JP2017192412A - Imaging unit of x-ray imaging apparatus in dental oral cavity, and x-ray imaging apparatus in dental oral cavity - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray imaging apparatus in a dental oral cavity, the apparatus that is hard to make pain felt even if touching a palate or a mouth floor.SOLUTION: An imaging unit 10 of an X-ray imaging apparatus in a dental oral cavity includes an X-ray receiving unit having an X-ray imaging element and a case 10a for covering the X-ray receiving unit. The contour of the imaging unit 10 is configured such that the upper part showing the side being near to the palate is thinner than the lower part in imaging of the upper teeth and the top half including at least the upper part of the front showing the side with the light receiving surface of the X-ray imaging element has an arc when viewed from a side, and the central part is thicker than the side and at least the upper part of the front has the arc when viewed from the upper part. The case 10a forms a contour of the imaging unit 10, or a cover 10b for covering at least a front face of the case 10a forms the contour of the imaging unit, or the cover 10b and the case 10a form the contour of the imaging unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus and the like.

  As in Patent Document 1, a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus using an X-ray imaging element has been proposed.

JP 2002-219126 A

  However, the case of the X-ray imaging element usually has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and if the corner touches the palate or oral cavity in the oral cavity, there is a risk of causing the subject to feel pain.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus that does not cause pain even if it touches the palate or the floor of the mouth.

  An imaging unit of a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray light receiving unit having an X-ray imaging element and a case covering the X-ray light receiving unit, and the outer shape of the imaging unit is viewed from the side. The upper part showing the side close to the palate when photographing the upper teeth is thinner than the lower part, and the upper half including at least the upper part of the front surface showing the side where the light receiving surface of the X-ray image sensor is present has an arc shape. The center part is thicker than the side part, and at least the upper part of the front surface has an arc shape, and the case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, or the cover that covers at least the front surface of the case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit Or, the cover and the case form the outer shape of the photographing unit.

The upper part of the front surface of the imaging unit has a rounded shape with no corners, and when the imaging unit is inserted into the oral cavity, it is difficult to feel pain even if the upper part touches the palate or the oral cavity bottom.
When a case with a rounded upper front portion forms the outer shape of the photographing unit without using a cover, the size of the photographing unit can be reduced as compared with the case in which the case covers the case.

  Preferably, the case has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the cover forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, or the cover and the case form the outer shape of the photographing unit.

  When a cover is used, a general X-ray light receiving unit including a case having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape can be used as an imaging unit by using a cover whose front upper portion is rounded.

  Preferably, the case has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the cover forms an outer shape of the imaging unit, and an electric wire connector extending from the X-ray imaging element is provided at the back of the case and at the center of the lower part. The cable connected to the connector is connected to an external device via the lower end of the cover.

  A dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray receiving unit having an X-ray imaging element, an imaging unit having a case covering the X-ray receiving unit, and a grip for holding the imaging unit. The outer shape of the imaging unit is an upper half including at least the upper part of the front surface showing the side where the light receiving surface of the X-ray image sensor is present, as viewed from the side, the upper part indicating the side close to the palate when photographing the upper teeth Has an arc shape, and when viewed from above, the central portion is thicker than the side portion, and at least the upper part of the front surface has an arc shape, and the case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, or at least the front surface of the case The cover that covers the camera forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, or the cover and the case form the outer shape of the photographing unit.

  A dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray receiving unit having an X-ray imaging element, an imaging unit having a case covering the X-ray receiving unit, a retaining unit that holds the imaging unit, and retention. An imaging assisting tool including a guide unit that is connected to the imaging unit and is provided at a position facing the imaging unit and used to position the X-ray irradiation unit of the X-ray device at the time of imaging using an X-ray device including an X-ray source The retaining part is a member having an L-shape when viewed from above, and the L-shape is one of two sides constituting the L-shape, and a first member to which the photographing part is attached, and an L-shape And the second member to which the guide portion is attached, which is the other of the two sides constituting the outer shape of the photographing portion, and the outer shape of the photographing portion is thicker than the upper portion when viewed from the side, showing the side closer to the retaining portion , The upper half including at least the upper part of the front surface showing the light receiving surface side of the X-ray imaging element has an arc shape, When viewed from the side, the central part is thicker than the side part, and at least the upper part of the front surface has an arc shape, and the case forms the outer shape of the photographing part, or the cover that covers at least the front part of the case is the photographing part. The outer shape is formed, or the cover and the case form the outer shape of the photographing unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus that hardly causes pain even if it touches the palate or the floor of the oral cavity.

