KR102194030B1 - Intraoral sensor and X-ray imaging system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an intraoral sensor including a sensor panel for generating an X-ray image signal and a first connector for transmitting the image signal; A second connector corresponding to the first connector includes a connection means that is detachably connected to the intraoral sensor, and the intraoral sensor includes a first magnet having opposite magnetic poles arranged on both sides of the first connector. Including, wherein the connecting means includes a second magnet in which opposite magnetic poles are arranged on both sides of the second connector, the connecting means is a transmission cable, and the connection structure of the first and second connectors is the first and second connectors It provides an X-ray imaging system symmetrical to each other on both sides.

Description

Intraoral sensor and X-ray imaging system including the same}

The present invention relates to an intraoral sensor and an X-ray imaging system including the same.

In recent years, digital intraoral sensors are mainly used to obtain X-ray images of teeth and surrounding tissues in the oral cavity.

In the conventional X-ray imaging system using an intraoral sensor, X-ray imaging is performed using an intraoral sensor of a cable type connected to which a transmission cable is fixed, and the image signal generated from the intraoral sensor by X-ray imaging is It is transmitted to a diagnostic computer through a transmission cable.

As described above, since conventional X-ray imaging uses a cable-type intraoral sensor, there are problems in that convenience is deteriorated in intraoral X-ray imaging, and there are various limitations such as damage or poor connection of a transmission cable.

The present invention has a problem in improving the constraints caused by using the conventional cable type intraoral sensor.

In order to achieve the above-described problem, the present invention includes an intraoral sensor including a sensor panel for generating an X-ray image signal and a first connector for transmitting the image signal; A second connector corresponding to the first connector includes a connection means that is detachably connected to the intraoral sensor, and the intraoral sensor includes a first magnet having opposite magnetic poles arranged on both sides of the first connector. Including, wherein the connecting means includes a second magnet in which opposite magnetic poles are arranged on both sides of the second connector, the connecting means is a transmission cable, and the connection structure of the first and second connectors is the first and second connectors It provides an X-ray imaging system symmetrical to each other on both sides.

The first outer case further includes a first outer case accommodating the sensor panel therein, wherein the first outer case includes a first cover and a second cover protruding rearward from the first cover, and the first connector May be embedded in the second cover and exposed in a non-protruding form from one side of the second cover.

The first connector may include a first housing and a first connection terminal module inserted into the first housing, and the first housing may include the first magnet.

The second connector may include a second housing and a second connection terminal module inserted into the second housing, and the second housing may include the second magnet.

The second connector may be embedded in the transmission cable and exposed in a non-protruding form from an end of the transmission cable.

In the X-ray imaging system according to the present invention, a cableless intraoral sensor is used, a docking station in which the intraoral sensor is attached, or a transmission cable attached to the intraoral sensor is used to transmit the image signal generated from the intraoral sensor. Can be transferred to a computer.

Accordingly, the convenience of intraoral X-ray imaging can be maximized, and damage or connection failure of the transmission cable can be fundamentally eliminated. Therefore, the restriction of intraoral X-ray imaging due to the use of the conventional cable-type intraoral sensor is eliminated. You can improve effectively.

In addition, when connecting the intraoral sensor and the docking station or transmission cable, the connectors are connected using magnetic force.

Accordingly, the problem of erroneous connection between the connection terminals of the connectors is eliminated, and connection stability between the connectors can be ensured.

1 is a view schematically showing an X-ray imaging system including an intraoral sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an intraoral sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the first connector of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a docking station according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the second connector of Figure 4;
6 is a view showing a case of using a transmission cable detachable to the intraoral sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Example>

1 is a view schematically showing an X-ray imaging system including an intraoral sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an X-ray imaging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an intraoral sensor 100 and a docking station 200. On the other hand, although not shown, the X-ray imaging system 10 may further include a computer for generating an X-ray image by receiving an image signal generated from the intraoral sensor 100 during X-ray photography, analyzing it, and processing it. have.

The intraoral sensor 100 is inserted into the oral cavity to perform X-ray detection of teeth and surrounding tissues.

As the intraoral sensor 100, a direct X-ray sensor that directly converts X-rays into electrical signals or an indirect X-ray sensor that converts X-rays into visible light and then converts them into electrical signals may be used.

