Pressure wave device with dual valve device

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for treatment with pressure waves, the device having: a catapult guided along a path of motion; an applicator and a stop; the invention relates to a pneumatic device for loading an ejection object for movement, the ejection object being designed to strike the applicator, the pneumatic device having a double-valve device for loading the ejection object towards the applicator during a first switching-on time, and a control device for controlling the ejection object to strike the applicator during a second switching-on time. The invention relates to a device for loading a catapult in a return direction during a second switching-on time, which device is designed to reverse the movement from the return movement to the forward movement after a part of the return movement in the second switching-on time, end the second switching-on time, start the first switching-on time, and after only a part of the movement path.

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 collision 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.

[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 impacts 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, a 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 initial 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 invention has a double valve device as part of its pneumatic device for loading the projectile in two directions, i.e. towards the applicator and, conversely, away from the applicator in the return direction, i.e., for example, a combination of a first valve and a second valve. In the following, the time phase in which the projectile is pneumatically loaded so that it moves in the forward direction, i.e., for example, the switching phase of the first valve, is referred to as the first switching time, whereas the time phase in which the projectile is loaded in the reverse direction is referred to as the second switching time.

[0010] According to the invention, the device should be designed (i.e., in particular, the control device present therein should be designed) so that the second switch-on time ends before the projectile has completely moved back, i.e., after only a partial return movement. Furthermore, the first switch-on time should also begin before the complete return and therefore also after only a partial return movement, but not necessarily simultaneously with the end of the second switch-on time. In summary, it is possible and should be achieved thereby that the projectile (at least in certain control states) does not even move back completely, but rather reverses its path of movement after a portion of the path of movement and before its end (with a stop).

[0011] According to the invention, a shortening of the movement path to an effective length relative to a geometrically possible movement path is therefore achieved by prematurely ending the second switch-on time and starting the (subsequent) first switch-on time before the distal end of the movement path is reached.

[0012] This results in different possibilities and advantages, which can be used depending on the application. For example, the impact speed of the projectile on the applicator can be varied and in particular controlled independently of the pneumatic pressure used. In other words, the shorter the effective acceleration path (assuming a constant acceleration pressure), the lower the impact speed. In this respect, the invention provides a further degree of freedom.

[0013] In particular, by shortening the effective acceleration path, particularly low impact velocities can be achieved that cannot be achieved simply by reducing the pressure. According to experience, the pneumatic drive discussed here presupposes a certain minimum pressure in order to be able to move the projectile at least in a defined manner. This can be the result, for example, of static friction between the projectile and the inner circumference of the tube that guides the projectile. According to the invention, the velocity can now be further reduced by shortening the path, provided that the pressure is sufficient to move the projectile reliably and in a defined manner.

[0014] An additional advantage may be that, at a given desired impact velocity, the operating frequency may be increased compared to conventional approaches (which utilize the entire geometrically given movement path). If the desired impact velocity can be achieved with a pressure that is less than the available pressure, and the pressure is not reduced in the manner described (e.g., by a pressure reducer or also by controlling the pressure source), but the effective movement path is shortened, the projectile requires less time for the forward movement and also for the return movement.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 that increases from collision to collision (Staudruck).

[0017] When two separate valves are used, at least one of the two valves is preferably a “two-way valve” which accordingly performs ventilation as long as it is not switched for application of pneumatic pressure.

[0018] The solution of controlling the impact speed of the projectile by means of the actually used part of the possible movement path has already been mentioned above. An additional solution is that when accelerating the projectile in the direction of the applicator, a first switch-on time (responsible for applying pressure to the projectile in the forward direction) overlaps with a subsequent or preceding second switch-on time (responsible for applying pressure in the opposite direction). During this overlapping time period, for example directly before the projectile hits the applicator, the pneumatic pressure on both sides of the projectile is at least largely balanced, so that the projectile remains free of force to a certain extent (neglecting friction). In this regard, in this form, the impact speed can be additionally influenced without changing the level of the existing pneumatic pressure.

[0019] For the combination valve described above, this means an additional switching state in which pressure is applied on both sides.

