FR3046356A1 - PORTABLE INFRARED PROCESSING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an infrared irradiation device (1) comprising at least one covering part (3) capable of covering a part of the body of a user and containing at least one heating layer (30), the power supply of which makes it possible to '' emit infrared radiation in a determined wavelength range towards at least part of the volume located inside the covering part (3), the device (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least one controller (11) controlling a plurality of modules (10) complementary to each other and each comprising: - assembly means (31) for securing at least two of said modules (10, 11) to each other, so as to form at least one portion of the covering part (3); - at least one heating plate (300) to form at least part of said heating layer (30); - Connection means (2) allowing the control of said modules (10), at least by powering said heating plates (300) as a function of signals supplied by said controller (11).

Description

Portable infrared irradiation device and modules for such a device

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of radiation irradiation devices, in particular infrared irradiation, often used for various treatments or simply for relaxation. The invention more particularly relates to a portable infrared irradiation device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Infratherapy or the use of infrared waves, for example in therapy or relaxation, allows a resonance of the muscular tissue increasing the cellular functions and improving the blood circulation, the cardiovascular system and the system. immune. For example, the radiant energy of an infrared irradiation device operates by resonance frequency on the cell membrane providing deep detoxification of the upper layers of the human body subjected to various pollutants. This radiant energy can in particular have a beneficial effect on the well-being, health or sports performance of a user of an infrared irradiation device.

It is known in the prior art infrared irradiation devices comprising a support for receiving a user, a covering portion suitable for covering the user and comprising a heating layer comprising infrared emission means for irradiating the user. . However, these devices generally have the disadvantage of not being accessible to the general public. Indeed, these generally bulky devices are suitable only to be integrated into specialized institutes, hotels or spas. Thus, the use of these devices is done in the context of services generally offered to customers who must move to a particular place and pay a benefit, often expensive. Moreover, the user is often obliged to reserve his service in order to have access to the device. Thus, the use of these devices which is limited to institutes, hotels and spas, imposes a time constraint for the user. On the other hand, these devices are often expensive to manufacture, which is a disadvantage for manufacturers and for people wishing to acquire them. Finally, the specialized devices are often too large to be transported, or arranged too complex for easy transport and / or easy installation. In this context, it is interesting to propose an infrared irradiation device compatible with the requirements of a wide audience, in particular by the fact that it is transportable and / or adapted to domestic use, for example by its cost and / or its compactness.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a portable infrared irradiation device suitable for a wide audience, especially for domestic use and / or nomadic.

This object is achieved by an infrared irradiation device comprising at least one covering part capable of covering a body part of a user and containing at least one heating layer whose power supply makes it possible to emit infrared radiation in a range determined wavelength to at least a portion of the volume located inside the covering portion, the device being characterized in that it comprises at least one controller driving a plurality of complementary modules between them and each comprising: assembly means for securing at least two of said modules together so as to form at least a portion of the covering portion; at least one heating plate for forming at least a portion of said heating layer; - Connection means for controlling said modules, at least by supplying said heating plates as a function of signals provided by said controller.

According to another feature, the device comprises a control module ensuring at least the control of the power supply of the heating plates within at least a portion of the modules of the device, by means of regulation adapted to control the infrared emitted by these hotplates.

According to another particularity, the controller comprises data processing means and / or electronic control means which are: - distributed over a plurality of said constituent modules of the device, in addition to their characteristics and / or means allowing them to emit infrared radiation; - Or integrated in a single module which also includes also the characteristics or means for other modules to emit infrared; - Or integrated in at least one element separate from other infrared emitting modules.

According to another particularity, the control module comprises data processing means configured to control the supply of the heating plates within the modules and to manage the infrared emission, from a plurality of parameters stored in the control module and defining at least one irradiation session.

According to another feature, the modules have substantially the shape of a half-tube portion and are assembled together by aligning them longitudinally to obtain a half-tube forming the covering portion.

According to another feature, the device comprises a support, preferably heated and controllable by the controller, on which the user can lie down.

According to another feature, the modules have substantially the shape of a half-tube portion and are assembled both longitudinally and transversely to obtain a complete tube forming the covering portion in which the user can stand.

According to another feature, the modules are stackable and / or stackable on each other.

According to another feature, the controller is integrated in a module forming a half-tube that is nesting with the other modules.

