U.S. patent application number 15/640165 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-04 for medical or dental treatment device and tool for such a treatment device.
The applicant listed for this patent is W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH. Invention is credited to Theresa Auer, Andreas Brandstaetter, Johann Eibl, Christian Pruckner.
Application Number | 20180000557 15/640165 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56321846 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180000557 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brandstaetter; Andreas ; et
al. |
January 4, 2018 |
MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENT DEVICE AND TOOL FOR SUCH A TREATMENT
DEVICE
Abstract
A medical or dental treatment device comprises a tool retainer,
a measuring coil and an evaluation device. The tool retainer can be
connected to a plurality of different tools. The measuring coil can
be supplied with a periodic electrical energy. The evaluation
device can be connected to the measuring coil for detecting whether
a tool is connected to the treatment device or which of a plurality
of tools is connected to the treatment device. On the basis of an
electromagnetic (e.g., inductive) coupling between the tool
accommodated in the tool retainer and the measuring coil supplied
with the periodic energy, a periodic measurement signal specific to
each tool can be generated and assigned by the evaluation device to
the tool. The evaluation device determines the phase shift of the
electrical voltage and of the electric current of the periodic
measurement signal.
Inventors: |
Brandstaetter; Andreas; (St.
Pantaleon, AT) ; Pruckner; Christian; (Wien, AT)
; Auer; Theresa; (Oberndorf, AT) ; Eibl;
Johann; (Mattighofen, AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH |
Burmoos |
|
AT |
|
|
Family ID: |
56321846 |
Appl. No.: |
15/640165 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2034/256 20160201;
A61C 2204/005 20130101; A61B 90/90 20160201; A61C 1/145 20130101;
A61B 90/98 20160201; A61C 17/20 20130101; A61B 2018/00869 20130101;
A61B 17/1622 20130101; A61B 2018/00892 20130101; A61C 17/221
20130101; A61C 1/088 20130101; A61B 17/00 20130101; A61C 1/0015
20130101; A61B 2017/00464 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 1/00 20060101
A61C001/00; A61C 1/14 20060101 A61C001/14; A61B 90/98 20060101
A61B090/98; A61B 17/00 20060101 A61B017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 4, 2016 |
EP |
16177709.9 |
Claims
1. A medical or dental treatment device, which can be connected to
a plurality of different tools, wherein the medical or dental
treatment device comprises: a tool retainer for connecting the
treatment device to a tool, at least one measuring coil which is
connected to an electrical energy supply device via an electrical
line and which can be supplied with a periodic electrical energy
supply from the electrical energy supply device, and an evaluation
device electrically connected to the at least one measuring coil
for detecting whether a tool is connected to the treatment device
or which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment
device, wherein due to an inductive coupling between the tool
accommodated in the tool retainer and the at least one measuring
coil supplied with the periodic electrical energy, a periodic
measurement signal specific to the tool is generated and assigned
by the evaluation device to the tool, and wherein the evaluation
device determines the phase shift of the electrical voltage and of
the electric current of the periodic measurement signal.
2. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 1,
wherein the evaluation device further determines the amplitude of
the electrical voltage of the periodic measurement signal.
3. A medical or dental treatment device according to claim 1,
further comprising at least one tool which can be connected to the
treatment device, wherein the at least one tool comprises a tool
shaft and a working end connected to the tool shaft for working on
a treatment site, wherein the tool shaft comprises at least one
electrically conductive identification element in which, through
the inductive coupling between the tool accommodated in the tool
retainer and the at least one measuring coil supplied with the
periodic energy, an alternating electric current and/or electrical
eddy currents can be induced, which feeds back onto the periodic
electrical energy flowing in the at least one measuring coil in
order to generate the periodic measurement signal which can be
assigned to the respective tool.
4. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one electrically conductive identification
element is provided on a base material of the tool shaft, wherein
the at least one electrically conductive identification element and
the base material comprise different materials.
5. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one electrically conductive identification
element comprises at least one of a wire, a winding, a coil, a
coating, a film, a layer or a sleeve.
6. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one electrically conductive identification
element forms a closed electrical circuit surrounding the tool
shaft, in which the alternating electric current can flow.
7. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one electrically conductive identification
element comprises two separated ends.
8. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 1,
comprising a plurality of different tools, each of the tools having
a tool shaft with at least one electrically conductive
identification element wherein, in order to detect or differentiate
the tools by the evaluation device, the electrically conductive
identification elements of the tools differ in at least one of the
following parameters: the axial lengths of the electrically
conductive identification element with respect to a longitudinal
axis of the tool shaft; the cross-sectional areas of the
electrically conductive identification elements; the thicknesses of
the electrically conductive identification elements transversely to
or radially to a longitudinal axis of the tool shaft; the
thicknesses of the layers of the electrically conductive
identification elements deposited on the tool shaft; the materials
of the electrically conductive identification elements; the number
of turns and/or the lengths of the electrically conductive
identification elements configured as coils or windings; or the
wire diameter of the electrically conductive identification
elements configured as coils or windings.
9. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 8,
wherein in order to detect or differentiate the plurality of
different tools by the evaluation device, the plurality of tools
further differ in at least one of the following parameters: the
base material of the tool shaft; the diameter of at least one
section of the tool shaft; or the length of the tool shaft.
10. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 3,
wherein the tool shaft of the at least one tool comprises at least
two electrically conductive and separated identification
elements.
11. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 1,
further comprising a plurality of measuring coils which are
electrically connected to the evaluation device for detecting
whether a tool is connected to the treatment device or which of a
plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device.
12. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 1,
further comprising an electrical energy supply device which is
configured to provide the at least one measuring coil with periodic
electrical energy at different frequencies so that, in order to
detect whether a tool is connected to the treatment device or which
of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device, the
at least one measuring coil can be supplied with periodic
electrical energy at different frequencies.
13. The medical or dental treatment device according to claim 1,
wherein the periodic electrical energy supply is a sinusoidal
electrical energy supply.
14. A method for detecting whether a tool is connected to a
treatment device or which of a plurality of tools is connected to
said treatment device, comprising: supplying at least one measuring
coil with periodic electrical energy, establishing an inductive
coupling between a tool accommodated in a tool retainer and the at
least one measuring coil supplied with the periodic energy,
generating a periodic measurement signal which is specific to each
tool and which can be assigned to the respective tool by an
evaluation device, and detecting whether a tool is connected to the
treatment device or which of a plurality of tools is connected to
the treatment device with the evaluation device, wherein the
evaluation device determines the phase shift of the electrical
voltage and of the electric current of the periodic measurement
signal.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining the
amplitude of the electrical voltage of the periodic measurement
signal with the evaluation device to detect whether a tool is
connected to the treatment device or which of a plurality of tools
is connected to the treatment device.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein an alternating electric current
and/or electrical eddy currents is/are induced in at least one
electrically conductive identification element of the at least one
tool due to the inductive coupling between said tool accommodated
in the tool retainer and the at least one measuring coil supplied
with the periodic energy, wherein said alternating electric current
and/or electrical eddy currents feeds back onto the periodic
electrical energy flowing in the at least one measuring coil in
order to generate the periodic measurement signal which can be
assigned to the respective tool.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein generating a periodic
measurement signal comprises generating a sinusoidal measurement
signal.
18. A medical or dental tool, comprising a tool shaft, and a
working end connected to the tool shaft for working on a treatment
site, wherein the tool shaft comprises at least one electrically
conductive identification element in which due to an inductive
coupling between said tool and a measuring coil supplied with
periodic electrical energy, an alternating electric current and/or
electrical eddy currents can be induced, which feeds back onto the
periodic electrical energy flowing in the at least one measuring
coil in order to generate a periodic measurement signal which can
be assigned to the tool.
