Ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system and method for ultrasonic treatment head

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of an ultrasound treatment head, and a method therefor.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of an ultrasound treatment head and a method therefor are provided. In the system and the method therefor according to an embodiment, the supply, discharge and circulation of an ultrasonic transmission medium with respect to the ultrasound treatment head are all possible by means of a single pump. Further, a single system is driven by changing a passage through selective opening and closing of valves in the system according to a material of a membrane, so that there is no need to drive another system separated by the material of the membrane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a therapeutic technique using ultrasound, and more particularly to a technique for treating an ultrasound transmission medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound signals can be used to treat biological tissues such as cancer, tumors, and lesions. Ultrasound therapy is a method of treating lesions in the human body by irradiating the lesion with ultrasound signals. Compared to general surgery and chemotherapy, ultrasound therapy can realize non-invasive treatment with relatively little trauma to the patient. Its application examples are diverse, including liver cancer, bone sarcoma, breast cancer, pancreas cancer, kidney cancer, soft tissue tumors, and pelvic tumors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-2148853 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 0404121 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-237993 [Patent Document 4] JP 2015-089383 A [Patent Document 5] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0113930 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system and method capable of effectively treating an ultrasonic transmission medium for an ultrasonic treatment head are proposed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of an ultrasonic treatment head according to one embodiment includes a fluid tank for storing the ultrasonic transmission medium; a single pump for supplying the ultrasonic transmission medium to the ultrasonic treatment head, discharging it to the fluid tank, and circulating it within the system; and a plurality of valves that are selectively opened and closed. The circulation system includes a circulation system in which the ultrasonic transmission medium is supplied, discharged, and circulated by the pump and the path is changed through the selective opening and closing of each valve.

[0006] The circulation system may include a single pump; paths including a first path connected to an outlet of the fluid tank; a second path connected to an inlet of the ultrasonic treatment head; a second path connected to an inlet of the fluid tank; a third path connected to an inlet of the fluid block; a third path connected to an inlet of the fluid tank; and a fourth path connected to an outlet of the fluid block; and valves including a first valve for selectively opening and closing the first path; a second valve for selectively opening and closing the 2-1 path and the 2-2 path; a third valve for selectively opening and closing the 3-1 path and the 3-2 path; and a fourth valve for selectively opening and closing the fourth path.

[0007] The pump supplies the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank to the ultrasonic treatment head through the first path and the 2-1 path, and during the supply, the first valve is opened, the second valve is opened through the 2-1 path and closed through the 2-2 path, the third valve is opened through the 3-1 path and closed through the 3-2 path, and the fourth valve is closed.

[0008] The pump discharges the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head to the fluid tank through the 3-1 path, the 4th path and the 2-2 path, and during discharge, the 1st valve is closed, the 2nd valve is closed in the 2-1 path and the 2-2 path is opened, the 3rd valve is opened in the 3-1 path and the 3-2 path is closed, and the 4th valve is opened.

[0009] The pump returns the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head through the fluid block via the 2-1 path, the 3-1 path, and the 4th path and back to the ultrasonic treatment head, and during circulation, the 1st valve is closed, the 2nd valve is open through the 2-1 path, the 2-2 path is closed, the 3rd valve is open through the 3-1 path, the 3-2 path is closed, and the 4th valve is open. If the membrane is made of a non-elastic material, the pump circulates the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank from the outlet of the fluid tank through the ultrasonic treatment head and back to the inlet of the fluid tank through the first path, the second path, and the third path, without supplying and discharging the ultrasonic transmission medium to and from the ultrasonic treatment head. During circulation, the first valve is opened, the second valve is opened through the second-1 path, and closed through the second-2 path, the third valve is closed through the third-1 path, and opened through the third-2 path, and the fourth valve is closed.

[0010] The circulation system may further include a cooler coupled to the fluid tank and the fluid block and simultaneously cooling the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank and the fluid block during the supply, discharge or circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium through the pump.

