Three-dimensional scanner and protective cover

Abstract

To provide a technology that protects a three-dimensional scanner without decreasing a user's convenience.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional scanner 1 comprises a long body 30, a scanner tip 10 that is detachably attached to a tip of the body 30, and a hollow protective cover 100 for covering the body 30, which is provided around the axis of the body 30. A first opening 100A for externally exposing the scanner tip through the tip so that the scanner tip 10 can be attached to / detached from the tip is formed at the tip of the protective cover 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional scanner that acquires three-dimensional data of the surface shape of an object, and a protective cover that protects the three-dimensional scanner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a three-dimensional scanner that scans the surface shape of an object such as teeth and soft tissues in the oral cavity to acquire three-dimensional data of the surface shape is known. Further, in a three-dimensional scanner, in order to prevent cross-infection between a plurality of patients or to save the labor of alcohol-disinfecting the main body of the three-dimensional scanner, the main body of the three-dimensional scanner is covered with a protective cover. For example, Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0030503) discloses a protective cover for protecting a handheld three-dimensional scanner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The protective cover of the three-dimensional scanner disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to integrally protect the main body of the three-dimensional scanner and the probe provided at the tip of the main body, so that the three-dimensional scanner can be protected as a whole. Here, in the three-dimensional scanner, a scanner chip may be attached to the probe. A user such as an operator attaches the scanner chip to the probe before scanning the surface shape of an object using the three-dimensional scanner, and removes the scanner chip from the probe after scanning the surface shape of the object. Further, during scanning, the user may remove the scanner chip from the probe, change the orientation of the scanner chip, and attach the scanner chip to the probe again in order to change the orientation of the scanner chip so that it is easier to scan. When using such a protective cover that integrally protects the main body and the probe as disclosed in Patent Document 1 for a three-dimensional scanner using a scanner chip, the user cannot freely change the orientation of the scanner chip during scanning, which deteriorates the convenience for the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for protecting a three-dimensional scanner without degrading the convenience for the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The three-dimensional scanner according to the present disclosure acquires three-dimensional data of the surface shape of an object. The three-dimensional scanner includes an elongated main body, a scanner chip detachably attached to the tip of the main body, and a hollow protective cover that covers the main body around its axis. At the tip of the protective cover, a first opening is formed for exposing the outside through the tip so that the scanner chip can be detachably attached from the tip.

[0007] The protective cover according to the present disclosure protects a three-dimensional scanner that acquires three-dimensional data of the surface shape of an object. The three-dimensional scanner includes an elongated main body and a scanner chip detachably attached to the tip of the main body. The protective cover is formed in a hollow shape so as to cover the main body around its axis. At the tip of the protective cover, a first opening is formed for exposing the outside through the tip so that the scanner chip can be detached from the tip of the three-dimensional scanner.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, since the tip of the three-dimensional scanner passes through the first opening formed at the tip of the protective cover and is exposed to the outside, the user can detachably attach the scanner chip from the tip of the three-dimensional scanner exposed from the protective cover. Thereby, the three-dimensional scanner can be protected without degrading the convenience for the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <Embodiment> An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [Configuration of 3D Scanner] With reference to FIG. 1, the three-dimensional scanner 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the three-dimensional scanner 1 according to the embodiment. The three-dimensional scanner 1 is an intraoral scanner (IOS: Intra Oral Scanner) that scans the surface shape of an object such as teeth and soft tissues in the oral cavity and acquires three-dimensional data of the surface shape. The three-dimensional data includes the position information (coordinates of each axis in the vertical, horizontal, and height directions) of each point in a point cloud (a plurality of points) indicating the surface shape of the object. Note that the three-dimensional scanner 1 can also acquire color data indicating the color of each point in a point cloud (a plurality of points) indicating the surface shape of the object together with the three-dimensional data.

[0012] The three-dimensional scanner 1 according to the embodiment is applicable not only to dentistry but also to various medical treatments such as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, radiology, internal medicine, surgery, and veterinary medicine. For example, the three-dimensional scanner 1 according to the embodiment is not limited to an intraoral scanner and can also be applied to other three-dimensional scanners having a similar configuration. For example, it can also be applied to a scanner that acquires three-dimensional data of the surface shape inside the outer ear by imaging the inside of a person's ear other than the oral cavity.

