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 (8) guided along a path of motion, an applicator (6) at one end of the path of motion, and pneumatic means for applying pressure to the projectile (8) to move it along the path of motion. The projectile (8) is configured to strike the applicator (6) to generate pressure waves. The pneumatic means includes double valve means (1, 2) for applying pressure to the projectile (8) towards the applicator (6) at a first activation time and in the opposite direction at a second activation time, and control means (54) configured to vary the second activation time.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] This type of device has been known for some time and is increasingly being used. Mechanical pressure waves are used in the treatment of patients (human or animal) and are introduced by placing an applicator on the patient's body and are generated by the impact of an accelerated projectile with the applicator. The applicator does not necessarily have to be one piece, but may be made up of a number of separate parts and materials.

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

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

[0005] In the prior art, the return movement is carried out with the aid of an opposing pressure chamber, i.e., a storage volume, into which the projectile, having moved to a certain extent towards the applicator, pushes the air located in front of it, thereby essentially pumping up the storage volume.

[0006] In addition to controlling the opening time of the switching valve with respect to acceleration, which is not described in detail, U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,499, which was revoked in opposition proceedings for lack of reproducibility, the patent also describes a target pressure limit in the opposing pressure chamber. Alternatively, the patent mentions the use of a second switching valve to return the projectile to a distal starting position after application by the first switching valve. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Publication EP2181730B1 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to embody a device of the above type with pneumatic means for projectile movement, the device being improved with regard to the forward and backward movement of the projectile.

[0009] To achieve this object, a device is proposed according to claim 1. Preferred configurations are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] That is, the device according to the invention has as part of its pneumatic means a double valve means, e.g., a combination of a first valve and a second valve, which directs the projectile in both directions, i.e., towards the applicator and in the opposite direction, away from the applicator. The time phase during which air pressure is applied to the projectile to move in the forward direction, i.e., the activation phase of the first valve, for example, is referred to below as the first activation time, and the opposite time phase, during which the projectile is urged in the opposite direction, is referred to as the second activation time. According to the invention, the device can be configured (i.e., in particular, the control means present in the device can be configured) so that the second activation time is variable in length. This can be in addition to the variability of the first activation time, or in the case of a fixed, predefined first activation time.

[0011] Depending on the requirements and center of gravity of each individual case, different advantages can be achieved. In particular, the impact velocity of the projectile on the applicator can be varied so as to be accurate, independent of changes in acceleration pressure. For example, the second activation time can already begin before the collision between the projectile and the applicator, this portion being variable before the collision. Specifically, this portion of the second activation time can first overlap with the first activation time in the final phase of the latter, and / or secondly, the impact velocity can be reduced after the end of the first activation time but before the collision.

[0012] In the case of overlap of the two actuation times, for example in the case of approximately the same air pressure on both sides of the projectile, compensation of the forward accelerating force can be performed, so that the projectile can be moved in this time phase ("overlap time") with virtually no force or at any speed with reduced acceleration force. In other cases (no overlap), the projectile is actually braked. In both cases, it applies that a reduction in impact velocity can be achieved without a reduction in pressure.

[0013] On the one hand, this is an additional degree of freedom in the controller, and on the other hand (additionally or independently) it allows for a relatively high pressure, and therefore a high average velocity, on the return of the projectile without a correspondingly high impact velocity (assuming acceleration of the projectile due to this pressure in the forward direction).

[0014] However, in addition to this, or independently of this, it is also possible to realize a return of the projectile (including the container in which it exists only after the impact) with multiple accelerations as a result of multiple major portions of the second activation time after the impact. It is therefore also possible to influence the return, precisely in terms of duration and speed, without changing the pressure. This can be interesting, for example, in the case of relatively high applied air pressures.

[0015] The second activation time can also continue beyond the start of the next new movement of the projectile in the forward direction toward the applicator. For the portion of the second activation time that continues beyond the start of the new movement of the projectile in the forward direction, it is also possible to control the impact speed at any speed by varying this portion of the second activation time that falls on the next impact, i.e., forward movement. In principle, the return movement can also be initiated only for the second activation time, after which, a further second activation time can be initiated toward the end of this return movement.

[0016] Additionally or independently of this, of course, a new second activation time can be initiated further down the course before the end of this forward movement of the projectile, which in turn can be used additionally or alternatively to control the impact velocity.

[0017] It has already been seen from the above description that the variability of the second activation time can be related to its temporal position (relative to the impact of the projectile on the applicator) and / or its temporal duration. For example, the same second activation time can have a constant duration after impact but a variable duration before impact, and therefore a variable start and variable overall duration, or vice versa, a fixed start (relative to impact) and a variable end. Furthermore, it can have a fixed duration, but in this case the start and end can vary, and of course the start, end and duration can vary.

