Gripper for dental blanks and method for clamping dental blanks

Abstract

The invention relates to a gripper (100) for a dental blank (103) and a method for gripping a dental blank (103), comprising: a first holder (105-1) into which the dental blank (103) is placed; a second holder (105-2), which is connected to the first holder (105-1) or can be coupled to the first holder (105-1); a clamping device (125) for applying a clamping force to the dental blank (103) located between the first holder (105-1) and the second holder (105-2); and a pneumatic element (107-1,..., 107-4) for counteracting or generating the clamping force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a clamp for dental blanks and a method for clamping dental blanks. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The technical objective of this invention is to accelerate and simplify the process of clamping dental blanks into a processing machine tool.

[0003] This objective is achieved by the subject matter described according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are those set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0004] According to the first aspect, this objective is achieved by a gripper for dental blanks, the gripper comprising: a first retainer for inserting the dental blank; a second retainer for the dental blank, the second retainer being connected to or capable of being connected to the first retainer; a clamping device for applying a clamping force to the dental blank located between the first and second retainers; and a pneumatic element for counteracting or generating the clamping force. The gripper clamps and secures the dental blank in place by means of the clamping force between the first and second retainers. The technical advantage of using an automatically operating pneumatic element is that this clamping force can be counteracted by air pressure, thus allowing the first or second retainer to be connected to or detached from a corresponding other retainer. Therefore, the dental blank can be clamped and removed without tools. This significantly accelerates the process of clamping and removing the dental blank in the gripper.

[0005] In one technically advantageous embodiment of the clamp, the clamping device includes a spring. The resulting technical advantage, for example, is the ability to clamp dental blanks between a first retainer and a second retainer in a simple manner.

[0006] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the gripper, a spring applies clamping force to a pneumatic piston. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, a compact construction. By using the aforementioned piston, clamping force can be maintained even without compressed air.

[0007] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the clamp, the clamping device includes a spring located behind the clamping piston. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, that the upper retainer can be easily released by the spring force, and the dental blank can be removed in a simple manner.

[0008] The clamping force between the retainers is achieved by applying compressed air to the pneumatic piston. In another technically advantageous embodiment of the clamp, the clamping device includes a spring located in front of the piston. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, a compact construction. By using the aforementioned piston, clamping force can be maintained even without compressed air, and clamping force can be eliminated by introducing a bolt through a bottom opening.

[0009] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the gripper, the pneumatic piston includes a movable clamping element for engagement with a second retainer. The clamping element, for example, is a clamping pin, which transmits the tension of one retainer to the other. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, that the retainers can be engaged together via the clamping element.

[0010] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the clamp, the pneumatic element is arranged inside the first or second retainer. The resulting technical advantages include, for example, a compact and integrated construction and protection of the pneumatic element from contaminants in the milling area.

[0011] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the gripper, the pneumatic element includes at least one pneumatic cylinder. The cross-section of the pneumatic cylinder can be circular, elliptical, or angular, such as square, hexagonal, or octagonal. The resulting technical advantage, for example, is that the pneumatic element can be implemented in a simple manner. In another technically advantageous embodiment of the gripper, the gripper includes multiple pneumatic components. The resulting technical advantages include, for example, achieving higher clamping forces and being able to evenly distribute the clamping forces.

[0012] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the clamp, multiple pneumatic components are arranged around the perforated portion into which the dental blank is inserted. The resulting technical advantage, for example, is the achievement of uniform release of the dental blank.

[0013] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the gripper, the pneumatic components are connected to each other via a common air passage. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, the ability to actuate the pneumatic components together.

[0014] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the clamp, the first retainer or the second retainer for dental blanks is connected to or can be coupled to the first retainer or the second retainer by rotational movement or snap-fit ​​adjustment movement. The resulting technological advantage is, for example, the ability to clamp dental blanks quickly and easily.

