Intraoral imaging device

Abstract

To provide an oral cavity imaging device capable of enhancing strength against an impact while reducing its size.SOLUTION: An oral cavity imaging device 1 includes: a radiation detection part 2 for detecting a radiation; a first board 3 provided with a communication element 71 capable of performing wireless communication with the outside; a second board 4 provided with a battery 8, which is disposed on a side opposite to the radiation detection part 2 with respect to the first board 3; a connection member 5 for connecting the second board 4 to the first board 3; and a housing 6 for storing the radiation detection part 2, the first bord 3, the second board 4, and the connection member 5. When viewed from a Z-direction, an entire outer edge of the second board 4 is positioned inside an outer edge of the first board 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an intraoral imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an intraoral imaging device that is disposed in a patient's oral cavity and used to image radiation that is irradiated from outside the oral cavity and transmitted through the patient. In this intraoral imaging device, a sensor for detecting radiation is disposed inside a housing, and a light source, which is an element for wireless communication, is provided at the tip of a cable drawn out from inside the housing. This intraoral imaging device is used in a state where the housing is disposed in the oral cavity and the cable is drawn out from the oral cavity and the light source is located outside the oral cavity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an intraoral imaging device as described above, for example, it is required to achieve miniaturization so that the entire device can be disposed in a patient's oral cavity. On the other hand, for example, when a configuration is adopted in which a cable as described above is not drawn out from the housing in order to dispose the entire device in the oral cavity, it becomes easier for the user to accidentally drop the housing. Therefore, while achieving miniaturization, it is required to increase the strength against impacts.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an intraoral imaging device that can increase the strength against impacts while achieving miniaturization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention is [1] "an intraoral imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection unit for detecting radiation; a first substrate provided with a communication element capable of wireless communication with the outside; a second substrate provided with a battery and positioned on the opposite side of the first substrate from the radiation detection unit; a connecting member for connecting the second substrate to the first substrate; and a housing for housing the radiation detection unit, the first substrate, the second substrate, and the connecting member, wherein, when viewed from the thickness direction of the first substrate, the entire outer edge of the second substrate is located inside the outer edge of the first substrate."

[0007] In this intraoral imaging device, a radiation detection unit for detecting radiation, a first circuit board equipped with a communication element capable of wireless communication with the outside, and a second circuit board equipped with a battery are housed within a housing. This makes it possible to miniaturize the device so that, for example, the entire device can be placed inside the patient's oral cavity. On the other hand, when the device is miniaturized, the area for mounting electronic components may decrease. In this intraoral imaging device, the second circuit board is positioned on the opposite side of the radiation detection unit from the first circuit board. This increases the mounting area compared to, for example, a case where only the first circuit board is present. Furthermore, since the battery is provided on the second circuit board, the mounting area on the first circuit board, which tends to have insufficient mounting area, can be increased. In addition, when viewed from the thickness direction of the first circuit board, the entire outer edge of the second circuit board is located inside the outer edge of the first circuit board. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the intraoral imaging device when viewed from the thickness direction of the first circuit board. Furthermore, the second circuit board is connected to the first circuit board by a connecting member, and the battery is provided on the second circuit board. This suppresses the transmission of impacts acting on the housing to the battery, thereby increasing the resistance to impact. Therefore, this intraoral imaging device allows for miniaturization while increasing resistance to impact.

[0008] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be [2] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to [1], wherein the second substrate is separated from the first substrate in the thickness direction of the first substrate." In this case, for example, it becomes possible to arrange electronic components, etc., between the first substrate and the second substrate, thereby further increasing the mounting area. In addition, because the second substrate is separated from the first substrate, it is possible to further suppress the transmission of shocks acting on the housing to the battery.

[0009] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be [3] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to [2], wherein the first substrate is further provided with electronic components, and the electronic components are arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate." In this case, the mounting area can be further increased. In addition, since the second substrate is arranged between the electronic components and the housing, the electronic components can be protected even if the housing is subjected to impact, for example, by being bitten by a patient during use.

[0010] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be [4] "the connecting member is flexible, as described in any of [1] to [3]." In this case, the transmission of impacts acting on the housing to the battery can be further suppressed, and the strength against impact can be further increased.

[0011] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may also be [5] "the intraoral imaging device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the connecting member is connected to the first substrate or the second substrate via a connector and is detachable from the first substrate or the second substrate." In this case, for example, battery replacement can be facilitated.

[0012] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be [6] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], having a curved portion that is curved so as to be convex in a direction parallel to the main surface of the first substrate." In this case, the transmission of impact acting on the housing to the battery can be further suppressed, and the strength against impact can be further increased.

[0013] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be [7] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the connecting member is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and supports the second substrate." In this case, the second substrate can be reliably supported, and the strength against impact can be further increased.

[0014] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be the intraoral imaging apparatus according to [7], wherein the connecting member is detachably attached to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. In this case, for example, battery replacement can be facilitated.

[0015] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be [9] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising a cushioning material disposed between the first substrate and the housing." In this case, the impact acting on the housing can be absorbed by the cushioning material, and the strength against impact can be further increased.

[0016] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be

[10] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to [9], wherein the cushioning material includes a main surface cushioning material disposed between the main surface of the first substrate and the housing." In this case, for example, the main surface cushioning material can suitably absorb the impact acting on the housing in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the first substrate, thereby further increasing the strength against impact.

[0017] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be

[11] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to

[10] , wherein the main surface cushioning material includes a first cushioning material disposed between the second substrate and the housing." In this case, the impact acting on the housing can be absorbed by the first cushioning material, and the strength against impact can be further increased.

[0018] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be

[12] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to

[10] or

[11] , wherein the main surface cushioning material includes a second cushioning material disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate." In this case, the impact acting on the housing can be absorbed by the second cushioning material, and the strength against impact can be further increased.

