Electrode structure using a transducer holder for a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator

Abstract

In the present invention, a plurality of transducers are individually mounted on an ultrasound emission frame by a transducer holder, at least a part of the transducer holder is composed of an electrode made of a conductive material, and the front surface of the transducer is electrically connected to the transducer holder by contacting the transducer holder, and the rear surface of the transducer is electrically connected through an electrode wire, so that it is not necessary to solder the electrode wire to the front surface of the transducer, and therefore it is possible to prevent leakage due to a soldering structure and to make the manufacturing easier. Also, the transducer is configured to be placed on a support protrusion of the transducer holder, so that the electrode wire connected to the lower surface of the transducer is prevented from contacting the transducer holder, so that it is possible to prevent a short circuit phenomenon, and the electrode structure is stabilized to enhance the effect of the vibration wave.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator. To make More specifically, an electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, in which a plurality of transducers are individually mounted on an ultrasound radiation frame by a transducer holder, and at least a portion of the transducer holder is formed of a conductive material, thereby simplifying the electrode structure and preventing damage to the transducers. To make Regarding. [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 an electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, which can be easily replaced and repaired while being capable of preventing leakage. Construction The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electrode structure using a transducer holder 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 by penetrating the ultrasound emitting frame, and a plurality of transducers mounted on the plurality of transducer holders with their front surfaces exposed, wherein the surface of the transducer holder is an electrode formed by being coated with a conductive material, and at least one of the front and side surfaces of the transducers is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode, and the back surface of the transducer is coupled to a current supply inserted through a current supply hole formed at the rear of the transducer holder, and current is supplied to the transducers by a potential difference applied between the electrode and the current supply.

[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] The body of the transducer holder is formed with a current supply hole through which the current supply part passes and can be pulled out to the rear of the ultrasound emission frame, and the space between the current supply part and the current supply hole is sealed with waterproof glue.

[0009] The head portion of the transducer holder is formed so that at least a portion of the side surface of the mounting groove is open.

[0010] The head portion of the transducer holder is formed with at least one support protrusion that protrudes 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.

[0011] The support protrusion is made of a non-conductive material.

[0012] 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.

[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 thread 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. The space between the transducer holder and the ultrasound emitting frame is sealed by a sealing member, and 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 tightly contact the O-ring against the rear surface of the ultrasound emitting frame.

[0014] At least one of the back surface and side surface of the transducer is bonded to the transducer holder by an adhesive member, sealing the transducer so that it can vibrate inside the transducer holder, and the transducer holder and the ultrasound radiation frame are sealed by a sealing member, the adhesive member including a flexible glue, and the sealing member including an O-ring inserted into a ring-shaped groove formed on the back surface of the head portion facing the ultrasound radiation frame.

[0015] The current supplying part includes an electrode wire inserted through an electrode wire hole formed in the body part.

[0016] The sides and back of the transducer are coated with at least one of a waterproof material and a non-conductive material.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator includes: an ultrasound emitting frame having a concave front surface and a plurality of coupling holes; a plurality of transducer holders inserted into the plurality of coupling holes at a 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 such that their front surfaces are exposed. The transducer holder is an electrode made of a conductive material, and at least one of the front and side surfaces of the transducers is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode. The back surface of the transducer is coupled to a current supply inserted through a current supply hole formed at a rear of the transducer holder, and a current is supplied to the transducers by a potential difference applied between the electrode and the current supply.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The body of the transducer holder is formed with a current supply hole through which the current supply part passes and can be pulled out to the rear of the ultrasound emission frame, and the space between the current supply part and the current supply hole is sealed with waterproof glue.

[0020] The head portion of the transducer holder is formed with at least one support protrusion that protrudes 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.

[0021] At least a portion of the side surface of the mounting groove is formed to be open, and the supporting protrusion is made of a non-conductive material.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The current supplying part includes an electrode wire inserted through an electrode wire hole formed in the body part.

[0024] The sides and back of the transducer are coated with at least one of a waterproof material and a non-conductive material.

[0025] The present invention also includes a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator to which the electrode structure is applied. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] In the present invention, a plurality of transducers are individually mounted on an ultrasound emission frame by means of transducer holders, and at least a portion of the transducer holder is composed of an electrode formed of a conductive material. The front surface of the transducer is electrically connected by contacting the transducer holder, and the back surface of the transducer is electrically connected through an electrode wire. This eliminates the need to solder electrode wires to the front surface of the transducer, thereby preventing leakage due to a soldering structure and making manufacturing easier.