19. A medical or dental treatment device having at least one tool
according to claim 18.
20. The medical of dental tool of claim 18, wherein the measuring
coil is supplied with sinusoidal electrical energy.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from pending
European Patent Application No. 16177709.9, filed Jul. 4, 2016,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a medical or dental
treatment device which can be connected to a plurality of different
tools, wherein the medical or dental treatment device is provided
with an evaluation device for detecting whether one of the
plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device or which of
the plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device. The
invention also refers to a corresponding method and tools which can
be distinguished with a medical or dental treatment device of this
type.
Description of Prior Art
[0003] A medical or dental treatment device of this type is known
from patent application US 2010/109644 A1. This treatment device
which comprises an evaluation device for detecting whether one of
the plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device or
which of the plurality of tools is connected to the treatment
device functions extremely well and is held in high esteem by
users.
SUMMARY
[0004] Based on the foregoing it would be advantageous to provide a
treatment device with an evaluation device which has been further
developed to function more effectively, including such that a
larger number of tools or tool groups can be distinguished.
Accordingly, it is also an aim of the present invention to provide
a method and a tool that function more effectively and with which a
larger number of tools or tool groups can be distinguished.
[0005] The medical or dental treatment device in accordance with
the invention, which can be connected to a plurality of different
tools, comprises a tool retainer for connecting the treatment
device to a tool, at least one measuring coil which is connected to
an electrical energy supply device via an electrical line and can
be supplied with a periodic, in particular sinusoidal, electrical
energy supply (alternating current) from the electrical energy
supply device, and an evaluation device electrically connected to
the at least one measuring coil for detecting whether a tool is
connected to the treatment device or which of a plurality of tools
is connected to the treatment device. Due to an electromagnetic, in
particular inductive, coupling between the tool accommodated in the
tool retainer and the at least one measuring coil supplied with the
periodic, in particular sinusoidal energy, a periodic, in
particular sinusoidal measurement signal can be generated which is
specific to each tool and can be assigned to the respective tool by
the evaluation device.
[0006] In accordance with a first embodiment, the evaluation device
for detecting whether a tool is connected to the treatment device
or which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment
device determines the phase shift or phase displacement of the
electrical voltage and of the electric current of the periodic, in
particular sinusoidal measurement signal.
[0007] In accordance with a second embodiment, the medical or
dental treatment device comprises at least one tool as well as the
components mentioned above, namely the tool retainer, at least one
measuring coil, and an evaluation device for detecting whether a
tool is connected to the treatment device or which of a plurality
of tools is connected to the treatment device which is electrically
connected to the at least one measuring coil. The at least one tool
comprises a tool shaft and a working end connected to the tool
shaft for working on a treatment site, wherein the tool shaft
comprises an electrically conductive identification element in
which due to the electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling
between the tool accommodated in the tool retainer and the at least
one measuring coil supplied with the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal energy, an (induced) alternating electric current and/or
electrical eddy currents can be induced which feeds back onto or
affects the periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy
flowing in the at least one measuring coil to generate the
periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal which can be
assigned to the respective tool, in particular by mutual inductance
and/or ohmic losses. The acting on the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal electrical energy flowing in the at least one measuring
coil takes place in particular indirectly through the changing
magnetic fields and/or electric fields of the alternating electric
current and/or the electrical eddy currents.
[0008] As will be described below in more detail, the detection or
determination of a plurality of tools which can be connected to the
medical or dental treatment device is in particular based on the
fact that each tool has a specific electrically conductive
identification element, i.e., an electrically conductive
identification element with at least one individual property or an
individual parameter. This individual property or this individual
parameter causes an effect or a feed back onto the periodic, in
particular sinusoidal electrical energy flowing in the at least one
measuring coil which is specific to that identification element,
whereupon the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal
which is uniquely assignable or specific to the respective tool can
be generated. The evaluation device or a comparator is in
particular configured such that it can compare this received
specific periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal with
predetermined comparative values which, for example, are stored in
a memory of the evaluation device, and can detect the tool
accommodated in the tool retainer.
[0009] Preferably, in addition to the phase shift of the periodic,
in particular sinusoidal measuring signal, the evaluation device
for determining whether a tool is connected to the treatment device
or which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment
device determines the amplitude, in particular the extreme values
of the amplitude, of the electrical voltage of the periodic, in
particular sinusoidal measurement signal. This further increases
the number of tools or tool groups which can be distinguished from
each other.
[0010] For each of the two embodiments individually, i.e.,
determining the phase shift of the electrical voltage and the
electric current of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signal as well as providing a tool with an electrically
conductive identification element in which an alternating electric
current and/or electrical eddy currents can be induced, a larger
number of tools or tool groups can be distinguished. Particularly
preferably, both embodiments are combined together, in particular
in a medical or dental treatment device, whereupon the number of
tools or tool groups which can be distinguished from each other can
be increased substantially further. Starting from the number of
mutually distinguishable tools or tool groups known from the prior
art, in experiments when applying only one of the two embodiments,
the number of reliably mutually distinguishable tools or tool
groups was increased by approximately 66%, and when using both
embodiments together, an approximately 3- to 6-fold increase was
observed.
[0011] Preferably, at least the measuring coil and the evaluation
device, in particular also the electrical energy supply device form
an electrical measurement circuit for detecting whether a tool is
connected to the treatment device or which of a plurality of tools
is connected to the treatment device. Preferably, the electrical
measurement circuit comprises further components, for example
filters or amplifiers, in particular for the periodic, in
particular sinusoidal measurement signal, a microcontroller, a
comparator to compare the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signal received by the evaluation device or a signal
derived therefrom with predetermined comparative values in order to
assign the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal to
a tool, in particular to the tool accommodated in the tool
retainer, and/or a display to advise the user about the name of the
tool or about operational data for the tool, in particular the tool
accommodated in the tool retainer.
[0012] Preferably, the evaluation device is configured to receive
and evaluate the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement
signal generated in or at the measuring coil, in order to detect
whether a tool is connected to the treatment device or which of a
plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device.
Particularly preferably, the evaluation device or a microcontroller
of the treatment device comprises a computer program with
programming code means for carrying out a method for detecting
whether a tool is connected to a treatment device or which of a
plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device, as
described below. The method or the computer program is preferably
implemented in software.
[0013] Preferably, the medical or dental treatment device comprises
a medical or a dental handpiece or contra-angle handpiece and a
control device, which in particular are designed to be separate
and/or are connected together via a tube. Preferably, at least a
portion of the evaluation device is provided in the control device
and/or is configured as a part of the control device. Preferably,
further components are provided at the control device, for example
actuators so that the operator can select and/or adjust operational
parameters and/or operating resources and/or quantities of
operating resources, a display and/or a liquid supply unit which is
configured to supply a treatment liquid, in particular for
dispensing onto a treatment site to the handpiece or contra-angle
handpiece. Preferably, the force-fit or positive tool retainer is
disposed on or in the handpiece or contra-angle handpiece in an
interlocked or friction-fitted manner. Preferably, the medical or
dental treatment device is configured as a table top device.
[0014] Preferably, the medical or dental treatment device comprises
a drive unit which is configured to set the tool connected to the
treatment device into a drive movement, for example a rotary and/or
oscillating and/or vibrating drive movement. Preferably, the drive
unit is disposed in the handpiece or contra-angle handpiece or is
attached thereto. Particularly preferably, the drive unit comprises
an air motor or an electric motor or a pneumatic, piezoelectrical
or magnetostrictive oscillatory drive.
