Electrotherapy equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to electrotherapy equipment (100) comprising a terminal or handle (1) and an active electrode (2) supported by the terminal (1) and intended to receive an electric voltage from a control unit (10). The active electrode (2) comprises an identification component (2a) identifying the active electrode (2) and the terminal (1) comprises a reader component (1a) for reading the identification component (2a) of the active electrode (2) supported; the terminal (1) is configured to determine the identification information (1) of the identification component (2) of the active electrode (2) and to communicate the identification information (I) to the control unit (100).

Description

[0001] Title: Electrotherapy equipment

[0002] Field of application

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical sector of electrotherapy equipment and in particular equipment intended to apply an electric signal to a patient’s body by means of an active electrode of the capacitive or resistive type, intended to receive the signal from a generator of a control unit, and by means of a neutral return electrode, intended to come into contact with the patient’s body. In particular, the present invention relates to equipment of the aforementioned type intended for so-called Tecar therapy applications.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Electrotherapy equipment is used to apply to the human body controllable frequency voltage or current waveforms, within the radiofrequency range, in order to produce a diathermic effect with the aim of providing a therapeutic or non-therapeutic treatment, for example a physiotherapy or aesthetic treatment, induced by heat in localized zones of the human body at various depths. The transmission of transcutaneous heat sets in motion electrical charges in the biological tissue, stimulates the cellular metabolism, increases the micro-capillary circulation and oxygenation of the tissue and reactivates the reparative and anti-inflammatory process, without using radiating or heating energy applied by means of contact, which would have a mainly superficial and limited depthwise effect.

[0006] The equipment comprises an active electrode, operated manually by an operator in the zone to be treated, and a neutral return electrode, which is positioned on the patient’s body, so as to form a closed electric circuit. Different types of treatment may be performed, depending on the active electrode used: an electrode of the capacitive type is intended for the treatment of soft tissues with a high water content, such as muscles, the venous and lymphatic system and cartilage, while an active electrode of the resistive type is suitable for treating tissues with a low water content, such as the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscle tissues. The resistive active electrode is conductive and intended to make direct contact with the human body, while the capacitive active electrode is provided with an insulating lining which separates a conductive component of the electrode from direct contact with the human body.

[0007] The active electrode - both the resistive type and the capacitive type - is supplied with voltage by a control unit of the equipment. The power levels may be relatively high, up to 300 W and 220 V for resistive treatment, and therefore the equipment must be checked for safe operation in relation to the patient, eliminating any risk of electrocution. In the case of a capacitive active electrode, the power is different, for example up to 450 VA at a voltage of 600 V, and therefore it is very important to check that the power is correctly set when the treatment changes, in order to avoid the triggering of electric arcs which may damage the insulating lining of the capacitive active electrode. At the same time, the electrotherapy equipment may require various adjustments, which depend on other characteristics of the active electrode, whether it be capacitive or resistive, such as the surface area size of the electrode, namely the surface area which is intended to make contact with the patient’s body, and it is therefore necessary to ensure that adjustments may be made safely and easily by the operator.

[0008] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to devise equipment for electrotherapy treatment which is versatile, simplifies the operator’s activity and supports resistive or capacitive active electrodes which have different structural characteristics, in particular different surface areas intended to make contact with the patient, while increasing the safety of the equipment and preventing risks associated with potential oversights or errors on the part of the operator.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The idea underlying the present invention is to provide electrotherapy equipment comprising an “intelligent” terminal for supporting a resistive or capacitive active electrode, intended to receive an electric voltage from a control unit, where the terminal is configured to detect the characteristics of the active electrode, and to communicate these characteristics to the control unit. The control unit, upon receiving the characteristics of the active electrode inserted in the terminal, may automatically check that the electrode is suitable for a treatment mode set on the control unit by the operator, for example so as to prevent the use of a resistive active electrode, with an excessive voltage / energy such as that typically set for capacitive treatment.

[0011] Advantageously, the terminal may be connected to a plurality of resistive active electrodes with different dimensions or structural characteristics or to a plurality of capacitive active electrodes with different dimensions or structural characteristics, and communicate to the unit the characteristics of the active electrode which is connected in each case, for immediate setting, in the control unit, of the maximum power and voltage value which can be applied to the patient by means of contact of the active electrode, in particular by means of contact of the surface of the active electrode intended to make contact with the patient, with the patient him / herself. The aforementioned maximum value is a limit set by the control unit. The operator, via the control unit, may modulate the voltage / energy to be applied to the patient, without being able to exceed the limit set by the control unit.

