Pressure wave device with dual valve device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treatment with pressure waves, comprising: a catapult (8) which is guided along a movement path; an applicator (7) located at an end of the movement path; the invention relates to a pneumatic device for applying a pneumatic pressure to an ejector (8) in order to move the ejector, the ejector (8) being designed to strike on an applicator (7) in order to generate a pressure wave, comprising a double-valve device (1, 2) for applying the ejector (8) to the applicator (6) during a first switching-on time, and a control device (54) for controlling the ejection (8) during a second switching-on time. The device is designed to maintain an interval time between the switch-on times and to control the impact speed by means of the interval time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for treating the human or animal body with mechanical pressure waves which are generated by causing an accelerated projectile to impinge on an applicator. Background Art

[0002] Devices of this type have been known for some time and are increasingly being used. Mechanical pressure waves are used to treat a (human or animal) patient, which are coupled in by placing an applicator on the patient's body and are generated by the impact of an accelerated projectile with the applicator. The applicator does not necessarily have to be one-piece, but can also consist of a plurality of different components or materials.

[0003] A projectile acceleration technique that has proven effective in practice and has been described many times is pneumatic. Here, a pneumatic overpressure is coupled in by loading the volume on one side of the projectile, which can move along a movement path, for example in a pipe section.

[0004] For this purpose, a switching valve is used in the prior art, which is connected to a pneumatic supply, in particular to a compressor with an adjustable output pressure, and whose pulse accelerates the projectile from the end of the movement path remote from the applicator toward the applicator. When the proximal end of the movement path is reached, i.e. when it strikes the applicator, the pneumatic loading is switched off.

[0005] In the prior art, the return movement is achieved with the aid of a backpressure chamber, ie a storage volume, into which the projectile moving towards the applicator displaces the air located in front of it to a certain extent, whereby the projectile nearly fills the storage volume.

[0006] In EP 2 181 730 B1, which was previously published but was withdrawn in the defense proceedings due to lack of practicality, in addition to the opening time control of the switching valve for acceleration, which was not elaborated in detail, targeted pressure limitation in the counterpressure chamber was also discussed. In addition, the document mentions the use of a second switching valve for returning the projectile to the distal starting position after loading through the first switching valve. Summary of the invention

[0007] On this basis, the object of the present invention is to provide a device of the described type which is improved with regard to the reciprocating movement of the projectile and which has a pneumatic device for moving the projectile.

[0008] To achieve this object, a device is proposed according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] Accordingly, the device according to the present invention has a double valve device (i.e., a combination of, for example, a first valve and a second valve) as part of its pneumatic device, for loading the projectile in two directions, i.e., toward the applicator and, on the contrary, away from the applicator in the return direction. This process is usually carried out multiple times and iteratively in a continuous manner. In the following, the time phase in which the projectile is subjected to pneumatic loading and moves in the forward direction (Hinrichtung), such as the switching-on phase of the first valve, is referred to as the first switching-on time (erste Einschaltzeit), while, on the contrary, the time phase in which the projectile is subjected to reverse loading is referred to as the second switching-on time (zweite Einschaltzeit). According to the present invention, the device (especially the control device therein) should be designed so that the second switching-on time only starts after the first switching-on time ends and after a period of interval time. Therefore, there is a non-zero interval time between the two valve opening times.

[0010] The same also applies (alternatively or additionally) to the reverse sequence, ie there should also be an interval time after the end of the second switch-on time and before the beginning of the first switch-on time.

[0011] For example, the first on-time can end explicitly before the projectile hits the applicator, while the second on-time can start, for example, immediately after the impact. Thus, the acceleration pressure is not applied all the time for acceleration during the entire available time between the start of the projectile movement and the impact of the applicator, but only during the first part of the time. This makes it possible, for example, to reduce the impact speed of the projectile without reducing the acceleration pneumatic pressure. It is desirable, for example, to temporarily maintain the acceleration pressure at a higher value than the acceleration in the forward direction in order to return as quickly as possible (with the help of the second on-time).

[0012] In this way, the impact speed can therefore be controlled by the controller, precisely independently of pressure changes (eg, if the pressure remains constant).

[0013] Advantageously, the impact velocity of the projectile at the time of impact can be reduced without reducing the pneumatic pressure. For example, on the one hand, it may be desirable (via the second valve opening time) to achieve a particularly rapid return of the projectile, thereby achieving a relatively high operating frequency, wherein at the same time, for therapeutic reasons or due to the patient's sensitivity to pain, an excessively high impact intensity (i.e. impact velocity) is undesirable. Alternatively, it may be desirable to operate again at a higher impact velocity before or after this, or not to reduce the pressure for other reasons.

[0014] Furthermore, the interval time can also be completely or partially after the impact. For example, by delaying the start of the second switch-on time after the impact, it is possible to prevent the return movement from being too fast or the speed at the end of the return movement from being too high without reducing the acceleration pressure (for the forward direction). In this context, it should also be taken into account that, due to the law of conservation of momentum, the impact itself already produces a certain acceleration of the projectile in the return direction.

[0015] Of course, these two situations can also be combined, that is, part of the interval time is located before the impact and the other part of the interval time is located after the impact.

[0016] So far, in the examples, the interval time refers to the time after the first valve opening time (immediately adjacent to the interval time) and before the subsequent second valve opening time. However, additionally or alternatively, the change in the interval time can also change between the previous second valve opening time (immediately adjacent to the interval time) and the subsequent first valve opening time. For example, by delaying (and changing about the delay) the start of the first valve opening time, the interval time may have an effect on the acceleration in the forward direction. The movement of the projectile can first start only by "reflection" at the far end of the motion path, that is, by the residual impulse generated after the projectile hits the device component there. Under the action of this residual impulse, the projectile has already begun to move forward and is further accelerated at the beginning of the first valve opening time. Therefore, the moving part without the first valve pneumatic acceleration (forward direction) can also be located at the beginning of the motion path in the forward direction (and of course the first valve opening time can end before the projectile hits the applicator).

