Film press table for thermoforming process of shell dental instrument

Abstract

An aspect of the present application provides a film pressing table for a shell-shaped dental instrument hot pressing film forming manufacturing process, comprising: a dental mold carrier for carrying a dental mold during film pressing; and a base, the dental mold carrier being adjustably mounted on the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to a molding stage for a thermoforming process of shell-shaped dental instruments. Background Technology

[0002] Due to their aesthetic appeal, convenience, and ease of cleaning, shell-shaped dental instruments based on polymer materials are becoming increasingly popular.

[0003] Currently, shell-shaped dental instruments (including but not limited to orthodontic appliances and retainers) are generally manufactured using a thermoforming process. The inventors of this application have discovered that the molding angle is crucial to the quality of shell-shaped dental instruments; the molding angle is the angle between the diaphragm and the male mold during molding.

[0004] Thickness distribution is one of the most important parameters for shell-shaped dental instruments. An excessively uneven thickness distribution may prevent the instrument from applying the intended force to the dentition as designed, potentially leading to breakage. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize every step of the shell-shaped dental instrument manufacturing process to ensure a uniform thickness distribution. The molding angle is one such factor that can affect the thickness distribution. Because tooth lengths vary in different cases, the diaphragm thickness at the tooth cusps of the molded shell-shaped dental instruments differs. In traditional fixed molding processes, it is impossible to actively adjust the diaphragm thickness at the tooth cusps.

[0005] In addition, some cases have a large tooth tilt angle. In the traditional fixed molding process, the mold angle cannot be actively adjusted, which may prevent the diaphragm from fitting properly to the root of the tilted tooth during the molding process, resulting in a defective shell-shaped dental instrument.

[0006] In view of the above, the inventors of this application believe it is necessary to provide a film pressing device capable of adjusting the film pressing angle. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of this application provides a molding stage for a hot-press molding process of shell-shaped dental instruments, comprising: a dental mold carrier for supporting a dental mold during molding; and a base, wherein the dental mold carrier is angle-adjustably mounted on the base.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pressing stage may further include a first driving device connected to the dental mold stage for driving the dental mold stage to change its angle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pressing stage may further include a pressure-bearing mechanism disposed below the dental mold carrier, for transmitting the pressure borne by the dental mold carrier to the base during pressing, bypassing the first driving device, thereby preventing the first driving device from being damaged by the pressure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first drive device is fixedly mounted on the base and connected to the dental mold stage via a first rack. The first end of the dental mold stage is rotatably mounted on the base, and the second end opposite to the first end is connected to the first rack.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pressure-bearing mechanism includes a second rack and a second driving device, the second driving device being used to drive the second rack to engage and disengage with the first rack, wherein in the engaged state, the end of the second rack away from the dental mold stage abuts against the base.

[0012] In some embodiments, the base extends to form a support beam, and the end of the second rack away from the dental mold platform abuts against the support beam when it is engaged with the first rack.

[0013] In some embodiments, the tips of the second rack are biased toward the dental mold stage.

[0014] In some embodiments, the molding stage may further include a third driving device and a third rack. The third driving device is fixedly installed on the base and connected to the first end of the dental mold stage via the third rack to drive the first end of the dental mold stage to move along the extension direction of the third rack. The second rack has teeth on both opposite sides, which respectively cooperate with the first rack and the third rack. The first rack and the third rack are arranged opposite to each other. The second driving device drives the second rack to engage and disengage with both the first rack and the third rack.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressing table is used for pressing a film, which, when using a thermoforming process to manufacture shell-shaped dental instruments, allows for pressing a heated and softened film material onto the pressing table that holds the dental model.

[0016] In some implementations, the first driving device is an electric motor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the third drive device is an electric motor.

[0018] Another aspect of this application provides a method for manufacturing a shell-shaped dental instrument using a thermoforming process, comprising: obtaining a pressing angle; adjusting the angle of the dental mold carrier of the pressing stage according to the pressing angle; and pressing a heated and softened membrane material onto the dental mold carried by the dental mold carrier to form a shell-shaped dental instrument. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other features of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and their detailed description. It should be understood that these drawings only illustrate several exemplary embodiments according to this application and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and similar reference numerals denote similar parts.

