TIP FOR DIAGNOSIS LASER HANDPIECE CAPABLE OF CONTROLLING LASER ENERGY EMITTED TO TARGET AND ITS SPOT SIZE

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, coupled to a handpiece and used therein includes: a light emission module configured to emit a laser to a target; and a light adjustment module disposed on a path through which the laser emitted to the target travels. The light adjustment module is configured to adjust energy of the laser emitted to the target, and a focus size of the laser.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2018/008134, filed on Jul. 18, 2018, which claims the benefit and priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2017-0095877, filed on Jul. 28, 2017 and 10-2017-0119631, filed on Sep. 18, 2017. The entire disclosures of the applications identified in this paragraph are incorporated herein by references.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, and more particularly, to a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, which is mountable on a handpiece of a laser device, and is capable of controlling laser energy emitted to a target and its spot size.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, laser technology (see patent document 1) for emitting a laser to a skin by using a laser device for skin therapy and beauty care, and diagnosing a disease by analyzing a spectrum of light generated at that time is developing.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a related-art laser device for skin therapy and beauty care, which is utilized for disease diagnosis. Referring to FIG. 1, a laser L1 is generated at a laser generator 2 and is transmitted to a handpiece 1 through an optical fiber or the like, and then is emitted to a target T (for example, a patient's skin, etc.), and some of light generated from the target T is collected at a light receiver 3 as received light L2. A spectrometer 4 extracts a spectrum of the received light received by the light receiver 3, and a data processor 5 performs a necessary operation, such as disease diagnosis or skin age measurement, by analyzing the spectrum data, and a result of data processing is provided to a user through a display 6 or etc.

However, in the related-art laser device, a light emitter (for example, the handpiece 1) for emitting the laser L1 to the target, and the light receive 4 for receiving (collecting) the received light L2 are separately installed. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that there are many components and thus the device is complicated and has a large volume.

In addition, the related-art laser device for skin therapy and beauty care (for example, Nd:YAG, Ruby, Alexandrite laser device, etc.) described above emits relatively high energy to a skin for the purpose of removing melanin from the skin or treating the skin through destruction and recovery of tissue (for example, about 100-1600 mJ per pulse). Therefore, if the laser for skin therapy and beauty care is directly utilized for diseases diagnosis through the related-art laser device, a thermal injury may occur on a skin.

PATENT DOCUMENTS

Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1640202 (Jul. 21, 2016)

Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Publication No. 1020130123426 (Nov. 12, 2013)

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Registration No. 4749805 (May 27, 2011)

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, which is capable of diagnosing a disease or measuring a skin age by using a related-art laser device as it is.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, which is easily mountable on or dismountable from a handpiece of a related-art laser device for beauty care, and has a light emitter and a light receiver integrally formed with each other.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, which is capable of controlling laser energy emitted to a target and its spot size.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, coupled to a handpiece and used therein, the tip including: a light emission module configured to emit a laser to a target; and a light adjustment module disposed on a path through which the laser emitted to the target travels, wherein the light adjustment module is configured to adjust energy of the laser emitted to the target, and a focus size of the laser.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, coupled to a handpiece and used therein, the tip including: a light emission module configured to emit a laser to a target; and a light adjustment module disposed on a path through which the laser emitted to the target travels, wherein the light adjustment module is configured to block at least a part of the laser emitted to the target, and a focus size of the laser.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, there is an advantages that a diseases can be diagnosed and a skin age can be measured by using a related-art laser device for beauty care as it is.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the tip for the diagnosis laser handpiece having the light emission unit and the light reception unit integrally formed with each other is provided, such that the laser device can be simplified and the device volume can be reduced in comparison to the related-art technology requiring a light emission unit and a light reception unit separately.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the tip for the diagnosis laser handpiece having the light emission unit and the light reception unit integrally formed with each other is provided, such that generated light is received and data processing such as disease diagnosis can be performed based on the generated light, simply by attaching the tip to the handpiece without having to install a separate light reception device.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the range of energy of a related-art laser device for skin therapy and beauty care is not required to be changed, and, by replacing with the tip for the handpiece according to the present disclosure, the laser used for skin therapy and beauty care can be directly utilized for the purpose of disease diagnosis.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the range of energy of a related-art laser device for skin therapy and beauty care is not required to be changed, and a spectrum signal for diagnosing a disease can be detected without causing a thermal injury to the target.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view to illustrate a related-art laser device;

FIG. 2 is a view to illustrate a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 5 are views to illustrate a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view to illustrate a light adjustment module used in the tip for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8, and 9 are views to illustrate a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to a second embodiment;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11 are views to illustrate a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a view to illustrate a light adjustment module used in the tip for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to an embodiment; and

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are views to illustrate alternative embodiments of the light adjustment module of the present disclosure.

EXPLANATION OF SIGNS

• • 1: Handpiece
  • 10, 20, 30: Tip for diagnosis laser handpiece
  • 100, 300, 500: Light emission module
  • 200, 400, 600: Light reception module

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings to clarify aspects, other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the drawings of the present disclosure, lengths, thicknesses, and wideness of elements may be exaggerated for easy understanding of technical features.

As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, the element can be directly on another element or intervening elements. The terms “unit” and “module” and the terms having suffix “-er” or “-or” used in the description of this application refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing specific embodiments, various specific features are described to assist in a detailed description and a comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiments can be carried out by those of ordinary skill in the art without those specifically defined features. In the description of exemplary embodiments, certain detailed explanations of portions which are well known and have nothing to do with the present disclosure are omitted when it is deemed that they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view to illustrate an application example of a tip 10 for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to an embodiment is attached to a handpiece 1. The handpiece 1 is a member that is formed in such a shape that a user grips the handpiece 1 with user's hand to emit lasers to a target T, and FIG. 2 illustrates a handpiece 1 of a gun type by way of an example. However, this shape is merely an example and the handpiece 1 may have a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 1 or other shapes.

