Tip element for scaler, motion transformation section for scaler, and scaler having tip element

The tip element with a motion converter section addresses inefficiencies in conventional ultrasonic scaling by converting vibrations for controlled motion, enhancing tartar removal efficiency and minimizing tooth damage in difficult-to-access areas.

JP2025138886APending Publication Date: 2025-09-25FERTON HOLDING SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025116274
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-03-07
Filing Date
2025-07-10
Publication Date
2025-09-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional ultrasonic scaling tools are inefficient in removing tartar from difficult-to-access areas due to inadequate control of vibrational motion and alignment, leading to potential tooth damage.

Method used

A tip element with a motion converter section having first and second curved subsections that convert ultrasonic vibrations from a forward-backward motion to an up-down motion, allowing for controlled amplitude and tangential planar bending, minimizing invasiveness and enhancing efficiency.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables efficient tartar removal in hard-to-reach areas with reduced tooth impact by amplifying ultrasonic vibrations and ensuring proper alignment, achieving amplitudes up to 215 μm, compared to 60 μm without the motion converter section.

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Abstract

To provide a tip element for an ultrasonic dental treatment device.SOLUTION: A tip element 1 preferably for a dental treatment device, in particular a scaler, where the tip element performs an ultrasonic vibration during its utilization, comprises: a first end section 10 for reversibly attaching the tip element to a handpiece; a second end section 20 forming a dental tool; and a motion transformation section 30 arranged between the first end section and the second end section, where, for transforming an ultrasonic vibration having a first vibration direction V1 to an ultrasonic vibration having a second vibration direction V2, the motion transformation section has a first bent subsection 31 and a second bended subsection 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tip element of an ultrasonic dental treatment device, a motion conversion part of the dental treatment device, a dental treatment device having the tip element, and a tip card device of the tip element. [Background technology]

[0002] Tartar often develops in areas of the mouth that are difficult to access during home care treatments such as toothbrushing or water spray treatments, and these areas are also difficult to access during professional care treatments, especially scaling, and the tartar that forms is hard and adheres strongly to the teeth.

[0003] Ultrasonic scaling tools are well known for their ability to effectively remove hard tartar due to the power of ultrasonic vibration and minimal impact on the teeth. The removal ability of an ultrasonic scaling tool is achieved by its ultrasonic vibration power, which is approximated to be proportional to the amplitude of the vibration for a given stiffness of the tip element, i.e., the vibration amplitude. Therefore, when determining the shape of the tip element, it is necessary to optimize the amplitude within the limits of the tool's resistance to ensure effectiveness.

[0004] The minimally invasive nature of the tip element is ensured by controlled ultrasonic vibrations in one dimension or translation. Calculus is propelled, rather than cut, by the force of the ultrasonic motion, which has a low amplitude but high velocity and, due to the high frequency of the ultrasonic motion, a high acceleration. This reduces the contact force between the tooth and the instrument.

[0005] The characteristic planar bending motion of the tip element must be perfectly tangential to the tooth surface in order to dislodge calculus with little or no impact on the tooth. In difficult-to-access areas, especially when accessing the mesial and distal sides of molars and premolars, it becomes difficult to ensure tangential positioning of the tip element with conventional straight tip elements.

[0006] It has been found that to properly remove calculus in these areas, the tip elements must be inclined at a specific angle, preferably 35°. However, these instruments are known to be inefficient, and furthermore, they have been found to be unable to adequately control the vibrational motion. For example, the actual amplitude is less than 30 μm at full power operation, and they do not ensure planar bending motion. In particular, their unique shape makes it impossible to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to the calculus for removal.

[0007] Other solutions, such as using a different angle relative to the planar motion, do not ensure proper deflection of the vibrational motion. Conversely, solutions that ensure proper deflection of the vibrational motion do not ensure proper alignment of the tip element relative to the tooth, increasing the risk of tooth damage.

