FLUID CONNECTING ELEMENT OF A FLUID-OPERATED, MEDICAL, IN PARTICULAR DENTAL, HANDPIECE AND SUCH A HANDPIECE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid-conducting connecting element of a fluid-operated medical, in particular dental, handpiece for the transmission of fluid media, in particular air and water. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a fluid-conducting connecting element and to a medical, in particular dental, handpiece with such a fluid-conducting connecting element.

[0002] Fluid-operated medical, particularly dental, handpieces are known from the prior art. These handpieces have several tubes through which different fluids, especially air and water, are guided between a head section of the handpiece and a coupling end for connection to a fluid source. These tubes extend through the handpiece body, which comprises a hollow outer sleeve, and are typically held in bores of an extension of the head section that projects into the outer sleeve. Such a handpiece is known, for example, from patent application EP 4 190 274 ​​A1.

[0003] Inserting each individual tube into the curved handpiece body and inserting each individual tube into the appropriate bore of the extension of the head section requires a high assembly effort.

[0004] The present invention therefore aims to provide an alternative solution for the transmission of media through a fluid-operated medical, particularly dental, handpiece. In particular, the alternative solution is intended to reduce the assembly effort and preferably the manufacturing costs of fluid-operated medical, particularly dental, handpieces.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the present invention by a fluid-conducting connecting element for a medical, in particular dental, handpiece having the features of claim 1, by a fluid-operated medical, in particular dental, handpiece according to claim 12, by a set of fluid-operated medical, in particular dental, handpieces according to claim 13, by the use of identical fluid-conducting connecting elements according to claim 14, and by a method for manufacturing a fluid-conducting connecting element according to claim 15. Particularly advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0006] The fluid-conducting connecting element according to the invention is designed as a component of a fluid-driven medical, in particular dental, handpiece. The fluid-conducting connecting element comprises a first end face facing a head section of the handpiece, a second end face facing a coupling end of the handpiece, a body extending from the first end face to the second end face, and several fluid lines extending from the first end face through the body to the second end face. The fluid-conducting connecting element, or the entire fluid-conducting connecting element with the first end face, the second end face, the body, and the several fluid lines, is formed in one piece from plastic.

[0007] The fluid-conducting connecting element is thus designed as a self-contained, one-piece component that can be inserted into the handpiece of a fluid-driven medical, particularly dental, handpiece. The fluid-conducting connecting element can therefore be installed in the handpiece with just a few steps, thus significantly simplifying assembly. In particular, the inclusion of the fluid-conducting connecting element allows all fluid lines to be installed in the handpiece in a single assembly step. Furthermore, the installation of the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element advantageously reduces the weight of the handpiece.

[0008] It should be expressly noted that, in addition to the parts of the fluid-conducting connecting element mentioned above, preferably one or more further elements, for example a positioning element and / or a pipe section projecting beyond the first or second end face, which are described in more detail below, may be formed integrally with the fluid-conducting connecting element and made of plastic. This at least one further element is thus an inseparable part of the fluid-conducting connecting element. This results in the same advantages as described in the preceding paragraph.

[0009] The fluid-conducting connecting element is preferably designed for installation or inclusion in the medical, particularly dental, handpiece. Specifically, the fluid-conducting connecting element is designed for inclusion in a hollow outer sleeve of the handpiece, and / or the handpiece is designed to accommodate the fluid-conducting connecting element, particularly within the hollow outer sleeve. The handpiece, especially the hollow outer sleeve, preferably completely surrounds or encloses the fluid-conducting connecting element, so that when the fluid-conducting connecting element is included in the handpiece, it has no direct contact with the environment.

[0010] The fluid-conducting connecting element, in particular the body, is preferably elongated and / or extends along a longitudinal axis, which is preferably curved or angled. The outer shape of the fluid-conducting connecting element, in particular the body, is preferably cylindrical, more preferably curved or angled cylindrical. However, due to one or more indentations, projections, recesses, undercuts, notches, or similar geometric features of the body, in some embodiments of the fluid-conducting connecting element only a section or part of an outer surface may be formed as a cylindrical outer shell.These geometric configurations serve, for example, to carry out or pass through a medium, in particular a pressurized gas or compressed air, especially preferably the return of pressurized gas which drives the handpiece, and / or a media line and / or an electrical supply, control and / or signal line and / or an optical fiber.

[0011] The first and / or second end face is / are preferably circular or oval. The outer diameter of the first and / or second end face can / can preferably be larger than the outer diameter of the body of the fluid-conducting connecting element. The first and / or second end face can / can be arranged, in particular, on a preferably annular or oval widening at the respective end of the body or the fluid-conducting connecting element. These features facilitate the insertion or positioning of the fluid-conducting connecting element into the handpiece.

[0012] Preferably, a sealing element, in particular a flat and / or disc-shaped sealing element, is provided on the first and / or second end face. Preferably, the sealing element is a separate component that is placed on the first and / or second end face. The sealing element seals the interfaces on the end faces where the fluid media are transferred into or out of the fluid-conducting connecting element. Preferably, a single sealing element is provided per end face, sealing all fluid lines or openings exiting one of the first or second end faces. Preferably, a recess and / or a depression is provided on the first and / or second end face in which the sealing element can be inserted and / or positioned.This allows the sealing element to be correctly positioned on the fluid-conducting connecting element and, in particular, to be inserted into the handpiece together with the fluid-conducting connecting element, thus advantageously further simplifying the assembly of the handpiece.

[0013] Preferably, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is manufactured by injection molding and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding. In particular, the entire one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element, including the first end face, the second end face, the body, the multiple fluid lines, and optionally further elements of the fluid-conducting connecting element, such as a positioning element and / or a pipe section projecting beyond the first or second end face (which are described in more detail below), is manufactured by injection molding and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding. Surprisingly, it is possible to manufacture the fluid-conducting connecting element using injection molding in such a way that hardly any, ideally no, post-processing is necessary.The injection-molded fluid-conducting connector can therefore be installed essentially as it comes from the injection molding machine. This surprisingly results in the manufacturing and assembly costs for an injection-molded fluid-conducting connector being significantly lower than the costs for several separate pipes.

[0014] Technically, it is also possible to machine the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element, including the parts and other elements mentioned in the preceding paragraph, from plastic. However, this requires many machining and post-processing steps, making machining economically disadvantageous.

