Intraoral handheld scanner with improved cooling

Abstract

An intraoral scanner includes a housing having a tip end and a distal end, and at least one scan unit arranged inside the housing and disposed proximate to the tip end. The at least one scan unit includes a projector unit configured to emit light onto a dental object. An image unit is configured to acquire reflected light of the dental object. Three-dimensional (3D) data of the dental object is determined based on the reflected light. The scanner also includes a heat sink arranged proximate to the distal end, and at least one heat guide extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first end connected to the at least one scan unit and a second end connected to the heat sink. The at least one heat guide facilitates a transfer of the heat from the at least one scan unit to the heat sink.

Description

INTRAORAL HANDHELD SCANNER WITH IMPROVED COOLINGTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates, generally, to an intraoral handheld scanner to enable a scanning of a dental object, and more particularly relates to an intraoral handheld scanner having a heat dissipator assembly to remove heat from the scanner.BACKGROUND

[0002] Intraoral scan devices are, generally, used by dentists to capture a direct optical impression of patient’s teeth. During scanning heat is generated by various electronic components, specifically, by a scan unit of the device. Current devices generally use both passive cooling i.e. dissipating heat by means of passive convection which puts severe limitations on the power that can be supplied to the device.

[0003] An intraoral scan device for scanning a patient’s intraoral cavity has a tip that is configured to be inserted into the patient’s mouth during scanning. To avoid the tip to get un-comfortable for the patient to have the tip inside the mouth during a whole scanning, it would be beneficial to make the tip as small as possible. Some intraoral scan devices may have cameras and projectors arranged inside the tip which would result in a tip that are packaged to an extent which makes it very difficult to arrange other components inside the tip, such as a cooling apparatus for cooling the electronics and optics inside the tip.SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of disclosure is to provide an intraoral handheld scanner having at least one scan unit arranged proximate to a tip end of the scanner and a heat dissipator assembly to transfer heat from the at least one scan unit to the rear end of the scanner.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosure is to provide an intraoral handheld scanner having heat guides to remove the heat effectively and easily from the intraoral scanner.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosure is to maintain temperature at the tip end of the scanner to enable the scanning of a dental object of a patient.

[0007] These aspects are provided by an intraoral handheld scanner comprising a housing that includes a tip end and a rear end arranged opposite to the tip end, and at least one scan unit arranged inside the housing and proximate to the tip end.

[0008] The at least one scan unit is configured to scan a dental object, and wherein the at least one scan unit includes a projector unit and an image unit. The projector unit is configured to emit light onto the dental object. The emitted light includes structured light that includes a first visible wavelength. The image unit is configured to acquire reflected light of the dental object. A three- dimensional (3D) data of the dental object is determined based on the reflected light

[0009] In some embodiments, the scanner includes a single scan unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the scanner includes multiple scan units.

[0011] Further, the scanner includes a heat sink arranged proximate to the rear end of the housing, and at least one heat guide arranged inside the housing and extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first end connected to the at least one scan unit and a second end connected to the heat sink. The at least one heat guide facilitates a transfer of the heat from the at least one scan unit to the heat sink.

[0012] In some embodiments, an intraoral scanner may comprise a housing having a tip end and a distal end arranged opposite to the tip end. The housing may comprise a projector unit configured to emit light onto a dental object, wherein the emitted light includes structured light that includes a first visible wavelength, and an image unit configured to acquire reflected light of the dental object, and wherein three-dimensional (3D) data of the dental object is determined based on the reflected light, a heat sink is arranged proximate to the distal end of the housing; and at least one heat guide is arranged inside the housing and extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first end connected to at least a projector unit and / or an image unit arranged in the tip end. and a second end connected to the heat sink, wherein the at least one heat guide facilitates a transfer of the heat from the projector unit and / or an image unit to the heat sink. The tip may only include a projector unit configured to emit infrared light and / or UV light. In this example, the heat guide is configured to facilitate a transfer of heat generated from the projector unit. In another example, an image unit may be arranged next to the projector unit for the purpose of acquiring fluorescence signals provided based on the UV light, and / or internal structure signals provided based on the infrared light. The projector unit may be configured to emit white light, infrared light and / or UV light based on at least three light sources of the projector unit. The projector unit may be arranged in the tip, or a part of the projector unit may be arranged in the tip and another part in the housing. For example, the infrared light source andthe UV light source may be arranged in the tip and the white light source may be arranged in the housing or in the tip. In this example, the tip may comprise multiple image units configured to acquiring the reflected infrared light and / or reflected UV light and / or reflected white light.