[0017] Another example concerns the time interval or part of this time interval at the end of the return movement and before reaching the distal end of the movement path. In this case, a change in the time interval may have an (indirect) effect on the speed of the subsequent impact of the projectile with the applicator, i.e., because the previously mentioned "reflection" occurs at the distal end, its effect depends on the speed of the projectile when it reaches this end, which may lead to a different residual impulse at the beginning of the forward movement (Hinbewegung).

[0018] Another example involves the variation of two intervals, for example in a complementary manner. In the simplest case, when the valve opening time is constant and the repetition frequency is set, one of the two intervals can be shortened to extend the other interval.

[0019] To avoid misunderstandings, it should be made clear that the term "valve opening time" used here includes in principle both the duration of the time and its position relative to a time reference point (Bezugspunkten), in particular relative to another valve opening time. Therefore, the term includes the start and end of the valve opening time and the interval between the two, unless it is explicitly stated in the following that only the duration of the time, or only the start time point or the end time point is referred to.

[0020] The combination of two switching valves is also mentioned above, which is a possibility of a double valve device provided according to the invention. In this variant, the two valves can be controlled by a control device (preferably independently of each other). However, alternatively, a consistent valve (einheitliches Ventil) referred to here as a "combination valve" can also be used, which has at least two switching states according to the control of the control device, namely a first switching state for loading the projectile in the direction toward the applicator, and a second switching state for loading in the return direction. During the period when the combination valve is in the first switching state, a first valve opening time is obtained, and in the second switching state, a second valve opening time is correspondingly obtained.

[0021] In both switching states, the pneumatic interface to be loaded in the other switching state is preferably ventilated via the combination valve so that, for example, in the forward movement, approximately the ambient pressure is present on the side of the projectile that is close to the applicator, and, in contrast to the conventional approach with a backpressure chamber, there is no dynamic pressure (Staudruck) that increases from impact to impact.

[0022] When using two separate valves, preferably at least one of the two valves is a "two-way valve" which performs ventilation accordingly as long as it is not switched to act on pneumatic pressure. However, other switching states are not excluded and the valve is not limited to exactly two switching states.

[0023] Furthermore, ventilation refers to a pneumatically well-conducted connection to the outside atmosphere or to a reference pressure volume that corresponds substantially to the outside atmosphere. This therefore does not involve intentionally hindering the outflow of gas under excess pressure in the sense of throttling.

[0024] As an alternative to ventilation by means of a combination valve or the two-way valve just mentioned, the device can also, for example, have a certain pneumatic leakiness and, without being loaded with pneumatic pressure, perform throttled exhaustion in this way or in other ways to a certain extent slowly itself. However, this solution is less preferred.

[0025] Preferably, in at least two control states with different interval times, the length of the first switch-on time is variable, for example within a fixed proportion of the interval time after impacting the applicator (including zero). In the simplest case, there are only two control states, but preferably there are more control states, wherein in one control state the interval time can also be zero, provided that there is at least one other control state with a non-zero interval time.

[0026] Of course, the second on-time can also be of variable length, but it can also be constant, for example in the case where the above-mentioned fixed-ratio interval is located after the impact with the applicator, or more precisely, its duration and / or starting and ending points are preferably fixed relative to a reference point.

[0027] As mentioned above, the type of device to which the present invention relates generally performs a plurality of projectile acceleration, impact and return motion processes. In the prior art, the corresponding repetition frequency of such a periodic operation can be adjusted regularly. In the present invention, it is also preferred to consider an iterative (but not necessarily periodic) mode of operation and to design the device accordingly, wherein the corresponding sequence does not necessarily have to start with a movement in the forward direction.

[0028] For example, such a sequence can start the movement of the projectile in the return direction to its distal position relative to the applicator by means of a first pneumatic pressure pulse, in order to establish a clear starting condition. In principle, it is known in the prior art to use magnets to fix the projectile at the distal end of the projectile's movement path. However, the projectile may be dislodged from this fixation due to an impact, and of course such a fixation may also be omitted entirely.

[0029] Furthermore, these instructions do not necessarily apply to each individual motion process in the motion sequence. As will be described in further detail below, operating conditions may change during the sequence, so that the described intervals may not exist at all during a portion of the motion process.

[0030] The details of the interval between the first on time and the second on time of the present invention have been described in detail above. According to another preferred design, the device and in particular the control device can be designed to not have such an interval under certain other control conditions, but to have an overlap time (its value is greater than zero, so it is different from the case where the interval time is zero) between the first on time and the second on time (or vice versa). The overlap time exists under certain control conditions (while the interval time exists under other control conditions), which can provide additional degrees of freedom. For example, this degree of freedom can be used to control the impact speed of the projectile when it impacts the applicator by changing the overlap time. For example, in this example, if at a certain time point before the impact occurs, the second valve opening time has started while the first valve opening time is still continuing, then in addition to the acceleration aerodynamic force in the forward direction, the projectile will also be subjected to a reaction force. In the simplest case, using approximately the same pneumatic pressure, the magnitude of the reaction force can be approximately the same and almost offset the acceleration. Depending on the proportional size of the first valve opening time before this time point, the projectile will be accelerated to a higher or lower speed, and during the overlap time, the speed, for example, remains substantially unchanged.

[0031] In the opposite case, the same applies: if the overlap time is created, for example, because the second valve opening time is not only a maximum value for the complete return of the projectile to the starting position, but also continues for a certain period, but the first switch-on time has already begun during the second switch-on time, then during this overlap time (in the simplest case) the projectile will not be subjected to significant forces again. Therefore, (possibly already during the return movement and) after the return movement has been completed, the projectile will have a period without aerodynamic forward acceleration, because this acceleration will only begin after the end of the overlap time.

