Self-locking orthodontic bracket

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a self-locking orthodontic bracket. The self-locking orthodontic bracket comprises: a bracket body provided with an arch wire groove for accommodating an arch wire; the cover plate is movably connected with the bracket body and can move between an opening position and a closing position relative to the bracket body; the guide mechanism is formed between the cover plate and the bracket body and is used for guiding the cover plate to move between an opening position and a closing position along a set track; and the locking mechanism is physically matched with at least one part of the cover plate and limits the cover plate to leave the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of orthodontic equipment technology, and in particular to a self-locking orthodontic bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Orthodontic brackets are devices fixed to the tooth surface during orthodontic treatment and used in conjunction with archwires to generate corrective forces to guide tooth movement. They contain archwire slots to accommodate and position the archwire, thereby transmitting corrective forces.

[0003] Traditional orthodontic brackets typically use ligatures or elastic ligatures for fixation, keeping the archwire within the archwire groove. However, this method is cumbersome and inefficient in clinical practice. To improve installation and removal efficiency and ease of use, some orthodontic brackets incorporate openable and closable mechanisms to reduce or eliminate the need for external ligatures.

[0004] In actual orthodontic treatment, due to the complex oral environment, variable force conditions, and frequent loading and unloading operations, these moving components are prone to problems such as insufficient smooth movement and unstable closure, which affect the constraint stability of the archwire and the clinical user experience.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide new self-ligating orthodontic brackets that allow the opening / closing components to move more controllably between the two working states and to achieve a more reliable restraint effect in the closed state, so as to meet the needs of long-term stable clinical use. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a self-locking orthodontic bracket, which aims to solve the defects of existing orthodontic brackets in that the moving components do not move smoothly enough and the closure is not stable enough.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a self-locking orthodontic bracket. It includes: a bracket body having an archwire groove; a cover plate movably connected to the bracket body and movable relative to the bracket body between an open position and a closed position; a guide mechanism formed between the cover plate and the bracket body, guiding the cover plate along a predetermined trajectory between the open and closed positions; and a locking mechanism physically engaging with at least a portion of the cover plate to restrict the cover plate from leaving the closed position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bracket body includes: a base portion forming a base surface; a main body portion disposed on the base portion and movably connected to the cover plate; and a mating portion disposed on the base portion and spaced apart from the main body portion to form the archwire groove; both the main body portion and the mating portion are located on the side of the base portion opposite to the base surface; wherein, when the cover plate is in the closed position, the cover plate engages with the mating portion to close the archwire groove, and when the cover plate is in the open position, the cover plate disengages from the mating portion to open the archwire groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism includes a rotating shaft and a shaft hole. The rotating shaft is fixedly disposed on a first guide surface of the cover plate, and the shaft hole is formed on a second guide surface of the main body. The rotating shaft is inserted into the shaft hole to form a rotatable connection between the cover plate and the main body, allowing the cover plate to rotate relative to the main body around the rotating shaft. The first and second guide surfaces remain in sliding contact during the rotation of the cover plate around the rotating shaft, providing support for the cover plate. The locking mechanism includes a locking member, an elastic member, and a locking groove. The locking member is movably disposed on the mating portion via the elastic member. The locking groove is formed on the cover plate and consists of an inlet section and a locking section. When the cover plate rotates from the open position to the closed position, the locking member, under the squeezing action of the inlet section, overcomes the elastic force applied by the elastic member and makes room. When the cover plate rotates to the closed position, the locking member, under the action of the elastic force applied by the elastic member, enters the locking section to restrict the cover plate from leaving the closed position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the guide section is a sliding recess extending along the rotation direction of the cover plate, the sliding recess being provided with a pressing slope that gradually deepens along the rotation direction of the cover plate from the open position to the closed position; the locking section is a locking recess provided at the end of the guide section, the locking recess having a landing step that connects with the pressing slope, forming a stop shoulder that abuts against the locking member; wherein, the mating part is provided with an operating notch to expose the locking recess.