[0015] A suitable plastic for injection molding to manufacture the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element can be a thermoplastic, thermoset, or elastomeric plastic. Examples of such plastics are polystyrene, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or glass fiber-reinforced plastics, for example, glass fiber-reinforced polyamide.

[0016] Preferably, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is bent along its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis. Preferably, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element has a bending radius along its longitudinal extent, or the longitudinal axis of the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is bent. Particularly preferably, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is injection-molded while bent along its longitudinal extent. Thus, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is particularly preferably already bent along its longitudinal extent when removed from the injection mold. Preferably, the injection mold of the connecting element is bent along its longitudinal extent, or the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is injection-molded in an injection mold bent along its longitudinal extent.Similarly, at least one of the multiple fluid lines is bent along its longitudinal extent through the body of the fluid-conducting connecting element and / or has a corresponding bending radius and / or is injection-molded in a bent shape. These features allow the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element to be manufactured from a rigid or non-flexible plastic, which is particularly advantageous when installing the connecting element in the handpiece and / or when connecting the connecting element to the head, for example, by means of a hollow screw (see below). Preferably, the bend or bending radius of the outer sleeve of the handpiece and the fluid-conducting connecting element correspond to each other, so that the connecting element can be fitted into the bent section of the outer sleeve. This facilitates the installation of the connecting element in the handpiece.

[0017] Alternatively, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is angled along its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis. Preferably, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element, in particular the body, comprises a first section and a second section arranged at an angle to each other, the angle being other than 0°. Preferably, the angle between the first and second sections is less than 45°, particularly less than 30°. For example, the angle is approximately 10° to 25°. It is particularly preferred that the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is injection-molded at an angle along its longitudinal extent. Thus, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is particularly preferably already angled along its longitudinal extent when removed from the injection mold and / or has the first section and the second section formed at an angle to it.Preferably, the injection mold for the connecting element is angled along its longitudinal dimension, or the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is injection-molded in an injection mold angled along its longitudinal dimension. Similarly, at least one of the multiple fluid lines is angled along its longitudinal dimension through the body of the fluid-conducting connecting element and / or has a corresponding angle and / or is injection-molded at an angle. These features allow the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element to be manufactured from a rigid or non-flexible plastic, which is particularly advantageous when installing the connecting element in the handpiece and / or when connecting the connecting element to the head, for example, by means of a hollow screw (see below).

[0018] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is elastically deformable in such a way that it can be received in a sleeve section of the medical, particularly dental, handpiece that is bent along its longitudinal dimension. Preferably, the connecting element is deformed into a shape bent along its longitudinal dimension during and / or after installation, in particular bent along its longitudinal dimension. Preferably, the connecting element adapts to the bend of the bent sleeve section. Preferably, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is / is manufactured as an element extending straight along its longitudinal dimension or longitudinal axis, in particular by injection molding. Preferably, the injection mold of the connecting element is thus straight along its longitudinal dimension.The one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is injection-molded in a mold that is straight along its longitudinal dimension. These features advantageously result in a high degree of sealing at the interfaces with other components of the handpiece, particularly at the end faces where the fluid media are transferred into or out of the connecting element, due to the elasticity of the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element, so that additional sealing elements may not be necessary.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the fluid lines terminate in openings. Preferably, at least one of these openings is formed by or on a pipe section that projects beyond the first or second end face and is made of plastic and is integral with the fluid-conducting connecting element. Preferably, the pipe section is integral with the fluid-conducting connecting element and is manufactured by injection molding and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding. Preferably, such a pipe section forms an extension, particularly projecting beyond the first and / or second end face, of a fluid line that is integral with and passes through the connecting element. Preferably, the pipe section has a rounded cross-section, for example, circular, oval, or kidney-shaped.Manufacturing the pipe section as a single piece of the connecting element advantageously reduces both the manufacturing and assembly effort of the handpiece, since no additional, separate pipe section is needed to connect the connecting element to subsequent components of the handpiece.

[0020] Preferably, one of the fluid lines of the connecting element is designed to convey pressurized gas, in particular compressed air. In particular, such a pressurized gas line has a pipe section, made of plastic and integrally formed with the fluid-conducting connecting element, projecting over an end face and having an opening. The pressurized gas line preferably includes such a pipe on the second end face, the one facing the coupling end of the handpiece. This pipe on the second end face is preferably rounded in cross-section, for example, circular, oval, or kidney-shaped, and is designed to transmit pressurized gas to drive the handpiece, in particular an impeller of the handpiece.Alternatively or additionally, the pressurized gas line comprises a further pipe which is arranged on the first end face facing the head section of the handpiece, projects from the first end face, and is made of plastic and formed in one piece with the fluid-conducting connecting element. Preferably, this further pipe has a rounded cross-section, for example, circular, oval, or kidney-shaped. The pipes are preferably manufactured in one piece with the connecting element by injection molding.These features advantageously facilitate the transfer of pressurized gas between the connecting element and an adjacent component of the handpiece, since, due to the one-piece design of the pipe section with the connecting element, there is only one interface to be sealed at the free end of the pipe (whereas, when connecting with a separate pipe section, two interfaces at the two free ends of the pipe section need to be sealed).

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the fluid-conducting connecting element has a further, second fluid line for conveying pressurized gas, in particular compressed air. This further fluid line is particularly preferably provided for conveying cooling gas or cooling air for cooling a treatment point. Preferably, at least one opening of this further pressurized gas line is formed by a pipe section made of plastic and integrally formed with the fluid-conducting connecting element, projecting over an end face. Particularly preferably, the cooling gas line comprises such a pipe on the end face facing the head section of the handpiece. Particularly preferably, this pipe provided on the first end face has a rounded cross-section, for example, circular, oval, or kidney-shaped.Alternatively or additionally, the cooling gas line comprises a further pipe which is arranged on the second end face of the handpiece, facing the coupling end, projects from the second end face, and is made of plastic and formed in one piece with the fluid-conducting connecting element. Preferably, this further pipe has a rounded cross-section, for example, circular, oval, or kidney-shaped. The pipes are preferably manufactured in one piece with the connecting element by injection molding.These features advantageously facilitate the transfer of pressurized gas between the connecting element and an adjacent component of the handpiece, since, due to the one-piece design of the pipe section with the connecting element, there is only one interface to be sealed at the free end of the pipe (whereas, when connecting with a separate pipe section, two interfaces at the two free ends of the pipe section need to be sealed).

