WO2020040039A1

WO2020040039A1 - Polymerization apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2020040039A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/032059
Authority: WO
Inventors: 達矢山崎; 雅貴木下
Original assignee: 株式会社トクヤマデンタル
Priority date: 2018-08-24
Filing date: 2019-08-15
Publication date: 2020-02-27

Abstract

A polymerization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a photoirradiator and a polymerization vessel. The photoirradiator comprises a first housing and a light source assembly. The first housing comprises a light source chamber defined by cylindrical side walls, a ceiling, and a floor comprising a light-transmissive window. The light source assembly comprises a substrate having a light-emitting surface on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes are disposed in a prescribed pattern and a heat-dissipating surface to which a heat sink is joined, and the light source assembly is disposed within the light source chamber so that the light-emitting surface faces the light-transmissive window. The polymerization vessel comprises a polymerization cup and a second housing. The polymerization cup has a frustoconical or substantially frustoconical shape that opens upward and increases in diameter upward, and is capable of containing a target material therein. The second housing is a closed-bottom cylindrical or box-shaped housing having an opening at the apex thereof, the polymerization cup being detachably contained via said opening. In this polymerization apparatus, the interior of the polymerization cup of the polymerization vessel is irradiated with light that has been emitted by the plurality of light-emitting diodes of the photoirradiator and that has passed through the transmissive window.

Description

Polymerization equipment

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

Conventionally, as a photopolymerizer used for advancing the photopolymerization reaction of a preformed body made of a photocurable material in an uncured state, a preformed body is placed in a polymerization vessel, and a light source is introduced into the polymerization vessel from a light source. 2. Description of the Related Art A photopolymerizer for irradiating light is known.

For example, in Patent Literature 1, an object made of a photocurable material used for a dental prosthesis or the like is cured by a light emitting diode (LED) light source and the temperature in a light irradiation space (polymerization space) is increased. As a photo-polymerization device capable of increasing its hardness (strength), “a housing, a polymerization space formed by being surrounded by a wall in the housing, and performing polymerization, and a polymerization space in the polymerization space for polymerization. An LED light source for irradiating light, wherein the LED light source is disposed outside the polymerization space. According to Patent Literature 1, the photopolymerizer further includes a temperature control unit that heats the inside of the polymerization space, and the temperature control unit includes a cooling unit that cools the LED light source and a cooling unit that cools the LED light source. A heat supply unit that supplies heat generated from the LED light source to the polymerization space, wherein the polymerization space is heated by the heat generated from the LED light source. Further, the photopolymerizer has a table that can be rotated by a motor, and by placing a dental prosthesis or the like via a dedicated attachment on the table, uniform polymerization is performed by rotating the attachment and the dental prosthesis. It is possible.

On the other hand, in recent years, visit medical care has been attracting attention as a medical form corresponding to an aging society. For example, maintenance (repair) of dental prostheses such as dentures (complete dentures or partial dentures), specifically, has become incompatible. There is a demand to perform an operation such as adding a photopolymerizable material to a denture base for dentures to shape and harden the denture base so that it fits in the oral cavity as part of the on-site medical care. A polymerization apparatus that meets such a demand is also known. That is, Patent Literature 2 discloses that a light source such as a hand-piece type photopolymerizer can be detachably provided, and a photopolymerization container that is easy to carry and carry is provided with “a dental prosthesis is installed inside, A photopolymerization container comprising a container that can be taken out and a light guide that penetrates a wall of the container so as to allow light to pass therethrough and communicates inside and outside of the container ”is disclosed.

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

The photopolymerizer disclosed in Patent Document 1 not only uses a long-life LED as a light source but also has a temperature control means, which is advantageous when polymerizing an object requiring heating during polymerization. is there. However, the temperature control means requires a Peltier element for cooling and an air passage leading to the polymerization space, and its configuration is complicated.In addition, since the table and the motor for rotating the table are mounted, the apparatus is required. It becomes large. Therefore, it is hard to say that the above polymerization apparatus is suitable for denture repair at the time of on-site medical care as described above.

Although the container for photopolymerization disclosed in Patent Document 2 has an advantage that it is easy to carry and carry, it uses a hand-piece type photopolymerizer close to a point light source (the area of the light emitting surface is very small) as the light source. In order to irradiate light over a wide area, it is necessary to diffuse the light using a diffusion lens or the like, and there is a problem that the intensity of the light radiated per unit area of the object is reduced.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a small polymerization apparatus which is easy to carry and carry, and which can increase the intensity of light irradiated per unit area of an object.

