Dental handpiece

Abstract

We provide dental handpieces. [Solution] The dental handpiece 102 includes an outer casing 120, a handpiece head 118, a conductive tool rest 128 located within the handpiece head, a drive unit 112, a drive chain 108 including a drive shaft 110 coupled to the tool rest and driveable by the drive unit, a slip ring 126 arranged around a portion of the tool rest and mechanically and electrically connected to the tool rest, and a prestressed branch contact 122 mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring. The prestressed branch contact abuts against the slip ring, and the slip ring abuts against the tool rest, thereby delivering electrical signals from the connection interface to a tool 130 inserted into the tool rest during use of the dental handpiece. The drive chain and signal path are electrically isolated from the outer casing via ball bearings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dental handpiece, and more particularly to providing reliable electrical signal transmission in a dental handpiece for endodontic treatment.

Background Art

[0002] An endodontic handpiece system designed for root canal treatment may be used by dental practitioners to perform dental procedures such as measurement of the length of the root canal. The handpiece system may feature a low-speed rotation mechanism that enables accurate drilling and cleaning of the root canal tissue. The handpiece system often includes design elements for enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue during long-term use. Additionally, the handpiece system may be equipped with advanced features such as adjustable speed settings, enhanced lighting for improved visibility and treatment results.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, a dental handpiece includes an outer casing, a handpiece head, a tool receptacle disposed within the handpiece head and being conductive, a drive unit, and a drive chain including a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, the drive shaft being coupled to the tool receptacle, a slip ring disposed around a portion of the tool receptacle and being mechanically and electrically connected to the tool receptacle, and a prestressed branch joint mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring, the prestressed branch joint abutting against the slip ring, the slip ring abutting against the tool receptacle, and during use of the dental handpiece, an electrical signal is inserted from a connection interface through a signal path to a tool inserted into the tool receptacle, the signal path including the prestressed branch joint, and the drive chain, the tool receptacle, and the signal path being electrically insulated from the outer casing via ball bearings.

[0004] In one embodiment, the balls of the ball bearing are made of a non-conductive material such as ceramic or plastic.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a dental handpiece includes the steps of providing an outer casing, providing a handpiece head, and arranging a conductive tool rest within the handpiece head. The method further includes providing a drive chain comprising a drive unit and a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, the drive shaft being coupled to the tool rest. The method includes arranging a slip ring around a portion of the tool rest so that the slip ring is mechanically and electrically connected to the tool rest; providing a prestressed branch contact mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring; and bringing the prestressed branch contact into contact with the slip ring abutting the tool rest in order to deliver an electrical signal from the connection interface to a tool inserted into the tool rest via a signal path during use of the dental handpiece. The signal path includes the prestressed branch contact. The method further includes electrically insulating the drive chain, the tool rest, and the signal path from the outer casing via ball bearings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] To facilitate the identification of any particular element or action description, the most significant digit of the reference number refers to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a dental handpiece showing a vertical cross-section according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a dental handpiece showing a cross-section according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a prestressed branch contact according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a motor for a dental handpiece according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 5] This figure shows a routine according to one embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 6] This figure shows a computer system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] overview The following detailed explanation includes numerous specific details as examples to provide a complete understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it is clear that these teachings may be carried out without such details. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuits are described at a relatively high level without detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of these teachings.

[0014] In one embodiment, spatially relative terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “side,” “left,” and “right” are used in reference to the orientation of the figures described. Since the components of the embodiments of this disclosure can be arranged in several different orientations, the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. Therefore, it will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is turned upside down, an element described as being “below” or “beneath” another element or feature will be oriented “above” that other element or feature. Therefore, for example, the term “below” can encompass both upward and downward orientations. The apparatus may be oriented in other directions (rotated 90 degrees, or viewed or referenced in other orientations), and spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0015] As used herein, the term “perpendicular” refers to the orientation perpendicular to the large surface of the prestressed branching contact and aligned with the length of the dental handpiece.

[0016] As used herein, the term “lateral” refers to an orientation parallel to the large surface of the prestressed branch junction.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “joined” and / or “electrically coupled” do not mean that elements must be directly joined; intervening elements may be present between “joined” or “electrically coupled” elements. In contrast, when one element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another, no intervening elements are present. The term “electrically connected” refers to a low-ohmic electrical connection between elements that are electrically connected to each other, such as two conductive metals that are in direct physical contact with each other.