It is a block diagram of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus and X-ray apparatus in this embodiment. It is a perspective view of a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus held by a user in a state where a grip is located below a retaining part and a light receiving part is located above the retaining part. It is a side view which shows the structure of an imaging | photography part, a photography auxiliary tool, and an X-ray apparatus. It is a top view which shows the structure of an imaging | photography part, an imaging assistance tool, and an X-ray apparatus. It is the perspective view which looked at the case and cover before the case was covered with the cover from the back. It is the perspective view which looked at the case and cover after the case was covered with the cover from the back. It is a perspective view of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus provided with two grips from the side where the back surface of the light emitting surface of the first light emitting unit can be seen. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus provided with two grips from the side where the light emitting surface of the first light emitting part can be seen, in which the grip shape is rounded and the grip is provided with the first light emitting part.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an imaging unit 10, a grip 30, and an imaging auxiliary tool (indicator) 50 (see FIG. 1).
In order to indicate the direction, the horizontal direction in which the photographing unit 10 and the bearing unit 31 of the grip 30 are arranged is the x direction, the horizontal direction in which the photographing unit 10 and the guide unit 59 are arranged is the y direction, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the x direction and the y direction is z. It is assumed that the direction is.

  The imaging unit 10 includes an X-ray light receiving unit. The X-ray light receiving unit of the imaging unit 10 includes a scintillator that converts X-rays into visible light, and an X-ray imaging device such as a CCD that converts the visible light into electric charges.

As for the outer shape of the imaging unit 10, when viewed from the side, the lower part (side closer to the rotation shaft 53) is thicker than the upper part, and at least the upper half of the front surface (the side where the light receiving surface of the X-ray imaging device is present) has an arc shape. However, as viewed from above, the central part is thicker than the side part, and at least the upper part of the front surface has an arc shape (see FIG. 5).
The upper part here indicates the side close to the palate when photographing the upper teeth (the side closer to the oral cavity when photographing the lower teeth).

  For this reason, the upper part of the front surface of the imaging unit 10 has a rounded shape with no corners, and when the imaging unit 10 is inserted into the oral cavity, it is difficult to feel pain even if the upper part touches the palate or the oral floor.

The case 10a that covers the X-ray light receiving unit may form the outer shape of the imaging unit 10, or the cover 10b that covers at least the front surface of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped case 10a forms the outer shape of the imaging unit 10, or the cover 10b and the case 10a may form an outer shape of the photographing unit 10.
When the cover 10b is used, a general X-ray light receiving unit including a case 10a having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape can be used for the imaging unit 10 of the present embodiment by using the cover 10b whose upper front portion is rounded. This becomes possible (see FIGS. 6 and 7).
On the other hand, in the case where the case 10a whose upper front portion is rounded forms the outer shape of the photographing unit 10 without using the cover 10b, the dimensions of the photographing unit 10 are larger than those in the case where the cover 10b covers the case 10a. It becomes possible to make it smaller.

  6 and 7, in order to clarify the positional relationship between the case 10a and the cover 10b, a mode in which a larger cover 10b is provided with respect to the case 10a will be described. However, a member inserted into the oral cavity can be formed. In order to reduce the size of the cover 10b, it is desirable to use a cover 10b having a thin thickness that is almost the same as the outer shape of the case 10a.

  An electric line for supplying power to the X-ray light receiving unit and transmitting / receiving signals extends from the lower end of the imaging unit 10 to the grip 30 through the inside of a retaining unit 55 (first member 55a) described later.

  In the case where the case 10a forms at least the back side of the outer shape of the imaging unit 10, the electrical wire connector 10c extending from the X-ray image sensor is provided on the back surface of the X-ray image sensor and inside the case 10a. The cable 10d connected to the connector 10c extends from the lower end of the case 10a to the grip 30 through the inside of the retaining portion 55.

  In the case where the cover 10b covers the front and back surfaces of the case 10a, the electrical wire connector 10c extending from the X-ray imaging device is preferably provided on the back surface of the case 10a so as to protrude rearward from the lower center. . The cable 10d connected to the connector 10c extends from the lower end of the cover 10b to the grip 30 through the inside of the retaining portion 55 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  Since the possibility of touching the palate and the floor of the mouth during photographing is low, the lower part of the photographing unit 10 is unlikely to cause trouble even if it is thickened by the connector 10c or the like. In addition, by providing the connector 10c at the lower center of the back surface of the case 10a, it is possible to easily route the cable not only downward but also on the right side and the left side.

In addition, instead of a mode in which signal transmission / reception from the X-ray light receiving unit is performed via the cable 10d, a mode in which the signal is transmitted wirelessly may be employed. In this case, a device that performs wireless communication and a battery that drives the device and the X-ray imaging device are built in the imaging unit 10.
However, a mode in which signal transmission / reception from the X-ray light receiving unit is performed wirelessly, or a mode in which power is supplied from the battery 39 via the cable 10d may be employed.

