High intensive focused ultrasound probe

Abstract

To provide a high intensive focused ultrasound probe which can prevent leakage of an ultrasonic transmission medium and which can expand a movable range of a transducer.SOLUTION: Disclosed is a high intensive focused ultrasound probe applied to a skin treatment device for noninvasively treating skin by using a high intensive focused ultrasound. The high intensive focused ultrasound probe includes: an external rotating shaft that rotates driven by a motor inside a hand piece; an internal rotating shaft which moves, while rotating, a transducer within a cartridge; and a magnet coupler which magnetically couples the external rotating shaft and the internal rotating shaft across a first side wall of the cartridge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe, and more particularly to a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe for non-invasively treating skin using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). [Background technology]

[0002] Skin treatments using High Intensive Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) have recently been gaining attention. This is a skin treatment technology that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to focus high-intensity acoustic energy at a specific location in the body, raising the temperature and resulting in the regeneration of tissues that have been degenerated due to thermal mutations that occur in the local area of ​​the body, resulting in wrinkle removal, improved skin elasticity, etc.

[0003] A device for treating skin using high-intensity focused ultrasound includes a transducer. The transducer generates and outputs high-intensity ultrasound from an input power source. A typical high-intensity focused ultrasound device uses a circular single-element ultrasound transducer as the transducer. That is, a method is used in which strong ultrasound energy is transmitted to the treatment area through the circular single-element ultrasound transducer.

[0004] In order to treat or treat a wider area in one treatment, it is necessary to form multiple points where ultrasonic energy is focused. For this reason, conventional ultrasonic treatment devices using a single-element ultrasonic transducer adopt a method of mechanically moving the single-element ultrasonic transducer to enable ultrasonic treatment or treatment over a wider area in one treatment.

[0005] An ultrasonic probe of an ultrasonic treatment device in which an ultrasonic transducer is mechanically moved generally includes a cartridge 100 incorporating an ultrasonic transducer 110 and a handpiece 200, as shown in Fig. 1. The interior of the cartridge 100 is filled with a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium, and the handpiece 200 incorporates a motor 210 for realizing one-dimensional movement of the ultrasonic transducer 110 in a specific direction.

[0006] The ultrasonic transducer 110 receives power from the motor 210 through the transport mechanism 300 and performs linear reciprocating motion in a specific direction. The transport mechanism 300 is configured to convert the rotational motion of the output shaft of the motor 210 into linear motion and transmit it to the ultrasonic transducer 110. A lead screw type, as shown in FIG. 1, has been conventionally adopted as the transport mechanism 300 that converts the rotational motion into linear motion and transmits it to the ultrasonic transducer 110. As described above, the interior of the cartridge 100 is filled with a liquid material, which is an ultrasonic transmission medium. Due to its characteristics, the liquid material may leak to the outside through even a small gap. Therefore, it is necessary to seal off parts of the cartridge 100 where leakage of the ultrasonic transmission medium is expected. In particular, in a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 1, in which the transport shaft 310 penetrates the cartridge 100, the part H (the shaft through-hole) through which the transport shaft 310 penetrates must be sealed.

[0007] Conventionally, a flexible bellows-shaped sealing member 400 has been used to seal the portion through which the feeding shaft 310 passes. The sealing member 400 is tightly fixed to one side wall surface of the cartridge 100 so as to surround at least a portion of the feeding shaft 310 within the cartridge and cover the shaft through-hole H, thereby ensuring the linear movement of the feeding shaft 310 within the cartridge 100 while sealing the through-hole H.

[0008] However, this configuration has drawbacks such as increased manufacturing costs due to the use of a separate sealing member and reduced mass productivity due to structural assembly difficulties. In particular, when the sealing member is fully folded and the transport shaft moves to one side to the extent that it cannot be folded any further, the movement of the transport shaft is restricted by the fully folded sealing member. In other words, there is a structural problem in that the movable range of the transducer is restricted by the bellows-structured sealing member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0140288 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0141062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a high intensity focused ultrasound probe that has a simple structure and uses a power transmission method that does not require a separate sealing member to prevent leakage of an ultrasound transmission medium. Another object of the present invention is to provide a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that can expand the range of motion of the transducer compared to conventional configurations, assuming the same volume of space, and therefore enables ultrasound therapy or treatment over a wider area in a single operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The high intensity focused ultrasound probe of the present invention is applied to a skin treatment device that treats skin non-invasively using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and includes an outer rotating shaft that rotates by a motor inside a handpiece, an inner rotating shaft that rotates inside a cartridge and moves a transducer, and a magnetic coupler that magnetically couples the outer rotating shaft and the inner rotating shaft across a first side wall of the cartridge.

