JP2013092478A - Probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a probe that can wash and sterilize an oblique mirror provided in a nozzle inserted into the oral cavity of a patient.SOLUTION: A probe 30 is used for an optical interference tomographic image generation device 1 which splits laser light into measurement light for subject irradiation and reference light for reference mirror irradiation, and analyzes interference light obtained by putting together scattered light from a sample S and reflected light reflected by a reference mirror 21 to generate an optical interference tomographic image, and recovers the scattered light returning after irradiating the sample S. The probe includes an optical fiber 60A, scanning means 33 for changing irradiation directions of the laser light from the optical fiber 60A, a nozzle 37 irradiating the subject with the measurement light from the scanning means 33 and receiving the scattered light, and a housing 3 holding the optical fiber 60A, scanning means 33, and nozzle 37. In the nozzle 37, an oblique mirror M1 is provided which has a reflecting surface formed by subjecting a metal material to mirror surface processing.

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, the TD-OCT described above has been tried for dental use, but since SS-OCT can acquire data with higher sensitivity and higher speed than TD-OCT, motion artifact (ghost due to body movement) It is characterized by being strong.

  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. (Refer to 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 a window glass and a cover arranged so as to cover the optical scanner through the space are assembled and installed at the tip of a long cylindrical handpiece.

  In the probe (handpiece) described in Patent Document 1, most components such as an optical scanner, a condensing lens, a window glass, and a cover are gathered and arranged in an intraoral insertion portion at the tip of the probe. And when photographing the molar part in the back of the patient's mouth, a probe dedicated to photographing the molar part having a signal light irradiation window on the side surface of the distal end of the probe as described in Patent Document 1, Further, when photographing the front tooth portion, a probe dedicated to front tooth portion photographing is used.

JP 2007-83009 A (Claim 2, FIG. 2) JP 2010-536041 A (paragraphs 0022, 0026, 0027)

In particular, when a tomographic image of a patient's tooth is photographed by a probe for photographing a molar part, the intraoral insertion portion of the probe is inserted into the patient's mouth and photographing is performed.
However, since there are electrical components such as an optical scanner assembled inside the probe for photographing the molars, there is a problem that heat sterilization cannot be performed and infection prevention measures cannot be taken.

  Further, as a mirror (objective mirror) used in a general OCT apparatus, for example, a silicon member deposited with gold is used. However, such a gold-deposited mirror has a problem that the surface of the mirror is damaged when sterilization is performed.

  Further, a probe in which a scanning reflector of an OCT apparatus is coated with a metal is known (for example, see Patent Document 2). However, since the scanning reflector of the probe is installed at a position where there is no fear of contamination with saliva or the like when the patient's teeth are photographed, it does not serve as a countermeasure against problems when sterilizing the scanning reflector.

  It is also possible to provide a transparent disposable infection-preventing cover at the opening of the nozzle tip of the probe to prevent saliva etc. from entering the opening. There was a problem of reflection.

  Therefore, the present invention has been invented to solve such a problem, and it is possible to clean or sterilize an oblique mirror installed in a nozzle inserted into the oral cavity of a patient. An object is to provide a possible probe.

  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 for collecting the scattered light that has been reflected and returned, and an optical fiber that transmits the measurement light and the scattered light, and an irradiation direction of the laser light introduced into the probe by the optical fiber is changed. A scanning unit that causes the measurement light from the scanning unit to irradiate the subject to collect the scattered light, the optical fiber, the scanning unit, and the nozzle. Comprising a housing for holding and, in the nozzle is characterized in that the oblique mirror having a reflective surface formed of metallic material by mirror-polishing disposed therein.

  According to such a configuration, the probe has a reflecting mirror formed by mirror-finishing a metal material on the nozzle, so that the tilting mirror has heat resistance and strength. Even if sterilization or cleaning treatment is performed as an infection prevention measure such as sterilization, it will not be corroded, damaged or damaged. For this reason, when the oblique mirror is contaminated with saliva or the like, the oblique mirror can be sterilized and washed to always be kept clean.

  The oblique mirror includes a metal mirror portion that reflects the measurement light and the scattered light, an oblique mirror body integrally formed with the metal mirror portion, and a fixture that is inserted into a through hole formed in the nozzle. It is preferable that the fixing hole is detachably inserted in the hollow portion of the nozzle.

  According to such a configuration, the oblique mirror of the probe includes an oblique mirror body integrally formed with a metal mirror portion, a fixing hole into which a fixing tool inserted in a through hole formed in the nozzle is detachably inserted, By having this, it can be detachably mounted in the nozzle. For this reason, the oblique mirror can be removed from the nozzle and easily washed or sterilized.

  The nozzle is formed on a slant mirror storage part formed so that the slant mirror can be placed in the hollow part by inserting the slant mirror from the opening, and the slant mirror is formed on the inner wall of the slant mirror storage part. And a positioning portion that is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the bent portion and that engages with a rotation stop groove formed on the outer peripheral portion of the oblique mirror body. It is preferable.

  According to such a configuration, the nozzle includes the oblique mirror storage portion formed so that the oblique mirror can be inserted into the hollow portion by being inserted from the opening portion, so that the oblique mirror can be easily attached to and detached from the hollow portion from the opening portion. Can be done. In addition, the nozzle has a rotation stop groove that engages with a positioning portion formed in the nozzle, so that when the oblique mirror is fixed with a fixture, the oblique mirror can be rotated. In addition to being able to suppress, the oblique mirror can be positioned at a predetermined position in the nozzle and firmly fixed without rattling.

  In addition, it is preferable that the nozzle is detachably attached to a nozzle support attached to a nozzle installation portion formed at the tip of the housing.

  According to such a configuration, the nozzle is attached to the nozzle support attached to the nozzle installation portion of the housing in a detachable manner so that the nozzle can be easily removed from the housing and separated, thereby being easily cleaned or sterilized. It becomes possible to do.

  The oblique mirror may be, for example, stainless steel, titanium, or a titanium alloy.