[0011] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; wherein the guide groove is disposed on the main body and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the cover plate; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate moves relative to the main body along the first direction; the locking mechanism includes: a fixing post, a pair of elastic rings, and a receiving groove; wherein the fixing post is disposed on the main body and protrudes from a second guide surface of the main body; the receiving groove is formed on a first guide surface of the cover plate and has an elastic ring receiving portion and a locking section; the elastic rings are disposed in the elastic ring receiving portion so that the fixing post is clamped by the pair of elastic rings; when the cover plate moves from the open position to the closed position, the fixing post compresses the elastic rings, so that the pair of elastic rings undergo elastic deformation; when the cover plate moves to the closed position, the fixing post passes over the pair of elastic rings and enters the locking section, and the pair of elastic rings rebound to reset so that the fixing post is restricted within the locking section.

[0012] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; wherein the guide groove is disposed on the main body and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the cover plate; the guide protrusion is engaged within the guide groove, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate moves relative to the main body along the first direction; the locking mechanism includes: a locking pin and a locking groove; wherein the locking pin is fixedly disposed on the cover plate and protrudes from a first guide surface of the cover plate; the locking groove is formed on a second guide surface of the main body and extends along the first direction; the locking groove has ends with increased groove width at both ends; the locking pin is a variable diameter structure with radial elasticity; when the cover plate moves from the open position to the closed position, the locking pin slides in the locking groove and is in a reduced diameter state due to elastic compression by the groove wall of the locking groove; when the cover plate moves to the closed position, the locking pin enters the end of the locking groove and elastically returns to the expanded diameter state to restrict the cover plate from leaving the closed position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; wherein the guide groove is disposed on the main body and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the cover plate; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate moves relative to the main body along the first direction; the locking mechanism includes: a pair of fixing posts and a limiting groove; wherein the pair of fixing posts are spaced apart on a second guide surface of the main body; the limiting groove is formed on a first guide surface of the cover plate; the limiting groove has a narrow section in the middle and limiting sections at both ends, the groove width of the limiting section is greater than that of the narrow section; the pair of fixing posts are rigid structures; when the cover plate moves from the open position to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts respectively interfere with the narrow section; when the cover plate moves to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts cross the narrow section and enter the limiting section, engaging with the limiting section.

[0014] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; wherein the guide groove is disposed on the cover plate and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the main body portion; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body portion, so that the cover plate moves relative to the main body portion along the first direction; the locking mechanism includes: a pair of fixing posts and a limiting groove; wherein the limiting groove is formed in the main body portion, the limiting groove has a narrow section in the middle and limiting sections at both ends, the groove width of the limiting section is greater than the narrow section; a pair of fixing posts disposed parallel to the bowwire groove passes through the limiting groove and is fixed in the cover plate; when the cover plate moves from the open position to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts respectively interfere with the narrow section; when the cover plate moves to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts cross the narrow section and enter the limiting section, engaging with the limiting section.

[0015] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; wherein the guide groove is disposed on the cover plate and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the main body portion; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body portion, so that the cover plate moves relative to the main body portion along the first direction; the locking mechanism includes: a pair of fixing posts and a limiting groove; wherein the pair of fixing posts are disposed parallel to the bowwire groove and disposed on a second guide surface of the main body portion; the limiting groove is formed on a first guide surface of the cover plate, having a narrow section in the middle and limiting sections at both ends, the recess depth of the limiting section being greater than that of the narrow section; during the process of the cover plate moving from the open position to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts respectively interfere with the narrow section; when the cover plate moves to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts cross the narrow section and enter the limiting section, engaging with the limiting section.

[0016] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; wherein the guide groove is disposed on the main body and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the cover plate; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate moves relative to the main body along the first direction; the locking mechanism includes: a retaining spring and a retaining spring limiting groove; wherein the retaining spring is mounted and fixed on the second guide surface of the main body by a positioning post, and the retaining spring limiting groove is formed on the first guide surface of the cover plate; the retaining spring limiting groove extends along the first direction and forms locking portions on both sides of the groove wall; when the cover plate moves from the open position to the closed position, the retaining spring is compressed under the action of the groove wall of the retaining spring limiting groove and is in a compressed state; when the cover plate moves to the closed position, the retaining spring moves to the position corresponding to the locking portion and elastically resets and extends into the locking portion to restrict the cover plate from leaving the closed position.

