Patent Publication Number: US-2016220336-A1

Title: Articulator

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an articulator and, more particularly, to an articulator including: a lower member in which an attachment plate and a body can be firmly and easily attached and detached by fitting a rear coupling part to a housing part without using a plaster, the attachment plate can be easily separated by first fixing pins protruding downward from the body, and the attachment plate and an oral model can be accurately cut by cutting marks, tooth center marks, and a round groove on the attachment plate and tooth center marks on the body; and an upper member where an impression of counter-teeth corresponding to the oral model attached to the lower member, in which the lower member and the upper member are rotatably connected by connecting mechanisms; and accordingly, the manufacturing process can be simplified, the actual motion of jawbones can be achieved, and the height between the upper member and the lower member can be ensured by a support unit. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Teeth are generally formed in an elliptical arc shape to chew food by meeting each other by an up-down motion of jawbones, but when the teeth are damaged, accurate occlusion is difficult and malfunction of the teeth is caused. When a tooth is damaged, a prosthesis is implanted at the position where the tooth has been, to replace it. In order to accurately manufacture and implant the prosthesis, auxiliary devices such as an oral model, a model assembly, and an articulator are used. That is, an oral model manufactured on the basis of the states of a tooth and a gum of a patient is attached to a model assembly and the model assembly is mounted on an articulator to set the accurate shape (size) and position of an artificial tooth to be manufactured. The oral model is manufactured using an auxiliary device such as a model assembly that can be easily separated and attached/detached. 
     The model assembly is generally composed of an attachment plate where an oral model is attached and a body where the attachment plate is combined. The attachment plate can be cut for the position of a tooth to be replaced, that is, for each tooth, with the oral model attached. 
     However, in the model assembly of the related art, a plaster is used for combining the attachment plate and the body, so using the plaster takes time and dust and sludge are produced. After the attachment plate with an oral model is cut, shaking may occur, and particularly, it is required to hit a pin of the attachment plate on the bottom of the body in order to separate the cut attachment plate from the body, so it is inconvenient. Further, when separate teeth are loose, an accurate contact surface cannot be formed between the teeth. 
     Further, a worker determines a cutting point (division point) on the basis of his/her experience when cutting and separating an attachment plate where an oral model is attached, in the model assemblies of the related art, an error can be easily generated, and particularly, the fixing pins on the bottom of the attachment plate are damaged or cut in the process of cutting. 
     Further, counter-teeth of an oral model for teeth to be replace (manufactured) are hardened by pouring a plaster to an impression taking the state of a mouth, and then separated and attached to an articulator in the related art, so the work process is complicated and the manufacturing time is long due to use of a plaster. The following Patent Document also proposes an articulator where an oral model for counter-teeth can be easily attached and detached, but it still has the problem of a complicated process of manufacturing a model using a plaster. 
     Patent Document 
     
         
         Korean Patent No. 10-0944812, titled “Combinatorial structure of tooth model with coupling module”. 
       
    
     DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problem 
     The present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems and an object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes a lower member where an oral model for teeth to be manufactured is seated, an upper member where an impression of counter-teeth is seated, and connecting mechanisms rotatably connecting the lower member and the upper member to each other, in which the lower member includes: an attachment plate having a model seat on a top where the oral model is fixed and a rear coupling part protruding downward to be detachably coupled to a body; and the body having a housing part for coupling the rear coupling part to the attachment plate by pressing the rear coupling part so that the attachment plate is fixed to the body without using a plaster; and accordingly, the attachment plate can be firmly and easily attached and detached, and a model can be directly formed by attaching an impression of teeth corresponding to teeth to be manufactured, thereby simplifying the process of manufacturing a prosthesis. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator including an upper member that has a counter-tooth seat where the impression of counter-teeth corresponding to the oral model is seated, in which the counter-tooth seat is formed in a curved plate shape higher at front and rear sides and has a space for keeping an adhesive so that the impression is easily seated and fixed and an excessive adhesive is easily removed. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator including a rear coupling part that has first fixing pins fitted downward through the body and a housing part that has first coupling holes where the first fixing pins are fixed to hold the attachment plate so that the attachment plate can be easily separated using the protruding first fixing pins. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator in which first coupling holes have a holding portion protruding inward and the cylindrical first fixing pins are inserted in the holding portions further protruding at the lower portions so that the first fixing pins inserted through the first coupling holes can be more strongly fixed and movement of the first fixing pins is prevented after cutting. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator includes a rear coupling part that has second fixing pins formed at both sides of the first fixing pins and inserted in the body and a housing part that has second coupling holes where the second fixing pins are inserted to prevent rotation, easily set a position of the attachment plate combined with the body, and more strongly attach the attachment plate to the body. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator includes a rear coupling part that has rear projections that are inserted in the body and under which the first and second fixing pins are formed and a housing part that has rear projection grooves where the rear projections are inserted and under which the first and second coupling holes are formed, in which the rear projections and the rear projection grooves are tapered such that cross-sections of lower portions become small so that the rear projections are easily inserted and the attachment plate is more stably fixed to the attachment plate. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that has cutting marks indicating portions between teeth on the model seat and positioned between adjacent first fixing pins so that the oral model and the attachment plate are accurately cut by the cutting marks. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes tooth center marks indicating centers of teeth on the model seat and a counter-tooth seat so that the oral model or the impression of counter-teeth can be easily attached to an accurate position. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that has a round groove formed along an edge of the model seat of the attachment plate to prevent an adhesive from overflowing the attachment plate and the body when the oral model is attached. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator in which when the attachment plate is combined with the body, an outer side of the attachment plate protrudes further than an outer side of the body so the attachment plate can be easily separated by the protruding portion. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes: arms formed at both sides of an end of each of the lower member and the upper member; balls formed at an end of one of the arms; and a pocket formed at an end of the other arm and having an open top, in which the ball formed at the arm of the lower member is inserted in the pocket formed at the arm of the upper member and the ball formed at the arm of the upper member is inserted in the pocket formed at the arm of the lower member so that the upper member and the lower member can be freely combined and separated and the upper member and the lower member can be easily moved up and down and left and right to achieve the actual motion of jawbones. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes a pocket that has a spherical shape with an open top and is cut at a position higher than a center of the sphere to prevent the ball from being separated from the pocket, so that the articulator can be stably fixed even by free rotation of the upper body and the lower body and the oral model attached by an adhesive can be prevented from being damaged due to separation of the upper member and the lower member. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes a pocket having a slot at the rear side so that a ball can be easily inserted into the pocket and the lower member and the upper member are rotated at 180°, thereby easily attaching/detaching the oral model, the attachment plate, and the impression. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes a pocket that has a stopper formed at the top of a front side to support the arm so that a minimum height is ensured between the upper member and the lower member, damage to the oral model due the hitting is prevented, and stable work can be performed by preventing the arm from moving down under a predetermined height. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes a support unit including a pin having a first end coupled and fixed to the lower member and a second end supported on the upper member to ensure the minimum height between the upper member and the lower member. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes a pin hole formed at the lower member and having a thread on an inner side and a pin having a thread on an outer side of an end and being thread-fastened to the pin hole so that the height between the upper member and the lower member can be adjusted, thereby ensuring a larger height when a back tooth close to the pin is manufactured. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes a support hole formed at the upper member and supporting the second end of the pin and a pin formed in a spherical shape having a diameter lager than the support hole so that the upper member rotate on the second end of the pin, thereby allowing the upper member and the lower member to replicate the natural motion of jawbones. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes a guide surface formed at the upper member and guiding the second end of the pin and a pin having a second end formed in a spherical shape, in which the guide surface is curved to be complementary to the second end of the pin so that the upper member rotates with the guide surface and the second end of the pin in contact with each other, so the upper member and the lower member replicate the natural motion of jawbones. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes an upper member and a lower member that are one-side parts where an oral model and an impression for only some of teeth are attached respectively so that a prosthesis can be manufactured by taking the shape of only some of teeth. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulator that includes an upper member and a lower member that are whole-teeth parts where an oral model and an impression for all teeth are attached respectively so that a prosthesis can be manufactured by taking the shape of all teeth. 
     Technical Solution 
     An articulator for achieving the objects of the present invention includes the following configurations. 
     An articulator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower member where an oral model for teeth to be manufactured is seated, an upper member where an impression for counter-teeth is seated, and connecting mechanisms rotatably connecting the lower member and the upper member to each other, in which the lower member includes: an attachment plate having a model seat on a top where the oral model is fixed and a rear coupling part protruding downward to be detachably coupled to a body; and the body having a housing part for coupling the rear coupling part to the attachment plate by pressing the rear coupling part. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the upper member has a counter-tooth seat where the impression of counter-teeth corresponding to the oral model is seated and the counter-tooth seat is formed in a curved plate shape higher at front and rear sides and has a space for keeping an adhesive so that the impression is easily seated and fixed. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the rear coupling part has first fixing pins fitted downward through the body and the housing part has first coupling holes where the first fixing pins are fixed so that the attachment plate is easily separated. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the first coupling holes have a holding portion protruding inward to hold the first fixing pins inserted through the first coupling holes. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the holding portion is divided into a plurality of parts so that the first fixing pin is easily inserted and firmly fixed. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the first fixing pin is formed in a cylindrical rod shape and the holding portion is tapered to further protrude at a lower portion. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the rear coupling part has second fixing pins formed at both sides of the first fixing pins and inserted in the body and the housing part has second coupling holes where the second fixing pins are inserted to prevent rotation and easily set a position of the attachment plate combined with the body. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the rear coupling part has rear projections that are inserted in the body and under which the first and second fixing pins are formed and the housing part has rear projection grooves where the rear projections are inserted and under which the first and second coupling holes are formed so that the attachment plate is more stably fixed to the body. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the rear projections and the rear projection grooves are tapered such that cross-sections of lower portions become small. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the attachment plate has cutting marks indicating portions between teeth on the model seat and positioned between adjacent first fixing pins so that the oral model and the attachment plate are accurately cut by the cutting marks. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the cutting marks are formed at both sides of the model seat so that the attachment plate is accurately cut along a line connecting the cutting marks at both sides, even with the oral model in the model seat. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the attachment plate has a round groove formed along an edge of the model seat to prevent overflow of an adhesive for fixing the oral model to the model seat. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, when the attachment plate is combined with the body, an outer side of the attachment plate protrudes further than an outer side of the body. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, tooth center marks indicate centers of teeth on the model seat and a counter-tooth seat. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the tooth center marks are engraved or embossed at both sides of the attachment plate, the body, and the upper member. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the tooth center marks are identification numbers written at centers of teeth on the model seat and the counter-tooth seat. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the connecting mechanism includes: arms formed at both sides of an end of each of the lower member and the upper member; balls formed at an end of one of the arms; and a pocket formed at an end of the other arm and having an open top, wherein the ball formed at the arm of the lower member is inserted in the pocket formed at the arm of the upper member and the ball formed at the arm of the upper member is inserted in the pocket formed at the arm of the lower member. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the pocket has a spherical shape with an open top and is cut at a position higher than a center of the sphere to prevent the ball from being separated from the pocket. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, a slot is formed at a rear side of the pocket so that the lower member and the upper member are rotated at 180°. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the pocket has a stopper formed at the top of a front side to support the arm so that a minimum height is ensured between the upper member and the lower member. 
