Dispensing device for dental materials with volume flow measurement device

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing device for dental materials from a cartridge system (1), the dispensing device having a motor (5), a holder (6), a motor controller (7), an actuator (8) and a volume flow measurement apparatus for determining the dispensed volume or volume flow, wherein by means of the actuator (8) a discharge plunger (3) of a cartridge system (1, 51) can be driven, the actuator (8) can be driven by means of the motor (5), the volume flow measurement apparatus has a sensor (9, 11) which is connected to a processor (10) connected to the motor controller for evaluating measurement signals, wherein the processor (10) is designed for evaluation such that the volume or volume flow of dispensed dental material can be determined. The invention also relates to a method for dispensing a dental material, in particular a dental impression compound, from a cartridge system (1) using a dispensing device, at least one impression tray (40) with a machine-readable identification (46) and a system consisting of such a dispensing device and at least one such impression tray (40).

Description

[0001] , squeezing device for dental materials with volume flow measuring device

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a squeezing device for dental materials, in particular for dental impression materials, and to a method for squeezing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system using a squeezing device.

[0004] Modern dental impression materials are primarily offered in cartridge systems, particularly in two-component cartridges, which are mechanically or electrically dispensed and mixed using a dispensing device. Such handheld dispensing devices are known, for example, from WO 2017 / 207188 A1 and EP 3 718 501 A1. A single-chamber cartridge for self-curing or moisture-curing materials, such as those used in construction for sealing, is known from US Pat. No. 5,909,830 A. Pneumatic or electrically driven dispensing devices are also commercially available for such purposes. However, these are not readily suitable for dispensing dental impression materials.

[0005] For the direct application of dental impression materials in the patient's mouth, smaller two-component cartridges with two chambers and a capacity of 5 ml to 100 ml have become established. A dispensing device for cartridge systems with such small volumes is known, for example, from US 2018 / 0250103 A1. However, there are also smaller, serially arranged cartridges with a volume of less than 5 ml. The dental impression material is placed in a dispensing device, also called a "dispensing gun," and mechanically conveyed via a rack actuator that acts on the dispensing pistons in the cartridge. The mixer is designed to be static.

[0006] These cartridges and cartridge systems are used for low-viscosity to high-viscosity materials (Types 1 to 3 according to DIN ISO 4823:2015, published August 2015). Higher-viscosity impression materials (Type 1) place high pressure on the user due to their high extrusion forces.

[0007] A mold for the localized application of a dental impression material is known from WO 2017 / 048918 A1. An impression tray that allows assignment to a specific patient is known from EP 3 037 059 A1. US 2010 / 0075273 A1 describes another mold for receiving a dental impression material for the purpose of taking an impression in a patient's oral cavity.

[0008] Generic electric dispensing devices, also referred to as dispensing units, are known from US 2009 / 279382 A1, US 2015 / 157429 A1, and DE 20 2006 006 147 U1. Such dispensing devices may have a base and primarily mix and dispense dental material from larger cartridges with, for example, a total capacity of 350 ml to 400 ml. They are usually used in stationary applications. Dental impression materials provided by such dispensing devices are used to fill dental impression trays, which can be used to take impressions in the patient's oral cavity. Dispensing devices may be equipped with a mixer, which can also be electrically driven.

[0009] When filling a dental impression tray using a dispensing device with an integrated mixer and cartridge systems with large 380 ml cartridges, the user presses a feed button or control element on the dispensing device and fills a suitable dental impression tray. The user estimates the amount of impression material. By pressing the feed button or control element, the dispensing device feeds the dental material for as long as the feed button or control element is pressed. The dental impression tray must be pivoted under the outlet opening of the dispensing device in order to fill all areas of the dental impression tray. This manual process must be performed by the user with both hands. With a large variety of impression trays, this process requires routine and concentration.

[0010] Dental impression trays are available in various sizes to suit the different oral cavity situations of different patients, so filling them requires a certain amount of practice from the user. In the worst case, the dental impression tray is underfilled and the dental impression taken is incomplete. The process then has to be repeated. Overfilling the dental impression tray can also lead to problems, as the excess dental impression material can enter the throat and cause the patient to gag. This, in addition to the discomfort, can also lead to the interruption of the impression taking and thus to the loss of the impression material.

[0011] One object of the invention is to at least partially overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art. One of the objectives may be to simplify the use of the squeezing device for the user. A simplification can be seen in the fact that further automation of the dispensing of squeezing-out dental material is enabled. One object of the invention is, in particular, to provide the user with the correct filling quantity of dental impression material for specified impression trays by means of a programmed or programmable delivery rate. The objects of the invention are at least partially achieved by a squeezing device for squeezing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system, the squeezing device comprising a motor, in particular a stepper motor, the squeezing device further comprising a holder for fastening a cartridge system,a motor controller, an actuator, and a volume flow measuring device for determining the volume or a volume flow of a dental material pressed out of the dispensing device, wherein at least one dispensing piston of a cartridge system fastened to the holder in the dispensing device can be driven by the actuator, wherein the actuator can be driven by the motor or a mechanically transmitted drive of the actuator can be supported by the motor, wherein the volume flow measuring device has at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is connected to a processor for evaluating measurement signals from the at least one sensor, wherein the processor is connected to the motor controller, and wherein the processor is designed or programmed to evaluate the measurement signals in such a way,that the volume or volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the cartridge system by advancing the at least one dispensing piston can be determined.,

[0012] The dental material can be an impression material, a dental adhesive, or a dental cement. The dental material is particularly preferably a dental impression material.

[0013] It can be provided that the dental material is a viscous dental material, in particular a highly viscous dental material.

[0014] The holder for fastening the cartridge system in the dispensing device should be capable of fastening or fixing the cartridge system in the dispensing device in such a way that at least one dispensing piston in at least one cartridge of the cartridge system can be advanced with the aid of the actuator in the direction of at least one outlet opening of the cartridge.

[0015] The cartridge system preferably has at least one cartridge, each with a cylindrical interior, wherein in the at least one interior of the at least one cartridge there is arranged a dispensing piston which is movably mounted in the direction of a cylinder symmetry axis of the at least one interior, wherein at least one opening for squeezing out the contents of the at least one cartridge is arranged at one end of the cartridge and wherein the dental material or starting components of the dental material are contained between the opening for squeezing out and the at least one dispensing piston.

[0016] The cartridge system particularly preferably comprises two adjacent cartridges, each with a cylindrical interior, wherein a dispensing piston is arranged in the interior of each of the two cartridges, wherein the dispensing pistons are movably mounted in the direction of a cylindrical axis of symmetry of the respective interior, wherein at least one opening for squeezing out the contents of the two cartridges is arranged at one end of each of the two cartridges, and wherein the starting components for producing the dental material are contained between the squeezing opening and the dispensing piston. By advancing the dispensing pistons with the actuator, the starting components are then expelled from the two cartridges and mixed with one another within the squeezing device, thereby producing the dental material.For this purpose, the dispensing device can comprise a mixer, particularly a static mixer, through which the starting components are forced through the mixer by the pressure exerted on the dispensing pistons. After mixing, the dental material is dispensed from the dispensing device. The energy required for this is provided by the dispensing device's motor, which drives the actuator.

[0017] In a cartridge system with only one cartridge, the motor of the dispensing device also provides the necessary energy to expel the dental material from the cartridge.

[0018] It can be provided that at least two starting components for producing the dental material are contained or stored in the cartridge system, and that the dispensing device is designed to mix the at least two starting components with one another within the dispensing device. The mixing of the at least two starting components can be driven or drivable by the propulsion of the actuator.

