Right / left handed symmetrical instrument and suction hose adaptor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dental treatment unit (1) with a water unit (2) comprising a water collector (3) with an inlet (3a) for water and cleaning chemicals and an outlet (3b); a removable instrument hose adapter (4) for insertion into a first slot (3cl) of the water collector (3), wherein the instrument hose adapter (4) has one or more openings (4a) for connecting instrument hoses (5), wherein, in the inserted state, the openings (4a) are in fluid communication with the outlet (3b);a removable suction hose adapter (6) for insertion into a second slot (3c2) of the water collector (3), wherein the suction hose adapter (6) has one or more openings (6a) for connecting suction hoses (7), wherein, in the inserted state, the openings (6a) are in fluid communication with the inlet (3a), characterized in that the instrument hose adapter (4) and the suction hose adapter (6) are designed to be interchangeable with each other so that each can be inserted either into the first slot (3cl) or into the second slot (3c2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to dental treatment units. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Figures 1a to 1b each show treatment units (1) according to the state of the art. As in Fig. 1b shown is the water unit (2) rotatable stored and can be right (see Fig. 1c ) or left (see Fig.1a ) from the patient chair (1a).

[0003] Right-handed device: During the instrument hose cleaning process, as described in Fig.1a As shown, the instrument hoses (5) must be left from the patient chair (1a) standing water unit (2) to the instrument hose adapter arranged on the side of the water unit (2) facing the chair and plugged in. During the suction hose cleaning process, as in Fig.1a As shown, the suction hoses (7) must be leftfrom the water unit (2) standing on the patient chair (1a) to the suction hose adapter arranged on the side of the water unit (2) facing away from the chair and plugged in.

[0004] Left-handed device: However, during the instrument hose cleaning process, as in Fig. 1C As shown, the instrument hoses (5) must be right from the water unit (2) standing on the patient chair (1a) to the instrument hose adapters located on the side of the water unit (2) facing away from the chair and plugged in. There is a risk that the hoses (5) will be severely damaged. bent and thereby Damage During the suction hose cleaning process, as described in Fig. 1c As shown, the suction hoses (7) must be rightfrom the water unit (2) standing on the patient chair (1a) to the suction hose adapter located on the side of the water unit (2) facing the chair and plugged in. The start button for the suction hose cleaning process, which is located on the suction hose adapter, must also abovefrom the patient chair (1a). Both the attachment of the suction hoses (7) and the pressing of the start button can occur multiple times during a suction hose cleaning process. Therefore, operating the suction hose cleaning system from the patient chair (1a) is extremely ergonomically unfavorable. Since the suction hose cleaning process should be performed after every treatment, the dental treatment unit is unsatisfactory for left-handed users. The hygiene of the dentist and assistant elements of a treatment unit is of crucial importance for dental work. The current technology presents the problem that the instrument and suction hose adapters may have limited accessibility and operability in the respective left and right arrangements of the water unit.

[0005] EP1066011B1 discloses a surgical device for protecting the patient against contamination, particularly during dental surgery. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The inventors are currently not aware of any prior art treatment units in which the instrument and suction hose adapters according to the invention can be interchanged in their position in the water unit.

[0007] An aim of the invention is to provide a treatment unit or a rotatable treatment unit in which the cleaning processes at a right or left standing water unit can be carried out equally efficiently.

[0008] This object is achieved by the dental treatment unit according to claim 1. The subject matter of the dependent claim relates to further developments.

[0009] The dental treatment unit according to the invention has a water unit. The water unit comprises a water collector with an inlet for water and cleaning chemicals and an outlet; a removable instrument hose adapter for insertion into a first slot of the water collector, wherein the instrument hose adapter has one or more instrument hose adapter openings for connecting instrument hoses, wherein in the inserted state the instrument hose adapter openings are in fluid communication with the outlet; a removable suction hose adapter for insertion into a second slot of the water collector, wherein the suction hose adapter has one or more suction hose adapter openings for connecting suction hoses, wherein in the inserted state the suction hose adapter openings are in fluid communication with the inlet.The instrument hose adapter and the suction hose adapter are designed to be interchangeable so that each can be plugged into either the first slot or the second slot.

