JP3223042B2 - Dental treatment device with cordless handpiece and root canal length measurement function - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dental treatment apparatus having a root canal length measuring function, comprising a cordless handpiece and a charger having a charging circuit for charging a power supply battery of the handpiece. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a device in which a cutting tool such as a file or a reamer is used also as an electrode for measuring a root canal length so that a root canal treatment can be performed while measuring a root canal length (for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. Sho 57-76). -3303, JP-A-5-64643, etc.). The handpiece used in this case is connected to the stationary control device by a tube that integrates a control lead wire as well as a water injection pipe as necessary, but this tube has poor operability. Is a factor in

[0003] In the conventional apparatus, the root canal length measurement circuit and a display unit for displaying the measurement result are provided in a stationary control device separate from the handpiece. It was necessary to move the line of sight to check the display data.

Further, in the above conventional example, the lead wire of the root canal length measurement circuit is wired from the stationary control device to the handpiece and directly connected to the cutting tool, so that the operability of the handpiece deteriorates. In addition, there is a problem in that it is necessary to externally connect the lead wires of the measurement circuit for each treatment, and the operation is troublesome.

[0005]

In view of these points, the present invention employs a cordless handpiece having a built-in root canal length measuring circuit, and eliminates the need for externally connecting the lead wires of the measuring circuit. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the operability and ease of use of a treatment device having a root canal length measurement function.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a cordless handpiece according to the present invention comprises a main body having at least a motor for driving a cutting tool, a root canal length measuring circuit and a power supply battery; It is composed of a head portion on which a cutting tool for measuring root canal length is mounted.

Further, in the above configuration, the tool holding mechanism of the head portion is electrically connected to one terminal of the root canal length measurement circuit through at least a conductive member inside the head portion. In addition, the cutting tool and one terminal of the root canal length measuring circuit can be electrically connected by a detachable external lead wire.

In each of the above handpieces, at least an outer surface of a portion to be inserted into the oral cavity of a patient is formed of an insulating material.

In addition, at least a measurement result by a root canal length measuring circuit and an insertion position for automatically stopping or reversing the cutting tool when the cutting tool is inserted to a set position in the root canal, or reducing the operating speed thereof. Storage means for storing any one of data related to the communication and data received through communication with the charger. Hereinafter, automatically stopping or reversing the cutting tool when the cutting tool is inserted to the set position as described above, or reducing the operation speed thereof, is collectively referred to as auto-stop.

Further, there is provided a display means for displaying at least one of a measurement result by the root canal length measurement circuit, data relating to the set position of the auto stop, and data received through communication with the charger. This display means comprises, for example, a plurality of display dots, and is configured such that the blinking cycle of each display dot changes or the display color changes according to the measurement result by the root canal length measurement circuit, or the sound output is changed. It is configured to emit.

Means for controlling the automatic stop based on the measurement result by the root canal length measuring circuit, and / or
Alternatively, setting means for setting a position at which the automatic stop is performed is provided. The function of this auto stop control is
It is also possible to make it possible to temporarily release by the release means. The handpiece may be provided with setting means for setting the number of rotations of the motor.

Further, the display means and the setting means are provided on the main body, and the main body is configured to be rotatable with respect to the shank of the head portion. A rotation mechanism that also serves as a stopper is provided to enable rotation.

Further, there is provided a detecting means for detecting that the battery is set in the charger.

A dental treatment apparatus having a root canal length measuring function according to the present invention comprises a cordless handpiece having at least a motor for driving a cutting tool, a root canal length measuring circuit and a power supply battery as described above, and at least the power supply. And a charger having a charging circuit for charging the battery.

The dental treatment apparatus can be provided with a two-way communication means for transmitting and receiving data between the handpiece and the charger. The communication means includes a wired communication means for transmitting and receiving data via a signal circuit connected to each other when the handpiece is set on the charger, and a data communication means when the handpiece is not set on the charger. Wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving is possible, and either one or both of them can be provided.

In the case of wired communication means, there is room in the capacity of the signal circuit and the control device, but in the case of wireless communication means, the space and weight on the handpiece side are particularly limited. Therefore, it is desirable that the data to be transmitted and received be limited to those having a high degree of necessity. Either data or data related to the state of charge of the power supply battery.

The charger is provided with display means for data transmitted and received by the communication means.

Further, the charger is provided with a measuring terminal which is conducted to the root canal length measuring circuit of the handpiece when the handpiece is set in the charger.

The charger is provided with setting operation means for controlling the motor of the handpiece. As the setting operation means, for example, a manual switch is provided on the charger or connected to the charger. A foot pedal is provided.

Further, the charger is provided with an equivalent impedance for calibration of the root canal length measuring circuit, so that the calibration of the root canal length measuring circuit can be performed when the handpiece is set in the charger. .

Further, the charger is provided with a plurality of setting portions on which the handpieces are set, so that charging and communication with the plurality of handpieces can be performed.

[0022]

The cordless handpiece of the present invention includes a motor for driving a cutting tool, a root canal length measuring circuit, and a power supply battery, and is required by mounting a cutting tool for measuring the root canal length on a head portion. Cutting treatment and root canal length measurement can be performed, but since there is no lead wire connecting the stationary type control device and the handpiece, the handpiece can be operated without bothering and the operability is significantly improved. To improve.

Further, since the tool holding mechanism of the head portion conducts to at least one terminal of the root canal length measuring circuit through at least a conductive member inside the head portion, external wiring for the cutting tool becomes unnecessary.

Further, in the case where the cutting tool and one terminal of the root canal length measuring circuit are electrically connected by an external lead wire, the lead wire does not obstruct so much, the operability is good, and the structure of the handpiece is simple. Become.

