JP4958944B2 - Illuminated electric toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminated electric toothbrush that utilizes a light emitting diode, and in particular, a light emitting diode that illuminates a brushing region. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing light having a specific light intensity or flux density that exceeds the light intensity or flux density imparted by standard use of light emitting diodes.

  Toothbrushes with lights have traditionally been manual brushes with lights located on or in the handle surface of the toothbrush with optical fibers that carry light from the toothbrush handle to the head. However, the light intensity and / or bundle density of light transmitted by an optical fiber often decreases when transmitted. It was therefore desirable to place the light in or on the head of the toothbrush so as to transmit light without the need for fiber optic material. It was further desired to have an electric toothbrush with a light.

  In order to place the light on the toothbrush, especially the head of an electric toothbrush, it must be minimized in size to ensure sufficient space for the bristles and sufficient space for the mechanism of the electric toothbrush. While standard light emitting diodes may be sized appropriately, such devices may provide light with sufficient luminous intensity and / or bundle density and may not be able to provide an oral care effect. High power non-standard light emitting diodes may be able to provide the desired luminous intensity and / or bundle density. However, high power diodes use high current levels and therefore generate high levels of heat.

  Here, in an electric toothbrush comprising a toothbrush part having a brush and an electric toothbrush body having a drive shaft for attaching and detaching the toothbrush part, an electric toothbrush provided with irradiation means for irradiating near infrared rays to give a thermal feeling to the gum It is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Also, a self-cleaning method for teeth and mouth using a light source in the visible range for a photosensitive oral hygiene composition having a broad absorption spectrum in the visible range may be disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2001-299454 A US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0059738

Generating a high level of heat in the oral cavity can overheat the medulla and can result in pulpitis or other damage to oral tissue. Accordingly, it comprises a light emitting diode that emits light having a luminous intensity of at least about 7 candela and / or a bundle density of at least about 30 mW / cm ² and is safe in the oral cavity without damaging teeth and / or other mouth surfaces There is a need for an illuminated electric toothbrush that can be used in the future.

The illuminated electric toothbrush includes a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. The handle has a hollow inner region and a longitudinal axis. The head includes bristles and at least one light emitting diode. Emitting diode is powered by a current, the flux density on the surface of a typical tooth at detector aperture area of the detector distance and about 0.46 cm ² to about 0.68 cm, is about 30 mW / cm ² exceeded . Furthermore, the light emitting diode has an emission temperature of less than about 43 ° C. with an emission distance of about 0.68 cm and an emission time of about 2 minutes. The illuminated electric toothbrush has one or more movable bristle holders including bristles disposed on the head, and a motor disposed in the hollow inner region is operably connected to the movable bristle holder by a drive shaft. .

  In one embodiment, the desired bundle density at the representative tooth surface is achieved by providing a continuous forward current of greater than about 35 milliamps to the light emitting diode.

  In another embodiment, this is achieved by placing a light emitting diode comprising at least two semiconductor substrates having luminescent properties and one common lens on the head of the illuminated electric toothbrush.

  In yet another embodiment, the desired bundle density at a typical tooth surface level is achieved by providing a pulsed forward current with a peak in excess of 100 mA to the light emitting diode.

Sectional drawing of a light emitting diode. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode having one or more light emitters and a single optical output. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode having one or more light emitters and a single optical output. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode having one or more light emitters and a single optical output. Sectional view of a light emitting diode having one or more light emitters and a single optical output The perspective view of the electric toothbrush with illumination according to this invention. The upper top view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 3. The cross-sectional side view of the head of an electric toothbrush. The cross-sectional side view of the head of an electric toothbrush. The partial front view which shows the head and neck of another embodiment by this invention. The partial front view which shows the head and neck of further another embodiment by this invention. The partial front view which shows the head and neck of further another embodiment by this invention. The partial front view which shows the head and neck of further another embodiment by this invention. The partial front view which shows the head and neck of further another embodiment by this invention. The partial front view which shows the head and neck of further another embodiment by this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of an illuminated electric toothbrush according to the present invention, which includes a head and a neck that are separable from a handle. FIG. 12 is a partial side view illustrating the installation of a replaceable head and neck on the handle or body portion of the illuminated electric toothbrush of FIG. FIG. 12 is a partial side view illustrating the installation of a replaceable head and neck on the handle or body portion of the illuminated electric toothbrush of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical configuration suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 5 is a spectral distribution graph for various colors of light emitting diodes suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 5 is a spectral distribution graph for a light emitting diode emitting white light suitable for use with the present invention. 3 is a graph illustrating a light emission pattern suitable for use with the present invention. A diagram illustrating the shape of the air gap between the light emitting diode and the exposed surface. A diagram illustrating a test method for measuring the average intensity of light within a specific solid angle. A diagram illustrating a test method for measuring the effect of a lighted electric toothbrush on the tooth surface temperature.

  The present invention may take physical forms in several parts and parts configurations. Embodiments of the invention are described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification.

  All printed publications, patents and patent applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference. In general, the present invention relates to an electric toothbrush having one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) disposed on or in the head of the electric toothbrush. More particularly, the electric toothbrush is used in personal hygiene where the motor is used to clean the teeth and gums while the LEDs illuminate the brushing area containing the teeth and / or gums. In addition, LEDs can provide oral care benefits such as whitening.

As used herein, the term “light” is intended to encompass the spectrum of visible and invisible light (eg, ultraviolet and infrared). There are two light measurement systems: luminescence measurement and photometry. The luminescence measurement method is a measurement of electromagnetic emission rays within a frequency range of 3 × 10 11 to 3 × 10 16 Hz, and the photometry method is a measurement of electromagnetic emission rays that can be detected by the human eye. As is known in the art, emission measurement units include energy (Newton meters or joules), power that is energy flow over time or luminous flux (joules / second or watts), and light emission that is power per unit area. Illuminance or bundle density (watt / m ² ), emission intensity (watt / steradian) as power per unit solid angle, and emission luminance (watt / m ² -steradian) as unit power per unit solid angle ). Equivalent photometric units include power or luminous flux (lumens) and luminous intensity (lumens / sr or candela). Another characteristic of light that is discussed is the viewing angle or half angle. As described herein, a half angle is twice the groove angle (in degrees) between the peak and a point on one side of the beam axis, and the luminous intensity is 50 percent of the maximum beam angle or It is half. Yet another feature discussed below relates to the amount of heat or emission temperature (in Celsius) generated by the LED on the tooth surface. Furthermore, it is also characterized by the total power ("power consumption") consumed by the LEDs placed on the head of the illuminated electric toothbrush. For the sake of brevity, the units are discussed in terms of either luminescence units or photometric units, although luminescence units are preferred. Intensity can be either light intensity measured in candela (or lumens / steradian) or bundle density measured in watts / meter ² .

  All of the test methods described herein are such that when the brush is fully charged and powered on, the illuminated electric toothbrush is activated with the current normally supplied to operate the device, and the bristle moves. And when the LED emits light.

  The features of the LED of the present invention are discussed more fully below.