An optical fiber or a light guide arm may be connected to the handpiece 1, and a laser generated at a laser generator (for example, the laser generator 2 in FIG. 1) may be transmitted to the handpiece 1 through the optical fiber or light guide arm. The tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to an embodiment may be coupled to an exit side of the handpiece 1 through which the laser is emitted. The tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece is configured to be attachable to or detachable from the handpiece 1, and may be attached to the handpiece 1 when necessary as shown in FIG. 2, and may be detached therefrom when not in use. In this case, the handpiece 1 may be used for original purposes such as for beauty care or medical treatment when the tip 10 is not attached thereto.

One or more optical elements such as an optical fiber, a lens, a mirror, or the like may be arranged inside the handpiece 1 to guide the laser. Light outputted from the handpiece 1 may be any one of a collimated beam, a focused beam, or a defocused beam, and an energy density or a waveform of a laser may vary according to a specific situation in which a laser device is used.

Although it will be described below, the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece may be configured to emit some of the lasers received from the handpiece 1, rather than all lasers, to the target, in order to generate light from the target T while causing a thermal injury as little as possible.

That is, when the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to an embodiment is coupled to the handpiece 1, laser energy per pulse emitted to the target is smaller than when a related-art tip for a laser handpiece (not shown) is coupled to the handpiece 1. For example, according to the present embodiment, laser energy per pulse may be reduced and a density of laser energy per unit area may be increased.

In addition, the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece may be configured to emit a laser to the target in the form of a focused beam, such that light is easily generated when the laser is emitted to the target T.

The reason why the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece emits some of the lasers received from the handpiece 1, rather than all of the lasers, to the target, and makes a focus size (that is, spot size) of the laser be small (for example, in the form of a focused beam) is as follows:

First, the output of related-art laser devices for beauty care or treatment is so large (for example, 100 to 2000 mJ) that the devices cannot be used for the purpose of diagnosis as they are, because a thermal injury should be minimized and light should be easily generated from the target for the purpose of diagnosis.

Second, the related-art laser devices for beauty care or treatment should emit lasers to a large skin surface area (spot size) in order to treat the largest skin area in the shortest possible time. However, the devices require a high energy density per area to effectively generate light without causing a thermal injury for the purpose of diagnosis. This cannot be achieved by a large spot size of the related-art devices.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a light adjustment module as described above. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present disclosure provided with a light adjustment module will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 3A to 5 are views to illustrate a tip 10 for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the tip 10, FIG. 3B is a side view, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 5 is a view to illustrate a light adjustment module 160.

Referring to these drawings, the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the first embodiment includes a light emission module 100, a light reception module 200, and a light adjustment module 160, and a middle module 166.

The light emission module 100 is a function module for emitting a laser to a target T, and the light reception module 200 is a module for receiving a least part of light generated by the laser emitted to the target T as received light.

The light adjustment module 160 is a module that is disposed on a path for traveling the laser to be emitted to the target T to adjust energy of the laser emitted to the target T and a focus size of the laser.

For example, it may be assumed that, when a related-art tip for a handpiece (not shown) is coupled to the handpiece 1, energy per pulse of a laser emitted to the target is about 50 mJ to 1600 mJ, and a spot size of the laser is about 2 mm to 8 mm. On this assumption, when the light adjustment module 160 is coupled to the handpiece 1, energy per pulse of a laser emitted to the target may be 20 mJ to 40 mJ, and a spot size may be 100 μm to 500 μm. Herein, numerical values are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

That is, a part of the laser received by the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece from the handpiece 1 is blocked by the light adjustment module 160, and only the other part is emitted to the target, and the spot size of the laser emitted to the target becomes small.

In the following description, “light generated by the laser emitted to the target” (hereinafter, may be referred to as “generated light”) may refer to a certain type of light generated when the laser is emitted to the target, and may refer to at least one of, for example, reflected light, scattered light, plasma light, and fluorescence. The light reception module 200 may receive at least part of the generated light as “received light.”

In an embodiment, the light emission module 100 may include a base (main body) 110, a handpiece coupling portion 120, a module connection member 130, a fixing portion 140, and a guide portion 150. The base 110 has an inner space to allow the laser outputted from the handpiece 1 to pass therethrough, and may be a cylindrical member which is tapered to have a diameter gradually decreasing downward.

For example, the base 110 may have an inner space formed in a cylindrical shape to allow the laser to pass therethrough, and at least one of optical elements such as a lens, an optical filter, a mirror, or the like may be arranged in the base 110 to adjust the focus size of the laser or to filter a laser of an unnecessary wavelength.

The handpiece coupling portion 120 is a coupling member for coupling the base 110 and the handpiece 1 to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the handpiece coupling portion 120 may have an inner space to allow the laser to pass therethrough, and may extend from an upper portion of the base 110. In an embodiment, the base 110 and the handpiece coupling portion 120 may be integrally formed with each other. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3B, the handpiece coupling portion 120 is attachably and detachably inserted into the handpiece 1, such that the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece can be attachably and detachably coupled to the handpiece 1. In an embodiment, the handpiece coupling portion 120 may be coupled to the handpiece 1 by press-fitting, or alternatively, may be coupled in a well-known certain coupling method such as screwing (for example, screw threads are formed on the outer surface of the handpiece coupling portion 120 and grooves corresponding to the screw threads are formed on the inner surface of the handpiece 1).

