Pressure wave device with dual valve means

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for treatment using pressure waves. The device includes a projectile guided along a path of motion, an applicator, a stopper, and pneumatic means for applying pressure to the projectile to cause it to move. The projectile is configured to strike the applicator. The pneumatic means includes double valve means for applying pressure to the projectile toward the applicator at a first activation time and in the opposite direction at a second activation time, and control means. The control means is configured to terminate the second activation time after partial return motion during the second activation time, initiate the first activation time, and reverse the motion from return motion to forward motion after only part of the path of motion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for treating the human or animal body using mechanical pressure waves generated by an accelerated projectile colliding with an applicator.

Background Art

[0002] This type of device has been known for a long time and the opportunities for use are increasing. Mechanical pressure waves are used in the treatment of (human or animal) patients and are introduced by placing an applicator on the patient's body and generated by the (typically periodically repeated) collision of an accelerated projectile with the applicator. The applicator does not necessarily have to be integral and may be composed of a number of separate parts or materials.

[0003] A proven and often described technique for accelerating projectiles is pneumatic. The pneumatic overpressure is introduced, for example, by applying pressure to the volume on one side of a projectile that is movable along a movement path within a pipe segment.

[0004] In the prior art, a switching valve is used for this purpose, which is connected to a pneumatic supply, in particular a compressor with adjustable output pressure, and whose pulses accelerate the projectile from the end of the movement path distal to the applicator towards the applicator. When the proximal end of the movement path is reached, i.e., when an impact is applied to the applicator, the pneumatic application is turned off.

[0005] In the prior art, the return movement is assisted by a counter-pressure chamber, i.e., a storage volume, into which a projectile that has moved towards the applicator to some extent pushes the air located in front of it, thereby substantially pumping up the storage volume.

[0006] Patent Document 1, which was revoked in opposition proceedings on the grounds of lack of reproducibility, describes the control of the opening time of the switching valve for acceleration, which is not described in detail, as well as the target pressure limit in the opposing pressure chamber. Alternatively, this patent document refers to the use of a second switching valve to return the projectile to the distal starting position after application by the first switching valve. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Publication EP2181730B1 [Overview of the project]

[0008] The present invention aims to embody the above-described type of device equipped with pneumatic means for projectile motion, the device being improved with respect to the forward and backward motion of the projectile.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the apparatus according to claim 1 is proposed. A preferred configuration is the subject of the dependent claim.

[0010] In other words, the apparatus according to the present invention has a double valve means, as part of its pneumatic means, which is a combination of, for example, a first valve and a second valve, that directs the projectile in both directions, i.e., toward the applicator and toward away from the applicator in the opposite direction. The time phase in which pneumatic pressure is applied to the projectile to move in the forward direction, i.e., in the activation phase of the first valve, will be referred to below as the first activation time, and the time phase in the opposite direction, in which the projectile is biased in the reverse direction, will be referred to as the second activation time.

[0011] According to the present invention, This device The projectile was completely Returning completely Before, that is, I only partially returned to the exercise. Later, 2nd activation time To terminate composition ( In other words, control means within the device can be configured. ).moreover, The first activation time is also designed to begin before the return is complete, and therefore after only a partial return movement. ,necessarily 2nd activation time does not need to be started simultaneously with the end. Overall, the projectile teeth ( At any speed in a given control state ) It will never fully recover. , It is possible to reverse one's own motion path after a portion of the motion path and before the end of that path (where the stopper is located). should be achieved.

[0012] Therefore, according to the present invention, Pathways reaching the distal end of Before , 2nd activation time premature termination of 1st activation time and the start of (subsequent) Pathways enable the geometrically possible and shorten the movement path to an effective length. to be achieved.

[0013] This brings different possibilities and advantages that can be used according to the application. For example, the Impact velocity application of the projectile to the applicator can be varied, and in particular, the Regardless air pressure used can be

[0014] controlled. Specifically, the shorter the effective acceleration path (assuming a constant acceleration pressure), the lower the impact velocity. In this regard, the present invention provides additional degrees of freedom. It will be especially difficult to obtain In particular, a low impact velocity but , Effective acceleration path can be achieved by shortening The statement The pneumatic drive Projectile needs to Activate using either of the following methods. be in a determined manner To some extent to enable 、 as shown by experience. This can be the result of, for example, static friction between the projectile and the This inner lateral surface of the guiding pipe segment. According to the present invention, Safe and controlled projectile motion when there is sufficient pressure in In this case, the speed can be immediately reduced further by shortening the path. .