[0013] The user of the three-dimensional scanner 1 may be anyone who acquires three-dimensional data of an object such as teeth and soft tissues using the three-dimensional scanner 1, such as a dental practitioner such as a dentist, a dental assistant, a teacher or student at a dental university, a dental technician, a manufacturer's technician, or an operator in a manufacturing factory. The subject to be scanned by the three-dimensional scanner 1 may be anyone who can be the subject of scanning by the three-dimensional scanner 1, such as a patient in a dental clinic or a subject in a dental university.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the three-dimensional scanner 1 includes a handpiece 2, a control device 3, a power supply 4, and a display 5. The handpiece 2 is a handheld member and includes an elongated main body 30, a probe 20 provided at the tip of the main body 30, and a scanner chip 10 detachably attached to the probe 20.

[0015] The probe 20 becomes a part (the tip part) of the main body by being fixed to the main body 30 and has a shape that can be fitted to the base of the scanner chip 10. The probe 20 is inserted into the oral cavity with the scanner chip 10 attached and projects light having a pattern (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "pattern") onto an object such as teeth and soft tissues. The probe 20 receives the reflected light from the object onto which the pattern is projected and guides it to the main body 30. The scanner chip 10 covers the outer periphery of the probe 20 and is detachably attached to the probe 20.

[0016] The handpiece 2 projects a pattern onto an object via the probe 20 with the scanner chip 10 attached and images the projected pattern. Note that the handpiece 2 is configured to acquire a three-dimensional shape using the principle of the focusing method as described below, but may be configured to acquire a three-dimensional shape using other principles such as the confocal method or the triangulation method. That is, the handpiece 2 may be provided with a configuration using any principle as long as it is configured to acquire a three-dimensional shape using an optical method.

[0017] The control device 3 controls the operation of the handpiece 2 and processes the image captured by the handpiece 2 to acquire a three-dimensional shape. The control device 3 can output three-dimensional data corresponding to the acquired three-dimensional shape to the display 5, and it is also possible to input information such as settings of the handpiece 2 using an input device (not shown).

[0018] In the three-dimensional scanner 1 according to the embodiment, the control device 3 is configured separately from the handpiece 2. However, if the control device 3 is small and lightweight enough to be lifted with one hand, part or all of the functions of the control device 3 may be mounted on the handpiece 2.

[0019] The display 5 displays the three-dimensional shape of the object indicated by the three-dimensional data obtained by the control device 3. The display 5 can also display other information such as the setting information of the handpiece 2, patient information, the startup state of the three-dimensional scanner 1, the instruction manual, and the help screen. For the display 5, for example, a stationary liquid crystal display, a head-mounted type, or a glasses-type wearable display can be applied. Note that the three-dimensional scanner 1 may include a plurality of displays 5, and the three-dimensional shape of the object and other information may be displayed on the plurality of displays 5 simultaneously or dividedly.

[0020] The power supply 4 supplies power to the handpiece 2 and the control device 3. The power supply 4 may be provided outside the control device 3, but may also be provided inside the control device 3 or inside the handpiece 2. Note that the three-dimensional scanner 1 may include a plurality of power supplies 4 capable of supplying power to each of the handpiece 2, the control device 3, and the display 5.

[0021] In the example of FIG. 1, the handpiece 2, the control device 3, the power supply 4, and the display 5 of the three-dimensional scanner 1 are depicted as being wired by cables (thick lines in the figure), but part or all of these wirings may be connected by wireless communication.

[0022] [Configuration of Handpiece] The handpiece 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the handpiece 2 according to the embodiment. In the following description, the axis along the lateral direction (width direction) of the main body 30 of the handpiece 2 is defined as the X-axis, the axis along the longitudinal direction (depth direction) of the main body 30 is defined as the Y-axis, and the axis along the height direction of the main body 30 is defined as the Z-axis.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the handpiece 2 includes an elongated main body 30, an operation unit 40 provided on the surface of the main body 30, a probe 20 attached to the main body 30 as the tip of the main body 30, a scanner chip 10 detachably attached to the probe 20, and a main cable 50 connected to the main body 30.

