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 an apparatus for treating the body of a human or animal using mechanical pressure waves generated by the impact of an accelerated projectile against an applicator.

Background Art

[0002] This type of apparatus has been known for some time and is being used more frequently. Mechanical pressure waves are used in the treatment of patients (human or animal), introduced by placing an applicator on the patient's body, and generated by the impact of an accelerated projectile against 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. Pneumatic overpressure is introduced, for example, by applying pressure to the volume on one side of a projectile 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 pulse accelerates 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 a certain 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[0006] Patent Document 1, which was revoked in opposition proceedings on the grounds of lack of reproducibility, describes the control of the opening time of the switching valve for acceleration, which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] That is, 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, is hereafter referred to as the first activation time, and the time phase in the opposite direction, in which the projectile is biased in the reverse direction, is referred to as the second activation time. According to the present invention, the apparatus may be configured such that the second activation time is of variable length (i.e., in particular, a control means in the apparatus may be configured). This may be in addition to the variability of the first activation time, or the first activation time may be fixed and predetermined.

[0011] Depending on the requirements and center of gravity, different advantages can be achieved in each individual case. In particular, the impact velocity of the projectile against the applicator can be modified, more specifically, independently of changes in acceleration pressure. For example, the second activation time can be set to begin before the collision between the projectile and the applicator, and this portion before the collision is variable. Specifically, the impact velocity is reduced if this portion of the second activation time overlaps with the first activation time and its final phase, and / or if it occurs after the end of the first activation time and before the collision.

[0012] The two activation times overlap. In the case where, for example, Both sides of the projectile the air pressures are approximately the same, forward direction the compensation for the accelerating force This was done, and as a result The projectile is At speeds with virtually no force or reduced acceleration force , during this time phase (the " Overlap time ") It can move in . In other cases ( No overlap ), the projectile actually The brakes will be applied. . In any case, without reducing the pressure, a reduction in the impact velocity can be achieved That means is applied.

[0013] On the one hand, this is an additional degree of freedom in the controller. On the other hand, , (additionally Or unrelated to this ) a relatively high pressure, and thus a high average velocity, (Assuming the projectile is accelerated by the pressure in the forward direction) This can be made possible by the projectile's return without the high impact velocity corresponding to the pressure. can be achieved.

[0014] However, in addition to this, or independently of this, the 2nd activation time after the collision Another of most of the With acceleration return of the projectile (which only exists after the collision Including cases ) can also be achieved. Therefore, without changing the pressure, To be more precise it is also possible to affect the return with respect to the duration and velocity. This is, for example, in the case of a relatively high applied air pressure It could be a matter of interest

[0015] Also, 2nd activation time can continue beyond a new start towards the applicator forward direction to The next motion of the projectile . Beyond the A new beginning in the projectile's motion in the forward direction 2nd activation time continuing portion in Controlling the impact velocity during the next collision is that is The portion of the second activation time that enters the forward motion by changing Any the velocity but is possible. In principle, the return motion is initiated by the second activation time. This can also be done, And after it ends and Towards the end of the return motion this So that the second activation time begins can be further

[0016] ​ In addition to or unrelated to this and Naturally A new 2nd activation time can start before the end of the Current progress of the projectile and can be used additionally or alternatively to control the impact velocity. process And at this time

[0017] 2nd activation time The variability of Temporal duration can be related to its temporal position (with respect to the impact of the projectile on the applicator) and / or its The second activation time may have a fixed duration after impact, but can have a variable duration before impact. and thus can have variable start and Variable overall duration or vice versa, fixed start (with respect to impact ) and variable end. Furthermore, A fixed Duration can be had, in which case the start and end are It is changeable. and of course the start, end and Duration can be change

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The combination valve also optionally includes a further third switching state in which two pneumatic connections are applied (simultaneously) along with the pneumatic supply pressure. In this third switching state, there is an overlap between the first activation time and the second activation time. Therefore, if the start of the second activation time during the first activation time (or vice versa) is as described above, this means a switching or toggle of the combination valve in the modified example having the combination valve. The same applies to the end of the first activation time (or vice versa) while the second activation time is still ongoing.

[0021] Even when using two separate valves, at least one of the two valves is preferably a "two-way valve" that provides ventilation as appropriate but is not switched for the application of air pressure. However, this does not mean that further switching states are excluded, and the valve is not necessarily strictly limited to two switching states.

