HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTROTHERAPY DEVICE WITH TWO CHANNELS IN SERIES OR PARALLEL

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE

[0001] This description concerns an electronic device for therapeutic or cosmetic use. The corresponding teaching will find its application particularly in the field of electrotherapy, notably for diathermy and / or conductivity treatments. ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE

[0002] Electrotherapy is a safe, non-invasive technique that uses electricity for therapeutic purposes. This technique is recognized for relieving pain, strengthening muscle fibers, and accelerating the healing of biological tissues. Three main frequency ranges exist: low frequencies (1 Hz - 150 Hz) for superficial neurostimulation, medium frequencies (1 kHz - 1 kHz) for deep neurostimulation, and high frequencies (100 kHz - 1.2 MHz) for selective superficial or deep diathermy and accelerated healing. Low frequencies (LF) and medium frequencies (MF) are generally referred to as electrostimulation, while high frequencies (HF) are referred to as radiofrequency.

[0003] These different types of electrotherapy currents flow between two plates or conductive elements that act as electrodes in contact with the skin. The practitioner can use different types of currents.

[0004] Heat is a therapeutic modality used for many years in physiotherapy and is divided into two categories: superficial heating agents and deep heating agents. Deep heat therapy modalities include therapeutic or cosmetic diathermy with long and short waves, ultrasound, and contact radiofrequency, the latter also called high-frequency current, which is between 100 kHz and 1.2 MHz. This type of deep heat therapy is called diathermy. Diathermy creates heat in the cellular tissues of injured parts of the body between two electrodes in contact with the living tissue, so that an electrical current flows through the body between these two electrodes.

[0005] By definition, current conduction diathermy equipment includes an active electrode and a return electrode, as disclosed, for example, in patent ES 287 964.

[0006] Due to the electrical impedance of the fabric itself, the electric current flows through the fabric and causes a rise in fabric temperature through the Joule effect. This heating is significant and is related to the increase in current intensity.

[0007] The conductivity of tissue changes depending on the high-frequency current. The higher the voltage, the more conductive the tissue will be, and the faster its healing will be.

[0008] When multiple electrodes are used, they are connected to a single high-frequency voltage generator, which promotes both diathermy and tissue healing simultaneously during treatment. These two effects are therefore combined and cannot be separated.

[0009] US patent 5776173 A1 describes an interference stimulation device for electrotherapy. The device comprises two oscillators, each generating an output signal at a specific frequency. This output signal passes through several components before reaching a mixer. The mixer combines the output signals, which are then applied to a switch that selects either a bipolar or quadripolar therapy output modality. This device delivers a single, mixed, low-frequency signal to the electrode pair.

[0010] US patent application 2010 / 0152817 A1 is known to propose a network simulator for electrical nerve stimulation using electrode pairs, either successively or alternately, depending on the application. The simulator generates electrical pulses such that the signals are either transmitted sequentially to successive electrode pairs in a cycle, so that the respective electrode pairs receive the corresponding signals at different times, or alternately, so that the signals are received by the electrode pairs in such a way that they do not all begin and end simultaneously. This simulator, through various applications of electrical pulses, allows for the generation of a longer or higher amplitude simulation pulse. The simulator delivers the same signal to each electrode pair.

[0011] We are also familiar with US patent 2003 / 0181960 A1, which describes an electrotherapy device that, using a first signal and a second signal, generates a therapeutic signal delivered by an electrode and received by a return electrode. This device does not allow for the administration of a variety of treatments. It operates at low frequencies.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to offer a solution that allows for optimized treatments, particularly less risky and more effective for the user receiving the treatment, and simplified for the practitioner administering the treatment.

[0013] The other objects, features, and advantages of this teaching will become apparent upon examination of the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. RESUME

[0014] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, an electrotherapy device is planned comprising: N electrodes, N being equal to 2 or 3, two sinusoidal voltage generators, advantageously intended to produce respectively a first signal and a second signal, characterized in that the device comprises a transformer for each voltage generator such that the two voltage generators are isolated by a transformer and the device comprises a control unit configured so that the device takes alternately: a first configuration called in series in which the N equal to 2 electrodes being active electrodes and the two voltage generators are connected in series, the device does not comprise a return electrode, each active electrode being connected to a voltage generator, the device is configured to generate a different potential at each active electrode so as to ensure the transmission of current between the two nearest active electrodes, a second configuration called in parallel in which N equals 3,of which two electrodes are active electrodes, each respectively connected to a voltage generator, and one electrode is a return electrode to form ground and is connected to each voltage generator; the two voltage generators are connected in parallel; the device is configured to generate a different potential at each active electrode so as to ensure current transmission between the two nearest active electrodes and / or between each active electrode and the return electrode.