     The articulator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a support unit for ensuring a height between the upper member and the lower member and includes a pin having a first end coupled and fixed to the lower member and a second end supported on the upper member. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the support unit includes a pin hole formed at the lower member and having a thread on an inner side and the first end of the pin has a thread on an outer side and is thread-fastened to the pin hole, so the height between the upper member and the lower member can be adjusted. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the support unit includes a support hole formed at the upper member and supports the second end of the pin, and the second end of the pin is formed in a spherical shape having a diameter lager than the support hole so that the upper member rotates on the second end of the pin, so the upper member and the lower member can replicate the natural motion of jawbones. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the support unit includes a guide surface formed at the upper member and guiding the second end of the pin, the second end of the pin is formed in a spherical shape, and the guide surface is curved to be complementary to the second end of the pin so that the upper member rotates with the guide surface and the second end of the pin in contact with each other, so the upper member and the lower member can replicate the natural motion of jawbones. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the articulator, the upper member and the lower member are one-side parts where an oral model and an impression for only some of teeth are attached respectively, or an oral model and an impression for whole teeth are attached to the upper member and the lower member. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     The present invention can obtain the following effects from the embodiments, and the configurations and combination and use relationships to be described below. 
     The present invention includes a lower member where an oral model for teeth to be manufactured is seated, an upper member where an impression of counter-teeth is seated, and connecting mechanisms rotatably connecting the lower member and the upper member to each other, in which the lower member includes: an attachment plate having a model seat on a top where the oral model is fixed and a rear coupling part protruding downward to be detachably coupled to a body; and the body having a housing part for coupling the rear coupling part to the attachment plate by pressing the rear coupling part so that the attachment plate is fixed to the body without using a plaster. Accordingly, the attachment plate can be firmly and easily attached and detached, and a model can be directly formed by attaching an impression of teeth corresponding to teeth to be manufactured, thereby simplifying the process of manufacturing a prosthesis. 
     The present invention includes an upper member that has a counter-tooth seat where the impression of counter-teeth corresponding to the oral model is seated, in which the counter-tooth seat is formed in a curved plate shape higher at front and rear sides and has a space for keeping an adhesive, so the impression can be easily seated and fixed and excessive adhesive can be easily removed. 
     The present invention includes a rear coupling part that has first fixing pins fitted downward through the body and a housing part that has first coupling holes where the first fixing pins are fixed to hold the attachment plate, so the attachment plate can be easily separated using the protruding first fixing pins. 
     The present invention includes first coupling holes having a holding portion protruding inward and the cylindrical first fixing pins are inserted in the holding portions further protruding at the lower portions, so the first fixing pins inserted through the first coupling holes can be more strongly fixed and movement of the first fixing pins can be prevented after cutting. 
     The present invention includes a rear coupling part that has second fixing pins formed at both sides of the first fixing pins and inserted in the body and a housing part that has second coupling holes where the second fixing pins are inserted, so it is possible to prevent rotation, easily set a position of the attachment plate combined with the body, and more strongly attach the attachment plate to the body. 
     The present invention includes a rear coupling part that has rear projections that are inserted in the body and under which the first and second fixing pins are formed and a housing part that has rear projection grooves where the rear projections are inserted and under which the first and second coupling holes are formed, in which the rear projections and the rear projection grooves are tapered such that cross-sections of lower portions become small, so the rear projections can be easily inserted and the attachment plate can be more stably fixed to the attachment plate. 
     The present invention has cutting marks indicating portions between teeth on the model seat and positioned between adjacent first fixing pins, so the oral model and the attachment plate can be accurately cut by the cutting marks. 
     The present invention includes tooth center marks indicating centers of teeth on the model seat and a counter-tooth seat, so the oral model or the impression of counter-teeth can be easily attached to an accurate position. 