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the fluid-conducting connecting element has a fluid line for conveying a liquid, in particular water. This fluid line is particularly preferably designed for conveying liquid for cooling a treatment point. Preferably, at least one opening of this fluid line is formed by a pipe section made of plastic and integrally integrated with the fluid-conducting connecting element, projecting over an end face. Particularly preferably, the fluid line comprises such a pipe on the first end face facing the head section of the handpiece. Particularly preferably, this pipe on the first end face has a rounded cross-section, for example, circular, oval, or kidney-shaped.Alternatively or additionally, the fluid line comprises a further pipe which is arranged on the second end face of the handpiece, facing the coupling end, projects from the second end face, and is made of plastic and formed in one piece with the fluid-conducting connecting element. Preferably, this further pipe has a rounded cross-section, for example, circular, oval, or kidney-shaped. The pipes are preferably manufactured in one piece with the connecting element by injection molding.These features advantageously facilitate the transfer of fluid between the connecting element and an adjacent component of the handpiece, since, due to the one-piece design of the pipe section with the connecting element, there is only one interface to be sealed at the free end of the pipe (whereas, when connecting with a separate pipe section, two interfaces at the two free ends of the pipe section need to be sealed).

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that at least one separate pipe section, not formed integrally with the connector, is inserted into at least one opening of a fluid line of the connecting element. Preferably, the opening is formed in or flush with the first or second end face. Preferably, the separate pipe section is made of metal or plastic. The use of separate pipe sections advantageously allows for larger manufacturing tolerances in the production of the fluid-conducting connecting element, since the separate pipe section can bridge gaps between the fluid-conducting connecting element and a component adjoining it.

[0024] Preferably, the fluid line, in whose opening a separate pipe section is received, is designed for conveying pressurized gas, in particular compressed air, especially for transmitting pressurized gas to drive the handpiece, in particular an impeller of the handpiece. Optionally, a separate pipe section is inserted into both openings on the first and second end faces of the pressurized gas line, or a separate pipe section is received in one of the two openings on the first or second end face, while the other opening on the first or second end face comprises a pipe section which, as described above, projects from the end face and is made of plastic and formed integrally with the fluid-conducting connecting element. Providing one separate pipe section and one pipe section formed integrally with the fluid-conducting connecting element is particularly advantageous, as it combines the respective advantages of both.only one interface to be sealed on the pipe section formed in one piece with the connecting element, and lower manufacturing tolerances due to the separate pipe section.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the fluid-conducting connecting element has a further, second fluid line for conveying pressurized gas, in particular compressed air. This further fluid line is particularly preferably provided for conveying cooling gas or cooling air for cooling a treatment point. Optionally, a separate pipe section is inserted into both openings on the first and second end faces of the further pressurized gas line, or a separate pipe section is received in one of the two openings on the first or second end face, while the other opening on the first or second end face comprises a pipe section which, as described above, projects from the end face and is made of plastic and formed integrally with the fluid-conducting connecting element.Providing one separate and one pipe section formed in one piece with the fluid-conducting connecting element is particularly advantageous because it combines the respective advantages, such as only one interface to be sealed on the pipe section formed in one piece with the connecting element and lower manufacturing tolerances due to the separate pipe section.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the fluid-conducting connecting element has a fluid line for conveying a liquid, in particular water. This fluid line is particularly preferably designed for conveying liquid for cooling a treatment point. Optionally, a separate pipe section is inserted into both openings on the first and second end faces of the fluid line, or a separate pipe section is accommodated in one of the two openings on the first or second end face, while the other opening on the first or second end face comprises a pipe section which, as described above, projects from the end face and is made of plastic and formed integrally with the fluid-conducting connecting element. Providing one separate pipe section and one pipe section formed integrally with the fluid-conducting connecting element is particularly advantageous because it combines the respective advantages of both.only one interface to be sealed on the pipe section formed in one piece with the connecting element, and lower manufacturing tolerances due to the separate pipe section.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one pipe section formed integrally with the fluid-conducting connecting element and / or the separate pipe section inserted into the opening of the connecting element is designed or provided to be insertable into an opening of a component of the handpiece adjoining the integral, fluid-conducting connecting element. This component comprises, for example, the extension of the head section, pipework, or a coupling cylinder arranged between the coupling end of the handpiece and the connecting element. The opening of the component is specifically designed to receive and convey a fluid contained in the integral and / or separate pipe section, or to transfer a fluid for conveyance to the integral and / or separate pipe section and the associated fluid line.The at least one one-piece and / or separate pipe section is thus also part of an interface, particularly one that transfers fluid. Conversely, it is of course also possible that a pipe section is provided on a component of the handpiece, for example on the extension of the head section or on the coupling cylinder, and that this pipe section is inserted into an opening on the first or second end face of the connecting element. These features advantageously enable reliable fluid transfer to and from the connecting element.

[0028] Preferably, the fluid-conducting connecting element has a positioning element for positioning the fluid-conducting connecting element in the medical, especially dental, handpiece, particularly on the inside of the outer sleeve. The positioning element advantageously facilitates the insertion and / or positioning of the fluid-conducting connecting element in the handpiece and / or the connection of the fluid-conducting connecting element, especially the tube sections formed integrally or separately with the connecting element, to other components of the handpiece. The positioning element is arranged, for example, on the outer surface of the body and / or the widening at one end of the body of the fluid-conducting connecting element and / or on the first or second end face. The positioning element is arranged, for example, adjacent to an opening of a fluid line of the connecting element.The positioning element is, for example, arranged downstream of a pipe section of a fluid line of the connecting element to facilitate the connection of the opening or pipe section to a component of the handpiece. The positioning element is designed, for example, as an extension or projection that extends from the body. The positioning element is specifically designed to contact the inside of the outer sleeve of the handpiece. Preferably, the positioning element is designed to be complementary to a feature on the inside of the outer sleeve and / or the inside of the outer sleeve has a feature for receiving the positioning element, in particular a feature complementary to the positioning element. This advantageously further simplifies the insertion and positioning of the fluid-conducting connecting element during assembly.

