KR20190032855A - Intraoral sensor and X-ray imaging system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a cableless-type intraoral sensor comprising: a sensor panel for generating an image signal according to X-ray imaging; and a first connector for transmitting the image signal, wherein the first connector includes a magnet or a magnetic body. According to the present invention, it is possible to alleviate limitations caused when a conventional cable-type intraoral sensor is used.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an intraoral sensor and an X-ray imaging system including the intraoral sensor,

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

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

In a conventional X-ray imaging system using an intraoral sensor, an X-ray imaging is performed using a cable-type intraoral sensor to which a transmission cable is fixedly connected, and an image signal generated from an intraoral sensor by X- And transferred to the diagnostic computer via a transmission cable.

As described above, since conventional X-ray imaging uses a cable-type intraoral sensor, there are various limitations such as reduced convenience for intraoral X-ray imaging and breakage or connection failure of the transmission cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention has a problem to overcome the limitations associated with the use of a conventional cable type oral cavity sensor.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray photographing apparatus comprising: a sensor panel for generating an image signal according to X-ray photographing; And a first connector for transmitting the video signal, wherein the first connector can provide a cable-less type oral cavity sensor including a magnet or a magnetic body.

In the case where the first connector includes a magnet, the magnetic pole of the magnet may be arranged on both sides of the first connector with the first connector interposed therebetween.

Wherein the first outer case includes a first cover and a second cover protruding rearward from the first cover, wherein the first cover includes a first cover and a second cover, May be embedded in the second cover and exposed in a non-protruding form from one side of the second cover.

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

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a subject, comprising: an intraoral sensor as described above; And a docking station including a second connector corresponding to the first connector, wherein one of the first and second connectors includes a magnet and the other includes a magnet or a magnetic body, System can be provided.

In the case where each of the first and second connectors includes a magnet, the pole array direction of the first connector and the pole array direction of the second connector may be opposite to each other.

Wherein the docking station further includes a second outer case and the second outer case includes an insertion groove into which a lower portion of the intraoral sensor in which the first connector is located is inserted, Can be embedded in the outer case and exposed in a non-protruding form from the recess.

The second connector includes a second housing and a second connection terminal module inserted into the second housing, wherein one of the first and second housings includes a magnet and the other includes a magnet or a magnetic body.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a subject comprising: the intraoral sensor described above; And a transmission cable detachably attached to the intraoral sensor and including a third connector corresponding to the first connector, wherein one of the connectors 1 and 3 includes a magnet and the other includes a magnet or a magnetic body, System can be provided.

In the case where each of the first and third connectors includes a magnet, the pole array direction of the first connector and the pole array direction of the third connector may be opposite to each other.

The third connector is embedded in the transmission cable and can be exposed in a non-protruding form from the end of the transmission cable.

The third connector includes a third housing and a third connecting terminal module inserted into the third housing, wherein one of the housings includes one magnet and the other one comprises a magnet or a magnetic body.

In the X-ray imaging system according to the present invention, a cable-less type oral cavity sensor is used, a docking station in which an intraoral sensor is detached and attached, or a transmission cable detachably attached to an intraoral sensor, It can be transferred to a computer.

As a result, the convenience of oral X-ray imaging can be maximized, and breakage of the transmission cable or connection failure can be fundamentally eliminated. Therefore, the restriction of intraoral x-ray photography by using a conventional cable type oral cavity sensor And can be effectively improved.

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

This eliminates the problem of erroneous connection between the connection terminals of the connectors, so that the connection stability between the connectors can be ensured.

1 is a schematic view of an X-ray imaging system including an intraoral sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an intraoral sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the first connector of Fig. 2; Fig.
4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a docking station according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the second connector of Fig. 4; Fig.
6 is a view showing a case where a transmission cable detachably attached to an intraoral sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention is used.

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

≪ Embodiment 1 >

1 is a schematic view of 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. Although not shown, the X-ray imaging system 10 may further include a computer for receiving the image signal generated by the intraoral sensor 100 during the X-ray imaging and analyzing and processing the image signal to generate the X-ray image have.

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

The intraoral sensor 100 may be a direct type X-ray sensor that directly converts an X-ray into an electrical signal, or an indirect type X-ray sensor that converts an X-ray into a visible light and then converts it into an electrical signal.

In particular, the intraoral sensor 100 of the present embodiment is a cableless intraoral sensor 100 in which a separate transmission cable is not connected, and the intraoral sensor 100 is an independent Oral X-rays can be taken in the state.

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 for generating an image signal according to irradiated X-rays, which may include a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form and generating and outputting a corresponding image signal. On the other hand, in the indirect method, a scintillator, which is a phosphor for converting X-rays into visible light, may be provided on the front surface of the sensor panel, which is the X-ray incident surface of the sensor panel.

