WO2021010097A1 - Intraoral examination device and intraoral examination system - Google Patents

Intraoral examination device and intraoral examination system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021010097A1
WO2021010097A1 PCT/JP2020/024409 JP2020024409W WO2021010097A1 WO 2021010097 A1 WO2021010097 A1 WO 2021010097A1 JP 2020024409 W JP2020024409 W JP 2020024409W WO 2021010097 A1 WO2021010097 A1 WO 2021010097A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
oral cavity
oral
tooth
sensor
examination
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PCT/JP2020/024409
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
光 越智
Original Assignee
株式会社デンソー
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Filing date
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Publication of WO2021010097A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021010097A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/24—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
    • A61C19/04—Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an oral examination device and an oral examination system for inspecting the oral cavity.
  • an intraoral inspection device for inspecting the condition of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity.
  • a light emitting element and a camera are arranged at the head portion of the toothbrush. According to this configuration, the teeth illuminated by the light from the light emitting element are photographed by the camera, and the camera image is transmitted to the external monitor.
  • the intraoral examination device disclosed in Patent Document 1 merely inspects a range of a predetermined angle from a small head portion of a toothbrush as an imaging range. Therefore, only a part of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity fits in the imaging range. In order to inspect the entire plurality of teeth in the oral cavity, it is necessary for the user to repeat the manual work of moving the head portion of the toothbrush to shift the imaging range by trial and error. This forces the user to inspect for a long time.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide an oral examination device and an oral examination system capable of inspecting the condition of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity in a short time.
  • the first aspect of the present disclosure is an oral cavity inspection device for inspecting the oral cavity, in which a mouthpiece forming a movable region positioned in the oral cavity along a tooth alignment direction in which a plurality of teeth are lined up, and sensing in the oral cavity. It includes a sensor system that outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth by receiving reflection of light projected onto a range of teeth, and a drive system that drives the sensor system in the tooth alignment direction in a movable region.
  • the sensor system is driven in the same direction by the drive system in the movable region formed on the mouthpiece in the oral cavity and positioned along the tooth alignment direction.
  • the sensor system receives the reflection of the light projected on the tooth in the sensing range in the oral cavity, and outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth.
  • the sensor system since the sensor system is driven in the tooth alignment direction and outputs a signal, the inspection of the plurality of teeth arranged in the same direction is completed, so that the user can be freed from the manual work of trial and error. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the condition of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity in a short time.
  • the second aspect of the present disclosure is an oral cavity inspection device for inspecting the oral cavity, in which a mouthpiece forming a holding region positioned in the oral cavity along a tooth alignment direction in which a plurality of teeth are lined up, and sensing in the oral cavity.
  • a sensor system that outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth by receiving the reflection of the light projected on the teeth in the range, a sensor system in which the sensing ranges are shifted from each other in the tooth alignment direction and are held in the holding region. , Prepare.
  • a plurality of sensor systems whose sensing ranges are displaced from each other in the same direction are held in the holding region formed on the mouthpiece in the oral cavity and positioned along the tooth alignment direction.
  • each sensor system receives the reflection of the light projected on the tooth in the sensing range in the oral cavity, and outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth.
  • each sensor system shifted in the tooth alignment direction outputs a signal, the inspection of the plurality of teeth aligned in the same direction is completed, and the user can be freed from the manual work of trial and error. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the condition of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity in a short time.
  • the third aspect of the present disclosure is an oral examination system, in which the condition of teeth based on the oral examination device of the first or second aspect and the inspection signal output from the sensor system included in the oral examination device is determined. , A display unit for displaying outside the oral cavity is included.
  • the state of the tooth based on the inspection signal output from the sensor system in the intraoral inspection device of the first or second aspect is displayed outside the oral cavity by the display unit. This allows the user to confirm the condition of the teeth by displaying outside the oral cavity separately from the intraoral examination. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection, including the state confirmation by the user.
  • the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an oral examination system, in which the oral examination device of the first or second aspect and the oral examination device outside the oral cavity are charged and separated from the oral examination device in the oral cavity. It is configured to include a charging unit.
  • the oral examination device of the first or second aspect which is charged by the charging unit outside the oral cavity, is separated from the charging unit in the oral cavity at the time of examination, and thus is charged with the oral examination device.
  • the relative positional relationship with the unit is less likely to be restricted. This allows the user to quickly perform a multi-tooth examination by positioning the mouthpiece of the precharged device in the oral cavity. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for the condition inspection of a plurality of teeth as much as possible.
  • the oral cavity inspection device 1 of the first embodiment is used by being inserted into the oral cavity 3 of the user 2 from outside the oral cavity 3. At the time of use, the device 1 is positioned in the oral cavity 3 of the user 2. The positioned device 1 inspects the state of the plurality of teeth 6 arranged in a substantially U shape in each of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3. The direction in which the plurality of teeth 6 are aligned in each of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 is defined as the tooth alignment direction D shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6.
  • the device 1 is an electric simple inspection device driven by the intention of the user 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the device 1 includes a mouthpiece 10, an input / output system 20, a drive system 30, and a sensor system 40.
  • the mouthpiece 10 is mainly composed of at least one part made of resin, for example.
  • the mouthpiece 10 is formed in a size that fits in the oral cavity 3 of the user 2. Therefore, the mouthpiece 10 may be customized and manufactured for each user 2.
  • the mouthpiece 10 may be manufactured with versatility for at least one index of, for example, the age, gender, face size, etc. of the user 2.
  • the mouthpiece 10 is formed with a positioning hole 11.
  • a pair of positioning holes 11 are provided corresponding to the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3, respectively.
  • the positioning hole 11 on the upper jaw 4 side is positioned by covering the plurality of teeth 6 of the same jaw 4.
  • the positioning hole 11 on the upper jaw 4 side covers the front surface 6a and the rear surface 6b of each tooth 6 that has entered the inside from the front and the rear, respectively.
  • the positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side is positioned by covering the plurality of teeth 6 of the same jaw 5.
  • the positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side covers the front surface 6a and the rear surface 6b of each tooth 6 that has entered the inside from the front and the rear, respectively.
  • the positioning hole 11 is formed so as to be fitted to at least one tooth 6, so that the positioning property in the oral cavity 3 is enhanced. Good.
  • a housing hole 12 is formed in the mouthpiece 10.
  • the accommodating hole 12 is provided so as to communicate between the positioning holes 11 on the upper jaw 4 side and the lower jaw 5 side.
  • the accommodating hole 12 forms an internal space having a size larger than that of each positioning hole 11.
  • a positioning hole 11 on the maxillary 4 side opens in the accommodation hole 12 below the apical surface 6c of each tooth 6 on the maxillary 4 side.
  • a positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side is also opened in the accommodation hole 12 above the apical surface 6c of each tooth 6 on the lower jaw 5 side.
  • the openings to the accommodating holes 12 are continuously extended in a substantially U shape over the entire area of the tooth alignment direction D in each positioning hole 11.
  • the mouthpiece 10 has a single movable region 13 formed by the accommodating holes 12.
  • the movable region 13 is defined as a substantially U-shaped space region in the internal space of the accommodating holes 12 in which the openings of the positioning holes 11 are virtually connected along the extending shape of the openings.
  • the movable region 13 can be positioned along the tooth alignment direction D of the plurality of teeth 6 on both sides of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5.
  • the input / output system 20 includes a battery 21, a power switch 22, a power interface 23, a communication interface 24, and a control circuit 25.
  • the battery 21 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10.
  • the battery 21 is mainly composed of, for example, a small rechargeable battery.
  • the battery 21 supplies electric power to other elements 22 to 25 in the input / output system 20.
  • the battery 21 also supplies electric power to the drive system 30 and the sensor system 40.
  • the power switch 22 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5 and 6 is arranged on the surface of the mouthpiece 10.
  • the power switch 22 is mainly composed of a touch-type or push-type sensor, for example.
  • the power switch 22 is exposed to the outside of the oral cavity 3 when the mouthpiece 10 is positioned in the oral cavity 3.
  • the user 2 can turn on / off the power switch 22 from outside the oral cavity 3.
  • the power switch 22 that has been turned on / off by the user 2 turns on / off the power supply from the battery 21 to the other elements 22 to 25 in the input / output system 20 and the power supply to the drive system 30 and the sensor system 40.
  • On / off of these power supplies means turning on / off the power supply of the device 1.
  • the power interface 23 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10, for example, in the accommodating hole 12.
  • the power interface 23 is supplied with electric power to charge the battery 21.
  • the power supply interface 23 of the first embodiment is mainly composed of an antenna such as an electromagnetic induction type, an electric field coupling type, or a radio wave reception type that enables non-contact charging outside the oral cavity 3.
  • the communication interface 24 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10, for example, in the accommodating hole 12. From the communication interface 24, an inspection signal indicating the state of the inspected tooth 6 is transmitted to the outside of the device 1.
  • the communication interface 24 of the first embodiment is mainly composed of a communication device that enables signal transmission in wireless communication.
  • the control circuit 25 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10.
  • the control circuit 25 is mainly composed of a microcomputer.
  • the control circuit 25 collectively controls the operation of the other elements 21 to 24 in the input / output system 20 and the operation of the drive system 30 and the sensor system 40.
  • the drive system 30 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10.
  • the drive system 30 has a guide portion 31, a movable portion 32, and an actuator portion 33.
  • the guide portion 31 is housed in the movable region 13.
  • the guide portion 31 is held by the mouthpiece 10 via a holder (not shown).
  • the guide portion 31 continuously extends between both ends of the movable region 13. As a result, the guide portion 31 can be positioned along the tooth alignment direction D of the plurality of teeth 6 on both sides of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5.
  • the movable portion 32 shown in FIGS. 2, 4 to 6 is housed in the movable region 13.
  • the movable portion 32 is guided between both ends of the movable region 13 by a guide portion 31.
  • the movable portion 32 can drive the portions vertically separated from the openings of the positioning holes 11 to both sides in the tooth alignment direction D.
  • the actuator unit 33 shown in FIG. 1 is housed in the movable region 13.
  • the actuator portion 33 is constructed so as to straddle the guide portion 31 and the movable portion 32.
  • the actuator unit 33 is mainly composed of a microactuator such as an electrostatic type, an electromagnetic type or a piezoelectric type.
  • the actuator unit 33 starts driving the movable unit 32 by receiving electric power from the battery 21 by turning on the power switch 22.
  • the actuator unit 33 controls the motion state of the movable unit 32, such as the drive position, according to the computer program stored in the control circuit 25.
  • the actuator unit 33 stops driving the movable unit 32 by stopping the supply of electric power from the battery 21 by turning off the power switch 22.
  • the actuator unit 33 may start driving the movable unit 32 according to a start operation that can be distinguished from the on operation by, for example, the number of operations or the operation order. Similarly, the actuator unit 33 may stop driving the movable unit 32 according to a stop operation that can be distinguished from an off operation by, for example, the number of operations or the order of operations.
  • the sensor system 40 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10.
  • the sensor system 40 has one upper sensor unit 41 and one lower sensor unit 42 corresponding to the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5, respectively.
  • the upper sensor unit 41 is housed in the movable area 13.
  • the upper sensor portion 41 is held by the movable portion 32 below the opening of the positioning hole 11 on the upper jaw 4 side.
  • the upper sensor portion 41 is integrated with the movable portion 32 and can be driven to both sides in the tooth alignment direction D.
  • the upper sensor unit 41 faces the top surface 6c of one or two teeth 6 depending on the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D from below among the plurality of teeth 6 in the upper jaw 4.
  • the upper sensor unit 41 keeps one or two teeth 6 facing each other in the upper jaw 4 within the sensing range.
  • the lower sensor unit 42 is also housed in the movable area 13.
  • the lower sensor portion 42 is held by the movable portion 32 above the opening of the positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side.
  • the lower sensor unit 42 can be driven to both sides in the tooth alignment direction D integrally with the movable unit 32 and the upper sensor unit 41.
  • the lower sensor unit 42 faces the top surface 6c of one or two teeth 6 depending on the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D among the plurality of teeth 6 in the lower jaw 5 from above.
  • the lower sensor unit 42 keeps one or two teeth 6 facing each other in the lower jaw 5 within the sensing range.
  • each of the sensor units 41 and 42 is mainly composed of a light emitting element 43 and a light receiving element 44.
  • the light emitting element 43 and the light receiving element 44 receive electric power from the battery 21 via the actuator unit 33.
  • the operating states of the light emitting element 43 and the light receiving element 44 are controlled according to a computer program stored in the control circuit 25.
  • the light projecting element 43 is a light source element such as a light emitting diode that projects light of a specific wavelength.
  • the light projected from the light projecting element 43 is ultraviolet light or the like whose wavelength is changed by being reflected by, for example, plaque, tartar, or gingival sulcus on any of the surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c of the tooth 6.
  • the light receiving element 44 is, for example, an image pickup element such as a camera, or a photoelectric conversion element such as a light emitting diode.
  • Light projected by the light projecting element 43 and reflected by the teeth 6 is incident on the light receiving element 44.
  • the light receiving element 44 receives the reflection of light from the tooth 6 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the state of the tooth 6 represented by the wavelength of the light.
