WO2012074004A1 - Ultrasound therapy tool and ultrasound therapy apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The ultrasound therapy tool (T) that performs treatment by irradiating ultrasonic waves on the affected part (A) is provided with: a first unit (1) having an ultrasound transducer (11) on which is formed an irradiation surface capable of irradiating ultrasonic waves and a first casing (12) that supports the ultrasound transducer (11) with the irradiation surface of the ultrasound transducer (11) exposed to the outside; and a second unit that has a controller that generates a drive signal for the ultrasound transducer (11) according to the values set for the ultrasonic waves by external input and a second casing that accommodates the controller. The first casing (12) is provided with the ultrasound transducer (11) on one side in the thickness direction of the first casing (12) and with a display (13) capable of displaying the set values for the ultrasonic waves on the other side in the thickness direction of the first casing (12). Moreover, concave guides (12g, 12h) are formed on the pair of sides that are paired in the width direction of the first casing (12), which guide the fingers of one hand of the operator to run along the sides thereof.

Description

Ultrasonic therapy device and ultrasonic therapy device

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic therapy device and an ultrasonic therapy apparatus.
This application includes Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-267430 filed in Japan on November 30, 2010, Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-267431 filed in Japan on November 30, 2010, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-267431 on January 28, 2011. Priority is claimed based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-017132 filed in Japan, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Conventionally, there has been known an ultrasonic treatment device that irradiates an affected part with ultrasonic waves to achieve a treatment promoting effect on the affected part.

As this ultrasonic treatment device, an ultrasonic transducer having an irradiation surface capable of irradiating ultrasonic waves, and a casing that supports the ultrasonic transducer with the irradiation surface of the ultrasonic transducer exposed to the outside An ultrasonic probe main body having an ultrasonic probe, a controller that generates a drive signal of an ultrasonic transducer based on a set value of an ultrasonic wave input from the outside, and a housing that houses the controller; An equipped ultrasonic therapy device is known. (See Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-25468

When treating an affected area using the conventional ultrasonic therapy device described above, the positional relationship between the affected area and the ultrasonic probe is usually confirmed so that no positional deviation occurs between the affected area and the ultrasonic probe. While irradiating with ultrasound.
However, in the conventional ultrasonic therapy apparatus, a display for displaying the set value of the ultrasonic wave is provided in the main body of the ultrasonic therapy apparatus. Therefore, when the practitioner changes the set value of the ultrasonic wave during the treatment of the affected area, the practitioner must turn his gaze toward the display of the main body of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus. As a result, there is a problem that the ultrasonic probe and the affected part are displaced and treatment is difficult.

As a means for solving the above-described problem, a configuration in which an indicator is provided in the ultrasonic probe so that the line of sight of the practitioner is not changed from the affected part and the ultrasonic probe is conceivable.

However, in the above-described ultrasonic therapy apparatus, when the practitioner grips the ultrasonic probe randomly, the display unit is covered with the practitioner's hand, and the display unit becomes difficult for the practitioner to see. In this case, the casing must be re-gripped so that the display device can be visually recognized by the practitioner. As a result, there is a problem that treatment becomes difficult.

Further, in the above-described ultrasonic treatment device, during treatment of the affected area, the ultrasonic probe and the outside air may be caused by the practitioner's hand holding the ultrasonic probe, the affected area in contact with the ultrasonic transducer, or the skin near the affected area. The contact area is limited. For this reason, when the ultrasonic therapy device is used for a long time, the heat generated in the display device and the controller is not exhausted to the outside air, and the temperature of the ultrasonic probe is increased throughout the housing. As a result, there is a problem that a practitioner who holds the ultrasonic probe or a therapist who receives the ultrasonic probe feels uncomfortable.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to make it easy to treat an affected area with an ultrasonic irradiator and to suppress discomfort caused to a practitioner or a therapist.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention employs the following means.
An ultrasonic treatment device according to the present invention is an ultrasonic treatment device for performing treatment by irradiating an affected area with ultrasonic waves, and an ultrasonic transducer having an irradiation surface capable of irradiating the ultrasonic waves, A first unit having a first casing that supports the ultrasonic transducer in a state where an irradiation surface of the ultrasonic transducer is exposed to the outside, and the ultrasonic unit input from the outside according to the set value of the ultrasonic wave A second unit having a controller that generates a drive signal for the ultrasonic transducer and a second housing that houses the controller, and the first housing has a thickness of the first housing. The ultrasonic transducer is provided on one side in the direction, and a display capable of displaying the set value of the ultrasonic wave is provided on the other side in the thickness direction of the first casing. A pair of side portions that form a pair in the width direction of one housing so that a finger of one hand is along the practitioner When the practitioner holds the first housing with his finger along the guide portion, the indicator is exposed to the outside, and the first unit is An operation key provided on the first housing and capable of changing the set value of the ultrasonic wave, and the ultrasonic transducer protrudes from the first housing in the direction of irradiating the ultrasonic wave, The first housing is formed watertight so that the liquid applied to the affected part does not enter the inside of the first housing.
According to the above configuration, since the guide part along the finger of one hand with respect to the practitioner is formed on the pair of side parts, when the practitioner tries to grip the first housing with one hand at random, Guided to guide the finger along the guide.
In addition, when the practitioner holds the first case with his finger along the guide part, the indicator is exposed to the outside, so the first case is held with the finger of one hand along the guide part. Then, the display device is exposed and becomes visible. As a result, when the first casing is gripped, it is possible to prevent the display from being covered with a hand and becoming invisible. Accordingly, it is not necessary to re-hold the first housing, so that the affected part can be easily treated.
In addition, since the operation key is provided on the first housing, the practitioner can change the set value of the ultrasonic wave while confirming the operation key of the first unit. Therefore, the practitioner can change the set value of the ultrasonic wave without removing the line of sight from the first unit and the affected part where the line of sight easily gathers during treatment.
In addition, since the ultrasonic transducer protrudes in the direction of irradiating the ultrasonic wave from the first housing, the first surface of the ultrasonic transducer is rotated around the irradiation surface while the irradiation surface of the ultrasonic transducer is in contact with the affected part. You can change the posture of the unit. Accordingly, the direction of the display device can be finely adjusted in a direction that is easy to visually recognize, so that treatment can be performed more easily.
Moreover, since the first housing is formed watertight, it is possible to prevent the liquid material from entering the inside of the first housing. When the first casing is formed in a watertight manner, heat is easily generated inside the first casing. However, since the ultrasonic transducer is provided so as to protrude, it is possible to prevent heat from being generated inside the first housing. As a result, the temperature rise of the first unit can be reduced.