[0012] According to the proposed solution described above, the technical problem underlying the present invention is solved by the electrotherapy equipment according to Claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the equipment are described in Claims 2 to 15.

[0013] The electrotherapy equipment comprises:

[0014] - a terminal or handle; - an active electrode supported by the terminal and intended to receive an electric voltage from a control unit; the active electrode comprises an identification component identifying the active electrode; the terminal comprises a reader component for reading the identification component of the active electrode supported; the terminal is configured to determine identification information of the identification component of the active electrode and to communicate the identification information to the control unit.

[0015] Advantageously, the “intelligent” terminal prevents adjustment of the machine with voltage or power values which are unsuitable for the electrode.

[0016] For example, the identification component of the active electrode comprises a system for encoding the identification information and the reader component comprises a system for decoding the identification information.

[0017] The encoding and decoding system may be implemented in various ways.

[0018] For example, the identification component of the active electrode comprises an RFID tag and the reader component comprises an RFID tag, and the identification information is memorized in a solid-state permanent memory of the RFID tag. This information may be encoded, for example encrypted. However, it is also possible for the information to be memorized unencrypted.

[0019] The RFID tag reader comprises a switch which enables reading of the RFID tag only if the active electrode is inserted in the terminal and disables reading if the active electrode is not inserted. The switch prevents the identification information of an RFID tag associated with an electrode which is situated within radiofrequency range of the RFID tag reader, but not inserted in the terminal, from being read and erroneously communicated to the control unit. In one embodiment, a magnet / hall sensor system is employed for enabling or disabling reading of the RFID tag. The RFID tag is a passive tag.

[0020] The system for encoding the identification information, alternatively, may be a light or radio wave encoding system.

[0021] In this case, the reader component is, respectively, a system for decoding the light or radio waves. For example, the encoding system is provided with a light source, such as an LED, and a light encoding profile intended to create a specific pattern from among a plurality of possible patterns, each associated with different identification information. The decoding system determines the identification information on the basis of the light pattern detected.

[0022] Other identification and reading technologies may be used, for example QR codes, NFC, etc.

[0023] The system for encoding the identification information may also be of a mechanical nature and comprise a geometric profile, for example a graduated rod which acts as a male element, and the decoding system is a system for recognizing the geometric profile, for example a female seat designed to determine the insertion measurement of the graduated rod, and on the basis of said measurement, the identification information of the active electrode (in this case every insertion measurement is associated with different identification information) .

[0024] The active electrode is removable from the terminal. Advantageously, whenever the electrode is replaced, the terminal “reads” the identification information of the electrode and communicates it to the control unit (when the parts are functionally connected together) so as to calibrate the equipment safely without the need for any action by the operator.

[0025] The identification information comprises the type of active electrode chosen from two different types:

[0026] - a capacitive or high impedance type associated with active electrodes intended to be used for indirect contact between a conductive surface of the active electrode and the human body by means of an insulant arranged in between them, and

[0027] - a resistive or low impedance type associated with active electrodes intended to be used for direct contact between a conductive surface of the active electrode and the human body.

[0028] The identification information comprises a surface area size of the active electrode, relating to the maximum contact area between the active electrode and the human body during use.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the terminal is provided with a touch or pushbutton keypad for varying the operating parameters of the control unit, in particular the current voltage supplied to the active electrode, from the keypad, and the power.

[0030] The electrotherapy equipment also comprises the control unit. Said unit is configured to supply to the active electrode a voltage, in particular the voltage determined by the control unit on the basis of the identification information of the identification component of the electrode transmitted by the reader component of the terminal.

[0031] The control unit also comprises a module for recognizing the terminal from among N possible types of terminal intended to operate in N respective operating modes.

[0032] Preferably N=4 modes, in particular a dynamic, fibrolysis, static or dosimetric mode.

[0033] In one embodiment, a terminal intended to operate in the dynamic or fibrolysis operating mode supports electrodes of both types, i.e. conductive and resistive type, and a terminal intended to operate in the static or dosimetric operating mode supports electrodes of only one type, i.e. resistive type.