[0020] The combination of two schemes, i.e., on the one hand, only using a part of the motion path or even changing the used motion path part, and on the other hand, the overlap of the switch-on time of the two valves, can be very meaningful. For example, by utilizing the overlap time period before the projectile hits the applicator, the restriction of the impact speed can be realized, wherein, despite this, the average speed (compared with the acceleration on the entire motion path) still remains relatively large. That is, if first accelerated and then no longer accelerated during the overlap time period, then compared to the situation of continuous acceleration until before the collision, a higher speed level (precondition is that the collision speed is the same) is reached relatively early. Therefore, if, for example, on the one hand, a particularly small impact speed (as described above) is to be achieved with a minimum acceleration pressure, and the frequency is not (excessively) increased here, then, for example, acceleration can be started in the initial stage of the forward motion in the first switch-on time, and then the acceleration is ended by the overlap of two switch-on times. Then (completely approximately) remain at the projectile speed reached, but more time will pass before the collision, to a certain extent because a section is not used for acceleration. Therefore, within the scope of the present invention, the overlap time provides additional degrees of freedom.

[0021] Of course, there can be different control states with such overlap times, including an overlap time of zero. In addition, in principle, there can also be an overlap time after the collision. When using a complete movement path as an exception, in principle, there can also be an overlap time or a part of the overlap time after the movement reversal at the far end of the movement path. In the case of repeated movements, the projectile can be almost reflected at this end and have already started a movement in the forward direction due to the impulse exchange.

[0022] Furthermore, when (exceptional) the complete movement path is used in the relevant control state, too strong a reverse acceleration of the projectile and a collision with a stop at the distal end of the movement path away from the applicator can be avoided at a given pneumatic pressure. Furthermore, if desired (at a given pressure) taking into account a specific combination of frequency and impact speed, the time for the return movement can be extended by an overlap period after the collision without thereby increasing the movement path actually used.

[0023] In particular, in the event of a change in the overlap time of the two switch-on times, the second switch-on time can be varied in terms of its duration and / or its start, wherein the first switch-on time can preferably remain constant in this case.

[0024] Another option for other control states and in this sense to a certain extent the opposite of the described overlap time is the interval time between the first switch-on time and the second switch-on time, or vice versa, wherein in this sense this is meant the interval time between the first switch-on time and the subsequent second switch-on time (and not the other way around, i.e. in the sense that the first switch-on time follows the second switch-on time around the distal reversal point of the projectile movement).

[0025] This interval time results in an approximately force-free motion moment of the projectile in a manner similar to the overlap time and can be used similarly in this respect, wherein control states with overlap times and other control states with interval times can also be present in the device (and control states in which the first switch-on time and the second switch-on time are in direct contact in the sense that the interval time is zero may also exist).

[0026] In particular, in the case of an interval time, the projectile velocity at the time of impact can be reduced. In addition, when this interval time or a portion of the interval time is located after the impact, a certain slowing down can be achieved in the return movement. This has been explained in a similar form above with respect to the overlap time.

[0027] In the previous description, it has been repeatedly emphasized that the pneumatic pressure does not have to be changed compulsorily. In fact, it is preferred to keep the pressure unchanged during operation and in different control states.

[0028] In the simplest case, the pneumatic device can have an interface for supplying from a pneumatic network, for example in a hospital, or from a compressed gas cylinder. However, a pneumatic compressor is preferred, with which the device according to the invention is more mobile in a location-independent manner and compared to compressed gas cylinders. Pneumatic compressors themselves are previously known in connection with such devices. However, the invention provides the above-mentioned aspect without having to compulsorily change the supply pressure in different control states with different impact velocities of the projectile. In other words, in these different control states, the compressor can be operated at the same rotational speed.

[0029] Of course, the control of the compressor can be simplified as a result, in particular if the compressor always runs at the same speed in the switched-on state. 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.

[0030] A particular design possibility of the invention is that the physics of the impact between the projectile and the applicator, in particular the impact velocity, can be directly and quickly influenced simply by changing the valve opening time or the valve opening duration. This possibility of influencing is particularly fast compared to changing the supply pressure, so that in a repeated operation, in principle, the impact velocity and / or the duration of the combined reciprocating movement can be changed from one impact process to the next, thus changing the instantaneous frequency to a certain extent. The prior art does not allow such a fast and free influence.

[0031] 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 collision physics, the impact impulse is particularly important, so that, with typical projectile masses between 1 g and 10 g, this impact impulse can be in the range between 2 gm / s and 300 gm / s, preferably between 10 gm / s and 150 gm / s.

[0032] 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, the passage of the projectile can be detected in such a way that, for example, the passage of the projectile is detected just before or approximately when it strikes the applicator, so that the switch-on time can be coordinated accordingly (especially with regard to its start and its end) with the time of the strike.