[0011] The circulation system may further include a degassing module that degasses the ultrasonic transmission medium during circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium through the pump.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of the ultrasonic treatment head includes a pump that supplies the ultrasonic transmission medium to the ultrasonic treatment head, discharges it into a fluid tank, and circulates it within the system; and a circulation system in which the supply, discharge, and circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium are performed by changing the path through the selective opening and closing of each valve; and in the circulation system, the selective opening and closing of each valve is performed depending on the material of the membrane.

[0013] If the membrane is made of an elastic material, the pump supplies, discharges, and circulates the ultrasonic transmission medium to the ultrasonic treatment head, and if the membrane is made of a non-elastic material, the pump can circulate the ultrasonic transmission medium by changing the path through selective opening and closing of each valve without supplying or discharging the ultrasonic transmission medium to the ultrasonic treatment head.

[0014] If the membrane is made of an elastic material, the pump can supply the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank to the ultrasonic treatment head through a first path connected to the outlet of the fluid tank and a second path connected to the inlet of the ultrasonic treatment head, discharge the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head to the fluid tank through a third path connected to the inlet of the fluid block, a fourth path connected to the outlet of the fluid block, and a second path connected to the inlet of the fluid tank, and collect the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head through the fluid block via the second path, the third path, and the fourth path back to the ultrasonic treatment head.

[0015] If the membrane is made of a non-elastic material, the pump can circulate the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank from the outlet of the fluid tank through the ultrasonic treatment head and back to the inlet of the fluid tank via a first path connected to the outlet of the fluid tank, a second path connected to the inlet of the ultrasonic treatment head, and a third path connected to the inlet of the fluid tank, without supplying and discharging the ultrasonic transmission medium to and from the ultrasonic treatment head.

[0016] According to another embodiment, a method for circulating an ultrasonic transmission medium by an ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of an ultrasonic treatment head includes a step of checking the material of a membrane; and if the membrane is an elastic material, a step of changing the path by selectively opening and closing each valve and supplying, discharging and circulating the ultrasonic transmission medium by a single pump; and the step of supplying, discharging and circulating the ultrasonic transmission medium includes a supply step in which the pump supplies the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank to the ultrasonic treatment head, a discharge step in which the pump discharges the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head to the fluid tank, and a circulation step in which the pump returns the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head to the ultrasonic treatment head through the fluid block.

[0017] If the membrane is made of a non-elastic material, the method for circulating the ultrasound transmission medium may further include a step of circulating the ultrasound transmission medium in the fluid tank from the outlet of the fluid tank, through the ultrasound treatment head, and back to the inlet of the fluid tank without the pump supplying and discharging the ultrasound transmission medium to and from the ultrasound treatment head. Effect of the Invention

[0018] The system and method according to one embodiment can supply, discharge, and circulate the ultrasound transmission medium to and from the ultrasound treatment head through a single pump, thereby allowing the system to be compact.

[0019] In addition, the system and method according to an embodiment operates by changing the path through selective opening and closing of valves in the system according to the material of the membrane, so there is no need to operate separate systems separated according to the material of the membrane, and therefore, it is possible to process the ultrasonic transmission medium through a single system regardless of the material of the membrane.

[0020] Furthermore, the system and method according to one embodiment can integrate the cooler and the fluid tank to reduce the size of the system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of an ultrasonic treatment head according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of supplying an ultrasonic transmission medium to an ultrasonic treatment head having an elastic membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of discharging an ultrasonic transmission medium from an ultrasonic treatment head having an elastic membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating a circulation process of an ultrasonic transmission medium for an ultrasonic treatment head having an elastic membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram illustrating a circulation process of an ultrasonic transmission medium for an ultrasonic treatment head having a membrane made of a non-elastic material according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method of circulating an ultrasonic transmission medium using an ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of an ultrasonic treatment head according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the method of achieving the same, will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0023] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known function or configuration may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted, and the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions in the embodiments of the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or practice of a user or operator, etc. Therefore, the definitions must be based on the overall contents of this specification.