[0013] The projector unit may include a projector having a light source, one or more lenses to focus light emitted by the light source on the dental object, a lens mount to support the one or more lenses, and a circuit board electrically coupled to the light source to control the light source.

[0014] The projector may include one or more heat dissipating plates to cool the light source by facilitating a transfer of heat from the light source to the lens mount that radiates heat to the external environment.

[0015] The image unit may include one or more cameras to capture images of the dental object illuminated by the projector unit.

[0016] The camera may include at least one image sensor and one or more lenses to focus the light received from the dental object to the at least one image sensor. Further the, camera includes a lens mount to support the one or more lenses and the image sensor.

[0017] The lens mount may facilitate a cooling of the image sensor by radiating heat received from the image sensor to an external environment.

[0018] The camera may include a circuit board electrically connected to the image sensor, and a heat die arranged between the circuit board and the image sensor, contacting the circuit board and defining air gaps / fills therebetween to enable air cooling of the circuit board and / or the image sensor.

[0019] The heat die may include a plurality of ribs disposed contacting the circuit board and defining the air gaps / fills to enable air cooling of the circuit board. Also, the heat generated by the image sensor is transferred to the heat die and then to the air present inside the air gaps, cooling the image sensor.

[0020] The heat die may facilitate the electrical connection of the image sensor with the circuit board.

[0021] In some embodiments, electrical wires electrically connect the image sensor to the circuit board.

[0022] In some embodiments, the heat guide is a heat pipe. The heat pipe allows for remote cooling, i.e. increasing the distance between a heat source i.e., at least one scan unit and heat sink.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heat pipe has a transfer liquid filled inside the heat pipe. The liquid converts into vapors upon receipt of heat from the at least one scan unit or at least one heat transfer unit, and is converted back into the liquid at the heat sink due to cooling of the heat pipe.

[0024] The intraoral scanner further comprises at least one heat transfer unit connecting the at least one scan unit to the at least one heat guide to enable transfer of heat from the at least one scan unit to the at least one heat guide.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one heat transfer unit includes a bent bracket to connect the at least one heat guide to at least one scan unit at one or more locations that are difficult to reach. The at least one heat transfer unit is utilized as the bending of the heat pipe reduces the heat transfer effectiveness of the heat pipe.

[0026] In some embodiments, the at least one scan unit is connected to the at least one heat transfer unit via a thermal pad to enable quick and efficient heat transfer from the at least one scan unit for example, from a projector unit of the at least one scan unit to the at least one heat guide.

[0027] In some embodiments, the image unit is also connected to the at least one heat transfer unit via a thermal pad to enable quick and efficient heat transfer therebetween.

[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one heat transfer unit is a metal bracket made of a metal having high thermal conductivity, for example, copper or aluminum.

[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one heat transfer unit include a first surface connected to the at least one heat guide and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, and the intraoral scanner includes a heat spreader applied to the second surface. The heat spreader enables a quick spreading of the heat over a larger surface of the at least one heat transfer unit to enable efficient and quick transfer of heat from the at least one heat transfer unit to the at least one heat guide.

[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one heat spreader is a graphite based thermal interface material. For example, the heat spreader is eGraf® HITHERM™ HT-C3200 heat spreader having a through-plane thermal conductivity of 7 W / m*K, but an in-plane thermal conductivity of 800 W / m*K enabling a quick spreading of heat over a larger surface area and providing an efficientheat distribution of heat over the heat transfer unit. This in turn provides a quick and efficient heat transfer from the at least one heat transfer unit to the at least one heat guide.

[0031] In some embodiments, a thermal epoxy is applied between the at least one heat transfer unit and the at least one heat guide to adhere the at least one heat guide to the at least one heat transfer unit. The thermal epoxy reduces the thermal resistance at a junction of the at least one heat transfer unit and the at least one heat guide and therefore, improves the heat transfer rate from the at least heat transfer unit to the at least one heat guide.