[0015] Preferably, the medical or dental treatment device comprises
a device for removing tartar, plaque, biofilm and/or stains on
teeth with a pneumatic, piezoelectrical or magnetostrictive sonic
or ultrasonic vibrational drive which is frequently known as a
scaling device. Alternatively, the medical or dental treatment
device comprises other devices for restoration, prosthetics,
endodentistry, implantology or other applications, in particular
with a tool which can be made to move in a turning or rotary
movement.
[0016] Accordingly, the tool is preferably configured as a rotary
tool, as an oscillating tool, as a tool that can be made to
vibrate, as a sonically or ultrasonically driven tool or as a
tartar-removing tool.
[0017] Preferably, the measuring coil is disposed in the handpiece
or contra-angle handpiece, in particular on or adjacent to the tool
retainer. In particular, the measuring coil is configured and/or is
disposed in the handpiece or contra-angle handpiece such that the
electrically conductive identification element can be positioned in
the measuring coil, in particular when the tool is accommodated or
held in the tool retainer.
[0018] The electrical energy supply device is preferably configured
to generate periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy
(alternating current) and to supply the at least one measuring coil
with periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy
(alternating current). The electrical energy supply device can
either be provided in the medical or dental treatment device, in
particular in the control device, or outside the medical or dental
treatment device. Disposing the electrical energy supply device in
the treatment device, in particular in a microcontroller or as part
of a microcontroller unit, advantageously facilitates the
determination of the phase shift of the electrical voltage and of
the electric current of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signal, because the evaluation unit knows the zero
point of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy
which is required for determining the phase shift, or it can
readily be determined by the evaluation unit. Particularly
preferably, the electrical energy supply device is configured as a
part of a microcontroller or a microcontroller unit of the
treatment device and/or is controlled by a microcontroller of the
treatment device by software. Particularly preferably, the
electrical energy supply device comprises a signal generator.
[0019] The electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling
between the tool accommodated in the tool retainer and the at least
one measuring coil supplied with the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal energy for producing a periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal which is specific to each tool and
which can be assigned to the respective tool by the evaluation
device comprises, for example, affecting or modifying the
inductance of the at least one measuring coil which, for example,
is caused by the soft magnetic properties of the tool and/or the
electrically conductive identification element. The
electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling additionally or
alternatively also comprises generating the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal which is specific to each tool by
mutual inductance and/or ohmic losses which, for example, are
caused by an alternating current and/or eddy currents induced in
the tool and/or the electrically conductive identification element
and the resulting varying magnetic fields or electrical fields.
[0020] The periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy
made available from the electrical energy supply device in
particular forms the output signal or the basis for the periodic,
in particular sinusoidal measurement signal. Because of the
electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling between the tool
accommodated in the tool retainer and the at least one measuring
coil, at least one parameter of the periodic electrical energy, for
example the electrical voltage, the electric current or the
amplitude of the electrical voltage, is influenced or modified and
thus the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal
which is specific to each of the plurality of tools is
generated.
[0021] The at least one tool preferably comprises a tool shaft and
a working end connected to the tool shaft for working on a
treatment site. The tool shaft is preferably cylindrical in shape.
Preferably, at least one geometric structure is provided on the
tool shaft to connect with the tool retainer and/or to engage a
retaining element of the tool retainer, for example a thread, a
recess or an indentation. The working end of the tool is preferably
abrasive in configuration and, for example, comprises at least one
cutting edge and/or abrasive particles.
[0022] Preferably, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element of the tool shaft comprises a material with
a high electrical conductivity, in particular a metallic material,
for example copper, gold, silver, tin, tungsten or a metal alloy,
preferably with at least one of the metals mentioned above, for
example brass, bronze or nickel silver.
[0023] Preferably, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element is provided on a base material of the tool
shaft, wherein the at least one electrically conductive
identification element and the base material comprise different
materials. Preferably, the base material of the tool shaft
comprises a plastic or a metallic material, for example steel.
Alternatively, it is also possible for the at least one
electrically conductive identification element and the tool shaft
to be produced from the same material and/or to be formed as one
piece.
[0024] Preferably, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element comprises a wire, a film, layer, sleeve,
winding or coil or is configured as such. Preferably, the at least
one electrically conductive identification element, in particular
the wire, the film, sleeve, winding or coil is fastened by bonding,
pressing, shrink fitting, screwing or welding to the tool,
preferably in an non-releasable manner.
[0025] Alternatively, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element comprises a coating or is configured as
such. Preferably, the coating is produced by chemical or galvanic
deposition of the material of the at least one electrically
conductive identification element onto the tool. Particularly
preferably, the at least one electrically conductive identification
element comprises a winding or coil which is produced by coating
the tool with the material of the at least one electrically
conductive identification element and subsequent mechanical,
chemical or laser processing of the coating in order to remove a
portion of the coating in order to obtain the winding or coil in
this manner.
[0026] Alternatively, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element is provided with a plastic sleeve with a
metallic coating provided thereon which can be fixed on the tool,
for example by bonding, pressing, shrink fitting or screwing. In
this manner, it is advantageously possible to use the same
material, in particular metallic material, for the base material of
the tool or the tool shaft and for the at least one electrically
conductive identification element.
[0027] Preferably, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element, in particular when it is configured as a
coating, layer or film, is covered with an additional layer
provided on or deposited onto the tool. The at least one
electrically conductive identification element is thus in
particular disposed between this additional layer and the base
material of the tool shaft. The additional layer preferably forms a
protective layer with a higher resistance compared with the
material of the at least one electrically conductive identification
element, for example against corrosion or mechanical stresses, a
passivation layer of the material of the at least one electrically
conductive identification element, for example in the form of an
oxide layer, or an optical barrier in order to conceal the presence
of the at least one electrically conductive identification
element.
[0028] Preferably, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element forms a closed electrical circuit
surrounding the tool shaft, in which a (regularly, periodically
changing polarity) alternating electric current can flow, in
particular about the tool shaft or about the longitudinal axis of
the tool shaft. Preferably, the alternating electric current flows
as a ring current in the electrically conductive identification
element about the tool shaft or about a longitudinal axis of the
tool shaft. Preferably, the electrically conductive identification
element is configured as a self-contained (i.e., endless) coil,
winding, wire, film or coating, in order to form the closed
electrical circuit. In order to detect different tools,
surprisingly, a single turn or winding of the coil, winding, wire,
film or coating (going 360.degree. around the tool shaft) is
sufficient to form the closed electrical circuit. Particularly
preferably and surprisingly, this single turn or winding may also
be in the shape of a sleeve or be a sleeve, so that the at least
one electrically conductive identification element can in
particular also have a cylindrical sleeve in order to form a closed
electrical circuit about the tool shaft.
[0029] Such a self-contained electrical circuit formed by the at
least one electrically conductive identification element, in
particular the (induced) alternating current or ring current
flowing in it, bring about due to the electromagnetic, in
particular inductive coupling, a particularly effective feedback
onto the periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy
flowing in the at least one measuring coil, in particular through
mutual inductance, in order to generate the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal which can be assigned to the
respective tool.
[0030] Alternatively, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element comprises two electrically separated ends.
Accordingly, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element does not form a closed electrical circuit.
Thus, in an identification element of this type, a (regularly,
periodically polarity-changing) alternating electric current or a
ring current flowing about the tool shaft or about a longitudinal
axis of the tool shaft cannot be induced, but only electrical eddy
currents can be induced therein. Surprisingly, it has been found
out that these electrical eddy currents are also capable of
producing the desired detection or differentiation between a
plurality of different tools by modifying or manipulating the
periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy flowing in the
at least one measuring coil, in particular by ohmic losses.
