EP1943998B1 - Ultrasonic transducer and skin care device with same - Google Patents
Ultrasonic transducer and skin care device with same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1943998B1 EP1943998B1 EP08000074A EP08000074A EP1943998B1 EP 1943998 B1 EP1943998 B1 EP 1943998B1 EP 08000074 A EP08000074 A EP 08000074A EP 08000074 A EP08000074 A EP 08000074A EP 1943998 B1 EP1943998 B1 EP 1943998B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ultrasonic
- horn
- adhesive
- ultrasonic vibrator
- stopper
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000003796 beauty Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000000889 atomisation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003745 diagnosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 diffusion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004945 emulsification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003822 epoxy resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
- A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
- A61H23/0245—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with ultrasonic transducers, e.g. piezoelectric
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
- B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
- B06B3/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for transmitting mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
- A61H2023/002—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms having a percussion element combined with a passive spacer element for bearing against the skin
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/12—Driving means
- A61H2201/1207—Driving means with electric or magnetic drive
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
- A61H2205/02—Head
- A61H2205/022—Face
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to ultrasonic transducers and skin care devices with same, and more particularly to technology which restricts adhesive flash in the structure that an ultrasonic vibrator is stuck to a horn with adhesive.
- Ultrasonic transducers have been conventionally used for skin care devices for transmitting ultrasonic vibration to skin (skin surface), or the like.
- This sort of ultrasonic transducer is formed of an ultrasonic vibrator and a horn.
- the ultrasonic vibrator is configured to convert electrical vibration into mechanical vibration to generate ultrasonic vibration.
- the ultrasonic vibrator is stuck to the horn. That is, the ultrasonic vibrator and horn are joined together with adhesive.
- a skin care device comprising this ultrasonic transducer is also provided with a control circuit and various operational switches.
- the control circuit is configured to supply the ultrasonic vibrator with electrical vibration. This device is arranged to obtain beauty effect by efficiently transmitting the ultrasonic vibration to skin through the horn when an ultrasonic wave emitting surface formed on the horn is in contact with the skin.
- GB 684,165 discloses an ultrasonic transducer being cemented to the horn and essentially in line with the introductory portion of claim 1.
- document EP 0 283 823 A1 discloses an ultrasonic transducer with a small groove next to the transducer according to the preamble of claim 1.
- document WO 2004/110558 A1 describes an ultrasonic applying skin care device, wherein a cavity within the horn guiding the sound waves next to the transducer is disclosed.
- An ultrasonic transducer of the present invention comprises an ultrasonic vibrator and a horn.
- the ultrasonic vibrator is configured to convert electrical vibration into mechanical vibration to generate ultrasonic vibration.
- the horn has a join surface to which the ultrasonic vibrator is joined, and an ultrasonic wave emitting surface from which ultrasonic waves are emitted toward a target place.
- adhesive is intervened between the join surface and the ultrasonic vibrator.
- the horn further comprises a stopper for restricting adhesive flash caused by the adhesive.
- the ultrasonic transducer is provided with the stopper, and thereby even if the adhesive is evenly spread while pressure is added on the ultrasonic vibrator, the adhesive is prevented from being extruded more than is acceptable owing to the pressure. In addition, even if the adhesive expands with heating, the adhesive is prevented from flowing out more than is acceptable. Therefore, the transmission loss of ultrasonic vibration caused by dried and hardened excess adhesive as well as power supply disturbance are restricted effectively. Consequently, ultrasonic vibration can be transmitted efficiently.
- the stopper comprises a concave groove formed around the join surface along the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator.
- the concave groove is formed along the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator, and thereby the groove functions as a mark for adhesive region.
- a worker can easily keep fixed position relationship between the ultrasonic vibrator and horn. Even if the adhesive exceeds the concave groove, the adhesive exceeding the groove can be seen and accordingly the worker can easily wipe off and remove the exceeding adhesive.
- the stopper comprise a concave groove, the ultrasonic vibrator can be moved in all directions outside the groove while being pressed when it is stuck on the horn. Accordingly, the adhesive can be easily spread all over the join surface.
- the stopper is spaced a specified distance apart from the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator. In order to spread the adhesive evely so that occurrence of air layer and air holes between the ultrasonic vibrator and horn is avoided, slight adhesive flash around the ultrasonic vibrator needs to be visible. The specified distance is kept between both of them, and thereby adhesive flash more than is acceptable, namely the specified distance can be seen.