The polymerization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light irradiation device and a polymerization container, and includes a `` member or article having an unpolymerized portion composed of the photopolymerization-curable composition, contained in the polymerization container. A polymerization apparatus for polymerizing the unpolymerized portion by irradiating the object to be irradiated with light emitted from the light irradiator.
The light irradiator has a first housing and a light source assembly. The first housing has a light source chamber defined by a cylindrical side wall, a ceiling, and a floor having a light-transmissive window material, and the side wall is provided with an intake hole and an exhaust hole. I have. The light source assembly has a base having a light emitting surface on which a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged in a predetermined pattern, and a heat radiating surface to which a heat sink is joined, and the light emitting surface is directed toward the light transmissive window material. It is arranged in the light source room.
The polymerization container has a polymerization cup and a second housing. The polymerization cup has a frusto-conical shape or a substantially frusto-conical shape in which the upper portion is opened and the diameter increases upward, and the object can be accommodated therein. The second housing is a bottomed cylindrical or box-shaped housing having an opening at the top, and detachably accommodates the polymerization cup through the opening.
The polymerization device irradiates the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes of the light irradiator and transmitted through the light transmitting window material into the polymerization cup of the polymerization container.

重合 According to the above polymerization apparatus, since the LED is used as the light source, it can be made compact and easy to carry. For this reason, it can be suitably used for denture repair at the time of on-site consultation. Moreover, since a plurality of LEDs are used as the light source, it is possible to irradiate the surface of the target object such as the preform of the denture with high intensity.

The heat sink may further include a plurality of heat dissipating fins arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval, and a groove-shaped ventilation path may be formed between the adjacent heat dissipating fins. Further, the light irradiator further includes an intake fan arranged in the light source chamber so as to face the intake hole, and an exhaust fan arranged in the light source chamber so as to face the exhaust hole. The intake fan may be arranged to face one end of the ventilation path, and the exhaust fan may be arranged to face the other end of the ventilation path.
As a result, the flow of air when the intake fan and the exhaust fan are driven can be regulated, so that the heated air stays inside the device and adversely affects the LED control device, and the temperature inside the polymerization vessel becomes uneven. Can prevent the polymerization from becoming non-uniform.

The light irradiator may further include a light-transmitting protective film that covers a portion of the light-transmitting window material exposed outside the light source chamber.
Thereby, even when the present invention is applied to an object consisting of a member or an article having an unpolymerized portion composed of a photopolymerizable curable composition containing a monofunctional polymerizable monomer having a molecular weight of 200 or less. The apparatus can be kept in a good condition simply and at low cost.

重合 The polymerization cup may be a disposable cup at least whose inner surface is made of a material that reflects light emitted from the light emitting diode.

The cross section of the cylindrical side chamber of the light source chamber may be circular, substantially circular, elliptical, substantially elliptical, or polygonal.

光 The light irradiator may further include control means disposed in the light source chamber from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the device. The control means controls at least one drive selected from the group consisting of the plurality of light emitting diodes, the intake fan, and the exhaust fan, using electric power supplied from a battery or an external power supply.

The light irradiator and the polymerization container interact with each other so that the upper peripheral edge of the polymerization cup overlaps with a predetermined distance below the light-transmitting window material of the light source chamber to integrate them. May be provided. From the viewpoint that it is easy to make the temperature of the polymerization container uniform, the integration mechanism, when the light irradiator and the polymerization container are integrated, both the light irradiation device and the contact portion of the polymerization container are made of a non-metallic material. May be configured.

According to the present invention, since the present invention can be made compact and easy to carry, it can be suitably used for denture repair during home visit medical treatment. Moreover, since a plurality of LEDs are used as the light source, it is possible to irradiate the surface of the target object such as the preform of the denture with high intensity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a polymerization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX ′ of the polymerization apparatus shown in FIG. This figure is a YY ′ cross-sectional view of the polymerization apparatus shown in FIG. This figure is a partially enlarged view of FIG. This figure is a front view of a light emitting surface in the polymerization apparatus.