[0018] The combination of two switching valves, which represents a possibility of a double valve means provided in accordance with the present invention, was discussed further above. In this variant, the two valves can be controlled (preferably independently of each other) by the control means. Alternatively, however, a uniform valve, referred to herein as a "combination valve," can be used, which, depending on the control by the control means, has at least two switching states: a first for applying air pressure to the projectile in a direction toward the applicator and a second for applying air pressure to the projectile in the opposite direction. While the combination valve is in the first switching state, therefore, there exists a first valve opening time, and accordingly, there exists a second valve opening time in the second switching state.

[0019] In these two switching states, the pneumatic connections applied in each of the other switching states are preferably ventilated by a combination valve, so that, for example, during forward movement, approximately ambient pressure prevails on the projectile side proximal to the applicator, and there is no dynamic pressure increasing from impact to impact, in contrast to conventional procedures with opposing pressure chambers.

[0020] The combination valve also optionally has a further third switching state in which the two pneumatic connections are applied (simultaneously) with the pneumatic supply pressure. Therefore, in this third switching state, there is an overlap between the first activation time and the second activation time. Therefore, when reference is made to the start of the second activation time during the first activation time (or vice versa), this also means, in variants with a combination valve, the switching or toggling of this combination valve. The same applies to the end of the first activation time during the still existing second activation time (or vice versa).

[0021] Even when two separate valves are used, at least one of the two valves is preferably a "two-way valve" and accordingly provides ventilation but is not switched for the application of air pressure. However, further switching states are not excluded, and the valve is not necessarily limited to exactly two switching states.

[0022] Ventilation is otherwise meant to mean a pneumatically highly conductive connection to the external atmosphere or to a reference pressure volume substantially corresponding thereto, and therefore it is not a matter of deliberately slowing down the outflow of gas under overpressure, in the sense of throttling.

[0023] As an alternative to ventilation via a combination valve or the two-way valve discussed above, the device can also perform throttle ventilation itself, for example if it has some kind of air pressure leak and no air pressure is applied, in this way or in effect creeping. However, this option is less preferred.

[0024] Preferably, the length of the second activation time is varied. Preferably, the chronological end of the second activation time measured from the impact is kept constant during the control, and accordingly only the start of the second activation time is varied during the control, for example so that the return of the projectile is performed substantially identically.

[0025] In addition to the possibility of an overlap time between the first and second activation times, the opposite is also considered to some extent: a separation time between the end of the first activation time and the beginning of the second activation time. This can also be variable (but does not have to be). For example, such a separation time can occur before the projectile's impact with the applicator. In this case, the projectile accelerates during the first activation time, "flies" without force (and away from friction) during the separation time, and then is already somewhat braked as a result of counter pressure during the second activation time before the impact. The same applies to the start of the second activation time with or after the impact. In particular, cases can be "mixed," i.e., there can be control states with overlap times (including zero) and control states with separation times (including zero, which corresponds to zero overlap time).

[0026] In the simplest case, the pneumatic means may comprise a connection for supply from a pneumatic line network, for example in a hospital, or from a compressed gas cylinder. However, a pneumatic compressor is preferred, which makes the device according to the invention locally independent and more portable than a compressed gas cylinder. Pneumatic compressors are known for use with such devices. However, the invention provides a particular feature in that 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 operate at the same speed in such control states.

[0027] Naturally, this firstly simplifies the control of the compressor, especially if the compressor is essentially operated at the same rotational speed in the operating state. Furthermore, the compressor can be operated at or close to its maximum efficiency (in terms of rotational speed). Furthermore, it is possible to adapt the noise reduction measures, such as the damping equipment or the noise-damping housing of the compressor, to the vibration behavior of the compressor at the same rotational speed.

[0028] The particular design possibilities of the present invention are based on the ability to directly and rapidly influence the impact physics between the projectile and the applicator simply by varying the valve-open time or valve-open time duration, specifically the impact velocity and therefore the impulse associated with the impact. Compared to changes in supply pressure, this influence is particularly rapid, and in repeated actuation conditions, it is possible to essentially change the impact velocity / impulse of the combined forward and return motion from one impact event to the next. Such rapid and unrestricted influence or control is not possible with the prior art.

