JP2014061089A - Probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a probe capable of highly efficiently photographing an imaging object part by improving visibility of the imaging object part of a subject when photographing the subject.SOLUTION: A diagnostic probe unit 30 is used for an optical interference tomography image generation device 1 that partitions laser light applied from a light source 11 into measurement light to be applied to a sample S and reference light to be applied to a reference mirror 21, analyzes interference light obtained by combining scattered light reflected and returned from the sample S and reflection light reflected by the reference mirror 21 to generate an optical interference tomography image. The diagnostic probe unit 30 collects the scattered light that is reflected and returned from the sample S to which the measurement light has been applied. The diagnostic probe unit 30 includes a housing 3 in which an optical path is provided, and a support body 4 that is extended from the vicinity of an opening part 3g for collecting the scattered light, towards a direction of the subject and brought into contact with the subject S. The support body 4 has a rod-like extension portion 4a that is disposed in parallel to the axial direction and has width w1 smaller than the inside diameter d1 of the opening part 3g.

Description

  The present invention relates to a probe used in an optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus that captures a tomographic image inside an object using, for example, coherent light.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus (Optical Coherence Tomography: hereinafter referred to as an OCT apparatus) is applied in ophthalmic medicine such as tomographic measurement of an eyeball cornea or a retina in the field of a living body. OCT methods are roughly classified into TD (Time Domain) -OCT and FD (Frequency Domain) -OCT. The latter FD-OCT is classified into SD (Spectrum Domain) -OCT and SS (Swept Source) -OCT. It is known to be classified.

  For example, SS-OCT is a method of specifying an optical path length by using a laser light source capable of continuously sweeping a wavelength (wave number), subjecting spectrum information acquired by a detector to FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing. SS-OCT has features such as higher resolution and real-time measurement compared to an X-ray imaging apparatus, a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, and the like. In addition, SS-OCT is characterized by being more resistant to motion artifacts (ghosts due to body movement) because it can acquire data with higher sensitivity and higher speed than TD-OCT.

  In an OCT apparatus in the field of dentistry, a handpiece (probe) for a dental photodiagnostic device is provided with OCT means, and means for positioning a photodiagnostic portion of a tooth part is an imaging method using a camera, and for acquiring a surface image inside (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The probe of Patent Document 1 includes a condensing lens installed at the tip of an optical fiber for signal light transmission of low-coherent light generated outside, and an optical scanner (MEMS (Micro) (MEMS) that reflects signal light from the condensing lens. Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror) and window glass and cover arranged to cover the optical scanner through the space are assembled and installed in the intraoral insertion part at the tip of the long cylindrical handpiece It is configured.

  As other probes, when photographing the molar part in the back of the patient's oral cavity, a probe dedicated to molar part imaging with a signal light irradiation window on the side of the tip of the probe, or anterior part imaging to image the front tooth part A dedicated probe is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  The tip of the probe described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and the tip of other general probes both have a measurement window at the tip, and are formed in a cylindrical shape, a semi-cylindrical shape, or a rectangular tube shape, An intraoral insertion portion is formed to be inserted into the patient's oral cavity.

JP 2007-83009 A (Claims 2, 3, FIG. 2, paragraph 0015) JP-A-2004-347380 (FIGS. 3 and 23 to 29)

  In general probes such as Patent Documents 1 and 2, when imaging intraoral tissues such as a patient's anterior teeth and molars, measurement of the distal end of a cylindrical intraoral insertion portion formed at the distal end portion of the housing is performed. The photo is taken with the window in contact with the oral tissue.

  However, when imaging the patient's imaged part (intraoral tissue), the surgeon inserts the intraoral insertion part of the probe into the patient's oral cavity and images the measurement window in contact with the imaged part. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to visually recognize because the cylindrical intraoral insertion portion covers the imaged portion when the imaged portion of the patient is viewed directly.

  In addition, when the probe is inserted into the oral cavity of a patient and used, miscellaneous bacteria may adhere to the probe when it is inserted into the oral cavity. It is processed.

However, when cleaning and sterilizing the intraoral insertion part, the probe is formed into a cylindrical shape in the intraoral insertion part, a mirror in the intraoral insertion part, a measurement window, and the like. There is a problem that it is difficult to clean and sterilize the window glass and the like provided in the window.
Moreover, since the internal structure of the intraoral insertion portion of the probe of Patent Documents 1 and 2 is complicated due to the provision of a condenser lens, an optical scanner, a mirror, a window glass, etc. Many man-hours were difficult to assemble, which caused cost increase.

  Therefore, the present invention has been invented to solve such a problem, and improves the visibility of a portion to be photographed of a subject when photographing the subject, thereby efficiently photographing the portion to be photographed. It is an object to provide a probe that can be used.

  In order to solve the above problems, the probe according to the present invention distributes the laser light emitted from the light source into the measurement light applied to the subject and the reference light applied to the reference mirror, and is reflected from the subject and returned. Used in an optical coherence tomographic image generation device that generates an optical coherence tomographic image by analyzing coherent light obtained by combining scattered light and reflected light reflected by the reference mirror, and irradiates the subject with the measurement light. A probe that collects the scattered light that has been reflected and returned, a housing provided with an optical path for the measurement light and the scattered light, and an opening that is disposed at a distal end of the housing and collects the scattered light A support body extending from the vicinity of the portion toward the subject direction and contacting the subject, wherein the support body is disposed in parallel with the axial direction and is wider than the inner diameter of the opening. Small rod-shaped extension Characterized in that it has a.

According to such a configuration, the probe has a support that extends from the vicinity of the opening of the housing toward the subject direction and is in contact with the subject, and is arranged in parallel with the axial direction and has a width that is wider than the inner diameter of the opening. By having a small rod-like extension part, when the surgeon takes an image of a subject, the subject part is not affected even if the tip of the extension part is brought into contact with the subject part such as an anterior tooth or molar tooth. Since it is not hidden by the extended portion, it is easy to see and the subject can be easily photographed.
In this way, when the subject is photographed, the portion to be photographed that is irradiated with the measurement light does not become difficult to visually recognize by the extending portion, so that the subject can be photographed while directly viewing the portion to be photographed. Therefore, the visibility of the part to be imaged is improved, and it is possible to capture efficiently.
In addition, since the probe has a simple structure and shape by adopting a rod-like extending portion, it is easy to perform operations when washing and sterilizing a portion to be inserted into the oral cavity at the tip of the probe.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said support body is provided in the said opening part so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  According to such a configuration, since the support body is detachably provided in the opening of the housing, the cleaning work and the sterilization treatment work can be performed by removing the probe from the probe when performing the washing and sterilization treatment. Workability can be improved and the probe can be easily cleaned.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the front-end | tip part of the said support body is provided with the oblique mirror which reflects the said measurement light and the said scattered light.

  According to such a configuration, the support body is provided with the oblique mirror that reflects the measurement light and the scattered light at the distal end portion, so that the distal end of the oblique mirror can be used as an object when photographing a subject such as a molar tooth with the probe. The subject can be easily photographed by abutting and reflecting measurement light and scattered light with an oblique mirror.

  In addition, the tip side end portion of the oblique mirror is formed in a ring shape, a substantially semicircular shape, a substantially C shape, a substantially U shape, or an arc shape for contacting and supporting the subject. A fixture is preferably provided.

  According to such a configuration, the probe is provided with a ring-shaped, substantially semicircular, substantially C-shaped, substantially U-shaped, or arc-shaped fixture at the tip side end of the oblique mirror. If the fixture is brought into contact with and supported by the subject, the oblique mirror can be fixed to the subject in a stable state and photographed. In particular, when photographing molars, the probe can be supported in a stable state by bringing the fixture into contact with the periphery of the portion to be imaged of the molars and the like so that the photographing operation can be performed easily. .

  Moreover, it is preferable that the fixing member is formed with a claw portion to be engaged with the subject.

  According to such a configuration, since the claw portion is formed on the fixture, the probe abuts the fixture on the surface of the subject and abuts the claw portion on the side surface of the subject when taking an image. Therefore, it is possible to shoot with the support supported by the subject in a stable state.

  The support is preferably provided with a variable mechanism that can change the length of the support.

  According to such a configuration, the probe is provided with the variable mechanism capable of changing the length of the support body, so that the tip of the support body is pressed against the subject, so that the probe is against the housing. The length of the support can be varied. The probe can adjust the focal position of the condensing lens provided in the housing easily by changing the length of the support in this manner.

  The variable mechanism is interposed between an engagement cylinder member disposed at a distal end portion of the housing and between the engagement cylinder member and the support body, and biases the support body toward the distal end side. And a biasing means storage body which accommodates the biasing means in a telescopic manner, has a base end portion connected to the engaging cylinder member, and a distal end side which supports the support body movably by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction. And are preferably provided.

