WO2020209123A1

WO2020209123A1 - Intraoral observation device and intraoral observation system

Info

Publication number: WO2020209123A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/014528
Authority: WO
Inventors: 和宏八重樫; 賢治図斉; 一幸森本
Original assignee: ミツミ電機株式会社; 和宏八重樫; 賢治図斉; 一幸森本
Priority date: 2019-04-12
Filing date: 2020-03-30
Publication date: 2020-10-15
Also published as: JP2020171608A

Abstract

An intraoral observation system 1 comprises: an intraoral observation device 2 for observing the inside of the oral cavity of an individual to be examined; and a charging base 3 which includes a body part 31 that accommodates a transmission coil 35 for performing wireless charging, and a receiving portion 32 for holding the intraoral observation device 2. The intraoral observation device 2 includes a long grip portion 211 that is to be held by an operator and a charging unit 27 that is provided inside a base end of the grip portion 211. The grip portion 211 has an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 211. The receiving portion 32 of the charging base 3 has an insertion port 322 that has a shape corresponding to the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211.

Description

Oral observation device and oral observation system

The present invention generally relates to an intraoral observation device and an intraoral observation system including the intraoral observation device, and more specifically, to enable non-contact charging and prevent reverse insertion to a charging stand. The present invention relates to an intraoral observation device configured and an intraoral observation system including the intraoral observation device.

Conventionally, as an instrument for observing the condition of teeth and gums in the oral cavity of a subject (for example, a patient) to be inspected by a dentist, in particular, a long rod-shaped main body and a tip of the main body are provided. Oral mirrors equipped with a mirror have been used. In addition, in order to show the condition of the oral cavity to the examinee, the oral cavity is photographed with a camera module, and the photographed image of the oral cavity is displayed on an external device (for example, a personal computer or a smartphone) equipped with a display. Oral observation devices for this purpose are also widely used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an intraoral observation device 500 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the intraoral observation device 500 of Patent Document 1 has a long grip portion 510 gripped by an operator such as a dentist and an arm portion 520 extending from the tip of the grip portion 510. And a camera module 530 provided at the tip of the arm 520. The operator inserts the arm portion 520 into the oral cavity of the test subject while grasping the grip portion 510, and photographs the inside of the test subject's oral cavity with the camera module 530. The image of the oral cavity taken by the intraoral observation device 500 is transmitted to the control device of the intraoral observation device 500 including the display via the cable 540 and displayed on the display of the control device. Therefore, the person to be inspected can also confirm the state of his / her oral cavity by observing the image displayed on the display of the control device.

The power supply to the intraoral observation device 500 of Patent Document 1 is executed by a wired connection using a cable 540. When observing the oral cavity of the test subject using the intraoral observation device 500, after inserting the arm 520 into the oral cavity of the test subject, the camera module 530 is pointed in various directions of the test subject. It is necessary to photograph various parts of the oral cavity. Therefore, the degree of freedom of operation of the intraoral observation device 500 in the oral cavity of the test subject is very important. However, the intraoral observation device 500 is connected to the control device by the cable 540, and there is a problem that the cable 540 hinders the operation of the intraoral observation device 500 in the oral cavity of the person to be inspected.

In order to deal with such a problem, a wireless intraoral observation device can be used by transmitting an image of the oral cavity of the test subject to an external device equipped with a display by wireless communication and using a rechargeable charging unit. Proposed. FIG. 2 shows a conventional wireless type intraoral observation device 600. The intraoral observation device 600 is configured to transmit the acquired image of the oral cavity of the test subject to an external device including a display by wireless transmission. Further, the intraoral observation device 600 includes a charging unit, and by inserting the base end portion of the intraoral observation device 600 into the receiving portion 710 of the charging stand 700, the charging unit of the oral observation device 600 can be charged. Is executed. With such a configuration, the intraoral observation device 600 can be made wireless, and the degree of freedom of operation of the intraoral observation device 600 in the oral cavity can be improved.

However, in the intraoral observation device 600, the charging unit of the intraoral observation device 600 is charged by the AC adapter terminal 610 on the oral observation device 600 side (see FIG. 3) and the AC adapter terminal 720 on the charging stand 700 side (FIG. 4). Executed by contact connection with (see). FIG. 3 shows the structure of the bottom surface of the intraoral observation device 600, and FIG. 4 shows the structure inside the receiving portion 710 of the charging stand 700. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the AC adapter terminal 610 is exposed to the outside from the bottom surface of the intraoral observation device 600, and the AC adapter terminal 720 is exposed to the outside from the receiving portion 710 of the charging stand 700. There is. As described above, when contact charging is adopted as the charging method for the oral observation device 600, the AC adapter terminal 720 of the oral observation device 600 is exposed to the outside, so that the oral observation device 600 cannot be made waterproof. .. The intraoral observation device 600 is often used in a water place such as a washbasin, but it is very dangerous to use the non-waterproof oral observation device 600 in a water place.

Further, since the grip portion of the intraoral observation device 600 has a symmetrical cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the long direction of the grip portion, it can be inserted back into the charging stand 700. When the oral observation device 600 is inserted back into the charging stand 700 due to a human error, the AC adapter terminal 610 on the oral observation device 600 side and the AC adapter terminal 720 on the charging stand 700 side are not connected, and the oral observation device The 600 charging unit is not charged. Therefore, when the oral observation device 600 is attempted to be used, a situation may occur in which the charging unit of the oral observation device 600 is not charged. Such a situation significantly reduces the product satisfaction of the user of the intraoral observation device 600.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-74929

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is an intraoral observation device configured so that non-contact charging is possible and reverse insertion to a charging stand can be prevented, and the oral cavity. It is an object of the present invention to provide an intraoral observation system including an internal observation device.