[0029] Typical impact velocities are in the range of 2 m / s to 30 m / s, although conditions may vary more slowly or not. Regarding impact physics, the impact impulse is particularly important, and for typical projectile masses, it may be 1 g to 10 g, preferably 2 g to 5 g, and thus may range from 2 gm / s to 300 gm / s. A range of 10 gm / s to 150 gm / s is preferred.

[0030] In a particular configuration, the device comprises a measuring means by which the passage of the projectile can be measured at a point in its path of movement. This measuring means can be connected to the control means. Thus, in this embodiment, for example, the passage of the projectile can be detected just before or approximately during impact with the applicator, allowing the activation time to be appropriately matched to the moment of impact (particularly as to its start and end).

[0031] Such detection can be carried out, for example, optically, for example by means of a light barrier, but preferably inductively using a measuring coil, which can detect the projectile by means of its residual magnetism or purely inductively (by means of changes in leakage inductance).

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments, the individual features of which may also be required for the invention in different combinations within the scope of the claimed invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention, with the central housing part removed for clarity; [Figure 2] 2 shows a longitudinal section of the device according to FIG. 1 in a position mirrored relative to FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a handpiece with the associated basic devices. [Figure 4] A series of schematic time charts (FIGS. 4a to 4e) are shown to illustrate the mode of operation. [Figure 5] 3 shows a schematic diagram of a combination valve to illustrate an alternative embodiment to that of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 6] A series of schematic time charts (FIGS. 6a to 6f) are shown to explain further control states other than those of FIG. [Figure 7] 10 shows another schematic flow diagram for illustrating a cyclic mode of operation. [Figure 8] A series of schematic time charts (FIGS. 8a-8c) are shown for further explanation of the mode of operation. [Figure 9] A repeating sequence of two different projectile velocity levels is shown in direct succession, with two pulses of slow velocity immediately following a pulse of fast velocity. [Figure 10] 10 shows a control sequence for controlling valves V1 and V2 according to a sequence of two different projectile velocity levels shown in FIG. [Figure 11] The first 300 ms from the control sequence in Figure 10 are shown in higher resolution temporal detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the handpiece of a device according to the invention, with the pneumatic valves, namely valve 1 and valve 2, facing forward and to the left. The pneumatic supply connection 3 can be seen on the right, and two screw rings 4 and 5, each corrugated on the outside for ease of handling and intended to hold an applicator 6, described in more detail below, can be seen on the left. The applicator 6 has a surface facing the patient and can be seen further to the left in Figure 1, or as shown in Figure 2. It can also be made up of multiple parts.

[0035] A number of transverse pipes can be seen in the central region of the device in FIG. 1. The central pipe, labeled "7," contains and guides the projectile 8, visible in cross section in FIG. 2. Two parallel pneumatic connection pipelines 9 and 10 can be seen in front between the two valves 1 and 2. Pipeline 9 supplies pressure to the second valve 2, while pipeline 10, conversely, ventilates the second valve 2 through an outlet provided in the first valve 1. In this example, these pipes are surrounded by a housing cover 11, which is indicated in FIG. 1 by a line below the pipeline 10 and two lines above the projectile guide pipe 7. The housing cover 11 extends through the rear region in FIG. 1 and consists of only a portion of a circumference. At its axial edge, the cover 11 is designed in a manner similar to a flanging, with an inwardly rounded turnover (shown at the upper edge in FIG. 1) for easy gripping. Thus, the housing cover 11 can function as a handle during actual handling. A spacer 13 provides structural stability and mechanical connection between the two ends of the handpiece.

[0036] The flexible compressed air supply line (see "51" in Figure 3) from the air compressor to the device is not shown here and is to be connected to the already mentioned connection 3. Similarly, the electronic control line ("52" in Figure 3) from the external control device to valves 1 and 2 is not shown but can be designed in the same way as the compressed air supply line.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the entire device along the imaginary central longitudinal axis of the aforementioned cylindrical shape, which also coincides with 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; the remaining illustrations in FIG. 2 are to scale. In this projectile guide tube, the projectile 8, shown on the right side of FIG. 2, abuts against the applicator 6, which is held in a manner known per se by the aforementioned screw rings 4 and 5. In this case, the applicator 6 is axially elastically attached by a bellows-shaped elastomer ring 14 and pneumatically (gas-tightly) sealed by another elastomer ring 12. Alternatively, a device design for the applicator 6 and its holding and sealing, for example, according to EP 2 529 679 (possibly independent of the cap shown therein) or EP 2 095 843 (possibly independent of the ceramic material described therein), is also possible and preferred.

