Device for applying sound waves

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for applying sound waves to an animal or human body. The device comprises a housing in which a fluid tank filled with a coupling fluid is formed. In the fluid tank, a sound wave source is arranged for generating sound waves that are coupled into the body via a coupling membrane. The fluid tank comprises a sound wave generation region in which the sound wave source is arranged, and a bubble retaining region, which is provided to retain gas bubbles. The bubble retaining region is partially spatially separated from the sound generation region by a partition wall, but there is also a fluid communication between the regions. The sound wave source is arranged in the bubble retaining region and in the coupling membrane and is oriented such that the sound waves are emitted in the direction of the coupling membrane.

Description

Title: Device for applying sound waves Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for applying sound waves to an animal or human body. The device comprises a housing in which a fluid reservoir for a coupling fluid is formed, and a sound wave source for generating sound waves. The sound wave source is arranged in the fluid reservoir. The device further comprises a coupling membrane, which partially forms a wall of the fluid reservoir and is intended for coupling the sound waves generated by the sound wave source into a human or animal body.

[0002] Devices for extracorporeal focused medical sound wave treatments, such as shock waves, burst waves, or continuous waves, are well known in the art. The devices comprise a sound wave source arranged in a housing that generates focused sound waves or acoustic waves, which can also be referred to as pressure or shock waves. These sound waves are usually transmitted to a coupling medium, such as a coupling membrane. A coupling surface of the device lies against a surface of the person or animal into which the sound waves are to be coupled. The coupling surface can be part of the coupling membrane or formed by additional gel pads that are used to adjust the depth of penetration of the sound waves into the body.

[0003] In order to change the penetration depth of the sound waves into the animal or human body, it is known from the state of the art to use coupling membranes or gel pads of different thicknesses. By using coupling membranes of different thicknesses, the distance between the human or animal body and the sound wave source, which directly affects the penetration depth of the sound waves generated by the sound wave source.

[0004] To change the penetration depth of the sound waves, the device must be removed and reconfigured, which is a significant effort that users often shy away from. Furthermore, after reconfiguring the device, the correct treatment position must be found again, which increases treatment time. Therefore, the same configuration is often used for different indications and target areas, even though different penetration depths would be advantageous.

[0005] EP 1 520 536 A1 discloses a device for applying acoustic shock waves, in which a sound wave source is movably arranged in a housing of the device. The housing has a coupling surface, and the sound wave source can be moved relative to it. The housing, together with the coupling membrane, forms a closed volume into which a medium suitable for transmitting the shock waves, also referred to as a coupling fluid, is introduced.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for applying sound waves to an animal or human body, in which the sound wave source is arranged in a coupling fluid in the housing of the device.

[0007] The object underlying this invention is achieved by a device according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the device are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] To solve the problem, a device for applying sound waves to an animal or human body is provided, which comprises a housing in which a liquid reservoir for a coupling liquid is formed. The device further comprises a sound wave source for generating sound waves. The sound wave source is arranged in the liquid reservoir. Furthermore, the device comprises a coupling membrane which forms a wall of the liquid reservoir and is provided for coupling the sound waves generated by the sound wave source into a human or animal body. The sound wave source is arranged in a sound wave generation region of the liquid reservoir. This sound wave generation region is delimited at least in sections by the coupling membrane. The liquid reservoir also has a bubble retention region for retaining gas bubbles, which is in fluid communication with the sound wave generation region and is partially spatially separated from it by a partition wall.The sound wave source is arranged between the bubble retention area and the coupling membrane and is aligned so that sound waves generated by the sound wave source are emitted away from the bubble retention area and towards the coupling membrane.

[0009] In other words, the present invention relates to a device for extracorporeal sound wave treatment, for example, using shock waves, burst waves, or continuous waves, wherein the sound waves are preferably focused and are intended to be introduced into an animal or human body. The device comprises a housing, which can be shaped, for example, as a handle that an operator grasps to position the device at a suitable location on a body. The housing encloses a sound wave source with which the sound waves are generated that are to be introduced into or applied to the body. Such sound wave sources are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0010] Furthermore, the device comprises a coupling membrane forming part of the housing. The coupling membrane has, for example, a first and a second surface, wherein the first surface is aligned with the sound wave source and the second surface forms a coupling surface which is for contact with the body into which the sound waves are to be introduced. The coupling membrane can, for example, be a gel pad.

[0011] The liquid reservoir has at least two regions: a sound wave generation region and a bubble retention region. The sound wave generation region refers to the section of the liquid reservoir in which the sound wave source is located and which is at least partially delimited by the coupling membrane. During operation of the device, this region is filled with a coupling liquid, which improves the coupling of the sound waves generated by the sound wave source to the coupling membrane and thus to the body. Gas bubbles form in the coupling liquid both when the liquid reservoir is filled and when the sound wave source is operated. These gas bubbles alter the ability of the coupling liquid to couple sound waves generated by the sound wave source to the coupling membrane.For example, if gas bubbles are present in the coupling fluid between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane during operation of the device, the coupling of the sound wave source to the coupling membrane deteriorates and less power is available that can be coupled into the body.