  According to such a configuration, the oblique mirror is made of, for example, stainless steel, titanium, or a titanium alloy, so that the oblique mirror itself can be mirror-finished to form a metal mirror and sterilized. And it has heat resistance, corrosion resistance and strength that can withstand cleaning processing, so it should be made of a material that can be firmly fixed in place in the nozzle, removed and cleaned, or sterilized. Can do. Further, since the oblique mirror is made of metal, it can be removed from the nozzle and re-polished.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the probe which can wash | clean or sterilize the nozzle inserted in a patient's oral cavity and the oblique mirror arrange | positioned in this nozzle can be provided. In addition, since the oblique mirror is made of metal, it can be removed from the nozzle and re-polished.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 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) has shown the single joint arm type, (b) has shown the 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 principal part perspective view which shows the structure around the reference mirror of the optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus in which the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention is used. It is a perspective view of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a side view which has a partial cross section which shows a state when a housing half body is removed. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a principal part perspective view of the probe which removed the housing half body. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the installation state of the nozzle in the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the nozzle in the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is an exploded perspective view which shows a state when a housing half body is removed. It is a figure which shows the modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a side view which shows a state when a housing half body is removed.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing an apparatus of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Before describing a probe according to an embodiment 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]
Regarding the outline of the configuration of the OCT apparatus 1 (optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus), a case where the subject (sample S) to be imaged by the OCT apparatus 1 is a tooth (anterior tooth portion) to be diagnosed by a dental patient is taken as an example. explain. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, 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).
The OCT apparatus 1 distributes the laser light emitted from the light source 11 to the measurement light that irradiates the sample S (subject) and the reference light that irradiates the reference mirror 21 by the coupler 12 (light splitter), and the diagnostic probe unit. 30. Interference obtained by combining the reflected light from the reference mirror 21 with the reflected light from the reference mirror 21 and the scattered light that is returned from the sample S after being irradiated with the measurement light on the sample S by the coupler 16 An optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus that analyzes light and generates an optical coherent tomographic image.

≪Optical unit part≫
The optical unit unit 10 (optical unit) includes a light source, an optical system, and a detection unit 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 (subject) with laser light having a high-band wavelength, and measurement light that irradiates the sample S with laser light. And a coupler 12 (light splitter) that distributes the reference light to be irradiated to the reference mirror 21 and a diagnostic probe unit that irradiates the sample S with the measurement light and scatters the sample S and returns the scattered light. 30 (probe), a coupler 16 (optical combiner) that generates interference light by synthesizing the reflected light and the reflected light that are reflected from the reference mirror 21 and returned from the reference mirror 21, and a sample S from the interference light. Detector 23 for detecting the internal information of the optical fiber 19b, optical fibers 19b and 60A provided in the optical path between the light source 11 and the detector 23, and other optical components.

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. This measurement light is collected 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. 6) of the shutter mechanism 31 of the diagnostic probe unit 30 is open. The light is scattered and reflected there, and then 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 with less polarization by the polarization controller 15 and input to the detector 23 via the coupler 16 as an optical multiplexer.

  On the other hand, the reference light separated by the coupler 12 for the light splitter is collected on the reference mirror 21 (reference mirror) by the reference light condensing lens 20 from the circulator 18 of the reference arm 17 through the collimator lens 19 and the optical path length changing means 24. After being reflected and reflected there, 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. That is, since the coupler 16 combines the measurement light scattered and reflected by the sample S and the reflected light reflected by the reference mirror 21, the detector 23 detects the light (interference light) interfered by the multiplexing. It can be detected as internal information of the sample S.

<Light source>
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. In addition, although the coherence distance of a laser beam is 10 mm or more and highly coherent light of less than 48 mm is preferable, it is not limited to this.

<Reference collimator lens>
The reference light collimator lens 19 (see FIG. 2) is a lens that converges the reference light divided by the coupler 12 (light splitter) into parallel light. As shown in FIG. 3, the collimator lens 19 ′ includes a collimator lens 19 ′. 19d is accommodated in a substantially cylindrical lens holder 19a.
The collimator lens unit 19 ′ supports a collimator 19d, a collimator holder 19e that holds the collimator 19d, a block 19f that supports the collimator holder 19e, and a block 19f that can be finely adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A bracket 19h, a support base 191 for holding the bracket 19h, a backlash preventing member 192 for engaging the support base 191 with the support frame member 194, and a fixture 193 for fixing the support base 191 to the support frame member 194 The support frame member 194 is mainly provided.

  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. 19a and an optical fiber 19b connected to the circulator 18 (see FIG. 2). In this way, the collimator lens 19 is installed in the lens holder 19a, and the connector 19c that connects one end of the optical fiber 19b is attached to the lens holder 19a. Therefore, the optical axis of the collimator lens 19 and the optical fiber 19b are attached. It is installed in a state where the optical axis of each is matched and a certain distance is maintained.

In the lens holder 19a, an optical fiber 19b is attached to one end on the optical axis and the connector 19c is fixed, and the other end is opened toward the reference mirror 21 to form an opening through which the reference light and reflected light enter and exit. Has been.
The collimator holder 19e is fixed on the block 19f by advancing and retracting the collimator 19d in the optical axis direction and screwing it so as to be finely adjustable.
The block 19f is supported so as to be finely adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis via a compression coil spring SP in a substantially U-shaped bracket 19h when viewed from the front.
The bracket 19h is fixed to and integrated with the support base 191.

  The support base 191 is a member that mounts a collimator lens unit 19 ′ fixed to the support base 191 and supports the collimator lens unit 19 ′ so that the position of the collimator lens unit 19 ′ can be adjusted in the optical axis direction with respect to the support frame member 194. The support base 191 is a substantially U-shaped thick plate member that is slidably engaged with the support frame member 194 in the optical axis direction, and is continuously provided so as to straddle the support frame member 194. . The support base 191 is provided with a sliding surface 191a disposed in a state in which the bracket 19h is in contact with the support frame member 194 from both ends of a flat plate-like portion where the sliding surface 191a is formed. A pair of left and right engaging projections 191b and a convex portion 191c formed between the left and right engaging projections 191b and abutting against the rail-shaped portion of the support frame member 194 are formed.