[0019] The volume flow measuring device is a device with which the volume flow or the volume of the dental material pressed out of the dispensing device can be determined, wherein a measurement signal from at least one sensor is evaluated with the aid of the processor. In this case, a volume of dental material pressed out of the dispensing device over a specific period of time or a volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the dispensing device can be determined with the aid of the volume flow measuring device. The pressed-out volume can be calculated from the volume flow over time (e.g., integrally). Conversely, the volume flow can also be calculated from the temporal sequence of pressed-out volumes. The processor can be designed as a single unit with the motor control as a shared control system.

[0020] A volume flow is understood to mean the extrusion of a volume in a specific unit of time, or the extruded volume per unit of time. According to the invention, an actuator is understood to be a part of the extrusion device with which a linear propulsion of at least one dispensing piston or of the at least one dispensing piston of the cartridge system can be effected. The actuator can preferably be a linearly advancing plunger or a linearly advancing rod or pairs thereof. However, other actuators are also conceivable, such as a link chain.

[0021] The motor can be connected directly or indirectly to the actuator.

[0022] The motor is preferably a stepper motor. The sensor or one of the sensors of the at least one sensor is preferably a stepper motor pedometer.

[0023] The fact that the motor can support a mechanically transmitted drive of the actuator means that part of the force required to drive the actuator is provided by the motor. For example, the actuator can be driven manually and simultaneously by the motor, for example, by manually operating a lever, crank, or similar device. The force applied by the user is used to drive the actuator, while the motor simultaneously provides the remaining force required to drive the actuator.

[0024] It can be provided according to the invention that the at least one sensor is or has a volume flow sensor, a step counter for determining the number of revolutions of the motor, in particular a step counter for determining the number of steps of the stepper motor, and / or a position sensor for determining the position of the at least one dispensing piston and / or the actuator relative to the holder for fastening the cartridge system,wherein the extruded volume of dental material is determinable by measuring the volume flow of the dental material with the volume flow sensor and / or by determining the number of revolutions of the motor or the steps of the stepper motor and a known volume of extruded dental material per revolution of the motor or per step of the stepper motor and / or by determining the position of the at least one discharge piston and / or the actuator and a known volume of extruded dental material per unit length of the position of the at least one discharge piston and / or the actuator relative to the holder.

[0025] Through each of these measures, the determination of the volume of the extruded dental material can be carried out and implemented in a simple and reproducible manner.

[0026] A volume flow sensor can be used, for example, as an impeller meter or a rotating (and possibly also driven by a separate motor) conveyor screw of a mixer, which can preferably be arranged in the area of ​​a mixing device for mixing the starting components of the dental material. A position sensor can be used, for example, as a potentiometric measuring arrangement in which an electrical resistance is measured as a function of a protruding length of the actuator. Other methods for determining the volume or volume flow are generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The fact that the position of the at least one dispensing piston and / or the actuator and a known volume of extruded dental material per unit length of the position of the at least one dispensing piston and / or the actuator relative to the holder can be determined does not mean that this must be measured directly on the holder. Any other part of the dispensing device that is arranged in a defined and known spatial relationship to the holder can be used for the measurement.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the squeezing device has a volume flow controller, wherein the volume flow controller is connected to the volume flow measuring device and the motor control and wherein a volume of the dental material to be pressed out of the squeezing device can be regulated and / or adjusted with the volume flow controller and / or a volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the squeezing device can be regulated and / or adjusted with the volume flow controller.

[0029] This allows the squeezing device to set and dispense a specific volume flow or a specific volume of dental material pressed out of the cartridge system.

[0030] Furthermore, it can be provided that the squeezing device has an electronic memory and an input device, wherein several different volumes can be selected via the input device and, with the aid of the motor control, the selected volumes can be pressed out fully automatically with the squeezing device from a cartridge system fastened to the holder in the squeezing device.

[0031] This further simplifies the use of the squeezing device for the user.

[0032] The input device should be manually operable. The entire discharge device should not be entirely manually operable, as the actuator is motor-driven or at least motor-assisted. The input device should be manually operable.

[0033] To retrieve stored volumes of dental material to be expressed, the input device and / or the processor can be connected to the electronic memory and the electronic memory and / or the input device can be connected to the processor and / or the motor control.In the case of squeezing devices with an input device, it can be provided that a volume or measured volume flow or measured temporal volume flow profile of the dental material previously pressed out with the squeezing device by means of individual and manual settings and measured with the volume flow measuring device can be stored in the electronic memory via an input on the input device and that this volume and / or the volume flow of the dental material required for this and / or its temporal profile and the temporal control of the motor required for this can then be called up from the electronic memory via the input device and reproduced with the squeezing device.

[0034] This also allows individual settings and processes with the squeezing device to be saved and retrieved later.

[0035] Furthermore, it can be provided that the plurality of different volumes that can be selected via the input device can be identified on the input device by means of an identification of a vessel to be filled with the dental material, in particular by means of a numbering and / or letter identification of the vessel to be filled with the dental material, so that the input is clearly assigned to a vessel with a suitable volume for receiving the dental material.

[0036] In this case, it can again preferably be provided that the vessel is an impression tray and the dental material is a dental impression material.

[0037] This makes it easy for the user to identify the program of the squeezing device and the associated container, thus further facilitating successful operation and use of the squeezing device.

[0038] According to a preferred development, it can be provided that the squeezing device has a residual quantity display and a residual quantity calculation module, wherein the residual quantity calculation module is connected to the volume flow measuring device and wherein the residual quantity calculation module is programmed in such a way that it determines, stores or reads the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system fastened in the holder in the completely filled state, or this can be defined by an input and subtracts the volume previously produced with this cartridge system from this producible volume in order to calculate a residual quantity, wherein the residual quantity calculated with the residual quantity calculation module can be displayed on the residual quantity display.

[0039] It can be provided that the residual quantity calculation module is programmed in such a way that, when the calculated residual quantity is small, it selects a suitable vessel, in particular a dental impression tray, with a receiving volume suitable for the remaining residual quantity and suggests the suitable vessel on the residual quantity display.

[0040] It can also be provided that the residual quantity calculation module is programmed in such a way that when a volume to be pressed out is selected which, according to the calculated residual quantity, is no longer contained in the attached cartridge system or can be produced therewith, a corresponding message is displayed on the residual quantity display, in particular a request to change the cartridge system, and / or a maximum available volume of the dental material is displayed.

[0041] In this way, the user can immediately see whether the next volume of dental material to be pressed out can still be pressed out using the cartridge system that has already been opened and is attached to the dispensing device, or whether a new or unused cartridge system must or should be used.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided that the squeezing device has a scanner for reading in an identifier of the cartridge system fastened to the holder or an identification sensor for identifying the cartridge system fastened to the holder, wherein preferably the identifier read in by the scanner or the identification determined by the identification sensor can be transmitted to the processor or to the residual quantity calculation module for identifying the contents of the cartridge system and / or the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system.

[0043] This further simplifies the use of the squeezing device.

[0044] For example, and preferably according to the invention, an RFID reader can be used as the identification sensor, which reads an RFID chip of the cartridge system. Alternatively, the identification sensor can also determine the length and / or diameter of two cartridges of the cartridge system and derive suitable information therefrom. Other information regarding the contents of the cartridge system can also be transmitted via an RFID chip or a QR code or a hologram of the cartridge system and subsequently processed and used by the dispensing device, such as information regarding the shelf life and / or the composition of the contents of the cartridge system. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided that, upon detection of the expiration date being exceeded and / or upon detection of undesirable contents, dispensing is prevented or at least a corresponding warning is sent to the user.It can be provided that at least one plate is fastened to a front side of the actuator, with which at least one discharge piston of the cartridge system is to be pressed into the at least one cartridge of the cartridge system.