[0024] The combination of each block of the attached block diagrams and each step of the flowcharts may be performed by computer program instructions (execution engine) that are loaded into a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, and the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate means for performing the functions described in each block of the block diagrams or each step of the flowcharts.

[0025] These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to implement functions in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable memory may produce an article of manufacture that contains instruction means to perform the functions described in each block of the block diagram or each step of the flowchart.

[0026] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device such that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to generate a computer-implemented process, and the instructions for running the computer or other programmable data processing device may provide steps for performing the functions described in each block of the block diagrams and each step of the flowcharts.

[0027] It should also be noted that each block or step may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing a particular logical function, and that in some alternative embodiments, the functions noted in the blocks or steps may occur out of order. For example, two blocks or steps shown one after the other may in fact be performed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks or steps may be performed in the reverse order of their respective functions, if necessary.

[0028] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following detailed embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of an ultrasonic treatment head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] 1, the ultrasound transmission medium circulation system 1 supplies, discharges and circulates an ultrasound transmission medium to an ultrasound treatment head 2 having an accommodation space 23 in which the ultrasound transmission medium is accommodated. The ultrasound transmission medium is a fluid such as water.

[0031] The ultrasound treatment head 2 includes a treatment transducer 20. The treatment transducer 20 is configured to emit focused ultrasound waves for treating a patient. The treatment transducer 20 can generate a focused ultrasound signal (FUS) and focus on a treatment area. The treatment transducer 20 has an array structure composed of multiple treatment transducers 20, and the multiple treatment transducers 20 constituting the array are arranged in a random pattern.

[0032] The therapeutic transducer 20 may have an ultrasound emitting surface 21 at its lower end. The ultrasound emitting surface 21 may be upwardly concave or may have a flat structure. The ultrasound emitting surface 21 is covered by a membrane 22.

[0033] The membrane 22 is attached to the lower end of the ultrasonic treatment head 2 and has a structure to protect the ultrasonic radiation surface 21. The membrane 22 forms a storage space 23 for storing an ultrasonic transmission medium between the ultrasonic radiation surface 21 and the membrane 22. The ultrasonic transmission medium is degassed water or the like. For example, the membrane 22 has a shape that surrounds both the lower opening and a part of the side surface of the ultrasonic treatment head 2, and can be connected to the side surface of the ultrasonic treatment head 2 in a sealed state. The membrane 22 can also be connected to the frame of the ultrasonic radiation surface 21 of the treatment transducer 20 in a sealed state, so it is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0034] The membrane 22 has an acoustic impedance similar to that of the ultrasonic transmission medium. The material of the membrane 22 may be an elastic material or a non-elastic material. The elastic material may be an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, latex rubber, silicone rubber, or the like. When the membrane 22 is an elastic material, the ultrasonic treatment head 2 can adjust the treatment depth. In contrast, when the membrane 22 is a non-elastic material, the ultrasonic treatment head 2 can have a fixed treatment depth.

[0035] An inlet for the inflow of the ultrasonic transmission medium may be formed on one side of the receiving space 23, and an outlet for the discharge of the ultrasonic transmission medium may be formed on the other side of the receiving space 23.

[0036] The ultrasonic treatment head 2 is positioned above the patient and radiates ultrasonic waves through the ultrasonic radiation surface 21 of the treatment transducer 20 with the membrane 22 in close contact with the patient's skin. The ultrasonic waves are then transmitted to the affected area of ​​the patient through the ultrasonic transmission medium in the accommodation space 23.

[0037] The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system 1 includes a circulation system, which includes a pump 10, a fluid tank 12, a fluid block 14, a cooler 16, a degassing module 18, a plurality of paths, and a plurality of valves.

[0038] The fluid tank 12 and the fluid block 14 store an ultrasonic transmission medium. The fluid tank 12 is in an open form, and the fluid block 14 is in a closed form.

