Ultrasonic head fixing device and method therefor

Abstract

An ultrasonic head fixing device and a method therefor are disclosed. The ultrasonic head fixing device comprises: an upper fixing device; a lower fixing device; a ball head positioned between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device and coupled to an ultrasonic head; and a mechanical mechanism for generating a frictional force on the ball head through vertical movement between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device during operation and fixing same, wherein the ultrasonic head is fixed by fixing the ball head.

Description

Ultrasonic head fixing device and method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to ultrasonic head technology, and more specifically, to ultrasonic head fixing technology.

[0002] There is a method of fixing the ultrasonic head by using brakes on the x, y, and z axes, respectively. In this method, it is common to use at least three brakes, which causes various problems.

[0003] For example, there is a problem where the wiring connections required for each brake become complex and wiring management becomes difficult. In addition, multiple brakes and the parts required for them increase weight, affecting the size or weight of the equipment. Furthermore, using three brakes increases the number of parts and costs.

[0004] According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic head fixing device and method are proposed that combine a ball head fixing principle with a fixing method of an electronic brake or a DC motor, thereby enabling the ultrasonic head to be stably and automatically fixed using only one brake instead of the previously required at least three, or using only a DC motor without using a brake.

[0005] An ultrasonic head fixing device according to one embodiment comprises an upper fixing device, a lower fixing device, a ball head positioned between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device and coupled to the ultrasonic head, and a mechanical mechanism that fixes the ball head by generating frictional force through vertical movement between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device during operation, and the ultrasonic head is fixed due to the fixing of the ball head.

[0006] The mechanical mechanism may include an electronic brake that brakes by an electrical signal.

[0007] The machine mechanism fixes the ball head by the upper fixing device pressing the ball head, and the vertical movement of the ball head can be made within a range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0008] The mechanical mechanism may further include a ball head pressing device that presses the upper fixing device when the electronic brake is operated.

[0009] The electronic brake includes a main body and an armature mounted on the main body. When the power of the electronic brake is off, the main body and the armature are separated. When the power of the electronic brake is on, the armature descends and comes into contact with the main body, and the main body and the armature are fixed by magnetism. When the armature descends, the ball head can be fixed by frictional force between the upper and lower fixing device and the lower fixing device.

[0010] The mechanical mechanism may further include a switch that applies power to the electronic brake.

[0011] The mechanical mechanism may include a DC motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical rotational motion.

[0012] The machine mechanism may further include a pulley connected to a DC motor and rotating in the same direction as the DC motor, and a screw connected to the pulley that moves downward in a locking direction by engaging the threads of a ball head stopper when the DC motor rotates in a first direction, and moves upward in a loosening direction by engaging the threads of a ball head stopper when the DC motor rotates in a second direction.

[0013] The upper fixing device and the lower fixing device may be ring holders.

[0014] A method for fixing an ultrasonic head according to another embodiment includes the steps of: applying power to an electronic brake; moving an upper fixing device located at the upper part of a ball head downward by means of the electronic brake; fixing the ball head by frictional force between the upper fixing device moving downward and a lower fixing device located at the lower part of the ball head; and fixing an ultrasonic head coupled with the ball head.

[0015] A method for fixing an ultrasonic head according to another embodiment includes the steps of: applying power to a DC motor so that the DC motor rotates in a first direction; moving an upper fixing device located at the upper part of a ball head downward by the DC motor; fixing the ball head by frictional force between the upper fixing device moving downward and a lower fixing device located at the lower part of the ball head; and fixing an ultrasonic head coupled with the ball head.

[0016] The step of fixing the ball head may include a step in which a pulley connected to a DC motor rotates in a first direction, a step in which a screw connected to the pulley moves downward in a direction that engages with and locks the threads of a ball head stopper, and a step in which, as the screw moves downward, it presses the upper fixing device, causing the upper fixing device to move downward, thereby pressing the ball head located between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device, and a frictional force is generated between them to fix the ball head.

[0017] The ultrasonic head fixing method may further include the step of applying power to a DC motor so that the DC motor rotates in a second direction, the step of moving an upper fixing device upward by the DC motor, the step of releasing the ball head by the upper fixing device moving upward, and the step of releasing the ultrasonic head coupled with the ball head.

[0018] The present invention can achieve automation of the ultrasonic head using an electronic brake or a DC motor.