  According to such a configuration, the probe has the biasing means storage body that is interposed between the engaging cylinder member and the support body and stores the biasing means, thereby pressing the support body against the subject during photographing of the subject. Since the support body changes as the biasing means expands and contracts, the focal position of the condenser lens can be adjusted to an appropriate position.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the visibility of the to-be-photographed part of a to-be-photographed object at the time of image | photographing a to-be-photographed object can be improved, and the probe which can image | photograph a to-be-photographed part efficiently can be provided.

It is an external view of the optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus provided with the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, Comprising: (a) shows a single joint arm type | mold, (b) shows an articulated arm type | mold, respectively. It is a block diagram which shows typically the unit structure of the optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus provided with the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a center part longitudinal cross-sectional view of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a state when the support body of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention is removed. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a side view of the support body for side view imaging | photography, (b) is an expansion perspective view of the support body for side view imaging | photography, (c) ) Is an enlarged central longitudinal cross-sectional view of a side view photographing support. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the 2nd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view of the support body for direct view imaging | photography, (b) is an enlarged longitudinal cross-section which shows the support body for direct view imaging | photography in normal times FIG. 4C is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the subject is pressed by the direct-viewing support. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the 3rd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 3rd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view of the support body for side view imaging | photography, (b) is an enlarged vertical section which shows the support body for side view imaging | photography in normal times FIG. 4C is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing a state when the subject is pressed by the side-viewing support. It is a figure which shows the 4th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is an expanded longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state of the support body for direct view imaging | photography at normal time, (b) is a support body for direct view imaging | photography. It is an expanded vertical sectional view which shows a state when it is compressed and moved. It is a figure which shows the 5th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view of the support body for side view imaging | photography, (b) shows the state of the support body for side view imaging | photography in normal times. FIG. 4C is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view, and FIG. 5C is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a state when the side view photographing support is compressed and moved. It is a figure which shows the 6th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view of the support body for direct vision imaging, (b) is an enlarged vertical section which shows the state of the support body for direct vision imaging in normal times FIG. 5C is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state when the direct-viewing support is compressed and moved. It is a figure which shows the 7th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is an expanded longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state of the support body for normal side view imaging, (b) is a support for side view imaging An enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state when the body is compressed and moved, (c) is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a modification of the fixture. It is a figure which shows the 8th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view of the support body for direct vision imaging, (b) is an enlarged vertical section which shows the state of the support body for direct vision imaging in normal times FIG. 5C is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state when the direct-viewing support is compressed and moved. It is a figure which shows the 9th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state of the support body for normal side view imaging, (b) is a support for side view imaging An enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state when the body is compressed and moved, (c) is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a modification of the fixture. It is a figure which shows the 10th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a perspective view of the probe which attached the support body for direct view imaging | photography. It is a figure which shows the 10th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a disassembled perspective view of the probe which attached the support body for direct view imaging | photography, and removed the housing half body. It is a figure which shows the 10th modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a disassembled perspective view of the probe which attached the support body for side view imaging | photography.

  First, a probe according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Before describing the probe of the present invention, an OCT apparatus 1 (optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus) in which the probe is used will be described.

[Overview of OCT system configuration]
The outline of the configuration of the OCT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is given by taking as an example a case where the subject (anterior tooth portion Sa) to be imaged by the OCT apparatus 1 is a tooth (anterior tooth portion Sa) to be diagnosed by a dental patient. explain. The OCT apparatus 1 mainly includes an optical unit unit 10 (optical unit), a diagnostic probe unit 30 (probe), and a control unit unit 50 (control unit).
As shown in FIG. 2, the OCT apparatus 1 uses a coupler 12 (an optical splitter) for measuring light for irradiating a sample S with laser light emitted from a light source 11 and reference light for irradiating a reference mirror 21 (reference mirror). ), And the diagnostic probe unit 30 irradiates the sample S with the measurement light and scatters from the inside of the sample S and returns the reflected light from the reference mirror 21 to the coupler 16 (optical multiplexing). The interference light synthesized by the device is analyzed to generate an optical coherent tomographic image.

≪Optical unit part≫
The optical unit section 10 includes a light source 11, an optical system, and a detection section to which each method of general optical coherence tomography can be applied. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical unit 10 includes a light source 11 that continuously (periodically) irradiates a sample S with laser light having a high-band wavelength, measurement light that irradiates the sample S with laser light, and a reference mirror. A coupler 12 that distributes the reference light to 21, a diagnostic probe unit 30 that irradiates the sample S with the measurement light and scatters back within the sample S and receives the scattered light, and the reference light is the reference mirror 21. A coupler 16 that generates interference light by combining reflected light and reflected light that have been reflected back from the detector, a detector (detector) 23 that detects internal information of the sample S from the interference light, and a light source 11. The optical fiber 19b and 60A (refer FIG. 4) provided in the optical path between the detectors 23, other optical components, etc. are provided.

Here, an outline of the optical unit unit 10 will be described.
Light emitted from the light source 11 is divided into measurement light and reference light by a coupler 12 which is a light splitter. The measurement light enters the diagnostic probe unit 30 from the circulator 14 of the sample arm 13. The measurement light is condensed on the sample S by the condenser lens 34 via the collimator lens 32 and the scanning means 33 (two-dimensional MEMS mirror) when the shutter 312 (see FIG. 5) of the shutter mechanism 31 of the diagnostic probe unit 30 is open. Then, after scattering and reflection, the light returns to the circulator 14 of the sample arm 13 through the condenser lens 34, the scanning means 33, and the collimator lens 32 again. The polarization component of the returned measurement light is returned to a state of less polarization by the polarization controller 15 and input to the detector 23 via the coupler 16.

  On the other hand, the reference light separated by the coupler 12 for the light splitter is condensed on the reference mirror 21 by the reference light condensing lens 20 through the collimator lens 19 and the optical path length changing means 24 from the circulator 18 of the reference arm 17. After the reflection, the light returns to the circulator 18 through the reference light condensing lens 20 and the collimator lens 19 again. The polarization component of the returned reference light is returned to a state with less polarization by the polarization controller 22 and input to the detector 23 via the coupler 16 for the optical multiplexer. In other words, the coupler 16 combines the measurement light scattered and reflected by the sample S and the reflected light reflected by the reference mirror 21, so that the detector 23 detects the light that has interfered by the combination inside the sample S. Detect as information.

  As the light source 11, for example, a laser light source for SS-OCT method can be used. In this case, it is preferable that the light source 11 has a performance with a center wavelength of 1310 nm, a sweep wavelength width of 100 nm, a sweep speed of 50 kHz, and a coherence distance (coherent length) of 14 mm. Here, the coherent distance corresponds to a distance when the attenuation of the power spectrum is 6 dB.

As shown in FIG. 2, the collimator lens 19 for reference light is a lens that converges the reference light divided by the coupler 12 into parallel light, and is accommodated in a substantially cylindrical lens holder 19a of the collimator 19d of the collimator lens unit. Has been.
The collimator 19d includes the collimator lens 19, a substantially cylindrical lens holder 19a in which the collimator lens 19 is fitted, a connector 19c attached to the lens holder 19a, one end connected to the connector 19c, and the other end to the lens holder. 19 a and an optical fiber 19 b connected to the circulator 18. The collimator lens 19 is installed in a state where the optical axis of the collimator lens 19 and the optical axis of the optical fiber 19b are matched to maintain a certain distance.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the optical path length changing means 24 for the reference light moves the collimator 19d in the optical axis direction, changes the optical path length from the coupler 12 to the reference mirror 21, and adjusts the position in the optical axis direction. Or an apparatus used when initializing the position in the optical axis direction. The optical path length changing unit 24 of the reference light includes, for example, a collimator lens unit in which a collimator 19d is manually movable along the optical axis, the reference light condensing lens 20, the reference mirror 21, A support frame member (not shown) that extends along the axis and supports the collimator lens unit, the reference light condensing lens 20 and the reference mirror 21 is provided.

≪Diagnostic probe part≫
As shown in FIG. 2, the diagnostic probe unit 30 (probe) includes scanning means 33 for two-dimensionally scanning laser light, guides the laser light from the optical unit unit 10 to the sample S, and scatters within the sample S. The reflected scattered light is received and guided to the optical unit section 10. The diagnostic probe unit 30 includes a cable 60, a housing 3, a frame body 300, a shutter mechanism 31, a collimator lens 32, a scanning unit 33, a condensing lens 34, and a condensing point adjusting mechanism 35, which will be described later. The support 4 (see FIG. 3) and the outer ring member 38 are provided.
In the present embodiment, an example of a diagnostic probe unit 30 including a direct-view imaging support 4A (anterior support) will be described.

  The cable 60 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the optical unit unit 10, and includes an optical fiber 60A (see FIG. 3) that transmits measurement light and scattered light, and a communication line 60B connected to the control unit unit 50. ing.

  At the time of imaging, the surgeon removes and holds the diagnostic probe unit 30 from the holder 71 of the single joint arm 70, and supports the support 4 (see FIG. 3) provided at the distal end of the diagnostic probe unit 30 for preventing camera shake and the like. Of the teeth (sample S). At this time, in order to operate the operation button SW for starting imaging (see FIG. 4) even if both hands of the surgeon are blocked, the foot controller 80 (FIG. 4) connected to the control unit 50 so as to be able to communicate by wire or wirelessly. 1) can also be used.