[0008] Furthermore, German Patent No. 4238384 (Patent Document 1) relates to a motion converter that converts a first linear vibration into a second linear vibration perpendicular to the first linear vibration. This uses radial vibrations and changes the direction of the vibration without amplification. Therefore, the system of German Patent No. 4238384 is not intended for scaling, but for low-amplitude, low-efficiency instruments. Furthermore, the element that realizes the motion converter is located between the handpiece and the tip element and is reversibly attachable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] German Patent No. 4238384 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved tip element for realizing ultrasonic vibrations during use, in particular with regard to its efficiency, control of motion along the inclined direction and minimal invasiveness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This object is achieved by a tip element according to claim 1, a motion conversion part according to claim 13, a dental treatment device according to claim 14 and a tip card device according to claim 15. Preferred embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims, the text and the drawings.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tip element for a dental treatment device, in particular a dental scaler, the tip element having a first end portion for realizing ultrasonic vibrations during use and for reversibly mounting the tip element to a handpiece, a second end portion forming a dental tool, and a motion conversion portion arranged between the first and second end portions, the motion conversion portion having a first curved sub-portion and a second curved sub-portion for converting ultrasonic vibrations having a first vibration direction into ultrasonic vibrations having a second vibration direction.

[0013] The first end portion forms the proximal end of the tip element and the second end portion forms the distal end of the tip element.

[0014] Unlike the prior art, the tip element according to the present invention includes a motion converter section having a first curved subsection and a second curved subsection for converting ultrasonic vibrations having a second vibration direction. That is, the tip element is curved at least in two places in the motion converter section. The motion converter section advantageously blocks at least a portion of the forward and backward movement of the tip element, i.e., ultrasonic vibrations having a first direction, particularly at the first end section, and converts this forward and backward movement at least partially into an up-down movement, i.e., ultrasonic vibrations having a second direction, at the end of the motion converter section. For example, the forward and backward movement is parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the up-down movement is perpendicular to the forward and backward movement.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to fine-tune the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations, especially at the end of the motion converter section, thereby adapting the efficiency for proper tartar removal. It has further been found that the control of motion conversion by the motion converter section can be adapted to different configurations of the second end section, especially those designed to remove tartar in difficult-to-access areas. Thus, it is advantageous to use controlled motion of the second end section, especially in one specific plane, to avoid impacts on the teeth during use.

[0016] In particular, it is envisaged that the tip element is titanium-free or that the tip element contains less than 80% by weight of titanium, preferably less than 60% by weight, and most preferably less than 40% by weight. Therefore, it is conceivable that the tip element contains a portion made of titanium. For example, the front end of the tip element is made of titanium. It is also conceivable that only the central portion or the sleeve portion is made of titanium. For example, the tip element is coated with only a titanium layer. Preferably, titanium-free means that the amount of titanium is less than 0.1% by weight, preferably less than 0.05% by weight, and more preferably less than 0.02% by weight.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferably envisioned that the tip element does not extend in only one plane. In other words, the extensions of the first end portion, the second portion, and the motion conversion portion define a volume because these portions are not located or arranged in a common plane in which the first end portion, the second portion, and the motion conversion portion can extend. In other words, the first end portion, the second portion, and the motion conversion portion define a set of three independent vectors.

[0018] Furthermore, it is envisaged that the tip element is preferably ball-free, particularly in the region of the pointed tip, i.e. the tip element merely tapers towards its front end and does not have a ball-like front end.

[0019] Preferably, the tip element is reversibly attachable to a handpiece that includes an actuation unit for inducing ultrasonic vibrations in the tip element, particularly in the first end portion of the tip element. For example, the actuation unit includes a piezoelectric transducer. Furthermore, to ensure continuity of ultrasonic vibrations between the handpiece (including the piezoelectric transducer) and the tip element, the handpiece and the tip element have an interface, preferably at the front of the handpiece and the first (proximal) end portion, for inserting the tip element into a corresponding recess in the handpiece. For example, the first end portion of the tip element can be screwed onto the handpiece, or the handpiece and the first end portion are configured to form a key-lock mechanism. Preferably, the first end portion of the tip element is screwed onto the handpiece.

[0020] In particular, the actuation unit induces ultrasonic vibrations at the first end portion, the first vibration direction being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handpiece and typically initiated by longitudinally stacked piezoelectric transducers within the actuator of the handpiece. The second end portion, in particular, tapers toward a pointed end that contacts the tooth during use. To avoid tooth damage, it is preferred that the tip element, in particular the second (distal) end portion of the tip element, have smooth edges. Preferably, the cross-section of the first end portion of the tip element is larger than the cross-section of the second end portion of the tip element.