[0017] At least one beneficial effect of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket provided in this application embodiment is that by providing a guiding mechanism between the cover plate and the bracket body, the cover plate can be ensured to move along a set trajectory between the open and closed positions, thereby making the opening and closing process smoother and more stable. Simultaneously, by providing a locking mechanism that physically engages with at least a portion of the cover plate, it limits and retains the cover plate when it is in the closed position, reducing the possibility of the cover plate loosening from the closed position or accidentally opening, improving the constraint reliability of the archwire within the archwire slot, and enhancing the convenience of clinical operation and the overall user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0018] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in the open position according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in the closed position according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate of the self-locking orthodontic bracket according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket of Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in the closed position according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0027] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket of Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in the open position according to Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0030] Figure 12 This is an exploded structural diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket of Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0032] Figure 14 This is an exploded structural diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket of Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0034] Figure 16 This is an exploded structural diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket of Embodiment 6 of this application;

[0035] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in the open position according to Embodiment 6 of this application;

[0036] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in the closed position according to Embodiment 6 of this application;

[0037] Figure 19 This is an exploded structural diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket of Embodiment 7 of this application;

[0038] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in Embodiment 7 of this application;

[0039] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the bracket body of the self-locking orthodontic bracket according to Embodiment 7 of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "bottom," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in the open position according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking orthodontic bracket in the closed position according to an embodiment of this application.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the self-locking orthodontic bracket includes: bracket body 10, cover plate 20, guide mechanism 30 and locking mechanism 40.

[0045] The bracket body 10 is the main structure of the orthodontic bracket. It is provided with an archwire groove 50 for accommodating the archwire. The cover plate 20 is a movable component. It is movably connected to the bracket body 10 and can move between an open position and a closed position relative to the bracket body 10. A guide mechanism 30 is formed between the cover plate 20 and the bracket body 10 to guide the cover plate 20 to move along a set trajectory between the open position and the closed position.

[0046] Please continue to participate. Figure 2 The locking mechanism 40 is a structural component used to limit and lock the position of the cover plate 20. When the cover plate 20 moves to the closed position, it will physically engage with at least a portion of the cover plate 20 to prevent the cover plate 20 from leaving the closed position, thereby achieving a self-locking effect.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bracket body 10 includes: a base portion 11, a main body portion 12, and a mating portion 13.

[0048] One side of the base portion 11 is the base surface, and the other side of the base portion 11 is provided with the main body portion 12 and the mating portion 13.

[0049] This base surface is the fixing interface used to adhere to the tooth surface. It can be set as a curved surface or have a certain curvature matching structure and / or have roughened texture, micro-pits / mesh or other adhesive structures to reduce the risk of orthodontic bracket detachment, depending on the tooth surface morphology.

[0050] The main body 12 and the mating part 13 are spaced apart on the base 11 to form a bow wire groove 50. The cover plate 20 is movably connected to the main body 12, and the locking mechanism 40 is provided on the mating part 13.

[0051] In actual use, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the cover plate 20 is in the closed position, the cover plate 20 engages with the mating part 13 to close the bowwire groove 50. Figure 1As shown, when the cover plate 20 is in the open position, the cover plate 20 moves away from the mating part 13 to open the bow wire groove 50.

[0052] For details, please continue reading. Figure 3 The guide mechanism 30 includes a rotating shaft 31a and a shaft hole 32a.

[0053] The rotating shaft 31a is fixedly mounted on the first guide surface S1 of the cover plate 20. The shaft hole 32a is formed on the second guide surface S2 of the main body 12.

[0054] The rotating shaft 31a is inserted into the shaft hole 32a to form a rotatable connection between the cover plate 20 and the main body 12, so that the cover plate 20 rotates about the rotating shaft 31a relative to the main body 12.

[0055] The first guide surface S1 and the second guide surface S2 maintain sliding contact during the rotation of the cover plate 20 around the pivot 31a, and continuously provide lateral support and attitude constraint during the rotation of the cover plate 20, thereby suppressing the swaying or tilting of the cover plate 20 around an unexpected axis.

[0056] Preferably, such as Figure 4 As shown, a stepped limiting structure 33a is provided between the shaft hole 32a and the rotating shaft 31a to prevent the cover plate 20 from axially moving relative to the rotating shaft 31a.

[0057] For details, please continue reading. Figure 4 The locking mechanism 40 includes a locking member 41a, an elastic member 42a, and a locking groove 43a.