  The grip 30 is centered on the rotating shaft 53 through a bearing portion 31 (a part of the retaining portion 55 (the first member 55a extending in the x direction) also functions as a bearing of the rotating shaft 53) serving as a bearing for the rotating shaft 53. It is attached to the photographing assisting tool 50 in a state where it can be rotated to the right. The grip 30 supplies power to the angle sensor 54, the first light emitting unit 56, the light emitting device changeover switch 61, the control unit 37 that controls the X-ray image sensor, the first light emitting unit 56, the second light emitting unit 63, and the X-ray image sensor. A battery 39 to be supplied and an image processing device (not shown) for performing image processing on an image signal obtained by the X-ray image sensor are incorporated.

  A first lock mechanism 33 that controls the rotatable state of the grip 30 around the rotation shaft 53 is provided in the grip 30 (or the retaining portion 55). When the locked state by the first lock mechanism 33 is released, the grip 30 is brought into a rotatable state around the rotation shaft 53. When locked by the first lock mechanism 33, the grip 30 is fixed to the retaining portion 55 in a non-rotatable state around the rotation shaft 53. Even if the first locking mechanism 33 is locked and the grip 30 is fixed to the retaining portion 55, the rotation operation around the rotation shaft 53 of the photographing unit 10 is not limited.

  For example, when the grip 30 is fixed in a positional relationship such that the photographing unit 10 is located above the retaining unit 55 and the grip 30 is located below the retaining unit 55 when viewed from the side, When the imaging unit 10 is easily positioned, the grip 30 is fixed in a positional relationship such that the imaging unit 10 and the grip 30 are above the retaining unit 55, and the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is turned upside down, It is easy to position the imaging unit 10 near the lower teeth.

  The grip 30 may be held by the subject or may be held by an operator such as a dentist. Since the photographing unit 10 and the like are held by gripping the grip 30, it is not necessary to bite the retaining unit 55 for holding the photographing unit 10 and the like, and the photographing is performed while keeping the mouth open. Is possible. For this reason, even when the subject cannot perform occlusion successfully, the X-ray imaging element or the like can be maintained in the oral cavity. Further, since the grip 30 holds the members other than the grip 30 of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 (the imaging unit 10 and the imaging assistance tool 50 that holds the imaging unit 10), the members are held by occlusion. Compared to the form, there is an advantage that holding can be easily performed even if the weight of the retaining portion 55 and the like is increased. In addition, since the grip 30 is separated from the imaging unit 10, there is a merit that the hand holding the grip 30 is hardly affected by the radiation from the X-ray apparatus 70.

  Since the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is held by holding the grip 30, the subject can take an image with the mouth open without biting. Since the mouth is in an open state, light from a first light-emitting unit 56, which will be described later, can be seen from the mouth, and alignment (first alignment) between the imaging unit 10 and the imaging target tooth can be easily performed.

  By changing the angle (second angle θ2) formed by the grip 30 and the retaining portion 55, photographing is performed with a positional relationship (holding position of the grip 30) that is convenient for the person holding the grip 30 (subject or operator). The part 10 can be inserted into an appropriate position in the oral cavity.

  Further, by moving the grip 30, the position of the rotation shaft 53 in the oral cavity changes, and accordingly, the position where the imaging unit 10 and the retaining unit 55 come into contact with the intraoral site such as the palate changes. The angle (first angle θ1) formed by the imaging surface of the X-ray imaging device of the unit 10 and the retaining unit 55 also changes. Information about the first angle θ1 is shown in an angle display unit 57 provided outside the oral cavity as will be described later.

  Accordingly, it is possible to freely change the direction of the normal of the imaging surface of the X-ray imaging device of the imaging unit 10 with the grip 30 held. That is, when the user (operator or subject) holds the grip 30, the imaging unit 10 is held in a state where the first angle θ1 can be adjusted.

  Further, as will be described later, information on the first angle θ1 is acquired and controlled by an angle sensor 54 provided in the vicinity of the imaging unit 10 (or inside the retaining unit 55, the imaging unit 10, or the bearing unit 31). The unit 37 controls the light emitting device changeover switch 61 based on the information about the first angle θ1 from the angle sensor 54, and the battery is connected to one of the first light emitting device 63a to the fourth light emitting device 63d in the second light emitting unit 63. The power from 39 is supplied.

  Although the photographing unit 10 and the grip 30 are made rotatable with respect to the retaining unit 55, by using the rotation shaft 53 in common, it is possible to simplify the mechanism relating to the rotational movement. By simplifying, it becomes possible to easily hold the grip 30 correctly without breaking even a subject who is not familiar with it.

  In addition, the grip 30 is less limited in size than the retaining unit 55 and the photographing unit 10, and it is easy to secure a space in which electric parts such as the battery 39 are built. Further, by collecting as much electrical parts as possible inside the grip 30, it becomes possible to reduce the members (the imaging unit 10 and the imaging aid 50) other than the grip 30 of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1. When the grip 30 is gripped, it is possible to hold members (the imaging unit 10 and the imaging assisting tool 50) other than the grip 30 of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 in a stable state.