Furthermore, an ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to the present invention has the above-described ultrasonic therapy device and a seating surface formed so as to be fitted to one side of the first unit in the thickness direction of the first unit. A pedestal on which the first unit can be seated on the seat surface, the pedestal facing the guide portion in a state where the first unit is seated on the pedestal. A recess for forming a pocket is formed.
In this case, the first unit has a seat surface that can be fitted to one side in the thickness direction of the first housing, and has a base that can seat the first unit on the seat surface. Therefore, the posture of the first unit before the start of treatment is determined by seating the first unit on the seating surface. As a result, the guide portion of the first unit can be easily gripped at the start of treatment.
Moreover, since the hollow part which forms a pocket between the first unit and the guide part is formed, the guide part of the first housing can be easily inserted by inserting a finger into the pocket at the start of treatment. It can be gripped.

The first casing extends in a direction intersecting the thickness direction, and includes a partition wall that partitions the inside of the ultrasonic transducer and the first casing, and the partition wall includes the superstructure. A cooling through hole is formed to allow communication between the inside of the acoustic wave vibrator and the inside of the first housing.
In this case, when the inside of the ultrasonic transducer and the inside of the first housing are partitioned, a cooling through hole is formed in the partition wall. Therefore, heat transfer from the inside of the first housing to the ultrasonic transducer can be promoted through the cooling through hole of the partition wall.

The ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric element and a case that covers the piezoelectric element, the case is made of aluminum, and the second unit has an external air inside the second casing. Is provided.
In this case, the case is formed of aluminum having a relatively high thermal conductivity. Therefore, it is possible to further easily release the heat inside the first housing toward the outside air.
Moreover, the 2nd unit is provided with the ventilation mechanism which takes in external air into the inside of a 2nd housing | casing. Therefore, the controller that generates a relatively large amount of heat can be sufficiently cooled.

The ultrasonic irradiator according to the present invention can easily treat the affected area. Further, it is possible to prevent a large malfunction that the output value of the ultrasonic wave increases unintentionally. Moreover, the discomfort produced by the practitioner or therapist in the ultrasonic irradiator can be suppressed.

1 is a perspective view of a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic structure perspective view of the 1st unit concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the 1st unit concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the 1st unit concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the 1st unit concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a bottom view of the 1st unit concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is principal part sectional drawing of the 1st unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a partially broken sectional view in FIG. This figure corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. It is principal part sectional drawing of the 1st unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is the II sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is a top view of the base which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the base concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the holding | grip method at the time of the treatment start of the 1st unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the holding | grip method at the time of ultrasonic irradiation of the 1st unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the change method of the setting value of the ultrasonic wave of the 1st unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the holding | grip method at the time of ultrasonic irradiation of the 1st unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a partially broken sectional view which shows the thermal radiation effect | action at the time of the ultrasonic irradiation of the 1st unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration perspective view of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus U according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic therapy apparatus U includes an ultrasonic therapy device T having a first unit 1 and a second unit 2 and a pedestal 3.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the ultrasonic therapy device T, FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the first unit 1, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the first unit 1. FIG. 5 is a side view of the first unit 1, FIG. 6 is a front view of the first unit 1, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the first unit 1. 8 is a partially cutaway sectional view of FIG. 5, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line II of FIG.
1 shows the state in which the first unit 1 is seated on the pedestal 3, whereas FIG. 3 shows the state in which the first unit 1 is separated from the pedestal 3. 8 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first unit 1 includes an ultrasonic transducer 11 having an irradiation surface 11a (see FIGS. 5 to 7) on which an ultrasonic wave can be irradiated, and an irradiation surface 11a of the ultrasonic transducer. A first housing 12 is provided that supports the ultrasonic transducer 11 while being exposed to the outside. The first unit 1 is provided in the first housing 12 and is provided with a display 13 capable of displaying ultrasonic set values and an operation key provided in the first housing 12 and capable of changing the ultrasonic set values. 14 and a buzzer 15 for outputting a warning sound in an emergency or the like. The first unit 1 also includes an interface 16 for exchanging various signals between the display 13, the operation keys 14, the buzzer 15, and the controller 21 (described later) of the second unit 2.

