Device for irradiating sound waves

Abstract

An apparatus for applying sound waves to an animal or human body is shown and described. The apparatus includes a housing having a liquid reservoir filled with a coupling liquid formed therein. An acoustic wave source is disposed within the liquid reservoir for generating sound waves that couple into the body via a coupling membrane. The liquid reservoir includes a sound wave generation region in which the acoustic wave source is disposed and a gas bubble retention region for retaining gas bubbles. The gas bubble retention region is partially spatially separated from the sound wave generation region by a separation wall, but these regions are in fluid communication. The acoustic wave source is disposed between the gas bubble retention region and the coupling membrane and is aligned to emit sound waves toward the coupling membrane.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for applying sound waves to an animal or human body. The device includes a housing having a liquid reservoir for a coupling liquid formed therein, and an acoustic wave source for generating sound waves. The acoustic wave source is disposed within the liquid reservoir. The device further includes a coupling membrane, the coupling membrane partially forming a wall of the liquid reservoir, for coupling sound waves generated by the acoustic wave source into the human or animal body. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices for focused extracorporeal medical acoustic therapy, such as shock waves, burst waves, or continuous waves, are known in the prior art. These devices include an acoustic wave source disposed in a housing, which generates focused or acoustic sound waves, also referred to as pressure waves or shock waves. These sound waves are typically emitted into a coupling medium, such as a coupling membrane. The coupling surface of the device contacts the human or animal surface to which the sound waves are to be coupled. The coupling surface may be part of the coupling membrane or may be formed by an additional gel pad used to adjust the penetration depth of the sound waves into the body.

[0003] It is known from the prior art to use coupling membranes or gel pads of different thicknesses to vary the penetration depth of sound waves into the animal or human body. By varying the thickness of the coupling membrane, the distance between the human or animal body and the sound source can be varied, which directly affects the penetration depth of the sound waves generated by the sound source.

[0004] Changing the acoustic penetration depth requires disassembling and reassembling the device, which is tedious and often avoided by users. Furthermore, reassembling the device requires re-finding the proper treatment position, which increases treatment time. Therefore, the same configuration is often used for different indications or different target areas, even though different penetration depths would be more desirable.

[0005] From EP 1 520 536 A1 there is known a device for applying acoustic shock waves, in which an acoustic wave source is movably arranged in a housing of the device, the housing having a coupling surface, the acoustic source being movable relative to the coupling surface, the housing forming together with the coupling membrane a closed volume into which a medium suitable for the transmission of shock waves (this medium is also called a coupling liquid) is introduced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for applying sound waves to an animal or human body, in which a sound wave source is disposed in a coupling liquid within a housing.

[0007] The basic problem of the present invention is solved by the device according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the device are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] To solve this problem, an apparatus for applying acoustic waves to an animal or human body is provided, the apparatus including a housing having a liquid reservoir formed therein for a coupling liquid. The apparatus further includes an acoustic wave source for generating acoustic waves. The acoustic wave source is disposed within the liquid reservoir. The apparatus further includes a coupling membrane, which forms a wall of the liquid reservoir and is provided for coupling acoustic waves generated by the acoustic wave source into the human or animal body. The acoustic wave source is disposed in an acoustic wave generation region of the liquid reservoir. The acoustic wave generation region is at least partially separated by the coupling membrane. The liquid reservoir has a bubble retention region for retaining gas bubbles, the bubble retention region being in fluid communication with the acoustic wave generation region and being partially spatially separated from the acoustic wave generation region by a separation wall. The acoustic wave source is disposed between the bubble retention region and the coupling membrane and is aligned such that acoustic waves generated by the acoustic wave source are emitted away from the bubble retention region toward the coupling membrane.

[0009] In other words, the present invention relates to extracorporeal acoustic therapy, such as shock waves, burst waves, or continuous waves, where the acoustic waves are preferably focused and intended to be introduced into the body of an animal or human. The device includes a housing, which may be formed, for example, as a handle that an operator can hold in order to place the device at an appropriate position on the body. The housing encloses an acoustic wave source, which is capable of generating acoustic waves that are introduced into the body or irradiated onto the body. Such acoustic wave sources are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0010] The device further includes a coupling membrane forming part of the housing, the coupling membrane having, for example, a first surface aligned with the acoustic wave source and a second surface forming a coupling surface for contacting the body through which the acoustic waves are introduced, the coupling membrane being, for example, a gel pad.

[0011] The liquid reservoir has at least two regions: a sound wave generation region and an air bubble retention region. The sound wave generation region is the region of the liquid reservoir in which the sound wave source is located and which is at least partially bounded by the coupling membrane. This region is filled with a coupling liquid during operation of the device, which improves the coupling of sound waves generated by the sound wave source with the coupling membrane and, therefore, with the body. Air bubbles are generated in the coupling liquid both when the liquid reservoir is filled and when the sound wave source is activated. These air bubbles alter the ability of the coupling liquid to couple sound waves generated by the sound wave source to the coupling membrane. For example, the presence of air bubbles in the coupling liquid between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane during operation of the device reduces the coupling between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane, resulting in less power being coupled into the body.

