A device for irradiating with 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 irradiating sound waves onto the body of an animal or a human. The device includes a housing having a liquid reservoir for a coupling liquid formed therein, and a sound wave source for generating sound waves. The sound wave source is disposed within the liquid reservoir. The device further includes a coupling membrane, which partially forms the wall of the liquid reservoir and is provided for coupling the sound waves generated by the sound wave source into the body of a human or an animal.

Background Art

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

[0003] In order to change the penetration depth of sound waves into the body of an animal or a human, it is known from the prior art to use coupling membranes or gel pads with different thicknesses. By changing the thickness of the coupling membrane, the distance between the body of a human or an animal and the sound wave source can be changed, which directly affects the penetration depth of the sound waves generated by the sound wave source.

[0004] In order to change the penetration depth of sound waves, it is necessary to remove the device and change the equipment, which is time-consuming, so users often avoid it. Also, after changing the equipment of the device, the appropriate treatment position has to be searched again, which lengthens the treatment time. Therefore, although different penetration depths are desirable, the same configuration is often used for different indications and different target areas.

[0005] From European Patent Application Publication No. 1520536A1, a device for irradiating with acoustic shock waves is known, wherein the sound source is movably disposed within a housing of the device. The housing has a coupling surface, and the sound source is movable relative to the coupling surface. The housing, together with a coupling membrane, forms a sealed volume into which a medium suitable for shock wave transmission (this medium is also called a coupling fluid) is introduced. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for irradiating an animal or human body with sound waves, wherein the sound wave source is located in a coupling fluid within a housing.

[0007] The fundamental problem of the present invention is solved by the apparatus described in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are covered by the dependent claims.

[0008] To solve this problem, a device is provided for irradiating an animal or human body with sound waves, the device including a housing formed inside a liquid reservoir for a coupling fluid. The device further includes a sound source that generates sound waves. The sound source is located within the liquid reservoir. The device further includes a coupling membrane, which forms a wall of the liquid reservoir and is provided for coupling the sound waves generated by the sound source into the body of a human or animal. The sound source is located in the sound generation region of the liquid reservoir. The sound generation region is at least partially separated by the coupling membrane. The liquid reservoir has a bubble-holding region for holding bubbles, which is in fluid communication with the sound generation region and is partially spatially separated from the sound generation region by a separation wall. The sound source is located between the bubble-holding region and the coupling membrane and is aligned so that the sound waves generated by the sound source are emitted away from the bubble-holding region toward the coupling membrane.

[0009] In other words, the present invention relates to extracorporeal sound wave therapy, such as shock wave, burst wave, or continuous wave, wherein the sound 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 the operator holds to position the device appropriately on the body. The housing surrounds a sound wave source, which can generate sound waves to be introduced into the body or to be irradiated onto the body. Such sound wave sources are well known to those skilled in the art from the prior art.

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

[0011] The liquid reservoir has at least two regions: a sound wave generation region and a bubble retention region. The sound wave generation region is the region of the liquid reservoir where the sound wave source is located and which is at least partially separated by a coupling membrane. This region is filled with coupling fluid during the operation of the device, and this coupling fluid improves the coupling (bonding) of sound waves generated by the sound wave source to the coupling membrane, and consequently to the body. Bubbles are generated in the coupling fluid both when the liquid reservoir is filled and when the sound wave source is activated. Such bubbles alter the ability of the coupling fluid to couple sound waves generated by the sound wave source to the coupling membrane. For example, if bubbles are present in the coupling fluid between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane during the operation of the device, the coupling between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane decreases, and less power can be coupled into the body.

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

[0013] To retain bubbles, the bubble-retaining region is located in the liquid reservoir, on the side opposite the coupling membrane of the sound wave source. The sound wave source is then positioned between the bubble-retaining region and the coupling membrane, and emits sound waves in the direction of the coupling membrane, not in the direction of the bubble-retaining region. Furthermore, a separation wall is provided to separate the bubble-retaining region from the sound wave generation region, at least partially. Preferred configurations of the separation wall are subject to the following preferred embodiments.

