阅读说明：本技术 预防性牙科处理装置 (Preventive dental treatment device ) 是由 G·赫芬贝 G·霍奇拉德 G·普卢瓦 J·埃贝尔 于 2018-07-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：牙科预防性处理装置(1),具有：预防性反角手机(2)及牙科工具(3),前者具有沿纵向轴线(5)延伸的手柄部分(4)和与手柄部分(4)邻接的头部部分(6)；可旋转地设置在头部部分(6)中且沿旋转轴线(8)延伸的工具保持器(7),手柄部分(4)的纵向轴线(5)和头部部分(6)的旋转轴线(8)彼此成角度设置,牙科工具(3)具有工具轴(9)和预防性处理区段(10)。工具轴(9)从牙科工具(3)反角手机侧的手机端部(9A)延伸过长度(L)而延伸至预防性处理区段(10),工具轴(9)的至少一区段可拆卸地接收在工具保持器(7)中,使得牙科工具(3)可与工具保持器(7)一起围绕旋转轴线(8)旋转,且工具轴(9)的长度(L)最大为10.0毫米。(A dental prophylactic treatment device (1) is provided with: a prophylactic contra-angle handpiece (2) having a handle portion (4) extending along a longitudinal axis (5) and a head portion (6) adjacent to the handle portion (4); a tool holder (7) rotatably arranged in the head portion (6) and extending along a rotational axis (8), the longitudinal axis (5) of the handle portion (4) and the rotational axis (8) of the head portion (6) being arranged at an angle to each other, the dental tool (3) having a tool shaft (9) and a preventive treatment section (10). The tool shaft (9) extends from a handpiece end (9A) on the contra-angle handpiece side of the dental tool (3) over a length (L) to a preventive treatment section (10), at least a section of the tool shaft (9) being detachably received in the tool holder (7) such that the dental tool (3) is rotatable together with the tool holder (7) about the axis of rotation (8) and the length (L) of the tool shaft (9) is at most 10.0 mm.)

1. A dental prophylactic treatment device (1) comprising: a prophylactic counter-angle handpiece (2) and a dental tool (3), the prophylactic counter-angle handpiece (2) having a handle portion (4) extending along a longitudinal axis (5), a head portion (6) adjoining the handle portion (4), a tool holder (7) rotatably arranged in the head portion (6) and extending along an axis of rotation (8), the longitudinal axis (5) of the handle portion (4) and the axis of rotation (8) of the head portion (6) being arranged at an angle to each other, the dental tool (3) having a tool shaft (9) and having a prophylactic treatment section (10) connected to the tool shaft (9), the tool shaft (9) extending over a length (L) from a handpiece end (9A) of the dental tool (3) to the prophylactic treatment section (10), wherein at least a section of the tool shaft (9) is detachably receivable in the tool holder (7), such that the dental tool (3) is rotatable together with the tool holder (7) about an axis of rotation (8), wherein the tool shaft (9) is made of plastic or another material, and wherein the length (L) of the tool shaft (9) is at most 10.0 mm.

2. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tool holder (7) is rotatably supported in the head portion (6) of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece (2) by means of at least one slide bearing (11).

3. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool holder (7) comprises a clamping device (12A), which clamping device (12A) is configured to fix the tool shaft (9) of the dental tool (3) in a non-forced or frictional manner, to axially hold the tool shaft (9) relative to the rotational axis (8) of the tool holder (7), and to enable rotational entrainment of the tool shaft (9) such that the dental tool (3) can rotate together with the tool holder (7) around the rotational axis (8).

4. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the non-positive or friction-locking clamping device (12A) comprises a hollow shaft (13), which hollow shaft (13) has a hole (14) extending along the rotational axis (8) of the tool holder (7), and in which hole (14) at least a part of the tool shaft (9) can be removably received, and in which hole (14) at least one clamping lug (15) protrudes into the hole (14) for clamping the tool shaft (9) in the hollow shaft (13).

5. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool holder (7) comprises a clamping device (12B) configured to secure the tool shaft (9) of the dental tool (3) in a positive locking manner.

6. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the positive locking clamping device (12B) comprises at least one holding element (16), which holding element (16) is radially displaceable relative to the rotational axis (8) of the tool holder (7) and is configured to engage in a recess (17) on the tool shaft (9).

7. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the positive locking gripping device (12B) comprises at least one first drive element (18) configured to interact with a second drive element (19) on the tool shaft (9) to effect a rotational drive of the tool shaft (9) such that the dental tool (3) is rotatable together with the tool holder (7) around the rotation axis (8).

8. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a sealing system (20) for sealing the head portion (6) of the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece (2) is provided, which sealing system (20) prevents impurities and/or treatment agents from penetrating into the head portion (6).

9. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 8, wherein a sealing system (20) is provided on the dental tool (3), in particular on the dental tool (3) such that it interacts with the head portion (6) of the prophylactic counter-angle handpiece (2) in order to prevent impurities and/or treatment agents from penetrating into the head portion (6).

10. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the sealing system (20) is provided on a prophylactic contra-angle handpiece (2).

11. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (12A, 12B) is designed as a sliding clamping device, at least a part of the tool shaft (9) being insertable into or removable from the bore (14) of the hollow shaft (13) by sliding and/or linear movement along the rotational axis (8) of the tool holder (7).

12. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the sealing system (20) is designed such that insertion of the dental tool (3) into the sliding gripping device causes or enhances the sealing effect of the sealing system (20).

13. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in that the sealing system (20) protrudes around the lower side of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head part (6) and/or the lower side of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head part (6), in particular in a contacting manner around the lower side of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head part (6) and/or the lower side of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head part (6).

14. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tool shaft (9) is designed over the entire length (L) as a cylindrical pin without recesses for engagement with the tool holder (7).

15. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one groove (17) for engagement with a tool holder (7) and/or at least one drive element (19) is provided on a tool shaft (9).

16. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 15, wherein at least one holding element (16) comprises an annular or circular slider having an inner wall (34) and an inner through opening (32) defined by said inner wall (34), wherein a wedge-shaped protrusion (37) extends from said inner wall (34) into said inner through opening (32), wherein said wedge-shaped protrusion (37) is arranged to engage in a recess (17) on a tool shaft (9) for axially retaining a dental tool (3) in a holding device (12B), wherein the wedge-shaped protrusion (37) has a first inclined plane (38) at its upper side facing away from a tool receiving opening (24) of the prophylactic counter-angle handpiece (2).

17. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 16, wherein a sickle-shaped recess (35) on the inner wall (34) of the slide is provided, which sickle-shaped recess should connect to the wedge-shaped protrusion (37).

18. A dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the prophylactic dihedral handpiece (2) is free of actuation means for receiving a dental tool (3) in the tool holder (7) and/or releasing a dental tool (3) from the tool holder (7).

19. A dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any of claims 6 to 17, wherein the prophylactic dihedral handpiece (2) is free of actuation means for moving the holding element (16) to release the dental tool (3) from the tool holder (7).