  In the present embodiment, the grip 30 has been described as being configured by a single rod-shaped member having a polygonal prism shape, but two or more rod-shaped members and a joint member such as a ball joint are the two or more rod-shaped members. The form which is provided between them and changes the shape of the grip 30 by changing the angle formed by the two or more rod-shaped members may be used. However, from the viewpoint of simplification of the structure including durability, it is constituted by an integral rod-like member without providing such a joint member, and only by a rotating operation around the rotation shaft 53 in the bearing portion 31 provided at the end portion. A form in which the positional relationship between the grip 30 and the retaining portion 55 is determined is desirable.

  The polygonal column shape of the grip 30 may be one having rounded corners (see FIG. 9) so as to be easily gripped, or a substantially cylindrical shape.

  However, the holding of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is not limited to the gripping using the grip 30, and the holding by engaging the retaining portion 55 or the like is the outer shape of the imaging unit 10 in this embodiment. In addition, the effect of making the upper part of the front surface in an arc shape when viewed from the side or from above (the effect of making it difficult to feel pain even when touching the palate) is obtained.

  Next, details of the photographing assisting tool 50 will be described. The photographing assisting tool 50 includes a rotation shaft 53, a retaining part (retaining substrate) 55, a first light emitting part 56, an angle display part 57, and a guide part 59.

  The imaging unit 10 is attached to a connection unit 53 a on the rotation shaft 53. The connection portion 53a is provided at a portion inserted into the oral cavity of the retaining portion 55 during imaging using the X-ray apparatus 70 including the X-ray source LS, and an angle (first angle θ1) formed with the retaining portion 55 is set. The photographing unit 10 is held in a changeable state. The imaging unit 10 may be fixed to the connection unit 53a by screwing or the like, or may be configured to be attached to the connection unit 53a in a detachable state with a part of the imaging unit 10 being sandwiched. The part 10 and the rotating shaft 53 may be integrally formed.

  When the imaging unit 10 is attached to the connection unit 53a and the imaging unit 10 rotates around the rotation shaft 53 within the range necessary for imaging, the imaging unit 10 and the connection unit 53a do not interfere with the retaining unit 55. As such, the dimensions of these members are determined.

  The rotating shaft 53 has the photographing unit 10 attached to one end via a connecting portion 53a, the angle display portion 57 attached to the other end, and the rotating shaft 53 of the photographing unit 10 attached to the connecting portion 53a. Is transmitted to the angle display unit 57 via the rotation shaft 53, and the angle display unit 57 is rotated. Similarly, the rotational movement about the rotation shaft 53 of the angle display unit 57 is transmitted to the imaging unit 10 attached to the connection unit 53 a via the rotation shaft 53 to rotate the imaging unit 10. Further, a biasing member 53b such as a spring is provided on the rotary shaft 53 or the like so that a biasing force is applied so that the front side of the photographing unit 10 attached to the connection unit 53a approaches the upper surface of the retaining unit 55 ( (See FIG. 5).

  Further, the grip 30 is provided with a second lock mechanism 35 that controls the rotatable state of the photographing unit 10 around the rotation shaft 53. When locked by the second lock mechanism 35, the first angle θ <b> 1 does not change, and when the locked state by the second lock mechanism 35 is released, the imaging unit 10 rotates with an urging force. Since the grip 30 and the photographing unit 10 share the rotation shaft 53, it is possible to provide the grip 30 with a structure including an operation button interlocked with the second lock mechanism 35. The second lock mechanism 35 can easily adjust the positional relationship between the photographing unit 10 and the retaining unit 55.

  The retaining part 55 is a member having a substantially L shape when viewed from above, and the photographing part 10 is attached to one end of the retaining part 55 (the first member 55a extending in the x direction) via the rotation shaft 53. The guide portion 59 is attached to the other end (the second member 55b extending in the y direction).

  In the state where the reamer is attached, the imaging target tooth cannot come into contact with the retaining portion 55. Therefore, in order to avoid the reamer at the position where the distal end of the imaging subject tooth in the retaining portion 55 approaches during imaging, A form in which a notch (or hole) 55c is provided at a position facing the imaging target tooth is desirable.

  The 1st light emission part 56 has a light-emitting body attached to the position close | similar to the imaging | photography part 10 in the imaging | photography auxiliary tool 50, and lights up in the step before performing imaging | photography operation | movement. The first light emitting unit 56 is provided in the notch 55c, and is particularly provided at a position where the light emission state can be visually recognized from the lower surface (see FIG. 2).