[0021] In particular, the tip element is a single piece, i.e., it is manufactured in one piece. In particular, the first end portion merges into the motion converter portion and / or the motion converter portion merges into the second end portion. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the second end portion is configured for planar bending movements, particularly with a pointed end. "Planar" means that the movement occurs in a single plane, i.e., a two-dimensional plane, with no movement element perpendicular to that plane.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the tip element course is curved at a first angle in the first curved subsection and at a second angle in the second curved subsection, with the difference between the first and second angles being less than 15°, more preferably less than 5°, and most preferably less than 2°. In particular, the first and second curved subsections are curved in opposite but coplanar directions. Therefore, the first and second curved subsections can be envisioned to form a plane preferably free of any twist. Preferably, the first and second angles are formed as equal to each other as possible to achieve a parallel lateral shift of the tip element course between the tip element course in front of the motion conversion section and the tip element course behind the motion conversion section. Preferably, the motion conversion section is defined by a tip element course that is not parallel to the first vibration direction and / or the longitudinal direction of the handpiece. The motion conversion section is preferably "S" shaped.

[0023] Preferably, it is envisaged that the first angle and / or the second angle is between 80° and 140°, more preferably between 85° and 125°, most likely between 90° and 100°, or even generally 90°. By setting the first angle as close to 90° as possible, it is advantageously possible to almost completely block the ultrasonic vibrations having the first vibration direction and almost completely convert the energy into vibrations having the second vibration direction at the end of the motion conversion portion.

[0024] TIFF2025138886000002.tif8170 It is particularly envisaged that a first radius of curvature Rα1 is assigned to the first curved sub-portion, satisfying the formula D1 in the range of 1.2 to 4 mm. A second radius of curvature Rα2 assigned to the second curved sub-portion is determined by the lengths L1 and L2 and the angle α1.

[0025] In particular, it is envisaged that the motion transducer portion has a first length, and the course of the tip element within the motion transducer portion undergoes a lateral shift with a second length, the first length being longer than the second length. By setting the first length longer than the second length, it is advantageously possible to amplify the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations, particularly at the pointed end of the second end portion. Preferably, the first length and the second length are dimensioned to form an elliptical resonator, the first length forming the major axis of the elliptical resonator and the second length forming the minor axis.

[0026] Preferably, the first length and / or the second length is within the range of 3 to 8 mm. Therefore, the first length and the second length are sized to convert ultrasonic vibrations having a first vibration direction into ultrasonic vibrations having a second vibration direction. At the same time, the first length and the second length are small enough to easily handle the tip element attached to the handpiece.

[0027] It is further specifically envisioned that the first length is equal to or greater than the second length and / or the first cross-sectional area is equal to or greater than the second cross-sectional area, so that the amplitude can be adjusted, for example, by changing the ratio of the first length to the second length and / or the ratio of the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area accordingly.

[0028] It is furthermore particularly envisaged that the tip element has a central region and a cover region, the cover region surrounding the central region, and that the cover region varies its extension along the course of the tip element, in particular in the motion conversion section, in a direction perpendicular to the course of the tip element. Another possibility for adapting the amplitude at the pointed end of the tip element is therefore provided by adapting the size of the cover region. Preferably, the central region and the cover region are concentric with each other. Preferably, the variation in the size of the cover region is performed within the motion conversion section. The central region is preferably cylindrical and forms a channel for transporting a liquid flow, preferably water.

[0029] Preferably, the motion converter section has a first cross-sectional area perpendicular to the tip element's course, particularly measured at the beginning of the motion converter section, and / or a second cross-sectional area perpendicular to the tip element's course, particularly measured at the end of the motion converter section, with the first cross-sectional area being larger than the second cross-sectional area. The size of the central section remains constant. Especially when the first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area, it is advantageous to amplify the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations at the pointed end of the second end section. In fact, it has been found that, especially when sized in combination with an elliptical resonator formed with the first length longer than the second length, it is possible to reach a full amplitude of 215 μm (when water passes through the central section). By comparison, a similar tip element without a motion converter section and having first and second curved subsections achieves an amplitude of 60 μm under the same conditions. As a result, it is possible to amplify the amplitude by at least 2.5 times by adapting the motion conversion part accordingly.