[0012] To prevent gas bubbles from accumulating between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane, the fluid reservoir's bubble retention area is provided. The bubble retention area is in fluid communication with the sound wave generation area, meaning that the coupling fluid and gas bubbles can flow from the sound wave generation area into the bubble retention area and vice versa.

[0013] To retain the gas bubbles, the bubble retention area is located in a section of the liquid reservoir that is on the side of the sound wave source that is facing away from the coupling membrane. Thus, the sound wave source is positioned between the bubble retention area and the coupling membrane and emits its sound waves toward the coupling membrane and not toward the The bubble retention area is delimited. Furthermore, a partition wall is provided that at least partially separates the bubble retention area from the sound wave generation area. Preferred configurations of the partition wall are the subject of the following preferred embodiments.

[0014] During operation of the device, it has been shown that the device is usually held by the operator or user such that the coupling membrane is positioned below the sound wave source with respect to gravity. Since the bubble retention area is in turn located on the side of the sound wave source facing away from the coupling membrane, it is usually positioned above the sound wave source and the coupling membrane with respect to gravity. The gas bubbles that are present in the coupling fluid or are generated in it thus rise against gravity and collect in the bubble retention area. This prevents the gas bubbles from impairing the coupling properties of the coupling fluid between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0015] The additional partition wall advantageously prevents the gas bubbles from escaping directly from the bubble retention area into the sound wave generation area when the device is tilted relative to gravity. This advantageously prevents the gas bubbles accumulated in the bubble retention area from escaping from the bubble retention area when the device is tilted and disrupting the coupling of the sound wave source to the coupling membrane via the coupling fluid.

[0016] The partition wall is preferably formed by an undercut that protrudes from the wall of the liquid reservoir. The undercut can, for example, be shaped as a projection or projection that is placed on the wall of the liquid reservoir or actually formed as part of the wall or a section of the wall. The undercut would be In this case, it is formed integrally or integrally with a portion of the wall of the liquid reservoir. As explained in the following embodiments, the undercut can take on various shapes and configurations.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the dividing wall extends in a ring shape away from the wall of the liquid reservoir. If the dividing wall is formed, for example, by a projection that protrudes from the wall of the liquid reservoir, then in the preferred embodiment this projection extends in a ring shape along the wall of the liquid reservoir. "Ring-shaped" does not imply that the reservoir has a circular or elliptical cross-section. Rather, the term "ring-shaped" is understood here to mean any circumferential dividing wall that extends away from the wall of the liquid reservoir. Thus, a projection that extends circumferentially away from the wall of a liquid reservoir with a rectangular cross-section would also be ring-shaped.The advantage of a partition wall extending in a ring shape away from the wall is that the gas bubbles are reliably trapped or collected behind the partition wall, regardless of the inclination of the device, and cannot get between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the partition wall has a first section and a second section. The first section extends between the sound wave source and the bubble retention area. The second section adjoins the first section and extends away from the sound wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0019] In other words, the partition wall is constructed from at least a first section and a second section. The first section is shaped and arranged in the liquid reservoir such that it extends substantially between the sound wave source and the bubble retention area. The first section extends between the sound wave source and the Bubble retention area, for example, if the extent of the partition wall in the first section is greater in this direction than in a direction pointing away from the sound wave source. For example, the first section of the partition wall could run parallel to a direction of extension of the sound wave source or be inclined to it at an angle of less than 45°. The first section of the partition wall does not have to be flat, but can also have a curved profile. If the partition wall is formed by a projection extending away from the wall of the liquid reservoir, then, for example, the section of the partition wall that directly adjoins the outer wall of the liquid reservoir can be referred to as the first section. In this case, the outer wall refers to the wall of the liquid reservoir that surrounds it.

[0020] The second section of the partition wall adjoins the first, i.e., the first section of the partition wall merges into the second section. This transition can occur through a kink in the partition wall. However, it is equally conceivable for a continuous transition between the first and second sections to be provided. The second section of the partition wall is designed such that it extends away from the sound wave source and the coupling membrane. Thus, the extension of the partition wall in the second section is greater in a direction away from the sound wave source and the coupling membrane than in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the sound wave source and the coupling membrane. For example, the second section of the partition wall can be inclined at an angle of more than 45° to a direction of extension of the sound wave source and the coupling membrane.The second section of the partition wall does not have to be flat, but can be curved. For example, the partition wall in the second section can initially have an angle of 45° relative to the direction of extension of the sound wave source and the coupling membrane, and can become increasingly inclined with increasing distance from the first section of the partition wall.