In particular, the intraoral sensor 100 of this embodiment is a cableless intraoral sensor 100 in which a separate transmission cable is not connected, and the intraoral sensor 100 is an independent sensor 100 without a separate transmission cable connection. X-rays can be taken in the oral cavity under the condition.

To this end, the intraoral sensor 100 may include a sensor panel, a printed circuit board, a memory, and a battery.

In this regard, the sensor panel corresponds to a configuration that generates an image signal according to the irradiated X-rays, which is arranged in a matrix form and may include a plurality of pixels that generate and output the corresponding image signal. Meanwhile, in the case of the indirect method, a scintillator, which is a phosphor converting X-rays into visible light, may be provided on the front surface of the sensor panel, which is an X-ray incident surface of the sensor panel.

The printed circuit board may be disposed on a rear surface opposite to the X-ray incident surface of the sensor panel, and driving circuits for driving the sensor panel may be mounted thereon. For example, a timing controller for generating a timing signal and processing and outputting the image signal may be mounted on the printed circuit board, and a readout circuit for detecting the image signal generated from the sensor panel may be mounted.

The memory may store an image signal generated during X-ray imaging using the intraoral sensor 100 in a cableless state. Such a memory may be configured and disposed separately from the printed circuit board. For example, the memory may be manufactured in the form of a thin film. As another example, the memory may be configured to be mounted on a printed circuit board.

The battery provides power for operating the intraoral sensor 100 in a cableless state. For example, it may provide driving power to a sensor panel, a printed circuit board, and a memory.

As described above, since the intraoral sensor 100 has a built-in memory and a battery, it is possible to perform intraoral X-ray imaging in a cableless state in which a transmission cable is not used.

Meanwhile, the intraoral sensor 100 may include an outer case 120 that surrounds the above-described electrical components such as a sensor panel, a printed circuit board, a memory, and a battery to be accommodated therein and protects it from the outside.

For example, the first outer case 120, which is the outer case 120 of the intraoral sensor 100, is a front cover, that is, the first cover 121, which is a cover located in front of the light-receiving surface side of the intraoral sensor 100 And, it may include a rear cover, that is, a second cover 122, which is a cover positioned at the rear opposite the light-receiving surface. In such a case, the electrical components of the above-described intraoral sensor 100 may be accommodated in the accommodation space inside the combined first and second covers 121 and 122.

In addition, the intraoral sensor 100 may be formed in a form in which part or all of the rear part protrudes from the front part to the rear, for example, the second cover 122 may be formed in a protruding form. In this way, the protruding rear portion, that is, the protruding portion may function as a gripping portion for the intraoral sensor 100. In this way, when configured in a protruding shape, when the intraoral sensor 100 is viewed in cross section, the side of the intraoral sensor 100 has a stepped shape, that is, the front part protrudes outward compared to the rear part. Will have.

In addition, the intraoral sensor 100 may be provided with a connector for transmitting a signal to the outside or supplying power for charging, that is, a first connector 150.

Here, the first connector 150 is accommodated in the first outer case 120, and one end of the first connector 150 is exposed through the first connector hole 125 formed in the first outer case 120 Can be.

The detailed configuration of the first connector 150 will be described in more detail below.

The docking station (or cradle) 200 is a cradle to which the intraoral sensor 100 is mounted/removed (ie, docked/undocked), and is electrically connected when mounted to supply power for signal transmission or charging.

In addition, the docking station 200 may transmit the image signal transmitted from the intraoral sensor 100 to the computer.

In this regard, when the intraoral sensor 100 is mounted, the docking station 200 may receive an image signal from the intraoral sensor 100 and transmit the transmitted image signal to the computer through a wired method or a wireless method. As such, the docking station 200 may perform a function of relaying signal transmission between the intraoral sensor 100 and the computer.

Such a docking station 200 may include a memory for storing an image signal transmitted from the intraoral sensor 100.

The docking station 200 includes a second outer case 220, which is an outer case 220 for accommodating internal parts, and the second outer case 220 is a lower cover, that is, a third It may include a cover 221 and an upper cover, that is, a fourth cover 222, which is a cover positioned on an upper side opposite the bottom surface.

Such a docking station 200 may be provided with a connector for transmitting a signal to the intraoral sensor 100 or supplying power for charging, that is, a second connector 250.

Here, the second connector 250 is accommodated in the second outer case 220, and one end of the second connector 250 is exposed through the second connector hole 225 formed in the second outer case 220 Can be.