  In the case where the upper tooth is a subject to be photographed, the user looks at the first light-emitting unit 56 that is lit and looks into the subject's mouth from below, and confirms that the photographing unit 10 is in the vicinity thereof. .

  When the lower teeth are set as the imaging target teeth, the user looks into the first light emitting unit 56 that is lit up and looks into the subject's mouth from above, and confirms that the imaging unit 10 is in the vicinity thereof. .

  When shooting with the imaging unit 10 or the like inserted into the oral cavity, the upper surface of the imaging assisting tool 50 and the surface of the imaging unit 10 are in a positional relationship facing the imaging target tooth, and are difficult to see from outside the oral cavity. Since the lower surface of the auxiliary tool 50 is visible from outside the oral cavity, if some of these are lit, the positional relationship in the oral cavity of the imaging unit 10 can be predicted from outside the oral cavity based on the lighting position. . For this reason, it becomes easy to perform alignment (first alignment) between the imaging unit 10 and the imaging target tooth by confirming the position of the first light emitting unit 56 that is lit and easily visible.

  A configuration in which the periphery of the light emitter of the first light emitting unit 56 is configured by a light guide member (for example, an acrylic plate) may be employed. In this case, the light of the first light emitting unit 56 is diffused from the light guide member, and the light emitting area is widened, so that it is easy to confirm the lighting position.

  The control of turning on and off the first light emitting unit 56 may be linked to an on / off operation of a main power switch (not shown) or the like (the first light emitting unit 56 is always lit when the main power is on). Alternatively, a lighting operation button 38 for operating to turn off or turn off may be provided on the grip 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  In the present embodiment, when the first light emitting unit 56 and the second light emitting unit 63 are turned on by the operation of the lighting operation button 38, the first light emitting unit 56 is turned on, and the first light emitting unit 63 among the first light emitting units 63 is turned on. The light emitting device corresponding to the angle θ1 is turned on. When the first light emitting unit 56 and the second light emitting unit 63 are turned off by the operation of the lighting operation button 38, they are turned off.

  The angle display portion 57 is attached to a portion of the retaining portion 55 that is not inserted into the oral cavity so that it can be seen from outside the oral cavity even when the connection portion 53a is inserted into the oral cavity, and has a cylindrical shape. The top surface (or the cylindrical portion (side surface)) is formed at an angle (first angle θ1, see FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) formed by the imaging unit 10 attached to the connection portion 53a and the retaining portion 55. As related information, a scale including a plurality of mark lines is attached.

  In the present embodiment, a mode in which information about the first angle θ1 is mechanically transmitted to the angle display unit 57 via the rotation shaft 53 will be described. However, the angle sensor 54 detects information about the first angle θ1 and is electrically Alternatively, it may be transmitted to the angle display unit 57 and displayed.

  Based on the positional relationship between the scale of the angle display portion 57 and the retaining portion 55, that is, based on the reference line closest to the reference position (for example, the upper surface of the retaining portion 55), it is inserted into the oral cavity and cannot be seen (connection) It is possible to read information relating to the angle (first angle θ1) formed by the imaging unit 10 and the retaining unit 55 (attached to the unit 53a), and to align the X-ray device 70 in the positioning unit 59c of the guide unit 59. used.

  In the present embodiment, an electrical connection is provided between the guide portion 59 and the retaining portion 55, and the positioning mark of the positioning portion 59c is based on information on the first angle θ1 obtained by the angle sensor 54. (Any light emitter such as an LED provided in the first light-emitting device 63a to the fourth light-emitting device 63d) lights up.

  For this reason, the information regarding the first angle θ1 displayed on the angle display unit 57 is for confirmation, and the alignment between the X-ray apparatus 70 and the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 can be omitted. (Second alignment) can be performed.

  The guide part 59 includes a retaining part connection part 59a, a guide ring 59b, and a positioning part 59c. The guide unit 59 is attached to the retaining unit 55 so that the guide ring 59b faces the imaging unit 10 attached to the connection unit 53a, and positioning of the irradiation port of the X-ray apparatus 70 in X-ray imaging (first step). 2 alignment).

  The retaining portion connecting portion 59a is a member that is attached to the end portion of the portion (second member 55b) that is not inserted into the oral cavity of the retaining portion 55 during imaging using the X-ray device 70.

  The guide ring 59b has an oblong shape that is vertically long when viewed from the photographing unit 10 (may be a substantially U shape with an open upper portion in an upright state), and is attached to the retaining portion connection portion 59a.

  The guide ring 59b is located on a reference line LP perpendicular to the imaging surface through the center of the imaging surface of the imaging unit 10 when viewed from above the retaining unit 55, and is separated from the imaging surface by a first distance (200 mm). It is used to position (second positioning) the X-ray apparatus 70 including the X-ray source LS so that the X-ray source LS is disposed at the position (see FIG. 5).