[0045] Furthermore, it can be provided that the squeezing device is suitable for squeezing cartridge systems for dental impression materials, in particular two-component cartridges for dental impression materials, wherein the cartridge system preferably provides a volume between 100 ml and 1000 ml of the dental impression material, particularly preferably provides a volume between 250 ml and 600 ml of the dental impression material, very particularly preferably provides a volume between 300 ml and 500 ml of the dental impression material.

[0046] This allows dental impression materials to be provided in the desired quantities using the squeezing device.

[0047] The cartridge system can preferably be a part of the squeezing device according to the invention, in particular a replaceable part of the squeezing device according to the invention.

[0048] It can also be provided that the squeezing device is suitable at least for squeezing cartridge systems at least for dental impression materials of type 1 and / or type 2 according to DIN ISO 4823:2015.

[0049] This allows commercially available dental impression materials to be provided in the desired quantities using the squeezing device.

[0050] It can be provided that the squeezing device has a reading device for reading in an identifier of a vessel, in particular of a dental impression tray, wherein the reading device is connected to the processor and the processor is programmed such that, depending on the vessel, in particular of the recognized dental impression tray, recognized by the reading device, a volume, a volume flow rate and / or a time profile of the volume flow suitable for the recognized vessel, in particular of the recognized dental impression tray, can be selected and provided by corresponding control of the motor.

[0051] This further simplifies the use of the squeezing device.

[0052] According to the invention, it can also be provided that the squeezing device has a reading device for reading an identifier of the vessel or the dental impression tray. This can further reduce operating errors. The reading device can be a scanner, a hologram scanner, a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, or an RFID tag reader. For this purpose, a machine-readable label, a hologram, a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID chip can be arranged on each vessel or each impression tray, which allows a clear assignment to a specific volume flow, volume, or temporal progression of the volume flow. Such a reading device can be provided as part of an input device, or instead of the input device, or in addition to an input device.When the vessel or dental impression tray approaches and is successfully recognized by the reader, the appropriate volume, volume flow or program can be suggested, which the user then only has to activate or confirm.

[0053] The objects underlying the present invention are at least partially also achieved by a method for squeezing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system using a squeezing device, characterized by the steps

[0054] A) Attaching the cartridge system to the dispensing device,

[0055] B) Driving an actuator of the squeezing device with a motor, wherein the actuator drives at least one dispensing piston of the cartridge system in at least one cartridge of the cartridge system,

[0056] C) Pressing out a dental material or starting components of the dental material from the cartridge system by advancing the at least one dispensing piston in the at least one cartridge, whereby the dental material is pressed out of the at least one cartridge or is produced and pressed out by mixing the starting components from the at least one cartridge,

[0057] D) measuring the volume flow and / or the volume of the dental material pressed out with the dispensing device and determining the volume of the dental material pressed out with the dispensing device, and

[0058] E) Stopping the driving of the actuator of the squeezing device when a target volume of the squeezing-out dental material is reached and / or controlling the volume flow of the squeezing-out dental material to set a target volume flow of the squeezing-out dental material or to set a desired time profile of the volume flow of the squeezing-out dental material.

[0059] Preferably, the method is not a method for treating a human or animal body.

[0060] An offset can be taken into account in the target volume to compensate for any continued flow of dental material after the actuator has stopped driving. Such continued flow can occur particularly with viscous and highly viscous dental materials because the parts of the cartridge system and also of the dispensing device can deform elastically, and dental material continues to flow upon reset. In methods according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the method is carried out with a dispensing device described previously or herein.

[0061] The method then has the advantages achievable with the device and mentioned above.

[0062] In methods according to the invention, it can also be provided that the target volume and / or the target volume flow and / or the desired temporal progression of the volume flow is or are determined and defined by a prior pressing out of dental material with manual settings and measurement of the volume flow and / or the volume, wherein preferably the target volume and / or the target volume flow and / or the desired temporal progression of the volume flow is or are stored in an electronic memory in a retrievable manner, wherein particularly preferably the temporal progression of the pressing out process is additionally stored in the electronic memory.

[0063] This also allows individual settings and processes with the squeezing device to be saved and retrieved later.

[0064] Furthermore, it can be provided that the target volume is selected from a plurality of previously stored target volumes, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels for receiving the dental material.

[0065] It can also be provided that the target volume flow is selected from a plurality of previously stored target volume flows, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels for receiving the dental material.

[0066] Furthermore, it can be provided that the desired temporal sequence of the volume flow is selected from a plurality of previously stored temporal sequences of volume flows, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels for receiving the dental material.

[0067] This simplifies the application of the procedure.

[0068] Preferably, it can be provided that the volume of dental material pressed out with the dispensing device, determined with the aid of the measurement of the volume flow and / or the volume and / or the time profile of the volume flow, is mathematically subtracted from a known residual quantity of the available dental material that can be pressed out of the cartridge system fastened in the dispensing device, and the remaining residual quantity is shown on a display and / or is taken into account in a subsequent dispensing process in such a way that the dispensing process is only started when a sufficient residual quantity is available in the cartridge system for the volume of dental material to be pressed out, and otherwise a warning or a request to change the cartridge system is displayed.

[0069] In this way, the user can immediately see whether the next volume of dental material to be pressed out can still be pressed out with the already opened cartridge system or whether a fresh cartridge system must be inserted.

[0070] Furthermore, it can also be provided that the squeezing device has a scanner for reading in an identifier of the cartridge system fastened in the holder or an identification sensor for identifying the cartridge system fastened in the holder, wherein the identifier of the cartridge system is read in by the scanner or the identification of the cartridge system is determined using the identification sensor and then the identifier or the identification is used to identify the contents of the cartridge system and / or the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system, wherein preferably the identifier or the identification is taken into account during the squeezing process, at the start of the squeezing process and / or when calculating the remaining quantity available in the cartridge system.

[0071] This further simplifies the use of the squeezing device and increases comfort for the user.

[0072] It can also be provided that the vessel to be filled, in particular the dental impression tray to be filled, is recognized or identified by a reader of the squeezing device and a volume, volume flow and / or time profile of the volume flow of the dental material, in particular the dental impression material, that matches the volume of the vessel, in particular the impression tray, is selected or suggested and confirmed via an input device.

[0073] This further simplifies the process for the user.

[0074] It can further be provided that the squeezing device has a reading device for reading in a machine-readable identifier of a vessel, in particular of a dental impression tray, wherein the identifier is read in and then the identifier is used to identify the vessel, in particular a shape or a volume of a cavity of the dental impression tray as a vessel, wherein the target volume, the volume flow and / or the time course of the volume flow of the dental material is set or controlled depending on the identifier of the vessel.

[0075] This prevents incorrect operation of the squeezing device and further simplifies the implementation of the method according to the invention.

[0076] The objects underlying the present invention are at least partially also achieved by a dental impression tray for receiving a dental impression material, the dental impression tray comprising a handle for holding the dental impression tray and a cavity for receiving the dental impression material, wherein the dental impression tray has a machine-readable identifier, wherein the machine-readable identifier contains information from which the geometric shape, the volume, the length and / or the width of the cavity can be read.

[0077] It is provided that the machine-readable identifier is arranged on an outwardly facing surface of the dental impression tray, preferably on a side of the surface of the impression tray opposite the handle.

[0078] It can be provided that the machine-readable identifier is a hologram, a barcode, a QR code, a machine-readable label, a graphic print, a machine-readable sticker or an RFID chip, preferably a hologram, a barcode, a QR code or an RFID chip.

