High intensive focused ultrasound probe

Abstract

To provide a high intensive focused ultrasound probe which can effectively suppress an increase in temperature of an ultrasonic transmission medium filled therein.SOLUTION: A high intensive focused ultrasound probe according to the present invention includes: a cartridge with an internal space filled with a liquid ultrasound transmission medium; a handpiece to which the cartridge is coupled; a transducer arranged within the internal space of the cartridge and generating, from an input power source, and output high intensive focused ultrasound; and a shaft for guiding one-dimensional linear motion of the transducer with respect to a specific direction in the internal space. The shaft is configured in a hollow pipe form with an inner hollow space, and the shaft in the hollow pipe form also functions as a heat exchanging pipe for circulating a cooling medium in the internal space. This can suppress an increase in temperature of a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium filled in the internal space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

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] Conventional high-intensity focused ultrasound devices generally incorporate the transducer in a cartridge that comes into direct physical contact with the skin. To more effectively transmit the high-intensity focused ultrasound generated by the transducer to the skin, the inside of the cartridge is filled with a liquid ultrasound transmission medium, and degassed water (water with air removed) is commonly used as the ultrasound transmission medium.

[0005] The ultrasonic transmission medium vibrates with ultrasound and transmits the high-intensity focused ultrasound generated by the transducer to the skin as mentioned above. Therefore, in the process of transmitting ultrasound, friction between particles due to vibration inevitably causes the temperature to rise (to approximately 45-50°C). This causes discomfort to the user and, in severe cases, can even cause burns. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [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]

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a high-intensity focused ultrasonic probe that can effectively suppress the temperature rise of an ultrasonic transmission medium (e.g., degassed water) filled therein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to the present invention is a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that emits high-intensity focused ultrasound to the skin, and includes a cartridge whose internal space is filled with a liquid ultrasound transmission medium, a handpiece to which the cartridge is coupled, a transducer that is disposed in the internal space of the cartridge and generates and outputs high-intensity focused ultrasound from an input power source, and a shaft that guides the one-dimensional linear motion of the transducer in a specific direction in the internal space.

[0009] In an embodiment, the shaft may be configured as a hollow tube having an open interior, and the hollow tube-shaped shaft may also serve as a heat exchange tube for circulating a cooling medium in the interior space. In this case, the cooling effect of the cooling medium circulating in the interior space along the shaft can suppress a temperature rise of the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium filled in the interior space.

[0010] In an embodiment, the shaft may include a first pipe portion into which the cooling medium flows through an inlet formed on a first side wall of the cartridge, a second pipe portion parallel to the first pipe portion and from which the cooling medium is discharged through an outlet formed on the first side wall, and a connecting pipe portion connecting the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion so that the cooling medium can flow.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the connecting pipe portion may protrude outside a second side wall of the cartridge opposite the first side wall and be exposed to the outside (air). In this case, as the cooling medium passes through the exposed connecting pipe portion, some of the heat is released into the air, allowing the cooling medium to recover its cooling performance.

[0012] A heat dissipation fin may be attached to the surface of the connecting pipe portion that protrudes outside the first side wall and is exposed to the outside. In this case, the heat dissipation fin attached to the surface of the connecting pipe portion can further restore the cooling performance of the coolant.

[0013] In another embodiment, the connecting pipe may be disposed in the internal space of the cartridge. In this case, since the connecting pipe is not exposed to the outside, it is difficult to expect the cooling performance recovery effect of the cooling medium due to heat exchange with the outside air, but it has the advantage of being an advantageous structure from the viewpoint of making the device smaller and more compact.

[0014] In an embodiment, a supply pipe leading from the outside to the inside of the handpiece may be connected to the inlet of the first tube portion through a first connection port, and a discharge pipe leading from the inside of the handpiece to the outside may be connected to the outlet of the second tube portion through a second connection port.