  • the projected light by the light projecting element 43 of the sensor unit 41 is reflected by the teeth 6 in the sensing range corresponding to the driving position of the upper sensor unit 41 in the tooth alignment direction D.
  • the detection signal output from the element 44 is transmitted to the outside of the device 1 via the actuator unit 33 and the communication interface 24.
  • the projected light by the light projecting element 43 of the sensor unit 42 is reflected by the teeth 6 in the sensing range corresponding to the driving position of the lower sensor unit 42 in the tooth alignment direction D.
  • the detection signal output from the element 44 is transmitted to the outside of the device 1 via the actuator unit 33 and the communication interface 24.
  • the device 1 described so far is combined with the display unit 7 and the charging unit 8 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to construct the oral examination system 9 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the oral examination system 9 includes the display unit 7 and the charging unit 8 together with the device 1.
  • the display unit 7 has a communication interface 70, a display screen 71, and a control circuit 72.
  • the display unit 7 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a personal computer as long as a power source capable of supplying electric power to these elements 70, 71, 72 is secured.
  • the communication interface 70 receives the inspection signal output from the sensor system 40 of the device 1 via the communication interface 24 of the device 1.
  • the communication interface 70 of the first embodiment is mainly composed of a communication device corresponding to the communication interface 24 among the communication devices that enable signal reception by wireless communication. As a result, the communication interface 70 receives the inspection signal in a state of being separated from the device 1 inserted into the oral cavity 3 of the user 2 and outside the oral cavity 3.
  • the display screen 71 is mainly composed of a display such as a liquid crystal type or an organic EL type.
  • the display screen 71 displays the state of the plurality of teeth 6 based on the inspection signal received by the communication interface 70.
  • the display screen 71 may individually display states such as plaque, tartar, and gingival sulcus for each tooth 6 by a character image.
  • the display screen 71 may collectively display the state of each tooth 6 by a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic image.
  • the display screen 71 may display a combination of these character images and graphic images.
  • the control circuit 72 shown in FIG. 1 is mainly composed of a microcomputer.
  • the control circuit 72 controls the operation of the other elements 70 and 71 in the display unit 7. At this time, in particular, the control circuit 72 generates a character image and / or a graphic image to be displayed on the display screen 71 based on the inspection signal received by the communication interface 70.
  • the charging unit 8 has a charging base 80, a power cable 81, a charging interface 82, and a control circuit 83.
  • the charging base 80 is mainly composed of at least one part made of resin, for example.
  • the charging base 80 is formed with a set recess 84.
  • the set recess 84 is recessed according to the surface shape of the mouthpiece 10 which substantially constitutes the appearance of the device 1.
  • the mouthpiece 10 of the device 1 taken out from the oral cavity 3 of the user 2 is set on the set recess 84 as the battery 21 of the device 1 is charged.
  • the mouthpiece 10 is removed from the set recess 84 and inserted into the oral cavity 3, so that the charging unit 8 is separated from the device 1.
  • the power cable 81 extends from the charging base 80 to the outside.
  • the power cable 81 supplies electric power to the charging interface 82 and the control circuit 83 by being connected to a household outlet.
  • the charging interface 82 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged inside the charging base 80.
  • the charging interface 82 supplies electric power for charging the battery 21 of the device 1 via the power interface 23 of the device 1.
  • the charging interface 82 of the first embodiment mainly comprises an antenna corresponding to the power supply interface 23 among, for example, an electromagnetic induction type, an electric field coupling type, a radio wave receiving type, etc., which enables non-contact charging outside the oral cavity 3. It is configured.
  • the charging unit 8 can charge the battery 21 of the device 1 (see FIG. 8) set on the set recess 84 outside the oral cavity 3.
  • the control circuit 83 is mainly composed of a microcomputer.
  • the control circuit 83 controls the operation of the charging interface 82. At this time, for example, the control circuit 83 may control the lamp or display screen arranged on the charging base 80 to notify the amount of charge to the battery 21 by the charging interface 82.
  • the sensor system 40 in the movable region 13 formed on the mouthpiece 10 in the oral cavity 3 and positioned along the tooth alignment direction D, the sensor system 40 is driven in the same direction D by the drive system 30.
  • the sensor system 40 receives the reflection of the light projected onto the teeth 6 in the sensing range in the oral cavity 3, and outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the teeth 6.
  • the sensor system 40 outputs a signal while being driven in the tooth alignment direction D, so that the inspection of the plurality of teeth 6 arranged in the same direction D is completed, so that the user 2 can manually perform trial and error. Can be released. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the condition of the plurality of teeth 6 in the oral cavity 3 in a short time. That is, since the device 1 can realize the examination in the oral cavity 3 fully automatically by autonomous control, the user 2 can grasp the state in the oral cavity 3 by himself / herself in a short time.
  • the teeth 6 of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3 are contained in the sensing ranges of the upper sensor unit 41 and the lower sensor unit 42, respectively, the teeth 6 in the sensing range are included. Status checks can be performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection for the plurality of teeth 6 arranged in the tooth alignment direction D in each of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5.
  • the state of the tooth 6 based on the inspection signal output from the sensor system 40 in the device 1 is displayed outside the oral cavity 3 by the display unit 7.
  • the user 2 can confirm the state of the tooth 6 by displaying the display outside the oral cavity 3 separately from the examination inside the oral cavity 3. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection, including the state confirmation by the user 2.
  • the display of the display unit 7 outside the oral cavity according to the first embodiment is based on the inspection signal received by wireless communication from the sensor system 40 in the oral cavity 3, the relative positional relationship between the device 1 and the display unit 7 is restricted. It becomes difficult to occur.
  • the user 2 can confirm the state of the tooth 6 by displaying the device 1 inside the oral cavity 3 at a position outside the oral cavity 3 so that the device 1 can easily see the state. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time for confirming the state by the user 2 as much as possible in the state inspection.
  • the device 1 charged by the charging unit 8 outside the oral cavity 3 is separated from the charging unit 8 inside the oral cavity 3 at the time of examination, so that the relative positional relationship between the device 1 and the charging unit 8 is restricted. Is less likely to occur.
  • the user 2 can quickly execute the state inspection by positioning the mouthpiece 10 of the device 1 charged in advance in the oral cavity 3. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for the state inspection as much as possible.
  • the charged device 1 is turned on and off by operating the power switch 22 arranged on the mouthpiece 10 from outside the oral cavity 3.
  • the user 2 can suppress the decrease in the amount of charge due to the state inspection by positioning the mouthpiece 10 of the device 1 charged in advance in the oral cavity 3 and then turning on the power switch 22. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of times that the device 1 can be used by one charge and enhance the convenience of the device 1.
  • the second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.
  • the movable region 2013 is formed in a shape in which the movable region 13 of the first embodiment is divided into a plurality of parts.
  • These plurality of movable regions 2013 are defined as substantially arc-shaped spatial regions in which some of the openings in the positioning holes 11 are virtually connected.
  • each movable region 2013 can be positioned at a plurality of locations in the oral cavity 3 that are aligned along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5, and at a plurality of locations that are completely offset from each other in the same direction D. It has become.
  • the drive system 2030 and the sensor system 2040 of the second embodiment form a set of each of the components 31, 32, 33, 41, and 42, and have a movable region 2013. Multiple sets of the same number are provided.
  • the plurality of sets of the drive system 2030 and the sensor system 2040 correspond individually to each movable area 2013.
  • the movable portion 32 and both sensor portions 41 and 42 can be driven to both sides in the tooth alignment direction D by the corresponding actuator portion 33 while being guided between both ends of the corresponding movable region 2013 by the corresponding guide portion 31. It has become.
  • a set of the sensor system 2040 and the drive system 2030 is individually provided for each movable region 2013 positioned at a plurality of locations shifted in the tooth alignment direction D in the oral cavity 3.
  • the sensing ranges of the sensor system 2040 are also displaced in the tooth alignment direction D, so that the state inspection of the teeth 6 in those sensing ranges can be simultaneously executed. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection for the entire plurality of teeth 6 arranged in the tooth alignment direction D.
  • the third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment.
  • the mouthpiece 3010 of the third embodiment is divided into a plurality of parts 3014 in the tooth alignment direction D.
  • Each part 3014 corresponds individually to each movable area 2013 described in the second embodiment.
  • the input / output system 20 is arranged in any one of the parts 3014. Therefore, by connecting all the parts 3014 to the positioning state in the oral cavity 3, the input / output system 20 arranged in one part 3014 can be electrically connected to the drive system 2030 and the sensor system 2040 of the other parts 3014. There is.
  • the plurality of parts 3014 divided for each movable region 2013 displaced in the tooth alignment direction D are positioned in the oral cavity 3. According to this, the positioning of each of the divided parts 3014 can be facilitated in the narrow space of the oral cavity 3. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the user 2 to position the mouthpiece 3010 as much as possible in the state inspection.
  • the fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.
  • the mouthpiece 4010 of the fourth embodiment is divided into a plurality of parts 4014 on the upper jaw 4 side and the lower jaw 5 side.
  • the drive system 4030 and the sensor system 4040 of the fourth embodiment are a plurality of sets having the same number as the parts 4014, with one component 31, 32, 33 and one component 41, 42 in each set. , Is provided.
  • a plurality of sets of the drive system 4030 and the sensor system 4040 correspond individually to each part 4014.
  • a pair of movable regions 13 are also formed corresponding to each part 4014 individually.
  • the movable portion 32 and the upper sensor portion 41 on the upper jaw 4 side are guided between both ends of the corresponding movable region 13 by the corresponding guide portion 31, and the tooth alignment direction D is guided by the corresponding actuator portion 33. It can be driven to both sides.
  • the movable portion 32 and the lower sensor portion 42 on the lower jaw 5 side are guided between both ends of the movable region 13 by the corresponding guide portion 31, and both sides of the tooth alignment direction D by the corresponding actuator portion 33. It can be driven to.
  • the input / output system 20 is arranged in one of the parts 4014. Therefore, by connecting both parts 4014 to the positioning state in the oral cavity 3, the input / output system 20 arranged in one part 4014 can be electrically connected to the drive system 4030 and the sensor system 4040 of the other part 4014. ing.
  • the part 4014 in which the input / output system 20 is arranged is on the upper jaw 4 side, but of course the part 4014 in which the input / output system 20 is arranged may be on the lower jaw 5 side.
  • the plurality of parts 4014 of the mouthpiece 4010 individually correspond to the upper sensor unit 41 and the lower sensor unit 42 that house the teeth 6 of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in different sensing ranges. It will be positioned in the oral cavity 3 in the divided state. According to this, in the narrow space of the oral cavity 3, the positioning of each of the divided parts 4014 can be easily and accurately performed vertically. Therefore, among the state inspections, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the state inspection while shortening the time required for the user 2 to position the mouthpiece 4010 as much as possible.
  • the fifth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.
  • the sensor system 5040 of the fifth embodiment has three upper sensor units 5041 corresponding to the upper jaw 4.
  • One of the upper sensor units 5041 is a front sensor unit 5041a.
  • the front sensor portion 5041a keeps the front surface 6a of one or two teeth 6 facing from below according to the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D within the sensing range.
  • Another one of the upper sensor unit 5041 is the rear sensor unit 5041b.
  • the rear surface sensor unit 5041b includes the rear surface 6b of one or two teeth 6 facing from below according to the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D among the plurality of teeth 6 in the upper jaw 4 within the sensing range.
  • Yet another one of the upper sensor unit 5041 is the top surface sensor unit 5041c.
  • the top surface sensor unit 5041c keeps the top surface 6c of one or two teeth 6 facing each other from below according to the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D within the sensing range.
  • the sensor system 5040 of the fifth embodiment also has three lower sensor units 5042 corresponding to the lower jaw 5.
  • the front sensor unit 5042a is configured according to the three upper sensor units 5041, except that the three lower sensor units 5042 face the corresponding surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c of the teeth 6 in the lower jaw 5 from above. And the rear surface sensor unit 5042b and the top surface sensor unit 5042c.
  • the front surface 6a, the rear surface 6b, and the top surface 6c of the tooth 6 in the oral cavity 3 are the front surface sensor units 5041a, 5042a, the rear surface sensor units 5041b, 5042b, and the top surface sensor, respectively. It is contained in the sensing range of the parts 5041c and 5042c.
  • the state inspection of the teeth 6 in these sensing ranges can be performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection for each surface of the plurality of teeth 6 arranged in the tooth alignment direction D.
  • the sixth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.
  • the movable region 13 of the first embodiment is defined as the holding region 6013.
  • the holding region 6013 can be positioned along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3.
  • the device 1 of the sixth embodiment includes a positioning system 6030 instead of the drive system 30 of the first embodiment.
  • the positioning system 6030 has a holding portion 6033 and a conductive portion 6032.
  • the holding unit 6033 is housed in the holding area 6013.
  • the holding portion 6033 continuously extends between both ends of the holding region 6013. As a result, the holding portion 6033 can be positioned along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3.
  • a plurality of conductive portions 6032 are housed in the holding region 6013. Each conductive portion 6032 is held by a holding portion 6033. As a result, each of the conductive portions 6032 can be positioned at a plurality of locations in the oral cavity 3 arranged along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5, and at a plurality of locations completely offset from each other in the same direction D. It has become.