  When the OCT apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 1B is not in the middle of imaging, the diagnostic probe unit 30 includes an articulated arm 70A that extends horizontally from the upper side of the display device 54 disposed on the OCT apparatus 1A. The configuration is the same as that of the OCT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1A except that the tip 71 can be held.

<Housing>
As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 3 is a case body in which components such as the frame main body 300 and the diagnostic probe section 30 are provided. The housing half 3e ( (One is omitted). The housing 3 is formed in a substantially inverted L shape (substantially pistol shape) when viewed from the side, and an optical path for measurement light and scattered light is provided therein. The housing 3 is formed with a scanning means storage portion 3a, a grip portion 3b, a condenser lens storage portion 3c, and a cylindrical body support portion 3d, which will be described later. The housing 3 is formed in a state in which the grip portion 3b and the scanning means storage portion 3a are bent downward with respect to the condenser lens storage portion 3c and the cylindrical body support portion 3d formed in the horizontal direction. .

  In the housing 3, the frame main body 300 is disposed almost entirely in the housing 3, the scanning means 33 is accommodated in a substantially central portion, the cable 60, the collimator lens 32, and the shutter mechanism 31 are disposed on the proximal end side, A condensing lens 34 is disposed closer to the distal end portion, and a direct-viewing support 4A (support 4) is disposed at the distal end to be detachable and replaceable.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the scanning means storage portion 3 a is a portion that is disposed in a substantially central portion (folded portion) of the substantially inverted L-shaped housing 3 and stores the scanning means 33. A chip-shaped two-dimensional MEMS mirror serving as the scanning means 33 is disposed in the scanning means storage unit 3a at an angle of 45 degrees, and the laser light from the collimator lens 32 is reflected by the two-dimensional MEMS mirror.
The grip portion 3b is a portion that is gripped when the surgeon holds the diagnostic probe portion 30 by hand, and is a portion that is held by the holder 71 (see FIG. 1). The grip portion 3b extends in the direction of the optical axis of the laser light from the arrangement position of the collimator lens 32 arranged on the base end side of the housing 3 to the arrangement position of the scanning means 33, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. ing. In the grip portion 3b, the operation button SW installed on the outer peripheral surface, the optical fiber 60A wired in a state pulled out from the lower surface of the housing 3, and the measurement light introduced by the optical fiber 60A are received. A storage space is formed in which a collimator lens 32 that converges the laser light into parallel light and a shutter mechanism 31 that blocks the laser light are mainly stored.

The condensing lens storage unit 3c is a part for storing a lens storage cylinder 352 provided with a condensing lens 34 for condensing the scanning light scanned by the scanning unit 33, and supports the cylinder from the scanning unit storage unit 3a. The portion 3d is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.
The cylindrical body support portion 3d is a cylindrical portion in which a connecting cylindrical body 354 to which the support body 4 is detachably attached via the outer ring member 38 and the engagement cylindrical member 4Ac is fitted on the distal end side. , Formed at the tip of the housing 3.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the frame main body 300 is a holding member that holds the shutter mechanism 31, the optical axis adjustment mechanism 321, the scanning unit 33, and the lens housing cylinder 352, and is viewed from the side screwed into the housing 3. It consists of a thick plate-like member having a substantially inverted L shape. The frame main body 300 is fixed with an L-shaped portion 300a to which the scanning means 33 is fixed at the center, a vertical portion 300b to which the shutter mechanism 31 and the optical axis adjusting mechanism 321 are fixed, and a lens housing cylinder 352. A horizontal part 300c, a position adjustment hole 301 extending in the vertical direction in the vertical part 300b, and a position adjustment hole 302 extending in the horizontal direction in the horizontal part 300c are mainly formed.

The frame main body 300 is provided with an optical path length changing means 39 (see FIG. 4) for measurement light, in which the optical axis length of the collimator 322 can be varied to adjust the position in the optical axis direction.
The optical path length changing means 39 for the measuring light is an optical fiber 60A on the base end side on the optical axis of the lens holder 322a in which the position adjusting hole 301 extending in the optical axis direction in the frame body 300 and the collimator lens 32 are provided. A collimator bracket 324 for holding a collimator 322 in which a connector 322b including the bracket 322 is set, and a bracket fastener 327 that is inserted into the position adjustment hole 301 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction and fastens the collimator bracket 324 at a predetermined position. .

As shown in FIG. 4, the position adjustment hole 301 supports the collimator bracket 324 so as to be movable and tiltable in the optical axis direction, and raises and lowers the bracket fastener 327 that fastens the collimator bracket 324 in a predetermined direction and position. It is a long hole for movably insertion.
The position adjusting hole 302 is a long hole for movably installing a condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 that advances and retracts the condensing lens 34 along the optical axis, and an adjustment bolt 353 is movably inserted therein.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the shutter mechanism 31 is configured such that the measurement light transmitted from the circulator 14 (see FIG. 2) and the scattered light reflected by the measurement light hitting the sample S are reflected by the diagnostic probe unit 30. Is a device for performing zero point correction that blocks noise passing through the screen or removes noise (image) that appears on the display screen in a software manner. For example, the collimator lens 32 in the grip portion 3b and the scanning means storage portion It is interposed between the scanning means 33 in 3a. The shutter mechanism 31 includes, for example, a shutter base 311 to which a shutter 312 and a shutter driving unit 313 are attached, a shutter 312 that opens and closes an optical path of measurement light and scattered light passing through the through hole 311a, and moves the shutter 312 on the optical axis. Or a shutter driving means 313 for opening and closing the through hole 311a by retracting it from the optical axis, and a shutter base fastener 314 for fixing the shutter base 311 to the frame body 300 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. And.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the collimator lens 32 has the collimator lens 32 installed in the lens holder 322a, and a connector 322b in which an optical fiber 60A is attached to one end on the optical axis is set in the lens holder 322a. This is a lens of the collimator 322. The collimator lens 32 receives the measurement light sent from the coupler 12 (see FIG. 2) via the circulator 14 and converges the laser light into parallel light.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the optical axis adjustment mechanism 321 is a device that adjusts the direction and position of the collimator 322 by tilting or reciprocating the collimator 322 with respect to the optical axis. The optical axis adjustment mechanism 321 includes a substantially cylindrical collimator 322, a collimator holder 323 that holds the collimator 322 so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow b about the optical axis, and an arrow about the collimator holder 323 about the holder fastener 326. a collimator bracket 324 that is rotatably mounted in the c direction so as to be positionally adjustable, a unit fastener 325 that can be tightened to the collimator 322 that is rotatably inserted into the collimator holder 323, and a front-rear direction of the collimator 322. It has a holder fastener 326 that fixes the collimator holder 323 so that the inclination can be adjusted, and a bracket fastener 327 that fixes the collimator bracket 324 so that it can be moved up and down and turned.

<Scanning means>
As shown in FIG. 6, the scanning unit 33 is a mirror that is introduced into the diagnostic probe unit 30 by the optical fiber 60 </ b> A and changes the irradiation direction of the laser light that has passed through the collimator lens 32, and is transmitted through the collimator lens 32. It consists of a two-dimensional MEMS mirror that converts the optical axis of the measured light.
The elements of the two-dimensional MEMS mirror include, for example, a mirror that totally reflects light, a silicon layer on which a movable structure such as a planar coil for electromagnetic driving that generates electromagnetic force, a ceramic pedestal, a permanent magnet, The three-layered structure can be controlled so as to be statically and dynamically inclined in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in proportion to the magnitude of the current supplied to the coil.
The scanning unit 33 may be a galvanometer mirror.

The laser light emitted from the light source 11 is applied to the sample S (see FIG. 2) via the two-dimensional MEMS mirror, and the depth direction proceeds inward from the surface of the sample S where the support tip of the diagnostic probe unit 30 directly faces. The detector 23 acquires the internal information (direction A). As will be described later, data in the A direction consisting of 1152 points (hereinafter referred to as A line data) is acquired in one scan, and image processing for subsequent frequency analysis is acquired.
Here, the X direction and the Y direction correspond to the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) on the surface of the sample S facing the front end of the support of the diagnostic probe unit 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the condensing lens 34 is a lens that condenses the scanning light from the scanning unit 33 and condenses the measurement light on the sample S and irradiates it. It is installed inside. The lens housing cylinder 352 is housed in the condensing lens housing portion 3 c of the housing 3 and is fixed to the frame body 300.

