JPH0354581B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) This invention provides a method for clearly visualizing the working area when performing various treatment operations mainly using a fluid-driven or electrically-driven dental handpiece. The present invention relates to a light source control device for a medical handpiece that is applied to turn on and off a light source such as a small lamp or an optical fiber light source for illumination.

(Prior Art) Conventionally known light source control means of this type include the following.

(a) A device configured to automatically turn on the light source switch and turn on the light source only when the handpiece is removed from the handpiece holder.

(b) In addition to the operation switch for turning on and off the handpiece drive source, a switch is provided specifically for controlling the light source on and off.

(c) As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-35700, the light source is turned on in synchronization with the ON operation of the handpiece drive source, and the delay timer is activated in synchronization with the OFF operation of the handpiece drive source. The light source is configured to remain lit for a set period of time even after the handpiece has stopped operating.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the light source control device (C) among the above-mentioned (A) to (C), which is shown to clarify the difference from this invention. 21 is an operating means for driving and stopping the handpiece; 22 is a control means for transmitting an operating signal from the operating means 21 to the power transmission means 23 to the handpiece drive source; 24 is a control means for controlling when the control means 22 is in an operating state. A light source operating means 26 outputs a lighting operation command to the light source 25 in response to a signal when the control means 22 switches from an operating state to a non-operating state. A delay timer means that maintains operation for a period of time, which turns on the light source 25 in synchronization with the driving operation of the handpiece by the operating means 21, and also operates the delay timer in accordance with the operation to stop the handpiece by the operating means 21. The light source 25 is configured to operate the timer means to keep the light source 25 in the lighting operating state for a set time.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) Among the conventional light source control devices as described above, in (a), the light source is turned off even when the illumination is unnecessary while the handpiece is removed from the holder. Since the lamp remains lit, the light source such as a lamp and its related parts are subject to high wear and tear, resulting in an unduly shortened service life. In addition, in the case of (b), unnecessary lighting is used due to forgetfulness, which not only tends to have a negative effect on the service life of the light source as in the case of (a) above, but also There was an operational hassle in that the lights had to be turned on and off separately from the on and off operations.

On the other hand, the method (c) has the advantages of improving the service life of the light source, and simplifying the operation because the handpiece drive operation and the light source on/off operation are related. However, there are still problems in the following points.

In other words, as mentioned above, if you want to turn on the light source again to illuminate the treatment area after the handpiece has been turned on for the set time after the handpiece has stopped driving, the delay timer means will turn on the light source independently. The handpiece cannot be turned on, and the handpiece must be driven once, although it is unnecessary. Therefore, even though the handpiece is only intended to illuminate a treatment area, there is a risk of irritation if the handpiece is activated.

In addition, there are cases where illumination by a light source is not required after the handpiece has stopped driving, but even in this case, the light source always remains lit for a set period of time, so the service life of the light source is still insufficient. There was a hot spot.

In view of the above-mentioned points, an attempt was made in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-45462 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 61-31144 in which the treatment equipment was used as a single lighting device to illuminate the treatment area, and these efforts have brought about some convenience. In the former case, in addition to the first and second switches, it is essential to have a changeover switch to select how to use the treatment device depending on whether it is used simply as a lighting device or for treatment. It is not only cumbersome for the therapist to have to operate the changeover switch each time the changeover is made, but also because the changeover operation is performed with fingers, which can easily become a route for tooth infection. Undesirable from a sanitary point of view, on the other hand.
In the latter case, since a power generation unit that is driven by air to generate electric power is required within the handpiece, the number of parts is large, and there is still room for improvement in terms of cost.

This invention was made in view of the above circumstances.
To provide a light source control device for a medical handpiece that can arbitrarily turn on only a light source without requiring the handpiece to be driven, and that can also be operated simply and easily. purpose.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a device for controlling the on/off operation of a light source for illuminating a working area by a medical handpiece, and a single unit. foot operating means that can selectively generate two types of operation signals depending on the operation time of the operating tool; a signal discriminating means for discriminating; and a power transmitting means for transmitting power to the drive source of the handpiece automatically actuated only when the discriminating signal by the signal discriminating means is a signal determined to be longer than the operation setting time. control means for detecting the output from the control means and outputting a lighting operation command to the light source control means for controlling the operation of the light source over the driving time of the handpiece; and the signal discrimination means. The medical device is characterized in that the light source control means includes a timer means for outputting a lighting operation command for the lighting setting time only when the discrimination signal determined by the above is shorter than the operation setting time. A light source control device for a handpiece is provided.