[0015] With this device, it is possible to apply multiple signals through several electrodes to the user's body; it is a dual-channel device. The practitioner can perform a complete treatment offering diathermy and / or conductivity by paralleling or serializing the two voltage generators. The presence of two isolated generators ensures safe use for the user, who is isolated from the electrical circuit. Furthermore, the ability to adjust the derivative currents between the active electrodes to deliver the user's treatment allows for an increased surface area of ​​treatment, thus enabling multiple treatments. This choice is rather surprising, as the conventional approach is to reduce derivative currents between active electrodes and focus on the currents between the active electrode and the return or neutral electrode.

[0016] Advantageously, each active electrode is connected to a voltage generator so as to receive either the first or second signal produced by each voltage generator. Preferably, the first and second signals are different.

[0017] Another aspect concerns the operating method of a device as described above, comprising: a first mode of operation according to the first configuration of the device in which N electrodes, N being equal to 2, are active each connected to a voltage generator, the two voltage generators are connected in series, the current flowing between the two active electrodes, a second mode of operation according to the second configuration of the device in which N being equal to 3, of which 2 electrodes are active each connected to a voltage generator, one electrode is a return electrode, the two voltage generators are connected in parallel, the current flowing between the nearest active electrodes and between the active electrodes and the return electrode. BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURES

[0018] The aims, objectives, characteristics, and advantages of this teaching will become clearer from the detailed description of one method of its implementation, illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which: There figure 1 represents the electrical diagram of a device according to a first embodiment following the first configuration with two active electrodes and two voltage generators. figure 2 represents the flow of currents between the electrodes of a device according to the figure 1 applied to a human body. The figure 3 represents the electrical diagram of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention, following the second configuration with two active electrodes, a neutral return electrode, and two voltage generators. figure 4 and the figure 5 represent the flow of currents between the electrodes of a device according to the figure 3 applied to a human body. The figure 4 illustrates the flow of current between two active electrodes during generator synchronization. figure 5 This illustrates the flow of currents between two active electrodes and between the active electrodes and the return electrode during generator desynchronization. figure 6 represents the electrical diagram of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention following the first configuration, with two active electrodes also serving as return electrodes and two voltage generators. figure 7 represents the flow of currents in a device according to the figure 6 applied to the human body. DESCRIPTION DÉTAILLÉE

[0019] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below.

[0020] In one example, each voltage generator is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage, preferably between 100 kHz and 10 MHz.

[0021] In one example, the active electrodes are configured to be mobile.

[0022] As an example, active electrodes are capacitive, resistive, or multipolar.

[0023] As an example, each voltage generator includes a measuring device configured to measure output parameters of the voltage generator.

[0024] In one example, each voltage generator includes a control module configured to control the output current and / or frequency and / or phase shift of the voltage generator. The control module is, for example, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an analog circuit. In another example, the measuring device communicates with the control module to provide it with the data necessary for control. Advantageously, the voltage generator can control its output based on the impedance measured by the measuring device.

[0025] In one example, the device includes a synchronizing element configured to control the synchronization or desynchronization of voltage generators. In another example, the device does not include a switch arranged between an output of a voltage generator and an active electrode.

[0026] According to one example, the device does not include a mixing element arranged between an output of a voltage generator and an active electrode.

[0027] According to one example, the process includes a step of controlling the phasing or phase shift of the two generators advantageously by the control module, and including a step of controlling the synchronization by the emission of a synchronization or desynchronization signal of the two generators advantageously by the synchronizing device so as to generate a current flowing between the two active electrodes.

[0028] This description relates to an electrotherapy device capable of providing diathermy and / or conductivity treatment to the user's body.

[0029] Advantageously, the electrotherapy device according to this teaching allows the user's body to be treated by diathermy or conductivity or by diathermy combined with conductivity.

[0030] Advantageously, the different treatments are carried out by connecting the voltage generators of the device in series, also called serialization, or in parallel, also called parallelization.