[0030] Preferably, the coverage area is conical, step-shaped and / or exponentially shaped along the course of the tip element, especially in the motion conversion section. Advantageously, by adapting the shape of the coverage area along the course of the tip element, it is possible to adapt the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations at the pointed end of the tip element.

[0031] Furthermore, preferably at the second end portion, the course of the tip element is curved obliquely at a third angle relative to the main plane containing the first and second curved sub-portions, the third angle being between -75° and +75°, preferably between -35° and 35°, or approximately 0°. In particular, the third angle and / or the third radius of curvature are adapted depending on the intended application. For example, if the tip element is straight, the third angle is 0°. In the case of curved appliances suitable for mesial and distal treatment of molars or premolars, the third angle is adapted to the area to be treated. For example, the range of the third angle is between -75° and 75° depending on the quadrant of the mouth. A third angle between -35° and 35° simplifies access to areas that would otherwise be difficult for the tip element to access.

[0032] In one embodiment, the course of the tip element at the second end portion is curved at a fourth angle in a plane extending in the inclined direction, including a portion of the second end portion. This is particularly useful for dental applications. In particular, the second end portion is curved so that the second end portion defines a plane inclined, particularly at a third angle. During use, the pointed end generates ultrasonic vibrations in said plane to remove tartar from the tooth. Thus, the second end portion, particularly its pointed end, undergoes a planar bending motion, e.g., a motion tangential to the tooth surface. Advantageously, the shape of the motion converter prevents the pointed tip from moving outside of said plane, which would otherwise strike the tooth and cause damage.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention is a motion conversion part of a tip element according to one of the preceding claims. All features and advantages described above for the tip element are equally applicable to the motion conversion part, and vice versa. It is contemplated that the first end part, the second end part, and / or the conversion part can be combined together to form a desired tip element. For example, the conversion part and the second end part provide an interface for reversibly attaching the second end part to the motion conversion part. This allows the second end region to be replaced, e.g., with another second end part curved in a different way, to change the third angle and / or the fourth angle.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a dental treatment device having a tip element according to the present invention. All features and advantages described in the context of the tip element apply equally to the dental treatment device, and vice versa. Preferably, the dental treatment device comprises an actuation unit for inducing linear ultrasonic vibrations into the tip element, in particular a tip element that is reversibly attachable to the actuation unit. In particular, the tip element is screwed onto the dental treatment device at its front side.

[0035] Preferably, the dental treatment device is configured to establish a linear vibration of the tip element with a frequency of less than 30 Hz, preferably between 20 Hz and 30 Hz.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a tip card device for checking the condition of a tip element according to the present invention, comprising a holding element for positioning the tip element in a fixed orientation relative to the protruding region. This advantageously allows checking whether the transformation portion and / or the second end portion have been deformed during use, and the user is informed whether the tip element needs to be replaced. The holding element is therefore configured to allow checking the tip element from various perspectives, for example by changing the tip element to a specific orientation that allows checking the shape of the tip element at the same protruding region. It is also conceivable that the protruding region forms a box, in particular an open or transparent box, thereby allowing checking the shape of the tip element from various perspectives. All features and advantages described in the context of the tip element apply equally to the tip card device, and vice versa.

[0037] Wherever not already expressly stated, individual embodiments, or individual aspects and features thereof, can be combined with or substituted for one another where such combination or substitution is meaningful and consistent with the spirit of the invention, without limiting or expanding the scope of the invention as described. Advantages stated with respect to one embodiment of the invention are also advantages of other embodiments of the invention, whenever applicable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a tip element according to a preferred embodiment in a first perspective view; FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the tip element of FIG. 1 in a second perspective view. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram of a second end portion of the tip element shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] 1 and 2 show a tip element 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For example, the tip element 1 is a scaling tip, i.e. a tip element 1 used for cleaning teeth by scaling. Preferably, during use, the tip element 1 is reversibly attached to a handpiece (not shown), and in particular in the attached state the handpiece and the tip element 1 form a medical instrument, preferably a dental instrument. In particular, the tip element 1 and the handpiece are connected to each other via corresponding interfaces assigned to the handpiece and the tip element 1, respectively.