[0012] The magnetic coupler may include a first coupler coupled to the outer rotating shaft to perform synchronized rotational motion, and a second coupler coupled to the inner rotating shaft to form a magnetic coupling with the first coupler across the first side wall.

[0013] In one embodiment, one of the first coupler and the second coupler may be made of a magnetic material, and the other may be made of a permanent magnet.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first coupler and the second coupler may be permanent magnets, and the magnetic poles of the surfaces of the first coupler and the second coupler that are closely attached to each other across the first side wall may be opposite to each other.

[0015] As another example, a plurality of coupling magnets may be mounted at equal intervals along the rotation direction on a surface of the first coupler and a surface of the second coupler that face each other across the first side wall. In this case, the coupling magnets mounted on the surface of the first coupler may have magnetic poles on their externally exposed sides alternately arranged in the rotation direction, and the coupling magnets mounted on the surface of the second coupler may have magnetic poles on their externally exposed sides alternately arranged in the rotation direction as well.

[0016] A plurality of balls or needle pins may be provided on the surfaces of the first coupler and the second coupler that face each other across the first side wall, in which case the balls or needle pins can support rotational motion of the first coupler and the second coupler with at least a portion of the balls or needle pins protruding from the surfaces that face each other and in contact with the first side wall.

[0017] A ring-shaped internal rotation guide may be further formed on the inner surface of the first side wall where the magnetic coupler is located. And a ring-shaped external rotation guide may be further formed on the outer surface of the first side wall corresponding to the internal rotation guide. In this case, the magnetic coupler may be disposed in an internal coupler receiving portion and an external coupler receiving portion defined by the internal rotation guide and the external rotation guide on the inside and outside of the first side wall, respectively.

[0018] A first lubricating layer may be formed by a lubricant between the first coupler and a first side wall of the outer coupler accommodating portion, and a second lubricating layer may be formed by a lubricant between the second coupler and a first side wall of the inner coupler accommodating portion.

[0019] The internal rotary shaft may have a lead screw configuration with a thread formed on its circumferential surface. In this case, a movable block having a fastening hole that screws with the thread may be coupled to the internal rotary shaft. By connecting the transducer to the movable block, the transducer moves together with the movable block that moves on the internal rotary shaft when the internal rotary shaft rotates, allowing skin treatment or manipulation to be performed on a wider area.

[0020] The internal space of the cartridge may be separated into a first space and a second space isolated from the first space by a space dividing plate disposed inside the cartridge. Here, the first space may be filled with a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium, the transducer and the internal rotation shaft may be disposed in the first space filled with the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium, and a circuit board that controls the transducer may be disposed in the second space.

[0021] At least two detecting elements for detecting the position of the movable block may be mounted at a distance on the circuit board. A detected element may be disposed on a surface of the movable block adjacent to the circuit board. Preferably, the detecting element may be a Hall sensor, and the detected element may be a permanent magnet. A shaft for guiding the one-dimensional linear motion of the movable block may be disposed in the first space. In this case, one or more shafts may be formed parallel to the internal rotation axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] In the high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second couplers that realize the coupling between the shafts (internal and external rotating shafts) are not directly connected but are indirectly connected by magnetic coupling with a side wall (first side wall) sandwiched between them. Therefore, there is no need to drill a hole (through which the shaft passes) in the cartridge filled with a liquid ultrasound transmission medium (e.g., degassed water).

[0023] In addition, because the hole (the hole through which the shaft passes) is eliminated, there is no need to consider a structure to prevent leakage of the ultrasonic transmission medium (e.g., a sealing member with a conventional bellows structure).In other words, the adoption of a power transmission method (magnetic coupling) that is structurally simple and does not require a separate structure to prevent leakage of the ultrasonic transmission medium (e.g., degassed water) filled in the cartridge has the advantageous effect of improving the assembly of the product and increasing mass productivity.

