Dental unit chair

Abstract

The present invention includes: a base unit; a seat unit installed in the base unit and formed to support a patient; a doctor table connected to the base unit and on which a handpiece is mounted; an arm unit connected to the base unit so as to be positioned on the opposite side to the doctor table relative to the seat unit; and a suction unit having a modifiable suction line comprising a fixed end connected to the arm unit whilst also in communication with a suction pump and a movable end that can move relative to the fixed end, wherein the modifiable suction line is formed so as to maintain a modified shape according to the movement of the movable end and is formed to allow foreign substances suctioned from a patient to sequentially pass through the movable end and the fixed end and travel in the direction toward the suction pump.

Description

Dental unit chair

[0001] The present invention relates to a unit chair used to treat patients in a dental clinic.

[0002]

[0003] Typically, a unit chair is used during dental treatment to examine the patient's oral cavity and perform dental treatment. The unit chair includes a multidirectional drive mechanism that allows the patient's position to be adjusted according to the operator's instructions. The unit chair also has functions such as compressed air supply, air intake, and water supply and drainage.

[0004] Even with the flexibility to change a patient's position, dental treatment is a burdensome task for a single doctor. During dental treatment, teeth and gums are processed using various handpieces, while auxiliary work such as suctioning out foreign substances like saliva, blood, and tooth debris is performed simultaneously. Typically, the doctor performs the processing, while an assistant performs the auxiliary work.

[0005] As labor costs rise and manpower shortages worsen, the need for unit chairs that enable doctors to perform auxiliary tasks as well as processing tasks is increasing.

[0006] The background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving embodiments of the present invention or acquired during the derivation process, and cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the present application.

[0007]

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a dental unit chair that does not require auxiliary personnel for air suction work and whose configuration does not restrict the treatment activities of a doctor.

[0009]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention for realizing the above-described task, a dental unit chair comprises: a seat unit formed to be switched between a first position for supporting a patient to sit and a second position for supporting a patient to lie down; a body unit positioned on one side of the seat unit and formed to maintain an independent state with respect to switching between the first position and the second position; an arm unit installed on the body unit to be switched between a third position and a fourth position different from the third position; And a fixed suction line arranged to extend inside the arm unit, and a deformable suction line formed to maintain a deformed shape while being connected to the arm unit while being connected to the fixed suction line and located outside the arm unit, wherein the deformable suction line includes a suction unit that is capable of suctioning a foreign substance from a patient as its entrance is switched from a fifth posture to a sixth posture in which the inlet is closer to a patient lying in the second posture, and the suction unit further includes an intermediate suction line built into the body unit and formed to communicate the fixed suction line with a suction pump, so that the foreign substance can flow in a direction toward the suction pump while passing through the deformable suction line, the fixed suction line, and the intermediate suction line in sequence.

[0011] Here, the female unit includes an end surface forming a plane along a direction intersecting its extension direction, and the deformation suction line can be connected to the female unit so as to protrude from the end surface.

[0012] Here, the suction unit further includes a holder coupled to the female unit, and a portion of the deformation suction line close to the fixed suction line can maintain an arrangement along the extension direction of the holder by support of the holder.

[0013] Here, the arm unit further includes an assist table that is switchably connected between the seventh and eighth positions, and a joining surface of the arm unit to which the deformation suction line is joined may be a surface that is the same as or parallel to the upper surface of the assist table.

[0014] Here, the deformation suction line may include a flexible tube communicating with the fixed suction line; and a shape-retaining body surrounding the flexible tube and formed to maintain the shape of the flexible tube.

[0015] Here, a detection unit formed to detect that the deformation suction line is located in a corresponding area corresponding to the sheet unit; and a control unit for operating the suction pump to which the deformation suction line is connected based on the detection result of the detection unit may be further included.

[0016] Here, the detection unit may include a detection element installed in the deformation suction line; and a detection element formed to generate an electrical signal according to interaction with the detection element located in the corresponding area.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a dental unit chair may include a base unit; a seat unit installed on the base unit and formed to support a patient; a doctor table connected to the base unit and having a handpiece placed thereon; an arm unit connected to the base unit so as to be positioned on an opposite side of the doctor table with respect to the seat unit; and a deformable suction line having a fixed end connected to the arm unit while being connected to a suction pump and a movable end movable with respect to the fixed end, wherein the deformable suction line is formed to maintain a deformed shape according to the movement of the movable end, and a suction unit formed so that foreign substances sucked from a patient pass through the movable end and the fixed end in sequence and flow in a direction toward the suction pump.