The printed circuit board may be disposed on the rear surface opposite to the X-ray incident surface of the sensor panel, and the driving circuits for driving the sensor panel may be mounted on the printed circuit board. For example, a printed circuit board may be provided with a timing controller for generating a timing signal and processing and outputting a video signal, and a lead-out circuit for detecting a video signal generated by the sensor panel may be mounted.

The memory can store the image signal generated during the X-ray photographing using the intraoral sensor 100 in a cable-less state. Such a memory may be arranged separately from the printed circuit board, for example, a memory may be fabricated 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 a power source for operating the intraoral sensor 100 in a cable-less state, and can supply driving power to, for example, a sensor panel, a printed circuit board, and a memory.

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

Meanwhile, the intraoral sensor 100 may include an outer case 120 for protecting the above-described electrical components, such as a sensor panel, a printed circuit board, a memory, and a battery, from the outside to surround the battery.

For example, the first outer case 120, which is the outer case 120 of the intraoral sensor 100, includes a front cover, that is, a front cover, i.e., a first cover 121, And a rear cover, i.e., a second cover 122, which is a rear cover located on the opposite side to the light receiving surface. In such a case, the electrical parts of the intraoral sensor 100 described above can be accommodated in the receiving space inside the first and second covers 121 and 122 coupled thereto.

In addition, the intraoral sensor 100 may have a shape in which a part or all of the rear portion protrudes rearward from the front portion, for example, the second cover 122 may be formed in a protruding form. The protruding shape of the rear portion or protrusion can serve as a gripping portion for the intraoral sensor 100. In this case, when the intraoral sensor 100 is formed in a protruding shape, the side surface of the intraoral sensor 100 has a stepped shape, that is, a shape in which the front portion protrudes outwardly from the rear portion .

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

The first connector 150 is accommodated in the first outer case 120 and is configured such that one end of the first connector 150 is exposed through the first connector hole 125 formed in the first outer case 120 .

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

The docking station (or cradle) 200 is a cradle on which the intraoral sensor 100 is mounted / detached (i.e., docked / undocked), and can be electrically connected to supply signal transmission or charging power when mounted.

The docking station 200 may transmit the image signal transmitted from the intraoral sensor 100 to a 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 in a wired or wireless manner. As such, the docking station 200 can perform a function of relaying signal transmission between the intraoral sensor 100 and the computer.

The docking station 200 may include a memory for storing image signals transmitted from the intraoral sensor 100.

The docking station 200 includes a second outer case 220 that is an outer case 220 for receiving internal components and a second outer case 220 is a bottom cover, A cover 221, and an upper cover, i.e., a fourth cover 222, which is a cover located on the upper side of the bottom surface.

The docking station 200 may include a second connector 250 for transmitting signals to the intraoral sensor 100 or supplying power for charging.

The second connector 250 is accommodated in the second outer case 220 and is configured such that one end of the second connector 250 is exposed through the second connector hole 225 formed in the second outer case 220 .

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

At this time, in this embodiment, the magnetic force is used to realize 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 for generating a magnetic force, and the other may include a magnet or a magnetic body magnetized in 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 in the connector.

The arrangement direction (or magnetic field direction) of the two magnetic poles of the magnets used in one of the first and second connectors 150 and 250 (that is, N poles and S poles) As shown in FIG. For example, the arrangement direction (or magnetic field direction) of the two magnetic poles (i.e., N poles and S poles) of the magnet used in one of the first and second connectors 150, Plane), with one of the N and S poles being located on the left and the other on the right.

Meanwhile, when the other one of the first and second connectors 150 and 250 also uses a magnet, the magnetic pole array direction of the magnet of the first connector 150 (for example, N pole- > S pole direction is changed from left to right (For example, N pole - > S pole direction from right to left) of the magnets of the first connector 250 and the second connector 250 are opposite to each other.

When the directionality of the magnetic pole is set as described above, the first and second connectors 150 and 250 can be properly connected by the magnetic force by eliminating the problem that the first and second connectors 150 and 250 are incorrectly connected to each other.

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

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. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a docking station according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second connector of FIG.

First, the intraoral sensor 100 is provided with a first outer case 120 for receiving an inner component, and the first outer case 120 is provided with a first And may include a cover 121 and a second cover 122.

In this case, the second cover 122 may protrude in the light receiving direction, that is, the rear direction, and a first connector hole 125 exposing the first connector 150 may be formed on one side of the second cover 122 . Here, it is preferable that the first connector 150 is substantially not protruded to the outside of the first connector hole 125, that is, it is not protruded. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In this case, when the first connector 150 is formed in a protruding shape, damage may occur in a process of joining / removing the first connector 150 to / from the second connector 250, 150 can be prevented from being damaged.