[0012] The bubble-holding region of the liquid reservoir is provided to prevent the formation and collection of bubbles between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane, and is in fluid communication with the acoustic wave-generating region, allowing coupling liquid and bubbles to flow from the acoustic wave-generating region to the bubble-holding region and vice versa.

[0013] To retain the bubbles, the bubble-holding region is arranged in a region of the liquid reservoir opposite the coupling membrane side of the acoustic wave source. The acoustic wave source is then arranged between the bubble-holding region and the coupling membrane and emits acoustic waves in the direction of the coupling membrane, not in the direction of the bubble-holding region. Furthermore, a separation wall is provided that at least partially separates the bubble-holding region from the acoustic wave-generating region. Preferred configurations of the separation wall are the subject of the following preferred embodiments.

[0014] During operation of the device, the operator or user typically holds the device so that the coupling membrane is positioned below the acoustic source in the direction of gravity. The bubble-holding region is positioned on the opposite side of the acoustic source from the coupling membrane, and is therefore typically positioned above the acoustic source and the coupling membrane in the direction of gravity. Therefore, bubbles in the coupling liquid or bubbles generated in the coupling liquid rise in the opposite direction to gravity and collect in the bubble-holding region. This prevents the bubbles from impairing the coupling properties of the coupling liquid between the acoustic source and the coupling membrane.

[0015] The additional separation wall advantageously prevents bubbles from escaping directly from the bubble retention region to the sound wave generation region when the device is tilted relative to the direction of gravity, thereby preventing bubbles accumulated in the bubble retention region from escaping and interfering with the coupling between the coupling membrane and the sound wave source via the coupling liquid when the device is tilted.

[0016] The separation wall is preferably formed by an undercut portion that protrudes from the wall of the liquid reservoir. The undercut portion may be formed, for example, by a protrusion or projection attached to the wall of the liquid reservoir or actually formed as part of the wall. In this embodiment, the undercut portion may be integrally or integrally formed with part of the wall of the liquid reservoir. As will be described in the following embodiments, the undercut portion may have various shapes and configurations.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the separation wall extends annularly and away from the wall of the liquid reservoir. For example, if the separation wall is formed by a protrusion protruding from the wall of the liquid reservoir, the protrusion extends annularly along the wall of the liquid reservoir in a preferred embodiment. The term annular in this context does not imply that the liquid reservoir has a circular or elliptical cross-section. Rather, in this embodiment, the term annular is understood to refer to any separation wall that extends annularly and away from the wall of the liquid reservoir. Thus, a protrusion that extends annularly and away from the wall of a liquid reservoir having a rectangular cross-section is also annular. The advantage of a separation wall that extends annularly and away from the wall is that it ensures that air bubbles are trapped or collected behind the separation wall, regardless of the tilt of the device, and cannot reach between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the separation wall has a first section and a second section, the first section extending between the acoustic wave source and the bubble retention region, and the second section following the first section and extending away from the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0019] In other words, the separation wall includes at least a first section and a second section. The first section is formed to extend substantially between the acoustic wave source and the bubble retention region and is disposed within the liquid reservoir. The first section extends between the acoustic wave source and the bubble retention region, for example, if the area of ​​the separation wall in the first section is greater in the direction extending between the acoustic wave source and the bubble retention region than in the direction away from the acoustic wave source. For example, the first section of the separation wall can extend parallel to the direction of extension of the acoustic wave source or can be inclined at an angle of less than 45° relative to the direction of extension. Furthermore, the first section of the separation wall does not necessarily have to be flat, but can also have a curved shape. When the separation wall is formed by a protrusion extending away from the wall of the liquid reservoir, for example, the portion of the separation wall that directly connects to the outer wall of the liquid reservoir can be referred to as the first section. In this embodiment, the outer wall refers to the wall surrounding the liquid reservoir.

[0020] The second section of the separation wall follows the first section. That is, the first section of the separation wall transitions into the second section. This transition can be achieved by bending the separation wall. However, it is also conceivable that a continuous transition is provided between the first and second sections. The second section of the separation wall is formed to extend in a direction away from the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane. Therefore, the extension of the separation wall in the second section is greater in a direction away from the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane than in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane. For example, the second section of the separation wall can be inclined at an angle greater than 45° relative to the extension direction of the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane. The second section of the separation wall also does not need to be flat and can be curved. For example, the second section of the separation wall can be at an angle of 45° relative to the extension direction of the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane, and the inclination can increase as the distance from the first section of the separation wall increases.