The middle module 166 may have a cylindrical shape having a hollow formed therein to allow the laser to travel therethrough. In addition, the middle module 166 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, including an upper portion 162 coupled to the base 110 and a lower portion 164 coupled to the fixing portion 140.

The fixing portion 140 may be removably coupled to the lower portion 164 of the middle module 166, and the base 110 may be removably coupled to the upper portion 162 of the middle module 166.

In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 140 and the lower portion 164 of the middle module 166 may be coupled to each other in a well-known certain coupling method (for example, press-fitting or screwing). For example, screw threads N1 may be formed on the outer surface of the fixing portion 140, and screw grooves (not shown) corresponding to the screw threads (N1) may be formed on the inner surface of the lower portion 164 of the middle module 166.

In the present embodiment, the base 110 and the upper portion 162 of the middle module 166 may be coupled to each other in a well-known certain coupling method (for example, press-fitting or screwing). For example, screw threads N3 may be formed on the outer surface of the upper portion 162 of the middle module 166, and screw grooves (not shown) corresponding to the screw threads (N3) may be formed on the inner surface of the based 110.

In the present embodiment, the light adjustment module 160 is disposed in the inner space (that is, a space through which the laser travels) of the middle module 166. The light adjustment module 160 is configured to allow only a part of the laser received from the handpiece 1 to pass therethrough, and to make the spot size of the laser emitted to the target become small.

The light adjustment module 160 includes a first lens 161, a plate 163 provided with a hole, and a second lens 165. Herein, the first lens 161 is an optional element, and according to an embodiment, the light adjustment module 160 may be configured to include the plate 163 provided with the hole and the second lens 165, except for the first lens 161. Hereinafter, the function of the light adjustment module 160 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The first lens 161 changes the spot size of the laser received from the handpiece 1.

For example, the first lens 161 makes the spot size of the laser to be outputted toward the plate 163 smaller than the spot size of the laser received from the handpiece 1. In this example, the first lens 161 may be configured as a convex lens.

The plate 163 is provided with a hole h1 and allows the laser to pass only through the hole h1. That is, the plate 163 allows only a part of the laser entering the first lens 161 to pass therethrough.

For example, a diameter of the plate 163 is substantially the same as an inner diameter of the middle module 166, and the laser traveling through the inside of the middle module 166 can travel only through the hole provided on the plate 163.

The second lens 165 changes the spot size of the laser received from the plate 163.

For example, the second lens 165 may change the spot size of the laser such that the spot size of the laser emitted to the target becomes 100 μm to 500 μm. In this example, the second lens 165 may be configured as a convex lens.

The above-described numerical values are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The light adjustment module 160 may not include the first lens 161 and may be configured to include the plate 163 provided with the hole and the second lens 165.

The fixing portion 140 is a member that is coupled to an inside of a lower portion of the middle module 166 to fix the module connection member 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing portion 140 is coupled to a lower end of the middle module 166, and has a hollow formed in the center thereof to allow the laser to pass therethrough. In an embodiment, the fixing portion 140 may have a cylindrical shape, and may have screw threads N1 formed along an outer circumference of an upper portion thereof to be coupled to the middle module 166. However, the middle module 166 and the fixing portion 140 may be coupled to each other by one of various well-known coupling methods such as press-fitting, in addition to the screwing method.

The guide portion 150 may be formed on a lower portion of the fixing portion 140 to help the user easily align a center point of the laser with an emission point of the target T. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide portion 150 may include a protruding guide 151 and a target contact portion 152.

The protruding guide 151 is a member that extends downward from the fixing portion 140 by a predetermined distance. The protruding guide 151 may be integrally formed with the fixing portion 140. When the protruding guide 151 is formed on the fixing portion 140, the user can easily control the handpiece to place the target T on the lower end of the protruding guide 151, and thus can position the target T at an appropriate distance from the handpiece.

In an embodiment, the target contact portion 152 may be formed on a lower end of the protruding guide portion 151. The target contact portion 152 is a member that comes into contact with the target T, and may be formed in an arc shape or a ring shape as shown in the drawing, or alternatively, may have a certain shape that does not interfere with the laser emitted from the handpiece 1. When the target contact portion 152 is formed in the arc or ring shape, the target contact portion 152 is disposed to make the center axis of the laser outputted from the handpiece 1 coincide with the center point of the arc or ring shape. In an embodiment, the fixing portion 140, the protruding guide 151, and the target contact portion 152 may be integrally formed with one another.

According to the configuration of the guide portion 150 described above, the user can easily align the center point of the target contact portion 152 with the emission point of the target T, and thus can place the target T at an appropriate distance from the handpiece 1 and can exactly focus the laser outputted from the handpiece 1 onto the target T.

Although the guide portion 150 is formed on the lower portion of the fixing portion 140 in the above-described embodiment, the guide portion 150 may be omitted. In addition, the guide portion 150 may include only the protruding guide 151 and may omit the target contact portion 152.

The module connection member 130 is a member that has a role of connecting the light emission module 100 and the light reception module 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the module connection member 130 may be interposed between the middle module 160 and the fixing portion 140 to be coupled to the light emission module 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the module connection member 130 according to an embodiment is a member of a thin plate shape, and includes a first plate member 131 having a first penetrating hole 133 formed therethrough to allow the laser to pass therethrough, and a second plate member 132 having a second penetrating hole 134 formed therethrough to allow received light therethrough. In this case, the second plate member 132 may be bent from the first plate shape 131 by a predetermined angle.