[0039] The pump 10 performs a supply function of supplying the ultrasonic transmission medium from the fluid tank 12 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2, a discharge function of discharging the ultrasonic transmission medium from the ultrasonic treatment head 2 to the fluid tank 12, and a circulation function of circulating the ultrasonic transmission medium within the system. A typical system is provided with a supply pump that performs the supply function, a discharge pump that performs the discharge function, and a circulation pump that performs the circulation function, all of which are separate. When multiple pumps are used, the system has a complex structure.

[0040] However, the ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system 1 according to an embodiment can perform all of the supply function, discharge function, and circulation function using a single pump 10. For this purpose, the ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system 1 has a pump 10, a plurality of paths, and a plurality of valves arranged as shown in Fig. 1, and changes the movement path for supply, discharge, or circulation by selectively opening and closing each valve. As a result, the supply, discharge, and circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium are performed by the single pump 10.

[0041] The pump 10 is configured as an electric pump driven by a motor, and is controlled by a control unit that controls the entire system 1.

[0042] The multiple paths are paths for supplying, discharging, and circulating the ultrasonic transmission medium. The multiple paths may be provided in a tubular shape. The multiple paths include a first path 31, a second-1 path 32-1, a second-2 path 32-2, a third-1 path 33-1, a third-2 path 33-2, and a fourth path 34. The first path 31 is formed based on the first valve 41 and is connected to the outlet of the fluid tank 12. The second-1 path 32-1 and the second-2 path 32-2 are formed based on the second valve 42, the second-1 path 32-1 is connected to the inlet of the ultrasonic treatment head 2, and the second-2 path 32-2 is connected to the inlet of the fluid tank 12. The 3-1 path 33-1 and the 3-2 path 33-2 are formed based on the third valve 43, with the 3-1 path 33-1 connected to the inlet of the fluid block 14 and the 3-2 path 33-2 connected to the inlet of the fluid tank 12. The fourth path 34 is formed based on the fourth valve 44 and connected to the outlet of the fluid block 14.

[0043] The multiple valves include a first valve 41, a second valve 42, a third valve 43, and a fourth valve 44. In this case, the first valve 41 and the fourth valve 44 are controlled in one direction, and the second valve 42 and the third valve 43 are controlled in two directions. The first valve 41 selectively opens and closes the first path 31. The second valve 42 selectively opens and closes the 2-1 path 32-1 and the 2-2 path 32-2. The third valve 43 selectively opens and closes the 3-1 path 33-1 and the 3-2 path 33-2. The fourth valve 44 selectively opens and closes the fourth path 34. The multiple valves are controlled by a control unit.

[0044] The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system 1 performs the processes of supplying, discharging and circulating the ultrasonic transmission medium using a single pump 10. The processes of supplying, discharging and circulating the ultrasonic transmission medium will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 4.

[0045] The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system 1 according to an embodiment can perform any circulation process through a single system 1 regardless of the material (e.g., elastic or non-elastic material) of the membrane 22. That is, a separate system suitable for the material of the membrane 22 is not used separately, but one system 1 can be used regardless of the material of the membrane 22. For this purpose, the ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system 1 operates the system 1 by changing the path through selective opening and closing of each valve in the system 1.

[0046] The supply, discharge and circulation process of the ultrasonic transmission medium for the ultrasonic treatment head having the membrane of the elastic material will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Also, the circulation process of the ultrasonic transmission medium for the ultrasonic treatment head having the membrane of the non-elastic material will be described below with reference to Figure 5.

[0047] The cooler 16 is coupled to the fluid tank 12 and the fluid block 14, and simultaneously cools the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 and the fluid block 14 during the supply, discharge or circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium through the pump 10. As the cooler 16 is integrated with the fluid tank 12 and the fluid block 14, the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 and the fluid block 14 can be simultaneously cooled. During ultrasonic treatment, the ultrasonic transmission medium cooled by the cooler 16 is supplied into the receiving space 23 by the pump 10 and mixed with the heated ultrasonic transmission medium in the receiving space 23. Thus, the heated ultrasonic transmission medium in the receiving space 23 is cooled. The cooling of the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 and the fluid block 14 by the cooler 16 can be operated regardless of the order of the supply, discharge and circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium, and is automatically or manually operated above a predetermined temperature.