[0021] Notably, in this embodiment, the separation wall does not necessarily have to be formed as a protrusion on the outer wall of the liquid reservoir. Rather, it is conceivable that the separation wall is located in the center of the liquid reservoir, for example, in the case of a liquid reservoir having a substantially circular cross section. In this case, the separation wall may, for example, have a third section extending first away from the outer wall of the liquid reservoir toward the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane. This section may, for example, be located in the center of the liquid reservoir on the side of the outer wall facing the coupling membrane, and may possibly surround a drive shaft or supply passage through which the acoustic wave source can be moved or at least supplied with energy. In this case, the first section would follow the third section and, for example, extend toward the outer wall away from the center of the liquid reservoir.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the wall of the liquid reservoir has a vent opening through which the liquid reservoir is vented, thereby allowing air bubbles to escape from the liquid reservoir through the vent opening. The device further includes a blocking means capable of blocking the vent opening. The provision of a vent opening is particularly advantageous because it allows air bubbles, which are generated, for example, when the liquid reservoir is filled with coupling liquid or when the acoustic source is activated, to escape from the liquid reservoir through the vent opening. The device may particularly include multiple vent openings. In an exemplary embodiment, the blocking means is a valve that is permanently inserted into the vent opening and is temporarily opened and closed to vent the liquid reservoir, so that the blocking means does not need to be removed to vent the liquid reservoir.

[0023] Preferably, the vent opening is open to the bubble retention area. This ensures that gas or bubbles accumulated in the bubble retention area can be released from the liquid reservoir. To fully or nearly fully vent the liquid reservoir, especially when only one vent opening is provided, it may be necessary to move the device back and forth to ensure that all bubbles reach the vent opening. Furthermore, in many cases, to fully or nearly fully vent the liquid reservoir, it may be necessary to refill the coupling liquid or reduce the volume of the liquid reservoir. The latter can be achieved, for example, by applying external pressure to the coupling membrane if the coupling membrane is made of a flexible material.

[0024] Furthermore, the vent opening and closure means are preferably configured such that in the closing position for closing the vent opening the closure means is inserted into the vent opening, and in the venting position for venting the liquid reservoir the closure means is positioned only partially out of the vent opening.

[0025] In other words, in a preferred embodiment, the closure means is adapted to be inserted into the vent opening and at least partially removed therefrom. For example, the closure means may be a screw cap that can be screwed onto the vent opening. To that end, the vent opening may, for example, be provided with a thread. In that case, the closure means has a corresponding thread.

[0026] To vent the liquid reservoir, in preferred embodiments, the closure is only partially, rather than completely, removed from the vent opening. For example, if the closure is threaded onto the vent opening, it can be loosened from the vent opening by rotating the closure a predetermined amount or angle. Partial removal of the closure from the vent opening opens a vent passageway, which may extend, for example, through or past the closure, as will be described in more detail in the context of the preferred embodiments.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the closure utilized to vent the liquid reservoir does not completely dislodge from the vent opening, but rather remains within it, providing the advantage of preventing loss of the closure while still allowing for controlled venting.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, venting occurs through the closure itself. To this end, the closure can have, for example, a passageway extending along its axial direction, with the passageway having an opening on the side away from the liquid reservoir. At its opposite end, the axial passageway can communicate with one or more side openings. When the closure is in or placed in the vent position, the one or more side openings are in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, allowing air bubbles to escape from the liquid reservoir through the passageway in the closure.

[0029] Alternatively, the closure means may have a passageway with a lateral outlet that, when in the vent position, is aligned with, for example, an opening (hole) in the housing of the device or a vent passageway, and simultaneously, the second end of the closure means vent passageway, which is on the liquid reservoir side, is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, thereby allowing venting of the liquid reservoir through the vent passageway and a corresponding opening (hole) in the housing of the device.

[0030] Alternatively, it is contemplated that venting may occur by the closure means when the closure means is in the venting position. To this end, for example, the closure means may be at least partially out of sealing contact with the housing of the device when in the venting position, thereby allowing air bubbles to escape from the liquid reservoir through the resulting space (gap). To further allow air bubbles to escape, the housing of the device may be provided with a notch or groove that forms a vent passage in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir when the closure means is in the venting position. According to this embodiment, this fluid communication occurs by passing by the closure means rather than through it.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, a sealing means is disposed at the vent opening, and the obstructing means is in sealing contact with the sealing means when in the closed position, and in the venting position allows venting through a space (gap) between the sealing means and the obstructing means.

