JP7334903B2 - Polymerization equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to polymerization equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a photopolymerization apparatus that can be suitably used for manufacturing dentures, dental prostheses, etc. by photopolymerization.

Conventionally, as a photopolymerization device used to advance the photopolymerization reaction of a preform made of an uncured photocurable material, the preform is placed in a polymerization vessel, and the light is emitted from the light source into the polymerization vessel. A photopolymerizer that emits light is known.

For example, in Patent Document 1, an object made of a photocurable material used for dental prosthesis or the like is cured by a light emitting diode (LED) light source, and the temperature in the light irradiation space (polymerization space) is increased. As a photopolymerization device capable of increasing its hardness (strength), it is composed of a housing, a polymerization space surrounded by walls in the housing, and a polymerization space in which polymerization is performed; and a temperature control means for heating the inside of the polymerization space, wherein the LED light source is arranged outside the polymerization space.” there is According to Patent Document 1, the photopolymerization device further includes temperature control means for heating the polymerization space, and the temperature control means comprises cooling means for cooling the LED light source and cooling means for cooling the LED light source. and heat supply means for supplying heat generated from the LED light source to the polymerization space, and the heat generated from the LED light source heats the polymerization space. The photopolymerizer has a table rotatable by a motor, and a dental prosthesis or the like is placed on the table through a dedicated attachment, and the attachment and the dental prosthesis or the like are rotated to achieve uniform polymerization. It is possible.

On the other hand, in recent years, home-visit medical care has attracted attention as a form of medical care that responds to the aging society. There is a demand to add a photo-polymerizing material to the denture base of dentures, adjust the shape, harden it, and make it fit in the oral cavity as part of the home visit medical treatment. Polymerization apparatuses meeting such demands are also known. That is, Patent Document 2 describes a photopolymerization container that can detachably include a light source such as a handpiece-type photopolymerization device and that is easy to carry. A container for photopolymerization provided with a removable container and a light guide part which penetrates the wall of the container so as to allow light to pass through and communicates the inside and the outside of the container” is disclosed.

JP 2012-034839 A JP 2012-034838 A JP-A-62-68452

The photopolymerization device disclosed in Patent Document 1 not only uses a long-life LED as a light source but also has a temperature control means. Advantageous. However, the temperature control means requires a Peltier element for cooling and a ventilation passage leading to the polymerization space, and the structure is complicated. It becomes large. Therefore, it is difficult to say that the above polymerization apparatus is suitable for repairing dentures during home visits as described above.

Although the photopolymerization container disclosed in Patent Document 2 has the advantage of being easy to carry, it uses a handpiece type photopolymerization device that is close to a point light source (having a very small light emitting surface area) as a light source. In order to irradiate a wide area with light, it is necessary to diffuse the light using a diffusing lens or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a compact polymerization apparatus that is easy to carry and can increase the intensity of light irradiated per unit area of an object.

In order to increase the intensity of the irradiation light per unit area of the object, the present inventors have found that if a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged on the surface of a substrate having a relatively large area as a light source, the above-mentioned Thinking that the problem could be solved, we conducted a thorough study. As a result, when a plurality of LEDs are used in a miniaturized device, there is a problem that stable operation becomes difficult due to the heat generated by the LEDs. The above problem can be solved by synchronizing the driving of the fan and the exhaust fan, and by devising the arrangement of these to define the flow path so that the heated cooling air is immediately discharged outside the apparatus. Found it. However, it has been found that depending on the type of object, dirt adheres firmly to the interior of the device, making maintenance of the device difficult.

Therefore, as a result of further investigation to solve the above problem, in the device using a plurality of LEDs, the cause of the contamination is ascertained, and even if contamination occurs, the device can be easily and inexpensively used. We have succeeded in finding a method for keeping in good condition, and have completed the present invention.

