Microwave treatment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microwave treatment device for improving skin elasticity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the microwave treatment device comprises: a cylindrical inner conductor; a cylindrical outer conductor which is disposed around the inner conductor to form an electric field with the inner conductor, and has an open lower surface; and a plate-shaped window which is spaced apart from the lower side of the inner conductor and through which the electric field passes, wherein the bottom surface of the inner conductor is configured not to be parallel with the plane defined by the window.

Description

Ultrashortwave treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrashort wave treatment device, and more specifically, to a skin treatment device that delivers ultrashort waves into the skin to induce collagen production in the skin and improve skin elasticity.

[0002] Microwave diathermy is a type of skin care treatment that uses microwaves to provide thermal stimulation to the skin. It is a treatment that can promote metabolism and blood circulation, relax muscles, and reduce pain by heating deep tissues in the skin.

[0003] The frequency of microwaves is generally 300 MHz to 30,000 MHz (wavelength range 1 cm to 1 m), and the frequencies mainly used for microwave diathermy treatment are 2,450 MHz (12.25 cm), 915 MHz (33 cm), and 433.92 MHz (69 cm).

[0004] Recently, ultrashortwave treatment that improves elasticity of aged skin using ultrashortwave diathermy treatment has been gaining attention.

[0005] Ultrashortwave therapy devices can protect the skin through cooling, penetrate the skin layers without energy loss, and focus deep heat on the fat layer to promote fat cell decomposition and activate fibroblasts to induce continuous collagen production.

[0006] This can improve skin elasticity and achieve effects such as tightening and lifting. These ultrashortwave devices require a structure that ensures proper cooling and efficient treatment.

[0007] Prior art documents related to ultrashortwave treatment devices include US 11,517,758, EP 2301469, US 2002-0193789, and US 6,208,903.

[0008] The present invention provides an ultrashort wave treatment device capable of enhancing the effect of ultrashort wave energy treatment by improving the structure of a conductor that generates ultrashort wave energy applied to the skin of a subject.

[0009] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] An ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cylindrical inner conductor; a cylindrical outer conductor disposed around the inner conductor to form an electric field with the inner conductor and having an open lower surface; and a plate-shaped window disposed spaced apart from the lower side of the inner conductor and through which the electric field passes, wherein the bottom surface of the inner conductor is configured not to be parallel to a plane formed by the window.

[0011] Also preferably, the bottom surface of the inner conductor is configured to form a concentric circle with the bottom surface of the outer conductor.

[0012] Also preferably, the window is configured to contact the epidermis of the human body, and the line of force of the electric field is not perpendicular to the epidermis.

[0013] Also preferably, it further comprises a coolant flowing between the window and the inner conductor.

[0014] Also preferably, the inner conductor is configured to form a protruding cone-shaped portion formed on its bottom surface that protrudes toward the window.

[0015] Also preferably, the inner conductor is configured to form a recessed cone-shaped portion formed on its bottom surface in a conical shape that is recessed in the opposite direction to the window.

[0016] An ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of evenly heating a treatment area by evenly transmitting ultrashort wave energy by making the length of the line of force of the electric field relatively constant.

[0017] In addition, the ultrashort wave treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention has the effect of making the bottom surface of the internal conductor uneven, thereby improving the flow of the coolant and enhancing the cooling effect of the coolant.

[0018] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an applicator of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing examples of the configuration of an internal conductor provided in an applicator of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a cross-section II of Fig. 1, and shows a configuration having an internal conductor as shown in (a) of Fig. 4.

[0024] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-section II of Fig. 1, and shows a configuration having an internal conductor as shown in (b) of Fig. 4.

[0025] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0026] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0027] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0028] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0029] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0030] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all components or steps described in the specification, but rather to imply that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0032] Hereinafter, specific details regarding the ultrashort wave treatment device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] First, the overall configuration of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the overall appearance of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the main components of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention in an exploded manner.

[0035] An ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (10), a display unit (30) that displays the operating status of the ultrashort wave treatment device, an input unit (50) for a user (treatment operator) to input a command to control the ultrashort wave treatment device, and an applicator (100) that comes into contact with the skin of a subject's body and generates ultrashort waves.

[0036] The main body (10) forms the exterior of the ultrashortwave treatment device. The main body (10) includes a handle portion (15) that is provided so that the user (the practitioner) can hold it in a grasping manner, and is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape that is elongated in the height direction. A display portion (30) and an input portion (50) are arranged on the upper side of the main body (10).

[0037] An applicator (100) is placed at the bottom of the main body (10). A cable (not shown) that supplies power and transmits signals is connected to the top of the main body (10). The main body (10) includes a first main body (11) and a second main body (12) that are divided into left and right for ease of assembly.

[0038] The display unit (30) is provided on the upper side of the main body (10). The display unit (30) is arranged with the display surface inclined so that the user (practitioner) can easily see it while holding the handle unit (15). The display unit (30) displays whether or not it is operating, the operating mode, the operating time, the intensity of the ultrashort waves, etc.

