JPH11137574A - Dental photopolymerizer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dental photopolymerizer which enables efficiently maintaining of performance as expected at a dental treatment site without being affected by variations in the performance of a light source regardless of a cause of a drop in the intensity of irradiation light. SOLUTION: A light energy holder 3 is provided to secure a proper light energy with a reference value previously determined for the polymerization hardening of a photosetting type dental material as object. The light energy holder 3 is provided with an intensity of light measuring part 30 to measure the intensity of light irradiated from the tip of a light guide 12 of a light irradiation hand piece 1 and a light energy control part 31 which drives or controls a light source 10 of the light irradiation hand piece 1 to obtain the light energy proper for the polymerization hardening of the photosetting type dental material as object based on the results of the measurement of the intensity of light by the intensity of light measuring part 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dental photopolymerizer, and more particularly, to a dental photopolymerizer for polymerizing and curing a photocurable dental material used as a mold restorative material in dental care by irradiation light. It relates to a polymerization vessel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In dental care, various dental materials are used depending on the use site.
For the treatment of carious teeth, composite resins (compos) are an alternative to traditional mold restorations such as amalgam and silicate cement.
A photo-curing type, that is, a photo-polymerized resin material referred to as “ite resin” is widely used.

[0003] This type of photopolymerized resin material has been developed in recent years with the advancement of polymer science, and is transparent and rich in aesthetics by devising colors, and it can strongly emit light of a certain wavelength. It has the property of being polymerized and cured by being applied, and has an advantage not found in the above-mentioned conventional molding / restoring material.

Further, with the spread of the photopolymerizable resin material, various photopolymerizers for polymerizing and curing the same have been developed, and the general configuration thereof is a light irradiation handpiece and a light irradiation handpiece. And a power supply device for supplying power, wherein the light irradiation handpiece,
For example, a light source unit composed of a light source such as a lamp such as a halogen lamp, an LED, or a laser, and a filter that allows only light having a certain wavelength (generally 400 to 520 nm) to pass therethrough among the light from the light source unit are incorporated. The unit is provided with an exchangeable light guide for guiding the light passing through the filter to the outside.

[0005] Then, using this photopolymerizer, for example,
In order to perform so-called caries treatment, a perforation formed by cutting and removing carious teeth is filled with a photopolymerizable resin material, and this material is irradiated with light of a certain wavelength by a photopolymerizer for a predetermined time. Thereby, the photopolymerized resin material is polymerized and hardened, and is firmly fixed at a predetermined position.

Incidentally, in the above-mentioned photopolymerizer, there are variations in products due to deterioration, damage and production problems of the light source of the light source section, deterioration of the filter, deterioration of the light guide, or displacement due to aging of these mechanisms. That is, the light source,
Due to the deviation of the optical axes of the filter and the light guide, the intensity of the irradiation light from the light guide tip, which is the final output of the photopolymerization unit, that is, the light amount, sometimes falls below a specified value over time.

When the irradiation light intensity is deteriorated,
Irradiation with light for a predetermined time does not provide a sufficient cured state (poor curing or unpolymerized), and lowers the curing depth of the photopolymerized resin material (because the curing depth is shorter, the bottom does not cure completely and the This causes problems such as a decrease in the hardness (it is unsuitable as a restoration if it is soft) or a decrease in the tensile strength. As a result, the intended treatment result cannot be obtained. Also.

Therefore, in order to prevent such a problem beforehand, it has become very important to check whether light of appropriate intensity is emitted from the tip of the light guide. For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-3371
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4 (1999) -1999, a dental photopolymerizer equipped with an irradiation light intensity measuring device has already been developed.

The irradiation light intensity measuring device for the dental photopolymerizer is built in a power supply device for supplying power to the light irradiation handpiece, and measures the intensity of light emitted from the light guide tip of the light irradiation handpiece. A light intensity measuring device for measuring the light intensity, and a display for displaying the measurement result by the light intensity measuring device, and the intensity of the irradiation light of the light irradiation handpiece measured by the light intensity measuring device is equal to or more than a specified value. Is lit by the indicator. Examples of the lighting display method include a method of displaying whether or not the light irradiation handpiece can be used, and a method of directly displaying the amount of irradiation light, that is, the irradiation light intensity.

According to the measurement result by the irradiation light intensity measuring device, the operator can use the irradiation light as it is if the intensity of the irradiation light is equal to or more than a specified value, and can adjust the irradiation light intensity to the specified value. If the value becomes smaller than the value, a necessary restoration process of the irradiation light intensity such as replacement of parts such as a light source and a light guide and execution of maintenance are performed.

[0011]

However, in such a configuration, there is still room for improvement to sufficiently satisfy the requirements at the site of the implementation, and the problems of the site to be enumerated below are taken into consideration. , Further improvement was requested.

(1) As described above, the irradiation light intensity of the light irradiation handpiece, that is, the irradiation light amount is decreased due to deterioration of the light source, deterioration of the filter, deterioration of the light guide, or displacement of the mechanism due to aging. Among them, the main factor is deterioration of the light source.

From the above, when the irradiation light intensity becomes equal to or lower than the specified value, the light source is almost always replaced with a new light source. However, there is a variation in performance, and this variation is so severe that it cannot be ignored. In fact, although a halogen lamp is generally used as a light source, its performance is up to ±
It has been found that there is variation in the range of about 50%.

Therefore, when the light source is replaced with a low-performance light source, for example, a halogen lamp having only a performance of -50% with respect to the standard value, the light source is changed while the irradiation light intensity remains below the specified value. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the light irradiation handpiece is not in a usable state.

(2) Contrary to this example, a high-performance light source
For example, when the lamp is replaced with a halogen lamp having a performance of + 50% of the standard value, the irradiation light intensity greatly exceeds the standard value.

In other words, while the desired treatment result is obtained, wasted light energy is consumed, and the life of the light source itself is short in terms of the life of the light source itself. It also means that it becomes.

(3) Further, in the conventional irradiation light intensity measuring device, it is only possible to determine whether the irradiation light intensity is insufficient or sufficient, and there is no further function, for example, when the irradiation light intensity is insufficient. However, it is impossible to determine where the cause is.

Therefore, when the irradiation light intensity falls below the specified value, the operator performs repairs including replacement of the light source or increases the light irradiation time based on his own judgment based on his or her experience. Only countermeasures that depended on intuition could be taken, and in the latter case, they depended heavily on the experience and ability of the surgeon, and lacked reliability.

As an example, as described above, when a situation where the light irradiation handpiece is still not in a usable state as a result of replacing the light source with a low-performance light source, the surgeon
In that case, it may be misunderstood that the decrease of the irradiation light intensity is caused by something other than the deterioration of the light source, which may lead to unnecessary parts replacement and maintenance. .

(4) Further, when the irradiation light intensity is reduced due to a cause other than the deterioration of the light source, for example, the mechanical structure of the light irradiation handpiece may be loose with time, and the light source, the filter, and the light guide may be used. If the optical axis is shifted or the focus of the light source is shifted, it is difficult or impossible for an operator to know the cause. For this reason, appropriate measures cannot be taken, or unnecessary replacement of the light source may result in waste of discarding the light source having sufficient irradiation light intensity.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object the effect of irrespective of the cause of the decrease in irradiation light intensity and the influence of the variation in the performance of the light source. An object of the present invention is to provide a dental photopolymerization device having a configuration capable of efficiently maintaining performance expected in a dentistry field without being performed.