According to another feature, the modules are nesting with respect to each other.

According to another feature, the covering portion comprises at least one reinforcing layer improving the strength of the modules.

According to another feature, the covering portion comprises at least one insulation layer, at least on the inner face of the heating layer, to protect the user. On the other hand, the present invention makes it possible to meet at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing at least one infrared irradiation module making it possible to form a device according to the invention.

Indeed, this object is achieved by at least one infrared irradiation module for infrared irradiation device according to the invention, characterized in that it is controllable by at least one controller, that it can be assembled with at least one another complementary module and that it comprises: - assembly means for joining at least two modules together, so as to form at least a covering portion portion adapted to cover a portion of the body of a user; at least one heating plate for forming at least a portion of a heating layer whose controlled power supply makes it possible to emit infrared radiation in a determined wavelength range towards at least a portion of the volume located at the inside the covering part; - Connecting means for controlling said modules, at least by supplying said heating plates, according to signals provided by said controller.

According to another feature, the module is connected to said controller or integrates it into its structure.

According to another feature, said controller comprises at least one memory in which are recorded parameters relating to at least one infrared irradiation session and defining at least the electrical power values to be provided to the heating plates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE FIGURES Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 represents an exploded perspective view of a module of the device according to some embodiments of the invention; FIG. 2 represents a front view of a module of the device according to certain embodiments of the invention; FIG. 3 represents a profile view of a module of the device according to certain embodiments of the invention; FIG. 4 represents a cross-sectional view of the various elements composing a device according to certain embodiments of the invention, with a dashed insert indicating the portion represented in FIG. 5; FIG. 5 represents a sectional view of the dashed box indicated in FIG. 4; - Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the electrical wiring within the connection means of several modules of the device according to some embodiments of the invention; - Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a device according to some embodiments of the invention - Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a device according to some embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infrared irradiation device (1), in particular a device (1) for portable (i.e. nomadic) infrared irradiation and / or for domestic use. In general, the infrared irradiation device (1) preferably comprises at least one covering part (3) able to cover a part of the body of a user and containing at least one heating layer (30) of which the power supply emits infrared radiation in a determined wavelength range to at least a portion of the volume located within the covering portion (3). The device (1) preferably comprises at least one controller (11) driving a plurality of modules (10) complementary to each other and each comprising: - assembly means (31) for securing at least two of said modules (10, 11 ) between them, so as to form at least a portion of the covering portion (3); at least one heating plate (300) for forming at least a portion of said heating layer (30); - Connection means (2) for controlling said modules (10), at least by supplying said heating plates (300) 5 according to signals provided by said controller (11). The power supply is controlled according to predetermined parameters and managed by a controller (11), some features and advantages of which are detailed later in this application.

The modules (10) are preferably arches, with substantially a shape of a half-tube portion. These half-tubes therefore have the shape of a cylinder half, but it is preferably a non-straight cylinder, that is to say non-circular base, because the section of the half-cylinder has preferably a parabolic form, as detailed later in the present application. These half-tubes are assembled together by means of assembly means (31) to align them longitudinally next to each other and hold them in place to obtain a half-tube forming the covering portion (3) adapted to receive an user. The number of arches (or modules) will depend on the size of the latter in relation to the average length of users and ergonomic choices made. The figures generally represent 3 modules (10) but this illustrative example is not limiting although it represents a good understanding, especially in terms of size once assembled and compactness once stored. In the present application will be used indifferently the terms "hoop" and "module" to designate these half-tube elements forming the covering part once assembled together.

In some embodiments, the modules (10) are assembled both longitudinally and transversely, which allows them to be assembled so as to obtain a complete tube forming the covering portion (3) in which the user can stand. Thus, we obtain a device usable in more varied configurations. Such an arrangement makes it possible, for example, to provide a portable infrared irradiation device that can be assembled in order to warm up an athlete before a sports performance, for example around a track or a playground. embodiments where the modules (10) are assembled to obtain a covering portion in the form of a half-tube, the device (1) preferably comprises a support (12), preferably heated and controllable by the controller (11), on which the the user can lie down. Illustrative and nonlimiting examples of such a support are shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. The user can then lie down under the covering part (3) and on the support (12), preferably containing a flexible material and comfortable, for example elastic like foam or any other practical material. In addition, to improve the comfort of the user, particularly for his head and / or neck, a cushion (120) is provided, preferably directly integrated with the support (12) to limit the number of elements to be assembled. Preferably, the support (12) will be rollable and unrollable to facilitate its packaging (and the cushion (120) can also facilitate the winding). The materials cited above therefore have the advantage of responding to both types of comfort and package problems. Regarding the heating function, it is possible to use small heating plates to emit infrared, but this example is not limiting because the skilled person knows many alternatives to provide a heating medium, whether directly by the emission of infrared or not.

