Leak-proof coupling structure for transducer array of high intensity focused ultrasound generator

Abstract

In the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to the present invention, a plurality of transducers are mounted on the transducer holder, and the transducer holder is detachably coupled to the ultrasound radiation frame, which facilitates individual replacement and repair of each transducer. In addition, the inner surface of the transducer holder and the transducer are sealed by bonding with flexible glue, which can prevent leakage, and the front surface of the transducer is not blocked by glue, which prevents loss of ultrasound energy generated forward from the front surface of the transducer, thereby improving efficiency. In addition, the transducer is fixed in position by bonding with flexible glue between the transducer and the inside of the transducer holder, but the transducer can vibrate, which reduces loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer. In addition, the transducer holder and the ultrasound radiation frame are sealed by a sealing member such as an O-ring, which not only prevents leakage from the front surface of the ultrasound radiation frame to the rear, but also allows the transducer holder to be easily attached and detached from the ultrasound radiation frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides a leak-proof coupling structure for a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator. To make More particularly, the present invention relates to a leak-proof coupling structure for a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator in which multiple transducers are individually mounted on an ultrasound radiation frame by transducer holders, and are sealed to prevent leakage while still being individually replaceable or repairable. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) generator is a device that can treat an affected area without surgery by focusing ultrasound waves generated from a transducer to generate high-intensity ultrasonic energy, which is then irradiated onto the affected area of a patient to raise the temperature of the affected area.

[0003] When using tens or hundreds of transducers in a conventional high-intensity focused ultrasound generator, the transducers are mounted on the front surface of an ultrasound radiation frame, and then the entire front surface of the ultrasound radiation frame is coated with glue to form a waterproof layer, which fixes the transducers and prevents leakage.

[0004] However, since the ultrasonic energy generated forward from the transducers is absorbed by the waterproof layer, there is a problem that the input voltage must be increased to compensate for this. In addition, there is a problem that the ultrasonic emitting frame must be replaced if only one of the multiple transducers fails. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a leak-proof coupling structure for a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator that can block leakage while being easy to replace and repair. Construction The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The leak-proof coupling structure of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to the present invention includes an ultrasound emitting frame having a concave front surface and a plurality of coupling holes formed therein, a plurality of transducer holders inserted into the plurality of coupling holes at the front of the ultrasound emitting frame and detachably coupled to the ultrasound emitting frame through the ultrasound emitting frame, and a plurality of transducers mounted on the plurality of transducer holders with their front surfaces exposed, wherein at least one of the rear surface and the side surface of the transducers is bonded to the transducer holder with an adhesive member, sealing the transducers so that they can vibrate within the transducer holder, and a sealing member is used to seal the transducer holder and the ultrasound emitting frame.

[0007] The transducer holder includes a head portion that is mounted on the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame and has a mounting groove formed therein into which the transducer is inserted and mounted, and a body portion that extends rearward from the head portion, passes through the coupling hole, and is formed to be coupled to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame by a fastening member.

[0008] At least a portion of the side surface of the mounting groove is formed to be open, allowing the transducer to vibrate inside the mounting groove.

[0009] The head portion of the transducer holder is formed with a plurality of support protrusions that protrude from the bottom surface of the mounting groove to support the underside of the transducer and form a separation space between the transducer and the bottom surface.

[0010] The head portion of the transducer holder has a locking protrusion that protrudes from the bottom surface of the mounting groove and is bent inward at its tip to prevent the transducer inserted into the mounting groove from falling out.

[0011] The sealing member includes an O-ring inserted into a ring-shaped groove formed on the back surface of the head portion facing the ultrasound radiation frame.

[0012] The transducer holder has a wire hole through which an electric wire connected to the transducer passes and can be pulled out to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame, and the space between the electric wire and the wire hole is sealed with waterproof glue.

[0013] The body portion of the transducer holder includes a shaft portion extending rearward from the head portion and being pressed into the coupling hole, and a threaded portion extending rearward from the shaft portion, passing through the coupling hole, and then being coupled to the fastening member at the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame.

[0014] The sealing member includes an O-ring fitted onto the shaft portion, and an O-ring pressurizing member fitted onto the shaft portion from behind the O-ring to bring the O-ring into close contact with the rear surface of the ultrasound radiation frame.