[0038] 2 shows on the left an internal channel 21 connecting the pneumatic connection 3 to the first valve 1. The first valve 1 can appropriately switch the supply pressure applied to the pneumatic connection 3 to a radial channel 22 in response to a control. The radial channel 22 opens below the damper element 23 and is connected to the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7. Through this channel 22, the projectile is thus set in motion at a first activation time in the direction of the applicator 6 and accelerated during the first activation time. Separately, the pneumatic supply pressure is sent to the second valve 2 via a channel 24 and a pipeline 10.

[0039] In a second, alternative switching position, the channel 22 and therefore the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 between its distal end (on the left in FIG. 2) and the projectile 8 is ventilated.

[0040] In the second valve 2, which is constructed essentially mirror-symmetrically to the first valve 1, the pneumatic supply pressure applied via the pipeline 10 can now pass radially upwards via the channel 25 into the volume surrounding the projectile guide tube 7 (visible in FIG. 2 as slots above and below the tube 7). The pressure proceeds from the connection of the channel 25 to the right, i.e., in the direction of the applicator 6, where it is connected to the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 between the applicator 6 and the end of the projectile guide tube 7 adjacent to it (apart from the presence of the projectile 8 shown in FIG. 2). Thus, via the channel 25, the pneumatic supply pressure can be switched to the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 between the applicator 6 and the projectile 8. However, in this example, as a result of the smaller effective opening cross-section of the projectile guide tube 7 than on the other side, the pneumatic connection is somewhat poorer, which results in earlier or more pronounced delays here at higher airflow rates (higher frequencies, higher pressures).

[0041] Alternatively, in the other switching position, the second valve 2 blocks the connection of the internal volume of the pipeline 10 to the second valve 2, and the channel 25 and therefore the internal volume of the projectile guide tube 7 to the right of the projectile 8 can be ventilated, i.e. pneumatically connected to the outside atmosphere via a highly conductive connection.

[0042] The two valves 1 and 2 can therefore apply air pressure to the projectile from both sides, i.e. independently of each other, and therefore simultaneously or alternately, or can ventilate the interior of the projectile guide tube 7 on both sides.

[0043] Reference numeral "30" in FIG. 2 denotes a ring-shaped permanent magnet at the end of the path of motion of the projectile 8 (which corresponds to the length of the projectile guide tube 7), the end distal to the applicator 6. This magnet 30 allows the projectile 8, made of a ferromagnetic material, to be easily fixed at this distal end of the path of motion. By applying pressure to one side by the valve 2, the projectile can be returned to this position and optionally additionally held there, especially at the beginning of actuation or in the case of non-ferromagnetic projectiles. In this regard, the permanent magnet 30 can also be optionally omitted, especially if recoil at this distal end of the path of motion is then possible even at low impact velocities of the projectile 8, as will be explained further below.

[0044] The reference numeral "31" indicates the point at which the passage of the projectile 8 through the corresponding point in its path of motion is detected by a measuring coil, which is located relatively close to the applicator 6. In the simplest case, the slight residual magnetism of the projectile 8 is used here, but of course, the change in inductance of the coil 31 can also be detected and evaluated using AC techniques. The collision of the projectile 8 with the applicator 6 can also be determined in an experimental setup by using microphones and motion sensors. Furthermore, the impact velocity of the projectile 8 can be determined in an experimental setup, for example, by using two light barriers placed directly in front of the applicator 6.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, specifically indicated simply by the reference numeral "40" at the top right. This device 40 is a handheld, portable handpiece, as known from related devices according to 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 device 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). Via this line, the control device can access and supply power to the two valves 1 and 2 already mentioned. Additionally, communication with the handpiece 40 can take place via line 52, especially if a control device or part of a control device is additionally provided therein.

[0046] Furthermore, the control device 54 also controls the compressor 53 in terms of its speed and of course switching it on and off, and together with the compressor 53 is powered by a mains power supply 55. Alternatively, pressure controls or control valves that affect the speed may be integrated into the compressor 53. The control device 54 is also connected to a display 56, which may be mounted on the base station 50 or may be provided separately from it. The base station 50 is operated via the touch-sensitive display 56 and / or an array of buttons not shown here.

[0047] The user can therefore control the functions of the device 40 on the basis of these buttons and in any case on the basis of the display 56, the control device 54 specifying in particular the opening and closing times and therefore also the opening periods of the two valves 1 and 2. Also, some of the tasks of the control device 54 can be integrated in the handpiece 40, in particular with regard to the control of valves 1 and 2.