[0034] However, it is also possible, with due adjustments, for a terminal intended to operate in the static or dosimetric operating mode to support electrodes of both types, i.e. conductive and resistive type.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit comprises a module for checking the phase between current and voltage. The module is programmed to interrupt the supply of the electric voltage to the active electrode of the capacitive type if the phase angle between current and voltage is different from 90°.

[0036] Further characteristic features and advantages of the equipment of the present invention will become clear from the description below with reference to the attached drawings provided solely by way of a nonlimiting example of the scope of protection of the invention.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a terminal and an electrode of electrotherapy equipment according to the present invention.

[0039] Figures 2 to 13 show in schematic form the positioning of the active and capacitive electrodes of the equipment according to the present invention, during use.

[0040] Detailed description of the invention

[0041] With reference to Figure 1, some details of the electrotherapy equipment according to the present invention are schematically described below. The equipment is denoted overall by 100 and comprises a terminal or handle 1 and an active electrode 2 supported by the terminal 1. The description below concentrates on the characteristics of the terminal 1 and the active electrode 2, which are most important for the purposes of the invention.

[0042] The terminal 1 is formed by said handle because it is intended to be gripped by an operator so as to place the active electrode 2 in contact with the patient’s body, without therefore having to directly grip the active electrode 2, allowing positioning and displacement of the electrode 2 with ease, owing to a grip formed on an ergonomic body of the handle 1. An electric cable, schematically indicated by 4 in Fig. 1, connects a socket (not shown) for the electrode, situated inside the body of the terminal 1, to a control unit 10 (described more specifically below) of the equipment 100, designed to supply an electric current voltage to the electrode 4, by means of a generator. The generator is supplied by a power supply unit of the equipment 100, intended to be connected to the electric power supply network. The electric cable 4 can be detached from the control unit 10 so that the terminal 1 may be removed from the control unit 10, replaced with another terminal 1 and / or also sold separately from the control unit 10. In one embodiment, the electric cable 4 cannot be detached from the terminal 1, i.e. one end of the cable 4 is permanently connected to the socket for the electrode and the other end can be fitted onto and removed from the control unit 10.

[0043] The active electrode 2 is inserted in the socket of the terminal 1. The active electrode 2 can be removed from the socket of the terminal 1 and replaced with another active electrode 2. The active electrode 2 comprises an identification component 2a and the terminal 1 comprises a reader component la for reading the identification component 2a of the active electrode 2 which is supported. When the parts are connected together, the terminal 1 “reads” the identification information I of the identification component 2a of the active electrode 2 and communicates the identification information I to the control unit 10 so that the control unit 10 may set a limit LI to the voltage and power value which can be applied to the patient by means of contact of the specific active electrode inserted in the terminal 1 (for example, a first active electrode with specific identification information I I). The active electrode inserted, in fact, has specific structural characteristics, such as a predefined surface area, and is a specific type from among those envisaged for active electrodes, e.g. of the resistive type, and these characteristics of the active electrode (together with the power and voltage supplied by the generator) determine the transfer, to the patient, of a quantity of energy per unit of time greater or less than the quantity of energy which would be transferred from another active electrode - for the same power and current supplied by the generator - which has different structural characteristics (for example greater contact area with the patient) or is of a different type, for example capacitive type. The aforementioned limit LI of the first active electrode is, therefore, a limit set by the control unit 10 for the first active electrode inserted in the terminal (the active electrode with the identification information I I); the control unit 10, however, calculates another limit L2 whenever another active electrode is inserted in the terminal (based on the specific identification information, for example 12, of the other active electrode). The operator, via the control unit 10, may modulate the voltage / energy to be applied to the patient, without being able to exceed the limit LI set by the control unit 10, if the active electrode inserted is the electrode with the identification information I I or the limit L2 set by the control unit 10, if the active electrode inserted is that with the identification information 12. The limit LI or L2 consists of the voltage, current and power. The limit LI represents the maximum energy EG1 which can be transferred with the contact surface of the first electrode (having a certain area and of a certain type); said energy EG1 cannot be applied to another electrode (of different size and type) which may instead transfer a maximum energy EG2.