[0015] An additional advantage is that (geometrically Predetermined movement path utilizing the entire do ) the operating frequency can be increased for a given desired impact velocity with respect to conventional procedures It is. Specifically, the desired impact velocity can be achieved at a pressure lower than the available pressure. In that case , instead of this pressure reduction (e.g., By a pressure reducer, or by controlling the pressure source. ), by the method described above The effective motor pathway is shortened. , the projectile Short time required for both forward and backward movement. .

[0016] The combination of the two switching valves described above represents the possibility of a dual valve means provided according to the present invention. In this modification, the two valves can be controlled (preferably independently of each other) by a control means. However, instead, the same valve can be used, which is hereby referred to as a “combined valve,” and which, depending on the control means, has at least two switching states: a first switching state in which air pressure is applied to the projectile in the direction toward the applicator, and a second switching state in which air pressure is applied to the projectile in the opposite direction. While the combined valve is in the first switching state, i.e., there is a first valve open time, and accordingly, there is a second valve open time in the second switching state.

[0017] In these two switching states, the pneumatic connection applied in the other switching state is preferably ventilated by a combination valve, and as a result, for example, during forward motion, the ambient pressure is almost entirely on the side of the projectile proximal to the applicator, and there is no increasing dynamic pressure from impact to impact, in contrast to the conventional procedure with opposing pressure chambers.

[0018] Even when using two separate valves, at least one of the two valves is preferably a two-way valve, which provides ventilation as needed but is not switched for the application of air pressure.

[0019] The actual usable Pathways by the part of Projectile of Impact velocity to control As already mentioned above . Additional possibilities but , during the acceleration of the projectile in the direction towards the applicator, 1st activation time ( forward direction involved in pressurizing the projectile towards 2nd activation time ) can be made to Overlap coincide with Both sides a subsequent or preceding Aside from that involved in pressurizing in the opposite direction). During such an overlapping time period, for example, immediately before the impact of the projectile on the applicator, Without strength to some extent the pneumatic pressure of the projectile is at least mostly compensated, and as a result, the projectile So maintains of [[ID=�2]]its especially, without changing the size of the applied pneumatic pressure Can be made to work .

[0020] The above union valve In the case of This it means an additional switching state and pressurization is performed on both sides.

[0021] Two possibilities combination , namely, One side , Use of only the portion of the motor pathway being used, or changes in that portion. , The other side , of the two valves Overlap of activation times andteeth, surely It can be meaningful. For example, limiting the impact velocity of the applicator to Projectile This will deliver a shock. Previous overlap time of It can be achieved within the given timeframe. (entire movement path) The average speed remains relatively high, however, compared to the acceleration over the overlap period. That is, after the initial acceleration, the acceleration during the overlap period If not done , (Assuming the same collision velocity) The speed level increases relatively early. Therefore, for example, Minimum Using accelerating pressure, on the one hand, In particular Low impact speed of realization It is also intended to be (As mentioned above), process frequency (to an excessive degree) to increase No Acceleration, for example, 1st activation time in forward movement In the initial phase After it was done, Overlap of two activation times in It may be terminated. And the achieved projectile velocity is (almost certainly) maintained. but, The amount of distance not used for acceleration, and the amount of time elapsed until collision, are significant. .therefore, Overlap time This provides further flexibility within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] Naturally, control states with different overlap times are possible, including zero overlap time. .moreover, Primarily the overlap time after the collision It is also possible that such cases exist. Exceptionally, The entire movement path When used, Basically , Pathways At the distal end After reversal of motion of Overlap time or Overlap time Some of these may also exist. Repetitive movements In this case, the projectile is At this end, it effectively reverses. As a result of pulse exchange, already forward direction to You can start exercising .