[0027] In addition, the transducer is configured to be placed on the support protrusion of the transducer holder, which prevents the electrode wires connected to the underside of the transducer from coming into contact with the transducer holder, thereby preventing short circuits and stabilizing the electrode structure, thereby enhancing the effect of the vibration wave. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a head module of a high-intensity focused ultrasonic wave 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. 4 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a transducer holder according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the transducer holder shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an electrode structure using a transducer holder according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The transducer holders 100 are detachably coupled to the respective coupling holes 12. The transducers 20 are coupled to the transducer holders 100, respectively.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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, forming a passage through which the electrode wire 180 connected to the transducer 20 passes, thereby not only stably realizing the electrode structure but also enabling the transducer 20 to vibrate, thereby maximizing the vibration wave energy of the transducer 20. In the following description, a plurality of support protrusions 110b are provided, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and one support protrusion 110b may be provided at the center of the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a. The support protrusion 110b may be formed integrally with the head portion 110, or may be formed by applying a non-conductive material, such as glue, to the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The opening 110d is a portion formed by cutting and opening in the side of the mounting groove 110a. The opening 110d has the advantage of facilitating assembly. In addition, the opening 110d allows the transducer 20 to vibrate within the mounting groove 110a, maximizing the vibration wave energy of the transducer 20.

[0043] The body part 120 preferably 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 current supply hole is formed at the center of the body part 120 so that a current supply part (described later) can pass through.

[0044] The body portion 120 includes a shaft portion 121 and a threaded portion 122 .

[0045] 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 .

[0046] 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 .

[0047] The fastening member 150 is preferably a nut, but is not limited to this.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In addition, the transducer holder 100 and the ultrasound radiation frame 10 are sealed by a sealing member.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In addition, a waterproof glue layer 250 made of waterproof glue is formed between the electrode wire hole 120a of the transducer holder 100 and the electrode wire 180 (described later). The waterproof glue is the same as the flexible glue. In addition, the waterproof glue layer 250 may be formed so that the waterproof glue fills the entire separation space (S).

[0061] Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 4, an electrode structure using the transducer holder 100 will be described as follows.

[0062] The surface of the transducer holder 100 is coated with a conductive material to form an electrode 170, and the inside of the transducer holder 100 is formed of a non-conductive material.

[0063] The electrode 170 is a coating layer formed by coating the entire surface of the transducer holder 100 with the conductive material and is grounded. However, without being limited thereto, the electrode 170 may be formed by coating only a portion of the surface of the transducer holder 100, including a portion that contacts the transducer 20, with the conductive material. The entire surface of the transducer holder 100 may be coated with the conductive material, or only the surface excluding the inside of the head portion 110 or the support protrusion 110b may be coated with the conductive material. If the entire surface of the transducer holder 100 is coated with the conductive material, at least a portion of the side and back surfaces of the transducer 20 may be coated with a non-conductive material to prevent short circuits. Furthermore, if at least a portion of the side and back surfaces of the transducer 20 are coated with a waterproof material, corrosion and fluctuations in output value due to water penetration can be prevented.

[0064] The conductive material may be any material that can be used as an electrode, such as a metal like silver, etc. The non-conductive material will be described as an example of a plastic material.

[0065] Therefore, the front and side surfaces of the transducer 20 are in contact with the electrode 170 and are grounded, and the rear surface of the transducer 20 is connected to a current supply unit.

[0066] The current supply unit will be described as being an electrode wire 180. However, it is not limited to this, and any other device that can supply current, such as a pin or connector, can be used.

[0067] The electrode wire 180 is an electric wire that is connected to the center of the rear surface of the transducer 20 by soldering and is used to supply current to the transducer 20 .

[0068] The electrode wire 180 is arranged to pass through a current supply hole of the transducer holder 100. The current supply hole will be described as an electrode wire hole 120a formed so that the electrode wire 180 passes through.

[0069] The electrode wires 180 are led out to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 through the electrode wire holes 120a and connected to a separate circuit board.

[0070] Here, the electrode 170 is set to either a positive electrode or a negative electrode, and the electrode wire 180 is set to the other of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, so that a current flows through the transducer 20 due to a potential difference applied between the electrode 170 and the electrode wire 180. For example, the electrode 170 may be set to be a positive electrode and the electrode wire 170 may be set to be a ground electrode, or the electrode 170 may be set to be a ground electrode and the electrode wire 180 may be set to be a positive electrode.

[0071] The transducer 20 is placed on the support protrusion 110b, and the separation space (S) is formed between the transducer 20 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a of the transducer holder 100, thereby preventing the electrode wire 180 from contacting the electrode 170, which is the surface of the transducer holder 100, and therefore preventing a short circuit from occurring.

[0072] Therefore, since there is no need to solder electrode wires to the front surface of the transducer 20, it is possible to prevent leakage due to the soldering structure at the front surface of the transducer 20. That is, it is possible to prevent leakage from the front surface of the transducer 20, which is exposed to the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 and comes into contact with liquid, to the interior.

[0073] In addition, since there is no need to solder electrode wires to the front surface of the transducer 20, there are advantages in that the electrode structure is simplified and damage to the transducer 20 is prevented.

[0074] In addition, the high-intensity focused ultrasound generator configured as described above mounts a plurality of transducers 20 on the ultrasound emitting frame 10 using the transducer holder 100, and adheres and seals the transducers 20 and the transducer holder 100 with the flexible glue, thereby preventing leakage from the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 to the inside, even if no glue is applied to the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an electrode structure using a transducer holder according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 7, the electrode structure using a transducer holder according to another embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the entire transducer holder 300 is an electrode formed of a conductive material. The remaining configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, so detailed descriptions of similar configurations will be omitted and the description will focus on the differences.