[0032] In other words, in a preferred embodiment, a sealing means, for example in the form of an O-ring, is disposed within the vent opening. The closure means is held in contact with such O-ring or sealing means in the closed position, thereby sealing the liquid reservoir. For example, the closure means can be screwed into contact with and press against the sealing means. When the closure means is moved from the closed position to the vent position, according to a preferred embodiment, a space (gap) is formed between the sealing means and the closure means, through which air bubbles can escape from the liquid reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, it is not specified what further path the air bubbles take from the bubble-retaining region to the surroundings of the device. For example, the air bubbles can escape through the closure means and / or through additional openings or holes in the housing of the device.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid reservoir can be filled with coupling liquid through the vent opening. For example, the coupling liquid can be injected into the liquid reservoir through the supply line with the closure partially or completely removed. In this case, especially if no additional vent openings are provided, it may be necessary to alternate between filling the liquid reservoir with coupling liquid through the vent opening and allowing air bubbles to escape from the liquid reservoir through the vent opening. Therefore, if a flexible membrane is used, it is conceivable to use a pumping action via the membrane. That is, the liquid reservoir is first filled with coupling liquid, and any air bubbles that are generated are then forced to escape through the vent opening by pressure on the coupling membrane. Air that was present in the liquid reservoir before the liquid reservoir was filled can also be removed from the liquid reservoir in this way.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the one or more vent openings, a fill opening is also provided through which the liquid reservoir can be filled with coupling liquid, which has the advantage that when the liquid reservoir is being filled with coupling liquid, venting can occur directly through the one or more vent openings.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the acoustic wave source is movably arranged in the liquid reservoir so that the distance between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane can be changed. During operation of the device, the space between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane is filled with a coupling liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic wave source is movably arranged. This has the advantage that by changing the position of the acoustic wave source in the liquid reservoir and thereby changing the distance between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane or the coupling surface formed thereon, the penetration depth of the acoustic waves into the human or animal body can be changed without the need for coupling membranes of different thicknesses. The region between the coupling membrane and the acoustic wave source is filled with coupling liquid in accordance with the dome-shaped acoustic wave source, allowing for better coupling (introduction) of the acoustic waves into the coupling membrane and, therefore, into the body.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the device includes a drive for changing the distance between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane. The drive can be a manual drive or an actuator that converts an electrical signal into mechanical movement of the acoustic wave source. For example, the actuator can be electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically driven. The drive is preferably a spindle drive.

[0037] Thus, the device preferably comprises a position adjustment mechanism, which allows the distance between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane, and thus the penetration depth of the acoustic waves into the human or animal body, to be adjusted. Basically, two different drive schemes are conceivable:

[0038] Preferably, the drive device includes a position adjustment wheel that can be manually rotated to change the distance between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane, and more preferably, a planetary gear is provided, with the aid of which rotation of the position adjustment wheel can be converted into a change in the distance between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0039] The drive can be manual, i.e., a user of the device can change the position of the acoustic wave source within the liquid reservoir, for example, by manipulating a position adjustment wheel. For example, an adjustment ring can be provided on the housing of the device. The adjustment ring and associated drive can be configured such that, as the adjustment ring rotates, the acoustic wave source moves toward or away from the coupling membrane, for example, via a planetary gear and spindle drive. Such a manual drive allows for simple and robust adjustment of the position of the acoustic wave source, and thus the penetration depth of the acoustic waves.

[0040] Preferably, the device has an engagement member biased by a spring toward the position adjustment wheel (applying a force toward the position adjustment hole). The position adjustment wheel also has a plurality of curved recesses arranged at predetermined intervals. The engagement member and the curved recesses are arranged and configured such that the engagement member engages with the curved recesses depending on the position of the position adjustment wheel, thereby requiring additional force to rotate the position adjustment wheel and disengage the engagement member from the curved recesses. Each position of the position adjustment wheel where the engagement member engages with one of the curved recesses corresponds to a predetermined distance between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane.

[0041] Preferably, the engaging member is pre-loaded with a force directed radially away from the axis of rotation of the position adjustment wheel towards the position adjustment wheel, or a force directed parallel to the axis of rotation of the position adjustment wheel towards the position adjustment wheel.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, an electric or electronic drive may be provided, for example, such that an electric motor mounted on the device can change the position of the acoustic source relative to the coupling membrane via a spindle drive. The actuator may be controlled, for example, via an operating element such as a switch on the housing. Alternatively, the electric motor may be controlled externally via a signal or data line. A computer may automatically adjust the distance between the acoustic source and the coupling membrane depending on the position of the device on the human body based on data or images from an imaging or localization system, such as ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance tomography, or computed tomography.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the coupling membrane forms a bulge of the liquid reservoir in a direction away from the acoustic wave source, and the acoustic wave source can move inside the bulge. Thus, the coupling membrane preferably has a convex shape extending in a direction away from the acoustic wave source. Due to the convex shape, the coupling membrane forms a bulge or shape that increases the size of the liquid reservoir along the direction of movement of the acoustic wave source. The acoustic wave source is preferably configured to be able to move into the bulge formed by the coupling membrane. The additional distance between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane thus obtained allows the size of the housing to be reduced without reducing the maximum possible positioning range of the penetration depth of the acoustic waves.

