1. Field
The present application relates to a medical handpiece, in particular a dental handpiece, having a lighting device comprising at least one optical semiconductor element.
2. Description of Prior Art
Japanese Patent Application JP 10165419 A describes a dental handpiece having a lighting device capable of emitting radiation of different wavelengths to thereby be able to perform different treatments. The handpiece therefore comprises multiple light sources in the form of LEDs and a switch by means of which optionally one or more LEDs can be operated so that green or blue light, for example, is emitted for treatments or white light is emitted for illuminating the treatment site.
One disadvantage is that the design of this handpiece is complicated and requires a great deal of space because multiple LEDs, a switch and electronic or mechanical switch elements have to be accommodated in the handpiece. Because of a wide variety of components contained in the handpieces with a connection for tools that can be set in motion, e.g., drive elements, tool receptacles, media lines, etc., integration of additional elements is not possible to an unlimited extent or would be possible only if the outside dimensions of the handpiece could be enlarged. However, the space available in the oral cavity is very limited, especially for dental applications, and the user's vision is often limited to the preparation site, so larger outside dimensions are not desirable.
One object is thus to create a medical handpiece, in particular a dental handpiece, having a receptacle for tools that can be set in motion and having a lighting device with which treatments can be performed under different operating parameters, e.g., different wavelengths, whereby the handpiece should have the simplest possible design and there should not be any increase in the outside dimensions of the handpiece.