[0015] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the clamp, the clamp includes a compressed air connector integrated into a mechanical interface for securing the clamp to a machine tool, or the clamp includes a compressed air connector for supplying compressed air from an external source. Compressed air can be supplied to a first retainer and / or a second retainer via the compressed air connector. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, that the compressed air connector can be manufactured within the machine tool while the clamp is being secured. In this case, an external compressed air device can also be used to clamp or release the dental blank within the clamp via the compressed air connector. The clamp is then secured together with the dental blank within the manufacturing apparatus or removed together with it from the manufacturing apparatus.

[0016] According to the second aspect, this objective is achieved by a clamp for dental blanks, the clamp comprising: a first retainer for inserting the dental blank; a second retainer for the dental blank, the second retainer being connected to or capable of being connected to the first retainer; a clamping device for applying a clamping force to the dental blank located between the first and second retainers; and a counteracting element for counteracting the clamping force. The counteracting element is any automatically operating element that can counteract the clamping force of the clamping device. The counteracting element can operate electrically, pneumatically, mechanically, or otherwise. Furthermore, the clamp according to the second aspect can be configured in the same manner as the clamp according to the first aspect. The technical advantages achieved by this clamp are the same as those achieved by the clamp according to the first aspect.

[0017] In one technically advantageous embodiment of the gripper, the gripper includes a plurality of counteracting elements for counteracting clamping forces. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, the ability to counteract clamping forces at multiple locations.

[0018] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the clamp, counteracting elements are arranged around the perforated portion into which the dental blank is inserted. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, that the clamping force can be evenly counteracted.

[0019] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the gripper, the clamping elements can be actuated individually or jointly. The resulting technical advantage, for example, is the ability to efficiently counteract clamping forces.

[0020] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the gripper, the gripper includes an interface for supplying energy to the counteracting element, which is integrated within a mechanical interface for securing the gripper to a machine tool or external device. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, that the counteracting element is simultaneously engaged when the gripper is secured.

[0021] According to the third aspect, this objective is achieved by a method for clamping a dental blank, the method comprising the steps of: placing the dental blank into a first retainer; engaging the first retainer with a second retainer for the dental blank; applying a clamping force to the dental blank located between the first and second retainers; and counteracting the clamping force by means of a counteracting element. The technical advantages achieved by this method are the same as those achieved by the clamp according to the first aspect.

[0022] In one technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the dental blank is clamped between the first retainer and the second retainer by means of a clamping force. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, that the dental blank can be clamped in a simple manner.

[0023] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the method, compressed air is supplied to multiple pneumatic components via a common air passage. The resulting technical advantage is, for example, the ability to actuate the pneumatic components together. This allows the first and second retainers to be engaged or disengaged.

[0024] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the balancing element is actuated via an external device arranged outside the manufacturing apparatus. The resulting technical advantage, for example, is that the dental blank can also be loaded outside the manufacturing apparatus, and the clamp can be placed into the manufacturing apparatus together with the dental blank. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail below. in: Figure 1 A perspective view of a clamp for dental blanks is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of a clamp for dental blanks in a disassembled state is shown; Figure 3 A top view of a clamp for dental blanks is shown; Figure 4 A lateral cross-sectional view of a clamp for dental blanks is shown; Figure 5 An enlarged side cross-sectional view of the clamping element is shown; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a clamp for dental blanks, viewed from above, is shown. Figure 7 A side view of a clamp for dental blanks is shown; and Figure 8 The mechanical design of the clamp is shown; and Figure 9A block diagram of a method for clamping dental blanks is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of a clamp 100 for a dental blank 103 is shown. The dental blank is formed, for example, from a circular disc. However, a quadrilateral or hexagonal blank is also conceivable. The dental blank 103 is made, for example, of zirconium dioxide or another material. Different dental objects can be milled from the dental blank 103 on a machining tool.

[0027] For this purpose, the dental blank 103 is held in the clamp 100, thereby enabling the dental blank to be held during manufacturing and moved together with the clamp within the machine tool. The clamp 100 includes two retainers 105-1 and 105-2, which are made of, for example, metal.

[0028] The dental blank 103 is held between two retainers 105-1 and 105-2 by means of clamping force. The upper retainer 105-2 can be removed from the lower retainer 105-1 by means of rotational movement. The lower retainer 105-1 includes a hollow portion in which the dental blank 103 is located.