[0024] In addition, since the hole (the hole through which the shaft passes) in the cartridge is removed, there is no need to consider sealing during the product design process, which has the effect of improving design freedom. Also, since the element that limits the range of motion (sealing member) is removed, the range of motion of the transducer is wider than with conventional configurations, which has the advantage of enabling ultrasound treatment or therapy over a wider area in a single procedure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to the prior art. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a skin treatment device to which a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 3] 1 is a cutaway perspective view showing an internal configuration of a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the cartridge is separated from the high-intensity focused ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the magnet coupler shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing another embodiment of the magnet coupler shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing another embodiment of the magnet coupler shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing preferred modifications of the magnet coupler shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing preferred modifications of the first side wall shown in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] For reference, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such a detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the suffixes "module" and "section" used in the following description for components are used or interchangeable solely for the convenience of drafting the specification, and do not have any distinct meanings or functions.

[0028] The accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but rather to include any modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in the embodiments, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0029] When a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, there are no other components in between.

[0030] When used in describing embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "comprise," "include," "have," and the like specify the presence of a feature, numeral, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, and do not preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numerals, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a component is "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component, this does not only mean that the component is disposed "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" the other component, but also includes the case where another component is disposed between them, unless otherwise specified.

[0031] The drawings are intended to help the reader understand the concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the relative thickness, length, and size in the drawings may be exaggerated for the convenience and clarity of the description.

[0032] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a skin treatment device to which a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Referring to this diagram, the configuration of a skin treatment device to which a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be briefly discussed.

[0033] The skin treatment device according to the present invention is a device that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to focus high-intensity acoustic energy at a local area inside the body to raise the temperature, thereby producing effects (such as wrinkle removal, subcutaneous fat removal, and skin elasticity improvement) by regenerating tissues that have been denatured due to thermal mutations that occur at the local area inside the body, to treat or treat the skin non-invasively.

[0034] 2, the skin treatment device 1 includes a main body 2 and a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe 3 (hereinafter referred to as "ultrasound probe" for ease of explanation). The main body 2 controls the ultrasound probe 3. High-intensity focused ultrasound is generated from the ultrasound probe 3 under the control of the main body 2, and the generated high-intensity focused ultrasound is focused inside the body (e.g., the dermis layer) through the ultrasound probe 3 to induce thermal mutations. The main body 2 may include an input unit (not shown) for user input. The input unit may include a mouse, a keyboard, or a mechanical or electronic user interface (e.g., a touch-input display) implemented in the device. Of course, the input unit is not limited thereto, and any device capable of inputting user commands may be used without being limited to a particular method or form.

[0035] The main body 2 may include an output unit (reference numeral omitted) that outputs information to the outside and transmits it to the user. The output unit may include, for example, a display, LED, speaker, etc. for providing visual, auditory, or tactile output. If the ultrasound probe 3 includes an imaging transducer element module, the output unit may display an ultrasound image of internal body tissues.

[0036] The main body 2 may further include a peripheral device interface unit for transferring data with various types of external devices, such as a memory card port, an external device I / O (Input / Output) port, etc. The main body 2 is connected to the ultrasound probe 3 via wired or wireless communication means and can control the ultrasound probe 3.

[0037] The ultrasonic probe 3 may include a cartridge 4 and a handpiece 5. A transducer 46 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) that generates high-intensity focused ultrasound may be provided within the cartridge 4. The cartridge 4 equipped with the transducer 46 is detachably coupled to the handpiece 5, and can be replaced with a cartridge 4 that generates high-intensity focused ultrasound suitable for the treatment purpose or treatment site.

[0038] The transducer 46 can generate and output high-intensity focused ultrasound from an input power source. The cartridge 4 incorporating the transducer 46 can be electrically connected or coupled to the handpiece 5, and the handpiece 5 can be connected to the main body by wire or wirelessly as described above, thereby allowing the exchange of signals and information (e.g., transducer drive or control signals and transducer position information).

[0039] The cartridge 4 and the handpiece 5 may be electrically and physically interconnected. The cartridge 4 and the handpiece 5 may be electrically interconnected by connecting corresponding connection terminals (reference numerals omitted) when coupled, and may be physically coupled to each other through a predetermined coupling structure. The coupling structure may include, for example, a bar or protrusion protruding from the front end of the handpiece 5 in the direction in which the cartridge 4 is coupled.

[0040] The configuration of a high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention will be discussed with reference to FIGS.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a cutaway perspective view showing the internal configuration of a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a view showing a state in which a cartridge is separated from the high-intensity focused ultrasound probe shown in Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the main configuration of the high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 3.