[0024] The main body 30 includes a first main body portion 301 gripped by the user, a second main body portion 302 located behind the first main body portion 301 and near the center of the main body 30, and a third main body portion 303 located behind the second main body portion 302. Further, the main body 30 includes a front end portion 30A that is an end of the first main body portion 301 and takes in reflected light from the object, and a rear end portion 30B that is an end of the third main body portion 303 and is located on the opposite side of the front end portion 30A.

[0025] The main body 30 has a polygonal or substantially polygonal shape in the cross-section (Y-Z cross-section) near the rear end portion 30B and has a plurality of surfaces as the outer peripheral surface. For example, when viewing the cross-section (Y-Z cross-section) from the rear end portion 30B toward the front end portion 30A, the main body 30 has an upper surface 110 corresponding to the surface on which the operation unit 40 is provided, a bottom surface 120 located on the opposite side of the upper surface 110 in the Z-axis direction, a right side surface 130 located on the right side of the cross-section in the Y-axis direction, and a left side surface 140 located on the left side of the cross-section opposite to the right side surface 130 in the Y-axis direction. Note that the shape of the cross-section (Y-Z cross-section) of the main body 30 is not limited to a quadrilateral, and may be another polygon such as a pentagon or a hexagon, or may be a circle or an ellipse. Here, a substantially polygonal shape means that any angle may be rounded or any side may be a gentle curve instead of a straight line, and it is generally a polygon as a whole. Also, a substantially quadrilateral shape means that any angle may be rounded or any side may be a gentle curve instead of a straight line, and it is generally a quadrilateral as a whole.

[0026] The operation unit 40 includes a plurality of types of switches for the user to operate the three-dimensional scanner 1, and is provided on a specific surface (the upper surface 110 in this example) of the outer peripheral surface of the main body 30. The plurality of types of switches include, for example, a power switch for turning on or off the power of the three-dimensional scanner 1, a switching switch for switching the scan type, and a function switch for deleting the acquired three-dimensional data when re-scanning, etc.

[0027] The handpiece 2 further includes a first air passage portion 60 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second main body portion 302 of the main body 30. Specifically, the three-dimensional scanner 1 is provided with two first air passage portions 60 symmetrically on each of the right side surface 130 and the left side surface 140 of the main body 30. The first air passage portion 60 takes in air (outside air) from the outside of the main body 30 through an air supply port (not shown) and supplies the taken-in air to the inside of the main body 30. The first air passage portion 60 includes a mesh portion 61 provided between the air supply port and the inside of the main body 30. A plurality of openings having an opening length such that foreign matter does not enter the inside of the main body 30 are formed in the mesh portion 61. Note that the first air passage portion 60 is not limited to air supply, and may discharge the air from the inside of the main body 30 to the outside of the main body 30 through an exhaust port (not shown). The first air passage portion 60 is configured to perform at least one of air supply and exhaust.

[0028] The handpiece 2 further includes a second air passage portion 70 provided at the rear end portion 30B of the third main body portion 303 of the main body 30. The second air passage portion 70 discharges the air from the inside of the main body 30 to the outside of the main body 30 through an exhaust port (not shown). The second air passage portion 70 includes an end cap 72 and a mesh portion 71 provided between the exhaust port and the inside of the main body 30. A plurality of openings having an opening diameter such that foreign matter does not enter the inside of the main body 30 are formed in the mesh portion 71. Note that the second air passage portion 70 is not limited to exhaust, and may take in air (outside air) from the outside of the main body 30 through an air supply port (not shown) and supply the taken-in air to the inside of the main body 30. The second air passage portion 70 is configured to perform at least one of air supply and exhaust.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the handpiece 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of the handpiece 2 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the X-Z cross section of the handpiece 2 is shown.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the handpiece 2 includes a light source 31, an optical sensor 32, a prism 33, a lens 34, and a counterweight 35 inside a handheld main body 30. Further, the handpiece 2 includes a wave plate 21 and at least one lens 22, 23 inside a probe 20 attached to the tip of the main body 30. In the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, the handpiece 2 includes two lenses 22, 23 inside the probe 20, but it may include one lens or three or more lenses. The scanner chip 10 attached to the probe 20 includes a reflector 11 having a predetermined inclination at the tip.

