Control system with removable sterilizable button

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system (1) for a micromotor for dental or surgical use, comprising a control box (10) provided with an adjustment knob (2) mounted in a manner so as to rotate about an axis of rotation (A-A). The adjustment knob (2) consists of a control support (20) integral with an encoder (3) integrally formed in the cartridge (10) and a sterilizable button (21) removably connected to the control support (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of instruments and equipment for medical field practitioners such as dentists and dental surgeons. More specifically, it relates to control devices for electric motors of such equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Dentists, medical personnel and dental surgeons and, in particular, other practitioners in the field of endodontics, periodontology and oral surgery or implantology can generally use various instruments and equipment equipped with rotary tools driven by electric motors (micro-motors). These electric motors have a predetermined power output suitable for the operation to be performed. Thus, for example, depending on the application involved (cleaning, polishing, root treatment, etc.), different speeds or different connections suitable for the contact force to be applied on the tool are required for the grinding or milling operation so that the degree of wear or drilling can be effectively produced without creating conditions of extreme overheating of the tool that can damage the surrounding tissues.

[0003] Various control units are available on the market to control the micro-motors of such tools. For example, the control station Optima by the patent applicant makes it possible to carry out preventive or restorative surgery by providing an alternative to the turbine, which is normally used for this type of operation, but which has the disadvantage of a much higher noise level due to the very high rotation speed of this pneumatic tool (more than 100,000 revolutions per minute). In this case, the speed is controlled by a central wheel or roller located in front of the control console, which is specifically designed for this purpose.

[0004] In the field of implant surgery and maxillofacial surgery, other types of control units are known, such as Chiropro by the patent applicant, which is equipped with a control screen and several control keys arranged on a substantially flat keyboard. The different operating modes are selected in particular by means of arrow keys and activated by means of a central confirmation key. The first disadvantage of this type of control console lies in the relatively poor ergonomic characteristics of the control interface, which often requires multiple consecutive keystrokes on different buttons to change the program. The second disadvantage of this type of control unit is related to the sterilization and decontamination process of the console keyboard, which can be completely contaminated by the various operations of the surgeon for each program. Such a process proves to be relatively cumbersome, since it is not possible to sterilize the entire console according to the recommended program by heating it to 135°C without seriously damaging the console. Therefore, manual sterilization with chemicals is required, which often actively act on the materials of the console, thus causing a deterioration of the aesthetic appearance in the medium or long term.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a control interface solution that does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages. SUMMARY

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to provide a control system equipped with a simple interface, practical and easy to sterilize on demand.

[0007] This aim is achieved according to the invention by a control system for a micro-motor for dental or surgical use, comprising a control box with an adjustment knob, wherein the adjustment knob consists of a control support integral with an encoder integrally formed in the box and a sterilizable button removably connected to the control support. With this arrangement of the adjustment knob, it is possible to easily assemble and disassemble the components handled by the surgeon and to sterilize the latter independently of the rest of the control box. Moreover, from now on, the sterilizable component can be considered as a wear component replaceable in a modular manner independently of the rest of the control system, so that this component can be sterilized and cleaned with more aggressive and more effective chemicals.

[0008] Preferably, the connection is achieved by friction, by snap connection or magnetism, which makes it possible to manually assemble or disassemble the removable sterilizable button, i.e. without the aid of any auxiliary tools. Thus, the ease of use is greatly enhanced for this assembly and replacement operation of the removable sterilizable component.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment knob is provided for rotating selection and activation by pressing of the functions displayed on the control screen of the box, which makes it possible to improve the level of ergonomics with respect to existing products, where these two functions were until now only accessible by means of separate activation elements.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the removable sterilizable button ends at its lower end by a collar extending radially towards the outside, which has the advantage of preventing any unintentional contamination of the box during handling of the adjustment knob, on the one hand, and of making the disassembly of the removable sterilizable button easier by increasing the diameter of the object in the gripping area, thus facilitating manual gripping. Moreover, in the case where the knob needs to be pressed, this can also be done more easily by pressing the fingers on the outer surface of the collar.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the removable sterilizable button is preferably connected to the control support in such a way that in the assembled position, when the sterilizable button is in a rest state, i.e. in a non-pressed position, there is an operating clearance of at least 0.2 mm axially between the lower end of the sterilizable button and the outer surface of the box. Thus, the fingers can pass slightly behind the button to grasp it and easily take it out of the box during the disassembly operation.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the removable sterilisable button has a central cavity provided with at least one first inner contact surface for connection to the bearing surface and axial retention means and rotary drive means arranged on either side of the removable sterilisable button and of the control support. Such an arrangement makes it possible to easily bring the removable sterilisable button against the control support during assembly, while ensuring a good quality of functioning of the knob, thus making it possible to easily transmit the actuation torque in an effective manner and at the same time preventing any risk of unintentional pulling out of the removable sterilisable button. Furthermore, the connection mechanism is hidden under the cover of the button, which makes it possible to better preserve the aesthetics of the control device while providing an improved operation.