The ultrasonic vibrator 11 is a piezoelectric element that is ultrasonically vibrated when an electric signal is applied, and is housed in a disk-shaped metal casing (see FIGS. 5 to 7). The ultrasonic transducer 11 irradiates an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the drive signal supplied from the controller 21 from the irradiation surface 11a. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic transducer 11 includes a piezoelectric element 51 that vibrates ultrasonically when an electric signal is applied, and a case 52 that covers the piezoelectric element 51.

The case 52 includes a flange cylindrical portion 53 and a tip case portion 54 as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the case 52 is formed using aluminum.

The flange tube portion 53 is open at both ends in the tube axis direction, the flange portion 53a is formed at one end side in the tube axis direction, and the male screw portion 53b is formed at the outer peripheral portion at the other end side in the tube axis direction. Yes.
As shown in FIG. 10, the flange cylindrical portion 53 is fixed to the first housing 12 from the inside of the first housing 12 with screws 53 c (see FIG. 9).

The tip case portion 54 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a female screw portion 54b formed on the open end 54a side of the inner peripheral portion thereof is connected to the male screw portion 53b of the flange cylindrical portion 53 via an O-ring 11r. The open end 54a of the tip case 54 is butted against the flange cylinder 53 (flange 53a).

The piezoelectric element 51 is attached to the bottom 54c of the tip case 54 and connected to the terminal board 11b. The piezoelectric element 51 is inserted through the center of the piezoelectric element 51 into the pin member 51 a together with the substrate side member 18. That is, the relative movement between the piezoelectric element 51 and the substrate side member 18 is restricted.
The terminal board 11b is supported along the bottom 54c, and a shield wire (not shown) for transmitting an input / output signal to / from the controller 21 (described later), and a lead wire 11d connected to the piezoelectric element 51. Are connected to the lead wire 11e connected to the case 52. As shown in FIG. 8, the terminal board 11 b is inserted through the two pin members 11 x (see FIG. 9) together with the board side member 18. That is, the relative movement between the terminal board 11b and the board side member 18 is restricted.

The first casing 12 is made of a synthetic resin or the like, is formed in a flat shape, and has an oval shape when viewed in plan as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first housing 12 has a substrate portion 12 a on one side in the thickness direction of the first housing 12 and a main plate portion on the other side in the thickness direction of the first housing 12. 12b is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first housing 12 includes a main plate side member 17 and a substrate side member 18 each formed in a container shape (dish shape).
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the main plate side member 17 extends from the periphery of the top wall 17a toward the periphery of the top wall 17a and gradually extends in the extending direction. And a side peripheral wall 17b facing downward. As shown in FIG. 4, the ceiling wall 17 a is provided with a transparent window 17 c for covering the indicator 13 so as to be visible and a through hole 17 d for projecting the operation key 14 in the longitudinal direction of the main plate side member 17. They are formed in this order from one side to the other side. Further, the through hole 17d is waterproofed by being covered with a sheet 17e formed of a synthetic resin having flexibility.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the substrate-side member 18 extends from the periphery of the bottom wall 18 a toward the periphery of the bottom wall 18 a and gradually extends in the extending direction. And a side peripheral wall 18b facing upward. A circular hole (annular groove) 18c for projecting the ultrasonic transducer 11 is formed on one side of the bottom wall 18a in the longitudinal direction of the substrate side member 18. In addition, as shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8, the circular hole (annular groove 18c) is formed so that a groove cross-sectional shape may have a substantially square shape.

The main plate side member 17 and the substrate side member 18 constitute the first housing 12 by the end of the side peripheral wall 17b and the end of the side peripheral wall 18b abutting each other. Further, the main plate side member 17 and the substrate side member 18 define an internal space of the first housing 12. That is, the top wall 17a of the main plate side member 17 corresponds to the main plate portion 12b of the first housing 12, the bottom wall 18a of the substrate side member 18 corresponds to the substrate portion 12a of the first housing 12, and the side peripheral wall. 17b and the side peripheral wall 18b constitute the peripheral wall 12x of the first housing 12. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the main plate side member 17 and the substrate side member 18 are screwed so that the front end of the side peripheral wall 17b and the front end of the side peripheral wall 18b are abutted with each other via a seal ring 17r. Yes.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the connection cord 19 connected to the second unit 2 extends from the peripheral wall 12 x at the arc base end portion 12 f of the first housing 12.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first casing 12 having the above-described configuration has the ultrasonic vibrator 11 from the circular hole 18 c of the substrate portion 12 a to be approximately half the thickness dimension of the first casing 12. It projects by the dimension of. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the flange cylinder portion 53 of the case 52 is screwed into the first housing 12 by the screw 53c from the inside of the first housing 12 in a state of being fitted into the annular groove 18c. It has been stopped. The annular groove 18c and the flange cylindrical portion 53 are fixed in a state in which the O-ring 18r disposed between them is pressed. Further, the inside of the first housing 12 and the inside of the case 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 11 are partitioned by a partition wall 18d extending inside the annular groove 18c. A pair of insertion holes 18f, 18f through which the pin member 11x is inserted are formed in the partition wall 18d. The partition wall 18d is formed with a pair of cooling through holes 18e and 18e that allow the inside of the first housing 12 and the inside of the ultrasonic transducer 11 to communicate with each other. As shown in FIG. 9, the pair of insertion holes 18f, 18f and the pair of cooling through holes 18e, 18e are a virtual straight line connecting the pair of insertion holes 18f, 18f and a virtual straight line connecting the pair of cooling through holes 18e, 18e. Are formed at positions where they cross each other.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the peripheral wall 12 x of the first housing 12, one side portion (side) extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 12 so as to form a pair in the width direction of the first housing 12. Part 12c and other side part (side part) 12d are formed with guide parts 12g and 12h formed in a concave shape.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide portions 12g and 12h are formed on the main plate side member 17 constituting the first housing 12, and extend along the one side portion 12c and the other side portion 12d, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 4, the guide portions 12 g and 12 h extend from the arc tip portion 12 e side of the first housing 12 to the arc base end portion 12 f side of the display 13 in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 12. Yes. The guide portions 12g and 12h bend in the width direction at the arc base end portion 12f, and extend toward the connection cord 19 after being bent.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guide portions 12 g and 12 h are formed so as to narrow down (narrow) the dimension in the width direction of the first housing 12. The guide portions 12g and 12h are formed to have a substantially constant aperture amount after gradually increasing the aperture amount as it proceeds from the arc tip portion 12e side to the arc base end portion 12f side.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide portions 12g and 12h are formed on the outer surface of the side peripheral wall 17b of the main plate side member 17 from the front end of the side peripheral wall 17b abutted with the front end of the side peripheral wall 18b to the bottom wall 18a side. Is formed.