  • Each conductive portion 6032 is formed of a conductive material. Each conductive portion 6032 receives power from the battery 21 when the power switch 22 is turned on.
  • a plurality of sensor systems 6040 of the sixth embodiment are arranged inside the mouthpiece 6010.
  • Each sensor system 6040 is individually corresponding to the conductive portion 6032 and is held in the holding region 6013.
  • each sensor system 6040 can be positioned at a plurality of locations in the oral cavity 3 that are aligned along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5, and at a plurality of locations that are completely offset from each other in the same direction D. It has become.
  • Each sensor system 6040 has one upper sensor unit 41 and one lower sensor unit 42 having a configuration according to the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 17, the upper sensor portion 41 of each sensor system 6040 is held by the corresponding conductive portion 6032 below the opening of the positioning hole 11 on the upper jaw 4 side.
  • the upper sensor unit 41 of each sensor system 6040 includes one or two teeth 6 facing each other from below according to the holding position in the tooth alignment direction D among the plurality of teeth 6 in the upper jaw 4 within the sensing range.
  • the sensing range of the upper sensor unit 41 superimposes only the ends in the same direction D.
  • the upper sensor unit 41 of each sensor system 6040 is housed in the holding region 6013 with the sensing range partially shifted from each other.
  • each sensor system 6040 is held by the corresponding conductive portion 6032 below the opening of the positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side.
  • the lower sensor unit 42 of each sensor system 6040 includes one or two teeth 6 facing each other from above according to the holding position in the tooth alignment direction D among the plurality of teeth 6 in the lower jaw 5 within the sensing range.
  • the sensing range of the lower sensor unit 42 overlaps only the ends in the same direction D.
  • the lower sensor unit 42 of each sensor system 6040 is also housed in the holding region 6013 with the sensing range partially shifted from each other.
  • each sensor system 40 receives the reflection of the light projected onto the tooth 6 in the sensing range in the oral cavity 3, and outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth 6. According to this, since each sensor system 40 deviated from the tooth alignment direction D outputs a signal, the inspection of the plurality of teeth 6 aligned in the same direction D is completed, so that the user 2 can be freed from the manual work of trial and error. .. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the condition of the plurality of teeth 6 in the oral cavity 3 in a short time.
  • the input / output system 20 is mainly composed of a connection terminal that receives power by a wired connection via the charging cable 85 of the charging unit 8.
  • the power interface 23 may be configured.
  • the communication interface 24 of the input / output system 20 is mainly composed of a connection terminal for transmitting an inspection signal by a wired connection via a communication cable 73 of the display unit 7. May be configured.
  • the operation of at least one component of the input / output system 20, the drive system 30, and the sensor system 40 may be controlled by the control circuit 72 of the display unit 7.
  • a touch-operated power switch image 74 is displayed on the display screen 71 of the display unit 7, and the power switch image 74 is touch-operated to cause the device 1.
  • the power may be turned on and off and / or the drive of the movable portion 32 may be started and stopped.
  • the mouthpieces 2010, 3010 and 6010 are divided into parts individually corresponding to the upper sensor unit 41 and the lower sensor unit 42 according to the fourth embodiment. It may have been.
  • the upper sensor unit 41 and the lower sensor unit 42 may be the front, rear, and top sensor units, respectively, according to the fifth embodiment. Good.
  • the holding region may be divided into a plurality of individual sensors corresponding to the sensor system 6040 according to the second embodiment.
  • the mouthpiece 6010 may be further divided into parts individually corresponding to each divided holding area.

Abstract

This intraoral examination device (1) for examining the interior of a mouth cavity (3) is provided with: a mouthpiece (10) which forms a mobile region (13) for positioning inside the mouth cavity (3) along a tooth alignment direction (D) in which a plurality of teeth (6) are lined up; a sensor system (40) which, upon receiving a reflection of light projected onto teeth (6) situated in a sensing range within the mouth cavity (3), outputs an examination signal according to the state of said teeth (6); and a drive system (30) which drives the sensor system (40) in the tooth alignment direction (D) within the mobile region (13).

Description

口腔内検査装置、口腔内検査システムOral examination device, oral examination system 関連出願の相互参照Cross-reference of related applications
　本出願は、２０１９年７月１８日に出願された日本特許出願番号２０１９－１３３０４２号に基づくもので、ここにその記載内容を援用する。 This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-133042 filed on July 18, 2019, and the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference.
　本開示は、口腔内を検査する口腔内検査装置及び口腔内検査システムに、関する。 The present disclosure relates to an oral examination device and an oral examination system for inspecting the oral cavity.
　従来、口腔内において複数歯の状態を検査する口腔内検査装置が、知られている。例えば特許文献１に開示の口腔内検査装置では、発光素子とカメラとが歯ブラシのヘッド部に配置されている。この構成によれば、発光素子からの光で照らされた歯がカメラにより撮影され、カメラ画像が外部モニタに送信される。 Conventionally, an intraoral inspection device for inspecting the condition of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity is known. For example, in the oral examination apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a light emitting element and a camera are arranged at the head portion of the toothbrush. According to this configuration, the teeth illuminated by the light from the light emitting element are photographed by the camera, and the camera image is transmitted to the external monitor.
特開２０１１―１９４１８１号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-194181
　しかし、特許文献１に開示の口腔内検査装置は、歯ブラシの小さなヘッド部から所定角度の範囲を撮影範囲として、検査するものに過ぎない。そのために撮影範囲には、口腔内における複数歯の一部しか、収まらない。口腔内における複数歯の全体を検査するには、ユーザが歯ブラシのヘッド部を移動させて撮影範囲をずらしていく手作業を、試行錯誤しながら繰り返す必要がある。これは、長時間の検査をユーザへ強いることになってしまう。 However, the intraoral examination device disclosed in Patent Document 1 merely inspects a range of a predetermined angle from a small head portion of a toothbrush as an imaging range. Therefore, only a part of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity fits in the imaging range. In order to inspect the entire plurality of teeth in the oral cavity, it is necessary for the user to repeat the manual work of moving the head portion of the toothbrush to shift the imaging range by trial and error. This forces the user to inspect for a long time.
　本開示の課題は、口腔内における複数歯の状態を短時間に検査可能な口腔内検査装置及び口腔内検査システムを、提供することにある。 An object of the present disclosure is to provide an oral examination device and an oral examination system capable of inspecting the condition of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity in a short time.
　本開示の第一態様は、口腔内を検査する口腔内検査装置であって、複数の歯が並ぶ歯並び方向に沿って口腔内に位置決めされる可動領域を形成するマウスピースと、口腔内におけるセンシング範囲の歯へ投射した光の反射を受けることにより、当該歯の状態に応じた検査信号を出力するセンサ系と、可動領域においてセンサ系を歯並び方向へ駆動する駆動系とを、備える。 The first aspect of the present disclosure is an oral cavity inspection device for inspecting the oral cavity, in which a mouthpiece forming a movable region positioned in the oral cavity along a tooth alignment direction in which a plurality of teeth are lined up, and sensing in the oral cavity. It includes a sensor system that outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth by receiving reflection of light projected onto a range of teeth, and a drive system that drives the sensor system in the tooth alignment direction in a movable region.
　このような第一態様によると、口腔内のマウスピースに形成されて歯並び方向に沿って位置決めされる可動領域では、センサ系が駆動系により同方向へと駆動される。この可動領域においてセンサ系は、口腔内におけるセンシング範囲の歯へ投射した光の反射を受けることで、当該歯の状態に応じた検査信号を出力する。これによれば、センサ系が歯並び方向へ駆動されつつも信号出力していくことで、同方向に並ぶ複数歯の検査が完了するので、ユーザは、試行錯誤の手作業から解放され得る。故に、口腔内における複数歯の状態を短時間に検査することが、可能である。 According to such a first aspect, the sensor system is driven in the same direction by the drive system in the movable region formed on the mouthpiece in the oral cavity and positioned along the tooth alignment direction. In this movable region, the sensor system receives the reflection of the light projected on the tooth in the sensing range in the oral cavity, and outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth. According to this, since the sensor system is driven in the tooth alignment direction and outputs a signal, the inspection of the plurality of teeth arranged in the same direction is completed, so that the user can be freed from the manual work of trial and error. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the condition of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity in a short time.
　本開示の第二態様は、口腔内を検査する口腔内検査装置であって、複数の歯が並ぶ歯並び方向に沿って口腔内に位置決めされる保持領域を形成するマウスピースと、口腔内におけるセンシング範囲の歯へ投射した光の反射を受けることにより、当該歯の状態に応じた検査信号を出力するセンサ系として、センシング範囲が歯並び方向に互いにずれて保持領域に複数保持されるセンサ系とを、備える。 The second aspect of the present disclosure is an oral cavity inspection device for inspecting the oral cavity, in which a mouthpiece forming a holding region positioned in the oral cavity along a tooth alignment direction in which a plurality of teeth are lined up, and sensing in the oral cavity. As a sensor system that outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth by receiving the reflection of the light projected on the teeth in the range, a sensor system in which the sensing ranges are shifted from each other in the tooth alignment direction and are held in the holding region. , Prepare.
　このような第二態様によると、口腔内のマウスピースに形成されて歯並び方向に沿って位置決めされる保持領域には、センシング範囲が同方向にて互いにずれる複数のセンサ系が、保持される。この保持領域において各センサ系は、口腔内におけるセンシング範囲の歯へ投射した光の反射を受けることで、当該歯の状態に応じた検査信号を出力する。これによれば、歯並び方向にずれた各センサ系が信号出力することで、同方向に並ぶ複数歯の検査が完了するので、ユーザは、試行錯誤の手作業から解放され得る。故に、口腔内における複数歯の状態を短時間に検査することが、可能である。 According to such a second aspect, a plurality of sensor systems whose sensing ranges are displaced from each other in the same direction are held in the holding region formed on the mouthpiece in the oral cavity and positioned along the tooth alignment direction. In this holding region, each sensor system receives the reflection of the light projected on the tooth in the sensing range in the oral cavity, and outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth. According to this, since each sensor system shifted in the tooth alignment direction outputs a signal, the inspection of the plurality of teeth aligned in the same direction is completed, and the user can be freed from the manual work of trial and error. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the condition of a plurality of teeth in the oral cavity in a short time.
　本開示の第三態様は、口腔内検査システムであって、第一態様又は第二態様の口腔内検査装置と、口腔内検査装置が備えるセンサ系から出力された検査信号に基づく歯の状態を、口腔外に表示する表示ユニットとを、含んで構成される。 The third aspect of the present disclosure is an oral examination system, in which the condition of teeth based on the oral examination device of the first or second aspect and the inspection signal output from the sensor system included in the oral examination device is determined. , A display unit for displaying outside the oral cavity is included.
　このような第三態様によると、第一又は第二態様の口腔内検査装置においてセンサ系から出力された検査信号に基づく歯の状態は、表示ユニットにより口腔外に表示される。これによりユーザは、口腔内での検査とは分離した口腔外での表示により、歯の状態を確認し得る。故に、ユーザによる状態確認も含めて、状態検査に要する時間を短縮することが、可能である。 According to such a third aspect, the state of the tooth based on the inspection signal output from the sensor system in the intraoral inspection device of the first or second aspect is displayed outside the oral cavity by the display unit. This allows the user to confirm the condition of the teeth by displaying outside the oral cavity separately from the intraoral examination. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection, including the state confirmation by the user.
　本開示の第四態様は、口腔内検査システムであって、第一態様又は第二態様の口腔内検査装置と、口腔外において口腔内検査装置を充電し、口腔内における口腔内検査装置から切り離される充電ユニットとを、含んで構成される。 The fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an oral examination system, in which the oral examination device of the first or second aspect and the oral examination device outside the oral cavity are charged and separated from the oral examination device in the oral cavity. It is configured to include a charging unit.
　このような第四態様によると、口腔外において充電ユニットにより充電される第一又は第二態様の口腔内検査装置は、検査時の口腔内では充電ユニットから切り離されるので、口腔内検査装置と充電ユニットとの相対位置関係に制約が生じ難くなる。これによりユーザは、事前に充電した装置のマウスピースを口腔内に位置決めすれば、複数歯の検査を速やかに実行し得る。故に、複数歯の状態検査に要する時間を可及的に短縮することが、可能である。 According to such a fourth aspect, the oral examination device of the first or second aspect, which is charged by the charging unit outside the oral cavity, is separated from the charging unit in the oral cavity at the time of examination, and thus is charged with the oral examination device. The relative positional relationship with the unit is less likely to be restricted. This allows the user to quickly perform a multi-tooth examination by positioning the mouthpiece of the precharged device in the oral cavity. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for the condition inspection of a plurality of teeth as much as possible.
