FR3098391A1 - ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH HEAD AND ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH SUCH A HEAD - Google Patents

Abstract

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH HEAD AND ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH INCLUDING SUCH A HEAD An electric toothbrush head (10), which comprises: - a rod (11) defined along a first axis (14) and - at least one brush ( 12) in the general form of a solid of revolution with an axis of revolution (14) parallel to the first axis, movable in rotation with respect to the rod along the axis of revolution of the brush. An electric toothbrush, which comprises: - a base comprising an electric motor, - an electric toothbrush head connected to the base by the rod, - a drive means, passing through the rod, rotating each brush of the toothbrush head. Figure for abstract: figure 1

Description

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH HEAD AND ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH COMPRISING SUCH A HEAD

The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush head and an electric toothbrush comprising such a head. It applies, in particular, to the field of oral health and more particularly to the brushing of teeth.

Dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth at least 30 minutes after each meal, or at least twice a day.

This dental brushing recommended after each meal is often poorly done, and incomplete due to lack of time or patience. Manually, a good brushing should last about three minutes which is often prohibitive. The mastery of the gesture is often imperfect and the brushing time estimated on average at 1 minute. The natural, most comfortable movement for the hand is the alternating horizontal bump. But this horizontal brushing has an iatrogenic action on the necks, causing gingival recession and denudation of the neck. The problem is that vertical brushing is difficult to achieve, especially inside the jaws.

The advised circular movement is very often badly proportioned, badly adjusted. We recognize that the manual action is often too vigorous and traumatic for the gums. In addition, this inadequate cleaning does not completely eliminate food waste and dental plaque. It contributes to damage the enamel at the gumline, irritating and inflaming it.

Untreated gingivitis results in periodontal disease, which can lead to loosening of the teeth.

To overcome the inappropriate and inconsistent manual action, there are “electric” toothbrushes on the market. They facilitate brushing and have brought comfort and improvement in the cleaning action. Very often adaptive, and featuring advanced technologies (choice of brushing, action time), these toothbrushes are of three types: sonic vibration, ultrasonic and oscillating-rotating heads.

Sonic vibration toothbrushes feature rapid vibrations with a stroke rate of between 30,000 and 45,000 strokes per minute. The vibrations cause an alternating movement of the brush in the direction of the tooth, but the brush is fixed with respect to the rod and the base supporting it. The risk of horizontal movement is eliminated if brushing is carried out correctly. But food waste and dental plaque deposits remain at the level of the brush and are very little evacuated. In addition, there is a phase in the cycle where the brush goes from the crown to the gum with a risk of deposits in the neck.

Ultrasonic toothbrushes work by emitting ultrasound close to the teeth for cleaning and scaling. Ultrasound technology was inspired by methods for removing dental plaque. But the effectiveness of the technology presented to the general public, inspired by the methods used by professionals, has been called into question by consumer associations. Ultrasonic toothbrush brushes are stationary relative to the toothbrush head and base.

Toothbrushes with oscillating-rotating heads are generally more effective than those described above. The head exerts an oscillating movement of rotation of the brush, less than half a turn of the head. This movement is similar to the recommended vertical movement since the bristles are rotated along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the tooth. Dental plaque is significantly removed compared to manual brushing. But as with sonic brushes, the cycle makes two passes over the tooth per oscillating-rotating cycle, so part of the brush makes one pass from top to bottom and bottom to top. Food waste and dental plaque deposits remain at the level of the brush and are evacuated very little. In the same way, there is in the cycle, a phase where the brush goes from the crown to the gum. This direction of passage tends to open the collar with a risk of deposits in it. This can lead to inflammation.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an electric toothbrush head, which comprises:
- a rod defined along a first axis and
- At least one brush in the general form of a solid of revolution with an axis of revolution parallel to the first axis, rotatable relative to the rod along the axis of revolution of the brush.

Thanks to these provisions, the brush performs a rotary movement in a single direction, from the gum towards the collar and the crown, therefore in the physiognomic direction of the collar. This, for example, prevents food and waste from getting stuck under the gumline and causing inflammation. In addition, the movement caused by the brush is in the direction recommended by the medical profession. Finally, the stem makes it possible to reach all the teeth of a patient.

In some embodiments, at least one brush has the general shape of a truncated cylinder or a right circular cone.

These embodiments make it possible to brush the entire uneven surface of the tooth.

In embodiments, each brush comprises bristles, the toothbrush head further comprising at least one cleaning means facing at least one brush, fixed relative to the rod, configured so that the bristles of said at least one brush pass through the cleaning means at least once per revolution.