The first plate member 131 is interposed between the middle module 160 of the light emission module 100 and the fixing portion 140 and coupled thereto, and the second plate member 132 is coupled to the light reception module 200.

The light reception module 200 is a device that receives light generated from the target when the laser is emitted to the target or after the laser is emitted, as received light. In this case, “generated light” may refer to reflected light, scattered light, plasma light, and/or fluorescence, for example

In the illustrated embodiment, the light reception module 200 may include two pieces, that is, an upper piece 210 and a lower piece 220. Each of the upper piece 210 and the lower piece 220 may have an empty space formed therein to allow the received light to pass therethrough, and, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the upper piece 210 and the lower piece 220 may have a cylindrical shape. The upper piece 210 and the lower piece 220 may be fastened to each other by screwing, and in this case, the second plate member 132 of the module connection member 130 may be interposed between the upper piece 210 and the lower piece 220 of the light reception module 200 and coupled thereto.

In an embodiment, an optical fiber 230 may be connected to an upper end of the upper piece 210 to transmit the received light to the outside (the optical fiber is omitted from FIG. 3). In addition, at least one optical element such as a lens, an optical filter, a mirror, or the like may be installed in any one of the upper piece 210 and the lower piece 220.

The first plate member 131 and the second plate member 132 of the module connection member 130 may be bent with respect to each other by a predetermined angle, and the predetermined bending angle is determined such that the light emission module 100 and the light reception module 200 are arranged to face the same point of the target T. That is, when the center axis of the laser emitted from the light emission module 100 is AX1, and the center axis of the received light received at the light reception module 200 is AX2, the light emission module 100 and the light reception module 200 may be arranged such that the center axis AX1 of the laser and the center axis AX2 of the received light meet at a point P where the target is placed (for example, a point distanced downwardly from the lower end of the base 110 by H). The predetermined bending angle of the module connection member 130 may be determined to satisfy such an arrangement relationship.

Accordingly, by satisfying such an arrangement relationship, the light reception module 200 can exactly receive only the light generated by emission of the laser. Therefore, light caused by other surrounding factors is less likely to be received, and a noise of the received light can be reduced.

As described above, the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece having the light emission module and the light reception module integrally formed with each other is implemented by coupling the light emission module 100 and the light reception module 200 by means of the module connection member 130, and generated light can be received simply by attaching the integrated tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece to the handpiece 1 without having to install a separate light reception device.

In addition, the light emission module 100 and the light reception module 200 are integrally formed with each other, and are arranged such that the light emission module 100 and the light reception module 200 face the same point of the target. Therefore, there are advantages that the accuracy of received light can be enhanced and a noise can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a view to illustrate a light adjustment module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the light adjustment module 260 may include a first lens 261, a plate 263 provided with a hole h2, and a second lens 265.

The light adjustment module 260 may adjust energy of a laser and a focus size of the laser.

The light adjustment module 260 may be used instead of the light adjustment module 160 of the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece. The light adjustment module 160 or the light adjustment module 260 may be used according to a form of a laser outputted from the handpiece 1 to which the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece is coupled, or output energy.

The light adjustment module 260 may be disposed in the inner space (that is, a space through which the laser travels) of the middle module 166. The light adjustment module 260 may be configured to allow only a part of the laser received from the handpiece 1 to pass therethrough, and to make the focus size of the laser emitted to the target become small.

The first lens 261 changes the spot size of the laser received from the handpiece 1. For example, the first lens 261 may be a concave lens, and may change the focus size of the laser, such that the spot size of the laser is the same as or similar to a diameter of the plate 263.

For example, the first lens 261 makes the spot size of the laser to be outputted to the plate 263 larger than the spot size of the laser received from the handpiece 1

The plate 263 is provided with a hole h2, and allows the laser to pass only through the hole h2. That is, the plate 263 allows only a part of the laser received from the first lens 261 to pass therethrough.

For example, the diameter of the plate 263 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the middle module 166, and thus the laser traveling through the inside of the middle module 166 can move only through the hole h2 provided in the plate 263.

The second lens 265 changes the spot size of the laser received from the plate 263. For example, the second lens 265 may be a convex lens, and may change the spot size of the laser to be emitted to the target to range from 100 μm to 500 μm. Herein, numerical values are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the light adjustment module 260 may not include the first lens 261, and may be configured to include the plate 263 provided with the hole and the second lens 265.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 9, a tip 20 for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to a second embodiment will be described. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 illustrate the tip 20 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the tip 20, FIG. 7B is a side view, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view. FIG. 9 is a view to illustrate a light adjustment module 360.

Referring to these drawings, the tip 20 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the second embodiment includes a light emission module 300 and a light reception module 400, and the light emission module 300 includes a light adjustment module. Herein, the light emission module 300 is a module for emitting a laser to a target T, and the light reception module 400 is a module for receiving at least a part of light generated by the laser emitted to the target T as received light. The light adjustment module is a module which is disposed on a path through which the laser to be emitted to the target T travels to adjust energy and a focus size of the laser to be emitted to the target T.

As will be described below, the tip 20 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the present disclosure is configured to emit a part of the laser received from the handpiece 1 to the target in order to make generated light be easily generated while causing less damage to the target when the laser is emitted to the target.

That is, laser energy per pulse emitted to the target when the tip 20 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the present disclosure is coupled to the handpiece 1 is smaller than that when a related-art tip (not shown) for a laser handpiece is coupled to the handpiece 1. In addition, the tip 20 for the diagnosis laser handpiece may be configured to output a focused beam to the target in order to make generated light be easily generated.