A. Typical tooth density bundle density (“FDRT”)
This test is intended to express the luminous flux density projected on the tooth surface in W / m ² . The detectors calibrated in watts are about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50 and / or less than 0.46 cm ² and / or about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0 Detector aperture area greater than .46 and / or 0.50 cm 2 and at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15 and / or 1 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1. Detector aperture diameter less than 15, 1.10, 1.00 cm, the detector aperture being about 0.55, 0.60 from the emission point of the LED. 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and / or over 1.0 cm And / or distances less than about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and / or 1.0 cm ( "Detector distance"). Traditionally, detectors include a stop that can provide a detector aperture area of a desired size. The LED should be placed facing the detector aperture and the mechanical axis of the LED should pass through the center of this detector aperture. The detector measures the luminous flux (watts) at the detector. The detector measures the luminous flux over the entire detector aperture area. Hence, the resulting number is the total value of the luminous flux. FDRT is the total value of the luminous flux divided by the spherical area of the cap 1109 (shown in FIG. 20 illustrating the geometric relationship between the LED and the exposed surface). The spherical area of the cap can be calculated by the following formula.

S = 2πR (R-1)
Where

Ｓ＝キャップの球状面積
ｌ＝検出器距離
ｄ＝検出器開口面積の直径
ＦＤＲＴ＝総発光束（ワット）／Ｓ

S = spherical area of the cap l = detector distance d = diameter of detector aperture area FDRT = total luminous flux (watts) / S

Dividing this luminous flux (watts) by the spherical area of the cap gives the bundle density (W / m ² ) on the typical tooth surface. An example of a suitable device for measuring FDRT is the OL730CV Radiometer / Photometer manufactured by Optronic Laboratories, Inc. (Orlando, Fla.). As shown in FIG. 21, the detector distance “l” (indicated by 1200) is the distance between the light emitting point 1205 of the LED 1275 and the inlet opening 1201 of the detector 1203. This detector distance “l” (indicated by 1200) is measured from the emission point 1205 of the LED 1275 to the plane of the detector entrance aperture 1201 of the detector 1203.

The FDRT of the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention is at least about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70 and / or 100 mW / cm ² and / or about 300, 250, 200, 150 and / or Or less than 100 mW / cm ² or any combination thereof. It is believed that toothbrushes comprising LEDs that individually emit light in the FDRT described above can provide whitening and other oral care benefits when used alone or in combination with other oral care compositions in the mouth. It has been. In order to achieve these oral care benefits, at least one of the LEDs disposed on the toothbrush head must emit light having an FDRT of at least about 30 mW / cm ² . Light with a higher FDRT also provides a whitening effect or other oral care effect, but above 300 mW / cm ² , the user may need to take safety measures to prevent oral damage.

B. % Total luminous flux within solid angle In one embodiment of the LED of the electric toothbrush, at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% of the total power (watts) of the LED is at least about 0 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95 and / or 1 steradian (“sr”), and / or LEDs of less than about 6.3, 5.5, 5, 4.5, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1 and / or 1 sr Is included in a solid angle having a vertex at the center of the. The solid angle having a vertex at the light emitting point of the LED can be calculated using the following equation.

α = S / R ² = 2πh / R,
Where
h = Ra, and

α＝立体角（ｓｒ）
Ｓ＝キャップの球状面積
ａ＝軸距離
ｂ＝寸法面積の直径

α = solid angle (sr)
S = spherical area of cap a = axial distance b = diameter of dimension area

  These calculations are similar to the calculations used previously to calculate FDRT, and the axial distance and dimensional area have the same values as the detector distance and detector area, but the detector can calculate the solid angle. Does not exist.

  A diagram of the air gap where the LED emits light towards the exposed surface is shown in FIG. The elements of the equation are shown in FIG. 20, where “α” is a solid angle (indicated by 1110) having an apex (indicated by 1111) at the light emitting point 1113 of the LED 1175. “A” (illustrated at 1101 in FIG. 20) is the vertical distance between the emitting surface of the LED and the surface exposed to the light emitted from the LED, and “b” (denoted by 1103). Is the diameter of the circular area containing the LED, and “S” (indicated by 1109) is the spherical area of the cap. “H” (indicated by 1105) is equal to R (indicated by 1107) − “a” (indicated by 1101). “B” is at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90.0.95 and / or 1.00 cm, and And / or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and / or 1.00 cm. “A” is about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80. 0.85, 0.90 and / or over 1.00 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10 1.05 and / or less than 1.00 cm.

  To determine the percentage of power within a solid angle, the total power emitted from the LED must first be measured, and secondly, the power within a particular solid angle area must be measured. Finally, the percent power within a specific solid angle is calculated. The total power emitted from the LED can be determined by either the goniophotometer method and / or the integrating sphere method. In the goniophotometer method, the total luminous flux is measured in watts (when the goniophotometer is calibrated in watts). The rotation detector of the goniophotometer scans the surface of the spherical area surrounding the LED. The partial bundle dΦ incident on each element dΑ on the surface represents the total luminous flux.

これを加重及び積分すると、総発光束Φの値が得られる。

When this is weighted and integrated, the value of the total luminous flux Φ is obtained.

ＬＥＤからの総発光束を測定する別の方法は、積分球（ワットで較正）を使用して、同様の空間及び分光出力分布を有する標準のＬＥＤと、試験されるＬＥＤを比較することである。完全に一致する標準品が入手できない場合、色に関する補正値を計算することはできるが、空間出力差に関する補正値は計算するのがより難しい。ほとんどの積分球は直径１０ｃｍ以下である。故に、同じ種類の補助ＬＥＤを積分球に挿入し、試験ＬＥＤの自己吸収に適用される補正を許容すべきである。２つの入口及び１つの出口を有する球が作動しなければならない。これらの方法はいずれも「ＬＥＤの測定（Measurement of LEDs）」というタイトルのＣＩＥ１２７（１９９７）（国際照明委員会（the International Commission of Illumination）により出版）に記載されている。

Another way to measure the total luminous flux from an LED is to use an integrating sphere (calibrated in watts) to compare a standard LED with a similar spatial and spectral power distribution to the LED being tested. . If an exact standard is not available, a correction value for color can be calculated, but a correction value for spatial output difference is more difficult to calculate. Most integrating spheres are less than 10 cm in diameter. Therefore, the same type of auxiliary LED should be inserted into the integrating sphere to allow correction applied to the self-absorption of the test LED. A sphere with two inlets and one outlet must operate. Both of these methods are described in CIE 127 (1997) entitled “Measurement of LEDs” (published by the International Commission of Illumination).

  Second, the power in a specific solid angle is measured. To select the solid angle at which power is measured, the above equation must be used to determine the axial distance and the dimensional area diameter for the desired solid angle. The axial distance value corresponds to the detector distance value, and the dimensional area diameter value corresponds to the detector opening area value. By selecting these values when performing the test, the power within the desired solid angle is measured. If the detector is calibrated in watts, this gives the total luminous flux within the desired solid angle.

