Dental Handpieces

Abstract

The present invention relates to A handle (6) and a housing containing a light emitting source; an optical sensor (4) connected to a visualization device. According to the invention, the housing (18) comprises a transparent shielding window (3) adapted to shield the optical sensor (4). The dental handpiece further comprises a device for supplying compressed air onto the transparent shielding window (3). The housing (18) further comprises an opening for supplying compressed air to the transparent shielding window (3), the opening being connected to the device for supplying compressed air. A diffuser (16) is arranged in the opening, the diffuser being designed to generate an air jet forming an air curtain in front of the transparent shielding window (3).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental instrument, more particularly to a dental handpiece comprising a handle and a housing having a light emitting source, represented by at least one light emitting diode, connected to a power source, said handpiece having an optical sensor adapted to be connected to a visualization device, said handpiece being usable by a dental practitioner for dental treatment. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of the prior art is a dental handpiece comprising a handle and a housing having a light emitting source, represented by at least one light emitting diode, connected to a power source, said handpiece having an optical sensor adapted to be connected to a visualization device; see the description of utility model RU114603 published in 2012.

[0003] The device represents the closest technology to the claimed invention and is considered the prototype, and the claimed invention shall therefore be described in terms of its differences from the prototype. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The drawback of the device is that although it has a video camera (optical sensor) that can project images of the oral cavity onto an external screen, it cannot guarantee that particles from the oral cavity will not adhere to its surfaces during dental treatment. Indeed, some tools, such as drills, can generate solid particles that fly at high speeds and can travel through the surrounding air and adhere to the video camera.

[0005] The present invention mainly aims to provide a dental handpiece comprising a handle and a housing having a light radiation source, represented by at least one light emitting diode, connected to a power source, said dental handpiece comprising an optical sensor adapted to be connected to a visualization device, said dental handpiece making it possible to ensure a reliable protection of said optical sensor by means of an air curtain, which is the technical problem mentioned above.

[0006] To this end, the housing has a transparent shielding window for the optical sensor; the handpiece has a device for supplying compressed air onto the transparent shielding window, the housing has an opening for supplying compressed air to the transparent shielding window, the opening being connected to the device for supplying compressed air; A diffuser is disposed at the opening, the diffuser being designed to generate an air jet that forms an air curtain in front of the shielding window.

[0007] Rather than simply blowing on the transparent shielding window of the optical sensor to protect it from fogging, these useful features make it possible to form a strong air curtain to protect the shielding window from contamination with solid particles and liquid droplets arising during the preparation of the patient's biological tissue, i.e. to protect the shielding window from particles adhering to external optical components, in other words to ensure reliable protection of the optical sensor by the implementation of the air curtain.

[0008] There is a possible optional embodiment of the invention where the diffuser is located from the working end of the housing and is designed to direct the air jet away from the housing end (towards the handle).

[0009] These useful features make it possible to propose an optional configuration of the dental handpiece in which the optical sensor is located between (along) the drill bit and the handle, under such conditions the air jet is directed away from the working end of the housing in a tangential direction of the obscuring window, i.e., under operating conditions, away from the patient's oral cavity, helping the operator in handling the drill bit and improving the cleaning of the patient's oral cavity.

[0010] There are also possible embodiments of the invention in which the diffuser is located from the working end of the housing and is designed to direct the air jet away from the handle. In these conditions, the housing has a protrusion located from the working end, the protrusion having a surface profile that rotates the air jet by 120° to 140°.

[0011] These useful features make it possible to propose an alternative optional form of dental handpiece, in which a drill bit is located between the handle and the optical sensor. The air jet is directed tangentially to the shielding window, away from the handle along the (end of) the housing and rotated by the projection, i.e. away from the patient's mouth under operating conditions. This expands the functional capabilities of the dental handpiece and creates additional convenience for the drill bit operator.

[0012] The housing also has the protrusion disposed from the working end, and the protrusion has a surface shape that rotates the air jet by 120° to 140°, so that the jet formed is composed of two echelons with different flow directions. Such a complex flow of the high-speed jet makes it possible to increase the efficiency of blocking flying particles by expanding the range of its speed and density. Furthermore, it can also prevent contamination of the optical system.