[0029] As described above, the positioning element is preferably formed in one piece with the fluid-conducting connecting element, and in particular is manufactured in one piece with the fluid-conducting connecting element by injection molding and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding. These features advantageously eliminate a further, separate manufacturing or assembly step for the positioning element.

[0030] Preferably, at least one of the several fluid channels of the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element has a changing inner diameter within the body of the fluid-conducting connecting element. Preferably, the changing diameter is produced during or by injection molding. Preferably, the inner diameter decreases from the second end face facing the coupling end towards the first end face facing the head section. Preferably, the inner diameter changes continuously at least within a section of one of the fluid channels. Alternatively, the inner diameter changes discontinuously at least within a section of one of the fluid channels, for example, by a step or shoulder on the wall of the fluid channel.These features advantageously influence the flow behavior of a fluid flowing in a fluid line, for example, an acceleration of the flow velocity, a nozzle effect and / or a more compact jet of the fluid discharged from the fluid line.

[0031] Preferably, the one-piece, plastic, fluid-conducting connecting element comprises a recess on its outer surface for receiving a media line and / or a medium and / or a sensor. This recess, also referred to above as the geometric configuration, receives, for example, a media line for a fluid and / or an electrical line, in particular a supply, control, and / or signal line, and / or an optical fiber. Alternatively or additionally, the recess receives and conducts a medium, for example, a fluid, and is thus preferably also configured as a fluid line. The recess comprises, for example, a notch, a channel, a groove, a projection, a recess, an undercut, or similar geometric configurations. Preferably, the recess is manufactured as a single piece with the connecting element, in particular by injection molding.Preferably, the recess is open to the surroundings, particularly to the inner wall of the outer sleeve. The recess preferably extends between the first and second end faces. The recess either extends along the entire longitudinal dimension from the first to the second end face of the connecting element or is provided only in a section of the connecting element. The recess for receiving a media line or medium thus advantageously serves not only to guide fluids in the fluid lines of the connecting element, but also to guide another medium and / or to guide and / or support media lines.

[0032] Providing such a recess, shaped and dimensioned to accommodate different media lines, media, and / or sensors depending on the requirements of a handpiece, is particularly relevant for creating a set of different medical, especially dental, fluid-operated handpieces that feature identical one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting elements. An embodiment of such a set is described in more detail below. Only such a recess provides the necessary flexibility to manufacture different handpieces with identical fluid-conducting connecting elements.

[0033] Preferably, the recess is curved along its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis. Preferably, the recess has a bending radius along its longitudinal extent. Preferably, the recess is curved to match or correspond to the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element; in particular, the recess and the body or longitudinal axis of the connecting element have a similar or the same bending radius. Preferably, the recess is manufactured in a curved shape, in particular by injection molding. These features allow the recess to follow the curved shape of the handpiece, especially the outer sleeve, and thus advantageously form a conduit for media lines and / or media together with the outer sleeve.

[0034] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a recess is provided for conveying compressed air, especially so-called return air, which flows from the head section towards the coupling end of the handpiece after the impeller has been driven. Preferably, this recess is open to the environment, particularly to the inner wall of the outer sleeve, and, in particular, together with a section of the inner wall of the outer sleeve, forms a conduit or channel for the compressed air flowing towards the coupling end. The one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is thus advantageously designed for conveying media in different directions. Particularly preferably, one of the media lines mentioned in the preceding paragraph is also accommodated in this recess for conveying compressed air, so that, advantageously, no additional recess is necessary for this purpose.

[0035] The recess described in the preceding paragraphs for a media line, a sensor, a medium, and / or compressed air is provided in at least one of the following sections of the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element: in the body; in the first and / or second end face; in at least one of the extensions at the respective end of the body. The recess, in particular the sections forming the recess, is / are preferably formed integrally with the connecting element and are preferably manufactured by injection molding or during the injection molding of the connecting element and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding. This advantageously eliminates the need for an additional manufacturing step for producing the recess.

[0036] Preferably, the fluid-conducting connecting element comprises at least one opening or passage for an optical fiber. This passage is preferably separate from the recess for a media line, a medium, and / or compressed air described above. This passage is provided in at least one of the following sections of the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element: in the body; in the first and / or second end face; in at least one of the widenings at the respective end of the body. The passage is particularly self-contained, for example, round or oval, so that it preferably completely surrounds the optical fiber. The fluid-conducting connecting element thus advantageously also serves to support an optical fiber in the handpiece, in particular to provide reliable support for an often fragile optical fiber.The feedthrough is preferably formed in one piece with the connecting element and is manufactured in particular by injection molding or during the injection molding of the connecting element and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding. Advantageously, no additional manufacturing step is required for producing the opening or feedthrough.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is connected to the head section of the medical, particularly dental, handpiece via a screw connection. This advantageously creates a reliable connection for transferring fluids between the fluid lines of the connecting element and the head section.

[0038] Preferably, the head section, and in particular an extension of the head section that is received or accommodated in the outer sleeve, has a thread. Preferably, the thread of the head section is designed as an internal thread of a bore in the head section or the extension. Preferably, a threaded screw is provided that can be received in the fluid-conducting connecting element and in the bore of the head section and that can be screwed into the thread of the head section to connect the head section to the fluid-conducting connecting element. Preferably, the threaded screw is received in a bore or opening of the connecting element. These features advantageously facilitate the connection of the head section to the connecting element during the assembly of the handpiece.

[0039] The threaded screw is preferably designed as a hollow screw with an external thread on its outer surface. The threaded screw or hollow screw is preferably accommodated or received in the recess of the fluid-conducting connecting element described above, particularly in the recess for conveying return air. The bore with the internal thread of the head section or extension is preferably designed as a conduit for the return air. The bore and the hollow screw screwed into the bore and arranged in the recess are particularly preferably designed to convey the return air from the head section towards the coupling end of the handpiece. Designing the screw connection to link the connecting element to the head section as a conduit for the return air is an extremely advantageous and space-saving measure.