In addition, since the outer surface of at least the portion to be inserted into the oral cavity of the patient is made of an insulating material, even if a part of the handpiece touches the patient, the measurement circuit is not affected and the measurement can be performed. We can continue without trouble.

Also, by storing the root canal length measurement result, the auto-stop position, and the data received from the charger, it becomes possible to perform the control necessary for the operation even with a small-capacity storage means.

Further, by displaying the above-mentioned various data on the handpiece, the operator can continue the operation while confirming the necessary minimum display at hand, and the display means for emitting sound output. If there is, the display can be confirmed without moving the line of sight.

Also, by providing an auto-stop control means and an auto-stop position setting means, the auto-stop control can be performed, and the motor can be re-driven by temporarily releasing the auto-stop control by the release means. In addition, the operation of extracting the cutting tool from the root canal becomes easy.

Further, by making the main body provided with the display means and the setting means rotatable with respect to the shank of the head portion, it is possible to confirm the display and perform the setting operation irrespective of the treatment site.

Further, by providing a detecting means for detecting that the battery has been set in the charger, the above-described mutual data communication can be reliably performed.

The dental treatment apparatus having a root canal length measuring function comprising the handpiece and the charger as described above allows the handpiece to be freely operated without being bothered by the lead wire from the stationary control device and is easy to use. A treatment device can be provided, and the power battery of the handpiece can be charged by a charger as appropriate. Necessary data can be automatically communicated between the handpiece and the charger by the two-way communication means.

Since the charger has more space than the handpiece side, the charger can be provided with a large display means, and this can be used as a display section of the root canal length measuring device to provide a display that is easy to see. be able to.

In the case where the measuring terminal is provided on the charger so as to be electrically connected to the root canal length measuring circuit, by connecting the lead wires for the measuring electrode and the earth side electrode to this terminal, the hand is connected. The device being charged can be used as a root canal length measuring device by utilizing the root canal length measuring circuit of the piece as it is.

Further, by providing the charger with the setting operation means for controlling the motor of the handpiece, it is not necessary to provide the setting operation means on the handpiece side where there is not enough space.

Further, by equipping the charger with the equivalent impedance for calibration of the root canal length measuring circuit, it is possible to calibrate the root canal length measuring means of the handpiece during charging.

Further, by providing the charger with a plurality of set portions, charging and communication with a plurality of cordless handpieces can be performed, and a head portion equipped with various cutting tools is prepared. In addition to eliminating the need to wait for charging by replacing the main body, various root canal cutting can be performed quickly.

[0037]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
1 is an external perspective view of the entire apparatus of one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a handpiece, FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view thereof, FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a head portion, and FIGS. Block Diagram,
7 is a flowchart of a control procedure, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display pattern in the charger, FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the handpiece display unit, and FIG. 10 is another block diagram of the control circuit. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a handpiece according to another embodiment.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a charger, 2 is a set portion, 3 is a display portion, 4 is a charging indicator light comprising a charging indicator light 4a and a charging completion indicator light 4b, and 5 is a position where an automatic stop is performed. Is a position setting switch for setting the position, 6 is a jack for a root canal length measurement circuit, 7 is a connector for externally attaching an external device, 8 is a foot pedal connected to the connector 7, and 9 is a connector for connecting a handpiece. is there. The set portion 2 is formed in a groove shape on the upper surface of the charger 1 corresponding to a main body of a handpiece described later, and the handpiece connection connector 9 is provided at an inner end of the set portion 2.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a handpiece, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which has a structure in which a head 11B is attached to the tip of a main body 11A. The main body 11A includes a battery module 12a and a motor module 12b, and the head section 11B includes a shank module 13 and a head module 14. Head part 1
1B is a structure attached to the main body 11A by a shank module 13, and a cutting tool 15 is mounted on the head module 14. A power supply battery 16 is incorporated in the battery module 12a, and a motor 17 is incorporated in the motor module 12b. A control circuit board 18a is installed in the battery module 12a.
And a root canal length measuring module 18 having a display substrate 18b, and a plurality of LEDs 18c are provided on the display substrate 18b.
Are arranged in a line.

The root canal length measuring module 18 is mechanically fixed to the main body 11A by a locking piece 18d, and is electrically connected to the main body 11A by terminals 18e and 18f. The circuit board 18a operates as a control device for the entire handpiece, such as the operation of the motor 17 and the communication with the charger 1 described below, as well as the operation of root canal length measurement. Reference numeral 19 denotes a main switch, reference numeral 20 denotes a speed controller, and the main switch 19 is provided near the top end of the battery module 12a. The speed controller 20 is provided in the root canal length measurement module 18 with a part of the outer periphery of the knob exposed. Have been.

Further, a jack 21 for measuring a root canal length for connecting a ground-side electrode for measuring a root canal length and a connector 22 for connecting to the charger 1 are provided on the proximal end face of the main body 11A. The connector 22 and the connector 9 of the charger 1 are connected to each other when the handpiece 11 is correctly set on the setting section 2 as shown in FIG.

The main switch 19 turns on and off the motor 17 and turns on and off the root canal length measurement at the same time. The speed controller 20 adjusts the variable resistor provided on the control circuit board 18a to control the rotation speed of the motor 17. And the auto-stop position for root canal length measurement. For this reason, for example, a momentary switch that turns on when pressed and turns off when released is used as the main switch 19,
By combining this with a control circuit such as a relay, the push operation can be latched, and two types of functions, that is, ON / OFF of motor and root canal length measurement and ON / OFF of auto stop,
One switch is used depending on the length of the push operation time.

That is, when the main switch 19 is pressed and released for a short time, the root canal length measurement is turned on with the motor 17 rotating and the auto stop functioning. When the switch 19 is operated again, the motor 17 is stopped. At the same time, root canal length measurement is also turned off. When the main switch 19 is kept pressed, the root canal length measurement is turned on while the motor 17 is rotating and the auto stop function is released. The configuration is such that it can be set by the controller 20. In this way, the main switch 19 is selectively used according to the length of the push operation time, and the switch 19 and the speed controller 20 have the function of setting the automatic stop position, so that the appearance of the handpiece 11 becomes clear.

