High Frequency Therapy Handpiece

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handpiece for high-frequency treatment, comprising: a handpiece housing having a first receiving space therein, a circuit board for operating the handpiece installed in the first receiving space, and an open front; a nozzle part detachably coupled to the handpiece housing; an electrode tip having an RF electrode for generating high frequency waves when a power source is applied; a power distribution part installed in the first receiving space, a second receiving space separate from the first receiving space, and a valve supply flow path for receiving a gaseous refrigerant from a housing, the power distribution part applying power to the electrode tip; and an actuator installed behind the first accommodating space, coupled to the electrode assembly, and vibrating the electrode assembly based on a control signal, the electrode assembly including a first body portion having a rear outlet communicating the first accommodating space with the second accommodating space, a nozzle coupling portion coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle portion to close an open area, and a refrigerant supply passage communicating with the valve supply passage to deliver gaseous refrigerant to the electrode tip, the solenoid valve being formed between the refrigerant supply passage and the valve supply passage and controlling the flow of the gaseous refrigerant based on a control signal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a handpiece for high-frequency treatment, and more particularly to a handpiece structure that supplies a low-temperature gaseous refrigerant to prevent burns when high-frequency waves are generated on the skin, and circulates the gaseous refrigerant after heat exchange inside the handpiece to cool the heat generated by various components including electrodes. [Background technology]

[0002] Human skin tissue is composed of the stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis layers, and its functions are deteriorated by aging and the action of ultraviolet rays.

[0003] The epidermis layer is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of multiple layers, such as the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale, depending on their location and function, and is responsible for functions such as protection, defense, and secretion.

[0004] The dermis layer is located below the epidermis layer and adjacent to the stratum basale, making up the majority of the skin. It is composed of the papillary layer, which contains a jelly-like substance containing water, proteins, carbohydrates, mucopolysaccharides, minerals, and inorganic salts, as well as capillaries related to blood circulation and lymphatic vessels that transport lymph, and the reticular layer, which contains collagen, which is a collagen fiber related to wrinkles in the skin, elastin, which is an elastic fiber that gives the skin its elasticity, and matrix (a water reservoir).

[0005] The subcutaneous fat layer is located between the dermis, muscles, and bones, contains a large amount of fat, and constitutes the lowest layer of the skin. It spreads evenly throughout the body, maintaining elasticity and providing a cushioning effect to absorb external pressure and shock, preventing internal damage, and preventing heat loss and maintaining body temperature.

[0006] Meanwhile, as interest in skin increases, various skin care devices related to skin care have been developed, and many skin care hospitals and skin care treatment businesses have been established.

[0007] The most widely known skin treatment method today is to apply radio frequency (RF) to the skin to cause localized thermal damage within the skin, creating microscopic wounds to promote skin regeneration from the epidermis to the dermis, and the microscopic wounds induce cell growth factors to maximize the skin's natural healing and regeneration.

[0008] In the above-mentioned skin treatment method, high heat energy is transferred to the skin via high frequency waves, which may cause burns to the epidermis. Therefore, a refrigerant is provided to the treatment area to cool it down and prevent burns. When water or liquid refrigerant is used, the refrigerant used for cooling is discarded after one use, which may cause a problem of refrigerant waste. In addition, when the above-mentioned water or liquid refrigerant is used, the handpiece becomes heavy, which may cause a problem of strain on the hands and wrists of the practitioner during long-term treatment.

[0009] Meanwhile, in the case of a high frequency device, considerable heat is generated not only from the electrodes but also from the parts that drive the handpiece when high frequency waves are generated. In general, a separate cooling device such as a fan is installed in the handpiece to cool the heat generated. Even in this case, there is a problem that the handpiece becomes heavy as mentioned above. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been proposed to solve such problems, and its object is to provide a cooling structure for a handpiece that can simultaneously cool the treatment area of ​​a patient and the inside of the handpiece. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a handpiece housing having a first accommodating space therein, a circuit board for operating a handpiece being installed in the first accommodating space and having an open front; an electrode tip having a nozzle unit detachably coupled to the handpiece housing and an RF electrode for generating high frequency waves when power is applied; an electrode assembly installed in the first accommodating space, having a second accommodating space separate from the first accommodating space and a valve supply flow path for receiving gaseous refrigerant from a housing, a power distribution unit for applying power to the electrode tip, and a solenoid valve communicating with the valve supply flow path and controlling the flow of the gaseous refrigerant; and an actuator installed in the rear of the first accommodating space, coupled to the electrode assembly, and vibrating the electrode assembly based on a control signal, The electrode assembly includes a first body portion having a rear outlet formed therein that connects the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, a nozzle coupling portion that couples with an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle portion to close an open area, and a refrigerant supply passage that communicates with the valve supply passage to transfer gaseous refrigerant to the electrode tip, and the solenoid valve is formed between the refrigerant supply passage and the valve supply passage and controls the flow of the gaseous refrigerant based on a control signal.