[0032] The advantage hereof is that the impact velocity of the projectile can be controlled more precisely and / or more easily than in conventional comparison situations, in which the impact velocity depends on the opening time of the (single) switching valve and, of course, the effective gas pressure. In reality, however, switching valves do not open and close instantaneously, but have limited opening and closing times. This applies in particular to the comparison between closing times and opening times, for example (preferred here) spring-loaded valves, in which the opening process is assisted magnetically and optionally pneumatically with the pressure to be switched, while the closing process is achieved by a spring that is tensioned during the opening. According to the invention, the opening time and the closing time may deviate for structural and aging reasons, and the aging behavior between the opening time and the closing time may also be different (the "opening time" here refers to the opening process).

[0033] In the first case, i.e. the overlap time at the end of the first valve opening time and the beginning of the second valve opening time, the time period relevant for the acceleration of the projectile, i.e. the part of the first valve opening time that lies before the overlap time, depends on the time difference between the two valve opening processes (first the first valve and then the second valve). In the second case, the overlap time is at the end of the second valve opening time. Here, the pneumatic acceleration of the projectile towards the applicator is only important after the overlap time has ended, so the relevant time period is the remaining part of the first valve opening time that lies after the overlap time and therefore the time difference between the two valve closing processes (first the second valve and then the first valve). In both cases, therefore, it is a time difference between similar valve movements.

[0034] The inventors have found that in this way, in particular aging-related deviation influences are significantly reduced (for example, when the closing time exhibits a stronger aging influence than the opening time), since these influences can be at least partially offset by the described difference formation.

[0035] In contrast, in the cited prior art document (although the relevant content is briefly described), it can be assumed that the two valves are operated alternately, which matches the particularly high impact strength of the projectile applicator and the resulting pressure fluctuations pursued by the document.

[0036] Another (optional or additional) aspect is that, on the one hand, relatively high pneumatic pressures are used in order to achieve a rapid return movement and thus a high operating frequency, and on the other hand (when such an acceleration pressure is present during the entire forward movement), it is not necessary to use a high impact velocity corresponding to this high pressure. For therapeutic reasons, high intensities are not always desired and, moreover, often result in a greater burden on the patient due to pain or other irritations.

[0037] In the first case described above, i.e. the case where there is an overlap time at the end of the first switch-on time, the second switch-on time and the overlap time begin during the forward movement of the projectile, so that in the final stage of this forward movement, both sides of the projectile are subjected to pressure. This leads to the possibility already explained. However, this feature is not necessary, because the presence of pressure on both sides is intentional even (only) after the impact occurs, i.e. during the return movement of the projectile or at the beginning of the return movement. For example, due to the acceleration requirements of the projectile, the supply pressure required for the return movement may be set higher, for example because it is not desirable for the projectile to hit the distal end of the applicator with a force similar to that on the applicator. In this regard, the synchronization (Gleichzeitigkeit) of the first valve opening time and the second valve opening time can have a certain throttling effect (Drosselwirkung) on ​​the return movement at the beginning of the return movement.

[0038] In the second case described above, i.e., the case where there is an overlap time at the end of the second on-time, a similar effect as described above can be achieved during a portion of the overlap time during the return movement. The same applies to this synchronization at the end of the return movement, i.e., before the next acceleration process. In particular, a portion of the overlap time can be located before the projectile hits the applicator, and another portion is located after the projectile hits the applicator; or, a portion of the overlap time is located before the projectile reaches the farthest point away from the applicator, and another portion is located after this point, which will be further described in detail in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0039] Furthermore, in the first case, i.e., when there is an overlap at the end of the first on-time, the first on-time is preferably ended during the second on-time, so that the second on-time generally lasts longer than the first on-time. This, of course, applies in particular to the described return movement of the projectile. However, this feature is not mandatory either. For example, the described way of counteracting the acceleration force by synchronizing the first on-time and the second on-time (i.e., loading both sides of the projectile with pneumatic pressure) can also be achieved completely within the first on-time by a relatively short second on-time. The projectile can then be returned, for example, in a manner known in the prior art. In principle, it is even possible to use another second on-time that is independent of the second on-time within the first on-time to perform the return movement.

[0040] Similarly, in the second case, i.e. when there is an overlap time at the end of the second on-time, it is also preferred to end the second on-time during the (next) first on-time, in particular in order to achieve the aforementioned aerodynamic acceleration process of the projectile towards the applicator.

[0041] When comparing two control states with different overlap times (including the case where the overlap time is zero), one of the two on-times is preferably kept at a constant length. In the case where there is an overlap time at the end of the first on-time, the first on-time is preferably kept constant, while in the other case, the second on-time is correspondingly kept constant. This means that in these cases, the difference in the overlap time is determined by the different lengths of the other valve opening time that overlaps with it or the time relationship between the two valve opening times. Preferably, between two control states with different overlap times, the duration of the other valve opening time is variable (wherein, for example, in all or some of the control states, the valve opening time can be calculated from the earlier on-time and have the same starting time point).

[0042] Preferably, the portion of the overlap time before the projectile strikes the applicator, i.e. when the projectile moves forward from a position remote (relative to the applicator) to the applicator, is significantly greater than the portion or time period corresponding to the return movement. This preferably applies to all control states with an overlap time. If a certain suppression of the severity of the return movement is not important, it may also be preferred that the overlap time only exists during the forward movement.

[0043] In the simplest case, the pneumatic device can have an interface for supply from a pneumatic pipeline network (e.g. in a hospital) or a compressed gas container. However, a pneumatic compressor is preferred, so that the device according to the invention is location-independent and more mobile than a compressed gas container. Pneumatic compressors themselves are known in combination with such devices. However, the present invention provides a special aspect, namely that in different control states with different projectile impact speeds, the supply pressure does not necessarily have to be changed. In other words, the compressor can be operated at the same rotational speed in such different control states.