The first cover 121 may be formed to be larger in planar size than the second cover 122 and protrude outwardly (or extended) from the second cover 122, An outer edge portion 121a which is an outer projecting portion of the first cover 121 can be formed.

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

The first connector 150 is attached to a ring-shaped first seal member 155 surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the first housing 151 and a lower end of the other end of the first connection module 151 And a second seal member 157 for providing a waterproof function. Here, the first seal member 155 may be formed of a material having elasticity such as silicone, but not limited thereto, and the second seal member 157 may be formed of a material such as epoxy But 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 which are inserted into the first mold 153b and are exposed at one end. 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 may be formed in the corresponding holes 153b1 of the first mold 153b The upper end can be coupled with the hole 153b1 without being protruded to the outside (that is, the upper side outside) while being partially inserted.

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

The docking station 200 includes a second outer case 220 for receiving the inner components and a second outer case 220 for supporting the insertion direction of the intraoral sensor 100, A third cover 221 and a fourth cover 222 disposed on opposite sides of the first cover 220 and the second cover 220, respectively.

At this time, the fourth cover 222 positioned at the upper part may be provided with a concave groove 227 into which the lower part, where the first connector 150 is positioned, is inserted as a part thereof when the intraoral sensor 100 is mounted. A second connector hole 225 may be formed in the concave groove 227 to expose the second connector 250. On the other hand, a cover 229 covering the concave groove 227 may be provided on the fourth cover 222. [

Here, it is preferable that the concave groove 227 is 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 can be formed to have a stepped structure. The concave groove 227 has a first groove region 227a of a first depth into which a lower portion of the first cover 121 including the outer edge portion 121a is inserted, And a second groove region 227b having a second depth lower than the first depth into which the lower portion of the second cover 122 in which the first connector 150 is disposed is inserted.

At this time, 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 substantially non-protruding from the second connector hole 225, but is not limited thereto. In this case, when the first connector 150 is formed in a protruding shape, damage may occur in a process of joining / removing the first connector 150 to / from the second connector 250, 250 can be prevented from being damaged.

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

The second connector 250 may include a ring-shaped third seal member 255 inserted between the lower end of the second housing 251 and the outer edge of the second connection terminal module 253. Here, the third seal 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 which are inserted into the second mold 253b and have one end protruding outward. 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 may be formed in the corresponding holes 253b1 of the second mold 253b The upper end may protrude to the outside (that is, the upper side outside) to be engaged in the exposed state.

Here, the second connection terminal 253a may be a Pogo pin having a cylindrical shape capable of adjusting the length of the second connection terminal 253a with respect to an external force by showing a certain elasticity and restoring force at a distal end thereof via an internal spring. But is not limited to. In addition, the first and second connection terminals 153a and 253b may be formed to have opposite shapes from each other.

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

Particularly, in this embodiment, one of the first housing 151 of the first connector 150 and the second housing 251 of the second connector 250 may be formed using a magnet that generates a magnetic force And the other one may be formed using a magnet or a magnetic material magnetized in a magnetic field.

Here, the arrangement direction (or magnetic field direction) of the two magnetic poles (that is, N poles and S poles) of the magnet used for one of the first and second housings 151 and 251 is the exposed surface (or the joint surface between the connectors) As shown in FIG. 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 the S-pole of the magnet can be divided and arranged on the left and right sides of the housing.

When the other one of the first and second housings 151 and 251 also uses a magnet, the magnet array arrangement direction of the magnet of the first housing 151 and the magnet array arrangement direction of the magnet of the second housing 251, It is preferable that the two housings 151 and 251 are oriented so as to be opposite to each other in a state where they face each other.

When the directionality of the magnetic pole is set as described above, the first and second connectors 150 and 250 can be coupled in the correct direction by the magnetic force, thereby eliminating the problem that the first and second connectors 150 and 250 are incorrectly connected between the corresponding connection terminals 153a and 253a, The first and second connectors 150 and 250 can be properly connected.

The docking station 200 is provided with the concave groove 227 into which the lower portion of the intraoral sensor 100 is inserted when the intraoral sensor 100 is mounted. And the connection stability between the first and second connectors 150 and 250 can be further improved.

≪ Embodiment 2 >

Meanwhile, the intraoral sensor 100 described above may be configured to be connected to a computer via a detachable detachable transfer cable as needed, and reference is made to FIG. 6 in this regard.

