An electrical therapy device that combines electrical stimulation and manual therapy

Abstract

The electrotherapy device comprises N electrodes (212, 222, 240), where N is 2 or 3, two sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), two transformers (211, 221) associated with the sinusoidal voltage generators, and a control unit. The sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are isolated by the transformers (211, 221). The control unit controls the electrotherapy device to alternately assume a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, N is 2, the electrodes (212, 222) are active electrodes, the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are arranged in series, the electrotherapy device does not include a return electrode (240), and the active electrodes (212, 222) are each connected to the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) in a series configuration that generates different electrical potentials at the active electrodes (212, 222) such that current flows between the two nearest active electrodes (212, 222). In the second configuration, N is 3, two electrodes (212, 220) are active electrodes connected to two sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) respectively, and one electrode (240) is a return electrode to form a ground and is connected to the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), and the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are arranged in parallel, generating different potentials at the active electrodes (210, 222) such that current flows between the two nearest active electrodes (212, 222) and / or between the active electrodes (212, 222) and the return electrode (240).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to medical or cosmetic electronic devices. The invention will find application in particular in the field of so-called electrotherapy, in particular in diathermy and / or electroconductive therapy. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrotherapy is a non-hazardous, non-invasive technique that uses electricity for therapeutic purposes. This technique has been shown to relieve pain, strengthen muscle fibers, and promote healing of living tissue. Low frequency (1Hz-150Hz) has a superficial nerve stimulation effect, medium frequency (1kHz-1kHz) has a deep nerve stimulation effect, and high frequency (100kHz-1.2MHz) has a superficial or deep selective diathermal effect and promotes healing. Low frequency (LF) and medium frequency (MF) are commonly referred to as electrical stimulation, and high frequency (HF) is called radiofrequency.

[0003] These different types of electrical therapy currents circulate between two plates or conductive elements that contact the skin and act as electrodes. The practitioner can use different types of electrical currents.

[0004] Heat is a treatment that has been used for many years in kinesitherapy and is divided into two categories: superficial and deep heat. Deep heat modalities include long and short wave therapeutic or cosmetic diathermy, ultrasound, and contact radio frequency, also called high frequency currents of 100 kHz to 1.2 MHz. This type of deep heat therapy is called diathermy. Diathermy works by generating heat in the cellular tissue of the damaged area of ​​the body between two electrodes that are in contact with the tissue, allowing a current to circulate through the body between the two electrodes.

[0005] For example, as disclosed in patent ES287964, a current conduction diathermy device includes an active electrode and a return electrode.

[0006] Due to the tissue's own electrical impedance, the current circulates in the tissue and causes a temperature rise in the tissue due to the Joule effect. This heating is significant and related to the increase in the intensity of the current.

[0007] The electrical conductivity of the tissue changes as a function of the radio frequency current: the higher the voltage, the more conductive the tissue and the faster the healing.

[0008] When there are multiple electrodes, they are connected to a single high-frequency voltage generator, promoting both the diathermy effect and tissue healing in the treatment simultaneously. Thus, these two effects are combined and cannot be separated.

[0009] The document US5776173A1 is known. This document proposes an interferometric stimulation device for electrical therapy. The device comprises two oscillators each generating an output signal with a frequency, which passes through several components before passing through a mixer. The mixer combines the output signals, which are then applied to a switch that selects the output modality according to bipolar or quadripolar therapy. The device applies a single mixed low-frequency signal to a pair of electrodes.

[0010] A document US2010 / 0152817A1 is known. This document proposes a network simulator for electrical stimulation of nerves by pairs of electrodes, successively or alternately, according to various application modes. This simulator generates electrical pulses of such a nature that a signal is periodically sent sequentially to successive pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes receiving a corresponding signal at a different moment. This simulator proposes to generate simulated pulses of longer length or higher amplitude by various applications of the electrical pulses. This simulator supplies one and the same signal to each pair of electrodes.

[0011] Also known is the document US2003 / 0181960A1. This document proposes an electrotherapy device that generates a therapeutic signal administered by an electrode from a first signal and a second signal and collected by a return electrode. This device does not allow for multiple treatments. This device operates at low frequencies. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] There is therefore a need to propose solutions that allow an optimized treatment, in particular one that is less risky and more effective for the user receiving the treatment and simplified for the practitioner administering the treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description and the accompanying drawings, and it will be understood that other advantages may be incorporated.