[0040] Preferably, at least one first stop is provided on the outside of the hollow screw. Preferably, a first counter-stop is provided on the outer surface or outer sheath of the fluid-conducting connecting element and / or on the inside of the outer sleeve of the handpiece. Preferably, the first stop and the first counter-stop contact each other when the hollow screw, the connecting element, and the head section are received in the outer sleeve and the connecting element and the head section are connected via the hollow screw. Preferably, a second stop is provided on the outer surface or outer sheath of the fluid-conducting connecting element, and a second counter-stop is provided on the inside of the outer sleeve of the handpiece.Preferably, the second stop and the second counter-stop contact each other when the hollow screw, the connecting element, and the head section are received in the outer sleeve and the connecting element and the head section are connected via the hollow screw. The first and second stops and counter-stops described above include, for example, a projection, a shoulder, a ring shoulder, a step, or similar geometric shapes. Providing the stops and counter-stops advantageously stabilizes the connection of the head section, the fluid-conducting connecting element, and the outer sleeve of the handpiece and reliably positions these elements within the handpiece.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a medical, particularly dental, fluid-operated handpiece is provided, which has a fluid-conducting connecting element as described above. The handpiece preferably comprises a head section in which an impeller, driven by compressed gas, is rotatably mounted. A tool holder is non-rotatably connected to the impeller, into which a treatment tool can be received, thereby allowing the treatment tool to be set in rotation. As described above, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is designed, among other things, to transmit compressed air for driving the impeller to the impeller or to the head section. The fluid-conducting connecting element is also designed to transmit cooling air and cooling water to the head section and / or to the treatment tool and / or the treatment site.

[0042] The handpiece further comprises an outer sleeve, at least part of which is designed as a grip sleeve for holding the handpiece with one hand. The outer sleeve is connected to the head section via the extension of the head section, which is received or accommodated in the outer sleeve. The one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element described above is received in the outer sleeve, in particular in a region of the outer sleeve adjoining the head section, which is bent along its longitudinal axis or length. Preferably, the bend or bend radius of the outer sleeve and the fluid-conducting connecting element correspond to each other, so that the connecting element fits snugly into or accommodates the bent section of the outer sleeve.

[0043] The end of the handpiece opposite the head section is designed as a coupling end. Fluid-conducting connections to fluid sources, which in particular supply compressed gas and / or a liquid, are provided at the coupling end. The connections may additionally include an electrical conductor for transmitting electrical energy, control or regulation signals or measured values, and / or optical conductors. The connections can be connected to the fluid sources or a control or regulation device, in particular a microcontroller, via a supply hose that includes the corresponding media line and electrical lines. The one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element is connected to the ports, in particular the fluid-conducting ports, in order to receive and transmit the media and / or fluids supplied via the ports, as described above.For the fluid-transferring connection between the connections and the fluid-conducting connecting element, preferably one or more further fluid-conducting components are provided in the handpiece, for example a pipe or a coupling cylinder with bores for the conveyance of fluids.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a set of different medical, in particular dental, fluid-operated handpieces is provided, wherein the different handpieces have identical one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting elements as described above. According to one embodiment, the use of identical, one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting elements, as described above, is provided for the manufacture of different medical, in particular dental, fluid-operated handpieces.

[0045] Preferably, the different handpieces also include the identical screw connection with the head section described above, in particular with the identical hollow screw. Preferably, the interface between the identical connecting elements and the extensions of the head sections of the different handpieces is also identical; in particular, bores or openings on the extensions of the head sections of the different handpieces for connection to the fluid lines of the connecting elements, in particular for receiving a pipe section, are identically designed and positioned.The same applies to the interface at the other end of the connecting elements, the end facing the coupling end of the handpiece: preferably, the interface between the identical connecting elements and coupling cylinders of the different handpieces, which connects the coupling end of the handpieces to the connecting elements, is identical; in particular, bores or openings on the coupling cylinders of the different handpieces for connecting to the fluid lines of the connecting elements, especially for receiving a pipe section, are identically designed and positioned. Preferably, the use also includes connecting and positioning the identical connecting elements in different handpieces with the screw connection, in particular the hollow screw, as also described above.

[0046] Providing or using identical connecting elements for different fluid-operated handpieces is an economic advantage, as it allows, for example, higher quantities of the connecting element to be manufactured.

[0047] The different fluid-operated handpieces differ, for example, in one or more of the following features: the presence or absence of a lighting device for illuminating a treatment area; the presence or absence of an electrical supply line for a lighting device arranged in the handpiece; the presence or absence of an optical light guide for illuminating a treatment area; the presence or absence of an optical semiconductor element, in particular a light-emitting diode, for illuminating a treatment area; the presence or absence of a sensor on the handpiece; the presence or absence of an electrical line for transmitting sensor readings; the presence or absence of an electrical line for transmitting control or regulation signals; the presence or absence of an electronic circuit and / or a digital memory and / or a microcontroller in the handpiece;the presence or absence of wireless communication means for transmitting data, for example identification data; the communication means may include, for example, an antenna, an RFID tag, a Bluetooth device; in the dimensions, in particular the external dimensions of the head section and / or the outer sleeve; in the design of the coupling end, in particular the number, type and / or arrangement of the media and / or electrical connections at the coupling end; in the quantity of drive fluid required for operation; in the work performance of the handpiece.

[0048] According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element described above is provided, in which the (entire) fluid-conducting connecting element, including the first end face, the second end face, the body, and the multiple fluid lines, is manufactured as a single-piece plastic component by injection molding and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding. As already mentioned several times, the manufacturing method can also include manufacturing a further element, for example, the at least one pipe section and / or the positioning element, together with the fluid-conducting connecting element in one piece and by injection molding and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding.Furthermore, the features of the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element described above are applicable in a corresponding manner to the manufacturing process of the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element, so that, to avoid repetition, reference is made to these features.

[0049] The invention is explained below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It shows the Figure 1 a one-piece, plastic, fluid-conducting connecting element with a view of the end face which, when the connecting element is received in a handpiece, faces the coupling end of the handpiece; Figure 2 the one-piece, plastic, fluid-conducting connecting element of the Figure 1 with a view of the front surface, which, if the connecting element is received in a handpiece, faces the head section of the handpiece; Figure 3 a longitudinal section through a one-piece, plastic, fluid-conducting connecting element and through one of the several fluid lines of the connecting element, preferably a pressurized gas-conducting fluid line; Figure 4 a longitudinal section through a one-piece, plastic, fluid-conducting connecting element and through two of the multiple fluid lines of the connecting element; Figure 5 a longitudinal section through an alternative, one-piece, plastic, fluid-conducting connecting element and through one of the several fluid lines of the connecting element, preferably a pressurized gas-conducting fluid line; Figure 6 a vertical longitudinal section through a medical, in particular dental, fluid-operated handpiece with a one-piece, plastic, fluid-conducting connecting element; Figure 7 a horizontal longitudinal section through the handpiece of the Figure 6 .