[0031] The electrotherapy device comprises several electrodes, that is, a number of electrodes equal to two or three. The number of electrodes in the device is preferably defined by the number N, where N is equal to 2 or 3. Depending on one possibility, the number of electrodes is equal to two or three, or more generally to an even or odd number.

[0032] The electrotherapy device also includes two sinusoidal voltage generators 210, 220.

[0033] Preferably, the number of sinusoidal voltage generators 210, 220 of the device is defined in relation to the number of electrodes and more particularly the active electrodes 212, 222. According to a possibility in which the number of active electrodes is an even number, the number of sinusoidal voltage generators is equal to this number of electrodes.

[0034] The device comprises two channels, each channel originating from a voltage generator 210, 220. In one configuration, each voltage generator 210, 220 includes at least one channel, called the transmission channel, corresponding to an output of the generator's signal. The electrodes are active electrodes 212, 222, meaning that the electrode supplies a current to the user's body 10. Preferably, the two active electrodes 212, 222 are connected to different channels. Advantageously, each active electrode 212, 222 is connected to a voltage generator, more precisely to a transmission channel of a voltage generator. Depending on the configuration, the device may also include a return or neutral electrode 240, meaning an electrode that receives the current emitted by the active electrodes 212, 222 and that has passed through a portion of the user's body 10.In one scenario, each voltage generator 210, 220 includes a channel called the receiving channel, corresponding to an input that receives the current having passed through a portion of the user's body 10. The return electrode 240 closes the electrical circuit at the user's body 10. The return electrode 240 forms the ground. The return electrode 240 is preferably fixed, but can be mobile depending on the treatment. Fixed means that during the treatment the return electrode is not moved by the practitioner; the electrode can be held fixed on the user by means of restraint. Mobile means that during the treatment the electrode is moved by the practitioner.

[0035] Electrodes 212, 222, 240 are configured to be applied to the user's body 10. Advantageously, electrodes 212, 222, 240 are in contact with the user's body 10.

[0036] Active electrodes 212 and 222 can be capacitive, resistive, or multipolar. Multipolar means that active electrode 212 or 222 comprises two conducting poles, such as a capacitive pole and a resistive pole simultaneously.

[0037] The active electrodes 212, 222 can be fixed or mobile depending on the needs of the treatment.

[0038] The electrotherapy device described in this teaching also includes a control unit configured so that the device alternates between a first and a second configuration. The control unit is, for example, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an analog circuit.

[0039] According to a first configuration, the device comprises N electrodes, with N equal to 2, which are active electrodes 212, 222; the device does not include a return electrode 240. Thus, each electrode 212, 222 is connected to a voltage generator 210, 220. The two voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in series. This configuration is illustrated in the figure 1 as well as to the figure 2 .

[0040] According to a second configuration, the device comprises N electrodes, with N equal to 3, of which two are active electrodes 212, 222 and one is a return electrode 240. Thus, each active electrode 212, 222 is connected to a voltage generator 210, 220. The return electrode 240 is connected to the common point of the two voltage generators 210, 220. Preferably, the common point of the two voltage generators 210, 220 is connected to each of the receive channels of each generator. The two voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in parallel. This configuration is illustrated in Figure 1. figure 3 as well as to figures 4 And 5 .

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the voltage generators 210 and 220 are isolated. The voltage generators 210 and 220 are galvanically isolated. In an embodiment shown in the figures, the isolation of the voltage generators 210 and 220 is achieved by a transformer 211 and 221 arranged at the output of each voltage generator 210 and 220. The isolated voltage generator ensures a high level of safety for the user, who receives current while being isolated from the device's electrical circuit.

[0042] Transformers 211, 222 are advantageously configured to be in phase or out of phase, in particular in opposition, depending on whether the signals emitted by voltage generators 210, 220 are in phase or out of phase.

[0043] According to the present teaching, the device thus allows the use or not of a return electrode 240. The device according to the invention uses the derived currents flowing between the active electrodes 212, 222 preferentially between the two active electrodes 212, 222. These derived currents are conventionally reduced, or even prevented, by devices of the prior art.

[0044] Advantageously, each active electrode 212, 222 is respectively connected to a sinusoidal voltage generator 210, 220, preferably via a respective channel. Preferably, the device does not include a switch for passing a first signal from a voltage generator 210 to the two active electrodes or a second signal from a second voltage generator 210 to the two active electrodes. Advantageously, the device does not include a mixing element for combining the first signal from the first generator and the second signal from the second generator.