- the horn exhibits conductivity, and either of a pair of electrical contacts for energizing the ultrasonic vibrator is electrically connected to a part of the horn outside the stopper.
- the adhesive is prevented from reaching the electrical contact connected to the horn to cause contact fault.
- the contact can energize the ultrasonic vibrator certainly without contact fault.
- a skin care device of the present invention comprises said ultrasonic transducer, and the target place is skin. It is possible to provide the skin care device capable of transmitting ultrasonic vibration high efficiently.
- FIGS. 1A-1C show an ultrasonic transducer 1, which is essentially according to the present invention, however, Fig. 1A does not show the features according to which either of a pair of electrical contacts for energizing the ultrasonic vibrator is located on a flat surface of the horn and according to which the electrical contact of the horn is brought into elastic contact with a metal body as a terminal for power supply from a lead. These feature are especially shown in Fig. 4B , showing one possible realization for these features.
- Fig. 2 shows a skin care device 2 comprising the ultrasonic transducer 1.
- the skin care device 2 comprises a body housing 20 and a control circuit 3.
- the body housing 20 has a long and narrow shape so that it can be held with one hand.
- the control circuit 3 is put in the body housing 20.
- the ultrasonic transducer 1 is installed at one end side in the length direction of the body housing 20.
- the ultrasonic transducer 1 is formed of an ultrasonic vibrator 4 and a horn 5.
- the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is in the shape of a flat plate, and converts electrical vibration (e.g., AC (alternating current) voltage) into mechanical vibration to generate ultrasonic vibration.
- the electrical vibration is supplied from the control circuit 3 through a lead 30.
- the horn 5 transmits the ultrasonic vibration toward a target place such as skin 50 or the like.
- the ultrasonic transducer 1 is stuck to the horn 2 with one or two liquid type epoxy resin adhesive 6 (see FIGS. 1B and 1C ).
- the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is formed of a pair of electrodes 8 and a plate-shaped piezoelectric materials 7 intervened between the electrodes 8.
- the horn 5 is in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom, and is made of metal materials such as aluminum or the like.
- the horn 5 is attached to the one end side of the body housing 20 so that the outer surface of the bottom of the horn 5 (5a) protrudes outward.
- One of the electrodes 8 of the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is stuck on the inner surface of the bottom of the horn 5 (5b) with adhesive 6.
- the inner surface of the bottom 5b includes a join surface 9 to which the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is joined.
- the outer surface of the bottom 5a includes an ultrasonic wave emitting surface 10 from which ultrasonic waves are emitted toward a target place such as skin (skin surface) 50 or the like.
- the thickness between the join surface 9 and ultrasonic wave emitting surface 10 is set to be equal to, for example, one wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration emitted from the ultrasonic vibrator 4 in order to form standing wave.
- a stopper 11 for restricting the extrusion, outflow and so on of adhesive 6 intervened between the join surface 9 and the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is formed of a concave groove 12 located at the join surface 9 side.
- This concave groove 12 is formed outside the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator 4 stuck in the join surface 9 along the outline to be spaced a specified distance apart from the outline.
- the concave groove 12 is in the shape of a circle similar to the circular outline of the ultrasonic vibrator 4.
- the concave groove 12 becomes elliptical along the elliptical outline. If the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is rectangular, the concave groove 12 becomes rectangular along the rectangular outline.
- the specified distance "d" between the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator 4 and the concave groove 12 is set to distance such that existence of the adhesive 6 can be seen and vibration is not obstructed.
- the specified distance "d” is uniformly set to distance such as 0.5mm.
- the width and depth of the concave groove 12 are also set to distance such as 1mm or less each.
- one of the electrodes 8 of the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is directly connected with a terminal 31 for power supply from the lead 30.
- a terminal 32 for power supply from the lead 30 is directly connected with the internal cylindrical surface of the horn 5 (5c), and thereby the other of the electrodes 8 is electrically connected with the terminal 32 through the horn 5 exhibiting high conductivity and the adhesive 6.
- the skin care device 2 is provided with the ultrasonic transducer 1, and thereby it can be used to press the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 10 against the skin 50 while holding the body housing 20.