[0022]

In order to achieve the above object, a dental polymerizer of the present invention comprises an appropriate light source having a predetermined reference value for polymerization and curing of a light-curable dental material of interest. A light energy holding device that secures energy; the light energy holding device includes a light intensity measurement unit that measures the intensity of light emitted from the light guide tip, and a light intensity measurement unit that measures a light intensity based on a measurement result of the light intensity measurement unit. Light energy control means for driving and controlling the light source unit so as to obtain an appropriate light energy having a predetermined reference value for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material. And

In a preferred embodiment, the light energy control means includes:

I) an irradiation time calculator for setting and calculating an appropriate light irradiation time for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material based on the measurement results of the light intensity measuring means; and an irradiation time calculator. And an irradiation time control unit that controls the driving time of the light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece according to the set value obtained by

Ii) an irradiation time calculator for setting and calculating an appropriate light irradiation time for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material based on the measurement result of the light intensity measuring means; and an irradiation time calculator. And an irradiation time setting unit for inputting and setting the setting value obtained by the light irradiation time of the light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece.

Iii) a light intensity comparing section for comparing and calculating the measurement result of the light intensity measuring means with a preset reference light intensity;
A light intensity control unit that controls a drive voltage of a light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece according to a comparison value of the light intensity comparison unit.

Iv) A drive voltage calculation section for setting and calculating a drive voltage required to obtain an appropriate irradiation light intensity for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material based on the measurement result of the light intensity measurement means. And a drive voltage setting unit configured to input and set the set value obtained by the drive voltage calculation unit as a drive voltage of the light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece, or

V) First light energy control means having the structure of i) or ii), second light energy control means having the structure of iii) or iv), and measurement by the light intensity measurement means In response to the result, a drive selecting means for selectively driving the first or second light energy control means is provided, and the driving time calculating section and the drive voltage calculating section obtain the driving time calculating section. The set values are appropriately displayed by the display means.

The light energy holding device is built in a power supply device for supplying power to the light irradiation handpiece, and appropriately measures the intensity of light irradiated from the light guide tip of the light irradiation handpiece. The light source unit may be configured to drive and control the light source unit so as to obtain appropriate light energy for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material, or the light source unit may be embedded in the light irradiation handpiece and be controlled by the light source. The intensity of the light emitted from the light guide tip of the irradiation handpiece is constantly measured, and the light source unit is driven and controlled so as to obtain light energy appropriate for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material. Configuration.

In order to perform, for example, caries treatment using the dental photopolymerizer of the present invention, a perforation formed by cutting and removing carious teeth is filled with a photopolymerizable resin material. The photopolymerizable resin material is polymerized and cured by irradiating a predetermined wavelength of irradiation light from the tip of the light guide of the irradiation handpiece.

In this case, in order to perform a sufficient photopolymerization, it is necessary to supply a proper light energy (total irradiation light amount) by performing light irradiation at a predetermined light intensity (light amount) for a predetermined time. For various reasons, the planned irradiation light intensity,
The actual irradiation light intensity may be different. Specifically, factors such as product variation due to deterioration, damage, or production problems of the light source of the light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece, deterioration of the filter, deterioration of the light guide, or misalignment due to aging of these mechanisms. As a result, the intensity of the irradiation light from the light guide tip may fall below a specified value with time, so that even if the light irradiation is performed for a predetermined time, an appropriate light energy (total irradiation light amount) is supplied. You can't.

In the dental photopolymerization device of the present invention, focusing on this point, the light intensity measuring means of the light energy holding device uses the intensity of the irradiation light from the tip of the light guide which is the final output of the photopolymerization device. And the light energy control means adjusts the light irradiation time and light source driving voltage of the light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece based on the measurement result to the polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material. Drive control is performed manually or automatically to obtain appropriate light energy.

Specifically, as a result of the measurement by the light intensity measuring means, if the irradiation light intensity is too low, the light energy control means extends the light irradiation time or raises the light source driving voltage. Increase the irradiation light intensity. On the other hand, as a result of the measurement, if the irradiation light intensity is excessive, the light energy control means reduces the light irradiation time or lowers the light source driving voltage to reduce the irradiation light intensity.

Thus, regardless of the cause of the decrease in the irradiation light intensity, and without being affected by the variation in the performance of the light source, the light irradiation handpiece has the performance (appropriate proper Supply of light energy) is efficiently maintained. In addition, when the irradiation light intensity is large and there is a margin, the life of the light source can be extended by shortening the light irradiation time or lowering the light source driving voltage as described above.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 A dental photopolymerizer according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and this dental photopolymerizer is specifically used as a dental restoration material in dental care. This is an apparatus for polymerizing and hardening a hardenable dental material by irradiation light.

The dental photopolymerizer comprises a light irradiation handpiece 1, a power supply device 2 and a light energy holding device 3 as main parts. The light irradiation handpiece 1 is connected to the power supply device 2, The power is directly supplied from the power supply device 2 and the light energy holding device 3 is automatically controlled.

The light irradiation handpiece 1 can be manually operated by hand, has a pistol type appearance as shown in FIG. 1, and has a handpiece body 5 containing main components such as a light source section, and a one-handed operation. And an operation handle 6 as a unit.

The handpiece main body 5 has a light source unit 10 and a filter 11 built therein, and a light guide 12 is mounted at a tip end thereof.

Although not specifically shown, the light source section 10 includes a light source driving circuit 10a, a light source 10b which is turned on by the light source driving circuit, and a reflecting mirror (not shown) for reflecting the light source 10b forward. Consists of The light source drive circuit 10a is disposed on the power supply device 2 side as described later, and is electrically connected to the light source 10b of the light irradiation handpiece 1 by a conductive wire 21. As the light source 10b, a lamp such as a halogen lamp or a light source such as an LED or a laser is used. In the illustrated embodiment, a halogen lamp is used. In addition, the filter has a wavelength (generally 400 to 520 n) that is effective for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material, out of the light from the light source 10b.
m), only the light having a wavelength of 460 to 470 nm is used in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, although not shown, the light source 10b is provided inside the handpiece body 5.
Is provided with a cooling fan for cooling the cooling fan.

The light guide 12 is provided with a light source unit 10.
The light passing through the filter 11 is guided to the outside, and is detachably attached to the distal end of the handpiece body 5. The light guide 12 is specifically made of a bundle of optical fibers, and the axis of the light guide 1
It coincides with the optical axis of 0. The light input end at the base end of the light guide 12 is disposed substantially corresponding to the focal position of the reflecting mirror of the light source unit 10, and the light output end at the end faces the outside of the handpiece body 5.

The operating handle 6 is integrally formed in a hanging manner at the base end of the handpiece body 5, and the lower end thereof is connected to the conductive wire 21.
An irradiation switch 17 in the form of a trigger switch is provided.

By pressing the irradiation switch 17 with a finger, light from the light source unit 10 is filtered.
After passing through the light guide 12, the light enters the base end of the light guide 12 and is emitted from the tip of the light guide 12 to the outside of the handpiece main body 5 as irradiation light having a certain wavelength (460 to 470 nm in the illustrated embodiment). In this case, one lamp irradiation time is set by an irradiation time setting unit 31c described later.

The power supply device 2 includes a light irradiation handpiece 1
Specifically, a power supply unit 20 such as a transformer is built therein, as shown in FIG. The power supply unit 20 can be connected to a general household power outlet or the like via a power cord (not shown), and is connected to the conductive wire 21. This conductive wire 21 is led out of the power supply device 2 and
The tip is connected to the light irradiation handpiece 1, and specifically, is electrically connected to the light source 10b of the light source unit 10 built in the handpiece body 51a.

The light energy holding device 3 secures, with respect to the irradiation light of the light irradiation handpiece 1, an appropriate light energy having a predetermined reference value for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the light intensity measurement unit 30 and the light energy control unit 31
And is built in the power supply device 2.

The light intensity measuring section 30 functions as a light intensity measuring means for measuring the intensity of the light (irradiation light intensity) emitted from the tip of the light guide 12 of the light irradiation handpiece 1, that is, the amount of irradiation light. Specifically, it includes an optical sensor 30a, an amplifier 30b, and a comparator 30c.