本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を含んだ腔内検査システムを示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the intraluminal examination system including the oral examination apparatus by at least one embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す部分断面正面図である。It is a partial cross-sectional front view which shows the oral examination apparatus according to at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す縦断面図である。It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す横断面図である。It is a cross-sectional view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による表示ユニットを示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the display unit by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による充電ユニットを示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the charging unit by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す横断面図である。It is a cross-sectional view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を含んだ腔内検査システムを示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the intraluminal examination system including the oral examination apparatus by at least one embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す横断面図である。It is a cross-sectional view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を含んだ腔内検査システムを示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the intraluminal examination system including the oral examination apparatus by at least one embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を含んだ腔内検査システムを示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the intraluminal examination system including the oral examination apparatus by at least one embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す縦断面図である。It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を含んだ腔内検査システムを示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the intraluminal examination system including the oral examination apparatus by at least one embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を示す横断面図である。It is a cross-sectional view which shows the oral examination apparatus by at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. 本開示の少なくともひとつの実施形態による口腔内検査装置を含んだ腔内検査システムを示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the intraluminal examination system including the oral examination apparatus by at least one embodiment of this disclosure. 変形例による口腔内検査装置を含んだ腔内検査システムを示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the intraluminal examination system including the intraoral examination apparatus by a modification. 変形例による口腔内検査装置を含んだ腔内検査システムを示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the intraluminal examination system including the intraoral examination apparatus by a modification. 変形例による表示ユニットを示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the display unit by the modification.
　以下、複数の実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。尚、各実施形態において対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付すことで、重複する説明を省略する場合がある。各実施形態において構成の一部分のみを説明している場合、当該構成の他の部分については、先行して説明した他の実施形態の構成を適用することができる。また、各実施形態の説明において明示している構成の組み合わせばかりではなく、特に組み合わせに支障が生じなければ、明示していなくても複数の実施形態の構成同士を部分的に組み合わせることができる。 Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described based on the drawings. By assigning the same reference numerals to the corresponding components in each embodiment, duplicate description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the configurations of the other embodiments described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. Further, not only the combination of the configurations specified in the description of each embodiment, but also the configurations of a plurality of embodiments can be partially combined even if the combination is not specified.
　（第一実施形態）
　図２～６に示すように第一実施形態の口腔内検査装置１は、ユーザ２の口腔３内へ口腔３外から挿入されて、使用される。使用時に装置１は、ユーザ２の口腔３内に位置決めされる。位置決めされた装置１は、口腔３内のうち、上顎４及び下顎５の各々において略Ｕ字状に並ぶ複数歯６の状態を、検査する。上顎４及び下顎５の各々において複数歯６の並ぶ方向は、図３，４，６に示す歯並び方向Ｄとして、定義される。 (First Embodiment)
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the oral cavity inspection device 1 of the first embodiment is used by being inserted into the oral cavity 3 of the user 2 from outside the oral cavity 3. At the time of use, the device 1 is positioned in the oral cavity 3 of the user 2. The positioned device 1 inspects the state of the plurality of teeth 6 arranged in a substantially U shape in each of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3. The direction in which the plurality of teeth 6 are aligned in each of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 is defined as the tooth alignment direction D shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6.
　装置１は、ユーザ２の意思によって駆動される、電動式の簡易検査装置である。図１～６に示すように装置１は、マウスピース１０、入出力系２０、駆動系３０及びセンサ系４０を、備えている。 The device 1 is an electric simple inspection device driven by the intention of the user 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the device 1 includes a mouthpiece 10, an input / output system 20, a drive system 30, and a sensor system 40.
　マウスピース１０は、例えば樹脂製等の少なくとも一つのパーツを主体に、構成されている。マウスピース１０は、ユーザ２の口腔３内へ収まるサイズに、形成されている。そこでマウスピース１０は、ユーザ２毎にカスタマイズして、作製されてもよい。マウスピース１０は、例えばユーザ２の年齢、性別及び顔サイズ等のうち少なくとも一種類の指標毎に汎用性を持たせて、作製されてもよい。 The mouthpiece 10 is mainly composed of at least one part made of resin, for example. The mouthpiece 10 is formed in a size that fits in the oral cavity 3 of the user 2. Therefore, the mouthpiece 10 may be customized and manufactured for each user 2. The mouthpiece 10 may be manufactured with versatility for at least one index of, for example, the age, gender, face size, etc. of the user 2.
　図２～６に示すようにマウスピース１０には、位置決め孔１１が形成されている。位置決め孔１１は、口腔３内の上顎４及び下顎５にそれぞれ対応して、一対設けられている。上顎４側の位置決め孔１１は、同顎４の複数歯６に被せられることで、位置決めされる。上顎４側の位置決め孔１１は、内部へ進入した各歯６における前面６ａ及び後面６ｂを、それぞれ前方及び後方から覆う。下顎５側の位置決め孔１１は、同顎５の複数歯６に被せられることで、位置決めされる。下顎５側の位置決め孔１１は、内部へ進入した各歯６における前面６ａ及び後面６ｂを、それぞれ前方及び後方から覆う。尚、例えばマウスピース１０がユーザ２毎にカスタマイズされる場合等には、位置決め孔１１が少なくとも一つの歯６に嵌合可能に形成されることで、口腔３内における位置決め性が高められてもよい。 As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the mouthpiece 10 is formed with a positioning hole 11. A pair of positioning holes 11 are provided corresponding to the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3, respectively. The positioning hole 11 on the upper jaw 4 side is positioned by covering the plurality of teeth 6 of the same jaw 4. The positioning hole 11 on the upper jaw 4 side covers the front surface 6a and the rear surface 6b of each tooth 6 that has entered the inside from the front and the rear, respectively. The positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side is positioned by covering the plurality of teeth 6 of the same jaw 5. The positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side covers the front surface 6a and the rear surface 6b of each tooth 6 that has entered the inside from the front and the rear, respectively. For example, when the mouthpiece 10 is customized for each user 2, the positioning hole 11 is formed so as to be fitted to at least one tooth 6, so that the positioning property in the oral cavity 3 is enhanced. Good.
　マウスピース１０には、収容孔１２が形成されている。収容孔１２は、上顎４側及び下顎５側の位置決め孔１１間を連通して、設けられている。収容孔１２は、各位置決め孔１１よりも大サイズの内部空間を、形成している。収容孔１２には、上顎４側の各歯６における頂面６ｃの下方にて、同顎４側の位置決め孔１１が開口する。収容孔１２には、下顎５側の各歯６における頂面６ｃの上方にて、同顎５側の位置決め孔１１も開口する。これら収容孔１２への開口部は、各位置決め孔１１における歯並び方向Ｄの全域に連続して、略Ｕ字状に延伸している。 A housing hole 12 is formed in the mouthpiece 10. The accommodating hole 12 is provided so as to communicate between the positioning holes 11 on the upper jaw 4 side and the lower jaw 5 side. The accommodating hole 12 forms an internal space having a size larger than that of each positioning hole 11. A positioning hole 11 on the maxillary 4 side opens in the accommodation hole 12 below the apical surface 6c of each tooth 6 on the maxillary 4 side. A positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side is also opened in the accommodation hole 12 above the apical surface 6c of each tooth 6 on the lower jaw 5 side. The openings to the accommodating holes 12 are continuously extended in a substantially U shape over the entire area of the tooth alignment direction D in each positioning hole 11.
　マウスピース１０は、単一の可動領域１３を収容孔１２により形成している。可動領域１３は、収容孔１２の内部空間のうち、各位置決め孔１１の開口部間をそれら開口部の延伸形状に沿って仮想的に繋いだ、略Ｕ字状の空間領域に定義される。これにより可動領域１３は、上顎４及び下顎５の両側における複数歯６の歯並び方向Ｄに沿って、位置決め可能となっている。 The mouthpiece 10 has a single movable region 13 formed by the accommodating holes 12. The movable region 13 is defined as a substantially U-shaped space region in the internal space of the accommodating holes 12 in which the openings of the positioning holes 11 are virtually connected along the extending shape of the openings. As a result, the movable region 13 can be positioned along the tooth alignment direction D of the plurality of teeth 6 on both sides of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5.
　図１～６に示すように入出力系２０は、バッテリ２１、電源スイッチ２２、電源インタフェース２３、通信インタフェース２４及び制御回路２５を有している。図１に示すバッテリ２１は、マウスピース１０の内部に配置されている。バッテリ２１は、例えば小型の充電池等を主体に、構成されている。バッテリ２１は、入出力系２０における他の要素２２～２５へ電力を供給する。バッテリ２１は、駆動系３０及びセンサ系４０へも電力を供給する。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the input / output system 20 includes a battery 21, a power switch 22, a power interface 23, a communication interface 24, and a control circuit 25. The battery 21 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10. The battery 21 is mainly composed of, for example, a small rechargeable battery. The battery 21 supplies electric power to other elements 22 to 25 in the input / output system 20. The battery 21 also supplies electric power to the drive system 30 and the sensor system 40.
　図１～３，５，６に示す電源スイッチ２２は、マウスピース１０の表面部に配置されている。電源スイッチ２２は、例えばタッチ式又はプッシュ式等のセンサを主体に、構成されている。口腔３内におけるマウスピース１０の位置決め状態にて電源スイッチ２２は、口腔３外に露出する。これによりユーザ２は、口腔３外から電源スイッチ２２をオンオフ操作可能となっている。ユーザ２によりオンオフ操作を受けた電源スイッチ２２は、バッテリ２１から入出力系２０における他の要素２２～２５への電力供給と、駆動系３０及びセンサ系４０への電力供給とを、オンオフする。これら電力供給のオンオフは、装置１の電源をオンオフすることを、意味する。 The power switch 22 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5 and 6 is arranged on the surface of the mouthpiece 10. The power switch 22 is mainly composed of a touch-type or push-type sensor, for example. The power switch 22 is exposed to the outside of the oral cavity 3 when the mouthpiece 10 is positioned in the oral cavity 3. As a result, the user 2 can turn on / off the power switch 22 from outside the oral cavity 3. The power switch 22 that has been turned on / off by the user 2 turns on / off the power supply from the battery 21 to the other elements 22 to 25 in the input / output system 20 and the power supply to the drive system 30 and the sensor system 40. On / off of these power supplies means turning on / off the power supply of the device 1.
　電源インタフェース２３は、マウスピース１０の内部、例えば収容孔１２等に配置されている。電源インタフェース２３には、バッテリ２１へ充電する電力が供給される。第一実施形態の電源インタフェース２３は、口腔３外での非接触充電を可能にする、例えば電磁誘導式、電界結合式又は電波受信式等のアンテナを主体に、構成されている。 The power interface 23 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10, for example, in the accommodating hole 12. The power interface 23 is supplied with electric power to charge the battery 21. The power supply interface 23 of the first embodiment is mainly composed of an antenna such as an electromagnetic induction type, an electric field coupling type, or a radio wave reception type that enables non-contact charging outside the oral cavity 3.
　通信インタフェース２４は、マウスピース１０の内部、例えば収容孔１２等に配置されている。通信インタフェース２４からは、検査した歯６の状態を表す検査信号が、装置１の外部へ送信される。第一実施形態の通信インタフェース２４は、無線通信での信号送信を可能にする通信機を主体に、構成されている。 The communication interface 24 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10, for example, in the accommodating hole 12. From the communication interface 24, an inspection signal indicating the state of the inspected tooth 6 is transmitted to the outside of the device 1. The communication interface 24 of the first embodiment is mainly composed of a communication device that enables signal transmission in wireless communication.
　制御回路２５は、マウスピース１０の内部に配置されている。制御回路２５は、マイクロコンピュータを主体に、構成されている。制御回路２５は、入出力系２０における他の要素２１～２４の作動と、駆動系３０及びセンサ系４０の作動とを、一括して制御する。 The control circuit 25 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10. The control circuit 25 is mainly composed of a microcomputer. The control circuit 25 collectively controls the operation of the other elements 21 to 24 in the input / output system 20 and the operation of the drive system 30 and the sensor system 40.
　図１～６に示すように駆動系３０は、マウスピース１０の内部に配置されている。駆動系３０は、ガイド部３１、可動部３２及びアクチュエータ部３３を有している。ガイド部３１は、可動領域１３に収容されている。ガイド部３１は、図示しないホルダを介して、マウスピース１０により保持されている。ガイド部３１は、可動領域１３の両端部間を連続して延伸している。これによりガイド部３１は、上顎４及び下顎５の両側における複数歯６の歯並び方向Ｄに沿って、位置決め可能となっている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the drive system 30 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10. The drive system 30 has a guide portion 31, a movable portion 32, and an actuator portion 33. The guide portion 31 is housed in the movable region 13. The guide portion 31 is held by the mouthpiece 10 via a holder (not shown). The guide portion 31 continuously extends between both ends of the movable region 13. As a result, the guide portion 31 can be positioned along the tooth alignment direction D of the plurality of teeth 6 on both sides of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5.
　図２，４～６に示す可動部３２は、可動領域１３に収容されている。可動部３２は、可動領域１３の両端部間をガイド部３１により案内される。これにより可動部３２は、各位置決め孔１１の開口部から上下に離間した箇所を、歯並び方向Ｄの両側へ駆動可能となっている。 The movable portion 32 shown in FIGS. 2, 4 to 6 is housed in the movable region 13. The movable portion 32 is guided between both ends of the movable region 13 by a guide portion 31. As a result, the movable portion 32 can drive the portions vertically separated from the openings of the positioning holes 11 to both sides in the tooth alignment direction D.