[0040] To remove tartar, calculus and / or plaque from the teeth, a handpiece with a tip element 1 is guided towards the teeth so that the tip element 1 comes into contact with the tooth surface. Preferably, the handpiece comprises an actuation unit connected to the handpiece for actuating a movement, in particular an ultrasonic movement, of the tip element 1. This ultrasonic movement supports the removal of stains, plaque and / or calculus from the dentin. The tip element 1 can be used for subgingival or supragingival treatment.

[0041] In particular, the tip element 1 has a first end portion 10 and a second end portion 20 opposite the first end portion 10 along the course of the tip element 1. The first proximal end portion 10 is configured to be attached to a handpiece, for example, by inserting the tip element 1 into a corresponding recess in the handpiece. In this use, the actuation unit transmits or induces ultrasonic vibrations to the first end portion 10, causing ultrasonic vibrations along a first vibration direction V1. For example, the actuation unit includes a piezoelectric transducer for realizing such ultrasonic motion. The handpiece may further include a cooling unit, such as a cooling circuit with a water inlet and / or outlet, for cooling the handpiece during operation.

[0042] The second distal end portion 20 preferably forms the tool that is in contact with the tooth during use of the tip element 1. In the present embodiment of Figure 1, it is envisaged that the second end portion 20 tapers along the course or tip element 1 to form a pointed tip 40 on the front side that faces the tooth during use.

[0043] In order to modify the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations, the shape of the tip element 1 is adapted accordingly, in particular at the pointed end 40 of the tip element 1 in the second end portion 20. In particular, a motion converter portion 30 is provided between the first end portion 10 and the second end portion 20. The motion converter portion 30 is preferably S-shaped and has a first curved subportion 31 and a second curved subportion 32. Preferably, the second curved subportion 32 continues directly from the first curved subportion 31 along the course of the tip element 1. In particular, the tip element 1 is curved at a first angle α1 in the first subportion 31 and at a second angle α2 in the second curved subportion 32, the difference between the first angle α1 and the second angle α2 being less than 15°, more preferably less than 5° and most preferably less than 2°. In particular, the first curved sub-portion 31 and the second curved sub-portion 32 are curved in opposite directions to form an S-like shape.

[0044] Furthermore, the first angle α1 and / or the second angle α2 are preferably between 80° and 140°, more preferably between 85° and 125°, most preferably between 90° and 100°, or even approximately 90°. In particular, the course of the tip element 1 within the first curved subsection 31 generally changes direction by approximately 90°. As a result, ultrasonic vibrations having a first vibration direction V1 can be blocked and converted at the first end section 10 of the tip element 1 into ultrasonic vibrations having a second vibration direction V2 at the end of the motion conversion section 30, the second vibration direction V2 extending generally perpendicular to the first vibration direction V1. In this way, motion conversion can be achieved. In particular, ultrasonic vibrations parallel to the course of the tip element 1, i.e., a back-and-forth motion, are converted at the end of the motion conversion section 30 into ultrasonic vibrations perpendicular to the course of the tip element 1, i.e., an up-and-down motion of the tip element 1.

[0045] In practice, the first curved sub-portion 31 can be assigned a first radius of curvature Rα1, which radius of curvature Rα1 is

[0046] TIFF2025138886000003.tif8170 where D1 corresponds to the length of the cover and central region of the tip element in the first cross section, in the range of 1.2 to 4 mm. The same applies to the second radius of curvature Rα2 that can be assigned to the second curved sub-portion 32.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferably envisaged that the motion converter portion 30 extends along a first length L1 measured in a direction parallel to the first vibration direction V1. Due to the shapes of the first curved sub-portion 31 and the second curved sub-portion 32, the course of the tip element 1 rearward of the second curved sub-portion 32 is laterally or radially shifted to the course of the tip element 1 forward of the first curved sub-portion 31 (when viewed in the direction from the first end portion 10 to the second end portion 20). Preferably, a second length L2 is allocated to the radial shift caused by the motion converter portion 30.