[0042] 3 to 5, the ultrasonic probe 3 includes a cartridge 4 and a handpiece 5. A transducer 46 is provided inside the cartridge 4, and the cartridge 4 incorporating the transducer 46 can be detachably coupled to the handpiece 5. This allows the cartridge 4 to be replaced with a new one or with an appropriate cartridge 4 that suits the treatment purpose or treatment site.

[0043] The transducer 46 can generate and output high-intensity focused ultrasound from an input power source. As described above, the cartridge 4 incorporating the transducer 46 can be electrically coupled or connected to the handpiece 5. The handpiece 5 can be connected to the main body 2 (see FIG. 2) by wire or wirelessly, thereby allowing signals and information (e.g., transducer drive or control signals and transducer position information) to be exchanged.

[0044] When coupled, the cartridge 4 and the handpiece 5 can be electrically coupled to each other by connecting corresponding electrical connection terminals (not shown). The cartridge 4 and the handpiece 5 can also be physically coupled to each other by a predetermined coupling structure. The coupling structure may include, for example, a bar or protrusion (not shown) protruding from the front end of the handpiece 5 in the direction in which the cartridge 4 is coupled.

[0045] Depending on the embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 3 and the handpiece 5 may be configured as an integrated type instead of the separate type as shown in the drawing (FIG. 4). In this case, the connecting structure (a structure for physically connecting the cartridge and the handpiece, such as a bar or protrusion that protrudes in the direction in which the cartridge is connected to the front end of the handpiece) as in the separate type may be omitted.

[0046] The interior of the cartridge 4 may be filled with a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium (reference numeral omitted). The liquid ultrasonic transmission medium may be degassed water (water from which air bubbles have been removed). A transducer 46 may be disposed inside the cartridge 4 filled with the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium. The transducer 46 may be provided so as to be capable of one-dimensional movement, i.e., linear movement, in a specific direction (left and right direction with reference to FIG. 5) inside the cartridge 4.

[0047] The handpiece 5 may include a motor 52 for realizing one-dimensional (linear) movement of the ultrasonic transducer 46 in the specific direction. The transducer 46 is mechanically connected to the motor 52 and can receive power from the motor 52. The transducer 46 can generate high-intensity focused ultrasound waves and focus them inside the body while performing linear reciprocating motion in the specific direction within the cartridge 4 using the received power.

[0048] 5, the cartridge 4 may be provided with a space dividing plate 43 inside. The space dividing plate 43 may separate the internal space of the cartridge 4 into a first space S1 and a second space S2 that are isolated from each other. A transducer 46 may be disposed in the first space S1 and filled with a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium, and a circuit board 48 that controls the operation of the transducer 46 based on an input signal may be disposed in the second space S2.

[0049] An internal rotating shaft 44 may be disposed in the first space S1 together with the transducer 46. The internal rotating shaft 44 is physically coupled to an external rotating shaft 54 ​​disposed inside the handpiece 5, and receives a rotational force from the external rotating shaft 54. The rotation of the internal rotating shaft 44 by the external rotating shaft 54 ​​causes the transducer 46 to perform a linear reciprocating motion in the specific direction in the first space S1, thereby enabling high-intensity focused ultrasound to be focused inside the body.

[0050] The external rotary shaft 54 ​​may be directly connected to the output shaft (reference number omitted) of the motor 52 inside the handpiece 5. The motor 52 may be disposed inside the handpiece 5 together with the external rotary shaft 54. The motor 52 can output rotational force in the forward or reverse direction according to the drive signal from the main body described above. Therefore, the external rotary shaft 54 ​​rotates in the forward or reverse direction within a set range, and as a result, the internal rotary shaft 44 can also rotate in the same direction.

[0051] The internal rotation shaft 44 may be configured in the form of a lead screw with a screw thread formed along its circumferential surface. The transducer 46 may be connected to the internal rotation shaft 44 in the first space S1 through the movable block 45, and the movable block 45 may be screwed to the internal rotation shaft 44 through a fastening hole (a hole with a screw thread). As a result, the transducer 46 can move linearly in a specific direction together with the movable block 45 moving on the internal rotation shaft 44 when the internal rotation shaft 44 rotates.

[0052] A shaft 47 may be provided in the first space S1. The shaft 47 allows the one-dimensional linear movement of the movable block 45 in the first space S1 (linear movement due to rotation of the internal rotation shaft 44) to be stably implemented without shaking. The shaft 47 may be disposed in the first space S1 parallel to the internal rotation shaft 44. One or more shafts 47 may be formed parallel to the internal rotation shaft 44.