[0020] Figure 1 The hot-press film forming apparatus of one embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically;

[0021] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The film pressing table shown;

[0022] Figure 3A schematically shown Figure 2 The internal structure of the pressing station is shown;

[0023] Figure 3B schematically shown Figure 3A The image shows the state of the pressure plate after the angle of the dental mold carrier is adjusted.

[0024] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the connection relationships between the dental model platform and its various components.

[0025] Figure 5 The pressure-bearing mechanism in one embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically;

[0026] Figure 6A This schematically illustrates the relationship between the components of the pressure-bearing mechanism in the released state;

[0027] Figure 6B The diagram illustrates the relationship between the components of the pressure-bearing mechanism in the locked state.

[0028] Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates the teeth of the rack in the pressure-bearing mechanism; and

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a shell-shaped dental instrument according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following detailed description incorporates the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. The illustrative embodiments mentioned in the specification and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand, based on the teachings of this application, that many other embodiments can be employed and various changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. It should be understood that the various aspects of this application illustrated herein can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in many different configurations, all of which are within the scope of this application.

[0031] One aspect of this application provides a molding stage for the thermoforming process of shell-shaped dental instruments, wherein the angle of the dental mold mounting part is adjustable, thereby allowing for adjustable molding angles and enabling molding at optimal angles to ensure the quality of the shell-shaped dental instruments obtained through molding. Another aspect of this application provides a method for manufacturing shell-shaped dental instruments using the aforementioned molding stage.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a hot-press film forming apparatus 100 in one embodiment of this application.

[0033] The hot press film forming apparatus 100 includes a film holding device 110, a pressing table 130, and a pressurizing device 150. The film holding device 110 is used to hold the heated and softened film material 111 in the pressing position.

[0034] The pressing table 130 is used to support and hold the dental mold 131 during the pressing process. During pressing, the pressing table 130 and the pressurizing device 150 are located on both sides of the diaphragm material 111, respectively.

[0035] The pressurizing device 150 includes a drive unit 151, a sealing cover 153, and a pressure pump (not shown). During diaphragm pressing, the drive unit 151 drives the sealing cover 153 to move axially toward the diaphragm material 111, pressing the edge of the diaphragm material 111 against the pressing platform 130 to form a sealed cavity with the diaphragm material 111. Then, the pressure pump, which is fluidly connected to the sealing cover 153, pressurizes the sealed cavity (e.g., by injecting high-pressure gas into the sealed cavity), causing the heated and softened diaphragm material 111 to adhere tightly to the dental mold 131 and form a shell with a matching geometry.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 2 It schematically demonstrates Figure 1 The pressing table 130 shown.

[0037] The molding table 130 includes a base 133, which includes two side walls 1331 and a support beam 1333 spanning the top of the side walls. The molding table 130 also includes a dental mold carrier 135 for supporting and holding the dental mold 131, located on top of the base 133. Two drive devices 137 and 139 are provided below the dental mold carrier 135 for driving the lifting and rotation of the dental mold 131. In one embodiment, the drive devices 137 and 139 may be motors.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 3A It schematically demonstrates that Figure 2 The internal structure of the dental mold carrier 135 of the pressure plate 130 shown is after a portion has been removed.

[0039] The dental model stage 135 includes a main frame 1351 and a dental model stage 1353. The dental model stage 1353 is axially connected to the main frame 1351 via a shaft 1355, thus allowing it to rotate relative to the main frame 1351 about the shaft 1355. The main frame 1351 forms a platform, and the dental model stage 1353 is located in the middle of the main frame 1351.

[0040] The drive unit 137 is connected to the free end of the dental mold stage 1353 via a rack 1371, and the drive unit 139 is connected to one end of the main frame 1351 axially connected to the dental mold stage 1353 via a rack 1391, with the racks 1371 and 1391 arranged opposite to each other.