The polymerization apparatus of the present invention is a polymerization apparatus for polymerizing the unpolymerized part by irradiating light to `` a target object consisting of a member or an article having an unpolymerized part composed of a photopolymerizable curable composition ''. is there.

Here, the photopolymerizable curable composition can be used without any particular limitation as long as it is a composition containing a radical polymerizable monomer and a photopolymerization initiator. Other components such as fillers, pigments and dyes may be included. Examples of the photopolymerizable curable composition that can be suitably used include a photocurable dental polymerizable composition used as a so-called denture base lining material or a dental composite resin. In addition, the member or the article as the target object may have a part formed of the photopolymerization-curable composition. Examples of such an object include those formed by placing a repair lining material on a denture base of a denture and those formed by placing a crown resin in a tooth shape on a model or a metal frame. be able to.

The light to be applied to the object is not particularly limited as long as the light includes light having a wavelength that activates a photopolymerization initiator contained in the photopolymerizable curable composition (activating light). It may be appropriately determined according to the type of the photopolymerization activator, but usually, short-wavelength visible light or ultraviolet light is often used.

The polymerization apparatus of the present invention includes a specific light irradiator that emits the light (activating light) to the outside and the target object contained therein, where the active light emitted from the light irradiator is emitted. A specific polymerization vessel for irradiating an object to perform polymerization and curing.

Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the structure and the like of the light irradiator and the polymerization container, and more specifically, the structure and the like of the polymerization apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the polymerization apparatus 100 of the present invention includes a light irradiation device 200 and a polymerization container 300.

The light irradiator 200 has a light source chamber 220 defined by a cylindrical side wall 221, a circular ceiling 222, and a floor 223 having a circular light-transmissive window material 230. And a first housing 210 provided with a plurality of intake holes 224 and a plurality of exhaust holes 225 each provided in a slit shape. Inside the light source chamber 220, a light source assembly 240, an intake fan 250, an exhaust fan 260, and a control board 280 (control means) are arranged.

As a material of the first housing 210 (a part other than the light-transmitting window material 230 of the side wall 221, the ceiling 222, and the floor 223), a synthetic resin, a metal, a ceramic, or the like can be used, but industrial mass production is easy. Therefore, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride ( It is preferable to use a resin material such as PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The light-transmitting window material 230 is particularly limited as long as it transmits the activation light emitted from a light emitting diode (LED) 243 described later, and preferably has a transmittance of the activation light of 80% or more. However, when the activating light is visible light or ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 500 nm, the thickness formed of a material such as glass, PC, PMMA, PET, PEN, PVC, PA, or PS is 1 mm or more. A plate having a thickness of 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm is suitably used. The area of the light-transmitting window material 230 is from 20 cm ² to 225 cm ² (the window has a circular shape) from the viewpoint that the device can be miniaturized and the surface of an object such as a denture can be irradiated with sufficient light. The diameter is preferably about 5 cm to about 17 cm in a certain case, particularly 50 cm ² to 170 cm ² (about 8 cm to about 15 cm when the window has a circular shape). The entire surface of the floor 223 may be made of the light-transmitting window material 230, but it is preferable that the window material be replaceable. For this purpose, an opening slightly smaller than the light-transmitting window material 230 is provided at the center of the floor 223. Preferably, the light-transmitting window material 230 is detachably fixed to the edge remaining outside the opening by using screws, bolts and nuts.

By attaching the light-transmitting window material 230 detachably in this way, if the light-transmitting window material 230 is scratched due to long-term use or stains that cannot be easily removed by cleaning are attached, By exchanging the light transmissive window material 230, it becomes possible to maintain good light transmissivity.

保護 A protective film 231 may be used for the purpose of reducing the frequency of replacing the light-transmitting window material 230. In particular, the target object has an unpolymerized portion composed of a polymer curable composition containing a monofunctional polymerizable monomer component having a low molecular weight (particularly, a molecular weight of 200 or less) volatilized by heat generated during polymerization and curing. In this case, the component is vaporized and scattered due to polymerization heat or the like generated at the time of photopolymerization, and adheres firmly to the light-transmitting window material 230, thereby causing stains on the light-transmitting window material 230. . Since the deposits at this time are hardened after the deposition and cannot be easily removed, when such an object is polymerized, the outer surface of the light-transmitting window material 230 (the light source chamber in the light-transmitting window material 230) is used. It is preferable to cover the portion exposed outside the protective film 220 with a protective film 231 for preventing contamination. By using such a protective film 231, when the light transmittance is reduced due to the attached matter, only the protective film 231 needs to be replaced. Can be greatly reduced.