That is, the present invention
A first housing having a light source chamber defined by a ceiling and a floor having a light-transmitting window material, and having an intake hole and an exhaust hole provided on the side wall, and a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a predetermined pattern. and a heat dissipation surface to which a heat sink is bonded, the light source assembly being disposed in the light source chamber with the light emitting surface facing the light transmissive window member; a light illuminator having a fan disposed in the room;
a polymerization vessel having a bottomed cylindrical or box-shaped second housing with an opening at the top;
A cup-shaped container with an open top, the inner surface of which is made of a material that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting diode, and is detachably housed inside the polymerization container through the opening of the second housing. and a polymerization cup;
to "an object consisting of a member or an article having an unpolymerized part composed of a photopolymerizable curable composition containing a monofunctional polymerizable monomer having a molecular weight of 200 or less" housed inside the polymerization cup; A polymerization device for polymerizing the unpolymerized portion by irradiating light emitted from the light irradiator,
The part of the light-transmissive window material exposed to the outside of the light source chamber is exchangeably coated to prevent the monofunctional polymerizable monomer volatilized from the object and having a molecular weight of 200 or less from adhering to the part. It further has a light-transmitting protective film that prevents
(1) An attachment/detachment assisting member is provided in the vicinity of the upper edge of the polymerization cup for facilitating attachment/detachment of the polymerization cup, or (2) an inner peripheral edge of the opening of the second housing. and the upper edge of the polymerization cup is located between the edge of the polymerization cup and the inner peripheral edge of the opening of the second housing when the polymerization cup is accommodated in the second housing, having a relative structure such that a gap is formed to facilitate attachment and detachment of the polymerization cup;
The polymerization apparatus is characterized by:

In the polymerization apparatus of the present invention, the polymerization cup preferably has a substantially truncated cone shape or a polygonal truncated pyramid shape that expands upward in diameter, and the polymerization cup is made of disposable aluminum. A cup is preferred.

Further, in the polymerization apparatus of the present invention, the heat sink in the light source assembly has a plurality of radiation fins arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals, and a groove-shaped ventilation path is formed between adjacent radiation fins. the air intake hole and the air exhaust hole are provided so as to face one end and the other end of the groove-shaped air passage, respectively, and the fan is provided at one end of the air intake hole and the groove-shaped air passage and an exhaust fan disposed between the exhaust hole and the other end of the groove-shaped ventilation passage, and the intake fan and the exhaust fan are synchronously driven. so that when the light irradiator is operated, the air heated by absorbing heat from the radiation fins flows so as not to spread into a space other than the ventilation passage inside the light source chamber, Preferably, the air flow is regulated.

Since the polymerization apparatus of the present invention uses an LED as a light source, it can be made compact and easy to carry. Moreover, since a plurality of LEDs, for example 10, are used as the light source, the surface of an object such as a preformed denture can be irradiated with high-intensity light. Furthermore, although multiple LEDs are mounted in a compact device, the heat generated by these LEDs can be effectively dissipated outside the device, resulting in thermal stress on the control device placed in the device. Since it is difficult to apply heat and uneven temperature distribution in the polymerization vessel can be prevented, stable and highly accurate polymerization and curing can be achieved.

In addition, the object has an unpolymerized portion composed of a polymerizable curable composition containing a low-molecular-weight monofunctional polymerizable monomer component volatilized by polymerization heat generated during polymerization and curing, and the component transmits light. Even if the protective film or polymerization cup adheres to and solidifies on the protective window material or the polymerization vessel, the protective film and polymerization cup can be easily removed and replaced. can be reduced.

Furthermore, by introducing water or warm water into the polymerization cup and performing polymerization while the object is submerged in water or warm water, it is possible to prevent the formation of a so-called surface unpolymerized layer on the object after polymerization and curing. . Moreover, since the polymerization cup is designed to be easily attached and detached, when photopolymerization is performed in this manner, it is possible to attach and detach (inside the polymerization vessel) without spilling the water or hot water in the polymerization cup. It is possible to put in and out).

The figure is a perspective view of a representative polymerization apparatus of the present invention. This figure is an XX' sectional view of the polymerization apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. This figure is a YY' sectional view of the polymerization apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. This figure is a partially enlarged view of FIG. This figure is a plan view and an XX' cross section of the polymerization apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. It is a diagram. This figure is a plan view and a cross-sectional view taken along line XX' of the polymerization apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, in which a polymerization cup having an outer shape obtained by cutting a truncated cone at two points along a plane is accommodated. This figure is a plan view and a cross-sectional view taken along line XX' of the polymerization apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG.

The polymerization apparatus of the present invention emits light to "an object consisting of a member or article having an unpolymerized portion composed of a photopolymerizable composition containing a monofunctional polymerizable monomer having a molecular weight of 200 or less". A polymerization apparatus for polymerizing the unpolymerized portion by irradiation.