[0031] The at least one electrically conductive identification
element with two electrically separated ends comprises, for
example, a split sleeve, a coil, a winding or a wire with two free
or electrically unconnected ends, a coating which is split like the
sleeve or a coating corresponding to the winding or the wire with
two free or electrically unconnected ends. In particular, the two
electrically separated ends are formed by a gap or slit between
these two ends.
[0032] Preferably, the medical or dental treatment device comprises
a plurality of different tools each of which having a tool shaft
with at least one electrically conductive identification element.
Preferably, this plurality of different tools is collected together
in a set of tools. As already described above, the detection or
differentiation of this plurality of tools which can be connected
to the medical or dental treatment device, is based on the fact
that each tool has a specific electrically conductive
identification element, i.e., an electrically conductive
identification element with at least one individual property or an
individual parameter.
[0033] Preferably, the electrically conductive identification
elements of the tools, in particular of the set of tools, differ by
at least one of the following parameters: [0034] the axial length
of the electrically conductive identification elements with respect
to a longitudinal axis of the tool shaft; preferably, the axial
length of an electrically conductive identification element is
between 0.5 mm and 10 mm; preferably, the axial length of
electrically conductive identification elements, in particular of a
set of tools, (respectively) differ by 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm,
2.5 mm, 5 mm or 10 mm; [0035] the cross-sectional areas or wire
diameters of the electrically conductive identification element, in
particular the cross-sectional areas or wire diameter of windings,
coils or wires; preferably, the cross-sectional area or wire
diameter of an electrically conductive identification element is
between 0.05 mm and 1 mm; preferably, the cross-sectional areas or
wire diameters, in particular of a set of tools, (respectively)
differ by 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm;
[0036] the thicknesses of the electrically conductive
identification elements transversely or radially to a longitudinal
axis of the tool shaft; preferably, the thickness of an
electrically conductive identification element is between 0.03 mm
and 1 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm; preferably, the
thicknesses, in particular of a set of tools, (respectively) differ
by 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm; [0037] the
layer thicknesses of the electrically conductive identification
elements deposited on the tool shafts; preferably, the layer
thickness of an electrically conductive identification element is
between 0.03 mm and 1 mm, preferably 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm;
preferably, the layer thicknesses, in particular of a set of tools,
(respectively) differ by 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm
or 0.5 mm; [0038] the materials of the electrically conductive
identification elements; preferably, at least one electrically
conductive identification element of a tool comprises a material
which differs from a material of an electrically conductive
identification element of another tool; as an example, an
electrically conductive identification element comprises copper,
gold, silver, tin, tungsten or a metal alloy, preferably with at
least one of the metals mentioned above, for example brass, bronze
or nickel silver; [0039] the number of turns and/or lengths of the
electrically conductive identification elements formed as coils or
windings; preferably, the number of turns of an electrically
conductive identification element is between one and 50 turns;
preferably, the number of turns, in particular of a set of tools,
(respectively) differ by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 turns.
[0040] Preferably (in addition to the electrically conductive
identification element), an alternating electric current and/or
electrical eddy currents is/are inducible in the base material of
the tool, in particular the tool shaft, through the
electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling between the tool
accommodated in the tool retainer and the at least one measuring
coil supplied with the periodic, in particular sinusoidal energy,
which also contribute to the generation of the periodic, in
particular sinusoidal measurement signal which can be assigned to
the respective tool, in particular by modifying the periodic, in
particular sinusoidal electrical energy flowing in the at least one
measuring coil by mutual inductance and/or ohmic losses.
[0041] Preferably, for detection of or differentiation between the
plurality of tools, in particular of the set of tools, by the
evaluation device they differ in at least one of the following
parameters: [0042] the base material of the tool shaft; as an
example, at least one tool comprises a base material formed from
metal or plastic; as an example, at least one tool comprises a base
material formed from a first metal or a first metal alloy and
another tool has a base material formed from a second, different
metal or from a second, different metal alloy; [0043] the diameter
of at least one section of the tool shaft; preferably, the
diameters of at least sections of a plurality of different tool
shafts, in particular of a set of tools, (respectively) differ by
0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm; [0044] the length of the tool
shaft; preferably, the lengths of a plurality of different tool
shafts, in particular of a set of tools, (respectively) differ by
0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm.
[0045] Preferably, the tool shaft of the at least one tool or of at
least one tool of a set of tools has a plurality of, at least two
or three or four electrically conductive and separated
identification elements. In this manner, an even more reliable
identification of a tool and/or detection and differentiation of an
even larger number of tools is made possible. The separated
identification elements comprise, for example, a wire, a winding,
coil, coating, film, layer or sleeve.
[0046] The plurality of separated identification elements of a tool
shaft may have identical elements (for example two or more wires,
windings, coils, coatings, films, layers or sleeves) or different
elements (for example a sleeve and a winding, or a film and a
coil). Each of the plurality of separated identification elements
of a tool shaft may form a closed electrical circuit surrounding
the tool shaft, in which the alternating electric current can flow,
in particular about the tool shaft or about a longitudinal axis of
the tool shaft, or have two electrically separated ends.
Alternatively, the plurality of separated identification elements
of a tool shaft differ in that at least one of the identification
elements forms a closed electrical circuit and at least one other
of the identification elements has two electrically separated
ends.
[0047] Preferably, the medical or dental treatment device comprises
a plurality of measuring coils (or one measuring coil with at least
three connections) which are electrically connected to the
evaluation device for determining whether a tool is connected to
the treatment device or which of a plurality of tools is connected
to the treatment device, so that in particular the evaluation
device can receive a plurality of periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signals from the plurality of measurement
coils, in order to be able to distinguish between and detect the
plurality of tools. This is of particular advantage when the tool
shaft of at least one tool, in particular of a set of tools, has a
plurality of, at least two, electrically conductive and separated
identification elements. Preferably, each measuring coil is
associated with one of the plurality of separated identification
elements, in particular when the tool is accommodated in the tool
retainer.
[0048] Preferably, the medical or dental treatment device is
configured to supply the plurality of measuring coils temporally
sequentially with periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical
energy (alternating current), so that in particular, a plurality of
temporally offset periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement
signals can be produced and/or be evaluated by the evaluation
device in order to detect a tool. Alternatively, the medical or
dental treatment device is configured to supply the plurality of
measuring coils simultaneously with periodic, in particular
sinusoidal electrical energy (alternating current) in order to
produce a plurality of periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signals which will be analysed by the evaluation device
in order to detect a tool.
[0049] Alternatively or in addition, it is also possible for the
medical or dental treatment device or the evaluation device to be
configured so as to interconnect at least two of the plurality of
measuring coils for electromagnetic, in particular inductive
coupling with the tool accommodated in the tool retainer, in
particular with the at least one electrically conductive
identification element. This can be envisaged, for example, when a
set of tools has at least one tool with one electrically conductive
identification element and at least one tool with a plurality of
electrically conductive identification elements: for
electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling with the tool
with one electrically conductive identification element, the
plurality of measuring coils are interconnected and for
electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling with the tool
with a plurality of electrically conductive identification
elements, the plurality of measuring coils are not interconnected
or, as described above, each measuring coil is associated with one
of the plurality of separated identification elements.