In an embodiment, the light emission module 300 may include a base 310, a handpiece coupling portion 320, and a guide portion 340. Compared with the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the first embodiment of FIGS. 3A to 4, the tip 20 for the handpiece of the second embodiment differs therefrom in that the base 310 has the role of the module connection member 130 of the tip 10 of the first embodiment. That is, the tip 20 for the handpiece of the second embodiment has the light emission module 300 and the light reception module 400 coupled to each other through the base 310, and does not require the separate module connection member 130. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, the base 310 has a first inner space 311 through which the laser passes, and a second inner space 310 through which received light passes. Each of the first inner space 311 and the second inner space 313 may have a cylindrical shape, or may have a cylindrical shape tapering to have a diameter gradually decreasing downward.

The handpiece coupling portion 320 is a coupling member for coupling the base 310 and the handpiece 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the handpiece coupling portion 320 may be a cylindrical member having an inner space to allow the laser to pass therethrough. The base 310 and the handpiece coupling portion 320 may be separately fabricated and coupled to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, a part of the lower portion of the handpiece coupling portion 320 is at least partially inserted into a first inner space 311 of the base 310, thereby being coupled to the base 310, and a part of the upper portion of the handpiece coupling portion 320 is attachably and detachably inserted into the handpiece 1, thereby being coupled to the handpiece 1. Alternatively, the handpiece coupling portion 320 may be extended from the upper portion of the base 310 and may be integrally formed therewith. In an embodiment, the handpiece coupling portion 320 may be coupled to the handpiece 1 in a well-known method such as press-fitting or screwing.

The light adjustment module may be disposed in the inner space of at least one of the base 310 and the handpiece coupling portion 320.

The light adjustment module 360 may adjust energy and a focus size of the laser.

For example, the light adjustment module 360 may adjust the focus size of the laser and may block a part of the laser.

In an embodiment, the light adjustment module 360 may include a plate 323 for blocking a part of the laser, and a lens 321 for adjusting the focus size of the laser.

Referring to FIG. 8, the plate 323 may be provided with a hole h3 and the laser may pass only through the hole h3. That is, the plate 323 may allow only a part of the laser received from the handpiece 1 to pass therethrough.

When the plate 323 is configured to be disposed in the base 310, a diameter of the plate 323 is substantially the same as an inner diameter of the base 310, and accordingly, the laser traveling through the inside of the base 310 travels toward the target T only through the hole of the plate 323.

On the other hand, when the plate 323 is configured to be disposed in the handpiece coupling portion 320, the diameter of the plate 323 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the handpiece coupling portion 320, and accordingly, the laser traveling through the inside of the handpiece coupling portion 320 travels toward the target T only through the hole h3 of the plate 323.

In the above-described embodiments, a size of the hole h3 formed in the plate 323 may be defined such that energy per pulse of the laser emitted to the target T has a desired value. For example, the size of the hole formed in the plate 323 may be defined such that energy per pulse of the laser emitted to the target T ranges from 20 mJ to 40 mJ. Herein, the numerical values are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The lens 321 changes the spot size of the laser received from the plate 323. For example, the lens 321 may change the spot size of the laser to be emitted to the target to range from 100 μm to 500 μm. In the present embodiment, the lens 321 may be configured as a convex lens.

According to the present embodiment, the light adjustment module 360 may further include a coupler 322. The coupler 322 functions to fix the plate 323 to the handpiece coupling portion 320, and also, may function to fix the lens 321 to the base 310.

The above-described numerical values are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The guide portion 340 may be attached to the lower portion of the base 310. The guide portion 340 is a device which is selectively attached in order for the user to easily align the center point of the laser with the target T, and in the illustrated embodiment, the guide portion 340 may include a connection portion 341, a protruding guide 342, and a target contact portion 343. The connection portion 341 is a member coupled to the lower portion of the base 310, and has an empty inner space to allow the laser to pass therethrough. In an embodiment, the connection portion 341 may have screw threads formed along an outer circumference of an upper portion thereof to be coupled to the base 310 by screwing. However, in an alternative embodiment, the connection portion 341 may have a coupling structure to be coupled in any one of various well-known coupling methods such as press-fitting. The structures and the functions of the protruding guide 342 and the target contact portion 343 are the same as or similar to those of the protruding guide 151 and the target contact portion 152 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 4.

Although the guide portion 340 includes both the protruding guide 342 and the target contact portion 343 in the drawings, the target contact portion 343 may be omitted in an alternative embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light reception module 400 may include an upper piece 410 and a lower piece 420. Each of the upper piece 410 and the lower piece 420 may have a cylindrical shape having an empty space formed therein to allow received light to pass therethrough.

In an embodiment, an optical fiber 430 may be connected to an upper end of the upper piece 410 to transmit the received light to the outside. In addition, at least one optical element such as a lens 412, an optical filter, a mirror, or the like may be installed in any one of the upper piece 410 and the lower piece 420.

The upper piece 410 of the light reception module 400 may be inserted into and coupled to the second inner space 313 of the base 310 of the light emission module 300 at least in part. The lower piece 420 of the light reception module 400 may be coupled to the lower end of the upper piece 410 or the lower end of the second inner space 313 of the base 310. Coupling between the upper piece 410 and the base 310 and coupling between the lower piece 420 and the base 310 or the upper piece 410 may be implemented in a well-known method, for example, press-fitting or screwing.