Such an object is achieved by the following inventions (1) to (7).
(1) An intraoral observation system for observing the oral cavity of a subject to be inspected.
An intraoral observation device for observing the oral cavity of the test subject,
A charging stand including a main body for accommodating a power transmission coil for performing non-contact charging and a receiving portion for holding the intraoral observation device.
The intraoral observation device
A long grip that is gripped by the operator,
An arm that extends from the tip of the grip in the elongated direction of the grip and is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected.
A camera module provided at the tip of the arm and for photographing the oral cavity of the person to be inspected,
A charging unit provided in the grip portion is provided.
The grip portion has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the elongated direction of the grip portion.
The receiving portion of the charging stand includes an insertion port having a shape corresponding to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion.
In the intraoral observation device, the grip portion of the intraoral observation device is inserted into the insertion port of the receiving portion of the charging stand, and the receiving portion of the charging stand holds the oral observation device. At that time, the intraoral observation system is configured to perform the non-contact charging to the charging unit using the power transmission coil of the charging stand.

(2) The receiving portion of the charging stand is formed from an extending portion extending from the upper portion of the main body portion of the charging stand, the insertion port formed in the extending portion, and the lower portion of the main body portion. Includes a flat base that extends to the same side as the stretched portion.
In the intraoral observation device, the grip portion is inserted into the insertion port of the receiving portion of the charging stand, and the base end portion of the grip portion is placed on the base of the receiving portion of the charging stand. The intraoral observation system according to (1) above, which is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand in a closed state.

(3) The asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion has a substantially D-shape in which one surface forms a curve and the other surface forms a curve having a curvature smaller than the curve formed by the one surface. The intraoral observation system according to (1) or (2) above, which has a cross-sectional shape.

(4) The charging unit includes a rechargeable secondary battery and a power receiving coil connected to the secondary battery.
The intraoral observation system according to (3) above, wherein the power receiving coil of the charging unit faces the power transmission coil of the charging stand in a state where the oral observation device is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand. ..

(5) The main body of the charging stand has a hollow semi-conical truncated cone shape in which one side surface forms a flat surface and the other side surface forms a curved surface.
The power receiving coil of the charging unit is arranged in the grip portion so as to face the other surface of the grip portion.
The power transmission coil of the charging stand is arranged in the main body of the charging stand so as to face the one side surface of the main body of the charging stand.
In a state where the intraoral observation device is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand, the other surface of the grip portion faces the one side surface of the main body portion of the charging stand (4). ). Oral observation system.

(6) The receiving portion of the charging stand is configured to hold the intraoral observation device in a state where the grip portion of the intraoral observation device is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.
In a state where the receiving portion of the charging stand holds the intraoral observation device, the other surface of the grip portion of the intraoral observation device due to gravity is the one of the main body portion of the charging stand. The intraoral observation system according to (5) above, which is pressed against the side surface.

(7) A long grip portion gripped by the operator and
An arm that extends from the tip of the grip in the elongated direction of the grip and is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected.
A camera module provided at the tip of the arm and for photographing the oral cavity of the person to be inspected,
A charging unit provided in the grip portion is provided.
The grip portion has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the elongated direction of the grip portion.
In the intraoral observation device, when the grip portion of the intraoral observation device is inserted into the insertion port of the receiving portion of the charging stand and the intraoral observation device is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand. It is configured to perform non-contact charging to the charging unit.
An intraoral observation device, wherein the insertion port of the receiving portion of the charging stand has a shape corresponding to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion.

In the intraoral observation system of the present invention, the charging unit of the intraoral observation device is charged from the charging stand by non-contact charging. Therefore, it is not necessary to expose the electronic components for charging such as the AC adapter terminal to the outside of the main body of the oral cavity observation device, and the oral cavity observation device can be made waterproof. As a result, the danger of using the oral observation device in a water place such as a washbasin can be eliminated. Further, the grip portion of the intraoral observation device is configured to have an asymmetric cross-sectional shape, and the receiving portion of the charging stand has a shape corresponding to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion of the intraoral observation device. It is configured to have an outlet. With such a configuration, in the oral observation system of the present invention, when the orientation (posture) of the grip portion of the oral observation device with respect to the receiving portion of the charging stand is incorrect, the oral observation device is inserted into the insertion port of the charging stand. The grip part of the is not inserted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the intraoral observation device from being inserted back into the charging stand.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional intraoral observation device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a conventional wireless type intraoral observation device. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the bottom surface of the intraoral observation device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the structure inside the receiving portion of the charging stand shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an intraoral observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an intraoral observation system including the intraoral observation device. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the intraoral observation device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the base end portion of the grip portion of the intraoral observation device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the charging stand shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the charging stand shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the oral cavity observation device and the charging stand in a state where the oral cavity observation device is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand.

Hereinafter, the intraoral observation device and the intraoral observation system of the present invention will be described based on the preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawings. In addition, each figure referred to below is a schematic figure prepared for the explanation of this invention. The dimensions (length, width, thickness, etc.) of each component shown in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions. Further, in each figure, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference number.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an intraoral observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an intraoral observation system including the intraoral observation device. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the intraoral observation device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the base end portion of the grip portion of the intraoral observation device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the charging stand shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the charging stand shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the oral cavity observation device and the charging stand in a state where the oral cavity observation device is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand.