[0018] Here, an assist table rotatably connected to the arm unit is further included, and the deformation suction line can be positioned apart from the assist table so as to be maintained independent of the rotation of the assist table.

[0019] Here, a detection unit formed to detect that the deformation suction line is located in a corresponding area corresponding to the sheet unit; and a control unit for operating the suction pump to which the deformation suction line is connected based on the detection result of the detection unit may be further included.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a dental unit chair may include a base unit; a seat unit installed on the base unit and formed to support a patient; a body unit connected to one side of the base unit; an arm unit connected to the body unit; and a suction unit having a fixed suction line arranged to extend inside the arm unit, a deformable suction line formed to be mounted on the arm unit while being connected to the fixed suction line and to maintain a deformed shape, and an intermediate suction line formed to connect the fixed suction line to a suction pump.

[0021] Here, the body unit includes a housing and a pole connected to the housing, the female unit is connected to the pole, and the intermediate suction line can be arranged to extend into the pole and the housing.

[0022] Here, the female unit includes an end surface forming a plane along a direction intersecting its extension direction, and the deformation suction line can be connected to the female unit so as to protrude from the end surface.

[0023] Here, the suction unit further includes a holder coupled to the female unit, and a portion of the deformation suction line close to the fixed suction line can maintain an arrangement along the extension direction of the holder by support of the holder.

[0024] Here, a detection unit formed to detect that the deformation suction line is located in a corresponding area corresponding to the sheet unit; and a control unit for operating the suction pump to which the deformation suction line is connected based on the detection result of the detection unit may be further included.

[0025]

[0026] According to the dental unit chair according to the present invention configured as described above, an independent arm unit is provided for the seat unit, and the suction unit installed in the arm unit has a fixed suction line disposed inside the arm unit and a deformable suction line disposed outside the arm unit and maintaining a deformed shape, so that the deformable suction line suctions foreign substances derived from a patient lying on the seat unit without restricting the treatment activities of the doctor.

[0027]

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state of a dental unit chair (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing another state of the dental unit chair (100) of Fig. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the relationship between the suction unit (160) and the assist table (170) in FIG. 2.

[0031] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram specifically showing the configuration of the suction unit (160) of Figure 2.

[0032] Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views for explaining the relationship between the position of the suction unit (160) and the corresponding area (A).

[0033] FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a method of controlling the suction pump (P) in relation to the position of the suction unit (160) in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0034]

[0035] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0037] The attached drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in exaggerated sizes or thicknesses for ease of understanding, but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0038] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0040] When a component is referred to as being "connected / connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected / connected to that other component, or that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected / connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0041] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components present in between.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state of a dental unit chair (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to this drawing, a dental unit chair (100) may include a base unit (110), a seat unit (120), a doctor table (130), a body unit (140), an arm unit (150), a suction unit (160), an assist table (170), a light (180), and a ball table (190).

[0045] The base unit (110) is a structure that supports the seat unit (120). The base unit (110) may be formed to be supported on a floor surface. A driving means (not shown) for adjusting the posture of the seat unit (120) may be built into the base unit (110). In some cases, the base unit (110) may be treated as forming a part of the seat unit (120).

[0046] The seat unit (120) is configured to support a patient. The seat unit (120) can support a patient in a sitting state in a first position. The seat unit (120) can also support a patient in a lying state in a second position. To switch between the first position and the second position, the lower body support part (121) and the upper body support part (125) of the seat unit (120) can be independently angle-adjusted. In general, the angle-adjusting range of the upper body support part (125) can be greater than that of the lower body support part (121).

[0047] The doctor table (130) is for holding the handpiece (131) used by the doctor. The handpiece (131) is a tool for various processing operations on teeth, alveolar bone, etc. Compressed air, air suction power, and rotational driving power can be provided to the handpiece (131) via the base unit (110). For this purpose, the doctor table (130) may be connected to the base unit (110) via an arm (133) or may be connected to a pole (145) to be described later. A frame (135) is installed at the end of the arm (133), and the handpiece (131) can be held on the frame (135). A manipulator (139) is also installed on the frame (135), so that the doctor can control the posture of the seat unit (120), etc., using the manipulator (139).