[0014] During operation of this device, it is indicated that the coupling membrane is normally held by the operator or user so that it is positioned below the sound source in the direction of gravity. The bubble-holding region is located on the opposite side of the sound source from the coupling membrane, and is therefore normally positioned above both the sound source and the coupling membrane in the direction of gravity. As a result, bubbles in the coupling fluid, or bubbles generated in the coupling fluid, rise in the opposite direction of gravity and accumulate in the bubble-holding region. This prevents bubbles from impairing the coupling properties of the coupling fluid between the sound source and the coupling membrane.

[0015] The additionally provided separation wall advantageously prevents bubbles from directly escaping from the bubble-holding region to the sound wave generation region when the device is tilted relative to the direction of gravity. This has the advantage of preventing bubbles accumulated in the bubble-holding region from escaping when the device is tilted, thereby preventing interference with the coupling between the coupling membrane and the sound wave source by the coupling fluid.

[0016] The separation wall is preferably formed by an undercut portion projecting from the wall of the liquid reservoir. The undercut portion may be formed, for example, by a projection or protrusion that is attached to the wall of the liquid reservoir or actually formed as part of the wall. In this embodiment, the undercut portion may be formed integrally with or integrally with a portion of the wall of the liquid reservoir. As described in the following embodiments, the undercut portion may have a variety of 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 projection that protrudes from the wall of the liquid reservoir, the projection, in a preferred embodiment, extends annularly along the wall of the liquid reservoir. Here, annular does not mean that the liquid reservoir has a circular or elliptical cross-section. Rather, in this embodiment, the term annular is understood to mean any separation wall that extends annularly and away from the wall of the liquid reservoir and makes a full rotation around it. Thus, a projection that extends annularly and away from the wall of a liquid reservoir having a rectangular cross-section is also annular. The advantage of an annular separation wall that extends annularly and away from the wall is that, regardless of the inclination of the apparatus, bubbles are reliably trapped or collected behind the separation wall and cannot reach between the sound source and the coupling membrane.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the separation wall has a first section and a second section. The first section extends between the sound source and the bubble-holding region. The second section follows the first section and extends away from the sound source and the coupling membrane.

[0019] In other words, the separation wall comprises at least a first section and a second section. The first section is formed substantially to extend between the sound source and the bubble-holding region and is located within the liquid reservoir. The first section extends between the sound source and the bubble-holding region if, for example, the extent of the separation wall in the first section is greater in the direction extending between the sound source and the bubble-holding region than in the direction away from the sound source. For example, the first section of the separation wall may extend parallel to the direction in which the sound source extends, or it may be inclined at an angle of less than 45° with respect to it. Also, the first section of the separation wall does not necessarily have to be flat, but may have a curved shape. If the separation wall is formed by a projection extending away from the wall portion of the liquid reservoir, for example, the portion of the separation wall that is directly connected to the outer wall of the liquid reservoir may be called the first section. In this embodiment, the outer wall refers to the wall portion 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 to the second section. This transition can be achieved by bending the separation wall. However, a continuous transition section may also be provided between the first and second sections. The second section of the separation wall is formed to extend away from the sound source and the coupling membrane. Therefore, the extension of the separation wall in the second section is greater in the direction away from the sound source and the coupling membrane than in the direction parallel to the direction in which the sound source and the coupling membrane extend. For example, the second section of the separation wall can be inclined at an angle greater than 45° with respect to the direction in which the sound source and the coupling membrane extend. The second section of the separation wall does not need to be flat; it may be curved. For example, the second section of the separation wall can have an angle of 45° with respect to the direction in which the sound source and the coupling membrane extend, and the inclination may increase as the distance from the first section of the separation wall increases.

