Handpiece for treatment device

Abstract

To provide a handpiece for a treatment apparatus, which is configured to separate an energy transfer space and a refrigerant transfer space, and includes a configuration for dual insulation from a refrigerant tube.SOLUTION: According to the disclosure, a handpiece for a treatment apparatus is improved in convenience because medical staff does not feel cold even when cooling fluid is used in the handpiece. In addition, the handpiece is improved in safety because heat generated from internal heating elements can be efficiently removed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handpiece, and more particularly, to a handpiece that can maintain an appropriate temperature even during the use of a treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] Devices that apply energy to skin tissue to modify the tissue are widely used as skin treatment devices. During skin treatment, the treatment method varies depending on individual differences such as different facial shapes and treatment areas for each patient. Skin treatment devices are equipped with a handpiece to apply to individual differences and different treatment methods. The medical team changes the treatment position while holding the handpiece or adjusts the treatment method or the like in order to achieve the optimal treatment effect.

[0003] Currently, widely known skin treatment devices mainly apply energy to heat the tissue. Recently, skin treatment devices are equipped with a cooling unit that can cool the tissue so as to prevent the tissue from being heated to too high a temperature and causing permanent damage, as in Patent Document 1 filed and registered by the present applicant.

[0004] The configuration for temperature change applied to such a conventional handpiece has a problem that it may cause inconvenience to the medical team that holds and uses the handpiece by hand or may damage the tissue of the medical team.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a handpiece for a treatment device that can minimize user inconvenience caused by temperature changes when using conventional handpieces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a means of solving the aforementioned problem, a handpiece for a therapeutic device is provided, which includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to the first housing and configured to define an energy transfer space on the inside and a refrigerant transfer space on the outside, a cover configured to cover the refrigerant transfer space of the second housing, an energy transfer element provided in the energy transfer space, and a refrigerant hose provided in the refrigerant transfer space.

[0008] On the other hand, the energy transfer element includes at least one heat-generating element that generates heat during energy transfer.

[0009] Furthermore, it is configured so that heat can be transferred from the heat-generating element to the refrigerant transfer space via a portion of the second housing.

[0010] On the other hand, the second housing includes a separation wall which is configured to include a recess formed by a depression on the outside.

[0011] On the other hand, the heat-generating element is provided adjacent to the separation wall.

[0012] On the other hand, it includes at least one rib that protrudes inward from the inside of the cover and is configured to support the refrigerant hose radially.

[0013] On the other hand, the first housing and the second housing further include caps that are formed to extend to a predetermined length and are coupled to the front ends of the first housing and the second housing.

[0014] On the other hand, to allow the user to grasp it by hand, the device includes a neck part whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the other parts when the first housing, the second housing, and the cover are joined together.

[0015] On the other hand, it further includes a support wall provided on the rear side of the second housing and formed by extending laterally.

[0016] On the other hand, the system further includes a front connecting portion configured to support the front end of the refrigerant hose, and a rear connecting portion configured to support the rear end of the refrigerant hose.

[0017] On the other hand, the front connecting portion has its front end passing through the cap and is supported by the cap by a first jaw portion, while the rear connecting portion has its rear end passing through the support wall and is supported by the support wall by a second jaw portion that protrudes radially.

[0018] On the other hand, the system further includes an insulated hose provided in the refrigerant transmission space and configured to cover at least a portion of the refrigerant hose.

[0019] On the other hand, the insulated hose is supported at one end by a front connector and at the other end by a rear connector, forming a first air gap radially with the refrigerant hose.

[0020] Furthermore, the first air gap is sealed by the refrigerant hose, insulation hose, front connector, and rear connector.

[0021] On the other hand, at least one rib is configured to support the insulated hose towards the separation wall.

[0022] Furthermore, some of the heat-generating elements are configured to be in contact with the separation wall inside the energy transfer space.

[0023] On the other hand, the recess in the separation wall is configured to be able to come into contact with the outer surface of the insulated hose.

[0024] On one hand, a second air gap is formed between the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of the heat insulation hose.

[0025] Furthermore, it further includes a chip module configured to be coupled to the rear cap and capable of transmitting energy to the skin tissue on the front side.

[0026] On one hand, the chip module is detachably provided on the cap.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] The handpiece for a treatment device according to the present invention can improve convenience because the medical team does not feel cold even when using a cooling fluid.