[0015] In an embodiment, the cooling medium may be water or air. When the cooling medium is water, the first and second connection ports may be provided with check valves to prevent backflow of the cooling medium, that is, to ensure that the cooling water flows only in one predetermined direction.

[0016] In this case, the check valve of the first connection port may be positioned so that the cooling medium flows only in the direction of the first pipe section in the supply pipe, and the check valve of the second connection port may be positioned so that the cooling medium flows only in the direction of the discharge pipe in the second pipe section.

[0017] In an embodiment, the transducer is coupled to a movable block that moves along the shaft, and can perform one-dimensional linear reciprocating motion in a specific direction together with the movable block.

[0018] The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to the present invention may further include an external rotating shaft rotated by a motor inside the handpiece, an internal rotating shaft rotating inside the cartridge to move the transducer, and a magnetic coupler magnetically coupling the external rotating shaft and the internal rotating shaft across a first side wall of the cartridge.

[0019] Here, 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. 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 at least a portion of the balls or needle pins can support rotational motion of the first coupler and the second coupler with the balls or needle pins protruding from the surfaces that face each other and in contact with the first side wall.

[0023] A ring-shaped inner rotation guide may be further formed on an inner surface of the first side wall where the magnetic coupler is located, and a ring-shaped outer rotation guide may be further formed on an outer surface of the first side wall corresponding to the inner rotation guide. In this case, the magnetic coupler may be disposed in an internal coupler accommodating section and an external coupler accommodating section defined by the internal rotation guide and the external rotation guide on the inside and outside of the first side wall, respectively.

[0024] 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.

[0025] In one embodiment, the internal rotation shaft may be configured in the form of a lead screw having a thread formed on its circumferential surface, and the movable block may be formed with a fastening hole that is threadedly engaged with the thread of the internal rotation shaft. In this way, when the internal rotation shaft rotates, the movable block moves linearly along the internal rotation shaft due to the rotational movement, thereby enabling skin treatment or treatment for a wider area.

[0026] In an embodiment, the internal space of the cartridge may be divided into the first space and a second space separated from the first space by a space dividing plate. In this case, the first space may be filled with a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium, the transducer and the internal rotation axis may be arranged in the first space filled with the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium, and a circuit board that controls the transducer may be arranged in the second space.

[0027] In an embodiment, at least two or more detecting elements for detecting the position of the movable block may be mounted at a distance on the circuit board, and a detected element may be disposed on a surface of the movable block adjacent to the circuit board. Here, the detecting element may preferably be a Hall sensor, and the detected element may be a permanent magnet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, a cooling medium (cooling water or cold air) moves along the shaft that guides the linear motion of the transducer inside the cartridge, cooling the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium (e.g., degassed water) filled in the cartridge. This prevents the temperature rise of the cartridge and solves the problems of the prior art, such as discomfort and burns caused by the rise in cartridge temperature.

[0029] In particular, since the shaft also serves as a heat exchanger (cooling pipe) for cooling the ultrasonic transmission medium, no additional structure is required to suppress the temperature rise of the cartridge. In other words, it has the advantage of being an efficient structure that can realize stable linear movement of the transducer and cartridge cooling with a single shaft, and since no additional structure is required for realizing cooling, it is possible to provide a highly functional product with added cooling function at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 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 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a preferred embodiment of a shaft disposed in an internal space (first space) of a cartridge of a high-intensity focused ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing another preferred embodiment of the shaft. [Figure 5] 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the magnet coupler shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the magnet coupler shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the magnet coupler shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing a modified example of the magnet coupler shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing preferred modifications of the first side wall shown in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] For reference, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar components are denoted 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.

[0033] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, and in addition, it is made clear that the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed in the specification, and that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, 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.

[0034] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may also be other components in between.

[0035] On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," "have," and the like, when used in describing embodiments of the present invention, are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, and should be understood not to preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Furthermore, when a component is said to be "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component, it does not only mean that the component is placed "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" the other component immediately adjacent to it, unless there are special circumstances, but also includes the case where another component is placed between them.

