An ophthalmic device comprising a magnetic chin rest.

Abstract

Ophthalmic device (1) comprising a chin rest (2, 34) which is attached to a chin rest support (3, 26) via a magnetic attachment, characterized in that the magnetic attachment is designed to be released when a foreign body (8) becomes trapped between the chin rest (2, 34) and the chin rest support support (3, 26) and / or between the chin rest (2, 34) and at least a part of an upper surface (7) of the device (1) on which the chin rest (2, 34) rests.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device and a chin rest thereof using magnetic attachment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Ophthalmic devices for eye measurement, eye examination, or eye treatment have a chin rest to stabilize a patient's head and fix it in an appropriate position during examination, measurement, or treatment. This serves to align the patient's eye in an appropriate position (e.g., centering for an eye examination in an autorefractor) by adjusting the head position. The chin rest, together with a forehead rest, determines and adjusts the positioning of the head relative to the device by moving it vertically, ensuring that the head is correctly positioned and fixed between the chin rest and forehead rest during the procedure.

[0003] Generally, the chin rest is a unit connected to and motorized by a chin rest support. In this regard, ophthalmic devices already available on the market are designed to have a chin rest that is essentially an integral part of the device. This means that the chin rest is either an integral part of the device or is almost permanently attached to the chin rest support by a press fit, a screw connection, etc., which requires considerable force or handling to detach. Most chin rest supports are motorized, allowing them to move vertically.

[0004] For example, the Zeiss i. Profiler provides a chin rest as an integral part of the device itself, with the chin rest forming a single integral unit with the chin rest support. The Huvitz Auto Ref-Keratometer HRK-9000A features a press-fitted chin rest to a chin rest support; this is a type of attachment between two closely fitting parts, creating a joint that is held together by friction after the parts are pushed together. Therefore, the chin rest cannot be separated from the chin rest support without considerable effort, time, and effort. Both the Topcon KR-800S and the Zeiss Visuref 100 utilize a screw connection between a chin rest and a chin rest support. The conventional chin rest, which is essentially integrated into the device, is difficult to clean and maintain.As the importance of disinfecting and sterilizing products and items that frequently come into contact with many different people has recently increased, there is a greater need for a chin rest that is easy to clean and maintain. CN20763762U describes an approach that uses a disposable cover that can be placed over the top of the chin rest, but this is cumbersome and not environmentally friendly.

[0005] Since during the operation of ophthalmic devices, there is a likelihood that a patient's hand(s) will be placed near an upper surface of the device on which the chin rest rests, there is a risk that the patient may injure or pinch their fingers if the chin rest comes fully down to the surface of the device. That is, while the chin rest is attached to the chin rest support, it is moved up or down during the positioning of a patient's head by adjusting the length of the chin rest support. Since a gap is created between the chin rest and the surface of the ophthalmic device due to the height adjustment of the chin rest support, there is a risk that the patient may pinch their fingers if, for example, they place their fingers on the surface of the device on which the chin rest will ultimately rest when the chin rest support is at its lowest level, i.e.to the same level as the surface of the device. In such a case, the gap disappears when the chin rest support is moved down to near the same level as the surface of the device and the chin rest impacts the surface of the device where the patient's fingers are frequently placed, thereby injuring the patient's hands or fingers. Traditionally, the solution to this problem is based on the principle of "form follows function," which means that the chin rest and chin rest support are designed such that a substantial gap must be present or maintained from the surface of the ophthalmic device. This type of injury can also be prevented by taking countermeasures such as force sensing by the motor in the chin rest and / or chin rest support or automatic stopping at a predetermined distance.However, this technology can be expensive and requires increased development and design effort.

[0006] CN215078330U relates to a portable ophthalmic device and provides a magnetic chin rest that is detachable from a chin rest placement table to make the device as compact as possible. While CN215078330U provides a magnetic chin rest, the focus is on providing a portable device, ignoring the problem of finger injury and entrapment. Here, the magnetic connection does not serve to prevent finger injury and entrapment. As is clear from its figures, the magnetic connection does not provide any safety measures for the patient but merely serves to improve the portability of the device. Due to a chin rest placement table connected to the shortening bar, which is wider than the shortening bar, this device still poses a risk of finger injury and entrapment.This means that during operation (height adjustment), nothing would come between the chin rest and the chin rest placement table, or between the chin rest and the surface of the device, because the chin rest placement table is wider than the chin rest, and the chin rest is not in direct contact with the surface of the device, even when the shortening bar is set to its shortest range. Fingers can only get caught between the chin rest placement table and the surface, which are not magnetically connected.

