WO2002065937A1

WO2002065937A1 - Light applying device

Info

Publication number: WO2002065937A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/001244
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoichiro Miyasaka; Shinobu Doi
Original assignee: Dentalsystems Inc
Priority date: 2001-02-21
Filing date: 2001-02-21
Publication date: 2002-08-29
Also published as: JPWO2002065937A1

Abstract

A light applying device used to cure a photopolymer material at dental treating or the like, comprising a portable hand piece and a base unit for placing an unused hand piece thereon. The hand piece comprises a light source for producing a light of 340 nm to 430 nm, a condensing means for condensing the light from the light source, a light guide means for guiding the condensed light to a location to be irradiated, a controller for controlling the irradiation time and the intensity of the light source, and a battery for supplying power to the light source and the controller. The base unit comprises a hand-piece-handling unit, a power supply means for supplying power to the hand piece's battery, and a control unit means for programming the irradiation time and the intensity of the light source and sending the program to the controller of the hand piece. A light emitting means having a fluorescent material may be provided at an arbitrary position between the light source and the light guide means.

Description

Description Light irradiation equipment Technical field

The present invention relates to a light irradiation device used for dental treatment or the like. Background art

In dental treatment, for example, a cavity formed by an occlusal treatment or the like is filled with a photopolymerizable material and irradiated with light to polymerize and cure the cavity to fill the cavity. The adhesive is irradiated with light, polymerized and cured, and then cut, polished, etc., to restore the damaged part while giving it aesthetics. As a light source for curing a photopolymerizable material, a light irradiation device including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) has been conventionally known. As an example of such a device, Japanese Patent No. 29975222 discloses a configuration in which light from each of a plurality of LEDs is condensed by an individual optical fiber and irradiated from an irradiation head, or There is disclosed a light source device for curing a photo-curable resin having a configuration in which light of an LED is condensed by one convex lens or concave mirror and irradiated from an irradiation head. Since the device emits light with a peak emission wavelength of 43 O nm to 480 nm from the irradiation head, it is suitable for curing photopolymerized resins that are cured by light in that wavelength range.

There are several types of photopolymerizable materials, and the effective wavelength range for curing may differ depending on each type. The devices disclosed in the patents mentioned above have peak emission wavelengths between 430 nm and 480 nm, making them suitable for curing photopolymerizable materials where light in other wavelength ranges is effective for curing. Absent.

Since the light in the wavelength range of 43 O nm to 480 nm used by the device is blue light, when the light is applied to the photopolymerized material filled in the cavity of the tooth, the entire region of the oral cavity is blue. It is possible to judge the degree of curing of the photopolymerizable material by color, and to judge and identify each part in the oral cavity by color to diagnose other teeth, gums, mucous membrane, tongue, etc. It has become difficult. Although the light output from the LED is cold light, the substrate that holds the LED has heat due to the LED driving current, and the effect of this heat causes the operation of the LED to become unstable or the durability to decrease. Sometimes.

Although not disclosed in the patents mentioned above, some conventional light-curing resin curing devices have a light guide for guiding light of a light-emitting diode to a predetermined location. is there. However, the light guide is fixed and cannot be changed or replaced, so depending on the position of the teeth to be illuminated, it is necessary to change or tilt the illuminator itself. For this reason, the dentist with the light irradiation device had to take an unnatural posture.

The power cord is connected to the conventional portable light irradiator, so that when irradiating light, the power cord may interfere with the proper positioning of the irradiator. And the range of carrying the device was limited by the length of the cord.

Many switches, volumes, display windows, and the like were provided on the main body of the conventional portable light irradiation device for setting, checking, and operating the irradiation time and irradiation intensity. Some devices have a single switch with multiple functions. In such a case, the settings must be made by combining the switches, which may be troublesome and erroneous. In addition, such switches, volumes, display windows, and the like may be provided on the gripping portion. In such a device, when setting, the light irradiation device is held by one hand while being held by the other hand. The switch and the like must be operated, which is troublesome, and the switch may be erroneously operated by a hand or a finger having a grip portion during light irradiation. Also, the light output from the light irradiation device must have a wavelength range that depends on the wavelength band effective for curing the photopolymerizable substance cured by the light, and the available light source depends on the photopolymerizable substance. Will be specified. Therefore, if light having a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the light output from the light irradiation device can be used for the light output from the light source of the light irradiation device, A variety of light sources can be used, which is convenient for manufacturing a light irradiation device. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention solves the above-mentioned various problems of the prior art and achieves the conventional demand by using an LED or a laser that generates light having a peak emission wavelength range from 34 O nm to 43 nm. A light irradiating device comprising: a light source; a light condensing means for condensing light from the light source; and a light guide means for guiding the light condensed by the light converging means to a location to be irradiated.