[0029] The clamp 100 can also be configured such that the first clamp 105-1 and the second clamp 105-2 can move away from each other by means of a guide element. The guide element also functions as a clamping element. In this case, the dental blank 103 can be inserted through the gap and clamped between the first clamp 105-1 and the second clamp 105-2.

[0030] Figure 2 Another perspective view of the clamp 100 for dental blank 103 is shown with the clamping members 105-1 and 105-2 separated. The first retainer 105-1 is connected to the C-shaped second retainer 105-2 via a movable clamping element 123, the second retainer 105-2 being snapped into the clamping element. The clamping element 123 is inserted into connection openings 127 formed in the second retainer 105-2. The two retainers 105-1 and 105-2 may also be annular or have a closed frame.

[0031] To connect the two retainers 105-1 and 105-2, the movable clamping element is pre-pressed outward by pneumatic pressure, thereby counteracting the clamping force of the clamping element. The retainer 105-2 is then rotated to achieve a stop, friction interlock, and / or form interlock between the connection opening 127 and the clamping element 123. The geometry of the connection opening 127 can be adjusted to achieve form interlock. After connecting the two retainers 105-1 and 105-2, the clamping force on the dental blank 103 can be maintained via the clamping element 123 by means of a spring 111. A clamping device 125 for applying a clamping force between the retainers 105-1 and 105-2 is achieved by means of the spring 111. Multiple pneumatic elements 107-1, ..., 107-3 are arranged around the hollow portion 115 inside the first clamping member 105-1 as counteracting elements. The pneumatic elements 107-1, ..., 107-3 are driving devices, using compressed air as the working medium. Each pneumatic element 107-1, ..., 107-3 includes a pneumatic cylinder 109, within which a movable pneumatic piston 113 is arranged. A spring 111 applies a clamping force to the pneumatic piston. This clamping force is transmitted to the second retaining member 105-2 via the movable clamping element.

[0032] By using a movable pneumatic piston instead of a screw connection, the dental blank 103 can be clamped without tools. Since the material disc of the dental blank 103 can be reliably clamped, a tool-free clamping system is achieved.

[0033] Figure 3 A top view of the clamp 100 is shown. When the dental blank 103 is inserted, the second retainer 105-2 is first placed on the first retainer 105-1 in the position shown. The clamping element 123 is inserted into the connection opening 127. The second retainer 105-2 is then rotated in the direction of the arrow, thereby establishing a mechanical connection with the clamping element 123. The head of the clamping element 123 slides past lateral protrusions arranged within the connection opening 127.

[0034] The clamping element 123 is now in the ejected position, caused by the pneumatic elements 107-1, ..., 107-3. For this purpose, pressure is applied to the pneumatic elements 107-1, ..., 107-3, causing the pneumatic piston and clamping element 123 to move outward and enabling the second retainer 105-2 to rotate. Figure 4A cross-sectional view of a clamp 100 for dental blank 103 is shown. An outwardly extending clamping element 123 includes an internal thread that is screwed onto the external thread of a pneumatic piston 113. The clamping element is thus threaded through an opening in a flat plate 129. A spring 111 is arranged around the pneumatic piston 113, pressing the piston 113 towards a lower position inside the pneumatic cylinder 119 and transmitting the clamping force via the clamping element 123 to the upper retainer 105-2. This functionality is achieved through the spring 111, enabling operation within a limited structural space. The cylinder face of the pneumatic cylinder 109 has a double seal in the higher pressure region to ensure this functionality over time. If compressed air is introduced into the pneumatic cylinder, the pneumatic piston 113 moves upward, thereby counteracting the clamping force generated by the spring 111 and allowing the retainer 105-2 to be released from the retainer 105-1 by means of rotational movement. This achieves a simple construction of the pneumatic piston 113 and the retainers 105-1 and 105-2.