[0021] In particular, in the present embodiment, it is not necessarily assumed that the dividing wall must be formed as a projection on the outer wall of the liquid reservoir. Rather, it is also conceivable for the dividing wall to be arranged in the center of the reservoir, for example in the case of a reservoir with a substantially circular cross-section. In this case, the dividing wall could, for example, have a third section that initially extends away from the outer wall of the liquid reservoir in the direction of the sound wave source and the coupling membrane. This section could, for example, be arranged centrally in the liquid reservoir on a surface of the outer wall opposite the coupling membrane and possibly enclose a drive axis or a supply channel via which the sound wave source can be displaced or at least supplied with energy.In this case, the first section would connect to the third section and thus extend, for example, from the center of the liquid reservoir to the outer walls.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the wall of the liquid reservoir has a vent opening through which the liquid reservoir is vented, allowing gas bubbles to escape from the liquid reservoir through the vent opening. The device further comprises a closure means with which the vent opening can be closed. The provision of a vent opening is particularly advantageous because gas bubbles, which arise, for example, when filling the liquid reservoir with the coupling fluid or during operation of the sound wave source, can be released from the liquid reservoir through this vent opening. The device can, in particular, also comprise a plurality of vent openings.In an exemplary embodiment, the closure means is a valve that is permanently inserted into the vent opening and is temporarily opened or closed again to vent the liquid reservoir without having to remove the closure means.

[0023] Preferably, the vent opening opens into the bubble retention area. This ensures that gas or air bubbles that have accumulated in the bubble retention area can be reliably released from the liquid reservoir. Particularly if only a single vent opening is provided, it may be necessary to move the device back and forth to completely or at least largely vent the liquid reservoir so that all gas bubbles reach the vent opening. Furthermore, in many cases it may be necessary to either refill the coupling fluid or reduce the volume of the liquid reservoir to completely or largely vent the liquid reservoir. The latter can be achieved, for example, by externally exerting pressure on the coupling membrane, provided it is made of a flexible material.

[0024] It is further preferred if the vent opening and the closure means are configured such that the closure means is introduced into the vent opening in a closed position to close the vent opening and is positioned only partially removed from the vent opening in a venting position to vent the liquid reservoir.

[0025] In other words, the preferred embodiment provides for the closure means to be inserted into the vent opening and at least partially removed from it. For example, the closure means can be a screw cap that is screwed into the vent opening. For this purpose, the vent opening can be provided with a thread, for example. The closure means then has the corresponding counter-thread.

[0026] To vent the fluid reservoir, in the preferred embodiment, the closure means is not completely removed from the vent opening, but only partially. For example, the closure means can be unscrewed from the vent opening by a predetermined number of turns or a predetermined angle, provided that the closure means is screwed into the vent opening. By partially removing the closure means from the vent opening, a vent channel opens, which - as described in more detail in the context of preferred embodiments - can run, for example, through the closure means itself or also past the closure means.

[0027] Since the closure means for venting the liquid reservoir in the preferred embodiment is not completely removed from the vent opening, but rather remains in it, the closure means can advantageously not be lost and controlled venting is also made possible.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, venting occurs through the closure means itself. For this purpose, the closure means can, for example, have a channel running along its longitudinal axis, which has an opening on a side facing away from the liquid reservoir. At the opposite end, this channel running along the longitudinal axis could open into one or more lateral openings. When the closure means is moved into the venting position or positioned therein, the lateral opening(s) are in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, so that the gas bubbles can escape from the liquid reservoir through the channel in the closure means.

[0029] Alternatively, the closure means could also have a channel with a lateral outlet, which, in the venting position, is aligned, for example, with a recess or venting channel in the housing of the device. If, at the same time, the second end of the venting channel, facing the liquid reservoir, is in fluid communication with the closure means and the liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir can be vented through the venting channel and the corresponding recess in the housing of the device.

[0030] Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the venting to occur past the closure means when the latter is in the venting position. For this purpose, for example, the closure means can, at least in sections, no longer be in sealing contact with the housing of the device in the venting position, so that gas bubbles can escape from the liquid reservoir through a gap created as a result. To enable further escape of the gas bubbles, a recess or bore, which forms a venting channel, can in particular be provided in the housing of the device, which is brought into fluid communication with the liquid reservoir when the closure means is in the venting position. According to the present embodiment, the fluid communication does not occur through the closure means, but rather past it.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, a sealing means is arranged in the venting opening such that the closure means is in sealing contact with the sealing means in the closed position and that in the venting position venting is possible through a gap between the sealing means and the closure means.