The fixing tool 193 includes a fastening member for fixing the backlash preventing member 192 engaged with the one engaging protrusion 191b of the support base 191 to the engaging protrusion 191b, and the collimator lens unit 19 ′ is supported by the support frame member 194. It is for fixing to a predetermined position.
With this configuration, the collimator 19d can be positioned and adjusted at a preset position on the optical axis so that the optical path length on the sample S (subject) light side is equal to the optical path length on the reference light side. .

  The reference light condensing lens 20 is a lens that condenses the parallel light converged by the collimator lens 19 on the reference mirror 21. For example, the reference light condensing lens 20 is preset between the collimator lens 19 on the support frame member 194 and the reference mirror 21. Is arranged at a position on the optical axis. The reference light condensing lens 20 is supported by the support base 20a so that the inclination of the reference light condensing lens 20 can be adjusted, and the support base 20a is fastened to the support frame member 194 so as to be movable and fixed in the optical axis direction. The fixing tool 20b is fixed to a predetermined position of the support frame member 194.

  The support frame member 194 is a plate-like member extending in the optical axis direction. The collimator lens unit 19 ′, the reference light condensing lens 20, and the like are disposed at predetermined intervals on the support frame member 194 at appropriate intervals. And the reference mirror 21 is mounted. For example, a reference mirror 21 is fixed to the end portion of the support frame member 194, and a reference light condensing lens 20 and a collimator 19d are sequentially arranged from the reference mirror 21 through an appropriate distance to condense the reference light. The optical path length can be changed by moving the lens 20 and the collimator 19d.

<Optical path length changing means for reference light>
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 to change the optical path length from the coupler 12 (optical divider) to the reference mirror 21, thereby changing the optical axis direction. It is a device used when adjusting the position to the initial position or initializing the position in the optical axis direction. The optical path length changing means 24 of the reference light includes, for example, a collimator lens unit 19 ′ that holds the collimator 19d and is arranged so as to be able to advance and retract manually along the optical axis together with the collimator 19d, and the reference light condensing lens 20 And a reference frame 21, and a support frame member 194 that extends along the optical axis and supports the collimator lens unit 19 ′, the reference light collecting lens 20, and the reference mirror 21.

≪Diagnostic probe part≫
As shown in FIG. 2, the diagnostic probe unit 30 (probe) includes scanning means 33 (two-dimensional MEMS mirror) for two-dimensionally scanning laser light, guides the laser light from the optical unit 10 to the sample S, and The scattered light scattered and reflected in the sample S is received and guided to the optical unit 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 (two-dimensional MEMS mirror), a condenser lens 34, which will be described later. A condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 and a nozzle 37 (see FIG. 4) are provided.

<Cable>
As shown in FIG. 4, the cable 60 is for optically and electrically connecting the diagnostic probe unit 30 to the optical unit unit 10 and the control unit unit 50. The cable 60 includes an optical fiber 60 </ b> A connected to the optical unit unit 10 and a communication line 60 </ b> B connected to the control unit unit 50. The optical fiber 60A transmits measurement light and scattered light.

  When the imaging is not in progress, the housing 3 of the diagnostic probe section 30 is, as shown in FIG. 1A, a single joint arm 70 extending in the horizontal direction from the lower side of the display device 54 arranged on the upper portion of the OCT apparatus 1. It is held by the holder 71 at the tip of the head. As a result, even when the cable 60 is stored, the cable 60 can be stored without being twisted, and the storage space can be reduced.

  On the other hand, at the time of imaging, the user removes and grasps the diagnostic probe unit 30 from the holder 71 of the single joint arm 70 and brings the diagnostic probe unit 30 into contact with the patient's teeth (sample S) to prevent camera shake. . At this time, even if both hands of the user are blocked, in order to operate the operation button SW (see FIG. 4) for starting photographing, the foot controller 80 (FIG. 1) connected to the control unit 50 so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly. Reference) 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 OCT apparatus 1 is the same as the OCT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1A except that it can be held by the holder 71 at the tip. The articulated arm 70A has a longer length from the proximal end to the distal end holder 71 than the single-joint arm 70, and is disposed at a higher position from the floor. Therefore, the drooping of the cable 60 can be reduced. Thereby, operability can be improved and it can prevent having stepped on the cable 60 which hung down accidentally.

<Housing>
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the housing 3 is a case body that covers or supports components such as the frame main body 300 and the diagnostic probe unit 30, and has a substantially inverted L shape (substantially in a side view). (Pistol shape). For this reason, it is easy to hold, has good operability, and has a shape that can be easily attached to the holder 71. The housing 3 is formed with a scanning means storage portion 3a, a grip portion 3b, a condenser lens storage portion 3c, and a nozzle installation 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 nozzle installation 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 the substantially central portion, and 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 side, and a nozzle 37 is detachably disposed at the distal end. The housing 3 is formed by, for example, matching two housing halves 3e and 3f that are vertically divided in the center and divided into right and left. In the housing 3, the outer diameter D1 (see FIG. 5) of the condenser lens storage portion 3c and the nozzle installation portion 3d is formed smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the grip portion 3b and the scanning means storage portion 3a.

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 square chip-shaped two-dimensional MEMS mirror serving as the scanning means 33 is disposed, for example, at an angle of about 45 degrees in the scanning means storage unit 3a, and a laser beam emitted from the collimator lens 32 by the two-dimensional MEMS mirror. Light is reflected.
The grip portion 3b is a portion that is gripped when the user 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 is formed so as to extend in the direction of the optical axis of the laser beam 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. Has been. The grip portion 3b receives an operation button SW installed on the outer peripheral surface, an optical fiber 60A wired in a state of being pulled out from the lower surface of the housing 3, and measurement light introduced by the optical fiber 60A to receive a laser. A storage space is mainly provided in which a collimator lens 32 that converges light into parallel light and a shutter mechanism 31 that blocks the laser light are stored.