[0019] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be

[13] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to any one of

[10] to

[12] , wherein the main surface cushioning material includes a third cushioning material having a portion located inside the outer edge of the first substrate and outside the outer edge of the second substrate when viewed from the thickness direction of the first substrate." In this case, the impact acting on the housing can be absorbed by the third cushioning material, and the strength against impact can be further increased.

[0020] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be

[14] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to any one of [9] to

[13] , which includes a side cushioning material disposed between the side surface of the first substrate and the housing." In this case, for example, the side cushioning material can suitably absorb the impact acting on the housing in a direction parallel to the main surface of the first substrate, thereby further increasing the strength against impact.

[0021] The intraoral imaging apparatus of the present invention may also be

[15] "the intraoral imaging apparatus according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the housing has a cushion portion formed by the inner portion of the housing being softer than the outer portion of the housing, and the cushion portion is in contact with at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate." In this case, the impact acting on the housing can be absorbed by the cushion portion, and the strength against impact can be further increased.

[0022] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may be "

[16] The intraoral imaging device according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein when viewed in the thickness direction of the first substrate, the size of the battery is 5% or more of the size of the first substrate." In this case, the capacity of the battery can be increased. On the other hand, when the battery is large, it becomes difficult to secure an area for mounting other electronic components and the like. In this regard, in this intraoral imaging device, since the battery is provided on the second substrate, the mounting area can be secured even in such a case.

[0023] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may be "

[17] The intraoral imaging device according to any one of [1] to

[16] , wherein the battery is provided on the surface of the second substrate on the side opposite to the first substrate side." In this case, since the battery is not provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, for example, even if an impact acts on the housing when an electronic component is arranged on the surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, the battery and the electronic component do not come into contact with each other, so that damage to the battery and the electronic component can be suppressed.

[0024] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may be "

[18] The intraoral imaging device according to any one of [1] to

[16] , wherein the battery is provided on the surface of the second substrate on the first substrate side." In this case, since the second substrate is arranged between the battery and the housing, for example, even when an impact acts on the housing by being bitten by a patient during use, the battery can be protected.

[0025] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may be "

[19] The intraoral imaging device according to any one of [1] to

[18] , wherein the housing has a first wall portion arranged on the side opposite to the second substrate with respect to the first substrate, a second wall portion arranged on the side opposite to the first substrate with respect to the second substrate, and a side wall portion connected to the first wall portion and the second wall portion, and the outer surface of the wall portion is formed flat throughout." In this case, the comfort of the patient during use can be improved.

[0026] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may be the one described in any of [1] to

[19] , where "

[20] the battery is a film battery." In this case, the size of the housing in the thickness direction of the first substrate can be reduced.

[0027] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may be the one described in any of [1] to

[20] , where "

[21] a battery control unit for controlling the battery is further provided on the second substrate." In this case, since the battery control unit is provided on the second substrate, it is possible to increase the mounting area of other elements on the first substrate.

[0028] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may be the one described in any of [1] to

[21] , where "

[22] at least a part of the communication element is located outside the outer edge of the battery when viewed in the thickness direction of the first substrate." In this case, it is possible to suppress the battery from affecting the operation of the communication element.

[0029] The intraoral imaging device of the present invention may be the one described in any of [1] to

[22] , where "

[23] the entire communication element is located outside the outer edge of the battery when viewed in the thickness direction of the first substrate." In this case, it is possible to further suppress the battery from affecting the operation of the communication element.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an intraoral imaging device that can enhance the strength against impacts while achieving miniaturization.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the intraoral imaging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the intraoral imaging device. [Figure 3]This is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the first substrate, the second substrate, and the connecting members. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of an intraoral imaging device according to the first modified example. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of an intraoral imaging device according to the second modified example. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of an intraoral imaging device according to the third modified example. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of an intraoral imaging device according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of an intraoral imaging device according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of an intraoral imaging device according to the sixth modified example. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of an intraoral imaging device according to the seventh modified example. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of an intraoral imaging device according to the eighth modified example. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of an intraoral imaging device according to the ninth modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0033] The intraoral imaging device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is a device that is used, for example, by being placed in the oral cavity of a patient, and captures images of radiation that is irradiated from outside the oral cavity and passes through the patient (e.g., teeth). In other words, the intraoral imaging device 1 is used with its entirety placed inside the oral cavity. The intraoral imaging device 1 is a wireless intraoral sensor and transmits the acquired imaging data to the outside of the intraoral imaging device 1 via wireless communication. The intraoral imaging device 1 comprises a radiation detection unit 2, a first substrate 3, a second substrate 4, a connecting member 5, and a housing 6. The following explanation will be based on the X, Y, and Z directions as shown in each figure. The X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to each other. In Figure 2, the second cover 62 of the housing 6, which will be described later, is omitted from the illustration.

[0034] The radiation detection unit 2 includes a scintillator 21, an FOP (fiber optic plate) 22, and a readout substrate 23. The scintillator 21 converts incident radiation (e.g., X-rays) into fluorescence. In the intraoral imaging device 1, as indicated by the arrows in Figures 1 and 3, radiation that has passed through the first cover 61 of the housing 6 (described later) is incident on the scintillator 21. The scintillator 21 is formed, for example, in a sheet shape and is arranged across the input surface 22a of the FOP 22. The FOP 22 is an optical device composed of bundled optical fibers, and has an input surface 22a and an output surface 22b opposite to the input surface 22a. In this example, the input surface 22a and the output surface 22b are flat surfaces perpendicular to the Z direction. The input surface 22a is composed of one end face of the multiple optical fibers, and the output surface 22b is composed of the other end faces of those multiple optical fibers. The FOP22 is positioned on the readout board 23 such that its output surface 22b faces the readout board 23. In the FOP22, light incident on the input surface 22a propagates through the optical fiber and is output from the output surface 22b.