[0032] In some embodiments, the scanner includes two separate heat guides, for example, a first heat guide connecting the projector unit to the heat sink and a second heat guide connecting the image unit to the heat sink. The two heat guides increase overall heat transfer rate and capability from the scan unit to the heat sink. The two separate heat guides may be connected via the heat sink and / or via one or more heat transfer units, but the two heat guides are not directly connected or form part of a metal frame or casing. The two heat guides are separate guides which allows for arranging the two heat guides such that electronic components may be arranged between the heat guides. In one example, the two heat guides may be parallel along a longitudinal axis of the housing, but in another example, the two heat guides may not be parallel as the electronic components may not be arranged such that parallel heat guides are possible. Therefore, by having separate heat guides would allow an easier way of implementing the heat guides into the housing of the intraoral scanner.

[0033] In some embodiments, the scanner includes a first heat transfer unit connecting the projector unit to the at least one heat guide, for example, a first heat guide, and a second heat transfer unit connecting the image unit to the at least one heat guide, for example, the second heat guide. By having separate heat transfer units for the projector unit and the image unit, heat from the image unit and the projector unit can be transferred relatively quickly and efficiently, increasing the cooling rate of the projector unit and the image unit.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first heat transfer unit includes a first bracket connecting the projector unit to the first heat guide.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first bracket includes an L shape.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second heat transfer unit is a second bracket connecting the image unit i.e., each of the cameras to the second heat guide.

[0037] In some embodiments, separate thermal pads are arranged between the second bracket and each of the cameras. Also, the second bracket is connected to each of the thermal pads. By having separate thermal pads, improved heat transfer rate from the cameras to the second bracket is achieved.

[0038] In some embodiments, a single thermal pad connects all the cameras to the second bracket, achieving compact and simple assembly.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second bracket includes an L shape.

[0040] In some embodiments, a single heat transfer unit connects the projector unit and the at least one image unit to two separate heat guides. By having a single heat transfer unit connecting both the heat guides, a compact heat dissipator assembly is achieved along with reduced cost of the scanner.

[0041] In some embodiments, both the projector unit and the at least one image unit are connected to a single heat guide either via two heat transfer units or a single heat transfer unit. By having a single heat transfer guide, a compact heat dissipator assembly is achieved along with reduced cost.

[0042] In some embodiments, the scanner includes a first heat spreader connected to the second surface of the first heat transfer unit and a second heat spreader connected to the second surface of the second heat transfer unit.

[0043] The first and second heat spreaders enable a quick spreading of the heat over a larger surface of the first and second heat transfer units to enable efficient and quick transfer of heat from the first and second heat transfer units to the first and second heat guides.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first heat spreader is a graphite based thermal interface material. For example, the first heat spreader is HITHERM™ HT-C3200 heat spreader having a through-plane thermal conductivity of 7 W / m*K, but an in-plane thermal conductivity of 800 W / m*K enabling a quick spreading of heat over a larger surface area and hence a quick and efficient heat transfer from the first heat transfer unit to the first heat guide.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second heat spreader is a graphite based thermal interface material. For example, the second heat spreader is HITHERM™ HT-C3200 heat spreader having a through-plane thermal conductivity of 7 W / m*K, but an in-plane thermal conductivity of 800 W / m*K enabling a quick spreading of heat over a larger surface area and hence a quick and efficient heat transfer from the second heat transfer unit to the second heat guide.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first heat guide and first heat spreader are interfaced with a thermal epoxy adhesive.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second heat guide and second heat spreader are interfaced with a thermal epoxy adhesive.

[0048] In some embodiments, the thermal epoxy is applied between thermal pad and the heat transfer unit / bracket.

[0049] In some embodiments, the heat sink includes a heat exchanger to enable a heat exchange between the at least one heat guide and air to remove the heat from the at least one heat guide.

[0050] In some embodiments, a fan is arranged in vicinity to the heat exchanger to force air towards the heat exchanger for cooling.

[0051] In some embodiments, the scanner includes more than one scan units and the heat from the all the scan units is dissipated by the at least one heat guide.