20. A dental prophylaxis dihedral handpiece (2) for rotatably driving a dental tool (3), which dental tool (3) is connectable to the prophylaxis dihedral handpiece (2) and has a prophylaxis treatment section (10), wherein the prophylaxis dihedral handpiece (2) comprises: a handle portion (4) extending along a longitudinal axis (5), a head portion (6) adjoining the handle portion (4), and a tool holder (7) rotatably arranged in the head portion (6) and extending along an axis of rotation (8), the longitudinal axis (5) of the handle member (4) and the axis of rotation (8) of the head portion (6) being arranged at an angle to each other, wherein the tool holder (7) comprises a positive locking gripping device (12B), which positive locking gripping device (12B) is configured to secure a tool shaft (9) of a dental tool (3) in a positive locking manner, wherein the positive locking gripping device (12B) comprises at least one holding element (16) radially displaceable relative to the axis of rotation (8) of the tool holder (7), wherein the at least one holding element (16) comprises an annular or circular slider, the annular or circular slider having an inner wall (34) and an inner through opening (32) defined by the inner wall (34), wherein a wedge-shaped protrusion (37) extends from the inner wall (34) into the inner through opening (32), wherein the wedge-shaped protrusion (37) is configured to engage in a recess (17) on a tool shaft (9) of the dental tool (3) in order to axially retain the dental tool (3) in the clamping device (12B), characterized in that:

the wedge-shaped projection (37) has a first inclined plane (38) on its upper side facing away from the tool receiving opening (24) of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece (2).

21. Dental prophylactic dihedral handpiece (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that a sickle-shaped recess (35) on the inner wall (34) of the slide is provided, which sickle-shaped recess connects to the wedge-shaped protrusion (37).

22. Dental prophylaxis dihedral handpiece (2) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the holding element (16) is biased by a spring element (29) in a holding position or a locking position in which the wedge-shaped projection (37) is moved in the direction of or close to the axis of rotation (8) of the tool holder (7).

23. Dental prophylaxis dihedral handpiece (2) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the wedge-shaped projection (37) comprises a second inclined plane (39) on its underside facing the tool receiving opening (24) of the prophylaxis dihedral handpiece (2).

24. Dental prophylaxis dihedral handpiece (2) according to claim 23, characterized in that the first inclined plane (38) and the second inclined plane (39) are inclined towards each other in the direction of the central axis (36) of the holding element (16) such that the wedge-shaped projection (37) tapers in the direction of the central axis (36).

25. Dental prophylactic dihedral handpiece (2) according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the first inclined plane (38) connects the wedge-shaped protrusion (37) to the sickle-shaped recess (35).

26. Dental prophylactic dihedral handpiece (2) as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the positive locking clamping device (12B) comprises at least one first drive element (18), which first drive element (18) is configured to cooperate with a second drive element (19) on the tool shaft (9) of the dental tool (3) for enabling a rotational drive of the tool shaft (9) such that the dental tool (3) is rotatable together with the tool holder (7) about the rotation axis (8).

27. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any of claims 20 to 26, wherein a sealing system (20) for sealing the head portion (6) of the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece (2) is provided, which sealing system prevents impurities and/or treatment agents from penetrating into the head portion (6).

28. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 27, wherein the sealing system (20) is configured such that introduction of the dental tool (3) into the positive locking gripping device (12B) achieves or enhances the sealing effect of the sealing system (20).

29. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the sealing system (20) protrudes around the lower side of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head part (6) and/or the lower side of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head part (6), in particular in a contacting manner around the lower side of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head part (6) and/or the lower side of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head part (6).

30. A dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any of claims 20 to 25, wherein the prophylactic dihedral handpiece (2) is free of actuation means for moving the holding element (16) to release the dental tool (3) from the tool holder (7).

31. A dental prophylactic treatment device (1) comprising:

a preventive dihedral handpiece (2) having a handle portion (4) extending along a longitudinal axis (5), a head portion (6) adjoining the handle portion (4), a tool holder (7) rotatably arranged in the head portion (6) and extending along an axis of rotation (8), the longitudinal axis (5) of the handle portion (4) and the axis of rotation (8) of the head portion (6) being arranged at an angle to each other;

dental tool (3) having a tool shaft (9) and a preventive treatment section (10) connected to the tool shaft (9), the tool shaft (9) extending over a length (L) from a handpiece end (9A) of the dental tool (3) to the preventive treatment section (10), wherein at least a part of the tool shaft (9) is detachably receivable in a tool holder (7) such that the dental tool (3) is rotatable together with the tool holder (7) around a rotational axis (8), wherein the tool shaft (9) is made of plastic or another material and the length (L) of the tool shaft (9) is at most 10.0 mm, wherein:

the tool holder (7) comprises a positive locking device (12B) configured to fix a tool shaft (9) of the dental tool (3) in a positive locking manner, wherein the positive locking device (12B) comprises at least one holding element (16) radially displaceable relative to a rotational axis (8) of the tool holder (7).

32. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 31, wherein a sealing system (20) for sealing the head portion (6) of the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece (2) is provided, which sealing system prevents impurities and/or treatment agents from penetrating into the head portion (6).

33. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 32, wherein the sealing system (20) is configured such that introduction of the dental tool (3) into the positive locking gripping device (12B) achieves or enhances the sealing effect of the sealing system (20).

34. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the sealing system (20) protrudes around the underside of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head (6) and/or from the underside of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head (6), in particular in a contacting manner around the underside of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head (6) and/or from the underside of the head part (6) facing the dental tool (3) or the lower edge of the head (6).

35. Dental prophylactic treatment device (1) according to any of claims 31 to 34, wherein at least one holding element (16) comprises an annular or circular slider having an inner wall (34) and an inner through opening (32) defined by said inner wall (34), wherein a wedge-shaped protrusion (37) extends from said inner wall (34) into said inner through opening (32), wherein said wedge-shaped protrusion (37) is configured to engage in a recess (17) on a tool shaft (9) of a dental tool (3) in order to axially retain the dental tool (3) in the holding device (12B).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a dental prophylactic treatment device comprising a prophylactic counter-angle handpiece having a handle portion, a head portion and a tool holder rotatably arranged in the head portion, and a dental tool having a tool shaft and a prophylactic treatment section connected to the tool shaft.

Background

Such a prophylactic treatment device is known, for example, from patent application US 2004/063065 a 1.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a prophylactic treatment device having the smallest possible outer dimension at its front end facing the treatment site, in particular in the region of the head part of a prophylactic dihedral handset, so that the user views the treatment site as freely and undisturbed as possible.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a preventive treatment device having the features of claim 1. Particularly advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

The dental prophylaxis treatment device comprises a prophylaxis dihedral handpiece having a handle portion extending along a longitudinal axis, a head portion adjoining the handle portion, a tool holder rotatably arranged in the head portion and extending along and in particular rotating about an axis of rotation, the longitudinal axis of the handle portion and the axis of rotation of the head portion being arranged at an angle to one another, and a dental tool having a tool shaft extending over a length L from an end of the dental tool facing the dihedral handpiece to the prophylaxis treatment section, and a prophylaxis treatment section connected to the tool shaft. At least a section of the tool shaft may be detachably mounted in the tool holder such that the dental tool may be rotated together with the tool holder about the rotational axis. The tool shaft is made of plastic and has a maximum length of 10.0 mm. Alternatively, the tool shaft may be made of a different material, for example a metal, in particular steel.