[0048] The degassing module 18 degasses the ultrasonic transmission medium during the circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium through the pump 10. The degassing module 18 is provided between the pump 10 and the second valve 42. Even if bubbles are generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium in the accommodation space 23 during ultrasonic therapy, the gas components in the ultrasonic transmission medium can be removed by the degassing module 18 as the ultrasonic transmission medium is discharged from the accommodation space 23 and flows, and then can be supplied again to the accommodation space 23. During ultrasonic therapy, bubbles can be generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium by the therapeutic ultrasonic waves. The generated bubbles interfere with ultrasonic transmission and cause the ultrasonic transmission path to change. In addition, the bubbles may adhere to the ultrasonic radiation surface 21, causing a breakdown of the therapeutic transducer 20. Therefore, the above-mentioned problems can be prevented by degassing the ultrasonic transmission medium.

[0049] 2 is a diagram showing a process of supplying an ultrasonic transmission medium to an ultrasonic treatment head having an elastic membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the arrows indicate the flow of the ultrasonic transmission medium.

[0050] 2, when the membrane 22 is made of an elastic material, the pump 10 supplies the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2. For example, the pump 10 supplies the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2 through the first path 31 connected to the outlet of the fluid tank 12 and the second-1 path 32-1 connected to the inlet of the ultrasonic treatment head 2. To this end, the first valve 41 is opened, the second valve 42 has the second-1 path open and the second-2 path 32-2 closed, the third valve 43 has the third-1 path 33-1 open and the third-2 path 33-2 closed, and the fourth valve 44 is closed. That is, in order to supply the ultrasonic transmission medium, the first valve 41 is in an open state, the second valve 42 is in an open state in the direction of the 2-1 path 32-1, the third valve 43 is in an open state in the direction of the 3-1 path 33-1, and the fourth valve 44 is in an open state.

[0051] 3 is a diagram showing a process of discharging an ultrasound transmission medium from an ultrasound treatment head having an elastic membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the arrows indicate the flow of the ultrasound transmission medium.

[0052] 3, when the membrane 22 is made of an elastic material, the pump 10 supplies the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 to the fluid tank 12. For example, the pump 10 discharges the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 to the fluid tank 12 through the 3-1 path 33-1 connected to the inlet of the fluid block 14, the 4th path 34 connected to the outlet of the fluid block 14, and the 2-2 path 32-2 connected to the inlet of the fluid tank 12. To this end, the first valve 41 is closed, the second valve 42 has the 2-1 path 32-1 closed and the 2-2 path 32-2 open, and the third valve 43 has the 3-1 path 33-1 open and the 3-2 path 33-2 closed, and the 4th valve 44 open. That is, in order to discharge the ultrasonic transmission medium, the first valve 41 is in a closed state, the second valve 42 is in an open state in the direction of the 2-2 path 32-2, the third valve 43 is in an open state in the direction of the 3-1 path 33-1, and the fourth valve 44 is in an open state.

[0053] 4 is a diagram showing a circulation process of an ultrasonic transmission medium in an ultrasonic treatment head having an elastic membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the arrows indicate the flow of the ultrasonic transmission medium.

[0054] 4, when the membrane 22 is made of an elastic material, the pump 10 returns the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 through the fluid block 14 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2 again. For example, the pump 10 returns the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 through the fluid block 14 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2 again via the 2-1 path 32-1, the 3-1 path 33-1, and the 4th path 34. For this purpose, the first valve 41 is closed, the second valve 42 has the 2-1 path 32-1 open and the 2-2 path 32-2 closed, the third valve 43 has the 3-1 path 33-1 open and the 3-2 path 33-2 closed, and the 4th valve 44 is opened. That is, for the circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium, the first valve 41 is in a closed state, the second valve 42 is in an open state in the direction of the 2-1 path 32-1, the third valve 43 is in an open state in the direction of the 3-1 path 33-1, and the fourth valve 44 is in an open state.