[0028] Also, since the heat generated from the internal heating element can be efficiently removed, the safety of the equipment can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a treatment device equipped with a handpiece according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a handpiece for a treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a partially exploded perspective view with the cover and the chip module removed in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the refrigerant transmission space and the energy transmission space separately. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of a handpiece for a treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a side view showing the refrigerant tube and the heat insulation tube disassembled in the present disclosure. [Figure 7] In the present disclosure, it is a cross-sectional view showing the refrigerant tube and the heat insulation tube cut open. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view cut open along I-I' in FIG. 2. [Figure 9]Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the direction of thermal energy transfer to the refrigerant tube. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the direction in which thermal energy generated by the heat-generating element moves to the refrigerant transfer space. [Figure 11] This figure shows various forms of chip modules that can be attached to and detached from a handpiece for a therapeutic device according to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The following will describe in detail a handpiece for a therapeutic device according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the names of each component may be referred to by other names in the industry. However, if there is functional similarity and identity, a modified embodiment can be considered equivalent. The reference numerals attached to each component are included for the convenience of explanation. However, the illustrations on the drawings in which these reference numerals are indicated do not limit each component to the scope shown in the drawings. Similarly, even if an embodiment with a partially modified configuration is adopted, if there is functional similarity and identity, it can be considered equivalent. Furthermore, in light of the general level of skill of the articulate general, if a component is considered to be naturally included, its explanation will be omitted.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a treatment device equipped with a handpiece 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, the handpiece 10 according to this disclosure can be configured to be connected to a treatment device 1 to perform actions for treatment. In this disclosure, the treatment device may include a main body 2 and a handpiece 10 connected to the main body 2 via a cable 3.

[0033] If the treatment device 1 is of a type that generates a laser to perform treatment, the main body 2 may include optical elements such as a Q-switched laser (not shown), a laser emitter (not shown), a beam distributor (not shown), a waveplate, and a secondary harmonic generator (not shown). On the other hand, if the treatment device is of a type that uses RF energy to perform treatment, an RF generator (not shown), an RF energy adjustment unit (not shown), a control unit (not shown), etc., may be provided inside.

[0034] On the other hand, the aforementioned treatment method is merely one example and can be applied to various types of energy-transmitting devices, such as HIFU (High-Intensive Focused Ultrasound).

[0035] The main body 2 can be configured to include various input units for controlling the device and a display unit for monitoring the current status, and may also be equipped with a handpiece holder 4 for mounting the handpiece. Such a treatment device 1 can typically be configured to include a ring at its lower end that can be easily moved.

[0036] The handpiece 10 is configured to be held and used by a medical team (user) in their hand. The handpiece 10 is configured to receive energy generated in the main body 2 and transmit it to the skin tissue. A cable 3 can be connected to the rear of the handpiece 10 to receive power, energy source, and coolant from the main body 2. A tip module 700 is provided at the front end of the handpiece 10, and energy can be transmitted to the skin tissue via the tip module 700.

[0037] On the other hand, when energy is transmitted in one shot using the handpiece, the treatment area is relatively small compared to the overall treatment area. Therefore, when performing skin treatment, the medical team can repeat the process dozens of times. As a result, the medical team often holds the handpiece 10 for extended periods. In this case, if the handpiece 10 becomes considerably colder than body temperature, the medical team's hand muscles will cool down, making proper use difficult. Similarly, if it becomes too hot, proper use may also become difficult. Therefore, the handpiece 10 according to this disclosure is configured to maintain the temperature of the outer surface of the handpiece 10 held by the user at an appropriate level, even during prolonged use.

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a handpiece 10 for a treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view with the cover 200 and chip module 700 removed from Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the coolant transfer space Vr and energy transfer space Ve separately; and Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a handpiece 10 for a treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, in this disclosure, the handpiece 10 may be configured to include a first housing 110, a second housing 120, a cover 200, a coolant tube, an insulating tube, an energy transfer element 300, a cap 600, and a tip module 700.

[0040] The handpiece 10 can be divided into an energy transfer space Ve, which serves as a pathway for energy transfer, and a coolant transfer space Vr, which is for cooling the tissue.