- various switches (not shown) are operated and then the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is supplied with electrical vibration from the control circuit 3 and generates mechanical vibration (ultrasonic vibration). That is, since the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 10 is utilized as a skin contact surface, the ultrasonic vibration can be transmitted to the skin 50 of a body (human body) and even to a target place inside the body, so that a desired beauty effect can be obtained.
- suitable couplant 40 for ultrasonic transmission such as gel or the like is used between the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 10 and the skin 50.
- the ultrasonic transducer 1 is provided with the concave groove 12 as the stopper 11 according to an aspect of the invention. Therefore, when the ultrasonic vibrator 4 and horn 5 are stuck together with the adhesive 6 to form the ultrasonic transducer 1, even if the extrusion and outflow of the adhesive 6 occur owing to pressurization and heating expansion, the excess adhesive collects in the concave groove 12. Thereby, the extrusion and outflow are obstructed at the concave groove 12. Therefore, since the extrusion and outflow ranges of the excess adhesive are ristricted, the transmission loss of ultrasonic vibration can be reduced, and the excess adhesive can be prevented from disturbing power supply.
- the concave groove 12, namely the stopper 11 is formed along the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator 4 to be spaced the specified distance "d" apart from the outline. In other words, the extrusion and outflow of the excess adhesive can be permitted up to the specified distance "d".
- the ultrasonic vibrator 4 and horn 5 are not transparent, slight adhesive flash around the ultrasonic vibrator 4 needs to be seen in order to spread the adhesive 6 evenly so that occurrence of air layer and air holes between the ultrasonic vibrator 4 and horn 5 is avoided.
- the specified distance "d” makes it possible.
- the stopper 11 functions as a mark for adhesive region, and accordingly a worker can easily keep fixed position relationship between the ultrasonic vibrator 4 and horn 5. Even though the excess adhesive exceeds the stopper 11, the adhesive exceeding the stopper 11 can be seen and therefore the worker can easily wipe off and remove the adhesive exceeding the stopper 11.
- the ultrasonic vibrator 4 can be moved in all directions outside the concave groove 12 while being pressed when it is stuck on the horn 4. Because of this, the adhesive 6 can be easily spread all over the join surface 9.
- the concave groove 12 is formed as shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D or 3E .
- the concave groove 12 may be rectangular in section as shown in FIG. 3A , or may have a smooth round edge as shown in FIG. 3B or 3C .
- the horn 5 is formed with double concave grooves 12 as the stopper 11. In this case, since the outside concave groove 12 functions as a preliminary stopper, it is possible to effectively restrict adhesive flash more than is acceptable.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B an ultrasonic transducer 1 and a skin care device 2 with same, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is explained.
- like kind elements are assigned the same reference numerals as depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C and 2 .
- a horn 5 is in the shape of a flat plate.
- An ultrasonic vibrator 4 is stuck on one flat surface of the horn 5, which is further provided with a concave groove 12 and either of a pair of electrical contacts for energizing the ultrasonic vibrator 4 through the horn 5 and adhesive 6.
- the electrical contact of the horn 5 is located at the flat surface of the horn 5 outside the concave groove 12 surrounding the ultrasonic vibrator 4.
- the electrical contact of the horn 5 is brought into elastic contact with a metal elastic body 35 as a terminal 32 for power supply from a lead 30.
- the electrode 8 connected with the horn 5 is electrically connected with the metal elastic body 35 through the horn 5 and adhesive 6.
- a metal elastic body 36 is utilized as a terminal 31 for power supply, which is connected with the other electrode 8. This electrode 8 is brought into elastic contact with the metal elastic body 36 directly.
- the flat plate shaped horn 5 can be easily manufactured in comparison with the horn 5 that is in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom as shown in FIGS. 1B and 4A , and is compact. Even if the flat plate shaped horn 5 is used, one electrical contact can be located at the flat surface of the horn 5 outside the concave groove 12.
- the flat plate shaped horn 5 has an advantage of easily ensuring precision of dimensions such as thickness, flatness and so on.
- the structure of the skin care device 2 equipped with the ultrasonic transducer 1 is the same as that of FIG. 2 .
- the ultrasonic transducer 1 may be used for an ultrasonic vibration device except such a skin care device.