[0053] A detecting element 49a may be mounted on the circuit board 48 arranged in the second space S2. A detected element 49b may be provided on the movable block 45 arranged movably in the first space S1. The detecting element 49a can recognize the detected element 49b and generate a corresponding signal to provide to the circuit board 48. A control circuit on the circuit board 48 can process the signal from the detecting element 49a to calculate the current position (position in the specific direction) of the movable block 45.

[0054] The detecting element 49a may be mounted on one surface of the circuit board 48, more specifically, on the surface of the circuit board 48 facing the movable block 45. At least two detecting elements 49a may be mounted at a predetermined distance on the one surface of the circuit board 48 along a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the movable block 45, and the detected element 49b may be attached and fixed to a surface of the movable block 45 adjacent to the circuit board 48 or facing the circuit board 48.

[0055] The detecting element 49a may be a Hall sensor, and the detected element 49b may be a permanent magnet. In this case, the Hall sensor detects the position of the permanent magnet on the movable block 45 using the Hall effect, generates a corresponding signal, and outputs it to the circuit board 48. The circuit board 48 can recognize the position of the movable block 45 from the Hall sensor signal. The position value recognized in this way can be used to control the position of the movable block 45 by the motor 52.

[0056] The external rotary shaft 54 ​​provided in the handpiece 5 and the internal rotary shaft 44 provided in the cartridge 4 may be physically coupled and synchronized in rotation. In an embodiment of the present invention, the external rotary shaft 54 ​​and the internal rotary shaft 44 may be indirectly coupled to each other across the first side wall 40 of the cartridge 4 via a magnetic coupler 6, and synchronized in rotation. More specifically, they may be magnetically coupled across the first side wall 40 via the magnetic coupler 6.

[0057] The magnetic coupler 6 may include a pair of couplers 60a, 60b. The pair of couplers may be a coupler (hereinafter referred to as the "first coupler 60a") provided on the outer rotating shaft 54 ​​and a coupler (hereinafter referred to as the "second coupler 60b") provided on the inner rotating shaft 44. The first coupler 60a may be configured at the end of the outer rotating shaft 54 ​​adjacent to the first side wall 40, and the second coupler 60b may be configured at the end of the inner rotating shaft 44 adjacent to the first side wall 40.

[0058] The first coupler 60a is configured integrally or coupled to the end of the external rotating shaft 54, and can perform rotational motion integrated with the external rotating shaft 54. The second coupler 60b is configured integrally or coupled to the end of the internal rotating shaft 44, and is magnetically coupled to the first coupler 60a across the first side wall 40, and can perform rotational motion synchronized with the first coupler 60a.

[0059] As an example, one of the first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b for magnetic coupling may be a circular permanent magnet as shown in Figure 6, and the other may be a circular magnetic material, such as an iron plate. For example, if the first coupler 60a is a permanent magnet, the second coupler 60b may be a magnetic material (see Figure 6(a)). Conversely, if the first coupler 60a is a magnetic material, the second coupler 60b may be a permanent magnet (see Figure 6(b)).

[0060] As another example, magnetic coupling can be achieved by configuring both the first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b with permanent magnets, preferably circular permanent magnets, as shown in Fig. 7. In this case, the magnetic poles of the surfaces of the first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b, which are permanent magnets closely spaced across the first sidewall 40, may be opposite to each other so that an attractive force acts between them.

[0061] As another example, magnetic coupling can also be realized by a configuration in which coupling magnets 64a and 64b are separately mounted on the surface 62a of the first coupler 60a and the surface 62b of the second coupler 60b, which face each other across the first side wall 40, as shown in FIG. 8. In this case, the coupling magnets 64a, 64b may be arranged at equal intervals along the rotational direction on the faces 62a, 62b of each coupler 60a, 60b so as to prevent relative slip in the rotational direction and the resulting delay in transmission of the rotational force when the rotational force is transmitted from the first coupler 60a to the second coupler 60b.

[0062] The coupling magnets 64a mounted on the surface 62a of the first coupler 60a may have magnetic poles on the side exposed to the outside (the side in contact with the first side wall) arranged alternately (alternating) with respect to the rotation direction. The coupling magnets 64b mounted on the surface 62b of the second coupler 60b may also have magnetic poles on the side exposed to the outside (the side in contact with the first side wall) arranged alternately with respect to the rotation direction.