In the present invention, the object is limited to those containing "a monofunctional polymerizable monomer having a molecular weight of 200 or less". This is due to the fact that it is a causative agent of "dirt that stains". That is, a part of the monofunctional polymerizable monomer vaporizes and scatters due to the heat of polymerization generated during photopolymerization, and solidifies while adhering to the surroundings, thereby causing the stain. The present invention assumes that photopolymerization of such objects is frequently performed, and takes measures to facilitate maintenance of the apparatus. However, it is sufficient that the polymerization apparatus of the present invention is used for the polymerization of the above-mentioned object, and it is of course possible to use it for the polymerization of the above-mentioned object that does not contain the monofunctional polymerizable monomer.

As the photopolymerizable composition in the object assumed as the object in the polymerization apparatus of the present invention, a radical polymerizable monomer containing a monofunctional polymerizable monomer having a molecular weight of 200 or less and a photopolymerization initiator It can be used without particular limitation as long as it contains a composition, and the photopolymerizable composition may contain other components such as fillers, pigments, and dyes as necessary.

Examples of monofunctional polymerizable monomers having a molecular weight of 200 or less include methyl (meth) acrylate, ethyl (meth) acrylate, propyl (meth) acrylate, isopropyl (meth) acrylate, butyl (meth) acrylate, and 2-hydroxyethyl. (meth) acrylate, glycidyl (meth) acrylate, methoxyethylene glycol (meth) acrylate, n-hexyl (meth) acrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth) acrylate, 2-(meth) acryloxyethyl propionate, Ethoxyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate and the like can be mentioned. The content of these monofunctional polymerizable monomers contained in the photopolymerizable composition is such that the contamination is likely to occur during polymerization, and the effect of the present invention becomes remarkable. Based on the mass (total mass) of all polymerizable monomers in the product, the content is preferably 30% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 40% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less.

An example of a photopolymerizable composition that can be suitably used as a photopolymerizable composition containing such a monofunctional polymerizable monomer is a photocurable composition that is used as a so-called denture base relining material, a dental composite resin, or the like. Dental polymerizable curable compositions may be mentioned. A part of the member or article to be the object may be composed of the photopolymerizable composition. Examples of such an object include a denture base of a denture, which is formed by placing a repair lining material on it, and a model or a metal frame, which is formed by placing a hard resin for dental crowns in the shape of a tooth. be able to.

In addition, the light to be irradiated to the object is not particularly limited as long as it includes light of a wavelength that activates the photopolymerization initiator contained in the photopolymerization curable composition (activation light), and can be used. Although it may be appropriately determined according to the type of the photopolymerization activator used, usually short-wavelength visible light or ultraviolet light is often used.

The polymerization apparatus of the present invention further contains a specific light irradiator that emits the light (activating light) to the outside, a polymerization cup that accommodates the object inside, and the polymerization cup, where the and a polymerization vessel for performing polymerization and curing by irradiating the object with activating light emitted from the light irradiator.

Hereinafter, the structures of the light irradiator, the polymerization vessel, the polymerization cup, etc., and the structure of the polymerization apparatus of the present invention, etc. will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the polymerization apparatus 100 of the present invention comprises a light illuminator 200 , a polymerization vessel 300 and a polymerization cup 310 .

<Light irradiator>
The light irradiator 200 has a light source chamber 220 defined by a cylindrical side wall 221, a circular ceiling 222, and a floor 223 having a circular light-transmitting window material 230. The side wall 221 has , has a first housing 210 provided with a plurality of slit-like intake holes 224 and exhaust holes 225, respectively. Inside the light source chamber 220, a light source assembly 240, an intake fan 250, an exhaust fan 260 and a control means 280 are arranged.