The light incident on the optical sensor 30a is converted into an electric signal, amplified by an amplifier 30b, compared with a set value by a comparator 30c, and the light quantity is calculated and measured. The measurement result is subjected to A / D conversion or the like as an output of the light intensity measurement unit 30, and then the light energy control unit (CP
U) 31. The measurement result of the light intensity measurement unit 30 is visually displayed on a display unit 35 provided in the power supply device 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the display unit 35
It is in the form of a power meter LED (light emitting diode) that digitally displays the measurement results of the light intensity measurement unit 30 in a stepwise manner. Thereby, the surgeon can visually confirm the current state of the irradiation light of the light irradiation handpiece 1, that is, whether or not the irradiation light intensity is sufficient.

The light energy control unit 31 includes the light intensity measurement unit 3
It functions as a light energy control means for automatically driving and controlling the light source unit 10 based on the measurement result of 0, and is specifically constituted by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port. Has been
An irradiation time operation circuit (irradiation time operation unit) 31a and an irradiation time control circuit (irradiation time control unit) 31b are provided.

The constituent circuit 3 of the light energy control unit 31
Reference numerals 1a and 31b denote an electronic circuit board 32 built in the power supply device 2 together with the amplifier 30b and the comparator 30c of the light intensity measuring unit 30 and the light source driving circuit 10a of the light source unit 10.
It is arranged and configured above.

The irradiation time calculating circuit 31a sets and calculates an appropriate light irradiation time for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material based on a signal from the comparator 30c of the light intensity measuring section 30. The set value obtained by the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a is visually displayed on a display unit 36 provided on the surface of the power supply device 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the display unit 36 is in the form of a liquid crystal display for digitally displaying the set value (timer value) obtained by the irradiation time calculation circuit 61a. This allows the operator to visually check the current irradiation time.

Here, the principle and specific configuration of the calculation for setting the light irradiation time in the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a will be described.

The curing properties of the photocurable dental material by photopolymerization, such as the curing depth, hardness or tensile strength, are greatly influenced by the magnitude of the light energy by the above-mentioned irradiation light due to its physical properties. The total irradiation light amount is represented by a value proportional to a light amount of irradiation light, that is, a product of irradiation light intensity and irradiation time (irradiation light intensity × irradiation time).

Therefore, the appropriate light energy for the polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material is determined in advance by experiments and the like, and the irradiation light intensity and the irradiation time are controlled so as to reach this reference value. Therefore, the optimum light energy can always be stably secured.

Incidentally, in the conventional photopolymerizer, the irradiation time is fixedly set in advance by the manufacturer, so that the curing characteristics of the above-mentioned light-curable dental material are exclusively determined by the light irradiation handpiece 1. Depending on the intensity of the irradiation light from the tip of the light guide 12, as described above, it is inevitable that the irradiation light intensity decreases with time. In addition, it has been found that the performance of the light source of the light source unit 10, which is the main cause thereof, varies, for example, in the case of a halogen lamp within a range of about ± 50% of the standard value.

In this apparatus, the basic irradiation time is set in advance by the manufacturer, and the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a is operated in accordance with the intensity of the irradiation light from the tip of the light guide 12.
Sets and calculates an appropriate light irradiation time for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material.

Specifically, the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a
Based on the measurement signal from the comparator 30c of the light intensity measurement unit 30, the irradiation time is calculated and set such that the light energy becomes the above-described appropriate value (reference value). For example, if the irradiation light intensity is low, extend the irradiation time to compensate for this,
On the other hand, when the performance of the light source 10b is higher than a specified value,
Conversely, the irradiation time is shortened.

In response, the irradiation time control circuit 31b
Performs automatic control in accordance with the set value obtained by the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a with the light source drive circuit 10a of the light source unit 10.
The above-mentioned operation is performed for the above-described driving time, whereby light energy appropriate for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material is always ensured.

In the driving time control method by the irradiation time control circuit 31b in this case, for example, the number of times the irradiation switch 17 is pressed in one dental treatment is set in advance, and the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a operates the irradiation switch 17 once. When setting and calculating the irradiation time when pressed, the driving time of the light source unit 10 is controlled according to the set value, or conversely,
When the irradiation time when the irradiation switch 17 is pressed once is set in advance and the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a performs the setting calculation by the number of times the irradiation switch 17 is pressed in one dental treatment, the light source unit 10 according to the set value is used. It is appropriately designed according to the purpose, for example, by controlling the driving time.

In connection with this, the set value (timer value) obtained by the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a is stored and held until the next light intensity measurement by the light intensity measurement unit 30 (set value holding unit). Holding means) 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the set value holding unit 50 is an EEP-
It is constituted by a ROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM), and is arranged on the electronic circuit board 32 of the power supply device 2.

Regarding the hardware configuration of the light energy holding device 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light guide 12 of the light irradiation hand piece 1 is provided on the slope 2a on the front side of the upper surface of the power supply device 2. A light receiving unit 40 that receives irradiation light from the tip is provided.

As shown in FIG. 5, a specific structure of the light receiving section 40 is such that a measuring recess 45 is formed in the slope 2a of the power supply device 2 and the center of the bottom wall of the measuring recess 45 is formed. A concave portion 46 is formed in the portion. This recess 46
Inside, the optical sensor 30a and a filter 47 arranged on the front side of the optical sensor 30a are provided.

The filter 47, like the filter 11 of the light irradiation handpiece 1 described above, allows only light having a wavelength effective for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material to pass therethrough. In 460-470
A filter 47 that passes only light having a wavelength of nm is used. A light-sensitive element such as a photodiode or a solar cell is used as the optical sensor 30a, and a photodiode is used in the illustrated embodiment.

Reference numeral 48 denotes an adapter which is fitted into the measurement concave portion 45 and inserts and supports the distal end of the light guide 12. The adapter 48 corresponds to the outer diameter of the light guide 12. An opening 49 communicating with the inside of the concave portion 46 is formed in the center of the bottom portion while having an inner diameter.

Thus, the distal end of the light guide 12 of the light irradiation handpiece 1 is inserted into the adapter 48 of the light receiving unit 40 for checking the light amount, and is brought into close contact with the bottom wall surface. Thus, the distal end of the light guide 12 is completely shielded from the outside by the adapter 38, and the influence of external light is blocked. In this state, when light is irradiated from the light guide 12, the irradiation light intensity is measured by the light intensity measurement unit 30, and
Based on the measurement result, the light energy control unit 31 automatically controls the irradiation time of the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece 1.

That is, for example, when the light intensity of the irradiation light is low, the irradiation time is extended so as to compensate for this. On the other hand, when the performance of the light source is higher than the specified value, the irradiation time is reversed. Shorten.

At the beginning of the use of the photopolymerizer, an irradiation time timer value corresponding to the irradiation light intensity is preset on the manufacturer side. At the time of actual irradiation, the irradiation time is initially held according to this timer value. However, once the light energy control unit 31 is driven, light irradiation is performed according to the irradiation time set by the light energy control unit 31, and the irradiation time is stored and held in the set value holding unit 50. Thereafter, similarly, each time the light energy control unit 31 is driven, a newly set irradiation time is applied,
This irradiation time is newly stored and held in the set value holding unit 50.

The light energy holding device 3 includes an irradiation time changing unit 51 for adjusting and changing the set value obtained by the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a. This irradiation time changing unit 5
Although not shown, 1 is provided at an appropriate position of the light irradiation handpiece 1 or the power supply device 2 and is, for example, in the form of a volume knob that can be rotated. Therefore, the operator can operate the photopolymerization unit with stable performance under the control conditions set in advance by the manufacturer, and further, according to the situation of the implementation site, determine the optimal irradiation time further by his own judgment. Can also set the light energy.