It is understood that one obtains, thanks to the controller (11) and the distribution of infrared sources (here referred to as "hot plate" even if it should not be considered as limiting the type of infrared source used) in several modules (10) assembled together, a device (1) which is transportable because it can be dismantled and is compacted, for example stored in a suitable and transportable housing, despite the significant dimensions that it has once assembled and is due to the fact that it must offer a volume capable of covering a substantial part of the body of a user (preferably almost the entire body). Thus, the device made transportable, is provided in kit and easily assembled by a user through the assembly means (31) and the connection means (2) which are provided for rapid coupling of the modules (10).

In particular, the coupling of the various modules (10) can be obtained by a simple rocking movement, by tilting a first module (10) and placing its upper edge, for example the central part of the edge of the arch, against the upper edge complementary to a second module (10). This second module (10) may for example already be placed on the ground, to facilitate the positioning of the second module. The term "edge" here designates the end of the module along its longitudinal axis (the axis along which the modules are aligned to assemble them). Then, by rocking the first module until its lower edge, that is to say the edges of the arch at its free ends, is in contact with the lower edge of the second module. This type of assembly is obtained in particular by means of assembly (31) of the type of those represented for example in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In these examples, these assembly means (31) comprise at least one lip (310, FIG. 3) located at a first end of a first module (thus at a first edge) and complementary to a skirt (312, FIGS. 1 and 2) located at a second end (therefore the other edge) d a second module. Each of the modules preferably has a lip (310) on one side and a skirt (312) on the other, so that they can be assembled in line with one another. This type of arrangement makes it possible to simply put the skirt of a module on the lip of another module to hold them together as long as they all rest on the ground. However, to allow a better maintenance of the modules together, it is preferred to complete the assembly means (31) by at least one projection (311), preferably at least the center of the arc formed by the arch. It is generally preferred to have several protrusions (311), in particular three as for example represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, by distributing them along the arc formed by the arch / module so that the support is well distributed, but especially that the nesting is easily done by a simple rocking movement as detailed above. These projections may be straight or with a curved portion, for example in the form of lugs, and are intended to jam the lip (310) against the skirt (312), so that the modules are nested together. Note that the terms lip and skirt are actually used here to designate thickened edges defining a groove for their mutual coupling. The presence of an additional projection thus allows these forms to marry and fit together by slightly elastically deforming the projection, which provides a kind of "clipping" providing a stable support. When three means are provided, during the rocking movement, so we first clip the top of the modules, then tilted until clipping the sides.

In some embodiments, the modules (10) are in the form of non-upright half cylinders, as previously mentioned. Indeed, in some embodiments, the section of the heating layer transverse to the longitudinal axis advantageously follows a representative form of a parabolic curve. This form of the cross section is referred to here as the profile and in particular as a parabolic profile. In addition, since the device may comprise several heating layers, this heating layer with a parabolic profile is designated here by the term "heating layer", but this term must not be interpreted in a limiting manner since it designates in fact the radiating part of the dome. above the user and composed of one or more heating layers. The parabolic profile of the heating layer makes it possible to obtain a zone of convergence of the infrared radiation that is better distributed over the entire body of the user. The infrared radiation is generally emitted in a preferred direction perpendicular to the surface of the heating layer at each point of the heating layer, particularly when using carbon heating plates for infrared emission. The combination of the parabolic profile with this perpendicular privileged direction allows a distribution of the radiation homogeneously.