In this case, a dedicated automatic stop position setting switch is provided on the handpiece 11 so that the set position is changed according to the operation, the position is stored, and the display is changed. You may. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 20a denotes a position setting switch provided with an UP or DOWN operation unit, and FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the switch 20a is provided only on the left main body 11A. As a result, the operation becomes slightly easier than in the case of the above-described proper use, and it is considered that the configuration is suitable for a case where operability is emphasized.

The battery module 12a and the motor module 12b, the motor module 12b and the shank module 13, and the shank module 13 and the head module 14 have a detachable structure that can be inserted and withdrawn. That is, the battery module 12a and the motor module 12b are connected to the motor module 12b and the shank module 1 by the engagement of the locking portions 25a and 25b.
Numeral 3 is prevented from coming off by engagement of a spring ring 26a and an annular groove 26b, and the motor module 12b is rotatable and detachable with respect to the shank module 13.

The shank module 13 and the head module 14 constituting the head portion 11B make the ball 27a protrude and retract from the inner surface by rotating the ring member 13a having an eccentric groove on the inner peripheral surface.
Is engaged with a hole 27b of the head module 14 shown in FIG. 4 to prevent the head module 14 from coming off and to be fixed so as not to rotate. The retaining structure described above may employ an appropriate structure other than that shown in the drawings.

When the modules are connected, the motor 17 is connected to the control circuit board 18 of the root canal length measuring module 18.
The rotation of the output shaft 17a is transmitted to the rotation shaft 13b of the shank module 13 via the clutch portion 17b under the control of
Further, it is transmitted to the drive gear 14a of the head module 14.

The head module 14 has a structure as shown in FIG. The drive gear 14a is provided at one end of a rotating shaft 14c supported by a bearing holder 14b, and a front gear 14d is provided at the other end. The front gear 14d meshes with a rotor gear 14g provided on a rotating shaft 14f supported by the head housing 14e, and a tool holding mechanism 14h is provided at an upper end of the rotating shaft 14f. The above basic structure is the same as the conventionally known one, and a well-known tool holding mechanism 14h can be appropriately used, and the cutting tool 15 held by the tool holding mechanism 14h is rotated by the rotation of the drive gear 14a. In this embodiment, the following configuration is further added.

That is, reference numeral 14j denotes a wave washer made of a spring material.
4c. For this reason,
The rotating shaft 14c is pressurized in the left direction in the drawing, and the urging force presses the front gear 14d in the direction of the rotor gear 14g, so that the contact between the two gears 14d and 14g is reliably maintained even during rotation. It is like that. Further, from the bearing holder 14b to the wave washer 14j, the rotating shaft 1
4c, its bearings, gears 14d and 14g, and all related components up to the tool holding mechanism 14h are made of metal or other conductive material.
And the tool holding mechanism 14h are in an electrically conductive state.

The terminal 18e of the root canal length measuring module 18 is a terminal for one electrode of the measuring circuit.
Are connected between the terminal 28a of the battery module 12a and the connector pin 29, and between the terminal 30 contacting the connector pin 29 and the terminal 31 of the motor module 12b by lead wires 32 and 33 shown by chain lines in FIG. Interconnected. Further, in the motor module 12b, the end face of the insertion portion 12c provided with the terminal 31 is pressed against the conduction spring 37 in the shank module 13,
The spring 37, the bearing member 38, and the housing 13 of the shank module 13 are detachably rotatable by engagement of the conductive spring ring 26a and the annular groove 26b.
c, the bearing holder 14 of the head module 14
b. Thereby, the motor module 1
2b is detachable and rotatable with respect to the shank module 13 while maintaining conductivity.

Here, the insertion portion 12c, the spring 37,
All related components up to the bearing member 38 and the housing 13c are made of metal or other conductive material. Also,
Between the terminal 28 b to which the other terminal 18 f of the root canal length measuring module 18 is connected and the root canal length measuring jack 21,
As shown by the chain line in FIG. The illustration of the connection of the connector 22 is omitted, and this will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

With the above configuration, the terminal 18 e of the root canal length measuring module 18 and the cutting tool 15 attached to the head module 14 are in a state of being electrically conducted through the conductive member inside the handpiece 11. Therefore, external wiring for the cutting tool 15 is unnecessary, and FIG.
As shown by a chain line, the other end of the measurement circuit, that is, the earth side electrode 21a serving as an oral electrode is connected to a root canal length measuring jack 2 via a lead wire 21c having a connector 21b.
By simply connecting to 1, the root canal length can be measured.
For this reason, the handpiece 11 can be operated without being disturbed by the external wiring for the cutting tool 15, and the operability is remarkably improved, and the trouble of performing the external wiring for each treatment is eliminated.

In order to form the above-described conductive circuit in the head portion 11B composed of the head module 14 and the shank module 13, all the related members are made of a conductive material. 1
The housing 13c of No. 3 has an insulating film formed on its surface. Further, since the head housing 14e of the head module 14 does not become a part of the conductive circuit, an insulating material such as a synthetic resin can be used. However, when a conductive material is used, the shank module 13 is not used. As in the case of the housing 13c, an insulating film is formed on the surface thereof. Since these insulating films may be very thin, they are not shown in the drawings.

In this embodiment, the member having an insulating surface is composed of the head module 14 and the shank module 1.
However, this is merely an example, and at least a portion that may be inserted into the oral cavity of the patient may be made insulative according to the overall shape and structure of the handpiece 11. As a result, even when the handpiece 11 touches a tissue such as the oral cavity of the patient during the measurement of the root canal length, the measurement circuit is not affected and the measurement can be continued without any trouble.