In order to perform, for example, caries treatment using the dental photopolymerization device configured as described above, a photopolymerization resin material is filled in a perforation formed by cutting and removing carious teeth.
With the tip of the light guide 12 of the light irradiation handpiece 1 approaching the resin material, the irradiation switch 17 is pressed to irradiate a predetermined wavelength of irradiation light from the tip of the light guide 12 for a predetermined time, for example, 40 seconds. Then, the photopolymerized resin material is polymerized and cured.

In this case, variations in products due to deterioration, damage and production problems of the light source of the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece 1, deterioration of the filter, deterioration of the light guide 12,
Alternatively, the intensity of the irradiation light from the tip of the light guide 12 may fall below a specified value with time due to a shift or the like due to aging of these mechanisms. When the intensity of the irradiation light is appropriately measured by the light intensity measurement unit 30, the light energy control unit 31 automatically controls the irradiation time of the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece 1 based on the measurement result. As a result, light is emitted from the tip of the light guide 12 only for a time corresponding to the intensity of the current irradiation light, and light energy appropriate for polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material can be obtained.

Therefore, regardless of the cause of the decrease in the irradiation light intensity, and without being affected by the variation in the performance of the light source, the light irradiation handpiece 1 can efficiently perform the performance expected in the dentistry field. Will be maintained.

Further, the light irradiation handpiece 1, the power supply device 2 and the light energy holding device 3, which are the constituent devices of the dental photopolymerizer, are all portable and independent from the installed dental treatment equipment such as a dental treatment unit. It is a design.

Therefore, dental treatment can be performed with the light irradiation handpiece 1 placed at an optimum position and angle for the patient, and the intensity of irradiation light from the tip of the light guide 12 is checked at an appropriate place. be able to.

Further, by the automatic control of the irradiation time by the light energy holding device 3, a stable dental treatment independent of the skill, skill or habit of the operator can be ensured, and the operation accompanying the irradiation light intensity measurement can be ensured. The burden on the person is also greatly reduced.

Embodiment 2 This embodiment is shown in FIG. In the drawings, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote similar components or components.

In the dental photopolymerizer of this embodiment, the irradiation time is controlled by the irradiation light intensity in Embodiment 1 described above, but the light source drive so that the irradiation light intensity becomes a certain set value. A configuration for controlling the voltage is provided.

The light irradiation handpiece 1 is connected to the power supply device 2 and supplied with power directly from the power supply device 2 as in the first embodiment. Is also an automatic control system. Therefore, the basic configurations of the light irradiation handpiece 1 and the power supply device 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the light energy holding device 53 mainly includes the light intensity measuring unit 30 and the light energy control unit 61, and is built in the power supply device 2.

The light energy control unit 61 includes the light intensity measurement unit 3
Based on the measurement result of 0, the light source unit 10 functions as a light energy control unit for automatically driving and controlling the light source unit 10, and is configured by a microcomputer as in the first embodiment. Circuit (light intensity comparison unit) 61
a and a light intensity control circuit (light intensity control unit) 61b.

The configuration circuit 6 of the light energy control unit 61
The reference numerals 1a and 61b, together with the amplifier 30b and the comparator 30c of the light intensity measuring unit 30, are arranged on an electronic circuit board 32 built in the power supply device 2.

After the light incident on the optical sensor 30a is converted into an electric signal, the light amount is calculated and measured, and the measurement result is subjected to A / D conversion and the like, and then the light energy control unit (CP)
U) 61.

In the light energy control section 61, the light intensity comparison circuit 61a is provided with a comparator 30c of the light intensity measurement section 30.
, A measurement result of the light intensity measuring unit 30 is compared with a preset reference light intensity. The light intensity control circuit 61b automatically controls the light source drive voltage of the light source drive circuit 10a of the light source unit 10 according to the comparison value of the light intensity comparison circuit 61a.

The measurement result of the light intensity measuring section 30 is visually displayed on the display section 62. Thereby, the surgeon can visually check the current state of the irradiation light of the light irradiation handpiece 1, that is, whether or not the irradiation light intensity is sufficient.
Although not shown, the display unit 62 is provided on the surface of the power supply device 2.

The principle and specific configuration of the drive voltage setting calculation in the light intensity comparison circuit 61a are basically the same as those described for the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a of the first embodiment. In the embodiment, the basic irradiation time set in advance by the manufacturer is kept as it is, and the light source unit 1 of the light irradiation handpiece 1 is changed according to the irradiation light intensity from the tip of the light guide 12.
By controlling the light source drive voltage of 0, it is possible to always secure appropriate light energy for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material.

In response, the light intensity control circuit 61b
Performs automatic control in accordance with the comparison value obtained by the light intensity comparison circuit 61a with respect to the light source drive voltage of the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece 1. Specifically, If the light intensity is low, the light source drive voltage is increased to compensate for this, while if the performance of the light source 10b is higher than a specified value, the light source drive voltage is reduced conversely.

In connection with this, the light intensity comparing circuit 6
1a is provided with a comparison value holding unit (comparison value holding means) 70 for storing and holding the comparison value obtained by the light intensity measurement unit 30 until the next light intensity measurement.
Is composed of an EEP-ROM as in the first embodiment.

When the tip of the light guide 12 of the light irradiating handpiece 1 is inserted into the adapter 48 of the light receiving section 40 for checking the amount of light and is brought into close contact with the bottom wall surface, light is emitted from the light guide 12. The irradiation light intensity is measured by the light intensity measurement unit 30, and based on the measurement result, the light energy control unit 61 automatically controls the light source drive voltage of the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece 1, and The energy is adjusted to the appropriate value described above. In particular,
The light intensity control circuit 61b of the light energy control unit 61
When controlling the driving voltage of the light source unit 10, the irradiation light intensity is checked from the comparison value of the light intensity comparison circuit 61a every time the driving voltage is changed, and when the irradiation light intensity becomes the reference light intensity, the driving voltage is fixed.

Note that the reference light intensity (light source drive voltage) is set in advance by the manufacturer at the beginning of use of the photopolymerizer, and at the time of actual irradiation, operation is performed so that the reference light intensity is initially maintained. However, once the light energy control unit 61
Is driven, light is emitted by the light source drive voltage set by the light energy control unit 61, and
This light source driving voltage is stored and held in the comparison value holding unit 70,
Thereafter, similarly, each time the light energy control unit 61 is driven, the newly set light source drive voltage is applied, and this light source drive voltage is newly stored and held in the comparison value holding unit 70.

In this automatic control, when the irradiation light intensity does not reach the set value at the time of measuring the irradiation light intensity,
The display unit 62 issues a low light amount instruction to notify the operator of the current state. On the other hand, when the irradiation light intensity is sufficient, the reduction of the light source driving voltage and the measurement of the light intensity are repeated, and the light source driving voltage is controlled so that the irradiation light intensity becomes a set value. During this time, the operator only needs to continue measuring the irradiation light intensity.

In the dental photopolymerization apparatus having the above-described configuration, the intensity of the irradiation light is appropriately measured by the light intensity measuring section 30 of the light energy holding device 3 in the manner described above, and the light energy control is performed. Light guide 1 by part 61
(2) In addition to the function and effect that the intensity of the irradiation light from the tip can be adjusted, thereby obtaining the appropriate light energy for the polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material, the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Other effects similar to the above can be expected.

In the above automatic control, when the irradiation light intensity does not reach the set value at the time of measuring the irradiation light intensity, the irradiation time is controlled, such as increasing the irradiation time, as in the first embodiment. Only when the irradiation light intensity is sufficient, the control of the light source driving voltage such as lowering the light source driving voltage may be performed. With this configuration, the light source 10b
This can contribute to extending the life of the light source 10b without imposing an excessive burden on the light source 10b. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3 This embodiment is shown in FIGS. The same reference numerals in the drawings as in the other embodiments denote similar components or components.