Measurement of the total luminous flux (within a particular solid angle) of an LED involves a detector calibrated in watts, which is approximately 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33. 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50 and / or less than 0.46 cm ² and / or about 0 .28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46 and / or an area exceeding 0.50 cm ² and at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0. 64, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80.0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15 and / or 1 cm, and / or about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, detector aperture diameter less than 1.00 cm; A circular opening 1201 having The LEDs are approximately 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, from the light emitting point 1205 of the LED 1275, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and / or 1.00 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, It should be placed facing the detector entrance aperture 1201 with a detector distance 1200 of less than 1.10, 1.05 and / or 1.00 cm. The mechanical axis of the LED should pass through the center of this detector aperture.

Finally, the percentage of light emitted within the desired solid angle is calculated by the following equation:
Total luminous flux within the desired solid angle / total luminous flux =% of light emitted within the desired solid angle

C. Half Angle and / or Viewing Angle Another way to determine whether an illuminated electric toothbrush emits light with the desired characteristics is to examine the half angle and / or viewing angle of the LED. As described herein, the half angle is twice the groove angle (in degrees) between the peak and a point on one side of the beam axis, and the luminous intensity is 50 percent of the maximum beam angle or Half of that. This can also be called the viewing angle. The smaller the half angle, the more focused the light. The more light emitted from the LED is focused, the less light is needed to achieve the desired luminous intensity and / or FDRT. By having a more focused light angle, less light is consumed by illuminating unfavorable directions, i.e. illuminating the hair region. If the light illuminates in an unfavorable direction, more light is required to achieve the desired intensity or FDRT, which often results in increased heat levels. Increasing thermoluminescence from the illuminated electric toothbrush can damage the teeth and tissue in the oral cavity. LED half-width

は、約５０°、４９°、４８°、４７°、４６°、４５°、４４°、４３°、４２°、４１°、４０°、３８°、３６°、３４°、３２°、３０°及び／若しくは２８°未満、並びに／又は約０°及び／又は５°超過であり得る。

Is about 50 °, 49 °, 48 °, 47 °, 46 °, 45 °, 44 °, 43 °, 42 °, 41 °, 40 °, 38 °, 36 °, 34 °, 32 °, 30 ° And / or less than 28 ° and / or greater than about 0 ° and / or greater than 5 °.

D. Luminescence Temperature Using an LED on the head of a toothbrush and then placing the toothbrush into the oral cavity to brush and / or treat the teeth may introduce light as well as heat into the oral cavity. Light is absorbed by the tooth surface, which can generate additional heat on the tooth surface. When heat is generated in the oral cavity, the dental pulp chamber of the teeth can become large, which can result in pulpitis or other oral damage. The tooth surface temperature remains below about 43 ° C, 40 ° C, 39 ° C, 38 ° C, 37 ° C, 36 ° C, 34 ° C, 30 ° C and / or 25 ° C so as not to cause damage in the oral cavity. Should. When the tooth surface temperature exceeds the above-mentioned temperature, the dental pulp chamber of the tooth may be overheated, and pulpitis may occur. Therefore, the light emitted by the illuminated electric toothbrush raises the tooth surface temperature above about 43 ° C, 40 ° C, 39 ° C, 38 ° C, 37 ° C, 36 ° C, 34 ° C, 30 ° C and / or 25 ° C. Must not generate heat. In one embodiment, a standard LED is used and the tooth surface temperature is maintained below about 43 ° C. by providing the standard LED with a continuous forward current of less than about 200 milliamps (“mA”).

  The temperature generated at the tooth surface by exposure to light emitted from the illuminated electric toothbrush is the “emission temperature”. The emission temperature can be measured by a device known in the art, such as a thermocouple 1315 (shown in FIG. 22). One thermocouple suitable for use in the test method of the present invention is an SC-GG-T-30-36 thermocouple manufactured by Omega Engineering, Inc. A thermocouple can be attached to the tooth surface exposed to the light emitted from the LED, preferably using an adhesive. One dental adhesive suitable for use in this test method is Lucitone 199 from Dentsply. Alternatively, as long as the temperature reading is completed within a test time of less than about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 second when the thermocouple touches the tooth and the exposure of the tooth is completed, The tooth surface temperature can be measured after exposure. One way to measure temperature after exposure is to use a standard cotton swab to hold a thermocouple on the tooth for the duration of the test time and collect temperature data. Furthermore, a unit 1317 can be used that converts the data from the thermocouple to a temperature in degrees. The handheld unit HH5-08 from Omega Engineering, Inc. is suitable for use with the aforementioned thermocouples to convert data received from thermocouples to temperatures in degrees. . This test is performed in vitro on a sample of human or bovine teeth 1301 that is typically extracted in an incubator set at 32 ° C. This test is performed in an incubator set at 32 ° C. to reproduce the normal base temperature of the teeth in the mouth. A suitable incubator for this test is THELCO3DG, catalog number 51212122 (THELCO 3DG, catalog # 51221122) available from the Joan Group of Companies. The teeth are placed on a cast aluminum stand 1319 that includes a cast aluminum piece having a cut-out space to place the teeth. Cast aluminum stand 1319 connects teeth 1301 to heat sink 1321. A heat sink suitable for use in the present test method includes heat sink 11-5602-48VIS # 031608 manufactured by Aavid Thermalloy. A power source (not shown) can be provided on the heat sink. The “light emitting distance” is a distance 1303 from the light emitting point 1305 of the LED 1375 to the surface of the tooth 1301. The light emitting distance 1303 is about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79 from the tooth surface. Less than 0.70, 0.64, 0.50 and / or 0.46 cm and / or about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46 And / or may be greater than 0.50 cm. The light emitting point 1305 of the LED 1375 is about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0 from the surface of the tooth 1301. .79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50 and / or less than 0.46 cm and / or about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, When the illuminated electric toothbrush 1313 is turned on with a light emitting distance of 0.46 and / or greater than 0.50 cm, the LED 1375 is activated and illuminates the surface of the tooth 1301. The teeth 1301 are then removed from the LED 1375 for a lighting time of less than about 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and / or 0 minutes. Exposed to the emitted light, the temperature of the teeth 1301 is measured by a standard thermocouple 1315. A thermocouple can be attached to a separate handheld unit 1317 to convert the reading from the thermocouple 1315 to a temperature reading. The emission temperature should not exceed about 43 ° C, 40 ° C, 39 ° C, 38 ° C, 37 ° C, 36 ° C, 34 ° C, 30 ° C and / or 25 ° C.

E. In addition, to avoid oral damage due to excessive heat generation, the total power consumed by the LEDs placed on the head of the illuminated electric toothbrush (“power consumption”) is about 2, 1.5, 1, 0.95, 0.9, 0.85, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 Watt ("W" ) Must not be exceeded.

F. Example Embodiments of the Invention Increasing the forward current beyond the level recommended by the manufacturer ("excessive power supply") and / or pulsing the light emitted from the LED, or a combination thereof To achieve a light intensity of at least about 7 candela and / or an FDRT of at least about 30 mW / cm ² in the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention comprising standard LEDs (including one or more light emitters in the LED). Can do. Excessive power supply to the LEDs can shorten the lifetime of the LEDs. The amount of LED lifetime is reduced depending on the current level used to power the LED excessively and the characteristics of the LED. However, when the toothbrush is a disposable and / or replaceable article, this reduced lifetime still exceeds that required for use with the toothbrush. In one embodiment, the LEDs are located on a replaceable portion of the toothbrush and are therefore replaceable if desired.