[0013] Preferably, the central cavity of the removable sterilisable button enters into an inner peripheral shoulder. Such an arrangement aims to ensure the consistency of the quality of connection between the removable sterilisable button and the control support, independently of the manufacturing dimensions, which are subject to slight fluctuations in each of these components according to the assembly tolerances. The quality of this connection can in particular ensure a good systematic transmission of the torque to the encoder.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the removable sterilisable button is magnetically connected to the control support, one active magnet being integrally formed in the support and one passive magnet being integrally formed in the removable sterilisable button, the strength of the applied magnetic force being in the range between 5 and 15 newtons. Such an arrangement makes it possible to provide an excellent compromise between the quality of retention of the button on its support and the ease of assembly / disassembly operations.

[0015] According to a preferred variant associated with this mode of magnetic connection, the removable sterilisable button comprises a central cavity as according to the preferred embodiment described previously, but it also contains a second conical inner contact surface, making it rest on a lateral connection surface of the control support in the assembled position of the adjustment knob, and these surfaces have an inclination of 15 degrees with respect to the rotation axis (A-A) of the adjustment knob. Such an arrangement for connection can implement a very simple machining structure, without any surface or element for hooking or element for rotary drive, since the direction of the magnetic field lines allows an optimal transmission of the torque.

[0016] According to another preferred variant still related to the magnetic connection mode, the active magnetically piece integrally formed in the control support is a first permanent magnet arranged so that the magnetization direction is perpendicular with respect to the rotation axis of the adjustment knob, and a second permanent magnet is integrally formed in the removable sterilizable button so that the magnetization direction is parallel to the first permanent magnet. In such a configuration, not only an attractive force is created between the button and the support, but also the magnetic moment exerted by the two permanent magnets between the button and the support will naturally align the button on the support when it is placed in position, positioning the support in a predetermined indexed angular position on the one hand, and on the other hand it can more effectively rotate the drive when the button is manually rotated due to the natural tendency to keep the poles of the two magnets aligned.

[0017] According to another preferred variant related to the magnetic connection mode, the active magnetically piece integrally formed in the control support is a first permanent magnet arranged so that the magnetization direction is directly along the rotation axis (A-A) of the adjustment knob, and a second permanent magnet is integrally formed in the removable sterilizable button so that the magnetization direction is also along the rotation axis (A-A) of the adjustment knob, but in the opposite direction to the first permanent magnet magnetization direction. This configuration of magnets facing each other with opposite polarity makes it possible to create a repulsive force between the button and the support when they are moved away from each other, and at the same time ensures a strong magnetic attraction when the button approaches the support, and this is due to the deviation of the magnetic field lines caused by the ferromagnetic component integrally formed in the button cover, i.e. the passive magnetically piece. Thus, during the button positioning phase, the user will first feel a resistance, and then the effect of the automatic snap connection of the button on the support, simulating the feeling of a mechanical snap connection. During the phase of disassembling the button, on the other hand, the user can slightly move away the button or tilt the button with respect to the axis of the support to take advantage of the magnetic repulsion that facilitates its extraction, which makes it possible to more effectively avoid any unintentional contact between the button and any other part of the screen or control box.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment, the removable sterilizable button can be connected by friction to the control support by means of an O-ring type seal inserted in a lateral connection groove on the removable sterilizable button or on the control support of the adjustment knob. One advantage of the above-mentioned solution is the ability to use the same element for both axial retention and rotational drive, i.e. transmission of the torque. However, compared to the magnetic connection mode, the service life is significantly reduced and the O-ring must be replaced periodically to ensure the quality of the connection.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the removable sterilisable button can be connected to the control support by means of an elastically deformable snap fastener provided with lugs for insertion into hook slots. This arrangement also makes it possible to use the same element for both axial retention and rotational drive; however, this solution is subject to creep, which does not ensure the quality of the connection in a sustainable manner.