[0050] Clearly, it is also possible to set up an electromagnetic,
in particular inductive coupling with a tool with a plurality of
electrically conductive identification elements and only one
measuring coil and to correctly identify the tool, or to set up an
electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling with a tool with
only one electrically conductive identification element and a
plurality of measuring coils, and to correctly identify the
tool.
[0051] Preferably, the medical or dental treatment device, in
particular the electric energy supply device, is configured in
order to detect whether a tool is connected to the treatment device
or which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment
device, to supply the at least one measuring coil with periodic, in
particular sinusoidal electrical energy (alternating current) at
different frequencies, whereupon detection or differentiation of
the tools becomes more reliable. Preferably, the electrical energy
supply device is a part of a microcontroller or a microcontroller
unit of the treatment device, wherein the at least one measuring
coil is supplied with periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical
energy at different frequencies (via software) under the control of
the microcontroller. Alternatively, it is also possible for the
medical or dental treatment device to comprise a frequency
modulator which is electrically connected to the electrical energy
supply device and the at least one measuring coil, which modifies
the frequency of the periodic electrical energy output to the at
least one measuring coil.
[0052] Preferably, the treatment device or the frequency modulator
is configured to supply the at least one measuring coil with
periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy with different
frequencies or frequency ranges in a manner such that different
physical effects influence (variably intensely) the generation of
the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal, so that
the detection or differentiation of a tool becomes even more
reliable: preferably, a frequency is selected, for example from a
frequency range of less than 500 Hz, such that the generation of
the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal is
primarily caused by inductance or soft magnetic properties of the
tool (of the base material and/or of the electrically conductive
identification element); preferably, a frequency is selected, for
example from a frequency range between 1 kHz and 200 kHz, in a
manner such that the generation of the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal is primarily produced by mutual
inductance of the tool (in particular of the electrically
conductive identification element); preferably, a frequency is
selected, for example from a frequency range of more than 200 kHz,
in a manner such that the generation of the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal is primarily caused through the
induced eddy currents (in particular in the electrically conductive
identification element). Preferably, at least two of these three
frequencies or frequency ranges mentioned are pre-set or stored in
the treatment device, for example the evaluation device or a
control device, so that the at least one measuring coil can,
preferably automatically, be supplied with periodic, in particular
sinusoidal electrical energy at the appropriate frequencies.
[0053] Alternatively, the treatment device or the frequency
modulator is configured to supply the at least one measuring coil
with periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy at
different frequencies from at least one of the frequency ranges
mentioned above. Particularly preferably, the treatment device or
the frequency modulator is configured to supply the at least one
measuring coil with periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical
energy (alternating current) at at least two different frequencies
in the range from approximately 1 kHz to approximately 60 kHz. In
this manner, advantageously, detection and differentiation of tools
is possible while avoiding disruptive effects, for example too much
heating of the treatment device.
[0054] Alternatively, the treatment device or the frequency
modulator is configured to supply the at least one measuring coil
with periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy at only
one frequency, for example in the range from approximately 1 kHz to
approximately 150 kHz, preferably approximately 1 kHz to
approximately 60 kHz. Generation of the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal here is primarily caused by the
mutual inductance of the tool (in particular of the electrically
conductive identification element) and to a lesser extent by eddy
currents.
[0055] Preferably, the treatment device or the evaluation device is
configured to analyse the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signal which can be assigned to the respective tool
using Fourier transformation, so that the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal can in particular be assigned to a
specific tool.
[0056] In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for
detecting whether a tool is connected to a treatment device or
which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device,
in which the at least one measuring coil is supplied with periodic,
in particular sinusoidal electrical energy (alternating current), a
periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal which is
specific for each tool and which can be assigned to the respective
tool by the evaluation device is generated (in the measuring coil)
on the basis of an electromagnetic, in particular inductive
coupling between the tool accommodated in the tool retainer and the
at least one measuring coil supplied with the periodic, in
particular sinusoidal energy, wherein said periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal is received by the evaluation device
(via the electrical connection with the measuring coil), and
wherein in order to detect whether a tool is connected to the
treatment device or which of a plurality of tools is connected to
the treatment device, the evaluation device determines the phase
shift of the electrical voltage and the electric current of the
periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal. Preferably,
in order to detect whether a tool is connected to the treatment
device or which of a plurality of tools is connected to the
treatment device, the evaluation device also determines the
amplitude, in particular the extreme values of the amplitude, of
the electrical voltage of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signal.
[0057] In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided
for detecting whether a tool is connected to a treatment device or
which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device,
in which, in the at least one electrically conductive
identification element of the at least one tool, on the basis of
the electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling between this
tool accommodated in the tool retainer and the at least one
measuring coil supplied with the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
energy, an alternating electric current and/or electrical eddy
currents is induced which feeds back onto or influences the
periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy flowing in the
at least one measuring coil to generate the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal which can be assigned to the
respective tool, in particular by mutual inductance and/or ohmic
losses.
[0058] Preferably, in order to detect whether a tool is connected
to the treatment device or which of a plurality of tools is
connected to the treatment device, the at least one measuring coil
is provided with periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical
energy (alternating current) at different frequencies, as already
described in detail above.
[0059] Preferably, the alternating electric current (regularly,
periodically changing its polarity) induced by the electromagnetic,
in particular inductive coupling between the tool accommodated in
the tool retainer and the at least one measuring coil supplied with
the periodic, in particular sinusoidal energy, flows about the tool
shaft or about a longitudinal axis of the tool shaft, particularly
in the at least one electrically conductive identification element.
Preferably, to this end, the at least one electrically conductive
identification element is configured as a closed electrical
circuit, as has already been described in detail above.
[0060] Preferably, the tool shaft of the at least one tool
comprises at least two electrically conductive and separated
identification elements in which, preferably sequentially, in order
to detect whether a tool is connected to the treatment device or
which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device,
alternating electric current and/or electrical eddy currents is/are
induced, as already described in detail above.
[0061] Preferably, the treatment device has a plurality of
measuring coils which are electrically connected to the evaluation
device and which, in order to detect whether a tool is connected to
the treatment device or which of a plurality of tools is connected
to the treatment device, are, preferably sequentially, supplied
with periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy
(alternating current), as already described in detail above.
[0062] Preferably, the treatment device operates the medical or
dental tool connected to the tool retainer and identified by the
evaluation device using appropriate operational parameters and/or
appropriate resources and/or quantities of resources.
[0063] The detection and differentiation of the various tools is
preferably provided to supply the treatment device, in particular
the handle element, the drive unit or the tool, with appropriate
resources or quantities of resources or to operate it with
appropriate operational parameters. In this regard, for example,
tools which are driven by vibrations have different resonance
frequencies, wherein the drive unit generating the vibrations is
supplied with different supply voltages depending on the tool
attached to the treatment device, so that the attached tool can be
operated as precisely as possible with its resonance frequency.
Preferably, the treatment device is configured as a tartar removal
or scaling device which has a drive unit comprising an oscillator,
in particular an piezoelectric oscillator, which can be supplied
with drive energy, drive power or drive voltage depending on the
tool connected to the treatment device and detected by the
evaluation device.
[0064] Preferably, the treatment device, for example the evaluation
device or a control device or supply unit of the treatment device,
comprises at least one actuator, for example a valve, and/or at
least one control or regulating element which operates the
identified medical or dental tool with appropriate operational
parameters and/or with appropriate resources and/or quantities of
resources.
[0065] Preferably, different tools require different coolants or
quantities of coolant, so that the treatment device is configured
to dispense appropriate coolants or quantities of coolant onto the
tool.