The advantage of these embodiments is to clean the bristles of the brush before they again come into contact with the tooth.

In some embodiments, at least one brush has an assembly of bristles in a spiral around the axis of revolution.

These embodiments keep food and debris away from the brushing area.

In some embodiments, the electric toothbrush head that is the subject of the present invention comprises at least two brushes in the general form of a solid of revolution with parallel axes of revolution.

Thanks to these provisions, whatever the position of the toothbrush, the brushing is done from the gum towards the cusp of the tooth, which makes it possible to avoid potentially harmful brushing errors.

In embodiments, at least one brush has at least one rounded relief.

The advantage of these embodiments is to rub the tooth to remove food and/or waste.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an electric toothbrush, which comprises:
- a base comprising an electric motor,
- an electric toothbrush head object of the present invention, connected to the base by the rod,
- A drive means, passing through the rod, rotating each brush of the toothbrush head.

The aims, advantages and particular characteristics of the toothbrush which is the subject of the present invention being similar to those of the toothbrush head which is the subject of the present invention, they are not repeated here.

In addition, the brush rotates along the extension of the rod and of the base, the brush is therefore maintained like a manual toothbrush and can easily be positioned opposite the teeth.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush head comprises at least one proximity sensor for an oral mucosa, the electric toothbrush comprising means for controlling the direction of rotation of each brush as a function of the proximity sensed for brushing in a direction from the mucosa towards the tooth.

These embodiments make it possible to adapt the direction of rotation of the brush to the side of the mouth which is brushed to prevent the direction of rotation from not corresponding to the direction of the gum towards the cusp.

In some embodiments, the electric toothbrush which is the subject of the present invention comprises means for adjusting the speed of rotation of each brush.

These embodiments make it possible to adapt the speed to the comfort and sensitivity of the user.

In embodiments, the two brushes are driven by the drive means in opposite directions of rotation.

These embodiments make it possible to prevent the user from making a mistake and positioning the brush in a direction of rotation of the cusp towards the neck of the tooth, which can cause inflammation, for example.

Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the non-limiting description which follows of at least one particular embodiment of the electric toothbrush head and of the electric toothbrush which are the subject of the present invention. , facing the attached drawings, in which:

represents, schematically according to a first view, a first particular embodiment of the brush head which is the subject of the present invention,

represents, schematically according to a second view, the first particular embodiment of the brush head which is the subject of the present invention,

represents, schematically according to a first view, a second particular embodiment of the brush head which is the subject of the present invention,

represents, schematically according to a second view, the second particular embodiment of the brush head which is the subject of the present invention,

represents, schematically according to a first view, a third particular embodiment of the brush head which is the subject of the present invention,

represents, schematically according to a second view, the third particular embodiment of the brush head which is the subject of the present invention and

represents, schematically according to a third view, the third particular embodiment of the brush head which is the subject of the present invention,

represents, schematically, a first particular embodiment of an electric toothbrush which is the subject of the present invention and

represents, schematically, a fourth particular embodiment of a brush head which is the subject of the present invention.

This description is given on a non-limiting basis, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

Note that the figures are not to scale.

Note here that two axes are considered parallel if the angle between the axes is less than thirty degrees.

We also note here that a general form is defined by the envelope of the form. More specifically, the general shape of the brush is the shape the bristles take relative to the axis of rotation, although some bristles may be smaller or longer.

It is recalled that a solid of revolution is generated by a flat closed surface rotating around an axis located in the same plane as it and having in common with it no point or only points of its border.

It is recalled that an electric toothbrush is a toothbrush comprising a moving part set in motion by means of a conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy.

A “tooth” is a tooth, a crown, an implant or any other artificial dentition element.

Figures 1 and 2 show a particular embodiment of an electric toothbrush head 10 which is the subject of the present invention.

The electric toothbrush head 10 comprises:
- a rod 11 defined along a first axis 14 and
- at least one brush 12 in the general form of a solid of revolution with an axis of revolution 14 parallel to the first axis 14, rotatable relative to the rod along the axis of revolution 14 of the brush 12.

In other words, the toothbrush head and the toothbrush objects of the present invention comprise a brush whose axis is parallel to that of the rod configured to be positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the brushed tooth. In other words, the axis of rotation of the brush is not normal to the surface of the tooth but in a plane parallel to said surface.

The axis of revolution of the brush and the first axis 14 coincide in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In the embodiment shown, the rod 11 has a truncated cylinder shape. We recall here that a cylinder is a surface defined by the displacement of a straight line of constant direction called the generating curve on a closed curve called the directing section. Preferably, the trunk of the cylinder has a circular directing curve whose center is positioned on the first axis 14. The trunk of the cylinder is then a right circular trunk of the cylinder.