[0018] In this specification, various elements may be described using terms such as "first," "second," etc., but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be called a second element, and similarly, a second element may be called a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the relevant enumerated items.

[0019] It should be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the claims. The description of embodiments is not limiting. In particular, elements of the embodiments described below may be combined with elements of different embodiments.

[0020] An exemplary embodiment recognizes that, for endodontic treatment, an electrical signal coming from a measuring device via a motor and a contra-angle coupled to the motor is provided to a file in which root canal drilling and measurement are performed. If the electrical signal has a shortcut through the tissue, an incorrect measurement may be obtained or no measurement may be obtained at all. Therefore, the signal may need to be isolated from the patient's mouth, from the fingers holding the dental device, and from the rest of the dental device.

[0021] The concepts described herein relate to a dental handpiece designed to improve electrical signal transmission in endodontic treatment and to provide reliable isolation of the handpiece housing from electrical signals. The dental handpiece may include a conductive tool rest, a drive chain including a drive unit and shaft, and slip rings in contact with the tool rest. The device includes prestressed branch contacts to ensure optimal signal transmission to the tool during use, while ball bearings (including at least non-conductive balls such as ceramic or plastic) electrically isolate electrical signals from the drive chain and the metal outer casing. The slip rings and branch contacts may be gold-coated to enhance signal quality and reduce wear. Furthermore, the device incorporates a flexible electrical coupling device and spring-driven contacts for reliable signal transmission between the contra-angle portion of the handpiece and the motor. An isolation detection contact device and an internal or external processor, such as a processor for a desktop device, are used to verify the integrity of the isolation and ensure safe and accurate measurements during dental procedures. Thus, in one embodiment, the use of a silicone cover or housing of the dental handpiece for isolation is avoided for the drive and signal transmission isolation techniques described herein. Furthermore, the contact with the endodontic file and the transmission of signals to the file may be fully integrated into the dental handpiece, as opposed to contacting the endodontic file from outside the handpiece using an external cable located outside the head. This integration avoids the use of external wiring, which can interfere with handling and visibility and reduce hygiene.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, a vertical cross-section of a first portion (contra-angle) of a dental handpiece 102 is shown. The dental handpiece 102 includes at least an outer casing 120, a handpiece head 118, and a tool receptacle 128 disposed within the handpiece head 118, and the tool receptacle 128 is conductive. The dental handpiece 102 further includes a drive chain 108 that includes a drive unit 112 and a drive shaft 110 that is drivable by the drive unit 112. The drive shaft 110 is mechanically coupled to the tool receptacle 128 and obtains signals from a signal path for a tool 130 within the tool receptacle 128, and thus there is a potential for electrical transmission between the tool receptacle 128 and the drive shaft 110. Electrical insulation from the outer casing 120 (as well as, or generally including, all conductive materials that can be touched externally by a patient or a practitioner) of the drive chain 108 and the signal path prevents the outer casing 120 from being energized. The tool receptacle 12 also is electrically insulated from the outer casing 120 (or in another aspect, the remainder of the handpiece) at the handpiece head 118. In some implementations, the motor can be considered part of the dental handpiece.

[0023] Electrical insulation from the electrical signals of the outer casing may be provided by ball bearings 136 distributed inside the dental handpiece 102 to hold the tool receptacle 128 and the drive chain 108 in place and prevent them from contacting the rest of the dental handpiece 102. The balls 104 of the ball bearings 136 can be made non-conductive, such as ceramic or plastic. In some implementations, the cage 132 of the ball bearings 136 is made of metal, but alternatively it may be non-conductive. The cage 132 holds the balls 104 in place. The cage 132 may not contact the outer race of the ball bearings 136, especially when the cage 132 is made of a metallic material. Electrical insulation may be further ensured by separating the cage 132 and the outer race by a predetermined distance designed to prevent crosstalk or electromagnetic interference between the cage 132 and the outer casing 120.

[0024] The slip ring 126 is disposed around a portion 124 of the tool receptacle 128, mechanically connected (e.g., press-fitted) and electrically connected to the tool receptacle 128. The portion can be a circumferential recess for receiving the slip ring 126. In the handpiece head 118, the prestressed branch contact 122 is designed to be mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring 126. The prestressed branch contact 122 abuts against the slip ring 126, and then the slip ring abuts against the tool receptacle 128 to provide a reliable mechanical and electrical connection for delivering an electrical signal from the internal electrical contact 114 of the connection interface 106 through a signal path (including the internal electrical contact 114 such as a planar pad, the flexible electrical coupling device 116, the prestressed branch contact 122, the slip ring 126, and the tool receptacle 128) to the tool 130 inserted into the tool receptacle 128 during use of the dental handpiece 102. The drive chain 108 may also be energized by contacting the tool receptacle 128.