[0066] In order that the tool can be supplied with the appropriate
operational parameters, resources or quantities of resources, after
detection of the tool attached to the treatment device, the
evaluation device is preferably configured to output a specific
control signal for each tool to a control device or supply unit. In
this regard, the evaluation device is preferably provided with a
memory in which a characteristic value is stored for each tool, in
particular a characteristic value for the phase shift, and
additionally in particular also an amplitude value for the voltage
of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal or a
value derived therefrom, and a comparator which, in order to
identify the tool connected to the treatment device, compares the
stored value with the value for the phase shift which is specific
to each tool, and additionally in particular also an amplitude
value for the voltage of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signal or a signal derived therefrom. Furthermore, in
the treatment device, for each tool, data is stored concerning the
resources or quantities of resources required. Based on these data
and the control signal output by the evaluation device, which
defines the detected tool, the control device and/or the supply
unit controls the operational parameters and/or dispensing of the
resources or quantities of resources.
[0067] In accordance with one embodiment, a medical or dental tool
comprises a tool shaft and a working end connected to the tool
shaft for working on a treatment site, wherein the tool shaft has
at least one electrically conductive identification element in
which due to an electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling
between the tool and a measuring coil supplied with periodic, in
particular sinusoidal electrical energy (alternating current), an
alternating electric current and/or electrical eddy currents is
induced, which preferably feeds back onto or influences the
periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy flowing in the
at least one measuring coil to generate the periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal which can be assigned to the
respective tool, in particular by mutual inductance and/or ohmic
losses.
[0068] Having regard to preferred features of the medical or dental
tool, in particular the at least one electrically conductive
identification element, the base material, etc., reference should
be made to the foregoing in order to avoid repetition. Each of the
features of the medical or dental tool mentioned and described
therein can be applied to or transferred to the medical or dental
tool cited herein, either individually or in combination.
[0069] Preferably, a set of a plurality of medical or dental tools
is provided, in particular as described above, wherein the
electrically conductive identification elements of the plurality of
tools differ in at least one of the following parameters: the axial
length of the electrically conductive identification element with
respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool shaft; the
cross-sectional areas of the electrically conductive identification
elements; the thicknesses of the electrically conductive
identification elements transversely to or radially to a
longitudinal axis of the tool shaft; the layer thicknesses of the
electrically conductive identification elements deposited on the
tool shafts; the materials of the electrically conductive
identification elements; the number of turns and/or lengths of the
electrically conductive identification elements configured as coils
or windings; or the wire diameter of the electrically conductive
identification elements configured as coils or windings.
[0070] Preferably, the plurality of tools, in particular the tool
shafts, differ in at least one of the following parameters: the
base material of the tool shaft; the diameter of the tool shaft; or
the length of the tool shaft. In order to avoid repetition,
reference should be made to the foregoing with respect to preferred
features of the medical or dental tools of the set of tools, in
particular of the at least one electrically conductive
identification element, the base material etc. Each of the features
of the medical or dental tool mentioned and described therein may
be applied to or transferred to the medical or dental tools of the
set of tools, individually or in combination.
[0071] These and other embodiments will be described below with
reference to the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0072] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a medical or dental treatment
device with an evaluation device for detecting whether a tool is
connected to the treatment device or which of a plurality of tools
is connected to the treatment device, and a handle element for
tartar removal;
[0073] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the tool side end of the
handle element for tartar removal of FIG. 1;
[0074] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a circuit
diagram of a medical or dental treatment device with an evaluation
device for detecting whether a tool or which of a plurality of
tools is connected to the treatment device;
[0075] FIG. 4 shows a further schematic view of an embodiment of a
circuit diagram for a medical or dental treatment device with an
evaluation device for detecting whether a tool or which of a
plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device;
[0076] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a
circuit diagram for a medical or dental treatment device with an
evaluation device for detecting whether a tool or which of a
plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device;
[0077] FIG. 6 shows a plurality of tools or a set of tools with a
plurality of tools each with an electrically conductive
identification element in the form of at least one winding;
[0078] FIG. 7 shows a plurality of tools or a set of tools with a
plurality of tools each with an electrically conductive
identification element in the form of at least one coil;
[0079] FIG. 8 shows a plurality of tools or a set of tools with a
plurality of tools each with an electrically conductive
identification element in the form of at least one film;
[0080] FIG. 9 shows a plurality of tools or a set of tools with a
plurality of tools each with an electrically conductive
identification element in the form of at least one coating;
[0081] FIG. 10 shows a plurality of tools or a set of tools with a
plurality of tools each with an electrically conductive
identification element in the form of at least one split
sleeve;
[0082] FIG. 11 show a tool with two separated electrically
conductive identification elements in the form of a coil and a
split sleeve;
[0083] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section through the tool shafts of a
plurality of tools, in particular a set of tools, each with an
electrically conductive identification element in the form of at
least one coating with different layer thicknesses;
[0084] FIG. 13 shows two schematic diagrams with the respective
phase shifts and the different amplitudes of two different tools in
order to differentiate the tools by the evaluation device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0085] The medical or dental treatment device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is
configured as a tartar removal device or a scaling device. It
comprises a handle element or handpiece 18, a control device or a
control unit 20 and a supply or connection tube 19 connecting the
control unit 20 and the handpiece 18.
[0086] The preferably straight elongate handpiece 18 shown in FIG.
2 has a hollow cylindrical outer sleeve 21 in which, as will be
described below in detail, the following are disposed, inter alia:
the drive unit 2 for tools 3 which can be connected to the
handpiece 18, at least parts of the evaluation device 4 for
detecting whether a tool is connected to the treatment device or
which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device
(see FIG. 3, also termed the tool detecting device 4 below), a tool
receiving device or tool retainer 22 for detachably accommodating a
plurality of different tools 3, and an illumination device 9 which
preferably encircles the tool retainer 22. The control device or
control unit 20 has a housing 23 with a display 24 for displaying
fixed or adjustable operational parameters or the tool 3 detected
by the tool detecting device 4, one or more actuators 25, such as
pushbuttons, for selecting or changing operational parameters, a
handpiece rest 26 and a source of liquid 27 with a cooling or
rinsing liquid.
[0087] The power or connecting tubing 19 comprises a plurality of
media lines or lines for resources, in particular electrical lines
which connect the drive unit 2 and the tool detecting device 4 to
an electrical energy supply device 12 (see FIG. 3). A media line 30
connects the liquid source 27 to the tool retainer 22 and a tool 3
accommodated therein, so that liquid can be dispensed via a liquid
dispensing opening 28 of the tool 3 onto the treatment side and/or
the tool 3, in particular its working end 3A.
[0088] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the drive unit 2 comprises a
vibration generator 8 which is preferably a piezoelectric vibration
generator with a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The vibration
generator 8 is connected to the tool 3 in order to transmit
vibrations via a sonotrode 29, which in particular is designed as a
hollow vibrating shaft. At one end of the sonotrode 29, the tool
retainer 22 is designed for detachable accommodation of a plurality
of tools 3. The tool retainer 22 comprises an internal thread, for
example, which can be connected to an external thread of the tool
3, which in particular is provided on its tool shaft 3B. The tool
retainer 22 may additionally or alternatively have a conical
friction surface, which forms a frictional connection with a second
conical friction surface of the tool 3, which in particular is
provided on its tool shaft 3B.
[0089] The media line 30 connected to the liquid source 27 opens
into the hollow sonotrode 29, from which the cooling liquid is
transferred into a channel 31 of the tool 3 in order to discharge
through the liquid dispensing opening 28.
[0090] The sonotrode 29, the tool retainer 22 and a tool shaft 3B
of a tool accommodated therein are surrounded by the illumination
device 9 at the tool side end of the handpiece 18.
