A dental mold feeding device for a thermoforming process of a shell-shaped dental appliance

Abstract

An aspect of the present application provides a dental mold feeding device for a shell dental instrument hot press film forming manufacturing process, comprising: a dental mold storage device for storing a plurality of sets of dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies, wherein each of the dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly comprises a dental mold and a dental mold carrier carrying the dental mold; and a dental mold transfer device for receiving and accurately positioning the dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly from the dental mold storage device so that the dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly can be accurately positioned when transferred to the next station, the dental mold transfer device comprising a transfer platform and a pushing device, a first surface of the transfer platform is recessed to form a groove track, which comprises a first section and a second section at the end, wherein the width of the first section is greater than the width of the dental mold carrier so that the dental mold carrier can enter without accurate positioning, the shape and size of the end of the second section enable the dental mold carrier to be accurately positioned when pushed to the end, and the pushing device is used to push the dental mold carrier from the first section to the end of the second section to achieve accurate positioning of the dental mold and dental mold carrier.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to a dental model feeding device for shell dental appliance thermoforming process. BACKGROUND

[0002] Shell dental appliances based on polymer materials are increasingly popular due to their aesthetic, convenient and easy-to-clean advantages.

[0003] Currently, shell dental appliances (including but not limited to orthodontic aligners and retainers) are generally made based on thermoforming process. There is a demand for compact integrated shell dental appliance thermoforming process equipment, and therefore, it is necessary to provide a dental model feeding device with the advantages of compactness, accuracy and efficiency, so as to facilitate the miniaturization of integrated shell dental appliance manufacturing equipment. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the present application provides a dental model feeding device for shell dental appliance thermoforming process, comprising: a dental model storage device for storing a plurality of dental models and dental model carrier assemblies, wherein each of the dental model and dental model carrier assembly comprises a dental model and a dental model carrier carrying it; and a dental model transfer device for receiving and accurately positioning the dental model and dental model carrier assembly from the dental model storage device, so that the dental model and dental model carrier assembly can be accurately positioned when transferred to the next station, the dental model transfer device comprising a transfer platform and a pushing device, a groove track is recessed on a first surface of the transfer platform, which comprises a first section and a second section at the end, wherein the width of the first section is greater than the width of the dental model carrier, so that the dental model carrier can enter without accurate positioning, the shape and size of the end of the second section enable the dental model carrier to be accurately positioned when pushed to this position, and the pushing device is used to push the dental model carrier from the first section to the end of the second section to achieve accurate positioning of the dental model and dental model carrier.

[0005] In some embodiments, the dental model storage device is arranged on the first side of the groove track, and it comprises a liftable hanging rack, the hanging rack extends towards one side of the groove track to form a row of cantilever arms, the cantilever arms are used to carry the dental model and dental model carrier assembly, the dental model carrier extends out of both sides of the cantilever arm along the width direction of the cantilever arm, and the edge of the transfer platform on the side close to the dental model storage device forms an opening towards the groove track, the width of the opening is greater than the width of the cantilever arm but less than the size of the dental model carrier along the width direction of the cantilever arm, so that when the hanging rack is lowered, the cantilever arm can pass freely, but the dental model carrier carried thereon will fall into the groove track and be separated from the cantilever arm.

[0006] In some embodiments, the opening is rectangular.

[0007] In some embodiments, the opening extends into the groove track.

[0008] In some embodiments, a plurality of rows of cantilevers are provided on the hanger, and correspondingly, a plurality of corresponding openings are formed on the transfer platform, wherein the positions of the plurality of rows of cantilevers along the lifting direction are staggered.

[0009] In some embodiments, the shape and size of the end of the second section of the groove track are such that when the dental mold carrier is pushed to the end, the freedom of the dental mold carrier in the plane in which it lies is limited to achieve its precise positioning.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pushing device is provided on the side of the transfer platform opposite the dental mold storage device, and the pushing device comprises a rodless cylinder and a push rod fixed to the rodless cylinder.

[0011] In some embodiments, a light-transmitting hole is formed near the end of the second section of the groove track, so that the illumination light can pass from below the transfer platform and shine on the precisely positioned dental mold, to facilitate the dental mold identity reading device to read the visible identity information on the dental mold.

[0012] In some embodiments, the dental mold carrier is an elongated octagon, and the second section of the groove track is a rectangle, the width of which is equal to the width of the dental mold carrier.