[0025] The contact (see Figure 2) includes direct contact between the slip ring 126 and the tool rest 128 within the handpiece head 118, and generates a wear-optimized contact spring design with optimal and uniform contact pressure, aided by further contact of the prestressed branch contact 122 (see Figure 2). Both the slip ring 126 and the prestressed branch contact may have a gold coating to aid in signal transmission and wear reduction. The branch shape of the prestressed branch contact 122 and the prestress load / spring bias of the prestressed branch contact 122 can provide sufficient contact points and contact assurance on both sides of the slip ring 126 to increase redundancy and provide a consistent contact path for signal transmission during device use via the prestress. They may also provide just the right amount of inward pressure to mitigate wear. Excessive pressure can cause the gold to wear out relatively quickly. Insufficient pressure can produce vibration and interrupted signals. Therefore, the prestressing, branching, prestressed branch contact 122 and contact structure to the tool rest 128 of the slip ring 126 located in section 124, and / or plating of the slip ring 126 and the prestressed branch contact 122, the contact spring design herein works together to provide consistent isolated signal transmission to the tool 130 via the signal path.

[0026] The signal path from the connection interface 106 to the tool 130 may include a prestressed branch contact 122 and an electrical coupling device such as a flexible electrical coupling device 116, which may include, for example, a cable, wire, or flexible printed circuit board. Of course, other possibilities may be obtained considering the description herein. For example, a non-flexible coupling may electrically couple the prestressed branch contact 122 to contact an internal electrical contact 114 at the connection interface 106.

[0027] In one embodiment, the dental handpiece 102 includes internal electrical contacts 114 (such as a flat pad or a concave pad, or any other pad or other electrical contact) in a connection interface 106 electrically coupled to a flexible electrocoupling device 116. External electrical contacts 402 (see Figure 4), which may be spring-driven and positioned on a motor 406, may be electrically connected to the internal electrical contacts 114 when the motor 406 is coupled to the contra-angle of the dental handpiece at the connection interface 106.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a dental handpiece 102 passing through a plane parallel to the large surface of the prestressed branch contact 122. As shown in the figure, the flexible electrical coupling device 116 is coupled directly or indirectly to the prestressed branch contact 122. A coupling device 202 may facilitate the coupling. In one example, the coupling device 202 holds the electrical assembly of the prestressed branch contact 122 and the flexible electrical coupling device 116 in place. In some implementations, the flexible electrical coupling device 116 is soldered onto the prestressed branch contact 122.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the prestressed branch contact 122 with arm 302. As described, the prestressed branch contact 122 can be coated with gold to facilitate signal transmission and reduce wear on the contact surface between the slip ring 126 and the prestressed branch contact 122. The flexible electrical coupling device 116 can be connected to the prestressed branch contact 122 at any point on the prestressed branch contact 122. In some implementations, the shape of arm 302 is similar to that of the flexible electrical coupling device 116 at the interface where they are soldered together, so that arm 302 and base 304 provide sufficient surface area for molten solder material to flow at the interface, so that the prestressed branch contact 122 aligns properly with the slip ring 126 and applies a similar amount of force to both sides of the slip ring 126. More specifically, during reflow soldering, the molten solder tends to minimize its internal energy toward mechanical equilibrium, causing the prestressed branched contact 122 to move to a minimum energy state and self-align.

[0030] Referring to Figure 4, a motor 406 is shown. The motor 406 includes one or more external electrical contacts 402 and an insulated detection contact device 404. The insulated detection contact device 404 can be one of the external electrical contacts 402.

[0031] The external electrical contact 402 and the insulated detection contact device 404 may include a spring-loaded or depressable pin 408 when coupled to the first portion of the dental handpiece 102 shown in Figure 1. Spring-loading the external electrical contact 402 provides a secure, repeatable / reliable physical and electrical connection between the external electrical contact 402 and the corresponding internal electrical contact 114 for transmitting electrical signals for endodontic or root canal measurements.