[0055] During the circulation process, a degassing process is performed by the degassing module 18. The degassing module 18 operates continuously to remove air from within the ultrasound transmission medium to a level that is acceptable for treatment.

[0056] 5 is a diagram showing a circulation process of an ultrasonic transmission medium in an ultrasonic treatment head having a membrane made of a non-elastic material according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the arrows indicate the flow of the ultrasonic transmission medium.

[0057] 5, when the membrane 22 is made of a non-elastic material, the pump 10 returns the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 to the fluid tank 12 again through the ultrasonic treatment head 2. In order to fill the ultrasonic treatment head 2 having the membrane 22 made of a non-elastic hard material with the ultrasonic transmission medium, a process of circulating the ultrasonic transmission medium is required without a separate operation process of supplying and discharging the ultrasonic transmission medium to the ultrasonic treatment head 2.

[0058] For example, the pump 10 circulates the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 from the outlet of the fluid tank 12 through the ultrasonic treatment head 2 to the inlet of the fluid tank 12 again through the first path 31, the second-1 path 32-1 and the third-2 path 33-2 without supplying and discharging the ultrasonic transmission medium to and from the ultrasonic treatment head 2. During circulation, the first valve 41 is opened, the second valve 42 is opened through the second-1 path 32-1 and closed through the second-2 path 32-2, the third valve 43 is closed through the third-1 path 33-1 and open through the third-2 path 33-2, and the fourth valve 44 is closed. That is, for the circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium, the first valve 41 is in an open state, the second valve 42 is in an open state in the direction of the 2-1 path 32-1, the third valve 43 is in an open state in the direction of the 3-2 path 33-2, and the fourth valve 44 is in a closed state.

[0059] During the above-mentioned circulation process, in the initial circulation process, the ultrasound transmission medium circulation system 1 transfers the air in the ultrasound treatment head 2 into the fluid tank 12. In the subsequent circulation processes, the ultrasound transmission medium circulation system 1 removes the air in the ultrasound transmission medium through the degassing module 18 to a level that does not cause problems in treatment.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of circulating an ultrasonic transmission medium using an ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of an ultrasonic treatment head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] 1 and 6, the ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system 1 checks the material of the membrane 22 in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 (610).

[0062] In this case, if the membrane 22 is made of an elastic material (620), the supply, discharge and circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium are performed by changing the path by selectively opening and closing each valve and by using a single pump 10.

[0063] For example, in the supply step, the pump 10 supplies the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2 (630). For example, the pump 10 can supply the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2 through the first path 31 connected to the outlet of the fluid tank 12 and the second-1 path 32-1 connected to the inlet of the ultrasonic treatment head 2.

[0064] In the discharge step, the pump 10 discharges the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 to the fluid tank 12 (640). For example, the pump 10 can discharge the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 to the fluid tank 12 through the 3-1 path 33-1 connected to the inlet of the fluid block 14, the 4th path connected to the outlet of the fluid block 14, and the 2-2 path 32-2 connected to the inlet of the fluid tank 12.

[0065] In the circulation stage, the pump 10 returns the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 through the fluid block 14 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2 again (650). For example, the pump 10 can return the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head 2 through the second-1 path 32-1, the third-1 path 33-1, and the fourth path 34 to the ultrasonic treatment head 2 again through the fluid block 14.

[0066] In contrast, if the material of the membrane 22 is a non-elastic material (620), the pump 10 circulates the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 through the ultrasonic treatment head 2 and back to the fluid tank 12 (660) without supplying and discharging the ultrasonic transmission medium to and from the ultrasonic treatment head 2. For example, the pump 10 circulates the ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank 12 from the outlet of the fluid tank 12 through the ultrasonic treatment head 2 and back to the inlet of the fluid tank 12 through the first path 31, the second-1 path 32-1, and the third-2 path 33-2 connected to the inlet of the fluid tank 12.