<Condensing point adjustment mechanism>
As shown in FIG. 4, the condensing point adjustment mechanism 35 is an apparatus that adjusts the condensing point by adjusting the distance between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S (subject) in contact with the support 4. In addition, the operation knob 351 is exposed in the condensing lens storage portion 3 c of the housing 3. The condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 includes a position adjusting hole 302 extending in the horizontal direction in the horizontal portion 300c of the frame body 300, and the lens adjusting cylinder 352 inserted along the optical axis by being inserted into the position adjusting hole 302. An operation for moving the condenser lens 34 to an appropriate position of the position adjustment hole 302 formed integrally with the lens housing cylinder 352 and an adjustment bolt 353 for fixing the position adjustment hole 302 to an appropriate position. A knob 351 and a connecting cylinder 354 for fixing the direct-viewing imaging support 4A (support 4) to the frame body 300 with the support holding member 36 interposed therebetween are provided.
The condensing point adjustment mechanism 35 can adjust the position of the condensing point by operating and moving the operation knob 351 so that the condensing lens 34 moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction together with the operation knob 351.

As shown in FIG. 6, the support holding member 36 is interposed between a connecting cylinder 354 and a direct-viewing support 4A, which will be described later, and is fitted in an outer ring member 38 in a detachable manner. It is a member. The support holding member 36 is provided so as to be engageable and disengageable with an engagement portion 36a with which the engagement tube portion 4Af of the engagement tube member 4Ac is engaged and an annular groove 4Ag formed in the engagement tube portion 4Af. A ball joint (one-touch joint) sphere SB, a spring (not shown) for biasing the sphere SB, and a sphere insertion hole 36b into which the spring and the sphere SB are inserted.
The outer ring member 38 is a substantially cylindrical member disposed on the outer side so as to cover the support holding member 36 and the spring (not shown), and a compressed spring (not shown) is formed on the inner surface thereof. A spring receiving projection (not shown) that supports the tip is formed.

<Support>
As shown in FIG. 6, the support body 4 (direct-view imaging support body 4A (anterior tooth support body)) is brought into contact with the sample S when imaging with the diagnostic probe unit 30. It is a member for supporting the diagnostic probe unit 30 in a stable state. The support 4 is disposed in front of the condensing lens 34 and irradiates the sample S with the measurement light to collect the scattered light, and the diagnostic probe unit 30 has its tip abutted against the sample S during imaging. And an extension portion 4a (bar-like portion 4Aa) for stabilizing the distance between the sample S and the sample S. The support 4 is disposed at the tip of the housing 3 and is connected to an opening 3g that collects scattered light. The direct-view imaging support 4A (front tooth support) includes a connecting lens body 354, a support holding member 36, a spring (not shown), a sphere SB, and an outer part in the condensing lens storage 3c at the tip of the housing 3. It is detachably mounted (exchangeable) and rotatably mounted via an annular member 38. The direct-view photographing support 4A is made of, for example, stainless steel.

The direct-viewing support 4A extends from the vicinity of the opening 3g toward the subject direction, and has an elongated cylindrical shape (bar-shaped) extending part 4a having a width w1 smaller than the inner diameter d1 of the opening 3g or the opening 4Ad. (Rod-like portion 4Aa), engagement cylinder member 4Ac provided on the base end side of the rod-like portion 4Aa and detachably fitted in the opening 3g (engagement portion 36a), rod-like portion 4Aa and engagement cylinder member 4Ac It is mainly comprised from 4 Ab which connects.
The extending portion 4a is formed from the vicinity of the opening 3g at the tip of the housing 3 toward the subject, and does not block the measurement light when the tip of the rod-like portion 4Aa is brought into contact with the subject to be imaged of the sample S. In addition, the shape, the installation position, the number, and the like are not particularly limited as long as they can be easily seen without disturbing the operator who visually recognizes the portion to be imaged.

  The rod-shaped portion 4Aa is a member that is inserted into the patient's oral cavity at the time of imaging and makes the tip abut against the sample S, and is formed straight along the optical axis at a position away from the optical axis. The base end portion is engaged with the connecting portion 4Ae and is detachably fixed to the engaging cylinder member 4Ac by the connecting tool 4Ab. The rod-like portion 4Aa is disposed so as to protrude from a flange portion 4Ah formed on the outer periphery of the opening 4Ad, and is made of, for example, a single member protruding from the front upper portion of the flange portion 4Ah. The width w1 of the rod-like portion 4Aa is made of a small-diameter member that fits in the width w2 of the flange-shaped flange portion 4Ah (the flange surface of the flange portion 4Ah).

The connector 4Ab is made of a small screw member or the like, and a rod-like portion 4Aa engaged in the connecting portion 4Ae is detachably fastened from the outside of the connecting portion 4Ae.
The engaging cylinder member 4Ac is a hooked cylindrical member for detachably attaching the base end side of the direct-viewing support body 4A to the support body holding member 36, and an engaging cylinder portion 4Af having an opening 4Ad; The annular groove 4Ag and the flange portion 4Ah are integrally formed.

The opening 4Ad is a space that communicates with the engaging portion 36a, the opening 3g, and the condensing lens storage portion 3c, and is a hollow portion that is formed inside the engaging cylinder member 4Ac and through which measurement light and scattered light pass.
The connecting portion 4Ae is an engaging groove for fixing a rod-like portion formed in a concave groove shape in a longitudinal section in the upper front portion of the flange portion 4Ah, and an installation hole for inserting the connecting tool 4Ab is formed on the lower surface. ing. The width w2 of the connecting portion 4Ae is substantially the same length as the width w2 of the flange portion 4Ah. That is, the width w2 of the connecting portion 4Ae is formed to be within a length obtained by subtracting the inner diameter d2 of the flange portion 4Ah from the outer diameter d3 of the flange portion 4Ah, and is slightly longer than the width w1 of the rod-like portion 4Aa. The connecting portion 4Ae may be either one that is welded and fixed to the flange portion 4Ah, or one that is integrally formed with the flange portion 4Ah.

The engagement cylinder portion 4Af is a cylindrical portion for fitting the direct-viewing imaging support 4A into the support holding member 36 on the base end side of the engagement cylinder member 4Ac.
The annular groove 4Ag is a semicircular annular groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the engagement cylinder portion 4Af as viewed in cross section. The direct-view imaging support 4A is detachably attached to the diagnostic probe section 30 by engaging / disengaging the spherical body SB with the annular groove 4Ag.
The flange portion 4Ah is a portion formed in a hook shape at the center of the outer peripheral portion of the engagement cylinder member 4Ac, and is disposed at the front end of the outer ring member 38.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 50 (control unit) includes an AD conversion circuit 51, a DA conversion circuit 52, a two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53, a display device 54, and an OCT control device 100. .

  The AD conversion circuit 51 is a circuit that converts an analog output signal of the detector 23 (detector) into a digital signal. The AD conversion circuit 51 starts acquisition of a signal in synchronization with a trigger output from the laser output device that is the light source 11, and also detects the detector (in accordance with the timing of the clock signal ck output from the laser output device). The analog output signal of the detector 23 is acquired, converted into a digital signal, and the digital signal is input to the OCT controller 100.

  The DA conversion circuit 52 is a circuit that converts the digital output signal of the OCT control apparatus 100 into an analog signal. The DA conversion circuit 52 converts the digital signal of the OCT control device 100 into an analog signal in synchronization with a trigger output from the laser output device that is the light source 11. This analog signal is input to the two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53.

The two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53 is a driver that controls the scanning unit 33 of the diagnostic probe unit 30. The two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53 moves the mirror of the two-dimensional MEMS mirror in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in synchronization with the output period of the laser light emitted from the light source 11 based on the analog output signal of the OCT control device 100. A drive signal for driving is output.
The two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53 performs a process of rotating the mirror axis to change the angle of the mirror surface in the horizontal direction and a process of rotating the mirror axis to change the angle of the mirror surface in the vertical direction. Do it at different times.

  The display device 54 displays an optical coherence tomographic image (hereinafter referred to as an OCT image) generated by the OCT control device 100. The display device 54 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an EL (Electronic Luminescence), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), and the like.

  The OCT control apparatus 100 is a control apparatus for the OCT apparatus 1 and performs imaging by controlling the scanning unit 33 in synchronization with the laser beam, and also generates an OCT image of the sample S from the data obtained by converting the detection signal of the detector 23. The control to generate is performed. The OCT control apparatus 100 includes a computer including input / output means (not shown), storage means, and arithmetic means, and a program installed in the computer.

[Action]
Next, the case where the sample S (front tooth part Sa) is image | photographed using the OCT apparatus 1 is demonstrated.
When photographing the front tooth portion Sa, first, a power switch (not shown) is turned on, and then the operation button SW of the diagnostic probe unit 30 is operated to drive the shutter drive means 313 of the shutter mechanism 31 shown in FIG. The shutter 312 is opened.

  The diagnostic probe unit 30 collects a distance L (condensing point) between the condensing lens 34 and the front tooth portion Sa abutted on the tip of the rod-like portion 4Aa of the direct-viewing imaging support 4A when photographing. By adjusting with the light spot adjusting mechanism 35, the position of the tomographic image to be photographed can be adjusted in the depth direction from the reference surface of the front tooth portion Sa, and a tomographic image can be obtained over a wide range in the depth direction.