[0041] When drive devices 137 and 139 drive racks 1371 and 1391 to move synchronously upward or downward, the dental mold platform 1353 maintains a constant angle while moving up and down; that is, the dental mold 131 maintains a constant angle while moving up and down. If there is a relative displacement between racks 1371 and 1391, the dental mold platform 1353 will rotate around axis 1355, causing the angle of the dental mold 131 to change accordingly, thereby adjusting the pressing angle.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 3B It schematically demonstrates Figure 3A The image shows the state of the pressure plate 130 after the angle of the dental mold carrier 1353 has been adjusted. Figure 3A Compared to the state shown, rack 1371 is displaced upward relative to rack 1391, causing the end of dental model platform 1353 opposite to the shaft to tilt upward, thereby causing the front end of dental arch of dental model 131 to tilt upward.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 4 This schematically illustrates the connection relationship between the dental model stage 1353 and its various parts.

[0044] The front end of the dental mold stage 1353 (i.e., the second end opposite to the first end of the main frame 1351) is connected to the rack 1371 via a pin, so that the front end of the dental mold stage 1353 can move with the rack 1371.

[0045] The rear end of the dental mold stage 1353 is axially connected to the mounting plate 1357, which is fixed relative to the main frame 1351 and the rack 1391. The dental mold stage 1353 can rotate relative to the mounting plate 1357 around the shaft 1355. That is to say, the dental mold stage 1353 is indirectly axially connected to the main frame 1351. It can be understood that the dental mold stage 1353 can also be directly axially connected to the main frame 1351, and the main frame 1351 can be directly connected to the rack 1391.

[0046] In another embodiment, the front end of the dental model platform 1353 (i.e., the second end near the front end of the dental arch of the dental model 131) can be axially connected to the mounting plate 1357, while its rear end is connected to the rack 1371 via a pin.

[0047] In another embodiment, the middle part of the dental model platform 1353 can be axially connected to the main frame 1351, and the two ends are respectively connected to the rack 1371 and 1391 by pins.

[0048] The pressure applied during molding is relatively large, and this pressure will eventually act on the molding stage 130. Since ordinary drive devices generally cannot withstand such pressure, a pressure-bearing mechanism 141 can be provided so that when the position and angle of the dental mold 131 are adjusted in place, the pressure-bearing mechanism 141 will intervene to bear the pressure generated during molding, so as to protect the drive devices 137 and 139.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a pressure-bearing mechanism 141 in one embodiment of this application.

[0050] The pressure-bearing mechanism 141 includes a rack 1411, a drive unit 1413, and a connecting rod 1415. The connecting rod 1415 connects the rack 1411 and the drive unit 1413. The drive unit 1413 drives the rack 1411 to move along the connecting rod axis through the connecting rod 1415. The rack 1411 has teeth on both opposite sides to mesh with the teeth on the racks 1371 and 1391, respectively. This allows the pressure on the pressure plate 130 to be transmitted through the racks 1371 and 1391 and stop at the rack 1411, thus protecting the drive units 137 and 139.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 6A This schematically illustrates the positional relationship between rack 1411 and racks 1371 and 1391 in the released state (i.e., the unlocked state).

[0052] When it is necessary to raise or lower the dental mold 131 or to adjust its angle, the drive device 1413 pushes the rack 1411 out of the meshing position with the racks 1371 and 1391. At this time, the racks 1371 and 1391 can move automatically under the drive of the drive devices 137 and 139 respectively.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 6B This schematically illustrates the positional relationship between rack 1411 and racks 1371 and 1391 in the locked state.

[0054] After the dental mold 131 is positioned, before pressing the mold, the drive device 1413 drives the rack 1411 to the position where it meshes with the racks 1371 and 1391. At this time, since the rack 1411 is fixed, the racks 1371 and 1391 that mesh with it are also fixed.

[0055] In order to withstand greater pressure, the rack 1411 rests against the support beam 1333 in the locked position. In one embodiment, to strengthen the support beam 1333, it may extend all the way to the bottom of the base 133.

[0056] In one embodiment, to enhance the pressure-bearing capacity of the teeth on rack 1411, the teeth can be oriented upwards, i.e., in the opposite direction to the pressure. Correspondingly, the teeth of racks 1371 and 1391 are oriented downwards. Please refer to... Figure 7 The diagram schematically shows the orientation of the teeth 1417 of the rack 1411.

[0057] In another embodiment, a powerful hydraulic device similar to a jack can be used as the pressure-bearing mechanism.