Next, the control circuit will be described with reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the circuit of the charger, and FIG. 6 shows the circuit of the handpiece. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 41 denotes a CPU 41a for calculation, and ROMs 41b and RA for control and storage.
The control unit includes an input / output port (not shown) in addition to the M41c. 42 is a charging circuit, 43 is a voltage detection circuit, and 44 is a wired transmission / reception unit. These are shown together with the display unit 3, the indicator lamp 4, the auto stop position setting switch 5, the connectors 7 and 9 shown in FIG. Control unit 4
1 connected.

The connector 9 is composed of four terminals, 9a is a ground terminal, 9b is a charging terminal, 9c is a transmitting / receiving terminal, and 9d is a root canal length measuring circuit terminal. A series circuit of a calibration equivalent impedance 45 and a calibration switch 46 and a root canal length measurement circuit jack 6 are connected between the root canal length measurement circuit terminal 9d and the ground. The calibration switch 46 is controlled by the control unit 41. The commercial power supply circuit of the charger 1 is not shown.

In FIG. 6, 51 is a CPU, 52 is a root canal length measuring circuit, 53 is a motor control unit, 54 is a memory, 55
Denotes a communication module, which constitutes a control circuit board 18a. The control circuit board 18a includes a cutting tool 15, a power supply battery 16, a motor 17, a display board 18b, a main switch 19, and a speed controller 2.
0, Jack 2 to connect the earth side electrode for root canal length measurement
1. The connector 22 is connected. When the automatic stop position setting switch 20a is provided, this switch is also connected as shown by a broken line. Memory 54
For example, an EEPROM is used.

The connection connector 22 is composed of four terminals corresponding to the connector 9 of the charger 1; 22a is a ground terminal; 22b is a charging terminal;
2d is a terminal for a root canal length measurement circuit. Power battery 16
Is connected to the charging terminal 22b, the terminal 18e of the root canal length measuring circuit 52 is connected to the terminal 22d, and the communication module 55 is connected to the transmitting / receiving terminal 22c.
When the handpiece 11 is set on the charger 1, it is connected to each terminal of the corresponding connector 9 respectively.

The circuit configuration is as described above. When the handpiece 11 is set in the setting section 2 of the charger 1 and the connectors 22 and 9 are connected, the power supply battery 16 is controlled under the control of the control section 41. The charging is completed by the charging circuit 42, and the charging ends when the voltage detection circuit 43 detects that the terminal voltage has reached the predetermined value.

The root canal length measuring circuit jack 6 is a measuring terminal which is conducted to the root canal length measuring circuit 52 of the handpiece 11 when the handpiece 11 is set in the charger 1. Therefore, the ground-side electrode 61 is connected to the ground-side terminal 6a, and the measurement electrode 62 is
Is connected, the root canal length measurement can be performed using the root canal length measuring circuit 52 of the handpiece 11. That is, even if the control unit 41 of the charger 1 does not have the root canal length measuring function, the charger 1 can be operated as a normal stationary root canal length measuring device. In this case, the large display unit 3 of the charger 1 can be used.
Unlike the small display board 18b of the handpiece 11,
A large amount of information can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

The state in which the earth side electrode 61 and the measurement electrode 62 are connected to the jack 6 is also shown by a chain line in FIG. 1, but the earth side electrode 61 is connected to the handpiece 11 in a state set in the charger 1. May be directly connected to the jack 21. In this case, when measuring the root canal length with the handpiece 11, the same specification as the lead wire 21c used to connect the earth-side electrode 21a to the jack 21 and only the entire length may be used.

The charger 1 is provided with two sets 2 so that two handpieces 11 can be charged at the same time. That is, the charger 1 is used as a common charging stand, and three or more set units 2 can be provided. In this case, the communication and the calibration of the root canal length measurement circuit 52 described later are performed one by one while being controlled by the control unit 41. FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which only one main body 11A of one handpiece 11 is set in the setting section 2.

Since the handpiece 11 must be small and light, the control circuit board 18a of the root canal length measuring module 18 which operates as a control device is small, and the display board 18b has only a plurality of LEDs 18c arranged. Is relatively simple. Therefore, in this embodiment, these functions are only required at a minimum, and for example, the detailed contents of the measurement result and the set value of the auto stop position are stored in the memory 54 of the control circuit board 18a.
When the handpiece 11 is set in the charger 1, data is transmitted and received via the wired transmission / reception unit 45, and R
The information is stored in the AM 41 c or displayed on the display unit 3.

As is well known, it is necessary to calibrate the root canal length measurement circuit in order to accurately detect that the cutting tool has reached the apex. In this embodiment, when the handpiece 11 is set in the charger 1, the root canal length measuring module 1
The calibration request signal is output from the CPU 51 of FIG. This calibration does not need to be performed every time the measurement is performed, but is performed once every time the measurement is performed a preset number of times, for example, 100 times.

That is, when the control unit 41 receives the calibration request signal, the calibration switch 46 is turned on to connect the calibration equivalent impedance 45 between the root canal length measurement circuit terminal 9d and the ground, and the calibration impedance on signal Is output. On the root canal length measurement module 18 side, while this signal is being output, for example, Japanese Patent Application No.
The root canal length is measured by a known calibration method as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 280515/1992, and the data of the root canal length measurement circuit 52 is calibrated using the data.