[0048] The body unit (140) may have built-in components related to providing compressed air, air suction power, and rotational driving power. The body unit (140) may serve to connect an air compressor, a suction pump, a water purifier, and a handpiece (131) located in a separate machine room. The body unit (140) may be arranged on one side of the seat unit (120) and may be located on the opposite side of the doctor table (130) with respect to the seat unit (120). The body unit (140) maintains a state independent of the seat unit (120) switching between the first posture and the second posture. Therefore, the doctor does not have to worry about interference with the body unit (140) when switching postures with respect to the seat unit (120). The body unit (140) may have a housing (141) and a pole (145). If the housing (141) is supported on the floor surface, the pole (145) can be arranged to be connected to the housing (141) and extend upward.

[0049] The arm unit (150) is rotatably connected to the body unit (140). Specifically, the arm unit (150) is connected to the pole (145) and may have a shape extending away from the pole (145). The arm unit (150) connected to the pole (145) is positioned on the opposite side of the doctor table (130) with respect to the seat unit (120). The arm unit (150) is configured to switch between a third position and a fourth position. The fourth position may be a position closer to the seat unit (120) than the third position. The switching between the third position and the fourth position may be performed manually. Even if the switching is performed automatically, the switching may be performed at a different time from the switching time between the first position and the second position. As a result, the arm unit (150) and the seat unit (120) do not interfere with each other during their respective switching processes.

[0050] The suction unit (160) is connected to the arm unit (150) for suctioning foreign substances from the patient. The suction unit (160) is located outside the arm unit (150) and has a deformation suction line (161) that maintains a deformed shape according to the operator's operation. The deformation suction line (161) can be switched between a fifth position and a sixth position. The sixth position may be a position closer to the patient than the fifth position. In the sixth position, the inlet of the deformation suction line (161) will be positioned at a position capable of suctioning foreign substances from the patient lying in the second position.

[0051] The assist table (170) can be rotatably connected to the arm unit (150). The assist table (170) can be switched between a seventh position and an eighth position. The eighth position may be closer to the seat unit (120) than the seventh position. Tools used by an assistant, such as an inhaler (171) or a scaler, are placed on the assist table (170). When the assistant does not participate in the treatment, the role of the inhaler (171) can be replaced by the suction unit (160). The suction unit (160) can be operated by a doctor.

[0052] The light (180) generates light to illuminate the patient's oral cavity. The light (180) can be installed at the top of the pole (145).

[0053] The spittoon (190) is used to collect saliva, foreign substances, etc. spit out by the patient. A water supply line that provides purified water to the patient may be connected to the spittoon (190).

[0054] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing another state of the dental unit chair (100) of Fig. 1.

[0055] Referring to this drawing, the seat unit (120) is adjusted to the second position, so that the patient can lie on the seat unit (120). For treatment of the patient, as the fourth position is adjusted, the free end of the deformation suction line (161) can be positioned close to the upper body support (125). The position adjustment of the deformation suction line (161) can be performed by a doctor. Since the deformation suction line (161) maintains the adjusted fourth position by itself, no one needs to hold the suction unit (160) during the treatment. After the treatment is finished, the doctor only needs to return the deformation suction line (161) to the third position.

[0056] The deformation suction line (161) may be composed of a flexible tube (161a) and a shape-retaining member (161b) surrounding the flexible tube (161a). The flexible tube (161a) is made of a bendable material, and air and foreign substances flow inside it according to the operation of the suction pump. The shape-retaining member (161b) allows the flexible tube (161a) to maintain its bent shape. The shape-retaining member (161b) may have a structure in which a band is wound in a spiral shape, etc.

[0057] The deformation suction line (161) can be coupled to the end face (151) of the female unit (150). The end face (151) can be a plane that follows a direction that generally intersects the extension direction of the female unit (150). The end face (151) can be the same as the upper face (175) of the assist table (170) or can be a plane that is parallel to the upper face (175).

[0058] The deformation suction line (161) is connected to the female unit (150) so as to protrude from the end face (151). In order to maintain the deformation suction line (161) in a generally vertical position with respect to the end face (151), a holder (163) may be coupled to the end face (151). Since the holder (163) is coupled to the end face (151), the end face (151) may be referred to as a coupling surface. The holder (163) is coupled to the female unit (150) and may be formed of a material that does not deform. The holder (163) may have a generally hollow pipe shape. Accordingly, a portion of the deformation suction line (161) close to the female unit (150) can stably maintain an arrangement along the extension direction of the holder (163).