[0013] Another aspect of the present application provides a shell-shaped dental instrument manufacturing method using the dental mold loading device, which comprises: transferring a group of dental molds and a dental mold carrier assembly stored in the dental mold storage device to the first section of the groove track; the pushing device pushes the dental mold and the dental mold carrier assembly in the first section of the groove track to the end of the second section of the groove track to precisely position the dental mold and the dental mold carrier assembly; the robot takes away the precisely positioned dental mold and the dental mold carrier assembly and precisely positions them to the film pressing device; and the film material heated and softened is pressed on the dental mold precisely positioned in the film pressing device to form a shell-shaped dental instrument. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The above and other features of the present application will be further described with reference to the attached drawings and detailed description. It should be understood that the drawings are only intended to illustrate several exemplary embodiments according to the present application, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Unless specifically indicated, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views.

[0015] Figure 1 The dental mold loading device in one embodiment of the present application is schematically shown;

[0016] Figure 2A schematically illustrates Figure 1 the transfer device shown;

[0017] Figure 2B schematically illustrates Figure 1 the transfer device shown;

[0018] Figure 3 schematically illustrates Figure 1 the transfer device shown;

[0019] Figure 4 schematically illustrates Figure 1 the recessed track shown;

[0020] Figure 5A schematically illustrates the shape of the end of the recessed track in one embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 5B schematically illustrates the shape of the end of the recessed track in another embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5C schematically illustrates the shape of the end of the recessed track in another embodiment of the present application; and

[0023] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the shape of the end of the recessed track in another embodiment of the present application; and DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The description and figures merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. One of ordinary skill in the art, with access to the present teachings, would understand that many other embodiments can be utilized and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. It is to be understood that various aspects of the present application can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in many different configurations, all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the present application.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 1 schematically illustrates the dental mold loading device 100 in one embodiment of the present application.

[0026] The dental mold loading device 100 comprises a lifting dental mold storage device 110 and a dental mold transfer device 130, wherein the lifting dental mold storage device 110 is used to store dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies, and through lowering, the dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies are allowed to fall on the tracks of the dental mold transfer device 130, and then, the dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies are pushed to the end of the tracks to achieve accurate positioning, so that the robot can accurately grasp and position them on the film pressing table to press the heated and softened film material on the dental molds positioned on the film pressing table to form a shell-shaped dental instrument.

[0027] The dental mold storage device 110 comprises a hanging rack 111 extending in the lifting direction, on which two rows of cantilever arms 113 are formed extending towards one side of the dental mold transfer device 130, the two rows of cantilever arms 113 are arranged along the lifting direction, and the positions of the two rows of cantilever arms 113 along the lifting direction are staggered. Each of the cantilever arms 113 is used to place a dental mold and a dental mold carrier assembly 115.

[0028] In an embodiment, the hanging rack 111 is generally flat. However, it can be understood that it can also be any applicable shape and structure, for example, each row of cantilever arms is formed on a support column extending in the lifting direction, and the two support columns can be lifted separately or simultaneously.

[0029] Although in the above embodiment, the number of rows of cantilever arms 113 is two, it can be understood that the number of rows of cantilever arms can be set according to specific needs and circumstances, for example, one row, three rows, four rows, etc.

[0030] The dental mold storage device 110 further comprises a driving device 117 for driving the lifting of the hanging rack 111. In an embodiment, the driving device 117 can be a motor.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 2A The position relationship between the dental mold storage device 110 and the dental mold transfer device 130 is shown from the perspective of the top view. Figure 1 The position relationship between the dental mold storage device 110 and the dental mold transfer device 130 is shown from the perspective of the top view.

[0032] The dental mold transfer device 130 comprises a transfer platform 131, the top surface of which forms an inner concave groove track 133 for guiding the movement and positioning of the dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies 115 on the transfer platform 131. Among them, the side of the transfer platform 131 close to the dental mold storage device 110 forms two openings 135, which extend inward from the edge of the transfer platform 131 and the ends of which enter the groove track 133 (at least partially intersect), so that when the hanging rack 111 is lowered, the dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies 115 loaded on the cantilever arms 113 can fall into the groove track 133 (in fact, the dental mold carrier falls into the groove track 133).

[0033] The shape and size of the opening 135 are such that the cantilever 113 can freely pass when the hanger 111 is being raised or lowered, while blocking the dental mold carrier, i.e. its width is greater than the cantilever 113 but less than the length of the dental mold carrier. In one embodiment, the shape of the opening 135 can be rectangular.