Synthetic resins, metals, ceramics, etc. can be used as materials for the first housing 210 (portions of the side walls 221, the ceiling 222, and the floor 223 other than the light-transmitting window material 230, etc.), but industrial mass production is easy. Acrylonitrile - butadiene - styrene copolymer resin (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride ( It is preferable to use resin materials such as PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In addition, the light-transmitting window material 230 is particularly limited as long as it transmits activation light emitted from a light-emitting diode (LED) 243, which will be described later, and preferably has a transmittance of 80% or more for the activation light. However, when the activating light is visible light or ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 380 nm to 500 nm, the thickness of the material such as glass, PC, PMMA, PET, PEN, PVC, PA, PS, etc. Plates of 10 mm, preferably 2 to 5 mm are preferably used. The area of the light-transmitting window member 230 is 20 to 225 cm ² (the window is circular) from the viewpoint of miniaturizing the device and irradiating sufficient light onto the surface of an object such as a denture. It is preferably about 5 to about 17 cm in terms of diameter when the window is circular), particularly preferably 50 to 170 cm ² (about 8 to about 15 cm in terms of diameter when the window has a circular shape). Although the entire surface of the floor 223 may be made of the light-transmitting window material 230, it is preferable that the window material be replaceable. Preferably, the light-transmitting window member 230 is detachably fixed to the edge remaining outside the opening using screws, bolts and nuts.

By attaching the light-transmitting window material 230 detachably in this way, if the light-transmitting window material 230 is damaged due to long-term use, the light-transmitting window material 230 can be replaced with a new one. It becomes possible to maintain good light transmittance.

A major feature of the polymerization apparatus of the present invention is that it uses a protective film 231 for the purpose of reducing the frequency of replacement of the light-transmitting window material 230 . As described above, the object is composed of a polymerizable curable composition containing a monofunctional polymerizable monomer component having a low molecular weight (specifically, a molecular weight of 200 or less) that volatilizes due to heat generated by polymerization during polymerization and curing. If it has an unpolymerized portion, the component adheres to the light-transmitting window material 230 . At this time, the adhered matter hardens after adhering and cannot be easily removed. Therefore, when polymerizing such an object, the outer surface of the light-transmitting window member 230 is covered with a protective film 231 for preventing contamination. It is important to cover with That is, by using such a protective film 231, when the light transmittance is lowered due to the deposits, only this protective film 231 needs to be replaced, which is more troublesome than replacing the window material. and cost can be greatly reduced. The protective film 231 preferably has a transmittance of 80% or more, particularly 90% or more, to the activation light. Accordingly, the material and thickness may be appropriately determined so that the light transmittance is within the above range. Examples of materials suitable for use as the protective film 231 include PE, PP, PET, PEN, PVC, PS, perfluoroalkoxy resin (PFA), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Moreover, the thickness of the film is usually 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

By the way, in order to prevent the formation of a so-called surface unpolymerized layer which is inevitably formed due to the influence of atmospheric oxygen during polymerization, a technique is known in which the object is immersed in water or warm water during polymerization. (See Patent Document 3). In the polymerization apparatus of the present invention, water or hot water may be injected into the polymerization cup 310, which will be described later. In preparation for such a case, it is preferable that a gasket 232 is interposed in the fixing portion to hermetically seal the light source chamber 220 so that vapor or liquid water does not enter. The gasket 232 is not particularly limited as long as it can be airtightly sealed, but it is preferable to use an elastic sealing member made of fluororubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, or the like.

The light source assembly 240 includes a substrate 241 having a light emitting surface 242 on which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 243 are arranged in a predetermined pattern and a heat dissipation surface 244 to which a heat sink 245 is bonded. The light source assembly 240 is arranged with the light emitting surface 242 facing the light-transmitting window member 230, and directs the active light emitted from the plurality of LEDs 243 and transmitted through the light-transmitting window member 230 to the outside. It is designed to be emitted.

The light source assembly 240 is basically the same as a so-called LED module with a heat sink. Although there is no particular difference from the LED module with a is preferred. Further, the number and arrangement pattern of the plurality of LEDs 243 arranged on the light emitting surface 242 are determined according to the shape and area of the light emitting surface 242, the directivity angle (half value angle) of each LED, etc. It may be determined appropriately so that irradiation can be performed, but when using LEDs with a directivity angle (half value angle) of 110 to 140 degrees, the number of unit areas of the light emitting surface 242 is 0.10 to 0.25. /cm ² ).

A heat sink 245 is bonded to a heat radiation surface 244 on the back side of the light emitting surface 242 . The heat sink 245 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. A groove-shaped ventilation passage 247 is formed between 246 . When the cooling air passes through the ventilation path 247, the light source assembly 240 is cooled by removing the heat generated when the LED is driven.