6 is a view showing a case where a transmission cable detachably attached to an intraoral sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention is used.

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 transfer 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 will be omitted Can be omitted.

The third connector 350 is preferably inserted into the connector case 320 formed at one end of the transmission cable 300 and is not protruded outwardly, but is not limited thereto. As described above, the third connector 350 can be prevented from being damaged by the non-protruding configuration.

Such a third connector 350 can be configured similar to the second connector 250 of the first embodiment, including a third housing, which is a support defining a substantial contour thereof, And a third connection terminal module.

Particularly, 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 that generates a magnetic force, and the other may be a magnet or a magnetic field And the like.

Here, the arrangement direction (or magnetic field direction) of the two magnetic poles (that is, N poles and S poles) of the magnet used for one of the first and third housings is parallel to the exposed surface of the corresponding connector Lt; / RTI >

When the other one of the first and third housings is also used, the direction of arrangement of the magnetic poles of the magnet of the first housing and the direction of arrangement of the magnetic poles of the magnet of the third housing are such that the first and third housings face each other It is preferable to impart a directionality so as to be in the opposite direction.

When the direction of the magnetic pole is set as described above, the first and third connectors can be coupled in the correct direction by the magnetic force, thereby eliminating the problem that the first and third connectors are incorrectly connected to each other, .

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, the coupling between the connectors using the magnetic force can be more effective when the transmission cable 350 is used as in this embodiment.

As described above, in the X-ray imaging system according to the embodiments of the present invention, a cable-less type oral cavity sensor is used, a docking station in which an intraoral sensor is detached and attached, or a transmission cable detachably attached to an intraoral sensor The image signal generated from the intraoral sensor can be transmitted to the computer.

As a result, the convenience of oral X-ray imaging can be maximized, and breakage of the transmission cable or connection failure can be fundamentally eliminated. Therefore, the restriction of intraoral x-ray photography by using a conventional cable type oral cavity sensor And can be effectively improved.

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

This eliminates the problem of erroneous connection between the connection terminals of the connectors, so that the connection stability between the connectors can be ensured.

The embodiment of the present invention described above is an example of the present invention, and variations are possible within the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention includes modifications of the invention within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

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 seal 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 (12)

As a cable-less oral sensor,
A sensor panel for generating a video signal according to X-ray radiography;
And a first connector for transmitting the video signal,
Wherein the first connector comprises a magnet or a magnetic body
Oral sensors.
The method according to claim 1,
When the first connector includes a magnet, the magnetic pole of the magnet is arranged on both sides of the first connector, across the first connector, along the exposed surface of the first connector
Oral sensors.
The method according to claim 1,
And a first outer case for receiving the sensor panel therein,
Wherein the first outer case includes a first cover and a second cover protruding rearward from the first cover,
Wherein the first connector is embedded in the second cover and is exposed from one side of the second cover in a non-
Oral sensors.
The method according to claim 1,
The first connector includes a first housing and a first connection terminal module inserted into the first housing,
Wherein the first housing includes a magnet or a magnetic body
Oral sensors.
An ophthalmic apparatus comprising: an intraoral sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
And a docking station including a second connector corresponding to the first connector, wherein the intraoral sensor is detached and attached,
One of the 1,2 connector includes a magnet and the other includes a magnet or a magnetic body
X-ray system.
6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein when the first and second connectors each include a magnet, the magnetic pole array direction of the first connector and the pole array direction of the second connector are opposite to each other
X-ray system.
6. The method of claim 5,
The docking station further includes a second outer case,
Wherein the second outer case includes an insertion groove into which a lower portion of the intraoral sensor in which the first connector is located is inserted,
The second connector is embedded in the second outer case and is exposed from the concave groove in a non-
X-ray system.
6. The method of claim 5,
The second connector includes a second housing and a second connection terminal module inserted into the second housing,
One of the 1,2 housing includes a magnet and the other includes a magnet or a magnetic body
X-ray system.
An ophthalmic apparatus comprising: an intraoral sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
And a transmission cable detachably attached to the intraoral sensor and including a third connector corresponding to the first connector,
One of the 1,3 connectors includes a magnet and the other includes a magnet or a magnetic body
X-ray system.
10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein when the first and third connectors each include a magnet, the magnetic pole array direction of the first connector and the pole array direction of the third connector are opposite to each other
X-ray system.
10. The method of claim 9,
The third connector is embedded in the transmission cable and is exposed from the end of the transmission cable in a non-
X-ray system.
10. The method of claim 9,
The third connector includes a third housing and a third connection terminal module inserted into the third housing,
Wherein one of the housings comprises a magnet and the other comprises a magnet or a magnetic body
X-ray system.

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