[0048] For a basic understanding of the control of the two valves, reference can be made to the previous patent EP 2213273 B1. The specific example therein, particularly with regard to the dimensioning of the projectile guide tube and the projectile, corresponds substantially to the above description and to FIGS. 1 and 2, except for the presence of the second valve 2 and the absence of an opposing pressure chamber. Additionally, whereas in the cited example, a specific valve opening time of the single valve presupposes a specific pressure, in this example the projectile acceleration is variably controlled 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 can be assumed as an example. This leads to the following list of values, along with measured values: -List of values- Projectile speed [m / s]: 10; 12; 14; 16; 18 Valve 1 open time [ms]: 0; 0; 0; 0; 0 Valve 1 closing time [ms]: 13;13;13;13;13 Valve 2 opening time [ms]: 2.6; 3; 3.7; 5; 7.1 Valve 2 closing time [ms]: 18 ; 18 ; 18 ; 18 ; 18 Valve 2 ON period [ms]: 15.4; 15; 14.3; 13; 10.9 Overlap time [ms]: 10.4; 10 ; 9.3; 8 ; 5.9 Impact time [ms]: 19.4; 18.7; 18.0; 17.3; 16.6

[0049] Figure 4 shows a series of five individual schematic time charts (Figures 4a to 4e) corresponding to the above list. In these time charts, the opening and closing process of the first valve 1 is represented by a curve marked "T1", and the opening and closing process of the second valve 2 is similarly represented by a curve marked "T2". Thus, the increasing curve portions correspond to the first and second activation times, respectively.

[0050] By comparison, it can be seen that, on the horizontal (arbitrary) time axis, the first activation time begins at 0 ms and ends at 13 ms in all five control states. In contrast, the second activation time shifts in a stepwise manner with respect to its onset, from 2.6 ms in FIG. 4a to 7.1 ms in FIG. 4e, while the second activation time ends at 18 ms in all five examples. Thus, there is an overlap time in all control states, namely, from approximately 3 ms to 13 ms in FIG. 4a to approximately 7 ms to 13 ms in FIG. 4e. This overlap time decreases in a stepwise manner, i.e., corresponding to the gradually later onset of the second activation time. In this case, the application of air pressure by the second valve 2 to the return of the projectile 8 is effective in all five control states.

[0051] In the case illustrated in Figure 4, impact velocities of the projectile 8 against the applicator 6 of 10 m / s, 12 m / s, 14 m / s, 16 m / s, and 18 m / s are achieved in the order of Figures 4a through 4e. This corresponds to an impulse of 30 gm / s to 54 gm / s for a projectile mass of 3 g. The opening time of valve 1 is a constant 13.0 ms. The closing time of the second valve also remains a constant 18 ms.

[0052] More precisely, Figures 4a-4e show the electrical control times, i.e., the output signals of the control device 54, of the two valves, Valve 1 and Valve 2. Valve 1 and Valve 2 are spring-assisted solenoid valves that open purely magnetically and close when the magnetic load is removed by the force of the spring tensioned during the process. The movement of the valve disc is therefore somewhat delayed relative to the exemplary control signal, specifically an estimated 4 ms for opening and 2 ms for closing. That is, the overlap time is actually approximately 2 ms shorter than shown.

[0053] In the case of so-called pilot valves with pneumatic assistance when opening, the situation is qualitatively equivalent.

[0054] In Figure 4a (naturally, with the start of the projectile motion at the left-hand end of the motion path in Figure 2 at 0 ms), the impact with the applicator occurs after the overlap time and after the end of the second activation time, i.e., approximately 18-20 ms. This impact point gradually shifts to the left in the subsequent figures, and from Figure 4c onwards lies within the second activation time. The projectile velocities measured (optically in the experimental setup) range from 10 m / s in Figure 4a to 18 m / s in Figure 4e, i.e., in a ratio of 1:1.8.

[0055] In this case, it can be simplistically imagined that the projectile accelerates linearly over time before the second activation time, and then continues to move at approximately the velocity achieved (ignoring airflow effects and projectile friction). In reality, the projectile's velocity will likely be slightly less linear over time, and will decrease slightly during the overlap time due to friction, almost without force. Furthermore, in each illustrated case, there is a final phase in which the projectile 8 is decelerated by the application of air pressure by the second valve. This deceleration differs slightly in each example, only to the extent that the impact time is slightly shifted to the second valve opening time (specifically, examples 4d and 4e) compared to the conventional case.