In the dental photopolymerizer of the present embodiment, the light irradiation handpiece 1 of the first and second embodiments is connected to the power supply device 2 by wire.
The light irradiation handpiece 71 is of a cordless system driven by a rechargeable battery 74, and the irradiation light intensity is the same as in the first embodiment. A configuration for controlling the irradiation time by

Specifically, the dental photopolymerizer includes the light irradiation handpiece 71, the charging box (power supply device) 8
2 and a light energy holding device 83 as a main part.

The light irradiation handpiece 71 can be manually operated by hand, has a pistol type appearance as shown in FIG. 8, and has a handpiece body 85 containing main components such as a light source section, and a one-handed operation. Operation handle 86 as part
And

The basic structure of the handpiece main body 85 is basically the same as that of the handpiece main body 5 of the first embodiment. The light source section 10 and the filter 11 are built therein, and the light guide 12 is provided at the distal end thereof. Become attached.

The light source driving circuit 10 of the light source unit 10
a is disposed on the light irradiation handpiece 71 side or the charging box 82 side. In the illustrated embodiment, a is provided on the light irradiation handpiece 71 side and a communication function means (not shown) with the charging box 82. As a result, communication connection is established with the charging box 82 side.

The operation handle 86 is formed in a hollow container shape and is formed integrally with the lower end of the handpiece body 85 in a hanging manner. The hollow interior of the operation handle 86 is a battery housing portion 86a.
4 is detachably housed from the lower end opening of the operation handle 86. In this regard, the battery housing 86a includes:
A terminal 96 to which the electrode 74a of the rechargeable battery 74 is connected is provided. The terminal 96 is electrically connected to the light source driving circuit 10a of the light source unit 10. Reference numeral 97 denotes an irradiation switch.
6 is in the form of a trigger switch provided on the front side. Reference numeral 98 denotes a remaining amount display unit for digitally displaying the remaining number of uses of the charged amount of the rechargeable battery 74 in a stepped manner.

When the irradiation switch 97 is pressed by a finger, the light from the light source 10 is filtered by the filter 11.
After passing through the light guide 12, the light enters the base end of the light guide 12 and is emitted from the tip of the light guide 12 to the outside of the handpiece body 85 as irradiation light having a fixed wavelength (460 to 470 nm in the illustrated embodiment). In this case, one lamp irradiation time is set by an irradiation time setting unit 131c described later.

The charging box 82 supplies power to the light irradiation handpiece 71, and is specifically configured to charge the rechargeable battery 74. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the charging box 82 has first and second charging ports 120 and 121 at the top thereof, and supplies a charging source to both charging ports 120 and 121 therein. Charger 122 is built in.

The first charging port 120 is connected to the operation handle 86
Is formed in a form of a storage recess for detachably storing and standing upright, and a charging terminal 123a is provided on the bottom surface thereof. The charging terminal 123a is connected to the charging port 1
20 can be brought into contact with the electrode 74b of the rechargeable battery 74 of the operation handle 86 stored and held in the
It is connected to the.

The second charging port 120 is connected to the rechargeable battery 74.
The storage recess is configured to be detachably and stably held and held, and a charging terminal 123b is provided on the bottom surface thereof. The charging terminal 123b is connected to the charging port 1
The electrode 74 b of the rechargeable battery 74 housed and held in the battery 21 can be contacted, and is connected to the charger 122.

The charging ports 120 and 12
In FIG. 1, the operation handle 86 of the light irradiation handpiece 71 and the spare rechargeable battery 74 are stored and held, respectively, and in these stored states, the rechargeable battery 74 mounted in the operation handle 86 and the spare rechargeable battery 74 are stored. 7
4 is performed.

Also, on the left and right sides of the charging box 82,
Slits 124a and 124b are formed, respectively, and these slits 124a and 124b communicate with the first and second charging ports 120 and 121, respectively, to ensure easy cleaning of the charging terminals 123a and 123b and the like. Have been.

Further, display portions 125 and 131b of a light energy holding device 83, which will be described later, are provided on the slope portion 82a on the front side of the upper surface of the charging box 82, and charging is completed in correspondence with the charging ports 120 and 121, respectively. 126a, 126 indicating the state of charge such as charging, etc.
b is provided.

The light energy holding device 83 secures, with respect to the irradiation light of the light irradiation handpiece 71, an appropriate light energy having a predetermined reference value for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a light intensity measuring unit 30 and a light energy control unit 131 are mainly configured,
2 built in.

The specific configuration of the light intensity measuring section 30 is the same as that of the first and second embodiments. The light incident on the optical sensor 30a is converted into an electric signal, amplified, compared with a set value, and compared with a set value. Is calculated and the result of the measurement is subjected to A / D conversion or the like, and then input to the light energy control unit (CPU) 131. The measurement result of the light intensity measurement unit 30 is as follows:
The information is visually displayed on a display unit 125 provided in the charging box 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the display unit 125
It is in the form of a power meter LED (light emitting diode) that digitally displays the measurement results of the light intensity measurement unit 30 in a stepwise manner. Thereby, the surgeon can visually check the current state of the irradiation light of the light irradiation handpiece 71, that is, whether or not the irradiation light intensity is sufficient.

The light energy control section 131 functions as light energy control means for manually driving and controlling the light source section 10 based on the measurement result of the light intensity measurement section 30.
Similarly to the first and second embodiments, the microcomputer is configured by an irradiation time calculation circuit (irradiation time calculation unit) 13.
1a, a display unit (irradiation time display means) 131b, and an irradiation time setting unit 131c.

The irradiation time calculation circuit 131a sets and calculates an appropriate light irradiation time for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material based on a signal from the comparator 30c of the light intensity measuring section 30. The display unit 131b visually displays the set values obtained by the irradiation time calculation circuit 131a. The irradiation time setting unit 131c includes an irradiation time calculating unit 131.
The set value obtained by a
The irradiation time is input and set to the light source drive circuit 10a of the first light source unit 10.

The principle and specific configuration of the calculation of the light irradiation time in the irradiation time calculation circuit 131a are basically the same as those described for the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a of the first embodiment. In the embodiment, the basic irradiation time is set in advance by the manufacturer, and the irradiation time is manually set by an operator such as a dentist according to the irradiation light intensity from the light guide 12 tip. The configuration is such that the light energy suitable for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material can always be ensured so that the target light-curable dental material is polymerized and cured.

More specifically, the irradiation time calculation circuit 131a
Is based on the measurement signal from the comparator 30c of the light intensity measurement unit 30, and the light energy is the above-mentioned appropriate value (reference value).
The irradiation time is calculated and set such that For example, when the irradiation light intensity is low, the irradiation time is extended to compensate for this, while when the performance of the light source 10b is higher than a specified value, the irradiation time is shortened contrary to the above.

The method of setting the irradiation time by the irradiation time setting unit 131c based on the set value of the irradiation time calculation circuit 131a is, for example, that the number of times the irradiation switch 97 is pressed in one dental treatment is fixed. Irradiation switch 9
7 is set by the irradiation time when pressing once, or conversely, the irradiation time when pressing the irradiation switch 97 once is fixed, and the irradiation switch 97 in one dental treatment is fixed. It is set according to the purpose, such as a method of setting by the number of times of pressing.

In connection with this, the irradiation time calculation circuit 131
and a setting value holding unit (setting value holding unit) 132 for storing and holding the setting value (timer value) obtained by a until the next light intensity measurement by the light intensity measuring unit 30. Is an EEP-ROM as in the first embodiment.
It is composed of The set value holding unit 132 is disposed on the light irradiation handpiece 71 side or the charging box 82 side, and in the illustrated embodiment, is provided on the light irradiation handpiece 71 side, and the communication function means controls the charging box 82 side. Is connected for communication.