As such a protective film 231, the transmittance of the activating light is preferably 80% or more, particularly preferably 90% or more. The material and thickness of the protective film 231 depend on the wavelength of the activating light and the absorbance thereof. The material and thickness may be appropriately determined such that the light transmittance falls within the above range. In addition, if the material which can be used suitably as the protective film 231 is illustrated, PE, PP, PET, PEN, PVC, PS, perfluoroalkoxy resin (PFA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), etc. can be used suitably.

The low-molecular-weight monofunctional polymerizable monomer includes methyl (meth) acrylate, ethyl (meth) acrylate, propyl (meth) acrylate, isopropyl (meth) acrylate, butyl (meth) acrylate, and 2-hydroxyethyl ( (Meth) acrylate, glycidyl (meth) acrylate, methoxyethylene glycol (meth) acrylate, n-hexyl (meth) acrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth) acrylate, 2- (meth) acryloxyethyl propionate, ethoxy Examples include ethylene glycol (meth) acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl (meth) acrylate, and diethylaminoethyl (meth) acrylate. The content of these monofunctional polymerizable monomers contained in the photopolymerizable curable composition is such that the contamination at the time of polymerization is likely to occur, and the effect of applying the protective film 231 becomes remarkable. It is preferably 30% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, particularly preferably 40% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less based on the mass (total mass) of all the polymerizable monomers in the curable composition.

(4) The protective film 231 is used as a measure for facilitating maintenance of the apparatus when frequently performing photopolymerization of an object containing such a low-molecular-weight monofunctional polymerizable monomer component. However, it goes without saying that the protective film 231 may be used when performing photopolymerization of an object that does not include such a low-molecular-weight monofunctional polymerizable monomer.

Furthermore, in order to prevent the formation of a so-called surface unpolymerized layer which is inevitably formed due to the influence of atmospheric oxygen or the like during polymerization, a technique of performing polymerization in a state where an object is submerged in water or warm water is known. In the polymerization apparatus of the present invention, water or hot water may be injected into a polymerization cup 310 described later. In preparation for such a case, it is preferable that the fixing portion be hermetically sealed with a gasket 232 interposed therebetween so that steam or liquid water does not enter the light source chamber 220. The gasket 232 is not particularly limited as long as it can be hermetically sealed, but it is preferable to use an elastic seal member made of fluorine rubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, or the like.

The light source assembly 240 includes a base 241 having a light emitting surface 242 facing the outside of the light source chamber 220 and a heat radiation surface 244 facing the inside of the light source chamber 220. On the light emitting surface 242, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 243 are arranged in a predetermined pattern. A heat sink 245 is joined to the heat radiation surface 244. The heat sink 245 has a plurality of radiating fins 246 arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval, and forms a groove-shaped ventilation path 247 between the adjacent radiating fins 246. Then, the light source assembly 240 is disposed with the light emitting surface 242 facing the light transmitting window material 230, and directs the active light emitted from the plurality of LEDs 243 and transmitted through the light transmitting window material 230 to the outside. It can be emitted.

The light source assembly 240 is basically the same as a so-called LED module with a heat sink, and the material of the base 241 and the heat sink 245 and the bonding method of the LED (which may be packaged) and the heat sink 245 are the same. Although there is no particular difference from the attached LED module, the shape and area of the base 241 (substantially corresponding to the shape and area of the light emitting surface 242) are the same as the shape and area of the light transmitting window material 230. Is preferred. The number and arrangement pattern of the plurality of LEDs 243 arranged on the light emitting surface 242 are as uniform as possible with respect to the target object according to the shape and area of the light emitting surface 242, the directional angle (half-value angle) of each LED, and the like. May be determined as appropriate so that light irradiation can be performed. For example, when an LED having a directivity angle (half-value angle) of 110 to 140 degrees is used, the number of unit areas of the light emitting surface 242 is 0.10 to 0.25 (pieces / cm ² ), and 30 mm from the light emitting surface 242. The light intensity per unit area at a distant distance is set to 20 mW / cm ² to 120 mW / cm ² , preferably 30 mW / cm ² to 100 mW / cm ² . If the intensity of light is 20 mW / cm ² less than, there is a possibility that the polymerization curing of the object is insufficient, 120 mW / cm ² is greater than takes place rapidly polymerized and cured from the surface of the object, the object May be deformed. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, eight LEDs 243 are arranged on the outer peripheral side in the plane of the light emitting surface 242, and two LEDs 243 are arranged on the inner peripheral side excluding the central part. The arrangement pattern of the LEDs 243 is not particularly limited either, and may be radial or matrix.