[0021] In particular, in this embodiment, the separation wall does not necessarily have to be formed as a projection of the outer wall of the liquid reservoir. Rather, for example, in the case of a liquid reservoir having a substantially circular cross-section, the separation wall may be located in the center of the liquid reservoir. In this case, the separation wall may have, for example, a third section that first moves away from the outer wall of the liquid reservoir in the direction of the sound source and the coupling membrane. This section may be located in the center of the liquid reservoir on the surface of the outer wall facing the coupling membrane, and may optionally surround a drive shaft or supply passage that can move the sound source or at least supply energy. In this case, the first section would follow the third section and would extend toward the outer wall, for example, away from the central part 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 bubbles to escape from the liquid reservoir through the vent opening. The device further includes a closing means that can close the vent opening. Providing a vent opening is particularly advantageous because, for example, bubbles generated when the liquid reservoir is filled with coupling fluid or when a sound source is activated can be released from the liquid reservoir through the vent opening. The device may include a plurality of vent openings. In an exemplary embodiment, the closing means is a valve that is permanently inserted into the vent opening and is temporarily opened and closed to vent the liquid reservoir, and therefore does not need to be removed to vent the liquid reservoir.

[0023] Preferably, the vent opening is located in the bubble-holding region. This ensures that gas and bubbles accumulated in the bubble-holding region are reliably released from the liquid reservoir. In particular, if 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 in order to completely or nearly completely vent the liquid reservoir. Furthermore, in many cases, it may be necessary to replenish the coupling fluid or reduce the volume of the liquid reservoir in order to completely or nearly completely vent 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, it is preferable that the vent opening and the closure means are configured such that the closure means is inserted into the vent opening in a closure position for closing the vent opening, and the closure means is positioned partially detached from the vent opening in a vent position for venting the liquid reservoir.

[0025] In other words, in a preferred embodiment, the occlusion means is inserted into the vent opening and can be at least partially removed therefrom. For example, the occlusion means may be a screw cap that can be screwed into the vent opening. For this purpose, the vent opening may have, for example, a threaded portion. In that case, the occlusion means has a corresponding threaded portion.

[0026] To vent the liquid reservoir, in a preferred embodiment, the occluding means is partially removed from the vent opening, rather than completely removed. For example, if the occluding means is screwed into the vent opening, it can be loosened from the vent opening by rotating the occluding means by a predetermined amount or angle. Partial removal of the occluding means from the vent opening opens a vent passage, which can extend—for example—through the occluding means itself or passing alongside it, as will be more detailed in the context of the preferred embodiment.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the closing means used for the vent of the liquid reservoir does not completely remove from the vent opening, but rather remains therein, so that there is an advantage that the closing means is not lost and a controlled vent is possible.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the vent is effected through the closing means itself. Therefore, the closing means can, for example, have a passage extending along its axial direction, and this passage has an opening on the side away from the liquid reservoir. At the end on the opposite side, this passage extending along the axial direction can communicate with one or more lateral openings. When the closing means is in the vent position or arranged in the vent position, one or more lateral openings are in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, whereby air bubbles can escape from the liquid reservoir through the passage of the closing means.

[0029] Alternatively, the closing means can also have a passage having a lateral outlet aligned with an opening (hole) or a vent passage in the housing of the device, for example, when in the vent position. At the same time, if the second end on the liquid reservoir side of the vent passage of the closing means is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, the vent of the liquid reservoir can be effected through this vent passage and the corresponding opening (hole) in the housing of the device.

[0030] Alternatively, when the blocking means is in the vent position, venting may also occur through the space beside the blocking means. For this purpose, for example, the blocking means can be made to not be in sealing contact with at least partially the housing of the present device when in the vent position, and air bubbles can escape from the liquid reservoir through the resulting space (gap). To enable further escape of air bubbles, notches or grooves may be provided in the housing of the present device to form a vent passage that is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir when the blocking means is in the vent position. According to the present embodiment, this fluid communication is carried out so as to pass beside the blocking means rather than through the blocking means.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, sealing means is arranged at the vent opening, and the blocking means is in sealing contact with the sealing means when in the blocking position, and venting is enabled through the space (gap) between the sealing means and the blocking means at the vent position.

[0032] In other words, in a preferred embodiment, for example, sealing means in the form of an O-ring is arranged within the vent opening. The blocking means is held in contact with such an O-ring or sealing means at the blocking position, thereby sealing the liquid reservoir. For example, the blocking means can be screwed in to contact the sealing means and press the sealing means. When the blocking means moves from the blocking position to the vent position, according to a preferred embodiment, a space (gap) is formed between the sealing means and the blocking means, and air bubbles can escape from the liquid reservoir through this space. In a preferred embodiment, the specific further path taken by the air bubbles from the air bubble holding region to the surroundings of the present device is not specified. For example, air bubbles can escape through the blocking means and / or through additional openings or holes in the housing of the present device.

