EP0288836A1 - Shock-wave generator for a device for the non-contacting disintegration of concretions in a body - Google Patents

Shock-wave generator for a device for the non-contacting disintegration of concretions in a body Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0288836A1
EP0288836A1 EP88105999A EP88105999A EP0288836A1 EP 0288836 A1 EP0288836 A1 EP 0288836A1 EP 88105999 A EP88105999 A EP 88105999A EP 88105999 A EP88105999 A EP 88105999A EP 0288836 A1 EP0288836 A1 EP 0288836A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane
wave generator
carrier
shock wave
flat coil
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Granted
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EP88105999A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0288836B1 (en
Inventor
Sylvester Dipl.-Ing. Oppelt (Fh)
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K9/00—Devices in which sound is produced by vibrating a diaphragm or analogous element, e.g. fog horns, vehicle hooters or buzzers
    • G10K9/12—Devices in which sound is produced by vibrating a diaphragm or analogous element, e.g. fog horns, vehicle hooters or buzzers electrically operated

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a shock wave generator for a device for contactless crushing of concrements in the body of a living being, which has a flat coil that can be connected to a high-voltage supply and an opposite, a membrane-filled membrane that has a plate-shaped carrier made of an electrically insulating material and has an electrically conductive section attached to one side of the carrier, the membrane being connected to the housing at the edge of the carrier and the electrically conductive section being insulated from the windings of the flat coil.
  • shock wave generator is described in DE-OS 33 12 014.
  • the shock waves are generated by connecting the coil to the high-voltage supply, which converts one to several kV, e.g. 20 kV, charged capacitor contains.
  • the energy stored in the capacitor then discharges abruptly into the coil, which has the consequence that it builds up a magnetic field extremely quickly.
  • a current is induced in the electrically conductive section of the membrane which is opposite to the current flowing in the coil and consequently generates an opposing magnetic field, under the effect of which the membrane, i.e. whose electrically conductive section and the plate-shaped carrier connected to it is moved away from the coil.
  • the so in the with liquid, e.g. Water, filled housing shock wave generated by suitable measures on the concrements located in the body of the living being, e.g. Kidney stones, focuses and causes their destruction.
  • the membrane of the known shock wave generator is on attached to the housing so that it is connected to the housing along the edge of its carrier, the edge of the carrier being firmly clamped.
  • the electrically conductive section of the membrane in the known shock wave generator is annular.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a shock wave generator of the type mentioned in such a way that damage to its membrane due to excessive mechanical stress, voltage flashovers between the membrane and flat coil and cavitation are avoided, so that the membrane has a long service life without this the degree of efficiency in the conversion of electrical energy into impact energy adversely affected.
  • this object is achieved in that the material of the carrier is insensitive to cavitation and in that the carrier is designed to be resilient at least in the region of its edge, the electrically conductive section is electrically insulated from the connections of the flat coil and the membrane is attached to the housing in this way, that the electrically conductive section faces the flat coil.
  • the membrane As a result of the resilient design of the carrier in the region of its edge, the membrane as a whole can move in the direction of the force acting upon it when generating shock waves. Deformations of the membrane resulting from the way in which they are fastened to the housing and the associated excessive mechanical stresses are thus largely avoided in the shock wave generator according to the invention.
  • the membrane therefore has a longer service life than the known shock wave generator.
  • the shock waves generated with the shock wave generator according to the invention can be focused better, since deviations in the shape and the pressure distribution of the shock front caused by deformation of the membrane are avoided from the desired ideal.
  • a further increase in the life of the membrane is achieved in that its electrically conductive section compared to the connections of the Flat coil is electrically insulated.
  • the electrically conductive section with one of the connections of the flat coil is at the same potential, namely, the insulating distance between the flat coil and the electrically conductive section does not correspond to the single, but double the distance between the two, so that the same Distance between the two, the risk of voltage flashovers and thus damage to the membrane is considerably less than in the prior art.
  • this measure enables an increased efficiency in converting electrical energy into impact energy, since the electrically conductive section of the membrane can be arranged closer to the flat coil.
  • the material of the carrier is insensitive to cavitation and the membrane is attached to the housing in such a way that the electrically conductive section faces the flat coil and thus only the side of the carrier with the liquid facing away from the electrically conductive section comes into contact, the risk that the membrane will fail prematurely as a result of pitting caused by the cavitation phenomena is considerably reduced.
  • the carrier is formed from an elastomeric material, in particular rubber. These materials are good insulators and, due to their elastic flexibility, are insensitive to cavitation. In addition, the required elastic flexibility of the support in the region of its edge can be achieved with these materials under certain circumstances without special measures.
  • the carrier can be designed as an overall elastically flexible plate, the thickness of which is dimensioned such that the carrier has the required flexibility in the region of its edge. If desired, the comparatively low stiffness of a membrane formed using such a carrier can be sufficient by using a membrane rigid electrically conductive section can be increased.
  • one embodiment of the invention provides that the electrically conductive section is covered by a metal foil, e.g. can consist of aluminum, is formed.
  • a metal foil e.g. can consist of aluminum
  • Such a membrane is particularly easy to produce, since only a metal foil corresponding to the shape of the electrically conductive section has to be connected to the carrier by gluing or vulcanization.
  • the electrically conductive section is electrically insulated from the housing in addition to the connections of the flat coil. This is of particular importance if the housing with one of the connections of the flat coil at a common potential, e.g. Ground potential, since in such a case the insulation of the electrically conductive section from the connections of the flat coil is ineffective if it is not also electrically insulated from the housing.
  • a common potential e.g. Ground potential
  • the membrane can have a plurality of electrically conductive sections which, e.g. can be formed in the form of concentric rings.
  • the space located between the membrane and the flat coil can be evacuated. An optimal contact of the membrane on the flat coil is then ensured, which is advantageous with regard to the efficiency of the shock wave generator according to the invention.
  • the shock wave generator according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has a tubular housing 1, which encloses a space 2 filled with a liquid, which is closed by a membrane 3.
  • a spirally wound flat coil 4 is arranged on an insulator 5, which is accommodated in a cap 6, which is fastened to the housing 1 by means of screws 7.
  • the membrane 3 has a plate-shaped carrier 8 which is formed from an electrically insulating material and on one side of which an electrically conductive section 9 of circular shape is attached, in such a way that it is located in the area of the flat coil 4.
  • the membrane 3 is connected to the housing 1 in that the carrier 8 is held with its edge between the cap 6 and the housing 1 by means of the screws 7.
  • the flat coil 4 is connected to a schematically illustrated high-voltage supply 11 by means of suitable switching means 10. This gives a pulse-like current surge to the flat coil 4, whereby this builds up a magnetic field. At the same time, a current of opposite direction is induced in the electrically conductive section 9, which causes an opposing magnetic field.
  • the membrane 3 is abruptly repelled by the flat coil 4, which creates a shock wave in the liquid in the space 2. This is focused with suitable means, not shown, on a calculus to be destroyed in a patient and coupled into the patient's body by a housing 1 on the of the membrane 3 distal end sealing flexible bag 12 is pressed against the patient's body.
  • the carrier 8 is formed from a material, namely rubber, which is not only a good insulator, but is also insensitive to cavitation.
  • the carrier 8 is formed in its central region 13, to which the electrically conductive section formed as a thin copper disk 9 is attached by vulcanization, from a comparatively hard rubber with a hardness of approximately 90 Shore.
  • the edge 14 of the carrier 8 adjoining the central region 13, on the other hand, is formed from a relatively soft rubber with a hardness of approximately 30 Shore. Since the edge 14 of the carrier 8 is designed to be resilient in comparison to the central region 13 thereof, the central region 13 of the carrier 8 and the copper disk 9 attached to it can be deflected to generate shock waves without being subjected to harmful deformations or stresses are. This leads to an increase in the life of the membrane 3. In addition, the shock waves generated are easier to focus.
  • annular section 15 At the edge 14 of the carrier 8 there is an annular section 15, by means of which the membrane 3 is held between the housing 1 and the cap 6.
  • the annular section 15 also consists of a rubber with a hardness of approximately 90 Shore, in order to be able to withstand the forces exerted by the screws 7 without any significant deformation.
  • the central region 13, the edge 14 and the annular section 15 of the carrier 8, the different hardnesses of which are indicated in FIG. 1 by appropriate hatching, can be produced separately from one another and connected to one another by vulcanization.
  • the carrier 8 in a mold, the mold cavity of which can be subdivided by slides, as an integral component in the injection molding process.
  • the materials of different hardness are then essentially simultaneously heated in the viscous sigen state introduced into the respective sections of the mold cavity and the slide retracted before the materials harden.
  • the copper disk 9 can be in the form of an insert.
  • an insulating film 16 is provided between the copper disc 9 and the flat coil 4. Since the membrane 3 is connected to the housing 1 and the cap 6 exclusively with its electrically insulating support 8, the copper disk 9 is thus insulated both from the housing 1 and the cap 6 and from the flat coil 4 and its connections 17 and 18 . This also applies in the event that e.g. one of the connections 17 and 18 of the flat coil 4 together with the housing 1 and / or the cap 6 is at ground potential. The result of this is that the effective insulating distance between the copper disc 9 and the flat coil 4 or its connections 17 and 18 corresponds to twice the thickness of the insulating film 16. The risk of voltage flashovers between the copper disc 9 and the flat coil 4 is thus extremely low and damage due to voltage flashovers which are disadvantageous for the life of the membrane 3 is practically excluded.
  • the membrane 3 is attached to the housing 1 in such a way that the copper disk 9 faces the flat coil 4.
  • the copper disc 9 is arranged as close as possible to the flat coil 4 with the interposition of the insulating film 16, so that there is a high degree of efficiency in converting electrical energy into impact energy.
  • the risk of voltage flashovers is avoided as a result of the measures for insulating the copper disk 9 described above.
  • the membrane 3 is in contact with the liquid in the space 2 only with its carrier 8, which is made of cavitation-insensitive rubber, so that a reduction in the life of the membrane 3 due to pitting that occurs as a result of cavitation is avoided.
  • a membrane 19 is shown, which in a shock wave generator according to the invention e.g. can be used instead of the membrane 3 described above.
  • the electrically conductive section is designed as a copper disk 20, but this has a considerably greater thickness in comparison with the copper disk 9.
  • the carrier 21, as can be seen from the hatching 2 consists of a relatively soft elastomeric material with a hardness of approx. 40 Shore, and the membrane 19 is therefore only sufficiently stiff by an appropriate one Dimensioning of the copper disc 20 can be achieved.
  • annular recesses 23 and 24 are provided on the edge 22 of the carrier 21, so that the edge 22 of the carrier 21 has a reduced thickness.
  • annular section 25 by means of which the membrane 19 can be held between the housing 1 and the cap 6.
  • the annular section 25 is surrounded by a sheet metal ring 26 with a U-shaped cross section for the purpose of reinforcement.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show an embodiment of a shock wave generator according to the invention, which differs from the one described above in that its membrane 27 has a carrier 28, which as a whole is a thin, resilient plate made of an elastomeric material with a hardness of approximately 40 Shore is formed.
  • Three electrically conductive sections 29, 30 and 31 are provided on the carrier 28, which are formed from a thin aluminum foil and fastened to the carrier 28 by gluing.
  • the electrically conductive section 29 is designed as a disk, while the electrically conductive sections 30 and 31 have the form of rings and surround the electrically conductive section 29 concentrically. If the electrically conductive sections 29 to 31 are suitably dimensioned, they are driven by the flat coil 4 in such a way that that they move away from this in a plane.
  • the shock wave generator according to FIGS. 3 and 4 thus has all the advantages mentioned above.
  • the atmosphere located between the membrane 27 and the insulating film 16 is evacuated due to the porosity of the annular body 33, so that the membrane 27 as in the right half of FIG. 3 shown applied to the insulating film 16.
  • shock wave generators are described in which the windings of the flat coil are arranged in one plane and the membrane is flat.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Disintegrating Or Milling (AREA)