[0023] moreover, In the example of a specified air pressure , In the case where the entire range of the motion path is used (exceptionally) under the applicable control state, projectile Return The acceleration is too high, distal to the applicator Pathways end The projectile is intended to collide with the stopping part located there. , can be avoided. Furthermore, ( prescribed(In the case of pressure) specific frequency and shock velocity In the case of a desirable combination for, Effectively Used Movement Paths Without increasing, Return movement Time for the overlap time after collision During the period It can be made longer.

[0024] In particular, the two activation times When changing the overlap time , Second activation time , its duration and / or its start can be changed, in this case, 1st activation time Preferably, a constant I'll leave it as is. It is possible.

[0025] Other control states The possibility in relation to and in a somewhat opposite sense to the overlap time described above is the separation time between the first activation time and the second activation time, or vice versa. , In the sense of this , The interval between the first activation time and the subsequent second activation time. The separation time is what is meant here ( Not the other way around. , in other words, Projectile motion Near the distal inversion point The first activation time relative to the second activation time Meaning of Sequence isn't it ).

[0026] Such separation times, like overlap times, are substantially equivalent to the projectile's time. Powerless This results in a moment of motion, and therefore, This embodiment of the apparatus , control states having overlap time, and other control states having separation time (and in some cases, with a separation time of zero) Directly linked first and second activation times A control state having the same properties can also exist and be used in a similar manner.

[0027] In other words In particular, in the case of separation time, At impact This can reduce the projectile's velocity. Furthermore, During the return movement , Separation time or part of the separation time It exists after the shock. In some cases , To some extent It is possible to achieve deceleration. This , Overlap time This has already been explained in a similar format.

[0028] The above explanation repeatedly emphasizes that it is not always necessary to change the air pressure. MentionIn fact, it is preferable to maintain this pressure without changing it during operation and in multiple control states.

[0029] In its simplest form, the pneumatic means may include a connection to receive power from, for example, a pneumatic line network within a hospital or from a compressed gas cylinder. However, a pneumatic compressor is preferred, as it allows the device according to the present invention to be locally independent and offers superior portability compared to a compressed gas cylinder. Pneumatic compressors that can be used in conjunction with the device are known. However, the present invention provides the above-mentioned aspect in which the supply pressure does not necessarily have to be changed in different control states with different impact velocities of the projectile. In other words, the compressor can be operated at the same rotational speed in such multiple control states.

[0030] Naturally, this first simplifies the control of the compressor, especially when the compressor is basically operating at the same rotational speed. Furthermore, the compressor can be operated at or near its maximum efficiency (with respect to rotational speed). In addition, noise reduction means, such as compressor damping equipment or noise-damping housings, can be adapted to the vibration behavior of the compressor at the same rotational speed.

[0031] The particular design possibilities of the present invention are based on the fact that the impact physics between the projectile and the applicator can be directly and rapidly affected simply by changing the valve opening time or the duration of the valve opening time, specifically the impact velocity. Compared to changes in supply pressure, the potential for this effect is particularly rapid, and in a repetitive operating state, it is possible to essentially change the impact velocity and / or the duration of the combined forward and return motion, i.e., the instantaneous frequency, from one impact process to the next. Such rapid and free influence or control has not been possible by the prior art.

[0032] Typical impact velocities are in the range of 2 m / s to 30 m / s, In some cases, the conditions may change more slowly or not change at all. Regarding impact physics, in particular... Impact impulse This is important, In the case of a typical projectile mass , 1g to 10g, therefore 2gm / s to 300gm / s range Preferably, this can be in the range of 10 gm / s to 150 gm / s.

[0033] In a particular configuration, the device has measuring means that can measure the passage of a projectile at a point in its trajectory. This measuring means is connected to a control means. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, the passage of the projectile immediately before or nearly during impact with the applicator can be detected, thereby allowing the activation time to be appropriately matched to the timing of the impact (particularly with respect to its start and end).

[0034] Such detection can be performed, for example, optically, by means of a light barrier, for example. 、 This can be done, but preferably by inductively using a measuring coil. Possible .this is , projectile Due to residual magnetism, or purely inductively (leakage inductance) Due to the changes ) , projectile Detect Possible .