[0044] In this case, it is particularly preferred that the coupling membrane has a hollow truncated cone shape tapering away from the acoustic wave source and protruding from the housing of the device.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling membrane has a truncated cone shape, including the volume enclosed by the coupling membrane, i.e., the cross section including the enclosed volume is trapezoidal. The coupling membrane is hollow, i.e., has a recess or cavity on the side opposite the coupling surface, which is filled with coupling liquid during operation of the device. Furthermore, the coupling membrane is formed in a truncated cone shape that tapers away from the acoustic wave source, i.e., toward the body into which the acoustic waves generated by the acoustic wave source are introduced. Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the coupling membrane, including the volume enclosed by the coupling membrane, decreases in the direction from the acoustic wave source toward the body.

[0046] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the coupling membrane protrudes from the housing of the device. This has the particular advantage of ensuring that only the coupling membrane with a soft surface rests on the human or animal body into which the shock waves are introduced. This therefore has the particular advantage that the body does not come into contact with the rest of the housing of the device, which may be made of hard plastic, for example. Furthermore, this allows for better coupling to particularly anatomically inaccessible body parts and allows for better compensation of irregularities in the body surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for applying sound waves. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic view of a vent opening with the obturator in the obturating position; FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the vent opening of FIG. 2 with the obstruction means in the vent position. [Figure 4] 10A-10C show alternative embodiments of vent openings. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a positioning aid for a rotating ring that allows adjusting the penetration depth of the shock wave. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an alternative positioning aid for a rotating ring that allows adjusting the penetration depth of the shock wave. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a coupling membrane. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another alternative embodiment of a vent opening. FIG.

[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device 1 for applying acoustic waves to an animal or human body. The device includes a housing 2. The device 1 includes an ergonomically shaped handpiece 3 with a concave grip. The handpiece 3 is also referred to as a treatment source. Disposed within the housing 2 is an acoustic source 4. The acoustic source 4 generates acoustic waves for application to the animal or human body. In this embodiment, the acoustic source 4 is a piezoelectric acoustic source 4 that generates shock waves for treatment of the human body.

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

[0050] The device 1 further comprises a coupling membrane 8 which forms part of the outer wall 9 of the housing 2 of the device 1. The coupling membrane 8 comprises, inter alia, a coupling surface 10 which rests on or contacts the surface of the body for delivering shock waves.

[0051] The coupling membrane also forms part of the wall of the liquid reservoir 5, and in particular bounds the liquid reservoir 5 in the direction towards the body into which the shock waves generated by the acoustic wave source 4 are introduced.

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

[0053] The coupling liquid can be, for example, degassed water, oil, or alcohol, preferably degassed water, which may contain a preservative to prevent nucleation. Other liquids are also suitable as coupling liquids if they transmit sound waves well, i.e., contain as few gases or bubbles as possible. Furthermore, to ensure the liquid has as long a durability as possible, nuclei must not form in the liquid. Furthermore, the acoustic impedance of the coupling liquid must be matched to the patient's body to minimize transfer losses between the different media. The liquid must also have low acoustic attenuation.

[0054] When the liquid reservoir 5 is filled with coupling liquid and when the acoustic wave source 4 is activated, air bubbles are generated in the coupling liquid 6 which may impede the transmission of the acoustic waves of the acoustic wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8 .

[0055] To improve coupling of the acoustic wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8 and to keep air bubbles away from the region between the acoustic wave source 4 and the coupling membrane 8, the liquid reservoir 5 includes an air bubble retention region 11 that is at least partially spatially separated from an acoustic wave generation region 12 of the liquid reservoir 5. In this embodiment, the acoustic wave generation region 12 refers to the portion of the liquid reservoir 5 in which the acoustic wave source 4 is located.

[0056] The bubble holding area 11 is configured to receive and hold (retain) any air bubbles that have been generated or are present in the coupling liquid 6, so that the air bubbles cannot or have difficulty reaching the area between the acoustic wave source 4 and the coupling membrane 8 again. For this reason, the bubble holding area 11 is arranged in a portion of the liquid reservoir 5 that is located opposite the coupling membrane 8 side of the acoustic wave source 4. In other words, the acoustic wave source 4 is arranged between the coupling membrane 8 and the bubble holding area 11. This is because, during operation, the operator often holds the device 1 so that the coupling surface 8 is located below the acoustic wave source 4 in the direction of gravity. Air bubbles in the coupling liquid 6 rise in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity and therefore move naturally toward the bubble holding area 11.