[0013] There is another possible embodiment of the invention in which the diffuser is disposed from the working end of the housing and oriented perpendicular to the handle. The diffuser is designed to direct the air jet laterally away from the handle. In these conditions, the housing has a protrusion disposed from the working end, the protrusion having a surface shape that rotates the air jet by 120° to 140°.

[0014] These useful features make it possible to propose an optional form of dental handpiece in which the optical sensor is arranged transversely to the drill bit and the air jet is directed from the central axis of the housing and rotated similarly to the embodiments described above.

[0015] Finally, there is a possible embodiment of the invention, in which the diffuser is designed to generate the air jet having an exit velocity in the range of 6 m / s to 50 m / s, said exit velocity forming an angle of 0° to 15° with respect to the plane of the transparent shielding window.

[0016] This convenient feature makes it possible to propose alternative optional configurations of the diffuser for targeted specifications while ensuring maximum protection for the optical sensor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, the following features: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a vertical longitudinal section (side view, along the length of the handle) of a dental handpiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with an optical sensor located between the drill bit and the handle (along the length of the handle). [Diagram 2] 2 represents a vertical cross-section (NN plane across its handle) of the dental handpiece according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 shows a vertical longitudinal section (side view, along the length of the handle) of a dental handpiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the drill bit positioned between the optical sensor and the handle (along the length of the handle). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 represents a vertical cross-section (across its handle, in BB plan view) of the dental handpiece according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 13 depicts a vertical cross-section (across the handle) of a dental handpiece according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the optical sensor is oriented perpendicular to the housing handle such that the transparent shielding window receives a transverse airflow from the longitudinal axis of the handle. [Figure 6] 13 depicts a vertical cross-section (across the handle) of a dental handpiece according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the optical sensor is oriented perpendicular to the housing handle such that the transparent shielding window receives a transverse airflow from the longitudinal axis of the handle. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 shows an element A1 of a dental handpiece, which represents an enlarged view of the main assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 shows an element A2 of a dental handpiece, which represents an enlarged view of a main assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a vertical longitudinal section (side view, along the length of its handle) of the working end portion of a dental handpiece housing showing an example with an air jet rotation angle of 120 degrees when the protrusions are angled at 80 degrees. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a vertical longitudinal section (side view, along the length of its handle) of the working end portion of a dental handpiece housing showing an example with an air jet rotation angle of 140 degrees when the protrusions are angled at 60 degrees. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of a diffuser component that allows an exit velocity of 3 m / s with an equivalent circular cross-sectional diameter of 2.8 mm. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of a diffuser part that allows an exit velocity of 50 m / s with an equivalent circular cross-sectional diameter of 0.7 mm. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section (side view, along the length of its handle) of the working end of a dental handpiece housing, showing an example where the angle between the outflow direction of the air curtain and the transparent shielding window surface 3 is 0° when the opening angle of the outlet part of the diffuser 16 is 0°. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section (side view along the length of its handle) of the working end of a dental handpiece housing, showing an example where the angle between the outflow direction of the air curtain and the transparent shielding window surface 3 is 15° when the opening angle of the outlet part of the diffuser 16 is 30°.

[0018] Figures 1 to 14 show: 1 - rotor group; 2 - collet clamp button; 3 - transparent shielding glass (windows); 4 - Optical sensor (camera). 5 - optical sensor sleeve; 6 - Handpiece handle; 7 - board latches; 8 - Midwest 4 Adapter 9 - connector socket; 10 - Camera module board. 11 - compressed air supply tube; 12 - drill bits; 13 - exhaust vent; 14 - Water supply to the sprayer. 15 - air supply to the sprayer; 16 - diffuser. 17 - light-emitting diode; 18 - Handpiece housing; 19 - Handpiece cover; The compressed air source (dental set compressor) is not shown in the diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] 1 to 14, a dental handpiece comprises a handle 6 and a housing 18 having a light emitting source, represented by at least one light emitting diode 17, connected to a power supply. The handpiece comprises an optical sensor 4 adapted to be connected to a visualization device, not shown.

