Illumination apparatus for diagnosis, surgery or therapy

Abstract

This invention relates to an illumination instrument (1) for diagnosis, treatment, or surgery of a body part, comprising: at least one optical fiber (4) for transmitting electromagnetic radiation directly from an electromagnetic radiation source (3) to the body part; and a housing (5) supporting the optical fiber (4); the optical axis of the optical output end of the optical fiber (4) extends circumferentially in an illumination portion (52a) within the housing (5), the illumination portion (52a) being annular and arranged facing the body part; the optical fiber (4) in the illumination portion (52a) having one or more diffusion regions (4a) for transmitting electromagnetic radiation through its circumferential surface. The surface (4b) diffuses to the outside of the optical fiber (4); the coupling device (2) supports the electromagnetic radiation source (3) to generate electromagnetic radiation, characterized in that it further includes: a conversion member (6) supported by the housing (5) without directly contacting the electromagnetic radiation source (3) and arranged between the diffuse region (4a) and the body part for converting the electromagnetic radiation into visible light to illuminate the body part, and wherein the light incident end of the optical fiber (4) is directly optically connected to the electromagnetic radiation source (3), wherein the conversion member (6) is outside the optical junction between the light incident end of the optical fiber (4) and the electromagnetic radiation source (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to lighting instruments for diagnosis, surgery, or treatment. More specifically, it relates to a lighting dental instrument for drilling, scaling, spraying, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Dental instruments used for drilling, scaling, or spraying typically require illumination to allow dentists to see the area being treated clearly. Any sharp edges or colored streaks in the lighting can cause rapid eye strain for dentists. Furthermore, the shadows cast by tools—drills, scalers, and air / water jets—can make working difficult for dentists. Therefore, it is generally desirable to have concentrated and even illumination over relatively large areas. White LED technology is commonly used for illumination in dental instruments due to its high luminous efficiency. Most white LEDs are manufactured as phosphor-conversion LEDs, which have a blue light-emitting diode covered with a yellow phosphor. The yellow phosphor emits white light when excited by blue light. LED technology is more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but overheating can lead to reduced light output and LED degradation when used in environments with limited cooling.

[0003] DE10209194A1 discloses a handheld dental instrument for use with a detachable coupling device having a light source for illuminating an object. The handheld dental instrument includes a light guide arranged to transmit light from the light source to a body part. The light source is an LED with an integrated phosphor. The handheld dental instrument has a housing supporting the light guide. The housing is detachably attached to the coupling device.

[0004] US2014 / 0134568 A1 discloses a medical / dental instrument with a light-emitting device having an LED with a phosphor integrated in the head portion.

[0005] US2007 / 0121786 A1 discloses a diagnostic / therapeutic instrument, such as a handheld device having a dental instrument tool and a light radiating unit having an LED with an integrated phosphor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide an illumination instrument for diagnosis, surgery or treatment that has improved illumination.

[0007] This objective is achieved by the illumination instrument for diagnosis, surgery, or treatment as defined in claim 1. The subject matter of the dependent claims relates to further developments.

[0008] This invention provides an illumination instrument for diagnosis, treatment, or surgery on a body part. The illumination instrument includes: at least one optical fiber for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source to the body part; and a housing supporting the optical fiber. The optical axis of the optical fiber is arranged circumferentially in an illumination portion within the housing. The illumination portion is annular and arranged facing the body part. The optical fiber in the illumination portion has one or more diffusion regions for diffusing the electromagnetic radiation through a circumferential surface to the outside of the optical fiber. The illumination instrument also includes a conversion member, preferably a phosphor, supported by the housing without directly contacting the electromagnetic radiation source, and arranged between the diffusion region and the body part for converting the electromagnetic radiation into visible light to illuminate the body part. The conversion member is located outside the optical junction between the optical fiber and the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0009] A key advantage of this invention is that a relatively large area can be strongly and uniformly illuminated by the diffused region of the circumferential surface of the optical fiber, which is arranged circumferentially in the ring illumination section of the lighting instrument. Another key advantage is that overheating of the electromagnetic radiation source is prevented because the conversion component is positioned away from the electromagnetic radiation source, i.e., on the light-emitting side exposed by the diffused region. Therefore, temperature-related color shifts in the illumination can be prevented. Consequently, the radiation output of the electromagnetic radiation source can generally be increased, and the illumination efficiency can be improved. The lifespan of the electromagnetic radiation source can be extended, and the need for maintenance can be avoided or reduced. Due to the suppression of overheating, the electromagnetic radiation source can operate safely even at higher radiation output levels to obtain stronger illumination. Furthermore, due to the suppression of overheating, the user can hold the lighting instrument more safely and comfortably during application. For example, it can prevent the user's hands from sweating.