[0035] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on the exemplary embodiments. Each of its individual features may also be necessary to the invention in other combinations within the scope of the claimed invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention is shown, with the central housing component omitted for clarity. [Figure 2] A longitudinal cross-section of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 is displayed in a position that is horizontally flipped compared to Figure 1. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of a handpiece equipped with the relevant basic devices is shown. [Figure 4]A series of schematic time charts (Figures 4a to 4e) are shown to illustrate the modes of operation. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of a combined valve is shown to illustrate an alternative embodiment to those shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the handpiece of the apparatus according to the present invention, which has a pneumatic valve, namely a first valve 1 and a second valve 2, pointing to the front left. The pneumatic supply connection 3 can be seen on the right, and two threaded rings 4 and 5, which are corrugated on the outside for easier handling and are for holding the applicator 6, which will be described in more detail below, can be seen on the left. The applicator 6 has a surface that faces the patient and can be seen at the far left of Figure 1, or shown in Figure 2. It can also be composed of multiple parts.

[0038] Numerous laterally running pipes can be seen in the central region of the device in Figure 1. The central pipe, labeled "7", contains and guides the projectile 8, which can be seen in the cross-section in Figure 2. Two parallel pneumatic connection pipelines 9 and 10 are visible on the front side between the two valves 1 and 2. Pipeline 9 serves to supply pressurization / pressure application to the second valve 2, and pipeline 10, conversely, serves to ventilate the second valve 2 through an outlet provided in the first valve 1. In this embodiment, these number of pipes are enclosed by a housing cover 11, which is shown in Figure 1 by the line below pipeline 10 and the two lines above projectile guide pipe 7. The housing cover 11 extends the rear region in Figure 1 and consists only of a portion of the circumference. At its axial edge, the cover 11 is designed in a manner similar to flange processing by using an inwardly rounded turnover (reverse), shown at the upper edge in Figure 1, in a manner advantageous for gripping. Thus, the housing cover 11 can function as a handle during actual handling. Spacer 13 stabilizes the structure and mechanically connects the two ends of the handpiece.

[0039] The flexible compressed air supply line from the pneumatic compressor to the device (see "51" in Figure 3) is not shown here and is intended to be connected to the connection part 3 described above. Similarly, the electronic control line from the external control device to valves 1 and 2 ("52" in Figure 3) is not shown, but it can be designed in the same manner as the compressed air supply line.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section of the entire apparatus along the aforementioned cylindrical virtual central longitudinal axis, which is also 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 the rest of the example in Figure 2 is to an accurate scale. In this projectile guide tube, the projectile 8 is shown on the right side of Figure 2, i.e., in contact with the applicator 6, which is held in a manner known to itself by the aforementioned threaded rings 4, 5. In this case, the applicator 6 is elastically mounted axially by a bellows-shaped elastomer ring 14 and pneumatically (hermetically) sealed by another elastomer ring 12. Alternatively, apparatus designs for the applicator 6 and its holding and sealing are also possible and preferred, for example, according to EP2529679 (which may be independent of the cap shown therein) or EP2095843 (which may be independent of the ceramic material described therein).

[0041] Figure 2 shows the internal channel 21 connecting the pneumatic connection 3 to the first valve 1 on the left. The first valve 1 can appropriately switch the supply pressure applied to the pneumatic connection 3 to the radial channel 22 as needed. The radial channel 22 opens below the damper element 23 and connects to the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7. Thus, through this channel 22, the projectile is activated at the first activation time in the direction of the applicator 6 and accelerated during the first activation time. Separately, pneumatic supply pressure is sent to the second valve 2 via channel 24 and pipeline 10.

[0042] At a second, different switching position, channel 22 and therefore the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 between the distal end (on the left side of Figure 2) and the projectile 8 are ventilated.