[0035] Figure 5 An enlarged side cross-sectional view of the clamping element 123 is shown. To enable the connection of the two retainers 105-1 and 105-2, the movable clamping element is pre-pressed outward by means of a spring force, thereby counteracting the clamping force of the clamping element (without compressed air). The retainer 105-2 is then rotated to achieve a stop, friction interlock, and / or form interlock between the connection opening 127 and the clamping element 123. The geometry of the connection opening 127 can be adjusted to form the form interlock. After the two retainers 105-1 and 105-2 are connected, the clamping force on the dental blank 103 can be maintained via the clamping element 123 by means of compressed air above the pneumatic piston 113. A clamping device 125 for applying a clamping force between the retainers 105-1 and 105-2 is achieved by the pneumatic piston and the application of compressed air to the pneumatic piston. In embodiment A, the clamping force is generated by compressed air. In embodiment B, the clamping force is generated by spring force. In this case, the clamping force of the clamping element 123 is counteracted by compressed air 130, thereby allowing the dental blank 103 to be placed between the retainers 105-1 and 105-2. After the compressed air is discharged, the dental blank 123 is clamped between the retainers 105-1 and 105-2 by spring force due to the loss of pressure.

[0036] Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the clamp 100 for dental blank 103, viewed from above, is shown. Pneumatic elements 107-1, ..., 107-4 consist of four pneumatic cylinders 109, each having a pneumatic piston 113, arranged around the cutout 115. The pneumatic cylinders 109 are connected to a common air passage 117 through which compressed air can be introduced into the pneumatic cylinders of pneumatic elements 107-1, ..., 107-4. The air passage 117 is located inside the lower retainer 105-1 or the upper retainer 105-2. Compressed air can also be applied to the pneumatic cylinders 109 via separate air passages.

[0037] Figure 7 A side view of a clamp 100 for dental blank 103 is shown. The clamp 100 may also include a compressed air connector for an externally supplied compressed air source, so that when the clamp 100 is mounted in a machine tool, the pneumatic components 107-1, ..., 107-4 can be actuated by connecting an external compressed air supply source. The first retainer 105-1 or the second retainer 105-2 may be equipped with pneumatic components 107-1, ..., 107-4 and compressed air may be supplied by means of an instrument. In this case, a separate compressed air device or an external compressed air supply source can be used before placing the clamp 100 into the manufacturing apparatus. Thus, the clamp 100 can also be actuated outside the manufacturing apparatus.

[0038] Figure 8 A side view of a clamp 100 for a dental blank 103 is shown. A spring 111 located above a piston 113 presses a clamping element 123 downward, thereby generating a clamping force acting on the dental blank 103 located between a first retainer 105-1 and a second retainer 105-2. By using a mechanical counteracting device, such as a bolt device, which can be pushed in through an opening 131 at the bottom and act on the piston 113, the clamping force is counteracted and the piston is pushed upward. This allows the retainer 105-1 to disengage from the clamping element 123 and the dental blank to be removed. The mechanical counteracting device can also be integrated into the manufacturing apparatus or arranged separately relative to the manufacturing apparatus.

[0039] Figure 9 A block diagram of a method for clamping a dental blank 103 is shown. In step S101, the dental blank is placed into the hollow portion 115 of the first retainer 105-1. Subsequently, in step S102, the first retainer 105-1 is connected to a second retainer 105-2 for the dental blank 103 by rotating the second retainer to a stop in a form-interlocking manner until it is connected to the clamping element 123. The clamping element 123, whether under pressure, pressure-relieved, or pressure-free, is then in the extended position.

[0040] By introducing force, drawing compressed air from the pneumatic components, or introducing compressed air into the pneumatic components 107-1, ..., 107-4, the clamping element 123 is unloaded or subjected to a load, and the clamping pin 123 moves inward. At this time, in step S103, a clamping force is applied to the dental blank 103 located between the first retainer 105-1 and the second retainer 105-2 by the spring 111 or compressed air. Thus, the dental blank 103 is held in the clamp 100 with or without pressure in the pneumatic components 107-1, ..., 107-4. To remove the upper retainer 105-2, pressurized or compressed air is reintroduced into or depressurized into the pneumatic components 107-1, ..., 107-4, thereby counteracting the clamping force acting on the dental blank 103 and pressing the clamping element 123 outward. The retainer 105-2 can then be loosened from the retainer 105-1 by rotation.