[0039] The input unit (50) is provided on the upper side of the main body (10). The input unit (50) is positioned on the opposite side of the display unit (30). The input unit (50) is positioned so that the user (the operator) can press it with the index or middle finger. The input unit (50) includes a button that allows the user (the operator) to control the operation. Through the input unit (50), the user (the operator) generates ultrashort waves or changes the screen displayed on the display unit (30).

[0040] The applicator (100) comes into contact with the skin of the subject and generates electromagnetic waves. The applicator (100) is positioned at the bottom of the main body (10). The applicator (100) has a roughly cylindrical shape. A detailed description of the applicator (100) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0041] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an applicator of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing examples of the configuration of an internal conductor provided in an applicator of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-section II of FIG. 1 and shows a configuration having the internal conductor shown in (a) of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross-section II of FIG. 1 and shows a configuration having the internal conductor shown in (b) of FIG.

[0042] An applicator (100) of an ultrashort wave treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cylindrical inner conductor (130) and a cylindrical outer conductor (110) spaced apart from the inner conductor (130) and having an open top and bottom. As current is applied, the outer conductor (110) and the inner conductor (130) form an electric field.

[0043] In addition, the above-described applicator (100) includes a cylindrical dielectric (120) having an open bottom and arranged between the side of the inner conductor (130) and the side of the outer conductor (110), a plate-shaped window (170) arranged spaced apart from the lower side of the inner conductor (130) and through which an electric field passes, an upper cover (150) coupled to the upper side of the outer conductor (110) to substantially close the upper side of the outer conductor (110), a cable guide (160) coupled to the upper side of the upper cover (150) and into which a coaxial cable (not shown) is inserted, and a lower cover (190) coupled to the lower side of the outer conductor (110) and supporting the window (170).

[0044] A space is provided between the window (170) and the internal conductor (130) inside the applicator (100) so that a coolant (180) can flow, and the coolant (180) cools the window (170).

[0045] A coaxial cable connected to an ultrashortwave generator (not shown) is inserted into the cable guide (160). The coaxial cable is forcibly inserted into the cable guide (160) so that the interior of the outer conductor (110) is substantially closed.

[0046] The upper cover (150) substantially closes the interior of the outer conductor (110) together with the lower cover (190) and the window (170) to prevent the coolant (180) from leaking. The upper cover (150) closes the open upper surface of the outer conductor (110) together with the cable guide (160) and the coaxial cable. The upper cover (150) is fastened to the dielectric (120) and the inner conductor (130) by fastening means such as bolts so that the dielectric (120) and the inner conductor (130) can be positioned apart from the window (170).

[0047] The lower cover (190) substantially closes the interior of the outer conductor (110) together with the upper cover (150) and the window (170) to prevent the coolant (180) from leaking. The lower cover (190) closes the open bottom surface of the outer conductor (110) together with the window (170). The lower cover (190) is coupled with the window (170). The lower cover (190) is in contact with the epidermis (S) of the subject's body.

[0048] The window (170) is supported by being joined to the lower cover (190). The window (170) is formed of a transparent material (e.g., sapphire (Al2O3)) that allows electromagnetic waves to pass through and has high thermal conductivity. The window (170) is formed in a circular shape. The window (170) is positioned spaced apart from the bottom surface of the internal conductor (130). The window (170) is in contact with the epidermis (S) of the human body of the subject. The window (170) is cooled by a coolant (180) to cool the epidermis (S) and dermis (D) of the subject.

[0049] The coolant (180) is a fluid that cools the window (170), and is preferably water or saline solution. The coolant (180) is cooled from the outside, flows into the outer conductor (110), flows between the inner conductor (130) and the window (170), cools the window (170), and then flows out of the outer conductor (110).

[0050] The dielectric (120) is a low-loss dielectric that prevents an electric field from being formed between the side surface of the outer conductor (110) and the side surface of the inner conductor (130). The dielectric (120) is inserted into the inside of the outer conductor (110). The dielectric (120) has a hollow cylindrical shape with an open bottom, and the inner conductor (130) is inserted into the inside of the dielectric (120). The lower end of the dielectric (120) is spaced apart from the window (170). The dielectric (120) is fastened to the upper cover (150).

[0051] The outer conductor (110) has an upper cover (150) attached to the upper end and a lower cover (190) attached to the lower end. The outer conductor (110) is closed at the upper end by the upper cover (150) and the cable guide (160), and at the lower end by the window (170) and the lower cover (190). The outer conductor (110) has a hollow cylindrical shape with open upper and lower ends, and a dielectric (120), an inner conductor (130), and a coolant (180) are accommodated inside the outer conductor (110). The dielectric (120) is inserted inside the outer conductor (110).

[0052] The outer conductor (110) receives current through a coaxial cable and forms an electric field with the inner conductor (130). The outer conductor (110) is preferably made of a metal material having high electrical conductivity. A hole for introducing and an outlet for coolant (180) are formed in the outer conductor (110), so that the coolant (180) flows in from the outside and the coolant (180) inside flows out to the outside. The lower end of the outer conductor (110) is positioned close to the window (170) and slightly spaced apart from the window (170).