[0019] The present invention can achieve miniaturization and weight reduction, as well as simplification of wiring and assembly and cost reduction. For example, the equipment can be miniaturized and its weight reduced by reducing the number of brakes to one or using only one DC motor. In addition, wiring and assembly are simplified. Furthermore, the number of parts and costs are reduced by reducing the number of unnecessary brakes.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an ultrasonic head fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0021] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the structure of the electronic brake of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of an ultrasonic head fixing method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an ultrasonic head fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of an ultrasonic head fixing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0026] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering the functions in the embodiments of the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator. Therefore, such definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0027] Additionally, each block or each step may represent a module, segment, or part of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing specific logical functions, and it should be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions mentioned in the blocks or steps may occur out of order. For example, two blocks or steps described in succession may actually be performed substantially simultaneously, and the blocks or steps may also be performed in the reverse order of the corresponding functions as needed.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention exemplified below may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0029] The ultrasonic head fixing device of the present invention is applicable to industries that use ultrasonic heads. In particular, it can be utilized for fixing ultrasonic heads attached in the form of ball heads in ultrasonic therapeutic devices, medical devices, industrial ultrasonic equipment, camera equipment, etc.

[0030] The ultrasonic head fixing device includes an upper fixing device, a lower fixing device, a ball head positioned between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device and coupled with the ultrasonic head, and a mechanical mechanism that fixes the ball head by generating frictional force through vertical movement between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device during operation, and the ultrasonic head is fixed due to the fixing of the ball head.

[0031] The mechanical mechanism according to the first embodiment may include an electronic brake, and an embodiment thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0032] The mechanical mechanism according to the second embodiment may include a DC motor, and an example thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an ultrasonic head fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the ultrasonic head fixing device (1) according to the first embodiment combines the ball head fixing principle and the fixing method of the electronic brake, so that the ultrasonic head (18) can be stably fixed using only one brake, which previously required at least three brakes, and the ultrasonic head (18) can be automatically fixed using the electronic brake. The ultrasonic head fixing device (1) can fix the ball head (14) coupled with the ultrasonic head (18) by pressing it in the up and down direction using the electronic brake (15).

[0035] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0036] First, the fixing principle of the ultrasonic head (18) is explained.

[0037] The ball head (14) is combined with the ultrasonic head (18) and can rotate freely, but when force is applied to the ball head (14) in the up and down direction, it is fixed by friction. The method of fixing the ball head (14) by moving the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13) using the electronic brake (15) allows the equipment to be miniaturized and weight reduced by reducing the number of brakes to one, wiring and assembly are simplified as the brakes are integrated into one, and the number of parts and costs are reduced by reducing the number of unnecessary electronic brakes.

[0038] The configuration of the ultrasonic head fixing device (1) is described below.

[0039] The ultrasonic head fixing device (1) includes a case (11), an upper fixing device (12), a lower fixing device (13), a ball head (14), an electronic brake (15), a ball head pressing device (16), and a ball head stopper (17).

[0040] The ultrasonic head (18) is combined with the ball head (14).

[0041] An upper fixing device (12) is provided on the upper part of the ball head (14), and a lower fixing device (13) is provided on the lower part, so that the ball head (14) is positioned between the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13). The upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13) may be in the form of ring holders.

[0042] The electronic brake (15) performs the function of braking by means of an electrical signal. The electronic brake (15) performs the function of fixing (locking) or unlocking (unlocking) the ball head (14) coupled with the ultrasonic head (18). When the electronic brake (15) is operated, frictional force is generated on the ball head (14) through vertical movement between the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13), thereby fixing it. Due to the fixing of the ball head (14), the ultrasonic head (18) coupled with the ball head (14) is fixed.

[0043] The electronic brake (15) is composed of a main body and an armature. When the power of the electronic brake (15) is off, there is no magnetism between the main body and the armature, so they are separated from each other. When the power of the electronic brake (15) is switched to the on state, the armature descends due to magnetism and comes into contact with the main body to be fixed together. When the armature descends, the ball head (14) is fixed by friction between the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13).

[0044] An upper fixing device (12) is provided on the upper part of the ball head (14), and a ball head stopper (17) is provided on the upper part of the upper fixing device (12). The armature of the electronic brake (15) is connected to the ball head stopper (17).