The condensing lens storage unit 3c is a part for storing a lens storage cylinder 352 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) having a condensing lens 34 for condensing the scanning light scanned by the scanning unit 33. It is formed at a position closer to the tip than the means storage portion 3a. The condenser lens storage portion 3c is formed to extend in a direction orthogonal to the grip portion 3b, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape from the scanning means storage portion 3a to the nozzle installation portion 3d in the forward direction. That is, the condensing lens storage portion 3c is formed to extend in the direction of the reflected light reflected by the scanning unit 33, and is formed to be bent with respect to the grip portion 3b.
The nozzle installation part 3d is a part to which the nozzle 37 is attached, and is formed at the distal end of the housing 3 on the distal end side with respect to the condenser lens storage part 3c.

<Frame body>
As shown in FIG. 5, the frame main body 300 is a thick plate-like member that holds the shutter mechanism 31, the optical axis adjustment mechanism 321, the scanning unit 33, and the lens storage cylinder 352, and is screwed into the housing 3. Yes. The frame main body 300 is formed in a substantially inverted L shape (substantially pistol shape) in a side view according to the shape of the housing 3. The frame body 300 is formed with an L-shaped portion 300a in which the scanning means 33 is fixed at the central portion, and a vertical portion that is formed to extend downward from the central portion and to which the shutter mechanism 31 and the optical axis adjusting mechanism 321 are fixed. 300b, a horizontal portion 300c formed to extend from the central L-shaped portion 300a to the front side, to which the lens storage cylinder 352 is fixed, and a position adjustment hole 301 extending vertically in the vertical portion 300b. A position adjustment hole 302 extending in the horizontal direction is mainly formed in the horizontal portion 300c.

<Measuring unit for changing optical path length of measuring light>
In the frame body 300, the collimator lens 32 is provided in the lens holder 322a, and the optical axis length of the collimator 322 in which the connector 322b in which the optical fiber 60A is attached to the lens holder 322a on one end side on the optical axis is set. An optical path length changing unit 39 for measuring light that can be adjusted to adjust the position in the optical axis direction is provided.
The optical path length changing means 39 for the measurement light includes a position adjustment hole 301 formed in the frame body 300 so as to extend in the optical axis direction of the measurement light, a collimator bracket 324 for holding the collimator 322, and an optical axis direction in the position adjustment hole 301. And a bracket fastener 327 that is movably inserted to fasten the collimator bracket 324 at a predetermined position.

The position adjustment hole 301 is a long hole formed in the vertical portion 300b so as to extend in the optical axis direction of the measurement light, and supports the collimator bracket 324 so as to be movable and tiltable in the optical axis direction. A bracket fastener 327 that is fastened in a predetermined direction and position is inserted so as to be movable up and down.
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.

<Shutter mechanism>
As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, 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 and reflected. For example, the device is interposed between the collimator lens 32 in the grip portion 3b and the scanning means 33 in the scanning means storage portion 3a. The shutter mechanism 31 includes, for example, a shutter base 311, a shutter 312, shutter driving means 313, and a shutter base fastener 314. The shutter mechanism 31 is for performing zero point correction by blocking the reflected light from the sample S by the shutter 312 and removing noise (image) appearing on the display screen in a software manner.

The shutter base 311 is a member to which the shutter 312 and the shutter driving unit 313 are attached, and is fixed to the frame main body 300 so as to be vertically movable by the shutter base fastener 314. In the shutter base 311, a through hole 311a through which measurement light and scattered light pass is formed on the optical axis in the vertical direction. The shutter base 311 can be rotated in the direction of arrow a about the shutter base fastener 314 by loosening the fastening of the shutter base fastener 314.
The shutter 312 is a member that blocks the optical path of measurement light and scattered light that passes through the through hole 311a, and rotates about a drive shaft (not shown) of the shutter drive unit 313 to open and close the through hole 311a. It consists of the board | plate member arrange | positioned.

The shutter driving unit 313 is an actuator that opens and closes the through hole 311a by moving the shutter 312 on the optical axis or retracting the shutter 312 from the optical axis. The shutter driving unit 313 includes, for example, a motor that rotates the shutter 312 to open and close the through hole 311a, or a solenoid that opens and closes the shutter 312 to open and close the through hole 311a.
The shutter base fastener 314 is a bolt for fixing the shutter base 311 to the frame body 300 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The shutter base fastener 314 is inserted into the position adjustment hole 301 of the frame main body 300 and screwed to the shutter base 311.
The shutter mechanism 31 may be a mechanism that manually moves the shutter 312.

<Collimator lens>
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, 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. The collimator lens 32 is installed in a substantially cylindrical collimator 322 and is rotatably attached to the lower portion of the frame body 300 with a collimator holder 323 and a collimator bracket 324 interposed therebetween.

<Optical axis adjustment mechanism>
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the optical axis adjusting mechanism 321 is a device that adjusts the direction and position of the collimator 322 by tilting or moving the collimator 322 provided with the collimator lens 32 with respect to the optical axis. is there. Each of the optical axis adjustment mechanisms 321 includes a collimator 322, a collimator holder 323, a collimator bracket 324, a unit fastener 325, a holder fastener 326, and a bracket fastener (not shown). ing.

The collimator 322 is a substantially cylindrical member in which a collimator lens 32 is provided, and is arranged in the vertical direction along the optical axis.
The collimator holder 323 is a member that holds the collimator 322 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow b around the optical axis, and includes a through hole 323a into which the collimator 322 is inserted, and a notch 323b that is notched in the through hole 323a. And a screw hole (not shown) into which the unit fastener 325 and the holder fastener 326 are screwed.