Abstract

The generator has a flat coil (4), which can be connected to a high voltage supply (11), and a membrane (3) which lies opposite the said coil, closes off a housing (1) filled with a liquid and has a plate- shaped support (8) of an electrically insulating material and an electrically conducting section (9) applied to one side of the support (8). The membrane (3) is connected at the edge (14) of the support (8) to the housing (1). In this arrangement, it is provided that the material of the support (8) is unsusceptible to cavitation and that, at least in the region of its edge (14), the support (8) is of a flexibly compliant design, the electrically conducting section (9) is electrically insulated with respect to the terminals (17, 18) of the flat coil (4) and the membrane (3) is fitted to the housing (1) in such a way that the electrically conducting section (9) is facing the flat coil (4). <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Stoßwellengenerator für eine Ein­richtung zum berührungslosen Zertrümmern von Konkrementen im Körper eines Lebewesens, welcher eine an eine Hochspannungsver­sorgung anschließbare Flachspule und eine dieser gegenüberlie­gende, ein mit einer Flüssigkeit gefülltes Gehäuse abschließen­de Membran aufweist, die einen plattenförmigen Träger aus einem elektrisch isolierenden Werkstoff und einen auf einer Seite des Trägers angebrachten elektrisch leitenden Abschnitt aufweist, wobei die Membran am Rand des Trägers mit dem Gehäuse verbunden und der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt gegenüber den Windungen der Flachspule isoliert ist.The invention relates to a shock wave generator for a device for contactless crushing of concrements in the body of a living being, which has a flat coil that can be connected to a high-voltage supply and an opposite, a membrane-filled membrane that has a plate-shaped carrier made of an electrically insulating material and has an electrically conductive section attached to one side of the carrier, the membrane being connected to the housing at the edge of the carrier and the electrically conductive section being insulated from the windings of the flat coil.