The display device 13 is specifically an LCD, and is disposed so as to overlap the transparent window 17c of the main plate portion 12b of the first housing 12, as shown in FIGS. 11 facing away. As shown in FIG. 8, the display device 13 is mounted on a printed circuit board 16 a constituting the interface 16. The display 13 is partially overlapped with the ultrasonic transducer 11 when viewed in the thickness direction of the first housing 12. In addition to the ultrasonic set values such as the output value and the duty ratio, the display unit 13 displays a treatment program number, a remaining battery level, a timer, and the like stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the operation key 14 protrudes from the through hole 17 d of the main plate portion 12 b in the thickness direction of the first housing 12, and changes the ultrasonic set value of the ultrasonic transducer 11. It is configured as possible. More specifically, the operation key 14 is configured to output an operation signal to the interface 16 (see FIG. 2) in response to being pressed, and this operation signal is input to the controller 21 via the interface 16. Has been. The operation key 14 is covered with a sheet 17e together with the through hole 17d and the buzzer 15.

The buzzer 15 outputs a warning sound based on a signal supplied from the interface 16 or the controller 21 that detects this abnormality, for example, when an excessive output value is input or when an abnormality occurs in the power supply.

The interface 16 includes a printed circuit board 16a on which electronic components are mounted. The interface 16 receives an input signal input from the second unit 2 to the first unit 1 and an output signal output from the first unit 1 to the second unit 2. adjust. That is, when the input signal input from the controller 21 relates to information or characters displayed on the display device 13, the interface 16 sends a display signal corresponding to the information or characters to the display device 13. Output. Further, when an operation signal is input from the operation key 14, the interface 16 outputs an output signal corresponding to the operation signal to the controller 21. Similarly, the interface 16 supplies a signal for causing the buzzer 15 to output a warning sound when the interface 16 detects an abnormality or when an input signal from the controller 21 indicates an abnormality. To do. As shown in FIG. 8, the printed circuit board 16a constituting the interface 16 is fixed to the main plate side member 17 along the top wall 17a.

In the first unit 1 having the above-described configuration, the O- rings 11r, 18r, the seal ring 17r, and the sheet 17e allow the ultrasonic transmission promoting gel applied to the affected area and the disinfecting liquid sprayed on the affected area to It is watertight so as not to enter the interior of the.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second unit 2 includes a controller 21 and a second housing 22.
Specifically, the controller 21 is configured by mounting various electronic components on a single or a plurality of printed circuit boards, and is configured to be supplied with electric power from an external power source as shown in FIG. The controller 21 includes a main control unit 21A, a drive signal generation unit 21B, and a power supply circuit 21C.

The main control unit 21A is supplied with driving power from a power circuit 21C connected to an external power source. The main control unit 21 </ b> A exchanges various signals with the interface 16 of the first housing 12, and changes the set value according to the operation signal when an operation signal is input from the operation key 14 via the interface 16. Then, the drive signal generation unit 21B generates a drive signal corresponding to the changed set value.
The drive signal generator 21B is supplied with drive power from the power supply circuit 21C. The drive signal generation unit 21 </ b> B is controlled by the main control unit 21 </ b> A to generate a drive signal and outputs the generated drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer 11.
The power supply circuit 21C is supplied with power from an external power supply. The power circuit 21C supplies power to the drive signal generator 21B and the main controller 21A.

The second housing 22 is made of synthetic resin or the like, and is formed in a box shape and accommodates the controller 21 as shown in FIG. A connection cord 19 that connects the controller 21 and the first unit 1 extends from one end of the second housing 22.