[0056] In each example, the overlap time is always before impact, but of different lengths, which affects the impact velocity. Also, the second release time is entirely or mostly before impact. This is because the impact itself, typically the impact between the lower-mass projectile and the higher-mass applicator, pushes back in a momentum conservation sense, which does not interfere any further. The remainder of the second activation time after the end of the first activation time brakes the projectile to different degrees, more precisely, because the moving projectile is detected in the various examples as a result of the variation in overlap time at different positions along its path and at different velocities (onset of deceleration). Of course, the control time can be adapted to the extent that the overlap time ends approximately at the impact time. In particular, this can be done by temporally determining the impact time by the measuring coil 31 near the applicator 6, a possibility already illustrated in FIG. 2. If the impact time is intended to be relatively precisely positioned at the end of the overlap time (or at another fixed point), the control time scheme will be somewhat complicated, since the first activation time must always end earlier (FIGS. 4A to 4E) and differently. However, the speed of the projectile's movement, especially the return movement, can be increased. In this case, it may be interesting to provide a different end for the second activation time and to increase the projectile's speed earlier, in order to achieve an even higher repetition frequency range, even in the case of higher projectile speeds.

[0057] Of course, in the case of another embodiment with a "combination valve," very similar relationships to those shown in Figures 4a-4e can be created, but in this case the overlap times represent different switching states of the valves. Such a combination valve is shown diagrammatically in Figure 5. In this example, the symbol "K" denotes the combination valve, which accordingly replaces the two valves 1 and 2 according to Figures 1 and 2. Two lines V1, V2 are shown on the left and right, of which line V1 denotes, for example, a connection to the left-hand side (according to Figure 2) of the projectile guide tube 7 via channel 22 (analogous to the first valve 1). Similarly, the right-hand line V2 denotes, for example, a connection to the right-hand side of the projectile guide tube 7 via channel 25 (analogous to the second valve 2).

[0058] In FIG. 5, the upper line connection is indicated by the keyword "pressure supply" and the symbol "1" (different from the symbol "1") for the first valve, and similarly the lower line connection is indicated by the keyword "ambient pressure" and the symbol "0", i.e., the ventilation opening.

[0059] The combination valve K has a slide S, symbolically illustrated, which can be displaced vertically (in FIG. 5) between four different switching positions. In the top position, as illustrated in FIG. 5, line (connection) V1 is vented and line (connection) V2 is under pneumatic supply pressure, and vice versa in the third position from the top. In the second position from the top, which is just switched on activation, both line V1 and line V2 are vented. Finally, the bottom position shows simultaneous pressurization of both line V1 and line V2.

[0060] Therefore, instead of the two individual valves 1 and 2 according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to envisage a combined valve K constructed in the above-mentioned or similar manner, and the remaining explanations and in particular Figures 3 and 4 also apply.

[0061] The air compressor 53 (FIG. 3) operates at a predetermined fixed operating frequency with maximum efficiency so that the impact velocity of the projectile 8 can be controlled simply by switching the two valves 1 and 2. Furthermore, the air compressor may be able to be particularly effectively damped with respect to vibration and noise at the predetermined operating frequency.

[0062] Essentially, the controller 54 can vary the impact velocity and the time interval between the collision of the projectile 8 with the applicator 6 from one actuation to the next. This can affect the impact physics quite rapidly and quite variably, and is not particularly relevant for cyclic actuation.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a schematic time chart similar to Figure 4, in each of Figures 6a-6c, but with a separation between the control of Valve 1 according to Figures 1 and 2, shown in solid lines below, and the control of Valve 2, shown in dashed lines above. In Figure 6a, the activation pulse of Valve 1 is relatively short, which accelerates the projectile and, after the first activation period, "flies" through a significant portion of its path of motion without further air pressure application. In contrast to the overlap period shown in Figure 4, both sides of the tube interior are ventilated (not pressurized) during this phase of motion.

[0064] After a certain time, a collision with the applicator occurs, as symbolically shown in Figure 6a, after which a relatively short (in addition to the return movement of the projectile due to this collision alone) return air pressure pulse occurs as a result of a second activation time according to the dashed line in Figure 6a, thus returning the projectile to its starting position again and making it available for a new cycle.

[0065] In each of Figures 6b and 6c, the above description essentially applies equally clearly, except that the first activation time is progressively longer and the separation time between the first and second activation times is correspondingly shorter. As a result, the impact point is shifted slightly to the left, as symbolically shown. Correspondingly, the projectile impacts the applicator at increasingly higher speeds.

[0066] In all three diagrams a) to c), the actuation time of the second valve is after the collision and is not variable in these three diagrams (it is considered as such). In the first two control states of Figure 6(a) and (b), the larger separation time is before the collision, which is followed by the third case c).