Preferably, the tool holder is rotatably supported in the head portion of the preventive dihedral handpiece by at least one slide bearing. Alternatively, the tool holder may be rotatably mounted in the head portion of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece by at least one roller or ball bearing.

Preferably, the tool holder comprises a clamping device configured to frictionally or non-positively or force-lockingly secure a tool shaft of the dental tool, to axially hold the tool shaft relative to a rotational axis of the tool holder, and to effect rotational entrainment of the tool shaft and transfer of torque to the tool shaft such that the dental tool can rotate together with the tool holder about the rotational axis. It has surprisingly been found that such a non-positive or frictional clamping device is sufficient for a preventive treatment device or for preventive applications, so that the tool shaft is reliably fixed in the clamping device, i.e. no (significant) relative displacement or rotation occurs between the tool shaft and the clamping device, in particular during operation of the preventive treatment device.

The clamping device embodied as a tool shaft for non-positively or frictionally fixing a dental tool preferably comprises a hollow shaft which has a bore extending along the rotational axis of the tool holder and in which at least a part of the tool shaft can be detachably received. Preferably, at least a portion of the hollow shaft is configured to contact a portion of the tool shaft such that the tool shaft is frictionally or non-forcibly fixed in the hollow shaft. In particular, said contact section of the hollow shaft or bore has an inner diameter which is not greater than the outer diameter of the tool shaft. Preferably, at least one section of the interior of the hollow shaft or bore (in particular the contact section) comprises a mechanically roughened surface.

The force-or friction-locking clamping device, in particular the hollow shaft or the contact portion of the bore, particularly preferably comprises at least one clamping lug which projects into the bore in order to clamp the tool shaft in the hollow shaft in a force-or friction-locking manner. At least one of the clamping lugs has a curved shape, which is formed, for example, by mechanical forming. The at least one clamping lug is in particular configured to fix the dental tool solely by the elastic action and the retention force generated and exerted thereby. Preferably, the at least one clamping lug is non-detachably connected to the hollow shaft or its housing at least two contact points.

Preferably, the wall thickness of the at least one clamping lug is smaller than the wall thickness of the region of the hollow shaft without a clamping lug, so that during the manufacture of the at least one clamping lug, an inward bending of the clamping lug is facilitated and the spring action of the clamping lug is increased.

When the dental tool is inserted into the gripping device, the at least one gripping lug is displaced radially outward (away from the axis of rotation) by the shaft. The retention force required for the clamping tool is caused by the restoring force of the displaced clamping lug. The spring action of the at least one clamping lug is sufficient to automatically return the clamping lug to its initial position if the dental tool is removed from the clamping device.

Preferably, the at least one clamping lug has an asymmetrical shape, in particular with an apex facing the rotation axis. It is particularly preferred that the apex of at least one clamping lug is located in its upper half portion, in particular at a position of about 2/3 of the total length of the clamping lug relative to the opening of the clamping device through which the tool can be inserted into the clamping device.

Preferably, the prophylactic dihedral handpiece or tool holder does not comprise actuation means, in particular a button for releasing the dental tool or tool shaft from the tool holder and/or receiving the dental tool or tool shaft in the tool holder. In particular, the prophylactic dihedral handpiece or tool holder is free of actuating means (as part of the clamping means) for moving the holding element to axially hold or secure the dental tool in the tool holder. In the case of the presence of a force-locking or friction-locking sliding clamping device as described above, it is particularly feasible to omit such an actuating device. However, the omission of such actuating means may also be achieved by a positive sliding clamping means, which will be described in detail below. This means in particular that the tool holder is designed in such a way that the holding force generated and/or exerted by the tool holder for holding the dental tool, in particular axially holding the dental tool, ensures a reliable fixing of the dental tool in the tool holder, but also allows a simple loosening of the dental tool without actuating means and without excessive effort for the user.

Thus, especially in case the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece does not have an actuation means for releasing and/or receiving a dental tool, the holding force generated and/or exerted by the tool holder is preferably at most 20N, preferably in the range from 13N to 17N. It has been found that said value of the holding force is sufficient, since no tensile load, in particular only a compressive load, is applied on the treatment site using the dental prophylactic treatment device. The lower holding force is achieved, for example, by providing the gripping means with a smaller number of holding elements than in prior art dental handpieces, for example by providing only one or two spherical holding elements or only one, two or three gripping lugs, or by forming the holding elements with a first inclined plane or chamfer, as described in detail below. The extraction force for releasing the dental tool from the tool holder particularly preferably corresponds to the holding force and/or has substantially the same value as the holding force, i.e. a maximum of 20N, preferably 13N to 17N.

If the prophylactic dihedral handpiece or tool holder does not comprise an actuating means for releasing and/or receiving the dental tool from the tool holder in the tool holder, the tool shaft of the dental tool is preferably configured to be received by and/or detached from the tool without any actuating means. For example, the tool shaft may be made of plastic, rubber or similar resilient material. Alternatively or additionally, the tool shaft may have a rough or roughened surface. Alternatively or additionally, the tool shaft may be cylindrical over its entire length, as described in detail below. Alternatively or additionally, the tool shaft may have at least one recess or at least one groove which extends in a ring or circle around the outer circumference of the tool shaft and is designed in particular for engaging a retaining element of the tool holder. Alternatively or additionally, the tool shaft has at least one recess, groove or indentation which has a hemispherical shape arranged on the outer circumference of the tool shaft and is designed in particular for engaging a holding element of the tool holder. Preferably, at least one spring element or latch element is provided on the tool shaft, which spring element or latch element is configured to axially secure the tool in the tool holder.

Preferably, the tool holder comprises a clamping device configured to forcibly fix the tool shaft of the dental tool, so as to axially fix the tool shaft with respect to the axis of rotation of the tool holder, or for axially fixing said shaft in the tool holder, and/or for enabling rotational entrainment of the tool shaft and transmission of torque to the tool shaft. Preferably, the positive locking gripping device comprises at least one or more positive connection units for interaction with the tool shaft. Preferably, the positive locking clamp comprises a snap connection.

Preferably, the positive locking clamping device has a hollow shaft with a bore extending along the axis of rotation of the tool holder, in which bore at least a part of the tool shaft can be detachably received.

The clamping device or the at least one positive-locking connection unit preferably has at least one retaining element which is radially movable relative to the axis of rotation of the tool holder and which is configured to extend into or engage in a recess on the tool shaft, in particular for axially fixing or holding a dental tool. Preferably, the at least one retaining element is arranged on the hollow shaft and/or projects through a transverse bore of the hollow shaft into the interior of the hollow shaft. Preferably, at least one retaining element is provided at one end of the hollow shaft. The at least one retaining element may be, for example, spherical, convex or wedge-shaped. The at least one holding element is preferably preloaded by a spring element, such as a spring washer or a helical spring, in order to return to an initial position after a radial displacement.