- the ultrasonic vibration device may relate to, not limited to beauty, ultrasonic process such as diagnosis, process, joint (join), cleaning, enhancement of penetration of agents, diffusion, dispersion, emulsification, atomization or the like. Also in this case, like effect, needless to say, can be obtained.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
- Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates generally to ultrasonic transducers and skin care devices with same, and more particularly to technology which restricts adhesive flash in the structure that an ultrasonic vibrator is stuck to a horn with adhesive.
- Ultrasonic transducers have been conventionally used for skin care devices for transmitting ultrasonic vibration to skin (skin surface), or the like. This sort of ultrasonic transducer is formed of an ultrasonic vibrator and a horn. The ultrasonic vibrator is configured to convert electrical vibration into mechanical vibration to generate ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic vibrator is stuck to the horn. That is, the ultrasonic vibrator and horn are joined together with adhesive. A skin care device comprising this ultrasonic transducer is also provided with a control circuit and various operational switches. The control circuit is configured to supply the ultrasonic vibrator with electrical vibration. This device is arranged to obtain beauty effect by efficiently transmitting the ultrasonic vibration to skin through the horn when an ultrasonic wave emitting surface formed on the horn is in contact with the skin.
- Incidentally, in the ultrasonic transducer, the adhesive intervened between the ultrasonic vibrator and horn becomes a cause of transmission loss of the ultrasonic vibration. Because of this, Japanese Patent Application Publication Number
2006-247251 issued September 21, 2006 - When the adhesive is actually applied, it is necessary to evenly spread the adhesive while adding pressure on the ultrasonic vibrator in order to avoid occurrence of air layer and air holes between the ultrasonic vibrator and horn. But, in almost cases, excess adhesive is then extruded. In addition, since thermosetting adhesive is utilized as the adhesive in general, the adhesive may flow out owing to the expansion. Such the extrusion, outflow (expanding outflow) and so on are hereinafter referred to as "adhesive flash (adhesive overflow)". And if the excess adhesive around the ultrasonic vibrator is dried and hardened, the excess adhesive causes the transmission loss of ultrasonic vibration and also disturbs power supply.
GB 684,165 claim 1. Furthermore, documentEP 0 283 823 A1 discloses an ultrasonic transducer with a small groove next to the transducer according to the preamble ofclaim 1. Finally, documentWO 2004/110558 A1 describes an ultrasonic applying skin care device, wherein a cavity within the horn guiding the sound waves next to the transducer is disclosed. - It is an object of the present invention to restrict adhesive flash in the structure that an ultrasonic vibrator is stuck to a horn with adhesive and to efficiently transmit ultrasonic vibration.
- This object is solved by an ultrasonic transducer according to
claim 1,claims 2 and 3 are related to specific advantageous realizations of the ultrasonic transducer according toclaim 1. Furthermore, the object is solved by a skin care device comprising such an ultrasonic transducer. - An ultrasonic transducer of the present invention comprises an ultrasonic vibrator and a horn. The ultrasonic vibrator is configured to convert electrical vibration into mechanical vibration to generate ultrasonic vibration. The horn has a join surface to which the ultrasonic vibrator is joined, and an ultrasonic wave emitting surface from which ultrasonic waves are emitted toward a target place. In the invention, adhesive is intervened between the join surface and the ultrasonic vibrator. According to an aspect of the invention, the horn further comprises a stopper for restricting adhesive flash caused by the adhesive.
- Thus, the ultrasonic transducer is provided with the stopper, and thereby even if the adhesive is evenly spread while pressure is added on the ultrasonic vibrator, the adhesive is prevented from being extruded more than is acceptable owing to the pressure. In addition, even if the adhesive expands with heating, the adhesive is prevented from flowing out more than is acceptable. Therefore, the transmission loss of ultrasonic vibration caused by dried and hardened excess adhesive as well as power supply disturbance are restricted effectively. Consequently, ultrasonic vibration can be transmitted efficiently.
- According to the invention, the stopper comprises a concave groove formed around the join surface along the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator. Thus, the concave groove is formed along the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator, and thereby the groove functions as a mark for adhesive region. As a result, a worker can easily keep fixed position relationship between the ultrasonic vibrator and horn. Even if the adhesive exceeds the concave groove, the adhesive exceeding the groove can be seen and accordingly the worker can easily wipe off and remove the exceeding adhesive. Since the stopper comprise a concave groove, the ultrasonic vibrator can be moved in all directions outside the groove while being pressed when it is stuck on the horn. Accordingly, the adhesive can be easily spread all over the join surface.