[0059] The modified suction line (161) does not restrict the doctor's activities during the treatment process. Specifically, the doctor sits on a portable chair and places his or her lower body under the upper body support (125). From this position, the doctor can move slightly left and right, forward and backward. The doctor's range of motion is completely separated from the location and range of movement of the modified suction line (161). Therefore, the modified suction line (161) structurally prevents the doctor from restricting his or her treatment activities.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the relationship between the suction unit (160) and the assist table (170) in FIG. 2.

[0061] Referring to this drawing, the arm unit (150) can be installed to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (C1) with respect to the pole (145). The transition between the third posture and the fourth posture is achieved by the rotation of the arm unit (150) about the first rotation axis (C1).

[0062] The assist table (170) may be installed to be rotatable about a second rotation axis (C2) with respect to the arm unit (150). The transition between the seventh posture and the eighth posture is achieved by the rotation of the assist table (170) about the second rotation axis (C2). The second rotation axis (C2) may be parallel to the first rotation axis (C1).

[0063] The deformation suction line (161) may be positioned apart from the assist table (170). As a result, the deformation suction line (161) may not cause structural interference during the transition process between the seventh and eighth positions of the assist table (170).

[0064] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram specifically showing the configuration of the suction unit (160) of Figure 2.

[0065] Referring to this drawing, the suction unit (160) may further include a fixed suction line (165) and an intermediate suction line (167) in addition to the deformation suction line (161).

[0066] If the fixed end (161c) of the deformation suction line (161) is a part whose position is fixed by being connected to the female unit (150), the moving end (161d) is a part whose position changes according to the transition between the fifth position and the sixth position.

[0067] The fixed end (161c) of the deformation suction line (161) is connected to the fixed suction line (165). The fixed suction line (165) is arranged to extend inside the female unit (150). The flexible tube (161a) of the deformation suction line (161) is connected to the fixed suction line (165).

[0068] The fixed suction line (165) is connected to the intermediate suction line (167). The intermediate suction line (167) is built into the body unit (140) and communicates with the suction pump (P, see Fig. 7). The foreign substance can flow toward the suction pump (P) while passing through the deformation suction line (161), the fixed suction line (165), and the intermediate suction line (167) in sequence.

[0069] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views for explaining the relationship between the position of the suction unit (160) and the corresponding area (A), and FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a method of controlling the suction pump (P) in relation to the position of the suction unit (160) in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0070] Referring to these drawings, the doctor can adjust the seat unit (120) from the first position to the second position, and then adjust the suction unit (160) from the fifth position (see FIG. 5) to the sixth position (see FIG. 6).

[0071] In the sixth posture, the moving end (161d) of the suction unit (160) will be positioned in the corresponding area (A) corresponding to the upper body support (125). The position of this moving end (161d) can be detected by the detection unit (220).

[0072] The detection unit (220) may include a detection element (221) and a sensing element (225). The detection element (221) is a detection target of the detection element (225). The detection element (221) may be installed in a deformation suction line (161). The detection element (225) may be installed in a corresponding area (A) of the upper body support member (125). The detection element (225) generates an electrical signal according to an interaction with the detection element (221). If the detection element (221) is a magnet, the detection element (225) may be a Hall effect sensor.

[0073] The control unit (210) can control the operation of the suction pump (P) based on information from the detection unit (220). Specifically, when the detection element (225) generates an electrical signal, the control unit (210) determines that the moving part (161d) is located in the corresponding area (A). The control unit (210) determines that the suction unit (160) is placed in the sixth posture, and thus operates the suction pump (P). As the doctor switches the suction unit (160) to the sixth posture, the suction unit (160) starts the suction function. Conversely, when the suction unit (160) switches to the fifth posture, the suction function ends. Since the start / end of the suction function is linked to the posture change of the suction unit (160), the burden on the doctor for using the suction unit (160) is not large.

[0074]

[0075] The present invention has industrial applicability in the field of manufacturing dental unit chairs.