[0014] To this end, according to one embodiment, an electrotherapy device is provided, the device comprising: - N electrodes (212, 222, 240), where N is 2 or 3; - two sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), - two transformers (211, 221) associated with said sinusoidal voltage generator; a control unit, The sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are insulated by the transformers (211, 221); the control unit controls the electrotherapy device to alternately assume a first configuration and a second configuration; The first configuration is N is 2, The electrodes (212, 222) are active electrodes; The sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are arranged in series, the electrotherapy device does not include a return electrode (240); the active electrodes (212, 222) are in a series configuration connected to the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), respectively; generating different potentials at the two closest active electrodes (212, 222) such that a current flows between the two closest active electrodes; The second configuration is N is 3, Two electrodes (212, 220) are active electrodes connected to the two sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), respectively; One electrode (240) is a return electrode for forming a ground and is connected to the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220); The sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are arranged in parallel, A parallel configuration generates different electrical potentials at the active electrodes (210, 222) such that current flows between the two nearest active electrodes (212, 222) and / or between the active electrodes (212, 222) and a return electrode (240).

[0015] Thus, the invention allows the application of several signals through several electrodes to the user's body. It is a bi-channel device. The practitioner can perform a complete treatment providing diathermy and / or conductivity by paralleling or serializing the two voltage generators. The presence of two insulated generators allows the user to be isolated on the electrical circuit without danger. Furthermore, the possibility of treating the user by acting on the current shunted between the active electrodes makes it possible to increase the surface area of ​​the treatment zone and provide multiple treatments. This choice is very surprising, since in the past, one would have tried to reduce the current shunted between the active electrodes in order to concentrate the current between the active and the return or neutral electrodes.

[0016] Advantageously, each active electrode is connected to a voltage generator and receives a first signal or a second signal, respectively, generated by the respective voltage generator, the first signal and the second signal being preferably different.

[0017] Another aspect relates to a method for operating the above apparatus, the method including the following modes of operation. - a first operating mode for a first configuration of the device, characterized in that: N is 2; the electrodes are active electrodes, each connected to a voltage generator; the two voltage generators are connected in series; a current circulates between the two active electrodes; - A second operating mode for a second configuration of the device, characterized in that: N is 3; Two of the electrodes are active electrodes, each connected to a voltage generator; One of the electrodes is a return electrode; The two voltage generators are connected in parallel; Current circulates between the nearest active electrodes and between the active and return electrodes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] The objects, spirit, features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed description of one embodiment thereof, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an electrical circuit diagram of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention in a first configuration having two active electrodes and two voltage generators. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates the circulation of current between the electrodes of the device of FIG. 1 as applied to the human body. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an electrical circuit diagram of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention in a second configuration with two active electrodes, a neutral return electrode and two voltage generators. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the circulation of current between the electrodes of the device of FIG. 3 applied to the human body, illustrating the circulation of current between the two active electrodes when the voltage generators are synchronized. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 illustrates the circulation of current between the electrodes of the device of FIG. 3 applied to the human body, showing the circulation of current between the two active electrodes and between the active electrode and the return electrode when the voltage generators are asynchronous. [Figure 6] 1 is an electrical circuit diagram of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention in a first configuration, in which the two active electrodes are also return electrodes and which has two voltage generators; [Figure 7] 7 shows the circulation of current in the device according to FIG. 6 applied to the human body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Before proceeding to a detailed discussion of embodiments of the present invention, the following features are presented which can optionally be used as alternatives to or in combination with each other.

[0020] According to one embodiment, each voltage generator generates a high frequency voltage, preferentially a high frequency voltage between 100 kHz and 10 MHz.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the active electrode is movable.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the active electrodes are capacitive or resistive or multipolar.

[0023] According to one embodiment, each voltage generator comprises a measurement unit for measuring an output parameter of the voltage generator.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each voltage generator comprises a control module for controlling the output current and / or frequency and / or attenuation of the voltage generator.