[0079] Furthermore, it can be provided that the machine-readable identifier contains information from which the geometric shape, volume, length and / or width of the cavity can be read.

[0080] This enables clear assignment and automated use of the impression trays can be implemented.

[0081] According to the invention, a plurality of dental impression trays can also be provided, in which each dental impression tray has a different machine-readable identifier that allows recognition of the shape and / or volume of the cavity.

[0082] The objects underlying the present invention are at least partially also achieved by a system for taking an impression with a dental impression material, comprising a previously described squeezing device with a reading device for reading an identifier of a vessel, in particular of a dental impression tray, and comprising at least one previously described dental impression tray or the previously described plurality of dental impression trays.

[0083] The invention is based on the surprising discovery that the use of a volume flow measuring device, which, together with a processor, determines the volume or volume flow pressed out of the cartridge system, simplifies the use of the dispensing device for the user, enabling automated and standardized filling of containers such as dental impression trays. It also provides the option of displaying the remaining amount of dental material that can still be dispensed. This reduces the need for concentration and skill when using the dispensing device, and allows the user to see at a glance whether a sufficient amount of dental material can still be dispensed using the cartridge system used. These measures improve the user-friendliness of the dispensing device.At the same time, unnecessary waste of dental material due to excess filling or repeated filling of dental material due to incorrect operation is prevented.

[0084] According to the invention, the delivery rate per button press or per operation can be determined via a control program in the processor or in the motor control of the dispensing device, which determines the advance of the actuator and thus the movement of the dispensing pistons (or of the at least one dispensing piston) in the cartridges (or in the cartridge) of the cartridge system per operation and thus the delivery rate of the dispensed dental material. The user presses a program button "1", for example, and 55 ml of dental impression material is dispensed into the dental impression tray. The delivery rate is preferably already coordinated with the used and selected dental impression tray. The dental impression tray, for example, also has a marking with the number "1" or a suitable character sequence for precise and quick assignment.The spoon range is numbered and for each number there are respective delivery programs in the squeezing device tailored to the spoon contents.

[0085] Instead of a marking with a number or a character string, an identifier with a hologram, a QR code, a barcode or a readable RFID chip can also be provided, which is read or read out with a reader of the squeezing device, and the allocation of the volume of the dental impression material is carried out accordingly.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing device remembers or stores the dispensed quantity, totals it, and calculates the available remaining amount of dental material. During the remaining emptying, for example, an impression tray can be suggested, which can be filled with the remaining amount of dental material in the cartridge system.

[0087] Preferably, at least one additional button can be freely programmable by the user. This allows the amount (volume) and / or duration and / or timing of the dispensing to be individually adjusted and specified. This also allows dental impression trays outside of the user's own numbered range to be programmed.

[0088] The advantage of the solution according to the invention is that even inexperienced users can fill the dental impression trays to the ideal size.

[0089] In addition, less dental material waste is generated. Furthermore, the invention enables better utilization of residual quantities when filling the last dental impression tray through a quantity display and the program-based selection of a suitable dental impression tray as a container for holding the dental material.

[0090] Further embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to two schematically illustrated figures, without, however, limiting the invention. In the figures:

[0091] Figure 1: a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to the invention, in which a cartridge system is mounted, with a vessel for receiving a dental material; and

[0092] Figure 2: a schematic perspective view of another squeezing device according to the invention with a transparent lid (dashed line), in which a cartridge system containing the starting components for a dental impression material is inserted and fastened.

[0093] Figure 1 shows (top in Figure 1) a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to the invention into which a cartridge system 1 can be inserted. The cartridge system 1 can have one or more cartridges 2. Each cartridge 2 has a dispensing piston 3 with which a starting component 4 for producing a dental material can be expelled from the cartridge 2. The cartridge system 1 can contain starting components 4 of a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, which can be mixed with the dispensing device to produce the dental material, in particular the dental impression material. The cartridges 2 can be arranged one behind the other in the image plane of Figure 1, so that only one of two cartridges 2 is visible in Figure 1, and the other is concealed by the cartridge 2 shown in section. The cartridges 2 are then arranged parallel to one another, analogous to the parallel arrangement according to Figure 2.However, it is also possible for the cartridge system 1 to have only one cartridge 2, in which case the starting component 4 is the dental material itself. The cartridge system 1 can be secured in the dispensing device with a holder 6 of the dispensing device in a desired position and orientation of the cartridge(s) 2.

[0094] The squeezing device has a motor 5, which can be used to drive the movable parts mounted in the squeezing device to extrude the starting components 4. The squeezing device has a motor controller 7, which can be used to control the motor 5. For this purpose, the motor controller 7 is connected to the motor 5, for example, via a cable and an interface.

[0095] The squeezing device has an actuator 8, which can be designed as a push rod. The actuator 8 can also be realized by two push rods arranged parallel to one another in order to be able to squeeze out the contents of two cartridges 2 arranged parallel to one another. The actuator 8 can be driven by the motor 5. In a preferred embodiment, the motor 5 can be designed as an electric motor, in particular as a stepper motor. The motor 5 can be connected to the actuator 8 via a clutch and a gear. A drive shaft can also be provided. The actuator 8 can be driven linearly in an axial direction by the motor 5, so that the dispensing piston(s) 3 in the cartridge(s) 2 can be driven by the actuator 8.The motor 5 can, for example, drive at least one gear (not shown), wherein the actuator 8 can then preferably have at least one rack or can be designed as at least one rack, so that by rotating the at least one gear, the at least one rack and thus the actuator 8 is driven linearly in the axial direction. Other possibilities for driving the actuator 8 with the aid of the motor 5 are generally known and can also be used. To supply energy to the motor 5, the squeezing device can contain an energy storage device in the form of several accumulators or battery cells, or the squeezing device can have a mains connection for the power supply (not shown). Theoretically, a compressed gas cartridge can also be used as an energy storage device, or a compressed gas connection can be present if a compressed air motor is used as the motor 5.

[0096] The squeezing device can have a volume flow measuring device with a sensor 9 and / or a sensor 11 and a processor 10, wherein the sensor 9 and / or the sensor 11 can be connected to the processor 10 via a connection 12, such as a cable. The processor 10 is preferably programmed or designed to evaluate the measurement signals of the sensor 9 and / or the sensor 11. The sensor 9 can be arranged in the region of a discharge opening 28 of the squeezing device, through which the dental material (optionally after mixing the starting components 4) is discharged from the squeezing device. The sensor 11 can be a sensor for determining the position and the change in the position of the actuator 8, which determines the position of the actuator 8, wherein the processor 10 calculates the volume, the volume flow and / or the change in the volume flow of the dental material over time.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, a step counter of the motor 5 can also be used as a sensor of the volume flow measuring device.

[0098] An input device 14 in the form of a control panel can be provided on the top side of the squeezing device. The input device 14 can have a plurality of switches, buttons and / or keys 16 as well as a display 18. The display 18 can be a pure display but can also be designed as a touchscreen. The input device 14 can be connected to the processor 10 via the display 18. In this way, the inputs at the input device 14 can be processed directly by the processor 10. Likewise, information to the user from the processor 10 can be displayed on the display 18. In particular, the squeezing device can have a remaining time calculation module 19, which can be designed as part of the processor 10.The remaining time calculation module 19 can be programmed, or can be a program structure of the processor 10, to calculate, or using a volume of the already pressed-out dental material determined via the volume flow measuring device and a known fill level of the unused cartridge system 1, a still existing residual amount of the cartridge system 1 in use. The still existing quantity calculation module 19 can show the result of this calculation on the display 18 and thus inform the user about the still available quantity of dental material in the dispensing device and the cartridge system 1 currently contained in the dispensing device. It can also be provided that a warning message appears if a container (such as a dental impression tray) with a volume that is too large for the remaining amount is selected and / or a container is suggested that matches the still existing residual amount.