- In an embodiment, the stopper is spaced a specified distance apart from the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator. In order to spread the adhesive evely so that occurrence of air layer and air holes between the ultrasonic vibrator and horn is avoided, slight adhesive flash around the ultrasonic vibrator needs to be visible. The specified distance is kept between both of them, and thereby adhesive flash more than is acceptable, namely the specified distance can be seen.
- According to the invention, the horn exhibits conductivity, and either of a pair of electrical contacts for energizing the ultrasonic vibrator is electrically connected to a part of the horn outside the stopper. In this way, the adhesive is prevented from reaching the electrical contact connected to the horn to cause contact fault. For example, even in case that the horn is in the shape of a flat plate and is provided with the electrical contact, the contact can energize the ultrasonic vibrator certainly without contact fault.
- Even if such a flat plate shaped horn is provided, certain power supply is made possible, and thereby the flat plate shaped horn is easily manufactured and is compact, so that compact ultrasonic transducer with high reliability is realized.
- A skin care device of the present invention comprises said ultrasonic transducer, and the target place is skin. It is possible to provide the skin care device capable of transmitting ultrasonic vibration high efficiently.
- Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in further details. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings where:
-
FIGS. 1A-1C show an ultrasonic transducer" particularly,FIG. 1A is a plan of the ultrasonic transducer;FIG. 1B is a sectional view of the ultrasonic transducer connected with terminals for power supply; andFIG. 1C is an enlarged sectional view of the essential parts ofFIG. 1B ; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a skin care device comprising the ultrasonic transducer; -
FIGS. 3A-3E are sectional views of variation examples of concave groove; and -
FIGS. 4A and 4B show an ultrasonic transducer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; particularly,FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the ultrasonic transducer; andFIG. 4B is a sectional view of the ultrasonic transducer connected with terminals for power supply. -
FIGS. 1A-1C show anultrasonic transducer 1, which is essentially according to the present invention, however,Fig. 1A does not show the features according to which either of a pair of electrical contacts for energizing the ultrasonic vibrator is located on a flat surface of the horn and according to which the electrical contact of the horn is brought into elastic contact with a metal body as a terminal for power supply from a lead. These feature are especially shown inFig. 4B , showing one possible realization for these features. -
Fig. 2 shows a skin care device 2 comprising theultrasonic transducer 1. - The skin care device 2 comprises a
body housing 20 and acontrol circuit 3. Thebody housing 20 has a long and narrow shape so that it can be held with one hand. Thecontrol circuit 3 is put in thebody housing 20. Theultrasonic transducer 1 is installed at one end side in the length direction of thebody housing 20. Theultrasonic transducer 1 is formed of anultrasonic vibrator 4 and ahorn 5. Theultrasonic vibrator 4 is in the shape of a flat plate, and converts electrical vibration (e.g., AC (alternating current) voltage) into mechanical vibration to generate ultrasonic vibration. The electrical vibration is supplied from thecontrol circuit 3 through alead 30. Thehorn 5 transmits the ultrasonic vibration toward a target place such asskin 50 or the like. Theultrasonic transducer 1 is stuck to the horn 2 with one or two liquid type epoxy resin adhesive 6 (seeFIGS. 1B and 1C ). - The
ultrasonic vibrator 4 is formed of a pair ofelectrodes 8 and a plate-shapedpiezoelectric materials 7 intervened between theelectrodes 8. Thehorn 5 is in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom, and is made of metal materials such as aluminum or the like. Thehorn 5 is attached to the one end side of thebody housing 20 so that the outer surface of the bottom of the horn 5 (5a) protrudes outward. One of theelectrodes 8 of theultrasonic vibrator 4 is stuck on the inner surface of the bottom of the horn 5 (5b) withadhesive 6. - That is, in the
horn 5, the inner surface of the bottom 5b includes ajoin surface 9 to which theultrasonic vibrator 4 is joined. The outer surface of the bottom 5a includes an ultrasonicwave emitting surface 10 from which ultrasonic waves are emitted toward a target place such as skin (skin surface) 50 or the like. The thickness between thejoin surface 9 and ultrasonicwave emitting surface 10 is set to be equal to, for example, one wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration emitted from theultrasonic vibrator 4 in order to form standing wave. - As shown in