　図１に示すアクチュエータ部３３は、可動領域１３に収容されている。アクチュエータ部３３は、ガイド部３１及び可動部３２に跨って、構築されている。アクチュエータ部３３は、例えば静電式、電磁式又は圧電式等のマイクロアクチュエータを主体に、構成されている。アクチュエータ部３３は、電源スイッチ２２のオン操作によりバッテリ２１から電力の供給を受けることで、可動部３２の駆動を開始する。このときアクチュエータ部３３は、可動部３２の例えば駆動位置等の運動状態を、制御回路２５に記憶されたコンピュータプログラムに従って制御する。一方でアクチュエータ部３３は、電源スイッチ２２のオフ操作によりバッテリ２１から電力の供給を停止されることで、可動部３２の駆動を停止する。 The actuator unit 33 shown in FIG. 1 is housed in the movable region 13. The actuator portion 33 is constructed so as to straddle the guide portion 31 and the movable portion 32. The actuator unit 33 is mainly composed of a microactuator such as an electrostatic type, an electromagnetic type or a piezoelectric type. The actuator unit 33 starts driving the movable unit 32 by receiving electric power from the battery 21 by turning on the power switch 22. At this time, the actuator unit 33 controls the motion state of the movable unit 32, such as the drive position, according to the computer program stored in the control circuit 25. On the other hand, the actuator unit 33 stops driving the movable unit 32 by stopping the supply of electric power from the battery 21 by turning off the power switch 22.
　尚、アクチュエータ部３３は、例えば操作回数又は操作順等によりオン操作とは区別可能なスタート操作に応じて、可動部３２の駆動を開始してもよい。同様にアクチュエータ部３３は、例えば操作回数又は操作順等によりオフ操作とは区別可能なストップ操作に応じて、可動部３２の駆動を停止してもよい。 Note that the actuator unit 33 may start driving the movable unit 32 according to a start operation that can be distinguished from the on operation by, for example, the number of operations or the operation order. Similarly, the actuator unit 33 may stop driving the movable unit 32 according to a stop operation that can be distinguished from an off operation by, for example, the number of operations or the order of operations.
　図１，２，４～６に示すようにセンサ系４０は、マウスピース１０の内部に配置されている。センサ系４０は、上顎４及び下顎５にそれぞれ対応して、上センサ部４１及び下センサ部４２を一つずつ有している。 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 6, the sensor system 40 is arranged inside the mouthpiece 10. The sensor system 40 has one upper sensor unit 41 and one lower sensor unit 42 corresponding to the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5, respectively.
　上センサ部４１は、可動領域１３に収容されている。上センサ部４１は、上顎４側における位置決め孔１１の開口部下方にて、可動部３２により保持される。これにより上センサ部４１は、可動部３２と一体となって、歯並び方向Ｄの両側へ駆動可能となっている。上センサ部４１は、上顎４における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの駆動位置に応じた一つ又は二つの歯６の頂面６ｃに対し、下方から対向する。これにより上センサ部４１は、上顎４において対向した一つ又は二つの歯６を、センシング範囲に収める。 The upper sensor unit 41 is housed in the movable area 13. The upper sensor portion 41 is held by the movable portion 32 below the opening of the positioning hole 11 on the upper jaw 4 side. As a result, the upper sensor portion 41 is integrated with the movable portion 32 and can be driven to both sides in the tooth alignment direction D. The upper sensor unit 41 faces the top surface 6c of one or two teeth 6 depending on the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D from below among the plurality of teeth 6 in the upper jaw 4. As a result, the upper sensor unit 41 keeps one or two teeth 6 facing each other in the upper jaw 4 within the sensing range.
　下センサ部４２も、可動領域１３に収容されている。下センサ部４２は、下顎５側における位置決め孔１１の開口部上方にて、可動部３２により保持される。これにより下センサ部４２は、可動部３２及び上センサ部４１と一体となって、歯並び方向Ｄの両側へ駆動可能となっている。下センサ部４２は、下顎５における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの駆動位置に応じた一つ又は二つの歯６の頂面６ｃに対し、上方から対向する。これにより下センサ部４２は、下顎５において対向した一つ又は二つの歯６を、センシング範囲に収める。 The lower sensor unit 42 is also housed in the movable area 13. The lower sensor portion 42 is held by the movable portion 32 above the opening of the positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side. As a result, the lower sensor unit 42 can be driven to both sides in the tooth alignment direction D integrally with the movable unit 32 and the upper sensor unit 41. The lower sensor unit 42 faces the top surface 6c of one or two teeth 6 depending on the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D among the plurality of teeth 6 in the lower jaw 5 from above. As a result, the lower sensor unit 42 keeps one or two teeth 6 facing each other in the lower jaw 5 within the sensing range.
　図４，６に示すように各センサ部４１，４２はいずれも、投光素子４３及び受光素子４４を主体に、構成されている。投光素子４３及び受光素子４４は、アクチュエータ部３３を介してバッテリ２１からの電力供給を受ける。投光素子４３及び受光素子４４の作動状態は、制御回路２５に記憶されたコンピュータプログラムに従って制御される。 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each of the sensor units 41 and 42 is mainly composed of a light emitting element 43 and a light receiving element 44. The light emitting element 43 and the light receiving element 44 receive electric power from the battery 21 via the actuator unit 33. The operating states of the light emitting element 43 and the light receiving element 44 are controlled according to a computer program stored in the control circuit 25.
　投光素子４３は、特定波長の光を投射する、例えば発光ダイオード等の光源素子である。投光素子４３から投射される光は、歯６のうちいずれかの面６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃにおいて、例えば歯垢、歯石又は歯肉溝により反射されることで波長変化する、紫外光等である。受光素子４４は、例えばカメラ等の撮像素子、又は発光ダイオード等の光電変換素子である。受光素子４４には、投光素子４３により投射されて歯６により反射された光が、入射する。受光素子４４は、歯６からの光の反射を受けることで、当該光の波長が表す歯６の状態に応じた検出信号を、出力する。 The light projecting element 43 is a light source element such as a light emitting diode that projects light of a specific wavelength. The light projected from the light projecting element 43 is ultraviolet light or the like whose wavelength is changed by being reflected by, for example, plaque, tartar, or gingival sulcus on any of the surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c of the tooth 6. The light receiving element 44 is, for example, an image pickup element such as a camera, or a photoelectric conversion element such as a light emitting diode. Light projected by the light projecting element 43 and reflected by the teeth 6 is incident on the light receiving element 44. The light receiving element 44 receives the reflection of light from the tooth 6 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the state of the tooth 6 represented by the wavelength of the light.
　上顎４における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの上センサ部４１の駆動位置に応じたセンシング範囲の歯６では、同センサ部４１の投光素子４３による投射光が反射される。この反射された光が上センサ部４１の受光素子４４へ入射することで、同素子４４から出力される検出信号は、アクチュエータ部３３及び通信インタフェース２４を介して装置１の外部へ送信される。 Of the plurality of teeth 6 in the upper jaw 4, the projected light by the light projecting element 43 of the sensor unit 41 is reflected by the teeth 6 in the sensing range corresponding to the driving position of the upper sensor unit 41 in the tooth alignment direction D. When the reflected light enters the light receiving element 44 of the upper sensor unit 41, the detection signal output from the element 44 is transmitted to the outside of the device 1 via the actuator unit 33 and the communication interface 24.
　下顎５における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの下センサ部４２の駆動位置に応じたセンシング範囲の歯６では、同センサ部４２の投光素子４３による投射光が反射される。この反射された光が上センサ部４１の受光素子４４へ入射することで、同素子４４から出力される検出信号は、アクチュエータ部３３及び通信インタフェース２４を介して装置１の外部へ送信される。 Of the plurality of teeth 6 in the lower jaw 5, the projected light by the light projecting element 43 of the sensor unit 42 is reflected by the teeth 6 in the sensing range corresponding to the driving position of the lower sensor unit 42 in the tooth alignment direction D. When the reflected light enters the light receiving element 44 of the upper sensor unit 41, the detection signal output from the element 44 is transmitted to the outside of the device 1 via the actuator unit 33 and the communication interface 24.
　ここまで説明した装置１は、図７，８に示す表示ユニット７及び充電ユニット８と組み合わされることで、図１に示す第一実施形態の口腔内検査システム９を構築している。即ち口腔内検査システム９は、装置１と共に表示ユニット７及び充電ユニット８を含んで、構成されている。 The device 1 described so far is combined with the display unit 7 and the charging unit 8 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to construct the oral examination system 9 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the oral examination system 9 includes the display unit 7 and the charging unit 8 together with the device 1.
　図１，７に示すように表示ユニット７は、通信インタフェース７０、表示画面７１及び制御回路７２を有している。これら要素７０，７１，７２への電力供給が可能な電源の確保される限りにて表示ユニット７は、例えばスマートフォン又はタブレット等の携帯端末であってもよいし、パーソナルコンピュータであってもよい。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the display unit 7 has a communication interface 70, a display screen 71, and a control circuit 72. The display unit 7 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a personal computer as long as a power source capable of supplying electric power to these elements 70, 71, 72 is secured.
　通信インタフェース７０は、装置１のセンサ系４０から出力された検査信号を、同装置１の通信インタフェース２４を経由して、受信する。第一実施形態の通信インタフェース７０は、無線通信による信号受信を可能にする通信機のうち、通信インタフェース２４と対応する通信機を主体に、構成されている。これにより通信インタフェース７０は、ユーザ２の口腔３内へ挿入された装置１とは同口腔３外に切り離された状態にて、検査信号を受信する。 The communication interface 70 receives the inspection signal output from the sensor system 40 of the device 1 via the communication interface 24 of the device 1. The communication interface 70 of the first embodiment is mainly composed of a communication device corresponding to the communication interface 24 among the communication devices that enable signal reception by wireless communication. As a result, the communication interface 70 receives the inspection signal in a state of being separated from the device 1 inserted into the oral cavity 3 of the user 2 and outside the oral cavity 3.
　表示画面７１は、例えば液晶式又は有機ＥＬ式等のディスプレイを主体に、構成されている。表示画面７１は、通信インタフェース７０により受信した検査信号に基づく複数歯６の状態を、表示する。表示画面７１は、例えば歯垢、歯石及び歯肉溝等といった状態を、文字画像によって各歯６毎に個別表示してもよい。表示画面７１は、二次元又は三次元のグラフィック画像によって、各歯６の状態を一括表示してもよい。表示画面７１は、これらの文字画像及びグラフィック画像を組み合わせて、表示してもよい。 The display screen 71 is mainly composed of a display such as a liquid crystal type or an organic EL type. The display screen 71 displays the state of the plurality of teeth 6 based on the inspection signal received by the communication interface 70. The display screen 71 may individually display states such as plaque, tartar, and gingival sulcus for each tooth 6 by a character image. The display screen 71 may collectively display the state of each tooth 6 by a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic image. The display screen 71 may display a combination of these character images and graphic images.
　図１に示す制御回路７２は、マイクロコンピュータを主体に、構成されている。制御回路７２は、表示ユニット７における他の要素７０，７１の作動を制御する。このとき特に制御回路７２は、表示画面７１に表示させる文字画像及び／又はグラフィック画像を、通信インタフェース７０により受信した検査信号に基づき生成する。 The control circuit 72 shown in FIG. 1 is mainly composed of a microcomputer. The control circuit 72 controls the operation of the other elements 70 and 71 in the display unit 7. At this time, in particular, the control circuit 72 generates a character image and / or a graphic image to be displayed on the display screen 71 based on the inspection signal received by the communication interface 70.
　図１，８に示すように充電ユニット８は、充電ベース８０、電源ケーブル８１、充電インタフェース８２及び制御回路８３を有している。充電ベース８０は、例えば樹脂製等の少なくとも一つのパーツを主体に、構成されている。充電ベース８０には、セット凹部８４が形成されている。セット凹部８４は、装置１の外観を実質構成するマウスピース１０の表面形状に合わせて、凹んでいる。これによりセット凹部８４上には、ユーザ２の口腔３内から取り出された装置１のマウスピース１０が、同装置１のバッテリ２１に対する充電に伴ってセットされる。一方、装置１の使用時には、マウスピース１０がセット凹部８４から取り外されて口腔３内へ挿入されることで、充電ユニット８は装置１から切り離される。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the charging unit 8 has a charging base 80, a power cable 81, a charging interface 82, and a control circuit 83. The charging base 80 is mainly composed of at least one part made of resin, for example. The charging base 80 is formed with a set recess 84. The set recess 84 is recessed according to the surface shape of the mouthpiece 10 which substantially constitutes the appearance of the device 1. As a result, the mouthpiece 10 of the device 1 taken out from the oral cavity 3 of the user 2 is set on the set recess 84 as the battery 21 of the device 1 is charged. On the other hand, when the device 1 is used, the mouthpiece 10 is removed from the set recess 84 and inserted into the oral cavity 3, so that the charging unit 8 is separated from the device 1.
　電源ケーブル８１は、充電ベース８０から外部へ延伸している。電源ケーブル８１は、家庭用コンセントに接続されることで、充電インタフェース８２及び制御回路８３へ電力を供給する。 The power cable 81 extends from the charging base 80 to the outside. The power cable 81 supplies electric power to the charging interface 82 and the control circuit 83 by being connected to a household outlet.