  A positioning portion 59c is provided on the side portion of the guide ring 59b. The positioning unit 59c is provided with a second light emitting unit 63 including a plurality of light emitting devices as information (a plurality of positioning marks) corresponding to the first angle θ1 (marking line of the scale of the angle display unit 57). In the present embodiment, four positioning marks, that is, four light emitting devices (first light emitting device 63a to fourth light emitting device 63d) are provided in the positioning portion 59c. However, the number of positioning marks (light emitting devices) Is not limited to this.

  A light-emitting device that is supplied with power and is supplied with power to any one of the light-emitting devices constituting the second light-emitting unit 63 via the light-emitting device changeover switch 61 that corresponds to the information about the first angle θ1. Lights up.

  In order to confirm with the information regarding the first angle θ1 indicated by the angle display unit 57, each of the light emitting devices of the second light emitting unit 63 is the same as or close to the mark line of the scale of the angle display unit 57 having a corresponding relationship. It is desirable to emit light in color.

  The on / off control of the second light emitting unit 63 is interlocked with an on / off operation of a main power switch (not shown) (any of the light emitting devices always corresponds to the first angle θ1 when the main power is on). The lighting operation button 38 for operating lighting or extinguishing may be provided on the grip 30 or the like.

  In the present embodiment, when the first light emitting unit 56 and the second light emitting unit 63 are turned on by turning on the lighting operation button 38, the first light emitting unit 56 is turned on, and the second light emitting unit 63 among the second light emitting units 63 is turned on. Electric power is supplied to the light emitting device (any one of the first light emitting device 63a to the fourth light emitting device 63d) corresponding to one angle θ1, and the light emitting device is turned on. By the turning-off operation of the lighting operation button 38, the first light emitting unit 56 and the second light emitting unit 63 are turned off (turns off).

  It is emitted from the X-ray source LS of the X-ray apparatus 70 installed in alignment with the positioning mark corresponding to the mark line closest to the reference position (for example, the upper surface of the retaining part 55) among the mark lines on the scale of the angle display part 57. The central axis LX of the X-ray bundle can be substantially perpendicular to the bisector of the surface including the imaging surface of the imaging unit 10 and the tooth axis of the imaging target tooth as viewed from the side of the retaining unit 55. A plurality of positioning marks (first light emitting device 63a to fourth light emitting device 63d) are provided in the positioning portion 59c (see FIG. 4).

  That is, when the X-ray apparatus 70 is installed in accordance with the positioning mark corresponding to the information related to the first angle θ1 among the two or more positioning marks (the first light emitting device 63a to the fourth light emitting device 63d), The central axis LX of the X-ray bundle emitted from the radiation source LS is substantially perpendicular to the bisector of the surface including the imaging surface of the imaging unit 10 and the tooth axis of the imaging target tooth as viewed from the measurement of the retaining unit 55. Two or more positioning marks are provided on the positioning portion 59c.

  When the first angle θ1 is small, that is, when the imaging surface of the imaging unit 10 is nearly parallel to the upper surface of the retaining unit 55, it corresponds to the positioning mark (first light emitting device 63a) away from the retaining unit 55. The mark line of the scale of the angle display unit 57 to be close to the reference position.

  When the first angle θ1 is large, that is, when the imaging surface of the imaging unit 10 is close to the upper surface of the retaining unit 55, it corresponds to a positioning mark (fourth light emitting device 63d) near the retaining unit 55. The mark line of the scale of the angle display unit 57 is close to the reference position.

  The X-ray apparatus 70 is an apparatus that emits X-rays from one X-ray light source LS through an irradiation port, and is used when obtaining an X-ray image. The irradiation port of the X-ray apparatus 70 has a surface perpendicular to the central axis LX of the X-ray bundle emitted from the X-ray source LS.

  When the irradiation port of the X-ray apparatus 70 is installed at a predetermined position of the guide ring 59b (a position corresponding to a positioning mark corresponding to the first angle θ1), it is emitted from the X-ray source LS when viewed from above. The guide ring 59b has a substantially arc shape when viewed from the side and a substantially linear shape when viewed from above so that the center axis LX of the X-ray bundle to be passed passes through the center of the imaging surface of the imaging unit 10 ( (See FIGS. 4 and 5).

  For this reason, the reference line LP that passes through the center of the imaging surface of the imaging unit 10 and is perpendicular to the imaging surface and the central axis LX of the X-ray bundle emitted from the X-ray source LS overlap each other when viewed from above the retaining unit 55. Due to the positional relationship, the irradiation port of the X-ray apparatus 70 is disposed in the vicinity of the guide ring 59b.

  If a linear index 73 parallel to the central axis LX when viewed from the side is provided on the side of the X-ray apparatus 70 so that the index 73 and the positioning mark of the positioning portion 59c coincide with each other, alignment is achieved. (Second alignment) can be easily performed (see FIG. 4).