The oral cavity observation system 1 shown in FIG. 5 is used for observing the oral cavity of the test subject. The intraoral observation system 1 includes an intraoral observation device 2 for observing the oral cavity of a subject to be inspected, and a charging stand 3 for performing non-contact charging of the intraoral observation device 2. The intraoral observation device 2 is used to take an image of the oral cavity of the person to be inspected and transmit the taken image to an external device (for example, a personal computer or a smartphone) provided with a display. The intraoral observation device 2 may be operated by a person other than the test subject such as a dentist, or may be operated by the test subject himself / herself in order to observe his / her own oral cavity. You may. The operator of the oral cavity observation device 2 and the person to be inspected can confirm the state of the oral cavity of the person to be inspected by looking at the image of the person to be inspected in the oral cavity displayed on the display of the external device.

The charging stand 3 is configured to perform non-contact charging to the intraoral observation device 2 when the intraoral observation device 2 is held by the charging stand 3. The charging stand 3 includes a main body 31 for accommodating the power transmission coil 35 for executing non-contact charging, and a receiving portion 32 for holding the intraoral observation device 2. In a state where the oral cavity observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3, the charging stand 3 executes non-contact charging of the oral cavity observation device 2.

First, the intraoral observation device 2 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 6, the intraoral observation device 2 includes a main body 21 that functions as a housing for accommodating each component of the oral observation device 2, a substrate 22 provided in the main body 21, and an inspection target person. The camera module 23 for photographing the inside of the oral cavity, the lighting module 24 for illuminating the inside of the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected, the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 are controlled, and the oral cavity acquired by the camera module 23. A control unit 25 for wirelessly transmitting the image inside, an operation unit 26 for enabling the operator to operate the intraoral observation device 2, and a rechargeable configuration for driving the intraoral observation device 2. A charging unit 27 for providing, an FPC (flexible printed circuit) board 28 for providing a connection between the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 and the control unit 25, and

cover glasses

29a and 29b are provided. There is.

The main body 21 includes a long grip portion 211 gripped by the operator, an arm portion 212 extending from the tip of the grip portion 211 in the elongated direction of the grip portion 211 and being inserted into the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected. It includes a first opening 213 for the camera module 23 and a second opening 214 for the lighting module 24.

The main body 21 has a total length (length in the Z-axis direction when the long direction of the main body 21 is the Z-axis) of about 200 mm, and a width of a portion corresponding to the grip portion 211 (the long direction of the main body 21 is the Z-axis). It has a handpiece-like overall shape with a length of about 30 mm in the X-axis direction and a width of the tip of the arm portion 212 of about 7 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body 21 is composed of a lower portion 21a that functions as a base for the entire oral observation device 2 and an upper portion 21b that functions as a cover for the entire oral observation device 2. Each component of the intraoral observation device 2 is housed in a space formed between the lower portion 21a and the upper portion 21b of the main body 21. The grip portion 211 and the arm portion 212 of the main body 21 are integrally formed. Such a main body 21 can be formed of a resin material.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the main body 21 in a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the grip portion 211. As shown in FIG. 7, in the intraoral observation device 2 of the present invention, the grip portion 211 of the main body 21 has an asymmetric cross section in a plane (XY plane in the drawing) orthogonal to the stretching direction of the grip portion 211. It is configured to have a shape. More specifically, in the grip portion 211 of the main body 21, one surface 211a forms a curve and the other surface 211b forms a curve in a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the grip portion 211. It is configured to form a curve with a curvature smaller than that of the other surface 211a side and the other surface 211b side so as to have an asymmetrical substantially D-shaped cross-sectional shape.

The cross-sectional shape of the base end portion of the grip portion 211 is substantially constant along the stretching direction of the grip portion 211. Therefore, one surface 211a of the arm portion 212 of the main body 21 forms a curved surface, and the other surface 211b forms a curved surface having a curvature smaller than the curved surface formed by the one surface 211a. As described above, the grip portion 211 has an asymmetrical shape between one surface 211a side and the other surface 211b side. Since one surface 211a and the other surface 211b of the grip portion 211 of the main body 21 form a smooth curved surface, when the operator of the oral observation device 2 grips the grip portion 211 of the oral observation device 2. A high fit can be given to the operator.

Returning to FIG. 6, the arm portion 212 has a diameter smaller than that of the grip portion 211, and extends from the tip of the grip portion 211 in the elongated direction (+ Z direction) of the grip portion 211. The arm portion 212 is inserted into the oral cavity of the test subject when observing the oral cavity of the test subject using the intraoral observation device 2. A first opening 213 and a second opening 214 are formed at the tip of the arm portion 212. The first opening 213 and the second opening 214 are opened at the tip of the arm portion 212 in a direction (+ Y direction) orthogonal to the elongated direction of the grip portion 211 of the main body 21. The camera module 23 photographs the outside of the main body 21 through the first opening 213, and the lighting module 24 illuminates the outside of the main body 21 through the second opening 214.

The board 22 is fixedly provided inside the main body 21, and the control unit 25, the operation unit 26, and the charging unit 27 are mounted on the board 22. The control unit 25, the operation unit 26, and the charging unit 27 are wiredly connected to each other via the wiring formed on the substrate 22.