[0044] Of course, the control of the compressor can be simplified as a result, in particular if the compressor is always operated at the same speed in principle when switched on. In addition, the compressor can be operated near or at its maximum efficiency (with respect to the speed). Furthermore, noise reduction measures, such as vibration-damping mountings or noise-damping sheathing of the compressor, can be adapted to the vibration behavior of the compressor at the same speed.

[0045] A special design possibility of the invention is that the impact physics between the projectile and the applicator, more precisely the impact speed and the impulse during the impact, can be directly and quickly influenced simply by changing the valve opening time or the valve opening duration. Compared to changing the supply pressure, this influencing possibility is particularly rapid, so that in iterative operating conditions, the impact speed / impulse of the combined reciprocating movement can in principle be changed from one impact process to the next. The prior art does not allow such rapid and free influencing.

[0046] Here, but also under not too fast or changing conditions, typical impact velocities are in the range between 2 m / s and 30 m / s. For impact physics, the impact impulse is particularly important, so that, with typical projectile masses between 1 g and 10 g, preferably between 2 g and 5 g, this may be in the range between 2 gm / s and 300 gm / s. A range between 10 gm / s and 150 gm / s is preferred.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the device has a measuring device with which the passage of the projectile at a position in its path of movement can be measured. The measuring device can be coupled to the control device. Thus, in such a manner, for example, the passage of the projectile can be detected when it is about to strike or approximately strike the applicator, so that the switch-on time can be correspondingly coordinated (especially with respect to its start and its end) with the end time of the strike.

[0048] Such detection can be performed optically, for example by means of a light barrier or the like, but preferably inductively using a measuring coil. The detection can be performed by the residual magnetism of the projectile or purely inductively (by a change in the leakage inductance). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, wherein individual features may also be essential to the invention in other combinations within the scope of the claims.

[0050] The accompanying drawings show:

[0051] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention, wherein the intermediate housing part is omitted for the sake of clarity;

[0052] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A longitudinal section of the device shown relative to Figure 1 The right-left swap position;

[0053] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a handpiece with associated basic equipment;

[0054] FIG. 4 shows a schematic time curve for explaining the operating mode. Figure 4a) to Figure 4f) sequence;

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a combination valve is shown to explain Figure 1 and Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of;

[0056] FIG6 shows a series of schematic time variation curves Figure 6a) to Figure 6e) , used to explain other control states that supplement FIG. 4 ;

[0057] Figure 7 Another schematic variation curve diagram for explaining the periodic working mode is shown;

[0058] Figure 8 A repetitive sequence showing two different projectile velocity levels in direct order, wherein a high velocity pulse is directly followed by two low velocity pulses;

[0059] Fig. 9 Shown for use according to Figure 8 The control sequence of valves V1 and V2 is manipulated by the sequence of two different projectile velocity levels shown;

[0060] Fig.10 Show Fig. 9 A higher degree of temporal detail of the first 300ms of the control sequence. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Figure 1 A perspective view of a handpiece of the device according to the invention is shown, which has pneumatic valves pointing to the left front, namely a first valve 1 and a second valve 2. A pneumatic supply interface 3 is shown on the right, and two threaded rings 4 and 5, each with grooves on the outside for easier handling, are shown on the left, which are used to hold an applicator 6, which will be explained in more detail below. The applicator is Figure 1 The patient-facing surface can be seen on the far left. Figure 2 It can also be constructed as a multi-piece structure.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the middle region of the device of FIG. 1 , a plurality of transversely extending tubes are shown, wherein the middle portion with reference numeral 7 contains and guides the tubes in the middle region of the device of FIG. 1 . Figure 2 8 is shown in cross section in FIG. Two parallel pneumatic connecting lines 9 and 10 are shown in front of it, between the two valves 1 and 2, wherein the line 9 is used to supply the pressure load to the second valve 2, and the line 10 is used in turn to vent the second valve 2 via the outlet provided at the first valve 1. In this embodiment, the multiple pipes are surrounded by a housing cover 11, which is Figure 1 The housing cover 11 is shown in FIG. 1 by a line below the duct 10 and two lines above the projectile guide 7. Figure 1 The housing cover extends in the rear region and surrounds only a portion of the outer circumference. The housing cover is designed to facilitate gripping at its axial edges by being rolled inwards in a manner similar to a bead, which is Figure 1 The housing cover 11 can thus be used as a handle in actual operation. The spacer 13 stabilizes the structure and mechanically connects the two ends of the handpiece.

[0063] Flexible compressed air supply line from the pneumatic compressor to the equipment (see Figure 3 51 in the figure) is not shown here and can be connected to the already mentioned interface 3. Similarly, the electronic control lines ( 51 in the figure) from the external controller to the valves 1 and 2 are not shown. Figure 3 52), which can be implemented in a consistent manner with the compressed air supply line.

[0064] Figure 2 A longitudinal section is shown along an imaginary central longitudinal axis of the already mentioned cylindrical shape of the entire device, which is at the same time the central longitudinal axis of the projectile guide tube 7. In this projectile guide tube, the projectile 8 is placed in a Figure 2 4 and 5, and thus rests on the applicator 6, which is held in a manner known per se by the described threaded rings 4 and 5. Here, the applicator 6 is elastically supported in the axial direction by means of a bellows-shaped elastomer ring 14 and is pneumatically sealed by means of a further elastomer ring 12. Alternatively, a device design with respect to the applicator 6 and its holding and sealing, for example according to EP 2 529 679 (also irrelevant to the cover shown there) or EP 2 095 843 (also irrelevant to the material ceramic discussed there), is also possible and preferred.

