Ultrasonic generating device with diversified focusing point

Abstract

Provided are an ultrasonic generating device and a control method thereof in which the focusing density of an ultrasonic wave focusing position is improved. The ultrasonic generating device comprises: a processor; and a plurality of ultrasonic wave generating elements controlled by the processor. The processor obtains an operation signal and generates a pulse output on the basis of the operation signal. Oscillation start of the plurality of ultrasonic wave generating elements by the pulse output is sequential.

Description

Ultrasonic generator with diversified focus positions

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic generator and a control method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic generator having improved focusing density at an ultrasonic focusing position and a control method thereof.

[0002] Ultrasound (or ultrasonic wave) generally refers to waves that propagate by vibrating a medium with a frequency exceeding 20 kHz. In some cases, it also refers to sound waves exceeding 15 kHz.

[0003] Ultrasound has a short wavelength, allowing its energy to be focused at an acute angle, imparting directionality and resulting in high linearity. Furthermore, ultrasound possesses propagation characteristics such as reflection and refraction, and its high safety and non-hazardous nature have been recognized, leading to its widespread use in various fields. For example, ultrasound is used as a sensor for detection and measurement, a sonicator for dispersing and mixing materials, and in industrial applications such as cleaning. Other applications include ultrasound imaging, monitoring heartbeats, breaking up stones, and even as a cosmetic device for skin stimulation.

[0004] As previously explained, ultrasound possesses high directivity and high energy. This characteristic is utilized as a non-invasive skin treatment device, skin stimulation device, or cosmetic device. For example, high-intensity focused ultrasound can be applied to the subcutaneous fat layer to activate cellular metabolism and stimulate collagen production. This not only has cosmetic benefits such as improved skin elasticity and wrinkles, but is also known to be effective in skin regeneration and alleviating skin problems like dark spots and acne.

[0005] Meanwhile, an ultrasound generating device with a structure that allows the ultrasound generator to move and diversify the ultrasound irradiation location has been developed. By using a motor to move the ultrasound generator's location and irradiate ultrasound without the operator having to manually move the ultrasound generator, this device increases the convenience of the procedure and allows for the formation of a roughly regular ultrasound focus area. However, while moving the ultrasound generator can improve the uniformity of the focus site (location), it has limitations in naturally diversifying the focus site distribution and increasing the focus site density.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide an ultrasound generating device capable of diversifying the distribution of ultrasound focusing sites and increasing the concentration of the focusing sites. At the same time, the present invention provides an ultrasound generating device that enables the operator to recognize the ultrasound irradiation location in real time.

[0007] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cartridge for an ultrasonic generator for the above ultrasonic generator.

[0008] Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a control method for the above ultrasonic generator.

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

[0010] An ultrasonic generator according to one embodiment for solving the above problem comprises a processor; and a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements controlled by the processor, wherein one of the processors obtains an operation signal and generates a pulse output based on the operation signal, and the initiation of oscillation by the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements by the pulse output is sequential.

[0011] The natural frequency values ​​of at least some of the above-described plurality of ultrasonic generating elements may be different from each other.

[0012] The plurality of ultrasonic generating elements including the first ultrasonic generating element to the third ultrasonic generating element can be configured to move linearly.

[0013] At this time, during the movement of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements, the relative positions of the first ultrasonic generating element to the third ultrasonic generating element can be fixed.

[0014] The above pulse output may include a pulse set consisting of a pulse set on time and a pulse set pause period as a pulse set for oscillation of each ultrasonic generating element.

[0015] The above pulse set on time may consist of a plurality of individual pulses and a pause between the individual pulses.

[0016] In this case, the pulse set time and the pulse set on time can be determined independently of each other.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described other problem, a method for controlling an ultrasonic generator includes a first processor, a third memory connected to the first processor, and a plurality of ultrasonic generators directly or indirectly controlled by the first processor, the first processor including a first ultrasonic generator and a second ultrasonic generator, the method comprising: collecting natural frequency values ​​of each of the first ultrasonic generator and the second ultrasonic generator from the third memory; and generating oscillation signals of all of the plurality of ultrasonic generators according to acquisition of an operation request, wherein there is a time difference between the start of oscillation of the first ultrasonic generator and the start of oscillation of the second ultrasonic generator.

[0018] The pulse output for oscillation of the first ultrasonic generator element and the pulse output for oscillation of the second ultrasonic generator element can be determined based on the natural frequency values ​​of the first ultrasonic generator element and the second ultrasonic generator element, respectively.

[0019] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic generator may further include a first memory connected to the first processor.

[0020] At this time, the control method may further include collecting count information from the first memory; collecting count information from the third memory; comparing the collected count information with a predetermined number of times; and updating the count information of the first memory and the third memory when the oscillation signal is generated.

[0021] And the count information of the first memory and the third memory can be independent of each other.

[0022] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description.

[0023] According to embodiments of the present invention, even during long-term procedures, uniform ultrasound irradiation can be achieved. Furthermore, the ultrasound irradiation site (location) can be diversified through hardware configuration, without relying on the practitioner's experience or intuition, and improved skin regeneration effects can be expected.

[0024] The effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in the present specification.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an ultrasonic generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the device of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the handpiece and cartridge of the device of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of Figure 3.

[0029] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the cover member of Figure 4.

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the handpiece and cartridge of Figure 3 combined.

[0031] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the state in which the ultrasonic generating element in Fig. 6 has moved.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Fig. 4 cut in a certain direction.

[0033] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 4 cut in a different direction.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram showing hardware related to ultrasonic generation of the ultrasonic generator of Fig. 1.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of an ultrasonic generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing information transmission between the first control unit and other control units that perform the control method of Fig. 11.

[0037] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing the ultrasonic oscillation position according to the movement of the ultrasonic generating element according to the control method of Fig. 11.

[0038] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing pulse output according to the control method of Fig. 11.

[0039] Fig. 15 is a configuration diagram showing hardware related to ultrasonic generation of an ultrasonic generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing pulse output according to a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing pulse output according to a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing pulse output according to a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along 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 solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0044] Furthermore, the scope of a patent claim does not describe the technical content that constitutes the substance of the invention, but rather indicates the scope of rights claimed based on the technical components disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, it is inevitable that the patent claim is composed of abstract, superordinate concepts encompassing the technology disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. If a person skilled in the art can understand the technical components within the claim, or their combination and operational effects, throughout the entire specification, the patent claim should be considered supported by the detailed description of the invention.

[0045] That is, various modifications may be made to the embodiments presented in the present invention. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives thereto.

[0046] If any term described in this specification is intended to be used with a specific meaning, that meaning must be defined and interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used in their common sense to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0047] In this specification, "and / or" includes each and every combination of the items mentioned. In addition, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. A numerical range indicated using "to" indicates a numerical range that includes the values ​​stated before and after it as the lower and upper limits, respectively. The terms "about" or "approximately" mean a value or numerical range that is within 20% of the value or numerical range stated after it.

[0048] In this specification, ordinal modifiers such as “first component,” “second component,” and “1-1st component” are used to simply distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component referred to below may be referred to as the second component within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, what is referred to as the first component in one embodiment may be referred to as the second component in another embodiment. Furthermore, what is referred to as the first component in the description of the invention may of course be referred to as the second component in the claims.

[0049] The first direction (X) means any direction within the plane, the second direction (Y) means another direction intersecting or perpendicular to the first direction (X) within the plane, and the third direction (Z) means another direction intersecting or perpendicular to the plane.

[0050] The size, thickness, width, length, etc. of the components illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience and clarity of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

[0051] Spatially relative terms such as 'above', 'upper', 'on', 'below', 'beneath', 'lower', etc. can be used to easily describe the relationship of one element or component to another element or component as depicted in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of the elements when used in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if an element depicted in a drawing is flipped, an element described as 'below' or 'beneath' another element may actually be 'above' the other element. Thus, the exemplary term 'below' can include both the above and below orientations.

[0052] The term 'most adjecent' as used herein means that no other configuration referred to as that configuration is located or positioned between that adjacent configuration and another configuration.

[0053] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0054] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an ultrasonic generator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the device of Fig. 1.

[0055] First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic generator (11) according to the present embodiment may include a main body (100), a handpiece (200), and a cartridge (300).

[0056] The main body (100) (or first computing device) may include a hardware configuration including a first processor (191) for a user (e.g., a practitioner) to operate or control the ultrasound generating device (11). In an exemplary embodiment, the main body (100) may include a first processor (191) (or main body processor), a first memory (192) (or main body memory), and may further include a first interface (193) (or main body interface).

[0057] The first processor (191) can implement operations and / or functions related to the method according to the present invention based on instructions according to software in which the control method according to the present invention is implemented and loaded into the first memory (192). That is, the first processor (191) can be understood as a subject that performs or executes a program. For example, it can execute software to control hardware components and / or software components connected to the first processor (191) and perform data processing or calculation. That is, the first processor (191) can store instructions or data received from other components in the first memory (192) as part of data processing or calculation, process instructions or data stored in the first memory (192), or store result data in the first memory (192). The first processor (191) and / or the first memory (192) may also be referred to as a first control section or a first control unit.