[0048] By setting the first length L1 and the second length L2 to a specific ratio, it is advantageously possible to change the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations. For example, if the second length L2 is shorter than the first length L1, the amplitude is amplified, and if the second length L2 is longer than the first length L1, the amplitude is reduced. In particular, the first length L1 and the second length L2 form the axis of an elliptical resonator. The amplitude remains generally constant when the second length L2 is equal to the first length L1. In this case, the first length L1 and the second length L2 represent the radius of the circle.

[0049] Furthermore, the tip element 1 has a central region D and a cover region S, and in a first cross section II perpendicular to the course of the tip element 1, the central region D is surrounded by the cover region S, preferably completely surrounded in the first cross section II. Preferably, the central region is cylindrical and forms a channel for conveying a liquid flow, preferably water. By varying the dimensions of the cover region S along the course of the motion converter part 30, it is advantageously possible to adapt the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations. This can be done in addition to varying the amplitude by the ratio between the first length L1 and the second length L2. In particular, the covering area S has a first cross-sectional area S1 in a first cross-section II perpendicular to the course of the tip element 1 and a second cross-sectional area S2 in a second cross-section HH perpendicular to the course of the tip element 1. Preferably, the first cross-sectional area S1 is assigned to the beginning of the motion converter portion 30 and the second cross-sectional area S2 is assigned to the end of the motion converter portion 30. The beginning of the motion converter portion 30 is therefore preferably defined by the last cross-section of the tip element 1 (when viewed in the direction from the first end portion 10 to the second end portion 20) that is perpendicular to the course of the tip element 1 and perpendicular to the first vibration direction V1. The end of the motion conversion portion 30 is preferably defined by a cross section perpendicular to the course of the tip element 1, said cross section (when viewed in the direction from the first end portion 10 to the second end portion 20) continuing along the first curved sub-portion 31 and the second curved sub-portion 32 and only after the first curved sub-portion 31 and the second curved sub-portion 32 is it again perpendicular to the first vibration direction V1.

[0050] Furthermore, the cover S and central region D at the first cross section II are assigned a first length D1, and the cover S and central region D at the second cross section HH are assigned a second length D2. If the cover region S and central region D are cylindrical, then both D1 and D2 represent the combined diameter of the central region and cover region. The diameter of the central region is preferably constant along the tip element.

[0051] The amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations can be advantageously increased by setting the second cross-sectional area S2 of the coverage area S to be smaller than the first cross-sectional area S1, or the amplitude can be maintained by setting the second cross-sectional area S2 equal to the first cross-sectional area S1, or reduced by setting the second cross-sectional area S2 to be larger than the first cross-sectional area S1.

[0052] Preferably, the cover portion S is conical, exponential and / or stepped in shape along the course of the tip element 1 in the motion converting portion 30 .

[0053] FIG. 2 shows the tip element 1 in a perspective view parallel to the main plane M containing the first and second curved sub-portions 31 and 32. Because of this perspective, the two curved structures of the motion converter portion 30 are not visible in this view. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the second end portion 20 of the tip element 1 is curved in a direction T inclined at a third angle α3 relative to the main plane M containing the first and second curved sub-portions 31 and 32, which third angle α3 is 35° in the illustrated embodiment. By being curved at the third angle α3, at least a portion of the second end portion 20 extends along the inclined direction T to perform a planar bending motion during use of the tip element 1. The third angle α3 or the corresponding third radius of curvature Rα3 will depend on the planned use of the tip element 1, particularly the region of the oral cavity for which the tip element 1 is intended.

[0054] Figure 3 shows the second end portion 20 of the tip element 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. In particular, the part of the second end portion 20 extending along the tilt direction T is curved at a fourth angle α4 and forms a plane containing the tilt direction T. The fourth angle α4 or the corresponding fourth radius of curvature Rα4 is adapted depending on the surface to be accessed and is preferably in the range of 90° to 135°, more preferably in the range of 110° to 120°, and most preferably approximately 117°. Preferably, the curvature of the course of the second end portion 20 at the third angle α3 is perpendicular to the curvature of the course of the second end portion 20 at the fourth angle α4.