[0050] The Figures 1 - 5 show fluid-conducting connecting elements 1 of a fluid-driven, medical, in particular dental, handpiece 50 (see Figures 6, 7 The fluid-conducting connecting element 1 comprises a first end face 2 facing a head section 51 of the handpiece 50, a second end face 3 facing the coupling end 53 of the handpiece 50, and a body 4 extending from the first end face 2 to the second end face 3. The fluid-conducting connecting element 1, in particular the body 4, extends along a longitudinal axis 19, see Figure 4 Several fluid lines 5, 6, 7 run from the first end face 2 through the body 4 to the second end face 3. As can be seen in particular from the sectional views of the Figures 3-5As can be seen, the fluid-conducting connecting element 1, including the first end face 2, the second end face 3, the body 4, and the multiple fluid lines 5, 6, 7, is formed in one piece. Furthermore, the fluid-conducting connecting element 1 is manufactured by injection molding from a plastic suitable for injection molding.

[0051] The fluid lines 5, 6, 7 are designed to convey media, for example, fluids such as gases and liquids, which are particularly under pressure, especially compressed air and water. At least some of the fluid lines 5, 6, 7 have an inner diameter that changes within the body 4 of the fluid-conducting connecting element 1.

[0052] According to the exemplary embodiments of the Figures 1 - 5 Fluid line 5 is provided for conveying compressed air from the second end face 3 to the first end face 2. This is in accordance with the Figures 6 and 7The connecting element 1 installed in the handpiece 50 thus receives the compressed air supplied by the coupling end 53 of the handpiece 50 and directs it towards the head section 51 of the handpiece 50. The compressed air transmitted via the fluid line or compressed gas line 5 is intended, in particular, to drive a rotatably mounted impeller 52 of the handpiece 50, which is driven by compressed gas. A tool holder 56 is non-rotatably connected to the impeller 52, into which a treatment tool can be inserted, thereby allowing the treatment tool to be set in rotation.

[0053] According to the exemplary embodiments of the Figures 1 - 5 Fluid line 6 is provided for conveying compressed air from the second end face 3 to the first end face 2. This is in accordance with the Figures 6 and 7The connecting element 1 installed in the handpiece 50 thus receives the compressed air supplied by the coupling end 53 of the handpiece 50 and directs it via the fluid line 6 towards the head section 51 of the handpiece 50. The compressed air transmitted via the fluid line or compressed gas line 6 is intended, in particular, for delivery towards the treatment tool attached to the handpiece 50 and / or the treatment site. For this purpose, a nozzle is provided on the head section 51, which is connected to the fluid line 6 in a fluid-conveying manner.

[0054] According to the exemplary embodiments of the Figures 1 - 5 Fluid line 7 is designed to convey water from the second end face 3 to the first end face 2. This is in accordance with the Figures 6 and 7The connecting element 1 installed in the handpiece 50 receives the water supplied by the coupling end 53 of the handpiece 50 and directs it via the fluid line 7 towards the head section 51 of the handpiece 50. The water transmitted via the fluid line or water line 7 is intended, in particular, for delivery towards the treatment tool attached to the handpiece 50 and / or the treatment site. For this purpose, a nozzle is provided on the head section 51, which is connected to the fluid line 7 for fluid transfer.

[0055] Of course, the uses of the fluid lines 5, 6, 7 mentioned in the preceding paragraphs for the transmission of a specific fluid are only exemplary, so that, depending on which fluid lines 5, 6, 7 are connected to which media source, the fluid lines 5, 6, 7 are also suitable for transmitting media other than those mentioned.

[0056] The fluid lines 5, 6, 7 terminate in respective openings 5A, 6A, 7A on the first end face 2 and openings 5B, 6B, 7B on the second end face 3. According to the exemplary embodiments of the Figures 1 - 5 The openings 5A, 5B; 6A; 7A are formed by a pipe section 15A, 15B; 16A; 17A that projects over the first end face 2 or the second end face 3 and is integrally formed with the fluid-conducting connecting element 1 and is made of plastic, in particular by injection molding. The openings 6B; 7B, which are substantially flush or end flush with the second end face 3, are described in particular in the following sections. Figure 4 A separate pipe section 8, for example made of metal or plastic, is inserted into the fluid line. The one-piece pipe sections 15A, 15B; 16A; 17A and the separate, inserted pipe sections 8 are each inserted into openings of components of the handpiece 50 adjoining the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element 1. This is shown by way of example in the Figure 6 As can be seen: Pipe section 15B of the fluid line 5 at the second end face 3 projects into a receptacle 58 of a coupling cylinder 57, which is arranged between the coupling end 53 of the handpiece 50 and the connecting element 1. The coupling cylinder 57 is designed to transfer one or more fluids from the coupling end 53 via the pipe sections 15A, 15B; 16A; 17A; 8 to the connecting element 1. Corresponding media transfers are provided between the pipe sections 8 at the second end face 3 and further receptacles (not shown) on the coupling cylinder 57. Figure 7Figure 1 shows the media transfer at the first end face 2, from the connecting element 1 via the pipe section 15A to an extension 59 of the head section 51. The extension 59, which is received in an outer sleeve 54 of the handpiece 50, has an inlet 60 in which the pipe section 15A is received. Corresponding media transfers are also provided between the pipe sections 16A and 17A at the first end face 2 and further inlets (not shown) on the extension 59.

[0057] The Figures 1 - 4Figure 1 shows one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting elements 1, which are bent along their longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis 19. The connecting elements 1 are injection-molded in a bent shape along their longitudinal extent. Similarly, the fluid lines 5, 6, 7 are formed and injection-molded in a bent shape along their longitudinal extent through the body 4 of the fluid-conducting connecting element 1. The bend or bend radius of the fluid-conducting connecting element 1, preferably also of the fluid lines 5, 6, 7, and the outer sleeve 54 of the handpiece 50, are matched such that the connecting element 1 can be fitted into the bent section 54A of the outer sleeve 54.