     The present invention has a round groove formed along an edge of the model seat of the attachment plate, so it is possible to prevent an adhesive from overflowing the attachment plate and the body when the oral model is attached. 
     According to the present invention, when the attachment plate is combined with the body, an outer side of the attachment plate protrudes further than an outer side of the body, so the attachment plate can be easily separated by the protruding portion. 
     The present invention includes: arms formed at both sides of an end of each of the lower member and the upper member; balls formed at an end of one of the arms; and a pocket formed at an end of the other arm and having an open top, in which the ball formed at the arm of the lower member is inserted in the pocket formed at the arm of the upper member and the ball formed at the arm of the upper member is inserted in the pocket formed at the arm of the lower member, so the upper member and the lower member can be freely combined and separated and the upper member and the lower member can be easily moved up and down and left and right to replicate the actual motion of jawbones. 
     The present invention includes a pocket that has a spherical shape with an open top and is cut at a position higher than a center of the sphere to prevent the ball from being separated from the pocket, so the articulator can be stably fixed even by free rotation of the upper body and the lower body and the oral model attached by an adhesive can be prevented from being damaged due to separation of the upper member and the lower member. 
     The present invention includes a pocket having a slot at the rear side, so a ball can be easily inserted into the pocket and the lower member and the upper member are rotated at 180°, thereby easily attaching/detaching the oral model, the attachment plate, and the impression. 
     The present invention includes a pocket that has a stopper formed at the top of a front side to support the arm, so a minimum height is ensured between the upper member and the lower member, damage to the oral model due to hitting is prevented, and stable work can be performed by preventing the arm from moving down under a predetermined height. 
     The present invention includes a support unit including a pin having a first end coupled and fixed to the lower member and a second end supported on the upper member, so a minimum height can be ensured between the upper member and the lower member. 
     The present invention includes a pin hole formed at the lower member and having a thread on an inner side and a pin having a thread on an outer side and being thread-fastened to the pin hole, so the height between the upper member and the lower member can be adjusted, thereby ensuring a larger height when a back tooth close to the pin is manufactured. 
     The present invention includes a support hole formed at the upper member and supporting the second end of the pin and a pin formed in a spherical shape having a diameter lager than the support hole so that the upper member rotates on the second end of the pin, thereby allowing the upper member and the lower member to replicate the natural motion of jawbones. 
     The present invention includes a guide surface formed at the upper member and guiding the second end of the pin and a pin having a second end formed in a spherical shape, in which the guide surface is curved to be complementary to the second end of the pin so that the upper member rotates with the guide surface and the second end of the pin in contact with each other, so the upper member and the lower member can replicate the natural motion of jawbones. 
     The present invention includes an upper member and a lower member that are one-side parts where an oral model and an impression for only some of teeth are attached respectively, so a prosthesis can be manufactured by taking the shape of only some of teeth. 
     The present invention includes an upper member and a lower member that are whole-teeth parts where an oral model and an impression for all teeth are attached respectively, so a prosthesis can be manufactured by taking the shape of all teeth. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an articulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the articulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view showing use of the articulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a lower member of the articulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an attachment plate of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a body of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an assembly of the attachment plate and the body of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view and a plan view an oral model combined with the attachment plate. 
         FIG. 11  is a view showing a portion cut off the oral model and the attachment plate and separated from the body. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an upper body of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is a view showing operation of a connecting mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an articulator according to another embodiment of the connecting mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is a view showing a coupling state of a support member of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  is a view showing a coupling state according to another embodiment of the support member of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an articulator according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     MODE FOR INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of an articulator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations relating to the present invention will not be provided so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary details. Further, unless explicitly described otherwise, “comprising” any components will be understood to imply the inclusion of other components rather than the exclusion of any other components. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 16  to describe an articulator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the articulator includes a lower member  10  where an oral model for teeth to be manufactured is placed, an upper member  30  where an impression of counter-teeth is placed, and a connecting mechanism  50  rotatably connecting the lower member  10  and the upper member  30 , in which the lower member  10  includes an attachment plate  11  having a model seat  113  on the top where the oral model  90  is fixed and a rear coupling part  111  protruding downward to be detachably coupled to a body, and the body having a housing part  131  for coupling the rear coupling part  111  to the attachment plate  11  by pressing it. 