[0025] The control module is, for example, a microcontroller or a microprocessor or a programmable logic circuit (CPLD Complex Programmable Logic Device) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an analog circuit.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the measurement unit communicates with the control module and supplies it with the data necessary for control. Advantageously, the voltage generator is able to control its output depending on the impedance measured by the measurement unit.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a synchronization unit for controlling the synchronization or asynchronousness of the voltage generator.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the device does not include a switch disposed between the output of the voltage generator and the active electrode.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the device does not include a mixing section disposed between the output of the voltage generator and the active electrode.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of controlling the phasing or dephasing of two voltage generators by a control module, and controlling the synchronization of the two voltage generators by a synchronization unit by sending a synchronization or desynchronization signal to generate a circulating current between the two active electrodes.

[0031] The present invention relates to an electrotherapy device capable of performing diathermy and / or conductive treatment of a user's body.

[0032] Advantageously, the electrotherapy device according to the present invention allows for the treatment of the user's body by diathermy or electrical conductivity, or a combination of diathermy and electrical conductivity.

[0033] Advantageously, various treatments are performed by serializing (also called serializing) or paralleling (also called parallelizing) the voltage generators of the device.

[0034] The electrotherapy device according to the invention comprises a plurality of electrodes, namely two or three electrodes. According to one possibility, the number of electrodes is two or three, or more generally an even or odd number.

[0035] The electrotherapy device according to the present invention also comprises two sinusoidal voltage generators 210,220. Preferably, the number of sinusoidal voltage generators 210, 220 of the device is defined according to the number of electrodes, more particularly the number of active electrodes 212, 222. One possibility is that if the number of active electrodes is an even number, the number of sinusoidal voltage generators is equal to this number of electrodes.

[0036] The device comprises two channels. Each channel is supplied by a voltage generator 210, 220. As one possibility, each voltage generator 210, 220 comprises at least one channel, called a transmission channel, corresponding to the output of the generator's signal. The electrodes are active electrodes 212, 222. The electrodes supply a current to the body of the user 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 line of the voltage generator. Depending on the configuration, the device is also transmitted by a return or neutral electrode 240, i.e. the active electrodes 212, 222. That is to say, they may constitute electrodes that receive the current that has passed through a part of the body of the user 10. As one possibility, each voltage generator 210, 220 constitutes a so-called receiving channel, corresponding to an input that receives the current that has passed through a part of the body of the user 10. The return electrode 240 provides the closure of the electric circuit in the body of the user 10. That is, the return electrode 240 forms a ground. The return electrode 240 is preferentially fixed, but may be movable depending on the treatment. Fixed means that the return electrode is not moved by the practitioner during treatment. In this case, the electrode may remain fixed to the user by a holding means. Movable means that the electrode may be moved by the practitioner during treatment.

[0037] The electrodes 212, 222, 240 are configured to be applied to the body of the user 10. Advantageously, the electrodes 212, 222, 240 are in contact with the body of the user 10.

[0038] The active electrodes 212, 222 can be capacitive, resistive or multipolar. Multipolar means that the active electrodes 212, 222 include two conductive poles, such as a capacitive pole and a resistive pole at the same time.

[0039] The active electrodes 212, 222 can be fixed or movable depending on the treatment requirements.

[0040] The electrotherapy device according to the invention also comprises a control unit adapted to cause the device to alternate between the first and second configurations, the control unit being for example a microcontroller or a microprocessor or a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an analogue circuit.

[0041] The device in a first configuration comprises N electrodes (active electrodes 212, 222), where N is equal to 2. This device does not comprise a return electrode 240. Each electrode 212, 222 is therefore connected to a voltage generator 210, 220. The two voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in series. This configuration is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0042] The device in the second configuration comprises N electrodes, N being equal to 3. Two of them are active electrodes 212, 222 and one is a return electrode 240. Each active electrode 212, 222 is thus connected to a voltage generator 210, 220. The return electrode 240 is connected to a common point of the two voltage generators 210, 220. Preferably, the common point of the two voltage generators 210, 220 is connected to each receiving channel of each voltage generator. The two voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in parallel. This configuration is shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the voltage generators 210, 220 are isolated. The voltage generators 210, 220 are galvanically isolated. According to one embodiment shown in the figures, the isolation of the voltage generators 210, 220 is achieved by a transformer 211, 221 arranged at the output of each voltage generator 210, 220. Being isolated from the electrical circuit of the device, the isolated voltage generators offer greater safety to the user in terms of electrical currents.