Ein solcher Stoßwellengenerator ist in der DE-OS 33 12 014 be­schrieben. Dabei werden die Stoßwellen dadurch erzeugt, daß die Spule an die Hochspannungsversorgung angeschlossen wird, die einen auf mehrere kV, z.B. 20 kV, aufgeladenen Kondensator ent­hält. Die in dem Kondensator gespeicherte Energie entlädt sich dann stoßartig in die Spule, was zur Folge hat, daß diese äus­serst schnell ein magnetisches Feld aufbaut. Gleichzeitig wird in dem elektrisch leitenden Abschnitt der Membran ein Strom in­duziert, der dem in der Spule fließenden Strom entgegengesetzt ist und demzufolge ein magnetisches Gegenfeld erzeugt, unter dessen Wirkung die Membran, d.h. deren elektrisch leitender Ab­schnitt und der mit diesem verbundene plattenförmige Träger, von der Spule wegbewegt wird. Die so in dem mit Flüssigkeit, z.B. Wasser, gefüllten Gehäuse erzeugte Stoßwelle wird durch geeignete Maßnahmen auf die im Körper des Lebewesens befind­lichen Konkremente, z.B. Nierensteine, fokussiert und bewirkt deren Zertrümmerung.Such a shock wave generator is described in DE-OS 33 12 014. The shock waves are generated by connecting the coil to the high-voltage supply, which converts one to several kV, e.g. 20 kV, charged capacitor contains. The energy stored in the capacitor then discharges abruptly into the coil, which has the consequence that it builds up a magnetic field extremely quickly. At the same time, a current is induced in the electrically conductive section of the membrane which is opposite to the current flowing in the coil and consequently generates an opposing magnetic field, under the effect of which the membrane, i.e. whose electrically conductive section and the plate-shaped carrier connected to it is moved away from the coil. The so in the with liquid, e.g. Water, filled housing, shock wave generated by suitable measures on the concrements located in the body of the living being, e.g. Kidney stones, focuses and causes their destruction.

Die Membran des bekannten Stoßwellengenerators ist derart an dem Gehäuse befestigt, daß sie längs des Randes ihres Trägers mit dem Gehäuse verbunden ist, wobei der Rand des Trägers fest eingespannt ist. Dies führt dazu, daß die Membran, wenn sie stoßartig angetrieben wird, schlagartigen Biegebeanspruchungen ausgesetzt ist, die zu Überbeanspruchungen der Membran und schließlich zu deren Ausfall führen können. Um hier Abhilfe zu schaffen, ist bei dem bekannten Stoßwellengenerator der elek­trisch leitende Abschnitt der Membran ringförmig ausgebildet. Dies führt zwar zu einer verringerten mechanischen Beanspru­chung des elektrisch leitenden Abschnittes der Membran, jedoch ist der Träger der Membran nach wie vor erheblichen Beanspru­chungen ausgesetzt, so daß die Gefahr besteht, daß dieser bricht. Besonders groß ist die Bruchgefahr am Rand des Trägers, da dieser dort fest eingespannt ist.The membrane of the known shock wave generator is on attached to the housing so that it is connected to the housing along the edge of its carrier, the edge of the carrier being firmly clamped. As a result, when the diaphragm is driven abruptly, it is subjected to sudden bending stresses, which can lead to overstressing of the diaphragm and ultimately to its failure. In order to remedy this, the electrically conductive section of the membrane in the known shock wave generator is annular. Although this leads to a reduced mechanical stress on the electrically conductive section of the membrane, the support of the membrane is still exposed to considerable stresses, so that there is a risk that it will break. There is a particularly high risk of breakage at the edge of the carrier, since it is firmly clamped there.

Um eine möglichst weitgehende Wandlung der von der Hochspan­nungsversorgung abgegebenen elektrischen Energie in Stoßenergie zu erreichen, ist es bei dem bekannten Stoßwellengenerator er­forderlich, den elektrisch leitenden Abschnitt der Membran mög­lichst nahe an der Flachspule anzubringen. Dies ist jedoch nur bedingt möglich, da zur Vermeidung von Spannungsüberschlägen zwischen beiden eine bestimmte Isolierstrecke, z.B. durch Zwi­schenfügen einer Isolierfolie, vorliegen muß. Spannungsüber­schläge würden die Wirkung des Stoßwellengenerators beeinträch­tigen und zu Beschädigungen der Membran führen, die deren Le­bensdauer nachteilig beeinflussen. Insbesondere dann, wenn der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt der Membran, wie dies allgemein üblich ist, gemeinsam mit dem einen Anschluß der Spule auf Erd­potential liegt, muß bei dem bekannten Stoßwellengenerator zwi­schen dem elektrisch leitenden Abschnitt der Membran und der Flachspule zur Vermeidung von Spannungsüberschlägen ein so großer Abstand vorgesehen sein, daß sich bei der Wandlung von elektrischer Energie in Stoßenergie nur ein unbefriedigender Wirkungsgrad ergibt.In order to convert the electrical energy given off by the high-voltage supply into impact energy as far as possible, it is necessary in the known shock wave generator to mount the electrically conductive section of the membrane as close as possible to the flat coil. However, this is only possible to a limited extent, since in order to avoid voltage flashovers between the two, a certain insulation gap, e.g. by inserting an insulating film between them. Voltage flashovers would impair the effect of the shock wave generator and lead to damage to the membrane, which adversely affects its service life. In particular, if the electrically conductive section of the membrane, as is generally customary, together with the one connection of the coil is at ground potential, such a large must in the known shock wave generator between the electrically conductive section of the membrane and the flat coil to avoid voltage flashovers Distance should be provided that there is only an unsatisfactory efficiency when converting electrical energy into impact energy.

Außerdem besteht bei dem bekannten Stoßwellengenerator das Pro­blem, daß infolge der bei der Abgabe von Stoßwellen auftreten­ den hohen Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen der Membran und der in dem Gehäuse befindlichen Flüssigkeit Kavitationserscheinun­gen an der Membran auftreten, die zu Lochfraß an der Membran und somit zu deren frühzeitigem Ausfall führen können.In addition, there is the problem with the known shock wave generator that occurs as a result of the shock waves being emitted The high relative speed between the membrane and the liquid in the housing causes cavitation on the membrane, which can lead to pitting on the membrane and thus to its premature failure.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Stoßwellengene­rator der eingangs genannten Art so auszubilden, daß Beschädi­gungen von dessen Membran durch übermäßige mechanische Bean­spruchungen, durch Spannungsüberschläge zwischen Membran und Flachspule und durch Kavitation vermieden sind, so daß die Mem­bran eine hohe Lebensdauer aufweist, ohne daß dies den Wir­kungsgrad bei der Umwandlung von elektrischer Energie in Stoß­energie in nennenswertem Umfang nachteilig beeinflußt.The invention has for its object to provide a shock wave generator of the type mentioned in such a way that damage to its membrane due to excessive mechanical stress, voltage flashovers between the membrane and flat coil and cavitation are avoided, so that the membrane has a long service life without this the degree of efficiency in the conversion of electrical energy into impact energy adversely affected.