[0012] In the high-frequency treatment handpiece according to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one through hole is formed in a front outer wall of the handpiece housing, and a step portion inserted into and coupled to a fixing groove formed in the nozzle portion and a pressing portion protruding through the through hole of the handpiece housing may be formed on one side of the first body portion of the electrode assembly.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant supply passage is fixed to be positioned on a central axis of the first body portion and communicates with the valve supply passage, and the electrode assembly further includes a second body portion having a passage through hole through which the refrigerant supply passage passes and formed to partition the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and a second flange extending outward from one end of the second body portion, and the power distribution unit may be fitted and fixed to the second body portion.

[0014] The power distribution unit according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed to be fixed on the coolant supply passage, and a plurality of electrode leads may be formed on one surface of the power distribution unit to be electrically connected to the plurality of RF electrodes.

[0015] In a high-frequency treatment handpiece according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second flange has a plurality of through holes formed on corresponding positions of the plurality of electrode leads, and the plurality of electrode leads can each pass through the plurality of through holes to contact the RF electrode.

[0016] The electrode chip according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a distributor that uniformly distributes the gaseous coolant supplied from the coolant supply passage and provides it to the RF electrode, and a side outlet connected to the electrode assembly, and the gaseous coolant that has exchanged heat with the RF electrode can move toward the side outlet.

[0017] In a high-frequency treatment handpiece according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first outlet is formed in one region of the first main body portion, connecting the side outlet and the second main body portion, and the second main body portion is formed with a second outlet that connects the first outlet and the second accommodating space, thereby enabling communication between the refrigerant heat exchange space, the second accommodating space, and the first accommodating space in that order. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the handpiece of the embodiment of the present invention, cooling is performed not only on the entire treatment area but also on the internal space of the handpiece, so it is possible to provide a lightweight handpiece that does not require a separate cooling device, thereby providing the effect of reducing fatigue and strain on the practitioner's hands and wrists during treatment and allowing the practitioner to operate and use the handpiece for a long period of time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a handpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a front side of a handpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a handpiece structure with an electrode tip removed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a top surface of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 6] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a supply flow path of a gaseous refrigerant in a handpiece structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the gaseous refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange moves into an internal space of the handpiece. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In the drawings, like reference numbers refer to the same or similar functionality across various aspects.

[0021] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, specific contents for implementing the present invention will be described based on embodiments, and these embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement the present invention.

[0022] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive: For example, a particular shape, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0023] Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled when properly written.

[0024] The handpiece 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a handpiece housing 110, an actuator 120, an electrode tip 130, and an electrode assembly 140. Hereinafter, each component will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and then the connection relationship of each component will be described again based on the flow path of the gaseous refrigerant.

[0025] <Description of the components of the handpiece> The components of the handpiece 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] The handpiece housing 110 is open at the front and has a first housing space 110S therein. A cable (not shown) that is connected to a case (not shown) is connected to the rear end of the first housing space 110S.

[0027] A circuit board 112 for operating the handpiece is installed inside the handpiece housing 110. The circuit board 112 is electrically connected to a plurality of electric wires and signal lines in the cable. The circuit board 112 is connected to various mechanical / electrical components in the handpiece 100, such as the actuator 120, the RF electrode 131, and the solenoid valve 140V. As a result, the circuit board 112 receives various control signals, such as a control signal for generating high frequency waves, an opening / closing control of the solenoid valve 140V, and a vibration control of the electrode assembly 140, to control the overall operation of the handpiece.

[0028] The rear of the handpiece housing 110 is connected to a case (not shown) via a cable, and at least one through hole 111 is formed on the outer wall on the front side of the handpiece housing 110. This through hole 111 is for coupling with an electrode assembly 140 described below.

[0029] Although the first accommodating space 110S of the handpiece housing 110 is not divided into a front space and a rear space, for convenience of explanation, the first accommodating space 110S will be described as being divided into a front accommodating space and a rear accommodating space.