The collimator bracket 324 is a member that is attached to the frame main body 300 in the housing 3 so that the position of the collimator bracket 323 can be adjusted in a direction that allows the collimator holder 323 to rotate in the direction of arrow c around the holder fastener 326 (see FIG. 5). It is made of a substantially L-shaped thick plate material in plan view. The collimator bracket 324 is formed with a hole (not shown) into which the holder fastener 326 is inserted and a screw hole (not shown) into which the bracket fastener (not shown) is screwed.
The unit fastener 325 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow b by loosening the tightening of the collimator 322 inserted into the collimator holder 323 so as to be rotatable, or can be fastened to fix the collimator 322 to the collimator holder 323. It is a fastener. The unit fastener 325 is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) formed so as to be orthogonal to the notch 323b of the collimator holder 323.

As shown in FIG. 5, the holder fastener 326 can be rotated in the direction of arrow c by loosening the tightening of the collimator holder 323 fitted in the collimator bracket 324 so as to be rotatable, or can be tightened before and after the collimator 322. It is a fastener for fixing the inclination of a direction. The holder fastener 326 is screwed into the collimator holder 323 through the collimator bracket 324 at the tip.
A bracket fastener (not shown) is a fastener that is attached to a position adjustment hole 301 that is formed in the frame main body 300 so as to be vertically movable and rotatable so that the collimator bracket 324 can be moved up and down. Is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) formed in the collimator bracket 324. This bracket fastener can be rotated in the direction of arrow d by loosening the tightening of the collimator bracket 324, and the inclination of the optical axes of the collimator bracket 324 and the collimator 322 can be adjusted.

<Scanning means>
As shown in FIG. 7, 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 element of the two-dimensional MEMS mirror has, for example, a three-layer structure including a silicon layer on which a movable structure such as a mirror and a planar coil is formed, a ceramic pedestal, and a permanent magnet. The silicon layer is arranged in the center to totally reflect light, a cross-shaped beam that supports the mirror, X and Y frames, and an electromagnetic drive arranged around and around each mirror to generate electromagnetic force. And a two-layer planar coil. Then, by energizing the coils formed on the X and Y frames, it is possible to control to statically and dynamically tilt in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in proportion to the magnitude of the current.
The operating angle of the mirror is, for example, ± 10 degrees in the X-axis direction and ± 5 degrees in the Y-axis direction with respect to the device plane. The size of the device of the two-dimensional MEMS mirror is, for example, about 10 mm × 10 mm × 5 mm. The mirror at the center of the device is a square with a side of about 2 mm.

The laser light emitted from the light source 11 is applied to the sample S (see FIG. 2) through the two-dimensional MEMS mirror, and the depth direction (inward) proceeds from the surface of the sample S where the nozzle tip of the diagnostic probe unit 30 directly faces ( The detector 23 acquires the internal information in the (A direction). 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 and the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) on the surface of the sample S facing the nozzle tip of the diagnostic probe unit 30.
The scanning unit 33 may be a galvanometer mirror.

<Condensing lens>
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the condensing lens 34 is a lens that condenses the scanning light by the scanning unit 33 and condenses the measurement light on the sample S and irradiates the lens housing cylinder 352. 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. In this case, the lens housing cylinder 352 is disposed so as to be able to advance and retract along a position adjustment hole 302 formed in the frame body 300. A ring-shaped operation knob 351 on which a user's finger is loosely fitted is integrally formed on the lower surface portion of the lens housing cylinder 352.

<Condensing point adjustment mechanism>
As shown in FIG. 5, the condensing point adjustment mechanism 35 is a device that adjusts the condensing point by adjusting the distance between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S (subject) in contact with the nozzle 37. The operating knob 351 is exposed in the condensing lens storage portion 3c of the housing 3 in an exposed state. 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 main body 300, and the lens accommodating cylinder 352 inserted along the optical axis by being inserted into the position adjusting hole 302. An adjustment bolt 353 that is fixed to an appropriate position of the position adjustment hole 302 formed in this manner, and a lens barrel formed integrally with the lens housing cylinder 352 for moving the condenser lens 34 to an appropriate position of the position adjustment hole 302. The operation knob 351 and a connecting cylinder 354 for fixing the nozzle 37 (side view photographing nozzle) to the frame main body 300 through the nozzle support 36 are provided.
The condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 can adjust the position of the condensing point by operating and moving the operation knob 351 so that the condensing lens 34 advances and retreats in the optical axis direction together with the operation knob 351. .

  In other words, the lens housing cylinder 352 is provided with a condensing point adjustment mechanism that adjusts the condensing point by adjusting the distance between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S (subject) in contact with the nozzle 37. You may install in the condensing lens storage part 3c of the housing 3. FIG. In that case, for example, by operating and moving the operation knob (not shown) of the condensing point adjusting mechanism, the condensing lens 34 can move forward and backward in the optical axis direction together with the operation knob so that the condensing point can be adjusted. become.

<Nozzle>
As shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle 37 is used for imaging a patient's molar region, tissue in the oral cavity, or a region difficult to image with a direct-view imaging nozzle (not shown), such as the occlusal surface, lingual side, and buccal side of the molar portion. And other angle-type side-viewing nozzles (molar teeth nozzles) that are optimal for photographing the lingual side of the anterior teeth.

  In this case, the nozzle 37 (side-viewing imaging nozzle, molar nozzle) is provided with an oblique mirror M1 that converts the optical axis of the condenser lens 34 in a direction orthogonal to the bent portion 37j in the hollow portion 37h, and is also gathered. An opening 37g is formed in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical lens 34 (see FIG. 7), and the sample S in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 37 is irradiated to collect scattered light. It is like that. The nozzle 37 is detachably attached (replaceable) to the housing 3 and is rotatably mounted.

When imaging the molar part with the diagnostic probe unit 30, the nozzle 37 uses a sample S as an opening 37g arranged in the lateral direction with respect to the direction in which the condenser lens storage unit 3c and the nozzle installation unit 3d extend. The sample S is irradiated with measurement light while being kept in contact with the (molar portion) and maintaining the interval, and the reflected scattered light is collected.
The nozzle 37 includes a connecting cylinder part 37a, an annular groove 37b, a flange part 37c, a central cylinder part 37d, an oblique mirror storage part 37e, a through hole 37f, an opening part 37g, a hollow part 37h, a positioning part 37i, and a bent part. 37j is integrally formed of, for example, a synthetic resin that can be heat sterilized.
The nozzle 37 may be made of stainless steel (eg, SUS304), titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, chromium alloy, silver, etc., as long as it is a material that can be heat sterilized or washed. It may be made of metal.