  As used herein, the term “light” is intended to encompass the spectrum of visible and invisible light (eg, ultraviolet and infrared). This spectrum ranges from light having a dominant or centroid wavelength of about 10 nm (far ultraviolet) to light having a centroid wavelength of 10 6 nm (infrared), or this spectrum has a centroid wavelength of about 370 nm to about 770 nm. Visible light having In addition, the spectrum may include visible light having a centroid wavelength of about 370 to about 500. As used herein, the term “centroid wavelength” is intended to refer to a wavelength that represents the perceived color of light. This may be different from the peak wavelength at which the emission intensity of the LED is the maximum wavelength. For LEDs, the dominant or centroid wavelength can be determined by the following equation:

連続スペクトルの場合、及び

For continuous spectra, and

離散スペクトルの場合。

For discrete spectrum.

  Where I is the luminous intensity and λ is the wavelength.

  These equations are further described in CIE 127 (1997) entitled “Measurement of LEDs” (published by the International Commission of Illumination). The spectral characteristics (eg, peak wavelength), photometric characteristics (eg, luminous intensity), luminescence measuring characteristics (eg, emission intensity) and non-color analysis characteristics (eg, dominant wavelength) of LEDs are measured by Optronic Laboratories, Inc.) (Orlando, Florida) and can be measured using equipment known in the art such as an OL 730 CV luminometer / photometer. Some light does not have a dominant or centroid wavelength (eg, white light).

The illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention is at least about 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 and / or 40 candela and / or less than about 60, 50, 45 and / or 40 candela, or any combination thereof. Luminous intensity, or at least about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70 and / or 100 mW / cm ² and / or about 300, 250, 200, 150 and / or 100 mW / cm ² , or these An LED that emits light having any combination of FDRTs is provided.

  One embodiment of the illuminated electric toothbrush includes an LED as shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an LED package 11, which includes a lens 3, a single light emitting die 5, wire bonding 7, a positive lead 21, a negative lead 9, and a longitudinal axis L. With. In the LED of the invention described in the claims, various types of semiconductor substrates having light emission characteristics can be used. One type of semiconductor substrate having luminescent properties is a die. A die is a single semiconductor substrate having luminescent properties. As long as the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention provides light having the desired properties described herein, the LED disposed on the head of the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention includes a die. It is envisioned that any type of semiconductor substrate having luminescent properties can be included, without limitation. The LED diameter may be at least about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and / or 6 mm and / or less than about 5, 10, 15 and / or 20 mm.

  Light can be emitted from many surfaces of the light emitting point of the LED. However, in the following, for the sake of brevity, all measurements of the LED emission point and / or distance from the surface refer to the front side of the semiconductor substrate, eg the front side of the die 5. If the LED has multiple dice and thus multiple front surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, the distance from the light emitting point of the LED should be the average of the distance from the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. Light is emitted from the die surface and directed to the LED lens 3. Therefore, in order to measure the distance from the light emitting point of the semiconductor substrate, the front surface of the light emitting element of the semiconductor substrate must be identified. In one embodiment of the lighting electric toothbrush, the front surface of the LED light emitting element is the surface of the die 5 (shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, all measurements regarding the distance from the light emitting surface of the present embodiment start from the front surface of the die 5.

  Excessive power to the LED will provide the desired light intensity and / or FDRT. The reason is that as the forward current input increases, the brightness of the LED and / or FDRT increases within limits. Thus, the light intensity and / or FDRT level desired for the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention can be achieved by increasing the current to a standard LED beyond the level recommended by the manufacturer. Increasing the current to twice the manufacturer's recommended maximum nearly doubles the luminous intensity and / or FDRT, while at the same time LED lifetime is still acceptable for use with illuminated electric toothbrushes. A standard driver can be used to provide a selected current level to achieve the desired luminous intensity and / or FDRT. A suitable voltage or current driver for use with the present invention is a ZXSC310 Single or Multi Cell LED Driver from Zetex Semiconductors (Oldham, England). The minimum current to achieve the desired luminous intensity and / or FDRT is greater than the maximum current recommended by the manufacturer for continuous operation and is twice the maximum recommended by the manufacturer for continuous operation, or pulsed It can be three times the maximum recommended by the manufacturer for operation. At maximum, the current can be increased to a level that causes the LED to break immediately. One embodiment of the present invention is about 35 mA, 40 mA, 45 mA, 50 mA, 55 mA, 60 mA, 65 mA, 70 mA, 75 mA, 80 mA, 90 mA, 100 mA, 150 mA and / or over 200 mA, and / or about 700 mA, 600 mA, 500 mA, 400 mA, 300 mA, 250 mA, 200 mA, 150 mA, 100 mA, 90 mA, 80 mA, 75 mA, 70 mA, 65 mA, 60 mA, 55 mA, 50 mA, 45 mA, 40 mA and / or 35 mA continuous forward current less than desired luminous intensity and / or FDRT Standard LED to supply In one embodiment, the minimum continuous current level may be the maximum continuous current rating for continuous operation, and the maximum continuous current level may be as much as the current that causes the LED to break immediately. As the current increases, the luminous intensity and / or FDRT also increases. However, this correlation becomes uniform, and the luminous intensity and / or FDRT does not increase even when the current increases. This exact point depends on the characteristics and design of the LED. Further, as time progresses and the LED is exposed to currents exceeding the manufacturer's recommended levels, the light intensity and / or FDRT begins to decline. One way to maintain the desired light intensity and / or FDRT includes, but is not limited to, increasing the current further to maintain the same light intensity and / or FDRT. To achieve the desired luminous intensity and / or FDRT, the current for the standard LED is increased, but the current used is still lower than the current traditionally used for high power non-standard LEDs. Thus, the heat generated by a standard LED does not raise the tooth surface temperature above about 43 ° C.

  Stabilizing the LED current in a standard driver design will partially stabilize the light intensity and / or FDRT over time because the current remains the same as the LED ages. However, when the LED ages, the current may have to be increased to maintain the same level of luminous intensity and / or FDRT. One way to maintain a constant luminous intensity and / or FDRT as the LED ages is to measure the luminous intensity and / or FDRT emitted from the LED with a built-in sensor and adjust the current according to the measured value. . If the current is adjusted as the LED ages, the illuminated electric toothbrush will continue to provide light at a specific intensity and / or FDRT for a long period of time. Another way to maintain approximately the same light intensity and / or FDRT without including a built-in sensor is to include a timing circuit that increases the current to the LED over time as the LED ages. This minimizes further expenses and allows a simple design to maintain a nearly stable luminous intensity and / or FDRT. A suitable voltage or current driver for use with the present invention is a ZXSC310 Single or Multi Cell LED Driver from Zetex Semiconductors (Oldham, England).