[0043] In the second valve 2, which is basically mirror-symmetric to the first valve 1, the pneumatic supply pressure applied via pipeline 10 can now pass radially upward via channel 25 into the volume surrounding the projectile guide tube 7 (shown as slots above and below the tube 7 in Figure 2). This pressure proceeds to the right from the connection point of channel 25, i.e., towards the applicator 6, where it connects to the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 (apart from the presence of the projectile 8 shown in Figure 2) between the applicator 6 and the adjacent end of the projectile guide tube 7. Therefore, via channel 25, the pneumatic supply pressure can be switchably applied to the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 between the applicator 6 and the projectile 8. However, in this example, the pneumatic connection is somewhat worse as a result of the smaller effective opening cross-section on the opposite side of the projectile guide tube 7, which causes the lag to be more pronounced or earlier at higher airflow velocities (higher frequencies, higher pressures).

[0044] Conversely, in the other switching position, the second valve 2 blocks the connection of the internal volume of pipeline 10 to the second valve 2, allowing the channel 25 and thus the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 on the right side of the projectile 8 to be ventilated, i.e., connected to the external atmosphere via a pneumatically highly conductive connection.

[0045] Therefore, the two valves 1 and 2 can apply air pressure to the projectile from both sides, that is, independently of each other, and thus simultaneously or alternately, or they can ventilate the inside of the projectile guide tube 7 from both sides.

[0046] In Figure 2, the reference numeral "30" indicates a ring-shaped permanent magnet at the end of the projectile's trajectory (which coincides with the length of the projectile guide tube 7), the end distal to the applicator 6. This magnet 30 allows the projectile 8, which is made of a ferromagnetic material, to be easily fixed to the distal end of the trajectory. Pressurization on one side by valve 2 can further return the projectile to this position and optionally hold it there, especially at the start of operation or additionally in the case of a non-ferromagnetic projectile. In this regard, the permanent magnet 30 can also be optionally omitted, in particular when the recoil at the distal end of the trajectory, which will be described further later, is possible there even at a low impact velocity of the projectile 8.

[0047] The designation "31" indicates the point in the motion path where the passage of the projectile 8 through that point is detected by the measuring coil, and this point is located relatively close to the applicator 6. In the simplest case, the slight residual magnetism of the projectile 8 is used here, but naturally, changes in the inductance of coil 31 can also be detected and evaluated using AC technology. The collision between the projectile 8 and the applicator 6 can also be determined in the experimental setup by using microphones and motion sensors. Furthermore, the impact velocity of the projectile 8 can be determined in the experimental setup, for example, using two optical barriers placed directly in front of the applicator 6.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2, briefly indicated in the upper right by the reference numeral "40". This apparatus 40 is a handheld portable handpiece, as known from related apparatuses in the prior art. It is connected via two lines 51 and 52 to a base station 50, which includes a pneumatic compressor 53 and a control device 54. The compressor 53 is connected to the handheld apparatus 40 via line 51, i.e., a pneumatic flexible hose line, and the control device 54 is connected via an electrical line 52 (which can optionally be integrated with line 51). Through this line, the control device can access and supply power to the two valves 1 and 2 already described. In addition, communication with the handpiece 40 can be performed via line 52, particularly if the control device or a part of the control device is additionally provided here.

[0049] Furthermore, the control device 54 also controls the compressor 53 in terms of its rotational speed and, of course, its on / off switch, and receives power from the main power supply unit 55 together with the compressor 53. On the other hand, pressure control or control valves that affect the rotational speed are also integrated into the compressor 53. The control device 54 is also connected to a display 56, which may be installed on the base station 50 or provided separately. The base station 50 is operated via a touch-sensitive display 56 and / or an array of buttons not shown herein.

[0050] Therefore, the user can control the functions of the device 40 based on such buttons and, in either case, on the display 56, and the control device 54 also specifies the opening and closing times, and thus the opening periods of the two valves 1 and 2. Furthermore, some of the tasks of the control device 54, particularly with respect to the control of valves 1 and 2, can be integrated into the handpiece 40.

[0051] For a basic understanding of the control of the two valves, the aforementioned patent EP2213273B1 can be referenced. In particular, with regard to the dimensional determination of the projectile guide tube and projectile, the specific examples therein correspond almost to the above description and Figures 1 and 2, except for the presence of the second valve 2 and the absence of the opposing pressure chamber. In addition, while in the cited specific example a specific valve opening time of a single valve is assumed to be a specific pressure, in this example projectile acceleration is variable by the portion of the first valve opening time, even outside the overlap time and therefore at a constant pressure. In the following description, a pressure of 4 bar may be assumed as an example.

