JP3493252B2 - Reflection fixture and laser probe including the same - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reflecting fixture mounted on a probe main body of a laser handpiece for dental treatment and a laser probe including the reflecting fixture.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A typical prior art is, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 3,449,982. This prior art discloses a laser handpiece for dental treatment in which a probe protection tube corresponding to a reflection fixture is provided on the fiber probe in order to protect the fiber probe which is the probe body. The probe protection tube is a small-diameter cylindrical portion through which the fiber probe is inserted with a slight gap, and is connected to the small-diameter cylindrical portion, is attached to the tip of the probe holder, and has a larger diameter than the small-diameter cylindrical portion. With ends. An inclined projecting piece having a mirror surface is formed at one end portion of the small-diameter cylindrical portion arranged on the tip side of the fiber probe. By such a mirror surface of the projecting piece, the laser beam emitted in the optical axis direction from the tip of the fiber probe can be reflected to irradiate the treatment site such as tartar and caries with the laser beam. Has been done.

In the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-344982, since the probe protection tube is mounted from the tip of the fiber probe to the head of the laser handpiece, the head, the fiber probe, and the probe. In the space sandwiched by the protection tube,
There is a possibility that a contaminated fluid containing various bacteria, blood, etc. may enter from the tip side of the fiber probe through the gap, which is unfavorable for hygiene.

Moreover, since the probe protection tube covers a relatively long distance including the entire fiber probe, it also includes a wasteful part that does not need to be protected, and a lot of materials are required to manufacture the probe protection tube. And leads to higher costs.

Further, since the fiber probe must be inserted into the probe protection tube and mounted on the head of the laser handpiece by the probe holder, the mounting work is complicated and the probe protection tube replacement work is complicated. Become.

Another prior art is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-171.
No. 162 publication. In this prior art, as shown in FIG. 22, the reflecting member can be efficiently cooled to prevent damage to the reflecting member, the reflecting member can be replaced very easily, and the irradiation efficiency of laser light can be further improved. An optical fiber 123 that guides laser light to enhance
A holder 124 fixed to the emission end side of the optical fiber 123, and a reflection surface for reflecting the laser light emitted from the emission end surface of the optical fiber 123 detachably attached to the holder 124. It is configured to include a reflection chip 128 having 130, and a cooling fluid circulating means 131 for circulating a cooling fluid around the optical fiber 123 and the reflection chip 128.

In the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-171162, the reflection chip 128 has a reflection chip body 128a having a water drop-shaped cross section, and the reflection surface 130 is formed on the reflection chip body 128a. Has been formed.

The reflecting chip body 128a has a reflecting surface 130.
Since it is formed so as to project on the extension line of the optical axis 140 by a distance ΔL from, it cannot be inserted near the deep end of the narrow space, for example, near the root apex in a narrow root canal, and therefore the laser beam can be applied to the narrow portion. Can't irradiate. Further, since the processing of the reflection chip body 128a is in the form of a water drop, there is a problem that it is more likely to result in higher cost and lower productivity as compared with the processing of the thin plate-shaped reflecting portion. Further, when the operator wants to slightly change the reflection direction of the laser light by bending the reflection portion, such a reflection chip body 128a
Has a problem that it is more difficult to bend than a thin plate-shaped reflecting portion and is inconvenient to use.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is that the probe main body can be easily attached / detached / replaced with a simple structure, and the material cost and the processing cost can be reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reflection fixture which can irradiate a narrow area without a laser beam and which allows an operator to bend the reflection portion to change the reflection direction of laser light, and a laser probe including the reflection attachment.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a reflection mounting member detachably attached to the emitting end of a probe body for guiding laser light incident from the incident end to the emitting end. A mounting portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter, and a thin plate-shaped reflecting portion connected to the mounting portion, the reflecting portion with respect to the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the emitting end of the probe body. Predetermined angle α in the intersecting direction
The reflecting fixture is characterized in that it includes a reflecting portion that has a slanting surface and a reflecting portion that has both widthwise end portions that are formed so as to project perpendicularly to the optical axis from the reflecting surface. According to the invention, the reflecting fixture includes the mounting portion and the reflecting portion connected to the mounting portion, and is detachably mounted on the emitting end of the probe main body that guides the laser light incident from the incident end to the emitting end. The mounting portion has an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the probe body, and the reflecting portion has a reflecting surface that is inclined in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the emitting end of the probe body. It Since this reflecting surface intersects the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the emission end, the laser light is reflected in the direction intersecting the optical axis. By attaching the attachment part of the reflection attachment to the emitting end of the probe body, the reflection attachment is attached to the probe body, so the attachment work of the reflection attachment to the probe body is easier than in the prior art. is there. Further, when the reflection attachment is attached to the probe main body, since the reflection attachment is attached to the emitting end of the probe main body, the configuration that covers the entire fiber probe as in the prior art or the water drop-shaped reflection is used. It is possible to reduce the material cost and the processing cost as compared with the configuration including the chip. Further, since the reflecting portion is in the shape of a thin plate, when the operator wants to slightly change the reflection direction of the laser light, it can be easily bent and finely adjusted. Moreover, the heat dissipation is good,
The temperature rise due to the irradiation of laser light is suppressed, and the reflecting portion can be inserted into the narrow space. Further, since the reflecting fixture is detachably attached near the emitting end of the probe body, a space is not formed between the fiber probe and the probe protection tube as in the prior art, and thus It is hygienic because there is no risk that contaminated fluids such as bacteria and blood will enter the space and accumulate. According to the invention, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is inclined at a predetermined angle in a direction intersecting the optical axis, and both widthwise end portions perpendicular to the optical axis are projected from the reflecting surface. It is possible to form a part of the laser beam emitted from the emission end to the inside by the widthwise both ends.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that the reflecting surface is formed flat along a plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. According to the invention, when the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is formed flat along one plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, the laser light emitted from the emitting end is emitted. It becomes possible to irradiate the laser light irradiation site by reflecting the laser light at a predetermined angle while maintaining the substantially same shape.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the mounting portion with respect to a plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. It is formed. According to the invention, when the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is formed to be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the mounting portion with respect to one plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. After the laser light emitted from the emission end is reflected at a predetermined angle, the laser light can be concentrated and applied to a specific region of the laser light irradiation site while being condensed.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. According to the invention, when the reflecting surface that is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface that is parallel to the axis that is perpendicular to the axis that intersects at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, It becomes possible to focus the laser light on the irradiation site in the form of an elongated beam along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis line intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. According to the present invention, when the reflecting surface that is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface that is parallel to the axis line that intersects at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, the laser light is emitted. At the irradiation site, it becomes possible to collect the light in an elongated beam shape along the optical axis.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a spherical curved surface. According to the present invention, when the reflecting surface that is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion is a spherical curved surface, the laser light can be condensed in a spot shape with one point at the irradiation site. It will be possible.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is curved so as to be convex in a direction close to the mounting portion with respect to a plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. It is formed. According to the present invention, when the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is curved so as to be convex in a direction close to the mounting portion with respect to one plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, It is possible to reflect the laser light emitted from the emitting end at a predetermined angle and then irradiate the laser light in a specific region of the laser light irradiation site while dispersing the laser light.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. According to the present invention, when the reflecting surface that is convex in the direction close to the mounting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to the axis perpendicular to the optical axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle, The laser light can be made into dispersed light that spreads to both sides with respect to the axis line perpendicular to the optical axis at the irradiation site.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis line intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. According to the invention, when the reflecting surface that is convex in the direction close to the mounting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to the axis line that intersects at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, the laser light is emitted. At the irradiation site, it is possible to obtain dispersed light that spreads to both sides with respect to the optical axis.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a spherical curved surface. According to the present invention, when the reflecting surface that is convex in the direction close to the mounting portion is a spherical curved surface, it is possible to make the laser light radial dispersed light at any one point at the irradiation site. Becomes