FIG. 1B , astopper 11 for restricting the extrusion, outflow and so on of adhesive 6 intervened between thejoin surface 9 and theultrasonic vibrator 4 is formed of aconcave groove 12 located at thejoin surface 9 side. Thisconcave groove 12 is formed outside the outline of theultrasonic vibrator 4 stuck in thejoin surface 9 along the outline to be spaced a specified distance apart from the outline. In the example of the Figure, since theultrasonic vibrator 4 is in the shape of a disk, theconcave groove 12 is in the shape of a circle similar to the circular outline of theultrasonic vibrator 4. For example, if the outline of theultrasonic vibrator 4 is elliptical, theconcave groove 12 becomes elliptical along the elliptical outline. If the outline of theultrasonic vibrator 4 is rectangular, theconcave groove 12 becomes rectangular along the rectangular outline. - The specified distance "d" between the outline of the
ultrasonic vibrator 4 and theconcave groove 12 is set to distance such that existence of the adhesive 6 can be seen and vibration is not obstructed. Preferably, the specified distance "d" is uniformly set to distance such as 0.5mm. Preferably, the width and depth of theconcave groove 12 are also set to distance such as 1mm or less each. - In the
ultrasonic transducer 1 of the embodiment, one of theelectrodes 8 of theultrasonic vibrator 4 is directly connected with a terminal 31 for power supply from thelead 30. A terminal 32 for power supply from thelead 30 is directly connected with the internal cylindrical surface of the horn 5 (5c), and thereby the other of theelectrodes 8 is electrically connected with the terminal 32 through thehorn 5 exhibiting high conductivity and the adhesive 6. - Thus, the skin care device 2 is provided with the
ultrasonic transducer 1, and thereby it can be used to press the ultrasonicwave emitting surface 10 against theskin 50 while holding thebody housing 20. In this case, various switches (not shown) are operated and then theultrasonic vibrator 4 is supplied with electrical vibration from thecontrol circuit 3 and generates mechanical vibration (ultrasonic vibration). That is, since the ultrasonicwave emitting surface 10 is utilized as a skin contact surface, the ultrasonic vibration can be transmitted to theskin 50 of a body (human body) and even to a target place inside the body, so that a desired beauty effect can be obtained. Preferably,suitable couplant 40 for ultrasonic transmission such as gel or the like is used between the ultrasonicwave emitting surface 10 and theskin 50. - In the embodiment, the
ultrasonic transducer 1 is provided with theconcave groove 12 as thestopper 11 according to an aspect of the invention. Therefore, when theultrasonic vibrator 4 andhorn 5 are stuck together with the adhesive 6 to form theultrasonic transducer 1, even if the extrusion and outflow of the adhesive 6 occur owing to pressurization and heating expansion, the excess adhesive collects in theconcave groove 12. Thereby, the extrusion and outflow are obstructed at theconcave groove 12. Therefore, since the extrusion and outflow ranges of the excess adhesive are ristricted, the transmission loss of ultrasonic vibration can be reduced, and the excess adhesive can be prevented from disturbing power supply. - The
concave groove 12, namely thestopper 11 is formed along the outline of theultrasonic vibrator 4 to be spaced the specified distance "d" apart from the outline. In other words, the extrusion and outflow of the excess adhesive can be permitted up to the specified distance "d". Herein, since theultrasonic vibrator 4 andhorn 5 are not transparent, slight adhesive flash around theultrasonic vibrator 4 needs to be seen in order to spread the adhesive 6 evenly so that occurrence of air layer and air holes between theultrasonic vibrator 4 andhorn 5 is avoided. The specified distance "d" makes it possible. Thestopper 11 functions as a mark for adhesive region, and accordingly a worker can easily keep fixed position relationship between theultrasonic vibrator 4 andhorn 5. Even though the excess adhesive exceeds thestopper 11, the adhesive exceeding thestopper 11 can be seen and therefore the worker can easily wipe off and remove the adhesive exceeding thestopper 11. - Since the
stopper 11 is formed of theconcave groove 12, theultrasonic vibrator 4 can be moved in all directions outside theconcave groove 12 while being pressed when it is stuck on thehorn 4. Because of this, the adhesive 6 can be easily spread all over thejoin surface 9. - In an embodiment, the