[0044] The control unit 10, in particular, comprises a memory which memorizes, for each identification information I (i.e. for each type of active electrode 2), the maximum limit for voltage, power and current which can be supplied. Manual variation is allowed without exceeding the maximum limit. A microprocessor of the control unit 10 is configured to perform “reading” of the identification information I, determination of the current voltage and power, and other checks described below. The handle or terminal 1 is also called an “intelligent” terminal owing to the possibility of reading the active electrode 2 in each case supported (inserted in it) and communicating the identification information I to the control unit. The term “reading” used above is not intended to have a limited meaning. In fact, the terminal 1 may actually read the identification information I, when this information is stored in the identification component 2a, for example in a memory of an RFID tag of the identification component 2a, or may indirectly determine (“decode”, “determine”) the identification information I, for example from a structural characteristic (form), electrical or electromagnetic characteristic (a radio signal) or optical characteristic (light ray) emitted by the identification component 2a.

[0045] The electric cable 4 is connected, at one of its ends, to the socket of the terminal 1 and is operatively connected, at its opposite end, also to the control unit 10; in Fig. 1 the reference number 4 is therefore indicated both on the side of the control unit 10 and on the side of the terminal 1 and is also indicated along the broken line which represents the extension of the cable 4 between the two parts (the control unit 10 and the terminal 1).

[0046] Similarly, a neutral return electrode is connected to the control unit 10; the neutral electrode is not supported by a terminal in that it does not need to be gripped for manoeuvring on the patient, during application, but remains at a standstill in a fixed position on (or underneath) the patient’s body. Therefore, the electric cable terminates directly in the neutral electrode. The neutral return electrode may be a steel plate and is applied to all the treatments so as to allow current to pass by means of closure of the circuit formed by the control unit 10, the active electrode 2, the patient’s body and the neutral electrode. The neutral return electrode must adhere closely to the body. For the treatment of bigger surface areas, a neutral return electrode is used in combination with active electrodes which have a diameter of more than 40 mm. The neutral electrode is for example made of flexible stainless steel, lined at least on the edges by a silicone rubber which reduces sliding on the support surface.

[0047] The active electrode 2 is interchangeable. Electrodes of two types, which differ in terms of size, form and characteristics of the materials used, are available. High-impedance electrodes (CAP) are made of conductive material and are different for lympho-dynamic and thermodynamic treatments. They are lined with a special film, having a predefined thickness and consisting of a material with electrically insulating properties. As mentioned above, an RFID tag incorporated in the active electrode memorizes the identification information I of the electrode: preferably, the information I comprises the type (capacitive, resistive), the size and the production batch.

[0048] Low-impedance electrodes (RES) are made of stainless steel, do not deteriorate and are not subject to particular wear (their working life is substantially the same as that of the control unit); in this case also, the RFID tag is inserted in the electrode and memorizes the identification information thereof such as the type, the size and the production batch.

[0049] The RFID tag is very useful for providing the characteristics of the electrode and also allows the traceability of the electrode since it may be associated with a unique number, which is not repeatable in relation to the production batches. However, other modes or means for identifying the electrode and for recognition thereof are provided. For example, the active electrode 2 may comprise an NFC tag and the terminal 1 a reader of the signal emitted by the NFC tag, The tag in the active electrode 1 may be active (electrically powered by its own battery) or preferably passive (powered by the electromagnetic waves emitted by the reader in the terminal 1 when the two parts are moved close together). Other communication methods and devices may be used, such as Bluetooth. The device (whether it be an RFID, NFC, Bluetooth or other tag) is connected to the electrode without forming a profile projecting from the electrode, preferably flush with an external surface of the electrode, even more preferably with a surface opposite to the surface of the electrode which comes into contact with the patient’s body. The connection is irremovable. For example, an irremovable resin or lining is applied on top of the device and an attempt at removing the resin or lining prevents operation of the device, for example due to breakage of an electric contact. In one embodiment, the device is heat-welded inside a component which forms part of the electrode.