[0033] This detection can be realized, for example, optically, for example by means of a light barrier or the like, but preferably inductively using a measuring coil. The detection can be carried out by means of the residual magnetism of the projectile, or purely inductively (by means of a change in the leakage inductance). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The present invention is explained in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, wherein individual features may also constitute the essence of the invention in other combinations within the scope of the claims.

[0035] The accompanying drawings show:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention, wherein, for the sake of clarity, the middle housing part is omitted;

[0037] Figure 2 Shown by Figure 1 of the device, relative to Figure 1 Longitudinal section with right-left interchanged position;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a handpiece with associated basic equipment is shown;

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a schematic time curve for explaining the operating mode. Figure 4a) to Figure 4d) sequence;

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the combination valve is shown to explain Figure 1 and Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] 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. On the right side, a pneumatic supply connection 3 can be seen, and on the left side, two threaded rings 4 and 5, each with grooves on the outside for easier handling, can be seen, 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 of the image, and Figure 2 It can also be constructed as a multi-piece structure.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the middle region of the device, a plurality of transversely extending tubes can be seen, wherein the middle tube with reference numeral 7 contains and guides the Figure 2 8 is shown in cross section in FIG. In front of it, two parallel pneumatic connecting lines 9 and 10 can be seen 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 plurality of pipes is 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 rounding inwardly folding like 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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. To illustrate the dimensions: in this embodiment, the length of the projectile guide tube 7 is 145.5 mm, and Figure 2 The remaining illustrations are to scale. In the projectile guide, the projectile 8 is Figure 2 4 and 5. The applicator 6 is shown on the right in the figure and therefore rests on the applicator 6, which is held in a known manner 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, it is also possible and preferred to have 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] In the alternative second switching position, the channel 22 and therefore also the inner volume of the projectile guide tube 7 is at the distal end ( Figure 2 Ventilation between the left side in the figure) and the projectile 8.

[0047] 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 28). Thus, via the channel 25, the pneumatic supply pressure can be applied in a switchable manner to the inner volume of the projectile guide tube 7 between the applicator 6 and the projectile 8. In this embodiment, however, due to the smaller effective opening cross section, the pneumatic connection is slightly worse than on the opposite side of the projectile guide tube 7, so that here the delay can be perceived earlier or more strongly in the case of a greater gas flow speed (higher frequency, higher pressure).

[0048] 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. via a good pneumatic conduction connection to the external atmosphere.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 movement path 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 optionally 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.

[0051] 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 collision of the projectile 8 with the applicator 6 by using a microphone or a motion sensor in the test structure. In addition, the impact velocity of the projectile 8 can be determined in the test structure, for example using two light barriers located not far in front of the applicator 6.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 supplied with power, like the compressor 53, from a power supply 55. However, a pressure regulator or a regulating valve which influences the rotational speed can also be integrated in the compressor 53. The controller 54 is also connected to a display 56 which can be installed in the basic device 50 or can be implemented separately from the basic device 50. The basic device 50 is operated via the touch-sensitive display 56 and / or via a key arrangement which is not shown here.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 with regard to the dimensions of the projectile guide and the projectile, except for the presence of the second valve 2 and the elimination of the backpressure 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 also takes place 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 4 bar can be used as an example.

[0056] FIG4 shows a series of four individual schematic time curves. Figures 4a) to 4d), wherein the opening and closing processes of the first valve 1 are represented by solid curves, respectively, and the opening and closing processes of the second valve 2 are similarly represented by dashed curves. Therefore, the rising curve portions correspond to the first on-time / the second on-time, respectively.

[0057] Figure 4a) to Figure 4d) The sequence of pressure-loading pulses for the two valves 1 and 2 is shown according to the following table of values:

[0058] Numerical table

[0059] Frequency [Hz] 35 35 35 35 Projectile speed [m / s] 4.3 5.4 7.3 10 Opening time valve 1[ms] 0 0 0 0 Closing time valve 1[ms] 9 10 11 13 Opening time valve 2 [ms] 17 17 17 17 Closing time valve 2 [ms] 23 23 23 23 Impact time [ms] 21.6 21.3 21 21.1

[0060] Specifically, after the corresponding (shown) collision between the projectile 8 and the applicator 6, the projectile is accelerated in the return direction by the exchange of impulses on the one hand and by the pneumatic loading during the remainder of the second on-time on the other hand, but the projectile is not moved to the distal end of the maximum possible movement path, but is braked by the pneumatic backpressure (with the acceleration pressure canceled) starting with the subsequent first on-time. As a result, the projectile finally reverses its direction of movement before it reaches the distal end and is accelerated again in the forward direction. This acceleration ends with the corresponding end of the first on-time, wherein the projectile continues to fly almost without force during the subsequent interval time, so as to collide with the applicator 6 approximately simultaneously with the beginning of the subsequent second on-time (or also slightly earlier or later). Then, the same cycle is carried out again.