[0015] The fastening member is a nut, and the sealing member further includes a washer provided between the O-ring pressure member and the nut.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a leak-proof coupling structure for a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, comprising: an ultrasound emitting frame having a probe disposed at a center of a front surface thereof and having a plurality of coupling holes formed around the probe; a plurality of transducer holders inserted into the plurality of coupling holes at a front side of the ultrasound emitting frame, passing through the ultrasound emitting frame, and detachably coupled to a rear side of the ultrasound emitting frame; and a plurality of transducers mounted on at least some of the open front sides of the transducer holders, respectively. The transducer holder is mounted on the front side of the ultrasound emitting frame and includes a head portion having mounting grooves into which the transducers are inserted and mounted; and a pair of transducer holders extending rearward from the head portion and passing through the mounting holes to form the plurality of transducers. and a body portion formed to be connected to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame by a fastening member and having an electric wire hole formed on the inside thereof through which electric wires connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the transducer pass. At least one of the rear and side surfaces of the transducer holder is bonded to the transducer holder by an adhesive member, and the transducer is sealed to vibrate inside the transducer holder. The electric wires are bonded to the electric wire hole by waterproof glue. A first sealing member is used to seal the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame and the head portion of the transducer holder, and a second sealing member is used to seal the rear surface of the ultrasound emitting frame and the body portion of the transducer holder.

[0017] At least a portion of the side surface of the mounting groove is formed to be open, allowing the transducer to vibrate inside the mounting groove.

[0018] The head portion of the transducer holder is formed with a plurality of support protrusions that protrude from the bottom surface of the mounting groove to support the underside of the transducer and form a separation space between the transducer and the bottom surface.

[0019] The head portion of the transducer holder has a locking protrusion that protrudes from the bottom surface of the mounting groove and is bent inward at its tip to prevent the transducer inserted into the mounting groove from falling out.

[0020] The first sealing member includes an O-ring inserted into a ring-shaped groove formed on the back surface of the head portion facing the ultrasound radiation frame.

[0021] The body portion of the transducer holder includes a shaft portion extending rearward from the head portion and being pressed into the coupling hole, and a threaded portion extending rearward from the shaft portion, passing through the coupling hole, and then being coupled to the fastening member at the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame.

[0022] The second sealing member includes an O-ring that is fitted onto the shaft portion, and an O-ring pressurizing member that is fitted onto the shaft portion from behind the O-ring and presses the O-ring tightly against the back surface of the ultrasound emission frame.

[0023] The second sealing member further includes a washer disposed between the O-ring pressing member and the fastening member.

[0024] The present invention also includes a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator to which the leak-proof coupling structure is applied. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] In the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to the present invention, a plurality of transducers are mounted on transducer holders, which are detachably connected to an ultrasound radiation frame, thereby facilitating the individual replacement and repair of each transducer.

[0026] Furthermore, by sealing the space between the inner surface of the transducer holder and the transducer using flexible glue, leakage can be prevented, but the front surface of the transducer is not blocked by glue, preventing loss of ultrasonic energy generated forward at the front surface of the transducer, thereby improving efficiency.

[0027] In addition, the transducer is attached to the inside of the transducer holder with flexible glue, so that the position of the transducer is fixed but the transducer can vibrate, thereby reducing loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer.

[0028] In addition, the space between the transducer holder and the ultrasound emitting frame is sealed with a sealing member such as an O-ring, which not only prevents leakage from the front to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame but also has the advantage of making it easy to attach and detach the transducer holder from the ultrasound emitting frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a head module of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between an ultrasound radiation frame and a transducer holder according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure between an ultrasound radiation frame and a transducer holder according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a transducer holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the transducer holder shown in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] A high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) generator according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that uses high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The high intensity focused ultrasound generator includes a transducer array in which tens or hundreds of transducers are radially arranged, and can be used not only to treat affected areas of patients with tumors, but also to stimulate the brain to treat Alzheimer's disease, depression, etc., and to apply heat to specific areas to enhance immunity.

[0032] 1 is a perspective view showing a head module of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between an ultrasound radiation frame and a transducer holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the head module of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator includes an ultrasound radiation frame 10, a plurality of transducers 20, and a plurality of transducer holders 100.