[0041] The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be formed by extending them to a predetermined length in the front-rear direction. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are connected to each other in the lateral direction, and an energy transfer space Ve can be defined inside them. Energy transfer elements 300 can be provided inside the energy transfer space Ve. At least one of the energy transfer elements is a heat-generating element 310 that can generate heat when energy is transferred.

[0042] On the other hand, the second housing 120 may include a separation wall 121 that is recessed inward. The separation wall 121 may be formed along the front-rear direction and recessed to a size that allows the outer surface of the insulating tube, which will be described later, to be in close contact with it.

[0043] The second housing 120 is formed asymmetrically with respect to the first housing 110 by being provided with a recessed separation wall 121 in the second housing 120.

[0044] The cover 200 can be configured to be coupled to the outside of the second housing 120. Together with the second housing 120, the cover 200 will define the refrigerant transport space Vr. The rear end of the cover 200 can be coupled to the second housing 120 and can be further secured by a retaining ring 123 to prevent detachment. However, such a fastening method is merely an example, and various coupling methods can be applied to secure the cover and maintain the refrigerant transport space Vr.

[0045] On the other hand, the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the cover 200 can be joined together to form the outer surface of the handpiece. A portion of the handpiece 10 on the rear side can be composed of a neck part 11 whose outer periphery is smaller than that of the front side. The neck part 11 can be configured with a shape in which the periphery becomes larger towards the front. Users can grip the handpiece 10 in various positions depending on the size of their hands. On the other hand, users with small hands will use the handpiece 10 by gripping the neck part 11, which is a particularly relatively small part.

[0046] The outside of the second housing 120 may be provided with a support wall 122 that extends laterally towards the rear. The support wall 122 may be configured to be in close contact with the rear end of the cover 200 in the later direction.

[0047] The refrigerant tube can serve as a passage for the refrigerant received from the main unit 2 to move to the chip module 700. The insulation tube is provided so as to cover the refrigerant tube. Part of the refrigerant tube and all of the insulation tube can be provided within the refrigerant transmission space Vr.

[0048] The refrigerant tube is formed to a predetermined length, and its rear end may be provided penetrating the rear connecting portion 520 and the support wall 122. The front end of the refrigerant tube 410 may be connected to the front connecting portion 510. A first insertion portion 511 is provided behind the front connecting portion 510, into which the front end of the refrigerant tube 410 can be inserted. A nozzle 513 may be provided in front of the front connecting portion 510. The front connecting portion 510 may be provided with a first jaw portion 512 in its middle section, whose outer diameter is expanded.

[0049] The rear connecting portion 520 is provided with a second insertion portion 521 that is open in the front-rear direction in its central part. A refrigerant tube can be sandwiched inside the second insertion portion 521. The outside of the rear connecting portion 520 may be provided with a second end jaw portion 522 formed by expanding the outer diameter. The front of the second end jaw portion 522 is supported by the rear end of the insulation tube, and the rear is supported by a support wall 122.

[0050] The cap 600 is configured to be coupled in the front-rear direction to the front ends of the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the cover 200. The cap 600 may have a hole through which the front connecting portion 510 can pass, and at least one hole through which energy can be transmitted by an energy transmission element. The cap 600 may also be provided with an electrical connector facing forward that can be electrically connected to the chip module 700.

[0051] The tip module 700 is configured to receive energy from an energy transfer element inside the handpiece 10 and ultimately transfer that energy to the skin tissue. For this purpose, at least a portion of the front end of the tip module 700 can be in contact with the skin. The tip module 700 can be detachably coupled to the front end of the cap.

[0052] The handpiece 10 for the treatment device according to this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 10, from the viewpoint of its internal thermal energy.

[0053] Figure 6 is a side view showing the refrigerant tube 410 and the insulation tube 420 in an exploded state in this disclosure, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the refrigerant tube 410 and the insulation tube 420 in a cut-out state in this disclosure.

[0054] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the refrigerant transfer space Vr in this disclosure may be provided with a refrigerant tube 410, an insulating tube 420, a part of the front connecting portion 510, and a part of the rear connecting portion 520.

[0055] As described above, the refrigerant tube 410 is inserted at its front and rear ends into the front connecting portion 510 and the rear connecting portion 520, respectively. An insulating tube 420 is provided on the outside of the refrigerant tube 410, and both ends are supported by the first jaw portion 512 and the second jaw portion 522. The inside of the insulating tube 420 is supported by the outside of the first insertion portion 511 and the second insertion portion 521.