[0045] Preferably, the signal produced by each generator is applied to an active electrode.

[0046] The device according to the invention is configured to generate a different potential at each electrode 212, 222 so as to ensure the transmission of current between two electrodes 212, 222, 240 that are closest.

[0047] According to this teaching, the neutral or floating common point to all active electrodes 212, 222, is connected or not to a return electrode 240 applied to the user's body 10 depending on the configuration.

[0048] The process implementing the device generates, according to the first configuration, a compound voltage 110 between the active electrodes 212, 222 and / or, according to the second configuration, simple voltages 120, 121 between the active electrodes 212, 222 and the return electrode 240 applied to the user's body 10.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the device is intended for electrotherapy, and more specifically for diathermy. For this purpose, each 210, 220 voltage generator is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage. The high-frequency voltage is preferably between 100 kHz and 10 MHz.

[0050] Advantageously, the device includes for each voltage generator 210, 220 a measuring element 213, 223. The measuring element 213, 223 is configured to measure the parameters of the signal at the output of the isolated voltage generator 210, 220.

[0051] Preferably, the device includes a control module 214, 224 for each voltage generator 210, 220. The control module 214, 224 is configured to control the output signal of the isolated voltage generator 210, 220. Preferably, the control module 214, 224 regulates, for example, the current frequency and / or the phase shift of the voltage generator. By way of example, the control module 214, 224 is a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an analog circuit.

[0052] Advantageously, the measuring unit 213, 223 is configured to communicate with the control module 214, 224 so as to provide it with the data necessary for control.

[0053] Preferably, the device includes a synchronizing element 230 advantageously arranged to control the voltage generators 210, 220. The synchronizing element 230 is connected to a synchronization input of each voltage generator 210, 220. The synchronizing element 230 is configured to allow the synchronization or desynchronization of the voltage generators 210, 220 and thus of the emitted signals. Synchronization is understood to mean that the emitted signals have the same pulse rate and / or the same frequency and / or the same period. The synchronizing element 230 generates, for example, a synchronization signal for each generator so as to control the synchronization or desynchronization of the signals. As illustrated in figures 4 And 5During the synchronization of the two voltage generators 210, 220, currents flow between each of the active electrodes 212, 222 and the neutral electrode 240, while during the desynchronization of the two voltage generators 210, 220, currents also flow between the two active electrodes 212, 220, this is the derivative current 110. The control of the synchronization or desynchronization of the signals participates in the formation and maintenance of derivative current between the two active electrodes.

[0054] Advantageously, the voltage generators 210 and 220 are independent and can, in particular, adjust the output signal according to the impedance detected by the device. The device according to the invention is advantageously configured as a multi-output device, that is, comprising two active electrodes connected to two voltage generators producing distinct output signals.

[0055] Advantageously, the signal emitted for each voltage generator 210, 220 is sinusoidal. Preferably, V = Vamp x sin (wt + Φ) with Vamp = Amplitude of the sinusoidal signal, w: angular frequency, Φ: phase shift in degrees.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is configured to allow the phasing or phase shifting of the signals from each voltage generator 210, 220. Thus, the output voltage varies according to the phase shift of the waves. When the signals from the voltage generators 210, 220 are in phase, the voltage between two active electrodes 212, 222 is twice the output voltage Vout (V110 = 2 x Vout), where Vout is the output voltage of the voltage generator. When the signals from the voltage generators 210, 220 are 180° out of phase, the output voltage is zero, Vamp = 0V, where Vamp is the amplitude of the sinusoidal output signal.

[0057] According to the first embodiment in its first configuration, the device according to the invention is illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0058] According to this first configuration of this first embodiment, N is equal to two, with two active electrodes 212, 222 respectively, each connected to a voltage generator 210, 220. The device according to this first configuration does not include a return electrode. In this first configuration, the voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in series.

[0059] Voltage generators 210, 220 are advantageously isolated by means of a transformer 211, 222 respectively arranged at the output of each voltage generator 210, 220.

[0060] Transformers 211, 222 are advantageously configured to be in phase or out of phase, particularly in opposition, depending on whether the signals are in phase or out of phase.