[0007] Therefore, conventional ophthalmic devices in which the height of the chin rest is adjusted by a vertical movement of a part connected to the chin rest still pose a risk of patient injury. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Starting from CN215078330U, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a chin rest of an ophthalmic device that is easy to clean and maintain while economically preventing patient injury.

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by an ophthalmological device and a chin rest thereof, wherein the attachment of the chin rest to a chin rest support of the device is carried out by magnetic attachment and the magnetic attachment is designed to be released when a foreign body becomes caught (i) between the chin rest and the chin rest support and / or (ii) between the chin rest and at least a part of an upper surface of the device which is in direct contact with the chin rest, ie on which the chin rest rests. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides an ophthalmic device comprising a chin rest that is removably mountable to the device via a magnetic attachment. The chin rest of the present invention can therefore be easily attached to or detached from the device, resulting in easier maintenance and cleaning compared to conventional devices in which the chin rest cannot be removed from the device, or at least cannot be easily removed. At the same time, the magnetic attachment feature eliminates the risk of injury to the patient's fingers by pinching them between the chin rest and the chin rest support and / or the surface of the device.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the term "ophthalmic device" refers to a device for measuring, examining, diagnosing and treating eye diseases and disorders, for example a biometer, ophthalmometer, topography device and / or autorefractor.

[0012] The term "chin rest" refers to a component attached to an ophthalmic device to assist in positioning the chin and ultimately the patient's head during operation of the device. The chin rest typically has a chin-shaped recess (chin cup) that allows the patient's head to be held firmly and comfortably by resting the chin in the recess.

[0013] The term "chin rest support" refers to a part of an ophthalmic device designed to allow a chin rest to be mounted and / or attached to it. A chin rest support may be in the form of a strut or a post. A chin rest support can move in a vertical direction (up and down) to adjust the position of the chin rest, resulting in proper positioning of a patient's head. The vertical length of the chin rest support can be shortened and / or lengthened depending on the correct position of the patient's head.

[0014] The chin rest support can be configured to extend into the adjacent portion of the ophthalmic device to shorten its length. In another embodiment, at least one surface of the device is configured to be in direct contact with the chin rest. For example, the width of the chin rest is greater than the width of the chin rest support, whereby the chin rest is in direct contact with at least one surface of the device, predominantly adjacent to a magnetic element of the chin rest support, when the chin rest support is lowered to its short length.

[0015] At its shortest length, the level of the chin rest support becomes substantially the same as the adjacent surface of the ophthalmic device; that is, the chin rest support is almost completely retracted into the device at its shortest length. In such a case, the chin rest support is generally at the same level as the upper surface of the device on which the chin rest rests. In one embodiment, the chin rest support may be completely retracted into the device. Unlike CN 215078330U, in which the chin rest support has a chin rest table that is not retracted into the device, the chin rest support of the present invention, thanks to this feature, eliminates the risk of finger injury that can be caused by the chin rest support.

[0016] The movements of the chin rest support are generally carried out by manual adjustments (using, for example, a joystick or buttons) or by using a drive unit, such as a motor, which provides semi- or fully automatic adjustments.

[0017] In one embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises a chin rest support on which a chin rest is mounted, the chin rest support being configured for vertical movement. Since the chin rest and the chin rest support are attached by magnetic force, which can be readily released under certain conditions, it has been found that converting the rotational movement of a drive unit into a vertical movement of the chin rest support is suitable. In contrast to a direct vertical movement, such a conversion of forces allows the chin rest support to move more smoothly, which is suitable for the magnetic attachment between the chin rest and the chin rest support. Direct vertical movement of the chin rest support, such as the shortening strut in CN215078833U, may compromise the stable magnetic attachment of the chin rest to the device.

[0018] More specifically, the vertical movement of the chin rest support is driven by a drive unit that is designed to rotate. In one embodiment, the drive unit can be a drive shaft. The drive unit converts its rotation into the vertical movement of the chin rest support. This is implemented by the drive unit having a screw thread at one end and the chin rest support having a screw thread at one end. The screw thread of the drive unit and the screw thread of the chin rest support are screw-coupled to convert a rotational movement of the drive into a vertical reciprocating movement of the chin rest support.

[0019] In one embodiment, the chin rest support is capable of sliding movement in a vertical direction. To this end, the chin rest support further comprises a means for vertically moving the chin rest support. The means for vertically moving the chin rest support is designed to prevent rotation of the chin rest support. The means for vertical movement can, for example, be in the form of a rod extending in a vertical direction and enabling the sliding movement of the chin rest support.