[0044] The transformers 211, 222 are advantageously configured to be in phase or antiphase, in particular antiphase, depending on the requirement that the signals transmitted by the voltage generators 210, 220 be in phase or antiphase.

[0045] Thus, according to the invention, the device allows for the use or absence of a return electrode 240. The device according to the invention uses shunt currents that circulate between the active electrodes 212, 222, preferentially between the two active electrodes 212, 222. These shunt currents were reduced or even prevented in prior art devices.

[0046] Advantageously, each active electrode 212, 222 is connected to a sinusoidal voltage generator 210, 220, respectively, preferentially by a respective channel. Preferably, the device does not include a switch for transmitting the first signal of the voltage generator 210 to the two active electrodes, or the second signal of the second voltage generator 210 to the two active electrodes. Advantageously, the device does not include a mixer for combining the first signal of the first generator and the second signal of the second generator.

[0047] Preferably, the signal generated by each generator is applied to an active electrode.

[0048] The device according to the invention is configured to generate a different electrical potential at each electrode 212, 222 so as to allow the transmission of electrical current between the two nearest electrodes 212, 222, 240.

[0049] According to the present invention, the neutral or floating common point of all active electrodes 212, 222 may or may not be connected to a return electrode 240 applied to the body of the user 10, depending on the configuration.

[0050] A method of using the device generates a compound voltage 110 between the active electrodes 212, 222 in a first configuration, and / or a simple voltage 120, 121 between the active electrodes 212, 222 and a return electrode 240 that is applied to the body of the user 10 in a second configuration.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the device is intended for electrotherapy, more precisely diathermy. For this purpose, each voltage generator 210, 220 generates a high-frequency voltage, preferably with a frequency of ≧100 kHz and ≦10 MHz.

[0052] Advantageously, the device comprises for each voltage generator 210, 220 a measuring unit 213, 223. The measuring units 213, 223 measure parameters of the signals output by the isolated voltage generators 210, 220.

[0053] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a control module 214, 224 for each voltage generator 210, 220. The control module 214, 224 controls the signal output from the isolated voltage generator 210, 220. Preferably, the control module 214, 224 adjusts, for example, the frequency of the current and / or the attenuation of the voltage generator. As an example, the control module 214, 224 is a microcontroller or a microprocessor or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an analog circuit.

[0054] Advantageously, the measurement units 213, 223 communicate with the control modules 214, 224 so as to provide them with the data necessary for control.

[0055] Preferably, the device comprises a synchronization unit 230 advantageously arranged to control the voltage generators 210, 220. The synchronization unit 230 is arranged at the synchronization input of each voltage generator 210, 220. The synchronization unit 230 allows the synchronization or desynchronization of the voltage generators 210, 220 and thus the synchronization or desynchronization of the transmitted signals. Synchronization means that the transmitted signals have the same angular frequency and / or the same frequency and / or the same period. The synchronization unit 230 generates for example a synchronization signal for each voltage generator so as to control the synchronization or desynchronization of the signals. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the two voltage generators 210, 220 are synchronized, a current circulates between each active electrode 212, 222 and the neutral electrode 240. On the other hand, when the two voltage generators 210, 220 are asynchronous, a current also circulates between the two active electrodes 212, 220, which becomes the shunt current 110. Synchronous or asynchronous control of the signals is involved in creating and maintaining a shunt current between the two active electrodes.

[0056] Advantageously, the voltage generators 210, 220 are independent and can adjust their output signals, in particular depending on the impedance seen by the device. The device according to the invention advantageously comprises a multi-output device, i.e. two active electrodes connected to voltage generators generating separate output signals.

[0057] Advantageously, the signal sent to each voltage generator 210, 220 is a sine wave. V = Vamp × sin(wt + Φ) where Vamp = amplitude of the sinusoidal signal, w = angular frequency, and Φ = phase difference in degrees.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the device allows phasing or dephasing of the signals of each voltage generator 210, 220. The output voltage therefore varies according to the phase difference of the waves. When the signals of the voltage generators 210, 220 are in phase, the voltage between the two active electrodes 212, 222 is twice the output voltage Vout (V 110= 2 × Vout), where Vout = the output voltage of the voltage generator. If the signals of the voltage generators 210, 220 are 180 degrees out of phase, the output voltage will be zero and Vamp = 0 V, where Vamp = the amplitude of the output sine wave signal.

