TIP FOR AN OPTICAL SCANNER

Abstract

A tip for an optical scanner, where said tip includes a framework and an optical element. For some configurations the optical element is releasable attaching to the framework by a holding means of the tip. For some configurations the tip framework is formed in two materials of different thermal conductivities.

Claims

1. A handheld scanner for intraoral scanning, comprising: a main body comprising a mounting part, wherein the mounting part is configured to mount a tip for the scanner; an image sensor and a light source arranged in the main body; electronic components for operating the scanner, and a cooling system comprising an air circulation system, where the air circulation system comprises an inlet and an outlet, where the outlet and inlet are separate openings of the air circulation system and where the outlet and inlet are arranged such that the air exiting the outlet is not mixed with the air sucked into the inlet.

2. The handheld scanner according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet are separated by at least 5 mm.

3. The handheld scanner according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet are separated by 20 mm or more.

4. A removable tip configured to be mounted to the scanner according to claim 1.

5. The removable tip according to claim 4, wherein the tip comprises: a framework; and an optical element, wherein the optical element comprises a mirror.

6. The removable tip according to claim 5, wherein the mirror is arranged such that light from the light source is guided towards an object located outside the tip and light returning from the object is guided towards the image sensor.

7. The removable tip according to claim 6, wherein the tip comprises an opening at the distal end for mounting the tip to the scanner, and an opening at the proximal end that such that the light from the light source and the returning light from the object is via the opening at the proximal end.

8. A system comprising the handheld scanner of claim 1, and a removable tip configured to be mounted to the scanner.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the removable tip comprises: a framework; and an optical element, wherein the optical element comprises a mirror.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the mirror is arranged such that light from the light source is guided towards an object located outside the tip and light returning from the object is guided towards the image sensor.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the tip comprises an opening at the distal end for mounting the tip to the scanner, and an opening at the proximal end that such that the light from the light source and the returning light from the object is via the opening at the proximal end.

12. A handheld scanner for intraoral scanning, comprising: a main body comprising a mounting part, wherein the mounting part is configured to mount a tip for the scanner; an image sensor and a light source arranged in the main body; electronic components for operating the scanner, and a cooling system comprising an air circulation system, where the air circulation system comprises an inlet and an outlet, where the outlet and inlet are separate openings of the air circulation system, wherein the inlet and outlet are separated by at least 5 mm.

13. The handheld scanner according to claim 12, wherein the inlet and outlet are separated by 20 mm or more.

14. A system comprising the handheld scanner of claim 12, and a removable tip configured to be mounted to the scanner.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the removable tip comprises: a framework; and an optical element, wherein the optical element comprises a mirror.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the mirror is arranged such that light from the light source is guided towards an object located outside the tip and light returning from the object is guided towards the image sensor.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the tip comprises an opening at the distal end for mounting the tip to the scanner, and an opening at the proximal end that such that the light from the light source and the returning light from the object is via the opening at the proximal end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] The above and/or additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be further elucidated by the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0107] FIGS. 1A and 1B show tip and main body of a 3D scanner.

[0108] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a schematic of a tip.

[0109] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate holding means utilizing magnetic attraction.

[0110] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate slit-based holding means.

[0111] FIG. 5 describes steps of a method for cleaning the tip.

[0112] FIGS. 6A-6D show a schematic of a tip design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which show by way of illustration how the invention may be practiced.

[0114] FIGS. 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 6D show cross-sectional views of the tip where the tip is seen from the side with a view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tip. The longitudinal axis extending from the distal to the proximal end of the tip.

[0115] FIGS. 1A and 1B show tip and main body of an optical 3D scanner.

[0116] In FIG. 1A is illustrated how the tip 101 can be arranged on the mounting part 103 of the main body 102 of the 3D scanner and be removed therefrom again after the 3D scanner has been used for a scanning. When arranged at the main body, the distal end of the tip is secured at the mounting part while the proximal part of the tip can enter e.g. a patient's mouth in case the 3D scanner is an intra-oral scanner. When used in an intra-oral scanner body fluids potentially carrying disease provoking biological particles, such as various bacteria and viruses, will stick to the tip and unless the tip is cleaned before being used for scanning the next patient, there is a significant risk that these biological particles will be transferred to the next patient. After a scanning the tip must hence be thoroughly cleaned. Here it is an advantage that the tip can be removed from the main body of the scanner since this allows that the tip can be cleaned using a more aggressive cleaning than the main body can withstand.

