Force limiting wrench, dental treatment apparatus and method of use

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of oral treatment equipment, and particularly relates to a force limiting wrench, oral treatment equipment and a use method. The force limiting wrench comprises a body, a cover, a ratchet, a reset spring and an adjuster. The cover is connected with the body. The adjuster is threadedly connected with the body. The upper surface of the adjuster is in abutment with the ratchet. The ratchet is matched with the taper surface of the body. The reset spring is arranged between the ratchet and the cover. The rotating shaft of the cover penetrates through the reset spring and is sleeved on the ratchet. The adjuster is rotated to move up and down along the body to adjust the relative position of the taper surface matched between the ratchet and the body, so that the torque is adjusted. The cover is rotated to link the ratchet to rotate synchronously, so that the body and the ratchet rotate relatively. The application can realize linear adjustment of the torque, improve the control precision, and be suitable for different types of working tips, so that the product utilization rate is improved and the use cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of oral treatment equipment technology, specifically relating to a force-limiting wrench, oral treatment equipment, and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic scalers and bone scalpel machines, as professional dental medical equipment, play a vital role in oral hygiene. Torque limiters are an important accessory for ultrasonic scalers and bone scalpel machines, used for attaching and detaching the working tips. With the diversification of working tip models for scalers and bone scalpel machines, the design of torque limiters has become increasingly important to match different types of working tips and meet more application scenarios.

[0003] In practical applications, the inventors have discovered at least the following technical problems with existing torque-limiting wrenches: On the one hand, torque limiting is achieved by the deformation torque of the spring and leaf spring inside the torque-limiting wrench, or by adjusting the compression of the spring, which is only suitable for fixed torque control and has low accuracy in torque adjustment; on the other hand, existing torque-limiting wrenches can usually only disassemble a single model of working tip for dental scalers or bone cutters, and the same torque-limiting wrench cannot be adapted to multiple models of working tips, thus limiting its application scenarios.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing technology to overcome its shortcomings in practical applications. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the aforementioned shortcomings and deficiencies in the prior art, one of the objectives of this invention is to at least solve one or more of the aforementioned problems in the prior art. In other words, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a force-limiting wrench, an oral treatment device, and a method of use that meet one or more of the aforementioned requirements.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a force-limiting wrench, comprising a body, a top cover, a ratchet, a return spring, and an adjuster. The top cover is fastened to the body, the adjuster is threaded into the body, the upper surface of the adjuster abuts against the ratchet, the ratchet engages with the conical surface of the body, a return spring is installed between the ratchet and the top cover, and the pivot of the top cover passes through the return spring and is sleeved on the ratchet.

[0008] By rotating the adjuster up and down along the body, the relative position of the conical engagement between the ratchet and the body can be adjusted to achieve linear adjustment of torque; by rotating the upper cover, the ratchet can be rotated synchronously, and the body and the ratchet can rotate relative to each other.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the body is uniformly provided with several conical grooves, and the ratchet is uniformly provided with several pawls along the circumference. The pawls are elastic and rotate in cooperation with the conical grooves.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the conical groove has a first conical surface, a second conical surface, and a third conical surface, wherein the first conical surface transitions into the second conical surface, the second conical surface transitions into the third conical surface, and the first conical surface, the second conical surface, and the third conical surface have the same inclination angle.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the pawl has a fourth conical surface. During the rotational engagement between the ratchet and the body, the fourth conical surface is in an interference fit with the first and second conical surfaces, and the fourth conical surface is in a clearance fit with the third conical surface.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the ratchet is provided with an annular groove, the lower part of the return spring is engaged with the annular groove, a washer is installed above the return spring, and the washer is connected to the body.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the upper cover has a reinforcing rib inside, the reinforcing rib has a slot, the upper part of the return spring is engaged with the slot, and the lower part of the return spring abuts against the ratchet.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the outer wall of the main body is provided with a circumferential groove, and the inner wall of the upper cover is provided with a buckle, which is engaged with the circumferential groove.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the ratchet is provided with an annular cavity, the upper surface of the adjuster abuts against the annular cavity, and the lower surface of the adjuster is provided with several adjusting holes evenly distributed.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the bottom end of the main body is connected to a base, and a silicone pad is installed between the base and the main body. The silicone pad has a cross-shaped channel.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the base is provided with an insert, the insert having stepped holes, and the stepped holes are arranged opposite to the cross-shaped channel.