[0010] A significant advantage of the present invention is that the dental treatment unit according to the invention is completely right-left compatible compared to known treatment units. The instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters can be removed, replaced, and inserted into the most convenient side of the water unit by the users themselves in just a few simple steps. No technician intervention is necessary, and no settings on the treatment unit need to be made or changed. Another significant advantage of the treatment unit according to the invention is that the instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters can be Removabilityenable improved hygiene. The instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters can be cleaned easily and efficiently (e.g., in a thermal disinfector). When the instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters are removed, the water collector, which is exposed, allows dirt and deposits to be easily removed, e.g., by wiping them by hand.

[0011] Another significant advantageous effect of the treatment unit according to the invention is that it allows users to carry out the necessary Hygiene measures efficient A high degree of automation and the integration of the instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters into the water unit of the treatment unit increase usability.

[0012] The suction hose adapter has a reservoir designed to hold a predefined amount of water or cleaning chemical from the inlet. Thanks to the reservoir, a predefined amount of liquid can be drawn into the suction hoses during suction hose cleaning.

[0013] The suction hose adapter has a integrated Start button for the suction hose cleaning. The start button can be a magnetic switch, an optical switch or an electromechanical switch. Thanks to the integrated The suction hose cleaning can always be started using the start button on the side of the suction hose adapter.

[0014] In advantageous embodiments, the suction hose adapter and the instrument hose adapter each have a locking device for securing the adapter in the inserted slot. The locking device can be provided in the form of snap fasteners, clamp fasteners, screw fasteners, or locking elements. Thanks to the locking devices, the adapters can be securely attached or easily removed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In the following description, the present invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings, wherein Fig. 1a - shows a state-of-the-art dental treatment unit in which the water unit is located to the left of the patient chair; Fig. 1b - shows the dental treatment unit from Fig.1a while the water unit is rotated from left to right of the patient chair; Fig. 1c- shows a dental treatment unit made of Fig.1a in which the water unit is located to the right of the patient chair; Fig. 2a - shows a partial view of a dental treatment unit according to an embodiment, wherein a cover is arranged in front of the instrument hose adapter; Fig. 2b - shows a partial view of a dental treatment unit from Fig. 2a , with the cover removed before the instrument hose adapter; Fig.3a - shows a partial view of the treatment unit according to an embodiment of the invention with removable and interchangeable instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters, wherein the user removes the instrument hose adapter from the slot; Fig.3b - shows a partial view of the treatment unit according to an embodiment of the invention with removable and interchangeable instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters, wherein the user cleans the slot in the water collector; Fig.3c - shows a partial view of the treatment unit according to an embodiment of the invention with removable and interchangeable instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters, wherein the user removes the suction hose adapter from the slot; Fig. 3d - shows a partial view of the treatment unit according to an embodiment of the invention with removable and interchangeable instrument hose adapters and suction hose adapters, wherein the user cleans the slot in the water collector; Fig. 4a - shows an enlarged detailed view of the water collector, instrument hose adapter and suction hose adapter according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4b - shows an enlarged detailed view of the water collector, instrument hose adapter and suction hose adapter according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the instrument hose adapter and the suction hose adapter have been exchanged for each other; Fig. 5a - shows an exploded view of the water collector, instrument hose adapter and suction hose adapter in Fig. 4a ; Fig. 5b - shows an exploded view of the water collector, instrument hose adapter and suction hose adapter in Fig. 4b ; Fig. 6a - shows a cross-sectional view of the water collector, instrument hose adapter and suction hose adapter from Fig. 4a ; Fig. 6b - show cross-sectional view of the water collector, instrument hose adapter and suction hose adapter from Fig. 4b ; Fig. 7a-7b - show a sequence of suction hose cleaning according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8a-8b - show a process of instrument hose cleaning according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] The reference numbers shown in the drawings indicate the elements listed below to which reference will be made in the following description of the exemplary embodiments. 1. Dental treatment unit 1a. Patient chair 1b. Rotating mechanism 1c. Dentist element 1d. Assistant element 2. Water unit (tower) 3. Water collector 3a. Inlet 3b. Outlet 3c. First slot 3c. Second slot 3d. Cover 4. Instrument hose adapter (insert) 4a. Openings 5. Instrument hoses 6. Suction hose adapter (insert) 6a. Openings 6b. Reservoir 6c. Start button 6c. Reed switch 7. Suction hoses