  2, the OCT apparatus 1 includes an optical path length changing unit 24 that changes the optical path length from the coupler 12 (optical divider) to the reference mirror 21 by moving the collimator 19d in the optical axis direction. A condensing point adjusting mechanism (not shown) that adjusts the condensing point by adjusting the distance between the condensing lens 34 and the front tooth portion Sa, and by operating both to match each other's optical path length A clear tomographic image within a desired coherence distance can be obtained.

  When photographing, the grip part 3b of the diagnostic probe part 30 shown in FIG. 4 is grasped with a hand, and photographing is performed in a state where the tip of the rod-like part 4Aa is in contact with the front tooth part Sa. The direct-view imaging support 4A is in a state in which the rod-shaped portion 4Aa is brought into contact with the front tooth portion Sa when the labial side of the front tooth portion Sa is imaged by the diagnostic probe unit 30 (see FIG. 4), and the interval is stabilized. This is a member for collecting the reflected scattered light by irradiating the front tooth part Sa with the measurement light while being held in place. Note that the direct-view imaging support 4A can be used for imaging intraoral tissues in addition to the anterior teeth Sa.

  As described above, since the diagnostic probe unit 30 has the narrow rod-shaped portion 4Aa, even if the surgeon visually captures the imaging portion of the front tooth portion Sa in the oral cavity, the diagnostic probe unit 30 is covered by the distal end portion of the diagnostic probe unit 30. It is possible to eliminate the difficulty of visually recognizing the photographing unit. Further, the diagnostic probe unit 30 can improve the visibility of the imaging target portion when imaging the front tooth portion Sa, and can efficiently image the imaging target portion. Further, since the support 4 has a simple shape, it is easy to perform operations such as cleaning when it is removed from the diagnostic probe unit 30 and cleaned and sterilized.

≪First modification≫
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea. The present invention extends to these modifications and changes. Of course. In addition, the already demonstrated structure attaches | subjects the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits the description.
7A and 7B are views showing a first modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 7A is a side view of the side-viewing support, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged perspective view of the side-viewing support. FIG. 4C is an enlarged central longitudinal sectional view of the side view photographing support.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the diagnostic probe unit 30B may include scanning means (not shown) made of a galvano mirror in the scanning means storage part 3Ba of the housing 3B.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the support 4, the direct-viewing support 4 </ b> A suitable for capturing the sample S such as the front tooth portion Sa illustrated in FIG. 4 has been described as an example, but FIGS. As shown in (b), a side-viewing imaging support 4B (support for molars) suitable for imaging the molar portion Sb and the like may be used. The side-view photographing support 4B is provided with an oblique mirror 4Bj at the tip of the rod-like portion 4Aa of the direct-view photographing support 4A (see FIGS. 3 to 6).

That is, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the side-viewing support 4B has a rod-like portion 4Ba on the connecting portion 4Be on the upper front side of the flange portion 4Bh of the engaging cylinder member 4Bc having the opening 4Bd. Are connected by a connector 4Bb, a bent portion 4Bi is formed by bending the tip portion of the rod-like portion 4Ba (extension portion 4a) into a U-shape, and the oblique portion 4Bj is attached to the bent portion 4Bi. It is joined.
The engagement cylinder member 4Bc is the same as the engagement cylinder member 4Ac of the above-described embodiment. The rod-like portion 4Ba has, for example, a bent portion 4Bi obtained by bending the tip portion of the rod-like portion 4Aa (see FIG. 4) of the above-described embodiment obliquely downward by about 45 degrees. The oblique mirror 4Bj is a mirror that reflects the measurement light and the scattered light, and is a reflection mirror that converts the optical axis of the condenser lens 34 by 90 degrees in the orthogonal direction. In the oblique mirror 4Bj, at least the back surface to which the bent portion 4Bi is joined is formed from a joinable member such as stainless steel, and includes a mirror on the reflection surface.

Thus, the diagnostic probe section 30B can arrange the oblique mirror 4Bj at the tip of the rod-shaped section 4Ba by replacing the support body 4 provided in the housing 3B with the side-viewing imaging support body 4B. It can be easily converted to a sample suitable for photographing the sample S such as Sb. The side-viewing imaging support 4B is used for imaging the intraoral tissue, imaging of the difficult-to-imaging part of the direct-viewing imaging support 4A, such as the occlusal surface, the lingual side, and the buccal side of the molar portion Sb, and other anterior teeth. It is also suitable for taking a tomographic image of the tongue side surface of Sa.
Further, the support 4 (side-viewing support 4B) can be kept clean by replacing the support 4 with a new or washed support 4 after photographing the molar portion Sb.

≪Second modification≫
FIGS. 8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams showing a second modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a direct-viewing support, and FIG. 8B is a normal direct-viewing support. FIG. 4C is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the state when the subject is pressed by the direct-viewing support.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the length L of the support 4 (direct-view imaging support 4A1) is set to the support 4 of the diagnostic probe unit 30 within a coherent range. You may provide the variable mechanism 40 which can be varied short within the expansion-contraction adjustment range L1.

  The variable mechanism 40 is a mechanism that supports the direct-viewing imaging support 4A1 (support 4) with respect to the housing 3 so as to be able to advance and retreat. The engaging cylinder member 4A1c disposed at the distal end portion of the housing 3 A spring accommodating portion 4A1i (biasing means accommodating portion) interposed between the combined cylinder member 4A1c and the rod-shaped portion 4A1a (extended portion 4a), and a rod-shaped portion 4A1a attached to the distal end side provided in the spring accommodating portion 4A1i. A spring member SP1 (biasing means) for biasing, a coupling tool 4A1b for coupling the engaging cylinder member 4A1c and the spring housing portion 4A1i, and a housing portion connecting nut 4A1j for closing the spring housing portion 4A1i are mainly provided. Become.

In the rod-like portion 4A1a, a peripheral portion of a through hole formed in the inner bottom of the storage portion connecting nut 4A1j is locked, and a spring receiving portion 4A1k that receives the spring member SP1 is formed on the base end portion side.
The connector 4A1b is formed of a screw or the like that removably fixes the spring accommodating portion 4A1i to the connector 4A1e.
Since the engagement cylinder member 4A1c is formed integrally with the opening 4A1d, the coupling part 4A1e, the engagement cylinder part 4A1f, the annular groove 4A1g, and the flange part 4A1h, the engagement cylinder member 4Ac has substantially the same structure as that of the embodiment. Description is omitted.
The spring accommodating portion 4A1i is formed of a cylindrical member with a bottom that accommodates a spring member SP1 composed of a compression coil spring that urges the direct-viewing support 4A1 toward the distal end, for example, and the proximal end side is engaged. Connected to the cylinder member 4A1c, the tip side supports the direct-viewing support 4A1 so as to be movable by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction. A threaded portion 4A1m made of a male screw for fixing the housing portion connecting nut 4A1j to the spring housing portion 4A1i is formed on the outer peripheral portion on the front end side of the spring housing portion 4A1i. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the direct-viewing support 4A1 is normally pressed toward the distal end side by the spring force of the spring member SP1. When photographing a tomographic image of the front tooth portion Sa, the front tooth imaging support 4A1 is pressed against the surface of the front tooth portion Sa to expand and contract, and the front tooth portion Sa is photographed in accordance with the focal position of the condenser lens 34. Shoot after adjusting the position. In this way, the direct-viewing imaging support 4A1 is expanded and contracted against the spring force of the spring member SP1, so that the part of the front tooth portion Sa to be imaged is moved and adjusted to the focal position of the condenser lens 34 to focus. Can be adjusted.

  For example, when the focal point of the condensing lens 34 is at the tip of the surface of the front tooth portion Sa, as shown in FIG. 8B, a tomographic image at a position on the middle side of the distance (L1) from the surface of the front tooth portion Sa When shooting, the direct-viewing support 4A is pressed against the front tooth portion Sa, compressed to a distance (L1) within the coherent range, and brought into focus by adjusting to the focal position of the condenser lens 34. . For this reason, the tomographic image of the position where the front tooth portion Sa is desired to be photographed can be photographed in a clear state.

<< Third Modification >>
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a third modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a third modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a side-view imaging support body, and FIG. 10B is a normal side-view imaging support body. FIG. 4C is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state when the subject is pressed by the side-viewing support.
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the direct-viewing imaging support 4A1 (anterior tooth support) of the second modified example has a variable-mechanism support 4B1 having a variable mechanism 40 when imaging the molar portion Sb. By replacing it with a molar support, it is possible to make it easy to photograph the molar portion Sb.