[0020]

[0021]

Further, according to the present invention, the laser light guided from the laser light source into the handpiece body via the light guide is
A probe main body that is incident from an incident end and is guided to an emission end, and emits a laser beam from the emission end, a probe holder that is inserted through the probe main body and is detachably connected to the head of the handpiece main body, and the probe. A reflection attachment that is detachably attached to the emission end of the main body, wherein the reflection attachment has an attachment portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the probe body, and a thin plate-like member connected to the attachment portion. A reflecting surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle α in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the emitting end of the probe body, and the reflecting portion. A reflection probe having a widthwise both ends formed so as to project perpendicularly to the optical axis from a surface, and a reflection fixture. According to the invention,
The probe body is inserted into the probe holder, and the probe body is detachably connected to the head of the handpiece body by the probe holder. The reflective fixture is
The probe includes a mounting part and a reflecting part connected to the mounting part, and is mounted on the emitting end of the probe body. The mounting portion has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the probe body, and the reflecting portion has
A reflecting surface is formed that is inclined in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the emitting end of the probe body. In this way, the probe main body to which the reflection fixture is attached has the laser light guided from the laser light source through the light guide member into the main body of the handpiece to enter from the incident end to the emission end, and the emission end. Emits a laser beam. The probe holder allows the probe holder to be easily attached to and detached from the head of the handpiece body. Since the mounting part of the reflective fixture has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the probe body, the field of view near the laser light irradiation site is not obstructed by the mounting part, and the laser light irradiation site can be easily visually recognized from the outside It becomes possible to do. Since the reflecting surface intersects the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the emission end, the laser light is reflected in the direction intersecting the optical axis. By attaching the attachment part of the reflection attachment to the emitting end of the probe body, the reflection attachment is attached to the probe body, so the attachment work of the reflection attachment to the probe body is easier than in the prior art. is there. Further, when the reflection attachment is attached to the probe main body, since the reflection attachment is attached to the emitting end of the probe main body, the configuration that covers the entire fiber probe as in the prior art or the water drop-shaped reflection is used. It is possible to reduce the material cost and the processing cost as compared with the configuration including the chip. Further, since the reflection fixture is detachably attached near the emitting end of the probe body, there is no need to form a space between the fiber probe and the probe protection tube as in the prior art, and such a space can be provided. It is hygienic because there is no danger that contaminated fluid such as bacteria and blood will enter inside and accumulate. Moreover, the reflecting portion is in the shape of a thin plate, so that when the operator wants to slightly change the reflection direction of the laser light, it can be easily bent and finely adjusted. Further, the heat dissipation is good, the temperature rise due to the irradiation of the laser beam is suppressed, and the reflecting portion can be inserted into the narrow space. According to the invention, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is formed to incline at a predetermined angle in a direction intersecting the optical axis, and both widthwise end portions perpendicular to the optical axis are formed to project from the reflecting surface. It is possible to provide a reflection fixture at the emission end of the probe body, and guide a part of the laser light emitted from the emission end to the inside by the widthwise both ends.
In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is formed flat along a plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. According to the present invention, a reflecting fixture formed on the inside of the probe main body in a flat shape along a plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with the optical axis of the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion When it is provided at the end, it becomes possible to reflect the laser light emitted from the emission end at a predetermined angle while maintaining the substantially same shape and irradiate the laser light irradiation site. In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the mounting portion with respect to a plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. It is formed. According to the invention, a reflection formed by being curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the mounting portion with respect to a plane where the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion intersects the optical axis at a predetermined angle. When the mounting fixture is provided at the emitting end of the probe main body, the laser light emitted from the emitting end is reflected at a predetermined angle and then condensed, and concentrated on a specific region of the laser light irradiation site. Can be irradiated. In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. According to the invention, the reflecting surface is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle with respect to the reflecting surface, which is convex in a direction away from the mounting portion. When the fixture is provided at the emitting end of the probe main body, it becomes possible to focus the laser light at the irradiation site in the form of an elongated beam along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. According to the present invention, a reflecting fixture that is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis in which a reflecting surface that is convex in a direction away from the mounting portion forms a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, When provided at the emission end of the probe main body, it becomes possible to focus the laser light into a long and narrow beam shape along the optical axis at the irradiation site. Moreover, the laser probe is
Since it is possible to easily replace with another laser probe separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder, convenience is improved. To be done.