[0059] According to a first embodiment in a first configuration, the device according to the invention is shown in FIG.

[0060] According to a first configuration of this first embodiment, N is equal to 2. Two active electrodes 212, 222 are connected to voltage generators 210, 220, respectively. 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.

[0061] The voltage generators 210, 220 are advantageously isolated by means of a transformer 211, 222 arranged at the output of each voltage generator 210, 220 respectively.

[0062] The transformers 211, 222 are advantageously arranged to be in-phase or anti-phase, in particular anti-phase, depending on whether the signals are required to be in-phase or anti-phase.

[0063] The device according to this first embodiment comprises two measuring units 213, 223 arranged at the output of each voltage generator 210, 220. Each measuring unit 213, 223 is connected to a respective control module 214, 224 of each voltage generator 210, 220.

[0064] In this embodiment according to this first configuration, in the absence of a return electrode 240, the circulating current is a shunt current 110 between the two active electrodes 212, 222 applied to the body of the user 10, as shown in FIG.

[0065] In this first configuration, the signal is said to be complex. 110 =V 120 +V 121 Here, V 110is the voltage of the current 110 circulating between the two active electrodes 212, 222. V 120 is the voltage of the current 120 circulating between the active electrode 212 and the neutral electrode 240, not shown. V 121 is the voltage of the current 121 circulating between the active electrode 222 and the neutral electrode 240, not shown.

[0066] In this first configuration, by placing two isolated voltage generators 210, 220 in series, the voltage can be increased to twice the nominal value in order to obtain the breakdown effect of the insulation, i.e. the increase in the magnetic permeability of hard biological tissues (bones, ligaments, etc.) and circulate a current therethrough.

[0067] This first configuration allows a treatment with serialized diathermy. It allows two voltage generators 210, 220 to be placed in series and to apply the signal that generates the diathermy. The treatment is carried out by two active electrodes, the return electrode is said to be floating, since it is not applied to the user. This arrangement allows the current to maximize the conductivity of the living tissue, thus promoting healing. On the other hand, the voltage is increased, but not its intensity, in order to minimize heating. The aim is to stimulate the cellular metabolism of said tissue with voltages of up to 800 Vrms.

[0068] In this first configuration, the voltage generators 210, 220 are configured such that the transmitted signals are synchronized out of phase.

[0069] According to this first embodiment of the invention, the device may alternatively be in a second configuration shown in FIG.

[0070] According to the configuration of this second embodiment, N is equal to 3. Two active electrodes 212, 222 are connected to voltage generators 210, 220, respectively. The device according to this second configuration comprises a return electrode 240. The return electrode 240 is advantageously connected to a common point of the voltage generators 210, 220. In this second configuration, the voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in parallel.

[0071] In this embodiment, with this second configuration of the return electrode 240, the current circulates between the active electrodes 212, 222 and the return electrode 240, but advantageously also between the two active electrodes 212, 222, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0072] In this second configuration, the signals are said to be simply currents 120, 121. Each voltage generator 210, 220 provides a different impedance. The electrodes are applied to the body of the user 10 and 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 depending on the phase difference of the signals as indicated above.

[0073] In this second configuration, by placing the two voltage generators 210, 220 in parallel, the intensity can be increased to twice its nominal value to obtain heating of the tissue passed through, i.e., diathermy effect. Moving the active electrodes 212, 222 closer or further away from each other varies the power.

[0074] This second configuration allows for a combined diathermy and electrical conductivity treatment. This configuration allows for the placement of two voltage generators 210, 220 in parallel, which allows for the application of signals that generate diathermy and electrical conductivity. In this second configuration, the return electrode 240 is placed on the body of the user 10 to form three current segments distributed between the three electrodes. The sum of the three current segments 110, 120, 121 corresponds to the power delivered by the electrotherapy device. Furthermore, this configuration increases the intensity rather than the voltage, which is advantageous for heating of living tissue (diathermy) passing through with an intensity of up to 4 amperes.