Nach der Erfindung wird diese Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, daß der Werkstoff des Trägers kavitationsunempfindlich ist und daß der Träger wenigstens im Bereich seines Randes elastisch nachgiebig ausgebildet, der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt gegenüber den Anschlüssen der Flachspule elektrisch isoliert und die Membran derart an dem Gehäuse angebracht ist, daß der elektrisch lei­tende Abschnitt der Flachspule zugewandt ist.According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the material of the carrier is insensitive to cavitation and in that the carrier is designed to be resilient at least in the region of its edge, the electrically conductive section is electrically insulated from the connections of the flat coil and the membrane is attached to the housing in this way, that the electrically conductive section faces the flat coil.

Infolge der nachgiebigen Ausbildung des Trägers im Bereich sei­nes Randes kann sich die Membran bei der Erzeugung von Stoßwel­len in ihrer Gesamtheit in Richtung der sie angreifenden Kraft bewegen. Verformungen der Membran, die aus der Art ihrer Befe­stigung am Gehäuse herrühren, und die damit verbundenen über­mäßigen mechanischen Beanspruchungen sind bei dem erfindungs­gemäßen Stoßwellengenerator somit weitestgehend vermieden. Die Membran weist deshalb eine gegenüber dem bekannten Stoßwellen­generator erhöhte Lebensdauer auf. Außerdem sind die mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Stoßwellengenerator erzeugten Stoßwellen bes­ser fokussierbar, da durch Verformungen der Membran bedingte Abweichungen der Form und der Druckverteilung der Stoßfront von dem angestrebten Ideal vermieden sind. Eine weitere Steigerung der Lebensdauer der Membran wird dadurch erreicht, daß deren elektrisch leitender Abschnitt gegenüber den Anschlüssen der Flachspule elektrisch isoliert ist. Im Gegensatz zu einem Stoß­wellengenerator, bei dem der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt mit einem der Anschlüsse der Flachspule auf dem gleichen Potential liegt entspricht nämlich die Isolierstrecke zwischen der Flach­spule und dem elektrisch leitenden Abschnitt nicht dem einfa­chen, sondern dem doppelten Abstand zwischen beiden, so daß bei gleichem Abstand zwischen beiden die Gefahr von Spannungsüber­schlägen und damit von Beschädigungen der Membran erheblich ge­ringer als beim Stand der Technik ist. Außerdem ermöglicht die­se Maßnahme bei gleicher Sicherheit gegen Spannungsüberschläge wie beim Stand der Technik einen gesteigerten Wirkungsgrad bei der Wandlung von elektrischer Enrgie in Stoßenergie, da der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt der Membran näher bei der Flach­spule angeordnet werden kann. Infolge des Umstandes, daß bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Stoßwellengenerator der Werkstoff des Trägers kavitationsunempfindlich ist und die Membran derart an dem Gehäuse angebracht ist, daß der elektrisch leitende Ab­schnitt der Flachspule zugewandt ist und somit nur die von dem elektrisch leitenden Abschnitt abgewandte Seite des Trägers mit der Flüssigkeit in Kontakt kommt, ist die Gefahr, daß die Mem­bran infolge von durch die Kavitationserscheinungen bedingten Lochfraß vorzeitig ausfällt, erheblich vermindert.As a result of the resilient design of the carrier in the region of its edge, the membrane as a whole can move in the direction of the force acting upon it when generating shock waves. Deformations of the membrane resulting from the way in which they are fastened to the housing and the associated excessive mechanical stresses are thus largely avoided in the shock wave generator according to the invention. The membrane therefore has a longer service life than the known shock wave generator. In addition, the shock waves generated with the shock wave generator according to the invention can be focused better, since deviations in the shape and the pressure distribution of the shock front caused by deformation of the membrane are avoided from the desired ideal. A further increase in the life of the membrane is achieved in that its electrically conductive section compared to the connections of the Flat coil is electrically insulated. In contrast to a shock wave generator, in which the electrically conductive section with one of the connections of the flat coil is at the same potential, namely, the insulating distance between the flat coil and the electrically conductive section does not correspond to the single, but double the distance between the two, so that the same Distance between the two, the risk of voltage flashovers and thus damage to the membrane is considerably less than in the prior art. In addition, with the same security against voltage flashovers as in the prior art, this measure enables an increased efficiency in converting electrical energy into impact energy, since the electrically conductive section of the membrane can be arranged closer to the flat coil. Due to the fact that in the shock wave generator according to the invention the material of the carrier is insensitive to cavitation and the membrane is attached to the housing in such a way that the electrically conductive section faces the flat coil and thus only the side of the carrier with the liquid facing away from the electrically conductive section comes into contact, the risk that the membrane will fail prematurely as a result of pitting caused by the cavitation phenomena is considerably reduced.

Nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß der Träger aus einem elastomeren Werkstoff, insbesondere Gummi, ge­bildet ist. Diese Werkstoffe sind gute Isolatoren und infolge ihrer elastischen Nachgiebigkeit kavitationsunempfindlich. Außerdem ist mit diesen Werkstoffen die erforderliche elasti­sche Nachgiebigkeit des Trägers im Bereich seines Randes unter Umständen ohne besondere Maßnahmen erzielbar. Im einfachsten Fall kann der Träger als insgesamt elastisch nachgiebige Platte ausgebildet sein, deren Dicke so bemessen ist, daß der Träger im Bereich seines Randes die erforderliche Nachgiebigkeit auf­weist. Falls dies gewünscht wird, kann die vergleichsweise ge­ringe Steifigkeit einer unter Verwendung eines derartigen Trä­gers gebildeten Membran durch die Verwendung eines ausreichend steifen elektrisch leitenden Abschnittes gesteigert werden.According to embodiments of the invention it is provided that the carrier is formed from an elastomeric material, in particular rubber. These materials are good insulators and, due to their elastic flexibility, are insensitive to cavitation. In addition, the required elastic flexibility of the support in the region of its edge can be achieved with these materials under certain circumstances without special measures. In the simplest case, the carrier can be designed as an overall elastically flexible plate, the thickness of which is dimensioned such that the carrier has the required flexibility in the region of its edge. If desired, the comparatively low stiffness of a membrane formed using such a carrier can be sufficient by using a membrane rigid electrically conductive section can be increased.

Sofern dies nicht erforderlich ist, sieht eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung vor, daß der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt durch eine Metallfolie, die z.B. aus Aluminium bestehen kann, gebil­det ist. Eine derartige Membran ist besonders einfach herstell­bar, da lediglich eine der Gestalt des elektrisch leitenden Ab­schnittes entsprechende Metallfolie mit dem Träger durch Kleben oder Vulkanisieren verbunden werden muß.If this is not necessary, one embodiment of the invention provides that the electrically conductive section is covered by a metal foil, e.g. can consist of aluminum, is formed. Such a membrane is particularly easy to produce, since only a metal foil corresponding to the shape of the electrically conductive section has to be connected to the carrier by gluing or vulcanization.