[0056] At this time, a certain gap is formed between the outer surface of the refrigerant tube 410 and the inner surface of the insulation tube 420, and this gap becomes the first air gap G1. The first air gap G1 becomes an insulating layer due to the thermal conductivity of the air itself.

[0057] Therefore, when the refrigerant fills the refrigerant tube 410, it is maintained at a low temperature, slowing down the rate of heat energy transfer to the refrigerant through the insulating tube 420 and the refrigerant tube 410 in the temperature transfer space.

[0058] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in Figure 2.

[0059] Referring to Figure 8, as mentioned above, the second housing 120 is provided with a separation wall 121 formed by a recess in the refrigerant transfer space Vr. Adjacent to the separation wall 121, a refrigerant tube 410 and a heat-generating element 310 that generates thermal energy among the energy transfer elements can be provided.

[0060] Inside the refrigerant transfer space Vr, the refrigerant tube 410 can be insulated in more than one layer. As mentioned above, the insulating tube 420 primarily insulates the refrigerant tube 410.

[0061] A portion of the outer surface of the insulating tube 420 is in close contact with the separation wall 121. The other portion of the outer surface of the insulating tube 420 is in contact with the ribs 210 formed on the inner surface of the cover 200 to a predetermined size.

[0062] The ribs 210 are formed extending from the inside of the cover 200 toward the refrigerant tube 410, and at least one rib may be provided. The ribs 210 are configured to prevent direct contact between the inner surface of the cover 200 and the insulation tube 420, and to fix the positions of the insulation tube 420 and the refrigerant tube 410. Each rib 210 can support the outer surface of the insulation tube 420 at different positions from each other, and each rib 210 may be provided at a predetermined distance from each other. Thus, a second air gap G2 can be formed between the outer surface of the insulation tube 420 and the inner surface of the cover 200 within the refrigerant transport space Vr.

[0063] In particular, the first air gap and the second air gap can be provided inside the neck portion where the user grips the handpiece.

[0064] As mentioned above, even when the refrigerant tube 410 is filled with refrigerant, the refrigerant transfer space Vr is formed with a double-insulated structure, so that heat transfer by convection and heat transfer by conduction occur alternately, thereby lowering the heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, even when the refrigerant fills the refrigerant tube 410 or moves, the user holding the handpiece 10 will not feel the cold.

[0065] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the direction of thermal energy moving to the refrigerant tube 410 in Figure 8.

[0066] Referring to Figure 9, because the temperature of the refrigerant is lower than the surroundings, energy is transferred to the refrigerant within the energy transfer space Ve via the second air gap G2, the insulating tube 420, the first air gap G1, and the refrigerant tube 410. As mentioned above, since the refrigerant tube 410 is doubly insulated from the cover 200, only a very small portion of the thermal energy is transferred from the outside through the cover 200. Therefore, even when the medical team grasps the handpiece 10 by hand, the amount of thermal energy lost is very small and the temperature does not drop.

[0067] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the direction in which the thermal energy generated by the heat-generating element 310 in Figure 8 moves to the refrigerant transfer space Vr.

[0068] Referring to Figure 10, in this disclosure, the thermal energy generated by the heat-generating element 310 in the energy transfer space Ve is transferred to the refrigerant transfer space Vr via the separation wall 121. At this time, the thermal energy can be transferred to the second air gap G2 and the insulating tube 420.

[0069] As mentioned above, when the refrigerant tube 410 is full of refrigerant, thermal energy is continuously transferred within the refrigerant transfer space Vr to the refrigerant with the lower temperature, and the temperature of the second air gap G2 also decreases. However, as additional thermal energy wasted by the heat-generating element 310 moves to the refrigerant transfer space Vr via the separation wall 121, the temperature of the second air gap G2, which had decreased, can recover to a certain level.

[0070] Therefore, even when the handpiece 10 is in operation, the refrigerant transmission space Vr maintains a constant temperature, allowing the user to use the handpiece 10 for extended periods without large temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, the heat-generating element 310 inside the handpiece 10 can be easily cooled, enabling stable operation of the handpiece 10.

[0071] Figure 11 shows various forms of tip modules 700 that can be attached to and detached from the handpiece 10 for the treatment device according to this disclosure.