Claims

1. A seat unit configured to be switched between a first position supporting a patient to sit and a second position supporting a patient to lie down; A body unit positioned on one side of the seat unit and formed to maintain an independent state for transition between the first posture and the second posture; An arm unit installed in the body unit to switch between a third posture and a fourth posture different from the third posture; and A fixed suction line arranged to extend from the inside of the arm unit, and a deformable suction line connected to the arm unit while being connected to the fixed suction line and positioned outside the arm unit to maintain a deformed shape, wherein the deformable suction line includes a suction unit that becomes capable of suctioning foreign substances from a patient as its entrance is switched from a fifth posture to a sixth posture in which the inlet is closer to a patient lying in the second posture, The above suction unit, A dental unit chair further comprising an intermediate suction line built into the body unit and formed to communicate the fixed suction line with a suction pump, so that the foreign substance flows in a direction toward the suction pump while passing through the modified suction line, the fixed suction line, and the intermediate suction line in sequence.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cancer unit is, It includes an end face that forms a plane that follows a direction intersecting its extension direction, The above deformation suction line is, A dental unit chair connected to the arm unit so as to protrude from the end face.

3. In paragraph 1, The above suction unit, Further comprising a holder coupled to the above arm unit, Among the above-mentioned deformation suction lines, the part close to the above-mentioned fixed suction line is, A dental unit chair that maintains an arrangement along the extension direction of the holder by the support of the holder.

4. In paragraph 1, The above arm unit further includes an assist table switchably connected between the seventh and eighth positions, Among the above cancer units, the joining surface to which the deformation suction line is joined is A dental unit chair having a surface that is the same as or parallel to the upper surface of the above assist table.

5. In paragraph 1, The above deformation suction line is, a flexible tube communicating with the above fixed suction line; and A dental unit chair comprising a shape-retaining body formed to surround the flexible tube and maintain the shape of the flexible tube.

6. In paragraph 1, A detection unit formed to detect that the above deformation suction line is located in a corresponding area corresponding to the sheet unit; and A dental unit chair further comprising a control unit that operates the suction pump to which the deformation suction line is connected based on the detection result of the detection unit.

7. In paragraph 6, The above detection unit, A sensing element installed in the above deformation suction line; and A dental unit chair comprising a sensing element formed to generate an electrical signal in response to interaction with the sensing element located in the corresponding area.

8. Base unit; A seat unit installed on the base unit and formed to support a patient; A doctor table connected to the above base unit and on which a handpiece is placed; An arm unit connected to the base unit so as to be positioned on the opposite side of the doctor table based on the sheet unit; and A dental unit chair comprising a suction unit, the suction unit comprising a deformable suction line having a fixed end connected to the arm unit while being connected to a suction pump and a movable end movable with respect to the fixed end, the deformable suction line being formed to maintain a deformed shape according to the movement of the movable end and being formed to allow foreign substances sucked from a patient to flow in a direction toward the suction pump while sequentially passing through the movable end and the fixed end.

9. In paragraph 8, Further comprising an assist table rotatably connected to the above arm unit, The above deformation suction line is, A dental unit chair positioned apart from the assist table so as to maintain a state independent of the rotation of the assist table.

10. In paragraph 8, A detection unit formed to detect that the above deformation suction line is located in a corresponding area corresponding to the sheet unit; and A dental unit chair further comprising a control unit that operates the suction pump to which the deformation suction line is connected based on the detection result of the detection unit.

11. Bass unit; A seat unit installed on the base unit and formed to support a patient; A body unit connected to one side of the base unit; an arm unit connected to the above body unit; and A dental unit chair comprising a suction unit having a fixed suction line arranged to extend inside the arm unit, a deformable suction line formed to maintain a deformed shape while being mounted on the arm unit while being connected to the fixed suction line, and an intermediate suction line formed to connect the fixed suction line to a suction pump.

12. In paragraph 11, The above body unit, comprising a housing and a pole connected to the housing, The above cancer unit is, Connected to the above pole, The above parameter suction line is, A dental unit chair, arranged to extend into the above pole and the housing.

13. In paragraph 11, The above cancer unit is, It includes an end face that forms a plane that follows a direction intersecting its extension direction, The above deformation suction line is, A dental unit chair connected to the arm unit so as to protrude from the end face.

14. In paragraph 11, The above suction unit, Further comprising a holder coupled to the above arm unit, Among the above-mentioned deformation suction lines, the part close to the above-mentioned fixed suction line is, A dental unit chair that maintains an arrangement along the extension direction of the holder by the support of the holder.

15. In paragraph 11, A detection unit formed to detect that the above deformation suction line is located in a corresponding area corresponding to the sheet unit; and A dental unit chair further comprising a control unit that operates the suction pump to which the deformation suction line is connected based on the detection result of the detection unit.

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