[0075] In figures 4 and 5, the two active electrodes 212, 222 carry sinusoidal currents with different frequencies and characteristics. They converge towards the return electrode 240 via an electrical segment in which the current 120 circulates and an electrical segment in which the current 121 circulates. The invention makes it possible to distribute the power emitted by the biphasic device by three electrical segments on the three electrodes 212, 222, 240 on the body of the user 10. Between each electrode 212, 222, 240 there is an electrical segment and the skilled person can define how to distribute the power between these three electrodes 212, 222, 240. The device is configured to be synchronized or desynchronized by attenuation of the signal.

[0076] In Figure 4, the signals are synchronous and may or may not be in phase. There are no shunt currents.

[0077] In Figure 5, the signals are asynchronous and may or may not be in phase. There is a shunt current.

[0078] According to a second embodiment shown in Fig. 6, N is equal to 2. Two active electrodes 212, 222 are connected to voltage generators 210, 220, respectively. The device according to this second configuration does not include a return electrode. In this first configuration, the voltage generators 210, 220 are arranged in series. The active electrodes 212, 222 are advantageously configured to be active and neutral simultaneously or alternately, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, providing a circulation of current input and output on a single electrode 212, 222.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the active electrodes may be smart electrodes. These electrodes are equipped with an inertial unit that allows the practitioner's movements to be known in real time. The practitioner can modify the treatment in use to obtain a better effect. Also, the type of electrodes being used is known. The control module 214, 224 adjusts the output depending on the type of electrodes detected.

[0080] By way of example, the device is advantageously designed for a maximum simple voltage of 400 Vrms, a maximum simple current of 1.2 Arms, and a power output of 150 W at frequencies in the range of 300 kHz to 1 MHz, and a maximum combined voltage of 800 Vrms, a maximum simple current of 2.4 Arms, and a power output of 300 W at frequencies in the range of 300 kHz to 1 MHz.

[0081] The invention thus makes it possible to vary the voltage and intensity of the high frequency current, to operate at different intensities and / or voltages and / or frequencies, and to combine or not combine various types of electrodes.

[0082] As one possibility, the voltage generators 210, 220 can be operated to generate multi-frequency voltages by modulating low, medium and high frequency signals. The highest frequency voltage generator is amplitude modulated by the lowest frequency voltage generator. The power is unbalanced. Each generator provides a corresponding power to its associated electrode. The power is adjusted according to the amplitude and phase difference of each generator.

[0083] According to this possibility, the electrotherapy device comprises a first voltage generator generating a first voltage having a first frequency and comprising a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, a second voltage generator generating a second voltage having a second frequency higher than the first frequency and comprising a third connection terminal and a fourth connection terminal, a transmission channel, and a receiving channel, the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal being connected to the transmission channel, and the second connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal being connected to the receiving channel.

[0084] This possibility allows applying two voltages at two different frequencies with one and the same transmit channel and one and the same receive channel.

[0085] More specifically, the electrotherapy device comprises a control unit that controls a first voltage generator to generate a first voltage at a first frequency and a second voltage generator to simultaneously generate a second voltage at a second frequency.

[0086] Advantageously, the control unit generates a signal in the transmission line relating a sinusoidal voltage of the first frequency modulated with a third frequency and a sinusoidal voltage of the second frequency modulated with a fourth frequency, the signal being the sum of the voltage of the first generating module and the voltage of the second generating module.

[0087] Another aspect relates to a method for operating an electrotherapy device, the method including the following steps. a. generating a first voltage at a first frequency with a first voltage generator. b. generating a second voltage with a second voltage generator at a second frequency higher than the first frequency. Steps a and b are performed simultaneously. Thus, the two voltage generators operate simultaneously.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first voltage generator generates a sinusoidal voltage.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is in a first frequency interval between 1 kHz and 10 kHz.

[0090] According to one embodiment, a first voltage generator generates a sinusoidal voltage at a first frequency modulated by a third frequency.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the third frequency is in a third frequency interval ≧1 Hz and ≦150 Hz.

[0092] According to one example, the third frequency is a sinusoidal voltage.

[0093] The device creates a mid-frequency sine wave signal to modulate a low-frequency signal (electrical stimulation) and combines it with a high-frequency sine wave signal (diathermy). Thus, the device can combine the advantages of electrical stimulation and high-frequency generating diathermy in a single channel. The device generates a non-invasive current that stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms and promotes cell replacement. It has an excellent rehabilitation effect by quickly restoring the function of muscles and joints.