The camera module 23 has a function of photographing the inside of the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected. The camera module 23 is provided inside the tip portion of the arm portion 212, and photographs the outside of the main body 21 through the first opening 213 formed in the tip portion of the arm portion 212. The lighting module 24 is an arbitrary lighting means such as an LED light, and has a function of illuminating the oral cavity of the person to be inspected. The lighting module 24 is provided inside the tip of the arm 212 at a position closer to the base end side (-Z direction side) of the arm 212 than the camera module 23, and is formed at the tip of the arm 212. The outside of the main body 21 is illuminated through the second opening 214. The electric power for driving the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 is supplied through the control unit 25 or directly from the charging unit 27.

The first opening 213 for the camera module 23 is liquidtightly sealed by the cover glass 29a. Similarly, the second opening 214 for the lighting module 24 is liquidtightly sealed by the cover glass 29b. Therefore, the liquid such as water does not enter the main body 21 through the first opening 213 and the second opening 214.

The camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 are electrically connected to the control unit 25 via the wiring formed on the FPC board 28, and are driven at a desired timing by the control from the control unit 25. When using the intraoral observation device 2, the operator inserts the arm 212 of the intraoral observation device 2 into the oral cavity of the test subject, the lighting module 24 illuminates the oral cavity of the test subject, and the camera module. 23 photographs the oral cavity of the subject to be examined. The image of the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected acquired by the camera module 23 is transmitted to the control unit 25.

The control unit 25 has a function of controlling the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24, and further wirelessly transmitting the image of the oral cavity acquired by the camera module 23. The control unit 25 is wiredly connected to the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 of the intraoral observation device 2, and the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 are driven according to the signal transmitted from the control unit 25. The electric power for driving the control unit 25 is supplied from the charging unit 27.

The control unit 25 has one or more processors for executing arithmetic processing and a memory for storing computer-readable instructions such as data, programs, and modules necessary for controlling the intraoral observation device 2. The processor of the control unit 25 can execute control of each component of the intraoral observation device 2 by using a computer-readable instruction stored in the memory. Further, the control unit 25 includes a wireless transmission unit (not shown), and by using the wireless transmission unit, wirelessly transmits the wireless transmission of the image in the oral cavity acquired by the camera module 23 to an external device. Can be done. Such a wireless transmission unit is not particularly limited as long as it can wirelessly transmit an image in the oral cavity to an external device. For example, the control unit 25 uses BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) wireless communication technology. A wireless transmission unit can be used.

The processor of the control unit 25 is, for example, one or more microprocessors, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a memory control unit (MCU), and an image processing arithmetic processing unit. (GPU), state machine, logic circuit, integrated circuit for specific use (ASIC), or a combination thereof, which is an arithmetic unit that executes arithmetic processing such as signal manipulation based on computer-readable instructions.

The memory of the control unit 25 is a removable or non-detachable storage medium (for example, RAM, SRAM, DRAM), a non-volatile storage medium (for example, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory), or a combination thereof. It is a computer-readable medium.

When the operator operates the operation unit 26 exposed to the outside from the grip portion 211 of the main body 21 and starts photographing the inside of the oral cavity of the person to be inspected by the intraoral observation device 2, the operator responds to the signal from the operation unit 26. The control unit 25 drives the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 to take an image of the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected. When the image of the oral cavity is acquired by the camera module 23 and transmitted to the control unit 25, the control unit 25 wirelessly transmits the acquired image of the oral cavity to an external device including a display. The acquisition of the image in the oral cavity by the camera module 23 and the wireless transmission of the image in the oral cavity by the control unit 25 are executed in real time. The control unit 25 may be configured to perform arbitrary image processing such as white balance processing on the acquired image of the oral cavity before wirelessly transmitting the acquired image of the oral cavity.

The operation unit 26 is used to realize the operation of the intraoral observation device 2 by the operator. Buttons, switches, slide bars, touch panels, etc. can be used as the operation unit 26, but in the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 is a power button for turning on / off the power of the intraoral observation device 2. Includes 26a and a signal transmission button 26b for wirelessly transmitting a signal to an external device including a display. The power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b are exposed to the outside of the grip portion 211 through the opening of the grip portion 211 of the main body 21, and the operator holds the grip portion 211 of the main body 21 and holds the power button. The 26a and the signal transmission button 26b can be operated. The power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b are electrically connected to the control unit 25, and an operator's input to the power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b is transmitted to the control unit 25. The openings for exposing the power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b to the outside of the grip portion 211 have shapes corresponding to the shapes of the power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b, respectively, and are outside the grip portion 211. A sealing portion 261 is formed under the portion exposed to the surface. Each sealing portion 261 of the power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b has a size larger than the portion exposed to the outside of the grip portion 211. Therefore, in the state where the intraoral observation device 2 is assembled, the liquid such as water is prevented from entering the main body 21 through the opening for exposing the power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b to the outside of the grip portion 211. It has become.

The operator of the intraoral observation device 2 can start and end the observation of the oral cavity of the person to be inspected by the intraoral observation device 2 by pressing the power button 26a of the operation unit 26. When the power button 26a is pressed while the power of the intraoral observation device 2 is off, the power of the intraoral observation device 2 is turned on, the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 are driven, and the intraoral observation device 2 operates. Imaging of the oral cavity of the subject is started. In this state, the control unit 25 wirelessly transmits the image of the oral cavity of the inspection subject acquired by the camera module 23 to the external device in real time. On the other hand, when the power button 26a is pressed while the power of the intraoral observation device 2 is on, the power of the intraoral observation device 2 is turned off, and the imaging of the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected by the intraoral observation device 2 is completed. To do.