[0037] The drawings are intended to help the reader understand the concept of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the relative thickness, length, and size in the drawings may be exaggerated for the convenience and clarity of the description.

[0038] 1 is a schematic diagram showing 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, a 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The main body 2 may further include a peripheral device interface unit for transferring data with various types of external devices. For example, it may include a memory card port, an external device I / O (Input / Output) port, etc. The main body 2 may be connected to the ultrasound probe 3 via wired or wireless communication to control the ultrasound probe 3. The ultrasound probe 3 may include a cartridge 4 and a handpiece 5. The cartridge 4 may include a transducer 46 (see FIG. 2) that generates high-intensity focused ultrasound. The cartridge 4 equipped with the transducer 46 is detachably coupled to the handpiece 5, allowing it to be replaced with a cartridge 4 that generates high-intensity focused ultrasound suitable for the treatment purpose or treatment site.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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 (not shown) 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.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of a high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention will be discussed.

[0047] 2 is a schematic diagram of a high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, an ultrasound 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 and treatment site.

[0048] 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. 1) by wire or wirelessly, thereby allowing signals and information (e.g., transducer drive or control signals and transducer position information) to be exchanged.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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. 2). 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. The interior of 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 cartridge 4 filled with the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium. 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. 2) inside cartridge 4.

[0051] The handpiece 5 may include a motor 52 for realizing one-dimensional (linear) movement of the ultrasonic transducer 46 in a 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.

[0052] A space dividing plate 43 may be provided inside the cartridge 4. The internal space of the cartridge 4 may be separated into a first space S1 and a second space S2 that are isolated from each other by the space dividing plate 43. In this case, a transducer 46 may be disposed in the first space S1 and may be 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The internal rotation shaft 44 may have a lead screw shape 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 a movable block 45, and the movable block 45 may be screwed to the internal rotation shaft 44 through a fastening hole. As a result, the transducer 46 can move linearly together with the movable block 45 that moves on the internal rotation shaft 44 when the internal rotation shaft 44 rotates.

[0056] A shaft 47 may be provided in the first space S1. The shaft 47 guides the one-dimensional linear movement of the transducer 46, more specifically, the movable block 45 supporting the transducer 46, in the specific direction in the first space. This allows the one-dimensional linear movement of the movable block 45 in the first space S1 (linear reciprocating movement due to rotation of the internal rotation shaft) to be stably implemented without shaking.

[0057] The shaft 47 may also function as a heat exchange tube that circulates the cooling medium in the first space S1. To this end, the shaft 47 may be configured as a hollow pipe with an open interior. In this case, the cooling medium can absorb heat from the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium as it moves along the hollow pipe-shaped shaft 47 (along the shaft internal space). In other words, the cooling action of the cooling medium flowing through the shaft 47 can prevent the ultrasonic transmission medium from overheating.

[0058] The shaft 47, which guides the movable block 45 supporting the transducer 46 within the cartridge 4 so that it can move linearly stably and also serves to cool the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium inside the cartridge 4 (first space S1), will be considered in more detail below with reference to Figure 3.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 recognized position value can be used to control the position of the movable block 45 by the motor 52.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a preferred embodiment of a shaft disposed in the internal space (first space) of the cartridge of the high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] 3 and the above-mentioned FIG. 2, the shaft 47 serves as a guide and heat exchange tube for guiding the linear movement of the movable block 45. In an embodiment, the shaft 47 may include a first tube portion 470 parallel to the internal rotation axis 44 and a second tube portion 474 parallel to the first tube portion 470. The shaft 47 may also include a connecting tube portion 472 connecting the first tube portion 470 and the second tube portion 474. The first pipe portion 470 may have an inlet 471 on the first side wall 40-1 side of the cartridge 4. The second pipe portion 474 may have an outlet 475 on the first side wall 40-1 side. The cooling medium flows into the first pipe portion 470 through the inlet 471, passes through the connecting pipe portion 472 and the second pipe portion 474 in this order, and is then discharged to the outside of the cartridge 4 through the outlet 475. During this process, the ultrasonic transmission medium may be cooled by the cooling action of the cooling medium.