The first inner space 311 and the second inner space 313 of the base 310 may be disposed obliquely to form an angle therebetween, not in parallel, and preferably, the first and second inner spaces 311, 313 of the base 310 may be formed such that the light emission module 300 and the light reception module 400 are arranged to face the same point of the target T. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the light emission module 300 and the light reception module 400 may be arranged such that a center axis AX1 of the laser emitted from the light emission module 300 and a center axis AX2 of received light received at the light reception module 400 meet at a point P at which the target T is placed (for example, a point distanced downward from the lower end of the base 310 by H), and the base 310 is configured to satisfy the above-described arrangement relationship.

Hereinafter, a tip 30 for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11. FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11 are views illustrating the tip 30 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the tip 30, FIG. 10B is a side view, and FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view.

Referring to these drawings, the tip 30 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the third embodiment includes a light emission module 500 and a light reception module 600. The light emission module 500 includes a light adjustment module 560. The light emission module 500 includes a base 510 and guide portions 542, 543. The light emission module 500 may further include a handpiece coupling portion (not shown), but omits the same from the drawings.

The light adjustment module may adjust energy and a focus size of a laser.

For example, the light adjustment module is a module which is installed on a path through which the laser to be emitted to the target travels, and adjusts the energy and the focus size of the laser.

In the present embodiment, the light adjustment module 560 includes a plate 523 having a hole h5 formed therein, and a lens 521. Herein, the plate 523 is the same as the plate 323 or the plate 163 described above with reference to other drawings in its functions, and the lens 521 is the same as the lens 165 or the lens 321 in its function.

According to the present embodiment, the light adjustment module 560 may further include a coupler 522. The coupler 522 may function to fix the plate 523 to a coupling portion 520, and may function to fix the lens 521 to the base 510.

As will be described below, the tip 30 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the present disclosure may be configured to emit a part of the laser received form the handpiece 1 to the target to make generated light be easily generated from the target while causing less damage to the target.

That is, laser energy per pulse emitted to the target when the tip 30 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the present disclosure is coupled to the handpiece 1 is smaller than laser energy per pulse when a related-art tip (not shown) for a laser handpiece is coupled to the handpiece 1, but an energy density per unit area is rather large. In addition, the tip 30 for the diagnosis laser handpiece is configured to output light having a small focal point, such as a focused beam, to the target to increase an energy density per unit area with low energy and to make generated light be easily generated from the target.

Compared with the tip 20 for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the second embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the tip 30 for the handpiece according to the third embodiment differs from the tip 20 in that the guide portion is integrally formed with the base 510. That is, in the tip 30 for the handpiece according to the third embodiment, the protruding guide 542 directly extends from the lower end of the base 510 and the target contact portion 543 is integrally formed with the lower end of the protruding guide 542.

The base 510 includes a first inner space 511 through which the laser passes, and a second inner space 513 through which the received light passes. A handpiece coupling portion (not shown) may be inserted into and coupled to the first inner space 511 in part, and the light reception module 600 may be coupled to the second inner space 513. The light reception module 600 may include an upper piece 610 and a lower piece 620.

In the present embodiment, the light adjustment module 560 is disposed in an inner space of at least one of the base 510 and the handpiece coupling portion 520.

The light adjustment module 560 may adjust energy and the focus size of the laser to be emitted to the target.

For example, the light adjustment module 560 may adjust the focus size of the laser or may block a part of the laser.

In an embodiment, the light adjustment module 560 may include a plate 523 for blocking a part of the laser, and a lens 521 for adjusting the focus size of the laser.

In the embodiment, the plate 523 may be provided with a hole h5 and the laser may pass only through the hole h5. That is, the plate 523 may allow only a part of the laser received from the handpiece 1 to pass therethrough.

When the plate 523 is configured to be disposed in the base 510, a diameter of the plate 523 is substantially the same as an inner diameter of the base 310, and accordingly, the laser traveling through the inside of the base 510 travels toward the target T only through the hole of the plate 523.

On the other hand, when the plate 523 is configured to be disposed in the handpiece coupling portion 520, the diameter of the plate 523 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the handpiece coupling portion 520, and accordingly, the laser traveling through the inside of the handpiece coupling portion 520 travels toward the target T only through the hole of the plate 523.

In the above-described embodiments, a size of the hole h5 formed in the plate 523 may be defined such that energy per pulse of the laser emitted to the target T has a desired value. For example, the size of the hole formed in the plate 523 may be defined such that energy per pulse of the laser emitted to the target T ranges from 20 mJ to 40 mJ. Herein, the numerical values are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The lens 521 changes the spot size of the laser received from the plate 523. For example, the lens 521 may change the spot size of the laser to be emitted to the target to range from 100 μm to 500 μm. Herein, the numerical values are merely examples, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The configurations of the light emission module 500 and the light reception module 600 are the same as or similar to those of the light emission module 300 and the light reception module 400 of the tip 20 for the handpiece of the second embodiment described above, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a view to illustrate a light adjustment module used for a tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, a light adjustment module 660 used for the tip for the diagnosis laser handpiece according to the present disclosure is illustratively depicted.

The light adjustment module 660 may adjust energy and a focus size of the laser to be emitted to the target.

For example, the light adjustment module 660 may adjust the focus size of the laser, or may block a part of the laser.

According to the present embodiment, the light adjustment module 660 may be configured as a convex lens having a blocking layer f formed thereon to block the laser. The blocking layer f may be formed of any material that can prevent the laser from passing therethrough. Metal which can reflect the laser may be used for the blocking layer f.