In embodiments, the rod 11 has a truncated cone shape. We recall here that a cone is a ruled surface defined by a straight line, called generator, passing through a fixed point called vertex and a variable point describing a curve, called directing curve. Preferably, the guide curve is a circle whose center is positioned on the first axis 14, and the apex is also positioned on the first axis 14. The truncated cone is then a right circular truncated cone. In embodiments, the rod 11 is curved to be more ergonomic.

The rod 11 can take any shape known to those skilled in the art, for example a partly elliptical shape.

The rod 11 has a through hole as far as each shaft 16 supporting a brush 12 so that the brush 12 enters into rotation relative to the rod 11. The through hole is configured to accommodate a means for driving a brush to electric teeth or so that each shaft 16 protrudes from the through hole to fit with a drive means in the base of an electric toothbrush.

In preferred embodiments, stem 11 includes means for attachment to an electric toothbrush base. For example, the attachment means may be a screw thread in the through hole configured to be placed on a corresponding relief on the toothbrush base, or else a snap-in means or any other means known to man of career.

In Figures 1 and 2, the toothbrush head 10 has a single brush 12.

Rod 11 has a support 15 for brush 12. Shaft 16 supporting brush 12 is therefore supported at one end by brush support 15 and at another end by rod 11. The end supported by rod 11 is the end configured to be driven by the drive means of the electric toothbrush.

The shaft 16 supporting the brush 12 is in pivot connection with the rod 11.

In embodiments, the shaft 16 supporting the brush 12 is snapped into the rod 11 and the brush holder 15.

The brush holder 15 can take any shape known to those skilled in the art, for example in an arc starting from the rod 11 and going around the brush.

The brush 12 has the general shape of a truncated cylinder or a right circular cone. In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the brush 12 has the general shape of a right circular truncated cylinder. In other embodiments, the brush has an elliptical, frustoconical or ovoid shape. Preferably, the brush 12 has bristles, for example made of nylon.

Preferably, the assembly of bristles is in a spiral around the axis of revolution. These embodiments make it possible to carry waste and excess toothpaste out of the brushing zone defined by the contact zone between the bristles and at least one tooth.

In embodiments, the bristles are of different lengths and/or stiffness to clean the interdental space. Preferably, the bristles are arranged radially.

In some embodiments, the brush 12 may comprise at least one rounded relief which is more rigid than the bristles to ensure a massage of the gums. The rounded relief is made of plastic material, for example.

Preferably, the toothbrush head 10 further comprises at least one cleaning means (not shown) facing a brush 12, fixed relative to the rod 11, configured so that the bristles of the brush 12 pass through the cleaning medium at least once per revolution. The cleaning medium sweeps the bristles of the brush and retains the waste.

The cleaning means is for example a comb, positioned on the brush support 15. The comb is placed facing the brush 12 and passes through the assembly bristles of the brush 12 so that, during the rotation of the brush 12, the hairs are trained between the teeth of the comb. The waste contained between the bristles is therefore retained by the comb, which cleans the brush 12.

In embodiments, the cleaning means is an assembly of teeth or pins on a surface of predetermined dimensions. The teeth or spikes may be staggered. The waste contained between the bristles is therefore retained by the assembly, which cleans the brush 12.

Preferably, the cleaning means is molded, printed in three dimensions or glued to the face of the support facing the brush.

In embodiments, the cleaning means is cleaned, when rinsing the brush after its use, by rotating each brush alternately in the two opposite directions.

In some embodiments, the brush holder 15 has at least one through hole, also referred to as a lumen, facing the cleaning means so that the waste is expelled from the cleaning means, above the holder.

In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the brush head 10 comprises at least one proximity sensor 13 of an oral mucosa to communicate sensed proximity information to a means for controlling the direction of rotation of each brush in depending on the proximity sensed for brushing in one direction from the mucous membrane towards the tooth, the control means being included in the base of an electric toothbrush.

Preferably, two proximity sensors 13 are positioned on the brush support 15, on either side of the brush support 15 so as to more precisely detect the proximity of the oral mucosa with respect to the brush. The oral mucosa is, for example, a gum, a cheek, a lip or a tongue.

In embodiments, the proximity sensors are sensitive sensors, that is to say activated by a capacity of the human body, for example the heat of the body, the resistance of the body, a variation of the capacity of the sensor due to to contact with the human body or even a change in sensor waves due to contact with the human body.