[0091] Furthermore, at least one preferably cylindrical measuring
coil 5, 5A is provided at the tool side end of the handpiece 18 and
forms part of the tool detecting device 4 (see also FIGS. 3-5). The
at least one measuring coil 5, 5A in particular surrounds at least
one section of the tool retainer 22 or is disposed adjacent to the
tool retainer 22. The at least one measuring coil 5, 5A is
preferably disposed in the handpiece 18 such that when a tool 3 is
accommodated in the tool retainer 22, an electrically conductive
identification element 6 of the tool 3 is positioned close to the
at least one measuring coil 5, 5A, in particular within the at
least one measuring coil 5, 5A so that, because of an
electromagnetic in particular inductive coupling between the tool 3
accommodated in the tool retainer 22, in particular its at least
one electrically conductive identification element 6, and the at
least one measuring coil 5, 5A supplied with periodic, in
particular sinusoidal electrical energy (alternating current) from
the electrical energy supply device 12, a periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signal can be generated which is specific
for each of the plurality of tools 3 and which can be assigned to
the respective tool 3 by the evaluation device 4.
[0092] The at least one measuring coil 5, 5A is, for example,
supported on a support sleeve 32 formed from plastic. Preferably, a
magnetic feedback element 33, which in particular consists of sheet
metal, surrounds the at least one measuring coil 5, 5A, in
particular on its outside and preferably also at least partially on
its inside facing the tool shaft 3B and the sonotrode 29. This
sleeve-like feedback element 33, which is provided with an opening
to the inside, produces a concentration or compaction of the
magnetic field lines or an increase in the magnetic flux density,
in particular in the at least one electrically conductive
identification element 6 of the tool shaft 3B of the tool 3
accommodated in the tool retainer 22, so that detection of the tool
3 by the tool detecting device 4 is facilitated. The magnetic
feedback element 33 in particular also supports the detectability
of a plurality of electrically conductive identification elements
6.
[0093] Preferably, the at least one measuring coil 5, 5A, in
particular also the feedback element 33, is encapsulated by an
encapsulation material, for example a resin, in particular epoxy
resin, in order to protect it from external influences and
contamination and to ensure stability of form.
[0094] The illumination device 9, which can include a circuit board
35 and one or more optical semiconductor elements 10, in particular
light-emitting diodes, is disposed distally adjacent to the at
least one measuring coil 5, 5A. The circuit board 35 is annular in
shape, so that a tool 3 inserted into the tool retainer 22 can
protrude through its central opening. A transparent plastic sleeve
36 covers the circuit board 35 and the light-emitting diodes 10 and
protects them from contamination and mechanical stresses.
[0095] The electrical supply in the handpiece 18 for supplying the
at least one measuring coil 5, 5A with electric current from the
electrical energy supply device 12, preferably also the
illumination device 9, is via an electrical line 11. The electrical
line 11 is connected with the electrical energy supply device 12
via an electrical line in the supply or connection tube 19.
[0096] The medical or dental treatment device 1 shown in the form
of a schematic circuit diagram in FIG. 4 comprises an evaluation
device 4 for detecting whether a tool or which of a plurality of
tools is connected to the treatment device, with a (single)
measuring coil 5 and a (single) electrically conductive
identification element 6 on the tool shaft 3B of the tool 3. The
measuring coil 5 is connected to the electrical energy supply
device 12 and the other components of the evaluation device 4 via
an electrical line 11.
[0097] The medical or dental treatment device 1 shown in the form
of a schematic circuit diagram in FIG. 5 comprises an evaluation
device 4 for detecting whether a tool or which of a plurality of
tools is connected to the treatment device, with two measuring
coils 5, 5A and two mutually separated electrically conductive
identification elements 6 on the tool shaft 3B of the tool 3.
Preferably, the two electrically conductive identification elements
6 respectively are configured as independent electrical circuits
37. The measuring coils 5 are connected together, to the electrical
energy supply device 12 and to the other components of the
evaluation device 4 via an electrical line 11.
[0098] Preferably, an illumination device 9 is also connected to
the electrical energy supply device 12 via the electrical line 11
to supply electricity to the optical semiconductor element 10.
Preferably, the electrical line 11 can be connected or is connected
to an electrical energy supply device 12 in order to supply direct
current to the illumination device 9 and to supply the coil of the
tool detecting device 4 with alternating current. In order for the
electrical line 11 to be able to supply the illumination device 9
with direct current and the at least one measuring coil 5 with
alternating current, the alternating current is modulated to direct
current or the two voltages are superimposed on each other.
Alternatively, it is also possible to supply the illumination
device 9 with alternating current from the electrical energy supply
device 12 via the electrical line 11.
[0099] Preferably, the illumination device 9, in particular at
least one optical semiconductor element 10, is disposed on a
support 49, for example the circuit board 35. Particularly
preferably, the support 49 is also a part of the tool detecting or
evaluation device 4 and is, for example, connected to the coil ends
of the at least one measuring coil 5 or carries at least one
element of the evaluation device 4.
[0100] FIG. 3 shows, in the form of a schematic circuit diagram,
the construction of the tool detecting device 4, in particular of
FIG. 5, in more detail.
[0101] The evaluation device 4 for detecting whether a tool or
which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device
1 comprises a microcontroller unit 40 which, for example, is
disposed in the control device or the control unit 20 or forms at
least a part of the control device or the control unit 20. The
microcontroller unit 40 comprises a microcontroller 41, the
electrical energy supply device 12 to supply the at least one
measuring coil 5, preferably also the illumination device 9 with
electricity, a device for measuring the voltage 42 and a device for
measuring the current 43, preferably indirectly via a voltage
measurement. These elements 12, 42, 43 mentioned are preferably
configured as a part of the microcontroller 41 and/or are
controlled via the microcontroller 41 by software.
[0102] The device for measuring voltage 42 and the device for
measuring current 43 are in particular provided such that the
electrical voltage and the electric current (value) of the
periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement signal received from
the at least one measuring coil 5 can be determined, from which the
phase shift for detecting whether a tool or which of a plurality of
tools is connected to the treatment device 1 can be determined.
Preferably, the device for measuring voltage 42 is also intended,
for the purposes of tool detection, to determine the amplitude, in
particular the extreme values of the amplitude, of the electrical
voltage of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement
signal.
[0103] Preferably, between the at least one measuring coil 5 and
the electrical energy supply device 12 are further electrical or
electronic components, for example a filter 44 for filtering or
smoothing (the high frequency transients caused by the
microcontroller of the electrical energy supply device 12 of) the
periodic, in particular sinusoidal electrical energy provided by
the electrical energy supply device 12 and/or an amplifier 45 to
amplify the periodic electrical energy (of the alternating
current).
[0104] A device for adjusting the level of the voltage and/or a
filter 46 protect the microcontroller unit 40 and its components
from voltages of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement
signal transmitted by the at least one measuring coil 5 which are
too high. A current-voltage transformer 47 determines the value of
the voltage of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement
signal from the measured value of the current of the periodic, in
particular sinusoidal measurement signal.
[0105] Since the treatment device 1 of FIG. 3 has two measuring
coils 5, 5A, but only one evaluation device 4 or microcontroller
unit 40, it is necessary, in order to detect the tool, to supply
the two measuring coils 5, 5A sequentially with periodic, in
particular sinusoidal electrical energy (alternating current). To
this end, a switching device 48 is provided which is electrically
connected to the respective two coil ends of the two measuring
coils 5, 5A, and is configured to supply the two measuring coils 5,
5A sequentially with the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
electrical energy from the electrical energy supply device 12 and
in particular also to connect to the microcontroller unit 40, the
microcontroller 41, the voltage measurement device 42 and/or the
current measurement device 43. The switching device 48 is
preferably disposed on the support 49 (see also FIG. 5).