[0058] The first processor (191) may utilize a known one, but may be implemented through, for example, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), DSPDs (Digital Signal Processing Devices), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), a processor, a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or other chipsets, logic circuits, and / or data processing devices.

[0059] The software or program residing or stored in the first memory (192) may be a computer program recorded on a storage medium for executing the control method described below. The computer program may be a program stored on a storage medium that is readable and coupled to a computer and executable. In this specification, the term "memory" is used as a concept encompassing volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0060] The first memory (192) can store various data used in at least one component. The data may include input data or output data for software and related commands. The first memory (192) may be implemented through a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a memory card, a storage medium, and / or other storage devices.

[0061] The first memory (192) can load the computer program. The first memory (192) can store application programming interfaces (APIs), libraries, resource files, etc. necessary for executing software implementing the control method according to the present invention. Furthermore, the first memory (192) can store software and databases implementing the method. The contents of various databases required to perform operations and / or functions related to the method according to the present invention, which will be described later, will be understood.

[0062] In the case of implementation by firmware or software in the control method described below, it can be implemented in the form of modules, codes, code segments, procedures, functions, etc. that include instructions that perform the described functions or operations, and can be recorded on a recording medium that can be read by various computer means. Here, the recording medium can include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. In this case, each component in the configuration diagram or block diagram can mean a module, segment, or part of code that includes one or more executable instructions for executing a specific logical function. Therefore, it goes without saying that the function provided by the component in the configuration diagram or block diagram can be implemented by a plurality of more detailed components, or the plurality of components in the configuration diagram or block diagram can be implemented by a single integrated component. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, each component can be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, all components can be implemented as a single independent hardware, or some or all of the components can be selectively combined to be implemented as a computer program having a program module that performs some or all of the functions combined in one or more hardware. The codes and code segments that constitute the computer program can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0063] The program commands recorded on the recording medium in this specification may be those specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or may be those known and usable by those skilled in the art of computer software. For example, the recording medium includes magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) and DVDs (Digital Video Disks), magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands may include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. Such hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software to perform the operations of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0064] The handpiece (200) (or the second computing device, or the second terminal) may include a second processor (291) and operate under the control of the main body (100) or generate another operation signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the handpiece (200) includes a second processor (291) (or a handpiece processor), and may further include a second memory (292) (or a handpiece memory), a second interface (293) (or a handpiece interface), a light-emitting module (281), a vibration module (282), and / or a linear actuator (240). At this time, the second processor (291) may receive a command of an operation button (250), generate a signal for driving at least the actuator (240), and / or generate an operation request signal for oscillation of ultrasonic generating elements (330) to be described later to the third processor (391). The handpiece (200) is connected to the main body (100) via a cable, and a user, such as a practitioner, can perform a procedure by holding the handpiece (200) in his / her hand.

[0065] The second processor (291) and the second memory (292) may have the same functions, necessity, operation method, etc. as the first processor (191) and the first memory (192) described above, except that they are included in the handpiece (200) and provide functions, and thus, overlapping descriptions are omitted. The second processor (291) and / or the second memory (292) may also be referred to as a second control unit or a second control unit.

[0066] The cartridge (300) (or third computing device, or third terminal) may include a third processor (391) and operate under the control of the main body (100) and / or the handpiece (200), or may generate another operation signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge (300) may include a third processor (391) (or cartridge processor), and may further include a third memory (392) (or cartridge memory), and a third interface (393) (or cartridge interface). At this time, the third processor (391) may receive an operation request signal for oscillation of the ultrasonic generating elements (330) from the second processor (291), and generate a signal for operation of the ultrasonic generating elements (330).

[0067] The main body (100), handpiece (200), and cartridge (300) are electrically connected using the first interface (193) to the third interface (393) described above and can transmit and receive data. In this specification, an interface refers to a configuration for converting an electrical signal into data that can be processed by another component or a user.

[0068] For example, each of the first interface (193) to the third interface (393) may include a communication interface, an input interface, and / or an output interface.

[0069] The above communication interface may provide a function for establishing a transmission and reception channel of electrical signals for transmitting and receiving data with other external components, particularly a computing device including its own processor. The above communication interface may be implemented in a wired or wireless manner. The first interface (193) and the second interface (293) may support communication or connection between the main body (100) and the handpiece (200), and the second interface (293) and the third interface (393) may support communication or connection between the handpiece (200) and the cartridge (300).

[0070] The above input interface is for processing a user's operation into a command or data that can be processed by a processor or the like via an electrical signal, and may include a touch panel, touch pad, keyboard, mouse, foot switch, joystick, or other physical buttons. In addition, the above output interface is for outputting the result of data processing by the processor via an electrical signal, and may include a display or the like.

[0071] Meanwhile, as described above, the handpiece assembly (200, 300) including the handpiece (200) and the cartridge (300) is configured to transmit and receive electrical signals with the main body (100) via a cable, and the handpiece assembly may function as an input device and / or an output device for the main body (100). For example, a user may press an operation button (250) provided on the handpiece (200) to generate request information for generating ultrasonic waves, and the first processor (191) of the main body (100) may obtain the request information. In this respect, the handpiece (200) and / or the handpiece assembly may be understood as an input device of the main body (100). As another example, the first processor (191) may generate a signal for generating ultrasonic waves and operate the ultrasonic generation element of the cartridge (300) based on the output information. In this respect, the cartridge (300) and / or handpiece assembly may be understood as an output device of the main body (100).

[0072] The various hardware components of FIG. 2 described above are connected through a data bus, and information can be transmitted between each component through the data bus.

[0073] Fig. 1 illustrates an example in which a display built into a main body (100) outputs various status information. As a non-limiting example, Fig. 1 illustrates a case in which a movement distance (length), an oscillation interval (spacing), and a movement speed (velocity) are displayed on the left side of the display, and an ultrasonic intensity (power), a current number of oscillations (current), and a remaining number of oscillations (remain) are displayed on the right side. Although not represented in the drawing, ultrasonic frequency (frequency), focus depth (or focus depth, focus distance), etc. may also be displayed.

[0074] At least some of the status information or operating condition information, such as the moving distance, oscillation interval, moving speed, ultrasonic intensity, and oscillation number, may be input by the user, and at least some may be information calculated or obtained from processors.

[0075] For example, but not limited to, the movement distance (length) refers to the maximum linear movement distance of the ultrasonic generator module (330) described later, and the unit may be a unit of length such as millimeter (mm). The movement distance may be information input by the user. Fig. 1 illustrates a case where 20 mm is specified as the movement distance, and in this case, the maximum one-way movement distance of the ultrasonic generator module (330) may be 20 mm while the user is pressing the operation button (250).

[0076] The spacing refers to the physical distance at which the ultrasonic generator module (330) or individual ultrasonic generators move and output a pulse set signal, and the unit may be a unit of length such as millimeter. The spacing may be information input by the user. Fig. 1 exemplifies a case where 2.5 mm is specified as the spacing, and in this case, one pulse set may be generated for each ultrasonic generator module every time the ultrasonic generator module (330) moves 2.5 mm while the user presses the operation button (250). For example, approximately 8 pulse sets may be output for each ultrasonic generator module while the ultrasonic generator module (330) moves 20 mm.

[0077] In addition, the movement speed (or actuator speed) refers to the movement speed of the ultrasonic generator module (330), and the unit may be a unit related to speed, such as millimeters per second (mm / sec). The movement speed may be information input by the user. Fig. 1 exemplifies a case where 5.0 mm / sec is specified as the movement speed, in which case it may take about 4 seconds for the ultrasonic generator module (330) to move 20 mm from one end to the other end. Alternatively, when the oscillation interval is 2.5 mm, one pulse set may be generated about every 0.5 seconds.

[0078] Ultrasound intensity (or treatment intensity) refers to the amount of focused ultrasound. As the intensity increases, the amount of energy provided by the focused ultrasound may increase. For example, the ultrasound intensity may roughly correspond to the sum of the pulse widths of ultrasound pulses oscillating in the form of a pulse signal, or in other words, the sum of the on-times of the pulses (1 pulse on time). The intensity may be understood as an intensity expressed in units of joules (J), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The ultrasound intensity may be information input by the user.

[0079] As the aforementioned pulse interval becomes shorter and the ultrasound intensity becomes higher, it can contribute to an increase in the amount of energy applied to the subject, and can be used to calculate the pulse output of the control method described below.

[0080] The remnant count and current count will be described later.

[0081] As described below, the cartridge (300) may include an ultrasonic generating element, such as an ultrasonic transducer. When the lifespan of the ultrasonic transducer is exhausted, the cartridge (300) may be separated and discarded, and replaced with a cartridge (300) including a new ultrasonic transducer.

[0082] In this respect, the embodiment of FIG. 1 described above includes a main body (100), a handpiece (200), and a cartridge (300), and the main body (100) and the handpiece (200) are connected by a wired interface, and the handpiece (200) and the cartridge (300) are connected by a connection terminal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the ultrasonic generator may be provided in other forms as long as it can include a cartridge (300) that is easily separable from other hardware components. For example, the main body (100) and the handpiece (200) are provided as one piece so that the main body also functions as a handpiece, in which case the main body and the handpiece share some components such as a processor, and the cartridge (300) may be directly coupled to the main body. That is, the functional term handpiece that a user holds in his hand may be omitted, and a reusable main body and a replaceable cartridge may be directly coupled.