[0031] The light source 31 is composed of a laser element or an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and a polarizer, etc., and irradiates an object with light having a specific polarization component. In the example of FIG. 3, the light emitted from the light source 31 passes through the inside of the handpiece 2 along the optical axis in the X-axis direction.

[0032] The optical sensor 32 is composed of an imager and detects the light from the light source 31 reflected by the object.

[0033] The prism 33 is, for example, a polarizing beam splitter, is located between the light source 31 and the lens 34, and allows the light from the light source 31 to the object and the light reflected by the object to pass through. The prism 33 is an element for guiding the incident light of two polarization components in different directions from each other.

[0034] The lens 34 is located between the object and the optical sensor 32 and changes the focal position with respect to the object.

[0035] The wavelength plate 21 is composed of, for example, a quarter-wave plate, is located between the object and the lens 34, and allows the light directed at the object and the light reflected by the object to pass through. The wavelength plate 21 is an element that converts the state of the polarization components of the incident light by adding a phase difference (optical path difference) to the two polarization components of the incident light.

[0036] In the handpiece 2 configured as described above, the light from the light source 31 passes through the prism 33 and the lens 34, further passes through the probe 20, and is irradiated onto the object via the reflector 11 of the scanner chip 10. The light from the light source 31 reflected by the object passes through the probe 20 and the lens 34 again via the reflector 11 and enters the prism 33. The prism 33 is a polarization beam splitter that changes the traveling direction of the light from the object to the direction in which the optical sensor 32 is located (Z-axis direction). The light whose traveling direction has been changed by the prism 33 is detected by the optical sensor 32. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the light from the light source 31 and the light reflected by the object and guided to the prism 33 are shown separately, but this is for easy explanation, and in reality, the handpiece 2 is configured such that the two lights are coaxially guided.

[0037] When acquiring a three-dimensional shape using the technology of the focusing method, the light that has passed through a pattern generation element (not shown) provided between the lens 34 and the object is projected onto the object. When the lens 34 reciprocates linearly on the same straight line (for example, the optical axis L shown in FIG. 3), the focal position of the projection pattern changes. The optical sensor 32 images the object present at the focal position of the projection pattern by detecting the light from the object at a predetermined frame rate for each change in the focal position of the projection pattern according to the control of the control device 3. The control device 3 acquires the three-dimensional data of the surface shape of the object by calculating the shape information of the object based on the position of the lens 34 and the detection result by the optical sensor 32 at that time.

[0038] Also, when the lens 34 reciprocates linearly in the direction of the optical axis L (X-axis direction), the center of gravity position of the handpiece 2 moves by the mass of the lens 34, and is transmitted as vibration to the hand of the user holding the handpiece 2. The counterweight 35 reciprocates linearly in the direction opposite to that of the lens 34, thereby canceling out the vibration generated by the reciprocating linear motion of the lens 34.

[0039] The user can hold the handpiece 2 by gripping the scanner chip 10 and the first main body 301 attached to the probe 20. Also, the user can change the direction in which the reflector 11 provided on the scanner chip 10 tilts by rotating the scanner chip 10 in the circumferential direction around the X-axis.

[0040] For example, when the user attaches the scanner chip 10 to the probe 20 in the orientation shown in FIG. 4, light from the light source 31 can be emitted downward in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the user can hold the handpiece 2 and scan the teeth located on the lower side inside the oral cavity. On the other hand, when the user attaches the scanner chip 10 to the probe 20 after inverting it in the Z-axis direction so as to be in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 4, light from the light source 31 can be emitted upward in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the user can hold the handpiece 2 and scan the teeth located on the upper side inside the oral cavity.