[0050] The active electrodes may have the following electrical and structural characteristics, while being all supported, in each case, by the same terminal 1, and therefore all having a male element which can be inserted in the socket of the terminal 1 : in particular, a high impedance (capacitive) active electrode 2 with flat hyperthermic surface, 0 30 mm; a high impedance (capacitive) active electrode 2 with flat hyperthermic surface, 0 50 mm, 0 70 mm or 0 90 mm; a hyperthermic, convex, high impedance (capacitive) active electrode with 0 55 mm; a hyperthermic, convex, high impedance (capacitive), active electrode with 0 75 mm; a convex, high impedance active electrode (CAP) made of hyperthermic brass with 0 50 mm; a hyperthermic, flat, greater thickness, brass, high impedance active electrode (CAP) with 0 60 mm; a low impedance active electrode (RES) with 0 35 mm; a low impedance active electrode (RES) with 0 50 mm; a low impedance active electrode (RES) with 0 65 mm; a low impedance (RES) active electrode with 0 90 mm and 0 100 mm. The equipment 100, when it is in operation, i.e. with the electrodes making external contact with the surface of the human body, is a stimulator of the bio-cellular system and the micro / macrocirculation by means of application of an alternating current / voltage signal with a fixed frequency within the radiofrequency range (e.g. 0.447 MHz), as a result of the contact on the biological tissue, with the active electrode selected from the two specific types (capacitive and resistive). The stimulation is based on the principle of the resistor or electrical capacitor (the latter understood as being a means for accumulating and releasing charges) and is able to mobilize the electrical charges present in the biological tissue, with the consequent bio-stimulation of the cellular metabolism. The equipment is able to generate a local increase in the body temperature, which reactivates the micro-capillary deep circulation, with an increase in the blood / lymphatic flow and consequent removal of the catabolites and / or supply of nutrients for the tissues and increase in the oxygenation thereof. The terminal may be used in an extremely flexible manner by the operator locally in the zones to be treated, so as to induce micro / macrometric physiological variations in a specific area, resulting in a difference in temperature between said area and a neighbouring area. The electrotherapy treatment in question is also known as “Tecar therapy”, for use in the physiotherapy, rehabilitation and, in some cases, aesthetic sectors.

[0051] Figures 2 to 13 show in schematic form different active electrodes according to the present invention. These include a high impedance (capacitive) fibrolyser electrode which is shown in Figures 7 to 9; it is hook-shaped and is suitable for making contact with the human body along a rigid or semi-rigid curved portion or a hammer-shaped end portion. In the known physiotherapy treatments a fibrolyser of the type indicated above, namely an instrument for synergic application of a mechanical and electrotherapeutic stimulation, has never been used. The following are envisaged: a low impedance (resistive) fibrolyser electrode, a kit of electrodes for resistive treatment (RES) with 50 mm, 75 mm or 90 mm diameter, a low impedance disposable electrode (RES) with an area of 136 cm2, a low impedance disposable electrode (RES) 82 cm2. The control unit 10 is provided with a command interface at the front and, at the rear, with output connectors for cables for connection to active and neutral electrodes, and with USB socket(s). The unit 10 receives, for example, a mains power supply and frequency of 100 - 240 V and 50 - 60 Hz, respectively, has 2 x T5A H 250V input fuses, receives an input power of 380W, has an output frequency of 0.447 MHz ± 0.05 MHz, an output voltage and power in resistive mode of 220V ± 5% / 300W ± 10%, and in capacitive mode of 600V ± 5% / 450VA ± 10%. The power consumption in standby mode is 25 W and in energy saving mode 1W; the dimensions and weight, in one embodiment, are L 42 x D 36.5 x H 22 cm and 8.9 kg.

[0052] The control unit 10 comprises a display which shows the values of the treatment parameters and a regulating handle which allows variation (rotation clockwise to increase and anti-clockwise to decrease the power), within a predefined range, according to values determined independently by the control unit 10 on the basis of the identification information I incorporated in the active electrode 2 and read by the terminal 1. The control unit 10 is also provided with a command keyboard allowing navigation of a menu for accessing and selecting the parameters to be configured. An indicator lamp, preferably an LED, signals the type of treatment RES / CAP in progress.

[0053] Preferably the connection cable for the neutral electrode has a colour (e.g. black) different from the colour (e.g. grey) of the connection cable 4 for the active electrode 2; preferably, the number of contacts of the connection cable for the neutral electrode also differs from the number of contacts of the connection cable for the active electrode, in order to prevent incorrect connections. The engagement is of the quick-release type. The USB socket allows downloading, via a reader device connected to it, of the records (data) of the treatments previously performed (stored in an internal memory of the control unit), for example the number of records of the treatment, start time, output power, mode, duration of the treatment according to mode and type.