The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a spherical curved surface. According to the present invention, when the reflecting fixture having a reflecting surface that is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion is a spherical curved surface, when the emitting end of the probe body is provided, laser light is irradiated at the irradiation site. It becomes possible to collect light in a spot shape with one point as the center. In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is curved so as to be convex in a direction close to the mounting portion with respect to a plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. It is formed. According to the invention, a reflection formed by being curved so as to be convex in a direction close to the mounting portion with respect to a plane where the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion intersects with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. When the attachment for the probe is provided at the emitting end of the probe body,
It is possible to reflect the laser light emitted from the emission end at a predetermined angle and then irradiate the laser light in a specific region of the laser light irradiation site while dispersing the laser light. In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. According to the present invention, the reflecting surface is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle with respect to the reflecting surface, the reflecting surface being convex in the direction close to the mounting portion. When the fixture is installed at the emitting end of the laser probe body,
The laser light can be made into dispersed light that spreads on both sides with respect to an axis line perpendicular to the optical axis at the irradiation site. In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. According to the present invention, a reflecting fixture that is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis in which a reflecting surface that is convex in a direction approaching the mounting portion forms a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis and intersects, When provided at the emission end of the laser probe main body, the laser light can be made into dispersed light that spreads to both sides with respect to the optical axis at the irradiation site. In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

Further, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion of the present invention is characterized in that it is a spherical curved surface. According to the invention, when the reflecting fixture having a reflecting surface that is convex in the direction approaching the mounting portion is a spherical curved surface is provided at the emission end of the laser probe main body, laser light is irradiated at the irradiation site. , It is possible to make radial dispersed light for any one point. In addition, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, for example, a laser probe including a probe main body not provided with the reflection fixture and a probe holder. Therefore, convenience is improved.

[0032]

The gutter shape in each of the above-mentioned configurations means a concave shape,
Includes shapes such as U-shape, V-shape, C-shape and arc-shape and similar curved shapes.

[0034]

1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of an emitting end 13 of a laser probe 11 which is a premise of the present invention.
The laser probe 11 basically includes a probe body 12 and
A reflecting fixture 14 is detachably attached to the emitting end 13 of the probe body 12. The probe body 12 is
The core 15 and the clad 16 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the core 15.
And the first jacket 1 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the clad 16.
7 and a second jacket 18 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the first jacket 17.

The core 15 is made of a material such as quartz glass, and has a diameter of 50 to 600 μm for cutting teeth, for example.
The ones are suitable. This core 15 is, for example, CO
(Carbon monoxide) laser, CO ₂ (carbon dioxide) laser, Nd-YAG (Neodymium Yttrium Alminium Garnet)
Laser and Er-YAG (Erbium Yttrium Aluminum G
arnet: Erbium yttrium aluminum garnet) Guides laser light such as laser. The clad 16 is made of a material such as a glass material having a refractive index different from that of the core 15, and is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the core 15 with a thickness of about 5 to 50 μm. The first jacket 17 is made of a material such as polyurethane, polyimide, or silicone.
It is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the clad 16 to have a thickness of about 10 to 100 μm. The second jacket 18 is made of a material such as nylon, polyimide, or Teflon, and is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first jacket 17 so as to have an outer diameter of about 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

Such a probe body 12 is composed of the inner tube 1
9 and the outer tube 20 are coaxially inserted. A gap 21 is formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction between the outer peripheral surface of the second jacket 18 and the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 19. A gap 2 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical tube 19 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical tube 20.
2 is formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. These gaps 2
A liquid such as water is introduced into either one of 1 and 22, and a gas such as air is introduced into the other. Outer gap 2
The opening 2 is opened at substantially the same position as the inner gap 21 or at some front and rear, and the liquid and gas introduced into these gaps 21 and 22 can be sprayed from each opening and atomized. It is also possible to jet only one of these liquids and gases individually.

For example, when only a liquid such as water is sprayed, the laser light irradiation site can be cooled and foreign substances attached to the vicinity of the laser light irradiation site can be removed. For example, when only a gas such as air is sprayed, the laser light irradiation site is dried, the irradiated site is heated without cooling with water, and / or the foreign matter adhering to the vicinity of the laser light irradiation site is scattered and removed. You can also do it. When spraying a further atomized mixed fluid of liquid and gas,
In addition to the cooling effect of the laser light irradiation portion, the thin layer of water is formed on the laser light irradiation portion, so that the laser light absorption efficiency of the laser light irradiation portion can be improved.
Further, it is possible to bring out the effect of removing foreign matters attached to the vicinity of the laser light irradiation site and cleaning.

The reflecting fixture 14 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum, or a polymer material, and has an inner cylindrical body 23 and an outer cylindrical body 24 into which the inner cylindrical body 23 is inserted coaxially. Have. The inner cylindrical body 23 has a cylindrical portion 25 having a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis, and a reflecting portion 27 in which a reflecting surface 26 is formed in a flat shape along a plane intersecting the axis 25a of the cylindrical portion 25. And this reflection part 27
And a connecting portion 28 for connecting the cylindrical portion 25 and the cylindrical portion 25. The reflecting surface 26 may be formed by mirror finishing such as mechanical polishing or chemical polishing, or may be formed by depositing a chemical resistant metal such as gold, silver, aluminum or platinum by vapor deposition or plating. Alternatively, it may be covered with an optical reflection film used for processing a reflecting mirror of an optical component. Alternatively, plating may be performed after buffing or chemical polishing. In this case, since the reflection surface 26 has a smoother base than that when plating is performed after simply processing,
For example, a good reflecting surface can be obtained only by forming a thin plating layer having a thickness of about 2 to 15 μm or less, the reflection efficiency of laser light can be improved, and further, gold can be coined or the reflecting portion 27 can be formed by gold itself. It is simpler and cheaper than the case of forming, and the reflecting surface 26 can be obtained like performance. In the case where the processed surface of the reflection surface 26 is buffed and then plated, a reflectance as high as about 90% can be obtained.

The outer cylindrical body 24 is externally inserted into the cylindrical portion 25 of the inner cylindrical body 23 while being shifted toward the other end side in the axial direction (left side in FIG. 1). The outer cylindrical body 24 has an inner thread 29 formed on the inner peripheral surface on the other end side in the axial direction, and the end surface 30 on the one end side in the axial direction is bonded to the outer peripheral surface 31 of the inner cylindrical body 23 with an adhesive 32. It As the adhesive 32, for example, a two-component adhesive is used.

As another embodiment of the present invention, the outer cylindrical body 24 and the cylindrical portion 25 may be integrally formed.