[0067] In Figures 6(d)-(f), in contrast to Figures 6(a)-(c), the length of the first activation time remains constant (corresponding to Figure 6(b)). However, in contrast to the first three illustrations, the second activation time is variable, with part of the second activation time occurring before the collision, specifically the majority in vessel d), approximately half in vessel e), and only a very small portion in vessel f). Figure 6(b), in which the second activation time occurs entirely after the collision, can be considered to some extent a continuation, but this is not particularly important here.

[0068] These illustrations illustrate further possibilities for controlling the velocity of the projectile during impact. In Fig. 6(d), the projectile is accelerated by air pressure, i.e., for a first activation time in a similar manner as in Fig. 6(b), but, in contrast to the container in b), it flies for a relatively short time without force and is then delayed by the opposing air pressure as a result of the start of the second activation time (dashed line above). In case d), the delay time corresponds approximately to the acceleration time and can assume the same pressure level, so that the projectile impacts the applicator with minimum velocity and is then brought back again for the remainder of the second activation time.

[0069] In cases e) and f), the separation time between the two activation times is longer, and therefore the portion of the second activation time before the collision is smaller in steps, which leads to an increase in the projectile velocity during the collision despite the first activation time remaining unchanged.

[0070] In this regard, one should imagine a controller (according to FIG. 3) that can set the control states according to the sub-diagram of FIG. 4 and further according to the sub-diagram illustrated in FIG. 6. In both cases, the projectile velocity at impact can be influenced by the switching time of the valve with a constant pressure. Here, as already explained, except for the individual illustrations of Examples 6a)-c), in other cases the second activation time is variable between the different control states.

[0071] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a sequence of three operations corresponding to Figure 6f. In this case, as a result of the second activation time indicated by the dashed line, the projectile is again brought back to the starting position and then accelerated again in the direction of the applicator from the first activation time that follows in chronological order. This diagram is intended merely to illustrate the possible periodicity of the control states and, of course, applies equally to the other partial views of Figures 4 and 6. In addition, it can be imagined that the successive processes can have offsets with respect to one another, and thus the impact process can be changed quickly and freely from one repetitive operation to the next.

[0072] FIG. 8 shows three individual schematic time diagrams 8a-c, where the opening of the first valve 1 is represented by the curve labeled T1, and the opening of the second valve T2 is represented by the curve labeled T2. Thus, the increased curve portions correspond to the first and second activation times, respectively. Compared to the time diagrams from FIG. 4, here the second valve opens chronologically, corresponding to curve T2, before the first valve, corresponding to curve T1. By varying the overlap between the two activation times, the reflection at the distal end of the path of travel occurs earlier or later, as indicated on the horizontal axis in the three diagrams. In this example, both activation times are identical in length (compare the three individual illustrations separately). However, the second activation time shifts further forward relative to the first activation time, from FIG. 8a to FIG. 8b, and then to FIG. 8c, resulting in a decrease in the overlap time. Because the portion of the second valve opening time (before the overlap time) available for reverse acceleration is greater in Figure 8c) than in Figure 8b, which is again greater than in Figure 8a), the projectile velocity present during reflection at the distal tip is correspondingly greater. Thus, the projectile also travels again toward the applicator after reflection at the tip, at a correspondingly greater velocity. Also, as shown by a comparison of Figures 8a-c), the portion of the first opening time (after the overlap time) available for corresponding additional acceleration is also greater, increasing the impact velocity upon impact with the applicator for two reasons: Figures 8a-b and finally Figure 8c.

[0073] FIG. 9 shows a repeating sequence of pulses having two different projectile velocity ranges (at impact), designated in FIG. 9 by the symbols "H" and "L." By varying the overlap time and separation time, the efficiency of the control system can be shown, here by way of example. Two pulses having projectile impact velocities approximately in range L arrive at a pulse having projectile impact velocities approximately in range H. FIG. 9 particularly reveals that impact conditions can vary substantially from one impact to the next, here by approximately three times the impact velocity. In this example, the variations within ranges H and L are unintentional and are tolerance-related variations (these are actual measurements).

[0074] Figure 10 shows, by way of example, the control sequence of valves V1 and V2 in their time sequence to achieve the projectile velocity sequence that can be seen in Figure 9. Different overlaps and separations of the pulses relative to each other can be seen.

[0075] Figure 11 sets the initial pulse sequence of Figure 10 more precisely in time so that the repeating sequence is now shown individually. The relative changes in valve opening times between valves V1 and V2 as well as their separation and overlap can be more clearly seen.