  FIG. 2 shows another means for achieving light intensity and / or FDRT levels in the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention by including two or more light emitters, such as a plurality of dies. The following embodiments illustrate two semiconductor substrates that emit light, for example LEDs having dice, but it is also envisioned that the LEDs may comprise more than two dice. This fifteenth embodiment of the present invention has a lens 3 that is a single light output, and one positive electrode lead 21 and one negative electrode lead 9. However, this single standard LED package contains two or more light emitters and two or more semiconductor substrates and can have three or more leads. All the light from the light source is combined into a single light output at the lens 3 of the LED package 15. A single LED package 15 has a plurality of light emitting dies 5 and 17 and wire bonds 7 and 117. The fifteenth embodiment shows the connection between the dice 117. This connection can be either a parallel connection or a series connection. FIG. 2a illustrates a plurality of dies connected in series. This embodiment 15a of the present invention has a lens 3 that is a single light output, one positive lead 9 and one negative lead 27. However, this single standard LED package contains two or more dies 5 and 17, each die having a separate cradle 37 and 39. The dies have a series connection, the wire bonding 111 connects the top of the die 5 to the bottom of the die 17, and the wire bonding 113 connects the top of the die 17 to the negative electrode lead 27. All the light from the light emitting sources is combined into a single light output at the lens 3 of the LED package 15a. FIG. 2b illustrates a plurality of dies connected in parallel. This embodiment 15 b of the present invention has a lens 3 that is a single light output, one positive lead 9 and one negative lead 27. The dies have parallel connections, wire bonding 117 connects the top of die 5 to the top of die 17, and wire bonding 7 connects the top of die 17 to the top of common negative electrode lead 27. All the light from the light emitting sources is combined into a single light output at the lens 3 of the LED package 15b. In another embodiment 15c of this multi-die LED (as shown in FIG. 2c), the LED comprises a lens 3, two semiconductor substrates, dice 5 and 17 connected in parallel, wire bonding 119 and 121, One positive lead 33 and two negative leads 31 and 35 are provided. This LED also emits light from the lens 3 having a single light output. Each die has a separate cradle 37 and 39. It is also envisioned that the LED may have two positive leads and one negative lead, and that this embodiment of the LED can be connected in series. Further, the LED can comprise three or more semiconductor substrates having light emitting properties, and the LED can comprise three or more leads. The LEDs can have common or shared leads, or individual leads for each semiconductor substrate that has light emitting properties. Further, each semiconductor substrate having light emitting characteristics can be individually powered by a separate power source such as a battery.

These dice can be electrically connected in parallel or in series. When the dies are connected in series, all current considerations are the same as for a single die. The total voltage is approximately nxV _i (where n = number of dice, V _i = single die forward voltage). If the dice are connected in parallel, the total current is approximately nxI _i and the total voltage is comparable to that of a single die. The series connection works well because it adjusts for differences between the dies. When the dies are connected in series, the dies automatically adjust their forward voltage and their luminosity and / or FDRT are very close. In either configuration, LED has a luminous intensity and / or FDRT of approximately 1.6xP _i (where, P _i is the intensity and / or FDRT of a single die) with two dice. An LED with three dice will have a luminous intensity of about 2.26 × P _i and / or an FDRT. (Interference between the dice may prevent the light intensity and / or FDRT calculation from being multiplied by the number of dice.) These dice provide light of the same color or emit light of different colors. Can have. However, if each individual light emitter emits the same light, then the intensity and / or FDRT of the color light from that single LED is greater than a single standard LED that emits one color of light. Each individual illuminant can emit light having a wavelength of about 440 nm to about 480 nm. A single LED can also contain two dice that emit light of different colors, for example, wavelengths exceeding about 370, 380, 390, 400, 425, 440, 450, 475, 480 nanometers. And / or selected from a range of less than about 500 nanometers. The dice can also be selected so that the dice emit light of different wavelengths within the same color range, for example, the dice can emit light having various wavelengths that result in blue. Furthermore, by combining different light wavelengths at a single optical output (lens) of the LED, a specific color combination that provides an oral care effect is obtained. For example, two different compositions can be applied to the teeth, each composition responding to a different wavelength of light. Furthermore, different reactions may occur in the oral cavity due to the different wavelengths of light. Some wavelengths of light can kill bacteria, while others can whiten teeth. It is difficult to achieve several colors with a single wavelength of light, and the present invention can be used to generate light that emits one of these unique colors. Thus, combining different colors with a single optical output can produce colors that cannot be achieved with just one die. Thus, using different colors can provide one or more oral care benefits that cannot be achieved with a single wavelength having a single color.

Yet another means for achieving the luminous intensity and / or FDRT of the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention is to apply a discontinuous or pulsed current to the LED to produce a pulsed or discontinuous light. . This embodiment of the present invention is greater than about 100 mA, 125 mA, 150 mA, 175 mA, 200 mA, 225 mA, 250 mA, 275 mA, 300 mA, 325 mA, 350 mA and / or 375 mA and / or about 900 mA, 800 mA, 700 mA, 600 mA, Standard LEDs that provide the desired luminous intensity and / or FDRT level with pulse forward currents less than 500 mA, 400 mA, 375 mA, 350 mA, 325 mA, 300 mA, 275 mA, 250 mA, 225 mA, 200 mA, 175 mA, 150 mA, 125 mA and / or 100 mA Including. In one embodiment, the pulse forward current is greater than the maximum current rating for pulse operation and less than the current that causes the LED to break immediately. The minimum luminous intensity and / or FDRT of the light pulse can be that of continuous light, and the maximum luminous intensity and / or FDRT is Pc / Q, where Pc is the luminous intensity and / or FDRT of continuous light and Q is the cycle ratio. ). The cycle ratio is equal to the duration of the pulse divided by the time period between pulses. The cycle ratio of the present invention is about 0.01, 0.10, 0.25, 0.40 and / or 0.50 to about 0.50, 0.60, 0.75, 0.80 and / or 0. .99. The frequency of the light pulse can be from about 0.01 Hz, 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 500 Hz or 1 MHz to about 1 MHz, 10 MHz, 100 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz or 10 GHz. Current amplitude about pulsing LED's (wherein, I _maxp absolute maximum current is the rated for pulsed operation) about I _maxp ~ about 10I _maxp or where in about Imax~ about 20Imap (wherein, Imax Is the maximum current rating for continuous operation). By pulsing the current to the LED, the power consumption of the LED is reduced, thus increasing the life of the battery, as well as increasing the brightness of the light and / or the light intensity and / or FDRT. The improvement in battery life and the increase in brightness can vary depending on the LED characteristics and design.

  In one embodiment, the illuminated electric toothbrush includes an elongated body portion or handle, a head, and a neck extending between the head and handle. One or more LEDs are provided on and / or in the head, preferably adjacent to one or more stationary or movable bristle holders having a plurality of hairs thereon. The hair may be formed to form one or more tufts.

  The head includes a longitudinal axis, one or more movable bristle holders, and optionally one or more stationary or stationary bristle holders. The movable bristle holder may rotate, swivel, swivel, swing, reciprocate linearly, or undergo any combination of these movements. The type of motion imparted by the electric toothbrush of the present invention can vary greatly. The arrangement of the stationary hair holder and the stationary hair arranged in the holder can also vary greatly. For example, the stationary hairs may partially or fully surround the moving hairs, or may be located in the gap between the movable hair holders. Examples of several bristle holder movements and bristle configurations suitable for use with the present invention are described in US20030126699, US20030084525, US20030084524, US20030084526, and PCT International Publications WO03 / 063723 and WO03 / 063722. Hair can be made from conventional non-elastomeric materials such as polyethylene, or elastomers such as natural or synthetic rubber, polyolefins, polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene polymers, polyurethanes, etc., or combinations of these materials Can be made from material.

