be treated.

 The invention is described in more detail below, with the aid of the drawings which show only one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus .

 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus on a charger.

 Figure 3 is an electronic diagram of the stifle type illustrating the principle of operation of the apparatus.

 Figure 4 is an example of a block diagram of the constant current generator.

 Figure 5 is an example of a block diagram of the cold generator using the PELTIER effect.

 Fig. 6 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the heating system.

 Figure 7 is an example of the schematic diagram illustrating the vibratory system.

 Figures 8 t 9 illustrate an embodiment of a support member in the form of a glove to receive alone the various accessories.

 Figures 10 to 13 illustrate other non-limiting examples of electrode support accessories.

 In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

 As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus comprises a housing (1) of reduced dimensions and ergonomic shapes designed for other easily transportable. Inside the housing are housed the various electronic circuits to perform the desired functions indicated in the following description. externally, the housing (t) presents the various switches and other means of manual controls corresponding to the choice of the user according to the functions sought.

 In particular the housing has a push button (Si) command and a switch <82) selection. The power supply of the housing can be effected by the mains or, preferably, by accumulators (B) of 9 volts, the apparatus being arranged in this case to cooperate with a charger (2) of any known and appropriate type (Figure 2).

 The operating principle of the apparatus is shown more particularly in the diagram of FIG. 3 which illustrates the combination of the various electronic components and modules known in themselves and suitably programmed to achieve the desired results of the skin treatments and / or In this respect, the electronic system comprises the combination of the following elements: an internal clock for programming and control (H) fed by the battery (B) and whose output is connected the push button (S1); - an electronic counter <CI) connected to the output of the pusher (Si) and downstream of the selection switch (S2) - an integrated circuit (C2) directly connected to the selection switch (S2) - function generators (G1) , (62) and (63) connected to the output of the integrated circuit (C2) - systems respectively using a heating effect (C), a cooling effect (F) and a vibrating effect (said systems being also connected to the output of the integrated circuit (C2).

 The generator (G1) is a DC generator of constant and controlled intensity, the value of the intensity being able to be modified according to the applications and care sought. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of this type of function generator essentially established with a transistor (T), a resistance bridge (Ri>, (R2), (R3) and (R4), a polarization diode (D ) and a zener zoning diode <DZ).

 The generator (62) is a pulsed current generator of variable and adjustable frequency. In low frequency, the range is from 0 to 1,000 Hz, while in medium frequency the range is 1,000 to 10,000 Hz.

 The generator (83) is an interference generator that allows variable modulation in amplitude and speed.

 There is also provided a current generator with long pulses greater than or equal to 100 milliseconds, and a gradual slope for treating edgy muscles, for example.

Depending on the specific applications, other forms of current waves can be expected.

 As indicated in the following description, these different waveforms of current can advantageously be combined and / or associated with the system or systems using the heating (C), cold (F) and vibration (V) effects. ). The system using the heating effects is for example made from a resistor (R5) fed through a transistor (T1) (Figure 6).

 The system using the cold effect is made from a thermoelectric module (EP) which implements the PELTIER effect, that is to say using the principle that the passage of a current Electrical contact across the contact surface of two conductors or semiconductors of different composition results in absorption or release of heat. The power supply of this module (EP) is carried out in a conventional manner by a transistor CT2) (FIG. 5). The system using the vibrating effect is for example made from a micro-motor (M) fed through a transistor (T3) (Figure 7).

 The operation of the apparatus should be analyzed in relation to the diagram of Figure 3.

 The pushbutton (If> allows the start of the treatment previously selected by the switch (S2), the clock (H) controlling the entire circuit The counter (C1) alternately controls, via the integrated circuit (C2 ), the different generators (G1) (G2) and (G3) according to the selected selection displayed by the switch (S2) The generators can be controlled either successively or alternatively, depending on the choice of treatments and sequences, and function of the programming.

 Similarly, each of the generators (G1), (G2) and (G3) can operate independently with a storage of the number of interventions. A countdown monitors the number of applications and automatically stops the generator as soon as the number preselected by the customer is reached.

 note that, in a preferred manner, the different regulations can not other accessible by the user and are internal to the device.