[0034] In one embodiment, the opening 135 and the groove track 133 can be perpendicular to each other, however, it is understood that the included angle therebetween can also be acute or obtuse.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 2B , which shows Figure 1 the positional relationship between the dental mold storage device 110 and the dental mold transfer device 130, in order to more clearly show the flow and positioning of the dental mold carrier 115-a, the dental mold carried thereon is removed.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 3 , which shows Figure 2A the dental mold transfer device 130.

[0037] The dental mold transfer device 130 further comprises a driving device 137 and a pushing piece 139, wherein the driving device 137 drives the pushing piece 139 to push the dental mold and the dental mold carrier assembly falling in the groove track 133 from the current position to the end of the groove track 133 to achieve precise positioning. It should be noted that although two sets of driving devices 137 and pushing pieces 139 are shown in the figure, this is only to show its two working positions, and in fact only one set of driving device 137 and pushing piece 139 is needed.

[0038] In one embodiment, the driving device 137 can be a rodless cylinder, and the pushing piece 139 can be a push rod.

[0039] In this embodiment, the driving device 137 and the pushing piece 139 are located on one side of the groove track 133, and the driving device 137 drives the pushing piece 139 to move in the direction of extension of the groove track 133, so as to push the dental mold and the dental mold carrier assembly 155 from the position falling in the groove track 133 to the end to achieve precise positioning. However, it is understood that the driving device and the pushing piece can also be arranged in other positions. For example, it can be arranged below the groove track 133, for example, a through hole can be formed in the bottom of the groove track 133 in the direction of extension thereof, so that the pushing piece can extend into the groove track 133 from below and move along the through hole. For another example, it can also be arranged above the groove track 133.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 4 , which shows Figure 2A the groove track 133.

[0041] The groove track 133 comprises two sections, the first section 133-a of which is wider, so that the loaded dental mold carrier 115-a on the cantilever 113 can be more easily dropped into the groove track 133. The second section 133-b is gradually tapered in size, and the shape and size of the end thereof can precisely position the dental mold carrier 115-a, thereby achieving precise positioning of the dental mold and the dental mold carrier assembly.

[0042] The second section 133-b of the groove track 133 is provided with a light-transmitting hole 133-c, so that illumination light can pass therethrough from below the middle platform 131 to irradiate on the dental mold, so that a dental mold identity reading device (for example, a camera) can reliably read visible identity information on the dental mold.

[0043] In one embodiment, the end of the second section 133-b of the groove track 133 is rectangular, the width of which matches the octagonal dental mold carrier 115-a, so that when the dental mold carrier 115-a is pushed to the end of the second section 133-b, the freedom of the dental mold carrier 115-a in the plane in which it lies is limited, so that precise positioning can be achieved.

[0044] Under the guidance of the present application, it can be understood that the shape of the end of the second section 133-b that can achieve precise positioning of the dental mold carrier 115-a is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, please refer to Figure 5A , the shape of the end of the second section 133-b' can be precisely matched with the corresponding part of the dental mold carrier 115-a. For another example, please refer to Figure 5B , the shape of the end of the second section 133-b" can be a sharp corner with an angle equal to the included angle of the two oblique sides of the dental mold carrier 115-a. For another example, please refer to Figure 5C , the shape of the end of the second section 133-b'" can be a sharp corner obtained by cutting off the sharp corner of the shape of the end of the second section 133-b" shown in Figure 5B .

[0045] Under the guidance of the present application, it can be understood that the dental mold carrier can have different shapes, and accordingly, the shape of the end of the second section can change accordingly.

[0046] As the hanger 111 is lowered, a dental mold carrier 115-a loaded on the nearest cantilever 113 above the staging platform 131 gradually approaches the staging platform 131 until it falls inside the groove track 133. As the hanger 111 continues to be lowered, the dental mold carrier 115-a will be disengaged from the cantilever 113 and left inside the groove track 133. At this point, the drive device 117 can be controlled to stop the lowering of the hanger 111. Next, the drive device 137 is controlled to drive the pusher 139 at the right end of the groove track 133 to move leftward until the dental mold carrier 115-a is precisely positioned at the left end of the groove track 133. Then, a robot (not shown) can precisely grab the dental mold carrier 115-a. After the robot grabs the dental mold carrier 115-a, the drive device 137 is controlled to drive the pusher 139 back to the right end of the groove track 133 in preparation for pushing the next dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly. At this point, the robot can transfer and precisely position the dental mold carrier 115-a together with the dental mold carried thereon at the film pressing device for film pressing operation.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 6 FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a shell dental appliance manufacturing method 200 in an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] At 201, a set of dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies carried by the dental mold storage device are transferred to a first section of the groove track.