[0061] The device according to this first embodiment comprises two measuring elements 213, 223 arranged at the output of each voltage generator 210, 220. Each measuring element 213, 223 is connected to the respective control module 214, 224 of each voltage generator 210, 220.

[0062] In this embodiment following this first configuration, in the absence of the return electrode 240, the current flowing is the derivative current 110 between the two active electrodes 212, 222 applied to the body of a user 10 as illustrated in the figure 3 .

[0063] In this first configuration, the signal is said to be composed: V 110 = V 120 + V 121. Where V 110 is the voltage of the current 110 flowing between the 2 active electrodes 212, 222, V 120 is the voltage of the current 120 flowing between an active electrode 212 and a neutral electrode 240 not present, V 121 is the voltage of the current 121 flowing between an active electrode 222 and a neutral electrode 240 not present.

[0064] In this first configuration, connecting the two isolated voltage generators 210, 220 in series allows the voltage to be increased up to 2 times its nominal value in order to seek the breakdown effect of the insulation, that is to say an increase in the permeability of hard biological tissues (bones, ligaments...) and that the current flows through them.

[0065] This first configuration allows for serialized diathermy treatment. This configuration connects two voltage generators (210V and 220V) in series, applying signals that generate diathermy. This treatment is performed using two active electrodes, and the return electrode is floating because it is not applied to the user. This arrangement increases the voltage, not the current, so that the current maximizes the conductivity of biological tissues, thus accelerating healing, while minimizing their heating. The goal is to promote cellular metabolism in these tissues with voltages up to 800 Vrms.

[0066] In this first configuration, the 210 and 220 voltage generators are configured so that the emitted signals are out of phase and synchronous.

[0067] According to this first embodiment of the invention, the device can alternatively take on a second configuration illustrated in the figure 3 .

[0068] According to this second configuration of this embodiment, N is equal to three, with two active electrodes 212, 222 each respectively connected to a voltage generator 210, 220. The device according to this second configuration includes a return electrode 240. The return electrode 240 is advantageously connected to the common point of the voltage generators 210, 220. In this second configuration, the voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in parallel.

[0069] In this embodiment, according to this second configuration comprising a return electrode 240, the current flows between the active electrodes 212, 222 and a return electrode 240, but also advantageously between the two active electrodes 212, 222 as illustrated in the figure 4 .

[0070] In this second configuration, the signal is said to be simple with currents 120, 121. Each voltage generator 210, 220 supplies a different impedance. With the electrodes applied to the user's body 10, an impedance exists between the two active electrodes 212, 222. A voltage, V110, is applied between the two active electrodes 212, 222. The voltage V110 varies depending on the proximity of the two active electrodes 212, 222 and the phase shift of the signals as indicated above.

[0071] In this second configuration, connecting the two voltage generators 210 and 220 in parallel allows the current to be increased up to twice its nominal value to induce heating of the tissues through which it passes—in other words, a diathermic effect. Moving the active electrodes 212 and 222 closer together or further apart allows the power to be varied.

[0072] This second configuration allows for combined diathermy and conductivity treatment. This configuration connects the two voltage generators 210 and 220 in parallel, thus applying signals that generate both diathermy and conductivity. In this configuration, the return electrode 240 is positioned on the user's body 10 to create three current segments distributed among the three electrodes. The sum of these three current segments 110, 120, and 121 corresponds to the power delivered by the electrotherapy device. Furthermore, this configuration increases the current intensity rather than the voltage, which promotes heating (diathermy) of the biological tissues traversed, with current intensities reaching up to 4 amperes.

[0073] In figures 4 And 5The two active electrodes 212 and 222 transmit a sinusoidal current whose frequency and characteristics may differ. They converge at a return electrode 240 via electrical segments carrying currents 120 and 121, with the possibility of creating a third electrical segment carrying current 110 depending on the settings of the return electrode 240. The corresponding device allows the power emitted from a two-phase device to be distributed across the user's body 10 via three electrical segments of three electrodes 212, 222, and 240. Between each electrode 212, 222, and 240, there is an electrical segment, and the practitioner can define how to distribute the power between these three electrodes. The device is configured to synchronize or desynchronize via the phase shift of the signals.

[0074] In figure 4 The signals are synchronized and can be in phase or out of phase. There is no derivative current.

[0075] In figure 5 The signals are out of sync and can be in phase or out of phase. There is a shunt current.