[0099] Preferably, the processor 10 can have an electronic memory 21 or be connected to an electronic memory 21. Preprogrammed extrusion processes can be programmed in the electronic memory 21. These preprogrammed extrusion processes can be assigned to specific vessel sizes (for example, impression trays for dental impression materials), whereby individual buttons 16 of the input device 14 can be assigned to individual preprogrammed extrusion processes. The user can then use one of the buttons 16 to select a specific extrusion process suitable for a specific vessel, in particular a suitable volume, and the extrusion device can subsequently carry out the desired extrusion process by suitable control of the motor 5. The extrusion process can be monitored, controlled and / or regulated using the sensor 9, the sensor 11 and / or the volume flow measuring device.

[0100] It can also be provided that the input device 14 with the display 18 is directly connected to the engine control 7.

[0101] The squeezing device can have a housing 20 with a closable lid 22. The lid 22 can be opened via a hinge 24 and closed by placing the side of the lid 22 opposite the hinge 24 against a stop 26. The housing 20 can also be made of plastic and / or be at least partially transparent to enable the user to determine by visual inspection whether a cartridge system 1 is inserted. The housing 20 serves to securely store the cartridge system 1 during the squeezing process. When the lid 22 is open, the cartridge system 1 can be replaced, and a new cartridge system can be fastened in the squeezing device by means of the holder 6.

[0102] The dispensing device can have a base (in Figure 1, the flat underside of the housing 20) for setting up the dispensing device. Alternatively, a handle (not shown) for manually holding the dispensing device can be arranged on one side of the dispensing device. The dispensing device can thus be constructed in the manner of a cartridge gun. The user can hold the dispensing device with one hand on the handle. At least one further button, switch, or trigger can be arranged on the handle as an operating device for the dispensing device. However, the dispensing device is preferably a free-standing device with an input device 14 on the top of the dispensing device, as shown in Figure 1.

[0103] At the tip of the actuator 8 (in Figure 1 at the left end of the actuator 8) a plate (not shown) can be provided, wherein with one side of the plate a pressure can be exerted on the dispensing piston 3 of the cartridge system 1 in order to press the starting component 4 out of the cartridge 2 of the cartridge system 1 and, if necessary, to apply it as dental material after mixing.

[0104] The actuator 8 can be displaceable in the axial direction against the holder 6 and the housing 20, so that a movement of the actuator 8 can exert a force on a cartridge system 1 fastened to the holder 6.

[0105] A discharge tube with an integrated static or active mixer can be arranged on the front of the dispensing device (left in Figure 1), which opens into the discharge opening 28. The contents of the cartridge(s) 2 can be mixed with the mixer as the contents of the cartridge(s) 2 are expelled.

[0106] The cartridges 2 can be connected to each other and to the dispensing tube via a pipe-shaped line 30. The dispensing tube and the line 30 then form a T-piece that connects the two cartridges 2 and the dispensing opening 28.

[0107] By advancing the dispensing piston 3 or the dispensing pistons 3, the contents of the cartridge(s) 2 can be pressed out through the dispensing tube and the dispensing opening 28. The dispensing piston 2 can be driven by the actuator 8 of the dispensing device if the cartridge system 1 is connected in the dispensing device.

[0108] The motor 5 can be connected to the housing 20 via a strut 32. The dispensing device can have a scanner or an identification sensor 34 with which the inserted cartridge system 1 can be read, identified, or determined. The scanner or identification sensor 34 can be connected to the processor 10 for this purpose. The scanner or identification sensor 34 can be used to determine the remaining amount of contents for the remaining amount calculation module 19. The shelf life of the contents or the composition of the contents of the cartridge system 1 can also be determined and, if necessary, evaluated or used for other measures.

[0109] A reader 38 can be arranged on the front of the squeezing device, for example in the form of a scanner (e.g., a hologram scanner, a QR code scanner, or a barcode scanner) or in the form of an RFID reader. With the reader 38, an identifier (e.g., a hologram, a QR code, a barcode, or an RFID chip) on a vessel 40, such as a dental impression tray 40, can be read or read out. The information can be forwarded to the processor 10 in the manner of an input. The processor can then select a desired program from the electronic memory 21 that matches the vessel 40, such as a specific volume, a specific volume flow, and / or a specific time profile of a volume flow. The motor 5 is then controlled by the motor controller 7 according to the program.

[0110] A method according to the invention can, for example, proceed as follows:

[0111] First, a cartridge system 1 with two parallel cartridges 2 is secured in the dispensing device using the holder 6. The lid 22 can then be closed. Using the scanner or identification device 34, an identifier on the cartridge system 1 (for example, a hologram, a barcode, a QR code scanned, or an RFID chip read) can be read and stored in the processor 10 or in the memory 21 of the processor 10. In this way, the dispensing device has information about the contents of the cartridge system 1.

[0112] Subsequently, a specific volume matching a specific vessel 40 or dental impression tray 40 can be selected via the input device 14. Alternatively or additionally, the vessel 40 to be filled, in particular the dental impression tray 40 to be filled, can be identified using the reader 38, and a suitable program can be selected or suggested and confirmed via the input device 14. The processor 10 controls the motor control 7 according to the selected volume, thereby driving the motor 5.

[0113] The motor 5 drives the actuator 8 of the squeezing device, wherein the actuator 8 drives at least one dispensing piston 3 or the dispensing pistons 3 of the cartridge system 1 in the at least one cartridge 2 of the cartridge system 1.

[0114] As a result, material is extruded from the cartridge system 1 by advancing the dispensing piston(s) 3 in the cartridge(s) 2. The contents of the cartridges 2 are mixed by the pressure on the dispensing piston(s) 3 in the static mixer in the dispensing tube, thereby producing the dental material, such as a dental impression material. The dental material is extruded from the cartridges 2 and from the dispensing opening 28 and can be filled into the container, in particular the impression tray.

[0115] The extruded volume and the volume flow of the dental material are monitored by the volume flow measuring device and calculated using processor 10. The volume of dental material extruded by the extrusion device is determined. The control system using processor 10 stops driving motor 5 and thus actuator 8 of the extrusion device when a target volume of extruded dental material is reached. Additionally, the volume flow of the extruded dental material can be controlled to set a target volume flow.

[0116] In addition to the volumes and volume flows stored in the memory 21, an individually determined volume and an individually defined volume flow and temporal progression of a volume flow can also be stored. For this purpose, the input device 14 can be used to enter that the subsequent volume or the subsequent volume flow or the subsequent temporal volume flow progression is to be linked to a previously selected assignment (e.g., a specific key 16). A volume or volume flow or temporal volume flow progression of the dental material is then manually pressed out of the cartridge system 1 (e.g., by pressing a specific key 16), and the volume and / or the volume flow and / or the temporal volume flow progression is determined using the volume flow measuring device.At the end of the extrusion process, the extruded quantity (volume) of dental material can be stored in memory 21 and later retrieved and automatically extruded. Likewise, a specific temporal volume flow profile can be generated, saved, and later selected, retrieved, and reproduced.

[0117] A remaining quantity display can also be carried out using the remaining quantity calculation module 19.