In the state where the inner tubular body 23 is bonded to the outer tubular body 24 in this way, the other axial end of the inner tubular body 23 is
Since the outer cylindrical body 24 is retracted to the one end side (the right side in FIG. 1) with respect to the other axial end, the inner screw 29 is attached to the outer cylindrical body 24.
It is exposed to the interior space of the. Such an internal screw 2
9 is screwed into the first jacket 17 protruding from the second jacket 18 of the probe main body 12, and is slightly caught in the outer peripheral surface of the first jacket 17 so as to be prevented from coming off. Therefore, since it is not necessary to process the outer thread on the outer peripheral surface of the first jacket 17, the manufacturing thereof does not require any labor. In this state, the axis 25a of the cylindrical portion 25
Is coincident with the axis of the laser beam emitted from the emission end 13 of the probe body 12.

As described above, since the reflection fixture 14 is detachably attached near the emitting end 13 of the probe body 12, the space formed between the fiber probe and the probe protection tube as in the prior art. It is hygienic because there is no risk that contaminated fluid such as bacteria and blood will enter and accumulate inside.

In this state, the end surface 34 of the second jacket 18 faces the end surface 35 of the outer cylindrical body 24 on the other end side in the axial direction, and the end surface 36 of the first jacket 17.
Is separated from the end surface 37 of the inner cylindrical body 23 on the other end side in the axial direction, and the reflection attachment 14 is attached to the emission end 13 of the probe body 12 in this manner. The cylindrical portion 25 of the inner cylindrical body 23 and the outer cylindrical body 24 form a mounting portion 33.

As described above, when the mounting portion 33 is mounted with the inner screw 29 biting into the outer peripheral surface of the first jacket 17, as described above, the cladding further protruding from the first jacket 17. 16 and core 1
5 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 25 of the inner cylindrical body 23.
In this state, a slight gap Δt exists between the outer peripheral surface of the cladding 16 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 25 of the inner cylindrical body 23. This makes it possible to easily insert the reflecting fixture 14 into the probe main body 12 when the reflecting fixture 14 is replaced. Further, the end surface 38 of the core 15 and the end surface 39 of the cladding 16 lie in a plane perpendicular to these axes. Each of these end faces 38, 3
9 is retracted inward from the end surface 40 on the one end side of the cylindrical portion 25. This prevents foreign matter scattered at the time of laser light irradiation from adhering to and soiling the end surface 38 of the core 15.

2 is an enlarged sectional view of the inner cylindrical body 23 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along section line III-III of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view line of FIG. It is sectional drawing seen from IV-IV. As described above, the inner cylindrical body 23 is
It has a cylindrical portion 25, a reflecting portion 27, and a connecting portion 28. The outer diameter D1 of the cylindrical portion 25 is 0.9 m, for example.
m, and the inner diameter D2 is selected to be 0.7 mm, for example. Further, the axial length L1 of the cylindrical portion 25 is
For example, 2.6 mm is selected.

The reflecting portion 27 has a substantially flat shape and a substantially rectangular shape, and the length L2 in the longitudinal direction thereof is, for example, 1.
The width W1 of the reflecting portion 27 is selected to be 1.1 mm, for example. The thickness T1 is, for example, 0.1 m
Selected for m. The reflection part 27 is thus thin plate-shaped, and thus has good heat dissipation and suppresses temperature rise due to laser light irradiation. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate the laser beam with the initial predetermined beam shape without causing distortion due to thermal deformation on the reflecting surface 26. In addition, the reflector 27
Can be inserted into a narrow space. A reflective surface 26 is formed on the entire surface of the reflective portion 27 over the length L2 and the width W1, and the reflective surface 26 forms an angle α with the axis of the cylindrical portion 25. This angle α is selected, for example, from 15 ° to 45 °, preferably 3 °.
Selected to 0 °. This makes it possible to reflect the laser light on the reflecting surface 26 and easily irradiate the portion such as the inner peripheral surface of the root canal where the linear probe main body 12 is difficult to irradiate the laser light. .

Further, the length L2 is selected such that one end 26a of the reflecting surface 26 in the longitudinal direction reaches the uppermost portion 25a of the cylindrical portion 25 in FIG. It becomes possible to reliably reflect all the laser light emitted from the emission end 13 of the laser light by the reflecting surface 26. Further, the corners 26b, 26c on the one end side (the right side in FIG. 3) in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting portion 27 are chamfered in an arc shape, so that there is no risk of damaging the laser light irradiation site.

The axial length L3 of the cylindrical portion 25 of the connecting portion 28 is selected to be 0.2 mm, for example, and the width W2 of the connecting portion 28 is selected to be 0.5 mm, for example.
Therefore, the length L4 of the inner cylindrical body 23 (= L1 + L2 + L
3) is 4.6 mm in the above example. Since the reflecting portion 27 is formed in a flat shape and the cylindrical portion 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the connecting portion 28 allows the cylindrical portion 25 and the reflecting portion to be formed while allowing such a change in cross-sectional shape. 27 is connected.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure for manufacturing the laser probe 11. First, in manufacturing the inner cylindrical body 23, as shown in FIG. 5A, a straight cylindrical pipe 41 is prepared. Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (2), the polishing tool 43, which is rotationally driven at a high speed around the rotation axis 42, is moved in the direction of arrow A, by a fixing means (not shown) such as a chuck device. The one end side in the axial direction of the pipe 41 fixed in the immovable state can be ground to form the reflecting portion 27 and the connecting portion 28 at the same time.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (3), the aforesaid base 46 having a second support surface 45 inclined at the angle α with respect to the flat first support surface 44 is placed on the base 46. Connection part 28
Is arranged and pressed so as to coincide with the intersection 47 of the first and second support surfaces 44 and 45, and is pressed, and the reflecting portion 27 is bent at the connecting portion 28 as shown by a virtual line 23a in the drawing. In this state, the reflecting portion 27 has a semi-circular cross section perpendicular to the axis, so that the inner cylindrical body 23 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 can be obtained by extending the reflecting portion 27 into a flat shape using a pressing tool such as a punch. Is formed.