[0049] At 203, the pushing device is controlled to push the dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly at the first section of the groove track to the end of the second section of the groove track for precise positioning of the dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly.

[0050] At 205, a robot takes away the precisely positioned dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly and precisely positions the same at the film pressing device.

[0051] At 207, a heated and softened film material is pressed on the dental mold precisely positioned at the film pressing device to form a shell dental appliance.

[0052] In an embodiment, the shell dental appliance manufacturing method 200 can be automatically controlled by a control device (e.g., a computer or programmable logic circuit, etc.).

[0053] Although various aspects and embodiments of the present application are disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. The scope of the present application is limited only by the claims that follow.

[0054] Likewise, various diagrams can show example architectures or other configurations for the disclosed methods and systems, which are meant to be exemplary rather than limiting. The claimed subject matter is not limited to the example architectures and configurations shown, but rather can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the present disclosure can be described herein in terms of various specific examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other examples can be contemplated in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, there are several variations to the features and functions described herein that can be readily prescribed by those of ordinary skill in the art given the teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not limited to those variations described herein, but rather the scope of the claimed subject matter is limited only by the claims.

[0055] Unless otherwise explicitly provided, the terms and phrases used herein, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, are to be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. The appearance of such words as “one or more” “at least,” “but not limited to” and other similar phrases in various examples is not to be construed as providing an exhaustive list of such examples.

Claims

1. A dental mold feeding device for the thermoforming process of shell-shaped dental instruments, comprising: A dental model storage device for storing multiple sets of dental models and dental model carrier assemblies, wherein each of the dental model and dental model carrier assemblies includes a dental model and a dental model carrier that carries it; and A dental mold transfer device is used to receive and precisely position dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies from the dental mold storage device, enabling the dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies to be precisely positioned when transferred to the next workstation. The dental mold transfer device includes a transfer platform and a pushing device. The transfer platform has a recessed track formed on its first surface, comprising a first section and a second section at its end. The width of the first section is greater than the width of the dental mold carrier, allowing the dental mold carrier to enter without precise positioning. The shape and dimensions of the end of the second section allow for precise positioning of the dental mold carrier when it is pushed there. The pushing device is used to push the dental model carrier from the first section to the end of the second section to achieve precise positioning of the dental model and the dental model carrier. The dental mold storage device is located on the first side of the grooved track, and it includes a liftable hanging bracket. A row of cantilever arms extends from one side of the bracket toward the grooved track. These cantilever arms support the dental mold and the dental mold carrier assembly. The dental mold carrier extends from both sides of the cantilever arms along their width. The transfer platform forms an opening on the edge of the side of the dental mold storage device toward the groove track. The width of the opening is greater than that of the cantilever, but smaller than the size of the dental mold carrier along the width direction of the cantilever. This allows the cantilever to pass freely when the bracket is lowered, but the dental mold carrier it carries will fall into the groove track and detach from the cantilever.

2. The dental mold feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The opening is rectangular.

3. The dental mold feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The opening extends into the groove track.

4. The dental mold feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hanger is provided with multiple rows of cantilever arms, and correspondingly, multiple openings are formed on the transfer platform, wherein the positions of the multiple rows of cantilever arms are staggered along the lifting direction.

5. The dental mold feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape and size of the end of the second segment of the grooved track restrict the degree of freedom of the dental mold carrier in its plane when it is pushed there, so as to achieve its precise positioning.

6. The dental mold feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing device is located on the side of the transfer platform opposite to the dental mold storage device. The pushing device includes a rodless cylinder and a push rod fixed to the rodless cylinder.

7. The dental mold feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A light-transmitting hole is formed near the end of the second section of the groove track, allowing illumination light to pass through from below the transfer platform and illuminate the precisely positioned dental mold, so as to facilitate the dental mold identification device to read the visible identification information on the dental mold.

8. The dental mold feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dental mold carrier is a long and narrow octagon, and the second section of the groove track is rectangular, with a width equal to the width of the dental mold carrier.

9. A method for manufacturing a shell-shaped dental instrument using the dental mold feeding device as described in claim 1, comprising: The set of dental molds and dental mold carrier assemblies stored in the dental mold storage device are transferred to the first section of the groove track; The pushing device pushes the dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly located in the first section of the groove track to the end of the second section of the groove track to accurately position the dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly; The robotic arm removes the precisely positioned dental mold and dental mold carrier assembly and precisely positions it to the molding device; as well as A shell-shaped dental instrument is formed by pressing a heated and softened membrane material into a dental mold precisely positioned in the pressing device.

Images