Further, the present invention provides a light irradiation device that includes a light source and a light emitting unit that emits light when the light is emitted from the light source, and outputs the light emitted from the light emitting unit to the photocurable substance. The light emitting means comprises means coated with a fluorescent substance. In addition, the light irradiation device may include a light condensing means and a light guide means, in which case the light emitting means may be located at an arbitrary position between the light source and an output end of the light guide means. Can be provided. Further, a part of the light collecting means may function as a light emitting means by applying a fluorescent substance to a portion of the light collecting means through which light passes. Similarly, by applying a fluorescent substance to a portion of the light guide means through which light passes, a part of the light guide can be made to have a function of a light emitting means. The light irradiation device includes power supply means for supplying power to the light source, the light condensing means includes a Fresnel lens, and the light converging means includes a conical portion and a light guide that have been processed to increase light reflection efficiency. And a chuck means for holding the guide means and guiding the light to the light guide means. One surface of the Fresnel lens is coated with a fluorescent substance to constitute the surface as a light emitting means, and when light is emitted from a light source so as to pass through the surface, the surface emits light and the light guide means Light may be supplied to the light source. Also, a part of the inner surface of the chuck means is coated with a fluorescent substance, and the surface is configured as a light emitting means. When the surface is irradiated with light from a light source, the surface emits light and is applied to the light guide means. Light may be supplied. Furthermore, a fluorescent substance is applied to the end of the light guide on the light input side to constitute the end as a light emitting means. When light is applied to the end, the end emits light and the light guide is provided. Light may be output from the light output end of the gate.

In addition, the light irradiation device includes a heat radiating means near the light source, thereby dissipating heat generated by the light source. The heat radiating means has a cylindrical shape and surrounds the light source. The heat source is disposed so as to be in close contact with the mounting substrate of the light source, and efficiently conducts and dissipates heat generated from the light source. A ball bearing urged by a spring is provided inside the chuck portion, and a groove for engaging with the ball bearing is formed on an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the light guide means held by the chuck portion. When the guide means is held by the chuck, the ball bearing engages with the groove of the light guide means, so that the light guide means can be easily attached to and detached from the chuck means. It can rotate freely around its axis. Both and / or one of the light guide means attached to the chuck part and its chuck part is magnetized, so that the light guide means can be easily attached to and detached from the chuck means, and the light guide means is arranged around the axis. Can be freely rotated.

Also, the present invention provides a light source such as an LED or a laser that generates light having a peak emission wavelength range from 340 nm to 430 nm, a light condensing means for condensing light from this light source, Provided is a light irradiation device including a light guide means for guiding the light condensed by the light means to a place to be irradiated, and a controller for controlling the irradiation time and irradiation intensity of the light source. The apparatus includes a power source for supplying power to the light source and the controller. Further, the present invention provides a light irradiation device including a portable handpiece and a base portion which is placed when the handpiece is not used. The handpiece of this light irradiation device is composed of a light source such as an LED or a laser that generates light having a peak emission wavelength range from 34 O nm to 43 nm, A light guide means for guiding the light condensed by the light condensing means to a location to be irradiated, a controller for controlling the irradiation time and irradiation intensity of the light source, and a battery for supplying power to the light source and the controller. The base unit includes a holding unit for holding the handpiece, a power supply unit for supplying power to the battery of the handpiece, an irradiation time and an irradiation intensity of the light source, and a program for controlling the handpiece. And a control unit means for sending the data to the vehicle.

In addition, the handpiece of the light irradiation device includes a light source and a light emitting unit that emits light when the light is irradiated from the light source. The light emitting means includes means coated with a fluorescent substance. The handpiece may include a light collecting means and a light guide means, wherein the light emitting means includes a light source and an output end of the light guide means. Can be provided at any position between them. Further, a light emitting means may be provided in a part of the light collecting means by applying a fluorescent substance to a portion of the light collecting means through which light passes. Similarly, a light emitting means may be provided in a part of the light guide means by applying a fluorescent substance to a portion of the light guide means through which light passes.