[0052] In some embodiments, the scanner includes separate heat guides and heat transfer unit for each of the scan unit.

[0053] In some embodiments the heat sink includes a plurality of fins arranged at the distal end of the housing to enable a quick heat exchange with external air.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGSHaving thus described example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an intraoral handheld scanner, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the intraoral hand scanner showing internal components of the scanner with a housing of the scanner being made transparent, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a projector of a projector unit of the intraoral scanner, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of a camera of an image unit of the intraoral scanner, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a heat dissipator assembly arranged connected to at least one scan unit to enable removal of heat from the at least scan unit of the scanner, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the heat dissipator assembly connected to the at least one scan unit of the scanner, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a heat dissipator assembly connected to the at least one scan unit of the scanner, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DISCRIPTION

[0061] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, apparatus and methods are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0062] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0063] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The use of any term should not be taken to limit the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] The embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient but are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any heading utilized within this description is for convenience only and has no legal or limiting effect.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective of an intra-oral handheld 3d scanner 100 (hereinafter referred to as scanner 100) suitable to scan a dental object arranged inside a mouth of a patient is shown, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the scanner 100 includes a housing 102 to accommodate various components of the scanner 100 and has a tip end 104 (i.e., first end 104) adapted be extended / inserted inside the mouth of the patient to perform the scan and a rear end 106 (i.e., second end 106) arranged opposite to the tip end 104. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, to perform the scan, the scanner 100 includes at least one scan unit 108 arranged proximate to the tip end 104 and having a projector unit / illumination unit 110 to generate an illumination signal to illuminate a dental object arranged inside a mouth of a patient and an image unit 112 to capture images of the dental object. In an embodiment, the image unit 112 may include one or more cameras 114, for example, four cameras 114 arranged surrounding a projector 116 of the projector unit 110. The image unit 112 obtains data in response to the illumination of the dental object, and the data is used to generate a 3D dental model of the dental object. In some embodiments, the data is in the form of 2D images of the dental object.

[0066] The illumination signal may be a light or a structured light. In some embodiments, the structured light may include a pattern corresponding to at least one of a physical structure introduced in light path between at least a light source i.e., projector 116 of the projector unitl 10 and the dental object, a digitally generated light pattern, or relative arrangement of more than one light source of the projector unit 110. To provide a structured light, in an embodiment, the projector unit 110 may include a pattern generating element to incorporate a spatial pattern oflight into a light beam generated by the at least one light source. In some embodiments, the structured light may be provided by introducing / placing a suitable physical structure in the path of the illumination signal provided by the at least one light source. In some embodiments, the structured light may be generated by arranging multiple light sources in a suitable spatial arrangement. It may be appreciated that both the projector unit 110 and the image unit 112 and associated processing circuitry generate heat during the working of the scanner 100 i.e., during scanning of the dental object. Accordingly, it is necessary to remove heat from the scanner 100 to ensure a satisfactory performance of the scanner 100.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, a sectional view of the projector 116 is shown, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the projector 116 includes a light source 200 to generate the light having a first visible wavelength, a lens unit 202 having one or more lenses 204 arranged in the path of the light to focus the light on the dental object, and a lens mount 206 arranged supporting the one or more lenses 204 and housing the light source 200. Further, the projector 116 includes an enclosure 208 attached to the lens mount 206 and extending in a longitudinal direction from the lens mount 206. The enclosure 208 includes a first end 210 attached to the lens mount 206 and a second end 212 arranged distally to the lens mount 206. One or more heat conducting plates, for example two heat dissipating plates 214, 216 are arranged proximate to the first end 210 and inside the enclosure 208 to conduct heat from the light source 200 to the enclosure 208 and the lens mount 206. As shown, the heat dissipating plates 214, 216 are arranged spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that light source 200 is arranged between the one or more lens 204 and the heat dissipating plates 214, 216. The heat dissipating plates 214, 216 enable a transfer of heat generated by the light source 200 to the lens mount 206 and the enclosure 208 which then radiate heat to an external environment.