[0065] Figure 2 The left side shows the internal channel 21 which connects the pneumatic interface 3 to the first valve 1. Thus, the first valve 1 can switch the supply pressure at the pneumatic interface 3 to the radial channel 22, which merges below the buffer element 23 and is thus connected to the inner volume of the projectile guide tube 7, depending on the control. Thus, the projectile is loaded or accelerated in the direction of the applicator 6 during the first switch-on time via this channel 22. Independently of this, the pneumatic supply pressure is transmitted to the second valve 2 via the channel 24 and the pipe 10.

[0066] In the alternative second switching position, the channel 22 and therefore also the projectile guide 7 at the distal end ( Figure 2 The inner volume between the left side) and the projectile 8 is ventilated.

[0067] In the case of the second valve 2, which is in principle designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the first valve 1, the pneumatic supply pressure applied to the tube 10 can alternatively be transmitted radially upwards via the channel 25 to the volume surrounding the projectile guide tube 7 (at Figure 2 7), which volume is directed from the interface of the channel 25 to the right, i.e. in the direction of the applicator 6, and there, between the applicator 6 and the end of the projectile guide tube 7 close to the applicator, to the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 (regardless of the gap there in the Figure 2 8). Thus, via channel 25, the pneumatic supply pressure can be applied in a switchable manner to the internal volume of the projectile conduit 7 between the applicator 6 and the projectile 8. However, in this embodiment, due to the smaller effective opening cross section, the pneumatic connection is slightly worse than on the opposite side of the projectile conduit 7, so that the delay can be perceived earlier or more clearly in the case of a greater air flow speed (higher frequency, higher pressure).

[0068] Alternatively, in another switching position, the second valve 2 can close the interface of the inner volume of the tube 10 with the second valve and ventilate the channel 25 and therefore the inner volume of the projectile guide tube 7 on the right side of the projectile 8, i.e., connected to the external atmosphere via a good pneumatic conduction connection.

[0069] The two valves 1 and 2 can thus act on the projectiles with pneumatic pressure from both sides, more precisely independently of one another, thus simultaneously or alternately, or can ventilate the interior of the projectile guide tube 7 from both sides.

[0070] Figure 2 The reference numeral 30 in the figure denotes an annular permanent magnet, which is located at the distal end of the movement path of the projectile 8 (which corresponds to the length of the projectile guide tube 7) relative to the applicator 6. With the help of this magnet 30, the projectile 8 consisting of ferromagnetic material can be easily fixed at this distal end of the movement path. By applying pressure on one side with the help of the valve 2, the projectile can also be returned to this position and optionally additionally be held there, especially at the beginning of operation or in the case of non-ferromagnetic projectiles. In this regard, the permanent magnet 30 can also be selectively omitted, especially in the following case, that is, even in the case of a small impact speed of the projectile 8, a reflection that will be explained in the further process should be realized there at this distal end of the movement path.

[0071] 31 denotes a position at which the corresponding position of the projectile 8 through the movement path can be detected by means of a measuring coil, wherein this position is relatively close to the applicator 6. In the simplest case, the slight residual magnetism of the projectile 8 is used here, but it is of course also possible to detect and analyze the inductance change of the coil 31 with AC technology. It is also possible to determine the impact of the projectile 8 with the applicator 6 by using a microphone or a motion sensor in the test structure. In addition, the impact speed of the projectile 8 can be determined in the test structure, for example, using two light barriers located slightly in front of the applicator 6.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a block diagram, where Figure 1 and Figure 2The device shown in the figure is at the top right and is generally indicated by the reference numeral 40. The device 40 is a movable handpiece to be held in the hand, as is known in the prior art of the relevant device. It is connected to a base station 50 via two lines 51 and 52, which includes a pneumatic compressor 53 and a controller 54. The compressor 53 is connected to the handpiece 40 via the line 51, i.e., a pneumatic flexible hose, and the controller 54 is connected via an electrical line 52 (optionally integrated with the line 51), through which the controller can access the two valves 1 and 2 already mentioned and can supply power to the two valves. In addition, in particular if a controller or a part of a controller is additionally provided on the handpiece 40, communication with the handpiece 40 can be carried out via the line 52.

[0073] Furthermore, the controller 54 also controls the compressor 53 with respect to its rotational speed and, of course, with respect to switching on and off, and is itself supplied with power, like the compressor 53, from the power supply 55. However, a pressure controller or a regulating valve which influences the rotational speed can also be integrated in the compressor 53. Furthermore, the controller 54 is connected to a display 56 which can be installed in the basic device 50 or implemented separately from the basic device 50. The basic device 50 is operated via the touch-sensitive display 56 and / or via a button arrangement which is not shown here.

[0074] Thus, the user can control the functions of the device 40 by means of such buttons and at least by means of the display 56, wherein the controller 54 in particular predetermines the opening and closing times and thus also the opening durations of the two valves 1 and 2. Subtasks of the controller 54 can also be integrated into the handpiece 40, in particular relating to the actuation of the valves 1 and 2.