The controller of the handpiece includes an LED that indicates the state of the irradiation time and the intensity of the light source, and an LED that indicates the voltage state of the battery. The control unit of the base unit has a switch for programming the irradiation time and irradiation intensity of the light source.The control unit of the handpiece has a memory and is set by the control unit. The program is downloaded to the memory of the controller of the handpiece. The control unit of the pace section has a display panel, and the display panel can display the program of the light source irradiation time and irradiation intensity. The control unit of the base unit can display the status of the handpiece on the display panel when the light irradiation by the handpiece is completed and the handpiece is returned to the base unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a handpiece of a light irradiation device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a base portion of the light irradiation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a state where the handpiece according to the present invention is mounted on the pace portion according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the control unit of the base portion of the light irradiation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4b is a right side view of the control unit of the pace part of the light irradiation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a device in the handpiece of the light irradiation device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a control unit of a base portion of the light irradiation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the heat radiation ring of the handpiece of the light irradiation device according to the present invention. FIG. 7B is a rear view of the heat radiating ring of the handpiece of the light irradiation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional side view of the chuck of the handpiece of the light irradiation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a rear view of the chuck of the handpiece of the light irradiation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9a is a front view of the module of the handpiece of the light irradiation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9b is a side view of the module of the handpiece of the light irradiation device according to the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a hand bead 1 of a light irradiation device according to the present invention. The outside of the handpiece 1 is covered with a case 10 formed of a translucent plastic material. An intelligent card 11 for controlling the light irradiation time and light intensity is provided in the handpiece 1, and its force is controlled by the upper unit main unit 11a and the lower unit main unit 1 1b. Consists of

Further, a light source 12 is provided in the handpiece 1, and the light source can be composed of, for example, an LED module 12 having 19 LED 12a as shown in FIG. Each LED outputs light having a wavelength band from 340 nm to 430 nm. Alternatively, instead of the LED module, a laser module 12 composed of 19 laser elements 12 a having the shape shown in FIG. 9 may be used. In this case, as each laser element, a laser element that outputs light having a wavelength band from 340 nm to 430 nm is used. Further, a light source module may be configured by combining an LED and a laser element. Since each LED and each laser element emits light having a wavelength band from 340 nm to 430 nm, this light irradiation device cures a resin or bonding agent that cures effectively in that wavelength range. Can be used for

The handpiece 1 also includes a heat radiating ring 13, a Fresnel lens L for focusing light emitted from the light source 12, a chuck 14, a light guide 15, and a light source 1 2 The switch 16 is activated to emit light, and the light 17 is connected to a base contact of the pace section, which supplies power from the outside to the battery and the light set by the control unit of the base section. A unit contact 18 for transmitting irradiation control data to the memory of the intelligent card 11, a power circuit 19 which is a control circuit for transmitting power and a program from the unit connector 18, and Is provided.

The Fresnel lens L is housed in the heat radiating ring 13 so that light does not leak outside.

As shown in the circuit of Fig. 5, the intelligent card 11 has a microcontroller (U1) for controlling the light irradiation time and light irradiation intensity and six green LEDs (D1 to D6) for displaying the mode status. ), A red LED (D19) that lights when the battery voltage drops below a predetermined voltage, and a pusher (SPK1) that notifies that a predetermined irradiation time has elapsed. Case 10 is made of translucent plastic, so that the light of six green LEDs (D1-D6) and red LED (D19) can be transmitted through the case, thereby turning off their lighting. You can check from.

The light source module 12 has 19 LEDs 12a (D7-D18, D25-D31) in the circuit diagram shown in Fig. 5, and these LEDs are connected via the relay (U3, U4, U5). Connected to the Intelligent Controller.11 microcontroller. Regiyure is intended to eliminate unevenness in the light emission intensity of these LEDs and to stabilize the light emission intensity. The nineteen LEDs are closely arranged as shown in Figs. 9a and 9b. As the light source 12, a laser element or another equivalent light emitting element can be used instead of the LED.