放熱 A heat sink 245 is joined to the heat radiation surface 244 on the back side of the light emitting surface 242. The heat sink 245 is made of a metal having a high thermal conductivity such as aluminum, and has a structure in which a plurality of heat radiation fins 246 are arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval as shown in FIG. The groove-shaped gap between the adjacent heat radiation fins 246 forms a ventilation path 247, and takes away heat generated at the time of driving the LED when the cooling air passes through the ventilation path 247, thereby cooling the light source assembly 240. Is performed.

ファン Further, a fan for sending cooling air to the ventilation path 247 is provided in the light source chamber 220. The figure shows an embodiment using two fans, namely, an intake fan 250 and an exhaust fan 260. The intake fan 250 is arranged to face one end of the intake hole 224 and the ventilation path 247, and the exhaust fan 260 is arranged to face the other end of the exhaust hole 225 and the ventilation path 247. The cooling air is external air taken in from the intake hole 224 located at a position facing the cooling air by driving the intake fan 250, and the warmed air after use is located at a position facing the cooling air. It is discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole 225. In the present embodiment, in the above-described air cooling mechanism, an exhaust fan 260 is additionally provided, and the intake fan 250 and the exhaust fan 260 are driven in synchronization with each other, so that the cooling air flow rate can be reduced without using a large fan. (Increase the amount of air passing through the ventilation path 247 per unit time). Since a small fan with a small installation space can be used, even if two fans are used, the fan can be installed in a narrow space of the light source room 220, and the apparatus can be made compact.

Further, in the polymerization apparatus of the present embodiment, the intake fan 224, the intake fan 250, the ventilation path 247, the exhaust fan 260, and the exhaust fan 260 are arranged in a straight line so as to face one end of the ventilation path 247. 250, and an exhaust fan 260 is arranged to face the other end of the ventilation path 247. This restricts the flow of air when both fans are driven. That is, by adopting such an arrangement structure, the air heated by absorbing the heat from the radiation fins 246 is unlikely to spread to a space other than the ventilation path 247 inside the light source room 220. Accordingly, the effect of improving the cooling efficiency by the combined use of the two fans and the flow regulation can reduce the thermal stress on devices and circuits such as the control board 280 disposed inside the light source chamber 220. The control board 280 as control means means devices, circuits, and the like that control the driving of the plurality of LEDs 243, the intake fan 250, the exhaust fan 260, and the like.

In addition, in the polymerization apparatus of the present embodiment, the intake fan 250 is arranged such that the maximum distance between the inner wall surface of the side wall 221 in which the intake hole 224 is arranged and the air suction surface of the intake fan 250 is 20 mm or less. It is preferable to arrange them so as to be 10 mm or less. Since the external air generates ventilation resistance when passing through the intake hole 224, the intake amount of the external air is smaller than the maximum air volume of the intake fan. However, by arranging the intake fan 250 as described above, the air volume due to the ventilation resistance is increased. The decrease can be kept to a minimum, more external air can be taken in, and the cooling efficiency can be improved. Also, it is preferable to arrange the exhaust fan 260 such that the maximum distance between the inner wall surface of the side wall 221 where the exhaust hole 225 is installed and the surface of the exhaust fan 260 that discharges air is 20 mm or less. It is particularly preferable that the distance is set to 10 mm or less. Similarly to the intake hole, since the exhaust hole also generates ventilation resistance, the amount of air heated in the ventilation passage 247 is smaller than the maximum air volume of the exhaust fan 260. However, the exhaust fan 260 should be disposed as described above. In this way, it is possible to minimize the decrease in air volume due to ventilation resistance, and to discharge more heated air in the ventilation path 247 to achieve a high degree of regulation of cooling air flow, thereby further improving cooling efficiency. Becomes possible. In order to further enhance the same effect, between the intake hole 224 and the intake fan 250 and between the exhaust hole 225 and the exhaust fan 260, there is provided an air guide tube (duct) connecting between the two, and a hood for regulating the flow of air. May be arranged.