[0017] Fig. 2a and 2b each partially shows a dental treatment unit (1) according to the invention, which has a water unit (2). The water unit (2) is located on the left side of the patient chair (1a). However, it can be placed on the right side of the patient chair (1a) by means of a rotating mechanism (1b). As shown in Fig. 6a and 6bAs shown, the water unit (2) comprises a water collector (3) with an inlet (3a) for water and cleaning chemicals and an outlet (3b). The water collector (3) preferably has a funnel-shaped bottom ( Fig.7A ). Alternatively, the floor can be designed flat or take on other geometric shapes. The drain (3b) is connected to a sewage system (not shown). As in Fig. 4a and 5a As shown, the water unit (2) comprises a removable instrument hose adapter (4) for insertion into a first slot (3c1) of the water collector (3). The instrument hose adapter (4) has one or more openings (4a) for connecting instrument hoses (5). As shown in Fig. 6a and 6b As shown in the inserted state, the openings (4a) are in fluid communication with the drain (3b). Fig. 4b and 5bAs shown, the water unit (2) comprises a removable suction hose adapter (6) for insertion into a second slot (3c2) of the water collector (3). The suction hose adapter (6) has one or more openings (6a) for connecting suction hoses (7). As shown in Fig. 6a and 6b As shown in the inserted state, the openings (6a) are in fluid communication with the inlet (3a). Fig. 6a and 6bAs shown, the suction hose adapter (6) preferably has a reservoir (6b) designed to hold water and cleaning chemicals from the inlet (3a). The reservoir (6b) on the suction hose adapter (6) is designed such that, when plugged in, it protrudes over the center of the water collector (2) and can hold the supplied water and cleaning chemicals - regardless of which side it is plugged into the water collector (2). Preferably, the supply of water and cleaning chemicals is arranged centrally on the water collector (2). If the suction hose adapter (6) is not plugged in, the supplied water and cleaning chemicals would flow into the drain (3b) of the water collector (2). Alternatively, the openings (6a) can also be designed such that they can be connected directly to the inlet (3a) via one or more safety valves (not shown). This eliminates the need for a reservoir (6b). As shown in Fig. 4a to 5bAs shown, the instrument hose adapter (4) and the suction hose adapter (6) are designed to be interchangeable so that each can be inserted into the first slot (3c1) or the second slot (3c2).

[0018] The shape of the water collector (2) and the adapters (4; 6) does not necessarily have to be H-shaped, as shown. Other designs that allow for interchangeability can also be used. The water collector (2) and the adapters (4, 6) can alternatively be box-shaped or similar. Crucial to the invention is the symmetrical design of the water collector (2) and interchangeability, namely the identical interface or the slots (3c1; 3c2) for the instrument and suction hose adapters (4; 6), preferably on the opposite right and left sides of the water collector (2).

[0019] The suction hose adapter (6) and the instrument hose adapter (4) preferably each have a locking device ( not shown ) for locking the same in the inserted slot (31c1; 3c2). The locking device can have a force-locking connection and / or a form-locking connection. For example, snap fasteners, clamp fasteners, screw fasteners, locking elements, etc. can be used individually or in combination. Cleaning processes

[0020] The cleaning processes are explained in more detail in the following description. The integrated cleaning processes are intended to make it easier for users of the treatment unit according to the invention to keep the instrument couplings and their hoses (5; 7) hygienic.

[0021] The following cleaning processes are planned for the doctor element (1c): (Auto) Purge = Flushing the instrument hoses (5) and instrument couplings with WaterRehabilitation = Flushing the instrument hoses (5) and instrument couplings with Disinfectant

[0022] The following cleaning processes are provided for the assistance element (1d): Optional Sprayvit of the assistant element (1d): Sanitation together with the instruments of the dentist element (1c) Suction hose cleaning = Flushing the suction hoses (7) with Water and optionally Cleaning chemicals. Purge / Renovation

[0023] Purge / sanitization is the cleaning process on the treatment unit (1) for the instruments of the dentist element (1c) and their hoses (5) by flushing with water or disinfectant. Purge describes the flushing of the waterways of the treatment instruments with water. Sanitation describes the flushing of the waterways of the treatment instruments with disinfectant. The process is as follows and in Fig. 8a and 8b partially shown: 1. The purge / sanitization process is started on the user interface of the dentist element (1c). The dialog displayed there carries out the sanitization process. 2. Attach the suction instruments to the openings (4a) (instruments are in Fig. 8a and 8b not shown) 3. After all instruments to be purged / sanitized have been plugged in, the purging / sanitizing process is continued by inputs on the user interface; 4. The waterways of the instruments to be purged / sanitized are rinsed with water or disinfectant.