[0063] The first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b, which realize the coupling between the shafts (the internal rotating shaft and the external rotating shaft), are indirectly connected by magnetic coupling across the first side wall 40. Therefore, the portions of the first side wall 40 that come into direct contact with each coupler during rotation may wear out.

[0064] Wear accelerates as rotation speed increases, which can shorten the life of the equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate measures to suppress or delay this wear into the design.

[0065] 9, a plurality of balls 66 or needle pins may be provided on the surfaces of the first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b, which face each other across the first side wall 40. At least a portion of the balls 66 or needle pins may protrude from the surfaces 62a, 62b, which face each other. In this case, the protruding balls 66 or needle pins support the rotational movement of the couplers by performing a rolling motion while making point or line contact with the first side wall 40, thereby significantly reducing wear on the first side wall 40.

[0066] Although not shown, in another embodiment, the first and second couplers may be provided in a bearing configuration. The inner rings of the first and second couplers, on which the coupling magnets are mounted, are narrower than the outer rings, so that even if the outer rings are fixed to the first sidewall, the inner rings may be spaced a predetermined distance from the first sidewall. In other words, no physical contact occurs between the inner rings when the first and second couplers rotate, preventing wear on the first sidewall.

[0067] As described above, the first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b are indirectly coupled via the first sidewall 40 by magnetic coupling. Therefore, during the process of transmitting the rotational force, the coaxiality between the two couplers may be lost, resulting in a loss of the rotational force. Therefore, a method for stably maintaining the coaxiality between the two couplers must also be incorporated into the configuration.

[0068] 10, a ring-shaped internal rotation guide 41 may be formed on the inner surface of the first side wall 40, and a ring-shaped external rotation guide 42 may be formed on the outer surface of the first side wall 40 corresponding to the internal rotation guide 41. In this case, the second coupler 60b and the first coupler 60a are respectively disposed in internal and external coupler accommodating portions defined by the internal rotation guide 41 and the external rotation guide 42 on the inside and outside of the first side wall 40, thereby preventing misalignment of the coaxiality.

[0069] 10, a first lubricating layer L1 may be formed by a lubricant between the first coupler 60a and the first sidewall 40-1 that defines the outer coupler receiving portion. Also, a second lubricating layer L2 may be formed by a lubricant between the second coupler 60b and the first sidewall 40-1 that defines the inner coupler receiving portion. The lubricant is preferably, but not limited to, a viscous semi-solid grease.

[0070] With this configuration, the first lubricating layer L1 and the second lubricating layer L2 prevent direct contact between the pair of couplers 60a, 60b and the first side wall 40-1, and the lubricating action of the lubricating layers can suppress wear on the first side wall 40. Furthermore, the lubricating action of the lubricating layers L1, L2 reduces the rotational load when the couplers rotate, thereby reducing power consumption, which also has the effect of improving the overall energy efficiency of the device.

[0071] According to the high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to the embodiment of the present invention discussed above, the first and second couplers that realize the coupling between the shafts (internal and external rotating shafts) are not directly connected, but are indirectly connected by magnetic coupling with a side wall (first side wall) sandwiched between them. Therefore, there is no need to process a hole (through which the shaft passes) in the cartridge filled with a liquid ultrasound transmission medium (e.g., degassed water).

[0072] In addition, because the hole (the hole through which the shaft passes) is eliminated, there is no need to consider a structure to prevent leakage of the ultrasonic transmission medium (e.g., a sealing member with a conventional bellows structure).In other words, the adoption of a power transmission method (magnetic coupling) that is structurally simple and does not require a separate structure to prevent leakage of the ultrasonic transmission medium (e.g., degassed water) filled in the cartridge has the advantageous effect of improving the assembly of the product and increasing mass productivity.

[0073] In addition, since the hole (the hole through which the shaft passes) in the cartridge is removed, there is no need to consider sealing during the product design process, which has the effect of improving design freedom. Also, since the element that limits the range of motion (sealing member) is removed, the range of motion of the transducer is wider than with conventional configurations, which has the advantage of enabling ultrasound treatment or therapy over a wider area in a single procedure.