[0010] According to embodiments of the invention, the lighting instrument is preferably adapted for use with a coupling device having an electromagnetic radiation source, such as an LED or laser diode, without a conversion component such as a phosphor. The coupling device is preferably detachably attached to a housing. Alternatively, the coupling device can be an integral part of the lighting instrument. The coupling device preferably has a flexible hose comprising at least wires for connection to a power source supplying power to the electromagnetic radiation source. In this embodiment, the coupling device and the lighting instrument constitute a lighting system. Alternatively, the coupling device can be battery-powered. The battery is replaceable and / or rechargeable via a charging adapter. Alternatively, the flexible hose of the coupling device can have an additional optical fiber for transmitting electromagnetic radiation to the lighting instrument.

[0011] According to embodiments of the invention, the diffuse region preferably has a size and shape that matches the geometry of the area to be illuminated. The diffuse region preferably extends over the entire illumination portion. Alternatively, multiple identical diffuse regions are arranged at regular intervals along the annular illumination portion. Alternatively, the diffuse regions may be arranged at irregular intervals along the annular illumination portion.

[0012] According to embodiments of the invention, the optical fiber is preferably arranged in a groove formed on the surface of the housing. The groove is preferably provided with dimensions and shape matching the optical fiber. The cross-section of the groove is preferably parabolic to obtain uniform illumination toward the body part. However, the groove can have various cross-sections. For example, the cross-section is alternatively U-shaped. The depth of the groove is preferably slightly greater than the diameter of the optical fiber to provide space for filling a translucent sealing material, which preferably has light-diffusing properties.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, the illumination portion preferably has a reflective surface to reflect light toward the body part. The reflective surface is obtained by polishing the groove. Alternatively, the groove may be coated with a reflective material. Alternatively, discrete annular optical reflective surfaces are arranged in the groove behind the optical fiber.

[0014] According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more lenses are preferably arranged between the diffused area and the body part. The lenses are preferably annular. Therefore, the size and shape of the illumination can be adjusted according to the specific application.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the illumination instrument preferably includes a dental device, such as a dental sprayer, dental drill, or dental scaler, or a camera for medical imaging. The camera may be sensitive to visible, ultraviolet, or infrared light. In these embodiments, in addition to electrical wires, the hose of the coupling device is preferably provided with a supply line for pressurized air and / or pressurized liquid. The dental sprayer has nozzles for spraying pressurized air and pressurized liquid. The dental drill has a hub and a drill bit supported by the hub. The dental drill is preferably turbine-driven. Alternatively, an electric motor can be used. The dental scaler has a tip for scaling teeth. The housing preferably has a gripping portion and a head portion for supporting the respective dental device and / or camera. An annular illumination portion is located in the head portion around the camera, nozzle, or drill bit or scaling tip to obtain uniform illumination without shadows.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical fiber preferably extends from the gripping portion to the illumination portion in the head portion inside the housing.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present invention, the diffuse region of the optical fiber preferably has at least one structure suitable for scattering electromagnetic radiation to the outside. This structure includes voids and / or particles formed within the optical fiber. These structures are preferably formed in the core and / or cladding of the optical fiber. The optical fiber in the illumination portion has no protective coating to allow electromagnetic radiation to diffuse through the circumferential surface.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation source is preferably adapted to selectively emit blue, violet, or infrared light by a user. The conversion component has a conversion material, preferably a phosphor and / or lanthanide-doped nanoparticles. The lanthanide-doped nanoparticles convert near-infrared light into near-ultraviolet light suitable for bioimaging. The conversion material is preferably coated onto an optical fiber in a corresponding diffuse region. Alternatively, the conversion material is arranged near the corresponding diffuse region. Different diffuse regions may have different compositions of conversion material for illumination and / or medical imaging. Attached Figure Description

[0019] In the following description, the invention will be described in more detail by using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a lighting system having a lighting instrument and a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a central lighting instrument;

[0022] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the coupling device;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic bottom view of the head section of a central lighting instrument;

[0024] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 The head part of the medium lighting instrument along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line AA in the diagram;

[0025] Figure 4B The head portion of the lighting instrument according to another embodiment is along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line AA in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 4C The head portion of the lighting instrument according to another embodiment is along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line AA in the diagram;

[0027] Figure 4D The head portion of the lighting instrument according to another embodiment is along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line AA in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic partial top view of the lighting instrument, showing the distribution of the illumination light.

[0029] The reference numerals shown in the accompanying drawings denote the elements listed below and will be referred to in the subsequent description of exemplary embodiments.