[0020] The present application also relates to a control box and to a sterilisable button, independently of one another, since the two products can be sold separately, even though they relate to the same control system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Other advantages and features will be more clearly described from the description of an embodiment of the application given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the attached drawings, comprising:

[0022] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a control system according to a preferred embodiment of the application, in a configuration in which the adjustment knob can be actuated therein;

[0023] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a control system according to a preferred embodiment of the application, showing a removable sterilisable button of the knob in a disassembly position with respect to the control box;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of a removable sterilisable button according to a preferred embodiment using a magnetic connection mode with respect to the control support;

[0025] Figure 3 is a sectional view of an adjustment knob according to a preferred embodiment using a magnetic connection mode, showing a removable sterilisable button in an assembled position on the control support of the box;

[0026] Figure 4 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of the magnetic connection using two permanent magnets arranged on either side of the control support of the box and of the removable sterilisable button, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the adjustment knob according to the direction of magnetisation;

[0027] Figure 5 schematically shows another alternative embodiment of the magnetic connection using two permanent magnets arranged on either side of the control support of the box and of the removable sterilisable button, this time with the direction of magnetisation oriented along the rotation axis of the adjustment knob and with opposite polarities;

[0028] Figure 6 shows a sectional view of another embodiment of the application using a friction connection mode between the removable sterilisable button and the control support of the box;

[0029] Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention using a connection mode is shown, in which a removable sterilizable button is attached to the control support of the box.

[0030] Figure 7B A perspective view from below the associated sterilizable button is shown of an alternative embodiment of the invention using a connection mode, highlighting the snap fasteners arranged in parallel for driving the knob rotation. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1A and 1B A perspective view is shown of a control system 1 equipped with a removable, sterilizable button 21 using a magnetic connection mode according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The control system 1 uses a control box 10, which typically includes a control panel 11 and an adjustment knob 2 disposed on the outer surface 12 of the control box 10, and is equipped with an encoder (not visible in these figures, but...). Figure 3 (As further specifically shown in the image), a predefined mode or function can be selected by rotating it in one direction or the other. Then, to verify or individually activate the mode or function, a slight pressure can be applied to knob 2. Therefore, the level of ergonomics is significantly improved compared to control systems that use dedicated keys or any other separate elements to select and activate modes or functions.

[0032] exist Figure 1A The control system in its assembled position is shown. The adjustment knob 2 appears to be the same as a regular knob that is integral with and permanently fixed to the control box 10. A distinguishing feature is the collar 22 on the side of the box that terminates the knob 2 (or more precisely, the removable sterilizable button 21). This collar 22 extends radially outward, making it easy to grip during selection and activation operations and protecting the outer surface 12 of the control box 10 from unwanted contact with fingers. Furthermore, the slightly increased diameter also facilitates the removal of the removable portion of the adjustment knob 2, making it easier to place fingers on the removable sterilizable button 21 to grasp it and remove it from the control box 10.

[0033] on the contrary, Figure 1BThe removable structure of the connection between the sterilizable button 21 and the control support 20 integral with the box 10 is shown. The control support 20 is mounted in a rotatable manner with respect to the control box of the control system 1 and constitutes the first part of the adjustment knob 2, the other part being formed by the sterilizable button 21 on which a collar 22 is formed extending radially outward at its base. This arrangement thus makes it possible to sterilize more effectively and in a modular manner the only component that must be manipulated, which therefore can require such treatment after each use.