[0032] In other words, in the preferred embodiment, a sealing means, for example in the form of an O-ring, is provided, which is arranged in the vent opening. The closure means is held in the closed position against this O-ring or the sealing means and thereby seals the liquid reservoir. For example, the closure means can be screwed against the sealing means and press it together. If the closure means is moved from the closed position to the venting position, according to the preferred embodiment, a gap is created between the sealing means and the closure means, through which gas bubbles can escape from the liquid reservoir. In the preferred embodiment, it is not specified which further path the gas bubbles take from the gas reservoir into the environment of the device. For example, they can escape through the closure means and / or through an additional opening orRecess in the housing of the device.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the liquid reservoir can also be filled with coupling liquid through the vent opening. For this purpose, for example, with the closure means partially or completely removed, coupling liquid can be introduced into the liquid reservoir through a supply line. Particularly if no additional vent opening is provided, it may be necessary to alternately fill coupling liquid into the liquid reservoir through the vent opening and remove gas bubbles from the liquid reservoir. For this purpose, it is conceivable that, when using a flexible membrane, pumping movements are carried out with the membrane, i.e., coupling liquid is first filled into the liquid reservoir and the resulting gas bubbles are removed again through the vent opening by pressure on the coupling membrane.The air that is present in the liquid reservoir before it is filled can also be removed from the liquid reservoir in this way.

[0034] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, in addition to one or more vent openings, a filling opening is also provided through which the fluid reservoir can be filled with coupling fluid. This has the advantage that, while the reservoir is being filled with coupling fluid, venting can occur immediately through the additional vent opening(s).

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present device, the sound wave source is arranged movably in the liquid reservoir such that a distance between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane is variable. During operation of the device, a space between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane is filled with coupling fluid. In the preferred embodiment, it is thus provided that the sound wave source is movable. This has the advantage that by changing the sound wave source position in the liquid reservoir and the associated change in the distance between the coupling membrane or the coupling membrane formed thereon, surface, the penetration depth of the sound waves into the human or animal body can be changed without the need to apply coupling membranes of different thicknesses. Due to the dome-shaped sound wave source, the area between the coupling membrane and the sound wave source is filled with coupling fluid so that the sound waves can be better coupled into the coupling membrane and thus the body.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a drive for changing the distance between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane. The drive can be a manual drive or an actuator that converts electrical signals into a mechanical movement of the sound wave source. For example, the actuator can be an electric drive, a hydraulic drive, or a pneumatic drive. The drive is preferably a spindle drive.

[0037] Preferably, the device is provided with an adjustment mechanism that allows the distance between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane, and thus the depth of penetration of the sound waves into the human or animal body, to be adjusted. In principle, two different drive types are conceivable.

[0038] Preferably, the drive comprises an adjustment wheel configured such that the distance between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane can be changed by manually rotating the adjustment wheel. Further preferably, a planetary gear is provided, using which a rotation of the adjustment wheel can be translated into a change in the distance between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0039] The drive can be manual, meaning a user of the device operates a dial, for example, with which the position of the sound wave source within the fluid reservoir can be changed. For example, an adjusting ring can be provided in the device's housing. The adjusting ring The actuator and the associated drive can then be designed so that when the adjusting ring is rotated, for example, via a planetary gear and a spindle drive, the sound wave source is moved either toward or away from the coupling membrane. Such a manual drive enables simple and robust adjustment of the position of the sound wave source and thus the penetration depth of the sound waves.

[0040] Preferably, the device comprises a spring-loaded engagement element biased toward the adjustment wheel. The adjustment wheel further comprises a plurality of protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals. The engagement element and the protrusions are arranged and configured such that, depending on a position of the adjustment wheel, the engagement element engages the protrusions, so that an additional force is required to disengage the engagement element from the protrusion by rotating the adjustment wheel. Each position of the adjustment wheel in which the engagement element engages one of the protrusions corresponds to a predetermined distance between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0041] Preferably, the engagement element is pre-tensioned radially away from a rotational axis of the adjusting wheel toward the adjusting wheel or pre-tensioned parallel to the rotational axis of the adjusting wheel toward the adjusting wheel.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide an electric or electronic drive, in which, for example, an electric motor mounted in the device can change the position of the sound wave source relative to the coupling membrane via a spindle drive. The actuator can be controlled, for example, via operating elements such as switches on the housing. However, it is also conceivable that the electric motor is controlled externally via a signal or data line. For example, it is possible for a computer to determine the distance between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane based on data or images from imaging or orthographic systems. systems, such as ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, depending on the position of the device on a human body.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling membrane forms a bulge of the liquid reservoir away from the sound wave source, wherein the sound wave source can be moved into the bulge. The coupling membrane thus preferably has a convex shape that extends away from the sound wave source. Due to the convex shape, the coupling membrane forms a bulge or formation in which the liquid reservoir has a larger dimension along a direction of movement of the sound wave source. The sound wave source is advantageously configured such that it can be moved into the bulge formed by the coupling membrane. The additional distance thus achieved between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane allows the size of the housing to be reduced without reducing the maximum possible adjustment range of the penetration depth of the sound waves.

[0044] It is particularly preferred if the coupling membrane has a hollow truncated cone shape which tapers in the direction away from the sound wave source and protrudes from the housing of the device.