[0024] The water / disinfectant flows from the instruments into the water collector (2); from there it flows through the drain (3b) of the water collector into the wastewater system (not shown) of the dental treatment unit (1). Suction hose cleaning

[0025] Suction hose cleaning is the cleaning process on the treatment unit (1) for the suction instruments of the assistant element (1d) and their hoses (7) by suctioning off large quantities (preferably approx. 200ml) of water or water mixed with special cleaning chemicals (optional equipment). The process is as follows and in Fig. 7a and 7b partially shown: 1. Place suction instruments onto the openings (6a) (suction instruments are Fig. 7a and 7b not shown); 2. Press the start button (6c); 3. The reservoir (6b) on the suction hose adapter (6) is filled with water (with chemical additive if optional equipment is selected) through the inlet (3a); 4. The attached suction instruments are automatically activated, and the fluid is sucked out of the reservoir (6b) of the suction hose adapter (6) by the attached suction instruments. (The suction pump system of the sewage system is known to the person skilled in the art and will not be explained in detail here.)

[0026] The suction hose adapter (6) has an integrated start button (6c) for cleaning the suction hose. The start button (6c) for cleaning the suction hose is integrated into the suction hose adapter (6). This means that the start button (6c) for cleaning the suction hose is always located on the side of the suction hose adapter (6). Different designs for the start button (6c) can be considered. In one design, the start button (6c) has an integrated magnet that is activated when a reed switch (6c1) or Hall sensor is actuated. The reed switches (6c1) can be Fig. 5a and 5barranged symmetrically on the water collector (2). In a further embodiment, the water collector (2) has symmetrically arranged and integrated light barriers (not shown) which can be interrupted by the start button (6c). In a further embodiment, the water collector (2) has symmetrically arranged microswitches which, when the start button (6c) is mechanically actuated, trigger an electrical pulse to start the suction hose cleaning. Thus, electrical, magnetic or optical mechanisms can be used. Alternatively, the water collector (2) or the housing around the water collector (2) can only be equipped with a centrally arranged reed switch (6c1) (or Hall sensor or light barrier or microswitch.

[0027] For comparison, Figures 1a to 1c show state-of-the-art "rotatable" treatment units (1) in which the instrument hose adapter and the suction hose adapter are rotated against each other. not removable and notare designed to be interchangeable. Compared to the prior art, a significant advantageous effect of the present invention is that the dental treatment unit (1) according to the invention is fully compatible with right-left and right-hand sides compared to known treatment units. The instrument hose adapters (4) and suction hose adapters (6) can be removed, replaced, and inserted into the most convenient side of the water unit (2) by the users themselves in just a few simple steps. No technician intervention is necessary, and no settings need to be made or changed on the treatment unit (2). The instrument hose adapter (4) and the suction hose adapter (6) have the same geometric interface to the water collector (2) and can be inserted into either the right or left slot (3c1; 3c2) of the water collector (2). As shown in Fig. 3a to 3dAs shown, the user can remove the instrument hose adapter (4) or the suction hose adapter (6) from the water collector (2) and clean the slots (3c1;3c2).

Claims

1. Dental treatment unit (1) with water unit (2) comprising a water collector (3) with an inlet (3a) for water and cleaning chemicals and an outlet (3b); a removable instrument hose adapter (4) for insertion into a first slot (3c1) of the water collector (3), wherein the instrument hose adapter (4) has one or more instrument hose adapter openings (4a) for connecting instrument hoses (5), wherein in the inserted state the instrument hose adapter openings (4a) are in fluid communication with the outlet (3b); a removable suction hose adapter (6) for insertion into a second slot (3c2) of the water collector (3), wherein the suction hose adapter (6) has one or more suction hose adapter openings (6a) for connecting suction hoses (7), wherein in the inserted state the suction hose adapter openings (6a) are in fluid communication with the inlet (3a), the instrument hose adapter (4) and the suction hose adapter (6) are designed to be interchangeable so that each can be inserted selectively into the first slot (3c1) or into the second slot (3c2), characterized in that the suction hose adapter (6) has a reservoir (6b) which is designed to receive water and cleaning chemicals from the inlet (3a), wherein the suction hose adapter (6) has an integrated start button (6c) for cleaning the suction hose.

2. Dental treatment unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the suction hose adapter (6) and the instrument hose adapter (4) each have a locking device for locking the same in the inserted first or second slot (3c1;3c2).

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