In this embodiment, the speed controller 20 of the handpiece 11 can also set the automatic stop position as described above. However, various setting functions for controlling the motor 17 such as the automatic stop position are provided. It may be provided also on the charger 1 side, and the data transmitted by communication may be stored in the memory 54 of the handpiece 11. The auto-stop position setting switch 5 provided on the charger 1 is used to set the position of the auto-stop on the charger 1 side.
It has the same function as the setting switch 20a on the first side,
As a result, the number of operation members and circuit components mounted on the handpiece 11 can be reduced, which is effective in reducing the weight of the handpiece. Note that the arrangement of these operation members is merely an example, and a combination of arrangements other than those illustrated, for example, providing a speed controller in the charger 1 is also possible.

The operating member on the charger 1 side can be externally provided via the connector 7 instead of being provided on the charger 1 itself. The foot pedal 8 shown by a chain line in FIGS. 1 and 5 is an example of an externally attached operation member, and is provided with a variable resistor 8a to set the speed of the motor 17. In addition, other operation members such as a control switch for performing root canal length measurement by connecting the measuring electrode 62 and the earth side electrode 61 to the root canal length measuring circuit jack 6 can be provided on the foot pedal 8.

The connector 7 is used for input from an externally attached operating member. However, the connector 7 can be used as a system combined with an external device such as a printer or another computer. An input / output connector to which these devices can be connected may be provided as appropriate.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a basic control procedure centered on the data transmission and reception described above.
The procedure on handpiece 11 is on the left, and charger 1 is on the right.
Are shown.

Step 1 of the handpiece 11 is an operation for performing a normal root canal length measurement and storing the result. When the completion of the setting is detected in step 2, the process proceeds to step 3. The completion of the setting is detected by the handpiece 11
The root canal length measurement circuit 18 detects that the two are electrically connected to each other, and the CPU 51 of the root canal length measurement circuit 18 detects the connection. By this detection, mutual communication of the following data can be reliably performed, and a lean operation can be performed. In step 3, an output mode is set, and data output signals such as root canal length measurement, auto stop position, and rotation speed are prepared.

In the next step 4, if the number of measurements since the last calibration has reached a preset number, a calibration request signal is prepared, and this signal and the signal prepared in step 3 are combined in the next step 5 Transmit to charger 1 and set input mode to prepare for signal reception from charger 1. In step 6, if there is a transmission from the charger 1, it is received. When it is received, the content is confirmed in the next step 7,
The corresponding operation and data storage are performed. When the calibration impedance ON signal is received, the calibration is performed, and when the signal is not received, the process returns to step 1 without performing the calibration.

On the other hand, in the charger 1, when the controller 41 detects that the handpiece 11 is set in the charger 1 and the two are electrically connected and the setting is completed, the process proceeds from step 11 to step 12. Set the input mode.
In the next step 13, if there is a transmission from the handpiece 11, it is received, and when it is received, the process proceeds to step 14, where the content is confirmed, and the operation, data display, storage, etc. are performed according to the content.

Next, at step 15, the output mode is set, and when the automatic stop position is changed, a signal for that is prepared. When a calibration request signal is received,
In step 16, the calibration switch 46 is turned on to prepare a calibration impedance on signal, and the signal prepared in step 15 is transmitted to the handpiece 11 in the next step 17 and the control operation such as charging is subsequently performed in step 18. Do it.

The above-described series of operations is performed by the handpiece 1
Step 1 is performed on the first side, and Step 1 is performed on the charger 1 side.
If the setting completion is not detected in 1, that is, if the handpiece 11 is not set in the charger 1, the operation is not performed and no signal is transmitted or received. In addition, instead of detecting the completion of the setting by electrically connecting the handpiece 11 and the charger 1 as described above, for example, it is turned on by being pushed by a member at a position corresponding to the setting. It is also possible to adopt a method in which a simple detection switch is provided and the completion of setting is detected by turning on and off the switch.

The above description has been made with respect to the wired communication performed via the wired transmitting / receiving section 44 when the handpiece 11 is set in the charger 1. In this embodiment, however, a wireless communication means is also provided. Is provided. That is, 65 and 66 in FIG. 5 are wireless transmitting and receiving sections provided in the charger 1, and 67 and 68 in FIG. 6 are wireless transmitting and receiving sections provided in the handpiece 11. is there.
These communication means are appropriately configured so as to perform a predetermined communication function based on a known technique using infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, radio waves, and the like.

By providing such communication means,
Communication can be performed when the handpiece 11 is not set in the charger 1, and the result of the communication can be displayed on the display panel 3 of the charger 1. It can be improved. In this case, since the communication means is bidirectional, transmission and reception of the data to be subjected to the wired communication described above are all possible,
This is not preferable because the circuit configuration on the handpiece 11 side tends to be large and complicated, and the control procedure is also complicated. Therefore, it is desirable to limit the communication targets of the wireless communication means to some extent.

For example, it is clinically meaningful to process the data in real time, such as the root canal length measurement result, the set position of the auto stop, and the rotation speed of the motor 17, and the charge state of the power supply battery 16 ( (Remaining electric energy), whereby a therapeutic device with excellent functions can be obtained without complicating the circuit configuration and control procedure on the handpiece 11 side. When the control unit 41 of the charger 1 detects that the power supply battery 16 is approaching a state requiring charging, the display unit 3 indicates that fact.
When the handpiece 11 is operated or an alarm is issued, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the power supply battery 16 becomes unusable when the handpiece 11 is operated or during measurement of the root canal length.

In the above description of the foot pedal 8, an example has been described in which the speed of the motor 17 is set by the variable resistor 8a, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a wireless communication unit is provided, the motor can be turned on / off and the speed can be adjusted during treatment by operating the foot.
In addition, since the rotation direction of the motor 17 can be switched, the cutting tool 15 can be driven arbitrarily, and the motor 17 can be operated by operating the foot pedal 8 when the cutting tool 15 reaches a set position and is automatically stopped. Can be reversed, and the root canal forming operation with the cutting tool 15 and the extraction from the root canal become easy.