[0076] The above description based on Figures 4 and 6 to 11 relates to the device shown in Figures 1 to 3. The description can also be transferred to other devices and dimensions based on simple estimations regarding the projectile motion. In particular, the reversal point of the projectile motion is easily accessible, for example, by using the aforementioned measurement coils, possibly an analog measurement coil at the distal end of the motion path, or by using microphone impact detection. On this basis, meaningful estimations can be made with reference to the above description.

[0077] Another possible procedure is to predefine the desired operating frequency and supply pressure for the two valves, and also predefine the duration of the two valves, e.g., 40% of the reciprocal of the predefined frequency. The control device can then be set to open and close the valves precisely in sync at the start. In this state, no stable motion occurs because pressure is applied to both sides of the projectile simultaneously, or because no pressure is applied from either side. Starting from this, it is possible to gradually change the offset between the opening times in both directions, i.e., gradually open (and close) the second valve earlier or later than the first valve. Starting from a certain time offset, or in other words, a certain phase shift, will result in a stable oscillation state of the projectile, which can be established, for example, by the aforementioned microphone measurements of impacts at the two ends of the motion path. Furthermore, the intensity of the impact with the applicator can then be determined, taking into account the aforementioned phase shift as a control parameter for intensity. In this manner, a calibration curve can be determined.

[0078] Furthermore, for a certain vibration state determined in this manner, it is also possible to maintain the phase offset constant and vary the second valve opening duration (or, in some cases, the first valve opening) in steps.

[0079] In individual cases, it may happen that sufficient pressure for the desired frequency was not predefined, i.e., a vibration situation with a collision at the end of the movement path does not occur even in the case of "anti-phase" control of the two valves. It is necessary to increase the pressure slightly or reduce the frequency accordingly.

[0080] Likewise, it is of course possible to empirically approach the appropriate operating conditions in other ways. Finally, it is of course possible to at least approximately simulate the kinematic behavior of the projectile computationally, and then empirical tests can be carried out based on the results of this simulation.

Claims

1. 1. A device for treating the human or animal body with mechanical pressure waves, comprising: a projectile (8) guided along a path of motion within the device; an applicator (6) at one end of said path of motion; pneumatic means for applying air pressure to said projectile (8) for movement along said path of movement; the projectile (8) is configured to impact the applicator (6) to generate a mechanical pressure wave; The pneumatic means comprises dual valve means (1, 2) for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) in a direction towards the applicator (6) at a first activation time and for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) in a reverse direction at a second activation time, and control means (54) for controlling the dual valve means (1, 2); The device is configured to vary the second activation time.

2. The double valve means (1, 2) a first valve (1) for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) in a direction towards the applicator (6); a second valve (2) for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) in the opposite direction; 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first valve (1) and the second valve (2) are preferably controllable independently of each other by the control means (54).

3. At least one of the first valve (1) and the second valve (2) is a two-way valve; 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the two-way valve applies air pressure to a pneumatic volume between the two-way valve and the projectile (8) in a first switching position at each activation time that applies air pressure to the projectile (8) and vents the pneumatic volume in a second switching position.

4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to vary the second activation time to control the impact velocity of the projectile (8) upon impact.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second activation time begins between the start of movement of the projectile in a forward direction toward the applicator and impact, and the second activation time ends after impact, and the impact velocity is controlled by varying the point in time at which the second activation time begins.

6. 6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, configured to use the second activation time for the return movement of the projectile (8) and to allow the second activation time to continue across the start of a new movement of the projectile (8) in a forward direction towards the applicator (6).

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second activation time is changed during the return movement of the projectile (8).

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control means (54) is arranged to vary the length of the second activation time upon control.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the control means (54) is configured to keep the end of the second activation time constant during control.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, configured to allow the first and second activation times to overlap by an overlap time.

11. The pneumatic means includes an air compressor (53); The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the device is configured to enable the compressor (53) to operate at the same rotational speed during the activation time in each control state with different impact velocities of the projectile (8), preferably to operate at essentially the same rotational speed throughout the activation time.

12. 12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, configured such that in the case of movement of the projectile (8) from a position in the path of movement distal to the applicator (6) towards the applicator (6) and back, the period of overlap time relating to the forward movement is longer than the period relating to the return movement.

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projectile (8) is capable of moving with an impact pulse of between 2 gm / s and 300 gm / s upon impact with the applicator (6).

14. 14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, configured for, in a repetitive operating condition in which the forward and return movements of the projectile (8) for impact on the applicator (6) are in direct succession, varying the impact velocity and / or duration of the combined forward and return movements from one of the combined forward and return movements to the next.

15. 15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising measuring means (31) for detecting the passage and / or velocity of the projectile (8) at a point in the path of movement, said measuring means (31) being connected to said control means (54).

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