Nach einer Variante der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß der elek­trisch leitende Abschnitt außer gegenüber den Anschlüssen der Flachspule auch gegenüber dem Gehäuse elektrisch isoliert ist. Dies ist dann von besonderer Bedeutung, wenn das Gehäuse mit dem einen der Anschlüsse der Flachspule auf einem gemeinsamen Potential, z.B. Erdpotential, liegt, da in einem solchen Falle die Isolation des elektrisch leitenden Abschnittes gegenüber den Anschlüssen der Flachspule wirkungslos ist, wenn er nicht auch gegenüber dem Gehäuse elektrisch isoliert ist.According to a variant of the invention, it is provided that the electrically conductive section is electrically insulated from the housing in addition to the connections of the flat coil. This is of particular importance if the housing with one of the connections of the flat coil at a common potential, e.g. Ground potential, since in such a case the insulation of the electrically conductive section from the connections of the flat coil is ineffective if it is not also electrically insulated from the housing.

Sofern dies im Hinblick auf die an den erfindungsgemäßen Stoß­wellengenerator gestellten Anforderungen sinnvoll erscheint, kann die Membran mehrere elektrisch leitende Abschnitte auf­weisen, die z.B. in Form von konzentrischen Ringen ausgebildet sein können.If this appears reasonable in view of the requirements imposed on the shock wave generator according to the invention, the membrane can have a plurality of electrically conductive sections which, e.g. can be formed in the form of concentric rings.

Außerdem kann es zweckmäßig sein, wenn der zwischen der Membran und der Flachspule befindliche Raum evakuierbar ist. Es ist dann eine optimale Anlage der Membran an der Flachspule gewähr­leistet, was im Hinblick auf den Wirkungsgrad des erfindungsge­mäßen Stoßwellengenerators von Vorteil ist.It may also be expedient if the space located between the membrane and the flat coil can be evacuated. An optimal contact of the membrane on the flat coil is then ensured, which is advantageous with regard to the efficiency of the shock wave generator according to the invention.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in den beigefügten Zeichnungen dargestellt. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 einen Längsschnitt durch einen erfindungsgemäßen Stoß­wellengenerator,
  • Fig. 2 eine Variante der Membran eines erfindungsgemäßen Stoß­wellengenerators im teilweisen Längsschnitt,
  • Fig. 3 einen Längsschnitt durch eine Variante des erfindungsge­mäßen Stoßwellengenerators, und
  • Fig. 4 in verkleinerter Darstellung eine Ansicht der Membran des Stoßwellengenerators nach Fig. 3.
Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Show it:
  • 1 shows a longitudinal section through a shock wave generator according to the invention,
  • 2 shows a variant of the membrane of a shock wave generator according to the invention in partial longitudinal section,
  • 3 shows a longitudinal section through a variant of the shock wave generator according to the invention, and
  • 4 shows a view of the membrane of the shock wave generator according to FIG. 3 in a reduced representation.

Der in Fig. 1 gezeigte erfindungsgemäße Stoßwellengenerator weist ein rohrförmiges Gehäuse 1 auf, welches einen mit einer Flüssigkeit gefüllten Raum 2 umschließt, der durch eine Membran 3 verschlossen ist. Dieser gegenüberliegend ist eine spiralför­mig gewickelte Flachspule 4 auf einem Isolator 5 angeordnet, der in einer Kappe 6 aufgenommen ist, die mittels Schrauben 7 an dem Gehäuse 1 befestigt ist. Die Membran 3 weist einen plat­tenförmigen Träger 8 auf, der aus einem elektrisch isolierenden Werkstoff gebildet ist und auf dessen einer Seite ein elek­trisch leitender Abschnitt 9 von kreisförmiger Gestalt ange­bracht ist, und zwar derart, daß er sich im Bereich der Flach­spule 4 befindet. Die Membran 3 ist mit dem Gehäuse 1 dadurch verbunden, daß der Träger 8 mit seinem Rand zwischen der Kappe 6 und dem Gehäuse 1 mittels der Schrauben 7 gehalten ist.The shock wave generator according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has a tubular housing 1, which encloses a space 2 filled with a liquid, which is closed by a membrane 3. Opposite this, a spirally wound flat coil 4 is arranged on an insulator 5, which is accommodated in a cap 6, which is fastened to the housing 1 by means of screws 7. The membrane 3 has a plate-shaped carrier 8 which is formed from an electrically insulating material and on one side of which an electrically conductive section 9 of circular shape is attached, in such a way that it is located in the area of the flat coil 4. The membrane 3 is connected to the housing 1 in that the carrier 8 is held with its edge between the cap 6 and the housing 1 by means of the screws 7.

Zur Erzeugung von Stoßwellen in der in dem Raum 2 befindlichen Flüssigkeit wird die Flachspule 4 mittels geeigneter Schaltmit­tel 10 an eine schematisch dargestellte Hochspannungsversorgung 11 angeschlossen. Diese gibt einen impulsartigen Stromstoß an die Flachspule 4, wodurch diese ein Magnetfeld aufbaut. Gleich­zeitig wird ein Strom entgegengesetzter Richtung in dem elek­trisch leitenden Abschnitt 9 induziert, der ein magnetisches Gegenfeld hervorruft. Die Membran 3 wird somit schlagartig von der Flachspule 4 abgestoßen, wodurch eine Stoßwelle in der in dem Raum 2 befindlichen Flüssigkeit entsteht. Diese wird mit geeigneten, nicht dargestellten Mitteln auf ein zu zerstörendes Konkrement in einem Patienten fokussiert und in den Körper des Patienten eingekoppelt, indem ein das Gehäuse 1 an dessen von der Membran 3 entferntem Ende verschließender flexibler Sack 12 an den Körper des Patienten angepreßt wird.To generate shock waves in the liquid in the room 2, the flat coil 4 is connected to a schematically illustrated high-voltage supply 11 by means of suitable switching means 10. This gives a pulse-like current surge to the flat coil 4, whereby this builds up a magnetic field. At the same time, a current of opposite direction is induced in the electrically conductive section 9, which causes an opposing magnetic field. The membrane 3 is abruptly repelled by the flat coil 4, which creates a shock wave in the liquid in the space 2. This is focused with suitable means, not shown, on a calculus to be destroyed in a patient and coupled into the patient's body by a housing 1 on the of the membrane 3 distal end sealing flexible bag 12 is pressed against the patient's body.

Der Träger 8 ist aus einem Werkstoff, nämlich Gummi, gebildet,
der nicht nur ein guter Isolator ist, sondern außerdem kavita­tionsunempfindlich ist. Dabei ist der Träger 8 in seinem mitt­leren Bereich 13, an dem der als dünne Kupferscheibe 9 ausge­bildete elektrisch leitende Abschnitt durch Vulkanisieren be­festigt ist, aus einem vergleichsweise hartem Gummi mit einer Härte von ca. 90 Shore gebildet. Der sich an den mittleren Be­reich 13 anschließende Rand 14 des Trägers 8 ist dagegen aus einem relativ weichen Gummi mit einer Härte von ca. 30 Shore gebildet. Da somit der Rand 14 des Trägers 8 im Vergleich zu dessen mittleren Bereich 13 elastisch nachgiebig ausgebildet ist, können der mittlere Bereich 13 des Trägers 8 und die daran angebrachte Kupferscheibe 9 zur Erzeugung von Stoßwellen ausge­lenkt werden, ohne daß sie dabei schädlichen Verformungen oder Beanspruchungen ausgesetzt sind. Dies führt zu einer Erhöhung der Lebensdauer der Membran 3. Außerdem sind die erzeugten Stoßwellen besser fokussierbar.The carrier 8 is formed from a material, namely rubber,
which is not only a good insulator, but is also insensitive to cavitation. The carrier 8 is formed in its central region 13, to which the electrically conductive section formed as a thin copper disk 9 is attached by vulcanization, from a comparatively hard rubber with a hardness of approximately 90 Shore. The edge 14 of the carrier 8 adjoining the central region 13, on the other hand, is formed from a relatively soft rubber with a hardness of approximately 30 Shore. Since the edge 14 of the carrier 8 is designed to be resilient in comparison to the central region 13 thereof, the central region 13 of the carrier 8 and the copper disk 9 attached to it can be deflected to generate shock waves without being subjected to harmful deformations or stresses are. This leads to an increase in the life of the membrane 3. In addition, the shock waves generated are easier to focus.