[0083] Next, a handpiece assembly including a handpiece (200) and a cartridge (300) is described.

[0084] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the handpiece and cartridge of the device of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the cover member of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the handpiece and cartridge of Fig. 3 when combined. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the state in which the ultrasonic generating element of Fig. 6 is moved. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Fig. 4 taken in a certain direction, and is a cross-sectional view taken in a first direction. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Fig. 4 taken in different directions, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view taken in a second direction at a position where the moving block (340) is expressed, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken in a second direction at a position where the moving block (340) does not exist. Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram showing hardware related to ultrasonic generation of the ultrasonic generating device of Fig. 1.

[0085] Referring further to FIGS. 3 to 10, the cartridge (300) is mechanically coupled to the handpiece (200), and the user (the operator) can use the cartridge (300) while holding the handpiece (200) in his / her hand and bringing the cartridge (300) into contact with the skin of the operator. As described above, in another embodiment, the cartridge (300) may be directly coupled to a main body that also functions as a handpiece.

[0086] Although not shown in the configuration diagram of FIG. 2, the first control unit (190) of the main body (100) as shown in FIG. 10 may further include a pulse generator (194) (or clock generator, or pulse generator, or output signal generation unit, or output signal generation circuit). The pulse generator (194) may include a first pulse generator (194a), a second pulse generator (194b), and a third pulse generator (194c). The first to third pulse generators (194a) to (194c) may generate pulse signals corresponding to the first to third ultrasonic generating elements (330a) to (330c), which will be described later, to control them, respectively. The generation of the pulse signal using the pulse generator (194) may utilize a known technology, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] The handpiece (200) (or the exterior of the handpiece (200) or the handpiece housing (210)) may at least partially form a grip portion (200g). In addition, at least a portion of the handpiece (200) (or the handpiece housing (210)) may be recessed to form a mounting portion.

[0088] The mounting portion may have a shape for mechanically coupling the cartridge (300) to the handpiece (200). For example, but not limited to, the outer surface of the cartridge housing (310) and the mounting portion of the handpiece (200) may be provided with grooves and protrusions for slide coupling.

[0089] In addition, a terminal (293t) may be provided at the mounting portion of the handpiece (200). The handpiece (200) and the cartridge (300) may be electrically connected through the terminal (293t) of the handpiece (200) and a terminal (not shown) formed on the cartridge (300). More specifically, the second processor (291) and the third processor (391) may be electrically connected through the terminal (293t) of the handpiece (200) and the terminal of the cartridge (300). The terminal (293t) may be understood as a type of second interface (293), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] The handpiece (200) may be equipped with an operation button (250) (or a generation button, or a generation means, or an operation means, or an operation element). The operation button (250) is for inputting a signal for oscillating ultrasonic generating elements (330). When an on signal is input to the operation button (250), ultrasonic waves may be generated from the ultrasonic generating elements (330) of the cartridge (300) described below by the operation of one or more of the processors (191, 291, 391) described above.

[0091] The handpiece (200) may include a handpiece housing (210). The handpiece housing (210) forms the exterior of the handpiece (200) and may provide a space in which various components are arranged. For example, although not shown in FIG. 6 or the like, the second processor (291), the second memory (292), and the second interface (293) described above may be built into the interior of the handpiece housing (210).

[0092] In some embodiments, the handpiece (200) may be provided with a vibration module (282) inside, and a light emitting module (281) may be provided so that light can be emitted through the exterior of the handpiece (200). The vibration module (282) may be exemplified by an eccentric rotor or a non-circular rotor, and the light emitting module (281) may be exemplified by an LED, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0093] For example, as will be described later, the cartridge (300) may include ultrasonic generating elements (330) configured to reciprocate linearly along the first direction (X). At this time, when the cartridge (300) and the handpiece (200) are coupled, the light emitting modules (281) may be provided in multiple pieces spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X) so as to visually display the positions of the ultrasonic generating elements (330). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light emitting modules (281) may also have a line shape extending in the first direction (X). In the present specification, when describing the first direction (X), the description is based on a state in which the handpiece (200) and the cartridge (300) are aligned and coupled. In addition, a vibration module (282) may be provided to provide an alarm to the user.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the handpiece (200) may include an actuator (240) disposed therein. For example, the actuator (240) may be a linear motor or the like.

[0095] The actuator (240) may include a driving unit (241) and an action rod (242) having a shape extending in a first direction (X). The actuator (240) may be provided for linear movement of ultrasonic generating elements (330) to be described later in the first direction (X). The end of the action rod (242) may move according to the operation of the driving unit (241). That is, when the actuator (240) operates, the length of the action rod (242) in the first direction (X) may change, or at least a portion of the action rod (242) may move in the first direction (X), or at least the position of the end of the action rod (242) in the first direction (X) may change, thereby changing the protruding length. The action rod (242) may include a cylinder or the like, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The action rod (242) may be in a state in which it protrudes at least partially out of the handpiece housing (210).

[0096] The end of the action rod (242) of the actuator (240) can be coupled and fastened to a moving block (340) to be described later. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the end of the action rod (242) is positioned relatively to the right, that is, when the length of the action rod (242) protruding outside the handpiece housing (210) is short, the moving block (340) and the ultrasonic generating elements (330) coupled with the moving block (340) can also be positioned relatively to the right. And, as shown in FIG. 7, when the end of the action rod (242) moves to the left in the first direction (X), that is, when the length of the action rod (242) protruding outside the handpiece housing (210) increases, the moving block (340) and the ultrasonic generating elements (330) coupled with the moving block (340) can also move to the left.

[0097] The method of coupling between the action rod (242) and the moving block (340) is not particularly limited, but, for example, coupling using a magnetic material can be exemplified. In an exemplary embodiment, the moving block (340) may include a first magnet (340m) (or magnet portion), and the action rod (242) may include a second magnet (240m) (or magnet portion). In addition, the first magnet (340m) and the second magnet (240m) may be coupled by mutual magnetic attraction.

[0098] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other means for magnetically coupling the action rod (242) and the moving block (340) may be adopted. For example, either the first magnet (340m) or the second magnet (240m) may be omitted. For example, the second magnet (240m) may be omitted, and the first magnet (340m) may be magnetically coupled to an end of the action rod (242) made of a metal material such as iron, or the first magnet (340m) may be omitted, and the second magnet (240m) may be magnetically coupled to a portion of the moving block (340) made of a metal material such as iron. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a hooking projection (or pin) may be provided at the end of the action rod (242), and the action rod (242) and the moving block (340) may be mechanically hooked together using the hooking projection.

[0099] The cartridge (300) can be coupled to the mounting portion of the handpiece (200). The cartridge (300) includes a cartridge housing (310), and the cartridge housing (310) can have a shape corresponding to the mounting portion so that it can be mounted on the mounting portion. The cartridge housing (310) forms the exterior of the cartridge (300) and can provide a space in which various components are arranged inside.

[0100] The cartridge housing (310) may include a lower housing (311) and an upper housing (312) and may be configured to be coupled together. This may increase the convenience of assembling the cartridge (300).

[0101] The lower housing (311) may have a shape in which the lower end is partially opened (300p). The opening (300p) of the lower housing (311) may form an emission port through which ultrasonic waves are emitted. In addition, a film-shaped ultrasonic transmitting member (320) may be placed in the opening (300p) formed by the lower housing (311). The ultrasonic transmitting member (320) may be made of a thin material that allows ultrasonic waves to pass through, compared to the cartridge housing (310) which is made of a relatively thick and hard material. For example, the ultrasonic transmitting member (320) may be made of a vibrating thin film of polycarbonate, etc.

[0102] A cover member (370) may be placed between the lower housing (311) and the upper housing (312). In some cases, the cover member (370) may be understood as a part of the cartridge housing (310), but below, the cover member (370) is described as a separate component from the cartridge housing (310).

[0103] The cover member (370) can separate and partition the space surrounded by the lower housing (311) and the space surrounded by the upper housing (312). That is, the cover member (370) can separate and partition the space inside the cartridge housing (310) into upper and lower parts. For example, the lower housing (311) and the cover member (370) can be fastened, and the cover member (370) can be fastened to the upper housing (312) on top. Alternatively, the upper housing (312) or the lower housing (311) may have a step protruding on the inner surface thereof so that the cover member (370) can be placed.

[0104] A control board (390) such as a printed circuit board and a light sensor (380) to be described later may be placed in the space surrounded by the cover member (370) (or partition member, partition plate, or cover plate) and the upper housing (312). The control board (390) may include the third processor (391) and / or the third memory (392) described above. In addition, although not represented in the drawing, a configuration capable of receiving or storing power through electrical connection with the handpiece (200) and the main body (100) may be further placed between the cover member (370) and the upper housing (312).