[0020] The housing 18 has a transparent shielding window 3 of the optical sensor. The handpiece has a device for supplying compressed air on the transparent shielding window, also shown as compressed air supply tube 11. The housing 18 has an opening for supplying compressed air to the transparent shielding window, which is connected to the device for supplying compressed air. A diffuser 16 is arranged in the opening, said diffuser being designed to generate an air jet forming an air curtain in front of the transparent shielding window 3.

[0021] In a first embodiment, the diffuser 16 is positioned from the working end of the housing 18 and is designed to direct the air jet away from the working end of the housing 18 towards the handle (i.e., the diffuser outlet is directed towards the handle): see Figures 1 and 2.

[0022] In a second embodiment, the diffuser 16 is positioned from the working end of the housing 18 and is designed to direct the air jet away from the handle 6, i.e., the outlet of the diffuser is directed away from the handle (along its length). The housing 18 includes a protrusion located from the working end, said protrusion having a surface profile that rotates the air jet by 120°-140°: see Figures 3-4, 9-10.

[0023] In the third embodiment, the diffuser 16 is positioned from the transparent shielding window 3 and oriented perpendicular to the handle 6. The diffuser 16 is designed to direct the air jet laterally away from the handle 6 of the housing 18, i.e. the outlet of the diffuser 16 is directed laterally away from the handle 6. The housing 18 includes a protrusion located from the working end, said protrusion having a surface shape that rotates the air jet by 120°-140°: see Figures 5-6, 9-10.

[0024] The diffuser 16 is preferably designed to generate an air jet with an exit velocity in the range of 6 m / s to 50 m / s and making an angle of 0° to 15° with the plane of the transparent shielding window 3 .

[0025] The dental handpiece is also designed with several air delivery options, including direct (flow without air curtain rotation as shown in Figures 1 and 7), reverse (with air curtain rotation as shown in Figures 3, 5-6, 8-10), and different positions of the optical sensor 4 relative to the drill bit 12 (front, back, right, left with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit 12) as is evident from Figures 1-6.

[0026] The dental handpiece operates as follows: The following is a comprehensive description of the embodiments of the present invention, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0027] (Example) Compressed air is supplied as a channeled air jet from the dental unit compressor through compressed air supply tube 11 to housing 18. As the air passes through housing 18, it is directed towards directional diffuser 16 which forms a flat jet with an exit velocity in the range of 6 m / s to 50 m / s and oriented at an angle of 1 to 15 degrees relative to the housing 18 surface. The high velocity jet deflects foreign objects with densities and velocities typical in dental procedures away from the center and away from the transparent shielding window 3 of the optical sensor (camera) 4.

[0028] The quantitative attributes of technical parameters such as the rotation angle of the air jet in a continuously changing range, the exit velocity of the air jet, the angle between the exit of the air jet and the plane of the transparent shielding window 3, etc. can be adjusted by changing the shape of the protrusion and the diffuser 16.

[0029] The selection of a specific range of technical parameter values ​​is made experimentally and depends on the blowing efficiency of the shielding window of the optical sensor (camera) 4. The method of controlling the blowing efficiency shall be visual control of the readability of the image transferred from the optical sensor 4 and contaminated with artifacts due to foreign bodies and droplets adhering to the transparent shielding window 3. The number of artifacts in the image shall be evaluated as a criterion of the blowing efficiency in the following four stages: ● “None” - No visible artifacts due to foreign objects or droplets. ● "Fair" - no foreign bodies or droplets are retained on the surface of the transparent shielding window 3 and do not affect the readability of the transferred image. ● "Medium" - foreign objects or droplets remain on the surface of the transparent obscuring window 3 and affect the image transferred from the optical sensor 4. However, readability remains sufficient to indicate the dental handpiece in its operating environment. ● "Severe" - Foreign matter or droplets remain on the surface of the transparent shielding window 3, making the image from the optical sensor 4 unreadable and unsuitable for correct orientation of the dental handpiece in the operating environment.