[0034] Figure 2 The removable sterilizable button 21 is shown, which is separate from the rest of the control system 1 and can therefore also be sold separately. This sterilizable button 21 is preferably at least partially composed of a ferromagnetic material, such as magnetizable steel, so as to constitute a passive magnetic piece 5 for cooperating with an active magnetic piece 4, for example a magnet provided in the control support 20 of the adjustment knob 2. The shape of the removable sterilizable button 21 substantially corresponds to a cap, with the collar 22 extending radially at its base and allowing the formation of a central cavity 23 to allow the insertion of the control support 20. The central cavity 23 is closed by a bottom comprising a first internal contact surface 23a, preferably flat, for connecting to a bearing surface 24 of the control support 20, and having a second internal contact surface 23b, preferably conical, against which a lateral connection surface 25 of the control support 20 rests. However, an internal peripheral shoulder 28 is provided to form a complementary space at the entrance of the central cavity 23.

[0035] Figure 3The way of connection between the control support 20 and the removable sterilisable pushbutton 21 according to the preferred embodiment of the application is shown, wherein the connection is magnetic and the common lateral surface of the control support 20 and the removable sterilisable pushbutton is conical, with an inclination ranging between 10 and 20 degrees, preferably 15 degrees, in such a way that it has the optimal orientation with respect to the field lines generated by the magnet integrally formed in the control support 20 of the adjustment knob 2 and whose magnetisation direction is here perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis A-A of the adjustment knob 2. According to this preferred embodiment, the active magnetic piece 4, i.e. the permanent magnet integrally formed in the control support 20, can be found, while all the removable sterilisable pushbuttons 21 constitute passive magnetic pieces 5. Here the cross section of the control support 20 is trapezoidal, with a certain volume of frustoconical shape at its top. Thus, the upper part of the trapezoid corresponds to the bearing surface 24 of the flat support, which abuts against the first inner contact surface 23a of the removable sterilisable pushbutton 21 constituting the inner surface of the cover 210. Thus, the magnetic attraction force constitutes by itself an axial retention device to keep the two surfaces against each other. Furthermore, the inclination of the second inner contact surface 23b and of the lateral connection surface 25 makes it possible to rotate the encoder 3 integrally formed in the control support 20 more efficiently when the user rotates the actuation pushbutton, compared to the cooperation of non-optimal cylindrical surfaces for the transmission of the torque. The encoder 3 is here formed by a threaded rod 31 mounted in a rotatable manner along the rotation axis A-A of the adjustment knob 2 with respect to the control box 10 and by a screw 32 mounted perpendicular to this rotation axis A-A.

[0036] In Figure 3 the cover 210 forming the upper part of the removable sterilisable pushbutton 21 can be distinguished, and the lateral thickness thins down with a downward descent until reaching the axial skirt 211 of the collar 22 oriented radially outwards. The outer lateral surface 211a of the removable sterilisable pushbutton 21 is substantially cylindrical so as to easily grasp the pushbutton 21 for the rotational actuation for selection, usually through a drop-down menu. When the user has to exert a press to validate the change of function or mode, he can press the upper surface of the cover 210a or of the collar 22a; then, the control support 20 will be driven downwards by the return force F of the spring 8 oriented upwards, to achieve the electrical resistance type electrical contact with the electronic control circuit 9. After this actuation, the control support 20 will immediately return to its rest position under the action of the return force F exerted by the return spring 8.

[0037] The adjustment knob 2 is mounted on an insertion tube 7 in the box, which has an upper shoulder 72 partially covering the outer surface 12 of the control box 10 and is fixed on a tight seal 71. However, this arrangement ensures excellent sealing performance with respect to the inside of the control box 10, but creates an additional volume above the control box 10 and should not prevent the action of pressing the button (directly transmitted to the control support 20) until the electrical contact with the control circuit 9 is achieved. This is one of the reasons why the inner peripheral shoulder 28 (shown by the hatched portion inside the dotted circle) is provided at the opening of the central cavity 23, in order to provide an additional recess to avoid any possible interference with the upper shoulder 72 of the insertion tube of the knob.

[0038] Still in Figure 3 , it can be noted that the adjustment knob 2 is in the pushed-in position, while the arrow indicated with reference E defines the operating clearance at rest, i.e. the space between the outer surface of the box 12 and the lower surface of the collar 22b. This operating clearance is defined preferably equal to at least 0.2 millimeters, and can preferably reach 1 millimeter, to allow easy grasping of the removable sterilizable button 21 and exit after use.