[0105] The space surrounded by the cover member (370) and the upper housing (312) can be substantially filled with a gas such as air. For example, 50% or more, or about 60% or more, or about 70% or more, or about 80% or more of the volume of the space surrounded by the cover member (370) and the upper housing (312) can be occupied by the gas. In contrast, the space (IS) surrounded by the cover member (370) and the lower housing (311) can be substantially filled with a liquid medium (gray portion in FIG. 8). For example, 50% or more, or about 60% or more, or about 70% or more, or about 80% or more of the volume of the space surrounded by the cover member (370) and the lower housing (311) can be occupied by the liquid.

[0106] The cover member (370) may include a base portion (371) and a cover member protrusion (372) that protrudes at least partially from the base portion (371) toward the upper housing (312). The maximum height of the cover member protrusion (372) in the third direction (Z) may be higher than the upper surface height of the base portion (371). A movable block insertion groove (370g) may be provided on the lower surface of the cover member (370) corresponding to the cover member protrusion (372). That is, in a cross-section obtained by cutting the cover member (370), the cover member (370) may have a substantially uniform thickness. For example, the thickness (D) of the side surface and / or the thickness of the upper surface of the cover member protrusion (372) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the base portion (371), or may have a difference of about 10%. For example, as will be described later, when light emitted by a light emitting portion (380e) passes through a wall portion forming one side (372a) of a cover member protrusion (372) and heads toward a moving block protrusion (341) of a moving block (340), the thickness (D) of the wall portion through which the light passes in the second direction (Y) may be about 2 mm or less, or about 1 mm or less.

[0107] The cover member protrusion (372) and the moving block insertion groove (370g) may have a shape extending approximately in the first direction (X). For example, the length in the first direction (X) may be greater than the width in the second direction (Y). Specifically, the length in the first direction (X) may be at least twice, at least about three times, or at least about five times the width in the second direction (Y). In the present specification, the cover member protrusion (372) means a portion that protrudes upward when the cover member (370) is viewed from above, and the moving block insertion groove (370g) means a recessed space formed when the lower surface of the cover member (370) is recessed upward.

[0108] The second direction (Y) width of the cover member protrusion (372) is smaller than the second direction (Y) width of the entire cover member (370) (or the base portion (371)), and the cover member protrusion (372) may have one side (372a) and the other side (372b) in the second direction (Y). In addition, the first direction (X) length of the cover member protrusion (372) is smaller than the first direction (X) length of the entire cover member (370) (or the base portion (371)), and the cover member protrusion (372) may have one side and the other side in the first direction (X). At least a part of the movable block (340) to be described later, for example, the movable block protrusion (341) (or the movable block upper portion, or the movable block insertion portion) may be inserted into the movable block insertion groove (370g) of the cover member (370). In this case, the second direction (Y) one side (372a) and the other side (372b) of the cover member protrusion (372) can face and wrap the second direction (Y) one side and the other side of the moving block protrusion (341), respectively.

[0109] The cover member (370) may be formed at least partially of a light-transmitting material having relatively high light transmittance. For example, the light transmittance of at least the cover member protrusion (372) or the second direction (Y)-facing side portions of the cover member protrusion (372) may be about 50% or more, or about 60% or more, or about 70% or more, or about 80% or more, or about 90% or more.

[0110] The light sensor (380) is disposed on the lower surface of the control board (390), but may be disposed on the lower surface side of the control board (390), that is, on the cover member (370) side. A plurality of light sensors (380) may be provided in the first direction (X). The drawing exemplifies a case where five light sensors (380) are provided in the first direction (X).

[0111] The light sensor (380) may include a light emitting portion (380e) and a light receiving portion (380r). The light emitting portion (380e) and the light receiving portion (380r) may be arranged to face each other, specifically, the light emitting portion (380e) and the light receiving portion (380r) may face each other in the second direction (Y). The light sensor (380) may detect the presence or absence of an object between the light emitting portion (380e) and the light receiving portion (380r) based on whether light emitted from the light emitting portion (380e) is detected by the light receiving portion (380r). The drawing illustrates an example of a light sensor (380) having a roughly D-shape with a recessed lower portion.

[0112] In addition, the light sensor (380) may be arranged so that the light emitting portion (380e) and the light receiving portion (380r) surround both sides of the cover member protrusion (372) of the cover member (370) described above in the second direction (Y). That is, the light emitting portion (380e) may directly face one side (372a) of the cover member protrusion (372) in the second direction (Y), and the light receiving portion (380r) may directly face the other side (372b) of the cover member protrusion (372) in the second direction (Y). In addition, the light emitting portion (380e) may face one side of the moving block protrusion (341) of the moving block (340) described later in the second direction (Y), and the light receiving portion (380r) may face the other side of the moving block protrusion (341) of the moving block (340) in the second direction (Y).

[0113] In a state where all components of the cartridge (300) are combined and the moving block protrusion (341) is moved to overlap with the light sensor (380) in the second direction (Y), the light emitting unit (380e), the light receiving unit (380r), one side (372a) and the other side (372b) of the cover member protrusion (372), and at least a portion of the moving block (340) (specifically, the moving block protrusion (341)) can all be arranged to overlap with each other in the second direction (Y). In addition, the cover member protrusion (372) of the cover member (370) can be interposed between the moving block protrusion (341) and the light sensor (380). In other words, the moving block (340) may be spaced apart from the light emitting portion (380e) in the second direction (Y) with the cover member protrusion (372) (or the cover member (370)) therebetween, and the moving block (340) may be spaced apart from the light receiving portion (380r) in the second direction (Y) with the cover member protrusion (372) (or the cover member (370)) therebetween. In other words, the moving block protrusion (341) of the moving block (340) is at least partially inserted into the moving block insertion groove (370g) of the cover member (370), so that the cover member protrusion (372) of the cover member (370) is arranged to surround at least a portion of the moving block protrusion (341) from above, and the light sensor (380) including the light receiving portion (380r) and the light emitting portion (380e) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the cover member protrusion (372) of the cover member (370) from above.

[0114] As a non-limiting example, as described above, the light sensors (380) may be arranged in a plurality in the first direction (X), but in a cross-section cut in the first direction (X), the light sensors (380) may be arranged only so as to overlap with the cover member protrusions (372) in the second direction (Y) and the third direction (Z), and may not be arranged at positions where they do not overlap with the cover member protrusions (372) in the second direction (Y) and the third direction (Z). In addition, one cover member protrusion (372) may overlap with a plurality of light sensors (380) in the second direction (Y).

[0115] Detection of the light sensor (380) according to the movement of the moving block (340) in the first direction (X) will be described later.

[0116] Meanwhile, as described above, the lower opening (300p) of the lower housing (311) can be sealed by the ultrasonic transmitting member (320) and the upper part can be covered by the cover member (370) to form a sealed internal space (IS). And the internal space (IS) can be filled with a liquid medium. The liquid medium can suppress the loss of ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generating elements (330) and facilitate the propagation of the ultrasonic waves toward the ultrasonic transmitting member (320). In addition, the liquid medium can absorb heat generated by the ultrasonic generating elements (330).

[0117] In some embodiments, the cartridge (300) may further include a thermosensitive ink layer (not shown) disposed on the cartridge housing (310). The thermosensitive ink layer may include ink that changes color depending on the temperature of the liquid medium inside the cartridge housing (310). The color change of the ink may be reversible. For example, the thermosensitive ink layer may exhibit a first color at a relatively low temperature, and when the temperature of the liquid medium increases, the color of the thermosensitive ink layer may change to a second color. When the temperature of the liquid medium decreases again, the color of the thermosensitive ink layer may change back to the first color. This allows a user, such as a practitioner, to visually recognize the color of the temperature of the liquid medium and, if the liquid medium becomes excessively overheated, prompt the user to replace the cartridge (300), etc.

[0118] The cartridge (300) may include ultrasonic generating elements (330) (or ultrasonic generating element module, or transducer module). The ultrasonic generating element module (330) may generate ultrasonic waves according to a signal provided by a processor, for example, a third processor (391).

[0119] The ultrasonic generating element module (330) may include a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements. Specifically, the ultrasonic generating element module (330) may include a first ultrasonic generating element (330a), a second ultrasonic generating element (330b), and a third ultrasonic generating element (330c). The first ultrasonic generating elements (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating elements (330c) may be aligned and arranged in the second direction (Y) and may be coupled to each other. That is, the relative positions of the first ultrasonic generating elements (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating elements (330c) and their ultrasonic focusing positions may be fixed. The first ultrasonic generating elements (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating elements (330c) may each include an ultrasonic transducer. Although FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the ultrasonic generation element module (330) includes three ultrasonic generation elements, in other embodiments, one ultrasonic generation element module may include two ultrasonic generation elements, or four or more ultrasonic generation elements.

[0120] Each of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) may have a predetermined or set natural frequency value. In this case, the natural frequency values ​​of all of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) or at least some of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) may be different from each other.

[0121] A plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) can be controlled by an output signal provided by a single processor, for example, a first processor (191). The oscillation or initiation time of the oscillation of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) can be non-simultaneous, sequential, and related. The operation of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) will be described later along with the control method.