[0068] Further, the projector 116 includes a circuit board 220 having the necessary circuitry to operate and control the projector 116. The circuit board 220 is arranged at a distal end of the enclosure 208 and is supported inside the enclosure 208. Accordingly, a portion of the heat generated by the circuit board 220 is transferred to the enclosure 208 and the lens mount 206, enabling a cooling of the circuit board 220. It may be appreciated that air gaps 224, 226, 228 exist between the heat dissipating plate 214, 216 and the circuit board 220 as well as the light source 200 and the heat dissipating plates 214, 216 to enable an air cooling of the circuit board208 and the light source 200. Moreover, the heat dissipating plates 214, 216 may include projections to increase heat transfer rate between the plates 214, 216 and the air present inside the air gaps 224, 226, 228.

[0069] Similar to the projector 116, the camera 114, as shown in FIG. 4, includes a lens assembly 302 having a lens mount 304 and one or more lenses 306 arranged inside the lens mount 304 and supported on the lens mount 304, an image sensor 308, a heat die 310, a circuit board 312, and a thermal pad 314. The lens mount 304 includes a first end 316 and a second end 318 arranged opposite to the first end 316, and the one or more lenses 306 are arrayed inside the lens mount 304 from the first end 316 towards the second end 318. The image sensor 308 is positioned / arranged between the second end 318 and the lenses 306 and may be supported on the circuit board 312 located proximate to the second end 318 of the lens mount 304. As shown, the circuit board 312 is connected to the lens mount 304. Accordingly, the image sensor 308 is arranged between the circuit board 312 and the lenses 306, and is disposed at a gap from the circuit board 312. The heat die 310 is arranged inside the gap and between the image sensor 308 and the circuit board 312, contacting both the circuit board 312 as well as the image sensor 308. As shown, the heat die 310 includes a substantially flat plate 320 with a first surface arranged contacting the image sensor 308 and a plurality of ribs 322 extending outwardly from a second surface of the flat plate 320. The ribs 322 are arranged contacting the circuit board 312 defining an air fill 323 between the plate 320 and the circuit board 312. The air inside the air fill removes a portion of the heat from the heat die 310 and the circuit board 312 and thereby cools the image sensor 308 as well as the circuit board 312. Moreover, the heat from the air is transferred to the lens mount 304 which radiates heat to the external environment, thereby cooling the camera 114.

[0070] To facilitate the effective heat removal from the scan unit 108 i.e., to transfer the heat from the tip end 104 to the rear end 106 of the housing 102, the scanner 100 includes a heat dissipator system / assembly 120 arranged inside the housing 102. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the heat dissipator system / assembly 120 has at least one heat transfer unit 122 connected to the at least one scan unit 108, a heat sink 124 to enable a removal of the heat from the scanner 100 to an environment, and at least one heat guide 126 extending from the at least one heat transfer unit 122 to the heat sink 124 and configured to transfer heat, generated by the at least one scan unit 108, to the heat sink 124.