[0076] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in the figure 6 N is equal to two, with two active electrodes 212, 222 respectively, each connected to a voltage generator 210, 220. The device according to this second embodiment does not include a return electrode. In this first configuration, the voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in series.

[0077] The active electrodes 212, 222 are advantageously configured to be simultaneously or alternately active and neutral as illustrated in the figure 6 and to the figure 7 to ensure current flow at the output and input on a single electrode 212, 222.

[0078] In one embodiment, the active electrodes can be intelligent. They are equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that allows for real-time monitoring of the practitioner's movement. The practitioner can then modify their treatment during use for improved effectiveness. The IMU also recognizes the type of electrode being used. The control module 214, 224 adapts the output according to the detected electrode type.

[0079] As an example, the device is advantageously designed for a maximum single voltage of 400 Vrms, a maximum single current of 1.2 Arms and a power of 150 W over frequencies from 300 kHz to 1 MHz and a maximum compound voltage of 800 Vrms, a maximum single current of 2.4 Arms and a power of 300 W over frequencies from 300 kHz to 1 MHz.

[0080] The invention therefore advantageously allows the voltage and intensity of high-frequency currents to be varied and to work on different intensities and / or voltages and / or frequencies and to combine or not different types of electrodes.

[0081] According to one possibility, the 210 and 220 voltage generators can operate to produce multi-frequency voltages by modulating low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals as described in an invention of the applicant. The voltage generator at the highest frequency is amplitude-modulated by the voltage generator at the lowest frequency. The power outputs are unbalanced. Each generator must provide a power output corresponding to its own electrodes and the power output of any associated electrodes. The power output is adjusted according to the amplitude and phase shift of each generator.

[0082] According to this possibility, the electrotherapy device comprises a first voltage generator configured to generate a first voltage having a first frequency and comprising a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, and a second voltage generator configured to generate a second voltage having a second frequency strictly greater than the first frequency and comprising a third connection terminal and a fourth connection terminal, characterized in that it comprises a transmission channel, a reception channel, and that the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal are connected to said transmission channel and that the second connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal are connected to said reception channel.

[0083] This capability allows two voltages of two different frequencies to be applied through a single transmission channel and a single reception channel.

[0084] More specifically, the electrotherapy device includes a control unit configured to command the first voltage generator to generate the first voltage at a first frequency, and to command the second voltage generator to generate the second voltage at a second frequency simultaneously.

[0085] Advantageously, the control unit is configured to generate in the transmission channel, a signal associating a sinusoidal voltage of a first frequency modulated by a third frequency and associated with a sinusoidal voltage of a second frequency modulated by a fourth frequency, the signal being the sum of the voltage of the first generator module and the voltage of the second generator module.

[0086] Another aspect concerns a method for the operation of an electrotherapy device as described for this possibility, including: a. The first generator generates a first voltage at a first frequency, and b. the second generator generates a second voltage at a second frequency strictly higher than the first frequency, with steps a and b occurring simultaneously. Thus, the two voltage generators operate simultaneously.

[0087] In one example, the first voltage generator is configured to generate a sinusoidal voltage.

[0088] According to one example, the first frequency is within a first frequency range between 1 kHz and 10 kHz.

[0089] In one example, the first voltage generator is configured to generate a sinusoidal voltage of first frequency modulated by a third frequency.

[0090] According to one example, the third frequency is included in a third frequency range between 1 Hz and 150 Hz.

[0091] According to one example, the third frequency is a sinusoidal voltage.

[0092] This device option allows for the creation of a medium-frequency sinusoidal signal to modulate the low-frequency signal (electrostimulation) and combine it with a high-frequency sinusoidal signal (diathermy). This option enables the device to combine the benefits of electrostimulation and radiofrequency, generating diathermy, within a single channel. The device produces a non-invasive current that stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms and promotes cellular exchange. It offers excellent rehabilitation results thanks to the rapid recovery of muscle and joint function.

[0093] The result is a sinusoidal current of 1 kHz to 10 kHz modulated at a frequency of 1 Hz to 150 Hz. In electrostimulation, the modulation of the stimulator current helps to avoid tetany of the excited muscles.

[0094] In one example, the second voltage generator is configured to generate a sinusoidal voltage.

[0095] According to one example, the second frequency is included in a second frequency range between 100 kHz and 10 MHz.