[0030] The actuator 120 is installed in the rear region of the first receiving space 110S. A drive shaft of the actuator 120 is coupled to a rear surface of the electrode assembly 140 so as to be movable forward and backward. Meanwhile, one end of the restoring spring 120S is fixed to one surface of the handpiece housing 110, and the other end of the restoring spring 120S is fixed to the rear surface of the electrode assembly 140.

[0031] Therefore, when the actuator 120 is operated to move the electrode assembly 140 in the forward and backward directions, the restoring spring 120S restores the electrode assembly 140 to its original position in response to the displacement of the electrode assembly 140. That is, the electrode assembly 140 can vibrate in the forward and backward directions due to the displacement by the actuator 120 and the restoration of the restoring spring 120S. At this time, the frequency of vibration can be changed according to a control signal that operates the actuator 120.

[0032] The electrode tip 130 is configured with a tapered tube-shaped nozzle portion 130N so that it can be attached to and detached from the handpiece housing 110. The side wall of the nozzle portion 130N is inserted so as to be at least partially located between the handpiece housing 110 and the electrode assembly 140. At least one RF electrode 131 that generates high frequency when power is applied is installed to close the open surface of the nozzle portion 130N, and a predetermined distance is provided between the rear surface of the RF electrode 131 and the distribution portion 132 to form a predetermined refrigerant heat exchange space 130S. Meanwhile, when the front surface of the RF electrode 131 is in contact with the skin surface, the RF electrode 131 is capacitively coupled to the skin surface. Depending on the implementation, the RF electrode 131 may be a single electrode or a combination of multiple electrodes.

[0033] The distribution unit 132 is mechanically connected to the coolant supply passage 140I and has a fine passage formed therein so as to supply the gaseous coolant to the entire area on the back surface of the RF electrode 131. In general, when the gaseous coolant is supplied to the RF electrode 131 through a single passage, only the back surface area of ​​the RF electrode 131 located on the same axis as the coolant supply passage 140I is cooled intensively, which causes a problem of a temperature gradient in which the temperature difference becomes greater the farther away from the central area of ​​the RF electrode 131 is generated. Therefore, the distribution unit 132 is formed so that the entire area on the back surface of the RF electrode 131 is cooled uniformly.

[0034] Although not shown in the drawings, a flexible power distribution unit for uniformly supplying power to the RF electrodes 131 or a plurality of electric pads corresponding to the number of the RF electrodes 131 may be further provided on one surface or inside the distribution unit 132. The rear surface of the flexible power distribution unit or the rear surface of the electric pad is electrically connected to the electrode lead 145E of the power distribution unit 145.

[0035] The side outlet 133 is a fine flow passage formed outside the distributor 132 and communicates with the electrode assembly 140 .

[0036] The electrode assembly 140 is a specified housing installed in front of the first accommodating space 110S of the handpiece housing 110, and is formed with a second accommodating space 140S having a space separate from the first accommodating space 110S, and incorporates a power distribution unit for operating the handpiece and has a flow path for transmitting gaseous refrigerant.

[0037] The electrode assembly 140 is installed in the front region of the first accommodating space 110S, and transfers gaseous refrigerant transferred via a soft refrigerant supply tube (not shown) connected to the housing to the electrode tip 130 along a predetermined flow path.

[0038] The electrode assembly 140 has a structure in which a first body portion 141 and a nozzle coupling portion 142 are integrally formed. A second body portion 143 and a second flange 144 are integrally formed and fixedly coupled to the first body portion 141. For ease of explanation, each portion will be described separately as a component.

[0039] The first body 141 has a rear outlet 141H in at least one region thereof, which communicates with the first housing space 110S, and the front side is preferably closed as much as possible or has a closed structure that ensures airtightness. This separates the first housing space 110S from the second housing space 140S. These two spaces are preferably connected only through the rear outlet 141H to form a predetermined closed system in which a gaseous refrigerant can circulate inside the handpiece housing 110. A first outlet 141O is formed in one region of the first body 141, which communicates with the side outlet 133 of the electrode tip 130 and the second body 143.

[0040] In addition, the first body portion 141 is preferably made of a soft material such as plastic that can be deformed to some extent when pressure is applied and has electrical insulation properties, but is not limited to this.

[0041] Meanwhile, a step portion 141B and a pressing portion 141P are formed on the first main body portion 141. The step portion 141B is formed on one side surface of the first main body portion 141. The step portion 141B is inserted into and fitted into a fixing groove formed in the nozzle portion 130N. The pressing portion 141P is also formed on one side surface of the first main body portion 141, and is provided so as to protrude through a through hole 111 formed in the handpiece housing 110.