     The lower member  10  includes the attachment plate  11  where the oral model  90  is placed and the body  13  is combined with the attachment plate  11 . The lower body  10  is integrally formed with the connecting mechanism  50  and forms a side of the articulator and the oral model  90  of teeth to be manufactured is attached to the lower member to meet an oral model  90   a  of counter-teeth of the impression attached to the upper member  30 , thereby setting accurate position and shape. Accordingly, there is no need for a process of attaching a model assembly to an articulator again, as in the related art, so the work can be simplified, and it is possible to stably work with the articulator, as compared with a model assembly of the related art that requires two bonding processes using an adhesive. Further, the lower member  10  has a pin hole  72  that is formed at the side connected with the connecting mechanism  50  so that a pin  71  to be described below can be inserted therein, as shown in  FIG. 2 , and a thread is formed on the inner side of the pin hole  72 . Obviously, configurations other than the thread may be used as long as the pin  71  can be fixed. The pin  71  and the pin hole  72  will be described in detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 to 11 , the attachment plate  11 , which is the upper part of the lower member  10 , is the part where the oral model  90  taking the current shape inside the mouth of a patient who wants a prosthesis and diagnosis and which is cut with the oral model  90  when the oral model  90  is cut. That is, in the process of diagnosing a patient and manufacturing a prosthesis, an oral model for the current states of the teeth and gums of the patient is manufactured and is then attached to the attachment plate  11  and the attachment plate  11  is combined with the body  12  to meet the oral model of counter-teeth, thereby setting the accurate shapes and positions of artificial teeth to be manufactured. Thereafter, the oral model can be cut to be used for the positions. Further, the attachment plate  11  may be formed larger than the body  13  that is coupled to the bottom of the attachment plate such that the edge of the attachment plate  11  protrudes further than the edge of the body  13  when they are combined so that a worker can easily hold and separate the attachment plate  11 . Further, the attachment plate  11  may be formed as a one-side part where an oral model taking only some of teeth so that a prosthesis can be simply manufactured using the oral model only for the teeth to be replaced (manufactured). Obviously, as shown in  FIG. 17 , an oral model taking the shapes of whole teeth may be attached to manufacture a prosthesis. The attachment plate  11 , as shown in FIG.  5 , has the rear coupling part  111  so that the attachment plate  11  and the body  13  can be firmly combined and the attachment plate  11  can be easily detached and the rear coupling part  111  may have first and second fixing pins  111   a  and  111   b  and rear projections  111   c.    
     The first fixing pins  111   a  extend a predetermined length downward from the attachment plate  11 , are arranged with intervals corresponding to them of natural teeth, and are inserted through first coupling holes  131   a  of the body  13 . Accordingly, the first fixing pins  111   a  inserted downward through the body  13  allow a worker to easily separate the attachment plate  11  from the body  13  later by using (holding or hitting) their ends. The first fixing pins  111   a  protrude from the rear projections  111   c , when the rear coupling part  111  has the rear projections  111   c . Further, the first fixing pins  111   a  are preferably formed in the shape of a cylindrical rod, as shown in  FIG. 5 , but may be formed in various shapes in accordance with the shapes of holding portions  131   a  formed at the first coupling holes  131   a  to be described below, and they may be tapered such that the cross-sections of the lower portions become small to be more strongly fixed by the holding portions  131   a.    
     The second fixing pins  111   b  are inserted in second coupling holes  131   b  of the body  13  and are formed at both sides of the first fixing pins  111   a  so that the attachment plate  11  cannot turn without shaking and the attachment plate  11  can be combined with the body  13  at the accurate positions. Further, the second fixing pins  111   b  are forcibly fitted in the second coupling holes  131   b , so the attachment plate  11  can be more strongly fixed to the body  13 . Further, the second fixing pins  111   b  can be formed in various shapes as long as they can be forcibly fitted into the second coupling holes  131   b . The second fixing pins  111   b  are also formed on the rear projections  111   c , when the rear coupling part  111  has the rear projections  111   c . Further, the second fixing pins  111   b  do not protrude downward from the body  13  to prevent inconvenience or damage to the first and second fixing pins when the attachment plate  11  is separated later. 
     The rear projections  111   c  are formed on the bottom of the attachment plate  11  and inserted in rear projection grooves  131   c  formed on the body  13  and the first and second fixing pins  111   a  and  111   b  are formed on the bottom of the rear projections. The rear projections  111   c  may also be formed in various shapes, but are preferably tapered such that the cross-sections of the lower portions become smaller so that they can be easily inserted into the rear projection grooves  131   c . As the rear projections  111   c  are inserted in the rear projection grooves  131   c , the outer sides of the rear projections  111   c  and the inner sides of the rear projection grooves  131   c  are in close contact with each other, so the attachment plate  11  can be more firmly coupled to the body  13 . 
     The model seat  113 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , is the top of the attachment plate  11  and the oral model  90  for teeth to be replaced (manufactured) is attached to the model seat  113  by an adhesive substance such as a plaster. Cutting marks  115  and tooth center marks  117  are formed on the model seat  113  and a round groove  119  is formed around the edge of the model seat  113 . The oral model  90  is attached to the model seat  113  at the accurate position  113  by the tooth center marks  117 . 