A fan for sending cooling air to the ventilation passage 247 is installed in the light source chamber 220 . The figure shows an embodiment using two fans, namely an intake fan 250 and an exhaust fan 260 . Cooling air is external air taken in from the air intake holes 224 located opposite to the cooling air by driving the intake fan 250, and warmed air after use exists in the opposite position. It is discharged outside through the exhaust hole 225 . In the polymerization apparatus of the present invention, an exhaust fan 260 is added to the air cooling mechanism described above, and the intake fan 250 and the exhaust fan 260 are driven synchronously, thereby cooling without using a large fan. The air flow velocity is increased (the amount of air passing through the ventilation passage 247 per unit time is increased). Since a small fan with a small installation space can be used, even if two fans are used, they can be installed in the narrow space of the light source chamber 220, and the device can be made compact.

In addition, in the illustrated polymerization apparatus 100 of the present invention, the air intake hole 224, the air intake fan 250, the air passage 247, the air exhaust fan 260 and the air exhaust hole 225 are arranged in a straight line so as to face one end of the air passage 247. An air intake fan 250 is arranged in the air passage 247 and an exhaust fan 260 is arranged so as to face the other end of the ventilation passage 247 . This regulates the flow of air when both fans are driven. That is, by adopting such an arrangement structure, it becomes difficult for the air heated by absorbing the heat from the radiation fins 246 to spread into the space other than the air passage 247 inside the light source chamber 220 . Therefore, the effect of improving the cooling efficiency due to the combination of the two fans and this flow regulation make it possible to reduce the thermal stress on devices such as the control means 280 and circuits arranged inside the light source chamber 220 . Note that the control means 280 means means for controlling the driving of the plurality of LEDs 243, the intake fan 250, the exhaust fan 260, and the like.

As a drive source (power) for the control means 280, a battery (not shown) or electric power supplied from the outside via the external power cord port 290 is used. Then, based on instructions based on the operation panel and various switches, which are not shown, attached to the first housing 210 of the light irradiator 200, and information from various sensors installed as necessary. Controls the drive of equipment. Such switches and sensors include a main power switch, a main switch for starting irradiation, a timer switch, a selection switch, an indicator lamp, an optical sensor for controlling output, a temperature sensor, and a thermistor as a safety device. , tilt switches, contact switches, proximity switches, and the like. In addition, examples of the control method by the control means 280 include a method of controlling the irradiation time by placing a timer switch on the outer surface of the first housing 210 and arbitrarily adjusting it, a microcomputer being mounted on the control means 280, for example, A method of controlling the irradiation time by programming so as to automatically turn off the light 5 minutes or 10 minutes after the start of irradiation can be adopted. At this time, the programmed irradiation time can be selected by arranging a selection switch on the outer surface of the first housing 210, or by the number of times the main switch is pressed. In addition, as a method of controlling the driving of the intake fan 250 and the exhaust fan 260, there is a method of programming and controlling to drive until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is below a specified temperature, or a method of starting driving at the same time as the start of light irradiation. However, it is also possible to employ a method of programming and controlling so as to continue driving for a certain period of time after turning off the light.

<Polymerization vessel>
The polymerization vessel 300 is a bottomed cylindrical or box-shaped housing having an opening 321 at the top, and has a second housing 320 detachably accommodating the polymerization cup 310 through the opening 321 . Light (activation light) emitted from the plurality of LEDs 243 of the light irradiator 200 and transmitted through the light transmissive window member 230 is irradiated to the inside of the polymerization cup 310 .

Although the material of the second housing 320 is not particularly limited, it is usually the same material as the first housing 210 . The shape and size are not particularly limited as long as the polymerization cup 310 can be detachably accommodated. It is preferable to have a shape and a size such that they are integrated with the first housing 210 when they are placed on top of each other with a certain distance therebetween. ing.