[0096] In one example, the second voltage generator is configured to generate a sinusoidal voltage of a second frequency modulated by a fourth frequency.

[0097] According to one example, the fourth frequency is included in a fourth frequency range between 1 Hz and 150 Hz.

[0098] According to one example, the fourth frequency is pulsed.

[0099] According to one example, the second voltage generator includes an activation control configured to generate a pulsed sinusoidal voltage at the fourth frequency.

[0100] According to one example, the first voltage generator includes a transmit command configured to transmit the voltage from the first generator module at the fourth frequency.

[0101] The invention is defined in the following claims. List of references

[0102] 10. User's body 110. Current drawn between two active electrodes 111. Current drawn between two active electrodes 112. Current drawn between two active electrodes 120. Current drawn between an active electrode and a neutral electrode 121. Current drawn between an active electrode and a neutral electrode 122. Current drawn between an active electrode and a neutral electrode 210. Voltage generator 211. Transformer 212. Active electrode connected to the first voltage generator 213. Measuring device 214. Control module 220. Voltage generator 221. Transformer 222. Active electrode connected to the second voltage generator 223. Measuring device 224. Control module 230. Synchronizing device 240. Neutral or return electrode

Claims

1. Electrotherapy device able to deliver diathermy and / or conductivity treatment to the body of a user, said device comprising - N electrodes (212, 222, 240) configured to be applied to the body of the user, N being equal to 2 or 3, - two sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), - a transformer (211, 221) for each voltage generator such that the two voltage generators (210, 220) are isolated by a transformer (211, 221), and - a control unit configured so that the device alternatively takes: • a first so-called series configuration in which, the N equal to 2 electrodes (212, 222) being active electrodes and the two voltage generators (210, 220) are connected in series, the device does not comprise a return electrode (240), each active electrode (212, 222) being connected to a voltage generator (210, 220) the device is configured to generate a different potential at each active electrode (212, 222) so as to ensure the transmission of current between the two closest active electrodes (212, 222), • a second so-called parallel configuration, in which N equals 3, two electrodes (212, 220) of which are active electrodes each respectively connected to a voltage generator (210, 220), and an electrode (240) of which is a return electrode to form the ground and is connected to each voltage generator (210, 220), the two voltage generators (210, 220) are connected in parallel, the device is configured to generate a different potential at each active electrode (210, 222) so as to ensure the transmission of current between the two nearest active electrodes and / or between each active electrode (212, 222) and the return electrode (240).

2. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein each voltage generator (210, 220) is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage, preferably between 100 kHz and 10 MHz.

3. Device according to either one of the preceding claims, wherein each active electrode (210, 222) is connected to a voltage generator (210, 220) to receive respectively a first signal or a second signal produced respectively by a voltage generator (210, 220), preferentially the first signal and the second signal are different.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the active electrodes (212, 222) are configured to be movable.

5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the active electrodes (212, 222) are capacitive, resistive or multipole.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each voltage generator (210, 220) comprises a measuring member (213, 223) configured to measure the output parameters of the voltage generator (210, 220).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each voltage generator (210, 220) comprises a control module (214, 224) figured to control the output current and / or the frequency and / or the phase shift of the voltage generator (210, 220).

8. Device according to the preceding two claims, wherein the measuring member (213, 223) communicates with the control module (214, 224) to provide it with data necessary for control.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a synchronisation member (230) configured to control the synchronisation or desynchronisation of the voltage generators (210, 220).

10. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein, in the first configuration, the signals emitted by the voltage generators (210, 220) are phase-shifted and synchronous.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein • the first voltage generator (210) is configured to generate a first voltage having a first frequency and comprising a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, • the second voltage generator (220) is configured to generate a second voltage having a second frequency strictly higher than the first frequency and comprising a third connection terminal and a fourth connection terminal, • a transmission channel, • a reception channel, and the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal are connected to said transmission channel, and the second connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal are connected to said reception channel, • a control unit configured to simultaneously: - control the first voltage generator (210) to generate the first voltage at a first frequency, - control the second voltage generator (220) the second voltage at a second frequency, the control unit being configured to generate in the transmission channel a signal associating a sinusoidal voltage at the first frequency modulated by the third frequency and associated with a sinusoidal voltage at the second frequency modulated by the fourth frequency, the signal being the sum of the voltage from the first generator and the voltage from the second generator.