The connecting cylinder part 37 a is a part for allowing the nozzle 37 to be detachably fitted to the nozzle support 36, and is a cylindrical part formed at the base end part of the nozzle 37. For this reason, the nozzle 37 is attached to and detached from the housing 3 of the diagnostic probe unit 30 so that only the nozzle 37 can be appropriately cleaned and sterilized.
The annular groove 37b is a circular arc-shaped groove formed in a ring shape on the outer surface of the connecting cylinder portion 37a as viewed in a longitudinal section, and is arranged in a state in which the sphere SB is engaged.
The flange portion 37 c is a hook-like protrusion formed on the outer peripheral portion on the distal end side of the connecting cylinder portion 37 a, and is disposed adjacent to the opening portion of the outer ring member 38.

The central cylinder portion 37d is a cylindrical portion that extends straight along the optical axis from the flange portion 37c toward the distal end side.
The oblique mirror housing part 37e is a part for housing the oblique mirror M1, and is formed so that the oblique mirror M1 can be inserted and removed from the opening 37g. The oblique mirror housing part 37e is formed so that it can be placed in the hollow part 37h by inserting the oblique mirror M1 from the opening part 37g.

The through hole 37f is a hole into which a fixture N for screwing the oblique mirror M1 to the nozzle 37 is inserted, and is formed in a bent portion in the hollow portion 37h so as to communicate with the hollow portion 37h from the outside of the nozzle 37. Has been. The through-hole 37f is formed in a step shape in a longitudinal section so as to match the shape of the head of the fixture N and the convex portion M1d.
The fixture N is, for example, a screw, a clip, or the like made of a metal having corrosion resistance such as stainless steel (for example, SUS304), titanium, or titanium alloy. The fixture N is detachably fixed to the fixing hole M1e of the oblique mirror M1, so that the oblique mirror M1 can be attached to and detached from the nozzle 37.

As shown in FIG. 8, the bent portion 37j is a portion where the back portion of the oblique mirror M1 is fixed obliquely, with respect to the optical axes in the connecting cylinder portion 37a, the central cylinder portion 37d, and the opening portion 37g. For example, the inclined surface is inclined at 45 degrees. In other words, the bent portion 37j is formed on the inner wall of the oblique mirror housing portion 37e, and is formed so that the oblique mirror M1 is attached obliquely with respect to the optical axis.
The positioning part 37i is a part for disposing the oblique mirror M1 at a predetermined set position in the nozzle 37. The positioning part 37i is formed at a plurality of locations on the outer periphery of the bent part 37j, and the rotation stop groove M1c of the oblique mirror M1 is engaged. It consists of mating engaging projections.

The opening 37g is a portion formed to open below the bent portion 37j, and is arranged in a state where the sample S is in contact with the opening end of the opening 37g when the diagnostic probe unit 30 takes an image. The
The hollow portion 37h is a cylindrical space formed in a substantially L shape along the optical axis in the nozzle 37, and includes a space through which measurement light and reflected light pass.

  In this way, the nozzle 37 includes the slant mirror M1 that converts the optical axis by 90 degrees, the connecting cylinder portion 37a with respect to the nozzle installation portion 3d of the housing 3, and the nozzle support 36 and the outer ring with respect to the central cylinder portion 37d. A connecting cylinder part 37a inserted detachably through the member 38, and an opening part 37g opened in a direction orthogonal to the connecting cylinder part 37a on the proximal end side of the nozzle 37 by 90 degrees. If the main body of the nozzle 37 is rotated, the opening 37g can be freely changed in direction (photographing direction), and each molar portion in the back of the oral cavity can be easily photographed. It is provided so that it can.

<Outer ring member>
The outer ring member 38 is a substantially cylindrical member that is disposed outside the nozzle support 36 and the spring SP so as to cover the nozzle support 36 and the spring SP, and a spring receiver that supports the tip of the compressed spring SP on the inner surface thereof. A convex portion 38a is formed.

<An oblique mirror>
As shown in FIG. 8, the oblique mirror M <b> 1 is a reflection mirror for reflecting the measurement light from the scanning unit 33 in the direction of the sample S or reflecting the reflected light from the sample S in the direction of the scanning unit 33. Yes, it has a reflective surface formed by mirroring a metal material. The oblique mirror M1 can be attached to and detached from the bent portion 37j in the nozzle 37 for cleaning and sterilization. The oblique mirror M1 is integrally formed with an oblique mirror body M1a, a metal mirror portion M1b, a rotation stop groove M1c, a convex portion M1d, and a fixing hole M1e, which will be described later.

  The mirror surface processing is a method of processing the reflecting surface of the oblique mirror body M1a made of a metal material into a mirror surface, for example, by combining electrochemical polishing by electrolytic polishing and physical polishing by an abrasive. For example, a method of obtaining a nano-level ultra-smooth surface by carrying out simultaneously is mentioned. The processing direction of the mirror surface of the oblique mirror M1 is an example, and there are various other polishing methods.

  The oblique mirror main body M1a is a metal main body integrally formed with the metal mirror portion M1b, and is made of, for example, stainless steel (for example, SUS304), titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, chromium alloy, silver, or the like. It is formed by processing a thick plate. The oblique mirror body M1a is detachably mounted in the hollow portion 37h of the nozzle 37.

  The metal mirror part M1b is a mirror-like part obtained by finishing the oblique mirror body M1a by the above-described mirror surface processing, and is a reflection surface that reflects measurement light and reflected light. The metal mirror part M1b is not included because the mirror surface formed by plating, vapor deposition, coating, or thin film is not suitable for sterilization.