[0035] The reading board 23 is, for example, a circuit board (image sensor) with a light-receiving section (photodetector) built into it. In the radiation detection unit 2, fluorescence generated in the scintillator 21 is guided by the FOP 22 and incident on the light-receiving section of the reading board 23, where it is detected by the reading board 23. In this example, the radiation is X-rays, but the radiation is not limited to X-rays and may be, for example, gamma rays. The radiation detection unit 2 only needs to be capable of detecting radiation and is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the FOP 22 may be omitted, and the scintillator 21 may be directly placed on the reading board 23. Alternatively, instead of the scintillator 21 and FOP 22, a direct conversion board that directly converts incident radiation into an electrical signal may be provided. In this case, the reading board 23 does not need to have a light-receiving section.

[0036] The first substrate 3 has a first main surface 31 and a second main surface 32 opposite to the first main surface 31. In this example, the first main surface 31 and the second main surface 32 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the Z direction (the thickness direction of the first substrate 3). When viewed from the Z direction, the first substrate 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a long side parallel to the X direction. In this example, a pair of corners located on one side in the X direction are chamfered (C-chamfered), and the first substrate 3 is formed in a hexagonal shape.

[0037] The radiation detection unit 2 described above is arranged on the first main surface 31. The scintillator 21, FOP 22, and readout substrate 23 described above may be formed in a hexagonal shape corresponding to the first substrate 3. The radiation detection unit 2 is formed to be smaller than the first substrate 3 when viewed from the Z direction, and is arranged so as not to protrude outward from the first substrate 3 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0038] A communication element 71 and a plurality of electronic components 72 are provided on the second main surface 32. The communication element 71 is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with the outside of the intraoral imaging device 1. For example, the communication element 71 receives control signals for controlling the intraoral imaging device 1 from an external controller configured by a computer. The communication element 71 also transmits imaging data acquired by the radiation detection unit 2 to the external controller. The wireless communication (wireless link) means may be Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi, or other communication means. The plurality of electronic components 72 include, for example, a sensor control IC (FPGA: Field-Programmable Gate Array), a power supply control IC (battery control unit), a memory IC, etc.

[0039] The second substrate 4 is positioned on the opposite side of the first substrate 3 from the radiation detection unit 2 (upper side in Figure 3). The second substrate 4 has a third main surface 41 and a fourth main surface 42. In this example, the third main surface 41 and the fourth main surface 42 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the Z direction (thickness direction of the first substrate 3). The third main surface 41 faces the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3. When viewed from the Z direction, the second substrate 4 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a long side parallel to the Y direction.

[0040] A battery 8 is provided on the fourth main surface 42. The battery 8 is the power source for the intraoral imaging device 1 and supplies power to, for example, the communication element 71 and the electronic component 72. In this example, the battery 8 is a membrane battery, for example, formed in a membrane shape and having a thickness of 1 mm or less. The battery 8 can be charged, for example, by wireless charging or wired charging.

[0041] The second substrate 4 is electrically and physically connected to the first substrate 3 by a connecting member 5. The connecting member 5 is made of, for example, a rectangular sheet of FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) and is flexible. As shown in Figure 3, the connecting member 5 extends so as to span between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4. The connecting member 5 has a curved portion 5c that is curved so as to be convex in a direction parallel to the first main surface 31 of the first substrate 3. The curved portion 5c is curved so as to be convex outward in the X direction (a direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the aforementioned direction) when viewed from the Y direction (a direction perpendicular to the Z direction).

[0042] One edge 5a of the connecting member 5 is connected to the first substrate 3, for example, by solder. The other edge 5b of the connecting member 5 is connected to the second substrate 4 via a connector 9. The other edge 5b is detachable from the connector 9, thereby allowing the connecting member 5 to be detachable from the second substrate 4. The connector 9 is provided, for example, on the fourth main surface 42 of the second substrate 4, along one edge in the X direction. Because the connecting member 5 is flexible, it can be deformed into a curved (folded) state as shown in Figure 3, or into a planar extended state as shown in Figure 4. When the intraoral imaging device 1 is in use, the connecting member 5 is in the curved state as shown in Figure 3.

[0043] The housing 6 is formed in a flat, box-like shape and houses the radiation detection unit 2, the first substrate 3, the second substrate 4, and the connecting member 5. The housing 6 has a first cover 61 which constitutes one side in the Z direction, and a second cover 62 which constitutes the other side in the Z direction. The first cover 61 has a bottom wall portion 63 (first wall portion) that extends perpendicular to the Z direction, and a side wall portion 64 that surrounds the bottom wall portion 63. The second cover 62 has a bottom wall portion 65 (second wall portion) that extends perpendicular to the Z direction, and a side wall portion 66 that surrounds the bottom wall portion 65. The housing 6 is formed of, for example, nylon or ABS resin.

[0044] The first cover 61 and the second cover 62 are engaged with each other at their side walls 64 and 66. When the first cover 61 and the second cover 62 are engaged, the side walls 64 and 66 constitute a single side wall connected to the bottom wall 63 and the bottom wall 65. The first cover 61 and the second cover 62 have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to the Z direction, except for the engaging portion. In this example, the outer surfaces 63a of the bottom wall 63 and 65a of the bottom wall 65 are formed to be flat throughout. The bottom walls 63 and 65 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a long side parallel to the X direction when viewed from the Z direction. In this example, a pair of corners located on one side in the X direction are curved in an R shape so that the housing 6 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the first substrate 3.

[0045] Further explanation will be given regarding the arrangement of each component within the housing 6. The intraoral imaging device 1 further includes a cushioning material 10 positioned between the first substrate 3 and the housing 6. The cushioning material 10 comprises a first cushioning material 12 and a second cushioning material 13. The first cushioning material 12 and the second cushioning material 13 are main surface cushioning materials 11 positioned between the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 and the housing 6. In the intraoral imaging device 1, the radiation detection unit 2, the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4, etc., are arranged without gaps in the Z direction within the housing 6 via the first cushioning material 12 and the second cushioning material 13, thereby positioning and holding (fixing) them within the housing 6. The first cushioning material 12 and the second cushioning material 13 are formed, for example, in the shape of a sheet. The first cushioning material 12 and the second cushioning material 13 may be formed from, for example, silicone rubber, or they may be formed by the curing of injected resin. The material of the first cushioning material 12 and the second cushioning material 13 may be an insulating material as described above, or a conductive material. The materials of the first cushioning material 12 and the second cushioning material 13 may be materials with a Young's modulus lower than that of the housing 6.