[0045] Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the coupling membrane, including the volume enclosed by it, has the shape of a truncated cone, i.e., in cross-section, it is trapezoidal, including the enclosed volume. The coupling membrane is hollow, i.e., it has a recess or bulge on the surface facing away from the coupling surface, which is filled with coupling fluid during operation of the device. Furthermore, the coupling membrane is designed such that the truncated cone shape tapers away from the sound wave source and thus toward the body into which the sound waves generated by the sound wave source are to be introduced. The cross-sectional area of ​​the coupling membrane, including the volume enclosed by it, thus decreases in the direction from the sound wave source to the body.

[0046] Furthermore, the preferred embodiment provides for the coupling membrane to protrude from the device housing. This particularly advantageously ensures that only the coupling membrane, which has a soft surface, rests on the human or animal body into which the shock waves are to be introduced. This particularly advantageously prevents the body from coming into contact with the rest of the device housing, which is formed, for example, from a rigid plastic. Furthermore, this allows for better coupling even in areas of the body that are anatomically particularly difficult to access, and unevenness on the body surface is better compensated for.

[0047] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, in which: Fig. 1 is a sectional view through an embodiment of a device for applying sound waves, Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a vent opening with a closure means in a closed position, Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the vent opening of Figure 2 with a closure means in the venting position, Fig. 4 an alternative design of a vent opening, Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a positioning aid for a rotating ring with which a penetration depth of shock waves can be adjusted, Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an alternative positioning aid for a rotating ring with which a penetration depth of shock waves can be adjusted, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupling membrane, and Figure 8 is a further schematic view of an alternative design of a vent opening.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a sectional view through an embodiment of a device 1 for applying sound waves to an animal or human body. The device comprises a housing 2. The device 1 is an ergonomically shaped handpiece 3 with recessed grips. The handpiece 3 is also referred to as a therapy source. A sound wave source 4 is arranged in the housing 2. The sound wave source 4 generates sound waves for application to an animal or human body. In the present embodiment, the sound wave source 4 is a piezoelectric sound wave source 4 that generates shock waves for treating a human body.

[0049] The sound wave source 4 is arranged in a liquid reservoir 5, which is filled with a coupling liquid 6 for operating the device 1. The sound wave source 4 can be moved along an adjustment direction 7 in the liquid reservoir 5 to adjust the penetration depth of the sound waves generated by the sound wave source 4 into the human body.

[0050] The device 1 further comprises a coupling membrane 8, which forms part of the outer wall 9 of the housing 2 of the device 1. The coupling membrane 8 comprises, in particular, a coupling surface 10, which is placed on or applied to a surface of the body in order to apply the shock waves.

[0051] The coupling membrane also forms part of the wall of the liquid reservoir 5 and limits it in particular in the direction of the body into which the shock waves generated by the sound wave source 4 are to be introduced.

[0052] During operation of the device 1, that is to say when sound waves are to be generated by means of the sound wave source 4 and introduced into a body, the liquid reservoir 5 is filled with a coupling liquid 6 which improves the coupling of the sound waves generated by the sound wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8 and thus also to the body to be treated.

[0053] Degassed water, oils, or alcohol, for example, can be used as coupling fluids. Degassed water, in particular, can also be treated with a preservative to prevent germ formation. Other fluids are also suitable as coupling fluids, provided they transmit sound waves well, i.e., they must contain as few gases and no air bubbles as possible. Furthermore, germs must not form in the fluid to ensure its longevity. Furthermore, the acoustic impedance of the coupling fluid must match that of the patient's body to reduce losses at the transition between the different media. The fluid should also have low acoustic damping.

[0054] Both when the coupling liquid is filled into the liquid reservoir 5 and when the sound wave source 4 is operated, gas bubbles are formed in the coupling liquid 6, which can disrupt the transmission of the sound waves from the sound wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8.

[0055] In order to improve the coupling of the sound wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8 and to keep the gas bubbles away from the area between the sound wave source 4 and the coupling membrane 8, the liquid reservoir 5 comprises a bubble retention area 11 which is separated from a sound wave generation area 12 of the Liquid reservoir 5 is at least partially spatially separated. The sound wave generation region 12 is the section of the liquid reservoir 5 in which the sound wave source 4 is arranged.

[0056] The bubble retention area 11 is designed to absorb and retain gas bubbles that arise or are present in the coupling fluid 6, so that they cannot, or only with difficulty, re-enter the area between the sound wave source 4 and the coupling membrane 8. For this purpose, the bubble retention area 11 is initially arranged in a section of the fluid reservoir 5 that lies on the side of the sound wave source 4 facing away from the coupling membrane 8. In other words, the sound wave source 4 is arranged between the coupling membrane 8 and the bubble retention area 11. This is due to the fact that, during operation, the device 1 is often held by an operator such that the coupling surface 8 is arranged below the sound wave source 4 with respect to gravity. Since the gas bubbles in the coupling fluid 6 rise against gravity, they move spontaneously toward the bubble retention area 11.