In some embodiments, the modules (10) are stackable and / or stackable on one another, as for example shown in FIG. 4, where a device is shown disassembled and stored, in a sectional view (in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device). In this example, the modules (10) are stacked, while the controller (11) is integrated in a module or hoop forming a half-tube that is nesting with the other modules (10), as for example shown in Figure 8 However, it is possible to provide that the controller is also stackable (not shown) or completely different (as shown in Figure 7). On the other hand, it is possible to provide modules (10) which are all stacked with respect to each other. These various variants provide the advantage of a compact arrangement when the user arranges his device. However, the embodiments where the stackable and / or stackable modules are preferred since the modules are then all identical and easier to handle and connect, in addition to being less expensive and complex to manufacture. In addition, in these embodiments, it is preferred to have the controller in a separate module, for example a trundle, or in a different housing, for these same reasons but also to facilitate the differentiation of the controller with respect to the other modules. The modules are for example stackable / stackable due to the presence of at least one shoulder at the ends of the arc described by the modules (10). The free ends of a module (10) thus form a base (1010) on which another module (10) can rest, for example as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the modules (10) may comprise means for stabilization (115, 315, 135) for improving the stability of the modules (10), on the ground and / or on each other. Figures 2 and 5 show non-limiting examples of stabilizers formed at least in part by pads (135), for example anti-slip. On the other hand, these figures 2 and 5, in addition to FIG. 1, show the possibility of adding, to these stabilizing pads (135), additional means which are complementary between the modules, so that their stacking is more stable. In these examples, these additional means are formed by projections (115) under the pads and complementary housing (315) on the bases (1010), although the reverse arrangement can be envisaged.

The infrared irradiation device (1) preferably comprises a controller (11) providing at least control of the power supply of the heating plates (300) within at least a portion of the modules (10, 11) of the device , thanks to regulation means adapted to control the infrared emitted by these heating plates (300). The controller (11) includes data processing means (111) configured to control the supply of the hot plates (300) within the modules (10) and to manage the infrared emission from a plurality of stored parameters in the controller (11) and defining at least one irradiation session. The controller (11) has resources (e.g., at least one electronic circuit) for managing at least the supply of the hotplates, but various embodiments also provide for managing the supply (and / or regulation) of various elements. , for example light sources, for example LEDs (light emitting diodes), and / or sound sources and / or vibratory sources, etc. This device (1) preferably comprises at least one temperature sensor (not shown) to enable the controller (11) to regulate the heating within the device by the heating plates, in particular as a function, for example, of the desired temperature values. , desired durations and the humidity level within the device. Thus, preferably, each of the modules (10) is equipped with at least one sensor (not shown) to measure the temperature locally and allow a finer regulation by the controller. The data processing means and / or the electronic control means of the controller (11) can of course be physically implemented in various ways. For example, they may be: - distributed over a plurality of said modules (10) constituting the device (1), in addition to their characteristics and / or means (30, 300, 3) allowing them to emit infrared; - Or integrated in a single module (10) which also comprises also the characteristics or means (30, 300, 3) for the other modules (10) to emit infrared; - Or integrated in at least one element separate from other modules (10) emitting infrared.

Indeed, it is possible to distribute data processing means and / or electronic control means, that is to say the computing capabilities (chip, microprocessor, for example) and / or the electronic cards on several physical constituents. However, among these various possible variants, it is generally preferred to use a controller which is not distributed in the various heating modules (10) which are then simpler and less expensive to manufacture. In addition, it is generally preferred that these modules are all identical to each other, at least for the same reasons. Thus, in some embodiments, the controller (11) is distinct from other modules, but it can nevertheless be integrated in a hoop whose ergonomics are similar to other modules (10), for example through a controller (11) integrated in a "trundle" arch which can be inserted inside the stackable hoops formed by the other modules (10) of the device, for example as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. Other variants are of course also possible, especially for facilitate the connection of the controller to other modules or the use of its features by the user. For example, certain embodiments provide a controller (11) in a separate control box, for example as shown in FIG. 7. This box may include an interface for its control by the user and at least one connection (211). to connect it to the heating modules (10). However, it is generally preferred that the controller (11) is integrated in a hoop so that access to the human-machine interface by the user is more ergonomic.