LEDs and laser elements that output light in the wavelength range of 340 nm to 430 nm are used. The wavelength band of the output light of the blue LED conventionally used is 440 nm to 495 nm. Since the output light of this LED and laser element has a peak emission wavelength between 340 nm and 430 nm, the light is cured by a photo-curing resin that cures effectively in a wavelength range different from that of the blue LED. Can be cured. The heat radiation ring 13 is made of an aluminum alloy having a high heat conduction effect, and is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. In addition, the heat radiating ring 13 has two screw holes 13a, and the screw holes 13a are two holes 1 2b (2b) of the base plate of the module 12 of the LED or laser element. The heat radiating ring 13 can be screwed to its base plate by a screw passing through FIG. 9). As a result, the heat radiating ring 13 can be arranged around the LED or the laser element 12a and closely adhered to the base plate, so that the heat generated in the pace plate can be efficiently conducted to the heat radiating ring. . This stabilizes the operation of the LED or laser element 12a, and improves its durability. In addition, since the heat radiating ring is made of a high-strength aluminum alloy, the strength around the module 12 can be increased, and the module can be protected.

The inner surface of the heat radiating ring 13 is coated to enhance the light reflection efficiency. Thus, loss of light emitted from the LED or the laser element 12a can be prevented and light can be efficiently transmitted to the light guide.

The chuck 14 is for connecting the light guide 15 to the tip of the handpiece 1, and is formed by cutting out an aluminum alloy to form a conical light collector 14a and a light guide as shown in FIG. The chuck 15 and the chuck 14 b for holding the end of the node 15 are integrally formed. The inner surface of the conical portion of the light collector 14a is specially processed to increase the light reflection efficiency. The light collector 14a is arranged such that the large-diameter opening side is in contact with the Fresnel lens L. Thereby, the light output from the module 12 and collected by the Fresnel lens L can be more efficiently condensed toward the chuck portion 14b by the reflection surface inside the conical portion.

A spring-loaded ball bearing is provided on the chuck portion 14b (not shown). The ball bearing engages with a groove (not shown) formed on the outer peripheral surface at the end of the light guide when the light guide 15 is inserted into the hole of the chuck portion 14b. I do. For this reason, by inserting the light guide 15 into the hole of the chuck portion 14b or pulling the light guide, the light guide can be easily attached to and detached from the chuck 14 or from the chuck. It is easy to exchange different types of light guides. In addition, the ball bearing of chuck part 14 b The light guide can be freely rotated around its axis because it can engage with the groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide 15 and move along the groove.

As another example, without providing a ball bearing in the chuck portion and without forming a groove in the light guide, by magnetizing both or one of the chuck portion and the portion inserted into the chuck portion of the light guide, They may be joined by magnetic attraction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the light guide from coming off due to a decrease in accuracy due to abrasion or interference of the joint portion, and it is not necessary to make an adjustment for preventing the light guide from coming off.

The light guide 15 is a bundle of optical fibers with excellent transparency, and as shown in Fig. 1, one end of the light guide 15 is the light input end and it is the chuck. The attached, open end is the light output end from which light is emitted. On the outer peripheral surface of the light input end of the light guide 15 on the side attached to the chuck portion 14b, a groove is formed in which the bearing of the check portion 14b is engaged. However, as shown in another example above, when magnetic force is used for bonding, the groove is not necessary. On the other hand, the light output end side is bent at an angle of 45 degrees to facilitate light irradiation. However, a light guide bent at another angle such as 60 degrees may be used. If several light guides with different angles are prepared in advance, they can be replaced if necessary. Further, the light output end is tapered so that the tip is tapered, and the light integration efficiency can be changed depending on the degree of the taper processing. If several types of light guides with different degrees of taper processing are prepared in advance, the necessary light integration efficiency can be easily achieved by replacing the light guides. When the light condensed by the chuck 14 enters from the light input end of the light guide, the optical fiber guides the light to the other open light output end, and the light output from the light output end. Is released to irradiate a predetermined location.

The battery 17 is charged with electric power supplied from a base unit described later and can be used repeatedly. If the voltage drops below the specified voltage, the red LED (D19) lights up to warn the user. If this battery has reached the end of its life, It can be replaced with a new battery.

The unit contact 18 comes in contact with a base contact of the base section described later, receives power from the outside, and supplies power to the battery 17 via the power circuit 19. In addition, as will be described later, the program is also used to receive the light irradiation time and light irradiation intensity program set by the control unit of the base unit via the pace contact of the base unit and transmit the program to the intelligent card 11. You.