In order to facilitate such an integral structure, the light irradiator 200 and the polymerization vessel 300 interact so that the upper peripheral edge 311 of the polymerization cup 310 faces the light transmissive window of the light source chamber 220 . It is preferable to have an integration mechanism that can integrate the material 230 under the material 230 while maintaining a predetermined distance and overlapping the two. As such an integration mechanism, as shown in FIG. 4, as an integration mechanism 270 on the side of the light irradiator 200, an annular In addition, as the integration mechanism 330 on the side of the polymerization container 300, a part of the outer peripheral wall of the second housing 320 near the upper end is made thin to fit with the fitting protrusion, and the protrusion can be exemplified by forming a shelf (stepped portion) on which the can be placed. When adopting such an integrated mechanism, in order to prevent as much as possible the heat generated from the LED 243 from the polymerization vessel 300 through the first housing 210 from being transmitted to the second housing 320, both are integrated. It is preferable that both the contact portions are made of a non-metallic material such as synthetic resin, and the contact area is preferably reduced as much as possible.

Further, in the polymerization vessel 300, the activating light transmitted through the light transmitting window material 230 of the light irradiator 200 can be always placed at a position where it can enter the polymerization cup 310 reliably and efficiently. Preferably, the polymerization cup 310 and the second housing 320 are provided with locating means (not shown). As such a positioning means, for example, a concave portion is provided on the bottom surface of the polymerization cup 310, a convex portion corresponding to the second housing 320 is provided, and the two are fitted together for positioning. For example, a guide (protrusion) is provided to circumscribe the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the polymerization cup 310, and positioning is performed by the guide.

<polymerization cup>
The polymerization cup 310 is a cup-shaped container with an open top for accommodating the object therein, and the inner surface thereof is made of a material that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting diode. It is detachably accommodated inside the polymerization vessel through the opening of the second housing. Materials that reflect the activation light, such as aluminum, stainless steel, metal-plated glass, and transparent resin, can be used as materials for the inner surface.

The outer shape of the polymerization cup 310 is not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate the object inside and can be detachably accommodated inside the polymerization container through the opening of the second housing. In addition, as long as the reflection of light from the polymerization cup is not hindered, the strength of the polymerization cup may be increased by rib processing, or letters or figures may be added by embossing. From the viewpoint that the object can be irradiated with the light reflected by the inner wall surface, the polymerization cup 310 preferably has a substantially truncated cone shape or a polygonal truncated pyramid shape that expands upward. When the polymerization cup 310 has a truncated cone shape or a substantially truncated cone shape, part of the light reflected on the inner surface can be reflected on the bottom surface and the back side of the object can be irradiated with the light. becomes. At this time, it is preferable that the angle of the generatrix of the truncated cone shape or the substantially truncated cone shape with respect to the vertical line is 5 to 30 degrees (deg). In addition, the upper edge 311 (the circular or substantially circular opening of the cup) of the polymerization cup 310 is within the range of the light-transmitting window material 230, and when the light-transmitting window material 230 is circular, It is preferable that the diameter of the peripheral edge (aperture diameter) is equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the light-transmitting window member 230 .

Furthermore, as described above, when polymerizing an object having an unpolymerized portion composed of a polymerizable curable composition containing a low-molecular-weight monofunctional polymerizable monomer component that volatilizes due to polymerization heat generated during polymerization and curing. , the component not only adheres to the inner surface of the polymerization cup 310 and inhibits reflection of the activating light, but if such a substance accumulates, the substance adheres to the object. Polymerization may occur under certain conditions. From the viewpoint of avoiding such problems, the polymerization cup 310 is detachable so that cleaning and replacement can be easily performed. Further, it is installed inside the polymerization cup 310 when the polymerization apparatus 100 is in use, has a shape substantially similar to the polymerization cup 310, and at least the inner surface thereof is made of a material that reflects the light emitted from the LED 243. A disposable cup (not shown) can also be used. By setting an unused polymerization cup 310 or a disposable cup each time to perform polymerization and discarding after use, the occurrence of the above problems can be easily avoided, and hygiene can be easily ensured. Furthermore, the polymerization cup 310 itself may be configured as a disposable cup as described above.

At least the inner surface of the polymerization cup 310 may be made of a material that reflects the activation light, such as aluminum, stainless steel, metal-plated glass, or transparent resin. Therefore, in the case of a disposable type, it is preferable to use a polymerization cup made of aluminum foil from the viewpoint of material cost. In the case of the polymerization cup made of aluminum foil, the thickness of the aluminum foil, which is the material of the polymerization cup, is preferably 30 to 100 μm from the viewpoint of the strength of the polymerization cup.