An area n may be formed on a substantially center of the light adjustment module 660 to allow the laser to pass therethrough, and the laser may be outputted to the outside through the area n.

According to the present embodiment, the light adjustment module 660 may be configured as a hemispherical convex lens, and the hemispherical convex lens may include a spherical portion 465 to receive the laser, and a flat portion 466 to output the laser, and the flat portion 466 includes the blocking layer f to block the laser, and the area n to allow the laser to pass therethrough.

The light adjustment module 660 may be used for the tip for the diagnosis laser handpiece of the present disclosure.

For example, the light adjustment module 660 may be used for the tip 30 for the diagnosis laser handpiece described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 11. That is, the light adjustment module 660 may be used instead of the light adjustment module 560 of the tip 30 for the diagnosis laser handpiece.

In another example, the light adjustment module 660 may be used for the tip 20 for the diagnosis laser handpiece described with reference to FIG. 8. That is, the light adjustment module 660 may be used instead of the light adjustment module 360 of the tip 20 for the diagnosis laser handpiece.

In still another example, the light adjustment module 660 may be used for the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece described with reference to FIG. 4. That is, the light adjustment module 660 may be used instead of the light adjustment module 160 of the tip 10 for the diagnosis laser handpiece. For example, the light adjustment module 660 may be used instead of the plate 163 and the second lens 165.

In yet another example, the light adjustment module 660 may be used instead of the light adjustment module 260 described with reference to FIG. 6. For example, the light adjustment module 660 may be used instead of the plate 263 and the second lens 265.

According to the above-described embodiments, the range of energy of a related-art laser device for skin therapy and beauty care is not required to be changed, and, by replacing with the tip for the handpiece according to the present disclosure, the laser used for skin therapy and beauty care can be directly utilized for the purpose of disease diagnosis.

FIGS. 13A to 13D are views to illustrate alternative embodiments of the light adjustment module according to the present disclosure.

An alternative embodiment of the light adjustment module in the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 3A to 12 is possible. According to an alternative embodiment, an optical filter may be used to reduce an intensity of light, on behalf of the plate provided with the hole in the light adjustment module of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 12.

The optical filter in the alternative embodiment may be, for example, a neutral density filter, and may have a function of reducing the intensity of light regardless of a wavelength, and accordingly, the laser for skin therapy and beauty care, having high energy, may be used for the purpose of disease diagnosis.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate alternative embodiments of the light adjustment module 160, and FIGS. 13C and 13D illustrate alternative embodiments of the light adjustment module 260.

The light adjustment module illustrated in FIG. 13A includes a lens L1, an optical filter F for reducing an intensity of light, and a lens L1, and is configured to allow light to pass through the lens L1, the optical filter F for reducing the intensity of light, and the lens L1 in sequence.

Alternatively, the light adjustment module may be configured to omit the lens L1 positioned ahead of the optical filter F, and to include the optical filter F and the lens L1.

The light adjustment module illustrated in FIG. 13B includes an optical filter F for reducing an intensity of light, a lens L1, and a lens L1, and is configured to allow light to pass through the optical filter F for reducing the intensity of light, the lens L1 and the lens L1 in sequence. Alternatively, the light adjustment module may be configured to omit one of the two lenses L1, and to include the optical filter F and the lens L1.

The light adjustment module illustrated in FIG. 13C includes a lens L2, an optical filter F for reducing an intensity of light, and a lens L1, and is configured to allow light to pass through the lens L2, the optical filter F for reducing the intensity of light, and the lens L1 in sequence.

The light adjustment module illustrated in FIG. 13D includes an optical filter F for reducing an intensity of light, a lens L2, and a lens L1, and is configured to allow light to pass through the optical filter F for reducing the intensity of light, the lens L2, and the lens L1 in sequence. Alternatively, the light adjustment module may be configured to omit one of the two lenses, and to include the optical filter F and the lens L1.

In the alternative embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13D, the lens L1 may be lens for making a spot size of a laser small, and for example, may be a convex lens. In addition, the lens L2 may be a lens for making a spot size of a laser larger, and for example, may be a concave lens.

Although not illustrated in FIGS. 13A to 13D, the light adjustment module 360 described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and the light adjustment module 560 described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 11 may be configured to use a filter having a function of reducing an intensity of light.

For example, the light adjustment module 360 may be configured to include the filter for reducing the intensity of light instead of the plate 323 having the hole h3. That is, the light adjustment module according to an alternative embodiment may include a filter for reducing an intensity of light and a lens. In such an alternative embodiment, the light adjustment module may be configured to allow light to pass through the filter for reducing the intensity of light and the lens in sequence. Structures and functions of a coupler or a lens are the same as those of the coupler 322 and the lens 321 in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and thus will not be described.

In another example, the light adjustment module 560 may be configured to include the filter for reducing the intensity of light instead of the plate 523 having the hole h5. That is, the light adjustment module according to an alternative embodiment may include a filter for reducing an intensity of light and a lens. In such an alternative embodiment, the light adjustment module may be configured to allow light to pass through the filter for reducing the intensity of light and the lens in sequence. Structures and functions of a coupler or a lens are the same as those of the coupler 522 and the lens 521 in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 11, and thus will not be described.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that various modifications or change can be made based on the descriptions of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is defined not by the detailed description of the present disclosure but by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, the tip comprising:

a light emission module configured to emit a laser to a target; and

a light adjustment module disposed on a path through which the laser emitted to the target travels,

wherein the light adjustment module is configured to adjust energy of the laser emitted to the target and a focus size of the laser.