[0018] The present invention also provides an oral treatment device, including a handle, a working tip, and a force-limiting wrench as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the force-limiting wrench cooperates with the working tip for disassembling and installing the working tip and the handle.

[0019] The present invention also provides a method of using an oral treatment device, comprising the following steps:

[0020] S1. Installation steps: Install the first end of the working tip on the torque limiter and install the second end of the working tip on the handle by rotating the torque limiter.

[0021] S2. Disassembly steps: Unload the second end of the working tip from the handle by rotating the torque limiter, and remove the first end of the working tip from the torque limiter.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0023] This invention provides a torque-limiting wrench that, through the conical engagement between the ratchet and the body, enables linear adjustment of torque, thereby improving control precision.

[0024] This invention provides a torque-limiting wrench that can be adapted to different models of working tips. It can disassemble the working tips of dental scalers as well as bone scalpels, making its application scenarios wider, improving product utilization and reducing usage costs.

[0025] This invention provides a torque-limiting wrench that achieves linear adjustment of torque through an interference fit between a ratchet and the wrench body, thereby improving torque control accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of a force-limiting wrench in one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the force-limiting wrench structure in another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the force-limiting handle in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of AA;

[0031] Figure 5 In one embodiment, the ratchet and the body are located at the upper limit of the tapered engagement.

[0032] Figure 6 In one embodiment, the ratchet and the body are located at the lower limit position of the conical engagement;

[0033] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the body in one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure in one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the inlay structure in one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the adjusting wrench rotating adjuster in one embodiment;

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Body, 11. Conical groove, 111. First conical surface, 112. Second conical surface, 113. Third conical surface, 12. Circumferential groove, 13. Groove, 14. Connecting groove, 2. Top cover, 21. Rotating shaft, 3. Ratchet, 31. Pad, 331. Fourth conical surface, 32. Annular groove, 4. Return spring, 41. Washer, 5. Adjuster, 51. Adjustment hole, 6. Base, 61. Insert, 62. Locking strip, 7. Silicone pad. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application, the specific implementation methods of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0040] In dental treatment equipment, torque limiters are usually required to install and remove working tips. Conventional torque limiters achieve torque limitation by the deformation and torque of springs and leaf springs, or by adjusting the compression of springs. However, they are only suitable for fixed torque control and have low torque adjustment accuracy. On the other hand, torque limiters can usually only remove working tips of a single model of dental scaler or bone scalpel, and one torque limiter cannot be adapted to multiple models of working tips, which limits its application scenarios.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 1 to 10As shown, a torque-limiting wrench is provided, including a body 1, a top cover 2, a ratchet 3, a return spring 4, and an adjuster 5. The top cover 2 is fastened to the body 1, and the adjuster 5 is threaded into the body 1. The upper surface of the adjuster 5 abuts against the ratchet 3, and the ratchet 3 engages with the conical surface of the body 1. The return spring 4 is installed between the ratchet 3 and the top cover 2. The rotating shaft 21 of the top cover 2 passes through the return spring 4 and is sleeved on the ratchet 3. By rotating the adjuster 5 up and down along the body 1, the relative position of the conical engagement between the ratchet 3 and the body 1 is adjusted to achieve torque adjustment. By rotating the top cover 2, the ratchet 3 is rotated synchronously, so that the body 1 and the ratchet 3 rotate relative to each other.