[0118] The squeezing device can be used to fill a vessel 40, in particular a dental impression tray 40 as a vessel. A form of a dental impression tray 40 according to the invention is shown at the bottom of Figure 1. The dental impression tray 40 can have a handle 42 for manually holding and operating the dental impression tray 40 and a cavity 44 for receiving the dental impression compound or the dental material that was pressed out using a squeezing device according to the invention, such as the squeezing device shown in Figure 1 or the squeezing device shown in Figure 2. In the dental impression tray 40 according to the invention, a machine-readable identifier 46 is arranged on a surface of the dental impression tray 40.The machine-readable identifier 46 can be read via the reader 38, allowing the dispensing device to receive information about the appropriate volume, the appropriate volume flow, and / or the appropriate timing of the volume flow. The dispensing device can then process this information with the processor to match the detected dental impression tray 40. The dental impression tray 40 is then filled at the push of a button or automatically, in accordance with the machine-readable identifier 46.

[0119] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of another squeezing device according to the invention with a transparent lid 72 (shown in dashed lines and transparent in Figure 2), in which a cartridge system 51 containing the starting components for a dental impression material is inserted and fastened.

[0120] The cartridge system 51 has two cartridges 52, 54 arranged parallel to one another. Each cartridge 52, 54 has a dispensing piston 53, 58 with starting components (not visible) for producing a dental material that can be expelled from the interior of the cartridges 52, 54. The cartridge system 51 contains two starting components of a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, which can be pressed out of the cartridges 52, 54 using the dispensing device and mixed in the dispensing device to produce the dental material, in particular the dental impression material. The cartridge system 51 can be fastened in the dispensing device with a holder 56 of the dispensing device in a desired position and orientation of the cartridges 52, 54.

[0121] The squeezing device has a motor 55, with which the movable, mounted parts in the squeezing device can be driven to squeeze out the starting components. The essential parts of the motor 55 are concealed in Figure 2 and therefore not visible, since the motor 55 is located within the squeezing device. The squeezing device has a motor controller 57 with which the motor 55 can be controlled. For this purpose, the motor controller 57 can be connected to the motor 55, for example, via a cable and an interface. The motor controller 57 is preferably encapsulated and preferably located within the squeezing device.

[0122] The squeezing device has an actuator (not visible in Figure 2 but analogous to Figure 1), which can be designed as a pair of push rods. The actuator can be realized by two push rods arranged parallel to one another in order to squeeze out the contents of the cartridges 52, 54 arranged parallel to one another. The actuator can be driven by the motor 55. In a preferred embodiment, the motor 55 can be designed as an electric motor, in particular as a stepper motor. The motor 55 can be connected to the actuator via a clutch and a gear. A drive shaft can also be provided. The actuator can be driven linearly in an axial direction of the actuator by the motor 55, so that the dispensing pistons 53, 58 in the cartridges 52, 54 can be driven by the actuator.To supply power to the motor 55, the dispensing device may contain an energy storage device in the form of several accumulators or battery cells, or the dispensing device may have a mains connection for the power supply (not shown). Theoretically, a compressed gas cartridge may also be used as the energy storage device, or a compressed gas connection may be present if a compressed air motor is used as the motor 55.

[0123] The squeezing device can have a volume flow measuring device with a sensor 59 and / or a sensor 61 and a processor, wherein the sensor 59 and / or the sensor 61 can be connected to the processor via a connection, such as a line. Strictly speaking, the processor is arranged within the squeezing device and can, for example, be arranged under the housing part 60 to the left of a display 68. The processor is preferably programmed or designed to evaluate the measurement signals from the sensor 59 and / or the sensor 61. The sensor 59 can be arranged in the region of a discharge opening 78 of the squeezing device, through which the dental material (optionally after mixing the starting components) is discharged from the squeezing device.The sensor 61 can be a sensor for determining the position and the change in the position of the actuator or at least one of the dispensing pistons 53, 58 of the cartridge system 52, which determines the position of the actuator or the dispensing pistons 53, 58, respectively, wherein the volume, the volume flow and / or the change in the volume flow of the dental material over time is calculated therefrom using the processor.

[0124] Alternatively or additionally, a step counter of the motor 55 can also be used as a sensor of the volume flow measuring device.

[0125] An input device 64 in the form of a control panel can be provided on the upper side of the squeezing device. The input device 64 can have several switches, knobs, and / or keys 66 as well as the display 88. The display 68 can be a pure display but can theoretically also be designed as a touchscreen.

[0126] The input device 64 can be connected to the processor via the display 68. In this way, the inputs at the input device 64 can be processed directly by the processor. Likewise, information to the user from the processor can be presented on the display 68. In particular, the dispensing device can have a remaining time calculation module that can be implemented as part of the processor. The remaining time calculation module can be programmed or can be a program structure of the processor in order to calculate a remaining quantity of the cartridge system 51 in use, based on a volume of the already dispensed dental material determined via the volume flow measuring device and a known fill level of the unused cartridge system 51.The residual quantity calculation module can display the result of this calculation on the display 68—for example, as a shrinking bar and / or with a color changing from green to red—and thus inform the user about the remaining amount of dental material in the dispensing device and the cartridge system 51 currently contained in the dispensing device. It can also be provided that a warning message appears if a container (such as a dental impression tray) with a volume that is too large for the remaining amount is selected and / or a container is suggested that matches the remaining amount.

[0127] The processor can preferably have an electronic memory or be connected to an electronic memory. Preprogrammed squeezing processes can be programmed in the electronic memory. These preprogrammed squeezing processes can be assigned to specific vessel sizes (for example, impression trays for dental impression materials), whereby individual buttons 66 of the input device 64 can be assigned to individual preprogrammed squeezing processes. The user can then use one of the buttons 66 to select a specific squeezing process suitable for a specific vessel, in particular a suitable volume, and the squeezing device can subsequently carry out the desired squeezing process by suitable control of the motor 55. The squeezing process can be monitored, controlled and / or regulated using the sensor 59 and / or the volume flow measuring device.

[0128] The squeezing device can have a housing 70 with a closable transparent lid 72. The lid 72 can be opened and closed via hinges (not shown) on a lid handle 74. The housing 70 can also be made of plastic and be partially transparent, at least in the area of ​​the lid 72, to allow the user to visually determine whether a cartridge system 51 is inserted or not. The housing 70 serves to securely store the cartridge system 51 during the squeezing process. When the lid 72 is open, the cartridge system 51 can be replaced, and a new cartridge system can be fastened in the squeezing device by means of the holder 56. The squeezing device can have a base 76 for setting up the squeezing device. Theoretically, a handle (not shown) for manually holding the squeezing device can also be arranged on one side of the squeezing device.Preferably, however, the squeezing device is a stand-alone device with an input device 64 on the upper side of the squeezing device opposite the stand base 76, as shown in Figure 2.

[0129] A plate (not shown) can be provided at the tip of the actuator, wherein one side of the plate can exert pressure on the dispensing pistons 53, 58 of the cartridge system 1 in order to press the starting component out of the cartridges 52, 54 of the cartridge system 51 and, after mixing, to apply it as dental material.

[0130] The actuator can be displaceable in the axial direction against the holder 56 and the housing 70, so that a movement of the actuator can exert a force on a cartridge system 51 fastened to the holder 56.

[0131] At the front of the dispensing device (front in Figure 2), a dispensing tube with an integrated static or active mixer can be arranged, which opens into a dispensing opening 78. The contents of the cartridges 52, 54 can be mixed with the mixer as the contents of the cartridges 52, 54 are expelled.

[0132] The cartridges 52, 54 can be connected to each other and to the dispensing tube via lines 80 in the form of pipes. The dispensing tube and the lines 80 then form a pipe system that connects the two cartridges 52, 54 and the dispensing opening 78.