The rotation stop groove M1c is formed in the outer peripheral portion on the back side of the oblique mirror body M1a, and is formed of a notch groove that engages with a positioning portion 37i formed in the nozzle 37, and the oblique mirror M1 is fixed in the nozzle 37 by the fixture N. It is possible to prevent the oblique mirror M1 from rotating when it is fixed.
The convex portion M1d is a cylindrical projection that protrudes from the center of the back surface of the oblique mirror main body M1a, and is formed to engage with a stepped portion in the through hole 37f.
The fixing hole M1e is a hole into which the fixing tool N is detachably inserted, and is formed of, for example, a screw hole into which the fixing tool N made of a screw is screwed.

≪Control unit section≫
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 converts an analog output signal of the detector 23 (detector) into a digital signal. In the present embodiment, 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 the timing of the clock signal ck that is also output from the laser output device. At the same time, the analog output signal of the detector (detector) 23 is acquired and converted into a digital signal. This digital signal is input to the OCT controller 100.

  The DA conversion circuit 52 converts the digital output signal of the OCT control apparatus 100 into an analog signal. In the present embodiment, 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 which produces | generates 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) is image | photographed using the OCT apparatus 1 (optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus) is demonstrated.
When photographing the sample S, first, a power switch (not shown) is turned on, and then the operation button SW of the switch of the diagnostic probe unit 30 is operated to drive the shutter driving means 313 of the shutter mechanism 31 shown in FIG. The shutter 312 is opened.
When the optical axis is inclined, the holder fastener 326 shown in FIG. 6 is loosened to adjust the inclination in the V direction, and the bracket fastener (not shown) is loosened to adjust the inclination in the A direction. .

  When photographing, the diagnostic probe unit 30 adjusts the distance (condensing point) between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S brought into contact with the tip of the nozzle 37 with a condensing point adjusting mechanism (not shown). Thus, the position of the tomographic image to be taken can be adjusted in the depth direction from the reference plane of the sample S, 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 sample S, and by operating both to make the optical path lengths coincide with each other. A clear tomographic image within a desired coherence distance can be obtained.

When photographing, the grip portion 3b of the diagnostic probe portion 30 shown in FIG. 5 is grasped by hand, and the tip of the nozzle 37 is photographed with the opening 37g in contact with the sample S (front tooth portion).
In this case, since the diagnostic probe unit 30 has the above-described configuration, it is possible to capture images more comfortably than in the past, as shown below.
That is, the housing 3 has an arrangement structure in which the scanning means 33 is accommodated in a substantially central portion of the housing 3, the collimator 322 and the optical fiber 60A are arranged on the proximal end side, and the nozzle 37 is arranged on the distal end portion. As a result, a slim and simple structure is provided in which the lens storage cylinder 352 is installed from substantially the center to the tip. Since the scanning means 33 is composed of a two-dimensional MEMS mirror, the number of components such as a motor is small and small compared to a probe equipped with other scanning means such as a galvanometer mirror, so that installation space for these parts is also unnecessary. Therefore, the size and weight can be reduced.

Accordingly, the housing 3 can be formed such that the outer diameter D1 of the condenser lens storage portion 3c and the nozzle installation portion 3d is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the grip portion 3b and the scanning means storage portion 3a. The outer diameter D1 on the (nozzle side) can be formed in a thin shape, and the outer diameter of the nozzle 37 can also be reduced.
As a result, the nozzle 37 can be inserted into the oral cavity without the patient opening his / her mouth wide. In addition, the entire diagnostic probe unit 30 is reduced in size and weight, and when the user takes an image, the diagnostic probe unit 30 has a weight that does not cause pain even if the user holds the diagnostic probe unit 30 for a long time. it can.

  In addition, since the housing 3 is formed in a pistol shape that is bent in an L shape with the substantially center portion as the center, the user can easily grasp the diagnostic probe portion 30 when taking the image with the hand. And can be easily attached to a bracket that holds the diagnostic probe unit 30.

  The nozzle 37 disposed at the distal end portion of the housing 3 is put into the oral cavity of the patient and used by contacting the molar side, the oral tissue, the lingual side of the front tooth portion, etc. However, the nozzle 37 can be easily sterilized and washed by making only the nozzle 37 easily detachable from the housing 3. For example, if the nozzle 37 is made of a metal such as stainless steel that can be sterilized, the nozzle 37 may be placed in a sterilizer such as an autoclave and sterilized as an anti-infection measure or washed.

Further, the slanting mirror M1 in the nozzle 37 can be sterilized and washed in a state where it is removed from the nozzle 37 and separated from the nozzle 37 by loosening the fixture N with a tool.
In this case, since the entire oblique mirror M1 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, it has heat resistance and strength. Therefore, even if the oblique mirror M1 is subjected to sterilization treatment such as heat sterilization or cleaning treatment, It will not be damaged or scratched. Furthermore, since the oblique mirror M1 can be formed of a single metal material such as stainless steel, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the number of assembling steps, and to reduce the cost. Can be processed and provided.

Even when the oblique mirror M1 is detached from the nozzle 37, the fixing member N can be accurately and firmly fixed at a predetermined position at a predetermined angle by engaging the rotation stop groove M1c with the positioning portion 37i of the nozzle 37. .
In addition, since the mirror for the oblique mirror used conventionally was attached so that the mirror might be pressed and fitted to a plurality of locking claws integrally formed on the resin support to which the mirror is attached, However, there is a problem that the locking claw is broken.
In the probe of the present invention, the slant mirror M1 is formed of a metal mirror and is fixed in the nozzle 37 by the fixture N, so that the problem that the locking claw is broken and the mirror falls can be solved.

≪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.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view showing a modified example of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view showing a state when the housing half is removed. FIG. 12 is a view showing a modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view showing a state when the housing half is removed.