  The handle has a hollow portion with a motor disposed therein, the motor being operably connected to the movable bristle holder. When an action by the motor causes some reaction in the movable bristle holder, the motor is operably connected to the movable bristle holder. The shaft may extend from the motor through the neck to at least a portion of the head. When driven by a motor, the shaft may rotate, swing, linear reciprocating, swiveling, shaking, orbiting to impart one or more motions to the movable bristle holder. A gear arrangement can be provided between the motor and the shaft or between the shaft and the movable bristle holder to impart motion to it. Exemplary shaft and / or gearing configurations are shown in US Pat. Nos. 6,360,395 and 5,617,601, as well as other patents and patent publications referenced herein. Yes. The handle also has a power source, eg, one or more batteries, disposed therein to power the motor and LED. Alternatively, the electric toothbrush may be connected to an external power source for supplying power to the motor. A switch for operating the motor and / or the LED is arranged on the handle. The LED can be energized whenever the motor is operating. However, the toothbrush can also have more than one switch that activates the LED and / or the movable bristle holder.

  FIG. 3 shows an illuminated electric toothbrush 10 according to the present invention. An electric toothbrush can be used for personal hygiene, such as brushing teeth and gums. As shown in FIG. 3, the electric toothbrush includes a handle 12, a grip 70, and a neck 14 attached to the handle 12. The head 16 is attached to the neck 14. The head is typically larger than the neck 14 and typically smaller than the handle 12.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the toothbrush 10 has a head 16, a longitudinal axis 19, a handle 12, a neck 14, a gripping region 72, a switch 52, a movable bristle holder 20, and bristles 26 disposed thereon. A stationary bristle holder 22. The stationary bristle holders 22 are located on both sides of the movable bristle holder 20. The movable bristle holder 20 is located at the center of the head 16. The movable bristle holder preferably oscillates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 19 of the head 16, although other movements as described above may be performed. As shown in FIG. 5, the handle 12 further includes a hollow portion 30 that houses a motor 32. The motor 32 supplies power to the movable bristle holder 20 through a rotatable shaft 44. The gearing arrangement is operably interconnected between the shaft 44 and the motor 32. The gearing configuration includes a worm gear 40 and a pair of step gears 42 and 43. Motor 32 is operably connected to worm gear 40. The step gear 42 is operatively connected to the step gear 43 and the worm gear 40. The LED 75 is provided by being disposed inside the movable bristle holder 20. The LED 75 is fixed or fixed to the movable bristle holder 20, and thus the LED 75 moves together with the movable bristle holder 20. As shown in FIG. 6, power is provided to the LED 75 by using a pair of electrical contacts 76 and 77 that slidably contact a dedicated contact portion defined along the underside of the movable bristle holder 20. Wires (not shown) may be drawn from the switch and power source to contacts 76 and 77 to conduct from the power source to the LED. An electrical wire may extend from the handle 12 through the neck 14 to the head 16. Preferably, the wires are placed adjacent to the inner wall of the neck 14 so that they do not interfere with the movement of the shaft 44. Alternatively, an electric wire may be embedded in the neck 14.

  Along the outer side of the movable bristle holder 20, circular conductive contact areas 80 and 82 can be provided, and these areas are in electrical communication with a pair of fixed contacts 76 and 77 provided inside the head. It is assumed that Conductive contact regions 80 and 82 are insulated from each other by a non-conductive material. Electrical leads 84 and 86 can be provided from the conductive contact area to the LED. FIG. 4 illustrates an LED 75 disposed on or in the movable bristle holder 20. In this embodiment, the LED is fixedly attached to the movable bristle holder 20 and thus moves with the bristle holder. Preferably, the tip of the LED is flush with the upper surface 23 of the movable bristle holder 20, but may extend above the upper surface 23 if desired. Additional LEDs can be provided in or on the stationary bristle holder 22. FIG. 6 a shows a fixed LED 75 connected to a pillar 91 fixed to the head 95 with a toothbrush 93. The movable bristle holder 97 swings or rotates around the fixed LED. The positive lead 87 and the negative lead 89 can extend from the LED 75 through the pillar 91 and then down the length of the toothbrush head 95 to a power source (not shown).

  In another embodiment, the LED 75 is placed in an opening or hole 88 extending through the movable bristle holder 320, as best seen in the embodiment 300 shown in FIG. 7, thereby securing the LED, The movable bristle holder 320 swings or rotates around the LED 75. In this embodiment, the LED 75 is fixed to the head 316. The LED 75 may extend partially through the hole 88 or may be disposed under the lower surface of the movable bristle holder 320 so that it is completely contained within the head 316. The central axis of the LED 75 can also be the rotation or swing axis of the movable bristle holder 320. The neck 314 extends between the head 316 and a handle (not shown). The head 316 further includes stationary hair 322.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the LEDs are placed in, above, below, and closest to the movable bristle holder and / or the stationary bristle holder, so that the light is directed onto the brushing area as efficiently as possible. Furthermore, the LEDs are preferably arranged such that the main direction of light emission is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the bristle holder and / or generally parallel to the direction of the bristle of the bristle holder. In other words, the LEDs are preferably positioned such that the LED centerline 90 is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the head and / or bristle holder, as best shown in FIG. The centerline 90 typically passes through the LED lens 92 or aperture. When an LED is placed in, above or below a movable bristle holder and / or a stationary bristle holder, the cylindrical area or volume around the LED centerline 90 may be substantially free of hair. . The substantially hairless area can be larger and / or smaller depending on the size of the toothbrush head and / or the number of hairs removed in the area surrounding the LED. The regions that are substantially free of hair are approximately 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, Greater than 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and / or 1.0 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.25, 1.20, 1 .15, 1.10, 1.05 and / or less than 1.0 cm. However, the movable bristle holder preferably has at least one bristle ring surrounding the LED, as shown by way of example in FIG. However, further hair tufts or hair tuft inner rings may be provided.

  Referring again to FIG. 5, a switch 50 is provided to control the operation of the illuminated electric toothbrush, and this switch is operatively connected to the motor 32. The switch 50 is also configured to activate one or more LEDs of the toothbrush. Such actuation can be instantaneous or continuous. When the switch 50 is closed, the circuit including the wire 54 is completed between the standard battery 60 provided in the hollow portion 30 of the handle 12 and the motor and LED 75.

  In the embodiment of the toothbrush 400, the LEDs 75 are present between one or more stationary bristle holders 422 and the movable bristle holder 420, as shown by way of example in FIG. The LED 75 can be placed on the head 416 so that it does not align with the rotation / swing axis. Head 416 is connected to a handle (not shown) by neck 414.