[0064] 3(a), the connecting pipe portion 472 may be exposed to the outside (to the air) by protruding outward from the second side wall 40-2 of the cartridge 4 on the opposite side of the first side wall 40-1 (the side facing the first side wall 40-1). In this case, part of the heat absorbed by the cooling medium inside the cartridge 4 while flowing along the first pipe portion 470 is released into the air through the connecting pipe portion 472 exposed to the outside, allowing the cooling medium to recover its cooling performance.

[0065] 3(b), heat dissipation fins 473 may be attached to the connecting pipe portion 472. The heat dissipation fins 473 may be attached or formed on the surface of the connecting pipe portion 472 that protrudes outward from the first side wall 40-1 and is exposed to the outside (air). In this case, the heat dissipation fins 473 attached to the surface of the connecting pipe portion 472 increase the surface area of ​​the connecting pipe portion 472 that comes into contact with the outside air, thereby allowing the cooling performance of the coolant to be restored more quickly.

[0066] 4 is a schematic plan view of the present invention showing another preferred embodiment of the shaft, in which the connecting pipe portion 472 may be structured to be completely embedded in the internal space (first space) of the cartridge 4. In this case, since the connecting pipe portion 472 is not exposed to the outside, it is difficult to expect the same effect as in the previous embodiment (see FIG. 3) (the effect of recovering the cooling performance of the cooling medium by heat exchange with the external air), but it has the advantage of being advantageous from the viewpoint of making the device smaller and more compact.

[0067] The inlet 471 of the first pipe portion 470 and the outlet 475 of the second pipe portion 474 may be provided with a first connection port C1 and a second connection port C2. The inlet 471 can be fluidly connected to a supply pipe H1 that is drawn into the interior of the handpiece 5 from the outside through the first connection port C1, and the inlet 471 can be fluidly connected to an outlet pipe H2 that is drawn from the interior of the handpiece 5 to the outside through the second connection port C2.

[0068] The first connection port C1 and the second connection port C2 may be a tube-type fluid coupler. The first connection port C1 and the second connection port C2 may be a known quick coupler composed of, for example, a socket part and a plug part. In this case, when the cartridge 4 is connected to a specified position of the handpiece 5, the socket part and the plug part, which were previously separated from each other, are connected in a one-touch manner, thereby interconnecting the inlet 471 and the supply pipe H1, and the outlet 475 and the discharge pipe H2.

[0069] The cooling medium that removes heat from the ultrasonic transmission medium while flowing along the shaft 47 may be water or air. The cooling medium is cooled by a cooling module, for example, a chiller, provided in the main body 2 (see FIG. 1), and is supplied to the first pipe part 470 of the shaft 47 through the supply pipe H1 by driving a pump (not shown), and then passes through the connecting pipe part 472 and the second pipe part 474 and is re-entered into the cooling module through the discharge pipe H2, thereby circulating.

[0070] When the cooling medium is water, the first connection port C1 and the second connection port C2 may be provided (or incorporated) with check valves (reference numeral omitted) to prevent backflow of the cooling medium, i.e., to ensure that the cooling water flows only in one predetermined direction. In this case, the check valve of the first connection port C1 may be arranged so that the cooling medium flows only in the direction of the first pipe section 470 through the supply pipe H1, and the check valve of the second connection port C2 may be arranged so that the cooling medium flows only in the direction of the discharge pipe H2 through the second pipe section 474.

[0071] Meanwhile, the outer rotating shaft 54 ​​and the inner rotating shaft 44 may be physically coupled to synchronize their rotations (see FIG. 2 above). Such coupling (i.e., connection) may be performed in a direct or indirect manner, and the present invention is not limited to such a coupling method, and the outer rotating shaft 54 ​​and the inner rotating shaft 44 may be connected in various ways.