[0071] As shown, the at least one heat transfer unit 122 includes a first heat transfer unit 122a connected to the projector unit 110 and a second heat transfer unit 122b connected to the camera unit 112. As shown, the first transfer unit 122a is arranged to transfer heat from the projector unit 110 to a first heat guide 126a of the at least one heat guide 126, while the second heat transfer unit 122b is arranged and connected to the image unit 112 to transfer heat from the image unit 112 to a second heat guide 126b of the at least one heat guide 126. Although separate heat transfer units 122a, 122b for the projector unit 110 and the image unit 112 are shown and contemplated, it may be envisioned that a single heat transfer unit 122 may be structured and arranged to connect both the projector unit 110 and the image unit 112 to the first heat guide 126a and the second heat guide 126b.. As shown, the heat guides 126a, 126b extend in a longitudinal direction from scan unit 108, arranged proximate to the tip end 104 of the housing 102, to the rear end 106 of the housing 102.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the first transfer unit 122a includes a first bracket 130 having a first surface 132 and a second surface 136 arranged opposite to the first surface 132. The first surface 132 is in contact and engagement with the projector unit 110 as well as the first heat guide 126a. As shown, the first bracket 130 includes a horizontally oriented L-shape having a first portion 138 connected / engaged / coupled to the projector unit 110 and a second portion 140 connected / engaged / coupled to the first heat guide 126a. As shown, the first portion 138 extends in a lateral direction of the scanner 100, while the second portion 140 extends in a longitudinal direction i.e., along a length of the scanner 100. Similarly, the second transfer unit 122b includes a second bracket 142 having a first surface 144 and a second surface 146 arranged opposite to the first surface 144. The first surface 144 is in contact and engagement with the image unit 112 as well as the second heat guide 126b. As shown, the second bracket 142 includes a horizontally oriented L-shape having a first portion 148 connected / engaged / coupled to the image unit 112 and a second portion 150 connected / engaged / coupled to the second heat guide 126b. As shown, the first portion 148 extends in a lateral direction of the scanner 100, while the second portion 150 extends in a longitudinal direction i.e., along a length of the scanner 100. It may be appreciated that first and second heat transfer units 122a, 122b are made of materials having high thermal conductivity, for example, the brackets 130, 142 are made of copper, aluminum, or any other alloy or material, known in the art, and having high thermal conductivity to enable a quick and easy transfer of the heat from the scan unit 108 to the heat guides 126a, 126b. To facilitate atransfer of heat between the projector unit 110 i.e., a circuit board of the projector unit 110 and the first bracket 130 i.e., the first heat transfer unit 122a, the heat dissipator assembly 120 may include a thermal pad 152, for example, a first thermal pad 152, disposed / arranged / sandwiched between the projector unit 110 i.e., circuit board of the projector unit 110 and the first surface 132 of the first portion 138 of the first bracket 130. In an embodiment, the first thermal pad 152 may be in contact with the circuit board of the projector unit 110 and the first surface 132 of the first bracket 130. Similarly, the heat dissipator assembly 120 may include at least one second thermal pad 154 arranged between the image unit 112 i.e., circuit board of the image unit 112 and the second bracket 142, contacting the image unit 112 and the first surface 144 associated with the first portion 148 of the second bracket 142.

[0073] Moreover, to quickly spread the heat along the entire surface area of the brackets 130, 142 and therefore efficient and fast transfer of the heat to the heat guides 126a, 126b from the brackets 130, 142, the heat dissipator assembly 120 includes at least one heat spreader, for example, a first heat spreader 160 and a second heat spreader 162, arranged on the second surfaces 136, 146 of the brackets 130, 132. As illustrates, the first heat spreader 160 is arranged / applied on the second surface 136 of the first bracket 130, while the second heat spreader 162 is arranged / applied on the second surface 146 of the second bracket 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat spreaders 160, 162 are the layers of the graphite material deposited / arranged covering, at least partially, the second surfaces 136, 146 of the associated brackets 130, 142.

[0074] The heat received from the heat transfer units 122a, 122b is transferred to the heat sink 124 via the heat guides 126a, 126b. The heat sink 124 is disposed at the rear end 106 of the housing 102. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiments, the heat guides 126a, 126b are heat pipes 166a, 166b, each having a hollow conduit made of a material having high thermal conductivity and a liquid, for example, water filled inside the hollow conduit. The heat received from the heat transfer units 122a, 122b is transferred to the liquid filled inside the conduits of the heat pipes 166a, 166b, converting the liquid into vapors which flows towards the heat sink 124 through the hollow conduit. At the heat sink ends of the heat pipes 166a, 166b, the heat pipes 166a, 166b are cooled by transferring heat from the heat pipes 166a, 166b to the heat sink 124, thereby cooling the vapors and converting the vapors back to the liquid. In this manner, the heat pipes 166a, 166bi.e., heat guides 126a, 126b facilitate the transfer of heat from the scan unit 108 to the heat sink 124.