[0034] The ultrasound emitting frame 10 has a probe 11 connected to the center of its front surface 10a, and a plurality of connection holes 12 arranged radially around the probe 11. The ultrasound emitting frame 10 has a dish-like shape with a concave front surface so that ultrasound waves emitted from the plurality of transducers 20 can be focused and emitted at one point.

[0035] The plurality of coupling holes 12 are through holes spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. The number of the coupling holes 12 is determined according to the number of the transducers 20.

[0036] The plurality of transducers 20 may include piezoelectric elements. The transducers 20 generate ultrasonic waves when a voltage is applied. The transducers 20 are described as being formed in a disk shape. Dozens or hundreds of the transducers 20 are radially arranged to form a transducer array. The number of the transducers 20 may be determined depending on the ultrasonic energy to be emitted.

[0037] A first electric wire 21 and a second electric wire 22 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the transducer 20, respectively. The first electric wire 21 is connected to the transducer 20 by soldering at the center of the front surface of the transducer 20, and the second electric wire 22 is connected to the transducer 20 by soldering at the center of the rear surface of the transducer 20. The first electric wire 21 and the second electric wire 22 are led out to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 through electric wire holes in the transducer holder 100 and connected to a separate circuit board.

[0038] The transducer holders 100 are detachably coupled to the respective coupling holes 12. The transducers 20 are coupled to the transducer holders 100, respectively.

[0039] 3 to 5, the transducer holder 100 includes a head portion 110 having a mounting groove 110a formed therein into which the transducer 20 is inserted and mounted, and a body portion 120 extending rearward from the head portion 110 and coupled to the coupling hole 12.

[0040] The head part 110 is formed with a diameter larger than that of the coupling hole 12 so as to be placed on the front surface 10a of the ultrasound emitting frame 10. The head part 110 is formed with the mounting groove 110a, the support protrusion 110b, the locking protrusion 110c, and the opening 110d.

[0041] The mounting groove 110a is formed in the front of the head part 110 so as to have an open front surface, and is a groove formed so that the transducer 20 can be mounted therein.

[0042] The support protrusion 110b is a stepped portion that protrudes forward from the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a by a predetermined height and is formed to support the lower surface of the transducer 20. The support protrusion 110b forms a separation space (S) between the lower surface of the transducer 20 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a, thereby forming a passage through which the first electric wire 21 and the second electric wire 22 coupled to the transducer 20 pass, thereby not only stably realizing an electrode structure but also enabling vibration of the transducer 20 to maximize vibration wave energy of the transducer 20. A plurality of the support protrusions 110b are formed and spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals.

[0043] The locking protrusions 110c protrude from the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a and have their tips bent inward to prevent the transducer 20 inserted into the mounting groove 110a from falling off. The tips of the locking protrusions 110c can be modified to any shape, such as a hook shape, as long as they can prevent the transducer 20 from falling off. A plurality of the locking protrusions 110c are formed so as to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which some of the plurality of locking protrusions 110c protrude from the support protrusions 110b.

[0044] The opening 110d is a portion formed by cutting into the side of the mounting groove 110a, and allows the transducer 20 to vibrate within the mounting groove 110a, thereby maximizing the vibration wave energy of the transducer 20.

[0045] It is preferable that the body part 120 extends rearward from the head part 110 and passes through the coupling hole 12. The body part 120 has a diameter smaller than that of the head part 110. A wire hole 120a is formed at the center of the body part 120 so that the first wire 21 and the second wire 22 connected to the transducer 20 can pass through.

[0046] The body portion 120 includes a shaft portion 121 and a threaded portion 122 .

[0047] The shaft portion 121 extends rearward from the head portion 110 and is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to be pressed into the coupling hole 12 .

[0048] The screw portion 122 extends rearward from the shaft portion 121 and has a thread formed on its outer circumferential surface so as to be fastened by a fastening member 150 .

[0049] The fastening member 150 is preferably a nut, but is not limited to this.

[0050] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure between an ultrasound radiation frame and a transducer holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, the transducers 20 are attached to the inside of the transducer holder 100 by adhesive members.

[0052] The adhesive member will be described as an example of flexible glue. A flexible glue layer 200 made of the flexible glue is formed between at least one of the rear surface and the side surface of the transducer 20 and the head part 110. The flexible glue may be made of silicone or epoxy, and any flexible material may be used.