10A to 10C, the side-view photographing support 4B1 has a front end portion of the rod-like portion 4A1a (4B1a, extended portion 4a) of the direct-view photographing support 4A1 of the second modified example. A bent portion 4B1i that is bent several times is formed, and an oblique mirror 4B1j is attached to the bent portion 4B1i by a joining means or the like. In this case, for example, a ring-shaped tooth fixture 4B11 that is in contact with the sample S and supports the side-view imaging support 4B1 may be provided at the end of the oblique mirror 4B1j. The fixing tool 4B11 is formed at the tip of the abutting portion 4B11a made of stainless steel and the ring-shaped abutting portion 4B11a so as to cover the portion to be imaged of the molar tooth portion Sb, and is obliquely arranged. A connecting portion 4B11b for fixing the abutting portion 4B11a horizontally to the mirror 4B1j.
In addition, since the structure of other than that in a 3rd modification is the structure similar to a 2nd modification, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As described above, the diagnostic probe unit 30 has the shape corresponding to the shape and arrangement state of the sample S to be photographed by providing the side-view photographing support 4B1 (support 4) to the housing 3 so as to be replaceable. By replacing the support 4 with the sample S and photographing the sample S, the support 4 can be adapted to the intended use even with a single diagnostic probe section 30, so that the patient's anterior teeth Sa, molars Sb, etc. It is possible to capture a clear image while focusing the focusing lens 34 on the observation site for all teeth.
Further, the side-view imaging support 4B1 is expanded and contracted against the spring force of the spring member SP1, thereby moving the observation site of the molar portion Sb to be imaged to the focal position of the condenser lens 34. You can adjust the focus.
Further, the diagnostic probe unit 30 is provided with a fixture 4B11 at the tip of the oblique mirror 4B1j provided on the side-view imaging support 4B1, so that the fixture 4B11 is applied to the periphery of the imaging portion of the molar portion Sb. By contacting and supporting, it is possible to shoot in a stable state without a flutter. Further, the diagnostic probe unit 30 can take an image while smoothly extending and retracting the variable mechanism 40 by causing the fixing mechanism 4B11 to contact the molar portion Sb to expand and contract the variable mechanism 40.

<< Fourth Modification >>
11A and 11B are views showing a fourth modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 11A is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a state of a normal direct-viewing support, and FIG. 11B is direct-viewing. It is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a state when the support body is compressed and moved.
Further, the direct-view photographing support 4A1 (see FIG. 8) of the second modification example is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B in place of the variable mechanism 40 including the spring housing portion 4A1i and the spring member SP1. As described above, the direct-viewing imaging support 4A2 having the variable mechanism 41 including the air spring SP2 filled with compressed air (biasing means) may be used.

  In this case, the direct-viewing support 4A2 has the same configuration as the direct-viewing support 4A1 (see FIG. 8) of the second modification except for the variable mechanism 41 including the air spring SP2 using the elasticity of compressed air. Yes, the description is omitted. The variable mechanism 41 has a rod shape having a compressed air storage portion 4A2i (biasing means storage portion) that forms a hollow air chamber (air spring) and a piston portion 4A2k that is movably inserted into the compressed air storage portion 4A2i. 4A2a (extended portion 4a) and a rod-like portion locking nut 4A2j that closes the air chamber.

The rod-shaped portion 4A2a has a piston portion 4A2k integrally formed on the base end side disposed in the compressed air storage portion 4A2i, and is inserted into the rod-shaped portion locking nut 4A2j so as to be able to advance and retreat.
The compressed air storage portion 4A2i is interposed between the engagement cylindrical member 4A2c and the rod-shaped portion 4A2a, stores compressed air that urges the rod-shaped portion 4A2a toward the distal end side, and the base end side is in the engagement cylinder member 4A2c. Connected, the tip side is supported so as to be movable a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction on the rod-like portion 4A2a. The compressed air storage portion 4A2i is formed of a sealed bottomed cylindrical member, and is fixed to the connection portion 4A2e of the engagement cylinder member 4A2c by a fastener 4A2b.
The rod-like portion locking nut 4A2j is screwed onto a screw portion 4A2m formed on the outer peripheral surface on the front end side of the compressed air storage portion 4A2i, thereby supporting the rod-like portion 4A2a so as to be able to advance and retract by a preset expansion / contraction adjustment range L1. At the same time, the air chamber is sealed.

  In this way, the diagnostic probe section 30 can change the length L of the direct-view imaging support 4A2 (support 4), and accordingly, the length of the optical path and the focal point of the condenser lens 34 (see FIG. 6). Can also be changed. For this reason, the image capturing range can be searched in a wide range in the depth direction of the sample S, and the sharpness of the tomographic image can be adjusted.

<< Fifth Modification >>
12A and 12B are views showing a fifth modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a side-view imaging support, and FIG. 12B is a normal side-view imaging support. FIG. 4C is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the state when the side view photographing support is compressed and moved.
As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the variable mechanism 41 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) provided on the direct-viewing support 4A2 of the fourth modified example is a side-viewing support. It may be provided on the body 4B2.

In this case, the side-viewing support 4B2 shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C is a variable mechanism 41 composed of the air spring SP2 described in the fourth modification (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). Is employed in the side view photographing support 4B1 (see FIGS. 10A to 10C) of the third modification. That is, the side-viewing support 4B2 is formed with a bent portion 4B2i at the distal end portion of the rod-like portion 4B2a (extended portion 4a) provided on the distal end side of the variable mechanism 41, and the oblique portion 4B2j at the bent portion 4B2i. It is good also as the support body 4 for the molar part Sb photography formed by attaching.
The ring-shaped fixture 4B11 described in the third modification (see FIGS. 10A to 10C) is substantially semicircular like the fixture B21 shown in FIGS. You may have the contact part 4B21a formed in the shape. In addition, the fixture B21 may be formed in a substantially C shape, a substantially U shape, or an arc shape. The contact portion 4B21a is joined by engaging the connecting portion 4B21b with a notch formed in the oblique mirror 4B2j.

<< Sixth Modification >>
13A and 13B are views showing a sixth modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a direct-viewing support, and FIG. 13B is a state of a normal direct-viewing support. (C) is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the state when the direct-viewing support is compressed and moved.

  In the sixth modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, instead of the small-diameter spring member SP1 of the variable mechanism 40 (see FIGS. 8A to 8C) of the second modification, FIG. ) To (c), a large-diameter spring member SP3 (biasing means) that allows the rod-like portion 4A3a (extending portion 4a) to expand and contract is provided in the engaging cylinder member 4A3c, and a support for direct-view photographing. 4A3 (front tooth support) is detachable (replaceable) with respect to the housing 3 side, is rotatable, and is capable of using a variable mechanism 42 that is mounted in a telescopic manner.

  In this case, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the direct-view imaging support 4A3 includes a spring member SP3, a rod-shaped portion 4A3a, and a connector 4A3b that fixes the rod-shaped portion 4A3a to the coupling portion 4A3e. Engagement cylinder member 4A3c integrally formed with engagement cylinder part 4A3f, annular groove 4A3g and spring storage part 4A3i, connection part 4A3e with which the base end part of rod-like part 4A3a is engaged, connection part 4A3e, opening 4A3d, A sliding contact cylinder 4A3j having an opening 4A3d and a flange portion 4A3h, a spring receiving annular member 4A3k that supports the distal end side of the spring member SP3, and a base end side inner edge portion of the spring accommodating portion 4A3i (biasing means accommodating portion). And a locking nut 4A3m that is screwed to the outer peripheral portion and has an inner edge on the front end side slidably fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the spring accommodating portion 4A3i.

The spring member SP3 is formed of a cylindrical compression coil spring that presses the rod-like portion 4A3a in the distal end side direction through the coupling tool 4A3b, the sliding contact cylinder 4A3j, and the spring bearing annular member 4A3k, and the distal end side is a spring bearing annular member. It is supported by 4A3k, and the base end side is supported by the spring accommodating portion 4A3i of the engaging cylinder member 4A3c.
The rod-shaped portion 4A3a, the connecting tool 4A3b, the connecting portion 4A3e, the engaging tube portion 4A3f, and the annular groove 4A3g are the same as the rod-shaped portion 4Aa, the connecting tool 4Ab, the connecting portion 4Ae, the engaging tube portion 4Af, and the annular groove 4Ag of the above embodiment. Since it is a structure, its description is omitted.

The engagement cylinder member 4A3c is a member for connecting the direct-viewing imaging support 4A3 to the housing 3 side, and is always provided in a state of being pressed by the spring force of the spring member SP3.
The opening 4A3d is formed in the sliding cylinder 4A3j and communicates with the internal space of the spring receiving annular member 4A3k, the locking nut 4A3m, and the engaging cylinder member 4A3c, and the optical path through which the measurement light and the reflected light pass. Form a part of
The engagement tube portion 4A3f is a member that is engaged with the engagement portion 36a of the support holding member 36 (see FIG. 6). The engagement tube portion 4Af of the above embodiment is the engagement tube portion 4A3f. The male screw portion into which the locking nut 4A3m is screwed and the spring housing portion 4A3i in which the base end portion side of the spring member SP3 is housed are different.