[0072] For example, according to one embodiment, the outer rotating shaft 54 ​​and the inner rotating shaft 44 may be indirectly coupled to each other across the first side wall 40-1 of the cartridge 4 via the magnetic coupler 6, and thus may be synchronized in rotation. That is, they may be magnetically coupled across the first side wall 40-1 via the magnetic coupler 6. The magnetic coupler 6 may include a pair of couplers 60a, 60b. The pair of couplers may be a coupler (hereinafter referred to as a "first coupler") provided on the outer rotating shaft 54 ​​and a coupler (hereinafter referred to as a "second coupler") 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 sidewall 40-1, and the second coupler 60b may be configured at the end of the inner rotating shaft 44 adjacent to the first sidewall 40-1.

[0073] The first coupler 60a is configured integrally with or coupled to the end of the external rotating shaft 54, thereby enabling integrated rotational motion with the external rotating shaft 54. The second coupler 60b is configured integrally with 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 40-1, enabling synchronized rotational motion with the first coupler 60a. Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the magnetic coupler shown in Figure 2.

[0074] As an example, as shown in Figure 5, one of the first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b may be made of a circular permanent magnet, and the other may be made of 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 made of a magnetic material (see Figure 5(a)). Conversely, if the first coupler 60a is a magnetic material, the second coupler 60b may be made of a permanent magnet (see Figure 5(b)).

[0075] 6, both the first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b may be made of permanent magnets, preferably circular permanent magnets, for magnetic coupling. 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 40-1, may be opposite to each other so that an attractive force acts between them.

[0076] In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling can 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 40-1, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0077] 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. 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.

[0078] The first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b, which implement the coupling between the shafts (internal and external rotating shafts), are indirectly connected by magnetic coupling across the first sidewall 40-1. Therefore, the portions of the first sidewall 40-1 that come into direct contact with each coupler during rotation may wear out. The wear accelerates as the rotation speed increases, which may shorten the lifespan of the device. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate a method for suppressing or delaying this wear into the configuration.

[0079] 8, 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 sidewall 40-1. At least a portion of the balls 66 or needle pins may protrude from the surfaces 62a and 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 sidewall 40-1, thereby significantly reducing wear on the first sidewall 40-1.

[0080] As described above, the first coupler 60a and the second coupler 60b may be indirectly coupled via the first sidewall 40-1 by magnetic coupling. Therefore, during the process of transmitting the rotational force, the coaxiality between the two couplers may be lost, which may result in a loss of the rotational force. Therefore, it is preferable to incorporate a method for stably maintaining the coaxiality between the two couplers into the configuration.

[0081] 9, a ring-shaped internal rotation guide 41 may be formed on the inner surface of the first side wall 40-1, and a ring-shaped external rotation guide 42 may be formed on the outer surface of the first side wall 40-1 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 40-1, thereby preventing misalignment of the coaxiality.

[0082] 9, 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.

[0083] 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 of the first side wall 40-1. Furthermore, the lubricating action of the lubricating layers L1, L2 reduces the rotational load during coupler rotation, reducing power consumption and improving the overall energy efficiency of the device.

[0084] However, as mentioned above, it should be understood that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the coupling method between the external rotating shaft 54 ​​and the internal rotating shaft 44 shown in Figures 2 and 5, and that the coupling method described with reference to Figure 2 is merely one example of various types. In other words, it should be understood that various coupling methods can be applied to the structure of the shaft 47 serving as a heat exchange tube described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, in addition to the coupling method described with reference to Figures 2 and 5.

[0085] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium moves along the shaft that guides the linear motion of the transducer inside the cartridge, cooling the liquid ultrasonic transmission medium (e.g., degassed water) filled in the cartridge. This makes it possible to suppress the temperature rise of the cartridge, and to solve the problems of the prior art, such as discomfort and burns caused by the rise in cartridge temperature.

