Ultrasonic wave generation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic wave generation device comprising: a cartridge housing; a moving member installed in the cartridge housing to be movable in a first direction; a transducer which is coupled to the moving member and generates ultrasonic waves; a driving device installed in the cartridge housing to move the moving member in the first direction; and a sealing member installed in the cartridge housing.

Description

Ultrasonic generator

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic generating device.

[0002] Ultrasound refers to waves with a frequency of 20KHz or higher, and because it has the property of penetrating water, it is widely used in the medical field, such as ultrasonic diagnostic devices and ultrasonic therapy devices.

[0003] In the medical field, the most representative application of ultrasound is ultrasound imaging devices that utilize the transmission and reflection properties of ultrasound. For example, there is a device that obtains cross-sectional images of the human body by visualizing the reflection time and intensity as ultrasound penetrates individual organs.

[0004] In addition, there is a device that utilizes heat generated by High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to burn and remove specific subcutaneous tissues, such as tumors within the skin, or to induce degeneration and regeneration of skin tissue to produce skin cosmetic or dermatological effects, such as wrinkle improvement.

[0005] Currently, ultrasonic devices in the skin care market are being used for lifting procedures by focusing ultrasonic energy on the SMAS layer of the skin, or for fat reduction procedures by focusing strong energy on the subcutaneous fat layer to destroy fat cells.

[0006] A conventional ultrasonic generator includes a handpiece, a cartridge housing coupled to the handpiece, a transducer movably installed in the cartridge housing that generates ultrasound, a driving device installed in the handpiece to move the transducer, and a connector connecting the driving device and the transducer.

[0007] Therefore, conventional technology had the problem that the size of the handpiece increased as the driving device and transducer were built into the handpiece, and consequently, the overall size increased.

[0008] In addition, conventional technology had the problem that repairing the drive unit was cumbersome because, when repairing the drive unit, the handpiece and the cartridge housing had to be separated, and then the drive unit installed in the handpiece had to be repaired.

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic generator in which the overall size can be reduced and the repair of the driving device is easy, as the driving device is installed in a cartridge housing.

[0010] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0011] An ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cartridge housing; a moving member installed to be movable in a first direction in the cartridge housing; a transducer coupled to the moving member and generating ultrasonic waves; a driving device that moves the moving member in the first direction, comprising a driving motor installed in the cartridge housing, a case in which the driving motor is housed, and a coupler connecting the driving motor and the moving member and protruding to the outside of the case; and a sealing member installed in the cartridge housing to prevent a fluid medium housed in the cartridge housing from flowing into the interior of the case in which the driving motor is housed.

[0012] Additionally, the above case further comprises: a first case in which the drive motor is housed; a second case coupled to the first case and through which the coupler passes; and a first O-ring interposed between the first case and the second case, and the sealing member can seal the space between the second case and the coupler.

[0013] Additionally, the sealing member may include an outer body installed in the second case through which the coupler passes; and an inner body extending along the inner circumference of the outer body and in close contact with the coupler.

[0014] In addition, a screw may be formed on the outer circumference of the other side of the coupler, and a screw hole may be formed in the movable member to be screw-coupled with the screw.

[0015] In addition, it may further include a guide part installed in the cartridge housing to guide the movement of the moving member in the first direction.

[0016] Additionally, the guide part may further include a guide shaft that is installed in the cartridge housing and penetrates the moving member in the first direction to guide the movement of the moving member in the first direction.

[0017] In addition, the guide part may further include two guide plates that are respectively coupled to both ends of the guide shaft and limit the movement range of the moving member in the first direction.

[0018] In addition, a first mounting groove in which the coupler is seated may be formed on one of the two guide plates, and a second mounting groove in which the movable member is seated may be formed on the other of the two guide plates.

[0019] Additionally, the moving member may include a moving shaft that moves in the first direction along the second seating groove; and a moving plate coupled to the moving shaft and positioned between two guide plates through which the guide shaft passes.

[0020] Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0021] An ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of reducing the overall size and making it easy to repair the driving device, as the driving device is installed in a cartridge housing.

[0022] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a moving member and a guide part of an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a driving device and a sealing member of an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating the first directional movement process of a moving member and a transducer of an ultrasonic generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] 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 may 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 present invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0029] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and "and / or" includes each of the mentioned components and all combinations of one or more. Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the invention.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the direction indication of the present invention, the first direction is defined as one of the up-and-down direction, the vertical direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a moving member and a guide part of an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a driving device and a sealing member of an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cartridge housing (10), a moving member (20), a transducer (30), a driving device (40), and a sealing member (50).

[0034] The cartridge housing (10) can accommodate a transducer (30), a driving device (40), and a sealing member (50). Here, the transducer (30) can receive power from a power module. At this time, the power module and the transducer (30) can be connected via an RF board and a cable. The RF board can supply RF current to the transducer (30), and the cable can supply RF current to the RF board.