  9-12 illustrate other heads, bristle holders and bristle configurations of illuminated electric toothbrushes, all of which contain one or more LEDs. FIG. 9 illustrates head 516 and neck 514. It is understood that a neck 514 extends between the toothbrush head 516 and a handle (not shown). Disposed on the head 516 is a single movable bristle holder 520 having a plurality of bristle tufts 532 disposed on the head. Arranged on the second bristle holder 522 is an LED 575. FIG. 10 shows another head 616 according to the present invention having a plurality of bristles 632 disposed thereon. The head 616 includes a single bristle holder 620 with an LED 675 disposed therein. Neck 614 extends between head 616 and a handle (not shown). FIG. 11 shows yet another head 716 having a single bristle holder 720 on which the bristle 732 is disposed. The LED 775 is disposed adjacent to the bristle holder 720 on the head 716. However, the LED 775 is not placed on the bristle holder. FIG. 12 shows yet another head 816 having a moving first bristle holder 820 and a second bristle holder 822 that is fixed or stationary. Each bristle holder has an LED 875 arranged in the holder. The first bristle holder 820 has a plurality of hair tufts 832 surrounding the LEDs 875 arranged in the holder, and the second bristle holder 822 has a plurality of hair tufts 834 surrounding the LEDs 875 arranged in the holder. Have. Neck 814 extends between head 816 and a handle (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 13, the embodiment of the illuminated electric toothbrush 1010 includes a head 1016, a neck 1014, and a handle 1012. Arranged on the head 1016 is an LED 1075. The neck and handle are removably connected at 1015 and contain corresponding structures for their physical engagement and for electrical communication between the LED and the power source. 14 and 15, the head 1016 further includes a movable bristle holder 1020 and a stationary bristle holder 1022. Arranged on the stationary bristle holder 1022 is an LED 1075.

  Neck 1017 separates from handle 1012 at joint 1015. The neck 1017 has two small pins or projections 1036 (imaginary lines) located inside the neck end 1032. The small protrusion is dimensioned to fit within an L-shaped slot 1042 found on the mating end 1040 of the handle 1012. The width of the L-shaped slot 1042 is slightly wider than the width of the small protrusion so that the L-shaped slot can accept the small protrusion. The depth of the L-shaped slot is substantially equal to the height of the small protrusion, so the L-shaped slot can accept the small protrusion.

To connect the head and neck to the handle, the user aligns the small protrusion with the top surface 1044 of the L-shaped slot. The user pushes the head 1016 downward or pushes the head 1016 so that the small protrusion comes into contact with the bottom surface 1046 of the L-shaped slot 1042. Once the small protrusion contacts the bottom 1046 of the L-shaped slot, the user then rotates the head 1016 and / or neck 1017 approximately 90 ° relative to the handle 1012 as seen in FIGS. In place. The upper surface of each protrusion is fixed below the upper surface of each L-shaped slot 1042. Thus, the user presses and twists the cooperating pins and guide slots to push the head into a fully mounted position on the handle to achieve a fixed engagement between the two.
One or more electrical contacts are provided along the meshing area of the neck and handle to provide a releasable electrical connection therebetween.

  FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic diagram of the electrical configuration of the present invention. In this configuration, LED 75 and motor 32 are simultaneously powered or actuated by switch 50 and battery 60. Input, especially when the voltage or current output from the battery tends to decrease over time due to the fact that the LED is included and the power delivered by the battery can exceed what is desired for the LED It may be desirable to include a standard voltage or current driver 94 that can provide a constant voltage or current output to the LED regardless of changes to voltage or current. The schematic shown in FIG. 16 is one embodiment, but other configurations may be provided. For example, separate switches may be provided to operate the LED and motor separately. Two or more LEDs may be provided. Has different spectral, photometric, luminescence measurement and colorimetric characteristics (different dominant wavelength, peak wavelength, radiometric power, etc.) to allow multiple use with a single electric toothbrush An LED may be provided. This can also be achieved using LEDs with multiple dice (see Figure 2-2b).

  17 and 18 illustrate the spectral distribution for various colors of a commercial LED light emitting unit used in the electric toothbrush described herein. Although these spectral distribution graphs are for Luxeon ™ 1 Watt emitter LEDs, these distribution patterns can also be achieved with other light emitting units. Specifically, FIG. 17 is a graph of relative spectral output distribution for various colors of LEDs. FIG. 17 illustrates royal blue, blue, cyan, green, amber, red-orange and red colors. FIG. 18 is a relative spectral distribution regarding the white LED.

  As with tooth bleaching, for other applications, each tooth utilizes an LED that provides a generally or substantially uniform emission power distribution to receive approximately the same amount of emission power across the tooth surface. It is often desirable. Thus, the toothbrush embodiment of the present invention includes a light emitting pattern having a Lambertian pattern or a bell-shaped pattern, as shown by way of example in FIG. Other light emission patterns such as a bat wing pattern may be used. However, as described above, the LEDs can provide a wide range of light emitting patterns according to the present invention.

  The hair of the hair holder can be arranged so as to minimize interference with the light emitted from the LED. The height of the hair is at least about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and / or 1.0 cm, and / or about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, It may be less than 1.3, 1.2, 1.1 and / or 1.0 cm. However, it is envisioned that the toothbrush of the present invention can utilize a bristle configuration or material that interacts with the light emitted from the LED. For example, the top surface of the bristle holder located in the immediate vicinity of the bristles and / or LEDs may include a reflective coating such as nickel or chrome that assists in directing light away from the head and toward the tooth surface. Alternatively, the hair near the LED can be made of a transparent or translucent material to further facilitate the transmission of light to the brushing area. Further, the hair may be colored, colored or dyed so as to substantially match the color of light emitted by the LED. Thus, the hair does not absorb the light emitted by the LED but reflects it. In addition, a reflective shield may be used to help direct light toward the surface of the tooth or gum located around or near the LED.

  As mentioned earlier in this specification, to whiten teeth, enhance or promote the whitening effect of the composition, particularly by irradiating the brushing region either before, during or after application of the whitening composition. Toothbrushes of embodiments having LEDs may be used in combination with a whitening composition. A kit comprising an illuminated electric toothbrush and a composition comprising a peroxide can be provided.

  Usually, the color of organic compounds results from chromophores, which are unsaturated groups that can undergo π-electron transfer. Light activates the stain chromophores (which undergo electron transfer), reduces the activation energy barrier, and bleaching can make them more sensitive to attack. In other words, activation of the color body by light may improve bleaching by peroxide. Similarly, the stain chromophore becomes more sensitive to wear whitening due to light treatment, resulting in faster and better whitening. The bleaching agent penetrates into the enamel and dentin pores, so that extrinsic and endogenous color stains can be broken down and removed.

  A wide range of dental whitening compositions may be used in combination with the electric toothbrush described herein. The dental whitening composition may contain a bleaching agent, an abrasive, a pH adjusting agent, or any other agent that interacts with the tooth chromophore by mechanical or chemical action, or a combination thereof. . The dental whitening composition can be provided in solution, paste, gel, mucus, solid, or other suitable form. Illustrative bleaching agents include oxygen radical or hydrogen radical generating compounds such as peroxides that do not contain metal ions, organic peroxides and metal ion-containing peroxides. Specific non-limiting examples of bleaching agents include peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxy acids, persulfates, compounds that form the aforementioned compounds in situ. , And combinations thereof. Suitable peroxide compounds include hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the bleaching agent is carbamide peroxide. Suitable metal chlorites include calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite and combinations thereof. Further bleaching agents include hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide. In one embodiment, the bleach is selected from the group consisting of sodium chlorite, peroxide, sodium percarbonate, oxones, and mixtures thereof. The starting bleach can be an aqueous material or a solid material.