As described above, in order to prevent the formation of a so-called surface unpolymerized layer that is inevitably formed due to the influence of atmospheric oxygen during polymerization, it is effective to carry out the polymerization while the object is submerged in water or hot water. is. Therefore, in the polymerization apparatus 100 of the present invention, it is preferable to pour water or warm water into the polymerization cup 310 so that the object can be irradiated with light while being immersed in the water or warm water. At this time, the amount of water or warm water required varies depending on the size of the object. On the other hand, if the amount of water is too large, water or warm water may overflow outside the cup, making it difficult to adjust the amount of water. The polymerization apparatus 100 of the present invention has a double structure in which the polymerization cup 310 is removably accommodated in the second housing 320. Even if an object is put in, the water or hot water overflowing from the polymerization cup 310 can be caught in the gap between the polymerization cup 310 and the second housing 320, and the water overflowing by removing the polymerization cup 310 after use. etc. can be easily discarded. This facilitates preparation of water or warm water in advance, leading to shortening of working time.

In the present invention, it is assumed that such a polymerization method is adopted, and when water or hot water is introduced into the polymerization cup 310, the water or hot water in the polymerization cup is not spilled. ), (1) near the upper edge 311 of the polymerization cup, an attachment/detachment assisting member for facilitating attachment and detachment of the polymerization cup is provided, or (2) ) The inner peripheral edge portion of the opening 321 of the second housing 320 and the upper edge portion 311 of the polymerization cup are in a state where the polymerization cup 310 is accommodated in the second housing 320, and the edge portion of the polymerization cup A relative structure is provided between 311 and the inner peripheral edge of the opening 321 of the second housing to form a gap 340 for facilitating attachment and detachment of the polymerization cup. As the attachment/detachment assisting member in (1) above, a pair of diametrically opposed pick-up pieces can be cited. Alternatively, the peripheral edge may be slightly curled inward so as to be caught by a finger. In addition, the gap 340 in (2) above is used to make it easier to pinch the upper edge of the overlapping cup with a finger, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a gap into which the tip of the finger can be inserted. For example, the circumferential length is 10 mm or more, preferably 10 to 20 mm, and the maximum width of the gap is 5 to 20 mm, preferably 5 to 10 mm. The number of gaps may be one or more, but from the viewpoint of keeping the volume large, two gaps with a circumferential length of 10 to 20 mm and a maximum gap width of 5 to 10 mm face each other. preferably provided.

The relative structure in (2) above means a relative relationship between the size and/or shape of the inner peripheral edge of the opening 321 of the second housing 320 and the upper edge 311 of the polymerization cup. When the polymerization cup 310 is accommodated in the second housing 320, the shape and size of both are substantially the same (both have a similar relationship, and the size of the upper edge 311 of the polymerization cup 310 is substantially the same). is slightly smaller than the size of the inner peripheral edge of the opening 321), and the basic relative relationship (relative structure) is a shape in which a gap is not substantially formed between the two and the shape fits snugly. , the shape and/or size of at least one of the whole or a part thereof is deformed from the shape and size having the above-mentioned basic relative relationship to facilitate attachment and detachment of the polymerization cup between the two It means that the relative relationship is such that a gap 340 is formed for For example, assuming that the shape of the opening 321 of the second housing 320 is fixed as a circle with a radius of r, 1) the upper edge 311 of the polymerization cup 310 has a radius of 5 to 20 mm from r, preferably 2) The upper edge 311 of the polymerization cup 310 is a circular shape with a radius slightly smaller than r (for example, 1 mm or less), with the outer circumference partially recessed inward. More specifically, it is deformed into an inwardly recessed shape so that the maximum width of the recess is 5 to 20 mm, preferably 5 to 10 mm, over a circumferential length of 10 mm or more, preferably 10 to 20 mm. and 3) the shape of the entire polymerization cup 310 is a truncated polygonal pyramid shape in which the shape of the upper edge 311 is a regular polygon (square, regular pentagon, regular hexagon, etc.) whose diagonal is slightly smaller than 2r. The case of changing corresponds to the above-mentioned relative relationship (relative structure). Further, assuming that the shape of the opening of the second housing is circular and fixed, the opening edge of the second housing has a circumferential length of 10 mm or more, preferably 10 to 20 mm. A case having a plurality of cutouts with a height of 5 to 10 mm corresponds to the relative relationship (relative structure).