Moreover, the diagnostic probe unit 30 of the above embodiment may include a straight housing 3A as shown in FIGS. In this case, in the housing 3A, the scanning means accommodating portion 3Aa is disposed at the center of the housing 3A, the grip portion 3Ab is disposed at the base end, and the condenser lens accommodating portion 3Ac is located at a position closer to the distal end side of the center. The nozzle installation part 3Ad is arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip, and the housing 3A whole is formed in the straight type shape arrange | positioned straightly. The housing 3A is formed by matching two housing halves 3Ae and 3Af which are longitudinally sectioned at the center in the length direction and divided into right and left.
The grip portion 3Ab is formed to extend in the direction of the optical axis of the laser light from the collimator lens 32 to the reflecting mirror M. In the scanning means housing 3Aa, the optical axis of the laser beam reflected by the reflecting mirror M toward the scanning means 33 and reflected by the scanning means 33 is parallel to the optical axis in the grip part Ab. It is arranged to be reflected. The condenser lens storage 3Ac is formed to extend in the direction of the parallel line. For this reason, the housing 3A is formed straight from the grip part Ab to the nozzle 37 via the scanning means storage part 3Aa and the condenser lens storage part 3Ac.

In the scanning unit housing 3Aa, the scanning unit 33 (two-dimensional MEMS mirror) and the reflecting mirror M are disposed to face each other with a mirror surface inclined at, for example, about 45 degrees.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the reflecting mirror M, the laser light that enters the diagnostic probe unit 30A from the optical fiber 60A passes through the collimator 322 and the shutter mechanism 31 and is in the center of the scanning unit 33 by the reflecting mirror M. It arrange | positions in the state inclined to the grip part 3Ab side with respect to the length direction of 3 A of housings so that it may reflect toward a mirror.
Since the scanning means 33 is composed of a two-dimensional MEMS mirror device, the occupied space in the housing 3A is narrow, and the nozzle 37 with respect to the length direction of the housing 3A is set so that the mirror surface is parallel to the mirror surface of the reflecting mirror M. It is arranged in a state tilted to the side.

  The grip portion 3Ab is a grip portion where the user at the time of photographing has the diagnostic probe portion 30A, and has a shape along the longitudinal direction of the housing 3A. The grip portion 3Ab is formed in a taper shape so that it gradually becomes thinner from the scanning means housing portion 3Aa having the largest diameter toward the base end portion of the grip portion 3Ab in the housing 3A. In the grip portion 3Ab, the cable 60, the collimator 332, the shutter mechanism 31 and the like are mainly housed on the base end side. A plurality of operation buttons SW (see FIG. 10) are provided on the side surface of the grip portion 3Ab near the condenser lens storage portion 3Ac.

The condensing lens storage portion 3Ac is a portion for storing a lens storage cylinder 352 in which the condensing lens 34 is provided, and is formed in a cylindrical shape at a position near the tip of the scanning means storage portion 3a.
As shown in FIG. 11, the nozzle installation portion 3Ad is a part to which the nozzle 37 is detachably attached via an outer ring member 38, and the nozzle 37 is a direct-view photographing nozzle (not shown) according to the usage. Alternatively, other nozzles equipped with a nozzle expansion / contraction mechanism (not shown) can be appropriately replaced. The nozzle installation part 3Ad is formed from the front end side of the condenser lens storage part 3Ac to the front end of the housing 3.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the housing 3A, the outer diameter D3 of the condenser lens storage portion 3Ac and the nozzle installation portion 3Ad is formed smaller than the outer diameter D4 of the scanning means storage portion 3Aa and the outer diameter D5 of the grip portion 3Ab. ing.

10 shows an example of a left-handed handpiece in which the operation button SW is disposed on the right side surface of the housing 3A when the nozzle 37 is set to the front side. When a left-handed user operates the operation button SW, the user holds the grip portion 3Ab with the left hand and presses the operation button SW with the thumb of the left hand.
For this reason, when the diagnostic probe unit 30A is used for the right effect, the operation button SW is arranged on the left side surface opposite to the right side surface of the housing 3A shown in FIG. That is, it is desirable to arrange the operation button SW on the side according to the user's effectiveness.

1 OCT device (optical coherence tomographic image generator)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Housing 3d Nozzle installation part 11 Light source 21 Reference mirror 30, 30A Diagnostic probe part (probe)
33 Scanning means 34 Condensing lens 36 Nozzle support 37 Nozzle (side-viewing imaging nozzle, molar nozzle)
37c Engagement part 37e Oblique mirror housing part 37f Through hole 37g Opening part 37h Hollow part 37i Positioning part 37j Bending part 60A Optical fiber M Reflector M1 Oblique mirror M1a Oblique mirror body M1b Metal mirror part M1c Anti-rotation groove M1e Fixed hole N Fixed S Sample (Subject)

Claims (5)

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;
An optical fiber for transmitting the measurement light and the scattered light;
Scanning means for changing the irradiation direction of the laser light introduced into the probe by the optical fiber;
A nozzle having an opening for irradiating the subject with the measurement light from the scanning unit and collecting the scattered light;
A housing for holding the optical fiber, the scanning means, and the nozzle;
The probe according to claim 1, wherein an oblique mirror having a reflecting surface formed by mirroring a metal material is provided in the nozzle. The oblique mirror includes a metal mirror part that reflects the measurement light and the scattered light;
An oblique mirror body integrally formed with this metal mirror part,
A fixing hole into which a fixing tool inserted into a through hole formed in the nozzle is detachably inserted; and
The probe according to claim 1, wherein the probe is detachably attached in the hollow portion of the nozzle. The nozzle includes an oblique mirror storage portion formed so that the oblique mirror can be inserted into the opening portion and disposed in the hollow portion.
A bent portion formed on the inner wall of the oblique mirror storage portion, and formed so that the oblique mirror is attached obliquely to the optical axis;
A positioning portion that is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the bent portion and engages with a rotation stop groove formed on the outer peripheral portion of the oblique mirror body;
The probe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising:   The said nozzle is detachably attached to the nozzle support body with which the nozzle installation part formed in the front-end | tip part of the said housing was mounted | worn, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The probe as described.   The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the oblique mirror is made of stainless steel, titanium, or a titanium alloy.

Images