Regarding the hardware configuration of the light energy holding device 83, the front end of the light guide 12 of the light irradiation handpiece 71 is provided on the slope portion 82a on the front side of the upper surface of the charging box 82, as shown in FIGS. There is provided a light receiving unit 140 for receiving irradiation light from the camera. This light receiving section 1
The specific structure of the light receiving unit 40 is the same as that of the light receiving unit 40 of the first embodiment.

Although not shown, the charging box 8
2, an electronic circuit board is built in, and on this circuit board, the amplifier 30b of the light intensity measurement unit 30 and the comparator 30
The irradiation time calculation circuit 131a and the irradiation time setting unit 131c of the light energy control unit 131 are arranged. Further, as described above, the slope section 82a of the charging box 82 is provided with the display section 131b for digitally displaying the output signal from the irradiation time calculation circuit 131a in a stepwise manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the display unit 131b is in the form of a liquid crystal display that digitally displays the set value (timer value) obtained by the irradiation time calculation circuit 131a. Thus, the operator can visually confirm how long the light irradiation time to be set on the current light irradiation handpiece 71 is.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the irradiation time setting section 131c for inputting and setting the set value obtained by the irradiation time calculating section 131a is provided on the side of the light irradiation handpiece 71. It is in the form of a volume knob that can be rotated.

Then, the tip of the light guide 12 of the light irradiation handpiece 71 is connected to the light receiving section 140 for light quantity check.
When light is emitted from the light guide 12
The irradiation light intensity is measured by the light intensity measurement unit 30, and based on the measurement result, the light energy control unit 131
Sets and calculates a light irradiation time appropriate for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material, and the set value is visually displayed on the display unit 131b. Then, the surgeon inputs the visible set value from the irradiation time setting unit 131c, and sets the irradiation time of the light source driving circuit 10a of the light source unit 10.

In the dental photopolymerization apparatus constructed as described above, the intensity of the irradiation light is appropriately measured by the light intensity measurement unit 30 of the light energy holding device 83 in the manner described above, and the light energy control is performed. The irradiation time of the irradiation light from the tip of the light guide 12 can be adjusted by the portion 131, and thereby, light energy appropriate for polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material can be obtained.

Further, the light irradiation handpiece 71, the charging box 82 and the light energy holding device 83, which are the constituent devices of the dental photopolymerizer, are all portable design independent of the installed dental treatment equipment such as a dental treatment unit. In addition, the light irradiation handpiece 71 is of a cordless type that can be handled independently of the charging box 82. Thereby, dental treatment can be performed by placing the light irradiation handpiece 71 at the optimum position and angle for the patient, and the intensity of irradiation light from the tip of the light guide 12 can be checked at an appropriate place. it can. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 4 This embodiment is shown in FIG. The same reference numerals in the drawings as in the other embodiments denote similar components or components.

In the dental photopolymerizer of this embodiment, the light irradiation handpiece 71 is of a cordless type driven by a rechargeable battery 74 as in the third embodiment, and the irradiation light intensity is similar to that of the second embodiment. A configuration is provided in which the light source drive voltage is manually controlled to a certain set value.

Specifically, the dental photopolymerizer includes the light irradiation handpiece 71, the charging box 82, and the light energy holding device 153 as main parts. The configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment.
Is the same as

As shown in FIG. 12, the light energy holding device 153 includes a light intensity measurement unit 30 and a light energy control unit 161.
As a main part, and is built in the charger 2.

The light energy control section 161 functions as light energy control means for manually driving and controlling the light source section 10 based on the measurement result of the light intensity measurement section 30.
Like the first embodiment, the microcomputer is configured by a microcomputer, and specifically includes a drive voltage calculation circuit (drive voltage calculation unit) 161a, a display unit (drive voltage display means) 161b, and a drive voltage setting unit 161c. .

Although not shown, the drive voltage calculation circuit 161a
Are the amplifier 30b and the comparator 30 of the light intensity measuring unit 30.
Along with c, it is arranged and configured on an electronic circuit board built in the charger 2. The display unit 161b is provided on the surface of the charger 2. Also, the drive voltage setting unit 161c
Is provided at an appropriate position of the light irradiation handpiece 71 or the charger 82, and is, for example, in the form of a volume knob that can be rotated and operated, as in the first embodiment.

The amount of light incident on the optical sensor 30a of the light intensity measuring unit 30 is calculated and measured in the manner described above, and the measurement result is output as an A / D conversion and the like. CPU) 161.

In the light energy controller 161, the drive voltage calculator 161 a irradiates a light beam suitable for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material based on a signal from the comparator 30 c of the light intensity measuring unit 30. A drive voltage required for obtaining light intensity is set and calculated. The display unit 161b visually displays the set value obtained by the drive voltage calculation circuit 161a. The drive voltage setting circuit 161c converts the set value obtained by the drive voltage calculation circuit 161a into the light source unit 10
Is set as a light source drive voltage to the light source drive circuit 10a.

The principle and specific configuration of the drive voltage setting circuit 161a for the drive voltage setting calculation are basically the same as those described for the irradiation time calculation circuit 31a of the first embodiment. In the embodiment, the basic irradiation time set in advance by the manufacturer is kept as it is, and the operator such as a dentist who is the user performs light irradiation according to the irradiation light intensity from the tip of the light guide 12. By manually resetting the light source drive voltage of the light source unit 10 of the handpiece 1, the irradiation light intensity is adjusted to always secure appropriate light energy for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material. It can be configured.

Specifically, the drive voltage calculation circuit 161a
Calculates and sets the light source drive voltage such that the light energy has the above-described appropriate value based on the measurement signal from the comparator 30c of the light intensity measurement unit 30. For example, when the light intensity of the irradiation light is low, the light source drive voltage is increased to compensate for this, while when the performance of the light source 10b is higher than a specified value, the light source drive voltage is reduced conversely.

The set value obtained by the drive voltage calculation circuit 161a is stored in the set value holding section 170 and held until the next light intensity measurement by the light intensity measurement section 30.

Then, the tip of the light guide 12 of the light irradiation handpiece 71 is connected to the light receiving section 140 for light quantity check.
When light is emitted from the light guide 12
The irradiation light intensity is measured by the light intensity measurement unit 30, and based on the measurement result, the light energy control unit 161
Sets and calculates the drive voltage required to obtain an appropriate irradiation light intensity for polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material, and the set value is visually displayed on the display unit 161b. Then, the surgeon inputs the set value displayed on the display unit 161b from the drive voltage setting unit 161c, and sets the light source drive voltage of the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece 1.

In the dental photopolymerization device having the above-described configuration, the intensity of the irradiation light is appropriately measured by the light intensity measuring unit 30 of the light energy holding device 3 in the manner described above, and the light energy control is performed. The intensity of the irradiation light from the tip of the light guide 12 can be adjusted by the portion 161, and in addition to the effect of being able to obtain appropriate light energy for polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material, Other effects similar to those of the third embodiment can be expected.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

Embodiment 5 This embodiment is shown in FIG. The same reference numerals in the drawings as in the other embodiments denote similar components or components.

The dental photopolymerizer of this embodiment is of an automatic control type using both the control method of the first embodiment and the control method of the second embodiment. Specifically, the light energy holding device 173 has a configuration in which the light energy control unit 31 of the first embodiment and the light energy control unit 61 of the second embodiment are combined.

Further, the light irradiation handpiece 1 is connected to the power supply device 2 and supplied with power directly from the power supply device 2 as in the first embodiment.
The basic configuration of the light irradiation handpiece 1 and the power supply device 2 is as follows.
This is the same as in the first embodiment.