[0042] As a result, when the patient presses the pressing portion 141P after using up all the parts, the first body portion 141 is deformed, and the step portion 141b falls out of the fixing groove formed in the nozzle portion 130N. As a result, the electrode tip 130 is separated from the handpiece housing 110, and after separation, the patient stops pressing the pressing portion 141P so that the first body portion 141 is restored to its initial state.

[0043] The refrigerant supply passage 140I is formed on the second accommodation space 140S, but is installed on the central axis of the first main body portion 141. Specifically, the refrigerant supply passage 140I is installed by passing through a passage through hole 143H formed in the length direction along the central axis of the second main body portion 143 described later. One side of the refrigerant supply passage 140i communicates with the refrigerant heat exchange space 130S, and the other side of the refrigerant supply passage 140I is mechanically communicated with the solenoid valve 140V.

[0044] The solenoid valve 140V receives a valve open / close signal synchronized with a control signal for generating high frequency waves from a housing (not shown), and generates high frequency waves from the electrode tip 130 and opens the solenoid valve 140V. One side of the solenoid valve 140V is mechanically connected to the refrigerant supply passage 140I, and the other side of the solenoid valve 140V is mechanically connected to the valve supply passage 140A.

[0045] Meanwhile, one side of the valve supply flow path 140A communicates with the solenoid valve 140V, and the other side of the valve supply flow path 140A mechanically communicates with a refrigerant supply tube (not shown) to receive a supply of gaseous refrigerant from a housing (not shown).

[0046] As a result, the cold gaseous refrigerant provided from the housing (not shown) is transmitted to the solenoid valve 140V side via the valve supply passage 140A, and the gaseous refrigerant that passes through the solenoid valve 140V passes through the refrigerant supply passage 140I and is provided to the refrigerant heat exchange space 130S of the electrode tip 130.

[0047] The nozzle coupling part 142 is preferably configured to be coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle part 130N and is provided to close the open area. A space is generated between the electrode tip 130 and the first main body part 141 by the nozzle coupling part 142, and this space is divided as the second accommodating space 140S'. Meanwhile, the space of the first main body part 141 located behind the second main body part 143 will be described as the above-mentioned second accommodating space 140S. The reason for the description of the two spaces being divided is for the convenience of explaining the flow of the gaseous refrigerant later.

[0048] The second main body 143 is installed in the first main body 141 and installed inside the second accommodation space 140S, and may be provided in a predetermined cylindrical shape. A flow path through hole 143H is formed in the length direction along the central axis so that the refrigerant supply flow path 140I is installed to pass through the central axis of the second main body 143. In addition, a second outlet 143O that communicates the first outlet 141O and the second accommodation space 140S is formed on the inner circumferential surface or the bottom surface of the second main body 143.

[0049] The second flange 144 extends outward from one end of the second main body portion 143. A plurality of through holes 144H are formed on the second flange 144 at positions corresponding to the electrode leads 145E. A predetermined open groove 144O is formed in the second flange 144 so that the stepped portion 141b can be displaced in the central axis direction by the pressure of the pressing portion 141P.

[0050] The power distribution unit 145 is fixedly installed on the coolant supply passage 140I, and is installed adjacent to the rear surface of the second flange 144. A plurality of electrode leads 145E are formed on one surface of the power distribution unit 145 to be electrically connected to the RF electrodes 131 of the electrode chip 130. Preferably, the electrode leads 145E are formed to pass through through holes 144H formed on the second flange 144. Thus, the electrode leads 145E can be in contact with and electrically connected to the rear surface of the flexible power distribution unit or the rear surface of the electric pad located on the distribution unit 132 of the electrode chip 130 described above.

[0051] The flow path of the gaseous refrigerant will be briefly described below with reference to FIG.

[0052] <Explanation of the flow path of gaseous refrigerant> The flow path of the gaseous refrigerant will be described in sequence with reference to FIG.

[0053] 1. A gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the valve supply flow path 140A by a refrigerant supplying means (not shown) installed in the housing outside the handpiece 100. [Housing → Valve Supply Flow Path 140A] 2. The valve supply flow path 140A is mechanically connected to the solenoid valve 140V, and when the solenoid valve 140V is opened, the gaseous refrigerant is transferred from the valve supply flow path 140A to the refrigerant supply flow path 140I. [Valve supply flow path 140A → Solenoid valve 140V → Refrigerant supply flow path 140I] 3. The refrigerant supply passage 140I is mechanically connected to the refrigerant heat exchange space 130S of the electrode tip 130, and transmits the gaseous refrigerant that has passed through the solenoid valve 140V to the refrigerant heat exchange space 130S. [Refrigerant supply passage 140I → refrigerant heat exchange space 130S] 4. The gaseous refrigerant comes into contact with the back surface of the RF electrode 131 and heat exchange takes place.