concave groove 12 is formed as shown inFIG. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D or 3E . For example, theconcave groove 12 may be rectangular in section as shown inFIG. 3A , or may have a smooth round edge as shown inFIG. 3B or 3C . As shown inFIG. 3D or 3E , thehorn 5 is formed with doubleconcave grooves 12 as thestopper 11. In this case, since the outsideconcave groove 12 functions as a preliminary stopper, it is possible to effectively restrict adhesive flash more than is acceptable. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , anultrasonic transducer 1 and a skin care device 2 with same, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is explained. For the purpose of clarity, like kind elements are assigned the same reference numerals as depicted in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-1C and2 . - In the
ultrasonic transducer 1 of the embodiment, ahorn 5 is in the shape of a flat plate. Anultrasonic vibrator 4 is stuck on one flat surface of thehorn 5, which is further provided with aconcave groove 12 and either of a pair of electrical contacts for energizing theultrasonic vibrator 4 through thehorn 5 andadhesive 6. The electrical contact of thehorn 5 is located at the flat surface of thehorn 5 outside theconcave groove 12 surrounding theultrasonic vibrator 4. As shown inFIG. 4B , the electrical contact of thehorn 5 is brought into elastic contact with a metalelastic body 35 as a terminal 32 for power supply from alead 30. Therefore, in theelectrodes 8 of theultrasonic vibrator 4, theelectrode 8 connected with thehorn 5 is electrically connected with the metalelastic body 35 through thehorn 5 andadhesive 6. Similarly, a metalelastic body 36 is utilized as a terminal 31 for power supply, which is connected with theother electrode 8. Thiselectrode 8 is brought into elastic contact with the metalelastic body 36 directly. - If adhesive flash reached the electrical contact brought into elastic contact with the metal
elastic body 35, the adhesive flash would cause contact fault. However, in the embodiment, since adhesive flash around theconcave groove 12 is restricted, such a problem can be eliminated. The flat plate shapedhorn 5 can be easily manufactured in comparison with thehorn 5 that is in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom as shown inFIGS. 1B and4A , and is compact. Even if the flat plate shapedhorn 5 is used, one electrical contact can be located at the flat surface of thehorn 5 outside theconcave groove 12. The flat plate shapedhorn 5 has an advantage of easily ensuring precision of dimensions such as thickness, flatness and so on. - In the embodiment, the structure of the skin care device 2 equipped with the
ultrasonic transducer 1 is the same as that ofFIG. 2 . In addition, theultrasonic transducer 1 may be used for an ultrasonic vibration device except such a skin care device. The ultrasonic vibration device may relate to, not limited to beauty, ultrasonic process such as diagnosis, process, joint (join), cleaning, enhancement of penetration of agents, diffusion, dispersion, emulsification, atomization or the like. Also in this case, like effect, needless to say, can be obtained. - Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the claims.
Claims (4)
- An ultrasonic transducer (1), comprising
an ultrasonic vibrator (4) configured to convert electrical vibration into mechanical vibration to generate ultrasonic vibration; and
a horn (5) having a flat surface (5b) which comprises a join surface (9) to which the ultrasonic vibrator (4) is joined, and an ultrasonic wave emitting surface (10) from which ultrasonic waves are emitted toward a target place;
the horn (5) further comprising a stopper (11) for restricting adhesive flash caused by adhesive (6) intervened between the join surface (9) and the ultrasonic vibrator (4);
wherein the stopper (11) comprises a concave groove (12) formed in the flat surface (5b) around the join surface (9) along the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator (4),
wherein the horn (5) exhibits conductivity;
characterised in that
either of a pair of electrical contacts for energizing the ultrasonic vibrator (4) is located outside the stopper (11) on the flat surface of the horn, and in that
the electrical contact of the horn (5) is brought into elastic contact with a metal elastic body (35) as a terminal (32) for power supply from a lead (30). - The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1, wherein the stopper (11) is spaced a specified distance apart from the outline of the ultrasonic vibrator (4).
- A skin care device, comprising the ultrasonic transducer (1) of claim 1, wherein the target place is skin.