[0030] By adjusting the shape of the protruding surface facing the diffuser 16, the rotation angle of the air jet is adjusted in the range of 120° to 140°. The protruding inclination angle is a geometric parameter of the rotation angle of the air jet. The protruding inclination angle is determined between the tangent to the edge of the concave surface and the plane of the transparent shielding window 3.

[0031] See Table 1 for the relationship between the rotation angle of the air jet and the grade of image artifacts, as well as the above-mentioned geometric parameters (i.e., the projection inclination angle).

[0032] [Table 1]

[0033] Figure 9 shows an example where the air jet rotation angle is 120 degrees and the projection tilt angle is 80 degrees, resulting in an image artifact rating of "fair". Figure 10 shows an example where the air jet rotation angle is 140 degrees and the protrusion tilt angle is 60 degrees, where no image artifacts occur (rank "none").

[0034] The exit velocity of the air jet was adjusted in the range of 6 m / s to 50 m / s by adjusting the exit cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser 16. The geometric parameter characterizing the exit velocity of the air jet was the circular cross-sectional diameter with the same area as the exit cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser 16. Please refer to Table 2 for the relationship between the exit flow of the air jet, image artifact grade and the above geometric parameters.

[0035] [Table 2]

[0036] Please refer to Figures 11 and 12 for examples of embodiments of the present invention with range boundary values. Figure 11 shows an example with an air jet exit velocity of 3 m / s, an image artifact rating of “severe”, and an equivalent circular cross-sectional diameter of 2.8 mm, respectively. · Figure 12 shows an example with an air jet exit velocity of 50 m / s, no image artifacts, and an equivalent circular cross-section diameter of 0.7 mm, respectively.

[0037] The angle between the air curtain outflow direction and the shielding window surface was adjusted in the range of 0 to 15 degrees by adjusting the outlet cross-sectional opening angle of the diffuser 16. The outlet cross-sectional opening angle of the diffuser 16 was taken as the characteristic geometric parameter. Please refer to Table 3 for the dependency of the angle between the air curtain outflow direction and the shielding window surface and the image artifact grade on the above geometric parameters.

[0038] [Table 3]

[0039] See FIG. 3 for examples of embodiments of the present invention with range boundary values: FIG. 13 shows an example in which the angle between the air curtain outflow direction and the three shielding windows is 0° when the outlet cross-sectional opening angle of the diffuser 16 is 0°, and there are no image artifacts. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the angle between the air curtain outflow direction and the three shielding windows is 15° and the image artifact grade is “medium” when the outlet cross-sectional opening angle of the diffuser 16 is 30°.

[0040] Thus (see FIGS. 1 to 14), the present invention relates to a dental handpiece comprising: Handle 6, a housing 18 containing a light emitting source, represented by at least one light emitting diode 17, connected to a power supply; An optical sensor 4 adapted to be connected to a visualization device. According to the invention, the housing 18 comprises a transparent shielding window 3 adapted to shield the optical sensor 4. The dental handpiece further comprises a device for supplying compressed air to the transparent shielding window 3. The housing 18 further comprises an opening for supplying compressed air to the transparent shielding window 3, said opening being connected to the device for supplying compressed air. A diffuser 16 is arranged in the opening, which is designed to generate an air jet forming an air curtain in front of the transparent shielding window 3.

[0041] In the first embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 1-2, 7), the diffuser 16 is disposed from the working end of the housing 18. The diffuser 16 is designed to direct the air jet longitudinally away from the working end of the housing 18 towards the handle 6.

[0042] In a second alternative embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 3-4, 8), the diffuser 16 is arranged from the working end of the housing 18. Under these conditions, the diffuser 16 is designed to direct the air jet away from the handle 6 (i.e. along the length of the handle 6). The housing 18 has a protrusion located from the working end. This protrusion has a surface shape that rotates the air jet emerging from the diffuser 16 in a first range of 120° to 140° (FIGS. 9-10).