     The cutting marks  115 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , indicate the portions between teeth on the model seat  113 , are positioned between a first fixing pin  111   a  and an adjacent fixing pin  111   a , and are drawn or engraved along the edge of the model seat  113  so that the oral model  90  and the attachment plate  11  can be accurately cut by the cutting marks  115 . As stated as a problem in the related art above, since a worker determines a cutting point (division pint) on the basis of his/her experience when cutting and separating an attachment plate where an oral model is attached, in the model assemblies of the related art, an error can be easily generated, and particularly, the fixing pins on the bottom of the attachment plate are damaged or cut in the process of cutting. Accordingly, the cutting marks  115  showing the cutting positions are provided between adjacent first fixing pins  111   a  on the model seat  113  to solve errors that may be generated in the process of cutting the oral model  90  and the attachment plate  11  in the present invention. Further, the cutting marks  115 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , are provided at both sides of the model seat  113  so that the attachment plate can be accurately cut along the line connecting the cutting marks  115  at both sides, even with the oral model  90  on the model seat  113 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 11 , it is possible to prevent the first and second fixing pins  111   a  and  111   b  from being damaged or cut in the process of cutting and to manufacture a prosthesis having an accurate shape. 
     The tooth center marks  117  indicate the centers of teeth that are arranged on the model seat  113 , and, as shown in  FIG. 4 , identification numbers may be written at the centers of teeth on the model seat  113  or the tooth center marks may be embossed or engraved at both sides of the attachment plate  11 . Accordingly, it is possible to check the center positions of teeth on the oral model  90  when attaching the oral model  90  to the model seat  113  of the attachment plate  11 , so it is possible to accurately and easily determine the position of the oral model  90 . 
     The round groove  119  is formed along the edge of the model seat  113 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , to prevent overflow of an adhesive for fixing the oral model  90  to the model seat  113 . Since the round groove  119  is formed along the edge of the model seat  113  where the oral model  90  is fixed on the attachment plate  11 , the bottom of the oral model  90  and the adhesive on the model seat  113  are kept inside the around groove  110  and the adhesive cannot overflow the sides of the attachment plate  11  to the body  13  after being bonded to the model seat  113 . Accordingly, it is possible to particularly prevent interference with separation of the attachment plate  11  due to bonding of the attachment plate  11  to the body  13  by the adhesive. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, and 6 to 9 , the body  13  is the lower part of the lower member  10  on which the attachment plate  11  is mounted and is integrated with the connecting mechanism  50  with the attachment plate  11  combined with the oral model  90  thereon, so there is no need for the process of attach a model assembly to an articulator in the related art and it is possible to check the shape, position, and occlusion state of a prosthesis to be manufactured. The body  13  includes the housing part  131  where the rear coupling part  111  of the attachment plate  11  is coupled, in order to firmly couple the attachment plate  11  to the body  13  and easily separate the attachment plate  11 . The housing part  131  may have first and second coupling holes  131   a  and  131   b  and rear projection grooves  131   c  where the first and second pins  111   a  and  111   b  and the rear projections  111   c  are inserted and fixed. Further, the first coupling holes  131   a  may have a holding portion  131   a - 1  so that the first fixing pins  111   a  can be further strongly fixed. 
     The first fixing pins  111   a  are inserted in the first coupling holes  131   a  and the first coupling holes  131   a  may protrude downward at a predetermined distance and may be formed under the rear projection grooves  131   c  when the rear projection grooves  131   c  are formed at the housing part  131 . Further, the first coupling holes  131   a  may have the holding portion  131   a - 1  protruding inward to hold the first fixing pins  111   a  so that the first fixing pins  111   a  can be further strongly fixed. 
     The holding portion  131   a - 1  is formed at the lower portion of the first coupling hole  131   a  in various shapes to increase a fixing force in accordance with the shape of the first fixing pin  111   a . The holding portion  131   a - 1 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , may be tapered to further protrude at the lower portion when the first fixing pin  111   a  is formed in a cylindrical rod shape. Accordingly, the holding portion  131   a - 1  can firmly fix the first fixing pin  111   a  by pressing the outer side of the first fixing pin. The holding portion  131   a - 1 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , may be composed of two or more separate pins divided into several parts so that the first fixing pin  111   a  can be easily inserted. 
     The second coupling hole  131   b , where the second fixing pin  111   b  is forcibly inserted and fixed, is formed at both sides of the first coupling hole  131   a , may be formed in various shapes in accordance with the shape of the second coupling hole  131   b , and may protrude downward at a distance corresponding to the length of the second fixing pin  111   b . Accordingly, the inner side of the second coupling hole  131   b  and the outer side of the second fixing pin  111   b  are in close contact with each other, so the fixing force by the housing part  131  can be improved. 
     The rear projection groove  131   c , where the rear projection  111   c  is forcibly inserted and fixed, may be formed in various shapes complementary to the shape of the rear projection  111   c , and the first and second coupling holes  131   a  and  131   b  where the first and second fixing pins  111   a  and  111   b  are inserted are formed under the rear projection groove. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 12 , the upper member  30  has a counter-tooth seat  31  where an impression of counter-teeth corresponding to the oral model  90  is seated and the counter-tooth seat  31  is formed in a curved plate shape higher at the front and rear and has a space for keeping an adhesive so that an impression can be easily seated and fixed. Since the upper member  30  has the counter-tooth seat  31  where counter-teeth are seated, it is possible to remove the process of manufacturing an oral model of counter-teeth using a plaster and then separating and attaching it to an articulator in the related art. An impression taking the shape of counter-teeth can be seated on the upper member  30  of the articulator according to the present invention, a counter-teeth oral model  90   a  can be manufactured thereon using a plaster, and the upper member is combined with the lower member  10  such that the shape, position, and occlusion state of a prosthesis can be checked, so the manufacturing process can be simplified. Further, at the upper member  30 , as show in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a support hole  73  or a guide surface  74  may be formed at the portion connected to the connecting mechanism  50  to face the pin hole  72  of the lower member  10 , and the support hole  73  or the guide surface  74  allows the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  to replicate the motion of jawbones, in contact with the other end of the pin  71 . The support hole  73  and the guide surface  74  will be described in detail below. 