　図１に示す充電インタフェース８２は、充電ベース８０の内部に配置されている。充電インタフェース８２は、装置１のバッテリ２１へ充電する電力を、同装置１の電源インタフェース２３を経由して供給する。第一実施形態の充電インタフェース８２は、口腔３外での非接触充電を可能にする、例えば電磁誘導式、電界結合式又は電波受信式等のうち、電源インタフェース２３と対応するアンテナを主体に、構成されている。これにより充電ユニット８は、口腔３外においてセット凹部８４上にセットされた装置１（図８参照）のバッテリ２１に対し、充電を実行可能となっている。 The charging interface 82 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged inside the charging base 80. The charging interface 82 supplies electric power for charging the battery 21 of the device 1 via the power interface 23 of the device 1. The charging interface 82 of the first embodiment mainly comprises an antenna corresponding to the power supply interface 23 among, for example, an electromagnetic induction type, an electric field coupling type, a radio wave receiving type, etc., which enables non-contact charging outside the oral cavity 3. It is configured. As a result, the charging unit 8 can charge the battery 21 of the device 1 (see FIG. 8) set on the set recess 84 outside the oral cavity 3.
　制御回路８３は、マイクロコンピュータを主体に、構成されている。制御回路８３は、充電インタフェース８２の作動を制御する。このとき、例えば充電ベース８０に配置されたランプ又は表示画面等を制御回路８３が制御することで、充電インタフェース８２によるバッテリ２１への充電量が報知されてもよい。 The control circuit 83 is mainly composed of a microcomputer. The control circuit 83 controls the operation of the charging interface 82. At this time, for example, the control circuit 83 may control the lamp or display screen arranged on the charging base 80 to notify the amount of charge to the battery 21 by the charging interface 82.
　（作用効果）
　以上説明した第一実施形態の作用効果を、以下に説明する。 (Action effect)
The effects of the first embodiment described above will be described below.
　第一実施形態によると、口腔３内のマウスピース１０に形成されて歯並び方向Ｄに沿って位置決めされる可動領域１３では、センサ系４０が駆動系３０により同方向Ｄへと駆動される。この可動領域１３においてセンサ系４０は、口腔３内におけるセンシング範囲の歯６へ投射した光の反射を受けることで、当該歯６の状態に応じた検査信号を出力する。これによれば、センサ系４０が歯並び方向Ｄへ駆動されつつも信号出力していくことで、同方向Ｄに並ぶ複数歯６の検査が完了するので、ユーザ２は、試行錯誤の手作業から解放され得る。故に、口腔３内における複数歯６の状態を短時間に検査することが、可能である。即ち装置１は、口腔３内の検査を自律制御により全自動で実現できるので、ユーザ２は、誰でも一人で口腔３内の状態を短時間に把握可能となる。 According to the first embodiment, in the movable region 13 formed on the mouthpiece 10 in the oral cavity 3 and positioned along the tooth alignment direction D, the sensor system 40 is driven in the same direction D by the drive system 30. In the movable region 13, the sensor system 40 receives the reflection of the light projected onto the teeth 6 in the sensing range in the oral cavity 3, and outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the teeth 6. According to this, the sensor system 40 outputs a signal while being driven in the tooth alignment direction D, so that the inspection of the plurality of teeth 6 arranged in the same direction D is completed, so that the user 2 can manually perform trial and error. Can be released. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the condition of the plurality of teeth 6 in the oral cavity 3 in a short time. That is, since the device 1 can realize the examination in the oral cavity 3 fully automatically by autonomous control, the user 2 can grasp the state in the oral cavity 3 by himself / herself in a short time.
　第一実施形態によるセンサ系４０では、口腔３内における上顎４及び下顎５の歯６は、それぞれ上センサ部４１及び下センサ部４２のセンシング範囲に収められるので、それらセンシング範囲での歯６の状態検査は、同時的に実行することができる。故に、上顎４及び下顎５の各々にて歯並び方向Ｄに並んだ複数歯６に対し、状態検査に要する時間を短縮することが、可能である。 In the sensor system 40 according to the first embodiment, since the teeth 6 of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3 are contained in the sensing ranges of the upper sensor unit 41 and the lower sensor unit 42, respectively, the teeth 6 in the sensing range are included. Status checks can be performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection for the plurality of teeth 6 arranged in the tooth alignment direction D in each of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5.
　第一実施形態によると、装置１においてセンサ系４０から出力された検査信号に基づく歯６の状態は、表示ユニット７により口腔３外に表示される。これによりユーザ２は、口腔３内での検査とは分離した口腔３外での表示により、歯６の状態を確認し得る。故に、ユーザ２による状態確認も含めて、状態検査に要する時間を短縮することが、可能である。 According to the first embodiment, the state of the tooth 6 based on the inspection signal output from the sensor system 40 in the device 1 is displayed outside the oral cavity 3 by the display unit 7. As a result, the user 2 can confirm the state of the tooth 6 by displaying the display outside the oral cavity 3 separately from the examination inside the oral cavity 3. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection, including the state confirmation by the user 2.
　第一実施形態による表示ユニット７の口腔外での表示は、口腔３内のセンサ系４０から無線通信によって受信した検査信号に基づくことから、装置１と表示ユニット７との相対位置関係に制約が生じ難くなる。これによりユーザ２は、口腔３内の装置１に状態検査を実行させながら、口腔３外の視認容易な位置での表示により歯６の状態を確認し得る。故に、状態検査の中でも特に、ユーザ２による状態確認の時間を可及的に短縮することが、可能である。 Since the display of the display unit 7 outside the oral cavity according to the first embodiment is based on the inspection signal received by wireless communication from the sensor system 40 in the oral cavity 3, the relative positional relationship between the device 1 and the display unit 7 is restricted. It becomes difficult to occur. As a result, the user 2 can confirm the state of the tooth 6 by displaying the device 1 inside the oral cavity 3 at a position outside the oral cavity 3 so that the device 1 can easily see the state. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time for confirming the state by the user 2 as much as possible in the state inspection.
　第一実施形態によると、口腔３外において充電ユニット８により充電される装置１は、検査時の口腔３内では充電ユニット８から切り離されるので、装置１と充電ユニット８との相対位置関係に制約が生じ難くなる。これによりユーザ２は、事前に充電した装置１のマウスピース１０を口腔３内に位置決めすれば、状態検査を速やかに実行し得る。故に、状態検査に要する時間を可及的に短縮することが、可能である。 According to the first embodiment, the device 1 charged by the charging unit 8 outside the oral cavity 3 is separated from the charging unit 8 inside the oral cavity 3 at the time of examination, so that the relative positional relationship between the device 1 and the charging unit 8 is restricted. Is less likely to occur. As a result, the user 2 can quickly execute the state inspection by positioning the mouthpiece 10 of the device 1 charged in advance in the oral cavity 3. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for the state inspection as much as possible.
　第一実施形態によると、マウスピース１０に配置の電源スイッチ２２が口腔３外から操作されることで、充電済の装置１がオンオフされることになる。これによりユーザ２は、事前に充電した装置１のマウスピース１０を口腔３内に位置決めしてから、電源スイッチ２２をオン操作することで、状態検査による充電量の減少幅を抑え得る。故に、一回の充電による装置１の使用可能回数を増大させて、装置１の利便性を高めることが、可能である。 According to the first embodiment, the charged device 1 is turned on and off by operating the power switch 22 arranged on the mouthpiece 10 from outside the oral cavity 3. As a result, the user 2 can suppress the decrease in the amount of charge due to the state inspection by positioning the mouthpiece 10 of the device 1 charged in advance in the oral cavity 3 and then turning on the power switch 22. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of times that the device 1 can be used by one charge and enhance the convenience of the device 1.
　（第二実施形態）
　図９に示すように第二実施形態は、第一実施形態の変形例である。 (Second Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 9, the second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.
　第二実施形態のマウスピース２０１０では、第一実施形態の可動領域１３が複数に分断された形状に、可動領域２０１３が形成されている。これら複数の可動領域２０１３は、各位置決め孔１１における開口部のうち一部ずつの間を仮想的に繋いだ、略円弧状の空間領域に定義されている。これにより各可動領域２０１３は、口腔３内のうち上顎４及び下顎５の歯並び方向Ｄに沿って並んだ複数箇所であって、同方向Ｄでは互いに完全にずれた複数箇所にて、それぞれ位置決め可能となっている。 In the mouthpiece 2010 of the second embodiment, the movable region 2013 is formed in a shape in which the movable region 13 of the first embodiment is divided into a plurality of parts. These plurality of movable regions 2013 are defined as substantially arc-shaped spatial regions in which some of the openings in the positioning holes 11 are virtually connected. As a result, each movable region 2013 can be positioned at a plurality of locations in the oral cavity 3 that are aligned along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5, and at a plurality of locations that are completely offset from each other in the same direction D. It has become.
　第二実施形態の駆動系２０３０とセンサ系２０４０とは、図９，１０に示すように、各々における構成要素３１，３２，３３，４１，４２の一つずつを一組として、可動領域２０１３と同数の複数組、設けられている。駆動系２０３０及びセンサ系２０４０の複数組は、各可動領域２０１３毎に個別に対応している。これにより可動部３２及び両センサ部４１，４２は、対応する可動領域２０１３の両端部間を、対応するガイド部３１により案内されつつ、対応するアクチュエータ部３３により歯並び方向Ｄの両側へと駆動可能となっている。 As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the drive system 2030 and the sensor system 2040 of the second embodiment form a set of each of the components 31, 32, 33, 41, and 42, and have a movable region 2013. Multiple sets of the same number are provided. The plurality of sets of the drive system 2030 and the sensor system 2040 correspond individually to each movable area 2013. As a result, the movable portion 32 and both sensor portions 41 and 42 can be driven to both sides in the tooth alignment direction D by the corresponding actuator portion 33 while being guided between both ends of the corresponding movable region 2013 by the corresponding guide portion 31. It has become.
　このような第二実施形態によると、口腔３内において歯並び方向Ｄにずれた複数箇所に位置決めされる可動領域２０１３毎に、センサ系２０４０及び駆動系２０３０の組が個別に設けられる。これにより各可動領域２０１３では、センサ系２０４０のセンシング範囲同士も歯並び方向Ｄにずれることから、それらセンシング範囲での歯６の状態検査を同時的に実行することができる。故に、歯並び方向Ｄに並んだ複数歯６の全体に対して、状態検査に要する時間を短縮することが、可能である。 According to such a second embodiment, a set of the sensor system 2040 and the drive system 2030 is individually provided for each movable region 2013 positioned at a plurality of locations shifted in the tooth alignment direction D in the oral cavity 3. As a result, in each movable region 2013, the sensing ranges of the sensor system 2040 are also displaced in the tooth alignment direction D, so that the state inspection of the teeth 6 in those sensing ranges can be simultaneously executed. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection for the entire plurality of teeth 6 arranged in the tooth alignment direction D.
　（第三実施形態）
　図１１に示すように第三実施形態は、第二実施形態の変形例である。 (Third Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 11, the third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment.
　第三実施形態のマウスピース３０１０は、歯並び方向Ｄにて複数パーツ３０１４に分割されている。各パーツ３０１４は、第二実施形態で説明した各可動領域２０１３毎に個別に対応している。 The mouthpiece 3010 of the third embodiment is divided into a plurality of parts 3014 in the tooth alignment direction D. Each part 3014 corresponds individually to each movable area 2013 described in the second embodiment.
　図１１，１２に示すように入出力系２０は、いずれか一つのパーツ３０１４に配置されている。そこで、全パーツ３０１４が口腔３内にて位置決め状態に結合されることで、一パーツ３０１４に配置の入出力系２０が他のパーツ３０１４の駆動系２０３０及びセンサ系２０４０と電気接続可能となっている。 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the input / output system 20 is arranged in any one of the parts 3014. Therefore, by connecting all the parts 3014 to the positioning state in the oral cavity 3, the input / output system 20 arranged in one part 3014 can be electrically connected to the drive system 2030 and the sensor system 2040 of the other parts 3014. There is.
　このような第三実施形態によるマウスピース３０１０では、歯並び方向Ｄにずれた可動領域２０１３毎に分割される複数パーツ３０１４が、口腔３内に位置決めされることになる。これによれば、口腔３内という狭い空間において、分割されたパーツ３０１４毎の位置決めは容易となり得る。故に、状態検査の中でも特に、ユーザ２によるマウスピース３０１０の位置決めに要する時間を可及的に短縮することが、可能である。 In the mouthpiece 3010 according to the third embodiment, the plurality of parts 3014 divided for each movable region 2013 displaced in the tooth alignment direction D are positioned in the oral cavity 3. According to this, the positioning of each of the divided parts 3014 can be facilitated in the narrow space of the oral cavity 3. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the user 2 to position the mouthpiece 3010 as much as possible in the state inspection.
　（第四実施形態）
　図１３，１４に示すように第四実施形態は、第一実施形態の変形例である。 (Fourth Embodiment)
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.