[0057] In order for the bubbles to reach the bubble holding region 11 from the sound wave generating region 12, the bubble holding region must not be completely spatially separated from the sound wave generating region 12, but must be in fluid communication with the sound wave generating region 12. In addition, in order to retain as many bubbles as possible in the bubble holding region 11 even when the device 1 is tilted at various angles relative to the direction of gravity, a separation wall 13 formed as an undercut portion and protruding from the wall 14 of the liquid reservoir 5 is provided.

[0058] The separation wall 13 is formed in an annular shape, that is, it protrudes from a wall portion 14 having a circular cross section perpendicular to the position adjustment direction 7 of the sound wave source 4 so as to go around the entire circumference.

[0059] To capture the air bubbles, the separating wall 13 has a first section 15 and a second section 16, the second section 16 following the first section 15. The first section 15 extends substantially parallel to a direction 17 in which the coupling membrane 8 and the acoustic wave source 4 extend, and this extension direction 17 is also perpendicular to the positioning direction 7 of the acoustic wave source 4. The first section 15 of the separating wall is therefore located between the air bubble retention area 11 and the acoustic wave source 4.

[0060] In contrast, the second section 16 of the separating wall 13 extends substantially parallel to the alignment direction 7 and thus away from the acoustic wave source 4 and the coupling membrane 8. In the embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 1, only a narrow free space 18 exists between the free end 17 of the separating wall 13, where the second section 16 of the separating wall 13 ends, and the wall 14 of the liquid reservoir 5.

[0061] When the device 1 is held with only a slight tilt relative to the direction of gravity during operation, the gas bubbles in the coupling liquid 6 rise into the free space 19 surrounded by the second section 16 of the separating wall 13, and then flow into the gas bubble holding region 11 when the device 1 is tilted slightly to the side relative to the direction of gravity. The gas bubbles are reliably held in this gas bubble holding region, and do not flow back into the sound wave generation region 12, even when the device 1 is tilted significantly relative to the direction of gravity. This advantageously prevents the gas bubbles that have reached the gas bubble holding region 11 from returning to the sound wave generation region 12 and interfering with the coupling of the sound wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8.

[0062] 1 also shows an adjustment mechanism, which adjusts the position of the acoustic wave source 4 or the distance 22 between the acoustic wave source and the coupling membrane 8, thereby adjusting the penetration depth of the shock waves generated by the acoustic wave source 4 into the human body (penetration depth). In the embodiment of the device 1 shown in FIG. 1, a drive 23 in the form of a spindle drive 24 is provided for this purpose, to which the acoustic wave source is coupled via a shaft 25. The distance 22 can be adjusted by the operator of the device 1 by rotating a position adjustment wheel 26, which in turn moves the spindle drive 24 via a planetary gear 27, not shown in detail. Furthermore, a supply line for the acoustic wave source 4, for example a supply line for electrical energy, is routed through the shaft 25.

[0063] A vent opening 28 is formed in the housing 2 of the device 1 to vent the liquid reservoir 5, i.e., to remove air bubbles 20 illustrated in Figure 2 from the bubble retention area 11. The vent opening 28 is not shown in Figure 1, but two different embodiments of the vent opening are shown in Figures 2-4, which are described in more detail below.

[0064] 2 and 3, there is shown a vent opening 28 that connects the liquid reservoir 5 to the surroundings 29 of the device. The vent opening 28 is formed in the wall 14 to open into the bubble retention area 11, which shows an exemplary collection of bubbles 20. The device 1 further includes a closure means 30 that can be threaded onto the vent opening 28 to block the vent opening 28. As shown in FIG. 2, when the closure means 30 is in the closed position, the closure means 30 contacts a sealing means 31 in the form of an O-ring. The contact between the closure means 30 and the sealing means 31 hermetically seals the liquid reservoir 5, preventing escape (leakage) of neither air bubbles nor coupling liquid from the liquid reservoir 5.

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

[0066] 3 also shows a special tool 34 for loosening the closure 30 from the vent opening 28 and for re-threading it into the vent opening 28. The special tool 34 is also used to fill and / or vent the liquid reservoir 5, and a passage 35 formed in the special tool 34 allows air bubbles to escape or fresh coupling liquid 6 to be filled into the liquid reservoir 5. The path by which air bubbles are removed from the liquid reservoir 5 or coupling liquid 6 flows into the liquid reservoir 5 is indicated by the reference numeral 36 in FIG. 3.

[0067] 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a blocking means 30 provided for blocking the vent opening 28. In this embodiment, the blocking means 30 does not have a vent passageway. Rather, the blocking means 30 is loosened from the vent opening 28 using a tool 34 until the vent opening 28 is in fluid communication with another opening (hole) 37 in the wall 14 of the liquid reservoir 5 for venting the liquid reservoir 5. In this embodiment, venting occurs through the portion of the vent opening 28 facing the liquid reservoir 5 and through the opening (hole) 37 that is part of the housing 2 of the device 1. The direction of air bubble flow is indicated by the arrows labeled 44 in FIG. 4.