[0122] Each ultrasonic generating element (330) may be arranged to be able to move linearly in a first direction (X) within the internal space (IS) of the cartridge (300). In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge (300) may include a moving block (340) and a linear guide (350) guiding the moving block (340).

[0123] The linear guide (350) may be in the shape of a bar or rod extending approximately in the first direction (X). FIG. 4 and the like illustrate a case where the linear guide (350) includes three bars for stable movement of the moving block (340), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, the moving block (340) (or moving unit) may include a main block portion (342) (or frame portion, or body portion, or first portion) and a moving block protrusion (341) (or second portion) disposed on the upper portion of the main block portion (342). The main block portion (342) and the moving block protrusion (341) may be formed integrally without a physical boundary, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0125] The main block part (342) can be coupled with the ultrasonic generation element module (330). In some embodiments, the relative position between the main block part (342) and the ultrasonic generation element module (330) can be fixed and unchangeable. The main block part (342) has a hole into which the aforementioned linear guide (350) is inserted, and the linear guide (350) can be at least partially inserted into the main block part (342). In addition, as described above, a first magnet (340m) can be arranged on one side of the main block part (342).

[0126] Additionally, the moving block protrusion (341) may be made of a material having relatively low light transmittance or being substantially opaque, for example, having a light transmittance of 10% or less, or about 5% or less, or about 1% or less, or substantially 0%.

[0127] The width of the main block portion (342) in the second direction (Y) may be greater than the width of the movable block protrusion (341) in the second direction (Y), for example, the maximum width. More specifically, the upper surface of the main block portion (342) may have a shape that partially forms a stepped surface. The movable block protrusion (341) may be partially inserted into the movable block insertion groove (370g) of the cover member (370), and the main block portion (342) may not be inserted into the movable block insertion groove (370g).

[0128] The width (or thickness) of the movable block protrusion (341) in the first direction (X) may be relatively small. For example, in a case where a plurality of light sensors (380) are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X), and the movable block protrusion (341) is configured to move in the first direction (X), at any moment when it moves, one movable block protrusion (341) may have a width in the first direction (X) such that it overlaps only one light sensor (380) in the second direction (Y).

[0129] Although not shown in the drawing, as described above, a control board (390) including a third processor (391) is mounted inside the upper housing (312), and wiring connecting the third processor (391) and each ultrasonic generating element (330) may pass through the cover member (370). In addition, the wiring may pass through the main block section (342) or bypass the main block section (342).

[0130] As described above, the light emitting portion (380e) of the light sensor (380) may face one side (372a) of the light-transmitting cover member protrusion (372) and the opaque moving block protrusion (341), and the light receiving portion (380r) may face the other side (372b) of the light-transmitting cover member protrusion (372) and the opaque moving block protrusion (341). In addition, the light sensors (380) including the light emitting portions (380e) and the light receiving portions (380r) may be arranged in a plurality in the first direction (X), the cover member protrusions (372) may have a shape extending in the first direction (X), and the moving blocks (340) including the moving block protrusions (341) may be arranged to be movable in the first direction (X).

[0131] And as described above, depending on the movement position of the moving block (340), the moving block protrusion (341) may overlap only one light sensor (380) in the second direction (Y), or may not overlap with the light sensor (380) in the second direction (Y), and may not overlap with two light sensors (380) in the second direction (Y) at any moment. By using this, the first direction (X) position of the moving block protrusion (341) and the ultrasonic generating elements (330) connected thereto can be detected.

[0132] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the moving block protrusion (341) of the moving block (340) overlaps with one of the plurality of light sensors (380), for example, the first light sensor (381), in the second direction (Y), the processors, for example, the third processor (391), can recognize that the position of the ultrasonic generation element module (330) is the position of the first light sensor (381). And, as shown in FIG. 7, in the process in which the moving block (340) and the ultrasonic generation element module (330) move to the left in the first direction (X), the moving block protrusion (341) can sequentially pass through the second light sensor (382) closest to the left of the first light sensor (381) and the third light sensor (383) closest to the left of the second light sensor (382). In this process, the first optical sensor (381) is turned off, the second optical sensor (382) is turned on and then turned off, and the third optical sensor (383) is turned on and then turned off in this sequential manner, and the third processor (391) can recognize the movement position of the ultrasonic generation element module (330). Then, the light-emitting element (281) matched to indicate the position corresponding to each optical sensor (380) blinks, allowing the user to intuitively recognize the position of the ultrasonic generation element module (330). That is, the blinking of the plurality of light-emitting elements (281) can be controlled based on the detection data of the plurality of optical sensors (380). Specifically, one or more light-emitting elements (281) can be controlled to blink based on a change in the optical sensor set composed of the plurality of optical sensors (380) in which only one is detected as being on or all are detected as being off, and the optical sensor in which the on signal is detected among the plurality of optical sensors (380) is changed.

[0133] In this specification, the meaning of the light sensor (380) being detected as being on means that the light receiving unit does not detect light and an object is detected between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and the meaning of the light sensor being detected as being off means a normal state in which no object exists between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit and light is received by the light receiving unit.

[0134] For example, but not limited to, if the linear actuator (240) is in operation and the light-emitting element (281) that is lit changes, or the blinking state of the light-emitting element (281) does not change even though it should, the user can easily recognize that there is a problem with the coupling of the movement block (340) and the action rod (242) of the actuator (240). For another example, if the detection of the plurality of light sensors (380) does not change even though the linear actuator (240) is in operation, the processor may generate a danger alarm signal.

[0135] According to this embodiment, the inner space of the cartridge housing (310) is partitioned using a cover member (370), so that the lower space where the ultrasonic generator (330) is arranged can be filled with liquid, while the control board (390) and the light sensor (380) can be configured not to come into contact with the liquid. In addition, the cover member protrusion (372) in the path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit (380e) is formed to have a light-transmitting property so that the light is received by the light-receiving unit (380r), but the light sensor (380) at a predetermined position is turned on according to the movement state of the moving block (340), in other words, the light is prevented from being received by the light-receiving unit (380r), thereby enabling the detection of the positions of the moving block (340) and the ultrasonic generator module (330).

[0136] Meanwhile, a sealing member (360) may be arranged within the cartridge housing (310). The sealing member (360) may have a shape that extends approximately in the first direction (X) and has wrinkles, and one end may be closely fixed to the main block portion (342), and the other end may be closely fixed to surround the cartridge hole (310h) on the inner wall of the lower housing (311). Through this, the internal space of the sealing member (360) and the cartridge hole (310h) may be connected. When the moving block (340) includes the first magnet (340m), the sealing member (360) may be arranged to surround the first magnet (340m), and the first magnet (340m) may be located in the internal space of the sealing member (360). The sealing member (360) may partition the internal space thereof and the external space thereof so that they are not fluidly connected.

[0137] Specifically, as described above, among the internal spaces surrounded by the lower housing (311) and the upper housing (312), the outer space (IS) of the sealing member (360) is filled with a liquid medium. On the other hand, among the internal spaces surrounded by the lower housing (311) and the upper housing (312), the space inside the sealing member (360) is not filled with a liquid medium, and air may exist in fluid connection with the cartridge hole (310h). In addition, the action rod (242) and the second magnet (240m) of the handpiece (200) are partially inserted into the cartridge housing (310) through the cartridge hole (310h), and the action rod (242) may be at least partially disposed inside the sealing member (360) in a state in which the action rod (242) and the moving block (340) are connected.

[0138] One end of the sealing member (360) is coupled to the main block portion (342) of the moving block (340), and the other end is fixed within the cartridge housing (310). Therefore, even if the main block portion (342) moves in the first direction (X), the sealing member (360) is fixed within the main block portion (342) and the cartridge housing (310) to partition the external and internal spaces thereof. The sealing member (360) may be made of a material having elasticity, and / or may have a shape that can be elastically deformed, for example, a wrinkled structure.

[0139] In some embodiments, the cartridge (300) may further include a Peltier element (not shown) and / or a temperature sensor module (not shown) disposed on the cartridge housing (310), for example, externally or internally of the cartridge housing (310).

[0140] The Peltier element may include a heating surface that generates heat and a heat-absorbing surface that absorbs heat in response to an electrical signal. In this case, the Peltier element may be positioned near the opening (300p) with the heat-absorbing surface facing the subject. Accordingly, the subject may experience a cooling sensation rather than a thermal sensation due to the ultrasound irradiation.

[0141] Additionally, a temperature sensor module may be positioned anywhere within the cartridge housing (310). The temperature sensor module may be configured to detect the temperature of the liquid medium filled in the internal space (IS). If the temperature of the liquid medium is above or exceeds a reference value, the temperature sensor module may be configured to generate an alarm signal. This allows the operator to intuitively determine whether the cartridge (300) is overheated.

[0142] Hereinafter, a control method of an ultrasonic generator (11) according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an ultrasonic generator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating information transmission between a first control unit performing the control method of Fig. 11 and other control units.

[0143] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the ultrasonic oscillation position according to the movement of the ultrasonic generating element according to the control method of FIG. 11, wherein (a) shows the ultrasonic focusing position at the oscillation start time (T1) of the first ultrasonic generating element, (b) shows the ultrasonic focusing position at the oscillation start time (T2) of the second ultrasonic generating element, (c) shows the ultrasonic focusing position at the oscillation start time (T3) of the third ultrasonic generating element, and (d) is a drawing showing the ultrasonic focusing position again at the oscillation start time (T4) of the first ultrasonic generating element.