Further, when the operator of the intraoral observation device 2 presses the signal transmission button 26b of the operation unit 26 while the power of the intraoral observation device 2 is on, the control unit 25 wirelessly transmits a signal to an external device including a display. Will be sent. The external device that receives the signal transmitted wirelessly by pressing the signal transmission button 26b saves the image displayed on the display at the timing of receiving the signal (execution of the shutter operation), and is displayed on the display. Performs pre-defined actions such as performing a zoom-in or zoom-out action on an image.

In the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 includes the power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the power button 26a and the signal transmission button 26b, the operation unit 26 also has an embodiment in which an arbitrary number of switches, buttons, and other operating means necessary for operating the intraoral observation device 2 are provided. It is within the range.

The charging unit 27 is configured to be non-contact charging and provides driving power for the intraoral observation device 2. The charging unit 27 includes a rechargeable secondary battery 271, a bobbin 272 made of a magnetic material, and a power receiving coil 273 paired with a power transmission coil 35 of the charging stand 3. The charging unit 27 is provided on the substrate 22 in the grip portion 211 of the main body 21.

The secondary battery 271 is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, and indirectly or directly to the camera module 23 and the lighting module 24 of the intraoral observation device 2 via the control unit 25. On the other hand, it provides drive power. As shown in FIG. 6, the secondary battery 271 is provided on the surface of the substrate 22 on the −Y direction side.

The bobbin 272 is made of a magnetic material, and is fixedly provided on the surface of the substrate 22 on the + Y direction side via the spacer 274 in the base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the main body 21. The power receiving coil 273 is configured by winding a copper wire around the bobbin 272, and is provided on the surface of the substrate 22 on the + Y direction side in the base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the main body 21. As shown in FIG. 7, in the base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the main body 21, the upper surface of the power receiving coil 273 faces the other surface 211b of the grip portion 211. In the present specification, the upper surface of the power receiving coil 273 refers to the other surface 211b of the grip portion 211 among the plurality of layers of copper wire formed by being wound around the bobbin 272 to form the power receiving coil 273. Refers to the surface defined by the outermost layers that are in close proximity to each other. On the other hand, the bottom surface of the power receiving coil 273 faces the substrate 22 in the base end portion of the grip portion 211 via the bobbin 272 and the spacer 274.

As described above, in the intraoral observation device 2 of the present invention, the upper surface or the lower surface of the power receiving coil 273 of the charging unit 27 is vertically arranged so as to face the other surface 211b instead of the lower surface of the grip portion 211. .. When the power receiving coil 273 is placed horizontally so that the bottom surface of the power receiving coil 273 faces the bottom surface of the grip portion 211, the size (diameter) of the power receiving coil 273 is restricted to the size of the bottom surface of the grip portion 211. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the power receiving coil 273 is vertically placed so that the upper surface of the power receiving coil 273 faces the other surface 211b of the grip portion 211, the size (diameter) of the power receiving coil 273 becomes large. The size of the bottom surface of the grip portion 211 is not restricted. Therefore, in the intraoral observation device 2 of the present invention, a larger size power receiving coil 273 can be provided in the grip portion 211. By using the power receiving coil 273 having such a larger size, it is possible to realize high efficiency and high speed of non-contact charging.

Both ends (terminals) of the power receiving coil 273 are connected to the secondary battery 271, and when an alternating current is generated in the power receiving coil 273, power is supplied to the secondary battery 271 to charge the secondary battery 271. Will be done. As shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the intraoral observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3, the power receiving coil 273 of the charging unit 27 faces the power transmission coil 35 of the charging stand 3. .. When an alternating current flows in the power transmission coil 35 of the charging stand 3, the alternating current flows in the power receiving coil 273 of the charging unit 27 by mutual induction. As a result, power is supplied to the secondary battery 271 and the secondary battery 271 is non-contact charged. As described above, the intraoral observation device 2 is configured to be capable of performing non-contact charging of the secondary battery 271 of the charging unit 27. Therefore, in the intraoral observation device 2, it is not necessary to expose electrical parts such as an AC adapter terminal for charging the secondary battery 271 to the outside of the main body 21. In the intraoral observation device 2 of the present embodiment, no electronic component is exposed from the main body 21. Therefore, the oral cavity observation device 2 is waterproof, and the oral cavity observation device 2 can be safely used in a water place such as a washbasin.

Next, the charging stand 3 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 8, the charging stand 3 includes a main body portion 31, a receiving portion 32 for holding the intraoral observation device 2, a substrate 33 provided in the main body portion 31, and a substrate 33. A bobbin 34 formed in the above, a power transmission coil 35 provided so as to surround the bobbin 34, and a connection cable 36 for providing an electrical connection between the AC power supply and the power transmission coil 35 are provided.

The main body 31 has a function of accommodating the substrate 33, the bobbin 34, and the power transmission coil 35 inside. The main body 31 has a hollow semi-conical truncated cone shape, and the size of the main body 31 gradually decreases from the base end side (−Z direction side) to the tip end side (+ Z direction side). One side surface 311 of the main body 31 forms a flat surface, and the other side surface 312 forms a curved surface. A bottom plate 313 is fixed to the bottom surface of the main body 31, and the substrate 33, the bobbin 34, and the power transmission coil 35 are housed in the space defined by the inner surface of the main body 31 and the bottom plate 313.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper surface of the main body 31 forms a slope that inclines downward (-Z direction) from the other side surface 312 side toward the one side surface 311 side. Further, from the charging stand 3, the connection cable 36 electrically connected to the board 33 is exposed to the outside, and the AC power supply is connected to the power transmission coil 35 mounted on the board 33 via the connection cable 36. Current is supplied.