[0035] The interior of the cartridge housing (10) may accommodate a fluid medium for transmitting ultrasound. For example, the fluid medium may be distilled water, degassed liquid, and silicone, but is not specifically limited thereto.

[0036] The cartridge housing (10) may include a housing body (11), a first cap (12), and a second cap (13).

[0037] The housing body (11) may be open on both sides in the first direction and may accommodate a transducer (30), a driving device (40), and a sealing member (50).

[0038] The first cap (12) and the second cap (13) can each be detachably coupled to both sides of the first direction of the housing body (11). Here, a second O-ring (60) for sealing may be interposed between the first cap (12) and the housing body (11). Additionally, a third O-ring (70) for sealing may be interposed between the second cap (13) and the housing body (11). As an example, the second O-ring (60) and the third O-ring (70) may have a ring shape.

[0039] The first cap (12) is detachably coupled to one side of the housing body (11) and can close the one side of the housing body (11). A driving device (40) can be detachably coupled to the first cap (12).

[0040] The second cap (13) is detachably coupled to the other open side of the housing body (11) and can close the other open side of the housing body (11).

[0041] The moving member (20) can serve to connect the driving device (40) and the transducer (30). Accordingly, the transducer (30) can also be moved in the first direction in conjunction with the first direction movement of the moving member (20). At this time, the first direction movement of the moving member (20) can be carried out by the driving device (40). The moving member (20) can be installed to be movable in the first direction of the cartridge housing (10).

[0042] The moving member (20) may include a moving axis (21) and a moving plate (22).

[0043] The moving shaft (21) can be moved in a first direction along the second seating groove of the second guide plate (83). For example, the moving shaft (21) may have a tubular shape. Additionally, the second seating groove may have a curved shape.

[0044] The moving plate (22) is coupled with the moving shaft (21) and is positioned between the first guide plate (82) and the second guide plate (83), so that the guide shaft (81) can pass through.

[0045] For example, the moving plate (22) may be composed of two, and the two moving plates (22) may be connected to each side of the moving axis (21).

[0046] The transducer (30) can serve to output ultrasound to the skin. This transducer (30) is coupled to the movable member (20) and can generate ultrasound. For example, the transducer (30) can be detachably coupled to the other side of the movable member (20).

[0047] The driving device (40) is installed in the cartridge housing (10) and can move the moving member (20) in a first direction.

[0048] The driving device (40) may include a driving motor (41), a driving shaft (42), a coupler (43), and a case (44, 45). Here, the case (44, 45) may include a first case (44), a second case (45), and a first O-ring (46).

[0049] The drive motor (41) can be installed in the cartridge housing (10).

[0050] The drive shaft (42) can be rotated by the driving force of the drive motor (41).

[0051] One side of the coupler (43) may be detachably connected to the drive shaft (42) and the other side may be detachably connected to the moving member (20). A screw (43a) may be formed on the outer circumference of the other side of the coupler (43), and a screw hole (23) that is screw-coupled to the screw (43a) may be formed in the moving member (20). Accordingly, when the drive shaft (42), i.e., the screw (43a), rotates, the moving member (20) can move in a first direction along the screw (43a).

[0052] The first case (44) can accommodate a drive motor (41).

[0053] The second case (45) is connected to the other side of the first case (44), and the coupler (43) can pass through it.

[0054] The first O-ring (46) may be interposed between the first case (44) and the second case (45). This first O-ring (46) can seal the space between the first case (44) and the second case (45). For example, the first O-ring (46) may have a ring shape.

[0055] A sealing member (50) may be installed in the cartridge housing (10) to prevent a fluid medium contained in the cartridge housing (10) from flowing into the interior of the case (44, 45) in which the drive motor (41) is housed. Specifically, the sealing member (50) may serve to seal the space between the coupler (43) protruding outward from the case (44, 45) and the case (44, 45) so that the interior of the case (44, 45) is airtight when the drive shaft (42) and the coupler (43) rotate.

[0056] The sealing member (50) may include an outer body (51) and an inner body (52).

[0057] The outer body (51) is installed in the second case (45) so that the coupler (43) can pass through it. For example, the outer body (51) may have a shape that seals the space between the inner circumference of the second case (45) and the outer circumference of the coupler (43).

[0058] The inner body (52) can be extended along the inner circumference of the outer body (51) and be closely attached to the coupler (43). For example, the inner body (52) may have a ring shape.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, a first inclined surface (52a) can be formed along one side of the inner body (52), and a second inclined surface (43a) can be formed along the other side of the coupler (43), so that the coupler (43) can easily penetrate the inner side of the inner body (52).

[0060] An ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a guide part (80).