[0106] The switching device 48 is clearly an optional element
which, for example, is not necessary when the treatment device 1
has only one measuring coil 5 (see FIG. 4) or when the treatment
device 1 has a plurality of measuring coils 5, 5A and comprises for
each coil of the plurality of measuring coils 5, 5A at least one
independent device for measuring voltage 42 and one independent
device for measuring current 43 or an independent microcontroller
unit 40.
[0107] FIGS. 6 to 12 show various tools 3 which in particular are
provided for use with a treatment device 1. Two or more or all of
the tools shown may form a set of tools. Each of the depicted tools
has at least one electrically conductive identification element 6
so that it can be identified by the evaluation device 4 for
detecting whether a tool is connected to the treatment device 1 or
which of a plurality of tools is connected to the treatment device
1. The electrically conductive identification element 6 is a
separate element provided on a base material 7 of each tool on the
tool shaft 3B.
[0108] In the tools of FIG. 6, the electrically conductive
identification element 6 is respectively configured as a winding
13. The windings 13 in particular respectively comprise only a
single turn. The windings 13 in particular are each configured as a
closed electrical circuit 37 (see also FIG. 12), in which an
alternating current flowing about the tool shaft 3B and/or the
longitudinal axis 38 of the tool shaft 3B can be induced. The
windings 13 of the three different tools of FIG. 6 differ in
particular in their axial lengths (with respect to the longitudinal
axis 38), so that they produce different phase shifts and/or
amplitudes of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement
signal and thus can be distinguished by the evaluation device 4.
Because of the large axial extent of the single turn of the winding
13, at least some of the windings 13 of the various tools 3 form
sleeves or sleeve-like elements. Clearly, the windings 13 may also
differ in further properties, in particular those mentioned above,
for example in their material, their thickness and/or their radial
extent (with respect to the longitudinal axis 38).
[0109] In the tools of FIG. 7, the electrically conductive
identification element 6 is respectively configured as a coil 14.
The coil 14 may, for example, have an insulated winding wire or a
flexible printed circuit board. In particular, the coils 14
comprise a plurality of turns. The coils 14 are in particular
respectively configured as a closed electrical circuit 37, in which
an alternating current flowing about the tool shaft 3B and/or the
longitudinal axis 38 of the tool shaft 3B can be induced. The coils
14 of the three different tools of FIG. 7 differ in particular in
their axial lengths (with respect to the longitudinal axis 38)
and/or in the number of turns and also in the number of coils 14.
While the first two tools 3 each have only one coil 14, the third
tool 3 has two axially separated coils 14 for detection through the
evaluation device 4. Clearly, the coils 14 may also differ from
each other in other properties, in particular those mentioned
above, for example in their material and/or their cross-sectional
areas.
[0110] In the tools of FIG. 8, the electrically conductive
identification element 6 is respectively formed as a film 17,
wherein respectively, two separated films 17 are disposed on one
tool shaft 3B. In particular, the films are each configured as a
closed electrical circuit 37, in which an alternating current
flowing around the tool shaft 3B and/or the longitudinal axis 38 of
the tool shaft 3B can be induced. The films 17 of the various tools
of FIG. 8 differ in particular in their axial lengths (with respect
to the longitudinal axis 38), so that they produce different phase
shifts and/or amplitudes of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signal and thus can be distinguished by the evaluation
device 4. Because of the large axial extent of the films 17, at
least some of these films 17 of the various tools form sleeves or
sleeve-like elements. Clearly, the films 17 may also differ from
each other in other properties, in particular those mentioned
above, for example in their material, in their thickness and/or in
their radial extent (with respect to the longitudinal axis 38).
[0111] In the tools of FIG. 9, the electrically conductive
identification element 6 is respectively configured as a coating
15, wherein respectively three axially separated coatings are
disposed on one tool shaft 3B. The coatings 15 are in particular
respectively configured as a closed electrical circuit 37 in which
an alternating current flowing around the tool shaft 3B and/or the
longitudinal axis 38 of the tool shaft 3B can be induced. The
coatings 15 of the various tools of FIG. 9 again differ in
particular in their axial lengths (with respect to the longitudinal
axis 38), so that they produce different phase shifts and/or
amplitudes of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement
signal and thus can be distinguished by the evaluation device 4.
Clearly, the coatings 15 may also differ from each other in other
properties, in particular those mentioned above, for example in
their material and/or layer thickness.
[0112] In the tools of FIG. 10, the electrically conductive
identification element 6 is respectively configured as a sleeve 16,
which in particular is split. The split sleeves 16 have two
electrically separated ends 39A, 39B which in particular are formed
by the gap or slit 50 formed between the two ends 39A, 39B. The
split sleeves 16 thus do not form a closed electrical circuit, so
that only eddy currents can be induced in the split sleeves 16. The
sleeves 16 of the various tools of FIG. 10 again differ in
particular in their axial lengths (with respect to the longitudinal
axis 38), so that they produce different phase shifts and/or
amplitudes of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal measurement
signal and thus can be distinguished by the evaluation device 4.
Clearly, the coatings 15 may also differ from each other in other
properties, in particular those mentioned above, for example in
their material, their thickness and/or their radial extent (with
respect to the longitudinal axis 38).
[0113] The tool of FIG. 11 comprises two different electrically
conductive identification elements 6, for example a coil 14 and a
split sleeve 16 are shown. Obviously, other electrically conductive
identification elements 6 mentioned above may be combined on a tool
3, wherein every possible combination of two or more of the
electrically conductive identification elements 6 mentioned above
may be envisaged.
[0114] Due to the cross-section through the tool shaft 3B of the
tools 3 shown in FIG. 12, it is particularly easy to see that the
electrically conductive identification elements 6 differ in their
thickness, layer thickness and/or radial extent (with respect to
the longitudinal axis 38), so that they produce different phase
shifts and/or amplitudes of the periodic, in particular sinusoidal
measurement signal and thus can be distinguished by the evaluation
device 4. Furthermore, it should be noted that the electrically
conductive identification elements 6 are configured as a closed
electrical circuit 37, in which an alternating current which flows
around the tool shaft 3B and/or the longitudinal axis 38 of the
tool shaft 3B can be induced. Clearly, the electrically conductive
identification elements 6 may also differ in other properties, in
particular those mentioned above, for example in their material
and/or in their axial extent (with respect to the longitudinal axis
38).
[0115] FIG. 13 shows two schematic diagrams each with the phase
shifts and the different amplitudes of two different tools 3 for
identification of the tools by the evaluation device 4. As
described in detail above, the phase shifts and the different
amplitudes are in particular produced by the electrically
conductive identification element 6 which is specific to each tool
3, preferably additionally by the base material of the tool 3. The
phase shift can clearly be seen in both diagrams. The current
signal, shown as a dashed line, follows the voltage signal, shown
as a solid line, with a temporal shift. The periodic, in particular
sinusoidal measurement signals of the two diagrams, i.e., of the
two tools detected by the evaluation device 4, differ in their
phase shifts and in their amplitudes, in particular the extreme
values of the amplitudes or amplitude heights.
[0116] The embodiments described or shown in particular serve to
illustrate the invention. The features disclosed in one embodiment
are therefore not limited to that embodiment, but may be combined
individually or together with one or more features of another
embodiment.
* * * * *