- A skin care device, comprising the ultrasonic transducer (1) of claim 2, wherein the target place is skin.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2007006173A JP4317569B2 (en) | 2007-01-15 | 2007-01-15 | Ultrasonic vibration block and skin care device equipped with the same |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1943998A1 EP1943998A1 (en) | 2008-07-16 |
EP1943998B1 true EP1943998B1 (en) | 2012-02-22 |
EP1943998B8 EP1943998B8 (en) | 2012-05-09 |
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ID=39204815
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP08000074A Active EP1943998B8 (en) | 2007-01-15 | 2008-01-03 | Ultrasonic transducer and skin care device with same |
Country Status (7)
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EP (1) | EP1943998B8 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4317569B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100978328B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101224165B (en) |
AT (1) | ATE546123T1 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1120398A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2379125C2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP5786373B2 (en) * | 2011-03-03 | 2015-09-30 | 日本電気株式会社 | Vibration sensor |
KR101770253B1 (en) | 2015-09-15 | 2017-08-22 | 이일권 | An Apparatus for Caring a Skin Using a Ultrasonic Wave Having a Structure of Multi Frequencies Emitting and a Method for Controlling the Same |
CN106178290B (en) * | 2016-07-07 | 2019-03-19 | 深圳市沃茜电子科技有限公司 | Ultrasonic physiotherapeutic instrument |
JP2018011775A (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2018-01-25 | ヤーマン株式会社 | Beauty treatment instrument |
CN107420863B (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2019-11-15 | 深圳市崧盛电子股份有限公司 | Waterproof shell and power supply for power supply |
US11864782B2 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2024-01-09 | BTL Medical Solutions A. S. | Shock wave device |
CN109316328B (en) * | 2018-09-29 | 2021-06-04 | 深圳市蓓媞科技有限公司 | Cosmetic device |
Citations (2)
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WO2004110558A1 (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2004-12-23 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Ultrasound applying skin care device |
JP2006181292A (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2006-07-13 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Ultrasonic beauty treatment appliance |
Family Cites Families (8)
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BE493238A (en) | 1949-01-12 | |||
ATE57112T1 (en) | 1987-03-20 | 1990-10-15 | Siemens Ag | DEVICE FOR GENERATION AND RADIATION OF ULTRASOUND, ESPECIALLY FOR ULTRASOUND THERAPY. |
JP3535204B2 (en) * | 1994-02-28 | 2004-06-07 | 株式会社東芝 | Ultrasonic probe and manufacturing method thereof |
JP3783339B2 (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 2006-06-07 | 松下電工株式会社 | Ultrasonic beauty device |
US6196059B1 (en) * | 1997-08-11 | 2001-03-06 | Fraunhofer Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V. | Piezoelectric resonator, process for the fabrication thereof including its use as a sensor element for the determination of the concentration of a substance contained in a liquid and/or for the determination of the physical properties of the liquid |
JP2000167009A (en) * | 1998-12-02 | 2000-06-20 | Ya Man Ltd | Ultrasonic beauty implement |
JP2005167746A (en) * | 2003-12-04 | 2005-06-23 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Manufacturing method of ultrasound transducer |
CN2776453Y (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2006-05-03 | 天津天使科技发展有限公司 | Simple and high efficiency ultrasonic therapy transducer |
-
2007
- 2007-01-15 JP JP2007006173A patent/JP4317569B2/en active Active
-
2008
- 2008-01-03 AT AT08000074T patent/ATE546123T1/en active
- 2008-01-03 EP EP08000074A patent/EP1943998B8/en active Active
- 2008-01-14 RU RU2008101563/28A patent/RU2379125C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-01-15 KR KR1020080004264A patent/KR100978328B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2008-01-15 CN CN2008100029786A patent/CN101224165B/en active Active
- 2008-12-09 HK HK08113395.6A patent/HK1120398A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2004110558A1 (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2004-12-23 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Ultrasound applying skin care device |
JP2006181292A (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2006-07-13 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Ultrasonic beauty treatment appliance |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR100978328B1 (en) | 2010-08-26 |
RU2008101563A (en) | 2009-07-20 |
JP2008168270A (en) | 2008-07-24 |
JP4317569B2 (en) | 2009-08-19 |
EP1943998B8 (en) | 2012-05-09 |
HK1120398A1 (en) | 2009-04-03 |
KR20080067307A (en) | 2008-07-18 |
CN101224165B (en) | 2011-08-03 |
RU2379125C2 (en) | 2010-01-20 |
ATE546123T1 (en) | 2012-03-15 |
EP1943998A1 (en) | 2008-07-16 |
CN101224165A (en) | 2008-07-23 |
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