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

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

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of this apparatus, the sound source is movably positioned within a liquid reservoir so as to change the distance between the sound source and the coupling membrane. During operation of the apparatus, the space between the sound source and the coupling membrane is filled with coupling fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the sound source is movably provided. This has the advantage that by changing the position of the sound source within the liquid reservoir, and thereby changing the distance between the sound source and the coupling membrane or the coupling surface formed thereon, the penetration depth of sound waves into the body of a person or animal can be changed without the need to install coupling membranes of different thicknesses. The region between the coupling membrane and the sound source is filled with coupling fluid according to the dome-shaped sound source, and sound waves can be better coupled (introduced) into the coupling membrane and, consequently, into the body.

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

[0037] Thus, it is preferable that the device be equipped with a position adjustment mechanism, thereby allowing adjustment of the distance between the sound wave source and the coupling membrane, and consequently, the penetration depth of the sound waves into the body of a human or animal. Basically, two different driving methods can be considered.

[0038] Preferably, the drive unit includes a position adjustment wheel, which is configured to change the distance between the sound source and the coupling membrane by rotating the position adjustment wheel by hand. More preferably, a planetary gear is provided, which is configured to convert the rotation of the position adjustment wheel into a change in the distance between the sound source and the coupling membrane.

[0039] The drive may be manual, meaning that the user of the device can change the position of the sound source in the liquid reservoir, for example, by operating a position adjustment wheel. For example, an adjustment ring may be provided in the housing of the device. The adjustment ring and associated drive mechanism may be configured such that, as the adjustment ring rotates, the sound source moves toward or away from the coupling membrane, for example, via planetary gears and a spindle drive. Such manual drive allows for simple and robust adjustment of the position of the sound source, and consequently, the penetration depth of the sound waves.

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

[0041] Preferably, the engaging member is pre-applied with a force directed toward the position adjustment wheel, away from the rotation axis of the position adjustment wheel in the radial direction, or pre-applied with a force directed toward the position adjustment wheel parallel to the rotation axis of the position adjustment wheel.

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

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the coupling membrane forms a protrusion of liquid reservoir extending away from the sound source, and the sound source can move into the protrusion. Thus, the coupling membrane preferably has a convex shape that extends away from the sound source. The convex shape causes the coupling membrane to form a protrusion or shape such that the dimensions of the liquid reservoir increase along the direction of movement of the sound source. The sound source is preferably configured to move into the protrusion formed by the coupling membrane. The additional distance thus obtained between the sound source and the coupling membrane allows for a reduction in the size of the housing without reducing the maximum possible range of positional adjustment for sound wave penetration depth.

[0044] In this case, it is particularly preferable that the coupling membrane has a hollow frustoconical shape that tapers away from the sound source and protrudes from the housing of the device.

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

[0046] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the coupling membrane protrudes from the housing of the device. This has the special advantage of ensuring that only the coupling membrane with a soft surface rests on the human or animal body to which the shock wave is introduced. Thus, for example, there is the special advantage that the body does not come into contact with other parts of the housing of the device, which are formed from rigid plastic. In addition, it enables better coupling to anatomically difficult-to-access parts of the body and allows for better compensation of surface irregularities on the body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a device for irradiating sound waves. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a vent opening with a closure mechanism in the closed position. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the vent opening in Figure 2, where the occlusion mechanism is located at the vent position. [Figure 4] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of the vent opening. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing a positioning aid for a rotating ring that can adjust the penetration depth of a shock wave. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an alternative positioning aid for a rotating ring that can adjust the penetration depth of shock waves. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the coupling membrane. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the vent opening.