     On the counter-tooth seat  31 , which is the portion where an impression of counter-teeth is seated, an impression is fixed by an adhesive and the counter-tooth seat is formed in a curved plate shape with high front and rear sides for easy seating of an impression, as shown in  FIG. 12 . Further, the counter-tooth seat  31  has recessed adhesive spaces  311  to more stably fix an impression by keeping an adhesive such as a plaster and easily remove excessive adhesive. Further, the counter-tooth seat  31  may have tooth center marks  33  indicating the centers of teeth arranged on the counter-tooth seat  31 . 
     The tooth center marks  33  have the same function as the tooth center marks  117  and  133  of the lower member  10 , and as in the lower member  10 , identification numbers may be written at the centers of teeth on the counter-tooth seat  31  or the tooth center marks may be embossed or engraved at both sides of the upper member  30 . Accordingly, an impression can be attached to the counter-tooth seat  31 , at the accurate position by the tooth center marks  33 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 13, and 14 , the connecting mechanism  50  connects the lower member  13  and the upper member  30  such that they can be rotated, and includes arms  51  formed at both sides of a side of each of the lower member  10  and the upper member  30 , a ball  53  disposed at the end of one of the arms  51 , and a pocket  52  formed at the end of the other arm with the top open. The ball on the arm  51  of the lower member  10  is inserted in the pocket  52  on the arm  51  of the upper member  30  and the ball  53  on the arm  51  of the upper member  30  is inserted in the pocket  52  on the arm  51  of the lower member  10 . Accordingly, the connecting mechanism  50  has the configuration in which the balls  53  are inserted in the pockets  52 , so free coupling and separating are possible, and not only up-down rotating, but left-right rotation are possible, so the upper member and the lower member  10  can replicate the motion of actual jawbones. 
     The arms  51 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , has one end integrally formed with the lower member  10  or the upper member  30 . That is, the arms  51  are divided into one integrally formed with the lower member  10  and one integrally formed with the upper member  30  and the two arms  51  connected to the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  have the same shape and function. Two arms  51  are formed at both sides and open outward, and the ball  53  is formed at the end of one of the arms  51  and the pocket  52  are formed at the end of the other arm  51 . The arms  51  have a bending portion  511  that is bent at the portion close to the ball  53  and the pocket  52  such that the inclination decreases at the end so that the upper member  30  can be rotated 180° even if the depth of a slot  521  to be described below is not sufficient. 
     The pocket  52 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , may be a hollow spherical shape such that the ball  53  can be inserted therein, but the top should be open so that the ball  53  can be inserted. Further, the pocket  52  may be cut at a position higher than the center to prevent the ball  53  from being separated from the pocket  52 . This is because if the ball  53  is separated from the pocket  52  and the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  fall down to the left and right, the oral model  90  bonded to the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  by an adhesive such as a plaster may be separated or damaged. Further, the pocket  52 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , may be inclined rearward such that the top of the pocket  52  supports the arm of the upper member  30  to ensure the height between the upper member  30  and the lower member  10 , but a stopper  522  may be formed on the top of the front of the pocket so that the pocket  52  and the ball  33  are stably coupled, which will be described below. Further, the slot  521  is formed at the rear side of the pocket  52 . 
     The slot  521  is formed downward at a predetermined depth at the rear side of the pocket  52  so that the ball  53  can be easily inserted into and separated from the pocket  52 , so the arm  51  can be rotated into the slot  521  such that the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  can be rotated at 180°, as shown in  FIG. 13 . Accordingly, work can be performed simultaneously on both of the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  and it is possible to easily separate the oral model  90  for teeth to be replaced (manufactured) and the attachment plate  11  from the lower member  10 , attach an impression to the upper member  30 , and manufacture a model. 
     The stopper  522  protrudes upward at the top of the front of the pocket  52  to support the arm  51  integrally formed with the upper member  30 . The stopper  522  can support the bottom of the arm  51  when the upper member  30  is moved down under a predetermined height so that a minimum height can be ensured between the lower member  10  and the upper member  30 , so a work space is ensured and the oral models  90   a  and  90   a  attached to the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  are prevented from being damaged by hitting against each other. 