Preferably, the at least one holding element is radially displaceable (for receiving and/or releasing the dental tool or tool shaft into and/or from the tool holder) by a user via the actuating means. In particular, the actuating means are operatively connected to at least one retaining element so as to cause a radial displacement of the retaining element.

The actuation means for example comprise a button for actuation by a user, in particular a button on the outside of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece or on the head portion. The actuating device for example further comprises a sliding element or a sleeve which is displaced by the push button in order to establish and/or for releasing an operative connection between the actuating device and the at least one holding element and/or for radially moving the holding element.

The holding element of the positive-locking clamping device for axially fixing the tool particularly preferably comprises a slide which is radially displaceable relative to the axis of rotation of the tool holder and is configured to engage in a recess or receptacle on the tool shaft. The slide is in particular arranged at one end of the hollow shaft of the clamping device.

Preferably, the slider is annular or circular, having an internal through opening. Preferably, the inner through-opening of the annular or circular slider is dimensioned in such a way that at least a part of a tool, in particular at least a part of a tool shaft, can be received therein, in particular that part of the tool shaft which is provided with a groove or receptacle for engagement with the holding element can be received therein. Preferably, the inner opening is defined or limited by the body or inner wall of the slider.

In particular, a projection or wedge is provided on the inner wall of the annular or arc-shaped slider and projects from this inner wall into the inner through opening. In particular, the crescent-shaped shoulder or the crescent-shaped recess conforms to the wedge on the inner wall of the slide (in the axial direction with respect to the central axis of the holding element or with respect to the axis of rotation of the tool holder). In particular, the protrusions or wedges are intended to engage in recesses or receptacles on the tool shaft to axially fix the tool in the clamping device.

Preferably, the holding element (in particular the slide) is pretensioned by a spring element, for example by a snap ring, in the holding or locking position, so that in particular the projection or the wedge is displaced or approached in the direction of the rotational axis of the tool holder in order to engage with a recess or receptacle of a tool shaft introduced into the clamping device. In order to release the tool from the clamping device and preferably also for introducing the tool into the clamping device, the retaining element (in particular the slider) can be displaced against the spring force of the spring element and radially away from the axis of rotation of the tool holder into a release position or an unlocking position, so that in particular the projection or the wedge is not engaged inside the hollow shaft and/or in the recess or the receptacle of the tool shaft introduced into the clamping device, and the tool can be removed from the clamping device or introduced into the clamping device.

As mentioned above, according to one embodiment example, the holding element (in particular the slider) may be displaced to the unlocked position by an actuation means on the preventive dihedral handset, in particular on its head portion. The actuating means comprises, in particular at an end of the head opposite the tool receiving opening, a button which is operatively connected to the holding element (in particular the slide) and which overcomes the force of the spring element and displaces the holding element (in particular the slide) radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the tool holder. The actuating means is preferably preloaded by a spring. In particular, the actuating device is axially displaceable (relative to a central axis of the holding element or relative to a rotational axis of the tool holder) to move the holding element into the release position or the unlocking position.

Alternatively, the displacement of the holding element (in particular the slide) into the release position or the unlocking position can be effected merely by inserting the tool into the clamping device or extracting the tool from the clamping device. In such a preventive dihedral handpiece, in particular, no actuating means for moving the holding element or for releasing and/or receiving the dental tool or tool shaft from/in the tool holder are required or omitted. Thus, as mentioned above, such a preventive dihedral handpiece includes a sliding clamping device without an actuating device.

In particular, in order to allow the tool to be released or extracted from the clamping device without actuating means, the slide preferably has a wedge-shaped projection or wedge projecting into the inner through opening, as described above. The wedge comprises a first inclined plane or chamfer on the side facing away from the tool receiving opening and particularly preferably a second inclined plane or chamfer on the side facing towards the tool receiving opening. The first and second inclined planes preferably extend in the direction of the central axis of the holding element and/or the axis of rotation of the tool holder. The first inclined plane and the second inclined plane are preferably inclined with respect to the central axis of the holding element or the axis of rotation of the tool holder and/or with respect to the inner wall of the slide, the inclination not being equal to 90 °. The first inclined plane and the second inclined plane are preferably inclined towards each other in the direction of the central axis or the rotational axis, whereby the wedge-shaped protrusion tapers in the direction of the central axis or the rotational axis.

The first inclined plane or chamfer preferably connects the wedge-shaped protrusion with the shoulder or recess mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Thus, the first inclined plane or chamfer also preferably defines a side surface or sidewall of the shoulder or recess. The first inclined plane and/or the shoulder or recess preferably extends in a crescent shape along a limited circular arc on the inner wall of the slide. The inclination of the first inclined plane with respect to the central axis of the holding element or the rotational axis of the tool holder should preferably be greater than 90 ° and less than 180 °. The inclination is particularly preferably approximately 100 ° to 150 °, in particular approximately 125 ° to 145 °.

The second inclined plane preferably forms an end of the holding element, in particular an end of the slide, in particular an end facing the tool receiving opening. The second inclined plane preferably extends around the entire annular or arcuate slide and/or forms an end of the inner wall of the holding element.

In particular, the first inclined plane or chamfer facilitates or allows the release of the dental tool or tool shaft from the tool holder without actuating means. When the user pulls the tool (held in the tool holder) in the axial direction along the rotational axis of the tool holder to release the tool from the clamping device, the tool, in particular the wall or edge of the recess or receptacle of the tool shaft engaged by the wedge of the holding element, can be removed from the clamping device as described above, since it is in contact with the first inclined plane to radially displace the slide from the holding or locking position to the release or unlocking position against the spring force of the spring element. After the tool is removed from the holding element or the clamping device, the spring element moves the holding element back into the holding position or the locking position.

A corresponding method for releasing a dental tool from a prophylactic contra-angle handpiece (which forms, inter alia, a dental prophylactic treatment device), comprises: the tool is displaced from the tool holder axially along the axis of rotation of the tool holder so that by the wall or edge of the recess or receptacle of the tool, in particular of the tool shaft engaging with the wedge of the holding element, being in contact with the first inclined plane of the holding element, in particular of the slide, the holding element is displaced radially from the holding or locking position to the release or unlocking position against the spring force of the spring element, so that the tool can be removed from the clamping device. Thus, the method may be performed by a user without pressing a button on a preventive dihedral handset. Other features of the method are described above.

In particular, the second inclined plane or chamfer facilitates or enables insertion or retention of a dental tool or a tool shaft in the tool holder, preferably without actuation means. If the user moves or pushes the tool in the axial direction along the axis of rotation into the tool holder in order to hold the tool in the clamping device, the free end of the tool shaft opposite the treatment section of the tool (i.e. the end of the tool facing the contra-angle handpiece) comes into contact with the second inclined plane of the holding element or slide and (subsequently, pushes the tool further into the tool holder) thereby displacing the slide from the holding state or locking state to the release position or unlocking position against the spring force of the spring element, so that the tool can be received in the through-opening of the slide. If the tool is moved further into the holding element, the spring element moves the holding element back into the holding position or locking position so that the wedge-shaped extension of the slide engages in the recess or pocket of the tool, thereby retaining the tool in the clamping device.