[0133] The dispensing device can have a scanner or an identification sensor (not shown) with which the inserted cartridge system 51 can be read, identified, or determined. The scanner or identification sensor can be connected to the processor for this purpose. The remaining amount of contents can be determined via the scanner or identification sensor for the remaining amount calculation module 19. The shelf life or the composition of the contents of the cartridge system 51 can also be determined and, if necessary, evaluated or used for other measures.

[0134] A reader 88 can be arranged on the front of the squeezing device, for example in the form of a scanner (e.g., a hologram scanner, a QR code scanner, or a barcode scanner) or in the form of an RFID reader. With the reader 88, an identifier 46 (e.g., a hologram, a QR code, a barcode, or an RFID chip) on a vessel 40, such as a dental impression tray 40, can be read or read out. The information can be forwarded to the processor in the manner of an input. The processor can then select a desired program from the electronic memory that matches the vessel 40, such as a specific volume, a specific volume flow, and / or a specific time profile of a volume flow. The motor 55 is then controlled by the motor controller 57 according to the program.

[0135] A method according to the invention can, for example, proceed as follows:

[0136] First, a cartridge system 51 with two parallel cartridges 52, 54 is secured in the dispensing device using the holder 56. The lid 72 can then be closed. Using the scanner or the identification device, an identifier on the cartridge system 51 (for example, a hologram, a barcode, a QR code scanned, or an RFID chip read) can be read and stored in the processor or in the processor's memory. In this way, the dispensing device has information about the contents of the cartridge system 51.

[0137] Subsequently, a specific volume suitable for a specific vessel or impression tray (see, for example, Figure 1 below) can be selected via the input device 64. Alternatively or additionally, the vessel 40 to be filled, in particular the dental impression tray 40 to be filled, can be identified using the reader 88, and a suitable program can be selected or suggested and confirmed via the input device 64. The processor controls the motor controller 57 according to the selected volume, thereby driving the motor 55.

[0138] The motor 55 drives the actuator of the squeezing device, whereby the actuator drives the dispensing pistons 53, 58 of the cartridge system 51 into the cartridges 52, 54 of the cartridge system 51.

[0139] As a result, material is extruded from the cartridge system 51 by advancing the dispensing pistons 53, 58 into the cartridges 52, 54. The contents of the cartridges 52, 54 are mixed by the pressure on the dispensing pistons 53, 58 in the static mixer in the dispensing tube, thereby producing the dental material, such as a dental impression material. The dental material is extruded from the cartridges 52, 54 and from the dispensing opening 78 and can be filled into the container, in particular the impression tray.

[0140] The amount of extruded volume and the volume flow of the dental material are monitored by the volume flow measuring device and calculated with the aid of the processor. The volume of dental material extruded by the extrusion device is determined. The control with the aid of the processor stops driving the motor 55 and thus the actuator of the extrusion device when a target volume of extruded dental material is reached. Additionally, the volume flow of the extruded dental material can be controlled to set a target volume flow. In addition to the volumes and volume flows stored in the memory, an individually determined volume and an individually defined volume flow and temporal progression of a volume flow can also be saved.For this purpose, the input device 64 can be used to enter that the subsequent volume or the subsequent volume flow or the subsequent temporal volume flow profile is to be linked to a previously selected assignment (for example, a specific key 66). A volume and / or volume flow and / or temporal volume flow profile of the dental material is then manually pressed out of the cartridge system 51 (for example, by pressing a specific key 66), and the volume and / or volume flow is determined using the volume flow measuring device. Upon completion of the dispensing process, the pressed-out quantity (volume) of dental material can be stored in the memory and later retrieved and automatically dispensed. Likewise, a specific temporal volume flow profile can be generated, saved, and later selected, retrieved, and reproduced.

[0141] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, as well as in the claims, figures and embodiments, may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

[0142] List of reference symbols

[0143] 1 , 51 cartridge system

[0144] 2, 52, 54 cartridge

[0145] 3, 53, 58 discharge piston

[0146] 4 Starting component for dental material

[0147] 5.55 engine

[0148] 6. 56 Bracket

[0149] 7. 57 Engine control

[0150] 8 Actuator

[0151] 9.59 Sensor

[0152] 10 processor

[0153] 11 , 61 Sensor

[0154] 12 Connection / Line

[0155] 14, 64 Input device

[0156] 16, 66 keys

[0157] 18, 68 ad

[0158] 19 Remaining time calculation module 20, 70 Housing

[0159] 21 storage

[0160] 22, 72 lids

[0161] 24 Hinge 26 Stop

[0162] 28, 78 discharge opening

[0163] 30, 80 line

[0164] 32 strut

[0165] 34 Scanner / Identification Sensor 38, 88 Reader

[0166] 40 Vessel / Dental Impression Tray

[0167] 42 handle

[0168] 44 cavity

[0169] 46 Identification 60 Housing part above the processor

[0170] 74 Lid handle

[0171] 76 Stand

Claims

Patent claims 1. Extrusion device for extruding a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system (1, 51), the extrusion device comprising a motor (5, 55), in particular a stepper motor, the extrusion device further comprising a holder (6, 56) for fastening a cartridge system (1, 51), a motor controller (7, 57), an actuator (8), and a volume flow measuring device for determining the volume or a volume flow of a dental material extruded from the extrusion device, wherein at least one discharge piston (3, 53, 58) of a cartridge system (1, 51) fastened to the holder (6, 56) in the extrusion device can be driven by the actuator (8), wherein the actuator (8) can be driven by the motor (5, 55), or a mechanically transmitted drive of the actuator (8) can be achieved by the motor (5, 55). can be supported, wherein the volume flow measuring device has at least one sensor (9, 11, 59, 61),wherein the at least one sensor (9, 11, 59, 61) is connected to a processor (10) for evaluating measurement signals from the at least one sensor (9, 11, 59, 61), wherein the processor (10) is connected to the motor control (7, 57), and wherein the processor (10) is designed or programmed to evaluate the measurement signals in such a way that the volume or volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the cartridge system (1, 51) by advancing the at least one dispensing piston (3, 53, 58) can be determined.

2. Extrusion device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sensor (9, 11, 59, 61) is or has a volume flow sensor, a step counter for determining the number of revolutions of the motor (5, 55), in particular a step counter for determining the number of steps of the stepper motor, and / or a position sensor for determining the position of the at least one dispensing piston (3, 53, 58) and / or the actuator (8) relative to the holder (6, 56) for fastening the cartridge system (1, 51), wherein the extruded volume of the dental material can be determined by measuring the volume flow of the dental material with the volume flow sensor and / or by determining the number of revolutions of the motor (5, 55) or the steps of the stepper motor and a known volume of the extruded dental material per revolution of the motor (5,55) or per step of the stepper motor and / or by determining the position of the at least one discharge piston (3, 53, 58) and / or the actuator (8) and a known volume of the pressed-out dental material per unit length of the position of the at least one, discharge piston (3, 53, 58) and / or the actuator (8) relative to the holder (6, 56) can be determined.

3. Extrusion device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the extrusion device has a volume flow regulator, wherein the volume flow regulator is connected to the volume flow measuring device and the motor control (7, 57) and wherein a volume of the dental material to be pressed out of the extrusion device can be regulated and / or adjusted with the volume flow regulator and / or a volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the extrusion device can be regulated and / or adjusted with the volume flow regulator.

4. Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the squeezing device has an electronic memory (21) and an input device (14, 64), wherein a plurality of different volumes can be selected via the input device (14, 64) and with the aid of the motor control (7, 57) the selected volumes can be squeezed out fully automatically with the squeezing device from a cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the squeezing device by means of the holder (6, 56).