[0043] In a second alternative embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 5-6), the diffuser 16 is disposed from the working end of the housing 18 and oriented perpendicular to the handle 6. The diffuser 16 is designed to direct the air jet laterally away from the handle 6 of the housing 18. The housing 18 includes a protrusion located from the working end that has a surface profile that rotates the air jet exiting the diffuser 16 by a first angle within a first range of 120° to 140° (FIGS. 9-10).

[0044] Preferably, the diffuser 16 is designed to generate an air jet with an exit velocity in the range of 6 m / s to 50 m / s (FIGS. 11-12). The exit flow of this air jet forms a second angle with the plane of the transparent shielding window 3, said second angle being included in a second range of 0° to 15° (FIGS. 13-14).

[0045] The claimed dental handpiece can be actually implemented by a person skilled in the art, and the object set forth in the claims can be certainly achieved after implementation, leading to the conclusion that the present invention satisfies the requirement of "industrial applicability".

[0046] A series of practical tests were performed to verify the operability of the proposed dental handpiece. As an example, the preparation of maxillary tooth #8 with a complex cavity was recorded on video. The preparation was performed using a standard air turbine handpiece and with standard water spraying of the intervention area. The sensor's shielding window was placed at an angle of 60° to 70°, between 25mm and 28mm from the preparation area. No additional optical protection measures were taken and only standard grade dental equipment and instruments specialized for this type of intervention were used. The video shows that under conditions of active water supply and high intensity spraying, the transparent shielding window 3 is not contaminated by solid enamel and dentin particles cut by the rotating instruments and that the camera 4 remains operational throughout the intervention.

[0047] These novel features therefore make it possible to ensure the claimed technical result, i.e. a reliable protection of the optical sensor by implementing an air curtain. The dental handpiece is also designed with several air supply options: direct and reverse (with rotation of the air curtain flow) and different positions of the optical sensor 4 relative to the drill bit 12 (front, back, right, left with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit 12). [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 - rotor group; 2 - collet clamp button; 3 - transparent shielding glass (windows); 4 - Optical sensor (camera). 5 - optical sensor sleeve; 6 - Handpiece handle; 7 - board latches; 8 - Midwest 4 Adapter 9 - connector socket; 10 - Camera module board. 11 - compressed air supply tube; 12 - drill bits; 13 - exhaust vent; 14 - Water supply to the sprayer. 15 - air supply to the sprayer; 16 - diffuser. 17 - light-emitting diode; 18 - Handpiece housing; 19 - Handpiece cover;

Claims

1. The handle (6) and A housing (18) including a light emission source represented by at least one light-emitting diode (17) connected to a power supply, A dental handpiece comprising an optical sensor (4) connected to a visualization device, The housing (18) includes a transparent shielding window (3) adapted to shield the optical sensor (4), The dental handpiece further comprises a device for supplying compressed air onto the transparent shielding window (3), The housing (18) further includes an opening for supplying compressed air to the transparent shielding window (3), and the opening is connected to the device for supplying compressed air. A diffuser (16) is positioned in the opening, and the diffuser is designed to generate an air jet in front of the transparent shielding window (3) that forms an air curtain along the plane of the transparent shielding window (3). The diffuser (16) is oriented perpendicular to the handle (6), The diffuser (16) is designed to direct the air jet from the handle (6) to the side. The housing (18) is provided with a projection located at the working end opposite to the opening of the transparent shielding window (3), The protruding portion has a surface shape that redirects the air jet, which flows out of the diffuser (16) and has flowed too far along the plane of the transparent shielding window (3), to a first angle that falls within a first range of 120° to 140°, wherein the first angle is the angle between the direction of travel of the central axis of the air jet before redirection and the direction of travel of the central axis of the air jet after redirection, in a dental handpiece.

2. The diffuser (16) is designed to generate the air jet at an outflow velocity in the range of 6 m / s to 50 m / s. The outflow velocity forms a second angle with the plane of the transparent shielding window (3), and the second angle is A dental handpiece according to claim 1, which falls within a second range of 0° to 15°.

Images