[0058] The locking member 41a is movably disposed on the mating portion 13 via the elastic member 42a. For example, the locking member 41a is a columnar protrusion, the elastic member 42a is a compression spring, and the mating portion 13 is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the locking member 41a and the elastic member 42a. The locking member 41a is maintained in a protruding state under the support of the elastic member 42a. However, under the compression of an external force, the locking member 41a can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 42a and retract more into the receiving cavity of the mating portion 13, resulting in clearance.

[0059] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the locking groove 43a is formed on the cover plate 20 and consists of an inlet section 431a and a locking section 432a.

[0060] As the cover plate 20 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the locking member 431a, under the squeezing action of the guide section 432a, overcomes the elastic force applied by the elastic member 42 and makes room. When the cover plate 20 rotates to the closed position, the locking member 41a, under the action of the elastic force applied by the elastic member 42a, enters the locking section 432a to restrict the cover plate 20 from leaving the closed position.

[0061] For example, the inlet section 431a is a sliding recess extending in the rotation direction of the cover plate 20. The sliding recess is provided with an indentation slope that gradually deepens in the rotation direction of the cover plate 20 from the open position to the closed position.

[0062] The locking section 432a is a locking recess located at the end of the inlet section 43a. This locking recess has a step that connects with the pressing slope, forming a stop shoulder 433a that abuts against the locking member. The locking member 41a, entering the locking section 432a, abuts against the stop shoulder 433a under the elastic force applied by the elastic member 42a, ensuring that the cover plate 20 remains in the closed position.

[0063] Ideally, please continue reading. Figure 3 The mating part 13 is provided with an operating notch 13a to expose the locking recess 432a. The user can easily operate the locking member 41a to release the lock on the cover plate 20.

[0064] In this application, except Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in addition to switching between the closed and open positions by rotation, the cover plate 20 can also switch positions by sliding and translating.

[0065] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the guiding mechanism 30 includes a guide groove 31b and a guide protrusion 32b.

[0066] The guide groove 31b is provided in the main body 12 and extends along the first direction. The guide protrusion 32b is provided in the cover plate 20.

[0067] The guide protrusion 32b is engaged in the guide groove 31b, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate 20 and the main body 12, so that the cover plate 20 moves relative to the main body 12 in a first direction extending along the guide groove 31b.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the locking mechanism 40 includes: a fixed post 41b, a pair of elastic rings 42b, and a receiving groove 43b.

[0069] The fixing post 41b is fixedly mounted on the main body 12 and protrudes from the second guide surface S2. The receiving groove 43b is formed on the first guide surface S1 of the cover plate 20, and has an elastic ring receiving portion and a locking section. The elastic ring 42b is disposed in the elastic ring receiving portion, and a pair of elastic rings 42b clamp the fixing post 41b.

[0070] As the cover plate 20 moves from the open position to the closed position, the fixed post 41b compresses the elastic ring 42b, causing the pair of elastic rings 42b to undergo elastic deformation.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown, when the cover plate 20 moves to the closed position and engages with the mating part 13, the fixing post 41b passes over a pair of elastic rings 42b and enters the locking section. The pair of elastic rings 42b spring back to reset so that the fixing post 41b is restricted within the locking section, thereby realizing the self-locking of the cover plate 20.

[0072] In other embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the guide mechanism 30 includes a guide groove 31c and a guide protrusion 32c.

[0073] The guide groove 31c is provided in the main body 12 and extends along the first direction. The guide protrusion 32c is provided in the cover plate 20. The guide protrusion 32c is engaged in the guide groove 31c, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate 20 and the main body 12, so that the cover plate 20 can move relative to the main body 12 along the first direction.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the locking mechanism 40 includes a locking pin 41c and a locking groove 42c.

[0075] The locking pin 41c is fixedly mounted on the cover plate 20 and protrudes from the first guide surface S1. The locking groove 42c is formed on the second guide surface S2 of the main body 12 and extends along the first direction. The locking groove 42c has ends with increased groove width at both ends. The locking pin 41c is a variable diameter structure with radial elasticity.

[0076] like Figure 11 As shown, when the cover plate 20 moves from the open position to the closed position, the locking pin 41c slides in the locking groove 42c and is in a state of elastic compression due to the restriction of the locking groove 42c.