The inner screw 29 is previously engraved on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical body 24 on the other end side in the axial direction, and the inner screw 29 is formed in the axial direction of the outer cylindrical body 24. The cylindrical portion 25 of the inner tubular body 23 is inserted from one end side, and the outer peripheral surface 31 of the inner tubular body 23 and the end surface 30 of the outer tubular body 24 are bonded with an adhesive 32. In this way, the reflecting fixture 14 is manufactured. As shown in FIG. 5 (4), the reflecting fixture 14 is attached by screwing the inner screw 29 onto the first jacket 17 of the probe body 12. The laser probe 11 is manufactured as described above.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a laser irradiation device 48 including the laser probe 11. The laser irradiation device 48 includes a laser light source 49, a handpiece body 50 held by an operator, and a light guide fiber that is a light guide body that guides the laser light from the laser light source 49 to the handpiece body 50. A cable 52 having a built-in 51 and the laser probe 11 detachably attached to the head 53 of the handpiece body 50 are included. The laser probe 11 includes a probe body 12 to which the reflection fixture 14 is attached, and a probe holder 54 into which the probe body 12 is inserted. The probe main body 12 is inserted into the inner cylinder tube 19 and the outer cylinder tube 20 described above, and the inner cylinder tube 19 and the outer cylinder tube 20 are connected to the probe holder 5 respectively.
4 is connected airtightly. The probe holder 54 is formed with a threaded portion 55 having an outer thread engraved on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the threaded portion 55 is threadedly engaged with the head 53 of the handpiece body 50.

In this way, with the laser probe 11 attached to the handpiece body 50, the laser light from the laser light source 49 passes through the light guiding fiber 51 of the cable 52 and reaches the handpiece body 50. The light is guided, enters from the incident end 56 of the probe main body 12, exits from the exit end 13, and intersects with the optical axis emitted from the exit end 13 by the reflecting surface 26 of the reflecting fixture 14 as described above. Is reflected in the direction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a laser light irradiation operation when the laser probe 11 is used. As shown in FIG. 7 (1), the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 62 formed in the tooth 61 is irradiated with the laser beam laterally reflected by the above-described reflection fixture 14, and the bottom portion of the cavity 62 is irradiated. Undercuts can be formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (2), the probe main body 1 including the reflecting fixture 14 in the periodontal pocket 64 for removing the subgingival calculus 63 by evaporation.
The calculus 63 can be removed by inserting the vicinity of the emission end 13 of No. 2 and irradiating the calculus 63 with laser light. Further, the caries 66 generated on the side surface of the tooth 61 covered with the gingiva 65 can be similarly irradiated with the laser beam to remove the caries 66. At this time, since the reflection fixture 14 irradiates the laser light only in the reflection direction, it is possible to prevent the gingiva 65 from being irradiated with the laser light.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (3), each tooth 6 is also affected by the caries 67 generated on the adjacent tooth 61 a.
The vicinity of the emission end 13 of the probe main body 12 including the reflection fixture 14 is inserted into the gap between the first and the first portions 61a, and the caries 6
By irradiating 7 with laser light, the caries 67 can be removed.

As described above, the reflecting portion 27 of the reflecting fixture 14 is
Since it has a thin plate shape, it can be irradiated by inserting it into a narrow space as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows another inner cylinder body 2 which is the premise of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing 3a, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner cylindrical body 23a shown in FIG. This structure is similar to the structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, and the corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals or the same numbers with a suffix a. What should be noted in this configuration is the reflecting surface 26a of the reflecting portion 27a.
Is in a direction away from the end surface 40 on the one end side of the cylindrical portion 25 which is a part of the mounting portion 33 with respect to one plane intersecting the optical axis at the angle α, that is, the lower right portion of FIG. An arc-shaped trough having a radius of curvature R1 which is curved so as to be convex and which is perpendicular to the axis intersecting the optical axis at the angle α, that is, parallel to the axis perpendicular to the plane of FIG. That is, it is formed to have a curved surface.

The radius of curvature R1 is selected to be 15 mm, for example. The reflection surface 26a reflects the laser light emitted from the emission end 13 of the probe body 12 laterally, that is, upward in FIG. 8, and the reflection light is elongated along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. It can be condensed into a slit-like laser beam shape. As a result, it is possible to locally irradiate the affected area with the laser beam at a high energy density, which is particularly suitable for evaporation of hard tissue in the clinical application shown in FIG.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 described above, the reflecting surface 26a of the reflecting portion 27a of the inner cylindrical body 23a has the cylindrical shape with respect to a plane intersecting the optical axis at the angle α. An arc-shaped gutter-shaped curved surface that is convex in a direction away from the end surface 40 on the one end side of the portion 25 and that is parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at the angle α. However, as still another embodiment of the present invention, the inner cylindrical body 23e shown in FIG. 10 has a convex shape in a direction close to the end surface 40, that is, in a direction opposite to the reflection surface 26a. And a reflecting surface 2 which is an arc-shaped gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to the axis perpendicular to the axis.
6e may be formed on the reflecting portion 27e.

With such a reflecting surface 26e, the laser light emitted from the emitting end 13 of the probe body 12 is reflected laterally, that is, upward in FIG. 10, and the reflected light is reflected on both sides with respect to the axis perpendicular to the optical axis. It can be dispersed to spread over. This is particularly suitable for removal of subgingival calculus that does not require a very high energy density, evaporation of a thin layer of the root surface, shallow evaporation of necrotic gingiva, etc.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing still another inner cylindrical body 23b which is the premise of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is FIG.
1 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line XII-XII of FIG.
3 is a sectional view taken along the section line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11, and FIG. 14 is an inner cylindrical body 2 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
It is a perspective view of 3b. The inner cylinder 23b having this configuration is shown in FIG.
~ Similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 ~ Fig. 10, corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals or the same numbers with a subscript b. In this configuration, it should be noted that the direction in which the reflecting surface 26b of the reflecting portion 27b is separated from the end surface 40 on the one end side of the cylindrical portion 25 with respect to the one plane intersecting the optical axis at the angle α. That is, it is formed so as to be convex to the lower right of FIG. 11 and to have an arc-shaped gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to the axis line that intersects the optical axis at the angle α. is there.