[0058] In one embodiment, the angle of the dental model stage can be adjusted using a movable pad. For example, the pad is located below the dental model stage to elevate it. When the pad is away from the axis of rotation of the dental model stage, the angle between the dental model stage and the horizontal plane is small. As the pad moves closer to the axis of rotation of the dental model stage, the angle gradually increases.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a shell-shaped dental instrument manufacturing method 200 in one embodiment of this application.

[0060] In step 201, obtain the pressing angle.

[0061] In one embodiment, the thermoforming process of shell-shaped dental instruments can be simulated using the finite element analysis method. By comparing the simulation results of thermoforming processes with different pressing angles, a better pressing angle can be selected.

[0062] In another embodiment, the optimal pressing angle can be determined based on the tilt angle of the patient's teeth and the experience of a professional.

[0063] In 203, the pressing device is adjusted according to the pressing angle.

[0064] After obtaining the pressing angle, the pressing device can be adjusted accordingly, thereby adjusting the angle of the dental mold so that pressing can be performed at the stated pressing angle.

[0065] In one embodiment, the drive device 137 can be used to drive the rack 1371 to move, thereby causing the dental mold platform 1353 to rotate, so as to adjust the angle of the dental mold 131.

[0066] In step 205, a shell-shaped dental instrument is obtained by pressing a film using the pressing device.

[0067] Although various aspects and embodiments of this application have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments of this application will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon inspiration from this application. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The scope and spirit of this application are determined solely by the appended claims.

[0068] Similarly, the diagrams may illustrate exemplary architectures or other configurations of the disclosed methods and systems, which aid in understanding the features and functions that may be included in the disclosed methods and systems. The claims are not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, and the desired features may be implemented with various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, the order of the blocks given herein with respect to flowcharts, functional descriptions, and method claims should not be limited to various embodiments implemented in the same order to perform the said functions, unless explicitly indicated in the context.

[0069] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used herein, and their variations thereof, should be interpreted as open-ended rather than restrictive. In some instances, the appearance of extended words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or other similar expressions should not be construed as an intention or necessity to indicate a narrower scope in examples where such extended expressions might not exist.

Claims

1. A molding stage for a thermoforming process of shell-shaped dental instruments, comprising: A dental mold support platform is used to support the dental mold during molding. The base, wherein the first end of the dental model stage is rotatably mounted on the base; A first driving device is fixedly installed on the base. The first driving device is connected to the second end of the dental model platform opposite to the first end through a first rack, so as to drive the second end of the dental model platform to move along the extension direction of the first rack. The third driving device is fixedly installed on the base. The third driving device is connected to the first end of the dental mold stage through the third rack to drive the first end of the dental mold stage to move along the extension direction of the third rack. The third rack is arranged opposite to the first rack. as well as A pressure-bearing mechanism is disposed below the dental mold stage to allow the pressure borne by the dental mold stage to bypass the first and third driving devices and be transmitted to the base during molding, thereby preventing the first and third driving devices from being damaged by the pressure. The pressure-bearing mechanism includes a second rack and a second driving device. The second rack has teeth on both opposite sides, which respectively cooperate with the first rack and the third rack. The second driving device drives the second rack to engage or disengage with both the first rack and the third rack. In the engaged state, the end of the second rack away from the dental mold stage abuts against the base.

2. The pressing table as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive device, the second drive device, and the third drive device are motors.

3. The pressing table as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base extends to form a support beam, and when the second rack is engaged with the first rack, the end of the rack away from the dental mold platform abuts against the support beam.

4. The pressing table as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tips of the second rack are biased toward the dental mold platform.

5. The pressing table as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing table is used for pressing films. When manufacturing shell-shaped dental instruments using a hot pressing film forming process, the heated and softened film material can be pressed onto the pressing table that carries the dental model.

6. A method for manufacturing a shell-shaped dental instrument using a thermoforming process, comprising: Obtain the film pressing angle; Adjust the angle of the dental mold carrier of the pressing table as described in claim 1 according to the pressing angle; as well as A shell-shaped dental instrument is formed by pressing a heated and softened membrane material onto a dental mold supported by the dental mold stage.

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