　第四実施形態のマウスピース４０１０は、上顎４側と下顎５側とにて複数パーツ４０１４に分割されている。第四実施形態の駆動系４０３０とセンサ系４０４０とは、各々における構成要素３１，３２，３３の一つずつと構成要素４１，４２の一方ずつとを一組として、パーツ４０１４と同数の複数組、設けられている。これら駆動系４０３０及びセンサ系４０４０の複数組は、各パーツ４０１４に個別に対応している。各パーツ４０１４に個別に対応して、可動領域１３も一対形成されている。 The mouthpiece 4010 of the fourth embodiment is divided into a plurality of parts 4014 on the upper jaw 4 side and the lower jaw 5 side. The drive system 4030 and the sensor system 4040 of the fourth embodiment are a plurality of sets having the same number as the parts 4014, with one component 31, 32, 33 and one component 41, 42 in each set. , Is provided. A plurality of sets of the drive system 4030 and the sensor system 4040 correspond individually to each part 4014. A pair of movable regions 13 are also formed corresponding to each part 4014 individually.
　以上の構成により、上顎４側の可動部３２及び上センサ部４１は、対応するガイド部３１により、対応する可動領域１３の両端部間を案内されつつ、対応するアクチュエータ部３３により歯並び方向Ｄの両側へと駆動可能となっている。またそれとは独立して、下顎５側の可動部３２及び下センサ部４２は、対応するガイド部３１により可動領域１３の両端部間を案内されつつ、対応するアクチュエータ部３３により歯並び方向Ｄの両側へと駆動可能となっている。 With the above configuration, the movable portion 32 and the upper sensor portion 41 on the upper jaw 4 side are guided between both ends of the corresponding movable region 13 by the corresponding guide portion 31, and the tooth alignment direction D is guided by the corresponding actuator portion 33. It can be driven to both sides. Independently, the movable portion 32 and the lower sensor portion 42 on the lower jaw 5 side are guided between both ends of the movable region 13 by the corresponding guide portion 31, and both sides of the tooth alignment direction D by the corresponding actuator portion 33. It can be driven to.
　入出力系２０は、一方のパーツ４０１４に配置されている。そこで、両パーツ４０１４が口腔３内にて位置決め状態に結合されることで、一方のパーツ４０１４に配置の入出力系２０が他方のパーツ４０１４の駆動系４０３０及びセンサ系４０４０と電気接続可能となっている。尚、図４では、入出力系２０の配置されるパーツ４０１４が上顎４側となっているが、入出力系２０の配置されるパーツ４０１４が下顎５側であっても勿論よい。 The input / output system 20 is arranged in one of the parts 4014. Therefore, by connecting both parts 4014 to the positioning state in the oral cavity 3, the input / output system 20 arranged in one part 4014 can be electrically connected to the drive system 4030 and the sensor system 4040 of the other part 4014. ing. In FIG. 4, the part 4014 in which the input / output system 20 is arranged is on the upper jaw 4 side, but of course the part 4014 in which the input / output system 20 is arranged may be on the lower jaw 5 side.
　このような第四実施形態によると、マウスピース４０１０の複数パーツ４０１４は、上顎４及び下顎５の歯６を各別のセンシング範囲に収める上センサ部４１と下センサ部４２とに個別に対応して分割された状態で、口腔３内に位置決めされることになる。これによれば、口腔３内という狭い空間において、分割されたパーツ４０１４毎の位置決めは容易且つ上下で正確となり得る。故に、状態検査の中でも特に、ユーザ２によるマウスピース４０１０の位置決めに要する時間を可及的に短縮しつつ、状態検査の正確性を高めることが、可能である。 According to the fourth embodiment, the plurality of parts 4014 of the mouthpiece 4010 individually correspond to the upper sensor unit 41 and the lower sensor unit 42 that house the teeth 6 of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in different sensing ranges. It will be positioned in the oral cavity 3 in the divided state. According to this, in the narrow space of the oral cavity 3, the positioning of each of the divided parts 4014 can be easily and accurately performed vertically. Therefore, among the state inspections, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the state inspection while shortening the time required for the user 2 to position the mouthpiece 4010 as much as possible.
　（第五実施形態）
　図１５，１６に示すように第五実施形態は、第一実施形態の変形例である。 (Fifth Embodiment)
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fifth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.
　第五実施形態のセンサ系５０４０は、上顎４に対応する上センサ部５０４１を、三つ有している。上センサ部５０４１の一つは、前面センサ部５０４１ａである。この前面センサ部５０４１ａは、上顎４における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの駆動位置に応じて下方から対向する一つ又は二つの歯６の前面６ａを、センシング範囲に収める。上センサ部５０４１の別の一つは、後面センサ部５０４１ｂである。この後面センサ部５０４１ｂは、上顎４における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの駆動位置に応じて下方から対向する一つ又は二つの歯６の後面６ｂを、センシング範囲に収める。上センサ部５０４１のさらに別の一つは、頂面センサ部５０４１ｃである。この頂面センサ部５０４１ｃは、上顎４における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの駆動位置に応じて下方から対向する一つ又は二つの歯６の頂面６ｃを、センシング範囲に収める。 The sensor system 5040 of the fifth embodiment has three upper sensor units 5041 corresponding to the upper jaw 4. One of the upper sensor units 5041 is a front sensor unit 5041a. Among the plurality of teeth 6 in the upper jaw 4, the front sensor portion 5041a keeps the front surface 6a of one or two teeth 6 facing from below according to the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D within the sensing range. Another one of the upper sensor unit 5041 is the rear sensor unit 5041b. The rear surface sensor unit 5041b includes the rear surface 6b of one or two teeth 6 facing from below according to the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D among the plurality of teeth 6 in the upper jaw 4 within the sensing range. Yet another one of the upper sensor unit 5041 is the top surface sensor unit 5041c. Among the plurality of teeth 6 in the maxilla 4, the top surface sensor unit 5041c keeps the top surface 6c of one or two teeth 6 facing each other from below according to the driving position in the tooth alignment direction D within the sensing range.
　第五実施形態のセンサ系５０４０は、下顎５対応する下センサ部５０４２も、三つ有している。下センサ部５０４２の三つは、下顎５における歯６のそれぞれ対応する面６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃに上方から対向する以外は、上センサ部５０４１の三つに準じて構成される、前面センサ部５０４２ａと後面センサ部５０４２ｂと頂面センサ部５０４２ｃとである。 The sensor system 5040 of the fifth embodiment also has three lower sensor units 5042 corresponding to the lower jaw 5. The front sensor unit 5042a is configured according to the three upper sensor units 5041, except that the three lower sensor units 5042 face the corresponding surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c of the teeth 6 in the lower jaw 5 from above. And the rear surface sensor unit 5042b and the top surface sensor unit 5042c.
　このような第五実施形態のセンサ系５０４０によると、口腔３内における歯６の前面６ａ、後面６ｂ及び頂面６ｃは、それぞれ前面センサ部５０４１ａ，５０４２ａ、後面センサ部５０４１ｂ，５０４２ｂ及び頂面センサ部５０４１ｃ，５０４２ｃのセンシング範囲に収められる。これらセンシング範囲での歯６の状態検査は、同時的に実行することができる。故に、歯並び方向Ｄに並んだ複数歯６の各面全体に対して、状態検査に要する時間を短縮することが、可能である。 According to the sensor system 5040 of the fifth embodiment, the front surface 6a, the rear surface 6b, and the top surface 6c of the tooth 6 in the oral cavity 3 are the front surface sensor units 5041a, 5042a, the rear surface sensor units 5041b, 5042b, and the top surface sensor, respectively. It is contained in the sensing range of the parts 5041c and 5042c. The state inspection of the teeth 6 in these sensing ranges can be performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the state inspection for each surface of the plurality of teeth 6 arranged in the tooth alignment direction D.
　（第六実施形態）
　図に示すように第六実施形態は、第一実施形態の変形例である。 (Sixth Embodiment)
As shown in the figure, the sixth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.
　第六実施形態のマウスピース６０１０では、第一実施形態の可動領域１３が、保持領域６０１３として定義されている。これにより保持領域６０１３は、口腔３内のうち上顎４及び下顎５の歯並び方向Ｄに沿って、位置決め可能となっている。 In the mouthpiece 6010 of the sixth embodiment, the movable region 13 of the first embodiment is defined as the holding region 6013. As a result, the holding region 6013 can be positioned along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3.
　第六実施形態の装置１は、第一実施形態の駆動系３０に代えて、位置決め系６０３０を備えている。位置決め系６０３０は、保持部６０３３及び導電部６０３２を有している。保持部６０３３は、保持領域６０１３に収容されている。保持部６０３３は、保持領域６０１３の両端部間を連続して延伸している。これにより保持部６０３３は、口腔３内のうち上顎４及び下顎５の歯並び方向Ｄに沿って、位置決め可能となっている。 The device 1 of the sixth embodiment includes a positioning system 6030 instead of the drive system 30 of the first embodiment. The positioning system 6030 has a holding portion 6033 and a conductive portion 6032. The holding unit 6033 is housed in the holding area 6013. The holding portion 6033 continuously extends between both ends of the holding region 6013. As a result, the holding portion 6033 can be positioned along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5 in the oral cavity 3.
　導電部６０３２は、保持領域６０１３に複数収容されている。各導電部６０３２は、保持部６０３３により保持されている。これにより各導電部６０３２は、口腔３内のうち上顎４及び下顎５の歯並び方向Ｄに沿って並んだ複数箇所であって、同方向Ｄでは互いに完全にずれた複数箇所にて、それぞれ位置決め可能となっている。各導電部６０３２は、導電材料から形成されている。各導電部６０３２は、電源スイッチ２２のオン操作により、バッテリ２１から電力の供給を受ける。 A plurality of conductive portions 6032 are housed in the holding region 6013. Each conductive portion 6032 is held by a holding portion 6033. As a result, each of the conductive portions 6032 can be positioned at a plurality of locations in the oral cavity 3 arranged along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5, and at a plurality of locations completely offset from each other in the same direction D. It has become. Each conductive portion 6032 is formed of a conductive material. Each conductive portion 6032 receives power from the battery 21 when the power switch 22 is turned on.
　第六実施形態のセンサ系６０４０は、マウスピース６０１０の内部に複数配置されている。各センサ系６０４０は、それぞれ導電部６０３２に個別に対応して保持領域６０１３に保持されている。これにより各センサ系６０４０は、口腔３内のうち上顎４及び下顎５の歯並び方向Ｄに沿って並んだ複数箇所であって、同方向Ｄでは互いに完全にずれた複数箇所にて、それぞれ位置決め可能となっている。 A plurality of sensor systems 6040 of the sixth embodiment are arranged inside the mouthpiece 6010. Each sensor system 6040 is individually corresponding to the conductive portion 6032 and is held in the holding region 6013. As a result, each sensor system 6040 can be positioned at a plurality of locations in the oral cavity 3 that are aligned along the tooth alignment direction D of the upper jaw 4 and the lower jaw 5, and at a plurality of locations that are completely offset from each other in the same direction D. It has become.
　各センサ系６０４０は、第一実施形態に準ずる構成の上センサ部４１及び下センサ部４２を、一つずつ有している。但し、図１７に示すように各センサ系６０４０の上センサ部４１は、上顎４側における位置決め孔１１の開口部下方にて、対応する導電部６０３２により保持されている。各センサ系６０４０の上センサ部４１は、上顎４における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの保持位置に応じて下方から対向する一つ又は二つの歯６を、センシング範囲に収めている。歯並び方向Ｄに隣り合うセンサ系６０４０同士にて上センサ部４１のセンシング範囲は、同方向Ｄの端部同士のみを重畳させている。これにより各センサ系６０４０の上センサ部４１は、センシング範囲を互いに部分的にずらして、保持領域６０１３に収容されている。 Each sensor system 6040 has one upper sensor unit 41 and one lower sensor unit 42 having a configuration according to the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 17, the upper sensor portion 41 of each sensor system 6040 is held by the corresponding conductive portion 6032 below the opening of the positioning hole 11 on the upper jaw 4 side. The upper sensor unit 41 of each sensor system 6040 includes one or two teeth 6 facing each other from below according to the holding position in the tooth alignment direction D among the plurality of teeth 6 in the upper jaw 4 within the sensing range. In the sensor systems 6040 adjacent to each other in the tooth alignment direction D, the sensing range of the upper sensor unit 41 superimposes only the ends in the same direction D. As a result, the upper sensor unit 41 of each sensor system 6040 is housed in the holding region 6013 with the sensing range partially shifted from each other.
　同様に各センサ系６０４０の下センサ部４２は、下顎５側における位置決め孔１１の開口部下方にて、対応する導電部６０３２により保持されている。各センサ系６０４０の下センサ部４２は、下顎５における複数歯６のうち、歯並び方向Ｄでの保持位置に応じて上方から対向する一つ又は二つの歯６を、センシング範囲に収めている。歯並び方向Ｄに隣り合うセンサ系６０４０同士にて下センサ部４２のセンシング範囲は、同方向Ｄの端部同士のみを重畳させている。これにより各センサ系６０４０の下センサ部４２も、センシング範囲を互いに部分的にずらして、保持領域６０１３に収容されている。 Similarly, the lower sensor portion 42 of each sensor system 6040 is held by the corresponding conductive portion 6032 below the opening of the positioning hole 11 on the lower jaw 5 side. The lower sensor unit 42 of each sensor system 6040 includes one or two teeth 6 facing each other from above according to the holding position in the tooth alignment direction D among the plurality of teeth 6 in the lower jaw 5 within the sensing range. In the sensor systems 6040 adjacent to each other in the tooth alignment direction D, the sensing range of the lower sensor unit 42 overlaps only the ends in the same direction D. As a result, the lower sensor unit 42 of each sensor system 6040 is also housed in the holding region 6013 with the sensing range partially shifted from each other.