Further, both end portions 71, 72 in the circumferential direction of the tip portion (the end portion on the right side of FIGS. 11 and 12) of the reflecting portion 27b.
Is chamfered in the shape of an arc, which eliminates the risk of damaging the laser light irradiation site. The reflection part 27
The axial length L2b of b is selected to be 1.2 mm, for example. Due to the reflective surface 26b, the probe body 1
The laser light emitted from the second emission end 13 can be reflected laterally, that is, upward in FIG. 11, and the reflected light can be condensed along the optical axis into a so-called elongated slit laser beam shape. As a result, it is possible to locally irradiate the affected area with laser light at a high energy density, and it is particularly suitable for cavity formation undercut, root surface caries, adjacent surface caries, and gingival incision.

In the configurations shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 described above, the reflecting surface 26b of the reflecting portion 27b of the inner cylindrical body 23b is formed into the cylindrical shape with respect to the plane intersecting the optical axis at the angle α. Formed so as to be convex in a direction away from the end surface 40 on the one end side of the portion 25, and to form an arc-shaped gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to the axis intersecting the optical axis at the angle α. However, as still another embodiment of the present invention, like the inner cylindrical body 23f shown in FIG. 15, it is convex in the direction close to the end surface 40, that is, in the direction opposite to the reflection surface 26b, and A reflecting surface 26f, which is an arc-shaped gutter-shaped curved surface having the axis as the longitudinal direction, may be formed in the reflecting portion 27f.

With such a reflecting surface 26f, the laser light emitted from the emitting end 13 of the probe body 12 is reflected laterally, that is, upward in FIG. 15, and the reflected light is spread to both sides with respect to the optical axis. Can be dispersed in. This is particularly suitable for removal of subgingival calculus that does not require a very high energy density, evaporation of a thin layer of the root surface, shallow evaporation of necrotic gingiva, etc.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view showing still another inner cylindrical body 23g which is a premise of the present invention. The inner cylinder 23g of this embodiment of the present invention is similar to that shown in FIGS.
15A to 15C are similar to the respective configurations of the present invention, and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals or the same numbers with a subscript g. It should be noted in this configuration that the reflecting surface 26g of the reflecting portion 27g is an end surface on the one end side of the cylindrical portion 25 with respect to a plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, for example, the angle α. That is, it is formed so as to have a spherical curved surface so as to be convex in the direction away from, that is, to the lower right of FIG.

With such a reflecting surface 26g, the laser light emitted from the emitting end 13 of the probe body 12 is reflected laterally, that is, in the upper part of FIG. 16, and this reflected light is centered on one point, that is, a spot. Can be focused into a laser beam shape. With this, it is possible to locally irradiate the laser beam with a very high energy density.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 16 described above, the reflecting surface 26g of the reflecting portion 27g of the inner cylindrical body 23g is the cylindrical portion 25 with respect to one plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. 17 is formed as a spherical curved surface so as to be convex in a direction away from the end surface on the one end side of FIG.
Like the inner cylindrical body 23h shown in FIG. 2, the reflecting surface 26h having a spherical curved surface is formed so as to be convex in a direction close to the end surface, that is, in a direction opposite to the reflecting surface 26g.
You may form in h. By such a reflecting surface 26h, the laser light emitted from the emitting end of the probe body 12 is reflected laterally, that is, upward in FIG. 17, and this reflected light is dispersed so as to be radial with respect to any one point. You can

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the inner cylindrical body 23c according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line XX-XX of FIG. This embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and 8-17.
The configuration is similar to each of the configurations shown in (1), and the corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals or the same numbers with a subscript c.
The axial direction one end portion 73 of the inner cylindrical body 23c of the embodiment of the present invention is tapered at an angle β with respect to one plane including the axis, and is formed on another plane perpendicular to the one plane. On the other hand, it is formed to have a wide shape, and its cross section perpendicular to the axis is an ellipse. The angle β is selected to be 20 °, for example. The reflecting portion 27c is formed on the one end portion 73 through the connecting portion 28c. The axial length L2c of the reflecting portion 27c is selected to be, for example, 0.5 mm, and the width W1c thereof is selected to be, for example, 1.2 mm. In addition, the connecting portion 2
The width W2c of 8c is selected to be 0.6 mm, for example. Furthermore, the length L5 along the outer surface between the end surface 27c1 of the reflecting portion 27c and the bending point 23c1 of the inner cylindrical body 23c is, for example, 2.
1 mm is selected.

The reflecting surface 26c of the reflecting portion 27c extends in the direction intersecting the optical axis, and as shown in FIG. 20, the curved portion 7 protruding from the reflecting surface 26c on both sides in the width direction.
4, 75, and a flat plane portion 76 is formed between the curved portions 74, 75. By each curved portion 74, 75,
The scattered laser light emitted from the emitting end 13 of the probe main body 12 to both outer sides after reflection, that is, the left and right directions in FIG. The irradiation site can be irradiated.
The width W3 is selected to be 1.0 mm, for example, and the height h1 is selected to be 0.2 mm, for example, so that the width W3 of the reflecting surface 26c is larger than the height h1 of the reflecting portion 27c. Therefore, the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface 26c is flat, and a wide laser beam corresponding to the width W3 can be applied to quickly perform treatment. This is suitable for removal of subgingival calculus, transpiration of a thin layer on the root surface, shallow transpiration of necrotic gingiva, etc., and the safety against deeper transpiration than necessary can be further improved.

1 to 9 and each configuration of FIGS. 11 to 14,
The dimensions of the respective parts of the reflection fixture 14 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 are merely examples, and these dimensions can be appropriately selected according to the application. This will be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0072]

[0073]

As another configuration that is a premise of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21, the reflection fixture 14 is attached to the tip of the first jacket 17 so as to be flexible and elastic.
Right cylindrical tube 7 made of rubber or other material
9 may be connected and held. As described above, the reflection mount 14 is attached to the probe body 12 by using the tube 79.
Also, the two can be easily connected regardless of the change in the diameter of the first jacket 17.

As still another embodiment of the present invention, the reflecting fixture 14 may be caulked to the tip of the first jacket 17 using a notch, or may be fixed by adhesion with an adhesive. Good.

Visible light such as green or red may be radiated as spot light beam in parallel or coaxially with the laser light as guide light.