[0058] The one in Figure 5The illustrated one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element 1 is angled along its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis. The body 4 comprises a first section 4A and a second section 4B, which are arranged at an angle to each other, the angle being non-zero. The fluid-conducting connecting element 1 of the Figure 5 The fluid-conducting connecting element 1 is injection-molded at an angle, particularly along its longitudinal extent. Similarly, the fluid lines 5, 6, 7 are angled along their longitudinal extent through the body 4 of the fluid-conducting connecting element 1 and injection-molded at an angle. The angle of the fluid-conducting connecting element 1, preferably also of the fluid lines 5, 6, 7, and the outer sleeve 54 of the handpiece 50 are matched such that the connecting element 1 fits snugly into the curved section 54A of the outer sleeve 54.

[0059] The fluid-conducting connecting element 1 is provided with a positioning element 9 for positioning the fluid-conducting connecting element 1 in the medical, in particular dental, handpiece 50, see for example Figures 2 , 4 and 5 The positioning element 9 is made of plastic and is manufactured in one piece with the fluid-conducting connecting element 1, in particular by injection molding. The positioning element 9 is provided on the outer surface 10 of the body 4 of the fluid-conducting connecting element 1, in particular on or as part of a widening 20 at one end of the body 4. The positioning element 9 is designed as a projection extending from the body 4, which is designed in particular to contact the inner wall 61 of the outer sleeve 54 of the handpiece 50, in particular a shape complementary to the positioning element 9, see Figure 1. Figure 6 .

[0060] The fluid-conducting connecting element 1 further has a recess 11 on its outer surface 10 for receiving a media line and / or a medium and / or a sensor. The recess 11 receives, for example, a media line for a fluid and / or an electrical line, in particular a supply, control and / or signal line, and / or an optical fiber. Alternatively or additionally, the recess 11 receives a medium, for example, a fluid, that is not contained in its own line and conducts it, so that the recess 11 is thus preferably also designed as a fluid line. The recess 11 comprises a groove or a channel that extends along the body 4, essentially along the longitudinal extent of the body 4, preferably between the first end face 2 and the second end face 3. The recess 11 is manufactured integrally with the connecting element 1, in particular by injection molding.The recess 11 is open to the surroundings. When the connecting element 1 is received in the handpiece 50, the recess 11 and a section of the inner wall 61 of the outer sleeve 54 form a conduit or conduit 62, see . Figure 6 This conduit 62 is designed to convey compressed air, in particular so-called return air, which flows from the head section 51 towards the coupling end 53. This compressed air is not contained in a separate conduit, but rather makes direct contact with the outer surface 10, where the recess 11 is formed, and the inner wall 61 of the outer sleeve 54. The conduit 62 formed by the recess 11 and the inner wall 61 thus constitutes the compressed air conduit that contains and makes contact with the compressed air. Additionally, a media line, an optical fiber (see next paragraph), and / or a sensor may be arranged in the conduit 62.

[0061] The fluid-conducting connecting element 1 includes an opening or feedthrough 21 for an optical light guide, see Figures 1 - 3 The feedthrough 21 is separate from the recess 11 described above. The feedthrough 21 is self-contained in the second end face 3 and thus reliably supports the optical light guide. The feedthrough 21 is integrally formed with the connecting element 1 and is manufactured, in particular, by injection molding. The opening or feedthrough 21 is connected to the recess 11 so that the optical light guide can extend into the recess 11 to transmit, for example, optical radiation towards the head section 51.

[0062] The fluid-conducting connecting element 1 is connected to the head section 51 of the medical, in particular dental, handpiece 50 via a screw connection 18, see Figures 6 and 7The screw connection 18 comprises a first thread 22 on the head section 51, in particular on its extension 59, which is received in the outer sleeve 54 of the handpiece 50. The thread 22 is designed as an internal thread of a bore 23 in the extension 59. The screw connection 18 further comprises a threaded screw 24, which can be received in the fluid-conducting connecting element 1 and in the bore 23 of the head section 51 and which can be screwed into the thread 22 of the head section 51 to connect the head section 51 to the fluid-conducting connecting element 1. For this purpose, the threaded screw 24 is received in a bore or opening 25 of the connecting element 1. The opening 25 is preferably, as shown in Figure 2shown, part of the recess 11 or connected with the recess 11, so that the opening 25 is preferably provided for receiving the threaded screw 24 and for transferring a medium as described above for the recess 11.

[0063] The threaded screw 24 is designed as a hollow screw, on the outside of which an external thread 26 is provided, which is screwed into the internal thread 22 of the extension 59. A first stop 27 is provided on the outside of the hollow screw 24, and a counter stop 28A is provided on the outer surface 10 of the fluid-conducting connecting element 1 (see also Figure 2) and / or a first counter-stop 28B is provided on the inside or inner wall 61 of the outer sleeve 54. The first stop 27 and the first counter-stop 28A and / or 28B contact each other when the hollow screw 24, the connecting element 1, and the extension 59 of the head section 51 are received in the outer sleeve 54 and the fluid-conducting connecting element 1 and the head section 51 are connected via the hollow screw 24. This clamps and thus fixes the connecting element 1 between the hollow screw 24, in particular the first stop 27, and the head section 51, in particular an end face 63 of the extension 59 facing the connecting element 1.

[0064] Preferably, a second stop 29 is provided on the outer casing or outer surface 10 of the fluid-conducting connecting element 1, and a second counter-stop 30 is provided on the inner wall 61 of the outer sleeve 54 of the handpiece 50. Preferably, the second stop 29 and the second counter-stop 30 contact each other when the hollow screw 24, the connecting element 1, and the extension 59 of the head section 51 are received in the outer sleeve 54 and the connecting element 1 and the head section 51 are connected via the hollow screw 24. Alternatively, it is also possible that the second stop 29 and counter-stop 30 are not present, and in particular, that the connecting element 1 does not contact the inner wall 61 of the outer sleeve 54.

[0065] The hollow screw 24 is designed to convey a medium, in particular compressed air, preferably so-called return air. Return air is defined as compressed air flowing from the impeller 52 towards the coupling end 53 of the handpiece 50. The bore 23 of the extension 59 and the hollow screw 24 form a conduit through which the return air from the impeller 52 enters the recess 11 or the conduit 62. The conduit 62, already described above, then conveys the return air towards the coupling end 53.