5 to 7 are plan views and cross-sectional views of a state in which the polymerization cup 310, which is a specific example of the above 2) and 3), is mounted in the cylindrical second housing 320 in which the opening 321 has a circular shape. show. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is an example of an overlapping cup 310 having an outer shape in which two locations (diametrically opposed to each other) of a truncated cone are recessed inward in an arc shape, and the embodiment shown in FIG. is an example of an overlapping cup 310 having an outer shape in which two portions of a truncated cone (diametrically opposed to each other) are cut with a plane, and the embodiment shown in FIG. For example.

Although the polymerization apparatus of the present invention has been described above based on the drawings, it is of course possible to make various modifications within the scope of the present invention. For example, the integration mechanism can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the first housing and the second housing, etc., and the second housing is a drawer type and has a shape that fits inside the first housing, With the drawer open, the objects are stored in the polymerization cup, and then the drawer is closed. With the drawer closed, the upper edge of the polymerization cup overlaps the light-transmitting window material with a predetermined distance maintained. can be

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Polymerization apparatus 200... Light irradiation device 210... 1st housing 220... Light source chamber 221... Side wall 222... Ceiling 223... Floor 224... Air intake hole 225... Exhaust hole 230 Light transmissive window material 231 Protective film 232 Gasket 240 Light source assembly 241 Substrate 242 Light emitting surface 243 LED
244... Heat dissipation surface 245... Heat sink 246... Heat dissipation fin 247... Ventilation path 250... Intake fan 260... Exhaust fan 270... Integration mechanism (light irradiator side)
280 Control means 290 External power cord port 300 Polymerization container 310 Polymerization cup 311 Upper edge of polymerization cup 320 Second housing 321 Opening 330・・・Integration mechanism (Polymerization vessel side)
340 Gap

Claims (4)

A first housing having a light source chamber defined by a ceiling and a floor having a light-transmitting window material, and having an intake hole and an exhaust hole provided on the side wall, and a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a predetermined pattern. and a heat dissipation surface to which a heat sink is bonded, the light source assembly being disposed in the light source chamber with the light emitting surface facing the light transmissive window member; a light illuminator having a fan disposed in the room;
a polymerization vessel having a bottomed cylindrical or box-shaped second housing with an opening at the top;
A cup-shaped container with an open top, the inner surface of which is made of a material that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting diode, and is detachably housed inside the polymerization container through the opening of the second housing. and a polymerization cup;
to "an object consisting of a member or an article having an unpolymerized part composed of a photopolymerizable curable composition containing a monofunctional polymerizable monomer having a molecular weight of 200 or less" housed inside the polymerization cup; A polymerization device for polymerizing the unpolymerized portion by irradiating light emitted from the light irradiator,
The part of the light-transmissive window material exposed to the outside of the light source chamber is exchangeably coated to prevent the monofunctional polymerizable monomer volatilized from the object and having a molecular weight of 200 or less from adhering to the part. It further has a light-transmitting protective film that prevents
(1) An attachment/detachment assisting member is provided in the vicinity of the upper edge of the polymerization cup for facilitating attachment/detachment of the polymerization cup, or (2) an inner peripheral edge of the opening of the second housing. and the upper edge of the polymerization cup is located between the edge of the polymerization cup and the inner peripheral edge of the opening of the second housing when the polymerization cup is accommodated in the second housing, having a relative structure such that a gap is formed to facilitate attachment and detachment of the polymerization cup;
The polymerization apparatus characterized by: 2. The polymerization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the polymerization cup has a generally truncated cone shape or a polygonal truncated pyramid shape that expands upward. Polymerization apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymerization cup is a disposable aluminum cup. the heat sink in the light source assembly has a plurality of heat radiation fins arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval, and groove-shaped ventilation paths are formed between adjacent heat radiation fins;
The intake hole and the exhaust hole are provided so as to face one end and the other end of the groove-shaped ventilation passage, respectively,
The fans include an intake fan arranged between the intake hole and one end of the groove-shaped ventilation passage, and an exhaust fan arranged between the exhaust hole and the other end of the groove-shaped ventilation passage. When the air intake fan and the exhaust fan are driven synchronously to operate the light irradiator, the air heated by absorbing heat from the heat radiation fins is heated inside the light source chamber. The air flow is regulated so that it does not spread into a space other than the ventilation passage.
4. The polymerization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:

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