  The sliding contact cylinder 4A3j has a distal end portion fixed to the rod-shaped portion 4A3a by a connector 4A3b, a proximal end portion fixed to the spring receiving annular member 4A3k, and a locking nut 4A3m slidably fitted on the outer peripheral surface. Yes. The sliding contact cylinder 4A3j is always pressed to the distal end side by the spring member SP3. As shown in FIG. 13 (b), the sliding contact cylinder 4A3j is in a position in which the small diameter portion of the locking nut 4A3m is externally fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion, as shown in FIG. 13 (b). In addition, when the spring member SP3 is compressed in the expansion / contraction adjustment range L1, the tip end surface of the small diameter portion of the locking nut 4A3m is brought into contact with the flange portion 4A3h.

  In the spring receiving annular member 4A3k, the distal end side outer peripheral surface is always screwed with the proximal end inner peripheral surface of the sliding contact cylinder 4A3j, and the distal end portion of the spring member SP3 is fitted inside the proximal end side. As shown in FIG. 13 (b), the spring receiving annular member 4A3k is normally locked with the small diameter portion of the locking nut 4A3m at the outer stepped portion, and as shown in FIG. 13 (c), the spring member SP3 is When compressed, the outer peripheral surface on the base end side is provided so as to enter into the spring accommodating portion 4A3i.

  In the spring receiving annular member 4A3k, the distal end side outer peripheral surface is screwed into the proximal end side opening of the sliding contact cylinder 4A3j, and the distal end side of the spring member SP3 is fitted into the proximal end side stepped portion, so that the spring is always spring. It is pressed to the front end side by the member SP3. As shown in FIG. 13B, the large-diameter portion on the base end portion side of the spring receiving annular member 4A3k is in pressure contact with the small-diameter portion of the locking nut 4A3m in the normal state, and as shown in FIG. When the member SP3 is compressed, the locking nut 4A3m is separated and enters the spring accommodating portion 4A3i.

  The locking nut 4A3m is always fixed at the base end side to the engaging cylinder member 4A3c, and as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the spring receiving ring in which the distal end side inner edge is fixed to the sliding cylinder 4A3j at normal times. By abutting on the member 4A3k, the sliding contact cylinder 4A3j to which the rod-like part 4A3a is fixed and the engagement cylinder part 4A3f engaged with the support holding member 36 (see FIG. 6) are connected in a telescopic manner. ing.

  Thus, the variable mechanism 42 is provided with the spring member SP3 having a relatively large diameter between the engaging cylinder portion 4A3f to which the housing 3 side is fixed and the sliding contact cylinder body 4A3j to which the rod-like portion 4A3a is fixed. Alternatively, the shape, type, size, etc. of the spring member SP3 may be changed as appropriate.

<< Seventh Modification >>
14A and 14B are views showing a seventh modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 14A is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state of a normal side-viewing support, and FIG. 14B is a side view. An enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state when the visual imaging support is compressed and moved, (c) is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a modified example of the fixture.
As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the variable mechanism 42 (see FIGS. 13B and 13C) provided on the direct-viewing support 4A3 of the sixth modification is a side-viewing support. It may be provided on the body 4B3.

  In this case, the side-view photographing support 4B3 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B is provided with the variable mechanism 42 including the spring member SP3 described in the sixth modification (FIGS. 13A to 13C). Is used for the side-viewing support 4B (see FIGS. 7A to 7C) of the first modification. That is, the side-viewing imaging support 4B3 is formed with a bent portion 4B3i at the distal end portion of the rod-like portion 4B3a (extended portion 4a) provided on the distal end side of the variable mechanism 42, and the inclined portion 4B3j is formed at the bent portion 4B3i. It is good also as the support body 4 for the molar part Sb photography formed by attaching.

Further, the ring-shaped tooth fixture 4B11 of the side-view photographing support 4B1 of the third modified example shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C is the fixture shown in FIGS. 14A to 14B. As in 4B31, a claw portion 4B31a that is brought into contact with and locked to the distal side surface of the molar portion Sb at the time of photographing may be provided on the proximal end side (the variable mechanism 42 side) of the fixture 4B31.
The side-viewing imaging support 4B3 is provided with a fixture 4B31 having a claw 4B31a at the tip of the oblique mirror 4B3j, so that the fixture 4B31 has one tooth or a plurality of molar portions Sb when photographing. Since the claw portion 4B31a can be brought into contact with the side surface of the molar portion Sb and locked, the variable mechanism 42 can be photographed while being expanded and contracted in a stable state. .

<< Eighth Modification >>
FIGS. 15A and 15B are views showing an eighth modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a direct-viewing support and FIG. 15B is a state of a normal direct-viewing support. (C) is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the state when the direct-viewing support is compressed and moved.
The probe according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C instead of the spring member SP3 of the variable mechanism 42 (see FIGS. 13A to 13C) of the sixth modified example. As in the eighth modification, a direct-view photographing support 4A4 having a variable mechanism 43 including an air spring SP4 (biasing means) filled with air may be provided.

In this case, the direct-view photographing support 4A4 is the direct-view photographing support 4A3 of the sixth modification except for the variable mechanism 43 including the air spring SP4 using the elasticity of compressed air and the engaging cylinder member 4A4c (FIG. 13). For this reason, members having the same shape as the direct-viewing support 4A3 (see FIG. 13) according to the sixth modification are given the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the variable mechanism 43 advances and retreats into and from the compressed air storage portion 4A4i (biasing means storage portion) that forms an air chamber (air spring) and the compressed air storage portion 4A4i. A spring-receiving annular member 4A3k (piston) of the seventh modified example that functions as a piston that can be inserted and a sliding contact cylinder 4A3j that is connected to the rod-shaped portion 4A3a (extended portion 4a) and functions as a piston rod. (Piston rod) and an engagement cylinder member 4A4c that forms part of the compressed air storage portion 4A4i.

  The engagement cylinder member 4A4c is formed of a cylindrical member in which an engagement cylinder portion 4A4f, an annular groove 4A4g, a compressed air storage portion 4A4i, a cylindrical male screw portion 4A4n, and a guide cylinder portion 4A4o are integrally formed. The engaging cylinder member 4A4c forms an air spring SP4 with the cylindrical male screw part 4A4n, the guide cylinder part 4A4o, and the spring bearing annular member 4A3k (piston).

  The compressed air storage part 4A4i is an annular space formed between the cylindrical male screw part 4A4n and the guide cylinder part 4A4o, and a spring receiving annular member 4A3k (piston) is inserted in such a manner that it can freely advance and retract. In the cylindrical male screw portion 4A4n, a spring receiving annular member 4A3k (piston) is slidably fitted on the inner wall surface, and a male screw portion is formed on the outer wall surface to which the female screw portion of the locking nut 4A3m is screwed. The guide tube portion 4A4o is continuously formed on the distal end side of the engagement tube portion 4A4f, and a spring bearing annular member 4A3k (piston) is slidably fitted on the outer peripheral surface.

  The direct-view photographing support 4A4 (support 4) is provided with the variable mechanism 43 having such a configuration so that the rod-like portion 4A3a can be expanded and contracted, and the support 4 is moved forward and backward with respect to the housing 3, thereby A condensing point adjusting mechanism that adjusts the distance from the sample S may be formed.

<< Ninth Modification >>
16A and 16B are diagrams showing a ninth modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 16A is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a state of a normal side-viewing support, and FIG. An enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state when the visual imaging support is compressed and moved, (c) is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a modified example of the fixture.
As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the variable mechanism 43 (see FIGS. 15A to 15C) provided on the direct-viewing support 4A4 of the eighth modification is a side-viewing support. It may be provided on the body 4B4.

  In this case, the side-viewing support 4B4 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B is provided with a variable mechanism 43 including the air spring SP4 described in the eighth modification (FIGS. 15B and 15C). Is used for the side-viewing support 4B (see FIGS. 7A to 7C) of the first modification. That is, the side-viewing support 4B4 is formed with a bent portion 4B4i at the distal end portion of the rod-like portion 4B4a (extended portion 4a) provided on the distal end side of the variable mechanism 43, and the inclined portion 4B4j is formed at the bent portion 4B4i. It is good also as the support body 4 for the molar part Sb photography formed by attaching.

Also, a substantially semicircular tooth fixture 4B21 of the side-viewing imaging support 4B2 of the third modification shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C is shown in FIGS. 16A to 16B. Like the fixture 4B41, a claw portion 4B41a that is brought into contact with and locked to the side surface of the molar portion Sb at the time of photographing may be provided on the base end side (the variable mechanism 43 side) of the fixture 4B41.
The side-view photographing support 4B4 has a semicircular shape having two claw portions 4B41a formed at the front end portion of the oblique mirror 4B4j so as to project from the left and right ends toward the subject direction (the direction opposite to the oblique mirror 4B4j). By providing the fixing tool 4B41, when photographing, the fixing tool 4B41 is brought into contact with and supported by the surface of the molar part Sb, and the two claw parts 4B41a are brought into contact with the side surface of the molar part Sb. Since the support span can be lengthened by locking, the claw portion 4B41a can be securely locked to the molar tooth portion Sb, and photographing can be performed while the variable mechanism 43 is expanded and contracted. In addition, when the two claw portions 4B41a formed at two locations of the fixing tool 4B41 are locked to the molar portion Sb, both the two claw portions 4B41a may be locked to the molar portion Sb. One claw portion 4B41a on one side may be engaged with the molar portion Sb, and various uses can be made corresponding to the state of the portion to be imaged, the shape of the teeth, and the like.