[0117] In FIG. 1B the framework 105 of the tip 101 has an opening at the distal end 106 allowing the tip to be arranged at the main body mounting part. At the proximal end a mirror (the optical element) 107 is arranged such that probe light from the main body can be guided towards an object located outside the tip and light returning from the object can be guided towards an image sensor arranged in the main body.

[0118] FIGS. 2A and 2B a schematic of a tip for an optical 3D scanner.

[0119] The tip 201 has a framework 205 with an opening at the distal end for mounting the tip on a tip-supporting portion of the main body of the 3D scanner. At the proximal end an opening 213 allows for probe light emitted by a light source in the scanner main body to propagate towards the scanned object and light received therefrom to be captured by the imaging system also located in the main body. An opening 214 at the distal end provides that the mirror (the optical element) 207 can enter the inner volume of the tip framework to be arranged at the holding means 211 as illustrated in FIG. 2A. Preferably the mirror 207 is slightly larger than the opening 213 in the proximal end providing that there is less risk of the mirror falling out of the tip in case it should release from the holding means while the scanner is in use. The holding means can e.g. be based on magnetic attraction and/or on mechanical confinement.

[0120] In FIG. 2B the mirror 207 is releasable attached to the holding means 211 of the tip 201 and the 3D scanner can be used for scanning e.g. a patient's teeth. The use of a releasable attachment of the mirror to the tip framework provides that the mirror can be separated from the tip framework 205 after use such that it can be cleaned using a more gentle cleaning method than what is used for the framework.

[0121] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate holding means utilizing magnetic attraction.

[0122] The figures show the proximal end 308 of the tip where a 0.5 mm thick sheet of Crofer 22 stainless steel permanently attached to the tip framework 305 forms a first part 311a of a magnetic holding means. The sheet of stainless steel is attached to the framework using ISO10993 certified Loctite 7701 primer and glue.

[0123] The second part of the magnetic holding means is formed by a 1 mm thick Neodymium magnet 311b permanently attached to a mirror 307 (the optical element) via an interface plate 312. The interface plate 312 is made of a 0.1 mm thick sheet of Crofer 22 stainless steel and provides that if the mirror breaks the pieces will not fall into the patient's mouth/throat. The mirror, interface plate and magnet are glued together using FDA approved Dow Corning 732 adhesive.

[0124] When the Neodymium magnet 311b (second part) and the sheet of stainless steel 311a (first part) are brought together, magnetization of the stainless steel part 311a provides that an attractive magnetic interaction is established between the first and second part providing a releasable attachment of the mirror 307 to the framework 305.

[0125] The magnetic interaction between the first part 311a (magnetizable stainless steel) and the second part 311b (Neodymium magnet) provides a force perpendicular to their plane of contact. However the magnetic force does not entirely prevent movement of the second part 311b, and hence of the mirror 307, in the plane of contact with the first part 311a.

[0126] FIGS. 3A and 3B also illustrate two types of confining structures 315 arranged to restrict movement of the mirror 307 in the plane of contact between the first and second parts of the magnetic holding means 311. One confining structure is formed by the edge 315a at the proximal opening of the framework 305 while the other is a stop 315b provided at the opposite side of the mirror 307. Together these two confining structures 315a, 315b provide that the second part of the magnetic holding means 311b, and hence the mirror 307, cannot slide off the magnetic first part 311a of the holding means whereby the temporary confinement of the mirror 307 at the tip framework 305 is made more secure. This is illustrated in FIG. 3B where the mirror 307 and the second part 311b have moved downwards until they reached the edge 315a at the proximal opening of the framework 305.

[0127] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a slit-based holding means.

[0128] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the proximal end 408 of the tip where a slit defined in the tip framework 405 forms a constriction in which a mirror 407 (the optical element) can be arranged. FIG. 4B is a perspective front view of the proximal end of the tip. The mirror 407 enters the slit through a first opening 418 in the framework 405. A second opening 419 is defined at the opposite end of the slit to allow visual confirmation that the mirror is arranged correctly in the slit and provide a possibility for pushing the mirror out of the slit after scanning. A window 420 is also defined in the framework such that the surface of the mirror is free to reflect e.g. probe light from the main body towards a scanned object. When arranged in the slit, the mirror is supported by the edge 421 surrounding the window 420.