A corresponding method for inserting and holding a dental tool in a prophylactic contra-angle handpiece (which forms, inter alia, a dental prophylactic treatment device), comprising: the tool is moved in the axial direction along the rotational axis of the tool holder into the tool holder, wherein the free end of the tool shaft opposite the processing section of the tool (i.e. the end of the tool facing the contra-angle handpiece) is in contact with the second inclined plane of the holding element or slide, and (subsequently the tool is pushed further into the tool holder) so that the slide is displaced from the holding position or locking position to the release position or unlocking position against the spring force of the spring element, so that the tool can be received in the through-opening of the slide. If the tool is moved further into the holding element, the spring element moves the holding element back into the holding position or locking position so that the wedge-shaped extension of the slide engages in the recess or pocket of the tool, thereby holding the tool in the clamping device.

The two methods mentioned above may also be combined to form one method for inserting and holding a dental tool into and removing a dental tool from a prophylactic dihedral handpiece.

The above-described slider or a preventive dihedral handset having such a slider, which has a wedge-shaped projection or wedge having a first inclined plane or chamfer on its side remote from the tool receiving opening, also forms an independent subject of the invention.

The gripping device, in particular the positive locking gripping device, preferably comprises at least one first drive element configured to cooperate with a second drive element on the tool shaft to enable rotational driving and torque transmission of the tool shaft, so that the dental tool can be rotated together with the tool holder about the rotational axis. Preferably, the first drive element or the second drive element engages in the other drive element and/or the two drive elements are in contact with each other.

The first drive element of the clamping device comprises, for example, an extension of the hollow shaft, or is connected to the hollow shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. Preferably, the first drive element protrudes into the interior of the hollow shaft. The second drive element on the tool shaft comprises, for example, a receptacle or flattened portion, in particular on the free end of the tool shaft (i.e. the end facing the contra-angle handpiece). Alternatively or additionally, the first drive element and/or the second drive element are polygonal in design.

Preferably, the first drive element and the positive-locking connection unit of the positive-locking clamping device are arranged adjacent to one another in the axial direction (relative to the axis of rotation). Preferably, the first drive element and the positive-locking connection unit are provided at one end of the positive-locking clamping device, in particular at the end of the closing cover facing the actuating device, the push button or the head portion. Preferably, the second drive element and the recess for the at least one holding element are provided in a corresponding manner at the free end of the dental tool or at the end facing the contra-angle handpiece.

Preferably, the positive-locking (in particular latching) clamping device or the force-locking or friction-locking (in particular clamping) clamping device is designed as a sliding clamping device into which at least a part of the tool shaft can be inserted. In particular, at least a portion of the tool shaft may be inserted into or removed from the bore of the hollow shaft by sliding and/or linear displacement along the rotational axis of the tool holder.

Preferably, the hollow shaft of the sliding clamping device is designed in such a way that during insertion or removal of the tool, an inner wall of the hollow shaft guides at least a part of the tool shaft in a contacting manner and/or at least a part of the tool shaft slides along the inner wall of the hollow shaft.

Preferably, a limiting element, for example a shoulder or a protrusion limiting the insertion depth of the tool shaft into the holding device or the hollow shaft, is provided on the dental tool, in particular on the tool shaft. Alternatively or additionally, at least one stop element, for example a shoulder or a step, may be provided on the clamping device or the hollow shaft, which stop element is formed in particular by changing the inner diameter of the bore of the hollow shaft and limits the depth of insertion of the tool shaft into the clamping device or the hollow shaft.

Preferably, the prophylactic treatment device comprises a sealing system for sealing a head portion of the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece to prevent penetration of impurities and/or treatment agents into the head portion.

The sealing system is preferably provided on the dental tool, in particular provided on the dental tool, such that it cooperates with the head portion of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece to prevent impurities and/or treatment agents from penetrating into the head portion. In particular, the sealing system surrounds and/or contacts and/or covers a tool receiving opening of the head portion facing the underside of the dental tool or the head portion and/or protrudes from a tool receiving opening of the head portion facing the underside of the dental tool or the head portion through which the dental tool can be inserted into and removed from the head portion. Preferably, the sealing system comprises a skirt, in particular provided at an end of the treatment section of the dental tool, and particularly preferably the skirt surrounds and/or contacts and/or covers and/or protrudes from an underside of the head portion or the tool receiving opening.

Alternatively or additionally, the sealing system, in particular the upper edge of the skirt, surrounds and/or contacts and/or covers the lower edge of the preventive dihedral handset head portion and/or protrudes from the lower edge of the preventive dihedral handset head portion.

The sealing system is preferably designed as a sliding sealing system. In particular, the sealing system, preferably the skirt, is designed to make sliding contact with the underside of the head portion facing the dental tool and/or the lower edge of the head portion of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece. In particular, the sliding contact is reversible, for example by removing the sealing system from the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece and/or removing the dental tool from the tool holder.

The above-described surrounding and/or contacting and/or covering and/or projecting sealing system is particularly advantageous for preventive treatment devices whose preventive dihedral handpieces have the above-described positive locking clamping devices, in particular those having a first drive element and a second drive element, since the number of parts of the positive locking clamping devices and the gaps and intermediate spaces between the parts formed thereby is greater, and the risk of foreign bodies penetrating into the preventive dihedral handpieces through the clamping devices is particularly high.

Alternatively, the sealing system may be provided on a prophylactic dihedral handpiece, in particular on the underside of the head portion facing the dental tool or in the vicinity of the tool receiving opening.

Alternatively, the sealing system is made up of a plurality of parts, whereby at least a first part of the sealing system is provided on the dental tool and at least a second part of the sealing system is provided on the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece, whereby the first part and the second part of the first sealing system cooperate to prevent penetration of contaminants and/or treatment agents into the head part. For example, two portions of the sealing system interlock and/or contact and/or overlap each other. For example, the first part of the sealing system on the dental tool is configured as described above as a sealing system on a dental tool. Particularly preferably, the first part of the sealing system on the dental tool comprises a skirt, which is in particular provided at the end of the treatment section of the dental tool, and particularly preferably the skirt surrounds and/or contacts and/or covers and/or protrudes from the underside of the head part or the tool receiving opening.

Preferably, the second part of the sealing system on the prophylactic dihedral handset comprises an underside of the head portion of the prophylactic dihedral handset (with the tool receiving opening provided thereon) and/or a housing portion of the head portion of the prophylactic dihedral handset and/or a lower edge of the head portion of the prophylactic dihedral handset and the sealing element provided thereon. The sealing element is designed, for example, as a metallic or non-metallic sealing lip or as a metallic or non-metallic annular extension. The sealing element is formed integrally with the lower side and/or the housing part and/or the lower edge or alternatively fastened thereto as a separate component.