[0067] 6, the ultrasonic transmission medium circulation method described above is performed by the control unit of the system 1.

[0068] The present invention has been described above with reference to its preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered from an explanatory perspective, not a limiting perspective. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims, not the above description, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. In the ultrasonic treatment head, the ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system is a fluid tank having an open configuration and a closed configuration for storing an ultrasonic transmission medium; a single pump that supplies the ultrasound transmission medium to the ultrasound treatment head, discharges the medium into the open fluid tank, and circulates the medium through the system; a plurality of valves that are selectively opened and closed; A circulation system in which the ultrasonic transmission medium is supplied, discharged, and circulated by changing the path through selective opening and closing of each valve and the single pump, The circulation system includes: The ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank in the open form is supplied to the ultrasonic treatment head by the single pump, the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head is discharged to the fluid tank in the open form, and the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head is returned to the ultrasonic treatment head through the fluid tank in the closed form, The circulation system includes: The single pump; a first passage connected to the outlet of the fluid tank in the open form; A second-1 path connected to the inlet of the ultrasonic treatment head; a second-2 passage connected to the inlet of the fluid tank in the open form; a fourth passage connected to the outlet of the closed fluid tank; a first valve that selectively opens and closes the first path; a second valve that selectively opens and closes the 2-1 path and the 2-2 path; a fourth valve that selectively opens and closes the fourth path; and Including, The first path and the fourth path are connected to each other, The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system according to claim 1, wherein the single pump is provided between the second valve and a connection point between the first path and the fourth path.

2. The circulation system includes: a third-1 passage connected to the inlet of the closed fluid tank; a third-2 passage connected to the inlet of the fluid tank in the open form; 2. The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system according to claim 1, further comprising a third valve for selectively opening and closing the 3-1 path and the 3-2 path.

3. The single pump comprises: The ultrasonic transmission medium in the fluid tank in the open form is supplied to the ultrasonic treatment head through the first path and the second-1 path; The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, during supply, the first valve is opened, the second valve is opened through the second-1 path and closed through the second-2 path, the third valve is opened through the third-1 path and closed through the third-2 path, and the fourth valve is closed.

4. The single pump comprises: Discharge the ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head through the 3-1 path, the 4th path, and the 2-2 path into the open fluid tank; The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, during discharge, the first valve is closed, the second valve is configured to close the second-1 path and open the second-2 path, the third valve is configured to open the third-1 path and close the third-2 path, and the fourth valve is configured to open.

5. The single pump comprises: The ultrasonic transmission medium in the ultrasonic treatment head is returned to the ultrasonic treatment head through the second-1 path, the third-1 path, and the fourth path through the fluid tank in the closed form; The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, during circulation, the first valve is closed, the second valve is opened through the second-1 path and closed through the second-2 path, the third valve is opened through the third-1 path and closed through the third-2 path, and the fourth valve is opened.

6. The single pump comprises: If the membrane is made of a non-elastic material, the ultrasonic transmission medium in the open-type fluid tank is circulated from the outlet of the open-type fluid tank through the ultrasonic treatment head and the inlet of the open-type fluid tank again through the first path, the second-1 path and the third-2 path without supplying and discharging the ultrasonic transmission medium to and from the ultrasonic treatment head; The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, during circulation, the first valve is opened, the second valve is opened through the second-1 path and closed through the second-2 path, the third valve is closed through the third-1 path and opened through the third-2 path, and the fourth valve is closed.

7. The circulation system includes:

2. The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system of claim 1, further comprising a cooler coupled to the open type fluid tank and the closed type fluid tank, for simultaneously cooling the ultrasonic transmission medium in the open type fluid tank and the closed type fluid tank during the supply, discharge or circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium through the single pump.

8. The circulation system includes:

2. The ultrasonic transmission medium circulation system according to claim 1, further comprising a degassing module for degassing the ultrasonic transmission medium during circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium through the single pump.

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