[0039] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the preceding figures, in which the removable sterilizable button 21 is magnetically connected to the control support 20, only the active magnet 4 is integrally formed in the control support 20, while the removable sterilizable button 21 constitutes the entire passive magnet 5, in such a way that the strength of the magnetic force applied is preferably between 5 and 15 Newtons. This range of values related to the strength of the magnetic force allows the disassembly operation to remain easy, without the need for sudden or forceful movements to remove the removable sterilizable button 21. However, other variants remaining within the range of the magnetic connection mode are possible, for example using a removable sterilizable button 21 composed only partially of a magnetic material, or moreover by providing permanent magnets on either side of the control support 20 and the removable sterilizable button 21, as explained below by means of the figures of Figure 4 and 5 .

[0040] Figure 4 A preferred variant of the magnetic connection between the control support 20 and the removable sterilizable button 21 is schematically shown, according to which, in addition to constituting the active magnet 4, the control support 20 also constitutes the passive magnet 5, in such a way that the strength of the magnetic force applied is preferably between 5 and 15 Newtons. This range of values related to the strength of the magnetic force allows the disassembly operation to remain easy, without the need for sudden or forceful movements to remove the removable sterilizable button 21. However, other variants remaining within the range of the magnetic connection mode are possible, for example using a removable sterilizable button 21 composed only partially of a magnetic material, or moreover by providing permanent magnets on either side of the control support 20 and the removable sterilizable button 21, as explained below by means of the figures of Figure 3In a similar way, the first permanent magnet 4' of the active magnetic piece 4, which is arranged with a magnetization direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A of the adjustment knob 2, the second permanent magnet 4" is arranged in a parallel plane, encloses in the removable sterilizable button 21, covering the magnetization direction of the first permanent magnet 4'. Therefore, in the installed position of the removable sterilizable button 21 on the control support 20, the two permanent magnets 4' and 4" will have the tendency to be naturally aligned with the magnetization directions parallel to each other, due to the physical law that preserves the alignment of the poles. In this way, two advantageous technical effects are achieved, the first is to obtain the same angular indexing position of the removable sterilizable button 21 after each installation on its control support 20, the second is to ensure better transmission of the torque applied on the removable sterilizable button 21 to the control support 20 when the knob 2 is rotated actuation (by Figure 4 indicated by the clockwise arrow in the center, also indicating the direction of the magnetic lines L and the North "N" and South "S" poles of each magnet). This variant of the connection has the advantage of at least partially, but practically completely, allocating any ferromagnetic material for the removable sterilizable button 21 to obtain the sought effect in terms of torque transmission quality and remain on the control support 20; however, it is preferred here that the arrangement of the permanent magnets makes it possible to obtain an attractive force included in the same range of values as the previously mentioned ones, i.e. between 5 and 15 Newton.

[0041] Figure 5 Another preferred variant of the use of the magnetic connection mode is shown, which uses two permanent magnets arranged respectively on either side of the control support 20 and the removable sterilizable button 21. However, contrary to the arrangement of the previous Figure 4 , the first permanent magnet 4' of the control support 20 and the second permanent magnet 4" of the removable sterilizable button are arranged directly along the rotation axis A-A of the adjustment knob and with opposite polarity (the pole points North "N" of each magnet facing each other). Therefore, as shown on the left in Figure 5 , when the removable sterilizable button 21 is at a certain distance from the control support 20, the field lines L of each magnet point towards each other in such a way that a repulsion effect indicated by the arrows is generated between the two pieces. However, when the removable sterilizable button 21 is sufficiently close to the control support 20, as shown on the right in Figure 5As shown in the right-hand portion, considering the spatial reorganization of field lines L that tend to maximize the magnetic flow through different components, the magnetic repulsion force is transformed into a magnetic attraction force. According to this variation, once the threshold of mutual proximity between the removable, sterilizable button 21 and the control support 20, which converts the magnetic repulsion force into a magnetic attraction force, is crossed, the installation or assembly operation produces a "click effect." In terms of torque transmission and preferred orientation (the angular index of the removable, sterilizable button 21 relative to the control support 20), a [specific configuration / condition] can be obtained. Figure 4 The aforementioned variants shown offer the same advantages; however, Figure 5 The variant has another advantage: it facilitates disassembly due to the magnetic repulsion caused by the removable and / or tilted position of the sterilizable button 21, which is beneficial for pulling out the button 21.