According to one embodiment, the head part, in particular the housing of the head part, of the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece comprises a plurality of parts, whereby the sealing system surrounds and/or contacts and/or covers at least a part of the head part, in particular the housing, and/or protrudes from at least a part of the head part, in particular from the housing, as described above. This part is formed, for example, by a receiving element, for example a threaded ring, which receives and/or supports a tool holding element, in particular a clamping device. Alternatively, the housing of the head portion is integrally formed and the sealing system surrounds and/or contacts and/or covers and/or protrudes from at least a portion of the one-piece housing.

Preferably, the sealing system, in particular the multi-part sealing system, is designed in such a way that the dental tool is inserted or received in the sliding clamping device, for example by interlocking the first part and the second part of the sealing system and/or by connecting and/or contacting and/or engaging the sealing system with and/or protruding from an element of the prophylactic contra-angle handpiece or dental tool, resulting in or enhancing the sealing effect of the sealing system. The sealing system is preferably designed in such a way that by receiving the dental tool in the holding device, in particular by positioning the tool in the operative position, a sliding contact of the sealing system with at least a part of the head part or at least a part of the parts of the multi-part sealing system of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece is achieved, as described above.

The above-mentioned contact between the sealing system and the head part of a prophylactic contra-angle handpiece or between parts of a multi-part sealing system, in particular to form a sliding seal, is advantageously made or achieved by a short length of the tool shaft of at most 10.0 mm.

The tool shaft of the dental tool is preferably designed as a cylindrical pin over its entire length, in particular without a recess for engagement with the tool holder. Preferably, the tool shaft has a smooth surface and/or a non-profiled surface over its entire length, in particular a surface without recesses for engagement with elements of the tool holder, for neither axial retention nor torque transmission or torsional drive. Such a dental tool may in particular be used with or inserted into a holding device configured to fix a tool shaft of the dental tool, either non-forcibly or by friction.

Alternatively, at least one recess is provided on the tool shaft of the dental tool for engaging the tool holder, in particular at least one positive connection unit and/or at least one drive element, also referred to above as second drive element. The recess is designed, for example, as an annular groove and/or recess. The (second) drive element is designed, for example, as an annular groove and/or recess and/or a notch or a flattening, in particular at the end of the dental tool facing the contra-angle handpiece. Such a dental tool may in particular be used with or inserted into a holding device configured to forcibly fix a tool shaft of the dental tool.

The individual features described above, and preferably a combination of some or all of these features, form a prophylactic treatment device having a smaller outer dimension at its front end facing the treatment site, particularly in the head region of a prophylactic dihedral handpiece. In particular, the use of the gripping means and/or the use of the slide bearing and/or the omission of the actuating means for releasing the dental tool from the tool holder and/or for receiving the dental tool in the tool holder results in a significant reduction of the size of the head portion. Preferably, the height of the head portion from the tool receiving opening to the side of the head portion opposite the tool receiving opening is at most 11.5 mm, preferably at most 10.0 mm, particularly preferably at most 9.5 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the head portion is at most 8.5 mm, preferably at most 7.8 mm. Preferably, the hollow shaft of the tool holder has a length of at most 7.8 mm, preferably 7.5 mm, an outer diameter of at most 6.0 mm, preferably 5.5 mm, and an inner diameter of at most 2.36 mm, preferably 2.35 mm.

Due to one or more of the above features and the reduction in head size, the length L of the tool shaft may be limited to a maximum of 10.0 mm, preferably a maximum of 8.0 mm. In particular, a tool shaft made of plastic improves the sliding ability of the tool shaft when inserted into or removed from the sliding clamping device.

A length L of the tool shaft of at most 10.0 mm is to be understood in particular as a free length of the tool shaft, i.e. a section of the tool shaft which is not in direct contact with another part of the tool, for example the body of the prophy cup. Preferably, however, at least a portion of the length L of the tool shaft is enclosed (while spaced apart) by a skirt of the sealing system of the tool.

The described embodiments have many advantages. For example, by reducing the size of the head region and/or the length of the tool shaft of a prophylactic treatment device or a contra-angle handpiece, the user's view of the treatment site may be improved. By retaining or releasing the dental tool in or from the tool holder without the actuation means, the user may be made more comfortable with the operation of the prophylactic treatment device or the prophylactic dihedral handpiece. The elimination of the actuating means, in particular the gap or edge exposed to contamination in the area of the push-button, improves the hygiene in the area of the head of the dihedral mobile phone. The sealing system prevents dust and process materials from penetrating to the underside of the head portion. In particular, a preventive dihedral handset without actuation means and with the sealing system significantly improves the hygiene of the preventive dihedral handset head. Omitting the actuating means also reduces the height of the dihedral cell phone head area.

Drawings

The invention will be explained below on the basis of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a first example of a prophylactic treatment device with a clamping device for securing a tool shaft of a dental tool in a positive-locking manner;

FIG. 2 shows a head portion of a prophylactic dihedral handpiece having a clamping arrangement for frictionally or force-lockingly securing a tool shaft of a dental tool;

FIG. 2A shows a preventative processing apparatus with the preventative dihedral handset of FIG. 2;

fig. 3 shows a head part of a prophylactic dihedral handpiece with a holding device for fixing a tool shaft of a dental tool in a positive locking manner;

FIG. 3A shows a preventative processing apparatus with the preventative dihedral handset of FIG. 3;

fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a prophylactic treatment device with a clamping device for securing a tool shaft of a dental tool in a positive-locking manner;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a retaining element implemented in the prophylactic dihedral handpiece of FIG. 4 and having a first inclined plane for axially retaining a dental tool in the tool holder;

fig. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the holding element shown in fig. 5.

Detailed Description

The prophylactic treatment device 1 shown in fig. 1, 2A, 3A and 4 comprises a prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2 and a dental tool 3 detachably connected to the prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2.

The prophylactic dihedral handset 2 shown in fig. 1-4 has a handle 4 extending along a longitudinal axis 5 for holding the prophylactic dihedral handset 2 in one hand. A head portion 6 is connected to the handle portion 4, and a tool holder 7 is rotatably arranged in the head portion 6. The tool holder 7 extends along a rotation axis 8. The longitudinal axis 5 of the handle part 4 and the axis of rotation 8 of the head part 6 are arranged at an angle to one another, so that in particular the tool receiving opening 24 is arranged transversely on the head part 6 or transversely offset from the handle part 4. Thus, the dental tool 3, in particular the tool shaft 9 thereof, and/or the tool holder 7 extend along the rotation axis 8 and/or at an angle to the longitudinal axis 5 of the handle portion 4.

The handle portion 4 and the head portion 6 are preferably made of metal. The handle portion 4 and the head portion 6 are integral and therefore not separable from each other (see fig. 2, 2A), or the handle portion 4 and the head portion 6 are formed as separate connectable elements.

A drive shaft 25 is rotatably mounted in the handle portion 4. At the end of the drive shaft 25 facing the head portion 6, a first gear 26 is provided, which first gear 26 meshes with a second gear 27 connected to the tool holder 7. The rotational drive motion can be transmitted from the drive shaft 25 to the tool holder 7 and to the connected dental tool 3 by means of a gear system formed by two gears 26, 27. The two gears 26, 27 are preferably made of metal.