[0032] The isolation detection contact device 404 is used to verify the electrical isolation of the drive chain 108 and the signal path from the rest of the dental handpiece 102. More specifically, when the motor 406 is coupled at a contra-angle at the connection interface 106, the isolation detection contact device 404 (which may be any device capable of conducting electricity in the electrical path) or the pins 408 of the isolation detection contact device 404 make physical contact with the outer casing extension 134. The isolation detection contact device 404 may be coupled to an external device for measuring impedance. If the tactile surface of the handpiece 102 is not isolated (for example, if there is a short circuit between the outer casing 120 and the signal path or drive chain 108), the electrical circuits of the signal path, drive chain 108 and outer casing extension 134 are closed, and the impedance between the outer casing extension 134 and the internal electrical contacts 114 drops to below a predetermined threshold. More specifically, in some implementations, the processor of the system including the dental handpiece 102 may be configured to transmit an electrical signal through the signal path when the motor 406 is coupled at the connection interface, and to measure the resulting change in impedance between the internal electrical contacts 114 and the outer casing extension 134 (insulation path). The processor can then calculate an electrical isolation determination value based on the measured impedance.

[0033] Furthermore, by spring-biasing the insulation detection contact device 404, a repeatable and reliable physical and electrical connection is provided between the insulation detection contact device 404 and the outer casing extension 134 to determine whether the outer casing is insulated.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a manufacturing or assembly routine 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. The routine may be performed, for example, by a processor or group of processors in a manufacturing plant, or with their assistance. In block 502, routine 500 provides an outer casing 120. In block 504, routine 500 provides a handpiece head 118. In block 506, routine 500 arranges a conductive tool holder 128 within the handpiece head 118. In block 508, routine 500 provides a drive chain 108 comprising a drive unit 112 and a drive shaft 110 coupled to the tool holder 128 and driveable by the drive unit 112. In block 510, routine 500 arranges a slip ring 126 around a portion 124 of the tool holder 128 such that the slip ring 126 is mechanically and electrically connected to the tool holder 128. In block 512, routine 500 provides a prestressed branch contact 122 that is mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring 126. In block 514, routine 500 brings the prestressed branch contact 122 into contact with the slip ring 126 that abuts against the tool rest 128, thereby delivering electrical signals from the connection interface 106 to the tool 130 inserted into the tool rest 128 via a signal path during use of the dental handpiece 102. The signal path may include the prestressed branch contact 122. In block 516, routine 500 electrically isolates the drive chain 108, the tool rest 128, and the signal path from the outer casing 120 via non-conductive ball bearings, such as a ball bearing 136 containing non-conductive balls 104.

[0035] When using a manufactured dental handpiece, an insulation detection contact device 404 located on a motor connected to the connection interface can be used to measure insulation. More specifically, the handpiece system further comprises a processor configured to transmit an electrical signal through a signal path and measure the impedance between the internal electrical contacts 114 and the outer casing extension 134 to calculate the handpiece's insulation metric.

[0036] Having described the dental handpiece 102, we now refer to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a computer system 600 that may be used according to at least some of the exemplary embodiments described herein. Various embodiments of this exemplary computer system 600 may be described herein, but after reading this description, methods for carrying out the present disclosure using other computer systems and / or architectures may become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment of this specification, at least some components of an endodontic treatment system or apparatus, including a dental handpiece 102 and a desktop device, may form or be included in the computer system 600 shown in Figure 6. For example, the computer processor 606 may form part of a processor used for insulation measurement or motor control, or it may be a processor. The computer system 600 includes at least one computer processor 606. The computer processor 606 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a multiplexer, an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), a field-programmable gate array ("FPGA"), and the like. The computer processor 606 may be connected to a communication infrastructure 602 (e.g., a communication bus, a crossover bar device, a network). In an exemplary embodiment of this specification, the computer processor 606 includes a CPU that controls the root canal measurement process, including the operation of electrical signal transmission, the operation of the drive chain 108, and the operation of insulation measurement.

[0038] The display interface 608 (or other output interface) may transfer text, video graphics, and other data from the communication infrastructure 602 (or from a frame buffer (not shown)) for display on the display unit 614. For example, the display interface 608 may include a video card with a graphics processing unit, or it may provide an interface to an operator for controlling the system.