[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device 1 for irradiating an animal or human body with sound waves. The device includes a housing 2. Device 1 is a handpiece 3 having an ergonomic shape with a concave grip. The handpiece 3 is also called a therapeutic source. A sound wave source 4 is located inside the housing 2. The sound wave source 4 generates sound waves for irradiation onto an animal or human body. In this embodiment, the sound wave source 4 is a piezoelectric sound wave source 4 that generates shock waves for therapeutic purposes.

[0049] The sound wave source 4 is located inside the liquid reservoir 5, which is filled with coupling fluid 6 to operate the device 1. The sound wave source 4 is movable within the liquid reservoir 5 along the position adjustment direction 7 to adjust the penetration depth of the sound waves generated by the sound wave source 4 into the human body.

[0050] The apparatus 1 further includes a coupling membrane 8 that forms part of the outer wall 9 of the housing 2 of the apparatus 1. The coupling membrane 8 includes, in particular, a coupling surface 10 that is placed on or in contact with the surface of a body in order to irradiate a shock wave.

[0051] The coupling membrane also forms part of the wall of the liquid reservoir 5, and in particular, it forms the boundary (demarcation) of the liquid reservoir 5 in the direction toward the body into which the shock wave generated by the sound wave source 4 is introduced.

[0052] While device 1 is in operation, that is, when sound waves are generated by the sound wave source 4 and introduced into the body, the liquid reservoir 5 is filled with coupling fluid 5, and the coupling fluid 5 improves the coupling (binding) of the sound waves generated by the sound wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8, and consequently to the coupling (binding) to the body of the target of treatment.

[0053] As a coupling fluid, for example, degassed water, oil, or alcohol can be used, and in particular, degassed water may have a preservative added to prevent nucleation. Other liquids are also suitable as coupling fluids if they transmit sound waves well, i.e., if they contain as few gases or bubbles as possible. Furthermore, in order for the liquid to have the longest possible lifespan, no nuclei should be formed in the liquid. In addition, the acoustic impedance of the coupling fluid must be matched to the patient's body in order to minimize transfer losses between different media. The liquid must have low acoustic attenuation.

[0054] When the coupling fluid is filled into the liquid reservoir 5 or when the sound wave source 4 is activated, bubbles can be generated in the coupling fluid 6 that may obstruct the transmission of sound waves from the sound wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8.

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

[0056] The bubble-holding region 11 is configured to contain and hold (retain) bubbles generated or existing in the coupling fluid 6, thereby preventing bubbles from reaching the region between the sound source 4 and the coupling membrane 8 again, or making it difficult for them to reach it. For this reason, the bubble-holding region 11 is located in the liquid reservoir 5 on the side of the sound source 4 opposite to the coupling membrane 8. In other words, the sound source 4 is positioned between the coupling membrane 8 and the bubble-holding region 11. This is because, during operation, the device 1 is often held by the operator so that the coupling surface 8 is positioned below the sound source 4 with respect to gravity. Bubbles in the coupling fluid 6 rise in the opposite direction to gravity, so they move toward the bubble-holding region 11 on their own.

[0057] In order for bubbles to reach the bubble holding region 11 from the sound wave generation region 12, the bubble holding region must not be completely spatially separated from the sound wave generation region 12, but must be in fluid communication with the sound wave generation force 12. Furthermore, 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 with respect to the direction of gravity, a separation wall 13 is provided, which is formed as an undercut and protrudes from the wall portion 14 of the liquid reservoir 5.

[0058] The separation wall 13 is formed in an annular shape, that is, it protrudes in a circular fashion from the wall portion 14, which has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the position adjustment direction 7 of the sound wave source 4.

[0059] To capture bubbles, the separation wall 13 has a first section 15 and a second section, with the second section 16 following the first section 15. The first section 15 extends substantially parallel to the direction 17 in which the coupling membrane 8 and the sound source 4 extend. This extending direction 17 is also perpendicular to the position adjustment direction 7 of the sound source 4. Therefore, the first section 15 of the separation wall is positioned between the bubble-holding region 11 and the sound source 4.

[0060] In contrast, the second section 16 of the separation wall 13 extends substantially parallel to the position adjustment direction 7, thereby extending away from the sound wave source 4 and the coupling membrane 8. In the embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, there is only a narrow free space 18 between the free end 17 of the separation wall 13 where the second section 16 of the separation wall 13 ends and the wall portion 14 of the liquid reservoir 5.