The reverse rotation of the motor 17 at the automatic stop position may be performed by operating the main switch 19 of the handpiece 11 without operating the foot pedal 8, for example. In addition, after reaching the auto-stop position and stopping, the motor may be automatically reversed for a short time.

Instead of connecting an operating member such as a foot pedal to the charger 1 via a lead wire, the operating member and the charger 1 can be connected by wireless communication means. For example, the foot pedal 8 is provided with a wireless transmission / reception unit capable of communicating with the transmission unit 65 and the reception unit 66 of the battery charger 1, whereby the degree of freedom of the installation position of the foot pedal 8 is increased and operability is improved. As much as possible, cables that tend to get in the way can be eliminated.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display pattern on the display unit 3 of the charger 1. The display panel 3 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and includes a tooth display portion 3a indicating a tooth, a tool display portion 3b that is lit in order from the top according to the insertion position of the cutting tool 15, and a number corresponding to the number of rotations of the motor 17. A rotation number display section 3c that lights up, a mode display section 3d that lights up when the auto stop function is turned on, an electrode display section 3e that shows the earth side electrode, and a position display section 3 that shows the set position of the auto stop.
f and the like. As described above, since the display panel 3 has a relatively large area, it can display all data necessary for the root canal length measuring device.

On the other hand, the display portion provided on the root canal length measuring module 18 of the handpiece 11 has a plurality of LEDs 18c arranged in a line on the display substrate 18b, so that the display contents are limited. It will be. FIG. 10 shows an example of the circuit configuration. That is, here, six LEDs 18c are used, the upper four in the figure are green, the next one is yellow, and the bottom one is red.
Is connected to the output port of the CPU 51 via the. In this figure, when the output port goes to the L level, the LED 18c emits light. In order to enhance the visibility, the H level and the L level are repeatedly turned on and off.

In the above configuration, when the root canal length measurement result, that is, the insertion position of the cutting tool 15 is displayed, the light is emitted sequentially from the upper end in accordance with the insertion amount, and approaches the preset auto stop position. As the number of light emission increases, the yellow one emits light, and finally the red light is emitted to notify that the automatic stop position has been reached. In this case, the auto stop position may be displayed by emitting red light from the beginning, and may be notified by flashing when the cutting tool 15 reaches the position.

As described above, different information can be displayed by changing the presence / absence of blinking and the cycle of blinking. Therefore, simply turning on, blinking, blinking cycle, emission color, and the like can be combined. Even a display device having a simple structure having a plurality of light emitters can display some information in a distinguished manner.

In addition to the display that appeals visually using the luminous body as described above, it is also possible to perform display by using an acoustic output such as an electronic buzzer sound or words by synthetic voice. There is an advantage that information can be obtained without moving. There is known a root canal length measuring device that outputs information with an earphone, but the sound output can be, for example, a content corresponding thereto. The display means by this sound output may be provided in either the handpiece 11 or the charger 1, but the electronic buzzer sound can be generated relatively easily, and the type and pitch of the sound, the intermittent cycle, the strength and the like can be provided. Since a great deal of information can be displayed by changing the
This is one of those suitable as the display means.

It is known that the rotation of the cutting tool is automatically stopped or reduced when the cutting tool is inserted to a predetermined position in the root canal based on the measurement result by the root canal length measuring circuit. The description has simply referred to as autostop. One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the operability by making the handpiece cordless, but by improving the control of the automatic stop, it is possible to make the device easier to use.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a circuit for this purpose. Here, a feedback circuit 56 having a gain adjuster 56a is provided, and when a motor on / off signal is output, the CPU 51 outputs the motor drive output of the motor power supply unit 53 to the feedback circuit 5b by a signal circuit 56b.
6 to adjust the motor drive output. The gain adjuster 56a is composed of, for example, an analog switch. When the gain is maximized, the feedback amount is maximized, and the motor drive output is almost zero.

When the motor is turned on, the gain of the gain adjuster 56a is increased by the CPU 5 so that the drive output of the motor power supply 53 gradually increases to a value corresponding to the set rotation speed.
1 and the motor 17 can start up smoothly. When it is detected from the data from the root canal length measurement circuit 52 that the cutting tool 15 has approached the set position, the CPU 51 controls the gain of the gain adjuster 56a to gradually increase the drive output of the motor power supply unit 53. The motor 17 is completely stopped when it reaches the set position, for example, the apex. As a result, so-called slowdown control is performed, and protection of a clinically important apical portion is facilitated.

Therefore, in the conventional device, since the motor power is turned on and off by the relay, there is a possibility that abnormalities such as high-speed rotation at the moment of turning on without normal feedback may occur. Such an operation makes it possible to realize smooth turning on and off of the motor 17 without abnormal rotation and without giving a feeling of strangeness to the operator, and the usability of the apparatus is further improved. Note that the feedback circuit 56 is connected to the handpiece 11.
When it is difficult to provide the control circuit board 18a in terms of space, the charger 1 may be provided with a control means for suppressing abnormal operation when the motor is turned on, and a signal may be transmitted and received by wireless communication means.

In the embodiment described above, the terminal 18e of the root canal length measuring module 18 and the cutting tool 15 attached to the head module 14 are connected to the main body 11A and the head 11B.
Electrically conductive through the conductive member inside the
All of the conduction circuits are not routed through the interior of the handpiece 11, for example, at least the head module 14
It is also possible to replace only the inside through the inside, and to replace the rest with an external lead wire along the handpiece 11.
In this case, the operability is not reduced because the external lead wires do not obstruct the remarkably, and the internal structure of the handpiece 11 is relatively simple.