  The amount of bleaching agent in the whitening or bleaching composition may vary. For example, the bleaching agent can be present in an amount of about 0.5 to about 60 weight percent, based on the total amount of the dental whitening composition. When hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, according to one particular embodiment, it is about 0.5 to about 40 weight percent, especially about 7 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total amount of the dental whitening composition. Can exist. When carbamide peroxide is a bleaching agent, according to one particular embodiment, it can be present from about 10 to about 60 weight percent, based on the total amount of the dental whitening composition. Typically, the luminescence energy from the LED is applied while the composition is in contact with the teeth, but may be applied before or after application of the dental whitening composition.

  The illuminated electric toothbrush can be packaged as a kit containing one or more replaceable heads containing LEDs. Although the handle is discussed as being preferably powered from a battery, the present invention also includes a brush holder / charger that is coupled with other well-known power sources such as a cord for outlet connection and a rechargeable battery. (Not shown).

  As described above, various embodiments of illuminated electric toothbrushes may be used in combination with a whitening composition. A typical tooth whitening method is as follows. After obtaining the illuminated toothbrush and composition, the composition is applied to the tooth surface, i.e., the teeth, and whitened. Preferably, such application is performed by depositing an effective amount of the composition on the toothbrush bristle holder and then applying the composition to the desired surface and whitening. In general, this latter step is performed in a manner similar to brushing teeth. Alternatively, the dental whitening composition may be brushed, painted and applied to the teeth with an applicator strip. The light emitting unit of the toothbrush is then activated and the light emitted from it is directed towards the applied composition. It is understood that the various whitening techniques of the present invention include deformation methods in which light is directed to the tooth surface before, during and after applying the composition to the tooth surface. Preferably, a brushing operation is then performed while the light continues to irradiate the composition applied to the target tooth surface.

  This whitening process is merely exemplary. The present invention encompasses a wide range of whitening techniques. It is further envisaged that a conventional brushing operation may be performed before, during or after the whitening operation.

The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments. It will be apparent that variations and modifications will come to mind upon reading and understanding this specification. For example, any number of hair holders and hair patterns with one or more LEDs can be utilized in the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.
In addition, the claims described in the claims of the original application are described below as a precaution.
(1) Illuminated electric toothbrush (10,400,1010),
(A) Handle (12, 1012), head (16, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716, 816, 1016), and neck (14, 314, 414, 514) extending between the handle and the head 814, 1014) wherein the handle has a hollow inner region (30), the head has bristles (632, 732, 832, 834) disposed on the head, and the electric toothbrush is longitudinal A handle, head and neck having a directional axis (19);
(B) at least one light emitting diode (75,575,675,775,875,1075) disposed on the head and powered by current;
(C) one or more movable bristle holders (20, 320, 420, 520, 820, 1020) disposed on the head and having a plurality of bristles disposed on the top;
(D) An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising a motor (32) disposed in the hollow inner region and operably connected to the movable bristle holder by a drive shaft (44).
(2) the flux density was 30mW / cm ² ~300mW / cm ² by a detector aperture area of the detector distance (1200) and 0.46 cm ² of 0.68 cm (1201), said light emitting diode, 0 The illuminated electric toothbrush according to (1), having a light emission temperature of less than 43 ° C. with a light emission distance (1303) of .68 cm and a light emission time of 2 minutes.
(3) The illuminated electric toothbrush according to (1) or (2), wherein the light emitting diode has power consumption of less than 1 watt.
(4) The illuminated electric toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein one light emitting diode emits light having a half angle of less than 50 °.
(5) A current driver (94) for supplying a current exceeding 35 mA to the light emitting diode is further provided, and the motor, the driver, the battery, and the light emitting diode are part of an electric circuit. The illuminated electric toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (4).
(6) The electric toothbrush with illumination according to (1), wherein the current is a continuous forward current exceeding 35 mA.
(7) The illuminated electric toothbrush according to (1), wherein the current is a pulse forward current having a peak exceeding 100 mA.
(8) The illuminated electric toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the light emitting diode is substantially surrounded by one bristle ring.
(9) The light emitting diode according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the light emitting diode includes at least two semiconductor substrates (5, 17) having light emission characteristics and one common lens (3). The electric toothbrush with illumination as described.
(10) The illuminated electric toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the light emitting diode emits light having a wavelength of 440 nm to 480 nm.

  3 lens, 5 light emitting die, 7 wire bonding, 9 negative electrode lead, 10 electric toothbrush, 11 LED package, 12 handle, 14 neck, 16 head, 17 dice, 19 longitudinal axis, 20 movable bristle holder, 22 stationary bristle holder, 26 hair, 30 hollow part, 32 motor, 44 shaft, 50 switch, 52 switch, 60 battery, 75 LED.

Claims (16)

A lighted electric toothbrush,
(A) a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head, the handle having a hollow inner region, the head having bristles disposed on the head, The toothbrush includes a handle having a longitudinal axis, a head and a neck;
(B) disposed in the head, and at least one light emitting diode powered by current, flux density is 30 mW / cm ² or more detector aperture area of the detector distance and 0.46 cm ² of 0.68cm The light-emitting diode having an emission temperature of less than 43 ° C. with an emission distance of 0.68 cm and an emission time of 2 minutes;
(C) one or more movable bristle holders disposed on the head and having a plurality of bristles disposed on the top;
(D) An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising: a motor disposed in the hollow inner region and operably connected to the movable bristle holder by a drive shaft. The flux density is ^{30mW / cm 2 ~300mW / cm 2} , illuminated electric toothbrush according to claim 1.   The illuminated electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the current is a continuous forward current exceeding 35 mA.   The illuminated electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the current is a pulse forward current having a peak exceeding 100 mA.   The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode has a power consumption of less than 1 watt.   2. The illuminated electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode includes at least two semiconductor substrates having light emission characteristics and one common lens.   The illuminated electric toothbrush according to claim 6, wherein each of the semiconductor substrates having light emission characteristics emits light having a wavelength of 440 nm to 480 nm.   The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 6, wherein the light emitting diode further comprises two leads.   The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 6, wherein the light emitting diode further comprises three leads. The light emitting diode has a half angle of less than 50 °, and light having a detector distance and flux density, which is the detector 30mW / cm ² ~300mW / cm ² in the opening area of 0.46 cm ² of 0.68cm The illuminated electric toothbrush according to claim 1 radiating.   The illuminated electric toothbrush according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of bristles comprise bristles having a height of about 0.5 cm to 2 cm.   The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the light emitting diode is substantially surrounded by a single bristle ring.   The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the light emitting diode has a diameter of about 0.5 mm to 10 mm. The light emitting diode, while being disposed about 0.28cm ² ~3.14cm ² circular area, the circular area is substantially free of hair, demonstrated electric toothbrush according to claim 13 .   The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the current has a pulse frequency of about 0.01 Hz to 10 GHz.   The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode has a power consumption of less than 1 watt.

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