 In a known manner, the generators (G1), and / or (G2) and / or (G3) are connected to electrodes (Et), (E2) and (E3) which can be adapted to any support system according to the applications sought. Figures 10 to 13 illustrate some non-limiting examples of media and accessories of electrodes. The same is true for the heating system (C), the cold production system (F) and the vibratory system (V).

 The electrodes (E1) or (E2> or (E3) can be lo- cated and adapted inside an articulating compression band (4) (FIG. 10). In FIG. 11, the electrodes are connected at the end. a pallet (5) can be accommodated in the absorber of an absorbent pouch (6) impregnated with a quantity of product.The electrodes can also directly between housed inside a pocket (7) presenting on one of its faces the components of a self-gripping system for between fixed on a cervical collar or lumbar corset (Figure 12) between other uses. Or again, the electrodes may other adapted to a bracelet (8) performed in a plurality of metal particles to form conductive areas (Figure 13).

 In a particularly advantageous manner, provision is made for a single support member capable of comprising on its own the various functions resulting from one of the generators (Gi), (G2), (G3), of the heating system (C ), the cold generating system (F) and the vibratory system (V), which in one embodiment is a glove (9> (Figure 8).

 The digital ends of this glove are arranged to fulfill a particular function, possibly the inner face of the fingers as well as the back of the glove, which can be assigned to one or more functions. The problem is to use each function of the device not with a different accessory to adapt at the end of the electrode, but as a multiplication of agility specific to each part of the hand.

 This glove has at least one conductive part (negative electrode) connected to any one of the generators (G1), (62) and (83), the heating system (C), the cold production system (F) and the vibratory system (V), suitably arranged on a portion of the glove arranged for this purpose. The positive electrode corresponding to the generator (81), (G2) and (G33 determined, which can be, inside the glove, outside a symmetrical glove, on a bracelet, on a headband placed around it of the head, at the end of a finger of the glove.

 In a preferred manner, the various conductors are incorporated and embedded in the constituent material of the glove.

Or the glove (9) receiving the different accessories can
Be covered with an insulating protective glove having openings in correspondence with the accessories of the base glove.

 The glove can be modified locally for its structure and has a granite look, massage asperities ...

 When used for the body, the glove can be replaced by a mitt with more active zones and the functions grouped accordingly in one or more zones of action. The positive pole may be, in this case, another muffle, a bracelet, a sole to the other located inside the mittle.

 this results in a concentration of different accessories in one place in this case the glove considered a multifunctional care unit.

The end of each finger can constitute a kind of pocket in which can Other inserted, depending on the applications and effects sought, the following elements conductive or not
- small massage area
- preformed plastic ice cubes,
- sponge soaked in cosmetology products (in ionizable di- lution, or to be distributed on the skin, but also in the form of cleaning products),
- various massage body,
- etc ...

 Note that for surfaces equipped with the vibrating, heating, ionizing and thermoelectric module, it is anticipated that the internal digital end portion is made of a preformed material for reproducing the massage members.

 Still in the case of a single accessory for constituting a multifunctional care unit, that is to say grouping together the vibrating, heating, and cold-generating effects and possibly the effects of an electric current, provision is made to achieve a shaped element in section and with elastic deformation capacity to fit on the scalp. More generally, this element is constituted by a support member shaped to fit on any part of the face, said member further having gripping means.

 it is obvious that the few examples of accessories described, in order to constitute a mullifunctional unit or not, can not be considered as limiting.

For example, there may be mentioned, an anti-cellulite sheath or pants, masks, soles, cushions, pillows, blankets ... any system that can penetrate into a body cavity, any system that can inject a liquid or a drug substance.

 As already indicated above, depending on the programming of the electronic components and modules internal to the apparatus, and taking into account the selection made by the switch (S2), it is possible to obtain, for a predetermined and variable duration, a successive or alternative, all or only part of the aforementioned functions.