[0042] A common advantage of all preferred variations of the magnetic connection mode used between the removable sterilizable button 21 and the control support 20 is that assembly and disassembly operations are particularly simple, requiring no tools, and these operations can be repeated many times without compromising the retention of the removable sterilizable button 21 on the control support 20, or the transmission of user-applied torque to the encoder 3 of the adjustment knob 2. Even when a magnet is inserted into the removable sterilizable button 21, the button 21 can be sterilized hundreds of times at 135°C or higher using, for example, a samarium cobalt magnet, without altering its magnetism, as its Curie temperature exceeds 300°C.

[0043] according to Figure 6 Another variation shown in the cross-sectional view, the connection mode between the removable sterilizable button 21 and the control support 20 can be achieved through friction, for example by means of one or more O-ring type joints 6 inserted into the connection groove 29. Figure 6 In this design, a first connecting groove 29 is located directly below the cover 210, in a sufficiently high portion of the control support 20, and a second connecting groove 29 is located at the bottom of the control support. This arrangement distributes friction between the two O-ring connectors 6, which press against corresponding portions of the second inner contact surface 23b of the removable, sterilizable button 21, simultaneously preventing any pull-out of the button 21 and transmitting the applied torque to the encoder 3. However, unlike magnetic connection methods with excellent lifespan, this solution requires frequent connector replacements to ensure connection quality. Figure 6 Zhongyu Figure 3The common reference signs will not be explained again in detail; it can be easily noted that, from the outside, there is no perceptible difference with respect to the magnetic connection mode; only the shape of the inner contact surface of the removable sterilizable button 21 and the shape of the control support 20 can be different, but the outer shape of the button remains unchanged and the elements used for the connection remain hidden.

[0044] According to a further variant shown in figure 7, the connection can be achieved by means of at least one elastically deformable snap fastener or tab 26 (six of which can be seen in figure 7), which for example consists of a plastic material, has a lug 26a at its end for insertion into a hook slot 27 provided in the control support 20. The cooperation of the lug 26a in the hook slot 27 makes it possible, on the one hand, to ensure the axial retention of the removable sterilizable button 21 on the control support 20, to prevent any pulling out and also to ensure the transmission of the torque. To this end, it can be noted that the presence of a cylindrical skirt acting as a snap and inserted in an annular groove extending over the entire circumference of the control support 20 makes it possible certainly as an axial retention device, but not to achieve the second function of transmitting the torque, on the contrary, the more numerous the snap fasteners or tabs and the deeper the corresponding hook slots, the better this point is performed. The proposed arrangement (shown in particular in figure 7) has the advantage of using the same elements for the axial retention and for the transmission of the transmission of the rotational drive at the same time; however, it has the disadvantage of causing the plastic elements for the snap fasteners or tabs 6 to creep, thus requiring frequent replacement of the snap fasteners or tabs 6 to ensure the quality of the connection. Also, Figure 6 all the reference signs in the Figure 3 all the reference signs in the

[0045] In the foregoing, the preferred embodiments and variants have been given by way of example only, without intending to limit the scope of protection of the present application. The person skilled in the art will understand that the proposed control system 10 can have any other suitable configuration, possibly slightly different from that described above, without departing from the spirit of the present application, nor reducing the scope of the present application.

[0046] In particular, the magnetic coupling can be otherwise achieved by reversing the arrangement of the active and passive magnetic components, for example, in the control support and in the removable sterilizable button, or even by assembling a plurality of different permanent magnets arranged distributed between each of the two components. It is likewise possible to use different geometrical shapes for the control support 20 and for the removable sterilizable button 21, in particular with regard to the axial bearing surfaces and to the lateral connection surfaces. Similarly, the number of elements for hooking and rotational driving (i.e. the tabs or snap fasteners or tongues 26, the lateral connection grooves 29 for placing the O-rings 6, etc.) and the arrangement on the control support 20 and on the respective removable sterilizable button 21 can vary, as needed, provided that the pull-out force required remains within a range of values similar to those corresponding to the magnetic connection mode. It is likewise conceivable, without departing from the scope of the present application, to combine the features relating to the different preferred embodiments and to the different variants previously described.