[0046] The radiation detection unit 2 and the first substrate 3 are positioned on the first cover 61 side such that the scintillator 21 is in contact with the bottom wall portion 63 of the first cover 61. The second substrate 4 is positioned away from the first substrate 3 in the Z direction, and in this example, there is a gap between the third main surface 41 of the second substrate 4 and the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3. Multiple electronic components 72 are arranged in this gap. That is, multiple electronic components 72 are arranged between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4.

[0047] The second cushioning material 13 is positioned between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4. For example, the second cushioning material 13 is positioned between the second substrate 4 and a plurality of electronic components 72. The second cushioning material 13 is interposed between the third main surface 41 of the second substrate 4 and the plurality of electronic components 72, and is in contact with the third main surface 41 and the plurality of electronic components 72. The second cushioning material 13 may be present not only between the third main surface 41 and the electronic components 72, but also in the gaps between the plurality of electronic components 72. The second cushioning material 13 present in these gaps may be, for example, a portion of the second cushioning material 13 formed in a sheet shape that is pressed and extruded between the electronic components 72, or it may be a portion made of injected and hardened resin. The first cushioning material 12 is positioned between the second substrate 4 and the housing 6. For example, the first cushioning material 12 is positioned between the second substrate 4 and the bottom wall portion 65 of the second cover 62 of the housing 6. The first cushioning material 12 is interposed between the battery 8 and the bottom wall portion 65, which are provided on the fourth main surface 42 of the second substrate 4, and is in contact with the battery 8 and the bottom wall portion 65. The first cushioning material 12 may have a portion that is pushed out to the side of the battery 8. This portion of the first cushioning material 12 may be in contact with the fourth main surface 42 of the second substrate 4.

[0048] With the components arranged as described above, the radiation detection unit 2, the first substrate 3, and the second substrate 4 are fixed within the housing 6. In the fixed state, the bottom wall portion 63 is located on the opposite side of the first substrate 3 from the second substrate 4 (the lower side in Figure 3), and the bottom wall portion 65 is located on the opposite side of the second substrate 4 from the first substrate 3 (the upper side in Figure 3).

[0049] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the positional relationships of each component as viewed from the Z direction will be explained. The entire outer edge of the second substrate 4 is located inside the outer edge of the first substrate 3. That is, the second substrate 4 is formed to be smaller than the first substrate 3 when viewed from the Z direction, and is positioned so as not to protrude outward from the first substrate 3 when viewed from the Z direction. The battery 8 is located in the center of the fourth main surface 42 of the second substrate 4. The size (area) of the battery 8 is 5% or more of the size (area) of the first substrate 3, and in this example it is 30% or more of the size of the first substrate 3. In this example, the communication element 71 is positioned so that its entirety is located outside the outer edge of the battery 8. That is, the communication element 71 does not overlap with the battery 8 in the Z direction. On the other hand, some of the multiple electronic components 72 are positioned so that some or all of them overlap with the battery 8 in the Z direction. Note that the battery 8 may be larger than the second substrate 4 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0050] [Mechanism of Action and Effects] In the intraoral imaging device 1, a radiation detection unit 2 for detecting radiation, a first substrate 3 equipped with a communication element 71 capable of wireless communication with the outside, and a second substrate 4 equipped with a battery 8 are housed within a housing 6. This makes it possible to miniaturize the device so that, for example, the entire device can be placed inside the patient's oral cavity. On the other hand, when the device is miniaturized, the area for mounting the communication element 71 and electronic components 72 may decrease. In this regard, in the intraoral imaging device 1, the second substrate 4 is positioned on the opposite side of the first substrate 3 from the radiation detection unit 2. This increases the mounting area compared to, for example, a case where only the first substrate 3 is present. Furthermore, since the battery 8 is provided on the second substrate 4, the mounting area on the first substrate 3, which tends to have insufficient mounting area, can be increased. In addition, when viewed from the Z direction (the thickness direction of the first substrate 3), the entire outer edge of the second substrate 4 is located inside the outer edge of the first substrate 3. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the intraoral imaging device 1 when viewed from the Z direction. Furthermore, the second substrate 4 is connected to the first substrate 3 by a connecting member 5, and a battery 8 is provided on the second substrate 4. This suppresses the transmission of impacts acting on the housing 6 to the battery 8, thereby increasing the resistance to impact. Thus, the intraoral imaging device 1 can be miniaturized while increasing its resistance to impact.

[0051] Furthermore, in the intraoral imaging device 1, electronic components and the like can be mounted on both main surfaces (third main surface 41 and fourth main surface 42) of the second substrate 4, which also increases the mounting area. Also, since the size of the second substrate 4 when viewed from the Z direction only needs to be smaller than the size of the first substrate 3, the size of the battery 8 when viewed from the Z direction can be increased to the size of the first substrate 3. In other words, since the size of the battery 8 is not limited by the mounting area of ​​the first substrate 3, it becomes possible to use a battery 8 with a larger area. In addition, since the heat generated in the battery 8 is transferred to the first substrate 3 via the second substrate 4, the transfer of heat to the radiation detection unit 2 and the first substrate 3 can be suppressed compared to, for example, the case where the battery 8 is provided on the first substrate 3.

[0052] The connecting member 5 electrically and physically connects the second substrate 4 to the first substrate 3. This allows the connecting member 5 to achieve an electrical and physical connection between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4.