The receiving portion 32 is used to hold the intraoral observation device 2. As shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the oral cavity observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32, the other surface 211b of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 is one of the main body portions 31 of the charging stand 3. One surface 211a of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 faces the side surface 311 of the charging base 3 and faces the side opposite to the main body portion 31 of the charging stand 3. Returning to FIG. 8, the receiving portion 32 is the same as the extending portion 321 extending from the upper portion of the main body portion 31, the insertion port 322 formed in the extending portion 321 and the extending portion 321 from the lower portion of the main body portion 31. It includes a flat plate-shaped base 323 that extends to the side.

The stretched portion 321 is a flat plate-shaped member that stretches from the upper portion of the main body portion 31. As shown in FIG. 9, the stretched portion 321 extends diagonally downward from the upper portion of the main body portion 31 at the same angle as the inclination of the upper surface of the main body portion 31. The insertion port 322 is an opening formed on the extension portion 321 and having a shape corresponding to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2. The shape of the insertion port 322 is the same as the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 and slightly smaller than the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2. It is formed to be large. Therefore, the base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 can be inserted into the insertion port 322.

Further, since the shape of the insertion port 322 corresponds to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2, the orientation (posture) of the oral cavity observation device 2 with respect to the insertion port 322 is a predetermined direction. It is possible to insert the base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 into the insertion port 322 only when it completely matches with. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the intraoral observation device 2 from being inserted back into the charging stand 3. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 is substantially D asymmetrical between one surface 211a side and the other surface 211b side in a plane orthogonal to the stretching direction of the grip portion 211. Further, the insertion port 322 of the charging stand 3 has a shape corresponding to a substantially D-shaped cross section of the grip portion 211. Therefore, the other surface 211b of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 faces the opposite side of the main body portion 31 of the charging stand 3, and one surface 211a of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 is the main body of the charging stand 3. The base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 cannot be inserted into the insertion port 322 of the charging stand 3 in a posture facing the one side surface 311 of the portion 31. Further, since the shape of the insertion port 322 corresponds to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2, the oral cavity observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3. The rotation and swing of the intraoral observation device 2 in the above are prevented by the insertion port 322.

The base 323 is a flat plate-shaped member that extends from the lower portion of the main body portion 31 to the same side as the extending portion 321. In a state where the oral cavity observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32, the oral cavity observation device 2 The base end portion of the grip portion 211 is placed on the base 323. The upper surface of the base 323 forms a slope that inclines downward (in the −Z direction) from the side closer to the main body 31 of the charging stand 3 toward the side away from it. Further, a recess 324 for receiving the base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 is formed on the upper surface of the base 323. As shown in FIG. 10, the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 is inserted into the insertion port 322, and the base end portion of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 is inserted into the recess 324 of the base 323. In the mounted state, the intraoral observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32.

In the charging stand 3 having such a configuration, the insertion port 322 of the receiving portion 32 supports the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2. Therefore, unlike the conventional oral observation system shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, it is not necessary to provide a protrusion such as a saucer for supporting the grip portion 211 of the oral observation device 2 on the base 323. .. Therefore, in the intraoral observation system 1 of the present invention, there is no protrusion such as a saucer on the base 323 of the charging stand 3. Further, the upper surface of the base 323 forms a slope that inclines downward as described above. Therefore, even if the water-washed oral observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3, the water flows out from the base 323 of the charging stand 3 and does not collect in the base 323. Further, the bottom surface of the recess 324 formed on the upper surface of the base 323 is also formed so as to be inclined downward from the side closer to the main body 31 of the charging stand 3 toward the side away from the main body portion 31, similarly to the upper surface of the base 323. .. Therefore, even if water flows into the recess 324, the water does not collect in the recess 324.

Further, since there is no other structure between the stretched portion 321 and the base 323, it is easy to wipe and clean the upper surface of the base 323 and the inside of the recess 324. Therefore, even if the intraoral observation device 2 is used in a water place, water does not stay on the base 323, and the upper surface of the base 323 can be easily wiped and cleaned to prevent water stains from being generated on the base 323. can do.

The substrate 33 has a flat plate shape, and as shown in FIG. 8, one surface of the main body 31 faces the side surface 311 of the main body 31 and the other surface faces the side surface 312 of the main body 31. It is vertically placed on the bottom plate 313 so as to face each other. A bobbin 34 made of a magnetic material is provided on the surface of the substrate 33 facing the side surface 311 of the main body 31. The power transmission coil 35 is configured by winding a copper wire around the bobbin 34, and as shown in FIG. 9, the upper surface of the power transmission coil 35 is the side surface 311 of the main body 31 inside the main body 31. It is provided so as to face the. The power transmission coil 35 has substantially the same size as the power reception coil 273 of the charging unit 27 of the intraoral observation device 2. The ratio of the number of turns of the power transmission coil 35 to the number of turns of the power receiving coil 273 of the charging unit 27 of the oral observation device 2 is the required charging speed of the charging unit 27 of the oral observation device 2 with respect to the secondary battery 271. It is set appropriately in consideration of the capacity of the secondary battery 271 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 9, the power transmission coil 35 is provided in the main body 31 so that the upper surface of the power transmission coil 35 faces the side surface 311 of the main body 31. Therefore, the power transmission coil 35 is vertically placed in the main body 31 of the charging stand 3, and is in the height direction of the power transmission coil 35 (the direction in which the copper wires constituting the power transmission coil 35 are laminated) and the main body of the charging stand 3. The height direction of 31 is different. In the present specification, the upper surface of the power transmission coil 35 is close to the side surface 311 of the main body 31 among the plurality of layers of copper wire formed by being wound around the bobbin 34 to form the power transmission coil 35. Refers to the surface defined by the outermost layers facing each other. The bottom surface of the power transmission coil 35 faces the substrate 33 via the bobbin 34.