[0022] Ventilation is also intended to mean a pneumatically highly conductive connection to the external atmosphere or a reference pressure volume substantially equivalent thereto. Therefore, it is not a matter of intentionally delaying the outflow of gas under excessive pressure in the sense of throttling.

[0023] As an alternative to ventilation via a combination valve or the two-way valve mentioned above, the device may, for example, have some kind of air pressure leak, and in the absence of air pressure, throttling ventilation itself can be performed in this way or substantially gradually. However, this option is not very preferable.

[0024] Preferably, 2nd activation time the length is changed. Preferably, For example, because the return of the projectile occurs in essentially the same way, the temporal end of 2nd activation time measured from the collision is kept constant during control, and in response, 2nd activation time only the Starting point is change controlled during control.​​​

[0025] 1st activation time and 2nd activation time Overlap time between , already mentioned In addition to possibilities, the opposite should also be considered to some extent, that is, End of first activation period and Beginning of the second activation period This is the separation time between [the two points]. This time can also be variable. (but, It doesn't necessarily have to be variable. For example, such separation time is before the projectile impacts the applicator. offer It is possible, and in this case the projectile, 1st activation time Accelerated during the separation time It "flies" with almost no force (except for friction) Next, before the shock 2nd activation time During to As a result of the opposing pressure, it is already damped to some extent. The same thing happens. During or after impact of Beginning of the second activation period This also applies to, This embodiment can also occur in a "mix" where control states with overlap time (including zero) and control states with separation time (which also includes zero, corresponding to zero overlap time) may exist. .

[0026] 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 a particular embodiment 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 influenced simply by changing the valve opening time or the duration of the valve opening time, specifically the impact velocity, and therefore the impact impulse. Compared to changes in supply pressure, the potential for this influence is particularly rapid, and in a repetitive operating state, it is essentially possible to change the impact velocity / impulse of the combined forward and return motion from one impact process to the next. Such rapid and free influence or control has not been possible by the prior art.

[0029] Typical impact velocities are in the range of 2 m / s to 30 m / s, although they may vary more slowly or not at all under certain conditions. In terms of impact physics, the impact impulse is particularly important, and for a typical projectile mass, it is 1 g to 10 g, preferably 2 g to 5 g, and therefore can range from 2 g m / s to 300 g m / s. A range of 10 g m / s to 150 g m / s is preferred.

[0030] 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 can be 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).

[0031] Such detection can be performed, for example, optically, such as by an optical barrier, but preferably inductively using a measuring coil. This allows for the detection of the projectile by its residual magnetism or purely inductively (by a change in leakage inductance).

[0032] 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]

[0033] [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. [Figure 6] Figure 4 shows a series of schematic time charts (Figures 6a to 6f) to illustrate other further control states. [Figure 7] Another schematic flowchart is shown to illustrate the periodic modes of operation. [Figure 8] A series of schematic time charts (Figures 8a-8c) are shown to further explain the modes of operation. [Figure 9] The video directly displays a repeating sequence of two different projectile velocity levels, with two slower pulses immediately following a faster pulse. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows a control sequence that controls valves V1 and V2 according to two different projectile velocity levels. [Figure 11] The first 300ms from the control sequence in Figure 10 is shown with higher resolution temporal detail. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 within it largely correspond 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. Accordingly, the following list of values, along with measured values, is illustrated. -List of values- Projectile velocity [m / s]: 10; 12; 14; 16; 18 Valve 1 opening 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 list above. In these time charts, the opening and closing processes of the first valve 1 are represented by the curves indicated by "T1," and similarly, the opening and closing processes of the second valve 2 are represented by the curves indicated by "T2." Therefore, the increased curve portions correspond to the first and second activation times, respectively.

[0050] In comparison, on the (arbitrary) time axis on the horizontal axis, the first activation time in all five control states starts at 0 ms and ends at 13 ms. In contrast, the second activation time shifts gradually in its beginning from the initial 2.6 ms in Figure 4a to 7.1 ms in Figure 4e, while the second activation time ends at 18 ms in all five examples. Therefore, the second activation time is variable with respect to its onset and duration. Furthermore, There is an overlap time in all control states, specifically from approximately 3ms to 13ms in Figure 4a to approximately 7ms to 13ms in Figure 4e. This overlap time decreases gradually, corresponding to the gradual delay in the start of the second activation time. In this case, The application of air pressure by the second valve 2 is also effective in decelerating the projectile 8 in all five control states. .