As a driving source (power) of the control board 280, a battery (not shown) or electric power supplied from the outside via an external power cord port 290 is used. Then, based on instructions from an operation panel and various switches (not shown) attached to the first housing 210 of the light irradiator 200 and information from various sensors to be installed as necessary, Controls driving of equipment. Such switches and sensors include a main power switch, a main switch for starting irradiation, a timer switch, a selection switch, an indicator light, an optical sensor for controlling output, a temperature sensor, and a thermistor as a safety device. , A tilt switch, a contact switch, a proximity switch, and the like. As an example of a control method using the control board 280, as a method for controlling the irradiation time, a method in which a timer switch is arranged on the outer surface of the first housing 210 and arbitrarily adjusted, a microcomputer is mounted on the control board 280, For example, a method of controlling the irradiation time by programming so as to automatically turn off the light after 5 minutes or 10 minutes from the start of irradiation can be adopted. At this time, the programmed irradiation time can be selected by arranging a selection switch on the outer surface of the first housing 210 or by the number of times the main switch is pressed. Further, as a drive control method of the intake fan 250 and the exhaust fan 260, there is a method of programming and controlling the drive so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than a specified temperature, or the drive is started simultaneously with the start of light irradiation. However, a method of programming and controlling so as to continue driving for a certain time after the light is turned off can be adopted.

The polymerization container 300 has a frustoconical shape or a substantially frustoconical shape that is open at the top and expands in diameter upward, and has a polymerization cup 310 capable of accommodating the object therein and an opening 321 at the top. And a second housing 320 that detachably accommodates the polymerization cup 310 through the opening 321. Then, light (activating light) emitted from the plurality of LEDs 243 of the light irradiator 200 and transmitted through the light-transmissive window material 230 is applied to the inside of the polymerization cup 310.

It is preferable that at least the inner surface of the polymerization cup 310 is made of a material that reflects the activating light, such as aluminum, stainless steel, metal-plated glass, or transparent resin. By doing so, since the polymerization cup 310 has a frustum shape or a substantially frusto-conical shape, a part of the light reflected on the side surface is reflected on the bottom surface and the light is irradiated on the back side of the object. Becomes possible. At this time, the angle of the generatrix with respect to the perpendicular in the truncated cone shape or the substantially truncated cone shape is preferably 5 to 30 degrees (deg). Further, the upper peripheral edge 311 (the circular or substantially circular opening of the cup) of the polymerization cup 310 falls within the range of the light-transmitting window material 230, and when the light-transmitting window material 230 has a circular shape. The diameter of the peripheral edge (the diameter of the opening) is preferably equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the light transmitting window material 230.

As described above, in order to prevent the formation of a so-called surface unpolymerized layer inevitably formed due to the influence of atmospheric oxygen or the like during polymerization, it is effective to perform polymerization in a state where the object is submerged in water or hot water. It is. Therefore, in the polymerization apparatus 100 of the present invention, it is preferable that water or hot water is injected into the polymerization cup 310 so that light irradiation can be performed in a state where the object is immersed in the water or hot water. At this time, since the required amount of water or hot water varies depending on the size of the object, if the water or hot water is placed in the polymerization container in advance, if the amount of water is too small, the entire object cannot be immersed, On the other hand, if the amount of water is too large, there is a risk that water or hot water will overflow outside the cup, and it will be difficult to adjust the amount of water. Since the polymerization apparatus 100 of the present invention has a double structure in which the polymerization cup 310 is detachably accommodated in the second housing 320, water or hot water is poured into the polymerization cup 310 up to near the upper peripheral edge 311 of the polymerization cup 310, Even if an object is placed, water or warm water overflowing from the polymerization cup 310 can be received in the gap between the polymerization cup 310 and the second housing 320, and water overflowing by removing the polymerization cup 310 after use. Etc. can be easily discarded. This facilitates advance preparation of water or hot water, leading to a reduction in working time.