The light energy holding device 173 includes a first light energy control unit 31 for controlling the driving time of the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece 1 based on the measurement result of the light intensity measurement unit 30, and a light intensity measurement unit. A second light energy control unit 61 for controlling the light source drive voltage of the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece 1 based on the measurement result of the light irradiation unit 30, and a drive selection for selectively driving both of the light energy control units 31, 61 (Drive selection means) 180.

Although not specifically shown, the drive selection unit 180 includes a light intensity comparison circuit (light intensity comparison unit) that compares the measurement result of the light intensity measurement unit 30 with a preset reference light intensity. And a first or second light energy control unit 31 based on the comparison result of the light intensity comparison circuit.
61 is selectively driven.

The following is a preferred example of the method of selective driving in the drive selecting section 180.

When the irradiation light intensity measured by the light intensity measurement unit 30 is higher than the reference light intensity, the light source driving voltage control is performed by the second light energy control unit 61. When the irradiation light intensity is lower than the reference light intensity, , First light energy control unit 3
1 to control the driving time.

For example, when the performance of the light source 10b is good and the predetermined irradiation light intensity can be sufficiently maintained, the second light energy control unit 61 is driven to automatically control the light source driving voltage to lower. When the light source 10b is not able to maintain a predetermined irradiation light intensity due to the deterioration of the light source 10b with time or the like, the first light energy control unit 31 is driven to perform the irradiation. Automatic control is performed so as to increase the time, a stable light intensity output is secured without increasing the load on the light source 10b, and deterioration of the polymerization characteristics is prevented.

When the irradiation light intensity measured by the light intensity measurement unit 30 is higher than the reference light intensity, the driving time control is performed by the first light energy control unit 31. When the irradiation light intensity is lower than the reference light intensity, The light source driving voltage control by the second light energy control unit 61 is performed.

For example, when the performance of the light source 10b is good and the predetermined irradiation light intensity can be sufficiently maintained, the first light energy control unit 31 is driven to automatically set the irradiation time to be shorter than the reference value. Control and efficiently use the performance of the light source 10b, while the light source 10b deteriorates with time,
If the predetermined irradiation light intensity cannot be maintained, the second light energy control unit 61 is driven to automatically control the light source driving voltage to be higher than the reference value, to secure a stable light intensity output, and to perform polymerization. Prevent deterioration of characteristics. In the present embodiment, the above-described selective driving method is suitably adopted.

Thus, with the above configuration, the light source 10b having a large variation in performance can effectively bring out the performance and extend the life of the light source 10b. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Is the same as

Embodiment 6 This embodiment is shown in FIG. The same reference numerals in the drawings as in the other embodiments denote similar components or components.

The dental photopolymerizer of the present embodiment is configured such that the light energy holding device 3, 53, 83, 153 or 173 of the above-described embodiment is built in the power supply device 2 or the charging box 82. In contrast, a light energy holding device 183 built in the light irradiation handpiece 1 is provided.

That is, the light energy holding device 183
As shown in FIG. 14, the light sensor 30a of the light intensity measurement unit 30 is connected to the light guide 12 of the light irradiation handpiece 71.
Attached to the tip, it is configured to measure the intensity of light emitted from here, and other components of the light intensity measurement unit 30 and the light energy control unit 191 are also not shown,
It is built into the light irradiation handpiece 71. The specific configuration of the light energy control unit 191 is as described in Embodiments 1 to 3.
Any one of the configurations 5 can be adopted.

The light irradiation handpiece 71 is of the same cordless type as that of the third embodiment. Therefore, the basic structures of the light irradiation handpiece 71 and the charging box 82 are the same as those of the third embodiment, although not shown. is there.

However, with such a configuration, the irradiation light intensity can be constantly measured regardless of the place before and after the dental treatment and during the treatment, and regardless of the place. Light energy can be secured. In particular, in the configuration in which the light source unit 10 of the light irradiation handpiece is automatically controlled as in the first, second, or fifth embodiment, it is possible to faithfully follow a change in irradiation light intensity during dental treatment. It becomes possible.

The first to sixth embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various design changes can be made within the scope. For example,

(1) In the illustrated embodiment, the light energy holding device 3, 53, 83, 153, 173 or 18
Each of the power supply devices 3 has a compact structure built in the power supply device 2, the charging box 82, or the light irradiation handpieces 1, 71, but may have a structure independent of these.

(2) The specific structure of the light energy holding devices 3 to 183 can be variously changed according to the purpose as long as light energy appropriate for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material is secured. is there.

In particular, the specific control configuration of the light intensity measurement unit 30, the light energy control units 31, 61, 131, 161, 191 and the drive selection unit 180 uses microcomputer technology as in the above-described embodiment. In such a case, a wide variety can be considered by modifying the programming in the software configuration.

(3) In addition, the light energy holding devices 3 to 1
The specific structure of the light receiving sections 40 and 140 of 83 is not limited to that of FIG. 5 as long as they have the same function.
As shown in (a) and (b), various structures can be adopted.

That is, in the structure of FIG. 15A, the adapter 200 made of a light transmitting material is detachably screwed into the concave portion of the slope 2a of the power supply device 2. This adapter 2
00 is made of heat-resistant plastic that can be sterilized by an autoclave, for example, silicone resin. The adapter 200 has a structure for receiving two types of light guides 12 having different outer diameters.
A large-diameter recess 200 into which a large light guide 12 can be inserted.
a and a small-diameter concave portion 200b into which the small light guide 12 can be inserted is formed concentrically.

In the structure shown in FIG. 15B, the bottom surface of the concave portion 200c of the adapter 200 is a tapered surface slightly inclined toward the axis of the light receiving section 40, and a plurality of types of lights having different outer diameters are provided. It is configured to receive the guide 12.

[0155]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A light energy holding device that secures an appropriate light energy having a predetermined reference value for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material is provided. The light energy holding device includes a light guide of a light irradiation handpiece. A light intensity measuring means for measuring the intensity of light emitted from the tip, and a reference value is determined in advance for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material based on the measurement result of the light intensity measuring means. And light energy control means for driving and controlling the light source section of the light irradiation handpiece so as to obtain the appropriate light energy. Therefore, various effects as exemplified below are obtained, and the irradiation light intensity is reduced. Irrespective of the cause of the light, and without being affected by variations in the performance of the light source, by stabilizing the irradiated light energy at all times, stable polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material can be performed. It like can, it is possible to provide a dental curing lights which can maintain the performance expected by the dental field efficiently.

A. Control of light irradiation time: the light energy control means, based on the measurement result of the light intensity measurement means,
For example, the following effects (1) to (4) can be obtained by controlling the light irradiation time appropriate for the polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material.

Even if the irradiation light intensity (irradiation light amount) is deteriorated or decreased for some reason, the irradiation light irradiation time is controlled to be extended so that the irradiation light energy is stabilized and maintained at an appropriate value. Thus, stable polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material can be realized.

Even if there is a variation in the performance of the light source, the effect of the variation in the performance on the irradiation light energy is reduced or eliminated by controlling the light irradiation time in accordance with the fluctuation, and the irradiation light energy is reduced. Can be stably maintained at an appropriate value, and stable polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material can be realized.

When the irradiation light intensity has a margin, by controlling the irradiation time to be shortened, the time required for the dental treatment can be shortened and the life of the light source can be extended.

B. Control of the light source drive voltage: the light energy control means controls the irradiation light intensity (drive voltage) appropriate for the polymerization and curing of the target photocurable dental material based on the measurement result of the light intensity measurement means. With such a configuration, for example, the following effects described below can be obtained.

For some reason, the irradiation light intensity
Even if there is a decrease, by controlling the light source drive voltage to increase, it is possible to stabilize and maintain the irradiated light energy at an appropriate value and realize stable polymerization and curing of the photocurable dental material. I can do it.