The power circuit 19 functions as a control circuit for transmitting the power and program data received from the unit connection 18.

The irradiation switch 16 is a switch S1 of the circuit shown in FIG. 5. When the switch is pressed, the LED or the laser element 12a is activated, and light irradiation is performed according to a preset program.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the base 2 of the light irradiation device according to the present invention. The base part 2 is used to supply power and a program by contacting the paste tip 20, the control panel part 21 in which the control unit 21 is stored, and the unity contact of the handpiece 1. And an AC adapter 24, and a power jack 25 for connecting the AC adapter and the base connector 23.

The base stop 20 has a concave portion for accommodating the handpiece 1, and the concave portion is formed into a shape that conforms to the shape of the handpiece when it is stored and allows the handpiece to be easily removed from the concave portion. I have.

The base contact has contacts for power supply and contacts for program transmission.

AC adapter 24 converts AC 100 V to DC 12 V. The converted DC is supplied to the control unit 21 and the power supply contact of the base contact 23 via the power supply jack 25.

The control unit 21 includes a switch SI-S5 and display panels 21a and 21b as shown in FIG. 4A. Switch SI—S5 corresponds to the switches shown as S1 through S5 in the circuit shown in FIG. The switch S1 is for selecting a mode, and intense light is emitted, for example, for 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 60 seconds. This mode is used to select one mode from a mode that continuously irradiates seconds, a mode that can be set freely every second up to a maximum of 60 seconds, and a custom mode that allows you to set the irradiation program freely. Switch S4 is a switch for returning the light irradiation program setting to the default (initial setting). For example, in the initial setting, a weak light is irradiated for 6 seconds, and then a strong light is irradiated for the next 15 seconds. If so, change the current setting back to that setting. Here, the weak light is, for example, the light output when only 19 LEDs of module 12 or 7 of the laser elements 12a are turned on, and the strong light is all The output light when the LED or laser element is turned on. Switches S3 and S2 can be used when the custom mode is selected by switch S1, and are used to set the irradiation time of weak light and strong light, respectively. Whether to set strong light, weak light, or how long irradiation time depends on the type of photopolymerized resin. However, since various factors such as light irradiation angle, irradiation distance, and room temperature affect the curing of the photopolymerized resin, it is possible to change the setting according to experience. The switch S5 is for transferring (uploading) a program set by operating each switch to the memory of the intelligent card 11 of the handpiece 1. The display panels 21a and 2lb respectively display the irradiation time of weak light and the irradiation time of strong light using two-digit numbers.As shown in Fig. 6, the display panel 21a is a liquid crystal panel. The display panel 21b includes liquid crystal panels H1 and H2.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the hand beads 1 are housed in the recesses of the base portion 2. In this case, the handpiece is placed so that the unitary contact 18 of the handpiece 1 contacts the power supply contact of the base contact 23 of the base part 2. In this state, the DC converted by the AC adapter 24 is supplied to the battery 17 via the power jack 25, the base connector 23, the unit contact 18 and the power circuit 19.

Further, in this stored state, a desired light irradiation program can be set by using the switches S1 to S5 of the control unit 21. For example, press switch S1 to select the custom mode. Then press switch S 3 to illuminate When the firing time is set to 8 seconds, “0 8” is displayed on the display panel 21 a. When switch S2 is pressed to set the strong light irradiation time to 30 seconds, "30" is displayed on the display panel 21b. In this state, when the switch S5 is pressed, the set program is sent from the control unit 21 via the data contact of the base contact 23, the unity contact 18 and the power circuit 19. It is uploaded to the memory of the intelligent card 11 and stored there. When such setting and uploading are performed a plurality of times, a plurality of different programs can be stored in the memory.

When performing light irradiation after setting the light irradiation time and light irradiation intensity as described above, first take out the handpiece from the base unit 2. In this case, since the power cord is not connected, it is easy to handle and can be carried freely. Here, if necessary, the light guide can be replaced with a light guide having another light integration efficiency and another light guide having a different bending angle at the tip. The replacement is accomplished by pulling out the currently installed light guide 15 from the chuck 14 and then inserting the end of another desired light guide into the chuck 14 a of the chuck 14. Do. Next, the light output end of the tip of the light guide 15 is turned to the position where light irradiation is performed. For example, in the case where the cavity formed by an occlusal treatment or the like is filled with the light-curing resin, the light output end of the light guide 15 is directed to the light-curing resin of the tooth cavity. At that time, the light guide can rotate around its axis, so that its tip can be easily directed to the predetermined position.