[0083] The transducer holder 300 is made of the conductive material and is an electrode itself, and the structure and shape are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0084] The conductive material may be any material that can be used as an electrode, such as a metal like silver.

[0085] The front and side surfaces of the transducer 20 are in contact with the electrodes and are grounded, and an electrode wire 180 is connected to the rear surface of the transducer 20 .

[0086] The electrode wire 180 is an electric wire that is connected to the center of the rear surface of the transducer 20 by soldering and supplies current to the transducer 20. The electrode wire 180 is arranged to pass through an electrode wire hole 120a of the transducer holder 100. The electrode wire 180 is pulled out to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 through the electrode wire hole 120a and connected to a separate circuit board.

[0087] Here, the transducer holder 300, i.e., the electrode, is set to either a positive electrode or a negative electrode, and the electrode wire 180 is set to the other of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, so that a current flows through the transducer 20 due to a potential difference applied between the electrode and the electrode wire 180. Alternatively, the electrode may be set as a ground electrode, and the electrode wire 180 may be set as a positive electrode.

[0088] The transducer 20 is placed on the support protrusion 110b, and the separation space S is formed between the transducer 20 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove of the transducer holder 100, thereby preventing the electrode wire 180 from contacting the surface of the transducer holder 300 and preventing a short circuit. In addition, the support protrusion 110b may be coated with or made of a non-conductive material.

[0089] Therefore, since there is no need to solder electrode wires to the front surface of the transducer 20, it is possible to prevent leakage due to the soldering structure at the front surface of the transducer 20. That is, it is possible to prevent leakage from the front surface of the transducer 20, which is exposed to the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 and comes into contact with liquid, to the interior.

[0090] In addition, since there is no need to solder electrode wires to the front surface of the transducer 20, there are advantages in that the electrode structure is simplified and damage to the transducer 20 is prevented. At least a portion of the side and rear surfaces of the transducer 20 is coated with a non-conductive material to prevent short circuits. At least a portion of the side and rear surfaces of the transducer 20 is coated with a waterproof material to prevent corrosion or fluctuations in output value due to water intrusion.

[0091] 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]

[0092] According to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture an electrode structure and a transducer array using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator that is more stable, durable, and reliable.

Claims

1. an ultrasonic wave emitting frame having a plurality of coupling holes formed therein; a plurality of transducer holders, at least a portion of which is made of a conductive material, that are inserted into the plurality of coupling holes, respectively, and detachably coupled; a plurality of transducers mounted on the plurality of transducer holders so that their front surfaces are exposed, At least one of the front and side surfaces of the transducer is in contact with the portion of the transducer holder made of the conductive material, and is electrically connected to and grounded; a rear surface of the transducer is coupled to an electrode wire inserted through a current supply hole formed at the rear of the transducer holder, and is electrically connected to a circuit board disposed at the rear of the ultrasound emission frame; A current is supplied to the transducer by a potential difference applied between the grounded portion of the transducer and the electrode wire, The transducer holder includes a head portion mounted on the front surface of the ultrasound radiation frame and into which the transducer is inserted, and a body portion extending rearward from the head portion, passing through the coupling hole, and formed to be coupled to the rear of the ultrasound radiation frame by a fastening member.

2. The head of the transducer holder comprises:

2. The electrode structure using the transducer holder of the transducer array of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1, wherein a mounting groove is formed in which the transducer is inserted and mounted.

3. The body of the transducer holder includes: the current supply hole is formed so that the electrode wire can pass through and be drawn out to the rear of the ultrasound radiation frame; 2. The electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1, wherein the electrode wire and the current supply hole are sealed with waterproof glue.

4. The head of the transducer holder comprises: The electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 2 , wherein at least a part of the side of the mounting groove is formed to be open.

5. The head of the transducer holder includes:

3. An electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 2, wherein at least one support protrusion is formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the mounting groove, support the lower surface of the transducer, and form a separation space between the transducer and the bottom surface.

6. 6. The electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 5, wherein the support protrusion is made of a non-conductive material.

7. The head of the transducer holder includes:

3. An electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator as described in claim 2, 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.

8. The body portion of the transducer holder includes: a shaft portion extending rearward from the head portion and inserted into the coupling hole; 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, a sealing member is provided between the transducer holder and the ultrasound radiation frame; The sealing member is 2. An electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generator as described in claim 1, 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.

9. 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; a sealing member is provided between the transducer holder and the ultrasound radiation frame; The sealing member is 2. An electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1, comprising an O-ring inserted into a ring-shaped groove formed on the back surface of the head portion facing the ultrasound radiation frame.

10. 2. The electrode structure using a transducer holder of a transducer array of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 1, wherein the side and back surfaces of the transducer are coated with at least one of a waterproof material and a non-conductive material.

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