[0042] Specifically, the inner wall of the body 1 is uniformly provided with several conical grooves 11, and the ratchet 3 is uniformly provided with several pawls 31 along the circumference. The pawls 31 are elastic and rotate in cooperation with the conical grooves 11. There are at least two pawls and two conical grooves. In some embodiments, there are 6 pawls and 12 conical grooves. The specific number can be set according to actual needs and is not limited to the above-mentioned number limitation.

[0043] Furthermore, the upper cover 2 has a rotating shaft 21 along its center. The rotating shaft 21 passes through the return spring 4 and is connected to the ratchet 3. The rotating shaft 21 is set as a hexagonal prism structure. The ratchet 3 has a hexagonal hole in its center. The hexagonal prism structure and the hexagonal hole cooperate with each other. When the upper cover 2 is rotated, it can be linked to the ratchet 3 to rotate synchronously, thereby transmitting the torque acting on the upper cover 2 to the ratchet 3.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the conical groove 11 has a first conical surface 111, a second conical surface 112, and a third conical surface 113. The first conical surface 111 and the second conical surface 112 are in transition fit, and the second conical surface 112 and the third conical surface 113 are in transition fit. Specifically, the first conical surface 111, the second conical surface 112, and the third conical surface 113 are sequentially formed by a circular arc transition. The first conical surface 111, the second conical surface 112, and the third conical surface 113 have the same inclination angle along the vertical direction of the body 1, so that the ratchet 3 can move up and down along the conical groove 11 to achieve an interference fit between the ratchet 3 and the conical groove 11.

[0045] Furthermore, the pawl 31 has a fourth conical surface 331. During the rotational engagement between the ratchet 3 and the body 1, the fourth conical surface 331 is in an interference fit with the first conical surface 111 and the second conical surface 112, and the fourth conical surface 331 is in a clearance fit with the third conical surface 113.

[0046] During the rotational engagement between the ratchet 3 and the body 1, when the pawl 31 rotates along the same horizontal direction as the conical groove 11, the fourth conical surface 331 first contacts the first conical surface 111. As the ratchet 3 continues to rotate, the interference fit between the fourth conical surface 331 and the first conical surface 111 gradually increases and gradually transitions to the second conical surface 112. At the end of the second conical surface 112 (that is, at the transition connection between the second conical surface 112 and the third conical surface 113), the interference fit reaches its maximum. As the ratchet 3 continues to rotate, the fourth conical surface 331 and the third conical surface 113 will be in clearance engagement, thereby realizing one engagement process between the pawl 31 and the conical groove 11. By repeating the above process, the rotational adjustment between the ratchet 3 and the body 1 can be achieved.

[0047] Furthermore, when the pawl 31 moves along the vertical direction of the conical groove 11, since the slopes of the first conical surface 111, the second conical surface 112, and the third conical surface 113 are equal, the interference fit between the fourth conical surface 331 and the first conical surface 111 and the second conical surface 112 changes linearly. When the pawl 31 moves from bottom to top, the interference fit gradually increases, thereby achieving linear adjustment of the torque of the torque limiter.

[0048] In some specific embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the upper cover 2 has a reinforcing rib inside, and a slot is provided on the reinforcing rib. The upper part of the return spring 4 is engaged with the slot, and the lower part of the return spring 4 abuts against the ratchet 3. The structure is simple to assemble, easy to replace and use, and has low operating cost.

[0049] Specifically, the upper cover 2 has four reinforcing ribs evenly distributed inside. In order to facilitate the installation of the reset spring 4, a slot is provided on each reinforcing rib, and the reset spring 4 is snapped into the slot. This can prevent the reset spring 4 from moving radially and ensure that the reset spring 4 provides elastic force axially.

[0050] In another specific embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ratchet 3 has an annular groove 32, the lower part of the return spring 4 is engaged with the annular groove 32, and the upper part of the return spring 4 is equipped with a washer 41. The washer 41 is connected to the body 1. The washer and the body are locked and fixed with screws to improve the installation reliability and reduce the wear of the return spring.