[0039] The computer system 600 may also include an input unit 610 that the operator of the computer system 600 may use together with the display unit 614 to transmit information to the computer processor 606. The input unit 610 may include a keyboard and / or a touchscreen monitor. In one example, the display unit 614, the input unit 610, and the computer processor 606 may together form a user interface.

[0040] One or more steps of root canal measurement or dental handpiece manufacturing / assembly may be stored in a non-temporary storage device in the form of computer-readable program instructions. To perform the procedure, the computer processor 606 loads the appropriate instructions stored in the storage device into memory and then executes the loaded instructions.

[0041] The computer system 600 may further include main memory 604, which may be random access memory ("RAM"), and may also include secondary memory 618. The secondary memory 618 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 620 and / or a removable storage drive 622 (e.g., a floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, flash memory drive, etc.). The removable storage drive 622 reads from and / or writes to the removable storage unit 626 in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 626 may be, for example, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, flash memory device, etc., which may be written to and read from the removable storage drive 622. The removable storage unit 626 may include a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that stores computer executable software instructions and / or data.

[0042] In further exemplary embodiments, the secondary memory 618 may include other computer-readable media for storing computer executable programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 600. Such a device includes a removable storage unit 628 and interface 624 (e.g., a program cartridge and cartridge interface), a removable memory chip (e.g., an erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM") or a programmable read-only memory ("PROM")) and associated memory sockets, another removable storage unit 628, and interface 624 that allows software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 628 to other parts of the computer system 600.

[0043] The computer system 600 may also include a communication interface 612 that enables software and data to be transferred between the computer system 600 and external devices. Such an interface may include a modem, a network interface (e.g., an Ethernet card or an IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN interface), a communication port (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus ("USB") port or a FireWire® port), a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association ("PCMCIA") interface, Bluetooth®, and the like. The software and data transferred via the communication interface 612 may be in the form of a signal, which may be an electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other type of signal that can be transmitted and / or received by the communication interface 612. The signal may be provided to the communication interface 612 via a communication path 616 (e.g., a channel). The communication path 616 carries the signal and may be implemented using wires or cables, optical fibers, telephone lines, cellular links, radio frequency ("RF") links, and the like. The communication interface 612 may be used to transfer software, data, or other information between the computer system 600 and a remote server or cloud-based storage device (not shown).

[0044] One or more computer programs or computer control logic may be stored in the main memory 604 and / or secondary memory 618. Computer programs may also be received via the communication interface 612. When executed by the computer processor 606, the computer programs include computer executable instructions that cause the computer system 600 to perform the methods described later. Thus, the computer programs may control the computer system 600 and other components of the endodontic treatment system.

[0045] In another embodiment, the software may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium and loaded into main memory 604 and / or secondary memory 618 using a removable storage drive 622, a hard disk drive 620 and / or a communication interface 612. Once executed by the computer processor 606, the control logic (software) causes the computer system 600 to perform some or all of the methods described herein, more generally in endodontic treatment.

[0046] While the techniques and apparatus using endodontic contra-angles and motors for dental handpieces for endodontic treatment have been described in language specific to the features and / or methods, it should be understood that the subject matter of the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary implementations.

[0047] Some examples are shown below.

[0048] Example 1: A dental handpiece comprising an outer casing, a handpiece head,

[0049] A dental handpiece comprising a conductive tool holder located within the handpiece head, a drive unit, and a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to the tool holder; a slip ring arranged around a portion of the tool holder and mechanically and electrically connected to the tool holder; and a prestressed branch contact mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring, wherein the prestressed branch contact abuts against the slip ring, the slip ring abuts against the tool holder, and during use of the dental handpiece, an electrical signal is delivered from the connection interface through a signal path to a tool inserted into the tool holder, the signal path includes the prestressed branch contact; and the drive chain, tool holder, and signal path are electrically insulated from the outer casing via ball bearings.

[0050] Example 2: The dental handpiece according to Example 1, wherein the signal path further includes a flexible electrical coupling device, and a prestressed branched contact is coupled to an external electrical contact of the connection interface via the flexible electrical coupling device.

[0051] Example 3: A connection interface electrically coupled to a flexible electrically coupled device further comprises internal electrical contacts, A dental handpiece as described in Example 1 or any other example, wherein the spring-driven contacts of the connection interface are located on the motor opposite the internal electrical contacts and are electrically connected to the internal electrical contacts when the motor is connected to the drive unit.

[0052] Example 4: A dental handpiece as described in Example 1 or any other example, in which the ball bearings are non-conductive.