[0075] For a basic understanding of the operation of the two valves, reference may be made to the prior patent EP 2 213 273 B1. The embodiment therein is substantially identical to the above description and the attached drawings, in particular in terms of the dimensions of the projectile guide and the projectile, except for the presence of the second valve 2 and the elimination of the back pressure chamber. Figure 1 and 2 In the exemplary embodiment cited, the starting point was a specific valve opening time of the only valve there at a specific pressure, whereas in the present case, the acceleration of the projectile is carried out variably outside the overlap time and therefore also at a constant pressure by the ratio of the first valve opening time. For the following description, a pressure of 2 bar and a repetition frequency of 10 Hz can be used as an example. This results in the following table of values ​​with the measured values:

[0076] Projectile speed [m / s] 4.7 6.2 8.1 9.5 10.3 10.8 Opening time valve 1[ms] 0 0 0 0 0 0 Closing time valve 1[ms] 13 13 13 13 13 13 Opening time valve 2 [ms] 13 14 15 16 17 18 Closing time valve 2 [ms] 21 22 23 24 25 26 Impact time [ms] 25.0 24.6 24.2 23.9 23.8 23.7

[0077] FIG. 4 shows a schematic time curve diagram corresponding to the above table in individual views a) to f). Figure 1 and Figure 2 There are different intervals between the actuation of valve 1 in and the actuation of valve 2 indicated above in dashed lines. There is usually an on pulse for valve 1, which accelerates the projectile 8, and after the expiration of this first on time, the projectile 8 "continues to fly" on a different part of the movement path without further aerodynamic loading. In this movement phase, both sides of the tube interior are ventilated (and not loaded with pressure). Figure 4a ), this situation only applies after the second switch-on time.

[0078] After a certain time of deceleration caused by the second valve, the illustrated collision with the applicator 6 occurs, and then the projectile 8 moves back due to the collision and the return pneumatic pulse caused by the second on time (remaining part). Thus, the projectile 8 is moved back to the starting position again.

[0079] The length of the first on-time remains unchanged. In this example, at least part of the second on-time is located before the impact, that is, in the cases of a) to e), the entire second on-time or a large part thereof is located before the impact, and in the case of f), about half of the second on-time is located before the impact.

[0080] These figures further illustrate a possibility of controlling the velocity of the projectile 8 upon impact. Figure 4a ), the projectile 8 is pneumatically accelerated during the first on-time and then decelerated due to the opposite pneumatic pressure at the beginning of the second on-time (indicated by the upper dashed line). In case a), the ratio of the deceleration time to the acceleration time is 8:13, and it can be assumed that the air pressure height is the same, so that the projectile 8 hits the applicator 6 at a minimum speed and returns to the starting position again after hitting the applicator 6 due to the elastic impact effect.

[0081] In cases b) to f), the interval between the two switch-on times is longer, so that the second switch-on time portion before the impact is gradually reduced, which results in a continuously increasing projectile velocity at the time of impact despite the fact that the first switch-on time remains unchanged.

[0082] To be exact, Figure 4a) to Figure 4f) The electrical control times of the two valves 1 and 2, i.e. the output signals of the controller 54, are shown. Valve 1 and valve 2 are spring-assisted solenoid valves, which open purely magnetically and close by the force of the spring which is tensioned when the magnet is no longer loaded. The movement of the valve body is therefore slightly delayed relative to the control signal shown, to be more precise, by about 4 ms for opening and about 2 ms for closing.

[0083] The situation is essentially similar for so-called pilot valves which have pneumatic assistance during opening.

[0084] Of course, in another embodiment with a “combination valve”, a completely similar behavior can be produced as shown in FIG. 4 in diagrams a) to f). Figure 5 This combination valve is schematically shown. Here, the letter K represents the combination valve, which correspondingly replaces Figure 1 and Figure 2 The two valves 1 and 2 in the right and left sides are shown respectively as two lines V1 and V2, wherein V1 represents the left side of the projectile conduit 7 (see Figure 2 ) interface, for example via channel piece 22 (similar to the first valve 1). Correspondingly, the right line V2 represents the interface with the right side of the projectile conduit 7 (similar to the second valve 2), for example via channel piece 25.

[0085] exist Figure 5 In the figure, the upper line is represented by the keyword "pressure delivery" and the symbol "1" for the first valve (which should not be confused with the figure mark 1); similarly, the lower line interface is represented by the keyword "ambient pressure" and the symbol "0" inside the figure, that is, it means the ventilation opening.

[0086] A symbolically indicated slide S is present in the combination valve K, which can be moved in a vertical direction (see Figure 5 ) moves between four different switching positions. Figure 5 As shown, in the uppermost position, the port V1 is ventilated and the port V2 is loaded with pneumatic supply pressure, in the third position from the top, the opposite is true, in the second position from the top, to which the figure is switching, both ports V1 and V2 are ventilated. Finally, the lowermost position shows that both ports V1 and V2 are loaded with pressure simultaneously, see below.

[0087] Therefore, it is conceivable to replace the valve assembly K with a combination valve K constructed in this or a similar manner. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The two individual valves 1 and 2 of the embodiment, wherein the remaining description, and in particular Figure 3 and FIG. 4 also apply here in principle.

[0088] Since the impact speed of the projectile 8 can be controlled solely by switching the two valves 1 and 2, the pneumatic compressor 53 ( Figure 3 ) is operated at a preset fixed operating frequency, in which the pneumatic compressor 53 has an efficiency maximum. In addition, the pneumatic compressor can particularly effectively reduce vibration and noise at the preset operating frequency.

[0089] In principle, the control device 54 can vary the impact speed and the time interval between the impacts between the projectile 8 and the applicator 6 from one individual process to the next. The control device can thus influence the impact physics significantly faster and variably and is not tied to periodic processes in particular.

[0090] 6 shows a sequence of five separate schematic time curve diagrams consisting of 6a) to 6e), wherein the curve marked with T1 represents the opening and closing process of the first valve 1 and similarly the curve marked with T2 represents the opening and closing process of the second valve T2. The rising part of the curve thus corresponds to the first switch-on time / the second switch-on time, respectively.

[0091] In comparison, it can be seen that the first on-time starts at the level of 0 ms on the (arbitrary) time axis in all five control states and ends at 13 ms. In contrast, the second on-time, in terms of its start, starts at Figure 6a ) starts at about 2.5ms and gradually moves to Figure 6e ), whereas the second on time ends at approximately 18 ms in all five diagrams. In addition, there is an overlap time in all control states, i.e. Figure 6a ) from 3ms to 13ms, until Figure 6e ) from 7 ms to 13 ms, wherein the overlap time is gradually reduced, i.e. corresponding to the beginning of the gradual delay of the second switch-on time. In this respect, in all five control states, the braking of the projectile 8 is also active by the pneumatic loading of the second valve 2.