The second connector 250 is electrically connected to the first connector 150 of the intraoral sensor 100 corresponding thereto to perform signal transmission or charging.

At this time, in this embodiment, magnetic force is used to implement a stable connection between the first and second connectors 150 and 250.

In this regard, for example, one of the first and second connectors 150 and 250 may be provided with a magnet that generates a magnetic force, and the other is provided with a magnet or a magnetic material that is magnetized by a magnetic field. The connectors 150 and 250 can be stably connected.

Here, a permanent magnet or an electromagnet may be used as the magnet used for the connector.

And, the arrangement direction (or magnetic field direction) of the two magnetic poles (i.e., N pole and S pole) of the magnet used in one of the first and second connectors 150 and 250 is the exposed surface of the corresponding connector (or the bonding surface between the connectors) It can be configured to be parallel to. For example, the arrangement direction (or magnetic field direction) of two magnetic poles (i.e., N and S poles) of a magnet used in one of the first and second connectors 150 and 250 is the exposed surface of the corresponding connector (or the junction between the connectors). The connector may be disposed on both sides of the connector along the surface), with one of the N and S poles on the left and the other on the right.

On the other hand, when the other one of the first and second connectors 150 and 250 also uses a magnet, the magnetic pole arrangement direction of the magnet of the first connector 150 (for example, the N pole -> S pole direction is from left to right). ) And the magnetic pole arrangement direction of the magnet of the second connector 250 (for example, N-pole->S-pole direction is from right to left), it is preferable to give direction so that they are opposite to each other.

When the direction of the magnetic pole is set in this way, the problem of incorrect connection between the connection terminals corresponding to each other of the first and second connectors 150 and 250 is eliminated, so that the first and second connectors 150 and 250 can be correctly connected by magnetic force.

Hereinafter, a structure of the intraoral sensor and the docking station according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 together.

* FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an intraoral sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the first connector of FIG. 2. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a docking station according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the second connector of FIG. 4.

First, looking at the intraoral sensor 100, it includes a first outer case 120 for accommodating an inner component, and the first outer case 120 is disposed on opposite sides of the light receiving direction and coupled to each other. A cover 121 and a second cover 122 may be included.

At this time, the second cover 122 may have a shape protruding in the light-receiving direction, that is, in the rear direction, and a first connector hole 125 exposing the first connector 150 is formed on one side of the second cover 122. Can be formed. Here, it is preferable that the first connector 150 is configured in a form that does not substantially protrude outside the first connector hole 125, that is, a non-protrusion form, but is not limited thereto. In this regard, in the case of being configured in a protruding form, damage may occur in the process of coupling/removing the first connector 150 to the second connector 250, etc., so by configuring it in a non-protruding form, the first connector ( 150) damage can be prevented.

Further, the first cover 121 may have a shape that is formed to have a larger planar area than the second cover 122 and protrudes (or extends) in an outward direction, and is located at a position where the first connector hole 125 is formed. An outer edge portion 121a that is an outer protruding portion of the first cover 121 may be formed.

The first connector 150 may include a first housing 151 that is a support defining a substantial external shape thereof, and a first connection terminal module 153 inserted into the first housing 151.

In addition, the first connector 150 is attached to a ring-shaped first seal member 155 surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the upper end, which is one end of the first housing 151, and the other end, the lower end of the first connection module 151, It may include a second sealing member 157 providing a waterproof function. Here, the first sealing member 155 may be formed of a material having elasticity such as silicon, but is not limited thereto, and the second sealing member 157 may be formed of a material such as epoxy. However, it is not limited thereto.

The first connection terminal module 153 may include a first mold 153b and a plurality of pin-shaped first connection terminals 153a inserted therein and exposed at one end thereof. In this regard, a plurality of holes 153b1 may be formed in the first mold 153b along the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of first connection terminals 153a are formed in the corresponding holes 153b1 of the first mold 153b. When a part is inserted, the upper end does not protrude to the outside (ie, the upper end is external), and may be combined while being exposed through the corresponding hole 153b1.

The first connector 150 configured as above is assembled and fastened to the first connector hole 125.

Next, looking at the docking station 200, it has a second outer case 220 for accommodating internal parts, and the second outer case 220 is the insertion direction (or mounting direction) of the intraoral sensor 100 A third cover 221 and a fourth cover 222 disposed on opposite sides of each other and coupled to each other may be included.