  At the time of imaging using the X-ray device 70, a part of the imaging assisting tool 50 such as the imaging unit 10 and the connection unit 53a is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject, and the tooth axis of the imaging target tooth and the retaining unit 55 are connected. The photographing assisting tool 50 is held by the grip 30 in a state of being substantially vertical. At this time, the angle display part 57 and the guide part 59 are located outside the oral cavity.

  Further, at the time of imaging, the waterproof cover is covered with a portion (a part of the retaining portion 55 (first member 55a), the imaging unit 10) inserted into the oral cavity of the subject of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1. Is desirable.

  Next, an operation procedure will be described. A part including the imaging unit 10 of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 in a state in which a part of the retaining unit 55 (first member 55a), the imaging unit 10 and the like are covered with a waterproof cover is an imaging target tooth. Is inserted into the oral cavity of a subject. Prior to insertion, the grip 30 is held in a state in which the grip 30 and the retaining portion 55 (second angle θ2) are easily used by the user by the first lock mechanism 33 provided in the bearing portion 31. It is desirable to fix to.

  The user takes a picture while turning on the first light emitting unit 56 and the second light emitting unit 63 by operating the lighting operation button 38 provided on the grip 30 and watching the light of the first light emitting unit 56 through the waterproof cover. Positioning of the part 10 and the imaging target tooth (first positioning) is performed.

  The positional relationship between the imaging unit 10 and the retaining unit 55 in the oral cavity is determined based on the shape of the subject in the oral cavity, the position where the imaging unit 10 or the like is inserted, and the first angle θ1 is determined. When the second locking mechanism 35 is provided, the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is in a locked state in which the imaging unit 10 and the retaining unit 55 are fixed in a widened state (the first angle θ1 is small). When a part is inserted into the oral cavity and then the locked state of the second locking mechanism 35 is released and the imaging unit 10 comes into contact with the palate or the like, the positional relationship between the imaging unit 10 and the retaining unit 55 in the oral cavity is determined. To do.

  Of the first light emitting device 63a to the fourth light emitting device 63d of the second light emitting unit 63, the light emitting device corresponding to the first angle θ1 is supplied with electric power from the battery 39 via the light emitting device changeover switch 61. The light emitting device is turned on.

  The user of the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 installs the irradiation port of the X-ray apparatus 70 so as to align the index 73 with the light-emitting device that is lit (second alignment).

  After the first alignment and the second alignment are completed, the lighting operation button 38 is operated to turn off the first light emitting unit 56 and the second light emitting unit 63, and from the battery 39 to the first light emitting unit 56 and the second light emitting unit 56. The power supply to the light emitting unit 63 is stopped. Thereafter, an imaging operation is performed by performing a predetermined operation such as X-ray irradiation by the X-ray apparatus 70.

  In the imaging operation, the imaging unit 10 images the visible light converted by the scintillator. The image signal obtained by the imaging operation is subjected to image processing for obtaining an X-ray image by an image processing device built in the grip 30 (or an external image processing device connected to the grip 30 by wire or wirelessly). Applied.

  If the irradiation port of the X-ray device 70 is arranged so that the index 73 is aligned with the light emitting device that is lit, the central axis LX of the X-ray bundle emitted from the X-ray source LS of the X-ray device 70 is When viewed from the side, it can be made substantially perpendicular to the bisector of the surface including the imaging surface of the X-ray light receiving unit built in the imaging unit 10 and the tooth axis of the imaging subject tooth, By the imaging method, it is possible to obtain an X-ray image of the imaging target tooth in a state close to the actual length.

  In the present embodiment, in consideration of the bisection imaging method, that is, the central axis LX of the X-ray bundle includes the imaging surface of the X-ray imaging element built in the imaging unit 10 when viewed from the side. The shape of the side portion of the guide ring 59b and the positioning mark (the position where the light emitting device is installed) of the positioning portion 59c are determined so as to be substantially perpendicular to the bisector of the surface and the tooth axis of the imaging target tooth. Although the embodiment has been described, it may be an embodiment in which these are determined in consideration of other imaging methods.

  For example, the shape of the side portion of the guide ring 59b is set so that the central axis LX of the X-ray bundle is substantially perpendicular to the surface including the imaging surface of the X-ray imaging element built in the imaging unit 10 when viewed from the side. The positioning mark (installation position of the light emitting device) of the positioning portion 59c may be determined.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the form in which the grip 30 is attached to the photographing auxiliary tool 50 in a state where the grip 30 can rotate around the rotation shaft 53 has been described. Since the structure of the rotation mechanism can be simplified by not changing the second angle θ2, it is possible to improve durability.