[0053] In this embodiment, the flexible glue layer 200 is described as being formed between the rear surface of the transducer 20 and the supporting protrusion 110b. However, without being limited thereto, the flexible glue layer 200 may also be formed between the side surface of the transducer 20 and the inner surface of the locking protrusion 110c. In other words, the flexible glue layer 200 can be applied to any position as long as it does not block the front surface of the transducer 20.

[0054] Since the transducer 20 is adhered and fixed to the transducer holder 100 by the flexible glue, the transducer 20 can vibrate while the position of the transducer 20 is fixed inside the transducer holder 100, thereby minimizing loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer 20. Furthermore, since no glue is applied to the front surface of the transducer 20, loss of ultrasonic energy radiated forward from the transducer 20 is prevented. That is, since the flexible glue layer 200 is formed only on the back or side surface of the transducer 20 and does not cover the front surface of the transducer 20, there is no restriction on the radiation of ultrasonic energy through the front surface.

[0055] In addition, the transducer holder 100 and the ultrasound radiation frame 10 are sealed by a sealing member.

[0056] The sealing member includes a first sealing member 210 that seals between the head portion 110 of the transducer holder 100 and the front surface 10a of the ultrasound emitting frame 10, and a second sealing member 220 that seals between the body portion 120 and the rear surface 10b of the ultrasound emitting frame 10.

[0057] The first sealing member 210 will be described as including two O-rings, a first O-ring 211 and a second O-ring 212, inserted on the rear surface of the head portion 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the number of first sealing members 210 may be varied. In addition, the first sealing member 210 may be made of various materials such as silicon or rubber other than an O-ring, and may be any other material that has a sealing structure.

[0058] The first O-ring 211 and the second O-ring 212 preferably have different diameters. The first O-ring 211 and the second O-ring 212 are inserted into a ring-shaped groove 110e formed on the rear surface of the head part 110 and are tightly fitted to the front surface 10a of the ultrasound emission frame 10 for sealing.

[0059] The second sealing member 220 includes a third O-ring 221 that is fitted onto the shaft portion 121 of the body portion 120, and an O-ring pressure member 222 that is fitted onto the shaft portion 121 from behind the third O-ring 221 and presses the third O-ring 221 tightly against the rear surface 10b of the ultrasound emission frame 10.

[0060] The O-ring pressurizing member 222 is formed in a ring shape, and has an inclined surface 222a formed on the front surface thereof so that a part of the third O-ring 221 can be placed thereon.

[0061] The second sealing member 220 may further include a washer 223 provided between the O-ring pressing member 222 and the fastening member 150. The washer 223 is not an essential component of the second sealing member 220, but may be included as an additional component. The washer 223 may seal the third O-ring 221 and the O-ring pressing member 222 and serve to secure the transducer holder 100.

[0062] The second sealing member 220 may be made of various materials such as silicon, rubber, etc., in addition to an O-ring or a washer, and may be any other material that has a sealing structure.

[0063] In addition, a waterproof glue layer 250 made of waterproof glue is formed between the wire hole 120a of the transducer holder 100 and the first and second wires 21 and 22. The waterproof glue is the same as the flexible glue.

[0064] In the high-intensity focused ultrasound generator configured as described above, a plurality of transducers 20 are mounted on the ultrasound emitting frame 10 using the transducer holder 100, and the transducers 20 and the transducer holder 100 are bonded and sealed with the flexible glue, thereby preventing leakage from the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 to the interior, even if no glue is applied to the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10.

[0065] Furthermore, since no glue is applied to the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10, the entire front surface of the transducer 20 is exposed, preventing loss of ultrasonic energy radiated forward from the transducer 20. When the front surface of the transducer 20 is covered with a glue layer as in the conventional case, there is a problem in that the ultrasonic energy is absorbed by the glue layer, but in the present invention, since the entire front surface of the transducer 20 is exposed, this problem can be prevented.

[0066] In addition, since the transducer 20 is bonded to the inside of the transducer holder 100 with the flexible glue, the position of the transducer 20 is fixed and no gap is created, but the transducer 20 can still vibrate, thereby reducing loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer 20.

[0067] In addition, since the plurality of transducers 20 are individually mounted through the transducer holder 100, and the transducer holder 100 is detachably connected to the ultrasound radiation frame 10, there is an advantage that the transducers 20 can be individually repaired and replaced.