[0054] The terminal 1 comprises a display, preferably an OLED display, on the top part of the body of the handle 1; it displays in real time the value of the current supplied and a graph showing the percentage ratio between the power supplied and the maximum power available. A keypad, comprising at least the + / - increasing / decreasing keys on the terminal 1, allows regulation of the power supplied by the control unit during treatment, and therefore also after start-up, while always remaining within the predefined value set on the basis of the identification information of the active electrode as well as a predefined range.

[0055] The connection between the terminal 1 and the active electrode 2 is of the quick-release type and preferably involves the magnetic interaction between the two components, in order to facilitate and speed up insertion and replacement also during treatment. The control unit 10 is informed immediately by the terminal 1 of the new identification information I of an active electrode 2 inserted instead of a previous active electrode 2, also during the course of treatment. The control unit 10, in this case, immediately varies the settings for the supply of voltage and power to the new active electrode 2.

[0056] The handle 1 is preferably equipped with a Hall sensor and detects the presence of the electrode in the appropriate socket owing to activation of the RFID receiver circuit. In other words, for as long as the active electrode 2 is not inserted in the socket, reading of the RFID tag on the active electrode 2 is prevented. Once the parts are coupled together (with the active electrode 2 inserted in the socket of the terminal 1), the terminal identifies the properties of the active electrode 2 (type, size, etc.), communicates the information to the control unit 10 which, in turn, shows the information on the display.

[0057] In a variation of embodiment, the operator is allowed the possibility of selecting the type of treatment on the control unit 10, i.e. resistive or capacitive, but in order to ensure the electrical safety, a redundant control system for the typer of mode selected by the operator and the type of active resistive or capacitive electrode inserted in the handle, alerts the operator of any error, suspending the supply of the treatment power in the event of error, so as to prevent any potential risk for the patient.

[0058] The equipment can be used in various modes. In particular the modes envisaged are: dynamic, fibrolysis, static and dosimetric. The mode can be manually selected. Depending on the mode selected, the corresponding adjustable parameters are shown on the display of the control unit. However, in one embodiment, the mode is also determined automatically by the control unit on the basis of the identification information I read by the active electrode 2 and communicated by the terminal 1, and, as already explained, depending on the type (capacitive, resistive) of active electrode, and in this case also (automatically set mode) the corresponding parameters which can be manually adjusted by the operator are shown on the display of the control unit 10.

[0059] The equipment 100 comprises in particular, in the control unit 10, a module 10a for recognizing the terminal 1 from the N possible types of terminal intended to operate in N respective operating modes, i.e. a dynamic, fibro lysis, static or dosimetric mode. The terminal 1 comprises an electronic key and the recognition module 10a of the control unit 10 comprises a reader for reading the electronic key of the terminal 1. The electronic key is associated with one of the N possible types of terminal. Therefore, when the terminal 1 is operatively inserted in the control unit 10, in particular when the end of the connection cable 4 is inserted in the connector of the control unit 10 and the control unit 10 is operative, the recognition module 10a determines the type of terminal 1 from the electronic key and immediately sets a number of operating parameters, according to the electronic key. For example, the inserted terminal 1 is intended to operate in an operating mode A on the basis of the information determined by the recognition module 10a, and the operator has manually set the control unit 10 to carry out the treatment in an operating mode A; the control unit 10 checks the correspondence between A and A’, namely the compatibility between the selection made by the operator and the inserted terminal 1; in the event of compatibility, the control unit 10 sets the maximum limit of the applicable power, current and voltage values, as already described above. In the event of incompatibility the control unit signals by means of display information said incompatibility and requests the insertion of the correct terminal.

[0060] The type of active electrode is determined by the terminal 1 when the electrode is inserted in the terminal 1. Said operation may be performed before the terminal 1 is inserted in the control unit 10; in this respect, the terminal 1 may be equipped with an autonomous power supply, for example a rechargeable battery, for determining the identification information I of the active electrode 2. However, said operation may be performed after the terminal 1 has been inserted in the control unit 10; in this respect, the terminal 1 may also not have an independent power supply and be powered by the control unit 10. In this case, the control unit 10 sets the voltage and power which can be supplied only after acquiring the corresponding information relating to the type of terminal, from the electronic key of the terminal, and the identification information of the active electrode, from the active electrode, by means of the terminal. Furthermore a check (SMART Adaptive System) is envisaged in order to determine the maximum power level which can be supplied depending on the electrode used and the impedance detected after contact is established with the patient, in order to increase the safety and reduce the risk of burns.