     The ball  53  is formed in a spherical shape to be inserted into the pocket  52  and connected to the arm  51  so that the lower and upper members can be rotated up/down and left/right. Accordingly, the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  can replicate the actual motion of jawbones. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , according to the operation of the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  by the connecting mechanism  50  composed of the arms  51 , the pockets  52 , and the balls  53 , the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  can be rotated up to 180° by the slots  521  formed at the pockets  52 , as described above, and work can be performed simultaneously on both members, as shown in  FIG. 13  ( 1 ). Further, as shown in  FIG. 13  ( 2 ), the stopper  522  ensures a minimum height between the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  by supporting the arm  51  connected to the upper member  30  so that the upper member  30  cannot be moved down any more. 
     Further, the articulator according to the present invention may include a support unit  70  that can ensure a height between the lower member  30  and the upper member  10  and the support unit  70  is described with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 15 . The support unit  70  includes the pin  71  of which one end is fixed to the lower member  10  and the other end is supported on the upper member  30 . Further, the support unit  70 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , may include the pin hole  72  formed in the lower member  10  and having a thread on the inner side, in which the pin  71  has a thread on the outer side at an end to be thread-fastened to the pin hole  72  so that the height between the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  can be adjusted. Further, the support unit  70  may have the support hole  73  formed at the upper member  30  and supporting the other end of the pin  71 , in which the other end of the pin  71  has a spherical shape having a diameter larger than the support hole  73  so that the upper member  30  can be rotated on the other end of the pin  71 , and accordingly, the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  can naturally replicate the motion of jawbones. The minimum height of the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  can be ensured by the stopper  522  described above, when there is a need for a high position due to a loss of a back tooth or it is required to ensure a larger height between the lower member  10  and the upper member  30 , the support unit  70  can be used. 
     The pin  71  may be formed in the shape of a cylindrical rod such that a thread is formed on one end and the other end is formed in a spherical shape having a diameter larger than the pin hole  72 . Accordingly, one end of the pin  71 , as shown in  FIG. 15  ( 1 ), is inserted in and thread-fastened to the pin hole  72  of the lower member  10 , so the height between the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  is adjusted in accordance with the degree of insertion of the pin  71  in the pin hole  72 . Further, the other end of the pin  71 , as shown in  FIG. 15  ( 2 ), has a diameter lager than the support hole  73  formed at the opposite side, that is, at the upper member  30 , so it is not fully, but partially inserted in the support hole  73 . Accordingly, the support hole  73  can be rotated on the spherical other end of the pin  71  and the upper member  30  having the support hole  73  can also be rotated left and right, so the articulator can replicate the natural motion of jawbones. Further, one end of the pin  71  may be simply coupled to the lower member  10  without a thread. 
     The pin hole  72  is formed at the lower member  10  and has a thread on the inner side. As described above, one end of the pin  71  having a thread is inserted and fixed in the pin hole  72  and the height between the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  is adjusted in accordance with the degree of insertion of the pin  71 . However, a groove may be formed in the pin hole  72  to fix the pin  71  or an adhesive may be used to couple the pin  71 . 
     The support hole  73  is formed at the upper member  30  and has a diameter smaller than the other end of the pin  71  so that the pin  71  is not fully inserted therein. Accordingly, the support hole  73  can rotate on the other end of the pin  71 , so the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  can replicate the natural motion of jawbones. Further, the support hole  73  may protrude as high as the upper member  30  so that the upper member  30  can be rotated without interference by the pin  71 . A thread may be formed on the inner side of the support hole  73  so that the pin  71  is inserted and fixed in the support hole  73 . 
     According to another embodiment of the support unit  70 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , the support unit  70  may have a guide surface  74  for guiding the other end of the pin  71 , in which the other end of the pin  71  may be formed in a spherical shape and the guide surface  74  may be curved to be complementary to the other end of the pin  71  so that the upper member  20  rotates with the guide surface  74  and the other end of the pin  71  in contact with each other and accordingly the upper member  30  and the lower member  10  replicate the natural motion of jawbones. 
     The guide surface  74  is recessed downward and curved so that the other end of the pin  71  can rotate in contact with it. The guide surface  74 , similar to the support hole  73  of the previous embodiment, may protrude as high as the upper member  30  so that the upper member  30  can be rotated without interference by the pin  71 . 
     It may be possible to switch the lower member  10  and the upper member  30  described above, that is, the lower member  10  may has the configuration of the upper member  30  and the upper member  30  may have the configuration of the lower member  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , an articulator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a lower member  10 ′ having an attachment plate  11 ′ where an oral model for whole teeth is attached, an upper member  30 ′ corresponding to the lower member  10 ′, and connecting mechanisms  50  rotatably connecting the lower member  10 ′ and the upper member  30 ′. Further, the articulator may include a height adjuster  70  that can adjust the height between the lower member  10 ′ and the upper member  30 ′. The articulator is the same as the articulator according to the previous embodiment of the present invention except that an oral model for whole teeth is attached to the attachment plate  11 ′, a body  13 ′ is combined with the attachment plate  11 ′, and an impression of teeth corresponding to the oral model for whole teeth is attached to the upper member  30 ′, so the detailed description is not provided. 
     Although various embodiments of the present invention by the applicant(s) were described above, the embodiments are just examples for achieving the spirit of the present invention and any modifications and changes should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as long as they can achieve the spirit of the present invention.