[0077] When the cover plate 20 moves to the closed position, the locking pin 41c enters the end of the locking groove 42c and elastically returns to the expanded diameter state. At this time, the locking pin 41c is locked and restricted in the end, preventing the cover plate 20 from leaving the closed position.

[0078] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, the guiding mechanism 30 includes a guide groove 31d and a guide protrusion 32d.

[0079] The guide groove 31d is provided in the main body 12 and extends along the first direction. The guide protrusion 32d is provided in the cover plate 20. The guide protrusion 32d is engaged in the guide groove 31d, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate 20 and the main body 12, so that the cover plate 20 can move relative to the main body 12 along the first direction.

[0080] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the locking mechanism 40 includes a pair of fixed posts 41d and a cooperating limiting groove 42d.

[0081] Among them, a pair of fixed posts 41d are rigid columnar structures. They are spaced apart in the main body 12 and protrude from the second guide surface S2. A limiting groove 42d is formed in the first guide surface S1 of the cover plate 20. It has a narrow section 421d in the middle and limiting sections 422d at both ends. The groove width of the limiting section 421d is greater than the groove width of the narrow section 422d.

[0082] As the cover plate 20 moves from the open position to the closed position, a pair of fixing posts 41d interfere with the narrow section 421d of the limiting groove 42d. When the cover plate 20 moves to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts 41d cross the narrow section 421d and enter the limiting section 422d, engaging with the limiting section 422d to restrict the cover plate 20 from leaving the closed position.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, the guide mechanism 30 includes a guide groove 31e and a guide protrusion 32e.

[0084] The guide groove 31e is provided in the main body 12 and extends along the first direction. The guide protrusion 32e is provided in the cover plate 20. The guide protrusion 32e is engaged in the guide groove 31e, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate 20 and the main body 12, so that the cover plate 20 can move relative to the main body 12 along the first direction.

[0085] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the locking mechanism 40 includes a pair of fixed posts 41e and a limiting groove 42e.

[0086] Among them, a pair of fixed posts 41e are substantially parallel to the bow wire groove 50. They are set on the second guide surface S2 of the main body 12. They are set in the rolling arc recess of the first guide surface S2 and can roll as the cover plate 20 moves.

[0087] A limiting groove 42e is formed on the surface of the cover plate 20 facing the fixing post 41e (i.e., the first guide surface S1). The limiting groove 42e has a narrow section 421e in the middle and limiting sections 422e at both ends. The recess depth of the limiting section 422e is greater than that of the narrow section 421e.

[0088] As the cover plate 20 moves from the open position to the closed position, a pair of fixing posts 41e respectively interfere with the narrow section of the locking groove 42e. When the cover plate 20 moves to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts 41e cross the narrow section and enter the limiting section 422e. At this time, the fixing posts 41e and the limiting section 422e engage to prevent the cover plate 20 from leaving the closed position.

[0089] In some embodiments, such as Figure 16 As shown, the guiding mechanism 30 includes a guide groove 31f and a guide protrusion 32f.

[0090] The guide groove 31f is provided on the cover plate 20 and extends along the first direction. The guide protrusion 32f is provided on the main body 12. The guide protrusion 32f is engaged in the guide groove 31f, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate 20 and the main body 12, so that the cover plate 20 can move relative to the main body 12 along the first direction.

[0091] Please continue reading. Figure 16 The limiting mechanism 40 includes a limiting groove 41f and a pair of fixed posts 42f.

[0092] The limiting groove 41f is formed in the main body 12. It has a narrow section 411f in the middle and limiting sections 412f at both ends. The groove width of the limiting section 412f is greater than the groove width of the narrow section 411f.

[0093] A pair of fixing posts 42f are arranged parallel to the bow wire groove 50 and are fixed to the cover plate 20 through the limiting groove 41f.

[0094] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, during the movement of the cover plate 20 from the open position to the closed position, a pair of fixing posts 42f interfere with the narrow section 411f. When the cover plate 20 moves to the closed position, the pair of fixing posts 42f cross the narrow section 411f and enter the limiting section 412f, engaging with the limiting section 412f to restrict the cover plate 20 from leaving the closed position.

[0095] In some embodiments, such as Figure 19 As shown, the guiding mechanism 30 includes a guide groove 31g and a guide protrusion 32g.