Next, the irradiation switch 16 of the hand bead 1 is pressed. At this point, there is no need to set the light irradiation time and the like. When the switch is pressed, the microcontroller U1 of the intelligent card 11 executes light irradiation according to the program stored in the memory. For example, as described above, when the handpiece 1 is stored in the base unit 2, the custom mode is selected to irradiate weak light for 8 seconds, and then set to irradiate strong light for 30 seconds. In this case, light irradiation is automatically performed according to the procedure. Since the switches are not provided on the handpiece 1, no misoperation of the switches is performed during the irradiation.

When the prescribed light irradiation is completed, the user returns the handpiece 1 to the base unit 2. So At this time, the unit contact 18 of the handpiece 1 is brought into contact with the base contact 23 of the base 1. At this time, the program data stored in the memory of the intelligent force 11 of the handpiece 1 is downloaded to the control unit 21 and the contents can be confirmed on the display panel. In addition, the bidirectional communication function between the microcontroller U1 of the intelligent power of the handpiece and the control unit 21 allows the LED or laser element in the handpiece 1, the intelligent card 11, the battery The condition of 17 can be confirmed. As a result, if an abnormal state is found in any part, it is displayed on the display panel. Also, while the handpiece 1 is placed on the base part 2, the battery 17 of the handpiece 1 is charged, and the next light irradiation can be performed immediately.

Next, another embodiment of the handpiece of the light irradiation device of the present invention will be described. This alternative embodiment includes a light emitting means made of a fluorescent material. The light emitting means emits light of a wavelength corresponding to the substance from the fluorescent substance when irradiated with light from a light source. The light emitting means can be formed in a part of the Fresnel lens L by applying a fluorescent substance to one surface of the Fresnel lens L in FIG. 1, for example. In such a case, when light is emitted from the light source module 12 so as to pass through the Fresnel lens L, the fluorescent substance applied to the Fresnel lens L emits light, and the light is emitted to the check box 14 and the light guide. Will be supplied to C1-5. For example, the light source of an LED or a laser element outputs light in the wavelength range of 340 nm to 430 nm, and the fluorescent substance emits light in the wavelength range of 430 nm to 530 nm. When generating light, the light output from the light output end of the light guide 15 is light having a wavelength determined by the fluorescent substance. Therefore, for example, even if the light source outputs light in the wavelength range of 340 nm to 430 nm, the light output from the light output end of the light guide 15 will be It becomes light in the wavelength range of 30 nm. This makes it possible to cure the resin or bonding agent that cures in that wavelength range, regardless of the wavelength range of the light from the light source.

In addition, the light-emitting means can be formed in a part of the chuck by applying a fluorescent substance to the inner surface of the chuck 14 in FIG. 1, for example. In this case When light from the light source module 12 passes through the Fresnel lens L and strikes the inner surface of the chuck 14, the fluorescent material applied there emits light and directs the light toward the light input end of the light guide 15. Supply. Also in this case, the light output from the light output end of the light guide 15 becomes light having a wavelength determined by the fluorescent substance. When the fluorescent substance emits light in the wavelength range of 430 nm to 530 nm, the light is output from the light output end of the light guide 15. The light becomes light in a wavelength range of 4300 nm to 5300 nm. Thus, even in this case, regardless of the wavelength range of the light from the light source, it becomes possible to cure the resin or the bonding agent that cures in that wavelength range.

In addition, the light emitting means can be formed on the surface of the light guide 15 by applying a fluorescent substance to the surface at the light input side in FIG. 1, for example. In this case, when light from the light source module 12 passes through the Fresnel lens L and is condensed, further reflected by the inner surface of the chuck 14 and condensed on the light input side end of the light guide, The fluorescent material applied to the end face emits light and supplies light to the light output end via the light guide 15. As a result, the light output from the light output end of the light guide 15 has a wavelength determined by the fluorescent substance. For this reason, for example, the light source of the LED or laser element outputs light in the wavelength range of 340 nm to 430 nm, and the fluorescent substance emits light in the wavelength range of 430 nm to 530 nm. When light is generated, the light output from the light output end of the light guide 15 is light in a wavelength range from 430 nm to 530 nm. This makes it possible to cure a resin or bonding agent that cures in that wavelength range, regardless of the wavelength range of the light from the light source.