[0068] 5 shows part of the positioning device or drive 23, which is able to lock the positioning wheel 26 in a predetermined position, thereby positioning the acoustic wave source 4 at a predetermined distance from the coupling membrane 8. To this end, the inner wall of the positioning wheel 26 is provided with a number of recesses (indentations, depressions, curved recesses, etc.) 38, of which only three are numbered for clarity of the drawing.

[0069] A spring-loaded engagement element 39 is provided inside the device 1, and the engagement element 39 is preloaded by a spring 43 in the radial direction toward the position adjustment wheel 26. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the engagement element 39 is spherical. As the position adjustment wheel 26 rotates, and thus the spindle drive 24 rotates via the planetary gear 27, the engagement element 39 engages with the recesses (curved recesses) 38 at predetermined intervals. Additional force is then required to further rotate the position adjustment wheel 26. This notifies the user that a predetermined depth has been reached. For example, the depth can be indicated by letters on the outside of the position adjustment wheel 26.

[0070] 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the adjustment device which differs from the one shown in FIG. 5, in that the engagement means 39 are not prestressed in the plane of the planetary gear 27, but perpendicular to it, i.e. parallel to the direction of the axis 25 or parallel to the adjustment direction 7. A spring 43 therefore prestresses the spherical engagement means along the adjustment direction 7 towards the adjustment wheel 26, in which the recesses are arranged in a correspondingly different manner. The function of the adjustment device corresponds entirely to that of the adjustment device already described with reference to FIG. 5, so that, to avoid unnecessary repetition, the corresponding description is incorporated herein.

[0071] 7 shows an embodiment of a coupling membrane 8, which can be used with the device 1 and which has already been shown in FIG. 1. The coupling membrane 8 has a truncated conical cross section, as can be seen particularly clearly in FIG. 1. A centering point 40 is formed in the center of the top surface of the truncated cone, which makes it easier for the operator to position the device 1 on the patient's body. Lines or grooves 42 formed on the sloping truncated cone side surface 41 also make it easier for the user to position and guide the device 1 on the patient's body.

[0072] 1, the truncated cone-shaped coupling membrane 8 is hollow inside, and is formed so that the acoustic wave source 4 can enter the hollow region 45. This allows the acoustic wave source 4 to move over a longer distance, or allows the height of the device 1 to be reduced for the same moving height, compared to a solid or flat coupling membrane.

[0073] Furthermore, the truncated cone shape of the coupling membrane 8 has the advantage that the patient only comes into contact with the coupling membrane 8, which is made of soft plastic, and not with the housing 2 of the device 1, which is made of hard plastic. This provides a comfortable feel for the patient. Furthermore, irregularities on the patient's surface are compensated for, thereby increasing the coupling surface, which reduces losses, especially at deep penetration depths. Furthermore, since only the membrane comes into contact with the patient, it only needs to be disinfected after treatment.

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

[0075] In this embodiment, a blocking means 30 in the form of a cone valve is disposed at each vent opening 28, with the cone valves 30 closed on the left side of FIG. 8 and open on the right side. In this embodiment, the transition between the closed and open states of the cone valves 30 is achieved by rotating the cone valves 30 through a predetermined angle of 90°. In the open position, the vent passages 32 of the cone valves 30 are aligned with the vent openings 28, placing the liquid reservoir 5 and, in particular, the bubble retention region 11, in fluid communication with the surroundings 29. In the closed position, defined by a stopper, the vent passages 32 are not aligned with the vent openings 28.

[0076] To fill the liquid reservoir 5, a tube can be threaded onto the internal threads 47 formed in the vent opening. The cone valve 30 is sealed by the truncated cone shape and the spring force acting in the direction of the narrowing sides of the truncated cone shape, so that gas or liquid cannot escape (leak) or flow in when in the closed state. When in the open state, gas or liquid can flow to or from the outside along a path through the vent passage 32 provided for this purpose in the cone valve 30. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 device 2. Housing 3 Handpiece, Treatment Source 4 Sound source 5 Fluid Reservoir 6 Coupling fluid 7 Position adjustment direction 8 Coupling membrane 9 Housing outer wall 10 Coupling surface 11 Bubble Retention Area 12 Sound wave generation area 13 Separation wall 14 Liquid reservoir wall 15 First Section of the Separation Wall 16 Second Section of the Separation Wall 17 Free end of separation wall 18 Free Space 19 Free Space 20 A collection of bubbles 21 Extension direction of coupling membrane and sound source 22 Distance between the sound source and the coupling membrane 23 Drive unit 24 spindle drive 25 axes 26 Position adjustment wheel 27 Planetary gear 28 Vent opening 29 Surroundings of the device 30 Obstruction means 31 Sealing means, O-ring 32 Vent Passage 33 Tip 34 Specialized tools 35 Passage 36 Routes 37 Opening (hole) 38 Recess 39 Engagement member 40 Centering Point 41 Cone truncation side 42 Groove, guide line 43 Spring 44 Flow direction 45 Hollow Realm 46 Rotation axis of the position adjustment wheel 47 Internal thread