[0053] The second substrate 4 is separated from the first substrate 3 in the Z direction. This allows electronic components 72 and the like to be placed between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4, further increasing the mounting area. In addition, because the second substrate 4 is separated from the first substrate 3, the transmission of shocks acting on the housing 6 to the battery 8 can be further suppressed.

[0054] Multiple electronic components 72 are arranged between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4. This allows for an even greater increase in mounting area. Furthermore, because the second substrate 4 is positioned between the electronic components 72 and the housing 6, the electronic components 72 can be protected even if the housing 6 is subjected to impact, for example, by being bitten by a patient during use.

[0055] The connecting member 5 is flexible. This further suppresses the transmission of impacts acting on the housing 6 to the battery 8, thereby increasing the strength against impact. In other words, because the second substrate 4 is connected to the first substrate 3 by the flexible connecting member 5, the second substrate 4 is not completely fixed but can move to some extent, thus further increasing the strength against impact.

[0056] The connecting member 5 is connected to the second circuit board 4 via the connector 9 and is detachable from the second circuit board 4. This makes it easier to perform tasks such as replacing the battery 8.

[0057] The connecting member 5 has a curved portion 5c that is curved so as to be convex in a direction parallel to the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3. This further suppresses the transmission of impacts acting on the housing 6 to the battery 8, and further increases the strength against impact.

[0058] The connecting member 5 extends so as to span between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4. This further suppresses the transmission of impacts acting on the housing 6 to the battery 8, thereby further increasing the resistance to impact.

[0059] A cushioning material 10 is placed between the first substrate 3 and the housing 6. This allows the cushioning material 10 to absorb the impact acting on the housing 6, further increasing its resistance to impact.

[0060] In conventional wired intraoral imaging devices, which have a cable extending from the housing, the cable can be used to fix and position the substrate inside the housing. In contrast, the intraoral imaging device 1 of this embodiment does not have such a cable, so it is necessary to fix and position the substrate by other means. In this regard, the intraoral imaging device 1 makes it possible to fix and position the substrate (first substrate 3, etc.) by a cushioning material 10 placed between the first substrate 3 and the housing 6.

[0061] The main surface cushioning material 11 is positioned between the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 and the housing 6. This allows the main surface cushioning material 11 to effectively absorb impacts acting on the housing 6, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3, thereby further increasing the strength against impacts.

[0062] A first cushioning material 12 is placed between the second substrate 4 and the housing 6. This allows the first cushioning material 12 to absorb the impact acting on the housing 6, further increasing its resistance to impact.

[0063] A second cushioning material 13 is placed between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4. This allows the second cushioning material 13 to absorb the impact acting on the housing 6, further increasing its resistance to impact.

[0064] When viewed from the Z direction, the size of the battery 8 is 5% or more of the size of the first substrate 3. This allows for an increase in the capacity of the battery 8. On the other hand, if the battery 8 is large, it becomes difficult to secure area for mounting other electronic components. In this regard, since the intraoral imaging device 1 has the battery 8 on the second substrate 4, mounting area can be secured even in such cases.

[0065] The battery 8 is located on the surface of the second substrate 4 opposite to the first substrate 3 (the fourth main surface 42). As a result, since the battery 8 is not located between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4, even if an impact is applied to the housing 6 when, for example, an electronic component 72 is located on the surface of the first substrate 3 facing the second substrate 4 (the second main surface 32), the battery 8 and the electronic component 72 will not come into contact, thus suppressing damage to both the battery 8 and the electronic component 72.

[0066] The outer surface 65a of the bottom wall portion 65 of the housing 6 is formed to be flat throughout. This improves patient comfort during use. Furthermore, if the outer surface 65a of the bottom wall portion 65 is formed to be flat throughout, charging efficiency can be ensured, for example, when the battery 8 is charged by wireless charging. In other words, if the outer surface 65a of the bottom wall portion 65 is not flat throughout, the intraoral imaging device 1 may tilt relative to the power transmission coil, and there is a risk of axial misalignment between the power receiving coil in the housing 6 and the power transmission coil of the wireless charging device. In this case, the power receiving coil and the power transmission coil will no longer be parallel to each other, and the charging efficiency will decrease. In this embodiment, however, since the outer surface 65a of the bottom wall portion 65 is formed to be flat throughout, such a decrease in charging efficiency can be suppressed. In addition, because the bottom wall portion 65 is flat throughout, the number of turns of the power receiving coil in the housing 6 can be increased.

[0067] Battery 8 is a membrane battery. This allows for a reduction in the size of the housing 6 in the Z direction.

[0068] When viewed from the Z direction, the entire communication element 71 is located outside the outer edge of the battery 8. This prevents the battery 8 from affecting the operation of the communication element 71 (for example, affecting the antenna of the communication element 71).

[0069] [First variation] In the first modified example shown in Figure 5, the battery 8 is provided on the third main surface 41 (the surface on the first substrate 3 side) of the second substrate 4. The second cushioning material 13 is placed between the battery 8 and a plurality of electronic components 72. The connector 9 is provided on the third main surface 41 of the second substrate 4.

[0070] This first modification, like the embodiment described above, allows for miniaturization while increasing impact resistance. Furthermore, the battery 8 is provided on the third main surface 41 of the second substrate 4. As a result, the second substrate 4 is positioned between the battery 8 and the housing 6, so even if the housing 6 is subjected to impact, for example, by being bitten by a patient during use, the battery 8 can be protected.

[0071] [Second variation] The second modified example shown in Figure 6 has the same configuration as the first modified example, except for the following points. In the second modified example, the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 are connected by a plurality of connecting members 5B. Each connecting member 5B is, for example, a connector and is not flexible. The plurality of connecting members 5B are arranged between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 and support the second substrate 4. Each connecting member 5B is provided to extend along the Z direction. The connecting members 5B are detachable from at least one of the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4. In addition, the second cushioning material 13 is not provided in the second modified example.