[0053] Example 5: A dental handpiece as described in Example 1 or any other example, in which a slip ring is press-fitted into the tool holder.

[0054] Example 6: A dental handpiece as described in Example 1 or any other example, wherein the portion is a circumferential recess.

[0055] Example 7: A dental handpiece as described in Example 1 or any other example, in which the prestressed branch contacts and slip rings are coated with gold.

[0056] Example 8: A dental handpiece as described in Example 1 or any other example, further comprising an isolation sensing contact device positioned on the motor for connection to the outer casing at a connection interface. The handpiece system further comprises a processor configured to transmit electrical signals through a signal path and measure the impedance between the internal electrical contacts and the outer casing extension to calculate the isolation metric of the handpiece.

[0057] Example 9: A dental handpiece as described in Example 1 or any other example, wherein the outer casing is made of metal.

[0058] Example 10: A method for manufacturing a dental handpiece, comprising the steps of: providing an outer casing; providing a handpiece head; positioning a tool rest within the handpiece head, wherein the tool rest is conductive; providing a drive chain comprising a drive unit and a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to the tool rest; positioning a slip ring around a portion of the tool rest so as to be mechanically and electrically connected to the tool rest; providing a prestressed branch contact mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring; bringing the prestressed branch contact into contact with the slip ring, wherein the slip ring contacts the tool rest, and during use of the dental handpiece, an electrical signal is delivered from the connection interface through a signal path to a tool inserted into the tool rest, the signal path including the prestressed branch contact; and electrically insulating the drive chain, the tool rest and the signal path from the outer casing via a ball bearing that is nonconductive by having at least nonconductive balls.

[0059] Example 11: The method of Example 10 or any other example, further comprising the step of coating the prestressed branch contacts and slip rings with gold.

[0060] Example 12: The method of Example 10 or any other example, further comprising the step of arranging an isolation sensing contact device on the motor for connection to the outer casing at a connection interface. The handpiece further comprises a processor configured to transmit an electrical signal through a signal path and to measure the potential of the outer casing via the isolation sensing contact device to calculate the isolation metric of the handpiece.

[0061] conclusion The descriptions of the various embodiments of this teaching are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limitful to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments described. The terms used herein have been chosen to best describe the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications or technical improvements to the art found in the market, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0062] The above describes what is considered to be the best-case and / or other examples, but various modifications may be made therein, the subject matter disclosed herein may be practiced in various forms and examples, and the teachings may be applicable to numerous uses, only some of which are described herein. The following claims are intended to claim any and all uses, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of these teachings.

[0063] The components, steps, features, objectives, benefits, and advantages described herein are merely illustrative. None of them, nor any discussions relating to them, are intended to limit the scope of protection. While various advantages are described herein, it should be understood that not all embodiments necessarily include all of these advantages. Unless otherwise specified, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications described herein, including the following claims, are approximate and not precise. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with those commonly used in the art to which they relate.

[0064] Numerous other embodiments are also conceivable. These include embodiments having fewer, additional, and / or different components, steps, features, purposes, benefits, and advantages. These also include embodiments in which the components and / or steps are arranged and / or ordered differently.

[0065] While the foregoing is described in relation to exemplary embodiments, the term “exemplary” is understood to mean merely an example, not the best or optimal. Except as described above, nothing described or illustrated is intended, nor should it be construed, to provide the public with any component, step, feature, purpose, benefit, advantage or equivalent, whether or not it is described in the claims.

[0066] The terms and expressions used herein will be understood to have the ordinary meanings given to such terms and expressions in relation to their respective fields of study and research, unless a specific meaning is otherwise stated herein. Related terms such as "first" and "second" may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions such that a process, method, article, or apparatus containing a list of elements may contain not only those elements but also other elements that are not explicitly enumerated or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The elements following "a" or "an" do not, without further constraint, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus containing that element.