Claims

1. A device (1) for applying sound waves to an animal or human body, comprising: The device comprises a housing (2) in which a liquid reservoir (5) for a coupling liquid (6) is formed, an acoustic wave source (4) for generating acoustic waves, and a coupling membrane (8) which partially forms a wall (14) of the liquid reservoir (5) and is provided for coupling the acoustic waves generated by the acoustic wave source (4) into the body of a human or animal, the acoustic wave source (4) is arranged in a sound wave generating region (12) of the liquid reservoir (5), the sound wave generating region (12) being at least partially delimited by the coupling membrane (8); the liquid reservoir (5) has a bubble holding region (11) for holding a bubble (20), the bubble holding region (11) being in fluid communication with the sound wave generating region (12) and being partially spatially separated from the sound wave generating region (12) by a separation wall (13); The acoustic wave source (4) is disposed between the bubble holding area (11) and the coupling film (8) and is aligned so that the acoustic waves generated by the acoustic wave source (4) are emitted away from the bubble holding area (11) towards the coupling film (8). Device.

2. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the separating wall (13) is formed by an undercut protruding from a wall (14) of the liquid reservoir (5).

3. 3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separating wall (13) extends annularly away from the wall (14) of the liquid reservoir (5).

4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separation wall (13) has a first section (15) and a second section (16), the first section (15) extending between the acoustic wave source (4) and the bubble retention area (11), and the second section (16) following the first section (15), the second section (16) extending away from the acoustic wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8).

5. 5. The device (1) of claim 1, wherein the wall (14) of the liquid reservoir (5) has a vent opening (28) capable of venting the liquid reservoir (5) and allowing air bubbles (20) to escape from the liquid reservoir through the vent opening (28), and wherein the device (1) includes a closing means (30) capable of closing the vent opening (28).

6. 6. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the vent opening (28) opens into the bubble holding area (11).

7. 7. The device (1) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the vent opening (28) and the closing means (30) are configured such that in a closing position for closing the vent opening (28), the closing means (30) is inserted into the vent opening (28), and in a vent position for venting the liquid reservoir (5), the closing means (30) is positioned partially out of the vent opening (28).

8. 8. The device (1) of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the obstruction means (30) is configured to allow venting through the obstruction means (30).

9. 9. The device (1) of claim 5, wherein a sealing means (31) is disposed in the vent opening (28), and wherein in a closed position the closing means (30) is in sealing contact with the sealing means (31), and in a vent position the device (1) is configured to allow venting through a space between the sealing means (31) and the closing means (30).

10. The device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the liquid reservoir (5) can be filled with the coupling liquid (6) through the vent opening (28).

11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the liquid reservoir (5) has an additional filling opening through which the liquid reservoir (5) can be filled with the coupling liquid (6).

12. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the acoustic wave source (4) is movably arranged in the liquid reservoir (5) so as to be able to change the distance (22) between the acoustic wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8), and wherein during operation of the device (1), an intermediate space between the acoustic wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8) is filled with the coupling liquid (6).

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

14. the drive device includes a position adjustment wheel (26), which can be manually rotated to change the distance (22) between the acoustic wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8); 14. The device (1) according to claim 13, preferably provided with a planetary gear (27) by means of which the rotation of the positioning wheel (26) can be converted into a change in the distance (22) between the acoustic wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8).

15. The device has an engagement member (39) biased by a spring toward the position adjustment wheel (26), the position adjustment wheel (26) having a plurality of recesses (38) arranged at predetermined intervals; the engaging member (39) and the plurality of recesses (38) are arranged and configured such that the engaging member (39) engages with the plurality of recesses (38) depending on the position of the position adjustment wheel (26), and an additional force is required to rotate the position adjustment wheel (26) and disengage the engaging member (39) from the recesses (38); each position of the position adjustment wheel (26) where the engagement member (39) engages with one of the plurality of recesses (38) corresponds to a predetermined distance (22) between the acoustic wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8); 15. The device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the engaging member (39) is pre-loaded with a force, preferably radially away from the axis of rotation (46) of the positioning wheel (26) towards the positioning wheel (26), or parallel to the axis of rotation (46) of the positioning wheel (26) towards the positioning wheel (26).

16. The device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the coupling membrane (8) forms a bulge of the liquid reservoir (5) in a direction away from the acoustic wave source (4), and the acoustic wave source (4) is movable inside the bulge.

17. The device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the coupling membrane (8) has a hollow truncated cone shape tapering away from the acoustic wave source (4) and protruding from the housing (2) of the device (1).

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