FIG. 11 further simplifies this, and shows cutting tool 1
This is an embodiment corresponding to claim 3, wherein all of the conductive circuits up to 5 are constituted by external lead wires. In the drawing, reference numeral 71 denotes a lead wire 71a for a measurement electrode and a lead wire 71b for an earth-side electrode.
72 is a measuring electrode, 73 is a ground electrode, and 74 is a connector. In this case, a 2-pole jack 21 for measuring the root canal length of the handpiece 11 is used. Terminal 18 of root canal length measurement module 18
e, 18f are connected.

When measuring the root canal length, the connector 74 is connected to the jack 21 and the measuring electrode 72 is connected to the cutting tool 15 as shown in the figure. The lead wires 71 and 71a from the connector 74 to the cutting tool 15 have a length as short as possible so as to extend along the handpiece 11. As a result, the external lead wire 71 is not so obstructive, and the cordless feature that the external wiring for the cutting tool 15 from the control device is unnecessary can be exhibited as it is, so that the operability is better than the conventional device. is there.

[0093]

As is apparent from the above description, the cordless handpiece of the present invention includes a motor for driving a cutting tool, a root canal length measuring circuit, and a power supply battery.
The operation can be performed without bothering the lead wire connecting the stationary control device and the handpiece, and there is no need to externally wire the lead wire for each treatment, so that the operability is significantly improved.

Further, in the case where the tool holding mechanism of the head portion is electrically connected to at least one terminal of the root canal length measuring circuit through the conductive member inside the head portion, external wiring for the cutting tool is not required. The operability of the piece is improved.

In the case where the cutting tool and one terminal of the root canal length measuring circuit are electrically connected by an external lead wire, the operability of the handpiece is good because the lead wire does not interfere so much. The internal structure is simplified.

Further, since at least the outer surface of the area to be inserted into the oral cavity of the patient is made of an insulating material, even if a part of the handpiece touches the patient, the measurement circuit is not affected and the measurement circuit is not affected. Can be continued without hindrance.

Further, by storing the measurement results of the root canal length, the auto-stop position, and the data received from the charger, it is possible to perform the control necessary for the operation by providing a small-capacity storage means. It is effective for realizing a handpiece.

By providing means for displaying the root canal length measurement result, the auto-stop position, and the data received from the charger, the surgeon can continue the operation while checking the necessary minimum display at hand. Therefore, it can be used in the same manner as a normal root canal length measuring device, and if the display means emits an acoustic output, the display can be confirmed without moving the line of sight, which is convenient.

Further, by providing the auto-stop control means and the auto-stop position setting means in the handpiece, the auto-stop control can be performed by operating the hand-held device in the same manner as in a normal apparatus, and the function of the auto-stop function can be temporarily implemented. Can be easily removed even when the cutting tool bites into the root canal.

Further, by making the head part rotatable with respect to the main body provided with the display means and the setting means, the display means and the setting operation means can be located at a position which is easy to confirm and operate regardless of the part to be treated. This is effective for realizing an easy-to-use handpiece that can always be turned.

Further, by providing a detecting means for detecting that the battery has been set in the charger, mutual data communication can be performed automatically, and a lean operation can be performed.

A dental treatment apparatus with a root canal length measuring function according to the present invention comprises the above-described cordless handpiece and a charger having at least a charging circuit for charging the power supply battery. The handpiece can be freely operated without being bothered by the lead wire connecting the stationary control device and the handpiece, and an easy-to-use treatment device can be provided.

Further, in the case where a bidirectional communication means for transmitting and receiving data between the handpiece and the charger is provided,
Necessary data can be transmitted and received while the power supply battery is being charged.

When the above-mentioned communication means is of a wireless type, the same control as that of a normal root canal length measuring device can be performed even if the handpiece is a cordless type. Ease of use can be further improved.

Further, since the control unit and the display means are provided in the charger, it is possible to exhibit the same function as that of a normal root canal length measuring device while keeping the handpiece small and lightweight. An easy-to-use treatment device with good operability can be obtained.

Also, since the charger is provided with a measuring terminal which is conducted to the root canal length measuring circuit, it is used as a normal root canal length measuring device utilizing the root canal length measuring circuit of the handpiece during charging. And the equipment can be used effectively.

Further, by providing a setting operation means for controlling the motor of the handpiece and an equivalent impedance for calibration of the root canal length measuring circuit in the charger, it is necessary to provide them on the handpiece side where there is not enough space. Without
A small and lightweight handpiece can be realized without impairing the root canal length measurement function.

Further, by providing the charger with a plurality of sets, charging and communication with a plurality of cordless handpieces can be performed. In addition, heads equipped with various cutting tools are prepared and can be replaced as needed with a fully charged main body, so that there is no need to wait for charging and various root canal cutting can be performed quickly. And the medical treatment efficiency is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an entire apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the handpiece of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view of the handpiece.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the head section of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the charger in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the handpiece in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control procedure according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying a display pattern of the charger in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of display means of the handpiece in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an improved control circuit in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a handpiece according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Charger 2 Set part 3 Display panel 5 Auto stop position setting switch 6 Jack for root canal length measurement circuit 8 Foot pedal 9 Handpiece connector 11 Handpiece 11A Main body 11B Head part 13 Shank module 14 Head module 14h Tool holding mechanism 15 Cutting Tool 16 Power supply battery 17 Motor 18 Root canal length measurement module 18a Control circuit board 18b Display board 18c LED 19 Main switch 20 Speed controller 22 Connector 41 Connection section 42 Charging circuit 44 Wired transmission / reception section 45 Equivalent impedance for calibration 51 CPU 52 Root Pipe length measurement circuit 53 Motor control unit 54 Memory 55 Communication module 56 Feedback circuit 56a Gain adjuster 65, 67 Transmitter 66, 68 Receiver 71 External lead wire