[0051] Specifically, the annular groove 32 is used to limit the return spring 4, which can prevent the return spring 4 from moving radially and ensure that the return spring 4 provides elastic force to the ratchet 3 in the axial direction.

[0052] According to some specific embodiments of this application, the outer wall of the main body 1 is provided with a circumferential groove 12, and the inner wall of the upper cover 2 is provided with a buckle, which is engaged with the circumferential groove 12. When the upper cover 2 is assembled with the main body 1, it is only necessary to snap the buckle into the circumferential groove 12 to ensure that the upper cover 2 and the main body 1 can rotate relative to each other, and the assembly and disassembly are convenient, simple and practical.

[0053] According to some specific embodiments of this application, in conjunction with Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the ratchet 3 has an annular cavity, the upper surface of the adjuster 5 abuts against the annular cavity, and the lower surface of the adjuster 5 is evenly provided with several adjustment holes 51. Through the multiple adjustment holes 51, the adjuster 5 can be rotated by inserting a tool such as an adjustment wrench into the adjustment hole 51.

[0054] According to some specific embodiments of this application, the bottom end of the body 1 is connected to the base 6, and a silicone pad 7 is installed between the base 6 and the body 1. The silicone pad 7 has a cross-shaped channel. Specifically, the bottom end of the body 1 is provided with a groove 13, and the silicone pad 7 is installed in the groove 13. The silicone pad 7 has a cross-shaped channel for fixing the working tip. When the working tip is disassembled or assembled, inserting the working tip into the cross-shaped channel can prevent the working tip from falling out, thus playing a role in fixing the working tip.

[0055] According to some specific embodiments of this application, an insert 61 is provided within the base 6. The insert 61 has a stepped hole, which is arranged opposite to the cross-shaped channel. The stepped hole allows for the installation of working tips of different sizes, accommodating different models of working tips. A single torque-limiting wrench can disassemble the working tip of both a dental scaler and a bone scalpel, broadening its application scenarios, improving product utilization, and reducing operating costs. During use, the torque can be adjusted to a suitable range using a torque-adjusting limit wrench. The insert and base can be integrally machined or detachably connected.

[0056] As the torque limiter is used more frequently, wear will occur on the mating surfaces between the pawl 31 and the conical groove 11. In order to accurately control the torque when installing and unloading the working tip, the adjustment device 5 can be rotated up and down to make the interference fit between the pawl and the conical groove 11 of 31 achieve the purpose of torque loss compensation. This not only improves the service life of the torque limiter but also reduces the frequency of replacement of the torque limiter handle, saving usage costs.

[0057] According to some embodiments of this application, an oral treatment device is also provided, including a handle, a working tip, and a force-limiting wrench as described above. The force-limiting wrench cooperates with the working tip for disassembling and installing the working tip and the handle. It is convenient to use and can improve the compatibility range of working tips of different sizes and types.

[0058] According to some embodiments of this application, a method of using an oral treatment device is also provided, comprising the following steps:

[0059] Before installing the working tip, first use tools such as an adjusting wrench to rotate and adjust the adjusting hole of the adjuster, so that the adjuster rotates and moves up and down along the body, so that the torque of the force limiting wrench can be adjusted arbitrarily between 0.1 and 10N.

[0060] Furthermore, when the adjuster moves upward, the ratchet moves upward in conjunction with the adjuster and compresses the return spring. At this time, the contact position between the ratchet pawl and the conical groove of the body moves upward, causing the torque of the force-limiting wrench to gradually decrease. When the adjuster moves downward, the return spring compresses the ratchet and moves it downward. At this time, the contact position between the ratchet pawl and the conical groove of the body moves downward, causing the torque of the force-limiting wrench to gradually increase. Due to the conical fit between the pawl and the conical groove, the torque of the force-limiting wrench exhibits a linear change.