[0020] The magnetic attachment between the chin rest and the chin rest support of the ophthalmic device enables easy and quick detachment of the chin rest from the ophthalmic device. The chin rest, removably mounted to the chin rest support via magnetic attachment, is designed to provide a tight enough attachment to the chin rest support of the device to ensure stable and precise positioning of the patient's head, and also to allow the chin rest to be loosened and detached from the chin rest support if the patient inadvertently places their fingers between the chin rest and the surface of the ophthalmic device. In one embodiment, the magnetic attachment has such a strong magnetic force that the chin rest support and the chin rest can be separated if a foreign object becomes caught between them or between the chin rest and the upper surface of the device.In addition to the above-mentioned advantages, the chin rest of the present invention can thus prevent injury to the patient during operation of the device in a very simple manner.

[0021] The object of the present invention can be achieved by magnetic elements forming a magnetic attachment. The present invention provides an ophthalmic device comprising a chin rest comprising a first magnetic element. In this regard, the present invention also provides a chin rest comprising a first magnetic element. Furthermore, the ophthalmic device of the present invention comprises a chin support comprising a second magnetic element. In a further embodiment, the present device may comprise a chin rest comprising a first magnetic element and a chin support support comprising a second magnetic element.

[0022] The term "magnetic element" refers to magnets, also called permanent magnets, which generate their own permanent magnetic field even when no magnetic field is applied, as well as to magnetic materials, also called temporary magnets, which can generate a magnetic field in response to an applied magnetic field (magnetism) and thus become magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field. Magnetic elements can also be any materials or combinations of materials that exert a magnetic attraction on one another and generate a magnetic field and a magnetic force. Examples of magnets are neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB or NIB), samarium-cobalt (SmCo), ferrite (ceramic magnets, e.g., BaFe2O3 or SRFe2O3), and alnico (Al-Ni-Co). Magnetic materials include, for example, a ferromagnetic material or ferromagnetic materials such as iron, iron alloys, or steels.

[0023] In one embodiment, the magnetic attachment in the present invention can be implemented by coupling the first magnetic element of the chin rest to a second magnetic element of the chin rest support. The coupled magnetic elements generate a magnetic field and a magnetic force and attract each other, thereby forming the magnetic attachment. The magnetic force refers to the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements that provide the magnetic attachment.

[0024] The magnetic attachment of the present invention is designed to generate a magnetic force sufficient to mount and secure the chin rest to the chin rest support so that the patient's head can be stably positioned and fixed on the chin rest, while also allowing the chin rest to be easily detached from the chin rest support. For example, the chin rest is attached to the chin rest support so that the chin rest will not be moved or detached by the force introduced by the patient or the patient's chin during the measurement. However, it can only be detached by applying a force opposite to the direction of the magnetic attraction between the chin rest and the chin rest support, for example, by inserting a finger between the chin rest and the surface of the ophthalmic device on which the chin rest rests.In other words, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are configured to be coupled by a magnetic force having a strength such that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element can be separated when a foreign object becomes caught (i) between the chin rest and the chin rest support, and (ii) between the chin rest and at least a portion of the surface of the device on which the chin rest rests. Therefore, the magnetic attachment between the chin rest and the chin rest support can be easily released when a finger is inserted between the chin rest and the surface of the ophthalmic device. Thus, even before the finger is injured by being caught between the chin rest and the surface of the ophthalmic device, the chin rest is immediately loosened or detached from the chin rest support, thus easily preventing injury to the patient.This does not require an additional complicated system such as a sensor or an automatic stop, nor does it require separate design means to prevent the patient from being injured during the operation of the device, such as during an eye measurement, etc.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first and / or second magnetic element may be a magnet. In another embodiment, the magnet may be selected from the group consisting of neodymium-iron-boron, samarium-cobalt, ferrite, and alnico. In another embodiment, the first and / or second magnetic element may comprise neodymium-iron-boron. In another further embodiment, one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element comprises neodymium-iron-boron and the other comprises ferrite. By using neodymium-iron-boron as a magnetic element, an even stronger magnetic attachment can be achieved, ensuring the firm and stable hold of the patient's head while still ensuring that the chin rest can be released with a relatively small force to prevent injury to the patient.