An den Rand 14 des Trägers 8 schließt sich ein ringförmiger Ab­schnitt 15 an, mittels dessen die Membran 3 zwischen dem Gehäu­se 1 und der Kappe 6 gehalten ist. Der ringförmige Abschnitt 15 besteht ebenfalls aus einem Gummi mit einer Härte von ca. 90 Shore, um den durch die Schrauben 7 ausgeübten Kräften ohne nennenswerte Verformung standhalten zu können.At the edge 14 of the carrier 8 there is an annular section 15, by means of which the membrane 3 is held between the housing 1 and the cap 6. The annular section 15 also consists of a rubber with a hardness of approximately 90 Shore, in order to be able to withstand the forces exerted by the screws 7 without any significant deformation.

Der mittlere Bereich 13, der Rand 14 und der ringförmige Ab­schnitt 15 des Trägers 8, deren unterschiedliche Härten in Fig. 1 durch entsprechende Schraffur kenntlich gemacht sind, können separat voneinander hergestellt und durch Vulkanisieren mitein­ander verbunden werden. Es besteht jedoch auch die Möglichkeit, den Träger 8 in einer Form, deren Formhohlraum durch Schieber unterteilbar ist, als einstückiges Bauteil im Spritzgießverfah­ren herzustellen. Es werden dann die Werkstoffe unterschiedli­cher Härte im wesentlichen gleichzeitig im erwärmten, zähflüs­ sigen Zustand in die jeweiligen Abschnitte des Formhohlraumes eingebracht und die Schieber vor dem Aushärten der Werkstoffe zurückgezogen. Dabei kann sich die Kupferscheibe 9 als Einlege­teil in der Form befinden.The central region 13, the edge 14 and the annular section 15 of the carrier 8, the different hardnesses of which are indicated in FIG. 1 by appropriate hatching, can be produced separately from one another and connected to one another by vulcanization. However, there is also the possibility of producing the carrier 8 in a mold, the mold cavity of which can be subdivided by slides, as an integral component in the injection molding process. The materials of different hardness are then essentially simultaneously heated in the viscous sigen state introduced into the respective sections of the mold cavity and the slide retracted before the materials harden. The copper disk 9 can be in the form of an insert.

Wie aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich ist, ist zwischen der Kupferscheibe 9 und der Flachspule 4 eine Isolierfolie 16 vorgesehen. Da die Membran 3 mit dem Gehäuse 1 und der Kappe 6 ausschließlich mit ihrem elektrisch isolierenden Träger 8 in Verbindung steht, ist somit die Kupferscheibe 9 sowohl gegenüber dem Gehäuse 1 und der Kappe 6 als auch gegenüber der Flachspule 4 und deren An­schlüssen 17 und 18 isoliert. Dies gilt auch für den Fall, daß z.B. einer der Anschlüsse 17 bzw. 18 der Flachspule 4 gemeinsam mit dem Gehäuse 1 und/oder der Kappe 6 auf Erdpotential liegt. Dies hat zur Folge, daß die wirksame Isolierstrecke zwischen der Kupferscheibe 9 und der Flachspule 4 bzw. deren Anschlüssen 17 und 18 der doppelten Dicke der Isolierfolie 16 entspricht. Damit ist die Gefahr von Spannungsüberschlägen zwischen der Kupferscheibe 9 und der Flachspule 4 äusserst gering und für die Lebensdauer der Membran 3 nachteilige Beschädigungen durch Spannungsüberschläge sind praktisch ausgeschlossen.As can be seen from FIG. 1, an insulating film 16 is provided between the copper disc 9 and the flat coil 4. Since the membrane 3 is connected to the housing 1 and the cap 6 exclusively with its electrically insulating support 8, the copper disk 9 is thus insulated both from the housing 1 and the cap 6 and from the flat coil 4 and its connections 17 and 18 . This also applies in the event that e.g. one of the connections 17 and 18 of the flat coil 4 together with the housing 1 and / or the cap 6 is at ground potential. The result of this is that the effective insulating distance between the copper disc 9 and the flat coil 4 or its connections 17 and 18 corresponds to twice the thickness of the insulating film 16. The risk of voltage flashovers between the copper disc 9 and the flat coil 4 is thus extremely low and damage due to voltage flashovers which are disadvantageous for the life of the membrane 3 is practically excluded.

Wie aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich ist, ist die Membran 3 derart an dem Gehäuse 1 angebracht, daß die Kupferscheibe 9 der Flachspule 4 zugewandt ist. Infolge dieser Maßnahme ist die Kupferscheibe 9 unter Zwischenschaltung der Isolierfolie 16 so nahe wie möglich bei der Flachspule 4 angeordnet, so daß sich bei der Wandlung von elektrischer Energie in Stoßenergie ein hoher Wirkungsgrad ergibt. Die Gefahr von Spannungsüberschlägen ist dabei infolge der oben beschriebenen Maßnahmen zur Isolierung der Kupfer­scheibe 9 vermieden. Außerdem steht infolge dieser Maßnahme die Membran 3 mit der in dem Raum 2 befindlichen Flüssigkeit aus­schließlich mit ihrem aus kavitationsunempfindlichem Gummi be­stehenden Träger 8 in Kontakt, so daß eine Verringerung der Lebensdauer der Membran 3 durch infolge von Kavitation auftre­tenden Lochfraß vermieden ist.As can be seen from FIG. 1, the membrane 3 is attached to the housing 1 in such a way that the copper disk 9 faces the flat coil 4. As a result of this measure, the copper disc 9 is arranged as close as possible to the flat coil 4 with the interposition of the insulating film 16, so that there is a high degree of efficiency in converting electrical energy into impact energy. The risk of voltage flashovers is avoided as a result of the measures for insulating the copper disk 9 described above. In addition, as a result of this measure, the membrane 3 is in contact with the liquid in the space 2 only with its carrier 8, which is made of cavitation-insensitive rubber, so that a reduction in the life of the membrane 3 due to pitting that occurs as a result of cavitation is avoided.