Further, the light emitting means can be composed of a light transmitting member and a fluorescent substance applied to the light transmitting member. In FIG. 1, for example, it can be arranged between the module 12 of the light source and the Fresnel lens L or between the Fresnel lens L and the light guide 15.

When the light transmitting member is arranged between the module 12 of the light source and the Fresnel lens L, the light output from the module 12 of the light source is radiated so as to be transmitted therethrough. Will be. At that time, the light causes the fluorescent substance to emit light, and the light is focused on the light input end of the light guide 15 by passing through the Fresnel lens L and reflecting on the inner surface of the chuck 14, and the light guide 15 Is output from the light output end. The output light is light having a wavelength determined by the fluorescent substance.

When the light transmitting member is disposed between the Fresnel lens L and the light input end of the light guide L, the light output from the module 12 of the light source passes through the Fresnel lens L and passes through the chuck 14. The light is condensed on the light input end of the light guide 15 via the reflection on the inner surface, and the fluorescent substance emits light at the light input end. The light travels through the light guide 15 and is output from the light output end. The output light is light having a wavelength determined by the fluorescent substance.

As another example, the light emitting means may be configured by applying a fluorescent substance to a light reflecting member, and the light emitting means may be arranged, for example, near the inner surface of the condensing portion 14 a of the chuck 14. In that case, the light output from the module 12 collides with the light reflecting member after passing through the Fresnel lens L. When the light collides with the fluorescent substance at that time, the fluorescent substance emits light, and the light is supplied to the light input end of the light guide 15. The light then travels through the light guide and is output from the light output end. Also in this case, the output light becomes light having a wavelength determined by the fluorescent substance.

As is clear from the above description, the light irradiation device according to the present invention uses an LED, a laser element, or the like that emits light in a wavelength range of 340 nm to 430 nm as a light source. Resins and bonding agents that cure in a different wavelength range than LEDs can be used. In addition, since a fluorescent substance is used for light emission, light in various wavelength ranges can be output according to the fluorescent substance without depending on the wavelength range of light from the light source.

Further, according to the light irradiation device of the present invention, the handpiece has a controller for controlling the irradiation time and irradiation intensity of the battery and the light source, so that the handpiece can be carried. In addition, the light irradiation device according to the present invention includes a handpiece and a base unit, and can set the irradiation time and irradiation intensity of the light source in the base unit, and can send the program to the controller of the handpiece. With the control unit, it is possible to prevent the switches such as settings from being erroneously operated during light irradiation. Wear. In addition, since the handpiece and the base are connected via contacts, the contents of the program stored in the handpiece can be confirmed by the base by the mutual communication function of the two, and the hand The condition of each part of the piece can be checked.

Furthermore, according to the light irradiation device of the present invention, since the heat radiating ring is used for heat radiation of the light source, the operation of the light source can be stabilized, and the durability can be improved. In addition, a chuck is provided between the light guide and the LED, and the inner surface of the chuck is processed to increase the light reflection efficiency, so that the efficiency of condensing light from the light source to the light guide can be improved. it can.

Claims

Claims: A light source that generates light having a peak emission wavelength range from 340 nm to 430 nm, light collecting means for collecting light from the light source, and light collected by the light collecting means A light guide means for guiding light to a location to be irradiated.

The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is an LED or a laser element.

The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a combination of an LED and a laser element.

The light irradiation device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source.

The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the light condensing means for condensing the light from the light source includes a Fresnel lens.

The light irradiating device according to claim 1, wherein the light condensing means holds the conical portion on which the processing for increasing the light reflection efficiency is performed and the light guide means and directs the light to the light guide means. A light irradiating device including a chuck means including a guiding chuck portion;

2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat radiating means near the light source, thereby dissipating heat generated by the light source.

8. The light irradiating device according to claim 7, wherein the heat radiating means has a cylindrical shape, and is arranged so as to surround the light source and to be in close contact with a mounting substrate of the light source, and to efficiently conduct and radiate heat generated from the light source. Light irradiating device.