[0094] As a result, a sinusoidal current of 1 kHz to 10 kHz is modulated at a frequency of 1 Hz to 150 Hz. In electrical stimulation, the modulation of the stimulation current can avoid tetany in the excited muscles.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the second voltage generator generates a sinusoidal voltage.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the second frequency is in a second frequency interval ranging from 100 kHz to 10 MHz.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the second voltage generator generates a sinusoidal voltage at the second frequency modulated by the fourth frequency.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the fourth frequency is in a fourth frequency interval ≧1 Hz and ≦150 Hz.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the fourth frequency is pulsed.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the second voltage generator comprises a start command configured to generate a pulsed sinusoidal voltage at a fourth frequency.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the first voltage generator comprises a transmission command configured to transmit a voltage of the first voltage generating module at a fourth frequency.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes all embodiments covered by this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10. The user's body, 110. Current shunted between two active electrodes; 111. Current split between two electrodes, 112. Current shunting between two active electrodes; 120. Shunt current between active and neutral electrodes; 121. Shunt current between active and neutral electrodes; 122. Shunt current between active and neutral electrodes; 210. Voltage generator, 211. Transformers, 212. An active electrode connected to a first voltage generator; 213.Measurement part, 214. Control module, 220. Voltage generator, 221. Transformers, 222. An active electrode connected to a second voltage generator; 223.Measurement part, 224. Control module, 230. Synchronization section, 240. Neutral or return electrode.

Claims

1. 1. An electrotherapy device comprising: - N electrodes (212, 222, 240), where N is 2 or 3; - two sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), - two transformers (211, 221) for said sinusoidal voltage generator, a control unit, The sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are insulated by the transformers (211, 221); the control unit controls the electrotherapy device to alternately assume a first configuration and a second configuration; The first configuration is N is 2; the electrodes (212, 222) are active electrodes; The sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are arranged in series, the electrotherapy device does not include a return electrode (240); The active electrodes (212, 222) are connected to the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), respectively; a series configuration that generates different potentials at the two closest active electrodes (212, 222) such that a current flows between the two closest active electrodes; The second configuration is N is 3; Two electrodes (212, 220) are active electrodes connected to the two sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), respectively; One electrode (240) is a return electrode for forming a ground and is connected to the sinusoidal voltage generator (210, 220); The sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are arranged in parallel, A device characterized in that it is in a parallel configuration to generate different potentials at the active electrodes (210, 222) such that current flows between the two nearest active electrodes (212, 222) and / or between the active electrodes (212, 222) and a return electrode (240).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said sinusoidal voltage generator (210, 220) generates a high frequency voltage, preferentially between 100 kHz and 10 MHz.

3. the active electrodes (210, 222) are connected to the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), respectively, to receive a first signal and a second signal generated by the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220), respectively; 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first signal and the second signal are different.

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the active electrodes (212, 222) are movable.

5. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the active electrodes (212, 222) are capacitive, resistive or multipolar.

6. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sinusoidal voltage generator (210, 220) comprises a measuring unit (213, 223) for measuring an output parameter of the sinusoidal voltage generator (210, 220).

7. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sinusoidal voltage generator (210, 220) comprises a control module (214, 224) for controlling the output current and / or frequency and / or damping of the sinusoidal voltage generator (210, 220).

8. 8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the measurement unit (213, 223) communicates with a control module (214, 224) and supplies the control module (214, 224) with data required for control.

9. 9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a synchronization unit (230) for controlling synchronization or asynchronous operation of the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220).

10. 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the signals transmitted by the sinusoidal voltage generators (210, 220) are out of phase and synchronous.

11. a first sinusoidal voltage generator (210) for generating a first voltage having a first frequency and having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal; a second sinusoidal voltage generator (220) for generating a second voltage having a second frequency higher than the first frequency and having a third connection terminal and a fourth connection terminal; a transmission channel, a receiving channel, Equipped with the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal are connected to the transmission channel; the second connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal are connected to the receiving channel; the control unit generates, on a transmission line, a signal that associates the sinusoidal voltage of the first frequency modulated with a third frequency and the sinusoidal voltage of the second frequency modulated with a fourth frequency; 11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal is the sum of a voltage of the first sinusoidal voltage generator and a voltage of the second sinusoidal voltage generator.

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