In some embodiments, the infrared emitting means (referred to in a nonlimiting manner as "heating plates") are regulated by a controller (11) comprising supply means supplying the power required for the infrared emission. This controller determines the parameters of an irradiation session, by defining heating periods at various temperatures. Preferably, during these heating periods, the infrared emission means are powered by pulses or pulses of current, defined by time slots. These time slots control at least one synchronous static relay or another type of contactor delivering, to the infrared transmitting means, the power supplied by the supply means during the time slots. In certain preferred embodiments, the contactor is a synchronous static relay that delivers no current to the infrared transmitting means outside the time slots defined by the controller (11). The controller (11) defines various parameters relating to the control of infrared transmitting means during at least one irradiation session. Preferably, the controller (11) calculates the time at which the time slots must be delivered during the session, as well as their duration, depending on the amount of energy to be supplied, and therefore the requested temperature. This temperature is generally determined as a function of the wavelength provided for the transmission means and as a function of the physical parameters of the device (dimensions, insulation, etc.). In addition, this controller (11) can store in memory a plurality of predefined programs corresponding to various types of irradiation sessions. These programs define parameters of the session, for example such as the duration of the irradiation session, the temperature (s) to be reached during the session and may take into account other information such as size, the weight or age of the user to be irradiated, the room temperature of the room and / or the temperature inside the device. Thus, during an irradiation session, the controller (11) supplies the infrared emitting means for at least a predetermined period of time, or several periods of irradiation time if the program provides for breaks during the session. During each period of irradiation time, the controller (11) delivers a plurality of pulses (pulses) through the time slots defined in the (or) program (s) to control the infrared transmission means. These time slots have a duration and a recurrence determined to optimize the regulation of the irradiation and thus more reliably obtain the temperature defined in the program (s). Indeed, by proceeding thus with pulsations instead of heating continuously for a given period of irradiation time, the irradiation is better controlled at the infrared emission means which are then more able to provide the desired temperature, while with a continuous power supply, they would heat up too much or too little and too fast or too slowly (depending on the electrical power and the duration of supply provided). The controller (11) preferably regulates the taps according to the temperature information received from at least one C sensor (1130). Preferably, a sensor (1130) is associated with each IR infrared transmission means of a given module (10), thus composed of one or more heating plates (300), for managing the more precisely, for example as shown in Figure 6. This figure details an example of advantageous arrangement of electrical connections (2) connecting each of the modules (10) to the controller (11). These connections (2) may comprise plugs or connectors of various types, such as for example "Harting plug" type or be formed by any type of connector facilitating the interlocking while ensuring a satisfactory electrical connection (for example reliable, robust , without risk, etc.). Preferably, these connections (2) will be chosen to allow a slight clearance or gap between two connectors, during the connection, to facilitate assembly along an axis that is not perfectly parallel to the theoretical nesting axis connectors , especially during the tilting engagement described above for example. Within the modules (10), the connections are made according to a wiring circuit (20) which allows an automatic identification of the various modules (10) by the controller (11), at a reduced cost and in particular thanks to the fact that the circuit can be the same in all modules (10). An alternative would be to make the modules different, for example by numbering and adding keying on the connections (2) and / or the assembly means (31), but this makes the assembly more constraining and makes the manufacture more expensive. Many alternatives could have provided electronic cards and communication with the controller (11) to identify in which order the user has placed the modules that are all identical to each other, but here we prefer a cabling (20) effective As a result, such an arrangement enables the controller to automatically identify the modules which all include the same advantageous circuit (20). This circuit (20) manages a plurality of inputs (or connections) received from the controller to distribute the signals between the modules coherently. On the one hand, in this circuit (20), the first (first order or order) inputs are always diverted to the internal components of the module (10) which contains the circuit, i.e., to the hotplates (300) and if necessary, the temperature sensor (1130), or even to other components (LEDs, etc.) as mentioned in the present application. On the other hand, the inputs of a lower rank (second rank, third rank, depending on the number of modules provided) are diverted to the electrical outputs of the higher rank, so that the next module (10) receives these inputs on the highest possible rank according to its arrangement in the order of the modules (10). Thus, the first rank is used by the first module and the second rank is derived to the first rank for the second module, while the third rank is derived to the second rank for the second module which drifts to the first rank for the third. module. The controller (11) therefore uses the ranks in the order and addresses (or receives) therefore automatically the signals to the (or of) appropriate module, without requiring any real specific identification.

In some embodiments, the infrared irradiation device (1) includes electrical safety means to protect the user from possible problems in the electrical circuits of the device.