[0061] When the device is held at a slight tilt relative to the direction of gravity during operation, bubbles in the coupling fluid 6 rise into the free space 19 surrounded by the second section 16 of the separation wall 13, and flow into the bubble-holding region 11 when the device 1 is tilted slightly to the side relative to the direction of gravity. The bubbles are reliably held in this 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 bubbles that have reached the bubble-holding region 11 from returning to the sound wave generation region 12 and hindering the coupling of the sound wave source 4 to the coupling membrane 8.

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

[0063] A vent opening 28 is formed in the housing 2 of the apparatus 1 to vent the liquid reservoir 5, that is, to remove the bubbles 20 exemplified in Figure 2 from the bubble-holding area 11. Although the vent opening 28 is not shown in Figure 1, two different embodiments of the vent opening are shown in Figures 2 to 4, which will be described in detail below.

[0064] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a vent opening 28 is shown that connects the liquid reservoir 5 to the surrounding area 29 of the apparatus. The vent opening 28 is formed in the wall 14 so as to open into a bubble-holding area 11. An example of a bubble cluster 20 is shown in the bubble-holding area 11. The apparatus 1 further includes a closure means 30 that can be screwed into the vent opening 28 to close the vent opening 28. As shown in Figure 2, when the closure means 30 is in the closed position, the closure means 30 is in contact with a sealing means 31 in the form of an O-ring. The contact between the closure means 30 and the sealing means 31 seals the liquid reservoir 5 so that neither bubbles nor coupling fluid escape (leak) from the liquid reservoir 5.

[0065] To vent the liquid reservoir 5, the occlusion means 30 is partially removed from the vent opening 28, for example, by loosening a screw by a predetermined amount. The occlusion means 30 in the corresponding vent position is shown in Figure 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the occlusion means 30 has a vent passage 32, which allows bubbles to escape from the liquid reservoir 5 through the vent passage 32 when the tip 33 of the occlusion means 30 is no longer in contact with the sealing means 31.

[0066] Figure 3 also shows a special tool 34, which is used to loosen the closure means 30 so as to remove it from the vent opening 28, and to screw it back into the vent opening 28. The special tool 34 is also used for filling and / or venting the liquid reservoir 5, and through a passage 35 formed in the special tool 34, air bubbles can be released and new coupling fluid 6 can be filled into the liquid reservoir 5. The path through which air bubbles are removed from the liquid reservoir 5 or the coupling fluid 6 flows into the liquid reservoir 5 is indicated by reference numeral 36 in Figure 3.

[0067] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the occlusion means 30 provided for closing the vent opening 28. In this embodiment, the occlusion means 30 does not have a vent passage. Rather, the occlusion 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 portion 14 of 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, which is part of the housing 2 of the device 1. The direction of bubble flow is indicated by an arrow labeled 44 in Figure 4.

[0068] Figure 5 shows a part of the position adjustment device or drive device 23, which can lock the position adjustment wheel 26 in a predetermined position, thereby positioning the sound wave source 4 at a predetermined distance from the coupling membrane 8. For this purpose, the inner wall of the position adjustment wheel 26 is provided with a plurality of recesses (indentations, depressions, curved recesses, etc.) 38, but for the sake of clarity in the drawing, only three of them are labeled with reference numerals.

[0069] Inside the device 1, there is an engaging member 39 biased by a spring, which is pre-applied by a spring 43 to the engaging member 39 with a force directed radially toward the position adjustment wheel 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the engaging member 39 is spherical. When the position adjustment wheel 26 is rotated and the spindle drive 24 is rotated via the planetary gear 27, the engaging member 39 engages with the recesses (curved recesses) 38 at predetermined intervals. Subsequently, additional force is required to rotate the position adjustment wheel 26 further. This informs the user that a predetermined depth has been reached. For example, the depth can be indicated by letters inscribed on the outside of the position adjustment wheel 26.