[0075] In an embodiment, the heat sink 124 includes at least one heat exchanger 170 arranged in fluid communication with the at least one heat guide 126 and adapted to receive the vapors from the at least one heat guide 126 and returns the liquid to the at least one heat guide 126. In the illustrated embodiment, a single heat exchanger 170 is connected to both the heat pipes 166a, 166b i.e., heat guides 126a, 126b. However, it may be appreciated that the heat pipes 166a, 166b, heat guides 126a, 126b may be connected to separate heat exchangers. The heat exchanger 170 facilitates an exchange of heat between the vapors, received from the heat pipes 166a, 166b, flowing through the heat exchanger 170 i.e., tubes of the heat exchanger, and air. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 170 may include a plurality of fins 172 that may be arranged at rear end 106 of the housing 102 and extend outwardly of the housing 102 to enable transfer of heat from the heat exchanger 170 to an outside air. In some embodiments, the heat sink 124 may include a fan 174 arranged to blow air over the heat exchanger 170 to enable heat transfer between the vapors flowing inside the heat exchanger 170 to the air blowing over the heat exchanger 170 and cool the vapors flowing through the heat exchanger 170. In this manner, the heat dissipator assembly 120 ensures cooling of the scan unit 108 and transfer of heat from the scan unit 108 arranged proximate to the tip end 104 of the housing 102 to the rear end 106 of the housing 102 and dissipation of heat from the scanner 100 to the external environment at the rear end 106 of the housing 102.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 7, a heat dissipator assembly 120’ is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The heat dissipator assembly 120’ is different from the heat dissipator assembly 120 in that the heat dissipator assembly 120’ includes a single heat transfer unit 122 i.e., first heat transfer unit 122a and a single heat guide 126, i.e., the first heat guide 126a to transfer heat from the both the projector unit 110 and the image unit 112 to the rear end of the housing 102. Moreover, the first heat transfer unit 122a includes a first bracket 130’ connecting both the projector unit 110 and the image unit 112 to the first heat guide 126a.

[0077] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosures set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these disclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosures are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An intraoral scanner, comprising; o a housing having a tip end and a distal end arranged opposite to the tip end; o at least one scan unit arranged inside the housing and disposed proximate to the tip end, wherein the at least one scan unit includes■ a projector unit configured to emit light onto a dental object, wherein the emitted light includes structured light that includes a first visible wavelength, and■ an image unit configured to acquire reflected light of the dental object, and wherein three-dimensional (3D) data of the dental object is determined based on the reflected light; o a heat sink arranged proximate to the distal end of the housing; and o at least one heat guide arranged inside the housing and extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first end connected to the at least one scan unit and a second end connected to the heat sink, wherein the at least one heat guide facilitates a transfer of the heat from the at least one scan unit to the heat sink.

2. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1 further comprising at least one heat transfer unit connecting the at least one scan unit to the at least one heat guide.

3. The intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the at least one scan unit is connected to the at least one heat transfer unit via a thermal pad.

4. The intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the at least one heat transfer unit include a first surface connected to the at least one heat guide and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, and the intraoral scanner includes a heat spreader applied to the second surface.

5. The intraoral scanner according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the at least one heat transfer unit is a metal bracket.

6. The intraoral scanner according to claim 4, wherein the at least one heat spreader is a graphite based thermal interface material.

7. The intraoral scanner according to any of preceding claims, wherein a thermal epoxy is applied between the at least one heat transfer unit and the at least one heat guide.

8. The intraoral scanner according to any of preceding claims, wherein the at least one heat transfer unit includes a first heat transfer unit connecting the projector unit to the at least one heat guide and a second heat transfer unit connecting the first image unit to the at least one heat guide.

9. The intraoral scanner according to claim 8, wherein the at least one heat guide includes a first heat guide connected to the first heat transfer unit and a second heat guide connected to the second transfer unit.

10. The intraoral scanner according to claim 9, wherein the at least one heat spreader includes a first heat spreader connected to the second surface of the first heat transfer unit and a second heat spreader connected to the second surface of the second heat transfer unit.

11. The intraoral scanner according to any of preceding claims, wherein the at least one heat guide includes a first heat guide and a second heat guide, wherein the first heat guide connects the projector unit to the heat sink, and the second heat guide connects the image unit to the heat sink.

12. The intraoral scanner according to claim 11, wherein various electronic components are arranged between the first and second heat guides, and wherein the first and second heat guides are not directly connected.

13. The intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the at least one heat transfer unit includes a single heat transfer unit connecting both the projector unit and the first image unit to the at least one heat guide.

14. The intraoral scanner of claim 1, wherein the at least one heat guide is a heat pipe having a transfer liquid filled inside the heat pipe.

15. The intraoral scanner according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes a plurality of fins arranged at the distal end of the housing.

Images