[0026] If a more stable attachment is required for the operation of the ophthalmic device, the chin rest of the present invention can be configured with an additional attachment to the ophthalmic device. An additional attachment refers here to an attachment that is not a magnetic attachment. For this purpose, the chin rest or chin rest support can further comprise an additional attachment means. The term "additional attachment means" refers to any attachment between two components other than the magnetic attachment. In a preferred embodiment, the additional attachment means also provides for easy and simple attachment and detachment. The additional attachment means can be, for example, a pair of a projection and a hole or a snap-in joint.In one embodiment, the chin rest support comprises at least one hole coupled to at least one corresponding projection of the chin rest, or vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B are an external perspective view and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of the device according to the present invention, respectively. Fig. Fig. 2 is an internal perspective view showing the internal structure of the device according to the present invention. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vertical movement of the chin rest support of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vertical movement of the chin rest support and the release of the chin rest when a foreign object is inserted under the chin rest and above the chin rest support. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are front and rear views of a first embodiment of a chin rest of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a chin rest support of the present invention, on which the Fig. 5 shown chin rest can be mounted. Fig. 7 is a rear view of a second embodiment of a chin rest of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a chin rest support of the present invention, on which the Fig. 7 shown chin rest can be mounted. Fig. 9A to 9D show an embodiment of an ophthalmic device for measuring biometric data of an eye, wherein a chin rest is removably mounted on the chin rest support of the device via a magnetic attachment.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1A shows the device according to the present invention with the chin rest support (not shown) reduced to its shortest length and fully retracted into the device 1. Fig. Figure 1B shows the interior of the device, with the chin rest support 3, 26 almost completely retracted into the device. As in Fig. 1B, the device of the present invention comprises the following: a chin rest 2, 34 with a second magnetic element 5, 32, a chin rest support 3, 26 with a first magnetic element 4, 28, and a drive unit 24.

[0029] The drive unit 24 may be a rotary drive shaft 24 with a drive 22. The drive unit 24 is rotatably connected to the device 1. Here, the drive unit 24 is connected to the chin rest support 3, 26 via a screw thread, so that it is rotatable. One end (specifically, the lower end) of the drive shaft 24 is coupled to a drive 22 such as a drive motor, so that the drive shaft 24 rotates via the rotary movement of the drive 22. The other end (specifically, the upper end) of the drive shaft 24 has a screw thread to convert the rotary movement of the drive shaft 24 into a vertical reciprocating movement of the chin rest support 3, 26. The chin rest support 3, 26 has a screw thread 27a, 27b coupled to the screw thread of the drive unit 24 and is therefore capable of a sliding movement in the vertical direction.

[0030] As shown in the figure, the chin rest support 3, 26 may further comprise a second magnetic element 5, 32 forming a magnetic attachment with the first magnetic element 4, 28 of the chin rest support.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows the chin rest support 3, 26 and the drive unit 24 separate from the device. Here, two guide holes 26a, 26b are formed on the upper surface of the chin rest support 3, 26 to provide a more stable connection between the chin rest support 3, 26 and the chin rest 2, 34. Furthermore, a vertical drive guide 25, which is rod-shaped and extends in the vertical direction, enables sliding movement of the chin rest support 3, 26 in the vertical direction. Optionally, bearings 21 can be provided on the drive unit 24 to prevent friction.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows the operation of the chin rest support 3, 26 and the chin rest 2, 34, with no foreign body between the chin rest 2, 34 and an upper surface 7 of the device 1 on which the chin rest 2, 34 rests. The screw thread 27a, 27b of the chin rest support 3, 26 is screw-coupled to the screw thread formed on the drive unit 24, thereby converting the rotational movement. As shown in Fig. 3A, the chin rest support 3, 26 moves upward when the drive unit 24 rotates in a certain direction (clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction in which the screw thread is formed); when the drive unit 24 rotates in the other direction, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the chin rest support 3, 26 moves downward. Under normal circumstances, where there is no foreign object between the chin rest 2, 34 and the upper surface 7 on which the chin rest 2, 34 rests, the chin rest support 3, 26 and the chin rest 2, 34 move downward as a single unit while being attached to each other via a magnetic attachment. In this case, the chin rest 2, 34 rests directly on the upper surface 7 of the device 1.

[0033] On the other hand, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B the operation of the chin rest 2, 34 and the chin rest support 3, 26 when a foreign body (P, 8) has been introduced under the chin rest. As in Fig. 4A, the chin rest support 3, 26 moves upwards due to the rotation of the drive unit 24, and as shown in Fig. 4B, when a foreign object (P, 8) is located below the chin rest 2, 34 and above the upper surface 7, the chin rest support 3, 26 moves normally downward until the foreign object (P, 8) becomes caught below the chin rest 2, 34, that is, between the chin rest 2, 34 and the upper surface 7 of the device 1 on which the chin rest 2, 34 rests. As the chin rest support 3, 26 moves further downward, force is exerted on the chin rest 2, 34 from below because the foreign object (P, 8) is caught between the chin rest 2, 34 and the device 1, thereby separating the first magnetic element 4, 28 and the second magnetic element 5, 32. With this operation, injury to a patient (P, 8; e.g., fingers) can be prevented.