In addition, in the polymerization container 300, in order that the activation light transmitted through the light-transmitting window material 230 of the light irradiation device 200 can always be arranged at a position where the activation light can reliably and efficiently enter the polymerization cup 310. Preferably, positioning means (not shown) is provided between the polymerization cup 310 and the second housing 320. As such a positioning means, for example, a concave portion is provided on the bottom surface of the polymerization cup 310, a convex portion corresponding to the second housing 320 is provided, and the positioning is performed by fitting the two together, or the second housing 320 is positioned. A guide (protrusion) that circumscribes the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the polymerization cup 310 may be provided, and a means for positioning with the guide may be used.

As described above, when polymerizing an object having an unpolymerized portion composed of a polymerizable curable composition containing a low molecular weight monofunctional polymerizable monomer component that volatilizes due to heat generated by polymerization during polymerization curing. In addition, not only does the component adhere to the inner surface of the polymerization cup 310 and hinders the reflection of the activating light, but when such a deposit accumulates, the deposit adheres to the target object. Polymerization may occur in the state. From the viewpoint that such a problem can be avoided, it is preferable that the polymerization cup 310 be removable so that cleaning and replacement can be easily performed. Further, when the polymerization apparatus 100 is used, the polymerization cup 310 is provided inside, has a shape substantially similar to the polymerization cup 310, and at least the inner surface thereof is made of a material that reflects light emitted from the LED 243. A disposable cup (not shown) can also be used. The polymerization cup 310 and the disposable cup which are not used at the time of use are set each time to carry out polymerization, and are discarded after use. Therefore, it is possible to easily avoid the above-described problem, and it is easy to ensure hygiene. Further, the polymerization cup 310 itself may be constituted by a disposable cup as described above.

The material of the second housing 320 is not particularly limited, but is usually the same material as the first housing 210. The shape and size of the polymerization cup 310 are not particularly limited as long as the polymerization cup 310 can be detachably accommodated, but the upper peripheral edge 311 of the polymerization cup 310 is positioned below the light-transmitting window material 230 of the light source chamber 220 by a predetermined amount. The shape and size are preferably such that they are integrated with the first housing 210 when they are overlapped while maintaining a distance, and in the embodiment shown in the drawing, they are formed into a cylindrical shape when they are overlapped. ing.

In order to easily form such an integrated structure, the light irradiator 200 and the polymerization container 300 interact with each other so that the upper peripheral edge 311 of the polymerization cup 310 becomes light transmitting window of the light source chamber 220. It is preferable to have an integration mechanism that can integrate the two together so as to overlap with a predetermined distance below the member 230. As shown in FIG. 4, as such an integration mechanism, as an integration mechanism 270 on the light irradiator 200 side, an annular shape is provided slightly inside the outermost periphery of the bottom of the first housing 210 (the back side of the floor 223). And a part near the upper end of the outer peripheral wall of the second housing 320 is thinned and fitted with the fitting protrusion as the integration mechanism 330 on the polymerization container 300 side, Can be listed. In the case of employing such an integrated mechanism, in order to minimize transmission of heat generated from the LED 243 from the polymerization container 300 through the first housing 210 to the second housing 320, the two are integrated. It is preferable that both the contact portions are made of a non-metallic material such as a synthetic resin, and the contact area is as small as possible.

As described above, since the polymerization apparatus 100 of the present embodiment uses LEDs as a light source, it can be made compact and easy to carry, so that it can be suitably used for denture repair during home visit medical treatment. Moreover, since a plurality of LEDs, for example, 10 LEDs, are used as the light source, it is possible to irradiate the surface of the object such as the preform of the denture with high intensity. Furthermore, even though a plurality of LEDs are mounted in a compact device, the heat generated by these LEDs can be effectively radiated to the outside of the device. In addition, it is possible to prevent non-uniformity of the temperature in the polymerization vessel, so that stable and accurate polymerization curing can be performed.

In addition, the polymerization apparatus 100 of the present embodiment uses a light source in which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 243 are arranged on the surface of a base 241 having a relatively large area, so that irradiation per unit area of the target object is performed. Light intensity can be increased. Moreover, the exhaust fan 260 is driven at the same time as the intake fan 250 to further regulate the flow path (flow path) of the cooling air. As a result, although the light intensity can be increased, heat dissipation from the LEDs increases due to the use of a large number of LEDs in a narrow area, and a mechanism is adopted for air cooling using a cooling fan. However, it is possible to solve the problem that the LED control device is adversely affected by the stagnation of the heated air in the device, and the non-uniform polymerization occurs due to the non-uniform temperature in the polymerization container. it can.