The dental tool 3 comprises a tool shaft 9 and a preventive treatment section 10 connected to the tool shaft 9. The tool shaft 9 extends from the free end 9A of the dental tool 3 or from the end 9A facing the contra-angle handpiece over a length (free length) L (see fig. 3A) to a preventive treatment section 10. At least a section of the tool shaft 9 can be detachably mounted in the tool holder 7, so that the dental tool 3 together with the tool holder 7 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 8. The tool shaft 9 is made of plastic or another material, such as metal, in particular steel. The maximum length L of the tool shaft 9 is 10.0 mm.

The dental tool 3 is designed as a prophylactic tool and for example comprises a prophylactic cup for treating a dental surface with a paste for the prophylactic treatment of the section 10, see fig. 1, 2A, 3A and 4A. However, the prophylactic treatment zone 10 can also be formed in a different manner, for example as a brush.

The tool holder 7 comprises a clamping device 12A or 12B described in detail below. The two clamping devices 12A, 12B have in common that the devices are designed as sliding clamping devices. A sliding clamp is a clamp in which at least a section of the tool shaft 9 can be inserted or removed by sliding and/or linear displacement along the axis of rotation 8 of the tool holder 7 (and/or at an angle greater than 0 ° relative to the longitudinal axis 5 of the section of the handle portion 4 directly adjoining the head portion 6). The clamping devices 12A, 12B comprise in particular a hollow shaft 13 having a bore 14, into or out of which bore 14 at least a part of the tool shaft 9 can be inserted or removed in a corresponding manner. Gear 27 is attached to hollow shaft 13. The hollow shaft 13 is preferably made of metal.

The tool holder 7 shown in fig. 2, 2A has a clamping device 12A, which clamping device 12A is configured to be fixed, non-forcibly or by friction, to the tool shaft 9 of the dental tool 3 in order to axially hold the tool shaft 9 relative to the axis of rotation 8 of the tool holder 7 and to rotate the tool shaft 9.

The tool holder 7 is rotatably mounted in the head portion 6 of the preventive dihedral handset 2 by means of two slide bearings 11.

The force-locking or friction-locking clamping device 12A has a hollow shaft 13, the hollow shaft 13 having a bore 14 extending along the axis of rotation 8 of the tool holder 7, in which bore 14 at least a part of the tool shaft 9 can be detachably received, as described above, in particular by a sliding movement along the axis of rotation 8. The force-locking or friction-locking clamping device 12A further comprises at least one clamping lug 15 projecting into the bore 14 for clamping the tool shaft 9 in the hollow shaft 13.

The force-locking or friction-locking clamping device 12A shown in fig. 2, 2A has a plurality of clamping lugs 15, in particular a plurality of clamping lugs 15 which are spaced apart from one another uniformly. All ((e.g. three) clamping lugs 15 are machined by inserting two slots 21 into each housing of the hollow shaft 13.

Each clamping lug 15 is connected in a non-removable manner to the hollow shaft 13, in particular to its housing, at two contact points 22. The clamping lugs 15 are bent radially inwards (into the bore 14), so that in particular the clear width between the inwardly bent clamping lugs 15 and the inner wall of the bore 14 is smaller than the diameter of the tool shaft 9.

Between the clamping lugs 15 or between the corresponding grooves 21 there are rods 23 for stabilizing the clamping device 12A, in particular the hollow shaft 13.

The prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2 or the gripping device 12A of fig. 2, 2A, 4 has no actuating means for releasing the dental tool 3. To remove the dental tool 3 from the holding device 12A, the user only has to pull the dental tool 3, so that the dental tool 3 slides out of the holding device 12A along the rotation axis 8. Therefore, no mechanism for holding the dental tool 3 is provided; for this purpose, the user also moves or pushes the tool shaft 9 into the holding device 12A only along the axis of rotation 8.

The tool holder 7 shown in fig. 1, 3A and 4 comprises a clamping device 12B configured to forcibly fix the tool shaft 9 of the dental tool 3. The clamping device 12B in turn comprises a hollow shaft 13 with a hole 14, into or out of which hole 14 at least a part of the tool shaft 9 can be inserted or removed by sliding.

The positive locking clamp 12B further comprises at least one holding element 16 which is radially displaceable relative to the axis of rotation 8 of the tool holder 7 and which is adapted to engage in a recess 17 on the tool shaft 9. The retaining element 16 is intended in particular for axially fixing the tool 3 or the tool shaft 9 in the positive-locking clamping device 12B.

The prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2 of fig. 1 and 4 comprises a single radially displaceable holding element 16, the holding element 16 having a wedge or wedge-shaped extension, which is displaceable between a holding position, in which the wedge is radially close to the rotation axis 8 and engages the recess 17 for axially fixing the dental tool 3 in the tool holder 7, and a releasing position, in which the wedge is radially away from the rotation axis 8 and does not engage the recess 17, so that the dental tool 3 can be released from the tool holder 7.

The prophylactic contra-angle handpiece 2 of fig. 3, 3A includes a plurality (e.g. two or three) of radially displaceable holding elements 16. The retaining element 16 is spherical. The plurality of retaining elements 16 may also be displaceable between a retaining position and a releasing position as described in the previous paragraph. The spring elements 16A (for example spring washers or coil springs with holes for receiving the holding elements 16) push the holding elements 16 into the holes 14 and/or move the holding elements 16 in the direction of the axis of rotation 8 if, for example, these holding elements 16 move away from the axis of rotation 8 when inserting or releasing the tool shaft 9. The holding element 16 is preferably snapped into a receptacle on the tool shaft 9.

In order to move the at least one holding element 16 of fig. 1, an actuating device 28 is provided, which actuating device 28 is operatively connected to the at least one holding element 16 in order to move the holding element 16 between the holding position and the release position. The actuating means 28 is therefore also specifically designed to enable the dental tool 3 or the tool shaft 9 to be released from the tool holder 7 and/or the dental tool 3 or the tool shaft 9 to be received in the tool holder 7. The actuating means 28 comprises in particular a button on the end of the head portion 6 opposite the tool receiving aperture 24. For example, an extension is provided on the actuating device 28, which is operatively connected to the holding element 16 and, when the actuating device 28 is actuated, i.e. moved in the direction of the tool receiving bore 24 along the axis of rotation 8, the holding element 16 is moved in the radial direction (to the left according to fig. 1) into the release position against the spring force of the spring element 29. As a result, the wedge-shaped extension of the holding element 16 is no longer engaged in the recess 17 of the dental tool 3 and the tool can be removed from the tool holder 7.

Such an actuating device 28 is also conceivable for the preventive dihedral handset 2 of fig. 3, 3A, in order to move the holding element 16 designed as a sphere between the holding position and the release position. In particular, the actuating device 28 is operatively connected to the locking sleeve. The locking sleeve can be moved axially along the axis of rotation 8 to force the holding element 16 into the holding position or to release the holding element 16 into the release position.