[0061] The guide part (80) is installed in the cartridge housing (10) and can serve to guide the movement of the movable member (20) in the first direction. In addition, the guide part (80) can also serve to limit the range of movement of the movable member (20) in the first direction.

[0062] The guide part (80) may include a guide shaft (81), a first guide plate (82), a second guide plate (83), and a connecting plate (84).

[0063] The guide shaft (81) penetrates the movable member (20) in a first direction and can serve to guide the movement of the movable member (20) in the first direction.

[0064] The first guide plate (82) and the second guide plate (83) are respectively connected to both ends of the guide shaft (81) to limit the first direction movement range of the movable member (20). A movable plate (22) of the movable member (20) is positioned between the first guide plate (82) and the second guide plate (83). At this time, the first direction movement range of the movable plate (22) is limited to the space between the first guide plate (82) and the second guide plate (83). Therefore, the first direction movement range of the movable plate (22) of the movable member (20) is limited to the space between the first guide plate (82) and the second guide plate (83).

[0065] The first guide plate (82) may be spaced apart from the second guide plate (83) in the first direction. Here, the first guide plate (82) may be coupled to the second case (45).

[0066] A first mounting groove (82a) for mounting a coupler (43) may be formed in the first guide plate (82), and a second mounting groove (83a) for mounting a movable member (20) may be formed in the second guide plate (83).

[0067] The connecting plate (84) can connect the first guide plate (82) and the second guide plate (83). For example, the connecting plate (84) may have a plate shape.

[0068] Hereinafter, the first direction movement process of the moving member (20) and the transducer (30) of the ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The following process may be carried out by a processor.

[0069] FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing the first direction movement process of a moving member (20) and a transducer (30) of an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] First, the drive shaft (42) rotates according to the operation of the drive motor (41).

[0071] Subsequently, when the drive shaft (42) rotates, the moving member (20) and the transducer (30) can be moved in a first direction along the screw (43a) of the drive shaft (42). (See FIGS. 5 and 6)

[0072] At this time, the first direction movement range of the moving member (20) may be limited to between the first guide plate (82) and the second guide plate (83).

[0073] In addition, as the first case (44) and the second case (45) are sealed by the first O-ring (46) and the sealing member (50), the fluid medium contained inside the cartridge housing (10) can be prevented from penetrating into the drive motor (41) housed in the first case (44).

[0074] Additionally, when replacement or repair of the drive motor (41) is required, the drive motor (41) can be replaced or repaired after a simple process of separating the first cap (12) from the housing body (11) of the cartridge housing (10).

[0075] Accordingly, in an ultrasonic generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the driving device (40) is installed in the cartridge housing (10), the handpiece can be excluded, so the overall size can be reduced and the repair of the driving device (40) is easy.

[0076] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. Cartridge housing; A movable member installed to be movable in a first direction in the above cartridge housing; A transducer coupled to the above-mentioned movable member and generating ultrasound; A driving device comprising a driving motor installed in the cartridge housing, a case in which the driving motor is housed, and a coupler connecting the driving motor and the moving member and protruding to the outside of the case, for moving the moving member in the first direction; and An ultrasonic generating device comprising a sealing member installed in the cartridge housing to prevent a fluid medium contained in the cartridge housing from flowing into the interior of the case in which the drive motor is housed.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above case is, A first case in which the above-mentioned drive motor is housed; A second case coupled to the first case and through which the coupler passes; and It further includes a first O-ring interposed between the first case and the second case, and The above sealing member is an ultrasonic generating device that seals the space between the second case and the coupler.

3. In Paragraph 2, The sealing member above is, An outer body installed in the second case above, through which the coupler passes; and An ultrasonic generating device comprising an inner body that extends along the inner circumference of the outer body and is in close contact with the coupler.

4. In Paragraph 1, A screw is formed on the outer circumference of the other side of the above coupler, and An ultrasonic generating device having a screw hole formed in the moving member that is screw-coupled with the screw.

5. In Paragraph 1, An ultrasonic generating device further comprising a guide part installed in the cartridge housing to guide the movement of the moving member in the first direction.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above guide part is, An ultrasonic generating device further comprising a guide shaft installed in the cartridge housing and penetrating the moving member in the first direction to guide the movement of the moving member in the first direction.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above guide part is, An ultrasonic generating device further comprising two guide plates each coupled to both ends of the guide shaft to limit the first direction movement range of the moving member.

8. In Paragraph 7, A first mounting groove is formed in one of the two guide plates above for mounting the coupler, and An ultrasonic generating device in which a second seating groove is formed on one of the two guide plates for the movable member to be seated.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned moving member is, A moving axis that moves in the first direction along the second seating groove; and An ultrasonic generating device comprising a movable plate coupled to the above-mentioned movable axis and positioned between two of the above-mentioned guide plates, through which the guide axis passes.

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