[0061] The operating modes have different characteristics. In the dynamic mode, capacitive and resistive active electrodes may be used. With capacitive active electrodes the control unit 10 preferably also checks the phase between the current and the voltage and interrupts the supply of the electric voltage to the active electrode if the phase angle between current and voltage is different from 90°. If said phase angle is different from 90° this may in fact be an indication of wear of the insulating lining of the active electrode, and therefore of danger, considering the high operating voltages used with the capacitive electrode. The voltage and power values are as follows: in the dynamic operating mode with resistive electrode, 220 V and 300 Watt; in the dynamic operating mode with capacitive electrode, 600 V and 450 VA; in the fibrolysis operating mode with resistive electrode, 160 V and 92 Watt; and in the fibrolysis operating mode with capacitive electrode, 300 V and 300 VA.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Electrotherapy equipment (100) comprising:- a terminal or handle (1);- an active electrode (2) supported by the terminal (1) and intended to receive an electric voltage from a control unit (10); characterized in that the active electrode (2) comprises an identification component (2a) identifying the active electrode (2) and; the terminal (1) comprises a reader component (la) for reading the identification component (2a) of the active electrode (2) supported; the terminal (1) being configured to determine identification information (I) of the identification component (2a) of the active electrode (2) and to communicate the identification information (I) to the control unit (100).

2. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the identification component (2a) of the active electrode (2) comprises a system for encoding the identification information (I) and the reader component (la) comprises a system for decoding the identification information (I).

3. Equipment according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the identification component (2a) of the active electrode (2) comprises an RFID tag and the reader component ( la) comprises an RFID tag reader, said identification information (I) being memorized in a solid-state permanent memory of the RFID tag.

4. Equipment according to Claim 2, characterized in that the RFID tag reader comprises a switch which enables reading of the RFID tag only if the active electrode (2) is inserted in the terminal (2) and disables reading if the active electrode (2) is not inserted.

5. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the system for encoding the identification information (I) is a light or radio waveencoding system and the reader component (la) is a light or radio wave decoding system.

6. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the system for encoding the identification information (I) is a geometric profile and the decoding system is a system for recognizing the geometric profile.

7. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the active electrode (2) is removable from the terminal (1).

8. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the identification information (I) comprises a type of active electrode (2) chosen from two different types, i.e. capacitive or high impedance type associated with active electrodes intended for use by means of indirect contact of a conductive surface of the active electrode with the human body via an insulant arranged in between, and a resistive or low impedance type associated with active electrodes intended for use by means of direct contact of a conductive surface of the active electrode with the human body.

9. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the identification information (I) comprises a surface area size of the active electrode (2), relating to the maximum contact area between the active electrode and the human body during use.

10. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the terminal (1) is equipped with a touch or pushbutton keypad for varying the operating parameters of the control unit, in particular the current voltage supplied to the active electrode (2), from the keypad.

11. Electrotherapy equipment (100) according to Claim 1, comprising the control unit (10), configured to supply to the electrode (2) a voltage, said voltage being determined by the control unit (10) on the basis of the identification information (I) of the identification component (2a) of the electrode (2) transmitted by the reader component (la) of the terminal (1).

12. Electrotherapy equipment (100) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the control unit (10) comprises a recognitionmodule (10a) for recognizing the terminal (1) from among N possible types of terminal intended to operate in N respective operating modes, preferably N=4 modes, in particular a dynamic, fibrolysis, static or dosimetric mode.

13. Electrotherapy equipment (100) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the terminal (1) comprises an electronic key and the recognition module (10a) of the control unit ( 10) comprises a reader for reading the electronic key of the terminal (1), said electronic key being associated with one of N possible types of terminal.

14. Electrotherapy equipment (100) according to Claims 7 and 12, characterized in that the terminal (1) intended to operate in dynamic, fibrolysis, static or dosimetric mode supports active electrodes (2) of any type from among the N possible types.

15. Electrotherapy equipment (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (10) comprises a control module for checking the phase between current and voltage, said control module being programmed to interrupt the supply of the electric voltage to the active electrode, of a capacitive type, if the phase angle between current and voltage is different from 90°.

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