[0034] Fig. 5A shows a front view and Fig. 5B shows a rear view of a first embodiment of a chin rest 2 according to the present invention. The chin rest 2 is designed to be releasably mounted to a chin rest support 3 of an ophthalmic device 1 via a magnetic attachment. The chin rest 2 comprises a first magnetic element 4 for the magnetic attachment.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a chin rest support 3 on which the chin rest 2 of Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B is designed for detachable mounting. The chin rest support 3 comprises a second magnetic element 5. The first magnetic element 4 is coupled to the second magnetic element 5 and ensures magnetic attachment.

[0036] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the chin rest 2 and the chin rest support 3 have additional means 9a, 9b for attachment to an ophthalmic device 1, which are not the magnetic attachment provided by the magnetic elements 4, 5. As in Fig. 7, the chin rest 2 comprises two projecting parts 9a and 9b, and as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the chin rest support 3 includes two holes 26a that fit the protruding portions 9a and 9b. These additional attachment means can provide a more stable attachment of the chin rest 2 to the chin rest support 3, if necessary.

[0037] Fig. Figure 9 shows an ophthalmological device 1 in which the chin rest 2 of Fig. 7 detachable via magnetic attachment on the chin rest support 3 of Fig. 8 is mounted. The magnetic attachment is created between the first magnetic element 4 and the second magnetic element 5. In the device 1 of Fig. 9 is an ophthalmic device for measuring and analyzing biometric data of a patient's eye. Fig. 9A, the chin rest support 3 has its shortest length, and the upper surface 7 of the ophthalmic device 1 is in direct contact with the chin rest 2. The upper surface 7 is the surface of the device 1 on which the chin rest 2 rests. There is no free space or gap between the chin rest 2 and the surface 7 of the ophthalmic device 1. Fig. 9B, the chin rest support 3 is extended to its maximum height to adjust the positioning of a patient's head, thus creating a free space between the chin rest support 3 and the surface 7 of the ophthalmic device 1. In Fig. 9C, while the patient places a finger 8 into the space created between the chin rest 2 and the surface 7 of the ophthalmic device 1, the chin rest support 3 shortens its length so that the chin rest 2 moves down to its lowest level, almost in direct contact with the upper surface 7 of the ophthalmic device 1. Here, there is a risk that the patient's finger 8 will be trapped between the chin rest 2 and the surface 7 of the ophthalmic device 1. Fig. 9D shows that the chin rest 2 detachably mounted on the chin rest support 3 can be easily detached or loosened from the chin rest support 3 by merely interposing the finger, thereby preventing injury to the finger. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 20763762U

[0004] CN 215078330U [0006, 0008, 0015] CN 215078833U

[0017]

Claims

[1] Ophthalmological device (1) comprising a chin rest (2, 34) which is attached to a chin rest support (3, 26) via a magnetic attachment, characterized by in that the magnetic attachment is designed to be released when a foreign body (8) becomes caught between the chin rest (2, 34) and the chin rest support (3, 26) and / or between the chin rest (2, 34) and at least part of an upper surface (7) of the device (1) on which the chin rest (2, 34) rests. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the chin rest (2, 34) is at least partially in direct contact with at least part of the upper surface (7) of the device (1). [3] Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byin that the chin rest support (3, 26) is designed to be fully retracted into the device (1) so that it is generally on the same plane as the upper surface (7) of the device (1). [4] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the chin rest support (3, 26) moves vertically. [5] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the chin rest support (3, 26) is coupled to a drive unit (24) which is designed to be rotatable. [6] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the chin rest support (3, 26) is designed to move vertically by the rotation of the drive unit (24). [7] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat a screw thread formed at one end of the drive unit (24) and a screw thread (27a, 27b) formed at one end of the chin rest support (3, 26) are screw-coupled. [8] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the chin rest (2, 34) has a first magnetic element (4, 28) and the chin rest support (3, 26) has a second magnetic element (5, 32), characterized by that the first magnetic element (4, 28) and / or the second magnetic element (5, 32) are at least one selected from the group consisting of neodymium-iron-boron, samarium-cobalt, ferrite and alnico. [9] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the chin rest support (3, 26) comprises an additional attachment means (26a, 26b). [10] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the chin rest (2, 34) comprises an additional attachment means (9a, 9b). [11] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that it further comprises a means (25) for vertically moving the chin rest support (3, 26). [12] Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that the additional attachment means (9a, 9b) of the chin rest (2, 34) and the additional attachment means (26a) of the chin rest support are a pair of a projection and a hole or a snap-in joint. [13] Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that the means (25) for vertical movement is designed to prevent rotation of the chin rest support (3, 26).

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