The power transmission coil 35 is not horizontally placed in the main body 31 so that the upper surface or the bottom surface of the power transmission coil 35 faces the bottom surface of the main body 31, and the upper surface of the power transmission coil 35 faces the side surface 311 of the main body 31. It is placed vertically. When the power transmission coil 35 is placed horizontally so that the bottom surface of the power transmission coil 35 faces the bottom surface of the main body 31, the size (diameter) of the power transmission coil 35 is restricted to the size of the bottom surface of the main body 31. When the power transmission coil 35 is vertically placed so that the upper surface of the power transmission coil 35 faces the side surface 311 of the main body 31, the size (diameter) of the power transmission coil 35 is not restricted to the size of the bottom surface of the main body 31. Therefore, a larger size power transmission coil 35 can be provided in the main body 31. By using the power transmission coil 35 having a larger size, it is possible to realize efficient and high-speed non-contact charging of the charging unit 27 of the intraoral observation device 2.

Both ends (terminals) of the power transmission coil 35 are connected to the wiring formed on the substrate 33. The connection cable 36 is connected to the wiring formed on the substrate 33 and is used to provide an electrical connection between the AC power supply and the substrate 33. AC current is supplied to the power transmission coil 35 from the AC power supply via the connection cable 36 and the substrate 33. As shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the oral cavity observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3, the power receiving coil 273 of the charging unit 27 of the oral cavity observation device 2 and the charging stand 3 It faces the power transmission coil 35. Therefore, when an AC current is supplied from the AC power source to the power transmission coil 35 of the charging stand 3 in this state, a magnetic flux penetrating the central opening of the power transmission coil 35 is generated, and the magnetic flux is generated by the charging unit 27 of the intraoral observation device 2. Penetrates the central opening of the power receiving coil 273. At this time, an alternating current is generated in the power receiving coil 273, and the secondary battery 271 of the charging unit 27 of the intraoral observation device 2 can be non-contact charged.

As shown in FIG. 10, the extending portion 321 of the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3 extends diagonally downward from the upper portion of the main body portion 31. Therefore, in a state where the oral cavity observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3, the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. As described above, the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3 is configured to hold the oral cavity observation device 2 in a state where the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. In the state where the intraoral observation device 2 is held by the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3, the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, so that the intraoral observation device 2 is affected by gravity. The surface 211b of the grip portion 211 is pressed against the side surface 311 of the main body portion 31 of the charging stand 3 and comes into close contact with the surface 211b.

As described above, the power receiving coil 273 of the charging unit 27 of the intraoral observation device 2 is provided so that the upper surface of the power receiving coil 273 faces the surface 211b of the grip portion 211 in the base end portion of the grip portion 211. Further, the power transmission coil 35 of the charging stand 3 is provided in the main body 31 so that the upper surface of the power transmission coil 35 faces the side surface 311 of the main body 31. Therefore, the surface 211b of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 is pressed against the side surface 311 of the main body 31 of the charging stand 3 by gravity, and when they come into close contact with each other, the power receiving coil 273 of the charging unit 27 of the intraoral observation device 2 and the charging stand The power transmission coil 35 of No. 3 faces the power transmission coil 35 in the closest state. With such a configuration, regardless of how the user sets the oral cavity observation device 2 on the charging stand 3, the power receiving coil 273 of the charging unit 27 of the oral cavity observation device 2 and the power transmission coil 35 of the charging stand 3 are reliably used. Can be opposed to each other in the closest state. As a result, regardless of the method of setting the oral cavity observation device 2 on the charging stand 3, the user can always perform non-contact charging of the charging unit 27 of the oral cavity observation device 2 with maximum efficiency.

As described above, in the intraoral observation system 1 of the present invention, the secondary battery 271 of the charging unit 27 of the intraoral observation device 2 is charged by non-contact charging. Therefore, it is not necessary to expose the electronic components for charging the secondary battery 271 such as the AC adapter terminal to the outside of the main body 21 of the oral cavity observation device 2, and the oral cavity observation device 2 can be made waterproof. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the danger of using the intraoral observation device 2 in a water place such as a washbasin. Further, the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 is configured to have an asymmetric cross-sectional shape, and the receiving portion 32 of the charging stand 3 has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2. It is configured to have an outlet 322 having a shape corresponding to. With such a configuration, in the intraoral observation system 1 of the present invention, when the orientation of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 is incorrect, the grip portion of the oral observation device 2 is inserted into the insertion port 322 of the charging stand 3. The 211 cannot be inserted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the intraoral observation device 2 from being inserted back into the charging stand 3.