[0070] Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the position adjustment device, which differs from that shown in Figure 5. The engaging means 39 is not pre-forced in the plane of the planetary gear 27, but rather perpendicular to it, i.e., parallel to the direction of the axis 25, or parallel to the position adjustment direction 7. Thus, the spring 43 pre-forces the spherical engaging means toward the position adjustment wheel 26 along the position adjustment direction 7. In the position adjustment wheel 26, the recesses are arranged in various corresponding manners. The function of the position adjustment device is exactly the same as that of the position adjustment device already described with reference to Figure 5, so to avoid unnecessary repetition, the corresponding description will be used.

[0071] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the coupling membrane 8, which can be used in the device 1 and is already shown in Figure 1. The coupling membrane 8 has a frustoconical cross-section, as is clearly shown in Figure 1. A centering point 40 is formed in the center of the top surface of the frustoconical, which facilitates the operator in positioning the device 1 on the patient's body. Lines or grooves 42 formed on the inclined side surface 41 of the frustoconical also facilitate the user in positioning and guiding the device 1 on the patient's body.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the frustoconical coupling membrane 8 is hollow inside, and is formed so that the sound wave source 4 can enter the hollow region 45. This allows the sound wave source 4 to be moved over a longer distance, or the height of the device 1 to be lowered while maintaining the same movement height, compared to a non-hollow coupling membrane or a flat coupling membrane.

[0073] Furthermore, the frustoconical shape of the coupling membrane 8 has the advantage that the patient comes into contact only 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 allows the patient to experience a comfortable sensation. In addition, the unevenness of the patient's surface is corrected, thereby increasing the coupling surface area, which can suppress losses, especially when the penetration depth is deep. Moreover, since only the membrane comes into contact with the patient, only the membrane needs to be disinfected after treatment.

[0074] Figure 8 shows an example of another embodiment of the vent opening 28 that can be used in the embodiment of the apparatus 1 described above. 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 the air contained in the liquid reservoir 5 during filling can be released through the other vent opening 28.

[0075] In this embodiment, a closure means 30 in the form of a cone valve is positioned at each vent opening 28, with the cone valve 30 closed on the left side of Figure 8 and the cone valve 30 open on the right side. In this embodiment, the transition between the closed and open states of the cone valve 30 is achieved by rotating the cone valve 30 by a predetermined angle of 90°. In the open position, the vent passage 32 of the cone valve 30 is aligned with the vent opening 28, and the liquid reservoir 5 and in particular the bubble-holding area 11 are in fluid communication with the surroundings 29. In the closed position, as defined by the stopper, the vent passage 32 is not aligned with the vent opening 28.

[0076] To fill the liquid reservoir 5, a tube can be screwed into the internal thread 47 formed in the vent opening. The cone valve 30 is sealed by its frustoconical outer shape and the force (spring force) applied by a spring in the direction that narrows the sides of the frustoconical shape, so that when closed, no gas or liquid escapes or flows in. When open, gas or liquid can flow through the vent passage 32 provided inside the cone valve 30 along the path to the outside or from the outside to the inside. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1 device 2 Housing 3 Handpieces, treatment sources 4 Sound source 5. Liquid reservoir 6. Coupling fluid 7 Position adjustment direction 8 Coupling membrane 9. Exterior walls of the housing 10 Coupling surface 11. Bubble retention area 12 Sound wave generation area 13 Separation wall 14 Wall of the liquid reservoir 15. First section of the separation wall 16. Second section of the separation wall 17 Free end of the separation wall 18 Free Space 19 Free Space 20. A collection of bubbles 21 Direction of extension of the coupling membrane and sound wave source 22 Distance between the sound source and the coupling membrane 23 Drive unit 24 Spindle Drive 25 axes 26 Position adjustment wheels 27 Planetary gears 28 Vent openings 29 Around the device 30 Obstruction means 31. Sealing means, O-rings 32 Bend passage 33 Tip 34 Specialized Tools 35 aisle 36 routes 37 Opening (hole) 38 recesses 39 Engaging Member 40 Centering point 41. Side view of a truncated cone 42 grooves, guide lines 43 springs 44 Flow direction 45 Hollow region 46 Rotation axis of the position adjustment wheel 47 Internal thread