The second housing 22 includes a blower mechanism 23 that takes outside air into the second housing 22 and discharges it to the outside. The blower mechanism 23 includes an intake hole 23a formed on one end in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the second casing 22, a discharge hole 23b formed on the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second casing, and a second casing. A cooling fan 23c disposed in the vicinity of the discharge hole 23b inside the body 22 is schematically configured.
The cooling fan 23c is supplied with driving power from the power supply circuit 21C, and takes outside air into the second housing 22 through the intake hole 23a. Moreover, the cooling fan 23c discharges the air inside the second housing 22 to the outside through the discharge hole 23b of the second housing 22.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the pedestal 3, and FIG. 11 is a side view of the pedestal 3.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 10, and 1, the pedestal 3 has a seat surface 31 that is formed so as to be fitted to the substrate unit 12 a side of the first unit 1.
As shown in FIG. 11, the seat surface 31 is formed to be inclined with respect to the bottom portion 32 so that the distal end 3 a side in the longitudinal direction of the base 3 is higher than the base end 3 b side. An accommodation hole 33 into which the ultrasonic transducer 11 can be inserted and accommodated is formed on the front end 3 a side of the seat surface 31. That is, the seating surface 31 accommodates the ultrasonic transducer 11 in the accommodation hole 33 in a state where the longitudinal direction of the first unit 1 is directed to the longitudinal direction of the pedestal 3, and fits the substrate unit 12 a side of the first unit 1. It is configured to match.
With the above configuration, the pedestal 3 can seat and separate the first unit 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, depressions 34 and 35 are formed on both sides in the width direction of the base 3. The depressions 34 and 35 are formed so as to cut out the corners of the seating surface 31, and when the first unit 1 is seated on the seating surface 31, as shown in FIG. , 12f.
In the state where the first unit 1 is seated on the seat surface 31 of the pedestal 3 (see FIG. 1), the depressions 34 and 35 are located between the pedestal 3 and the first unit 1 so that the adult male fingers F1 to F5 respectively Pockets 36 and 37 sized to be inserted are formed.

Next, an ultrasonic treatment method using the ultrasonic treatment apparatus U having the above-described configuration will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. In the following description, a case where the practitioner is different from the therapist will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that an initial setting value of ultrasonic waves has been input in advance, and a case where the first housing 12 is gripped with the right hand will be described.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the practitioner holds the first unit 1 while the first unit 1 is seated on the seat surface 31 of the base 3. At this time, the operator's fingers F1 to F5 are inserted into the pockets 36 and 37 as shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, when the four fingers F2 to F5 are inserted into the pocket 37, the insertion position of the right thumb F1 is determined, and the arc base end portion 12f side of the main plate portion 12b is covered with the palm F0. . At this time, even if a part of the fingers F2 to F5 is inserted into the pocket 37, the insertion position of the thumb F1 of the right hand is generally determined.
In the above state, the practitioner moves the first unit 1 away from the base 3.

Next, the first housing 12 is gripped as follows so that the practitioner can easily bring the ultrasonic transducer 11 into contact with the affected part A. Specifically, the practitioner's fingers F1 to F5 (right hand) are guided by the guide portions 12g and 12h so that the thumb F1 runs along the one side portion 12c of the first unit 1, while the four fingers other than the thumb F1. The first casing 12 is clamped along F2 to F5 along the other side portion 12d.
In this case, the arc base end portion 12f side of the main plate portion 12b is covered with the palm F0, and the display 13 is exposed to the outside from between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2.

Then, when the irradiation surface 11a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is brought into contact with the affected area A, the affected area A is irradiated with ultrasonic waves through the gel applied to the affected area A or the irradiation surface 11a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 in advance.
At the time of this ultrasonic irradiation, the operator's line of sight E1 concentrates in the vicinity of the affected area A in order to confirm the positional relationship between the affected area A and the first unit 1.

Next, when changing the set value of the ultrasonic wave, the practitioner changes the way of gripping the first housing 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the four fingers F2 to F5 along the other side portion 12d and the palm F0 located on the main plate portion 12b of the first housing 12 are moved to the other side. It goes around to the substrate part 12a side through the part 12d.
By the above-described method, the first unit 1 is supported by the four fingers F2 to F5 and the palm F0, and the thumb F1 is in a free state.

In this state, the setting value is changed by pressing the operation key 14 with the thumb F1 while visually checking the display unit 13 so that the desired setting value is obtained. In changing the set value of the ultrasonic wave, the display device 13 is disposed at a position facing away from the ultrasonic transducer 11, so that the line of sight E1 concentrated in the vicinity of the affected area A is hardly shifted. The set value is visually recognized (line of sight E2). With the method described above, the set value is changed by pressing the operation key 14 while visually recognizing the display 13. At this time, since the positional relationship between the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the affected area A is included in the field of view of the practitioner, it is difficult for a positional shift or a gap between the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the affected area A to occur.

When the display 13 has an angle that is difficult to visually recognize, the irradiation surface 11a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 protruding from the first housing 12 is brought into contact with the affected part A, and the irradiation surface 11a is set as the rotation center while the rotation surface is the rotation center. Change the posture of one unit 1. As a result, even if the display device 13 is difficult to visually recognize, the display device 13 can be visually recognized without causing the irradiation surface 11a to be displaced from the affected area A.
When the change of the set value of the ultrasonic wave is completed, the practitioner holds the first casing 12 again as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the main control unit 21A causes the drive signal generation unit 21B to generate a drive signal corresponding to the changed setting value and supply the drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer 11.
As a result, when the irradiation surface 11 a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is brought into contact with the affected area A, the ultrasonic wave corresponding to the set value is irradiated from the ultrasonic transducer 11 to the affected area A.