In this case, a concave groove 227 into which the lower portion of the first connector 150 is inserted may be formed as a part of the fourth cover 222 positioned at the upper portion when the intraoral sensor 100 is mounted. In addition, a second connector hole 225 exposing the second connector 250 may be formed in the concave groove 227. Meanwhile, a cover 229 covering the concave groove 227 may be provided on the fourth cover 222.

Here, the concave groove 227 is preferably formed to have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the lower portion into which the intraoral sensor 100 is inserted. Accordingly, the concave groove 227 may be formed to have a stepped structure, and the first groove region 227a having a first depth into which the lower portion of the first cover 121 including the outer edge portion 121a is inserted, The lower portion of the second cover 122 on which the first connector 150 is disposed is inserted, and may be configured as a second groove region 227b having a second depth lower than the first depth.

In this case, a second connector hole 225 in which the second connector 250 is disposed may be formed in the second groove region 227b.

The second connector 250 is preferably configured in a form that does not substantially protrude outside the second connector hole 225, that is, a non-protrusion form, but is not limited thereto. In this regard, since damage may occur in the process of coupling/removing the first connector 150 to the second connector 250, etc. in the case of being configured in a protruding form, the second connector ( 250) can be prevented.

The second connector 250 may include a second housing 251 that is a support defining a substantial external shape thereof, and a second connection terminal module 253 that is at least partially inserted into the second housing 251.

In addition, the second connector 250 may include a ring-shaped third sealing member 255 inserted and attached between the lower end of the second housing 251 and the outer edge of the second connection terminal module 253. Here, the third sealing member 255 may be formed of a material such as epoxy, but is not limited thereto.

The second connection terminal module 253 may include a second mold 253b and a plurality of pin-shaped second connection terminals 253a inserted into the second mold 253b and having an upper end protruding to the outside. In this regard, a plurality of holes 253b1 may be formed in the second mold 253b along the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of second connection terminals 253a are formed in the corresponding holes 253b1 of the second mold 253b. When inserted, the upper end may protrude to the outside (ie, the outer upper end) and be combined in an exposed state.

Here, as the second connection terminal (253a), a pogo pin in the form of a cylinder capable of adjusting the length of the external force by showing a certain degree of elasticity and restoring force through an internal spring, etc., may be used. It is not limited. In addition, unlike the drawings, the first and second connection terminals 153a and 253b may have opposite shapes.

The second connector 250 configured as above is assembled and fastened to the second connector hole 225.

In particular, in this embodiment, one of the first housing 151 of the first connector 150 and the second housing 251 of the second connector 250 described above may be formed by using a magnet generating magnetic force. The other one may be formed using a magnet or a magnetic material that is magnetized by a magnetic field.

Here, the arrangement direction (or magnetic field direction) of the two magnetic poles (i.e., N pole and S pole) of the magnet used in one of the first and second housings 151 and 251 is the exposed surface of the corresponding connector (or the bonding surface between the connectors) It can be configured to be parallel to. In other words, the arrangement direction of the two magnetic poles of the magnet may be a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction of the first and second connectors 150 and 250. For example, the N-pole and S-pole of this magnet may be divided and disposed on the left and right sides of the corresponding housing.

Meanwhile, when the other one of the first and second housings 151 and 251 also uses a magnet, the magnetic pole arrangement direction of the magnet of the first housing 151 and the magnetic pole arrangement direction of the magnet of the second housing 251 are first, It is preferable to impart directionality so that the two housings 151 and 251 face each other in opposite directions.

When the direction of the magnetic poles is set as above, the first and second connectors 150 and 250 can be coupled in the correct direction by magnetic force, thereby eliminating the problem of incorrect connection between the connection terminals 153a and 253a corresponding to each other, The first and second connectors 150 and 250 can be correctly connected.

Moreover, since the docking station 200 has a concave groove 227 into which the lower portion of the intraoral sensor 100 is inserted when the intraoral sensor 100 is mounted, the first and second connectors 150 and 250 are provided with this mounting structure. The connection direction of is secured so that the connection stability between the first and second connectors 150 and 250 can be further improved.

<Second Example>

Meanwhile, the above-described intraoral sensor 100 may be configured to be connected to a computer as necessary through a detachable and detachable transmission cable, and FIG. 6 may be referred to in this regard.

6 is a view showing a case of using a transmission cable detachable to the intraoral sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, a third connector 350 coupled to and connected to the first connector 150 of the intraoral sensor 100 is formed at one end of the detachable transmission cable 300.