[0030] 1. Lighting instruments

[0031] 2. Coupling device

[0032] 3. Electromagnetic radiation sources

[0033] 4. Optical fiber

[0034] 4a. Diffuse region

[0035] 4b. Circumferential surface

[0036] 5. Housing

[0037] 51. Grasping part

[0038] 52. Head section

[0039] 52a. Lighting section

[0040] 52b. Groove

[0041] 6. Conversion components

[0042] 6a. Conversion materials

[0043] 7. Reflective surface

[0044] 8. Dental drill device

[0045] 8a. Hub

[0046] 8b. Drill bit

[0047] 9. Lighting System

[0048] 10. Hose

[0049] 11. Lens

[0050] 12. Diffuser Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 A lighting system (9) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the lighting system (9) has a lighting instrument (1) and a coupling device (2). The lighting instrument (1) is suitable for diagnosis, treatment, or surgery on body parts. The lighting instrument (1) is adapted for use with the coupling device (2). Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the lighting instrument (1) and the coupling device (2) are detachably attached. The housing (5) of the lighting instrument (1) can be detachably attached to the coupling device (2). Alternatively, the coupling device (2) can be fixed to the housing (5) so that the user cannot remove it. Figure 2B As shown, the coupling device (2) has an electromagnetic radiation source (3) for generating electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation source (3) is preferably an LED with an integrated phosphor element that does not directly contact the semiconductor. The coupling device (2) has a flexible tube (10) for supplying power to the electromagnetic radiation source (3). Figure 2A and Figure 3 As shown, the housing (5) has a gripping portion (51) and a head portion (52). Figure 3 As shown, the head portion (52) has an illumination portion (52a). The illumination instrument (1) has an optical fiber (4) for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source (3) to the illumination portion (52a) facing the body part. Figure 3 As shown, the optical fiber (4) is a single unit with a light output end and a light incident end. Therefore, illumination loss can be minimized. The light output end is in the head portion (52), and the light incident end is in the gripping portion (51). Alternatively, the optical fiber (4) can have exactly two parts, one of which can have a light output end located in the head portion (52), and the second part can have a light incident end located in the gripping portion (51). This simplifies the assembly process. The two parts can be connected during the assembly of the gripping portion (51) and the head portion (52). The optical fiber (4) is supported by the housing (5) of the illumination instrument (1). The optical fiber (4) extends from the gripping portion (51) to the illumination portion (52a) of the head portion (52) within the housing (5). Figure 3 As shown, the optical axis of the optical output end of the optical fiber (4) extends circumferentially in the illumination portion (52a) of the housing (5). The illumination portion (52a) is annular and arranged to face the body part. Figure 4A It shows Figure 1 The lighting part (52a) of the lighting instrument (1) along Figure 3 The image shows a cross-sectional view taken from line AA. The illumination part (52a) has a groove (52b) on the surface of the housing (5). The optical axis of the light output end of the optical fiber (4) is arranged circumferentially in the groove (52b). The groove 52b matches the shape of the light output end of the optical fiber 4. Figure 4AAs shown, the optical fiber (4) in the illumination section (52a) has a diffuse region (4a) for diffusing electromagnetic radiation through a circumferential surface (4b) to the outside of the optical fiber (4). The light-incident end of the optical fiber (4) is directly connected / coupled to the electromagnetic radiation source (3). The diffuse region (4a) is annular and extends throughout the illumination section (52a). The illumination section (52a) has a reflective surface (7). The diffuse region (4a) of the optical fiber (4) has a structure suitable for scattering electromagnetic radiation to the outside. This structure includes voids and particles. The electromagnetic radiation source (3) is an LED suitable for emitting blue light. The blue-emitting LED does not have a phosphor coating to prevent overheating inside the gripping section (51). Alternatively, an LED emitting violet light can be used. Figure 4A As shown, the conversion component (6) is supported by the housing (5) and arranged between the diffuse region (4a) and the body part to convert electromagnetic radiation into visible light to illuminate the body part. Figure 4A As shown, the conversion component (6) has a conversion material (6a) directly disposed on the corresponding diffuse region (4a). The conversion material (6a) includes a phosphor. Figures 4B to 4C An alternative version of this embodiment is shown. For example... Figure 4B and Figure 4D As shown, the conversion material (6a) is arranged as a thick layer on the corresponding diffuse region (4a). Figure 4C As shown, the conversion material (6a) is coated on the diffuse region (4a). Figure 4C As shown, an additional diffuser (12) is arranged between the diffuse region (4a) and the body part. As shown in 4D, a lens (11) is arranged between the diffuse region (4a) and the body part. The gap in the groove 52b is filled with a heat-resistant transparent sealing material. Figure 1 As shown, the lighting instrument (1) has a dental drill device (8). The dental drill device (8) has a hub (8a) and a drill bit (8b) supported by the hub (8a). The head portion (52) supports the hub (8a). Figure 3 As shown, the illumination part (52a) is located in the head part (52) surrounding the hub (8a). Alternatively, the illumination instrument (1) may be equipped with a dental spray device, a dental scraper device, and / or a camera. The camera may be detachably attached to the outside of the housing (5) via a retainer on the housing (5). The retainer may also be integrated or detachable. The camera is arranged to observe the illuminated area under the head part (52). Based on the acquired images, the alignment / position of the illumination instrument (1), particularly the dental drill, scraper, and nozzle, can be determined, and thus feedback for guidance can be provided to the user based on planned manipulation. The camera is preferably a 2D or 3D camera.