In particular, as for example represented in FIG. 6, each of the modules comprises two safety lines (S1, S2) which make it possible to guarantee the good connection of all the modules to each other and to the controller (11). These two lines make it possible, thanks to a specific connector, to ensure that the connections are correctly made from one end to the other of an electrical circuit that leaves the controller (11) and runs within the modules (10). assembled. This connector may for example be provided in the form of a plug (20S) to be connected to the connection means (2) at the end of the alignment formed by the modules (10). Preferably, the infrared irradiation device (1) comprises sealed protection means, at least at the level of the parts in which electricity circulates.

In some embodiments, the controller (11) comprises at least one parameterization module for receiving instructions defining at least one type of user sessions to be recorded, to offer the user the choice of this type of sessions during the use of the device. The controller (11) then stores the data relating to the temperature setpoints and the various heating plates to be supplied, in addition to any information relating to lights, sounds, vibrations, etc. Such a parameterization module can be implemented in a server that the user can consult, for example by connecting his controller to a communication network or to a communicating terminal, so as to provide the data remotely. In addition, such a module may be designed to be executable on a terminal such as a computer and allow the user to adjust himself the data relating to his sessions of personalized irradiations (in terms of heating, light, sounds, etc.). It should be noted that the present application therefore also makes it possible to cover numerous technical problems which underlie this personalized management. This personalized management may also be under recommendation, or even prescription, medical (or paramedical) since it allows to respond to physiological specificities, thanks to the technical specificity of radiation sessions customizable, but also by the use of modular elements whose shapes and dimensions may vary. In fact, the modules that are preferentially identical to each other may be adapted to particular physiologies or pathologies, and the parameterization capabilities offered by various embodiments of the invention may find various uses, in particular under medical supervision (for example in phlebology), while remaining adapted to domestic and / or nomadic uses. Indeed, the controller (11) can, via a dedicated interface, quite offer limited choices to the end user who is not authorized to manage certain parameters, for example relating to the required physical values, while controller (11) only authorizes the management of such parameters to authorized professionals (where appropriate, qualified), for example via known authentication mechanisms.

Figure 5 shows a detail of the arrangement of the modules according to various embodiments. For example, the covering portion (3) may comprise at least one reinforcing layer (320) improving the strength of the modules (10). In some embodiments, the covering portion (3) comprises at least one insulation layer (343), at least on the inner face of the heating layer (30), to protect the user. Indeed, the heating layer can reach dangerous temperatures for the user and it is preferable to provide such an insulation layer (343). In some embodiments, this insulation layer (343) is formed of a micro-cellular film or fabric. Indeed, tests have shown that such layers can protect the user effectively, that is to say without causing burns or even heat sensation too intense, and this, despite their small thickness and even in case of direct contact. In some embodiments, this insulation layer (343) is also provided on the outer face of the heating layer (30), in addition to or instead of the reinforcing layer (320). Indeed, the reinforcing layer (32) is not necessarily necessary for the strength of the device, depending on the nature and / or the thickness of the material constituting the walls of the modules (10). Indeed, the modules (10) comprise a shell (333), forming the outer wall of the arch, which can be of various materials (suitable and worn by those skilled in the art), and whose strength can be suitable for the intended use and any standards, without the need for a reinforcement layer, or even additional insulation layer. In some embodiments, the infrared irradiation device (1) comprises fixing means for consolidating at least a portion of the modules (10). These fastening means may for example be straps (4) removable for stacking / stacking modules and fixable on the end portions of the arches to secure them. However, these means are generally not necessary if the materials chosen for the shell or shells of the modules (10) are of good quality.

It is understood from the present application that various embodiments are possible for the irradiation device (1) and that the invention also covers systems comprising other additional devices, for example such as a server and / or a terminal. communicating, or any media capable of allowing the execution of an application offering, by driving specific modules (10), the same functions as those described in this application.

Moreover, various embodiments of the present invention relate to at least one of the modules (10) described in the present application. Such an infrared irradiation module (10) is intended to form an infrared irradiation device (1) according to various embodiments. This module (10) is controllable by at least one controller (11) and can be assembled with at least one other complementary module (10). In particular, as already explained, this module comprises assembly means (31) for securing at least two modules (10) to each other, so as to form at least a portion of covering portion (3) capable of covering a part of the body of a user. In addition, this module comprises at least one heating plate (300) for forming at least a portion of a heating layer (30) whose controlled power supply makes it possible to emit infrared radiation in a determined wavelength range. to at least a part of the volume located inside the covering part (3). Finally, connection means (2) make it possible to drive said modules (10), at least to supply power to said heating plates (300), as a function of signals supplied by said controller (11). This type of module can be connected to said controller (11) or integrate it into its structure. This controller (11) preferably comprises at least one memory in which are recorded parameters relating to at least one infrared irradiation session and defining at least the values of electrical power to be supplied to the heating plates (300).