[0052] Figure 4 shows a series of four individual schematic time charts, Figures 4a to 4d. In the figures, the opening and closing process of the first valve 1 is shown by a solid curve, and the opening and closing process of the second valve 2 is shown by a dashed curve. That is, the rising portion of the curve corresponds to the first / second activation time, respectively.

[0053] Figures 4a to 4d show the following list of values related two Valve 1 and Valve 2 This shows a sequence of pressurized pulses. -List of values- Frequency [Hz] :35 ;35 ;35 ;35 Projectile velocity [m / s]: 4.3; 5.4; 7.3; 10 Valve 1 opening time [ms]: 0; 0; 0; 0 Valve 1 closing time [ms]: 9; 10; 11; 13 Valve 2 opening time [ms]: 17; 17; 17; 17 Valve 2 closing time [ms]: 23; 23; 23; 23 Impact time [ms]: 21.6; 21.3; 21; 21.1

[0054] in particular, Projectile 8 and applicator 6 each After the (illustrated) collision, on the one hand, this The example As a result of pulse exchange, on the other hand, 2nd activation time The rest Air pressure application between them As a result, The projectile is accelerated in the opposite direction. However, the longest available trajectory... Up to the distal end Without moving , next 1st activation time The opposing pressure of the air pressure starting with (when reducing acceleration pressure) The brakes are applied. .the result, Projectile Ultimately, before reaching the distal end, Reverse the direction of motion,again Towards the forward direction It is accelerated. This acceleration is At the end of each first activation period, the projectile terminates, and during the subsequent separation period, it continues to fly almost without force, colliding with applicator 6 approximately at the start of the subsequent second activation period (or somewhat earlier or later). . The same cycle continues for further time. .

[0055] The differences between the four individual figures are, The duration of the first activation time is increased, thereby decreasing the separation time relative to the second activation time. This is the result. From Figure 4a to Figure 4d, the covered portion of the longest available motion path. It increases. The acceleration pressure remains the same. When colliding with applicator 6 The collision speed also increases simultaneously. different By selecting the separation time, or, although not shown here, Overlap time By selecting this option, the collision speed will be In this example, additional effects may be present. .

[0056] Typical range around 145.5 mm Pipe length in the case of, At a frequency of 35Hz, as in this example, pipe Only a portion of the length Clearly, even so It can be used, List It can be shown by a value from. The projectile, pipe Even if the collision velocity was to be kept constant at 4.3 m / s during the internal reciprocating motion, In total length 60mm path This would only occur in half the circulation time, which is significantly shorter than the actual pipe length. . With previous technology, such high collision frequencies were not possible simultaneously with relatively low collision velocities. It is impossible.

[0057] More precisely, Figures 4a to 4d show the electrical control times of the two valves 1 and 2, i.e., the output signals of the control device 54. Valves 1 and 2 are spring-assisted solenoid valves that open purely magnetically and close by the force of a spring that was tensioned during the process when the magnetic load is removed. The movement of the valve bodies is therefore delayed somewhat with respect to the illustrated control signals, specifically estimated to be 4 ms when open and 2 ms when closed. That is, the isolation time is actually approximately 2 ms longer than illustrated.

[0058] In the case of a so-called pilot valve that has pneumatic assistance when open, the situation is qualitatively equivalent.

[0059] Naturally, in the case of another embodiment having a "combined valve," a relationship very similar to that shown in Figures 4a to 4d can be produced, but in this case, the overlap time means different switching states of the valve. The combined valve is schematically shown in Figure 5. In this example, the symbol "K" indicates the combined valve, and this valve appropriately replaces the two valves 1 and 2 in Figures 1 and 2. Two lines V1 and V2 are shown on the left and right, of which line V1 means, for example (similar to the first valve 1) the connection to the left side (according to Figure 2) of the projectile guide tube 7 via channel 22. Similarly, the line V2 on the right means, for example (similar to the second valve 2) the connection to the right side of the projectile guide tube 7 via channel 25.

