A HOLDER FOR TOOLS WHICH ARE PROPELLED VIA CONDUCTOR.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to a holder for at least one apparatus operated via a conduit or cable, including a projecting arm with attachment for a socket member with a slot for each apparatus conduit, which socket member is provided with a seat, enlarged from the width of the recess for receiving the conduit connection to the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The holders according to above are used, for instance at a dentist, to hold a saliva suction tool and a general suction tool within convenient reach for the dentist or the dental nurse.

It is common that detecting means in the holder detect, the moment the suction tool is lifted from its seat, whereby a connection between the suction-pipe of the tool and a suction pump located farther away is obtained.

These holders are usually designed with smooth rounded surfaces, which facilitates wiping and cleaning. However, increased hygiene demands, implies that the cleaning must be performed in more efficient way between each patient. It is desirable to be able to clean the holder by means of washing-up or autoclavation.

At the same time, one strives to make the work environment for the dentist and the dental nurse more flexible, which means that holders have been introduced to the market that enable lifting the suction tool both with the hose being free and with the hose being guided in the holder.

THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to obtain a holder, which can be washed or autoclaved and can be used both with the hose being free and with the hose being guided. An additional object is to retain the function of automatic opening of the suction connection, when the suction tool is lifted from the holder.

THE SOLUTION For this purpose the holder according to the invention is characterized in that the socket member is movably detachable from the attachment and mountable in at least two separate positions of use on the hold.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described below with reference to the embodiment shown in the enclosed drawings, on which: Fig. 1 shows a holder formed according to the invention, in a split lateral view, Fig. 2 shows a socket member included in the holder according to Fig. 1 in a view from above, Fig. 3 is a cross-section along the line III-III in

Fig. 2, Fig. 4-6 shows an attachment in the holder according to Fig. 1 in a view from the side, in a cross-section along the line V-V in Fig. 4 and in view from above respectively; and Fig. 7 shows a cross-section through a protective cap of the hold.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Fig. 1 schematically discloses a holder for a suction tool 11 mounted on a projecting arm 10. The holder includes a attachment 12 and a carrier 13.

The suction tool 11 is provided with a connection part 14 to a non shown suction-hose and a central channel 15, in which a suction-pipe of disposable type can be inserted. The central part of the tool 11 is cylindrical with a larger diameter than the suction-pipe, while the end portions of the tool are tapering conically. At the point, where the tool is as wide as possible, a ring-shaped permanent magnet 16 is moulded concentric to the longitudinal axis of the channel 15.

The attachment 12 is arranged with two reed relays 17, which are mounted on a circuit board 18 placed in a space 19 in the attachment and connected via a not shown cable to valve means for opening and closing a connection device between the suction-pipe and a suction pump. The reed relay 17, which is placed adjacent to the tool 11 reacts when the instrument is lifted from the carrier 13 and it opens said valve, so that the suction starts immediately.

The carrier is shown in detail in Fig. 2 and 3, which has a cylindrical form with a transverse bore 20 located in the centre. On each side of the bore 20, at a short distance from it and parallel to it, there is a recess 21 extending from one side of the carrier and over half the diameter of the carrier. The bottom of the recess is semicircular and forms a seat for the tool 11, so that this cannot exceed a ledge 22 having a reduced diameter, which fully extends 180° around the wall of the recess. The width of the recess is so increased that the hose of the tool can pass aside freely. Furthermore, the carrier 13 has two narrow slits 23 adjacent to and across the bore 20.

The attachment 12 is provided with a cylindrical cap 24, which covers the reed relay 17 and the circuit board 18. The bore 20 of the carrier 13 corresponds to the diameter of the cap, so that the carrier can be threaded onto the attachment with fit-up on the cap 24. An O-ring (not shown on the drawings) located in a recess 25 in the attachment provides a friction grip between the attachment 12 and the carrier 13.

A peg inserted in a transverse hole in the attachment 12 cooperates with the slits 23 of the carrier 13 in such a manner that it can be placed on the attachment in two 180" separated, defined turn positions. If the carrier is located in a position according to Fig. 2 both hoses of the suction tool extend forward and backwards guided by the bottom of the recesses 21. In a reversed position of use, the hoses become free from the carrier when the tools are lifted from their seats.

Further, the attachment 12 is provided with hole 27 for mounting at the arm 10, and also two walls 28 for retaining the circuit board 18 with the reed relays in a defined position, and a longitudinal passage 29 for the cable of the circuit board 18.

Because of the above described design of the holder, the parts of it which normally come into contact with by the tool 11 and can be contaminated by it during the dental treatment, will be consisted of the carrier 13. This is conveniently made of a heat-resistant plastic material, for example acetal or PVC, which material can be washed or autoclaved. The carrier is quickly and easily changed to a corresponding sterile carrier before the next patient is treated. Autoclavation of contaminated carriers can be performed in between each patient or after the end of the day. The attachment 12, which contains the electronic parts does not need to be sterilized.

The invention is not limited to the above described embodiment, but several variants are conceivable within the scoop of the following claims. The number of recesses 21 in the carrier 13 can be more or less than those shown. The attachment does not need to be cylindrical, and can also have a non circular shape, whereby the carrier can have a corresponding hole, so that it can be mounted in different positions of use on the hold.