Claims

1. Control system (1) for micro-motors for dental or surgical use, comprising a control box (10) provided with an adjustment knob (2) mounted in rotation about an axis of rotation (A-A), wherein the adjustment knob (2) consists of a rotatable control support (20) integral with an encoder (3) formed integrally in the box (10) and a sterilisable button (21) removably connected to the control support (20) without the aid of any auxiliary tools.

2. Control system (1) for micro-motors for dental or surgical use according to claim 1, wherein the connection is achieved by friction, by snap connection or magnetism.

3. Control system (1) for micro-motors for dental or surgical use according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment knob (2) is used for the rotational selection and activation by pressing of the functions displayed on the control screen (11) of the box (10).

4. Control system (1) for micro-motors for dental or surgical use according to claim 1, wherein the removable sterilisable button (21) is terminated by a radially outwardly extending collar (23).

5. Control system (1) for micro-motors for dental or surgical use according to claim 1, wherein the removable sterilisable button (21) is connected to the control support (20) in such a way that in the assembled position there is an operating gap (E) of at least 0.2 mm axially between the lower end of the sterilisable button and the outer surface (12) of the box (10).

6. Control system (1) for micro-motors for dental or surgical use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable sterilisable button (21) has a central cavity (23) provided with at least one first internal contact surface (23a) for connection to a bearing surface (24) and axial retention means and rotational drive means are provided on either side of the removable sterilisable button (21) and the control support (20).

7. Control system (1) for micro-motors for dental or surgical use according to claim 6, wherein the central cavity (23) of the removable sterilisable button (21) projects into an internal peripheral shoulder (28).

8. Control system (1) for micro-motors for dental or surgical use according to claim 6, wherein the removable sterilisable button (21) is magnetically connected to the control support (20), one active magnet (4) being formed integrally in the control support (20) and one passive magnet (5) being formed integrally in the removable sterilisable button (21) and the strength of the applied magnetic force is between 5 and 15 Newton.

9. Control system (1) for a micromotor for dental or surgical use according to claim 6, wherein the central cavity (23) of the removable sterilisable knob (21) comprises a second conical inner contact surface (23b) which rests on a lateral connection surface (25) of the control support (20) in the assembled position of the adjustment knob (2), said inner contact surface (23b) and lateral connection surface (25) having an inclination angle of 15 degrees with respect to the rotation axis (A-A) of the adjustment knob (2).

10. Control system (1) for a micromotor for dental or surgical use according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the active magnetic piece integrally formed in the control support (20) is a first permanent magnet (4') arranged in such a way that the magnetisation direction is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the rotation axis (A-A) of the adjustment knob (2), and wherein a second permanent magnet (4") is integrally formed in the removable sterilisable knob (21) in such a way that the magnetisation direction is positioned in a magnetisation direction encompassed in parallel planes, covering the magnetisation direction of the first permanent magnet (4').

11. Control system (1) for a micromotor for dental or surgical use according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the active magnetic piece integrally formed in the control support (20) is a first permanent magnet (4') arranged in such a way that the magnetisation direction is oriented along the rotation axis (A-A) of the adjustment knob (2), and wherein a second permanent magnet (4") is integrally formed in the removable sterilisable knob (21) in such a way that the magnetisation direction is also oriented along the rotation axis (A-A) of the adjustment knob (2), but in the opposite direction to the first permanent magnet (4').

12. Control system (1) for a micromotor for dental or surgical use according to claim 6, wherein the removable sterilisable knob (21) is frictionally connected to the control support (20) by means of an O-ring type seal (6) inserted in a lateral connection groove (29).

13. Control system (1) for a micromotor for dental or surgical use according to claim 6, wherein the removable sterilisable knob (21) is connected to the control support (20) by means of an elastically deformable snap fastener or tab (26) provided with a lug (26a) inserted in a hook slot (27).

14. Control box (10) for a control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.

15. Removable sterilisable knob (21) for a control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.

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