[0057] In order for the gas bubbles to pass from the sound wave generation region 12 into the bubble retention region 11, the latter must not be completely spatially separated from the sound wave generation region 12, but must be in fluid communication with it. In order to simultaneously retain as many gas bubbles as possible in the bubble retention region 11, even when the device 1 is tilted at different angles to gravity, a partition wall 13 is provided, which is designed as an undercut and protrudes from the wall 14 of the liquid reservoir 5.

[0058] The partition wall 13 is annular, i.e. it protrudes circumferentially from the wall 14, which moreover has a circular cross-sectional area in the cross-section perpendicular to the adjustment direction 7 of the sound wave source 4.

[0059] To trap the gas bubbles, the partition wall 13 has a first section 15 and a second section 16, with the second section 16 adjoining the first section 15. The first section 15 runs essentially parallel to an extension direction 17 of the coupling membrane 8 and the sound wave source 4. This extension direction 17 also runs perpendicular to the adjustment direction 7 of the sound wave source 4. The first section 15 of the partition wall is therefore arranged between the bubble retention area 11 and the sound wave source 4.

[0060] The second section 16 of the partition wall 13, however, runs essentially parallel to the adjustment direction 7 and thus away from both the sound wave source 4 and the coupling membrane 8. In the embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 1, only a narrow free space 18 is present between a free end 17 of the partition wall 13, at which the second section 16 of the partition wall 13 ends, and the wall 14 of the liquid reservoir 5.

[0061] If, during operation, the device is held at only a slight inclination to the direction of gravity, the gas bubbles in the coupling liquid 6 rise into the intermediate space 19, which is surrounded by the second section 16 of the partition wall 13, and flow into the bubble retention area 11 when the device 1 is tilted slightly sideways relative to gravity. In this area, the gas bubbles are reliably retained and do not flow back into the sound wave generation area 12, even when the device 1 is tilted significantly relative to gravity. This advantageously prevents gas bubbles that have entered the bubble retention area 11 from returning to the sound wave generation area 12 and disrupting the coupling of the sound wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8.

[0062] Figure 1 also shows an adjustment mechanism with which the position of the sound wave source 4 or the distance 22 of this from the coupling membrane 8 and thus the penetration depth of the shock waves generated by the sound wave source 4 into the human body can be adjusted. In the device shown in Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of the device 1, a drive 23 in the form of a spindle drive 24 is provided, to which the sound wave source is connected via an axis 25. The distance 22 can be adjusted by an operator of the device 1 by rotating an adjustment wheel 26, which moves the spindle drive 24 via a planetary gear 27 (not shown in detail). Supply lines for the sound wave source 4, for example, for electrical energy, are also routed through the axis 25.

[0063] In order to vent the liquid reservoir 5, i.e., to remove the gas bubbles 20 shown by way of example in Figure 2 from the bubble retention area 11, a vent opening 28 is formed in the housing 2 of the device 1. The vent opening 28 is not shown in Figure 1, but two different embodiments for a vent opening are shown in Figures 2 to 4, which are described in more detail below.

[0064] Referring first to Figures 2 and 3, a vent opening 28 is shown which connects the liquid reservoir 5 to the environment 29 of the device. The vent opening 28 is formed in the wall 14 such that it opens into the bubble retention area 11. A collection 20 of gas bubbles is shown in the bubble retention area 11 by way of example. The device 1 further comprises a closure means 30 which can be screwed into the vent opening 28 in order to close it. When the closure means 30 is in a closed position, as shown in Figure 2, the closure means 30 is in contact with a sealing means 31 in the form of an O-ring. The contact between the closure means 30 and the sealing means 31 tightly closes the liquid reservoir 5, so that neither gas bubbles nor coupling liquid can escape from it.

[0065] To vent the liquid reservoir 5, the closure means 30 is partially removed from the vent opening 28, for example by unscrewing it a predetermined distance. A closure means 30 in a corresponding venting position is shown in Figure 3. In the In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the closure means 30 has a venting channel 32 through which gas bubbles can escape from the liquid reservoir 5 when the tip 33 of the closure means 30 is no longer in contact with the sealing means 31.

[0066] Figure 3 also shows a special tool 34 with which the closure means 30 can be unscrewed from the vent opening 28 or screwed back into it. The special tool 34 is used simultaneously for filling and / or venting the liquid reservoir 5, wherein a channel 35 formed in the special tool 34 allows both gas bubbles to escape and new coupling liquid 6 to be filled into the liquid reservoir 5. The flow paths taken by the gas bubbles from the liquid reservoir and along which the coupling liquid 6 flows into the liquid reservoir 5 are designated by reference numeral 36 in Figure 3.

[0067] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a closure means 30 intended for closing a vent opening 28. In this case, the closure means 30 does not have a vent channel. Rather, to vent the liquid reservoir 5, the closure means 30 is unscrewed from the vent opening 28 using a tool 34 until the vent opening 28 is in fluid communication with another recess 37 in the wall 14 of the liquid reservoir. In this case, venting occurs through the part of the vent opening 28 facing the liquid reservoir 5 and the recess 37, which is directly part of the housing 2 of the device 1. The flow direction of the gas bubbles is represented in Figure 4 by the arrows designated by reference numeral 44.