[0051] In the case illustrated in Figure 4, the impact velocities of the projectile 8 on the applicator 6 are 10 m / s, 12 m / s, 14 m / s, 16 m / s, and 18 m / s, respectively, from Figure 4a to Figure 4e. This corresponds to an impulse of 30 g m / s to 54 g m / s for a projectile mass of 3 g. The opening time of valve 1 is constantly 13.0 ms. The closing time of the second valve is also constantly maintained at 18 ms.

[0052] More precisely, Figures 4a to 4e 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 somewhat delayed with respect to the illustrated control signals, specifically estimated to be 4 ms when open and 2 ms when closed. That is, the overlap time is actually approximately 2 ms shorter than illustrated.

[0053] In the case of a so-called pilot valve that has pneumatic assistance when open, the situation is qualitatively equivalent.

[0054] In Figure 4a (naturally, at the start of the projectile's motion at the left end of the motion path in Figure 2 at 0 ms), the collision with the applicator occurs. At approximately the end of the second valve opening time, that is, at approximately 19 ms,It happens. This point of collision gradually shifts to the left in the subsequent diagram. In Figure 4e, in one example, it is approximately 16ms to 17ms, that is, more or less within the second valve opening time. The projectile velocities, measured optically (using experimental equipment), ranged 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 simply assumed (ignoring pneumatic flow action and projectile friction) that the projectile is accelerated linearly over time before the second activation time and then continues to move at the achieved velocity. In reality, the projectile velocity will probably increase somewhat more slowly than linearly over time and decrease slightly due to friction during the nearly powerless state during the overlap time. Furthermore, each of the illustrated examples has a final phase in which projectile 8 is braked by the application of pneumatic pressure by the second valve. This deceleration differs slightly in each example, to the extent that the point of impact moves slightly within the second valve opening time (particularly in Figures 4d and 4e compared to the immediate preceding moment).

[0056] In each individual example, the overlap time is always before the collision, but its length differs. This affects the collision speed. The second valve opening time is completely or mostly This is before the collision. This does not pose any further obstacle, as it is merely a rebound from the collision itself in the sense of momentum conservation, usually in the sense of an impact between a low-mass projectile and a high-mass applicator. The remainder of the second activation time after the first activation time decelerates the projectile to varying degrees, or more precisely, the moving projectile is detected in various examples resulting from diverse overlap times (of the start of deceleration) at different positions and velocities along its trajectory. Naturally, The control time is The overlap time is approximately at the time of collision. It can be adapted to the extent that it terminates. In particular, this is Based on Figure 2, the possibility of the measurement coil 31 near the applicator 6 as previously described. by point of collision This can be done by a time-based determination. point of collision However, if it is intended to be positioned relatively precisely at the end of the overlap time (or another fixed point), 1st activation time teeth, Each one quickly (always quickly from Figure 4a to Figure 4e) It must end. Therefore The control time scheme will be somewhat complex. However, the projectile Exercise ,especially Return motion, speed teeth It can be increased. If so, it is also interesting to consider increasing the projectile velocity to provide a different end of the second activation time, and to increase the projectile velocity more quickly to achieve an even higher repetition frequency range.

[0057] Naturally, in another embodiment having a "combined valve," a relationship very similar to that shown in Figures 4a to 4e 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, which 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.

[0058] In Figure 5, the upper line connection 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Figure 6 shows schematic time charts similar to those in Figure 4 for each example in Figures 6a to 6c, but there is a separation time between the control of valve 1, shown by the solid line at the bottom in Figures 1 and 2, and the control of valve 2, shown by the dashed line at the top. In Figure 6a, the activation pulse of valve 1 is relatively short, which accelerates the projectile, and after the first activation time ends, it "flies" through a considerable portion of its motion path without further air pressure application. In contrast to the overlap time shown in Figure 4, both sides of the inside of the tube are ventilated (not pressurized) during this motion phase.

[0064] After a certain period of time, a collision with the applicator, symbolically shown in Figure 6a, occurs, followed by a relatively short return air pressure pulse (in addition to the previously described return motion of the projectile caused solely by this collision), resulting from the second activation time corresponding to the dashed line in Figure 6a. In this way, the projectile is returned to its starting position and becomes available for use in a new cycle.