[0144] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing pulse output according to the control method of FIG. 11, where (a) shows a pulse output from a first processor and input to a first ultrasonic generating element, (b) shows a pulse output from a first processor and input to a second ultrasonic generating element, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing a pulse output from a first processor and input to a third ultrasonic generating element.

[0145] Referring further to FIGS. 11 to 14, the control method according to the present embodiment (or the program or command modules executed by the first control unit (190) (or the main body control unit) including the first processor (191)) may include obtaining an operating condition (S100), obtaining a unique frequency value for each ultrasonic generating element (330a, 330b, 330c) from the third control unit (391, 392) (or the cartridge control unit) (S200), detecting an operation signal (S300), obtaining count information from the third control unit (391, 392) (S400), determining whether the count information collected from the third control unit satisfies a condition (S500), calculating a pulse output (S600), and generating a driving signal for the actuator (240) and the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) (S700). Each step or instruction is described in detail below.

[0146] First, acquisition of operating conditions (S100) may be based on user input. As previously described with reference to FIG. 1, the user may input information including at least the maximum movement distance (length), oscillation interval (spacing), movement speed (velocity), and ultrasonic intensity (power) of the ultrasonic generator module (330).

[0147] And the first processor (191) or the first control unit (190) can obtain the unique frequency values ​​of each ultrasonic generating element (330a, 330b, 330c) from the third control unit (391, 392) including the third memory (392) (S200). The term control unit used in this specification should be understood as a concept including a combination of a processor and a memory, or a processor alone, or a memory alone.

[0148] That is, the main body (100) including the first processor (191) is electrically connected to the main body (100) and can read or collect the natural frequency values ​​of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) of the currently identified cartridge (300). In the case where the ultrasonic generating element module (330) includes three ultrasonic generating elements as in the present embodiment, the third memory (392) stores three natural frequency values ​​corresponding to each ultrasonic generating element, and the first processor (191) acquires each of the three natural frequency values.

[0149] As described above, when one ultrasonic generating element module (330) includes three ultrasonic generating elements, the natural frequency values ​​of the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) may be different from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum difference in the natural frequency values ​​between the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) may be within about ±10%, or within about ±7.5%, or within about ±5%, or within about ±2.5%, or within about ±1.0%.

[0150] The natural frequency values ​​of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) can be collected by the first control unit (190), i.e., the main body control unit, from the third control unit (391, 392), i.e., the cartridge control unit. In an embodiment where the main body (100) and the handpiece (200) are connected, and the cartridge (300) is connected to the handpiece (200), the information that the third control unit (391, 392) provides to the first control unit (190), or the information that the first control unit (190) provides to the third control unit (391, 392), may or may not pass through the second control unit (291, 292).

[0151] And when the user provides a user input for initiating ultrasonic oscillation using the operation button (250) provided on the handpiece (200), at least the first control unit (190) obtains an operation signal or an operation request signal (S300), and while the operation signal is provided, the first control unit (190) can obtain count information (e.g., third count information) from the third control unit (391, 392) including the third memory (392) (S400). That is, the user input using the operation button (250) generates an operation signal and can be a trigger for a series of operations to be described later.

[0152] That is, the main body (100) including the first processor (191) is electrically connected to the main body (100) and can collect third count information stored in the third memory (392) of the currently identified cartridge (300). Here, the third count information may refer to the number of times the ultrasonic generating element (330) of the cartridge (300) receives an operation signal of the ultrasonic generating element. The counting method of the third count information will be described later.

[0153] The third memory (392) may include non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the count information stored in the third memory (392) may be preserved even when the cartridge (300) does not have a separate power source and is disconnected from the main body (100) or handpiece (200).

[0154] For example, even if the power supply to the main body (100) is cut off and then supplied again, the count information stored in the third memory (392) can be maintained. For another example, even if the cartridge (300) is detached and then reconnected to the handpiece (200), the count information stored in the third memory (392) can be maintained. For another example, even if the cartridge (300) connected to a first handpiece is detached and connected to another second handpiece, the count information stored in the third memory (392) of the cartridge (300) can be maintained. The count information stored in the third memory (392) can be associated with the remaining count of an output device of the main body (100), such as a display device.

[0155] And the first processor (191) can compare the third count number collected from the third memory (392) of the cartridge (300) with a pre-specified number, i.e., a numerical value (S500). If the pre-specified number is 10,000 times, it can be compared and determined whether the count number stored in the third memory (392) of the cartridge (300) is less than 10,000 times. Here, the pre-specified number can be understood as a database stored in the first memory (192) of the main body (100). Alternatively, the pre-specified number may be collected from the third memory (392) of the cartridge (300).

[0156] If the number of collected counts is less than or equal to a pre-specified number, the first control unit (190) including the first processor (191) can calculate a pulse output for the operation of the ultrasonic generation element module (330) (S600) and generate an output signal for the operation of the actuator (240) and the ultrasonic generation element module (330) (S700).

[0157] On the other hand, if the number of collected counts is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, or exceeds a predetermined number, for example, if a predetermined number is reached, calculation of output for operation of the ultrasonic generator and generation of an output signal may not be performed despite the acquired ultrasonic generator operation request signal. In addition, an alarm signal indicating inoperability may be generated, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0158] Hereinafter, the calculation step (S600) and the output generation signal step (S700) of the pulse output for the operation of the ultrasonic generation element module (330) will be described in detail.

[0159] First, the first processor (191) provides a signal for the operation of the actuator (240) to the second processor (291) or the second control unit (291, 292) of the handpiece (200) (S710). At this time, the signal for the operation of the actuator (240) may include information on the maximum movement distance (length) and / or movement speed (velocity) among the operation conditions input by the user in the operation condition acquisition step (S100). For example, if a movement distance of 20 mm and a movement speed of 5.0 mm / sec are specified, the actuator (240) may move the ultrasonic generation element module (330) at a speed of 5.0 mm / sec and may be driven to move only up to 20 mm from the initial starting point.

[0160] In addition, the pulse output calculation step (S600) may be performed based on the spacing and ultrasonic power input by the user in the operating condition acquisition step (S100), and the natural frequency values ​​(S200) of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) collected from the third memory (392). Although FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the pulse output calculation step (S600) is performed after the operating signal is acquired (S300), in another embodiment, the pulse output calculation step (S600) may be performed in advance after the operating condition is acquired (S100), the natural frequency values ​​of the ultrasonic generating elements are acquired (S200), and before the user input for generating the operating signal, and when the operating signal is provided (S300), the oscillation signals of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) may be provided (S720) based on the pre-calculated pulse output.

[0161] The first processor (191) provides a signal for the operation of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) to the third processor (391) or the third control unit (391, 392) of the cartridge (300) based on the calculated pulse signal (S720), and the operation of each ultrasonic generating element (330a, 330b, 330c) can be initiated.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, as represented in FIG. 14, the oscillation (or initiation of oscillation) of a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements, specifically, the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating element (330c), is controlled by a control signal generated from one processor, and the oscillation (or initiation of oscillation) of the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) may be sequential, non-simultaneous, and interrelated. In other words, the initiation, maintenance, or termination of a pulse set signal for controlling the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) may be sequential. In the present specification, the meaning of sequential means that at least some of the oscillation initiation points are not performed simultaneously, but are performed with a time delay.

[0163] Additionally, according to the present embodiment, a single clock control signal generated by a single processor may correspond to a single pulse set signal. Furthermore, a single pulse set (long pulse) signal controlling a single ultrasonic generating element may be composed of multiple pulse signals (1 pulse, short pulse).

[0164] As a non-limiting example, among the pulse sets of one cycle for controlling the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) as shown in FIG. 14, the signal for controlling the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) may be composed of six pulse signals. And among the pulse sets of one cycle for controlling the second ultrasonic generating element (330b), the signal for controlling the second ultrasonic generating element (330b) may be composed of four pulse signals, and similarly, among the pulse sets of one cycle for controlling the third ultrasonic generating element (330c), the signal for controlling the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) may be composed of seven pulse signals.

[0165] The number of pulse signals for controlling the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) may be based on a predetermined or set natural frequency value. For example, the natural frequency of the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) is 1.5 times the natural frequency of the second ultrasonic generating element (330b), and accordingly, the number of pulses of the control signal of the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) during the same time period may be 1.5 times the number of pulses of the control signal of the second ultrasonic generating element (330b). In other words, the pulse generator (194) of the main body (100) generates pulses according to the unique frequency values ​​of the acquired ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c), whereby detailed pulses in which the individual pulse duration (1 pulse on time, shot pulse), the pause between individual pulses, etc. of each ultrasonic generating element (330a, 330b, 330c) are determined can be output. As a non-limiting example, the pause between individual pulses and / or the pause between individual pulses can be on the order of tens of microseconds (μs) to hundreds of milliseconds (ms), or hundreds of microseconds to several milliseconds. FIG. 14 illustrates cases where the control pulses of the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) are approximately 6, 4, and 7, respectively, in order to more clearly explain the difference in the duration of the individual pulses and the number of individual pulses of the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) to the third ultrasonic generating element (330c), but these pulses may be within a range of approximately ±10%.