[0045] A ball head pressing device (16) is provided on top of the electronic brake (15). When power is turned on to the electronic brake (15), the armature of the electronic brake (15) goes down, and as the ball head pressing device (16) goes down, it presses the upper fixing device (12), and as the upper fixing device (12) goes down within a predetermined range, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 mm, frictional force is generated on the ball head (14).

[0046] The ultrasonic head fixing device (1) may further be equipped with a switch that applies power to the electronic brake (15). The switch may be in the form of a button that is provided on the outside of the ultrasonic head fixing device (1) and is pressed by user operation.

[0047] Hereinafter, a method of operation for fixing the ultrasonic head (18) according to the first embodiment is described.

[0048] The state before the electronic brake operates (power OFF state) is as follows.

[0049] The ball head (14) rotates freely, and the ultrasonic head (18) connected thereto also moves freely.

[0050] The main body and armature of the electronic brake (15) can be separated and moved freely.

[0051] The upper fixing device (12) and the ball head stopper (17) are placed on the ball head (14), and the armature of the electronic brake (15) is floating on the body of the electronic brake (15). The gap between the armature of the electronic brake (15) and the body is about 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0052] After the operation of the electronic brake according to the first embodiment (power on state), it is as follows.

[0053] The armature of the electronic brake (15) comes down and comes into contact with the main body of the electronic brake (15). At this time, the gap between the armature of the electronic brake (15) and the main body becomes 0mm, and the armature and the main body are fixed.

[0054] Next, as the ball head stopper (17) is connected to the armature of the electronic brake (15) and moves downward, the upper fixing device (12) moves downward together.

[0055] Next, the ball head (14) located between the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13) is pressed, and frictional force is generated between them, so that the ball head (14) is fixed so as not to rotate freely.

[0056] Next, the ultrasonic head (18) connected to the ball head (14) is fixed.

[0057] When the ultrasound head (18) is fixed, more accurate and stable treatment is possible.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the structure of the electronic brake of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the electronic brake (15) includes a main body (152) and an armature (151).

[0060] Before operation (power off state), the main body (152) and the armature (151) of the electronic brake (15) are separated. At this time, the armature (151) is floating above the main body (152), and the gap between the main body (152) and the armature (151) may be about 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0061] However, after the electronic brake (15) is operated (power on), the armature (151) on the main body (152) comes down and comes into contact with the main body (152). The gap between the main body (152) and the armature (151) becomes 0mm, and the armature (151) is fixed to the main body (152).

[0062] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of an ultrasonic head fixing method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3, power is applied to the electronic brake (15) (S310).

[0064] Next, the upper fixing device (12) located on the upper part of the ball head (14) moves downward by means of the electronic brake (15) (S320).

[0065] Next, the ball head (14) is fixed by the frictional force between the upper fixing device (12) moving downward and the lower fixing device (13) located at the bottom of the ball head (14) (S330).

[0066] Next, the ultrasonic head (18) combined with the ball head (14) is fixed (S340).

[0067] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an ultrasonic head fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, the ultrasonic head fixing device (1) according to the second embodiment combines the ball head fixing principle and the fixing method of the DC motor (40), so that the ultrasonic head (18) can be stably fixed using only one DC motor (40) instead of the brakes that previously required at least three, and the ultrasonic head (18) can be fixed automatically using the DC motor (40). The ultrasonic head fixing device (1) can fix the ball head (14) combined with the ultrasonic head (18) by pressing it in the up and down direction using the DC motor (40).

[0069] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0070] First, the fixing principle of the ultrasonic head (18) is explained.

[0071] The ball head (14) is combined with the ultrasonic head (18) and can rotate freely. When force is applied to the ball head (14) in the up and down direction, the ball head (14) is fixed by friction. The method of fixing the ball head (14) by moving the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13) using a DC motor (40) allows the equipment to be miniaturized and weight reduced by using one DC motor (40) instead of three brakes, simplifies wiring and assembly, and reduces the number of unnecessary electronic brakes, thereby reducing the number of parts and costs.

[0072] Hereinafter, the configuration of the ultrasonic head fixing device (1) according to the second embodiment is described.

[0073] The ultrasonic head fixing device (1) includes an upper fixing device (12), a lower fixing device (13), a ball head (14), a ball head stopper (17), a DC motor (40), an arm tilt block connect head (41), a screw (42), a bracket (BKT) (43), and a pulley (44).