[0068] Finally, Figure 5 shows a part of the adjustment device or drive 23, with which the adjustment wheel 26 can be locked in predetermined positions and thus the sound wave source 4 can be positioned at predetermined distances from the coupling membrane 8. For this purpose, on the inner wall of the adjustment wheel 26 several recesses, depressions or bulges 38 are provided, of which only three are provided with a reference symbol for the sake of clarity.

[0069] Within the device 1, a spring-loaded engagement element 39 is provided, which is biased radially toward the adjustment wheel 26 by means of a spring 43. In the embodiment in Figure 5, the engagement element 39 is spherical. When the adjustment wheel 26 is rotated to rotate the spindle drive 24 via the planetary gear 27, the engagement element 39 engages the recesses 38 at predetermined intervals. Additional force is then required to continue rotating the adjustment wheel 26. This signals to the user when they have reached a predetermined depth. The depth can, for example, be indicated by characters on the outside of the adjustment wheel 26.

[0070] Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of an adjusting device, which differs from the illustration shown in Figure 5 essentially in that the engagement means 39 is not preloaded in the plane of the planetary gear 27, but perpendicular to it, i.e., parallel to the direction of the axis 25 or parallel to the adjustment direction 7. The spring 43 thus preloads the spherical engagement means along the adjustment direction 7 onto the adjusting wheel 26. The recesses in the adjusting wheel 26 are arranged differently accordingly. The function of the adjusting device corresponds entirely to the adjusting device already described with reference to Figure 5, so that reference is made to the corresponding explanations to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0071] Finally, Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a coupling membrane 8, which can also be used in the present device 1 and is also already shown in Figure 1. This coupling membrane 8 has the shape of a truncated cone in cross-section, as can be clearly seen in particular in Figure 1. A centering point 40 is formed centrally on the truncated cone surface, which facilitates the positioning of the device 1 on the body of a patient by an operator. The lines or grooves formed on the inclined cone sides 41 also form a centering point. Grooves 42 facilitate the positioning and guidance of the device 1 out of a patient's body.

[0072] Finally, as can be seen in Figure 1, the frustoconical coupling membrane 8 is hollow inside, and the sound wave source 4 is shaped so that it can be inserted into the hollow area 45. As a result, the sound wave source 4 can be moved over a greater distance compared to a filled coupling membrane or a flat coupling membrane, or alternatively, the overall height of the device 1 can be reduced while maintaining the same travel height.

[0073] The truncated cone shape of the coupling membrane 8 also has the advantage that the patient only comes into contact with the coupling membrane 8, which is made of a soft plastic, and not with the housing 2 of the device 1, which is made of a hard plastic. This provides a more comfortable experience for the patient. Furthermore, unevenness on the patient's surface is compensated for, thus avoiding losses, particularly at great penetration depths, due to the larger coupling surface. Furthermore, only the membrane needs to be disinfected after treatment, since only this membrane comes into contact with the patient.

[0074] Finally, Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a vent opening 28 that can be used in the above-described embodiment of a device 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, two vent openings 28 are provided, so that, for example, the liquid reservoir 5 can be filled via one of the vent openings 28 and, during filling, the air contained in the liquid reservoir 5 can escape via the other vent opening 28.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiment, a closure means 30 in the form of a cone valve is arranged in each of the vent openings 28, wherein the cone valve 30 on the left side of Figure 8 is closed and the cone valve 30 on the right ten side is open. The transition between the closed and open cone valve occurs in the exemplary embodiment by rotating the cone valve 30 through a predetermined angle of 90°. In the open position, a vent channel 32 in the cone valve 30 is aligned with the vent opening 28 and the liquid reservoir ö and in particular the bubble retention area 11 are in fluid communication with the environment 29. In the closed position, which is defined by a stop, the vent channel 32 is not aligned with the vent opening 28.

[0076] To fill the liquid reservoir 5, a hose can be screwed into an internal thread 47 formed in the vent opening. The cone valves 30 are sealed by their truncated cone-shaped exterior and the tensile force applied by a spring toward the narrowing truncated cone side, so that when closed, no gas or liquid can escape or flow in. When the valve is open, the gas or liquid flows outward or inward along the flow path only through the vent channel 32 provided for this purpose in the cone valve 30. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 housings 3 Handpiece, therapy source 4 Sound wave source 5 Liquid reservoir 6 Coupling fluid 7 Adjustment direction 8 coupling membrane 9 Wall of the housing 10 Coupling area 1 1 Bladder retention area 12 Sound wave generation area 13 Partition wall 14 Wall of the liquid reservoir 15 First section of the partition wall 16 Second section of the partition wall 17 Free end of the partition wall 18 open space 19 space 20 Accumulation of gas bubbles 21 Direction of extension of coupling membrane and sound wave source 22 Distance between sound wave source and coupling membrane 23 Drive 24 spindle drive 25 axle 26 Adjustment wheel 27 planetary gears 28 Ventilation opening 29 Environment of the device 30 closure agents 31 Sealant, O-ring 32 Ventilation duct 33 lace 34 Special tool 35 Channel 36 flow paths 37 Recess, opening 38 recesses 39 Engagement element 40 Centering point 41 cone sides 42 grooves, guidelines 43 spring 44 Flow direction 45 Hollow area 46 Rotation axis of the adjustment wheel 47 threads