[0041] [Configuration of the protective cover] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a protective cover 100 for protecting the handpiece 2 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the protective cover 100 according to the embodiment. When using the three-dimensional scanner 1, the user can prevent cross-infection among multiple patients by covering the main body 30 of the handpiece 2 with the protective cover 100, or can save the trouble of alcohol disinfecting the main body 30 of the handpiece 2. The protective cover 100 is, for example, a disposable cover made of polyester. Therefore, after using the protective cover 100 on the handpiece 2, the user can discard the used protective cover 100 and use a new protective cover 100 on the handpiece 2. Note that the protective cover 100 is not limited to a disposable cover and may be reusable after being washed and disinfected.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the protective cover 100 has a hollow shape that covers the main body 30 around the axis of the main body 30 of the handpiece 2. Specifically, the protective cover 100 has a predetermined length X (for example, 220 mm) extending in the X-axis direction along the long main body 30. The protective cover 100 includes a front portion 101 that protects the first main body portion 301, which is the portion where the user grips the main body 30, a central portion 102 that is located behind the front portion 101 and mainly protects the first air passage portion 60, and a rear portion 103 that is located behind the central portion 102 and mainly protects the operation portion 40. Further, a first opening 100A is formed at the end of the front portion 101, which is the tip of the protective cover 100. A second opening 100B is formed at the end of the rear portion 103, which is the rear end of the protective cover 100.

[0043] The opening diameter of the cross section (Y-Z cross section) of the protective cover 100 gradually increases from the tip (front portion 101) to the rear (rear portion 103) so as not to impede the passage of air at the first air passage port 60. Specifically, the opening diameter of the cross section (Y-Z cross section) of the central portion 102 is larger than the opening diameter of the cross section (Y-Z cross section) of the front portion 101. Further, the opening diameter of the cross section (Y-Z cross section) of the rear portion 103 is larger than the opening diameter of the cross section (Y-Z cross section) of the central portion 102. For example, the opening diameter Y1 (length along the Y-axis) of the first opening 100A is 46.5 mm, and the opening diameter Y2 (length along the Y-axis) of the second opening 100B is 146.5 mm. The opening diameter of the cross section of the protective cover 100 is configured to gradually increase from the opening diameter Y1 at the tip to the opening diameter Y2 at the rear end.

[0044] When the protective cover 100 is viewed from the side, the inclination of the outer contour line of the central portion 102 is greater than the inclination of the outer contour line of the front portion 101. For example, when the protective cover 100 is viewed in the Z-axis direction, the angle Db between the line along the X-axis direction and the outer contour line of the central portion 102 is greater than the angle Da between the line along the X-axis direction and the outer contour line of the front portion 101. Also, when the protective cover 100 is viewed from the side, the inclination of the outer contour line of the rear portion 103 is smaller than the inclination of the outer contour line of the central portion 102. For example, when the protective cover 100 is viewed in the Z-axis direction, the angle Dc between the line along the X-axis direction and the outer contour line of the rear portion 103 is smaller than the angle Db between the line along the X-axis direction and the outer contour line of the central portion 102. That is, the protective cover 100 has a shape such that the degree of spread of the central portion 102 is greater than the degree of spread of the front portion 101, and the degree of spread of the rear portion 103 is smaller than the degree of spread of the central portion 102. Note that the protective cover 100 is formed of polyester and is transparent. Also, the protective cover 100 can be formed by crimping two sheets having a shape that widens toward the end as shown in FIG. 5 at the ends other than the first opening 100A and the second opening 100B (for example, the outer contour lines of the front portion 101, the central portion 102, and the rear portion 103). In this way, by configuring the protective cover 100 with only two sheets, the manufacture of the protective cover 100 can be facilitated. Further, since the ends where the two sheets are crimped become creases and the two sheets can be folded, a plurality of protective covers 100 can be stacked.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a view showing the handpiece 2 with the protective cover 100 according to the embodiment attached. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the user holds the handpiece 2 with the protective cover 100 according to the embodiment attached.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the protective cover 100 is attached to the main body 30 of the handpiece 2, the scanner chip 10 attached to the probe 20 protrudes from the first opening 100A of the protective cover 100 and is exposed to the outside with the front end portion 30A of the main body 30 as a boundary. Thereby, the user can detachably attach the scanner chip 10 exposed from the first opening 100A of the protective cover 100 from the probe 20. As described above, in the handpiece 2 according to the embodiment, the scanner chip 10 is attached to the probe 20 by changing the orientation of the scanner chip 10 according to whether the upper teeth or the lower teeth in the oral cavity are to be scanned. In this regard, since the scanner chip 10 is exposed from the first opening 100A of the protective cover 100, the user can freely change the orientation of the scanner chip 10 according to the situation even when the protective cover 100 is attached. Thereby, the handpiece 2 of the three-dimensional scanner 1 can be protected without degrading the convenience for the user. Further, since the scanner chip 10 is exposed from the first opening 100A of the protective cover 100, it is possible to avoid the emission of light from the scanner chip 10 being blocked by the protective cover 100.