[0055] In addition to the motion conversion section 30, the shape of the application section of the tip element (section 20) has a significant influence on the direction of vibration. To ensure correct orientation, an anti-axisymmetric structure is maintained to limit the percussive motion that can result from parasitic motions when the ultrasonic vibrations are uncontrolled. The anti-axisymmetric structure gives the vibrations a preferential direction by filtering out parasitic motions thanks to a specific second moment, i.e., selective stiffness, and selects only vibrations in the rerouted direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 Tip element 10 first end portion 20 second end portion 30 Motion conversion part 31 first curved sub-portion 32 second curved sub-portion 40 sharp tip V1 First vibration direction V2 Second vibration direction α1 First angle α2 Second angle α3 Third Angle α4 Fourth Angle II First section HH Second cross section L1 First length L2 Second length S center area D Coverage Area S1 First cross section S2 Second cross section D1 First Alternative Length D2 Second Alternative Length Rα1 First radius of curvature Rα2 Second radius of curvature Rα3 Third radius of curvature Rα4 Fourth radius of curvature M principal plane T Tilt direction

Claims

1. A tip element (1) of a dental scaler, Ultrasonic vibration during use a first end portion (10) for reversibly attaching to a handpiece; a second end portion (20) forming a dental tool; and a motion conversion portion (30) disposed between the first end portion (10) and the second end portion (20); The motion converting portion (30) has a first curved sub-portion (31) and a second curved sub-portion (32) for converting ultrasonic vibrations having a first vibration direction (V1) into ultrasonic vibrations having a second vibration direction (V2); the course of said tip element (1) is curved at a first angle (α1) in said first curved sub-section (31) and at a second angle (α2) in said second curved sub-section (32); said first angle (α1) and / or said second angle (α2) being between 85° and 125° in order to provide a controlled movement of said second end portion (20) in one particular plane; The second end portion (20) tapers to a pointed end (40) that is narrower than the remainder of the second end portion (20); Tip element (1).

2. 2. Tip element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the difference between the first angle (α1) and the second angle (α2) is less than 15°.

3. The tip element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first radius of curvature Rα1 is assigned to the first curved sub-portion (31) satisfying the formula D1, where D1 is in the range of 1.2 to 4 mm.

4. The tip element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the motion conversion portion (30) has a first length (L1), and in the motion conversion portion (30) the course of the tip element (1) undergoes a lateral shift having a second length (L2), the first length (L1) being longer than the second length (L2).

5. Tip element (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first length (L1) and / or the second length (L2) are in the range of 3 to 8 mm.

6. 6. The tip element (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the tip element (1) has a central region (D) and a cover region (S), the cover region (S) surrounding the central region (D).

7. 7. The tip element (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the motion conversion portion (30) of the covering area (S) has a first cross-section (I-I) perpendicular to the course of the tip element (1) with a first cross-sectional area (S1) measured at the beginning of the motion conversion portion (30) and / or a second cross-section (H-H) perpendicular to the course of the tip element (1) with a second cross-sectional area (S2) measured at the end of the motion conversion portion (30), the first cross-sectional area (S1) being greater than the second cross-sectional area (S2).

8. 8. The tip element (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the coverage area (S) is conical, stepped and / or exponential in shape along the course of the tip element (1) at the motion conversion portion (30).

9. A tip element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at the second end portion (20) the course of the tip element (1) is curved in an oblique direction (T) at a third angle (α3) relative to a main plane (M) containing the first curved sub-portion (31) and the second curved sub-portion (32), the third angle (α3) being between -75° and +75°.

10. 10. A tip element (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the course of the tip element (1) at the second end portion (20) is curved at a fourth angle (α4) in a plane extending in the tilt direction (T), including a part of the second end portion (20).

11. 8. The tip element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first length (L1) is equal to or smaller than the second length (L2) and / or the first cross-sectional area (S1) is equal to or smaller than the second cross-sectional area (S2).

12. The tip element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Motion conversion part (30).

13. Comprising a tip element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Tartar remover.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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