[0061] S1. Installation steps: Install the first end of the working tip onto the torque limiter wrench, and then install the second end of the working tip onto the handle by rotating the torque limiter wrench.

[0062] Specifically, by engaging the first end of the working tip in the stepped hole of the main body, and rotating the top cover to rotate the ratchet relative to the main body, the main body rotates in conjunction with the working tip to achieve the second end of the working tip being mounted on the handle.

[0063] S2. Disassembly steps: Unload the second end of the working tip from the handle by rotating the torque limiter, and remove the first end of the working tip from the torque limiter.

[0064] Specifically, by inserting the first end of the working tip into the stepped hole of the wrench body, and by rotating the top cover in the opposite direction, the wrench and the handle rotate relative to each other, so that the second end of the working tip is unloaded from the handle. Furthermore, the first end of the working tip is unloaded from the stepped hole of the body, thereby achieving the disassembly of the working tip.

[0065] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0066] The above description is only a detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments and principles of this application. For those skilled in the art, there may be changes in the specific implementation methods based on the ideas provided in this application, and these changes should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A force-limiting wrench, characterized in that, The device includes a body, a top cover, a ratchet, a return spring, and an adjuster. The top cover is fastened to the body, the adjuster is threaded into the body, the upper surface of the adjuster abuts against the ratchet, the ratchet engages with the conical surface of the body, and a return spring is installed between the ratchet and the top cover. The rotating shaft of the top cover passes through the return spring and is sleeved on the ratchet. The inner wall of the body is uniformly provided with several conical grooves, and the ratchet is uniformly provided with several pawls along the circumference. The pawls are elastic and rotate in cooperation with the conical grooves. The conical groove has a first conical surface, a second conical surface and a third conical surface. The first conical surface and the second conical surface are in transitional cooperation, and the second conical surface and the third conical surface are in transitional cooperation. The first conical surface, the second conical surface and the third conical surface have the same inclination angle. The pawl has a fourth conical surface. During the rotational engagement between the ratchet and the body, the fourth conical surface is in an interference fit with the first and second conical surfaces, and the fourth conical surface is in a clearance fit with the third conical surface. The bottom end of the main body is connected to the base, and a silicone pad is installed between the base and the main body. The silicone pad has a cross-shaped channel. An insert is provided inside the base. The insert has stepped holes, and the stepped holes are arranged opposite to the cross-shaped channel. By rotating the adjuster up and down along the body, the relative position of the conical engagement between the ratchet and the body can be adjusted to achieve linear adjustment of torque; by rotating the upper cover, the ratchet can be rotated synchronously, and the body and the ratchet can rotate relative to each other.

2. The force-limiting wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratchet has an annular groove, the lower part of the return spring engages with the annular groove, and a washer is installed above the return spring, the washer being connected to the body.

3. A force-limiting wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper cover has a reinforcing rib inside, and the reinforcing rib has a slot. The upper part of the return spring is engaged with the slot, and the lower part of the return spring abuts against the ratchet.

4. A force-limiting wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the main body is provided with a circumferential groove, and the inner wall of the upper cover is provided with a buckle, which is engaged with the circumferential groove.

5. A force-limiting wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratchet has an annular cavity, the upper surface of the adjuster abuts against the annular cavity, and the lower surface of the adjuster is evenly provided with several adjustment holes.

6. An oral treatment device, characterized in that, It includes a handle, a working tip, and a force-limiting wrench as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the force-limiting wrench cooperates with the working tip for disassembling and installing the working tip and the handle.

7. A method of using an oral treatment device, characterized in that, The application of the oral treatment device as described in claim 6 includes the following steps: S1. Installation steps: Install the first end of the working tip on the torque limiter and install the second end of the working tip on the handle by rotating the torque limiter. S2. Disassembly steps: Unload the second end of the working tip from the handle by rotating the torque limiter, and remove the first end of the working tip from the torque limiter.

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