[0166] The period of one pulse set (1 pulse set, long pulse) including the period in which multiple pulse signals are applied (pulse set on time) and the pulse set resting time can be calculated by considering the oscillation interval and movement speed among the operating conditions input by the user.

[0167] For example, based on one ultrasonic generating element, for example, based on the first ultrasonic generating element (330a), if the oscillation interval (L in FIG. 13) is 2.5 mm and the movement speed is 5.0 mm / sec, one pulse set for oscillation of the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) may be generated every 0.5 seconds, that is, the cycle of one pulse set may be 0.5 seconds. In other words, while the user presses the operation button (250) for 10 seconds, the total straight-line or reciprocating movement distance of the ultrasonic generating element module (330) is 50 mm, and during this time, a total of 20 pulse set signals may be provided to each of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c).

[0168] The total pulse set time of the control signal of the first ultrasonic generator (330a), the total pulse set time of the control signal of the second ultrasonic generator (330b), and the total pulse set time of the control signal of the third ultrasonic generator (330c) may all be substantially the same, or may have an error within the range of ±5%.

[0169] Additionally, during a single pulse set cycle, the pulse set on time or pulse set resting time can be calculated by considering the power among the operating conditions input by the user. For example, if the ultrasonic intensity input by the user is relatively high, the pulse set on time can be long, and if the ultrasonic intensity is relatively low, the pulse set on time can be relatively short.

[0170] The pulse set on time of the control signal of the first ultrasonic generator (330a), the pulse set on time of the control signal of the second ultrasonic generator (330b), and the pulse set on time of the control signal of the third ultrasonic generator (330c) may all be substantially the same, or may have an error within the range of ±5%.

[0171] Through the process described above, in the pulse output calculation step (S600), in order to control one ultrasonic generating element, for example, the first ultrasonic generating element (330a), the first pulse generator (194a) of the first control unit (190) generates a pulse signal having an individual pulse on time (1 pulse on time, shot pulse) and a pulse resting period between individual pulses, and the first processor (191) or the first control unit (190) can control the timing of the calculated pulse set on time (pulse set on time, long pulse) and pulse set resting time. At this time, the pulse set resting period can be implemented by a method such as masking a part of the generated individual pulse signal, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0172] In addition, the start time of the oscillation signal between the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c), that is, the time point (T1) of the first individual pulse for controlling the first ultrasonic generating element (330a), the time point (T2) of the first individual pulse for controlling the second ultrasonic generating element (330b), and the time point (T3) of the first individual pulse for controlling the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) during any one pulse set period may be sequential. In this case, the time difference of the individual pulses for controlling each ultrasonic generating element (330a, 330b, 330c) may be implemented by timing control by the first processor (191) as described above, that is, by the command module, but may also be implemented by a hardware configuration such as a delay circuit in other embodiments.

[0173] In the case of control by the first processor (191), the output signal that the first processor (191) provides to the first pulse generator (194a) and / or the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) in FIG. 10 may precede the output signal that the first processor (191) provides to the second pulse generator (194b) and / or the second ultrasonic generating element (330b) by a time difference. Similarly, the output signal that the first processor (191) provides to the second pulse generator (194b) and / or the second ultrasonic generating element (330b) may precede the output signal that the first processor (191) provides to the third pulse generator (194c) and / or the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) by a time difference. Or, in the case of implementation through a hardware configuration such as a delay circuit, the delay circuit may be located between the first processor (191) and the pulse generator (194), or between the pulse generator (194) and the ultrasonic generation element module (330).

[0174] If it is understood that the control signals of the first ultrasonic generator (330a) to the third ultrasonic generator (330c) sequentially form one repeating unit, after the pulse set start time (T1) for the control signal of the first first ultrasonic generator (330a), the start time (T2) of the pulse set for the control signal of the second ultrasonic generator (330b) generated second and the start time (T3) of the pulse set for the control signal of the third ultrasonic generator (330c) generated third can be appropriately determined. For example, by dividing one pulse set time (T4-T1) into three, the pulse set start times of the second ultrasonic generator (330b) and the pulse set start times of the third ultrasonic generator (330c) can be determined.

[0175] Fig. 14 illustrates a first pulse set for a first ultrasonic generating element (330a), a part of a second pulse set for a second ultrasonic generating element (330b), and a first pulse set for a third ultrasonic generating element (330c). At this time, the step of generating an ultrasonic generating element drive signal (S720) means corresponding to one pulse set for each ultrasonic generating element (330a, 330b, 330c), and if an operation signal is still provided after generating one pulse set (S300), and if the result of the condition judgment (S500) of the third count information is satisfied, the above-described process is repeated and the second pulse set for each ultrasonic generating element (330a, 330b, 330c) can be initiated.

[0176] Meanwhile, after one pulse set is generated for the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c), the first control unit (190) including the first processor (191) can update the count (e.g., the first count) of the first memory (192) (S810) and update the count (e.g., the third count) of the third memory (392) (S820).

[0177] As described above, one count corresponds to one pulse set. That is, even if the oscillation signals of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) include 6 individual pulses for the first ultrasonic generating element (330a), 4 individual pulses for the second ultrasonic generating element (330b), and 7 individual pulses for the third ultrasonic generating element (330c), a total of 17 individual pulses, this can be treated as one count. As a non-limiting example, when the ultrasonic generating element module (330) includes a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements, the number of pulse sets for any one representative ultrasonic generating element can be treated as the count number. As described above, since all of the multiple ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) are controlled through a single control signal generated by the first processor (191), the count number can be understood to mean the number of times the control signal is output by the first processor (191) or the number of times one ultrasonic generating element oscillates.

[0178] When a pulse set signal for the operation of each ultrasonic generator module (330) is generated (S720), and the ultrasonic generator elements (330a, 330b, 330c) generate ultrasonic waves, the first processor (191) can increase the third count number by 1 and store and update it in the third memory (392) (S820). In addition, the third count information updated and stored in the third memory (392) can be used in the third count collection step (S400) and condition judgment step (S500) for generating the next pulse set. As described above, the third memory (392) includes a non-volatile memory.

[0179] Likewise, when a pulse set signal for the operation of the ultrasonic generation element module (330) is generated (S720), and the ultrasonic generation elements (330a, 330b, 330c) generate ultrasonic waves, the first processor (191) can increase the first count number by 1 and store and update it in the first memory (192) (S810).

[0180] The first memory (192) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. In an exemplary embodiment, the first count information stored in the first memory (192) may be initialized when the power supply to the main body (100) is cut off, or may be configured to be stored in non-volatile memory and initialized when the power supply is cut off or according to a user's operation. The first count information stored in the first memory (192) may be displayed as the current ultrasonic oscillation count of the main body (100).

[0181] In terms of storing the first count information stored in the first memory (192), for example, if the cartridge being used is separated and then reconnected to the handpiece (200), the count information stored in the first memory (192) can be maintained. For another example, if the first cartridge being used is separated and a new second cartridge is connected to the handpiece (200), the count information stored in the first memory (192) can be maintained and accumulated.

[0182] Also, in terms of initializing the first count information stored in the first memory (192), for example, when the power supply to the main body (100) is cut off after 50 oscillations are counted in the first memory (192) and then the power is supplied again, the count information stored in the first memory (192) may be initialized and displayed as 0. For another example, the count information may be initialized through an initialization operation after 50 oscillations are counted in the first memory (192). It goes without saying that the count information stored in the third memory (392) of the identified cartridge (300) is maintained despite the initialization of the count information in the first memory (192).

[0183] That is, the count information stored in the first memory (192) described above may be related to the number of ultrasonic oscillations using the corresponding main body (100), and the count information stored in the third memory (392) may be related to the number of ultrasonic oscillations using the corresponding cartridge (300). Although the present invention is not limited thereto, when the practitioner starts a procedure on a subject, the practitioner can recognize the number of ultrasonic oscillations irradiated to the subject by counting the number of oscillations anew in a state where the count information stored in the first memory (192) is initialized. Through this, it is possible to monitor whether excessively large amounts of ultrasonic waves are irradiated.

[0184] On the other hand, the count information stored in the third memory (392) can be understood as a unique count number of the cartridge (300) and related to the durability or lifespan of the cartridge (300). If the ultrasonic generator (330) continuously generates ultrasonic waves for a long time, it may not be able to exhibit the intended power or frequency. Therefore, the number of ultrasonic waves generated using the cartridge (300) is stored regardless of whether the main body (100) is powered on, whether the main body (100) or the handpiece (200) is changed, or whether the subject is changed, and the lifespan of the cartridge (300) can be recognized by outputting it through the display device of the main body (100).

[0185] According to this embodiment, the user can control the focusing of ultrasonic waves based on the desired ultrasonic intensity level (power) (or energy amount) and irradiation interval (or density), and can control a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) configured to be sequentially oscillated using a single control signal.