7. The light irradiation device according to claim 6, wherein a ball bearing urged by a spring is provided inside the chuck portion, and the ball is provided on an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the light guide means held by the chuck portion. When a groove for engaging with the bearing is formed and the light guide means is held by the chuck portion, the ball bearing engages with the groove of the light guide means, whereby the light guide is formed. A light irradiating device in which the means can be easily attached to and detached from the chuck means, and the light guide means can freely rotate around the axis.

0. The light irradiation device according to claim 6, wherein the chuck portion and the chuck portion are attached. Both or one of the parts of the light guide means to be attached are magnetized, so that the light guide means can be easily attached to and detached from the chuck means, and the light guide means freely rotates around the axis. A light irradiating device capable of generating light having a peak emission wavelength range from 1.340 nm to 4300 nm; a light collecting means for collecting light from the light source; A light irradiation device, comprising: a light guide means for guiding the condensed light to a place to be irradiated; and a controller for controlling the irradiation time and irradiation intensity of the light source.

2. The light irradiation device according to claim 11, wherein the light source is an LED or a laser element.

3. The light irradiation device according to claim 11, wherein the light source is a combination of an LED and a laser element.

4. The light irradiation device according to claim 11, further comprising power supply means for supplying power to the light source and the controller.

5. A light irradiation device comprising a portable handpiece and a pace portion to be placed when the handpiece is not used,

A light source that emits light having a peak emission wavelength range from 340 nm to 430 nm; a light condensing means for condensing light from the light source; Light guide means for guiding the emitted light to a location to be illuminated; a controller for controlling the illumination time and the illumination intensity of the light source; and a battery for supplying power to the light source and the controller.

The base unit can program a holding unit that holds the handpiece, a power supply unit that supplies power to a battery of the hand bead, and an irradiation time and an irradiation intensity of the light source. A control unit for sending the handpiece to a controller of the handpiece.

6. The light irradiation device according to claim 15, wherein the light source is an LED or a laser.

7. The light irradiation device according to claim 15, wherein the light source comprises a combination of an LED and a laser.

8. The light irradiation device according to claim 15, wherein the controller of the handpiece includes an LED representing an irradiation time and an irradiation intensity state of the light source and an LED representing a voltage state of the battery.

9. The light irradiation device according to claim 15, wherein the control unit of the base unit includes a switch for programming an irradiation time and an irradiation intensity of the light source, and a controller of the handpiece includes a memory. A light irradiation device, comprising: a program set by the control unit, which is uploaded to a memory of a controller of the handpiece.

0. The light irradiation device according to claim 15, wherein the control unit of the base unit includes a display panel, and the display panel displays contents of a program of an irradiation time and an irradiation intensity of the light source. Light irradiation device that can.

15. The light irradiating apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control unit means of the base unit is configured to perform the operation when the handpiece has completed the light irradiation and the handpiece is returned to the base unit. A light irradiation device capable of displaying a state of the handpiece on the display panel.

2. A light irradiation device comprising: a light source; and a light emitting unit that emits light when the light is irradiated from the light source, and outputs the light emitted from the light emitting unit to the photocurable substance.

3. The light irradiation device according to claim 22, wherein the light-emitting means is light irradiation containing a fluorescent substance. 4. The light irradiation device according to claim 22, further comprising a light-collecting means for collecting light from the light source; A light guide means for guiding light from the light condensing means to a location to be irradiated.

5. The light irradiation device according to claim 22, wherein the light-emitting means is constituted by a part of the light-collecting means by applying a fluorescent substance to the light-collecting means. 6. The light irradiating apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the light emitting means is formed of a part of a light guide by applying a fluorescent substance to the light guide means. 7. A portable handpiece and the hand A light irradiating device comprising a base portion to be placed when the piece is not used, The handpiece includes a light source and a light emitting unit that emits light when light is emitted from the light source, and is configured to output the light emitted from the light emitting unit toward a photocurable substance. A controller for controlling an irradiation time and an irradiation intensity of a light source; a battery for supplying power to the light source and the controller; the pace unit; a holding unit for holding the hand beads; and a battery for the handpiece. A light irradiation device comprising: a power supply means for supplying electric power to the light source; and a control unit for transmitting the program to a controller of the handpiece, wherein the irradiation time and the irradiation intensity of the light source can be programmed. apparatus.