[0129] The dimensions of the slit and of the mirror are such that the mirror is held firmly in the slit but still can be removed therefrom without destroying framework or mirror, i.e. the mirror is releasable attached to the framework when arranged in the slit. Alternatively or in addition to the dimensionally provided confinement of the mirror the tip can have a mechanical locking system to ensure that the mirror will not fall out of the tip during scanning.

[0130] FIGS. 4C and 4D give a front view of the proximal end of the tip and show the second opening 419 in the framework 405 provides information about when the mirror 407 is correctly placed in the slit. In FIG. 4C the mirror cannot be seen in the second opening 419 while in FIG. 4D the mirror 407 can be seen indicating that it is placed correctly.

[0131] FIG. 5 describes steps of a method for cleaning the tip.

[0132] When the tip has been used e.g. for intra-oral scanning it must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid the risk of transferring diseases from one patient to another. Initially the tip is removed from the scanner in step 526 and the optical element is removed from the tip framework in step 527. In step 528 a first cleaning procedure comprising sterilization is applied to the framework and in step 529 a second cleaning procedure comprising high-level disinfection is applied to the optical element.

[0133] FIGS. 6A-6D show a schematic of a tip design. The framework 605 of the tip is made in a first part 605a and a second part 605b which are manufactured separately and subsequently assembled to form the framework. The tip is adapted for being arranged on a mounting part of the main body of a scanner, where the mounting part at least partly is made of a heat conductor, such as stainless steel, or has a heating element arranged to transfer heat to the tip.

[0134] The first part 605a illustrated in FIG. 6A is manufactured in Polysulfone (PSU) P1700 using an injection molding process. Polysulfone is a thermoplastic that can withstand repeated sterilization. This is a highly advantageous property since especially this part of the tip comes into contact with the patient's fluids and tissue during a scanning and therefore need to be able to withstand an aggressive cleaning procedure to allow reuse of the tip. Further Polysulfone is a poor heat conductor and hence provide thermal insulation between a heated mounting part and the patient's gums, lips etc. The injection molded first part 605a forms both the distal end and a region of the proximal end, namely the region surrounding the opening 613 at the proximal end of the framework.

[0135] The second part 605b shown in FIG. 6B is made in Aluminum (Aluminum EN AW-6082). A coating including a layer of a fluoropolymer (Teflon) or a chromium coating is applied to the aluminum material to protect against corrosion due to e.g. autoclave sterilization of the tip. The second part 605b has engaging means 631 shaped for engaging corresponding structures of the first part 605a of the framework to provide the assembly of the first and second parts by mechanical locking. The assembled tip framework is illustrated in FIG. 6C. The first part 605a and the second part 605b together forms the proximal end of the tip framework. In particular the outer surface of the tip framework is formed by the first and second parts.

[0136] A mirror (the optical element) is attached to the inner surface of the second part in thermal contact with the Aluminum material such that heat can be transferred from the Aluminum to the mirror.

[0137] At relevant temperature for the operation of the tip the thermal conductivity of Polysulfone is 0.25 W/(m*K) and the thermal conductivity of Aluminum is 205 W/(m*K). The ratio between the thermal conductivities is hence 820 and the second part 605b made in Aluminum will guide the heat delivered by mounting part of the scanner to the mirror while only a very small fraction is used for heating the distal part of the tip framework.

[0138] FIG. 6D shows the tip arranged at the mounting part 603 of a main body of a scanner. The mounting part either has a heating element itself or is heated by a heating element in thermal contact with the mounting part. When the tip is arranged at the mounting part, the first part of the tip framework 605a provides thermal insulation between the warm mounting part 603 at the distal end of the tip and at the side of the tip facing the scanned object, i.e. the regions of the first part 605a surrounding the opening 613 at the proximal end of the framework. Instead, heat is transferred in a 632 heat transfer region from the mounting part 603 to the second part of the tip framework 605a where the Aluminum which is a good heat conductor and provides that the mirror 607 attached to the second part of the framework is heated.