Further, an ultrasonic treatment method using the ultrasonic treatment apparatus U having the above-described configuration will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 15, and FIG.

As described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, in a state where the first unit 1 is seated on the seat surface 31 of the base 3, the practitioner grasps the first unit 1 and separates it from the base 3. .
Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the irradiation surface 11 a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is brought into contact with the affected area A, and the affected area A is superposed to the affected area A via a gel previously applied to the affected area A or the irradiation surface 11 a of the ultrasonic transducer 11. A sound wave is irradiated.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 16, when the irradiation surface 11 a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is brought into contact with the affected part A, the ultrasonic transducer 11 is provided so as to protrude from the first housing 12. A heat radiation space S is formed between the affected area A of the therapist and the first housing 12 of the first unit 1.

When the first unit 1 is used for a long time, the display 13 and the printed board 16a generate heat. Further, when the water-tight structure is configured as in the first unit 1, the heat h generated inside the first unit 1 is likely to go inside the first unit 1. The heat h generated by the inside of the first housing 12 is mainly held by the first housing 12 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 is in contact with the affected part A. Is released to the outside air.

That is, a part of the heat h generated in the display 13 and the printed board 16a is transferred from the inside of the first housing 12 to the inside of the case 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 11. The heat transfer at this time is performed through the partition wall 18d, but in the pair of cooling through holes 18e and 18e formed in the partition wall 18d, the inside of the first housing 12 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 are used. Since the inside of the case 52 communicates with each other, heat transfer from the inside of the first housing 12 to the inside of the case 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is promoted through the pair of cooling through holes 18e and 18e. Is done. The heat h that has moved into the case 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is released from the outer peripheral portion 11f of the ultrasonic transducer 11 to the outside air. At this time, part of the released heat h is released to the heat dissipation space S.

As described above, the heat h generated in the display 13 and the printed board 16a is released from the outer peripheral portion 11f of the ultrasonic transducer 11 to the outside air, and is also heated through the bottom wall 18a of the board side member 18. Released into the discharge space.

Since the heat h generated in the first housing 12 is released to the outside air along the heat transfer path, the temperature rise of the first housing 12 is suppressed. That is, even if the hand holding the first housing 12 or the first housing 12 touches the affected area A or the skin of the therapist, no discomfort is caused.

On the other hand, in the second unit 2, the power supply circuit 21C and the main control unit 21A are large heat sources. In the second unit 2, cooling is promoted by the blower mechanism 23. That is, outside air is taken into the second housing 22 from the intake holes 23 a formed in the second housing 22 by the rotation of the cooling fan 23 c. The outside air taken into the second housing 22 flows in the longitudinal direction inside the second housing 22. In the above process, the outside air cools the printed circuit board on which the power supply circuit 21C and the main control unit 21A are configured. The cooled air is discharged to the outside through a discharge hole 23b formed in the second housing 22 by the rotation of the cooling fan 23c.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic therapy apparatus U according to the present embodiment, the set value of the ultrasonic wave is changed with the operation key 14 of the first unit 1 while visually checking the display 13 of the first unit 1. Can do. Therefore, the set value of the ultrasonic wave can be changed without removing the line of sight E from the first unit 1. As a result, it is not necessary to direct the line of sight E to the second unit 2, and the occurrence of displacement between the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the affected area A is suppressed, so that treatment can be easily performed.

In addition, since the indicator 13 is provided at a position of the first housing 12 facing away from the ultrasonic transducer 11, when the ultrasonic transducer 11 is brought into contact with the affected area A, the affected area A A display 13 is located in the vicinity. Therefore, when irradiating the affected part A with the ultrasonic transducer 11, the display unit 13 is located in the vicinity of the affected part A where the line of sight E is easily directed, so that the display unit 13 can be immediately recognized. As a result, treatment can be performed more easily.

Also, the ultrasonic transducer 11 is provided on the arc tip 12e side in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 12. Therefore, the ultrasonic transducer 11 can be easily brought into contact with the affected area A, and treatment can be performed more easily.

In addition, since the ultrasonic transducer 11 protrudes from the first housing 12 in the direction of irradiating ultrasonic waves, the irradiation surface 11a is in a state where the irradiation surface 11a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is in contact with the affected part A. The posture of the first unit 1 can be changed with the center of rotation. Therefore, the direction of the display device 13 can be finely adjusted in a direction that is easy to visually recognize, so that treatment can be performed more easily.

Moreover, since the 1st housing | casing 12 has the interface 16 to which an operation signal is supplied from the operation key 14 while supplying a display signal to the indicator 13, the load of the controller 21 can be reduced. .

In addition, the ultrasonic transducer 11, the display device 13, the operation key 14, and the interface 16 are accommodated in the first housing 12 to constitute the first unit 1, and the controller 21 is provided in the second housing 22. Since the second unit 2 is accommodated, the controller 21 is separated from the affected area A. Therefore, since the gel or disinfectant applied to the affected area A does not easily enter the controller 21, it is possible to prevent a large malfunction that unintentionally increases the output value of the ultrasonic wave.
In other words, since the first unit 1 to be brought into contact with the affected area A is formed of a member that does not cause a large malfunction even if a gel or the like enters, it is possible to effectively prevent a large malfunction.