[0067] This summary of the disclosure is provided to enable readers to quickly confirm the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it is not to be used to interpret or limit the claims or their meaning. Furthermore, it is found that in the prior detailed description, various features in various embodiments are grouped together for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments have more features than those expressly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer features than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment combined. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, and each claim stands independently as separately claimed subject matter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 102 Dental Handpieces 104 Ball 106 Connection Interfaces 108 Drive Chain 110 Drive shaft 112 Drive Unit 114 Internal electrical contacts 116 Flexible Electrical Coupling Devices 118 Handpiece Head 120 Outer casing 122 Branch Contact 124 parts 126 Slip Rings 128 Tool holder 130 Tools 132 cages 134 Outer casing extension 136 Ball bearings 202 Coupling Devices 302 Arm 304 Base 402 External electrical contacts 404 Insulated Detect Contact Device 406 Motor 408 pins 600 Computer Systems 602 Communications Infrastructure 604 Main Memory 606 Computer Processors 608 Display Interfaces 610 Input Unit 612 Communication Interface 614 Display Unit 616 Communication Path 618 Secondary memory 620 hard disk drives 622 Removable storage drives 624 Interface 626, 628 Removable storage units

Claims

1. It is a dental handpiece, Outer casing and Handpiece head and A tool holder, which is located inside the handpiece head and is conductive, A drive chain comprising a drive unit and a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to the tool support portion, A slip ring is arranged around the portion of the tool holder and is mechanically and electrically connected to the tool holder. The slip ring is mechanically and electrically connected to a prestressed branch contact, The prestressed branched contact abuts against the slip ring, the slip ring abuts against the tool holder, and during use of the dental handpiece, an electrical signal is delivered from the connection interface through a signal path to the tool inserted into the tool holder, the signal path includes the prestressed branched contact. A dental handpiece in which the drive chain and the signal path are electrically isolated from the outer casing via ball bearings.

2. The signal path further includes a flexible electrical coupling device, The prestressed branch contact is further coupled to the internal electrical contacts of the connection interface via the flexible electrical coupling device. The dental handpiece according to claim 1.

3. The signal path further includes the slip ring, the tool holder, and the internal electrical contacts. The dental handpiece according to claim 2.

4. The connection interface further comprises internal electrical contacts electrically coupled to the flexible electrical coupling device, The external electrical contact is spring-biased and positioned on the motor opposite the internal electrical contact, and is electrically connected to the internal electrical contact when the motor is connected to the drive unit. The dental handpiece according to claim 2.

5. The dental handpiece according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of balls of the ball bearing are non-conductive.

6. The dental handpiece according to claim 1, wherein the slip ring is press-fitted into the tool receiving portion.

7. The dental handpiece according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned portion is a circumferential recess.

8. The dental handpiece according to claim 1, wherein the prestressed branch contact and the slip ring are coated with gold.

9. The connection interface further comprises an insulated detection contact device positioned on the motor for connection to the outer casing, The processor, When the motor is coupled at the connection interface, it transmits an electrical signal through the signal path. The system is configured to measure the impedance between the internal electrical contacts and the outer casing extension and to calculate the insulation metric of the dental handpiece. The dental handpiece according to claim 2.

10. The dental handpiece according to claim 1, wherein the outer casing is made of metal.

11. The dental handpiece according to claim 2, wherein the flexible electrical coupling device further comprises a plurality of arms configured to self-align during the soldering process.

12. A method for manufacturing a dental handpiece, Steps include providing an outer casing, Steps include installing the handpiece head, A step of arranging a tool holder within the handpiece head, wherein the tool holder is conductive, A step of providing a drive chain comprising a drive unit and a drive shaft that can be driven by the drive unit, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to the tool receiving portion, The steps include: positioning the slip ring around the portion of the tool holder so that it is mechanically and electrically connected to the tool holder; The steps include providing a prestressed branch contact that is mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring, A step of bringing the prestressed branched contact into contact with the slip ring, wherein the slip ring contacts the tool holder, and during use of the dental handpiece, an electrical signal is delivered from the connection interface through a signal path to a tool inserted into the tool holder, the signal path including the prestressed branched contact; The steps include electrically isolating the drive chain, the tool holder, and the signal path from the outer casing via ball bearings. Methods that include...

13. The further step includes coating the prestressed branch contact and the slip ring with gold. The method according to claim 12.

14. The connection interface further includes the step of arranging an insulated detection contact device on the motor to connect to the outer casing, The processor, An electrical signal is transmitted via the aforementioned signal path. The handpiece is configured to measure the impedance between the internal electrical contacts and the external casing extension to calculate the insulation metric of the handpiece. The method according to claim 12.

15. The process further includes providing a plurality of arms on the prestressed branch contact to enable self-alignment of the prestressed branch contact when soldering the prestressed branch contact to the flexible coupling device of the dental handpiece, The method according to claim 12.

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