[0186] As previously explained, the on time (and pause time) of the pulse signal for controlling the ultrasonic generator and the total length of the pulse signal can be determined by considering the intensity level, etc., but when using a single ultrasonic generator, it is difficult to form a dense oscillation site above a certain level due to the physical movement speed using the actuator (240) and the resulting error range, the time for pulse output calculation, the limitation of pulse time control, etc. In addition, in order to match the ultrasonic intensity level desired by the user, the pulse on time of one ultrasonic generator may be longer than the pulse pause time, or the pulse pause time may hardly exist.

[0187] However, according to the present embodiment, despite the limitations of the physical movement speed using the actuator (240), the density can be increased while maintaining the ultrasonic wave generation site uniformly. For a non-limiting example, ultrasonic waves can be irradiated at every L / 3 distance in FIG. 13. In addition, the on-time of a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) can be controlled based on a single control signal, so that the time required for pulse output calculation or operation can be shortened, and the idle period of each of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c), for example, the pulse set idle period, can be sufficiently secured, thereby preventing overheating and concentrated power use, thereby suppressing shortened lifespan and malfunction of the ultrasonic generating elements (330a, 330b, 330c) in harsh environments.

[0188] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions of configurations substantially identical or extremely similar to the aforementioned embodiments will be omitted, as those skilled in the art will readily understand these from the accompanying drawings.

[0189] Fig. 15 is a configuration diagram showing hardware related to ultrasonic generation of an ultrasonic generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 15, the ultrasonic generator (12) according to the present embodiment includes a main body (100), a handpiece (not shown), and a cartridge (300), and the first control unit (190) of the main body (100) includes a pulse generator (194) including a first pulse generator (194a) and a second pulse generator (194b), and the cartridge (300) includes a first ultrasonic generating element (330a), a second ultrasonic generating element (330b), a third ultrasonic generating element (330c), and a fourth ultrasonic generating element (330d), wherein the pulse output signal generated by the first pulse generator (194a) is used to control the first ultrasonic generating element (330a) and the second ultrasonic generating element (330b), and the pulse output signal generated by the second pulse generator (194b) is used to control the third ultrasonic generating element (330c) and the fourth ultrasonic generating element (330d). This is different from the previously described embodiment.

[0191] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing pulse output according to a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 16, the pulse output generated by the main body processor according to the present embodiment includes a control pulse set (or first pulse set) of a first ultrasonic generating element, a control pulse set (or second pulse set) of a second ultrasonic generating element, and a control pulse set (or third pulse set) of a third ultrasonic generating element, and the start (T1) of the first pulse set (or 1-1 pulse set) and the start (T2) of the second pulse set are non-simultaneous, but the first pulse set and the second pulse set are oscillated at least partially simultaneously, and the start (T2) of the second pulse set and the start (T3) of the third pulse set are non-simultaneous, but the second pulse set and the third pulse set are oscillated at least partially simultaneously, which is different from the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the start (T3) of the third pulse set and the start (T4) of the first pulse set (or 1-2 pulse set) are non-simultaneous, but the third pulse set and the first pulse set can be oscillated at least partially simultaneously.

[0193] That is, the end time (T1') of the first pulse set on time of the first ultrasonic generator (330a) may be later than the start time (T2) of the second pulse set on time of the second ultrasonic generator (330b). Similarly, the end time (T2') of the second pulse set on time of the second ultrasonic generator (330b) may be later than the start time (T3) of the third pulse set on time of the third ultrasonic generator (330c).

[0194] The times of the first pulse set to the third pulse set are all substantially the same, or have an error within a range of ±5%, and the first pulse set on time to the third pulse set on time are all substantially the same, or have an error within a range of ±5%, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0195] As described above, the time of the entire pulse set, including each pulse set on time and pulse set resting time, can be determined based on the oscillation interval and movement speed input by the user. In addition, the pulse set on time or pulse set resting time in each pulse set can be determined based on the ultrasonic power input by the user. Therefore, at least some of the first to third pulse sets can all be oscillated at any given moment, depending on the acquired operating conditions.

[0196] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing pulse output according to a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 17, the pulse output generated by the main body processor according to the present embodiment includes a control pulse set (or first pulse set) of a first ultrasonic generating element, a control pulse set (or second pulse set) of a second ultrasonic generating element, and a control pulse set (or third pulse set) of a third ultrasonic generating element, wherein the initiation of the first pulse set (or 1-1 pulse set) and the second pulse set is non-simultaneous, and a delay time exists between the end (T1') of the first pulse set and the initiation (T2) of the second pulse set, and similarly, the initiation of the second pulse set and the third pulse set is non-simultaneous, and a delay time exists between the end (T2') of the second pulse set and the initiation (T3) of the third pulse set, which is different from the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the initiation of the third pulse set and the first pulse set (or 1-2 pulse set) is non-simultaneous, and a delay time may exist between the end (T3') of the third pulse set and the initiation (T4) of the next first pulse set.

[0198] The times of the first pulse set to the third pulse set are all substantially the same, or have an error within a range of ±5%, and the first pulse set on time to the third pulse set on time are all substantially the same, or have an error within a range of ±5%, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0199] As previously described, the time of the entire pulse set, including each pulse set on time and pulse set resting time, can be determined based on the oscillation interval and movement speed input by the user. In addition, the pulse set on time or pulse set resting time in each pulse set can be determined based on the ultrasound power input by the user.

[0200] As a non-limiting example, if the first to third pulse sets are understood to sequentially form one repeating unit, the time (T4-T1) of one pulse set, for example, the first pulse set, can be divided into three parts and utilized to determine the start time (T2) of the second pulse set and the start time (T3) of the third pulse set. For example, if the time of the first pulse set is (T4-T1), the start time (T2) of the second pulse set can be a time point that has elapsed by (T4-T1) / 3 from the start time (T1) of the first pulse set, and the start time (T3) of the third pulse set can be a time point that has elapsed by (T4-T1) / 3 from the start time (T2) of the second pulse set.

[0201] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing pulse output according to a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 18, the pulse output generated from the main body processor according to the present embodiment includes a control pulse set (or first pulse set) of a first ultrasonic generating element, a control pulse set (or second pulse set) of a second ultrasonic generating element, and a control pulse set (or third pulse set) of a third ultrasonic generating element, wherein the second pulse set is initiated substantially simultaneously with the end of the first pulse set (or 1-1 pulse set), the third pulse set is initiated substantially simultaneously with the end of the second pulse set, and a delay time exists between the end of the third pulse set and the start of the next first pulse set (or 1-2 pulse set), which is different from the embodiment of FIG. 17.

[0203] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and applications not illustrated above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention. For example, this specification should be understood to include a disclosure of an embodiment in which technical features disclosed in each of the multiple embodiments are combined, as long as the technical features disclosed in each of the multiple embodiments are not overlapped, conflicted, or contradictory.

[0204] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the technical concepts exemplified above. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented with modifications. Furthermore, any differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A processor; and a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements controlled by the processor, wherein one of the processors comprises: Acquire a motion signal and generate a pulse output based on the motion signal, An ultrasonic generator device in which the generation of ultrasonic waves by a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements is initiated sequentially by the above pulse output.

2. In paragraph 1, An ultrasonic generator device in which the natural frequency values ​​of at least some of the above-described plurality of ultrasonic generating elements are different from each other.

3. In paragraph 1, The plurality of ultrasonic generating elements including the first ultrasonic generating element to the third ultrasonic generating element are configured to move linearly, An ultrasonic generating device in which the relative positions of the first ultrasonic generating element to the third ultrasonic generating element are fixed during movement of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements.

4. In paragraph 1, The above pulse output is a pulse set for oscillation of each ultrasonic generating element, and includes a pulse set consisting of a pulse set on time and a pulse set pause period. The above pulse set on time is composed of a plurality of individual pulses and a pause between the individual pulses, An ultrasonic generator wherein the pulse set time and the pulse set on time are determined independently of each other.

5. A method performed by the first processor of an ultrasonic generator including a first processor, a third memory connected to the first processor, and a plurality of ultrasonic generating elements directly or indirectly controlled by the first processor, the first processor including a first ultrasonic generating element and a second ultrasonic generating element, Collecting the natural frequency values ​​of each of the first ultrasonic generating element and the second ultrasonic generating element from the third memory; and Including generating an oscillation signal of all of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements according to acquisition of a motion request, A control method for an ultrasonic generator, wherein there is a time difference between the start of oscillation of the first ultrasonic generator and the start of oscillation of the second ultrasonic generator.

6. In paragraph 5, A control method of an ultrasonic generator, wherein the pulse output for oscillation of the first ultrasonic generator element and the pulse output for oscillation of the second ultrasonic generator element are each determined based on the natural frequency values ​​of the first ultrasonic generator element and the second ultrasonic generator element.

7. In paragraph 5, The ultrasonic generator further comprises a first memory connected to the first processor, and the method comprises: Collect count information from the first memory; Collect count information from the third memory; Compare the collected count information with a pre-specified number of times; and When the above oscillation signal is generated, further comprising updating the count information of the first memory and the third memory, A control method for an ultrasonic generator, wherein the count information of the first memory and the third memory are independent of each other.

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