　このような第六実施形態によると、口腔３内のマウスピース６０１０に形成されて歯並び方向Ｄに沿って位置決めされる保持領域６０１３には、センシング範囲が同方向Ｄにて互いにずれる複数のセンサ系６０４０が、保持される。この保持領域６０１３において各センサ系４０は、口腔３内におけるセンシング範囲の歯６へ投射した光の反射を受けることで、当該歯６の状態に応じた検査信号を出力する。これによれば、歯並び方向Ｄにずれた各センサ系４０が信号出力することで、同方向Ｄに並ぶ複数歯６の検査が完了するので、ユーザ２は、試行錯誤の手作業から解放され得る。故に、口腔３内における複数歯６の状態を短時間に検査することが、可能である。 According to such a sixth embodiment, in the holding region 6013 formed on the mouthpiece 6010 in the oral cavity 3 and positioned along the tooth alignment direction D, a plurality of sensor systems whose sensing ranges are displaced from each other in the same direction D. 6040 is retained. In the holding region 6013, each sensor system 40 receives the reflection of the light projected onto the tooth 6 in the sensing range in the oral cavity 3, and outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth 6. According to this, since each sensor system 40 deviated from the tooth alignment direction D outputs a signal, the inspection of the plurality of teeth 6 aligned in the same direction D is completed, so that the user 2 can be freed from the manual work of trial and error. .. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the condition of the plurality of teeth 6 in the oral cavity 3 in a short time.
　（他の実施形態）
　以上、複数の実施形態について説明したが、本開示は、それらの実施形態に限定して解釈されるものではなく、本開示の要旨を逸脱しない範囲内において種々の実施形態及び組み合わせに適用することができる。 (Other embodiments)
Although the plurality of embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to those embodiments, and is applied to various embodiments and combinations within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Can be done.
　具体的に、第一～六実施形態に関する変形例では、図１９に示すように、充電ユニット８の充電ケーブル８５を介した有線接続により電力供給を受ける接続端子を主体として、入出力系２０の電源インタフェース２３が構成されていてもよい。第一～六実施形態に関する変形例では、図２０に示すように、表示ユニット７の通信ケーブル７３を介した有線接続により検査信号を送信する接続端子を主体として、入出力系２０の通信インタフェース２４が構成されていてもよい。 Specifically, in the modified examples of the first to sixth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the input / output system 20 is mainly composed of a connection terminal that receives power by a wired connection via the charging cable 85 of the charging unit 8. The power interface 23 may be configured. In the modified examples relating to the first to sixth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the communication interface 24 of the input / output system 20 is mainly composed of a connection terminal for transmitting an inspection signal by a wired connection via a communication cable 73 of the display unit 7. May be configured.
　第一～六実施形態に関する変形例では、入出力系２０、駆動系３０及びセンサ系４０のうち少なくとも一構成要素の作動が、表示ユニット７の制御回路７２により制御されてもよい。この場合にはさらに、図２１に示すように、表示ユニット７の表示画面７１にタッチ操作式の電源スイッチ画像７４が表示されて、この電源スイッチ画像７４がタッチ操作されることで、装置１の電源がオンオフ及び／又は可動部３２の駆動が開始及び停止されてもよい。 In the modified examples of the first to sixth embodiments, the operation of at least one component of the input / output system 20, the drive system 30, and the sensor system 40 may be controlled by the control circuit 72 of the display unit 7. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, a touch-operated power switch image 74 is displayed on the display screen 71 of the display unit 7, and the power switch image 74 is touch-operated to cause the device 1. The power may be turned on and off and / or the drive of the movable portion 32 may be started and stopped.
　第二、第三及び第六実施形態に関する変形例では、第四実施形態に準じて、上センサ部４１と下センサ部４２とに個別に対応するパーツに、マウスピース２０１０，３０１０，６０１０が分割されていてもよい。第二、第三及び第六実施形態に関する変形例では、第五実施形態に準じて、上センサ部４１及び下センサ部４２がそれぞれ前面、後面及び頂面センサ部の三つずつであってもよい。 In the modified examples relating to the second, third and sixth embodiments, the mouthpieces 2010, 3010 and 6010 are divided into parts individually corresponding to the upper sensor unit 41 and the lower sensor unit 42 according to the fourth embodiment. It may have been. In the modified examples relating to the second, third, and sixth embodiments, the upper sensor unit 41 and the lower sensor unit 42 may be the front, rear, and top sensor units, respectively, according to the fifth embodiment. Good.
　第六実施形態に関する変形例では、第二実施形態に準じて、センサ系６０４０と個別に対応する複数に、保持領域が分断されていてもよい。この場合にはさらに、分断された保持領域毎に個別に対応するパーツに、マウスピース６０１０が分割されていてもよい。 In the modified example relating to the sixth embodiment, the holding region may be divided into a plurality of individual sensors corresponding to the sensor system 6040 according to the second embodiment. In this case, the mouthpiece 6010 may be further divided into parts individually corresponding to each divided holding area.
　本開示は、実施例に準拠して記述されたが、本開示は当該実施例や構造に限定されるものではないと理解される。本開示は、様々な変形例や均等範囲内の変形をも包含する。加えて、様々な組み合わせや形態が本開示に示されているが、それらに一要素のみ、それ以上、あるいはそれ以下、を含む他の組み合わせや形態をも、本開示の範疇や思想範囲に入るものである。 Although this disclosure has been described in accordance with the examples, it is understood that the disclosure is not limited to the examples and structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and modifications within an equal range. In addition, although various combinations and forms are shown in this disclosure, other combinations and forms, including only one element, more, or less, are also within the scope of this disclosure. It is a thing.

Claims (12)

  1. 　口腔（３）内を検査する口腔内検査装置（１）であって、
    　複数の歯（６）が並ぶ歯並び方向（Ｄ）に沿って前記口腔内に位置決めされる可動領域（１３，２０１３）を、形成するマウスピース（１０，２０１０，３０１０，４０１０）と、
    　前記口腔内におけるセンシング範囲の前記歯へ投射した光の反射を受けることにより、当該歯の状態に応じた検査信号を出力するセンサ系（４０，２０４０，４０４０，５０４０）と、
    　前記可動領域において前記センサ系を前記歯並び方向へ駆動する駆動系（３０，２０３０，４０３０）とを、備える口腔内検査装置。     An intraoral inspection device (1) that inspects the inside of the oral cavity (3).
    A mouthpiece (10,2010,3010,4010) forming a movable region (13,2013) positioned in the oral cavity along the tooth alignment direction (D) in which a plurality of teeth (6) are lined up.
    A sensor system (40, 2040, 4040, 5040) that outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth by receiving the reflection of the light projected on the tooth in the sensing range in the oral cavity.
    An intraoral examination device including a drive system (30, 2030, 4030) that drives the sensor system in the tooth alignment direction in the movable region.
  2. 　前記可動領域（２０１３）は、前記口腔内において前記歯並び方向にずれた複数箇所に、位置決めされ、
    　前記センサ系（２０４０）及び前記駆動系（２０３０）の組は、前記可動領域毎に個別に設けられる請求項１に記載の口腔内検査装置。     The movable region (2013) is positioned at a plurality of locations deviated in the tooth alignment direction in the oral cavity.
    The intraoral examination device according to claim 1, wherein the set of the sensor system (2040) and the drive system (2030) is individually provided for each movable region.
  3. 　前記マウスピース（３０１０）は、前記可動領域毎の複数パーツ（３０１４）に、分割される請求項２に記載の口腔内検査装置。 The oral examination device according to claim 2, wherein the mouthpiece (3010) is divided into a plurality of parts (3014) for each movable region.
  4. 　口腔（３）内を検査する口腔内検査装置（１）であって、
    　複数の歯（６）が並ぶ歯並び方向（Ｄ）に沿って前記口腔内に位置決めされる保持領域（６０１３）を、形成するマウスピース（６０１０）と、
    　前記口腔内におけるセンシング範囲の前記歯へ投射した光の反射を受けることにより、当該歯の状態に応じた検査信号を出力するセンサ系として、前記センシング範囲が前記歯並び方向に互いにずれて前記保持領域に複数保持されるセンサ系（６０４０）とを、備える口腔内検査装置。     An intraoral inspection device (1) that inspects the inside of the oral cavity (3).
    A mouthpiece (6010) forming a holding region (6013) positioned in the oral cavity along a tooth alignment direction (D) in which a plurality of teeth (6) are lined up.
    As a sensor system that outputs an inspection signal according to the state of the tooth by receiving the reflection of the light projected on the tooth in the sensing range in the oral cavity, the sensing range is deviated from each other in the tooth alignment direction and the holding region. An intraoral examination device including a plurality of sensor systems (6040) held therein.
  5. 　前記センサ系（４０，２０４０，５０４０，６０４０）は、
    　前記口腔内における上顎（４）の前記歯を前記センシング範囲に収める上センサ部（４１，５０４１）と、
    　前記口腔内における下顎（５）の前記歯を前記センシング範囲に収める下センサ部（４２，５０４２）とを、有する請求項１～４のいずれか一項に記載の口腔内検査装置。     The sensor system (40, 2040, 5040, 6040) is
    The upper sensor unit (41,5041) that keeps the teeth of the upper jaw (4) in the oral cavity within the sensing range, and
    The oral cavity inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a lower sensor unit (42,5042) that keeps the teeth of the lower jaw (5) in the oral cavity within the sensing range.
  6. 　前記マウスピース（４０１０）は、
    　前記上センサ部と前記下センサ部とに個別に対応する複数パーツ（４０１４）に、分割される請求項５に記載の口腔内検査装置。     The mouthpiece (4010) is
    The intraoral examination apparatus according to claim 5, which is divided into a plurality of parts (4014) individually corresponding to the upper sensor unit and the lower sensor unit.
  7. 　前記センサ系（５０４０）は、
    　前記口腔内における前記歯の前面（６ａ）を前記センシング範囲に収める前面センサ部（５０４１ａ，５０４２ａ）と、
    　前記口腔内における前記歯の後面（６ｂ）を前記センシング範囲に収める後面センサ部（５０４１ｂ，５０４２ｂ）と、
    　前記口腔内における前記歯の頂面（６ｃ）を前記センシング範囲に収める頂面センサ部（５０４１ｃ，５０４２ｃ）とを、有する請求項１～６のいずれか一項に記載の口腔内検査装置。     The sensor system (5040) is
    A front sensor unit (5041a, 5042a) that keeps the front surface (6a) of the tooth in the oral cavity within the sensing range, and
    The rear sensor portions (5041b, 5042b) that keep the posterior surface (6b) of the tooth in the oral cavity within the sensing range, and
    The oral cavity inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an apical sensor unit (5041c, 5042c) that keeps the apical surface (6c) of the tooth in the oral cavity within the sensing range.
  8. 　請求項１～７のいずれか一項に記載の口腔内検査装置（１）と、
    　前記口腔内検査装置が備える前記センサ系（４０，２０４０，５０４０，６０４０）から出力された前記検査信号に基づく前記歯の状態を、前記口腔外に表示する表示ユニット（７）とを、含んで構成される口腔内検査システム。     The oral examination apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
    A display unit (7) that displays the state of the tooth based on the inspection signal output from the sensor system (40, 2040, 5040, 6040) included in the intraoral inspection device outside the oral cavity is included. An oral examination system that consists of.
  9. 　前記表示ユニットは、無線通信により前記センサ系から前記検査信号を受信する請求項８に記載の口腔内検査システム。 The oral examination system according to claim 8, wherein the display unit receives the inspection signal from the sensor system by wireless communication.
  10. 　前記口腔外において前記口腔内検査装置を充電し、前記口腔内における前記口腔内検査装置から切り離される充電ユニット（８）を、さらに含んで構成される請求項８又は９に記載の口腔内検査システム。 The oral examination system according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a charging unit (8) that charges the oral examination device outside the oral cavity and is separated from the oral examination device in the oral cavity. ..
  11. 　請求項１～７のいずれか一項に記載の口腔内検査装置（１）と、
    　前記口腔外において前記口腔内検査装置を充電し、前記口腔内における前記口腔内検査装置から切り離される充電ユニット（８）とを、含んで構成される口腔内検査システム。     The oral examination apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
    An oral examination system including a charging unit (8) that charges the oral examination device outside the oral cavity and is separated from the oral examination device in the oral cavity.
  12. 　前記口腔内検査装置は、
    　前記マウスピース（１０，２０１０，３０１０，４０１０，６０１０）に配置され、前記口腔外から操作されることにより、充電済の前記口腔内検査装置をオンオフする電源スイッチ（２２）を、備える請求項１０又は１１に記載の口腔内検査システム。     The oral examination device is
    10. Claim 10 comprising a power switch (22) arranged on the mouthpiece (10, 2010, 3010, 4010, 6010) and turned on / off of the charged intraoral examination device by being operated from outside the oral cavity. Or the oral examination system according to 11.
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