[0096] The guide groove 31g is provided in the main body 12 and extends along the first direction. The guide protrusion 32g is provided in the cover plate 20. The guide protrusion 32g is engaged in the guide groove 31g, forming a sliding connection between the cover plate 20 and the main body 12, so that the cover plate 20 can move relative to the main body 12 along the first direction.

[0097] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the locking mechanism 40 includes a retaining ring 41g and a retaining ring limiting groove 42g.

[0098] The retaining ring 41g is fixed to the main body 12 by the positioning post 43g, and the retaining ring limiting groove 42g is formed on the surface of the cover plate 20 facing the main body (i.e., the first guide surface S1). The retaining ring limiting groove 42g extends along the first direction and forms locking parts 421g on both sides of the groove wall.

[0099] When the cover plate 20 moves from the open position to the closed position, the retaining spring 41g is compressed under the action of the retaining spring limiting groove 42g. When the cover plate 20 moves to the closed position, the retaining spring 41g moves to the position corresponding to the locking part 421g and extends into the locking part 421g in an elastic reset state to prevent the cover plate 20 from leaving the closed position.

[0100] Specifically, the 41g retaining ring can be selected in any suitable size and shape according to the actual needs. For example, as Figure 19 As shown, the retaining spring 41g is generally strip-shaped, with opposing clamping arms on both sides. An inwardly facing clamping flange is provided at the end of each clamping arm, which can engage and limit the movement with the locking part 421g. For example, as... Figure 21 As shown, the retaining spring 41g is W-shaped. It consists of a first bent section, a second bent section, and a third bent section that are connected to each other, so that the retaining spring 41g forms at least two elastic locking parts that can cooperate with the locking part 421g to achieve locking and limiting.

[0101] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them; under the concept of this application, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of this application as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A self-locking orthodontic bracket, characterized in that, include: The bracket body is provided with a wire groove; A cover plate, which is movably connected to the bracket body and can move relative to the bracket body between an open position and a closed position; A guiding mechanism is formed between the cover plate and the bracket body to guide the cover plate to move along a set trajectory between the open position and the closed position; A locking mechanism that physically engages with at least a portion of the cover plate to restrict the cover plate from leaving the closed position.

2. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket body includes: The base portion forms a base surface; The main body is disposed on the base and is movably connected to the cover plate; A mating part is disposed on the base portion and spaced apart from the main body portion to form the bowwire groove; both the main body portion and the mating part are located on the side of the base portion that is opposite to the base surface. Specifically, when the cover plate is in the closed position, the cover plate engages with the mating part to close the bow wire groove, and when the cover plate is in the open position, the cover plate disengages from the mating part to open the bow wire groove.

3. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes: a rotating shaft and a shaft hole; The rotating shaft is fixedly disposed on the first guide surface of the cover plate, and the shaft hole is formed on the second guide surface of the main body. The rotating shaft is inserted into the shaft hole to form a rotatable connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate rotates relative to the main body around the rotating shaft. The first guide surface and the second guide surface remain in sliding contact during the rotation of the cover plate around the rotating shaft to form support for the cover plate. The locking mechanism includes: a locking element, an elastic element, and a locking groove; The locking member is movably disposed on the mating part via the elastic member; the locking groove is formed on the cover plate and consists of an inlet section and a locking section. As the cover plate rotates from the open position to the closed position, the locking member, under the squeezing action of the guide section, overcomes the elastic force applied by the elastic member and makes room. When the cover plate rotates to the closed position, the locking member enters the locking section under the action of the elastic force applied by the elastic member, so as to restrict the cover plate from leaving the closed position.

4. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet section is a sliding recess extending along the rotation direction of the cover plate, and the sliding recess is provided with an indentation slope that gradually deepens along the rotation direction of the cover plate from the open position to the closed position. The locking section is a locking recess provided at the end of the inlet section. The locking recess has a positioning step that connects with the pressing inclined surface, forming a stop shoulder that abuts against the locking member. The mating part is provided with an operating notch so that the locking socket is exposed.

5. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; The guide groove is disposed on the main body and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the cover plate; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove to form a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate can move relative to the main body along the first direction; The locking mechanism includes: a fixed post, a pair of elastic rings, and a receiving groove; The fixing post is disposed on the main body and protrudes from the second guide surface of the main body; the receiving groove is formed on the first guide surface of the cover plate and has an elastic ring receiving portion and a locking section; the elastic ring is disposed in the elastic ring receiving portion so that the fixing post is clamped by a pair of elastic rings; As the cover plate moves from the open position to the closed position, the fixing post compresses the elastic ring, causing the pair of elastic rings to undergo elastic deformation. When the cover plate moves to the closed position, the fixing post passes over the pair of elastic rings and enters the locking section, and the pair of elastic rings spring back to reset so that the fixing post is restricted within the locking section.

6. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; The guide groove is disposed on the main body and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the cover plate; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove to form a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate can move relative to the main body along the first direction; The locking mechanism includes: a locking pin and a locking groove; The locking pin is fixedly disposed on the cover plate and protrudes from the first guide surface of the cover plate; the locking groove is formed on the second guide surface of the main body and extends along the first direction. The locking groove has ends with increased groove width at both ends; the locking post is a variable diameter structure with radial elasticity; As the cover plate moves from the open position to the closed position, the locking pin slides in the locking groove and is in a state of elastic compression due to the restriction of the groove wall. When the cover plate moves to the closed position, the locking pin enters the end of the locking groove and elastically returns to the expanded diameter state to restrict the cover plate from leaving the closed position.

7. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; The guide groove is disposed on the main body and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the cover plate; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove to form a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate can move relative to the main body along the first direction; The locking mechanism includes: a pair of fixed posts and a limiting groove; The pair of fixed posts are spaced apart on the second guide surface of the main body; the limiting groove is formed on the first guide surface of the cover plate. The limiting groove has a narrow section in the middle and limiting sections at both ends, the groove width of the limiting section being greater than that of the narrow section; the pair of fixing columns are rigid structures; As the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, a pair of fixed posts respectively interfere with the narrow section. When the cover plate moves to the closed position, a pair of fixing posts pass through the narrow section and enter the limiting section, engaging with the limiting section.

8. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; The guide groove is disposed on the cover plate and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the main body; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove to form a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate can move relative to the main body along the first direction; The locking mechanism includes: a pair of fixed posts and a limiting groove; The limiting groove is formed in the main body, and the limiting groove has a narrow section in the middle and limiting sections at both ends. The groove width of the limiting section is greater than that of the narrow section. A pair of fixing posts arranged parallel to the bowwire groove pass through the limiting groove and are fixed in the cover plate. As the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, a pair of fixed posts respectively interfere with the narrow section. When the cover plate moves to the closed position, a pair of fixing posts pass through the narrow section and enter the limiting section, engaging with the limiting section.

9. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; The guide groove is disposed on the cover plate and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the main body; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove to form a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate can move relative to the main body along the first direction; The locking mechanism includes: a pair of fixed posts and a limiting groove; Among them, a pair of fixing posts are arranged parallel to the bow wire groove and are disposed on the second guide surface of the main body; the limiting groove is formed on the first guide surface of the cover plate, having a narrow section in the middle and limiting sections at both ends, and the recess depth of the limiting section is greater than that of the narrow section; As the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, a pair of fixed posts respectively interfere with the narrow section. When the cover plate moves to the closed position, a pair of fixing posts pass through the narrow section and enter the limiting section, engaging with the limiting section.

10. The self-locking orthodontic bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes: a guide groove and a guide protrusion; The guide groove is disposed on the main body and extends along a first direction; the guide protrusion is disposed on the cover plate; the guide protrusion is engaged in the guide groove to form a sliding connection between the cover plate and the main body, so that the cover plate can move relative to the main body along the first direction; The locking mechanism includes: a retaining spring and a retaining spring limiting groove; The retaining ring is fixed to the second guide surface of the main body by a positioning post, and the retaining ring limiting groove is formed on the first guide surface of the cover plate; the retaining ring limiting groove extends along the first direction and forms a locking part on both sides of the groove wall. As the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, the snap ring is compressed and under pressure by the action of the snap ring limiting groove wall. When the cover plate moves to the closed position, the retaining spring moves to the position corresponding to the retaining part and extends into the retaining part in an elastic reset manner to restrict the cover plate from leaving the closed position.

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