[0065] In Figures 6b and 6c), the above explanation applies equally clearly, except that the first activation time gradually increases, and consequently, the separation time between the first and second activation times gradually decreases. As a result, the impact point shifts slightly to the left, as symbolically shown. Accordingly, the projectile gradually increases in speed before impacting the applicator.

[0066] In all three Figures 6a to 6c , Activation time of the second valve These three are located after the collision. drawing In (essentially) It is not variable. Figures 6a and 6b In the first two control states, the separation time Most It was there before the collision, In the third example in Figure 6c, It continues.

[0067] Figures 6d to 6f In, Figures 6a to 6c In contrast, 1st activation time The length remains constant. Corresponds to Figure 6b (do). However, the first Three examples In contrast, Second activation time It is variable, 2nd activation time part but It was before the collision, specifically, Figure 6d is an example. So Most , Example in Figure 6e So about half but , Example in Figure 6f So small part only That is the case. . The entire second activation time after the collision exist The example in Figure 6b can also be considered a continuation. However, that's not particularly important here.

[0068] These examples illustrate further possibilities for controlling the velocity of a projectile at impact. In Figure 6d, the projectile is accelerated by air pressure throughout the first activation time, similar to Figure 6b, but unlike in Figure 6b, it flies relatively unimpeded for a short time, after which it is slowed down by counter-air pressure as the second activation time (upper dashed line) begins. In Figure 6d, the delay time is approximately proportional to the acceleration time, and assuming the same pressure level, the projectile strikes the applicator at a minimum velocity and then returns again for the remainder of the second activation time.

[0069] In Figures 6e and 6f, the separation time between the two activation times is longer, and therefore the portion of the second activation time prior to the collision is progressively shorter. This results in an increase in projectile velocity at the time of collision, despite the first activation time remaining unchanged.

[0070] In this regard, it is necessary to consider a control device (related to Figure 3) that can set control states according to the partial example in Figure 4, and further set control states according to the partial example described above in Figure 6. In either case, the projectile velocity at the time of impact may be affected by the valve switching time at constant pressure. Here, except for the examples in Figures 6a to 6c, as already explained, in other cases, the second activation time is variable between each control state.

[0071] Figure 7 schematically illustrates the sequence of three actions corresponding to Figure 6f. In this example, as a result of the second activation time, indicated by the dashed line, the projectile is returned to its starting position in each case, and then accelerated again towards the applicator in the subsequent first activation time. This figure is intended solely to illustrate the possible periodicity of the controlled state and, of course, applies similarly to the other examples in Figures 4 and 6. In addition, successive processes may have a staggered relationship with one another, and therefore it is conceivable that the impact process can be changed rapidly and freely from one iterative action to the next.

[0072] Figure 8 shows a series of three separate schematic time charts, Figures 8a to 8c, where the opening and closing process of the first valve 1 is shown by the curve labeled T1, and the opening and closing process of the second valve 2 is similarly shown by the curve labeled T2. The increased curve portions correspond to the first and second activation times, respectively. Compared to the time chart in Figure 4, the second valve opens earlier in the time series than the first valve, corresponding to curve T1, corresponding to curve T2. By varying the overlap between the two activation times, the reaction (reflex / rebound) at the distal end of the kinetic pathway occurs earlier or later, as shown on the horizontal axis in the three figures. In this example, both activation times are of the same length in themselves (when comparing the three individual examples to each other). On the other hand, the second activation time gradually shifts earlier than the first activation time from Figure 8a to Figure 8b and then to Figure 8c, resulting in a decrease in the overlap time. The portion of the second valve opening time effective for reverse acceleration (before the overlap time) is longer in Figure 8c than in Figure 8b, and even longer than in Figure 8a, so the projectile velocity present at the recoil at the distal end increases accordingly. As a result, after the recoil at the distal end, the projectile moves again towards the applicator at a correspondingly faster velocity. Also, as shown by comparing Figures 8a to 8c, the portion of the first valve opening time effective for corresponding additional acceleration (after the overlap time) also becomes longer, and as a result, for two reasons, the collision velocity at the time of collision with the applicator increases from Figure 8a to Figure 8b and finally to Figure 8c.

[0073] Figure 9 shows a repeating sequence of pulses having two different projectile velocity ranges (at impact), indicated by the symbols "H" and "L" in Figure 9. By varying the overlap time and separation time, the efficiency of a control device can be demonstrated here as an example. Two pulses with projectile impact velocities approximately within range L reach pulses with projectile impact velocities approximately within range H. Figure 9 particularly illustrates that the impact conditions can change substantially from one impact to the next, by approximately three times the impact velocity. In this example, the variations within ranges H and L are not intentional but tolerance-related (these are measured values).