Claims

1. A device (1) for irradiating an animal or human body with sound waves, The device comprises a housing (2) having a liquid reservoir (5) formed inside for a coupling fluid (6), a sound source (4) for generating sound waves, and a coupling membrane (8) that partially forms the wall (14) of the liquid reservoir (5) and is provided for coupling the sound waves generated by the sound source (4) into the body of a human or animal. The sound wave source (4) is located in the sound wave generation region (12) of the liquid reservoir (5), which is at least partially separated by the coupling membrane (8). The liquid reservoir (5) has a bubble-holding region (11) for holding bubbles (20), which is in fluid communication with the sound wave generation region (12) and is partially spatially separated from the sound wave generation region (12) by a separation wall (13), The sound source (4) is positioned between the bubble-holding region (11) and the coupling membrane (8), and is aligned so that the sound waves generated by the sound source (4) are emitted away from the bubble-holding region (11) toward the coupling membrane (8). Device.

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

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the separation wall (13) extends in an annular shape away from the wall portion (14) of the liquid reservoir (5).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the separation wall (13) has a first section (15) and a second section (16), the first section (15) extending between the sound wave source (4) and the bubble holding region (11), the second section (16) following the first section (15) and extending away from the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion (14) of the liquid reservoir (5) has a vent opening (28) that can vent the liquid reservoir (5), allowing bubbles (20) to escape from the liquid reservoir through the vent opening (28), and the apparatus (1) includes a closure means (30) that can close the vent opening (28).

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

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the vent opening (28) and the occluding means (30) are configured such that the occluding means (30) is inserted into the vent opening (28) at a occluding position for occluding the vent opening (28), and the occluding means (30) is positioned partially away from the vent opening (28) at a venting position for venting the liquid reservoir (5).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the blocking means (30) is configured to allow venting through the blocking means (30).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein a sealing means (31) is arranged in the vent opening (28), and in the closed position, the closing means (30) is in airtight contact with the sealing means (31), and in the vented position, venting is possible through the space between the sealing means (31) and the closing means (30).

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the coupling fluid (6) can be filled into the liquid reservoir (5) through the vent opening (28).

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the liquid reservoir (5) has an additional filling opening into which the coupling fluid (6) can be filled into the liquid reservoir (5).

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sound source (4) is movably positioned within the liquid reservoir (5) so as to change the distance (22) between the sound source (4) and the coupling membrane (8), and during operation of the apparatus (1), the intermediate space between the sound source (4) and the coupling membrane (8) is filled with the coupling fluid (6).

13. The apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus (1) has a drive device (23) for changing the distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8).

14. The apparatus (1) according to claim 13, wherein the drive device includes a position adjustment wheel (26), and the position adjustment wheel (26) is configured to change the distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8) by manually rotating it.

15. The apparatus (1) according to claim 14, wherein a planetary gear (27) is provided, and the rotation of the position adjustment wheel (26) can be converted into a change in the distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8) using the planetary gear (27).

16. The device has an engaging member (39) biased toward the position adjustment wheel (26) by a spring, and the position adjustment wheel (26) has 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 additional force is required to rotate the position adjustment wheel (26) to disengage the engaging member (39) from the recesses (38). Each position of the position adjustment wheel (26) where the engaging member (39) engages with one of the plurality of recesses (38) corresponds to a preset distance (22) between the sound wave source (4) and the coupling membrane (8). The apparatus (1) according to claim 14, wherein the engaging member (39) is pre-applied with a force directed toward the position adjustment wheel (26) away from the rotation axis (46) of the position adjustment wheel (26), or a force directed toward the position adjustment wheel (26) parallel to the rotation axis (46) of the position adjustment wheel (26).

17. The apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein the coupling membrane (8) forms an extension of the liquid reservoir (5) toward the direction away from the sound wave source (4), and the sound wave source (4) is movable into the extension.

18. The apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein the coupling membrane (8) tapers away from the sound wave source (4) and has a hollow frustoconical shape that protrudes from the housing (2) of the apparatus (1).

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