[0072] This second modification, like the above embodiment, allows for miniaturization while increasing impact resistance. Furthermore, since the connecting member 5B is positioned between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 and supports the second substrate 4, the second substrate 4 can be reliably supported, further increasing impact resistance. In addition, since the connecting member 5B is detachable from at least one of the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4, tasks such as replacing the battery 8 can be facilitated.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the connecting member 5 is flexible. In this case, the second substrate 4 can come into contact with the electronic component 72 provided on the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 due to its own weight, so the second cushioning material 13 is provided between the second substrate 4 and the first substrate 3. On the other hand, in the second modified example, the second substrate 4 is supported by the connecting member 5B, so the second substrate 4 does not come into contact with the electronic component 72 as in the above embodiment. Therefore, in the second modified example, it is possible to protect the electronic component 72 and the second substrate 4 without providing the second cushioning material 13.

[0074] [Third variation] The third modified example shown in Figure 7 has the same configuration as the first modified example, except for the following points. In the third modified example, the main surface cushioning material 11 further comprises a third cushioning material 14 disposed between the first substrate 3 and the housing 6. The third cushioning material 14 has a portion that is located inside the outer edge of the first substrate 3 and outside the outer edge of the second substrate 4 when viewed from the Z direction. In this example, in addition to the said portion, the third cushioning material 14 further comprises a portion that is located outside the outer edge of the first substrate 3 when viewed from the thickness direction of the first substrate 3. The third cushioning material 14 may be formed from, for example, silicone rubber, or it may be formed by the curing of injected resin. In this example, the third cushioning material 14 is disposed between the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 and the bottom wall portion 65 of the second cover 62. The third cushioning material 14 is interposed between the communication element 71 and the bottom wall portion 65 and is in contact with the communication element 71 and the bottom wall portion 65.

[0075] This third modification, like the above embodiment, allows for miniaturization while increasing impact resistance. Furthermore, because the third cushioning material 14 is positioned between the first substrate 3 and the housing 6, the impact acting on the housing 6 can be absorbed by the third cushioning material 14, further increasing impact resistance. Additionally, because the third cushioning material 14 is positioned between the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 and the housing 6, impacts acting on the housing 6 along the Z direction (a direction perpendicular to the second main surface 32) can be suitably absorbed by the third cushioning material 14, for example, further increasing impact resistance.

[0076] In the intraoral imaging device 1, unlike the prior art, the cable does not extend from the housing 6, and the entire device is miniaturized so that it can be placed inside the patient's oral cavity. However, because such miniaturization makes it easier for the user to accidentally drop the housing, cushioning material is placed inside the housing 6 to increase its resistance to impact. In this regard, the intraoral imaging device 1 is provided with a second circuit board 4, and a battery 8 is provided on the second circuit board 4, so that space for placing the third cushioning material 14 can be suitably secured on the first circuit board 3.

[0077] [Fourth variation] The fourth modified example shown in Figure 8 has the same configuration as the third modified example, except for the following points. In the fourth modified example, the third cushioning material 14 is positioned between the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 and the bottom wall 65, rather than between the communication element 71 and the bottom wall 65 of the second cover 62. That is, the third cushioning material 14 is positioned so as not to overlap with the communication element 71 in the Z direction. In addition, in the fourth modified example, the third cushioning material 14 includes multiple (three in this example) cushioning materials 14a, 14b, and 14c. The cushioning materials 14a and 14b are positioned on one side and the other side of the communication element 71 in the Y direction, respectively, and the cushioning material 14c is positioned on one side of the communication element 71 in the X direction. The cushioning materials 14a, 14b, and 14c as a whole are located inside the outer edge of the first substrate 3 and outside the outer edge of the second substrate 4 when viewed from the Z direction. The cushioning materials 14a, 14b, and 14c are interposed between the second main surface 32 and the bottom wall portion 65 of the first substrate 3, and are in contact with the second main surface 32 and the bottom wall portion 65.

[0078] This fourth modification, like the above embodiment, allows for miniaturization while increasing impact resistance. Furthermore, since the third cushioning material 14 is positioned between the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 and the housing 6, impacts acting on the housing 6 along the Z direction, for example, can be suitably absorbed by the third cushioning material 14, further increasing impact resistance.

[0079] [Fifth variation] The fifth modified example shown in Figure 9 has the same configuration as the third modified example, except for the following points. In the fifth modified example, the cushioning material 10 has a side cushioning material 15 positioned between the side surface 33 of the first substrate 3 and the side walls (side wall portions 64, 66) of the housing 6. More specifically, the side cushioning material 15 includes a plurality (three in this example) of cushioning materials 15a, 15b, and 15c. The cushioning materials 15a and 15b are positioned on one side and the other side of the first substrate 3 in the Y direction, respectively, and the cushioning material 15c is positioned on one side of the first substrate 3 in the X direction. The cushioning materials 15a, 15b, and 15c are interposed between the side surface 33 and the side wall portions 64, 66 of the first substrate 3 and are in contact with the side surface 33 and the side wall portions 64, 66.

[0080] This fifth modification, like the above embodiment, allows for miniaturization while increasing impact resistance. Furthermore, since the side cushioning material 15 is positioned between the side surface 33 of the first substrate 3 and the housing 6, impacts acting on the housing 6 in a direction parallel to the second main surface 32 can be suitably absorbed by the side cushioning material 15, further increasing impact resistance. In addition, in the fifth modification, similar to the fourth modification, the side cushioning material 15 may also be positioned between the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 and the bottom wall portion 65 of the second cover 62.