Claims

1. An illumination instrument (1) for diagnostics, therapy or surgery of a body part, comprising: at least one optical fiber (4) for direct transmission of electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source (3) to the body part; and a housing (5) supporting the optical fiber (4); an optical axis of a light output end of the optical fiber (4) extends circumferentially in an illumination portion (52a) of the housing (5), the illumination portion (52a) being ring-shaped and arranged to face the body part; the optical fiber (4) in the illumination portion (52a) has one or more diffusion regions (4a) for diffusing electromagnetic radiation through a circumferential surface (4b) of the optical fiber to the outside of the optical fiber (4), a coupling device (2) supporting the electromagnetic radiation source (3) for generating electromagnetic radiation, characterized in that the illumination instrument further comprising: a conversion member (6) supported by the housing (5) without direct contact to the electromagnetic radiation source (3) and arranged between the diffusion region (4a) and the body part for converting the electromagnetic radiation into visible light to illuminate the body part, and wherein a light input end of the optical fiber (4) is directly optically connected with the electromagnetic radiation source (3), wherein the conversion member (6) is outside an optical joint between the light input end of the optical fiber (4) and the electromagnetic radiation source (3).

2. The lighting instrument (1) as defined in claim 1, characterized in that The coupling device (2) is detachably attached to the housing (5).

3. The lighting instrument (1) as defined in claim 2, characterized in that The housing (5) has a grip portion (51) and a head portion (52), wherein the illumination portion (52a) is located in the head portion (52), wherein the coupling device (2) is detachably attached to the grip portion (51).

4. The lighting instrument (1) as defined in claim 3, characterized in that The optical fiber (4) extending between the light output end and the light input end is a single piece optical fiber (4), wherein the conversion member (6) and the light output end are located in the head portion (52), and wherein the light input end is located in the grip portion (51).

5. The lighting instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The diffusion region (4a) is also ring-shaped and extends over the entire illumination portion (52a) in order to generate ring-shaped illumination.

6. The lighting instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The illumination portion (52a) comprises a recess (52b) on a surface of the housing (5), wherein the recess (52b) matches a shape of the optical fiber (4).

7. The lighting instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The illumination portion (52a) comprises a reflective surface (7).

8. The lighting instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that One or more lenses (11) are further included, which are arranged between the diffusion region (4a) and the body part, respectively.

9. An illumination appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that A dental spray device with one or more nozzles is further included, wherein the housing (5) has a grip portion (51) and a head portion (52) for supporting the dental spray device, and wherein the illumination portion (52a) is located in the head portion (52) around the nozzles of the dental spray device.

10. An illumination appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that Also included is a dental drill device (8) having a hub (8a) and a drill bit (8b) supported by the hub (8a), wherein the housing (5) has a grip portion (51) and a head portion (52) for supporting the hub (8a), wherein the illumination portion (52a) is located in the head portion (52) around the hub (8a).

11. The lighting instrument (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that Also included is a dental scaler device having a tip, wherein the housing (5) has a grip portion (51) and a head portion (52) for supporting the tip, wherein the illumination portion (52a) is located in the head portion (52) around the tip.

12. The lighting instrument (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The optical fiber (4) extends within the housing (5) from the grip portion (51) to the illumination portion (52a) of the head portion (52).

13. The lighting instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that One or more of the diffusing regions (4a) of the optical fiber (4) each has at least a structure adapted to scatter the electromagnetic radiation to the outside, wherein the structure comprises voids and / or particles.

14. The lighting instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The electromagnetic radiation source (3) is adapted to emit blue light.

15. The lighting instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The electromagnetic radiation source (3) is adapted to emit violet light.

16. The lighting fixture (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The electromagnetic radiation source (3) is adapted to emit infrared light.

17. The lighting instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The conversion member (6) comprises a conversion material (6a) which is coated on or arranged separately next to the respective diffusing region (4a).

18. An illumination appliance (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that The conversion material (6a) comprises a phosphor and / or lanthanide-doped nanoparticles.

19. The lighting instrument (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Also included is: a hose (10) for supplying at least power to the coupling device (2).

20. The lighting fixture (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Also included is: a camera arranged to observe the illuminated area through the illumination portion (52a).

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