[0074] The ultrasonic head (18) is combined with the ball head (14).

[0075] An upper fixing device (12) is provided on the upper part of the ball head (14), and a lower fixing device (13) is provided on the lower part, so that the ball head (14) is positioned between the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13). The upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13) may be in the form of ring holders.

[0076] The DC motor (40) converts electrical energy into mechanical rotational motion. The DC motor (40) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0077] The DC motor (40) performs the function of fixing (locking) or unlocking (unlocking) the ball head (14) coupled with the ultrasonic head (18). According to one embodiment, the ball head (14) may be fixed (locked) when the DC motor (40) rotates counterclockwise, and the ball head (14) may be unlocked (unlocked) when the DC motor (40) rotates clockwise. When the DC motor (40) operates, frictional force is generated on the ball head (14) through vertical movement between the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13) to fix it. Due to the fixing of the ball head (14), the ultrasonic head (18) coupled with the ball head (14) is fixed.

[0078] An upper fixing device (12) is provided on the upper part of the ball head (14), and a ball head stopper (17) is provided on the upper part of the upper fixing device (12).

[0079] Before the DC motor (40) operates (power off), the ball head (14) rotates freely, so the ultrasonic head (18) connected to the ball head (14) can also move freely.

[0080] The ball head stopper (17) is assembled and fixed to the arm tilt block connecting head (41) with a screw.

[0081] The DC motor (40) is connected to the bracket (43), and the bracket (43) is connected to the ball head stopper (17).

[0082] The bracket (43) fixes and supports the DC motor (40).

[0083] The pulley (44) is connected to the shaft of the DC motor (40) and, due to the D-cut, rotates together with the shaft of the DC motor (40) in the same direction.

[0084] A screw (42) is connected to the pulley (44). Since the pulley (44) and the screw (42) are connected in a hexagonal shape, they rotate together.

[0085] Hereinafter, a method of operation for fixing the ultrasonic head (18) according to the second embodiment is described.

[0086] The state before operation of the DC motor (40) (power off state) is as follows.

[0087] The ball head (14) rotates freely, and the ultrasonic head (18) connected thereto also moves freely.

[0088] After the DC motor (40) is operated (power on state), it is as follows.

[0089] When power is applied to the DC motor (40) (power on), the DC motor (40) rotates in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) (when viewed from the front of the shaft).

[0090] Next, the pulley (44) connected to the DC motor (40) rotates, and the screw (42) connected to the pulley (44) rotates.

[0091] When the screw (42) rotates, the screw (42) engages with the threads of the ball head stopper (17) and moves downward (locking direction).

[0092] As the screw (42) goes down and presses the upper fixing device (12), the upper fixing device (12) goes down.

[0093] Next, the ball head (14) located between the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13) is pressed, and frictional force is generated between them, so that the ball head (14) is fixed so as not to rotate freely.

[0094] Next, the ultrasonic head (18) connected to the ball head (14) is fixed.

[0095] Meanwhile, after power is applied to the DC motor (40) (power on), the DC motor (40) rotates in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) (when the shaft is viewed from the front).

[0096] Next, the pulley (44) connected to the DC motor (40) rotates, and the screw (42) connected to the pulley (44) rotates.

[0097] When the screw (42) rotates, the screw (42) is caught on the threads of the ball head stopper (17) and moves upward (in the direction of release).

[0098] As the screw (42) rises, the upper fixing device (12) rises, and the fixed ball head (14) is released and rotates freely.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of an ultrasonic head fixing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, power is applied to the DC motor (40) so that the DC motor (40) rotates in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) (S510).

[0101] Next, the upper fixing device (12) located on the upper part of the ball head (14) is moved downward by the DC motor (40) (S520).

[0102] Next, the ball head (14) is fixed by the frictional force between the upper fixing device (12) moving downward and the lower fixing device (13) located at the bottom of the ball head (14) (S530).

[0103] Next, the ultrasonic head (18) combined with the ball head (14) is fixed (S540).

[0104] In the ball head fixing step (S530), the pulley (44) connected to the DC motor (40) rotates in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), and the screw (42) connected to the pulley (44) can move downward in a direction that engages with and locks the threads of the ball head stopper (17). At this time, as the screw (42) moves downward, it presses the upper fixing device (12), causing the upper fixing device (12) to move downward, thereby pressing the ball head (14) located between the upper fixing device (12) and the lower fixing device (13), and the frictional force generated between them can fix the ball head (14).