[0081] [Sixth variation] The sixth modified example shown in Figure 10 has the same configuration as the above embodiment except for the following points. In the sixth modified example, the bottom wall portion 65 of the second cover 62 has a first portion 67 and a second portion 68. The first portion 67 is located on one side in the X direction relative to the second portion 68. The distance between the first portion 67 and the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 in the Z direction is shorter than the distance between the second portion 68 and the second main surface 32 in the Z direction, thereby forming a stepped portion 69 between the first portion 67 and the second portion 68. The stepped portion 69 extends along the Y direction. A third cushioning material 14 is placed between the first substrate 3 and the housing 6. In this example, the third cushioning material 14 is placed between the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3 and the first portion 67 of the bottom wall portion 65. The third cushioning material 14 is interposed between the communication element 71 and the first portion 67 and is in contact with the communication element 71 and the first portion 67. This sixth modification also allows for miniaturization while increasing impact resistance, similar to the above embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, in the sixth modified example, the distance between the first portion 67 and the second main surface 32 of the first substrate is shorter than the distance between the bottom wall portion 65 and the second main surface 32 of the first substrate in the above embodiment. This makes it possible to fix the first substrate 3 with a smaller (less) amount of third cushioning material 14 compared to the above embodiment. Moreover, in the sixth modified example, the second substrate 4 is provided so as to overlap the first portion 67 and the stepped portion 69 when viewed from the X direction. This prevents the second substrate 4 from moving to the other side in the X direction, as this is suppressed by the first portion 67 and the stepped portion 69. As a result, the load on the connecting member 5 due to the movement of the second substrate 4 can be reduced.

[0083] [7th variation] The seventh modified example shown in Figure 11 has the same configuration as the third modified example, except for the following point. In the seventh modified example, the communication element 71 is positioned such that, when viewed from the Z direction, its entirety is located inside the outer edge of the battery 8. That is, in the seventh modified example, the entire communication element 71 overlaps with the battery 8 in the Z direction. In addition, the third cushioning material 14 is interposed between the second main surface 32 and the bottom wall portion 65 of the first substrate 3 and is in contact with the second main surface 32 and the bottom wall portion 65. This sixth modified example also allows for miniaturization while increasing the strength against impact, similar to the above embodiment.

[0084] [8th variation] Figure 12 shows the eighth modified example. In the eighth modified example, the second substrate 4 is not provided, and the battery 8 is provided on the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3. The housing 6 is not shown in Figure 12. A notch K is formed in the first substrate 3. The notch K is formed on the long side 3a of the first substrate 3 and extends from the long side 3a toward the battery 8 located in the center of the first substrate 3. When viewed from the Z direction, the notch K is formed in a rectangular shape with a long side parallel to the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the notch K is adjacent to the battery 8 in the Y direction. In the eighth modified example, a part of the reading substrate 23 is exposed from the notch K. In other words, the eighth modified intraoral imaging device is "an intraoral imaging device 1 comprising a radiation detection unit 2 for detecting radiation, a first substrate 3 on which a communication element 71 capable of wireless communication with the outside and a battery 8 are provided, and a housing 6 for housing the radiation detection unit 2 and the first substrate 3, wherein a notch K is formed on one side of the first substrate 3."

[0085] [9th variation] Figure 13 shows the ninth modified example. In the ninth modified example, the second substrate 4 is not provided, and the battery 8 is provided on the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3. Figure 13(a) shows the side of the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3, and Figure 13(b) shows the side of the first main surface 31 of the first substrate 3. In the ninth modified example, a first curved portion R1 (rounded portion) and a second curved portion R2 (rounded portion) are formed on a pair of long sides 3a of the first substrate 3, which are curved so as to be concave toward the central part of the first substrate 3. As a result, the first substrate 3 is constricted when viewed from the Z direction. That is, the length of the first substrate 3 in the Y direction (the direction in which the pair of long sides 3a face each other) is shorter in the X direction (the direction in which the pair of long sides 3a extend) as it approaches the center from both ends of the long sides 3a. The reading substrate 23 is positioned on the first main surface 31 of the first substrate 3 such that its entire outer edge is located inside the outer edge of the first substrate 3. Furthermore, the four corners 34 of the first substrate 3 are chamfered (C-chamfered). The housing 6 is formed in a shape corresponding to the first substrate 3. That is, the housing 6 is formed in a shape having curved portions corresponding to the first curved portion R1 and the second curved portion R2.

[0086] In other words, the ninth modified intraoral imaging device is "an intraoral imaging device 1 comprising a radiation detection unit 2 for detecting radiation, a first substrate 3 on which a communication element 71 capable of wireless communication with the outside and a battery 8 are provided, and a housing 6 for housing the radiation detection unit 2 and the first substrate 3, wherein one side of the first substrate 3 has a curved portion that is recessed toward the center of the first substrate 3, and the housing 6 is formed in a shape corresponding to the first substrate 3." With this intraoral imaging device, the user's fingers can fit more easily into the housing 6, thus preventing the user from dropping the intraoral imaging device 1. In addition, the four corners 34 of the first substrate 3 are chamfered, which protects the reading substrate 23 from impacts applied to the first substrate 3.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the materials and shapes of each component are not limited to those described above, but can be made from a variety of materials and shapes.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the connecting member 5 electrically and physically connected the second substrate 4 to the first substrate 3, but the configuration of the connecting member 5 is not limited to this. For example, the connecting member 5 may physically connect the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 but not electrically. In this case, a member (e.g., a wire or cable) for electrically connecting the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 may be provided separately from the connecting member 5. Alternatively, the connecting member 5 may electrically connect the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 but not physically (it is not used to fix the second substrate 4 to the first substrate 3). In this case, a member (e.g., a cushioning material or pole member) for physically connecting (fixing) the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 may be provided separately from the connecting member 5. The intraoral imaging device 1 may include a connecting member (e.g., a wire or cable) for electrically connecting the second substrate 4 to the first substrate 3, and a connecting member (e.g., a cushioning material or pole member) for physically connecting the second substrate 4 to the first substrate 3.