[0060] In Figure 5, the upper line is indicated by the keyword "pressure supply" and the symbol "1" (different from the symbol "1") relating to the first valve, and similarly, the lower line connection is indicated by the keyword "ambient pressure" and the symbol "0" in the figure, which means a ventilation opening.

[0061] The combination valve K has a symbolically illustrated slide S, which can be displaced vertically (in Figure 5) between four different switching positions. In the uppermost position, as illustrated in Figure 5, line (connection) V1 is ventilated and pneumatic supply pressure is applied to line (connection) V2, and in the third position from the top, the opposite is true. In the second position from the top, just switched to the activated position, both lines V1 and V2 are ventilated. Finally, the lowermost position indicates simultaneous pressurization of both lines V1 and V2.

[0062] Therefore, instead of the two individual valves 1 and 2 in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to assume a combined valve K configured in the above manner or a similar manner, and the rest of the explanation and especially Figures 3 and 4 apply similarly.

[0063] The pneumatic compressor 53 (Figure 3) operates at a predetermined fixed operating frequency that provides maximum efficiency, so that the impact velocity of the projectile 8 can be controlled by simply switching between two valves 1 and 2. Furthermore, the pneumatic compressor can be particularly effective in damping vibration and noise at the predetermined operating frequency.

[0064] Essentially, the control device 54 can change the impact velocity and the time interval between the collision of the projectile 8 and the applicator 6 from one action to the next. This can have a fairly rapid and variable effect on the impact physics and is not particularly relevant to periodic actions.

Claims

1. A device for treating the body of a human or animal using mechanical pressure waves, A projectile (8) guided along a path within the device, An applicator at one end of the aforementioned motion path and a stopper at the other end, Includes a pneumatic means for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) for motion along the aforementioned motion path, The projectile (8) is configured to collide with the applicator (6) in order to generate a mechanical pressure wave. The pneumatic means includes a double valve means (1, 2) for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the direction toward the applicator (6) during a first activation time and for applying pneumatic pressure to the projectile (8) in the opposite direction during a second activation time, and a control means (54) for controlling the double valve means (1, 2). The device is configured to terminate the second activation time and start the first activation time after a partial return motion during the second activation time, and to reverse the motion of the projectile (8) from a return motion to a forward motion by applying air pressure to the projectile (8) only after a portion of the motion path and before the end with the stopper.

2. The aforementioned double valve means (1, 2) A first valve for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) in the direction toward the applicator (6), The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second valve for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) in the reverse direction.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first valve and the second valve can be controlled independently of each other by the control means (54).

4. The dual valve means (1, 2) has a combination valve that, in response to control by the control means (54), takes either a first switching state in which air pressure is applied to the projectile (8) in the direction toward the applicator (6) or a second switching state in which air pressure is applied to the projectile (8) in the opposite direction. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in each of the first and second switching states, the pneumatic connection used in the other switching state for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) is ventilated by the combination valve.

5. At least one of the first valve and the second valve is a two-way valve, The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the two-way valve applies air pressure to the air pressure volume between the two-way valve and the projectile (8) at the first switching position during each activation time for applying air pressure to the projectile (8), and ventilates the air pressure volume at the second switching position.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured to control the impact velocity of the projectile (8) when it strikes the applicator (6), and configured to change a portion of the projectile's trajectory before the reversal of its motion.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured to allow the first activation time and the second activation time to overlap by an overlap time.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means (54) is configured to change the separation time between the first activation time and the second activation time in different control states with zero overlap time.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air supply pressure provided to the double valve means (1, 2) during the control does not change during the application of the pressure.

10. The aforementioned pneumatic means includes a pneumatic compressor (53), The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the compressor (53) operates at the same rotational speed in each control state where the impact velocity of the projectile (8) is different during the activation time.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is configured to enable the compressor (53) to always operate at the same rotational speed during the activation time.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the projectile (8) is capable of moving with an impact pulse between 2 gm / s and 300 gm / s when impacting the applicator (6).

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in a repetitive operation state in which the forward and return movements of the projectile (8) for impacting the applicator (6) are directly and continuously performed, the impact velocity is varied from one of the combined forward and return movements to the next.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a measuring means (31) for detecting the passage of the projectile (8) at one point along the motion path, the measuring means (31) being connected to the control means (54).

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