[0066] A sealing element is provided on each of the first end face 2 and / or the second end face 3. An example is shown in the Figure 6A sealing element 55 is visible on the second end face 3. The sealing element 55 is a separate component that is placed on the first and / or second end face 2, 3. A recess 32 is provided on the first end face 2, in which the sealing element 55 can be inserted and positioned. A corresponding recess can also be provided on the second end face 3.

[0067] The one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element 1, which is incorporated in the handpiece 50, is bent along its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis 19 and has a bending radius along its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis 19, see Figures 6 and 7 The connecting element 1 can therefore be placed in the Figures 1 - 4The connecting element 1 shown in the illustration corresponds to a connecting element that is bent along its longitudinal dimension, in particular injection-molded in a bent manner, and is inserted into the handpiece 50 in a bent position during assembly, as described above. Similarly, a one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element 1 that is angled along its longitudinal dimension, in particular injection-molded in an angled manner, and / or has two body sections 4A, 4B that are angled relative to each other, for example the one shown in the Figure 5 The connecting element 1 shown is inserted into the handpiece 50.

[0068] Alternatively, the one-piece, fluid-conducting connecting element 1 included in the handpiece 50 is the Figures 6 and 7The connecting element 1 is elastically deformable in such a way that it can be received in a curved sleeve section 54A of the medical, in particular dental, handpiece 50 and, in particular, adapts to the curvature of the curved sleeve section 54A, as also described above. Such an elastically deformable connecting element 1 can, for example, be straight after its manufacture and / or before assembly in the handpiece 50, i.e., without a bending radius or angle.

[0069] The coupling cylinder 57 is preferably made of plastic, in particular also by injection molding and / or of a plastic suitable for injection molding, for example, one of the plastics mentioned above. Manufacturing the fluid-conducting connecting element 1 and the coupling cylinder 57 from plastic advantageously results in a significant reduction in the weight of the handpiece 50. The coupling cylinder 57 is designed to transfer one or more fluids from the coupling end 53 to the connecting element 1. Optionally, further components of the handpiece 50 can be accommodated and / or mounted in or on the coupling cylinder 57, for example, on a recess 64. An example is shown in the Figure 6An electronic component 65 is shown. The electronic component comprises, for example, one of the following components: a circuit board 66; a sensor; an accelerometer; a gyroscope; a temperature sensor; a controller; a data storage device; a radio transmitter; a radio receiver; an RFID tag; a radiation source; a diode, in particular a light-emitting diode; an electrical circuit for generating electrical energy, in particular for an optical semiconductor arranged in the handpiece 50; a rectifier; an inverter; an electrical resistor; an electrical coil; and similar components. A conductor, for example an electrical conductor, signal conductor, or optical fiber, can extend from the electronic component 65 or a component thereof into the fluid-conducting connecting element 1, in particular into the recess 11 or the conductor channel 62.

[0070] The described or illustrated embodiments serve in particular to illustrate the invention. The features disclosed in one embodiment are therefore not limited to that embodiment, but can be combined individually or together with one or more features of one of the other embodiments.

Claims

1. A fluid-conducting connector element (1) of a fluid-driven medical, in particular dental, handpiece (50), wherein the handpiece (50) comprises a head section (51) with an impeller (52) that can be set into rotation by a drive fluid and can be connected to a tool, and a coupling end (53) for connection to a fluid source, wherein the fluid-conducting connector element (1) comprises: a first end face (2) facing the head section (51), a second end face (3) facing the coupling end (53), a body (4) extending from the first end face (2) to the second end face (3), and a plurality of fluid lines (5, 6, 7) extending from the first end face (2) through the body (4) to the second end face (3), characterized in that the fluid-conducting connector element (1), including the first end face (2), the second end face (3), the body (4), and the plurality of fluid lines (5, 6, 7), is formed as a one-piece component made of plastic.

2. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid-conducting connector element (1) is manufactured by injection molding and / or from a plastic suitable for injection molding.

3. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fluid-conducting connector element (1) is curved along its longitudinal extension.

4. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of fluid lines (5, 6, 7) is formed in a curved manner along its longitudinal extension through the body (4) of the fluid-conducting connecting element (1).

5. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid-conducting connector element (1) is elastically deformable such that it can be received in a curved sleeve section (54A) of the medical, in particular dental, handpiece (50).

6. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid lines (5, 6, 7) end in openings (5A, 5B; 6A, 6B; 7A, 7B), wherein at least one of these openings (5A, 5B; 6A, 6B; 7A, 7B) is formed by a tube piece (15A, 15B; 16A, 16B; 17A, 17B) which projects beyond the first or second end face (2, 3) and is formed from plastic and in one-piece with the fluid-conducting connector element (1).

7. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fluid lines (5, 6, 7) end in openings (5A, 5B; 6A, 6B; 7A, 7B), wherein a tube piece (8) for conducting fluid is inserted into at least one of these openings (5A, 5B; 6A, 6B; 7A, 7B).

8. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid-conducting connector element (1) comprises a positioning element (9) for positioning the fluid-conducting connector element (1) in the medical, in particular dental, handpiece (50), wherein the positioning element (9) is formed from plastic and in one-piece with the fluid-conducting connector element (1).

9. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of fluid lines (5, 6, 7) has an inner diameter that varies within the body (4) of the fluid-conducting connector element (1).

10. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid-conducting connector element (1) comprises a recess (11) on its outer surface (10) for receiving a media line and / or a medium.

11. The fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid-conducting connector element (1) is coupled to the head section (51) of the medical, in particular dental, handpiece (50) by a screw connection (18).

12. A medical, in particular dental, fluid-driven handpiece (50), characterized by a fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

13. A set of different medical, in particular dental, fluid-driven handpieces (50), characterized in that the different handpieces (50) comprise identical one-piece fluid-conducting connector elements (1) made of plastic according to any of claims 1-11.

14. Use of identical one-piece fluid-conducting connector elements (1) according to any of claims 1-11 for manufacturing different medical, in particular dental, fluid-driven handpieces (50).

15. A method for manufacturing a fluid-conducting connector element (1) according to any of claims 1-11, characterized in that the fluid-conducting connector element (1), including the first end face (2), the second end face (3), the body (4), and the plurality of fluid lines (5, 6, 7), is manufactured as a one-piece plastic component by an injection-molding process.