[0047] The opening diameter of the front portion 101 of the protective cover 100 in the cross-sectional view (Y-Z cross-sectional view) is substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, the opening diameter of the first main body portion 301 of the main body 30 in the cross-sectional view (Y-Z cross-sectional view). For this reason, the front portion 101 of the protective cover 100 covers the first main body portion 301 of the main body 30 so as to just follow around the axis of the first main body portion 301 of the main body 30. Thereby, as shown by the dotted circle mark in FIG. 7, when the user holds the handpiece 2 by gripping the scanner chip 10 (probe 20) and the first main body portion 301, it becomes easier to hold the handpiece 2 even from above the protective cover 100.

[0048] The opening diameter of the cross-section (Y-Z cross-section) of the central portion 102 of the protective cover 100 is larger than the opening diameter of the cross-section (Y-Z cross-section) of the front portion 101, and the inclination of the outer contour line of the central portion 102 is larger than the inclination of the outer contour line of the front portion 101. For this reason, the protective cover 100 spreads outward at the second main body portion 302 of the main body 30, and a gap is generated between the central portion 102 of the protective cover 100 and the first air passage portion 60 formed in the second main body portion 302 of the main body 30. Thereby, the user can protect the main body 30 by the protective cover 100 without obstructing the passage of air in the first air passage portion 60.

[0049] The opening diameter of the cross-section (Y-Z cross-section) of the rear portion 103 of the protective cover 100 is larger than the opening diameter of the cross-section (Y-Z cross-section) of the central portion 102, while the inclination of the outer contour line of the rear portion 103 is smaller than the inclination of the outer contour line of the central portion 102. For this reason, the protective cover 100 spreads further outward at the third main body portion 303 of the main body 30, while the degree of spread of the protective cover 100 from the central portion 102 to the rear portion 103 is suppressed compared to the degree of spread of the protective cover 100 from the front portion 101 to the central portion 102. Thereby, even when the user grips the handpiece 2 with the protective cover 100 attached, it is possible to avoid the rear portion 103 spreading too much and interfering with the scan. Furthermore, since it is possible to avoid an increase in the area of the members used for the rear portion 103, it is possible to suppress an increase in the material cost of the protective cover 100.

[0050] Since a second opening 100B is formed at the rear end of the protective cover 100, the second air passage portion 70 provided at the rear end portion 30B of the main body 30 is exposed to the outside without being covered by the second opening 100B of the protective cover 100. Thereby, the user can protect the main body 30 by the protective cover 100 without obstructing the passage of air in the second air passage portion 70.

[0051] <Modification Example> The protective cover 100 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are further possible. For example, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a protective cover 200 according to a modified example. As shown in FIGS. 8(A) to (L), the protective cover 200 according to the modified example has the same features as the protective cover 100 according to Embodiment 1, while it may have a shape different from that of the protective cover 100. Even a protective cover 200 having a shape as shown in FIG. 8 can protect the handpiece 2 of the three-dimensional scanner 1 without reducing the convenience for the user.