Even if there is a variation in the performance of the light source, by controlling the light source driving voltage in accordance with the variation, it is possible to stably and maintain the irradiated light energy at an appropriate value. Stable polymerization curing of the material can be realized.

When the irradiation light intensity has a margin, the life of the light source can be extended by controlling the light source driving voltage to be lowered.

C. Automatic control: The light energy control means is configured to automatically control the irradiation time or the irradiation light intensity appropriate for the polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material based on the measurement result of the light intensity measurement means. In addition to the effects listed above, the skill level of the surgeon,
As a result, it is possible to secure stable dental treatment independent of the skill or habit, and to significantly reduce the burden on the operator due to the measurement of the irradiation light intensity.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a dental photopolymerizer according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a partial cross section.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a power supply device for the dental photopolymerizer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light energy holding device of the dental photopolymerizer.

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a configuration of the same optical energy holding device.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a light receiving section of the optical energy holding device of the dental photopolymerizer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light energy holding device of a dental photopolymerizer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a dental photopolymerization device which is Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a light irradiation handpiece of the dental photopolymerizer.

FIG. 9 shows a power supply device of the dental photopolymerizer,
9A is a plan view, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light energy holding device of the dental photopolymerizer.

FIG. 11 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a configuration of the same optical energy holding device.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light energy holding device of a dental photopolymerizer which is Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light energy holding device of a dental photopolymerizer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a light irradiation handpiece of a dental photopolymerization apparatus which is Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a modified example of the light receiving section of the light energy holding device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light irradiation handpiece 2 Power supply device 3 Light energy holding device 5 Handpiece main body 6 Operation handle 10 Light source part 10a Light source driving circuit of light source part 10b Light source of light source part 11 Filter 12 Light guide 17 Light irradiation handpiece irradiation switch 20 Power supply unit 21 Conductive wire 30 Light intensity measurement unit (light intensity measurement unit) 30a Optical sensor of light intensity measurement unit 31 Light energy control unit (light energy control unit) 31a Irradiation time calculation circuit (irradiation time calculation unit) 31b Irradiation time control Circuit (irradiation time control unit) 36 Display unit 40 Light receiving unit of light intensity measurement unit 50 Set value holding unit (set value holding unit) 51 Irradiation time change unit (irradiation time change unit) 53 Light energy holding device 61 Light energy control unit 61a Light intensity comparison circuit (light intensity comparison unit) 61b Light intensity control circuit (light intensity control unit) 62 Display unit 70 Comparison value holding unit (comparison value holding unit) 71 Light irradiation handpiece 74 Rechargeable battery 82 Charging box (power supply device) 83 Light energy holding device 85 Handpiece body 86 Operation handle 97 Light irradiation handpiece irradiation switch 120 , 121 Charging port 122 Charger 131 Light energy control unit 131a Irradiation time calculation circuit (irradiation time calculation unit) 131b Display unit (irradiation time display unit) 131c Irradiation time setting unit 132 Set value holding unit (setting value holding unit) 140 light Light receiving section of intensity measuring section 153 Light energy holding device 161 Light energy control section 161a Drive voltage calculation circuit (drive voltage calculation section) 161b Display section (drive voltage display means) 161c Drive voltage setting section 170 Setting value holding section (setting value holding) Means) 173 Light energy holding device 180 Drive selection unit ( Drive selecting means) 183 light energy holding device 191 light energy control unit

Claims (14)

[Claims] A light irradiation handpiece having a light guide for guiding light from a light source unit to the outside at a front end portion, and a light curing type dental material polymerized and hardened by irradiation light from the light guide front end. A light polymerization device, comprising: a light energy holding device that secures an appropriate light energy having a predetermined reference value for polymerization and curing of a target light-curable dental material; A light intensity measuring means for measuring the intensity of light emitted from the light guide tip, and a reference previously set for polymerization and curing of the target light curable dental material based on the measurement result of the light intensity measuring means. A light energy control unit for controlling the driving of the light source unit so as to obtain appropriate light energy having a predetermined value. 2. An irradiation time calculation unit for setting and calculating a light irradiation time appropriate for polymerization and curing of a target photocurable dental material based on a measurement result of the light intensity measurement unit. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an irradiation time control unit configured to control a driving time of a light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece according to a set value obtained by the irradiation time calculation unit. For photopolymerizer. 3. The dental photopolymerizer according to claim 2, further comprising irradiation time changing means for adjusting and changing the set value obtained by the irradiation time calculation unit. 4. An irradiation time calculating section for setting and calculating an appropriate light irradiation time for polymerization and curing of a target light-curable dental material based on a measurement result of the light intensity measuring means. The dental treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising: an irradiation time setting unit configured to input and set a setting value obtained by the irradiation time calculation unit as a light irradiation time of a light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece. Photopolymerizer. 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a set value holding unit that holds the set value obtained by the irradiation time calculation unit until the next light intensity measurement by the light intensity measurement unit. The dental photopolymerizer according to any one of the above. 6. The dental photopolymerizer according to claim 2, further comprising an irradiation time display unit for visually displaying a set value obtained by the irradiation time calculation unit. 7. A light intensity control unit for comparing and calculating a measurement result of the light intensity measurement unit with a preset reference light intensity, and the light irradiation unit according to a comparison value of the light intensity comparison unit. The dental photopolymerizer according to claim 1, further comprising a light intensity control unit that controls a drive voltage of a light source unit of the handpiece. 8. When controlling the drive voltage of the light source unit, the light intensity control unit checks the irradiation light intensity from the comparison value of the light intensity comparison unit each time the drive voltage is changed, The dental photopolymerizer according to claim 7, wherein the drive voltage is fixed when the reference light intensity is reached. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a comparison value holding unit that holds the comparison value obtained by the light intensity comparison calculation unit until the next light intensity measurement by the light intensity measurement unit. The dental photopolymerizer according to the above. 10. The light energy control means, based on a measurement result of the light intensity measurement means, determines a drive voltage required to obtain an appropriate irradiation light intensity for polymerization and curing of a target photocurable dental material. A drive voltage calculation unit configured to perform a setting calculation, and a drive voltage setting unit configured to input and set a set value obtained by the drive voltage calculation unit as a drive voltage of a light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece. 2. The dental photopolymerizer according to 1. 11. The first light energy control according to claim 2, wherein a driving time of a light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece is controlled based on a measurement result of the light intensity measuring unit. A second light energy control unit according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second light energy control unit controls a drive voltage of a light source unit of the light irradiation handpiece based on a measurement result of the light intensity measurement unit. And a drive selecting means for selectively driving the first or second light energy control means in accordance with a measurement result by the light intensity measuring means. 12. The drive selection means includes a light intensity comparison unit for comparing and calculating a measurement result of the light intensity measurement means with a preset reference light intensity. Based on the comparison result of the light intensity comparison unit, When the irradiation light intensity measured by the light intensity measuring means is higher than the reference light intensity, the drive voltage control is performed by the second light energy control means. On the other hand, when the irradiation light intensity is lower than the reference light intensity, the first light energy control means controls the first light energy. The dental photopolymerizer according to claim 11, wherein the driving time is controlled by the light energy controller. 13. The light energy holding device is built in a power supply device for supplying power to the light irradiation handpiece, and appropriately measures the intensity of light emitted from a light guide tip of the light irradiation handpiece. 13. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is driven and controlled so as to obtain light energy appropriate for polymerization and curing of the target light-curable dental material. 4. A dental photopolymerizer according to any one of the above. 14. The light energy holding device is built in the light irradiation handpiece, and constantly measures the intensity of light emitted from the light guide tip of the light irradiation handpiece to obtain a target light. The dental light according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the light source unit is driven and controlled so as to obtain appropriate light energy for polymerization and hardening of the hardening type dental material. Polymerizer.