[0054] 5. The gaseous refrigerant after heat exchange passes through the side outlet 133 and is transferred to the second storage space 140S'. [Refrigerant heat exchange space 130S → side outlet 133 → second storage space 140S'] 6. The gaseous refrigerant that has passed through the side outlet 133 collects in the second storage space 140S, and the gaseous refrigerant moves to the second main body portion 143 side via the first outlet 141O. [Second storage space 140S → First outlet 141O → Second main body portion 143] 7. The gaseous refrigerant moves to the second storage space 140S through the second outlet 143O formed in the second main body portion 143. [Second main body portion 143 → Second outlet 143O → Second storage space 140S] 8. The gaseous refrigerant moves to the rear discharge port 141H formed in the first main body portion 141, and cools the actuator 120. [Second housing space 140S → rear discharge port 141H → actuator 120] The present invention has been described above using specific details such as specific components, limited embodiments, and drawings. However, this is merely provided to assist in a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made from such descriptions.

[0055] Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be considered to include not only the scope of the claims described below, but also all things that are equivalent to or have equivalent variations within the scope of the claims, which fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. a handpiece housing having a first receiving space therein, a circuit board for operating the handpiece being disposed in the first receiving space, and an open front side; an electrode tip having a nozzle part detachably connected to the handpiece housing and an RF electrode for generating high frequency waves when a power source is applied; an electrode assembly including a second receiving space, the second receiving space being separate from the first receiving space, a valve supply passage for receiving a gaseous coolant from a housing, a power distributor for applying power to the electrode tip, and a solenoid valve connected to the valve supply passage and controlling a flow of the gaseous coolant; an actuator disposed at a rear of the first receiving space and coupled to the electrode assembly, the actuator vibrating the electrode assembly based on a control signal; The electrode assembly includes: a first main body portion having a rear discharge port that communicates the first storage space and the second storage space; a nozzle coupling portion that couples with an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle portion to close an open area; a coolant supply passage communicating with the valve supply passage for transmitting a gaseous coolant to the electrode tip; The solenoid valve is A high-frequency treatment handpiece, characterized in that a flow of gaseous refrigerant is controlled based on a control signal by a flow path formed between the refrigerant supply flow path and the valve supply flow path.

2. At least one through hole is formed in the front outer wall of the handpiece housing, 2. The high-frequency treatment handpiece according to claim 1, wherein a step portion is formed on one side of the first body portion of the electrode assembly, the step portion being inserted into and coupled to a fixing groove formed in the nozzle portion, and a pressing portion is formed protruding through a through hole of the handpiece housing.

3. the refrigerant supply passage is fixed to be located on a central axis of the first main body portion and communicates with the valve supply passage; The electrode assembly includes: a second body portion formed with a flow passage through hole through which the refrigerant supply flow passage passes and configured to partition the first storage space and the second storage space; and The second body portion further includes a second flange extending outward from one end of the second body portion. The high frequency treatment handpiece according to claim 1 , wherein the power distribution unit is fitted and fixed to the second body unit.

4. 4. The high frequency treatment handpiece according to claim 3, wherein the power distribution unit is fixedly installed on the refrigerant supply passage, and a plurality of electrode leads are formed on one surface of the power distribution unit to be electrically connected to the plurality of RF electrodes.

5. The second flange has a plurality of through holes formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of electrode leads, The high frequency treatment handpiece according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of electrode leads each pass through a plurality of through holes to contact the RF electrode.

6. The electrode tip is A distributor that uniformly distributes the gaseous coolant supplied from the coolant supply passage to the RF electrodes; and a side outlet communicating with the electrode assembly; 4. The high frequency treatment handpiece according to claim 3, wherein the gaseous refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the RF electrode moves toward the side outlet port.

7. A first outlet that communicates the side outlet and the second body portion is formed in one region of the first body portion, The second main body portion has a second outlet formed therein, the second outlet communicating with the first outlet and the second storage space.

7. The high-frequency treatment handpiece according to claim 6, wherein the refrigerant heat exchange space, the second storage space, and the first storage space are connected in this order.

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