[0052] The disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included. Note that the configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the configurations illustrated in the modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0053] 1 Three-dimensional scanner, 2 Handpiece, 3 Control device, 4 Power supply, 5 Display, 10 Scanner chip, 11 Reflector, 20 Probe, 21 Waveplate, 22, 23, 34 Lenses, 30 Main body, 30A Front end portion, 30B Rear end portion, 31 Light source, 32 Optical sensor, 33 Prism, 35 Counterweight, 40 Operation unit, 50 Main cable, 60 First air passage portion, 61, 71 Mesh portions, 70 Second air passage portion, 72 End cap, 100, 200 Protective covers, 100A First opening, 100B Second opening, 101 Front portion, 102 Central portion, 103 Rear portion, 110 Upper surface, 120 Bottom surface, 130 Right side surface, 140 Left side surface, 301 First main body portion, 302 Second main body portion, 303 Third main body portion.

Claims

1. A three - dimensional scanner for acquiring three - dimensional data of the surface shape of an object, comprising: A long - shaped main body; A scanner chip detachably attached to the tip of the main body; A hollow protective cover that covers the main body around its axis; At the tip of the protective cover, a first opening is formed to expose the outside through the tip so that the scanner chip can be detached from and attached to the tip portion. The three - dimensional scanner.

2. On the side surface of the main body, a first air passage portion for performing at least one of air supply and exhaust is formed; The opening diameter of the cross - section of the protective cover gradually increases from the tip to the rear. The three - dimensional scanner according to claim 1.

3. The protective cover includes a front portion that protects the part where the user grips the main body, and a central portion that is located behind the front portion and protects the first air passage portion; The opening diameter of the cross - section of the central portion is larger than the opening diameter of the cross - section of the front portion. The three - dimensional scanner according to claim 2.

4. The protective cover includes a rear portion located behind the central portion; The opening diameter of the cross - section of the rear portion is larger than the opening diameter of the cross - section of the central portion. The three - dimensional scanner according to claim 3.

5. When the protective cover is viewed from the side, the inclination of the outer contour line of the central portion is larger than the inclination of the outer contour line of the front portion. The three - dimensional scanner according to claim 3.

6. When the protective cover is viewed from the side, the inclination of the outer contour line of the rear portion is smaller than the inclination of the outer contour line of the central portion. The three - dimensional scanner according to claim 4.

7. At the rear end of the main body, a second air passage portion for performing at least one of air supply and exhaust is formed; The three-dimensional scanner according to claim 1, wherein a second opening is formed at the rear end of the protective cover so as not to obstruct the passage of air in the second air passage portion.

8. The three-dimensional scanner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protective cover is a disposable cover.

9. A protective cover for protecting a three-dimensional scanner that acquires three-dimensional data of the surface shape of an object, The three-dimensional scanner includes an elongated main body, and a scanner chip detachably attached to the tip of the main body. The protective cover is formed in a hollow shape so as to cover the main body around the axis of the main body. A first opening is formed at the tip of the protective cover so as to expose the outside through the tip portion so that the scanner chip can be detached from the tip portion.

10. A first air passage portion for performing at least one of air supply and exhaust is formed on a side surface of the main body. The protective cover according to claim 9, wherein the opening diameter of the cross section of the protective cover gradually increases from the tip to the rear.

11. The protective cover includes a front portion that protects a portion where the user grips the main body, and a central portion that is located behind the front portion and protects the first air passage portion. The protective cover according to claim 10, wherein the opening diameter of the cross section of the central portion is larger than the opening diameter of the cross section of the front portion.

12. The protective cover includes a rear portion located behind the central portion. The protective cover according to claim 11, wherein the opening diameter of the cross section of the rear portion is larger than the opening diameter of the cross section of the central portion.

13. The protective cover according to claim 12, wherein when the protective cover is viewed from the side, the inclination of the outer contour line of the central portion is greater than the inclination of the outer contour line of the front portion.

14. The protective cover according to claim 13, wherein when the protective cover is viewed from the side, the inclination of the outer contour line of the rear portion is smaller than the inclination of the outer contour line of the central portion.

15. A second air passage portion for performing at least one of air supply and exhaust is formed at the rear end portion of the main body, The protective cover according to claim 9, wherein a second opening is formed at the rear end of the protective cover so as not to obstruct the passage of air in the second air passage portion.

16. The protective cover according to any one of claims 9 to 15, which is a disposable cover.

Images