Here, the third connector 350 may be formed to have substantially the same structure as the second connector 250 provided in the docking station 200 of the first embodiment, and a detailed description of the third connector 350 Can be omitted.

The third connector 350 is preferably inserted into the connector case 320 formed at one end of the transmission cable 300 so as not to protrude to the outside, but is not limited thereto. As described above, damage to the third connector 350 can be prevented by configuring it in a non-protruding shape.

Such a third connector 350 may be configured similarly to the second connector 250 of the first embodiment, a third housing, which is a support defining a substantial external shape thereof, and at least a part of which is inserted into the third housing. It may include a third connection terminal module.

In particular, in this embodiment, one of the first housing of the first connector 150 and the third housing of the third connector 350 may be formed using a magnet generating magnetic force, and the other is a magnet or a magnetic field. It can be formed using a magnetic material that is magnetized to.

Here, the arrangement direction (or magnetic field direction) of the two magnetic poles (i.e., N pole and S pole) of the magnet used in one of the first and third housings is parallel to the exposed surface of the corresponding connector (or the junction surface between the connectors). Can be configured.

On the other hand, when the other one of the first and third housings also uses a magnet, the magnetic pole arrangement direction of the magnet of the first housing and the magnetic pole arrangement direction of the magnet of the third housing are each other in a state in which the first and third housings face each other. It is preferable to impart directionality so as to be in the opposite direction.

If the magnetic pole direction is set as above, the first and third connectors can be coupled in the correct direction by magnetic force, thereby eliminating the problem of incorrect connection between the corresponding connection terminals, so that the first and third connectors are correctly connected. Can be.

In particular, in the case of using the transmission cable 350, it is quite frequent that the user feels difficulty in correctly coupling the transmission cable 350 to the intraoral sensor 100.

Therefore, coupling between connectors using magnetic force may be more effective than in the case of using the transmission cable 350 as in this embodiment.

As described above, in the X-ray imaging system according to the embodiments of the present invention, a cableless intraoral sensor is used, a docking station in which the intraoral sensor is attached, or a transmission cable attached to the intraoral sensor is used. Image signals generated from intraoral sensors can be transmitted to a computer.

Accordingly, the convenience of intraoral X-ray imaging can be maximized, and damage or connection failure of the transmission cable can be fundamentally eliminated. Therefore, the restriction of intraoral X-ray imaging due to the use of the conventional cable-type intraoral sensor is eliminated. You can improve effectively.

In addition, when connecting the intraoral sensor and the docking station or transmission cable, the connectors are connected using magnetic force.

Accordingly, the problem of erroneous connection between the connection terminals of the connectors is eliminated, and connection stability between the connectors can be ensured.

The above-described embodiment of the present invention is an example of the present invention, and can be freely modified within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention includes modifications of the present invention within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto.

10: X-ray imaging system 100: intraoral sensor
120: first outer case 121: first cover
122: second cover 125: first connector hole
150: first connector 151: first housing
153: first connection terminal module 153a: first connection terminal
153b: first mold 155: first seal member
157: second sealing member 200: docking station
220: second outer case 221: third cover
222: fourth cover 125: second connector hole
250: second connector 251: second housing
253: second connection terminal module 253a: second connection terminal
253b: second mold 255: third seal member
300: transmission cable 320: connector case
350: third connector

Claims (5)

An intraoral sensor including a sensor panel for generating an X-ray image signal and a first connector for transmitting the image signal;
And a connection means provided with a second connector corresponding to the first connector and detachably connected to the intraoral sensor,
The intraoral sensor includes a first magnet in which opposite magnetic poles are arranged on both sides of the first connector,
The connecting means includes a second magnet having opposite magnetic poles arranged on both sides of the second connector,
The connecting means is a transmission cable,
The connection structure of the first and second connectors is symmetrical to each other toward both sides of the first and second connectors.
The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a first outer case accommodating the sensor panel therein,
The first outer case includes a first cover and a second cover protruding rearward from the first cover,
The first connector is embedded in the second cover and is exposed in a non-protruding form from one side of the second cover.
The method of claim 1,
The first connector includes a first housing and a first connection terminal module inserted into the first housing, and the first housing includes the first magnet.
The method of claim 1,
The second connector includes a second housing and a second connection terminal module inserted into the second housing,
The second housing is an X-ray imaging system including the second magnet.
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