In Fig. 2 ist eine Membran 19 dargestellt, die in einem erfin­dungsgemäßen Stoßwellengenerator z.B. anstelle der oben be­schriebenen Membran 3 Verwendung finden kann. Auch im Falle der Membran 19 ist der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt als Kupfer­scheibe 20 ausgebildet, allerdings weist diese eine im Ver­gleich zu der Kupferscheibe 9 erheblich größere Dicke auf. Dies ist deshalb der Fall, weil bei der Membran 19 der Träger 21, wie aus der Schraffur 2 erkennbar ist, aus einem relativ wei­chen elastomeren Werkstoff mit einer Härte von ca. 40 Shore be­steht und eine ausreichende Steifigkeit der Membran 19 somit nur durch eine entsprechende Dimensionierung der Kupferscheibe 20 erzielt werden kann. Um die für eine verformungsfreie Aus­lenkbarkeit der Membran 19 erforderliche Nachgiebigkeit des Randes 22 des Trägers 21 zu gewährleisten, sind am Rand 22 des Trägers 21 zwei ringförmige Ausnehmungen 23 und 24 vorgesehen, so daß der Rand 22 des Trägers 21 eine verringerte Dicke auf­weist. An den Rand 22 des Trägers 21 schließt sich ein ringför­miger Abschnitt 25 an, mittels dessen die Membran 19 zwischen dem Gehäuse 1 und der Kappe 6 gehaltert werden kann. Um dem ringförmigen Abschnitt 25 die hierzu erforderliche Festigkeit zu verleihen, ist dieser mit einem Blechring 26 mit U-förmigem Querschnitt zum Zwecke der Armierung umgeben.In Fig. 2 a membrane 19 is shown, which in a shock wave generator according to the invention e.g. can be used instead of the membrane 3 described above. In the case of the membrane 19, too, the electrically conductive section is designed as a copper disk 20, but this has a considerably greater thickness in comparison with the copper disk 9. This is the case because, in the membrane 19, the carrier 21, as can be seen from the hatching 2, consists of a relatively soft elastomeric material with a hardness of approx. 40 Shore, and the membrane 19 is therefore only sufficiently stiff by an appropriate one Dimensioning of the copper disc 20 can be achieved. In order to ensure the flexibility of the edge 22 of the carrier 21, which is required for a deflection-free deflectability of the membrane 19, two annular recesses 23 and 24 are provided on the edge 22 of the carrier 21, so that the edge 22 of the carrier 21 has a reduced thickness. At the edge 22 of the carrier 21 there is an annular section 25, by means of which the membrane 19 can be held between the housing 1 and the cap 6. In order to give the annular section 25 the strength required for this, it is surrounded by a sheet metal ring 26 with a U-shaped cross section for the purpose of reinforcement.

Die Fig. 3 und 4 zeigen eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungs­gemäßen Stoßwellengenerators, der sich von dem zuvor beschrie­benen dadurch unterscheidet, daß seine Membran 27 einen Träger 28 aufweist, der insgesamt als dünne elastisch nachgiebige Platte aus einem elastomeren Werkstoff mit einer Härte von ca. 40 Shore gebildet ist. Auf dem Träger 28 sind drei elektrisch leitende Abschnitte 29, 30 und 31 vorgesehen, die aus einer dünnen Aluminiumfolie gebildet und durch Kleben an dem Träger 28 befestigt sind. Dabei ist der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt 29 als Scheibe ausgebildet, während die elektrisch leitenden Abschnitte 30 und 31 die Form von Ringen haben und den elek­trisch leitenden Abschnitt 29 konzentrisch umgeben. Bei geeig­neter Dimensionierung der elektrisch leitenden Abschnitte 29 bis 31 werden diese von der Flachspule 4 derart angetrieben, daß sie sich in einer Ebene von dieser wegbewegen. Der Stoßwel­lengenerator nach den Fig. 3 und 4 weist somit sämtliche oben erwähnten Vorteile auf.3 and 4 show an embodiment of a shock wave generator according to the invention, which differs from the one described above in that its membrane 27 has a carrier 28, which as a whole is a thin, resilient plate made of an elastomeric material with a hardness of approximately 40 Shore is formed. Three electrically conductive sections 29, 30 and 31 are provided on the carrier 28, which are formed from a thin aluminum foil and fastened to the carrier 28 by gluing. The electrically conductive section 29 is designed as a disk, while the electrically conductive sections 30 and 31 have the form of rings and surround the electrically conductive section 29 concentrically. If the electrically conductive sections 29 to 31 are suitably dimensioned, they are driven by the flat coil 4 in such a way that that they move away from this in a plane. The shock wave generator according to FIGS. 3 and 4 thus has all the advantages mentioned above.

Im Falle des Stoßwellengenerators nach den Fig. 3 und 4 besteht außerdem die Möglichkeit, den zwischen der Membran 27 und der Flachspule 4 bzw., sofern wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt eine Iso­lierfolie 16 vorhanden ist, den zwischen dieser und der Membran 27 befindlichen Raum zu evakuieren. Zu diesem Zweck ist eine Anzahl von Bohrungen 32 vorgesehen, die sich durch die Kappe 6 und die Isolierfolie 16 zu einem porösen ringförmigen Körper 33 erstrecken, der zwischen der Membran 27 und der Isolierfolie 16 innerhalb eines ringförmigen Bauteiles 34 angeordnet ist. Das ringförmige Bauteil 34 ist ebenfalls zwischen der Membran 27 und der Isolierfolie 16 angeordnet und gemeinsam mit diesen mittels der Schrauben 7 zwischen der Kappe 6 und dem Gehäuse 1 gehalten. Wenn die Bohrungen 32 in nicht dargestellter Weise mit einer Vakuumpumpe verbunden werden, wird infolge der Poro­sität des ringförmigen Körpers 33 die zwischen der Membran 27 und der Isolierfolie 16 befindliche Atmosphäre evakuiert, so daß sich die Membran 27 wie in der rechten Hälfte der Fig. 3 dargestellt an die Isolierfolie 16 anlegt. Damit ist gewährlei­stet, daß sich die elektrisch leitenden Abschnitte 29 bis 31 der Membran möglichst nahe bei der Flachspule 4 befinden, so daß sich bei der Umwandlung von elektrischer Energie in Stoß­energie ein hoher Wirkungsgrad ergibt.In the case of the shock wave generator according to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is also the possibility of the space between the membrane 27 and the flat coil 4 or, as shown in FIG. 3, an insulating film 16, the space between the latter and the membrane 27 to evacuate. For this purpose, a number of bores 32 are provided which extend through the cap 6 and the insulating film 16 to form a porous annular body 33 which is arranged between the membrane 27 and the insulating film 16 within an annular component 34. The annular component 34 is also arranged between the membrane 27 and the insulating film 16 and is held together with the latter by means of the screws 7 between the cap 6 and the housing 1. If the bores 32 are connected to a vacuum pump in a manner not shown, the atmosphere located between the membrane 27 and the insulating film 16 is evacuated due to the porosity of the annular body 33, so that the membrane 27 as in the right half of FIG. 3 shown applied to the insulating film 16. This ensures that the electrically conductive sections 29 to 31 of the membrane are as close as possible to the flat coil 4, so that there is a high degree of efficiency in the conversion of electrical energy into impact energy.