There is seen in Figures 3 and 4, a second particular embodiment of a toothbrush head 20 object of the present invention. The embodiment 20 represented in FIGS. 3 and 4 is compatible with the embodiments 10 described with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The second embodiment 20 differs from the first embodiment 10 in that the toothbrush head comprises two brushes 24 and 27. Each brush, 24 and 27 is actuated by a shaft, 22 or 25, of axis, 23 or 26, parallel to the axis 28 of the rod 21. Each shaft, 22 or 25, is configured to be actuated by a drive means of an electric toothbrush. Preferably, each shaft is actuated by the same drive means. Preferably, each shaft is actuated in a different direction of rotation such that the bristles of each brush, after having touched the tooth, come together. In other words again, the bristles of each brush converge, on the side opposite the support 29, under the action of rotation.

Preferably, the brush supports 29 are linked to the remote end of the rod 21 to increase the rigidity of the toothbrush head 20.

Preferably, the brushes 24 and 27 are positioned such that their bristles interlock to minimize the size of the toothbrush head 20.

Preferably, the bristles overlap over a distance less than or equal to a quarter of the diameter of the circle defining a right circular truncated cylinder or a right circular truncated cone.

There is observed, in Figures 5, 6 and 7, a third particular embodiment of a toothbrush head 30 object of the present invention.

Embodiment 30 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is compatible with embodiments 10 and 20 described with respect to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The third embodiment 30 differs from the first embodiment 10 in that the toothbrush head comprises two brushes 33 and 38. The brushes 33 and 38 are truncated in shape and are mounted on brush supports, 35 and 39 also tapered. Brush holders, 35 and 39, are each attached to rod 31 at one end. Alternatively, the brush supports, 35 and 39 are an integral part of the rod 31. For each brush, an axis shaft corresponding to the axis of revolution of the corresponding brush, 34 or 40, passes through the brush support, 35 or 39, to be actuated by a shaft 36. Each brush, 33 and 38, is therefore connected to the drive means by a different shaft 36. The axes of revolution of each brush form an acute angle less than 30°. The angle allows the installation of tapered brushes and therefore increases the diameter of the brushes and therefore the flexibility of the bristles. Preferably, the maximum angle between the axes of rotation of the brushes is thirty degrees. These embodiments make it possible to limit the size of the device.

The toothbrush head comprises a cleaning means 41 similar to that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 configured to simultaneously clean the two brushes, 33 and 38.

Figure 9 shows another embodiment 60 of the brush head shown in Figures 5 to 7 in which the rod 61 has an "X" shape along the axes of rotation, 64 and 69, of the brushes, 63 and 68. In other words, the rod 61 has two branches along the axes of rotation, 64 and 69, of the brushes, 63 and 68. The angle between the axes of rotation 64 and 69 is less than or equal to 30°.

A first embodiment 50 of a toothbrush which is the subject of the present invention can be seen in FIG.

The 50 electric toothbrush includes:
- a base 55 comprising an electric motor 51,
- an electric toothbrush head, 10, 20, 30 or 60, connected to the base 55 by the rod, 11, 21 or 31,
- a drive means 52, passing through the rod, 11, 21, 31, 61, rotating each brush, 12, 24 and 27, 33 and 38, 63 and 68, of the brush head, 10, 20, 30 or 60, toothed.

Base 55 matches the shape of the shank, 11, 21, 31, 61, brush head, 10, 20, 30 or 60.

The toothbrush 50 comprises means for fixing the rod, 11, 21, 31, 61 to the base 55 corresponding to the fixing means present on the rod, 11, 21, 31, 61. Once the brush head has been teeth, 10, 20, 30,60 fixed to the base 55, the drive means 52 is engaged with each shaft supporting a brush to actuate it in rotation. The interlocking is, for example, achieved by cardan joint or by two aligned mechanical parts with complementary ends. The complementary end pieces comprise, for example, corresponding shoulders or any other relief known to those skilled in the art.

In preferred embodiments, the head 11, 21, 31, 61 cannot be removed from the base 55 and each brush is removable from the head 11, 21, 31 or 61.

The drive means 52 is, for example, a shaft actuated directly by the motor, or actuated by means of toothed wheels by the motor. In embodiments, the drive means 52 has at least one flexible shaft adapted to the shape of the rod, connected on the one hand to at least one brush, 12, 24, 27, 33, 38, 63, 68 , and on the other hand to engine 51.

In preferred embodiments in which the head, 20, 30 or 60, has two brushes, the drive means 52 may comprise two toothed wheels with the same number of teeth, one being linked to a shaft supporting a brush, the other being linked to another shaft supporting another brush, the direction of rotation of the brushes being opposite as described above with regard to Figures 2 and 3.