The above-described reflecting portions 27, 27 a to 2 a
The shape of 7h is merely an example, and other shapes are also included in the scope of the spirit of the present invention, and the gutter shape means a concave shape, a U shape, a V shape.
Including shapes such as a V shape, a C shape, and an arc shape and a curved shape similar thereto.

[0078]

According to the present invention, since the reflection mount is mounted on the probe body by mounting the mounting portion of the reflection mount on the emitting end of the probe body, the reflection mount is mounted as compared with the prior art. The work of attaching the tool to the probe body can be easily performed. Further, when the reflection attachment is attached to the probe main body, since the reflection attachment is attached to the emitting end of the probe main body, the configuration that covers the entire fiber probe as in the prior art or the water drop-shaped reflection is used. The material cost and the processing cost can be reduced as compared with the configuration including the chip. Further, since the reflecting portion is in the shape of a thin plate, when the operator wants to slightly change the reflection direction of the laser light, it can be easily bent and finely adjusted. In addition, the heat dissipation is good, the temperature rise due to the irradiation of the laser light is suppressed, and the irradiation with the initial predetermined beam shape can be performed without causing distortion due to thermal deformation on the reflecting surface. Further, the reflection part can be inserted into a narrow space to irradiate laser light.

Further, since the reflecting fixture is detachably attached near the emitting end of the probe body, various bacteria and blood are contained in the space formed between the fiber probe and the probe protection tube as in the prior art. It is hygienic because there is no possibility that the contaminated fluid will enter and accumulate. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is formed to incline at a predetermined angle in a direction intersecting the optical axis, and both widthwise end portions perpendicular to the optical axis are formed to project beyond the reflecting surface. A part of the laser light emitted from the end can be guided inward by the widthwise both ends.

According to the present invention, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is
Since it is formed flat along a plane that intersects at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, the laser light emitted from the emission end is reflected at a predetermined angle while maintaining a substantially same shape. Then, the laser beam irradiation site can be irradiated.

According to the present invention, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is
With respect to one plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, since it is formed so as to be convex in a direction away from the mounting portion, the laser light emitted from the emitting end is After being reflected at a predetermined angle, it is possible to irradiate a specific region of the laser light irradiation site while concentrating the light.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion has a gutter shape which is parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Since it is formed into a curved surface, the laser light can be condensed into a long and narrow beam shape in the irradiation site along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion is formed as a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to the axis intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Therefore, the laser beam can be condensed into a long and narrow beam shape along the optical axis at the irradiation site.

Further, according to the present invention, since the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion is formed into a spherical curved surface, a spot shape with one point as a center is irradiated with the laser light. Can be focused on.

According to the present invention, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is
With respect to one plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, it is formed to be curved so as to be convex in the direction close to the mounting portion. After reflecting at a specified angle, while dispersing,
It is possible to disperse and irradiate a specific region of the laser light irradiation site.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction approaching the mounting portion has a gutter shape parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Since it is formed on a curved surface, the laser light can be dispersed light that spreads to both sides with respect to the axis line perpendicular to the optical axis at the irradiation site.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction approaching the mounting portion is formed as a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. Therefore, the laser light can be dispersed light that spreads to both sides with respect to the optical axis at the irradiation site.

Further, according to the present invention, since the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction approaching the mounting portion is formed into a spherical curved surface, the laser light is radially dispersed at any one point at the irradiation site. It can be light.

[0089]

[0090]

[0091]

[0092]

Further in accordance with the present invention, the probe body is
The probe holder allows the head of the handpiece body to be easily attached / detached and replaced. Further, since the mounting portion of the reflecting fixture has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the probe body, the field of view in the vicinity of the laser light irradiation portion is not obstructed by the mounting portion and the laser light irradiation portion can be easily Can be seen. Further, the material cost and the processing cost can be reduced as compared with the configuration of the prior art.

Further, since the reflection fixture is detachably attached near the emitting end of the probe body, various bacteria, blood, etc. are contained in the space formed between the fiber probe and the probe protection tube as in the prior art. It is hygienic because there is no possibility that the contaminated fluid will enter and accumulate. Moreover, the reflecting portion is in the shape of a thin plate, so that when the operator wants to slightly change the reflection direction of the laser light, it can be easily bent and finely adjusted. Further, the heat radiation is good, the temperature rise due to the irradiation of the laser beam is suppressed, and the irradiation with the initial predetermined beam shape can be performed without causing the distortion due to the thermal deformation on the reflecting surface. Further, the reflecting portion can be inserted into a narrow space to irradiate laser light. A reflecting fixture in which the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is inclined at a predetermined angle in a direction intersecting the optical axis, and both widthwise end portions perpendicular to the optical axis project from the reflecting surface. Since it is provided at the emission end of the probe main body, a part of the laser light emitted from this emission end can be guided inward by the widthwise both ends. Moreover, since the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe prepared separately,
The convenience is improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting fixture is provided in which the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is formed flat along one plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Since it is provided at the emission end, the laser light emitted from the emission end can be reflected at a predetermined angle and irradiated to the laser light irradiation site while maintaining the substantially same shape. Moreover, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, which improves convenience.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the mounting portion with respect to a plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. Since the reflection fixture to be formed is provided at the emission end of the probe main body, the laser light emitted from this emission end is reflected at a predetermined angle and then condensed while the laser light irradiation site Irradiation can be concentrated on a specific area. Moreover, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, which improves convenience.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface, which is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion, has a gutter shape parallel to the axis perpendicular to the axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Since the reflecting fixture formed on the curved surface is provided at the emitting end of the probe main body, the laser light can be condensed into a long and narrow beam at the irradiation site along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Moreover, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, which improves convenience.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface, which is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion, is formed in a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to the axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Since the reflecting fixture is provided at the emitting end of the probe main body, the laser light can be condensed into an elongated beam shape along the optical axis at the irradiation site. Moreover, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, which improves convenience.