[0086] In particular, since the shaft also serves as a heat exchanger (cooling pipe) for cooling the ultrasonic transmission medium, no additional structure is required to suppress the temperature rise of the cartridge. In other words, it has the advantage of being an efficient structure that can realize stable linear movement of the transducer and cartridge cooling with a single shaft, and since no additional structure is required for realizing cooling, it is possible to provide a highly functional product with added cooling function at low cost.

[0087] The above description is an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0088] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, not limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. 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]

[0089] 1 Skin treatment equipment 2 Main unit 3 Ultrasound probe 4 cartridges 5 Handpieces 6 Magnetic Coupler 40-1 First side wall 40-2 Second 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 side 62b side 64a, 64b Coupling magnet 66 balls 470 1st Pipe Section 471 Inlet 472 Connecting pipe section 473 Heat dissipation fin 474 Second Pipe Section 475 Outlet C1 First connection port C2 Second connection port L1 1st lubrication layer L2 2nd lubrication layer H1 Supply Pipe H2 discharge pipe

Claims

1. A high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that emits high-intensity focused ultrasound to the skin, A cartridge whose internal space is filled with a liquid ultrasonic transmission medium. a handpiece to which the cartridge is coupled; a transducer disposed in the internal space of the cartridge, which generates and outputs high-intensity focused ultrasonic waves from an input power source; a shaft that guides one-dimensional linear motion of the transducer in a specific direction in the internal space; The shaft is configured in the form of a hollow tube with an open interior, A high intensity focused ultrasonic probe, characterized in that the shaft in the form of a hollow tube also serves as a heat exchange tube for circulating a cooling medium in the internal space.

2. The shaft a first pipe portion into which a cooling medium flows through an inlet formed on a first side wall of the cartridge; a second pipe portion that is parallel to the first pipe portion and through which the cooling medium inside is discharged through an outlet formed on the first side wall; The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 1 , further comprising a connecting pipe portion that connects the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion so that a cooling medium can flow between them.

3. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the connecting pipe protrudes outside a second side wall of the cartridge opposite to the first side wall and is exposed to the outside.

4. 4. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 3, wherein a heat dissipation fin is attached to a surface of the connecting pipe portion that protrudes outward from the first side wall and is exposed to the outside.

5. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 2 , wherein the connecting pipe portion is disposed in the internal space.

6. a supply pipe that is drawn into the handpiece from the outside is connected to the inlet of the first pipe portion through a first connection port; 3. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 2, wherein an outlet of the second tube portion is connected to an outlet pipe extending from the inside of the handpiece to the outside through a second connection port.

7. a check valve is provided between the first connection port and the second connection port to allow the cooling medium to flow only in one direction; the check valve of the first connection port is arranged so that the cooling medium flows only in the direction of the first pipe portion in the supply pipe; The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 6, wherein the check valve of the second connection port is arranged so that the coolant flows only in the direction of the exhaust pipe in the second pipe portion.

8. 2. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the transducer is coupled to a movable block that moves along the shaft.

9. an external rotating shaft rotated by a motor inside the handpiece; an internal rotating shaft that rotates within the cartridge and moves the transducer; and 9. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe of claim 8, further comprising a magnetic coupler that magnetically couples the outer rotating shaft and the inner rotating shaft across the first side wall of the cartridge.

10. The magnetic coupler includes: a first coupler coupled to the external rotary shaft for synchronized rotation; 10. The high-intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 9, further comprising: a second coupler coupled to the internal rotation shaft and magnetically coupled to the first coupler across the first side wall.

11. a screw thread is formed on the circumferential surface of the internal rotating shaft; The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 9, wherein the movable block has a fastening hole formed therein to be threadedly engaged with the thread of the internal rotary shaft.

12. The high intensity focused ultrasound probe according to claim 9, 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.

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