(Function) When using the light source control device for a medical handpiece according to the present invention having the above-described characteristic configuration, two types of operation signals generated depending on the length of operation time of the foot operation means are used for signal discrimination. Only when the discrimination signal is determined to be longer than the operation setting time, the power transmission means to the handpiece drive source is automatically operated via the control means, and the handpiece is activated. While being driven, the output of the control means at this time is detected and a lighting operation command is output to the light source control means to cause the light source to operate for the lighting setting time.

Further, only when the discrimination signal by the signal discrimination means is the other signal, the control means does not operate, so the handpiece remains stopped, and the light source control means is set to turn on via the timer means. By outputting a lighting operation command over a period of time, only the light source is turned on for a set lighting time while the handpiece is stopped, and the treatment area can be arbitrarily illuminated before or after treatment.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a light source control device for a dental treatment handpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a foot operating means represented by a foot switch; As clearly shown in Figure 2, a single operating tool 1A of the normally open type
According to the difference in operation time length, two types of operation signals having different pulse widths can be selectively generated as shown in a and b in FIG. 4. 2 is a signal discrimination means, which, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a NOT circuit 2A, a NOR circuit 2B, an AND circuit 2D, resistors 2R1 and 2R2, and a capacitor 2C.
It is composed of a logic circuit combining a delay circuit 2E consisting of 1 and 2C2, and transmits two types of operation signals a and b generated by the foot operation means 1 to the set operation time of the foot operation means. This is determined by temporal comparison with the length.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a control means, which automatically operates the power transmission means 5 for transmitting power to the drive source in the hand piece 4 when the discrimination signal by the signal discrimination means 2 is the above b signal. Specifically, when the drive source of the hand piece 4 is an air turbine 4A as shown in FIG. , is configured to be automatically opened and operated via a relay, a transistor, etc. that is operated in response to the L2 signal transmitted from the signal discrimination means 2, and the drive source of the handpiece 4 is the one shown in FIG. 3b. In the case of a motor or scaler 4A, the switch circuit 4C such as a transistor or relay installed in the voltage supply system to the driver circuit 4D is automatically activated by the L2 signal transmitted from the signal discrimination means 2. It is configured to be operated in a closed manner.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a control means detection means for detecting the output from the control means 3, in which a pressure switch is used in the case of Fig. 3a, and a voltage or current detector is used in the case of Fig. 3b. Based on the detection operation signal by the control output detection means 6, a lighting operation command is output to the light source control means 8 (electric circuit) which controls the turning on and turning off of the light source 7 attached to the handpiece 4.

9 is a timer means, and the signal discriminating means 2
Only when the determination signal is the a signal, a lighting operation command is output to the light source control means 8 for a preset period of time.

Reference numeral 10 denotes lighting level automatic switching means provided in the light source control means 8, and the timer means 9
The light source lighting level when the light source control means 8 operates in response to a lighting operation command from the control output detection means 6 is set to be higher than the light source lighting level when the light source control means 8 operates in response to a lighting operation command from the control output detection means 6. It is automatically lowered.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a timer lighting switch means, which is capable of operating the timer means 9 in addition to the discrimination signal from the signal discrimination means 2, and is separate from the foot operation means 1.
This is not necessary.

Next, the control operation of the light source control device with the above configuration is as follows.
This will be briefly explained based on the timing chart shown in FIG.

First, the operating tool 1 in the foot operating means 1
When A is operated for a short time to generate an operation signal with a short pulse width as shown in Figure 4 a, the operation signal a
is determined by the signal determining means 2 to be shorter than the operation set time (t...a fixed time determined by the delay circuit in FIG. 2), and the timer means 9 determines that the end time of the operation signal a is the starting time. The timer means 9 outputs a lighting operation command to the light source control means 8 for the lighting set time L1, and only the light source 7 is turned on. This is done when there is a need to clearly illuminate the treatment area at any time, such as before and after treatment.