<< 10th modification >>
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a tenth modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the probe to which a direct-viewing support is attached. FIG. 18 is a view showing a tenth modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of the probe with the direct-viewing support attached and the housing half removed. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a tenth modified example of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of the probe to which a side-view imaging support is attached.
As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the diagnostic probe unit 30 of the above embodiment may be one in which the variable mechanism 42 (43) described above is arranged in a straight housing 3 </ b> C. The side-viewing support 4B5 may be extended portions 4A5a and 4B5a formed by providing cutout portions 4A5b and 4B5b in a substantially nozzle-shaped cylindrical body.

  In this case, in the housing 3C, the scanning means storage portion 3Ca is disposed at the center portion of the housing 3C, the grip portion 3Cb is disposed at the base end portion, and the condenser lens storage portion 3Cc is disposed at a position closer to the distal end side of the center portion. The cylindrical body support portion 3Cd is arranged at the tip, and the entire housing 3C is formed in a straight type shape arranged straight. The housing 3C is for direct-view photography by aligning two housing halves 3Ce and 3Cf, which are longitudinally sectioned in the center in the length direction and divided into left and right, and a variable mechanism 42 (43) is interposed at the tip of the housing 3C. The support body 4A5 or the side-view photographing support body 4B5 having the oblique mirror 4B5j at the tip is disposed.

  The grip portion 3Cb extends in the optical axis direction. In the scanning unit housing 3Ca, the optical axis of the laser beam reflected by the reflecting mirror M toward the scanning unit 33 and reflected by the scanning unit 33 is parallel to the optical axis in the grip unit Cb. It is arranged to be reflected. The condenser lens storage 3Cc is formed to extend in the direction of the parallel lines. For this reason, the housing 3C is formed straight from the grip portion 3Cb to the direct-viewing support 4A5 via the scanning means storage portion 3Ca and the condenser lens storage portion 3Cc.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the reflecting mirror M, the laser light that enters the diagnostic probe unit 30C from the optical fiber 60A passes through the collimator 322 and the shutter mechanism 31, and the reflecting mirror M is in the center of the scanning means 33. It is arranged so as to be inclined toward the grip portion 3Cb with respect to the length direction of the housing 3C so as to be reflected toward the mirror.
In the grip portion 3Cb, a cable 60, a collimator 322, a shutter mechanism 31 and the like are mainly housed on the base end side. A plurality of operation buttons SW (see FIG. 17) are provided on the side surface of the grip portion 3Cb near the condenser lens storage portion 3Cc.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the cylindrical body support portion 3Cd includes the connecting cylinder 354, the outer ring member 38, and the condensing point adjustment mechanism 35, so that the support body 4 (direct-view imaging support 4A5, side-view imaging). The support body 4B5) is a part where the support body 4B5) is detachably attached and can be expanded and contracted, and the direct-viewing imaging support body 4A5 or the side-viewing imaging support body 4B5 is attached depending on the intended use. The cylindrical body support portion 3Cd is formed from the distal end side of the condenser lens storage portion 3Cc to the distal end of the housing 3.

Thus, since the diagnostic probe unit 30C has the variable mechanism 42 (43), the lengths of the direct-view imaging support 4A5 and the side-view imaging support 4B5 can be varied. The length of the optical path The focal point of the condenser lens 34 can be changed, so that the imageable range can be searched in a wide range in the depth direction of the sample S, and the sharpness of the tomographic image can be adjusted.
Further, the direct-view imaging support 4A5 and the side-view imaging support 4B5 include a plurality of extending portions 4A5d and 4B5a, which are rod-shaped extending portions 4A5d and 4B5d (opening 3g) having a width w3 smaller than the inner diameter d4. Since a plurality of cutout portions 4A5b and 4B5b formed between the portions 4A5a and 4B5a are formed, it is possible to take an image while visually checking the portion to be imaged of the sample S from the gap between the cutout portions 4A5b and 4B5b. Thus, it is possible to efficiently photograph the imaged portion in the oral cavity.
The extending portions 4A5a and 4B5a are bar-shaped portions that are arc-shaped as viewed in cross section and project forward from the inner edge portions of the flange portions 4A5h and 4B5h of the engaging cylinder members 4A5c and 4B5c, and are formed in the openings 4A5d and 4B5d. It is formed on concentric circles.
The extending portions 4A5a and 4B5a and the cutout portions 4A5b and 4B5b may be one or plural, and the number, the length of the width w3, and the shape may be appropriately changed.

[Other variations]
For example, a non-slip member made of a rubber member or the like may be provided at the front ends of the direct-view photographing supports 4A, 4A1, 4A2, 4A3, 4A4, 4A5.
Similarly, the side-view photographing supports 4B, 4B1, 4B2, 4B3, 4B4, and 4B5 are brought into contact with the distal end portions of the oblique mirrors 4Bj, 4B1j, 4B2j, 4B3j, 4B4j, and 4B5j provided at the distal end. A slip prevention means having a low friction coefficient such as rubber that increases the frictional resistance with the sample S and makes the side-view photographing support 4B difficult to slip may be detachably attached.

The spring members SP1 and SP3 and the air springs SP2 and SP4 as a means for pushing back the direct-viewing support 4A and the side-viewing support 4B to the distal end side only need to have a function of pushing back the support 4. Other elastic members such as a plate spring other than the compression coil spring, a rubber spring, or a disc spring may be used.
Further, the rod-like portion locking nut 4A2j, the compressed air storage portion 4A4i, the sliding rod-like portion 4A2a, and the spring bearing annular member 4A3k shown in FIGS. 11 (a), 11 (b), 15 (b) and 15 (c) Between them, a sealing material or the like for preventing air leakage may be provided.

1 OCT device (optical coherence tomographic image generator)
3, 3A, 3B, 3C Housing 3d, 3Cd Cylindrical support 3g Opening 11 Light source 21 Reference mirror 30, 30B, 30C Diagnostic probe (probe)
33 Scanning means (two-dimensional MEMS mirror)
34 Condensing lens 4 Support 4A, 4A1, 4A2, 4A3, 4A4, 4A5 Support for direct view photography (support for front teeth, support)
4A1c, 4A2c, 4A3c, 4A4c Engaging cylinder member (engaging cylinder part)
4Aa, 4A1a, 4A2a, 4A3a, 4Ba, 4B1a, 4B2a, 4B3a, 4B4a Rod-like part (extension part)
4a, 4A5a, 4B5a Extension part 4A1i, 4A3i Spring member storage body (biasing means storage body)
4A2i, 4A4i Compressed air storage (biasing means storage)
4B, 4B1, 4B2, 4B3, 4B4, 5B5 Side-view support (molar support, support)
4Bj, 4B1j, 4B2j, 4B3j, 4B4j, 4B5j Oblique mirror 4B11, 4B21, 4B31, 4B41 Fixing tool 4B31a, 4B41a Claw 40, 41, 42, 43 Variable mechanism d1 Inner diameter L Support length L1 Predetermined distance L1 S Sample (subject)
Sa front tooth part Sb molar part SP1, SP3 Spring member (biasing means)
SP2, SP4 Air spring (biasing means)
w1, w3 Extension width

Claims (7)

Distributing the laser light emitted from the light source to the measurement light applied to the subject and the reference light applied to the reference mirror,
Used for an optical coherence tomographic image generation device that generates an optical coherence tomographic image by analyzing coherent light obtained by combining the scattered light reflected back from the subject and the reflected light reflected by the reference mirror,
A probe that irradiates the subject with the measurement light and collects the scattered light that is reflected and returned;
A housing provided with optical paths of the measurement light and the scattered light;
A support disposed at the tip of the housing, extending from the vicinity of the opening for collecting the scattered light toward the subject direction, and contacting the subject.
The probe has a rod-like extending portion that is arranged in parallel with the axial direction and has a width smaller than the inner diameter of the opening.   The probe according to claim 1, wherein the support is detachably provided in the opening.   The probe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an oblique mirror that reflects the measurement light and the scattered light is provided at a distal end portion of the support.   A fixing tool that is formed in a ring shape, a substantially semicircular shape, a substantially C shape, a substantially U shape, or an arc shape at the tip side end portion of the oblique mirror, and is brought into contact with and supported by the subject. The probe according to claim 3, wherein the probe is provided.   The probe according to claim 4, wherein a claw portion that is engaged with the subject is formed on the fixture.   The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support is provided with a variable mechanism capable of changing a length of the support. The variable mechanism includes an engagement cylinder member disposed at a distal end portion of the housing;
An urging means interposed between the engaging cylinder member and the support, for urging the support toward the tip;
An urging means housing body that accommodates the urging means in a telescopic manner, a proximal end portion is connected to the engaging cylinder member, and a distal end side movably supports the support body by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction. The probe according to claim 6.

Images