[0072] Referring to Figure 11, the tip module 700 applied to the handpiece 10 according to this disclosure can be configured in various ways depending on its purpose. Furthermore, the tip module 700 is configured to be detachable from the cap, and one of the tip modules 700 can be selected and attached to the handpiece 10 for use.

[0073] As described above, the handpiece for a treatment device according to this disclosure spatially separates the refrigerant transfer space and the energy transfer space, thereby maintaining a constant temperature on the outer surface of the handpiece so as not to cause inconvenience to the user. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent temperature rise due to heat generation inside, the safety of the handpiece can be improved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1 Treatment device 2 Main unit 3 Cables 4 Handpiece holders 10 Handpieces 11 Neck section 110 First Housing 120 Second Housing 121 Separation wall 122 Supporting wall 200 covers 210 Rib 300 Energy transfer elements 310 Heat-generating elements 410 Refrigerant Tube 420 Insulated Tube 510 Front connection part 511 First insertion section 512 First jaw portion 513 Nozzle 520 Rear connection section 521 Second insertion section 522 Second jaw portion 600 caps 700 Chip Modules G1 First air gap G2 Second air gap Ve energy transfer space Vr Refrigerant transmission space

Claims

1. The first housing; A second housing coupled to the first housing, configured to define an energy transfer space on the inside and a refrigerant transfer space on the outside; A cover configured to cover the refrigerant transmission space of the second housing; Energy transfer elements provided in the energy transfer space; and, Includes a refrigerant hose provided in the refrigerant transmission space; The energy transfer element includes at least one heat-generating element that generates heat during energy transfer. The second housing includes a separation wall comprising a recess formed by an indentation on the outside, A handpiece for a treatment device, wherein the heating element is provided adjacent to the separation wall so that heat can be transferred from the heating element to the refrigerant transfer space via a portion of the second housing.

2. The handpiece for a therapeutic device according to claim 1, comprising at least one rib that protrudes from the inside of the cover and is configured to support the refrigerant hose in the radial direction.

3. The first housing and the second housing are formed to be extended to a predetermined length. The handpiece for a therapeutic device according to claim 2, further comprising a cap coupled to the front ends of the first housing and the second housing.

4. A handpiece for a therapeutic device according to claim 3, comprising a neck portion whose outer width is smaller than that of the other parts when the first housing, the second housing, and the cover are joined together, so that the user can grasp it with their hand.

5. The handpiece for a therapeutic device according to claim 3, further comprising a support wall provided on the rear side of the second housing and formed to extend laterally.

6. A front connecting portion configured to support the front end of the refrigerant hose; and, The handpiece for a therapeutic device according to claim 5, further comprising a rear connecting portion configured to support the rear end of the refrigerant hose.

7. The front connecting portion has its front end passing through the cap and is supported by the cap by the first end jaw portion. The rear connecting portion is supported by the support wall by a second end jaw portion that penetrates the support wall at its rear end and protrudes radially, as described in claim 6.

8. The handpiece for a treatment device according to claim 7, further comprising an insulating hose provided in the refrigerant transmission space and configured to cover at least a portion of the refrigerant hose.

9. The aforementioned insulated hose is One end is supported by the front connecting portion, The other end is supported by the rear connecting portion, The handpiece for a treatment device according to claim 8, wherein a first air gap is formed radially with respect to the refrigerant hose.

10. The first air gap is sealed by the refrigerant hose, the insulation hose, the front connecting portion, and the rear connecting portion, as described in claim 9, for a treatment device handpiece.

11. The at least one rib is, The handpiece for a treatment device according to claim 10, configured to support the insulated hose on the separation wall side.

12. The handpiece for a therapeutic device according to claim 11, wherein a portion of the heating element is configured to contact the separation wall inside the energy transfer space.

13. The handpiece for a treatment device according to claim 12, wherein the recess of the separation wall is configured to be able to contact the outer surface of the heat insulating hose.

14. A second air gap is formed between the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of the heat insulating hose, as described in claim 13.

15. The handpiece for a therapeutic device according to claim 3, further comprising a tip module whose rear end is coupled to the cap and whose front end is configured to transmit energy to skin tissue.

16. The handpiece for a therapeutic device according to claim 15, wherein the chip module is detachably provided on the cap.

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