In the above aspect, the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 has a substantially D-shape asymmetrical between one surface 211a side and the other surface 211b side in a plane orthogonal to the stretching direction of the grip portion 211. Although it is configured to have a cross-sectional shape, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 is asymmetric in a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the grip portion 211. For example, a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in which the width of the grip portion 211 of the oral cavity observation device 2 gradually increases from one surface 211a side to the other surface 211b side in a plane orthogonal to the stretching direction of the grip portion 211. An embodiment having an arbitrary asymmetric cross-sectional shape and such that the insertion port 322 of the charging stand 3 has a shape corresponding to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion 211 of the intraoral observation device 2 is also an aspect of the present invention. It is within the range.

Although the intraoral observation device and the intraoral observation system of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. The configuration of each component of the present invention can be replaced with any configuration capable of exerting the same function, or any configuration can be added to the configuration of the present invention. Further, a person skilled in the art in the field and technology to which the present invention belongs will be able to configure the intraoral observation apparatus and the intraoral observation system of the present invention described without significantly deviating from the principles, ideas, and scope of the present invention. Intraoral observation devices and intraoral observation systems having modified configurations are also within the scope of the present invention.

For example, the number and types of components of the intraoral observation device and the charging stand shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 are merely examples for explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. It is also within the scope of the present invention that any component is added or combined, or any component is deleted without departing from the principles and intentions of the present invention. Further, each component of the intraoral observation device and the charging stand may be realized by hardware, may be realized by software, or may be realized by a combination thereof.

In the intraoral observation system of the present invention, the charging unit of the intraoral observation device is charged from the charging stand by non-contact charging. Therefore, it is not necessary to expose the electronic components for charging such as the AC adapter terminal to the outside of the main body of the oral cavity observation device, and the oral cavity observation device can be made waterproof. As a result, the danger of using the oral observation device in a water place such as a washbasin can be eliminated. Further, the grip portion of the intraoral observation device is configured to have an asymmetric cross-sectional shape, and the receiving portion of the charging stand has a shape corresponding to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion of the intraoral observation device. It is configured to have an outlet. With such a configuration, in the oral observation system of the present invention, when the orientation (posture) of the grip portion of the oral observation device with respect to the receiving portion of the charging stand is incorrect, the oral observation device is inserted into the insertion port of the charging stand. The grip part of the is not inserted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the intraoral observation device from being inserted back into the charging stand. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

An intraoral observation system for observing the oral cavity of the subject to be examined.
An intraoral observation device for observing the oral cavity of the test subject,
A charging stand including a main body for accommodating a power transmission coil for performing non-contact charging and a receiving portion for holding the intraoral observation device.
The intraoral observation device
A long grip that is gripped by the operator,
An arm that extends from the tip of the grip in the elongated direction of the grip and is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected.
A camera module provided at the tip of the arm and for photographing the oral cavity of the person to be inspected,
A charging unit provided in the grip portion is provided.
The grip portion has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the elongated direction of the grip portion.
The receiving portion of the charging stand includes an insertion port having a shape corresponding to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion.
In the intraoral observation device, the grip portion of the intraoral observation device is inserted into the insertion port of the receiving portion of the charging stand, and the receiving portion of the charging stand holds the oral observation device. At that time, the intraoral observation system is configured to perform the non-contact charging to the charging unit using the power transmission coil of the charging stand.
The receiving portion of the charging stand includes an extending portion extending from the upper portion of the main body portion of the charging stand, the insertion port formed in the extending portion, and the extending portion from the lower portion of the main body portion. Includes a flat base that extends to the same side as
In the intraoral observation device, the grip portion is inserted into the insertion port of the receiving portion of the charging stand, and the base end portion of the grip portion is placed on the base of the receiving portion of the charging stand. The intraoral observation system according to claim 1, which is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand in the state of being held.
The asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion is a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional shape in which one surface forms a curve and the other surface forms a curve having a curvature smaller than the curve formed by the one surface. The intraoral observation system according to claim 1 or 2.
The charging unit includes a rechargeable secondary battery and a power receiving coil connected to the secondary battery.
The oral observation system according to claim 3, wherein the power receiving coil of the charging unit faces the power transmission coil of the charging stand in a state where the oral observation device is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand.
The main body of the charging stand has a hollow semi-conical truncated cone shape in which one side surface forms a flat surface and the other side surface forms a curved surface.
The power receiving coil of the charging unit is arranged in the grip portion so as to face the other surface of the grip portion.
The power transmission coil of the charging stand is arranged in the main body of the charging stand so as to face the one side surface of the main body of the charging stand.
4. In a state where the intraoral observation device is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand, the other surface of the grip portion faces the one side surface of the main body portion of the charging stand. Oral observation system according to.
The receiving portion of the charging stand is configured to hold the intraoral observation device in a state where the grip portion of the intraoral observation device is tilted with respect to the vertical direction.
In a state where the receiving portion of the charging stand holds the intraoral observation device, the other surface of the grip portion of the intraoral observation device due to gravity is the one of the main body portion of the charging stand. The intraoral observation system according to claim 5, which is pressed against the side surface.
A long grip that is gripped by the operator,
An arm that extends from the tip of the grip in the elongated direction of the grip and is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject to be inspected.
A camera module provided at the tip of the arm and for photographing the oral cavity of the person to be inspected,
A charging unit provided in the grip portion is provided.
The grip portion has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the elongated direction of the grip portion.
In the intraoral observation device, when the grip portion of the intraoral observation device is inserted into the insertion port of the receiving portion of the charging stand and the intraoral observation device is held by the receiving portion of the charging stand. It is configured to perform non-contact charging to the charging unit.
An intraoral observation device, wherein the insertion port of the receiving portion of the charging stand has a shape corresponding to the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the grip portion.