In addition, a guide portion 12g for guiding the right hand finger F1 to the practitioner is formed on one side portion 12c, and a guide portion 12h for aligning the right hand fingers F2 to F5 is formed on the other side portion 12d. When the practitioner tries to grip the first housing 12 with the right hand, he / she is guided so that the finger F1 of the right hand is placed along the guide portion 12g and the fingers F2 to F5 of the right hand are placed along the guide portion 12h. .
Further, when the practitioner holds the first housing 12 with the right hand finger F1 along the guide portion 12g and the right hand fingers F2 to F5 along the guide portion 12h, the display 13 is exposed to the outside. When the first casing 12 is sandwiched with the fingers F1 to F5 of the right hand along the guide portions 12g and 12h, the display device 13 is exposed and becomes visible. Therefore, when the first housing 12 is gripped, it is possible to prevent the display 13 from being covered with a hand and becoming invisible. As a result, it is not necessary to grip the first housing 12 again, so that the affected area A can be easily treated.

Further, the one side portion 12c and the other side portion 12d extend from the arc front end portion 12e side of the first housing 12 toward the arc base end portion 12f side, and the guide portions 12g and 12h are provided on the one side portion 12c and the other side. Since it extends along the portion 12d, the guide portions 12g and 12h can be secured relatively large in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 12. Therefore, the first housing 12 can be stably supported.

In addition, since the guide portions 12g and 12h are provided at positions where the display device 13 is sandwiched, it is possible to expose the display device 13 from the gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2. Therefore, the operator's fingers F1 to F5 can be positioned at positions that overlap the display 13 in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 12. As a result, the configuration of the apparatus can be made compact.

Further, since the display 13 is provided on the arc tip 12e side of the first housing 12, it is held by the right hand of the practitioner compared to the case where the display 13 is provided on the center side of the first housing 12. A large portion can be secured on the arc tip portion 12e side of the first housing 12.

In addition, the first unit 1 has a seat surface 31 that can be fitted to the board portion 12 a side of the first housing 12, and a base 3 that can seat the first unit 1 on the seat surface 31. Therefore, since the posture of the first unit 1 before the start of treatment is determined, the guide portions 12g and 12h of the first unit 1 can be easily grasped at the start of treatment.

Moreover, since the recessed parts 34 and 35 which form the pockets 36 and 37 between the 1st units 1 and the guide parts 12g and 12h are formed, the thumb F1 and the pockets are also formed in the pocket 36 at the start of treatment. By inserting the fingers F2 to F5 into 37, the thumb F1 can be guided to the guide part 12g and the fingers F2 to F5 can be guided to the guide part 12h, respectively, and the guide parts 12g and 12h of the first housing 12 can be easily Can be gripped.

In addition, since the ultrasonic transducer 11 is provided so as to protrude from the first housing 12, the outer peripheral portion of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is between the irradiation surface 11 a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the first housing 12. 11f comes into contact with outside air. Therefore, the heat h generated in the printed circuit board 16a and the display 13 inside the first housing 12 can be released from the outer peripheral portion 11f of the ultrasonic transducer 11 toward the outside air.
Moreover, since the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 protrudes and is provided from the 1st housing | casing 12, the thermal radiation space S is ensured between the 1st housing | casing 12 and a patient's skin. Therefore, the heat h generated in the printed circuit board 16a and the display 13 inside the first housing 12 can be discharged to the heat radiation space S.
As a result, the heat h is prevented from spreading inside the first housing 12 and the temperature rise of the first unit 1 is reduced, so that the practitioner or therapist holding the first unit 1 is uncomfortable. Can be suppressed.
Furthermore, since the heat radiation space S is secured between the first housing 12 and the skin of the therapist, it is difficult for the first housing 12 and the skin of the therapist to come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if the temperature of the first unit 1 is increased, it is possible to suppress discomfort to the therapist.

In addition, since the display 13 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 partially overlap each other, the display 13 and the ultrasonic transducer are compared with the case where the display 13 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 do not overlap. The shortest distance from 11 is reduced. Therefore, the heat h generated in the display 13 can be easily transmitted toward the ultrasonic transducer 11, so that the temperature rise of the first unit 1 can be further reduced.

Moreover, since the first housing 12 is formed in a watertight manner, it is possible to prevent the gel and the disinfectant from entering the first housing 12. On the other hand, when the first housing 12 is formed watertight, the heat h is easily generated inside the first housing 12, but the ultrasonic transducer 11 is provided so as to protrude, so It is possible to reduce the temperature rise of the first unit 1 by suppressing the heat h.

Moreover, since it protrudes only about the half dimension of the thickness dimension of the 1st housing | casing 12, while the outer peripheral part 11f of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 which contacts external air can fully be ensured, it is easy to handle. Can be improved.

Further, when the inside of the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the inside of the first housing 12 are partitioned, the cooling through holes 18e and 18e are formed in the partition wall 18d, so that the cooling through holes 18e and 18e in the partition wall 18d are formed. The heat transfer from the inside of the first housing 12 to the inside of the case 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 11 can be promoted via 18e.

Moreover, since the case 52 is formed of aluminum having a relatively high thermal conductivity, the heat h inside the first housing 12 can be more easily released toward the outside air.