[0041] The clamp 100 can hold the dental blank 103 securely using only the clamping device without the need for tools, while providing optimal force distribution and reliability. The clamp 100 reduces the time required to change the dental blank 103, as no tools are needed. The dental blank 103 only requires a clamping process, improving the reliability of the dental blank's fixation. Furthermore, the operation of the clamp 100 is improved. All the features described and illustrated in relation to the various embodiments of the invention can be arranged in different combinations within the subject matter of the invention to simultaneously achieve their beneficial effects.

[0042] All method steps can be implemented by means suitable for performing the corresponding method steps. All functions performed by the characteristics of the subject can be method steps of the method.

[0043] The scope of protection of this invention is given by the claims and is not limited to the features set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings.

[0044] List of reference numerals 100 clamps 103 Dental blanks 105 retainer 107 pneumatic components 109 pneumatic cylinder 111 spring 113 Pneumatic Piston / Piston 115 Hollowed-out section 117 air passage 119 Compressed Air Connector 121 interface 123 clamping elements 125 clamping device 127 Connection Opening 129 tablet 130 compressed air 131 Opening.

Claims

1. A clamp (100) for dental blanks (103), said clamp having: -A first retainer (105-1) into which the dental blank (103) is placed; - A second retainer (105-2) for the dental blank (103) is connected to or can be connected to the first retainer (105-1); - A clamping device (125) for applying a clamping force to the dental blank (103) located between the first retainer (105-1) and the second retainer (105-2); and - Pneumatic components (107-1, 107-2, 107-3, 107-4) used to counteract or generate the clamping force.

2. The clamp (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping device (125) includes a spring (111).

3. The clamp (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The spring (111) applies the clamping force to the pneumatic piston (113).

4. The clamp (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The pneumatic piston (113) includes a movable clamping element (123) for connection with the second retainer (105-2).

5. The gripper (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pneumatic components (107-1, 107-2, 107-3, 107-4) are arranged within the first retainer (105-1) or the second retainer.

6. The gripper (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gripper (100) includes multiple pneumatic components (107-1, 107-2, 107-3, 107-4).

7. The clamp (100) according to claim 6, wherein, Multiple pneumatic components (107-1, 107-2, 107-3, 107-4) are distributed around the cutout (115) for inserting the dental blank (103).

8. The clamp (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The pneumatic components (107-1, 107-2, 107-3, 107-4) are connected to each other through a common air passage (117).

9. The gripper (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first retainer (105-1) can be connected to the second retainer (105-2) by rotation or locking adjustment, or the second retainer (105-2) for the dental blank (103) can be connected to the first retainer (105-1).

10. The gripper (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The clamp (100) includes a compressed air connector (119) incorporated within a mechanical interface (121) for securing the clamp (100) to a machine tool, or the clamp includes a compressed air connector for external supply of compressed air.

11. A clamp (100) for dental blanks (103), said clamp having: - A first retainer (105-1) for placing the dental blank (103); - A second retainer (105-2) for the dental blank (103) is connected to or can be connected to the first retainer (105-1); - A clamping device (125) for applying a clamping force to the dental blank (103) located between the first retainer (105-1) and the second retainer (105-2); and - A counteracting element used to counteract the clamping force.

12. The clamp (100) according to claim 11, wherein, The clamp (100) includes a plurality of counteracting elements for counteracting the clamping force.

13. A method for clamping a dental blank (103), the method comprising the following steps: - The dental blank (103) is placed into the first retainer (105-1) in (S101); - Connect the first retainer (105-1) to the second retainer (105-2) for the dental blank (103) (S102); - Apply a clamping force (S103) to the dental blank (103) located between the first retainer (105-1) and the second retainer (105-2); and - The clamping force is counteracted by a counteracting element (S104).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The dental blank (103) is clamped between the first retainer (105-1) and the second retainer (105-2) by means of the clamping force, or compressed air is supplied to a plurality of pneumatic components (107-1, 107-2, 107-3, 107-4) via a common air passage (117).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The offset element is actuated by an external device arranged outside the manufacturing apparatus.

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