However, the prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2 shown in fig. 3, 3A has no actuating means for releasing the dental tool 3, in particular no actuating means for moving the spherical retaining element 16 and/or no push button. To remove the dental tool 3 from the holding device 12B, the user simply pulls on the dental tool 3 to slide the dental tool 3 out of the holding device 12B along the rotation axis 8. Therefore, no mechanism is provided for clamping the dental tool 3 in the clamping device 12B; for this purpose, the user also moves or pushes the tool shaft 9 along the axis of rotation 8 into the holding device 12B. If the holding element 16 is moved out of the holding position during insertion or release of the dental tool 3, for example by the shaft 9 of the dental tool 3, the spring element 16A forces the holding element 16 back into the holding position.

The positive locking clamp device 12B of fig. 1, 3A and 4 further comprises at least one first drive element 18 adapted to cooperate with a second drive element 19 on the tool shaft 9 for effecting rotational drive of the tool shaft 9 and for transferring torque to the tool shaft 9. The first driver element 18 comprises an extension engaging the second driver element 19, which extension is flattened at the free end or end of the tool shaft 9 facing the contra-angle handpiece. The first drive element 18 can be rotated together with the positive locking means 12B or the hollow shaft 13 (by means of the drive shaft 25) and entrains the tool shaft 9 as a result of its engagement in the second drive element 19, so that the dental tool 3 can be rotated and a torque can be transmitted to the dental tool 3.

Fig. 1, 2A, 3A and 4 also show a sealing system 20 for sealing the head portion 6 of the prophylactic dihedral handset 2 to prevent impurities and/or treatment agents from penetrating into the head portion 6. The sealing system 20 is at least partially or completely arranged on the dental tool 3. The sealing system 20 is arranged on the dental tool 3 in such a way that it interacts with the head portion 6 of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2, in particular around the tool receiving opening 24 and/or around or in contact with the underside of the head portion 6, at which underside of the head portion 6 the tool receiving opening 24 is arranged.

The sealing system 20 comprises a skirt 30, which skirt 30 is provided at an end of the treatment section 10 of the dental tool 3 and surrounds and/or contacts and/or covers the underside of the head portion 6 or the tool receiving opening 24 and/or protrudes from the underside of the head portion 6 or the tool receiving opening 24. In particular, an upper edge 30A (see fig. 1, 4) of the sealing system 20 surrounds and/or contacts and/or covers a lower edge of the head portion 6 of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2 and/or protrudes from the lower edge of the head portion 6 of the prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2.

The sealing system 20 is configured such that insertion of the dental tool 3 into the sliding clamping device 12A, 12B causes or enhances the sealing effect of the sealing system 20, e.g. by contact between the sealing system 20 and the underside of the head portion 6 caused by insertion of the dental tool 3.

The holding element 16 of the dental prophylactic treatment device 1 of fig. 4 differs from the holding element of fig. 1 such that the prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2 of fig. 4 does not require or have actuation means for moving the holding element 16 or for releasing the dental tool 3 or the tool shaft 9 from the tool holder 7 and/or receiving the dental tool 3 or the tool shaft 9 in the tool holder 7. Thus, the element 31 of the prophylactic dihedral handset 2 of fig. 4 is not a displaceable button (as described in connection with fig. 1) for moving the holding element 16 to the release position, but a cover, in particular a cover screwed to the head portion 6 or housing of the prophylactic dihedral handset 2.

One embodiment of the retaining element 16 of the dental prophylactic dihedral handpiece 2 of fig. 4 is shown in fig. 5 and 5A. The holding element 16 is configured as a slide radially displaceable relative to the rotational axis 8 of the tool holder 7.

The slider 16 is annular or circular, having an internal through opening 32, into which internal through opening 32 at least a portion of the tool 3, in particular that portion of the tool shaft 9 provided with the recess or housing 17 for engaging the holding element 16, can be inserted. The slider 16 also has an annular or circular body 33 with an inner wall 34 and an outer wall.

On the inner wall 34, a projection or wedge 37 is provided (see in particular fig. 5A), which projection or wedge 37 projects from the inner wall 34 into the inner through opening 32. A sickle-shaped shoulder or a sickle-shaped recess 35 abuts against it. The wedge 37 is intended to engage in a recess or receptacle 17 on the tool shaft 9 in order to axially retain the tool 3 in the sliding clamp 12B. Thus, the wedge 37 forms, in particular together with the recess 35, an axial holding element for the tool 3.

The wedge 37 comprises a first inclined plane or chamfer 38 on the upper side (facing away from the tool receiving opening 24) and a second inclined plane or chamfer 39 on the lower side (facing towards the tool receiving opening 24). The first inclined plane 38 and the second inclined plane 39 are inclined relative to each other in the direction of the central axis 36, so that a wedge 37 is formed and the wedge 37 tapers in the direction of the central axis 36. A first inclined plane or chamfer 38 also connects the wedge 37 with the shoulder 35. The first inclined plane 38 thus defines in particular the side surface or side wall of the shoulder 35.

The second inclined plane 39 forms one end of the slider 16. The second inclined plane 39 extends around the entire annular or circular body 33 of the slider 16 and/or forms the end of the inner wall 34.

The slide 16 is pretensioned in the holding or locking position by a spring element 29, for example by a snap ring (see fig. 4), so that the slide 16 together with the wedge 37 is moved in the direction of the rotational axis 8 of the tool holder 7 in order to engage in the recess 17 of the tool shaft 9 inserted into the clamping device 12B. In order to release the tool 3 from the clamping device 12B and also to insert it into the clamping device 12B, the slide 16 can be moved against the spring force of the spring element 29 and radially away from the axis of rotation 8 into a release position or unlocking position, so that the wedge 37 does not engage in the interior of the hollow shaft 13 and/or in the recess 17 of the tool shaft 9, so that the tool 3 can be removed from the slide clamping device 12B or inserted into the slide clamping device 12B.

The movement of the holding element 16 into the release position or the unlocking position can be effected only by inserting the tool 3 into the holding device 12B or extracting it from the holding device 12B. When the tool 3 is released from the sliding clamping device 12B, this is achieved by the first inclined plane or chamfer 38, because when the tool 3 is removed from the clamping device 12B, the wall or edge of the accommodation 17 of the tool shaft 9 into which the wedge 37 of the holding element 16 engages contacts the first inclined plane 38 and thus displaces the slide 16 radially against the spring force of the spring element 29 into the release or unlocked position.

In contrast, the retaining element 16 of the prophylactic dihedral handset 2 of fig. 1 does not have a first inclined plane. The holding element 16 has a locking projection, on the upper side of which (facing away from the tool receiving opening 24) a surface is provided which is arranged at right angles to the axis of rotation 8 or to the central axis of the holding element 16 or to an inner wall of the holding element 16. Since the surfaces are arranged at right angles, the tool 3 cannot be released by pulling it out of the sliding gripping device 12B (as described above for the gripping device 12B of fig. 4 and the gripping element 16 of fig. 5, 5A), and therefore the actuating device 28 is necessary to move the holding element 16 to the release or unlocked position.

The embodiments described or illustrated serve to describe the invention. Thus, a feature disclosed in one embodiment is not limited to that embodiment, but may be employed alone or in combination with one or more features of one of the other embodiments.