Claims

Claims 1. A device (1) for applying sound waves to an animal or human body, comprising a housing (2) in which a liquid reservoir (5) for a coupling liquid (6) is formed, a sound wave source (4) for generating sound waves, and a coupling membrane (8) which partially forms a wall (14) of the liquid reservoir (5) and is provided for coupling the sound waves generated by the sound wave source (4) into a human or animal body, wherein the sound wave source (4) is arranged in a sound wave generation region (12) of the liquid reservoir (5), which is at least partially delimited by the coupling membrane (8), wherein the liquid reservoir (5) has a bubble retention region (11) for retaining gas bubbles (20), which is in fluid communication with the sound wave generation region (12) and is partially spatially separated from it by a partition wall (13),and wherein the sound wave source (4) is arranged between the bubble retention area (11) and the coupling membrane (8) and is oriented such that sound waves generated by the sound wave source (4) are emitted away from the bubble retention area (11) and towards the coupling membrane (8).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall (13) is formed by an undercut which protrudes from the wall (14) of the liquid reservoir (5).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition wall (13) extends annularly away from the wall (14) of the liquid reservoirs (5).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partition wall (13) has a first section (15) and a second section (16), wherein the first section (15) extends between the sound wave source (4) and the bubble retention area (11), wherein the second section (16) adjoins the first section (15) and wherein the second section (16) extends away from the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (14) of the liquid reservoir (5) has a vent opening (28) through which the liquid reservoir (5) can be vented so that gas bubbles (20) can escape from the liquid reservoir (5) through the vent opening (28), and wherein the device (1) comprises a closure means (30) with which the vent opening (28) can be closed.

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the vent opening (28) opens into the bladder retention area (11).

7. Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the vent opening (28) and the closure means (30) are configured such that the closure means (30) is introduced into the vent opening (28) in a closed position to close the vent opening (28) and is positioned in a venting position only partially removed from the vent opening (28) to vent the liquid reservoir (5).

8. Device (1) according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the closure means (30) is configured so that the venting can take place through the closure means (30).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a sealing means (31) is arranged in the venting opening (28) such that the closure means (30) is in sealing contact with the sealing means (31) in the closed position and that in the venting position venting is possible through an intermediate space between the sealing means (31) and the closure means (30).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the liquid reservoir (5) can be filled with coupling liquid (6) through the vent opening (28). 1 1. Device (1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the liquid reservoir (5) has an additional filling opening through which the liquid reservoir (5) can be filled with coupling liquid (6).

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sound wave source (4) is arranged to be movable in the liquid reservoir (5) such that a distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8) is variable, wherein during operation of the device (1) an intermediate space between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8) is filled with coupling liquid (6).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the device (1) has a drive (23) for changing the distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8), wherein the drive (23) is preferably an actuator and is preferably a spindle drive (24).

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the drive comprises an adjusting wheel (26) which is configured such that the distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8) can be changed by manually rotating the adjusting wheel (26), wherein preferably a planetary gear (27) is provided, by means of which a rotation of the adjusting wheel (26) can be translated into a change in the distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8).

15. Device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the device comprises a spring-biased engagement element (39) which is arranged in the direction of the adjusting wheel (26) is pre-tensioned, and wherein the adjusting wheel (26) has a plurality of bulges (38) arranged at predetermined intervals, wherein the engagement element (39) and the bulges (38) are arranged and configured such that, depending on a position of the adjusting wheel (26), the engagement element (39) engages in the bulges (38), so that an additional force is required to bring the engagement element (39) out of engagement with the bulge (38) by rotating the adjusting wheel (26), and wherein each position of the adjusting wheel (26) in which the engagement element (39) engages with one of the bulges (38) corresponds to a predetermined distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8),wherein the engagement element (39) is preferably preloaded radially away from a rotational axis (46) of the adjustment wheel (26) toward the adjustment wheel (26), or wherein the engagement element is preloaded parallel to the rotational axis (46) of the adjustment wheel (26) toward the adjustment wheel (26). Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the coupling membrane (8) forms a bulge of the liquid reservoir (5) away from the sound wave source (4), into which the sound wave source (4) can be moved. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the coupling membrane (8) has a hollow truncated cone shape that tapers in the direction away from the sound wave source (4) and protrudes from the housing (2) of the device (1).

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