6. Extrusion device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the plurality of different volumes which can be selected via the input device (14, 64) can be identified on the input device (14, 64) by means of an identification of a vessel (40) to be filled with the dental material, in particular by means of a numbering and / or letter identification of the vessel (40) to be filled with the dental material, so that the input is clearly assigned to a vessel (40) with a suitable volume for receiving the dental material, wherein the vessel is preferably an impression tray (40) and the dental material is a dental impression compound.

7. Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the squeezing device comprises a residual quantity indicator (18, 68) and a residual quantity calculation module (19), wherein the residual quantity calculation module (19) is connected to the volume flow measuring device and wherein the residual quantity calculation module (19) is programmed in such a way that it determines, stores or reads in the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the holder (6, 56) in the completely filled state, or this can be defined by an input and subtracts the volume previously produced with this cartridge system (1, 51) from this producible volume in order to calculate a residual quantity, wherein the residual quantity calculated with the residual quantity calculation module (19) can be displayed on the residual quantity display (18, 68).

8. Extrusion device according to claim 7, characterized in that the residual quantity calculation module (19) is programmed such that, when the calculated residual quantity is small, it selects a suitable vessel (40), in particular a dental impression tray (40), with a receiving volume suitable for the remaining residual quantity and suggests the suitable vessel (40) on the residual quantity display (18, 68), and / or the residual quantity calculation module (19) is programmed such that, when a volume to be extruded is selected which, according to the calculated residual quantity, is no longer contained in the attached cartridge system (1, 51) or can be produced therewith, a corresponding message is displayed on the residual quantity display (18, 68), in particular a request to change the cartridge system (1, 51), and / or displays a maximum available volume of the dental material.

9. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extrusion device has a scanner for reading in an identifier of the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened to the holder (6, 56) or an identification sensor (34) for identifying the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened to the holder (6, 56), wherein preferably the identifier read in by the scanner or the identification determined by the identification sensor (34) is transferable to the processor (10) or to the residual quantity calculation module for identifying the contents of the cartridge system (1, 51) and / or the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system (1, 51).

10. Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the squeezing device is suitable for squeezing cartridge systems (1, 51) for dental impression materials, in particular two-component cartridges for dental impression materials, wherein the cartridge system (1, 51) preferably provides a volume between 100 ml and 1000 ml of the dental impression material, particularly preferably provides a volume between 250 ml and 600 ml of the dental impression material, very particularly preferably provides a volume between 300 ml and 500 ml of the dental impression material.

11. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extrusion device is suitable at least for extruding cartridge systems (1, 51) at least for dental impression materials of type 1 and / or type 2 according to DIN ISO 4823:2015.

12. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extrusion device has a reading device (38, 88) for reading an identifier (46) of a vessel (40), in particular of a dental impression tray (40), wherein the reading device (38, 88) is connected to the processor (10) and the processor (10) is programmed such that, depending on the vessel (40) recognized by the reading device (38, 88), in particular of the recognized dental impression tray (40), a volume, volume flow and / or time profile of the volume flow suitable for the recognized vessel (40), in particular of the recognized dental impression tray (40), can be selected and provided by corresponding control of the motor (5, 55).

13. Method for squeezing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system (1, 51) using a squeezing device, characterized by the steps Fastening the cartridge system (1, 51) in the dispensing device, driving an actuator (8) of the dispensing device with a motor (5, 55), wherein at least one dispensing piston (3, 53, 58) of the cartridge system (1, 51) is driven forward in at least one cartridge (2, 52, 54) of the cartridge system (1, 51) with the actuator (8), Pressing out a dental material or starting components of the dental material from the cartridge system (1, 51) by advancing the at least one discharge piston (3, 53, 58) in the at least one cartridge (2, 52, 54), wherein the dental material is pressed out of the at least one cartridge (2, 52, 54) or is produced and pressed out of the at least one cartridge (2, 52, 54) by mixing the starting components, Measuring the volume flow and / or the volume of the dental material pressed out with the dispensing device and determining the volume of the dental material pressed out with the dispensing device, and Stopping the driving of the actuator (8) of the squeezing device when a target volume of the pressed-out dental material is reached and / or controlling the volume flow of the pressed-out dental material to set a target volume flow of the pressed-out dental material or to set a desired time profile of the volume flow of the pressed-out dental material.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the method is carried out with a pressing device according to one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the target volume and / or the target volume flow and / or the desired time course of the volume flow is or are determined and defined by a previous pressing out of dental material with manual settings and measurement of the volume flow and / or the volume, wherein preferably the target volume and / or the target volume flow and / or the desired time course of the volume flow is or are stored in an electronic memory (10) in a retrievable manner, wherein particularly preferably the time course of the pressing out process is additionally stored in the electronic memory.

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the target volume is selected from a plurality of previously stored target volumes, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels (40) for receiving the dental material, and / or the target volume flow is selected from a plurality of previously stored target volume flows, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels (40) for receiving the dental material, and / or the desired time sequence of the volume flow is selected from a plurality of previously stored time sequences of volume flows, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels (40) for receiving the dental material.

17. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the volume of dental material pressed out with the squeezing device, determined with the aid of the measurement of the volume flow and / or the volume and / or the time course of the volume flow, is mathematically subtracted from a known residual quantity of the available dental material that can be pressed out of the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the squeezing device, and the remaining residual quantity is shown on a display (18, 68) and / or is taken into account in a subsequent squeezing process in such a way that the squeezing process is only started when a sufficient residual quantity for the volume of dental material to be pressed out is available in the cartridge system (1, 51) and otherwise a warning or a request to change the cartridge system (1, 51) is displayed.

18. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the squeezing device has a scanner for reading in an identifier of the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the holder (6, 56) or an identification sensor (34) for identifying the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the holder (6, 56), wherein the identifier of the cartridge system (1, 51) is read in by the scanner or the identification of the cartridge system (1, 51) is determined with the identification sensor (34) and then the identifier or the identification is used to identify the content of the cartridge system (1, 51) and / or the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system (1, 51), wherein preferably the identifier or the identification is used during the squeezing process, at the start of the squeezing process and / or during a calculation of the volume of dental material stored in the cartridge system (1, 51). , 51) available remaining quantity is taken into account.

19. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the squeezing device has a reading device (38) for reading in a machine-readable identifier (46) of a vessel (40), in particular of a dental impression tray (40), wherein the identifier (46) is read in and subsequently the identifier (46) is used to identify the vessel (40), in particular a shape or a volume of a cavity (44) of the dental impression tray (40) as a vessel (40), wherein the desired volume, the volume flow and / or the temporal The course of the volume flow of the dental material is set or controlled depending on the identifier (46) of the vessel (40).

20. Dental impression tray (40) for receiving a dental impression material, the dental impression tray comprising a handle (42) for holding the dental impression tray (40) and a cavity (44) for receiving the dental impression material, wherein the dental impression tray (40) has a machine-readable identifier (46) which is arranged on an outwardly directed surface of the dental impression tray (40), preferably on a side of the surface of the impression tray (40) opposite the handle (42), characterized in that the machine-readable identifier (46) contains information from which the geometric shape, the volume, the length and / or the width of the cavity can be read.

21. Dental impression tray (40) according to claim 20, characterized in that the machine-readable identifier (46) is a hologram, a barcode, a QR code, a machine-readable label, a graphic print, a machine-readable sticker or an RFID chip, preferably a hologram, a barcode, a QR code or an RFID chip.

22. A plurality of dental impression trays (40) according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that each dental impression tray (40) has a different machine-readable identifier (46) which allows recognition of the shape and / or volume of the cavity.

23. A system for taking an impression with a dental impression material, comprising a squeezing device according to claim 12 and comprising at least one dental impression tray (40) according to claim 20 or 21 or a plurality of dental impression trays (40) according to claim 22.

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