 It should be noted that from the design of the apparatus described which constitutes the most complete version, it is possible to obtain simplified versions in this case an apparatus which presents a single generator of the type (G1), (G2) or ( 83), in combination or not with the system or systems using the heating effects, vibrating and cold.

 The DC generator (GI), which is particularly well adapted for ionization and is associated with the cold (F), heat (C) and vibration (V) systems, has an advantageous application in cosmetology. an apparatus having as output a single constant current internal generator and the connections for receiving the systems (F), (C) and '<V) and the electrodes of said generators.

 An apparatus with the function generators (G7) and (G33 find an advantageous application in medicine, depending on the current waveforms and their period, to carry out excito motor stimulations extended or not, analgesic care, has the care lavished on denervated muscles ... The apparatus according to the invention therefore has applications in cosmetics and / or medical, and / or paramedical.

 The advantages are apparent from the description, in particular the simplicity of embodiment which makes it an easily portable reduced-size device while offering a choice of important functions for applications in cosmetology for the treatment of the skin and / or in medicine for various treatments including so-called electrotherapy.

 A choice of the total cumulation of all the functions is obtained by applying only one of these functions, with all the possible intermediate combinations.

 In a simplified version, the apparatus can only present the functions of production of cold, heat, and vibration.

 The invention is not limited in any way to that of its modes of application nor to those of the embodiments of its various parts having been especially indicated; on the contrary, it embraces all variants.

 It is obvious that the apparatus in view of its reduced dimensions and its small footprint can be used in different ways such as portable hanging suspended on a piece of clothing for example, without excluding a use in wall connection .

Claims (8)

-1- portable electronic apparatus for the treatment of the skin and / or for so-called electrotherapy treatments, characterized in that it comprises, in combination, an internal clock for control and programming (H) and a counter control electronics (Ci) subjected to control means (Sl) and selection (spi, an integrated circuit (C) directly controlled by the selection means (52) for controlling, according to the programming internal to the device, one or more generators of function, in combinatorial logic variable of succession and / or simultaneity, the said generator or generators being conformed for others connected -a electrodes likely to be adapted on different supports, taking into account the sought applications and the surfaces to be treated. -2 Apparatus according to claim -1, characterized in that it has in particular three generators of function (Gi), (62) and (G3) respectively of the DC type constant current and controle current-controlled pulsed variable frequency and adjustable and interferential to allow variable modulation amplitude and speed. -3- Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that in combination with the integrated circuit (C2) are connected systems respectively using a heating effect (Ci, a cold effect (F), a vibrating effect (V ). -4- Apparatus according to claims 2 and 3 together, characterized in that the electrodes of any one of the generators, and the different systems respectively using the heating effect (C), the effect of cold (F) and the vibrating effect (V), are adapted on a single common support. -5- Apparatus according to claims 2 and 3 together, characterized in that the electrodes of the various generators and the different systems respectively using the heating effect (C), the effect of cold (F> and the effect vibrating (V), are fitted on a single common support. -6- Apparatus according to claims 1 and 3 together, characterized in that it has a single generator (s1) of the DC type of constant and controlled intensity whose electrodes (E1) are adapted on a unique support including the different systems using the effects of heating (C), cold (F) and vibration (V). -7 Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the cold effect (F) is produced by a thermoelectric module (EP) which implements the PELTIER effect. -8- Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the single support member on which are adapted the electrodes of the generators or one of the generators and systems using the heating effect, vibrating and The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the glove has at least the negative electrode capable of being connected to any one of the generators, the heating system (C> , the cold production system (F) and the vibratory system (), suitably arranged on a glove portion arranged for this purpose; the positive electrode being inside the glove, or outside of a symmetrical glove, or on any independent support. -10- Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the glove is in the form of a muffle having one or more zones of action corresponding to different functions resulting from one of the generators, the heating system, the sys cold production system, vibratory system.  -11- Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the end of one or more fingers is an internal cavity for accommodating accessories.  -12- Application of the apparatus according to claims 1 and 3 together, to ensure penetration and deep impregnation of the skin by cosmetics and medicaments on the one hand and to stimulate and regenerate the skin on the other hand , and / or to provide so-called electrotherapy treatments.