Further, the target object has an unpolymerized portion composed of a polymer curable composition containing a low molecular weight monofunctional polymerizable monomer component that volatilizes due to heat generated by polymerization during polymerization curing, and the component transmits light. The protective film and the polymerization cup can be easily removed and replaced even if the resin adheres to the window material or the polymerization container, and the replacement time and cost are greatly reduced compared to the case of replacing the window material. It becomes possible to reduce.

Although the polymerization apparatus of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the integration mechanism can be appropriately changed according to the shape and the like of the first housing and the second housing, and the second housing is a drawer type, and is configured to fit in the first housing, The drawer is closed after the object is accommodated in the polymerization cup with the drawer opened, and the upper edge of the polymerization cup is overlapped with a predetermined distance below the light-transmitting window material with the drawer closed. You may.

100 polymerization apparatus 200 light irradiator 210 first housing 220 light source room 221 side wall 222 ceiling 223 floor 224 intake hole 225 ..Exhaust hole 230 ... Light transmissive window material 231 ... Protective film 232 ... Gasket 240 ... Light source assembly 241 ... Base 242 ... Light emitting surface 243 ... LED
244: heat radiation surface 245: heat sink 246: heat radiation fin 247: ventilation path 250: intake fan 260: exhaust fan 270: integrated mechanism (light irradiator side)
280: control means 290: external power cord port 300: polymerization container 310: polymerization cup 311: polymerization cup upper peripheral edge 320: second housing 321: opening 330 ..Integration mechanism (polymerization vessel side)

Claims

It has a light irradiator and a polymerization container, and is emitted from the light irradiator to an “object formed of a member or an article having an unpolymerized portion composed of a photopolymerization-curable composition” contained in the polymerization container. A polymerization apparatus for polymerizing the unpolymerized portion by irradiating the light,
The light irradiator,
A first housing having a light source chamber defined by a cylindrical side wall, a ceiling, and a floor having a light-transmitting window material, wherein the side wall is provided with an intake hole and an exhaust hole,
A light-emitting surface on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes are arranged in a predetermined pattern; and a heat-dissipating surface to which a heat sink is joined, the light-emitting surface being disposed in the light source chamber with the light-emitting surface facing the light-transmitting window material. A light source assembly,
The polymerization container,
A polymerization cup which has a truncated cone shape or a substantially truncated cone shape in which the upper part is released and expands in diameter upward, and which can accommodate the object therein,
A bottomed cylindrical or box-shaped housing having an opening at the top, and a second housing that detachably houses the polymerization cup through the opening,
A polymerization apparatus for irradiating the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes of the light irradiator and transmitted through the light-transmitting window material into the polymerization cup of the polymerization container.
The polymerization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The heat sink further includes a plurality of radiating fins arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval, forming a groove-shaped ventilation path between the adjacent radiating fins,
The light irradiator further includes an intake fan arranged in the light source chamber so as to face the intake hole, and an exhaust fan arranged in the light source chamber so as to face the exhaust hole,
The intake fan is arranged to face one end of the ventilation path,
The polymerization device, wherein the exhaust fan is arranged to face the other end of the ventilation path.
The polymerization apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The polymerization apparatus, wherein the light irradiator further includes a light-transmitting protective film that covers a portion of the light-transmitting window material exposed outside the light source chamber.
The polymerization apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
The polymerization apparatus is a disposable cup whose at least an inner surface is made of a material that reflects light emitted from the light emitting diode.
The polymerization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
A polymerization apparatus, wherein the cross section of the cylindrical side chamber of the light source chamber is circular, substantially circular, elliptical, substantially elliptical, or polygonal.
The polymerization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
The light irradiator further includes control means disposed in the light source chamber,
The control device controls the driving of at least one selected from the group consisting of the plurality of light emitting diodes, the intake fan, and the exhaust fan using electric power supplied from a battery or an external power supply.
The polymerization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
The light irradiator and the polymerization container interact with each other so that the upper peripheral edge of the polymerization cup overlaps with a predetermined distance below the light-transmitting window material of the light source chamber to integrate them. A polymerization device with an integrated mechanism that can perform
The polymerization apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
The integration mechanism is configured such that when the light irradiator and the polymerization container are integrated, the contact portion between the light irradiator and the polymerization container is made of a nonmetallic material.