[0068] In addition, since the plurality of transducers 20 are individually mounted through the transducer holder 100, it is possible to configure the capacitance of at least some of the plurality of transducers 20 differently. For example, it is possible to increase the capacitance of the transducers arranged at the center of the ultrasound emission frame 10, and it is also possible to control the voltages applied to the plurality of transducers 20 differently from each other.

[0069] In addition, the space between the transducer holder 100 and the ultrasound emitting frame 10 is sealed by a sealing member such as an O-ring, which not only prevents leakage from the front to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 but also has the advantage of making it easy to attach and detach the transducer holder from the ultrasound emitting frame.

[0070] Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, the transducers 20 are connected to all of the connection holes 12 of the ultrasound emission frame 10. However, this is not limiting, and the transducers 20 may be provided in only at least some of the connection holes 12 depending on the capacity of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator. When the transducers 20 are provided in only at least some of the connection holes 12, the transducer holders 100 may be connected to all of the connection holes 12, and a holder cover (not shown) for covering the open front surface may be detachably attached to the transducer holders 100 to which the transducers 20 are not connected. The holder cover (not shown) may be made of a different material from the transducers 20 but may have the same shape and be attached to the transducers 20 by glue. Therefore, the number of attached transducers 20 can be adjusted, and the energy capacity of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator can be adjusted.

[0071] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] According to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a leak-proof coupling structure for a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, which is leak-proof and easy to replace and repair, and a transducer array to which the leak-proof coupling structure is applied.

Claims

1. an ultrasonic wave emitting frame having a plurality of coupling holes formed therein; a plurality of transducer holders respectively inserted into the plurality of coupling holes and detachably coupled thereto; a plurality of transducers mounted on the plurality of transducer holders, respectively; The transducer holder includes: a head portion mounted on the ultrasound radiation frame and having a mounting groove formed therein into which the transducer is inserted and mounted; The ultrasonic wave emitting device further includes a first sealing member for sealing between the rear surface of the head portion and the ultrasonic wave emitting frame. Leak-proof coupling structure for a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator.

2. At least one of the rear surface and the side surface of the transducer is bonded to the transducer holder by an adhesive member, thereby sealing the transducer so that it can vibrate inside the transducer holder. The leak-proof coupling structure of the transducer array of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1.

3. 2. The leak-proof coupling structure of a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the side of the mounting groove is formed to be open, so that the transducer can vibrate inside the mounting groove.

4. The head of the transducer holder includes:

2. The leak-proof coupling structure of claim 1, wherein a plurality of support protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the mounting groove to support the underside of the transducer and form a separation space between the transducer and the bottom surface.

5. The head of the transducer holder includes:

2. The leak-proof coupling structure of the transducer array of the high-intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1, wherein a locking protrusion is formed protruding from the bottom surface of the mounting groove and having a tip bent inward to prevent the transducer inserted into the mounting groove from coming off.

6. The first sealing member is 2. The leak-proof coupling structure of the transducer array of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1, further comprising an O-ring inserted into a ring-shaped groove formed on the back surface of the head portion facing the ultrasound radiation frame.

7. The transducer holder includes: a wire hole is formed so that a wire connected to the transducer can pass through and be drawn out to the rear of the ultrasonic wave emitting frame; 2. The leak-proof coupling structure of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1, wherein the electrical wires and the electrical wire holes are sealed with waterproof glue.

8. The transducer holder includes: a body portion extending rearward from the head portion, passing through the coupling hole, and configured to be coupled to a rear portion of the ultrasound radiation frame by a fastening member; The body portion of the transducer holder includes: a shaft portion extending rearward from the head portion and inserted into the coupling hole; 2. The leak-proof coupling structure of a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator as described in claim 1, further comprising: a threaded portion extending rearward from the shaft portion, passing through the coupling hole, and then coupled to the fastening member at the rear of the ultrasound radiation frame.

9. 9. The leak-proof coupling structure of a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 8, comprising: an O-ring fitted onto the shaft portion; and an O-ring pressure member fitted onto the shaft portion from behind the O-ring to bring the O-ring into close contact with the back surface of the ultrasound radiation frame.

10. the fastening member is a nut, a second sealing member for sealing between the rear surface of the ultrasound emitting frame and the body of the transducer holder; The leak-proof coupling structure of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 9 , further comprising a washer provided between the O-ring pressure member and the nut.

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