[0092] In the case shown in FIG. 6 , the impact speed of the projectile 8 on the applicator 6 is 10 m / s, 12 m / s, 14 m / s, 16 m / s and 18 m / s (in the order from a) to e) at a pressure of 4 bar. This corresponds to an impulse (Impulsen) from 30 gm / s to 54 gm / s for a projectile mass of 3 g. The switch-on time of the first valve 1 is constant at 13.0 ms. The switch-off time of the second valve is constant at 18 ms. The switch-on time of the second valve (again in the order from a) to e)) is from 15.4 ms via 15.0 ms, 14.3 ms, 13.0 ms to 10.9 ms, resulting in an overlap time of 10.4 ms, 10.0 ms, 9.3 ms, 8.0 ms and finally 5.9 ms. Therefore, the on-time of the second valve 2 starts to be delayed by a time period between 2.6 ms and 7.1 ms (increasing from top to bottom) compared to the first on-time.

[0093] exist Figure 6a ) (of course in Figure 2The projectile movement at the left end of the movement path in FIG. 1 is 0 ms when it starts, and the impact with the applicator occurs after the overlap time and also after the end of the second switch-on time, that is, at about 18 ms to 20 ms, wherein in subsequent figures, the impact time point is gradually shifted to the left and from Figure 6c ) begins within the second switch-on time. The projectile velocity measured (optically in the test configuration) is Figure 6a ) of 10m / s and Figure 6e ) and therefore the ratio is 1:1.8.

[0094] Here, it can be assumed in a simplified manner that the projectile accelerates linearly with respect to time before the second switch-on time and then continues to move approximately at the speed achieved (neglecting aerodynamic flow effects and projectile friction); in reality, the projectile speed may increase slightly less than linearly with time and decrease slightly due to friction during the overlap time in a nearly forceless state. After the overlap time, in all individual diagrams, the projectile 8 is decelerated due to the pneumatic loading that still takes place via the second valve, wherein in the cases of 6a) and 6b), after the end of the second switch-on time, the projectile again travels a short distance approximately without force in the manner described above until impact.

[0095] Especially in Figure 6a ) shows that the remainder of the second on-time after the overlap time is significantly longer than the (starting) remainder of the first on-time before the overlap time. It may be surprising that the same supply pressure occurs on both valves and that, according to the actual measured values ​​in the above data table, Figure 6a ) still occurs at 10m / s. One possible reason is that according to Figure 2 The pneumatic connection of the second valve 2 at the right end of the projectile conduit 7 to the interior of the conduit 7 is obviously not as efficient as the pneumatic connection of the first valve 1 at the left end. Figure 2 The right end shown in FIG. 1 is related to the cross-sectional constriction (Querschnittsverengung) (catching device (Fanginginrichtung)), which prevents the projectile 8 from flying out to the right. This design is for safety reasons to prevent the device from being mistakenly started without the applicator installed due to inadvertent. Therefore, under dynamic conditions, when the second valve 2 is opened, the corresponding pipe end is obviously filled more slowly, so from a dynamic point of view, there is a greater delay between the valve switching process and the actual force application caused by the pneumatic loading of the second valve.

[0096] In addition, the accompanying drawings show that only Figure 6d) and 6e)In the case of , part of the second switch-on time is located after the impact. This does not cause any further interference, because in the case of the impact between the usually smaller-mass projectile and the more massive applicator, according to the law of conservation of momentum (Impulserhaltung), the projectile is pushed back by the impact itself. Figure 6d) and 6e) The second switch-on time remaining after the expiration of the first switch-on time only additionally ensures the return movement to the starting position.

[0097] Of course, the control time can be adapted so that the overlap time ends approximately at the impact time. In particular, this can be achieved in the following way, that is, by Figure 2 The already explained solution of the measuring coil 31 near the applicator 6 is used to determine the impact time over time. Therefore, the control time solution will be slightly more complicated, because the first switch-on time must end earlier (from Figure 6a) to Figure 6e) Earlier and earlier). Obviously, this can increase the speed of the return movement of the projectile and thus also enable a higher repetition rate range at least for subsequent independent views (i.e. for higher projectile speeds), i.e. for this purpose, the end point of the second switch-on time is set accordingly differently and earlier in the case of increasing projectile speed.

[0098] Furthermore, the electrical control time is also shown here, so the overlap time is actually shortened by about 2 ms due to the reasons mentioned above.

[0099] In general, one can imagine a controller (see Figure 3 ), which can adjust the control state according to the sub-diagram in Figure 4 and the other control state according to the sub-diagram just described in Figure 6. In both cases, the projectile velocity at the time of impact can be influenced by the valve switching time while the pressure remains the same.

[0100] Figure 7 Roughly shows that according to Figure 4f ). Here, by the second on-time indicated by the dashed line, the projectile 8 is respectively sent back to the starting position, so that it is then accelerated again in the direction of the applicator 6 by the first on-time that follows in time. This figure is intended only to illustrate the possible periodicity of the control state, which of course also applies analogously to the other sub-diagrams in Figures 4 and 6. In addition, it is conceivable that the processes that follow one another can have deviations from one another, so that the impact process can therefore be changed quickly and freely from one repetition to the next.

[0101] Figure 8 shows a repeating sequence of pulses with two different projectile velocity ranges (at impact), the projectile velocity range being Figure 8In the example, the control behavior can be shown by way of example by varying the overlap and spacing of the opening times. For each pulse with a projectile impact velocity approximately in the range H, two pulses with a projectile impact velocity approximately in the range L occur.