[0074] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for the purpose of illustrating, not limiting, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto are included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Skin treatment equipment 2 Main unit 3 Ultrasound probe 4 cartridges 5 Handpieces 6 Magnetic Coupler 40, 40-1 First side wall 41 Internal Rotating Guide 42 External rotating guide 43 Space dividing plate 44 Internal Rotation Axis 45 Movable Block 46 Transducer 47 Shaft 48 Circuit Board 49a Detector element 49b Detected element 52 Motor 54 External Rotating Axis 60a 1st coupler 60b Second coupler 62a First coupler face 62b Second coupler face 64a, 64b Coupling magnet 66 balls L1 1st lubrication layer L2 2nd lubrication layer S1 1st space S2 2nd space 100 cartridges 110 Ultrasonic Transducer 200 handpieces 210 Motor 300 Transfer mechanism 310 Transfer axis 400 Sealing material H through hole

Claims

1. A high-intensity focused ultrasound probe including a cartridge that emits high-intensity focused ultrasound to the skin and a handpiece to which the cartridge is coupled, an external rotating shaft rotated by a motor inside the handpiece; an internal rotating shaft that rotates within the cartridge to move the transducer; and a magnetic coupler that magnetically couples the outer rotating shaft and the inner rotating shaft across the first side wall of the cartridge.

2. The magnetic coupler includes: a first coupler coupled to the external rotary shaft for synchronized rotation; 2. The high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 1, further comprising: a second coupler coupled to the internal rotation shaft and magnetically coupled to the first coupler across the first side wall.

3. 3. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 2, wherein one of the first coupler and the second coupler is a magnetic material and the other is a permanent magnet.

4. the first coupler and the second coupler are permanent magnets; 3. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe of claim 2, wherein the magnetic poles of the first coupler and the second coupler, which are in close contact with each other across the first sidewall, are opposite to each other.

5. 3. The high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of coupling magnets are mounted at equal intervals along a rotation direction on a surface of the first coupler and a surface of the second coupler facing each other with the first side wall interposed therebetween.

6. The coupling magnets mounted on the surface of the first coupler have magnetic poles exposed to the outside arranged alternately in the rotation direction, 6. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe of claim 5, wherein the magnetic poles of the coupling magnets mounted on the surface of the second coupler and exposed to the outside are also arranged alternately in the rotation direction.

7. a plurality of balls or needle pins are provided on a surface of the first coupler and a surface of the second coupler that face each other across the first side wall; 3. The high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 2, wherein the ball or needle pin supports the rotational movement of the first coupler and the second coupler with at least a portion of the ball or needle pin protruding from the surfaces facing each other and contacting the first side wall.

8. a ring-shaped internal rotation guide is formed on the inner surface of the first side wall where the magnetic coupler is located; a ring-shaped outer rotation guide is formed on an outer surface of the first side wall corresponding to the inner rotation guide; 2. The high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 1, wherein the magnet coupler is disposed in an inner coupler receiving portion and an outer coupler receiving portion defined by the inner rotation guide and the outer rotation guide on the inside and the outside of the first side wall, respectively.

9. The magnetic coupler includes: a first coupler coupled to the external rotary shaft for synchronized rotation; 9. The high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 8, further comprising: a second coupler coupled to the internal rotation shaft and magnetically coupled to the first coupler across the first side wall.

10. a first lubricating layer is formed by a lubricant between the first coupler and a first side wall of the external coupler accommodating portion; The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 9, wherein a second lubricating layer is formed between the second coupler and the first sidewall of the inner coupler receiving portion by a lubricant.

11. a screw thread is formed on the circumferential surface of the internal rotating shaft; a movable block having a fastening hole that is threadably engaged with the screw thread is coupled to the internal rotating shaft; The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 1 , wherein the transducer is connected to the movable block.

12. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 11, wherein the internal space of the cartridge is divided into a first space and a second space separated from the first space by a space dividing plate.

13. The first space is filled with a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium, The transducer and the internal rotation shaft are disposed in the first space filled with a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium, The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 12, wherein a circuit board for controlling the transducer is disposed in the second space.

14. At least two or more detection elements for detecting the position of the movable block are mounted at a distance on the circuit board, The high intensity focused ultrasonic probe according to claim 13, wherein the detection element is disposed on a surface of the movable block adjacent to the circuit board.

15. the detection element is a Hall sensor, 15. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 14, wherein the detected element is a permanent magnet.

16. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 12, wherein a shaft for guiding a one-dimensional linear motion of the movable block is disposed in the first space.

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