Further, according to the present invention, since the reflecting fixture having the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction away from the mounting portion is formed into a spherical curved surface is provided at the emitting end of the probe main body. The laser light can be condensed in a spot shape with one point as the center at the irradiation site. Moreover, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, which improves convenience.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is curved so as to be convex in the direction close to the mounting portion with respect to one plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Since the reflection fixture to be formed is provided at the emitting end of the probe body, the laser light emitted from this emitting end is reflected at a predetermined angle and then dispersed to identify the laser light irradiation site. Irradiation can be performed in a distributed manner in the area. Moreover, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, which improves convenience.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface, which is convex in the direction close to the mounting portion, has a gutter shape parallel to the axis perpendicular to the axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Since the reflecting fixture formed on the curved surface is provided at the emission end of the laser probe main body, the laser light can be dispersed light that spreads to both sides with respect to the axis line perpendicular to the optical axis at the irradiation site. Moreover, the laser probe is
Since it can be easily replaced with another laser probe prepared separately, convenience is improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction close to the mounting portion is formed into a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to the axis intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Since the reflecting fixture is provided at the emission end of the laser probe main body, the laser light can be dispersed light that spreads to both sides with respect to the optical axis at the irradiation site. Moreover, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, which improves convenience.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the reflecting fixture having the reflecting surface which is convex in the direction approaching the mounting portion is formed into a spherical curved surface is provided at the emitting end of the laser probe main body. The laser light can be made to be radial dispersed light at any one point at the irradiation site. Moreover, the laser probe can be easily replaced with another laser probe that is separately prepared, which improves convenience.

[0104]

[0105]

[0106]

[0107]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view around a light emitting end 13 of a laser probe 11 which is a premise of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of an inner cylinder body 23 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along section line III-III in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the section line IV-IV in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a manufacturing procedure of the laser probe 11.

FIG. 6 is a laser irradiation device 4 including a laser probe 11.
It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of 8.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a laser light irradiation operation when the laser probe 11 is used.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another inner cylinder body 23a which is a premise of the present invention.

9 is a perspective view of an inner cylindrical body 23a shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing another inner cylinder body 23e which is a premise of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another inner cylinder body 23b which is a premise of the present invention.

12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line XII-XII in FIG.

13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line XIII-XIII in FIG.

14 is a perspective view of the inner cylindrical body 23b shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing another inner cylinder body 23f which is a premise of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view showing another inner cylinder body 23g which is a premise of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view showing another inner cylinder body 23h which is a premise of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the inner cylindrical body 23c according to the embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line XIX-XIX in FIG.

20 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line XX-XX in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is another laser probe 11 on which the present invention is based.
It is an expanded sectional view of a.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing another prior art reflective tip 128.

[Explanation of symbols]

11,11a Laser probe 12 Probe body 13 Exit end 14 Reflective fixture 15 cores 16 clad 17 First Jacket 18 Second Jacket 19 Inner tube 20 Outer tube 21,22 gap 23, 23a-23c, 23e-23h Inner cylinder 24 outer cylinder 25 Cylindrical part 26, 26a-26h Reflective surface 27, 27a to 27h Reflector 28, 28c connection part 29 Internal screw 30, 34-40 end face 31 outer peripheral surface 32 adhesive 33 Mounting part 41 pipes 43 Abrasive tools 46 base 48 laser irradiation device 49 Laser light source 50 handpiece body 51 Light guiding fiber 52 cable 53 heads 54 probe holder 55 Threaded part 56 Entrance end 61,61a teeth 62 Cave 63 tartar 64 periodontal pocket 65 gums 66,67 caries 71,72 Edge 74,75 curved part 76 Plane

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61C 1/00 A61C 3/00

Claims (20)

(57) [Claims] 1. A reflection fixture that is detachably attached to the emission end of a probe body that guides laser light incident from the incidence end to the emission end, and has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the probe body. A mounting portion having the thin plate-shaped reflecting portion connected to the mounting portion, the reflecting portion having a predetermined angle α in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the laser beam emitted from the emitting end of the probe body. A reflecting fixture, comprising: a reflecting surface that is inclined and forms a reflecting surface; and a reflecting portion having a width direction end portion that is formed so as to project perpendicularly to the optical axis from the reflecting surface. 2. The reflection surface according to claim 1, wherein the reflection surface of the reflection portion is formed flat along a plane that intersects the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Mounting fixture. 3. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is formed to be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the mounting portion with respect to a plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. The fixture for reflection according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to an axis intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Reflective fitting as described. 5. The reflecting surface according to claim 3, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. Fixture. 6. The reflecting fixture according to claim 3, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a spherical curved surface. 7. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is formed so as to be curved so as to be convex in a direction close to the mounting portion with respect to a plane intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. The fixture for reflection according to claim 1, wherein: 8. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis line perpendicular to an axis line intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. Reflective fitting as described. 9. The reflecting surface according to claim 7, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. Fixture. 10. The reflecting fixture according to claim 7, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a spherical curved surface. 11. A probe body that emits laser light from a laser light source into a handpiece body through a light guide body from an incident end to an emission end, and emits the laser light from the emission end. A probe holder that is inserted into the probe body and is detachably connected to the head of the handpiece body; and a reflection attachment that is detachably attached to the emission end of the probe body. The fixture is a mounting portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the probe body, and a thin plate-shaped reflecting portion connected to the mounting portion. The reflecting portion is emitted from the emitting end of the probe body. A reflecting portion having a reflecting surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle α in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the laser light, and widthwise both end portions that are formed to project perpendicularly to the optical axis from the reflecting surface. Including and Laser probe provided with a reflecting fixture characterized and. 12. The reflection surface according to claim 11, wherein the reflection surface of the reflection portion is formed flat along a plane intersecting with the optical axis at a predetermined angle. Probe with a mounting fixture. 13. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a plane that intersects at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis,
The laser probe provided with the reflection fixture according to claim 11, wherein the laser probe is formed to be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the mounting portion. 14. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis line perpendicular to an axis line that intersects the optical axis at a predetermined angle.
A laser probe comprising the reflective fixture described. 15. The reflecting surface according to claim 13, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. A laser probe with a fixture. 16. The laser probe provided with a reflecting fixture according to claim 13, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a spherical curved surface. 17. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a plane that intersects at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis,
The laser probe including the reflection fixture according to claim 11, wherein the laser probe is formed to be curved so as to be convex in a direction approaching the mounting portion. 18. The reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis line perpendicular to an axis line that intersects at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis.
A laser probe comprising the reflective fixture described. 19. The reflecting surface according to claim 17, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a gutter-shaped curved surface parallel to an axis intersecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. A laser probe with a fixture. 20. The laser probe according to claim 17, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is a spherical curved surface.