[0102] Fig. 9 In particular, it has been shown that the impact conditions can change significantly from one impact to the next, here by approximately 3 times the impact speed. The fluctuations within the ranges H and L are unintentional and tolerance-induced variations (relating to the actual measured values).

[0103] Fig. 9 The control sequence of valves V1 and V2 in their time sequence is shown by way of example in order to achieve the following: Figure 8 The projectile velocity sequence is shown. The different overlaps and spacings of the pulses relative to each other can be seen.

[0104] Fig.10 More precisely in time Fig. 9 , so that a repeated sequence is shown here separately. In this figure, it can be seen that the pulses between V1 and V2 have changed relatively in terms of their spacing and overlap.

[0105] The above description involves Figures 1 to 3 The devices shown. They can also be transferred to other devices and sizes by means of a simple estimation of the movement of the projectile. In particular, the reversal point of the movement of the projectile can be easily detected, for example, by means of the mentioned measuring coil, possibly by means of a similar measuring coil at the distal end of the movement path, or by means of a microphone detecting the impact. On this basis, a reasonable estimation can be made according to the above description.

[0106] Alternatively, the following operation can be adopted: the desired operating frequency and the desired supply pressure for the two valves are preset, and for example, the two valves are also preset to open for a constant duration, for example, 25% of the inverse of the preset frequency. Then, the controller can be set so that the valves are opened and closed precisely in phase at the starting time point. In this state, stable movement does not occur because the projectile is loaded with pressure on both sides at the same time, or is not loaded with pressure on either side. Based on this, the offset (Versatz) between the opening time points can be gradually changed in both directions, that is, the second valve is gradually opened (and closed) earlier or later than the first valve. Starting from a certain time offset, that is, starting from a certain phase shift, a stable vibration state of the projectile occurs, which can be determined, for example, by determining the impact by a microphone at the two ends of the motion path as mentioned. In addition, the impact intensity with the applicator can then be determined, and the described phase shift can be regarded as a regulating parameter of the intensity to a certain extent. In this form, a calibration curve (Eichkurve) can be determined.

[0107] Furthermore, for a specific vibration state determined in this manner, the phase offset may be kept constant and the first valve opening duration and / or the second valve opening duration may be varied in steps.

[0108] In individual cases, it may happen that insufficient pressure is provided for the desired frequency, so that even if the two valves are actuated "in phase", no oscillation state with a collision at the end of the movement path is produced. The pressure must then be increased slightly or the frequency reduced accordingly.

[0109] Similarly, of course, suitable operating conditions can also be explored in other forms based on experience. Finally, of course, the motion behavior of the simulated projectile can be carried out at least in the form of a computer approximation, and then experiments based on experience can be carried out based on these simulation results.

Claims

1. A device for treating a human or animal body with mechanical pressure waves, the device comprising: - a projectile (8) which is guided in the device along a path of movement, - an applicator (6) located at one end of the movement path, - pneumatic means for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) to move it along the movement path, in, The projectile (8) is designed to impact the applicator (6) to generate the mechanical pressure wave, The pneumatic device comprises a double valve device (1, 2) for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the direction of the applicator (6) during a first switch-on time and for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the return direction during a second switch-on time, and a control device (54) for actuating the double valve device (1, 2). The device is designed to maintain an interval time between the first on-time and the second on-time or between the second on-time and the first on-time, and to control the impact speed of the projectile (8) when impacting the applicator (6) by means of the interval time.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The double valve device (1, 2) comprises a first valve and a second valve, wherein the first valve is used to load the projectile (8) with pneumatic pressure in the direction of the applicator (6), and the second valve is used to load the projectile (8) with pneumatic pressure in the return direction, and the first valve and the second valve are preferably capable of being controlled independently of each other by the control device (54).

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The double valve device (1, 2) has a "combination valve" which, depending on the control of the control device (54), has a first switching state for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the direction toward the applicator (6) or a second switching state for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the return direction, wherein in each switching state, a pneumatic interface for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the other switching state is ventilated through the combination valve.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the two valves is a two-way valve which, during a corresponding switch-on time, in a first switching position acts on a pneumatic volume between itself and the projectile (8) with pneumatic pressure in order to act on the projectile (8) with pneumatic pressure, and in a second switching position ventilates the pneumatic volume.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the case of a comparison between at least two control states having different interval times, the first switch-on time is of variable length.

6. The device according to any of the preceding claims is designed to, in a partially controlled state, end one of the two on-times only after the start of the other of the two on-times, and preferably end the on-time during the other on-time, so that the first on-time and the second on-time overlap during the overlap time.

7. The device according to claim 6 is designed to control the impact speed of the projectile (8) when impacting the applicator (6) in a partially controlled state by means of the part of the first switch-on time that lies outside its associated overlap time.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: When comparing between at least two control states having different time periods of overlap between the first on time and the second on time, the earlier on time of the first on time and the second on time is kept at a constant length.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: When comparing at least two control states having different overlapping time periods, the later of the first on-time and the second on-time may be variable.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pneumatic device has a pneumatic compressor, wherein the device is designed to enable the pneumatic compressor to operate at the same rotational speed in the switched-on state in different control states with different impact velocities of the projectile (8), preferably, in principle, to always operate at the same rotational speed in the switched-on state.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The projectile (8) is capable of moving with an impact impulse of between 2 gm / s and 300 gm / s upon impacting the applicator (6).

12. The device according to any of the preceding claims is designed to change the impact speed and / or the duration of the combined reciprocating motion from one such combined reciprocating motion to the next in a repeated operating state having directly successive forward and return movements of the projectile (8) for impacting the applicator (6), from one such combined reciprocating motion to the next such combined reciprocating motion.

13. The device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a measuring device for detecting the passage of a projectile (8) at a certain position on the movement path, the measuring device being coupled to the control device (54).

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