[0053] The inner conductor (130) is spaced apart from the inside of the outer conductor (110). The bottom of the inner conductor (130) forms a concentric circle with the bottom of the outer conductor (110). The inner conductor (130) is inserted into the dielectric (120). That is, it is preferable that the dielectric (120) be configured to be interposed between the outer conductor (110) and the inner conductor (130).

[0054] The inner conductor (130) is energized by a coaxial cable to form an electric field with the outer conductor (110). The inner conductor (130) is preferably made of a metal material with high electrical conductivity. The inner conductor (130) is spaced apart from the upper side of the window (170). A coolant (180) flows between the inner conductor (130) and the window (170).

[0055] The electric field formed by the outer conductor (110) and the inner conductor (130) penetrates the epidermis (S) and the dermis (D) and reaches the subcutaneous fat (F), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The electric field generates heat in the fat (F).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the bottom surface of the inner conductor (130) is formed so as not to be parallel to the plane formed by the window (170). The bottom surface of the inner conductor (130) may be partially parallel to the window (170), but is formed so as not to be parallel to the window (170) for the most part. The bottom surface of the inner conductor (130) is formed so as to be at least partially inclined with respect to the window (170).

[0057] As shown in (a) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the bottom surface of the inner conductor (130) can be configured as a protruding cone portion (132) having a conical shape protruding downward.

[0058] The protruding cone portion (132) formed on the bottom surface of the inner conductor (130) can be formed to be closer to the window (170) as it goes toward the center, that is, farther away from the bottom of the outer conductor (110), and to be formed to be farther away from the window (170) as it gets closer to the bottom of the outer conductor (110), so that the length of the line of force (W) of the electric field is relatively constant. Accordingly, the intensity of the electric field formed by the outer conductor (110) and the inner conductor (130) is relatively constant, so that heat can be evenly generated in the fat (F).

[0059] As shown in (b) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the bottom of the inner conductor (130) may be configured as a sunken cone (133) having a sunken cone shape.

[0060] The sunken cone (133) formed on the bottom surface of the inner conductor (130) can be formed so that it becomes increasingly farther from the window (170) as it moves toward the center, that is, farther from the bottom of the outer conductor (110), and it can be formed so that it becomes closer to the window (170) as it gets closer to the bottom of the outer conductor (110), so that the length of the line of force (W) of the electric field is relatively constant. Accordingly, the intensity of the electric field formed by the outer conductor (110) and the inner conductor (130) is relatively constant, so that heat can be evenly generated in the fat (F).

[0061] Since the protruding cone portion (132) and the sunken cone portion (133) of the bottom surface of the inner conductor (130) are formed so as not to be parallel to the window (170), the line of force (W) of the electric field may not be perpendicular to the epidermis (S). Some of the line of force (W) of the electric field may be perpendicular to the epidermis (S), but most of them are not perpendicular to the epidermis (S). The line of force (W) of the electric field is not perpendicular to the dermis (D).

[0062] In the case where the lower end of the inner conductor (130) is configured to form a protruding cone portion (132) as shown in FIG. 4 (a) and FIG. 5, and in the case where the lower end of the inner conductor (130) is configured to form a sunken cone portion (133) as shown in FIG. 4 (b) and FIG. 6, there may be some differences in the distribution or action of the electric field (W) formed between the outer conductor (110) and the inner conductor (130), the range of the target tissue, or the action effect.

[0063] By configuring the lower part of the internal conductor as a protruding cone (132) or a sunken cone (133), ultrashort wave energy can be delivered to the target tissue more evenly and stably.

[0064] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

[0065] The ultrashort wave treatment device according to the present invention can be used in industrial fields related to skin beauty treatments or procedures, such as improving skin elasticity, by providing thermal stimulation to the skin.

Claims

1. Cylindrical inner conductor; An outer conductor having a cylindrical shape and an open bottom, arranged around the inner conductor to form an electric field with the inner conductor; and A plate-shaped window is disposed spaced apart from the lower side of the inner conductor and through which the electric field passes, An ultrashort wave treatment device in which the bottom surface of the inner conductor is not parallel to the plane formed by the window.

2. In paragraph 1, An ultrashort wave treatment device in which the bottom surface of the inner conductor forms a concentric circle with the bottom surface of the outer conductor.

3. In paragraph 1, The above window is in contact with the epidermis of the human body, An ultrashort wave treatment device in which the line of force of the above electric field is not perpendicular to the above epidermis.

4. In paragraph 1, An ultrashort wave treatment device further comprising a coolant flowing between the window and the inner conductor.

5. In the first paragraph, the inner conductor is An ultrashort wave treatment device configured to form a protruding cone-shaped portion protruding toward the window on its bottom surface.

6. In the first paragraph, the inner conductor is An ultrashort wave treatment device configured to form a sunken cone-shaped portion formed in the opposite direction to the window on its bottom surface.

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