In other embodiments in which the head, 20, 30 or 60, has two brushes, the drive means 52 comprises a pulley linked to each shaft supporting a brush and driven by a belt, one of the belts being crossed.

The base 55 includes an electric motor 51 known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the base 55 comprises an autonomous power supply means, for example, a battery. In some embodiments, the base 55 comprises a means for recharging the autonomous power supply, for example, by induction.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush with a rotating head 50 comprises a means 53 for controlling the direction of rotation of each brush according to the proximity sensed to brush in a direction from the mucosa towards the tooth.

In the embodiments in which a proximity sensor 13 is positioned on a brush holder 15, one direction of rotation is activated when an oral mucosa is sensed and the other direction is activated when no mucosa is sensed.

In embodiments in which two proximity sensors 13 are positioned on either side of the brush support 15, depending on the sensor sensing the proximity of an oral mucosa, a particular direction of rotation is activated. If neither sensor detects the proximity of an oral mucosa or both sensors detect the proximity of an oral mucosa, the motor is disabled.

In embodiments, toothbrush 50 includes a toothbrush orientation sensor, such as an inclinometer, gyroscope, or accelerometer. Depending on the orientation captured, relative to a plane parallel to the ground, a different direction of rotation is implemented. These embodiments make it possible to avoid transmitting electronic information from the head, 10, 20, 30 or 60, to the base 55.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush 50 includes means 54 for adjusting the speed of rotation of each brush. The adjustment means can be a push button with several positions, an adjustable knob modifying the electrical power delivered by the motor, or a dimmer connected to a pressure sensor or a piezoelectric sensor in the base 55 on which the user acts. This makes it possible to adjust the rotation speed of each brush independently or not.

Preferably, the nominal speed of rotation is sixty revolutions per minute to reduce the effects of vibration and improve the comfort of the toothbrush during brushing, reminiscent of manual brushing.

In embodiments, the support, 15, 29, 35 and 39, 67, has means for injecting toothpaste onto at least one brush, 12, 24, 27, 33, 38, 63, 68. The means of injection may comprise a toothpaste reservoir connected to a pump or a piston which pushes the toothpaste and deposits it on at least one brush, 12, 24, 27, 33, 38, 63, 68.

Claims (10)

Head (10, 20, 30, 60) of an electric toothbrush, characterized in that it comprises:
- a rod (11, 21, 31, 61) defined along a first axis and
- at least one brush (12, 24, 27, 33, 38, 63, 68) in the general form of a solid of revolution with an axis of revolution parallel to the first axis (14, 28, 32, 64, 69), movable in rotation relative to the rod along the axis of revolution (14, 23, 26, 34, 40, 64, 69) of the brush. Head (10, 20, 30, 60) of an electric toothbrush according to claim 1, in which at least one brush (12, 24, 27, 33, 38, 63, 68) has the general shape of a truncated cylinder or of right circular cone. Head (10, 20, 30, 60) of an electric toothbrush according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which each brush comprises bristles, the toothbrush head further comprising at least one cleaning means (41, 67) opposite at least one brush, fixed relative to the rod (11, 21, 31, 61), configured so that the bristles of said at least one brush pass through the cleaning means at least once per turn. Electric toothbrush head (10, 20, 30, 60) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which at least one brush has an assembly of bristles in a spiral around the axis of revolution. Electric toothbrush head (20, 30, 60) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, which comprises at least two brushes (24, 27, 33, 38, 63, 68) in the general form of a solid of revolution of parallel axes of revolution. Electric toothbrush head (10, 20, 30, 60) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which at least one brush (12, 24, 27, 33, 38, 63, 68) has at least one rounded relief. Electric toothbrush (50), characterized in that it comprises:
- a base (55) comprising an electric motor (51),
- an electric toothbrush head (10, 20, 30, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 6, connected to the base by the rod (11, 21, 31, 61),
- a drive means (52), passing through the rod, rotating each brush of the toothbrush head. An electric toothbrush (50) according to claim 7, in which the toothbrush head (10) comprises at least one sensor of proximity to an oral mucosa, the electric toothbrush comprising a control means (53) of the direction of rotation of each brush as a function of the proximity sensed to brush in one direction from the mucous membrane towards the tooth. Electric toothbrush (50) according to one of Claims 7 or 8, which includes means (54) for adjusting the speed of rotation of each brush. An electric toothbrush (50) according to one of claims 7 or 9 and which comprises an electric toothbrush head (20, 30, 60) according to claim 5, in which the two brushes (24, 27, 33, 38, 63, 68) are driven by the drive means (52) in opposite directions of rotation.