2. The tip of claim 1, wherein the light adjustment module is disposed on a path inside the light emission module, through which the laser travels, and

wherein the light adjustment module comprises a plate having a hole formed therein or a filter configured to reduce an intensity of light.

3. The tip of claim 1, further comprising a middle module, wherein the light adjustment module is disposed on a path inside the middle module, through which the laser travels.

4. The tip of claim 1, further comprising a light reception module configured to receive at least a part of light generated by the laser emitted to the target, as received light,

wherein the light emission module comprises:

a base having an inner space to allow the laser to pass therethrough;

a fixing portion coupled to a lower portion of the base and having a penetrating hole formed therein to allow the laser to pass therethrough; and

a module coupling member interposed between the base and the fixing portion and fixed therebetween,

wherein the light reception module is coupled to the module coupling member, such that the light emission module and the light reception module are integrally coupled to the laser handpiece.

5. The tip of claim 4, wherein the light emission module and the light reception module are arranged such that a center axis of the laser and a center axis of the received light meet at a point at which the target to which the laser is emitted is placed.

6. The tip of claim 4, wherein the module coupling member comprises a first plate member having a first penetrating hole formed therein to allow the laser to pass therethrough, and a second plate member having a second penetrating hole formed therein to allow the received light to pass therethrough, and the second plate member is bent with respect to the first plate member by a predetermined angle.

7. The tip of claim 1, further comprising a light reception module configured to receive at least a part of light generated by the laser emitted to the target, as received light,

wherein the light emission module comprises a base comprising a first inner space through which the laser passes and a second inner space through which the received light passes, and

wherein the light reception module is coupled to the base of the light emission module, such that the light emission module and the light reception module are integrally coupled to the laser handpiece.

8. The tip of claim 7, wherein the light reception module comprises:

a first piece having a cylindrical shape and having an inner space to allow the received light to pass therethrough; and

a second piece having an inner space formed therein to allow the received light to pass therethrough and secured to a lower end of the first piece or a lower end of the second inner space of the base.

9. The tip of claim 8, wherein the first piece of the light reception module is inserted into the second inner space of the base of the light emission module at least in part, and the second piece is secured to the lower end of the first piece or a lower end of the second inner space of the base, such that the light reception module and the light emission module are coupled to each other.

10. The tip of claim 9, wherein the light emission module and the light reception module are arranged such that a center axis of the laser and a center axis of the received light meet at a point at which the target to which the laser is emitted is placed.

11. The tip of claim 7, wherein the light emission module further comprises a handpiece coupling portion of a cylindrical shape having an inner space to allow the laser to pass therethrough,

wherein a part of the handpiece coupling portion is at least partially inserted into the first inner space of the base of the light emission module and is coupled to the light emission module, and another part of the handpiece coupling portion is attachably and detachably inserted into the handpiece and is coupled to the handpiece.

12. A tip for a diagnosis laser handpiece, the tip comprising:

a light emission module configured to emit a laser to a target; and

a light adjustment module disposed on a path through which the laser emitted to the target travels,

wherein the light adjustment module is configured to block at least a part of the laser emitted to the target.

13. The tip of claim 12, further comprising a light reception module configured to receive at least a part of light generated by the laser emitted to the target, as received light,

wherein the light emission module comprises:

a base having an inner space to allow the laser to pass therethrough;

a fixing portion coupled to a lower portion of the base and having a penetrating hole formed therein to allow the laser to pass therethrough; and

a module coupling member interposed between the base and the fixing portion and fixed therebetween,

wherein the light reception module is coupled to the module coupling member, such that the light emission module and the light reception module are integrally coupled to the laser handpiece.

14. The tip of claim 13, wherein the light emission module and the light reception module are arranged such that a center axis of the laser and a center axis of the received light meet at a point at which the target to which the laser is emitted is placed.

15. The tip of claim 13, wherein the module coupling member comprises a first plate member having a first penetrating hole formed therein to allow the laser to pass therethrough, and a second plate member having a second penetrating hole formed therein to allow the received light to pass therethrough, and the second plate member is bent with respect to the first plate member by a predetermined angle.

16. The tip of claim 12, further comprising a light reception module configured to receive at least a part of light generated by the laser emitted to the target, as received light,

wherein the light emission module comprises a base comprising a first inner space through which the laser passes, and a second inner space through which the received light passes, and

wherein the light reception module is coupled to the base of the light emission module, such that the light emission module and the light reception module are integrally coupled to the laser handpiece.

17. The tip of claim 16, wherein the light reception module comprises:

a first piece having a cylindrical shape and having an inner space to allow the received light to pass therethrough; and

a second piece having an inner space formed therein to allow the received light to pass therethrough, and secured to a lower end of the first piece or a lower end of the second inner space of the base.

18. The tip of claim 17, wherein the first piece of the light reception module is inserted into the second inner space of the base of the light emission module at least in part, and the second piece is secured to the lower end of the first piece or a lower end of the second inner space of the base, such that the light reception module and the light emission module are coupled to each other.

19. The tip of claim 16, wherein the light emission module and the light reception module are arranged such that a center axis of the laser and a center axis of the received light meet at a point at which the target to which the laser is emitted is placed.

20. The tip of claim 16, wherein the light emission module further comprises a handpiece coupling portion of a cylindrical shape having an inner space to allow the laser to pass therethrough,

wherein a part of the handpiece coupling portion is at least partially inserted into the first inner space of the base of the light emission module, thereby being coupled to the light emission module, and another part of the handpiece coupling portion is attachably and detachably inserted into the handpiece, thereby being coupled to the handpiece.