[0105] Furthermore, to release the ultrasonic head, power is applied to the DC motor (40) so that the DC motor (40) rotates in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) (S550).

[0106] Next, the upper fixing device (12) is moved upward by the DC motor (40) (S560).

[0107] Next, the ball head (14) is released from fixation by the upper fixing device (12) that moves upward (S570).

[0108] Next, the ultrasonic head (18) combined with the ball head (14) is released (S580).

[0109] The present invention has been described above with reference to its embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. Upper fixing device; Lower fixing device; A ball head positioned between an upper fixing device and a lower fixing device and coupled to an ultrasonic head; and A mechanical mechanism that fixes the ball head by generating frictional force through vertical movement between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device during operation; comprising, Ultrasonic head fixing device characterized by the ultrasonic head being fixed due to the fixation of the ball head.

2. In claim 1, the mechanical mechanism is Electronic brake that brakes by an electrical signal; An ultrasonic head fixing device characterized by including 3. In Paragraph 2, An ultrasonic head fixing device characterized by fixing the ball head by the upper fixing device pressing the ball head, and the vertical movement of the ball head being within the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

4. In Paragraph 2, the mechanical mechanism is A ball head pressing device that presses the upper fixing device when the electronic brake is operated; An ultrasonic head fixing device characterized by further including 5. In Paragraph 2, the electronic brake is Main body; and Includes an armature provided on the main body; and An ultrasonic head fixing device characterized in that the main body and the armature are separated when the power of the electronic brake is off, and when the power of the electronic brake is switched to on, the armature descends and comes into contact with the main body, thereby fixing the main body and the armature by magnetism, and when the armature descends, the ball head is fixed by frictional force between the upper and lower fixing device and the lower fixing device.

6. In Paragraph 2, the mechanical mechanism is A switch that applies power to the electronic brake; An ultrasonic head fixing device characterized by further including 7. In claim 1, the mechanical mechanism is An ultrasonic head fixture characterized by including a DC motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical rotational motion.

8. In Clause 7, the mechanical mechanism A pulley connected to a DC motor and rotating in the same direction as the DC motor; and A screw connected to a pulley, which moves downward in a locking direction by engaging the threads of a ball head stopper when the DC motor rotates in a first direction, and moves upward in a loosening direction by engaging the threads of a ball head stopper when the DC motor rotates in a second direction; An ultrasonic head fixing device characterized by further including 9. In claim 1, the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device are Ultrasonic head fixing device characterized by being a ring holder.

10. A method for fixing an ultrasonic head using an ultrasonic head fixing device, Step of applying power to the electronic brake; A step in which an upper fixing device located at the top of the ball head moves downward by means of an electronic brake; A step in which the ball head is fixed by the frictional force between an upper fixing device moving downward and a lower fixing device located at the bottom of the ball head; and A step in which the ultrasonic head combined with the ball head is fixed; An ultrasonic head fixation method characterized by including 11. A method for fixing an ultrasonic head using an ultrasonic head fixing device, A step in which power is applied to the DC motor and the DC motor rotates in a first direction; A step in which an upper fixing device located at the top of the ball head moves downward by a DC motor; A step in which the ball head is fixed by the frictional force between an upper fixing device moving downward and a lower fixing device located at the bottom of the ball head; and A step in which the ultrasonic head combined with the ball head is fixed; An ultrasonic head fixation method characterized by including 12. In claim 11, the step of fixing the ball head A step in which a pulley connected to a DC motor rotates in a first direction; A step in which the screw connected to the pulley moves downward in a direction that engages with and locks the threads of the ball head stopper; and A step in which, as the screw descends, it presses the upper fixing device, causing the upper fixing device to move downward, thereby pressing the ball head located between the upper fixing device and the lower fixing device, and the frictional force generated between them to fix the ball head; An ultrasonic head fixation method characterized by including 13. In claim 11, the ultrasonic head fixing method is A step in which power is applied to the DC motor and the DC motor rotates in a second direction; Step of moving the upper fixing device upward by a DC motor; A step in which the ball head is released by an upper fixing device that moves upward; and Step of releasing the ultrasonic head combined with the ball head; An ultrasonic head fixation method characterized by further including

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