Next, when the operation tool 1A in the foot operation means 1 is continuously operated for a longer time than the operation setting time t and an operation signal with a long pulse width as shown in FIG. 4b is generated, the operation signal The operation setting time t is determined by the signal determining means 2, and the power transmission means 5 is automatically operated via the control means 3 to drive the handpiece 4, and the output from the control means 3 is detected. Detected by the means 6, based on the detected operation signal, the driving time L2 of the handpiece is determined from the end of the operation setting time t to the end of the operation signal b.
A lighting operation command is output to the light source control means 8 over the period of time, and the light source 7 also performs the lighting operation synchronously. This is to illuminate the treatment area so that it can be visually recognized during treatment with the handpiece 4.

Then, the light source lighting level L1 when only the light source 7 is turned on by the above operation signal a is as follows:
For example, by lowering the light source lighting level L2 by ΔL when the light source 7 is turned on in synchronization with the driving of the hand piece 4 by the operation signal b via the level automatic switching means 10, the turbine drive air Utilizing this, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the service life of the light source during the former independent operation, which has a more negative effect on the service life of the light source 7, than during the latter synchronous operation, which involves cooling the light source 7.

Further, when the foot operating means 1 is in the non-operating state, by operating a separately provided manual or foot operated timer lighting switch means 11, the light source 7 is turned on for a set time through the timer means 9. It is also possible to use it to light up.

Further, as shown by 12 in FIG. 1, an operation switch may be provided between the control means 3 and the control output detection means 6 to enable only the hand piece 4 to be driven.

(Effects of the Invention) As already understood from the above explanation, the present invention provides a simple method in which the operating time length of one foot operating means, which is always provided in ordinary dental treatment equipment, is varied. , a usage state in which the light source is turned on in synchronization with the driving of the handpiece with simple operation, and a usage state in which the light source is turned on independently and arbitrarily without requiring the handpiece to be driven. This eliminates unnecessary lighting of the light source, maximizing its service life, and avoids the dangers associated with unnecessary actuation of the handpiece. It can be used as safely as possible, and it is advantageous in terms of operation because it does not require a switch to perform a special switching operation when the treatment equipment is used as a lighting equipment or a treatment equipment as in the conventional technology. Since it can be operated by operating the foot controller, it is extremely desirable from a sanitary standpoint. Furthermore, since no expensive parts such as a power generation unit are used, it has achieved remarkable effects in terms of cost.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a schematic configuration showing one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a logic circuit diagram configuring the signal discrimination means, and Fig. 3 a and b are control for two types of handpieces with different drive modes. FIG. 4 is a timing chart, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a schematic configuration of a conventional example. (Explanation of symbols), 1... Foot operating means, 2... Signal discrimination means, 3... Control means, 4... Handpiece,
5...Power transmission means, 6...Control output detection means, 7...
Light source, 8... Light source control means, 9... Timer means, 1
0...Lighting level automatic switching means, 11...Timer lighting switch means.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A device for controlling turning on and off of a light source for illuminating a working area by a medical handpiece, which selectively outputs two types of operation signals depending on the operation time of a single operation tool. a foot operating means that can be generated; a signal discriminating means for discriminating the above two types of operation signals as two types of signals depending on whether they are longer or shorter than the operation setting time of the foot operating means; A control means that automatically operates a power transmission means for transmitting power to the drive source of the handpiece only if the signal is determined to be longer than the operation setting time, and a control means that detects the output from this control means and performs the control operation described above. control output detection means for outputting a lighting operation command to the light source control means that controls the operation of the light source over the driving time of the handpiece; and a discrimination signal from the signal discrimination means, which is a signal determined to be shorter than the operation setting time. A light source control device for a medical handpiece, characterized in that, in certain cases, the light source control means is provided with a timer means for outputting a lighting operation command for a lighting set time. 2. Lighting in which the light source lighting level when the light source control means operates in response to a lighting operation command from the timer means is lower than the light source lighting level when it operates in response to a lighting operation command from the control detection means. A light source control device for a medical handpiece according to claim 1, comprising automatic level switching means.