  In this case, it is desirable that the grip 30 has a first grip 30a extending upward and a second grip 30b extending downwardly of the L-shape constituting the retaining portion 55 (see FIG. 8, see FIG. By grasping either the first grip 30a or the second grip 30b, the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 can be gripped from either above or below, and the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus There is an advantage that even if 1 is turned upside down, it can be held without changing the holding posture.

  The first grip 30a and the second grip 30b both incorporate a battery 39 having substantially the same weight, or incorporate a battery 39 on one side and a member having substantially the same weight as the battery 39 on the other side. It is desirable to have the same size and weight. For example, a configuration in which the battery 39 for driving the first light emitting unit 56 is built in the first grip 30a and the battery 39 for driving the second light emitting unit 63 is built in the second grip 30b is conceivable. In this case, it is easy to hold the dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 1 in a well-balanced manner regardless of whether the first grip 30a or the second grip 30b is gripped.

  Further, although the grip 30 is attached to the retaining portion 55 and the grip 30 holds the retaining portion 55 has been described, the grip 30 is attached to the photographing portion 10 and the grip 30 holds the photographing portion 10. There may be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus 10 Imaging | photography part 10a Case 10b Cover 10c Connector 10d Cable 30 Grip 30a 1st grip 30b 2nd grip 31 Bearing part 33 1st locking mechanism 35 2nd locking mechanism 37 Control part 38 Lighting operation button 39 Battery 50 Imaging aid 53 Rotating shaft 53a Connection portion 53b Energizing member 54 Angle sensor 55 Retaining portion 55a First member 55b Second member 55c Notch portion 56 First light emitting portion 57 Angle display portion 59 Guide portion 59a Retaining portion connection portion 59b Guide ring 59c Positioning unit 61 Light emitting device changeover switch 63 Second light emitting unit 63a to 63d First light emitting device to fourth light emitting device 70 X-ray device 73 Index LX Central axis LP The center of the imaging surface of the imaging unit as viewed from above LS X-ray source θ1 1 1 angle θ2 2nd angle

Claims (5)

An X-ray light receiving unit having an X-ray image sensor;
An imaging unit for use in a dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a case that covers the X-ray receiving unit,
When viewed from the side, the outer shape of the imaging unit is such that the upper part indicating the side close to the palate when imaging the upper teeth is thinner than the lower part, and at least the upper part of the front surface indicating the side where the light receiving surface of the X-ray imaging device is present The upper half including the arc shape, as viewed from above, the central portion is thicker than the side portion, and at least the upper portion of the front surface has an arc shape,
The case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, the cover that covers at least the front surface of the case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, or the cover and the case form the outer shape of the photographing unit. An imaging unit characterized by that. The case has a rectangular parallelepiped shape,
The photographing unit according to claim 1, wherein the cover forms an outer shape of the photographing unit, or the cover and the case form an outer shape of the photographing unit. The case has a rectangular parallelepiped shape,
The cover forms an outer shape of the photographing unit;
The electrical wire connector extending from the X-ray imaging device is provided at the lower center of the back surface of the case, and the cable connected to the connector is connected to an external device via the lower end of the cover. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein: An imaging unit having an X-ray light receiving unit having an X-ray image sensor and a case covering the X-ray light receiving unit;
A grip for holding the photographing unit,
When viewed from the side, the outer shape of the imaging unit is such that the upper part indicating the side close to the palate when imaging the upper teeth is thinner than the lower part, and at least the upper part of the front surface indicating the side where the light receiving surface of the X-ray imaging device is present The upper half including the arc shape, as viewed from above, the central portion is thicker than the side portion, and at least the upper portion of the front surface has an arc shape,
The case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, the cover that covers at least the front surface of the case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, or the cover and the case form the outer shape of the photographing unit. A dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus. An imaging unit having an X-ray light receiving unit having an X-ray image sensor and a case covering the X-ray light receiving unit;
Positioning the X-ray irradiation unit of the X-ray apparatus during imaging using a X-ray apparatus including an X-ray source provided at a position connected to the holding unit and opposed to the imaging unit. A photographing aid having a guide part used to
The retaining part is a member having an L shape when viewed from above,
The L-shape is one of two sides constituting the L-shape and the first member to which the photographing unit is attached, and the other of the two sides constituting the L-shape and the guide portion is A second member to be attached;
The outer shape of the imaging unit is an upper half including at least the upper part of the front surface showing the side where the light receiving surface of the X-ray imaging device is present, with the lower part indicating the side close to the retaining part being thicker than the upper part when viewed from the side. Has an arc shape, and when viewed from above, a central portion is thicker than a side portion, and at least the upper portion of the front surface has an arc shape,
The case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, the cover that covers at least the front surface of the case forms the outer shape of the photographing unit, or the cover and the case form the outer shape of the photographing unit. A dental intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus.

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