[0074] Figure 10 shows, as an example, the control sequences of valves V1 and V2 in their temporal sequence to achieve the projectile velocity sequence seen in Figure 9. Different overlaps and separations of pulses relative to each other can be observed.

[0075] Figure 11 shows the initial sequence of pulses related to Figure 10, set more precisely in terms of time, and as a result, the repeating sequences are shown individually here. The valve opening time between valves V1 and V2 changes their separation and overlap relatively. , and the second activation time changes. However, it becomes clearer.

[0076] The above description based on Figures 4 and 6-11 relates to the apparatus shown in Figures 1-3. This description can be extended to other apparatuses and dimensions based on simple estimations of projectile motion. In particular, the reversal point of projectile motion is easily accessible, for example, using the aforementioned measuring coils, possibly analog measuring coils at the distal end of the motion path, or using microphone-based collision detection. Based on this, meaningful estimations can be made using the above description as a reference.

[0077] Alternatively, the following procedure can be employed. Desired operating frequencies and supply pressures for the two valves are predetermined, and it is also predetermined that the two valves will be open for a certain duration, for example, for 40% of the reciprocal of the predetermined frequency. The control device can then be set to open and close in precise synchronization with the start time. In this state, no stable motion occurs because pressure is applied to both sides of the projectile simultaneously, or because no pressure is applied to either side. Based on this, the offset during the opening time is gradually changed in both directions, that is, gradually more than the first valve. Some Early or Some It is possible to open (and close) the second valve later. Starting from a certain time offset, or in other words, starting from a certain phase shift, results in a stable vibration state for the projectile, which can be established, for example, by the aforementioned microphone measurements of collisions at the two ends of the motion path. Furthermore, it is then possible to determine the intensity of the collision with the applicator, and the aforementioned phase shift can be taken into consideration to some extent as a control parameter for the intensity. In this method, a calibration curve can be determined.

[0078] Furthermore, in the case of a certain vibration state determined in this form, the phase offset is kept constant. to do , Second valve Opening duration ( In some cases, or instead, the first valve may also be involved. ) to change in stages ,but It is possible.

[0079] In individual cases, it may occur that sufficient pressure for the desired frequency was not predetermined; that is, the vibrational state involving collisions at the ends of the motion path may not occur, even in the case of "anti-phase" control of the two valves. It may be necessary to increase the pressure slightly or decrease the frequency as appropriate.

[0080] Similarly, it is naturally possible to empirically approach the appropriate operating state using alternative methods. Finally, it is certainly possible to computationally simulate the motion behavior of the projectile, at least approximately, and then conduct empirical tests based on the results of such simulations.

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 (6) located at one end of the aforementioned motion path, 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 apparatus is configured to change the second activation time.

2. The aforementioned double valve means (1, 2) A first valve (1) 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 (2) for applying air pressure to the projectile (8) in the reverse direction.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first valve (1) and the second valve (2) are controllable independently of each other by the control means (54).

4. At least one of the first valve (1) and the second valve (2) 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.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to change the second activation time in order to control the impact velocity of the projectile (8) at the time of impact.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second activation time is started between the start of the forward motion of the projectile (8) toward the applicator (6) and the collision, the second activation time is ended after the collision, and the collision velocity is controlled by changing the start time of the second activation time.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, configured to use the second activation time for the return motion of the projectile (8), and to allow the second activation time to continue across the start of a new motion of the projectile (8) in the forward direction toward the applicator (6).

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second activation time is changed during the return motion of the projectile (8).

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means (54) is configured to change the length of the second activation time during control.

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

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to allow the first and second activation times to overlap by an overlap time.

12. The aforementioned pneumatic means includes a pneumatic compressor (53), The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured to enable the compressor (53) to always operate at the same rotational speed during the activation time.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in the case of the motion of the projectile (8) going to and returning from a position in the motion path distal to the applicator (6), the overlap time period for the forward motion is configured to be longer than the period for the return motion.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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).

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 and / or duration of the combined forward and return movements are configured to vary from one of the combined forward and return movements to the next.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a measuring means (31) for detecting the passage and / or velocity 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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