[0139] For an intra-oral scanner the mirror and hence the second part of the tip framework can be heated to a temperature around 40 degrees Celsius without causing discomfort to the patient. Since the dew point which is around 35 degrees Celsius this is sufficient to prevent condensation on the mirror in the humid environment of the patient's mouth.

[0140] The illustrated design has the advantage that the wall thickness of the tip framework can be minimized such that a large cross-sectional diameter of the inner volume of the tip can be obtained while still having a low outer tip diameter.

SELECTED FIGURE REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0141] In the Figures the reference numbers are provided in the format according to XYY where X is a Figure number indicator showing in which Figure the reference is used and YY is the item number indicator according to the following list. [0142] 01 tip [0143] 02 main body of scanner [0144] 03 mounting part of main body [0145] 05 tip framework [0146] 05a first part of framework [0147] 05b second part of framework [0148] 06 distal end of framework [0149] 07 optical element [0150] 08 proximal end of tip [0151] 11 holding means [0152] 11a first part of holding means [0153] 11b second part of holding means [0154] 12 interface plate [0155] 13 opening in framework at proximal end of framework [0156] 14 opening in framework at distal end of framework [0157] 15 confining structure [0158] 18 first opening in framework [0159] 19 second opening in framework [0160] 20 window to optical element [0161] 21 supporting edge [0162] 31 engaging means [0163] 32 heat transfer region

[0164] Although some embodiments have been described and shown in detail, the invention is not restricted to them, but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims. In particular, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0165] In tip claims enumerating several means, several of these means can be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0166] A claim may refer to any of the preceding claims, and any is understood to mean any one or more of the preceding claims.

[0167] It should be emphasized that the term comprises/comprising when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Further Embodiments

[0168] 1. A tip for a 3D scanner, wherein the tip comprises: [0169] a tip framework, where a first part of the framework comprises a first material and a second part of the framework comprises a second material where both the first and second part form a portion of the outer surface of the framework, and where the ratio between the thermal conductivity of the second material and the thermal conductivity of the first material is 5 or more; and [0170] an optical element arranged at said second part of the framework in thermal contact with the second material.

[0171] 2. The tip according to claim 1, wherein the second part consist of the second material, such that the framework at the second part is made of the second material.

[0172] 3. The tip according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the ratio between the thermal conductivity of the second material and the thermal conductivity of the first material is 10 or more, such as 15 or more, such as 25 or more, such as 40 or more, such as 50 or more, such as 75 or more, such as 100 or more, such as 250 or more, such as 500 or more, such as 750 or more, such as 1000 or more.

[0173] 4. The tip according to embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first material is a polymer material.

[0174] 5. The tip according to embodiment 4, wherein the first material is a polysulfone.

[0175] 6. The tip according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the second material is a metal.

[0176] 7. The tip according to embodiment 6, wherein the second material is aluminum.

[0177] 8. The tip according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein a coating is applied to the second material at least on the outer surface of the tip framework.

[0178] 9. The tip according to embodiments 8, wherein the coating comprises a layer of Teflon or chromium.

[0179] 10. The tip according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first part of the tip framework is forms a distal end of the tip configured for engaging a mounting part of a main body of the 3D scanner and the second part is arranged in a proximal end of the tip.

[0180] 11. A tip for a 3D scanner for recording topographic characteristics of a surface of a body orifice, wherein the tip comprises: [0181] a framework having a proximal end for entering the body orifice and a distal end, where the outer surface of the framework in the distal end at least partly is made of a first material and the proximal end comprises a second part made in a second material, where the second part form a portion of the outer surface of the framework, and where the ratio between the thermal conductivity of the second material and the thermal conductivity of the first material is 5 or more; and [0182] an optical element arranged at said second part in thermal contact with the second material.

[0183] 12. The tip according to embodiment 11, wherein the distal end is made substantially in the first material.

[0184] 13. A 3D scanner for recording topographic characteristics of a surface of a body orifice, wherein the 3D scanner comprises: [0185] a main body comprising a tip-supporting portion; [0186] a heater system for heating said optical element, said heater system comprising a source of electromagnetic energy and a receptive element configured for receiving the electromagnetic energy and converting it into heat, where the receptive element is arranged in the main body; [0187] a tip according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 12; [0188] where the tip supporting portion and the second material of the second part of the tip framework are in thermal contact such that heat can transferred from the tip supporting portion to the second part and the optical element.