[0061] The difference between the four individual diagrams is that the duration of the first on-time is respectively longer and the interval to the second on-time is thereby shorter. Figure 4a) to Figure 4d) , the subsection of the maximum possible movement path passed increases. Since the acceleration pressure remains constant, the collision speed when colliding with the applicator 6 also increases. Here, by selecting different interval times or (not shown here) overlap times, the collision speed can be additionally influenced.

[0062] For typical tube lengths in the range of about 145.5 mm, the values ​​of the table show that, obviously, at a frequency of 35 Hz, as in this example, only a portion of the tube length can still be used. Even if the projectile maintains a constant collision velocity of 4.3 m / s during the reciprocating motion in the tube, it only reaches a section of 60 mm in total length in half the cycle time, which is much less than the actual tube length. Therefore, with the technology to date, it is not possible to achieve such a high collision frequency at a relatively low collision velocity.

[0063] To be precise, Figure 4a) to Figure 4d)The electrical control times of the two valves 1 and 2, i.e. the output signals of the controller 54, are shown. Valves 1 and 2 are spring-assisted solenoid valves, which open purely magnetically and close by the force of the springs which are tensioned here when the magnets are no longer loaded. The movement of the valve bodies is accordingly slightly delayed relative to the control signals shown, to be more precise, an estimated delay of 4 ms for opening and 2 ms for closing. Therefore, the interval time is actually about 2 ms longer than shown.

[0064] The situation is essentially the same in the case of so-called pilot valves which are pneumatically assisted during opening.

[0065] 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 d), but the overlap time then means another switching state of the valve. Figure 5 Here, the letter K represents a combination valve, which correspondingly replaces Figure 1 and 2 On the right and left sides, two lines V1 and V2 are shown, where V1 represents, for example, a connection via a channel piece 22 (similar to the first valve 1) to the left side of the projectile guide tube 7 (according to Figure 2 Correspondingly, the right line V2 represents an interface to the right side of the projectile guide tube 7 (similar to the second valve 2), ie, for example, via the channel piece 25.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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, port V1 is ventilated and 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In principle, the control device 54 can vary the impact speed and the time interval between the collisions between the projectile 8 and the applicator 6 from one individual process to the next. The control device can thus influence the collision physics significantly faster and variably and is in particular not tied to periodic processes.

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) at one end of the movement path, and a stop at the other end, - 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 on the applicator (6) to generate the mechanical pressure wave, The pneumatic device comprises a double valve device (1, 2) for applying a pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the direction of the applicator (6) during a first on-time and a control device (54) for actuating the double valve device (1, 2), wherein the double valve device is used to apply a pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the direction of the applicator (6) during a first on-time and to apply a pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the return direction during a second on-time. The device is designed to end the second switch-on time after a partial return movement in the second switch-on time, to start the first switch-on time, and to reverse the movement of the projectile (8) from the return movement to the forward movement by applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) after only a portion of the movement path and before the end with the stop.

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 controllable 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 performed by the control device (54), occupies a first switching state for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the direction toward the applicator (6) and a second switching state for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the return direction, wherein in any of these switching states, the pneumatic interface used to apply pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the corresponding other switching state is ventilated via the combination valve.

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

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, designed to control the impact speed of the projectile (8) when it impacts the applicator (6) and in the process to change the part of the movement path traversed by the projectile (8) before the movement of the projectile (8) is reversed. 6 . The device according to claim 1 , which is designed to overlap the first switch-on time and the second switch-on time within an overlap time.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control device (54) is designed to change the interval time between the first on time and the second on time in different control states where the overlap time is zero.

8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, which is designed to keep the pneumatic supply pressure present at the double valve device (1, 2) for loading constant during control.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pneumatic device has a pneumatic compressor (53), wherein the device is designed to operate the compressor at the same rotational speed in the switched-on state in different control states in which the impact speed of the projectile (8) is different, preferably always at the same rotational speed in the switched-on state.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The projectile (8) can move with an impact impulse of between 2 gm / s and 300 gm / s when impacting the applicator (6).

11. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed to vary the impact speed 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).

12. The device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a measuring device (31) for detecting the passage of the projectile (8) at a position on the movement path, the measuring device (31) being coupled to the control device (54).

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