[0089] In the above embodiments and modifications, the first cushioning material 12 may be composed of a part of the housing 6. That is, instead of providing the first cushioning material 12, the housing 6 may have a cushion portion formed by the inner portion of the housing 6 being softer than the outer portion of the housing 6. For example, the housing 6 may have a two-layer structure including a first layer located on the outside and a second layer (cushion portion) located on the inside. The second layer is softer than the first layer. The material of the first layer (outer portion of the housing 6) is, for example, nylon or ABS resin. The material of the second layer (inner portion of the housing 6) is, for example, a material with a lower Young's modulus than the material of the first layer. In this case as well, the impact acting on the housing 6 can be absorbed by the cushion portion, and the strength against impact can be further increased. Similarly, the third cushioning material 14 may be composed of a part of the housing 6.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the battery control unit for controlling the battery 8 was provided on the first substrate 3, but the battery control unit may also be provided on the second substrate 4. In this case, since the battery control unit is provided on the second substrate 4, it becomes possible to increase the mounting area for other elements on the first substrate 3.

[0091] The second substrate 4 may be made of a rigid substrate, or it may be made of a reinforcing plate and a flexible substrate provided on the reinforcing plate. The flexible substrate is, for example, a rectangular sheet-shaped FPC. The second substrate 4 may be placed directly on the second main surface 32 of the first substrate 3. That is, the second substrate 4 does not have to be separated from the first substrate 3 in the Z direction. The arrangement of the electronic components 72 is not limited to the example described above. For example, the electronic components 72 do not have to be placed between the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the connecting member 5 was connected to the second substrate 4 via the connector 9, but the connecting member 5 may also be connected to the first substrate 3 via the connector 9. In this case, the connecting member 5 becomes detachable from the first substrate 3. The connector 9 may be omitted, and the connecting member 5 may not be detachable from the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4. In this case, the height can be reduced compared to the case where it is connected by the connector 9, and the area on the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 that can be used to mount electronic components can be increased because the connector 9 is not provided. In the above embodiment, the connecting member 5 is not limited to an FPC, but may be a cable or the like. The battery 8 is not limited to a membrane battery.

[0093] In the above embodiment, when viewed from the Z direction, the entire communication element 71 was located outside the outer edge of the battery 8. However, when viewed from the Z direction, only a part of the communication element 71 may be located outside the outer edge of the battery 8, with the remainder of the communication element 71 located inside the outer edge of the battery 8. In this case as well, it is possible to suppress to some extent the influence of the battery 8 on the operation of the communication element 71.

[0094] In the above embodiment, a pair of corners located on one side in the X direction of the first substrate 3 were chamfered (C-chamfered), but all four corners may be chamfered.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the scintillator 21 was in contact with the bottom wall portion 63 of the first cover 61, but is not limited to this. For example, another member such as a cushioning material may be provided between the scintillator 21 and the bottom wall portion 63, and the scintillator 21 may be in contact with the bottom wall portion 63 via the other member. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1...Intraoral imaging device, 2...Radiation detection unit, 3...First substrate, 32...Second main surface (main surface), 33...Side, 4...Second substrate, 41...Third main surface (front surface), 5,5B...Connecting member, 6...Housing, 63...Bottom wall (first wall), 64...Side wall, 65...Bottom wall (second wall), 65a...Outer surface, 66...Side wall, 71...Communication element, 72...Electronic component, 8...Battery, 9...Connector, 10...Cushioning material, 11...Main surface cushioning material, 12...First cushioning material, 13...Second cushioning material, 14...Third cushioning material, 15...Side cushioning material.

Claims

1. A first substrate provided with a communication element capable of wireless communication with the outside, A radiation detection unit is placed on the first substrate and detects radiation, A battery is provided, and a second substrate is positioned on the opposite side of the first substrate from the radiation detection unit, A connecting member for connecting the second substrate to the first substrate, The device comprises the radiation detection unit, the first substrate, the second substrate, and a housing that accommodates the connecting member, An intraoral imaging device wherein, when viewed from the thickness direction of the first substrate, the entire outer edge of the second substrate is located inside the outer edge of the first substrate.

2. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate is separated from the first substrate in the thickness direction of the first substrate.

3. The first substrate is further provided with electronic components, The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electronic component is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

4. The connecting member is flexible, as described in claim 1 or 2 of the intraoral imaging device.

5. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member is connected to the first substrate or the second substrate via a connector and is detachable from the first substrate or the second substrate.

6. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member has a curved portion that is curved so as to be convex in a direction parallel to the main surface of the first substrate.

7. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and supports the second substrate.

8. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connecting member is detachably attached to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

9. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cushioning material disposed between the first substrate and the housing.

10. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cushioning material includes a main surface cushioning material disposed between the main surface of the first substrate and the housing.

11. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the main surface cushioning material includes a first cushioning material disposed between the second substrate and the housing.

12. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the main surface cushioning material includes a second cushioning material disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

13. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the main surface cushioning material includes a third cushioning material having a portion located inside the outer edge of the first substrate and outside the outer edge of the second substrate when viewed from the thickness direction of the first substrate.

14. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cushioning material includes a side cushioning material disposed between the side surface of the first substrate and the housing.

15. The housing has a cushion portion formed by the inner portion of the housing being softer than the outer portion of the housing. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cushion portion is in contact with at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

16. The intraoral imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from the thickness direction of the first substrate, the size of the battery is 5% or more of the size of the first substrate.

17. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is provided on the surface of the second substrate opposite to the surface of the first substrate.

18. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is provided on the surface of the second substrate that is on the side of the first substrate.

19. The housing has a first wall portion located on the opposite side of the second substrate to the first substrate, a second wall portion located on the opposite side of the first substrate to the second substrate, and side wall portions connected to the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The intraoral imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer surface of the second wall portion is formed to be flat throughout.

20. The intraoral imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is a membrane battery.

21. The intraoral imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second substrate is further provided with a battery control unit for controlling the battery.

22. The intraoral imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from the thickness direction of the first substrate, at least a portion of the communication element is located outside the outer edge of the battery.

23. The intraoral imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from the thickness direction of the first substrate, the entire communication element is located outside the outer edge of the battery.

Images