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Okumura O, Inventor 680 Higashihama-machi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto Morita Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-49-26880 (JP, A) JP-A-5-92014 ( JP, A) Fully open sho 59-24017 (JP, U) Really open sho 57-5206 (JP, U) Fully open Flat 5-91627 (JP, U) Fully open flat 5-41513 (JP, U) Really open Showa 61-60916 (JP, U) Actually open Hei 2-147121 (JP, U) Showa 57-3303 (JP, Y2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61C 1 / 00-1/18 A61C 5/02 A61C 19/04

Claims (27)

(57) [Claims] 1. A main body comprising at least a motor for driving a cutting tool, a root canal length measuring circuit and a power source battery, and a head portion to which a cutting tool for measuring and also performing root canal length is mounted. Cordless handpiece. 2. A main body comprising at least a motor for driving a cutting tool, a root canal length measuring circuit and a power supply battery, and a head portion to which a cutting tool for measuring and measuring root canal length is mounted. A cordless handpiece, wherein the mechanism is electrically connected to one terminal of the root canal length measuring circuit through at least a conductive member inside the head portion. 3. A main body having at least a motor for driving a cutting tool, a root canal length measuring circuit and a power supply battery, and a head portion to which a cutting tool for measuring and measuring root canal length is mounted. A cordless handpiece having a detachable external lead wire for conducting between one terminal of a pipe length measuring circuit and one terminal. 4. The cordless handpiece according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of at least a region to be inserted into a patient's mouth is formed of an insulating material. 5. A storage device for storing at least a measurement result obtained by a root canal length measurement circuit and data relating to a control position with respect to a cutting tool, wherein the data stored in the storage device is such that the cutting tool stores data in the root canal. The cordless handpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data is data relating to a set position at which the cutting tool is automatically stopped or reversely rotated when the cutting tool is inserted to the set position, or its operation speed is reduced. 6. The cordless handpiece according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing data received in communication with a charger for charging a power supply battery. 7. Display means for displaying at least a result of measurement by a root canal length measuring circuit and data relating to a control position with respect to the cutting tool, wherein the data displayed on the display means is such that the cutting tool is capable of displaying data inside the root canal. The cordless handpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data is data relating to a set position at which the cutting tool is automatically stopped or reversely rotated when the cutting tool is inserted to the set position, or its operation speed is reduced. 8. The cordless handpiece according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying data received in communication with a charger for charging a power supply battery. 9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said display means comprises a plurality of display dots, and a blinking cycle of each display dot changes or a display color changes according to a measurement result by a root canal length measurement circuit. Item 7. A cordless handpiece according to item 7 or 8. 10. The cordless handpiece according to claim 7, wherein said display means is configured to emit an acoustic output in accordance with a result of measurement by a root canal length measuring circuit. 11. A cutting tool is automatically stopped or reversed when a cutting tool is inserted to a set position in a root canal based on a measurement result by a root canal length measuring circuit, or the operation speed is reduced. The cordless handpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one of drive control means and setting means for setting the set position. 12. The cordless handpiece according to claim 11, further comprising release means for temporarily releasing the function of the drive control means by performing a pushing operation. 13. The cordless handpiece according to claim 7, wherein the display means and / or the setting means are provided on the main body, and the main body is configured to be detachable from the head portion. 14. The cordless handpiece according to claim 13, wherein the display means and / or the setting means are provided on the main body, and the main body is configured to be rotatable with respect to the head portion. 15. The cordless handpiece according to claim 14, further comprising a rotation mechanism that serves both as an electrical connection and a stopper between the head portion and the main body. 16. The cordless handpiece according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting that the cordless handset has been set. 17. A motor for driving at least a cutting tool,
A root canal length measuring function comprising: a cordless handpiece having a root canal length measuring circuit and a power supply battery; and a charger having at least a charging circuit for charging the power supply battery. With dental treatment equipment. 18. The dental treatment apparatus with a root canal length measurement function according to claim 17, further comprising a bidirectional communication means for transmitting and receiving data between the handpiece and the charger. 19. The dental treatment with a root canal length measuring function according to claim 18, further comprising a wired communication means for transmitting and receiving data via a signal circuit connected to the handpiece when the handpiece is set on the charger. apparatus. 20. The dental treatment apparatus with a root canal length measurement function according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving data when the handpiece is not set in the charger. 21. Data transmitted and received by the wireless communication means is at least data relating to a measurement result obtained by a root canal length measurement circuit provided in the handpiece, and a cutting tool of the handpiece is inserted to a set position in the root canal. 21. The data relating to a set position for automatically stopping or reversing the cutting tool when the cutting is performed, or reducing the operation speed thereof, data relating to the number of revolutions of the cutting tool, or data relating to the state of charge of the power supply battery. A dental treatment device with a root canal length measurement function as described in the above. 22. The dental treatment apparatus with a root canal length measurement function according to claim 18, wherein a display means for displaying data transmitted and received by the communication means is provided in the charger. 23. The root according to claim 17, further comprising a measuring terminal which is connected to a root canal length measuring circuit of the handpiece when the handpiece is set in the charger. Dental treatment device with tube length measurement function. 24. The dental treatment apparatus with a root canal length measurement function according to claim 17, wherein the charger is provided with setting operation means for controlling a motor of the handpiece. 25. The dental treatment apparatus with a root canal length measurement function according to claim 24, wherein the setting operation means is a manual switch provided on the charger or a foot pedal connected to the charger. 26. A battery charger comprising an equivalent impedance for calibrating a root canal length measuring circuit in a charger, wherein the calibrating of the root canal length measuring circuit is performed when the handpiece is set in the charger. Item 21. A dental treatment device with a root canal length measuring function according to any one of Items 17 to 20. 27. A charger is provided with a plurality of setting portions for setting a handpiece for charging a power supply battery,
The dental treatment device with a root canal length measurement function according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the dental treatment device is configured to perform charging and communication for a plurality of handpieces.