In addition, since the second unit 2 includes the air blowing mechanism 23 that takes in outside air into the second housing 22, the controller 21 that generates a relatively large amount of heat h can be sufficiently cooled.

Note that the operation procedure shown in the above-described embodiment, various shapes and combinations of the constituent members, and the like are examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the practitioner and the therapist are different from each other has been described, but the practitioner and the therapist may be the same person.
In the embodiment described above, the first unit 1 is gripped with the right hand, but the first unit 1 may be gripped with the left hand (in this case, the thumb F1 and the four fingers F2 to F5 are aligned). The position (one side part 12c, the other side part 12d) is opposite to the above. In addition, you may hold | grip and operate using both hands.

In the above-described embodiment, the interface 16 is provided. However, the display 13, the operation key 14, the buzzer 15, and the controller 21 may directly input and output signals.

In the above-described embodiment, the guides 12g and 12h are formed on both the one side portion 12c and the other side portion 12d. However, the guides 12g and 12h are not necessarily formed on both sides, and may be formed only on one side.
In the above-described embodiment, power is supplied from the external power source to the controller 21. However, power may be supplied by providing a built-in power source.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation key 14 is provided in the first housing 12. However, the operation key 14 may be provided in the second unit 2, for example. That is, since the operation key 14 can be depressed sensuously if familiar with the operation, if the display 13 is provided in the first housing 12, the line of sight from the affected area A and the first unit 1 can be obtained. It is possible to change the set value of the ultrasonic wave without removing it.

In the above-described embodiment, the guide portions 12g and 12h are extended from the one side portion 12c and the other side portion 12d to the arc base end portion 12f from which the connection cord 19 extends. You may form only in the other side part 12d.

In the above-described embodiment, the display 13 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 are partially overlapped. However, although the heat dissipation effect is slightly reduced, it is not always necessary to overlap, and the display is performed to further increase the heat dissipation effect. The entire vessel 13 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 may be overlapped.

In the above-described embodiment, the case 52 is formed of aluminum having a relatively high thermal conductivity. However, the case 52 may be formed of other materials, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

In the above-described embodiment, the partition wall 18d is provided to partition the inside of the first housing 12 and the case 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 11, but the partition wall 18d may be omitted.
In the embodiment described above, two cooling through holes 18e are formed in the partition wall 18d. However, the cooling through holes 18e may be omitted, or one or three or more may be provided. Good.

In the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 11 is protruded from the substrate portion 12a by about half the thickness of the first casing 12, but the thickness of the first casing 12 is approximately the same. If so, the heat dissipation effect can be improved without impairing the ease of handling.

The ultrasonic irradiator according to the present invention can easily treat the affected area. Further, it is possible to prevent a large malfunction that the output value of the ultrasonic wave increases unintentionally. Moreover, the discomfort produced by the practitioner or therapist in the ultrasonic irradiator can be suppressed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st unit 2 ... 2nd unit 3 ... Base 11 ... Ultrasonic vibrator 11a ... Irradiation surface 11f ... Outer peripheral part 12 ... 1st housing | casing 12a ... Substrate part 12b ... Main plate part 12c ... One side part (side part)
12d ... other side (side)
12h, 12g ... guide portion 13 ... display 18d ... partition wall 18e ... cooling through hole 21 ... controller 22 ... second housing 23 ... blower mechanism 52 ... case 31 ... seat surface 34, 35 ... hollow portions 36, 37 ... Pocket A ... affected part S ... heat dissipation space

Claims (4)

1. An ultrasonic therapy device that performs treatment by irradiating an affected part with ultrasonic waves,
   An ultrasonic transducer having an irradiation surface capable of irradiating the ultrasonic wave, and a first housing that supports the ultrasonic transducer with the irradiation surface of the ultrasonic transducer exposed to the outside. One unit,
   A second unit having a controller that generates a drive signal for the ultrasonic transducer according to a set value of the ultrasonic wave input from the outside, and a second housing that houses the controller;
   In the first casing, the ultrasonic transducer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first casing and the ultrasonic wave is set on the other side in the thickness direction of the first casing. A display device capable of displaying a value is provided, and a pair of side portions paired in the width direction of the first housing has a concave shape that guides the practitioner so that a finger of one hand is along the operator. A guide part is formed,
   When the practitioner holds the first casing with his finger along the guide portion, the indicator is exposed to the outside, and the first unit is provided in the first casing, Has an operation key that can change the set value of the sound wave,
   The ultrasonic transducer protrudes from the first casing in the direction of irradiating the ultrasonic wave, and the liquid that is applied to the affected area does not enter the first casing. Ultrasonic therapy device that is formed to be watertight.
2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1;
   The first unit has a seat surface that can be fitted to one side in the thickness direction of the first housing, and a pedestal that can seat the first unit on the seat surface;
   In the state in which the first unit is seated on the pedestal, the pedestal is an ultrasonic therapy apparatus in which a recess is formed to form a pocket between the first unit and the guide unit.
3. The first casing includes a partition wall that extends in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and partitions the inside of the ultrasonic transducer and the first casing, and the ultrasonic vibration is provided on the partition wall. A cooling through hole is formed to communicate the interior of the child and the interior of the first housing,
   The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric element and a case covering the piezoelectric element, and the case is made of aluminum.
4. The ultrasonic treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second unit includes a blower mechanism that takes outside air into the second casing.

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