The present application describes various technical features and advantages with reference to the figures and / or various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical features of a given embodiment may in fact be combined with features of another embodiment unless the reverse is explicitly mentioned or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible or that the combination does not provide a solution to at least one of the technical problems mentioned in this application. In addition, the technical features described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other features of this mode unless the opposite is explicitly mentioned.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified within the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims (15)

1. Infrared irradiation device (1) comprising at least one covering part (3) able to cover a body part of a user and containing at least one heating layer (30) whose power supply makes it possible to transmit a infrared radiation in a determined wavelength range to at least a part of the volume inside the covering part (3), the device (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least one controller (11) ) driving a plurality of modules (10) complementary to each other and each comprising: - assembly means (31) for securing at least two of said modules (10, 11) between them, so as to form at least a portion of the covering part (3); at least one heating plate (300) for forming at least a portion of said heating layer (30); - Connection means (2) for controlling said modules (10), at least by supplying said heating plates (300) according to signals provided by said controller (11). 2. Device (1) for infrared irradiation according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a control module (11) ensuring at least the control of the power supply of the heating plates (300) within the least part of the modules (10, 11) of the device, by means of regulation capable of controlling the infrared emitted by these heating plates (300). 3. Device (1) for infrared irradiation according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller (11) comprises data processing means and / or electronic control means which are: - distributed on a plurality of said modules (10) constituting the device (1), in addition to their characteristics and / or means (30, 300, 3) allowing them to emit infrared; - Or integrated in a single module (10) which also comprises also the characteristics or means (30, 300, 3) for the other modules (10) to emit infrared; - Or integrated in at least one element separate from other modules (10) emitting infrared. 4. Device (1) for infrared irradiation according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control module (11) comprises data processing means (111) configured to control the supply of the hot plates (300) within the modules (10) and manage the infrared emission, from a plurality of parameters stored in the control module (11) and defining at least one irradiation session. 5. Device (1) for infrared irradiation according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the modules (10, 11) have substantially the shape of a half-tube portion and are assembled together by aligning longitudinally to obtain a half-tube forming the covering portion (3). 6. Device (1) for infrared irradiation according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a support (12), preferably heated and controllable by the controller (11), on which the user can lie down. 7. Device (1) for infrared radiation according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the modules (10, 11) have substantially the shape of a half-tube portion and are assembled both longitudinally and transversely to obtain a complete tube forming the covering portion (3) in which the user can stand. 8. Device (1) for infrared radiation according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the modules (10) are stackable and / or stackable on each other. 9. Device (1) for infrared irradiation according to one of claims 5 or 7, characterized in that the controller (11) is integrated in a module forming a half-tube which is nesting with the other modules (10). 10. Device (1) for infrared radiation according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the modules (10) are nesting relative to each other. 11. Device (1) for infrared radiation according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the covering portion (3) comprises at least one reinforcing layer (320) improving the strength of the modules (10). Infrared irradiation device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the covering part (3) comprises at least one insulating layer (343), at least on the inside of the heating layer. (30), to protect the user. 13. Module (10) for infra-red irradiation device (1) for infrared irradiation according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is controllable by at least one controller (11), that it can be assembled with least another complementary module (10) and that comprises: - assembly means (31) for securing at least two modules (10) between them, so as to form at least a portion of covering portion (3) apt covering a body part of a user; at least one heating plate (300) for forming at least a portion of a heating layer (30) whose controlled power supply makes it possible to emit infrared radiation in a determined wavelength range towards at least a portion the volume inside the covering part (3); - Connection means (2) for controlling said modules (10), at least by supplying said heating plates (300), according to signals provided by said controller (11). 14. Module according to claim 13, characterized in that it is connected to said controller (11) or integrates the latter in its structure. 15. Module according to claim 14, characterized in that said controller (11) comprises at least one memory in which are recorded parameters relating to at least one infrared irradiation session and defining at least the electrical power values to be provided to the hot plates (300).