In den Ausführungsbeispielen sind nur solche Stoßwellengenera­toren beschrieben, bei denen die Windungen der Flachspule in einer Ebene angeordnet sind und die Membran eben ausgebildet ist. Es ist aber auch möglich, die Windungen der Flachspule in einer Fläche, z.B. einer Kugelkalotte, anzuordnen, wobei dann die Membran entsprechend geformt ist.In the exemplary embodiments, only those shock wave generators are described in which the windings of the flat coil are arranged in one plane and the membrane is flat. However, it is also possible to wind the flat coil in one area, e.g. a spherical cap to be arranged, in which case the membrane is shaped accordingly.

Claims (9)

1. Stoßwellengenerator für eine Einrichtung zum berührungslosen Zertrümmern von Konkrementen im Körper eines Lebewesens, wel­cher eine an eine Hochspannungsversorgung (11) anschließbare Flachspule (4) und eine dieser gegenüberliegende, ein mit einer Flüssigkeit gefülltes Gehäuse (1) abschließende Membran (3, 19, 27) aufweist, die einen plattenförmigen Träger (8, 21, 28) aus einem elektrisch isolierenden Werkstoff und einen auf einer Seite des Trägers (8, 21, 28) angebrachten elektrisch leitenden Abschnitt (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) aufweist, wobei die Membran (3, 19, 27) am Rand (14, 22, 35) des Trägers (8, 21, 28) mit dem Gehäuse (1) verbunden und der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) gegenüber den Windungen der Flachspule (4) elektrisch isoliert ist, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß der Werkstoff des Trägers (8, 21, 28) kavitationsunempfindlich ist und daß der Träger (8, 21, 28) wenigstens im Bereich seines Randes (14, 22, 35) elastisch nachgiebig ausgebildet, der elektrisch leitende Abschnitt (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) gegenüber den Anschlüssen (17, 18) der Flach­spule (4) elektrisch isoliert und die Membran (3, 19, 27) der­art an dem Gehäuse (1) angebracht ist, daß der elektrisch lei­tende Abschnitt (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) der Flachspule (4) zuge­wandt ist.1. Shock wave generator for a device for contactless crushing of concrements in the body of a living being, which has a flat coil (4) that can be connected to a high voltage supply (11) and a diaphragm (3, 19,) that seals a liquid-filled housing (1). 27) which has a plate-shaped carrier (8, 21, 28) made of an electrically insulating material and an electrically conductive section (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) attached to one side of the carrier (8, 21, 28) , wherein the membrane (3, 19, 27) at the edge (14, 22, 35) of the carrier (8, 21, 28) is connected to the housing (1) and the electrically conductive section (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) is electrically insulated from the turns of the flat coil (4), characterized in that the material of the carrier (8, 21, 28) is insensitive to cavitation and that the carrier (8, 21, 28) at least in the region of its edge (14, 22, 35) elastically compliant, the electrically lei end section (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) electrically insulated from the connections (17, 18) of the flat coil (4) and the membrane (3, 19, 27) is attached to the housing (1) in such a way that the electrically conductive section (9; 20 ; 29, 30, 31) facing the flat coil (4). 2. Stoßwellengenerator nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß der Träger (8, 21, 28) aus ei­nem elastomeren Werkstoff gebildet ist.2. Shock wave generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier (8, 21, 28) is formed from an elastomeric material. 3. Stoßwellengenerator nach Anspruch 2, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß der Träger (8, 21, 28) aus Gummi gebildet ist.3. Shock wave generator according to claim 2, characterized in that the carrier (8, 21, 28) is formed from rubber. 4. Stoßwellengenerator nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Träger (21, 28) als elastisch nachgiebige Platte ausgebildet ist.4. Shock wave generator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (21, 28) is designed as an elastically flexible plate. 5. Stoßwellengenerator nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der elek­trisch leitende Abschnitt (29, 30, 31) aus Metallfolie gebil­det ist.5. Shock wave generator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electrically conductive section (29, 30, 31) is formed from metal foil. 6. Stoßwellengenerator nach Anspruch 5, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß die Metallfolie aus Aluminium gebildet ist.6. Shock wave generator according to claim 5, characterized in that the metal foil is formed from aluminum. 7. Stoßwellengenerator nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der elek­trisch leitende Abschnitt (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) gegenüber dem Gehäuse (1) elektrisch isoliert ist.7. Shock wave generator according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrically conductive section (9; 20; 29, 30, 31) is electrically insulated from the housing (1). 8. Stoßwellengenerator nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Membran (27) mehrere elektrisch leitende Abschnitte (29, 30, 31) auf­weist.8. Shock wave generator according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the membrane (27) has a plurality of electrically conductive sections (29, 30, 31). 9. Stoßwellengenerator nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der zwi­schen der Membran (27) und der Flachspule (4) befindliche Raum evakuierbar ist.9. Shock wave generator according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the space between the membrane (27) and the flat coil (4) can be evacuated.
EP88105999A 1987-04-27 1988-04-14 Shock-wave generator for a device for the non-contacting disintegration of concretions in a body Expired - Lifetime EP0288836B1 (en)

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DE8706039U DE8706039U1 (en) 1987-04-27 1987-04-27
DE8706039U 1987-04-27

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EP0288836B1 EP0288836B1 (en) 1991-08-21

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DE19612061C1 (en) * 1996-03-27 1997-09-18 Dornier Medizintechnik Electromagnetic shock wave source
WO2013082352A1 (en) 2011-12-01 2013-06-06 Microbrightfield, Inc. Acoustic pressure wave/shock wave mediated processing of biological tissue, and systems, apparatuses, and methods therefor
TWI548402B (en) * 2015-09-04 2016-09-11 寶健科技股份有限公司 Shockwave probe transducer structure
US20180280231A1 (en) * 2017-03-31 2018-10-04 Lite-Med Inc. Invasive shock wave applicator for applying shock waves sideways
US10658912B2 (en) * 2017-03-31 2020-05-19 Lite-Med Inc. Shock wave generating unit

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GB1532008A (en) * 1974-12-20 1978-11-15 Huntex Ltd Underwater transient sound generator having pressure compensation
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EP0256203A1 (en) * 1986-06-05 1988-02-24 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Shock wave generator for the disintegration of concretions in a living body by non-contacting means
DE8627238U1 (en) * 1986-10-06 1988-02-04 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen, De

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GB1532008A (en) * 1974-12-20 1978-11-15 Huntex Ltd Underwater transient sound generator having pressure compensation
DE3312014A1 (en) * 1983-04-02 1984-10-11 Wolfgang Prof. Dr. 7140 Ludwigsburg Eisenmenger Device for the contactless crushing of concrements in the body of living beings

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4905675A (en) 1990-03-06
JPH0436819Y2 (en) 1992-08-31
DE8706039U1 (en) 1988-08-25
DE3864303D1 (en) 1991-09-26
EP0288836B1 (en) 1991-08-21
JPS63172409U (en) 1988-11-09

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