KR20220100475A - Powered toothbrush locking by magnetic force - Google Patents

Abstract

In an electric toothbrush of the present invention, refill bristles and a toothbrush body are coupled by a magnet, so that a much improved feeling of use is realized when coupled unlike conventional electric toothbrushes, which had to be pulled out or rotated by human power, contamination by water can be reduced by physically blocking a gap between the toothbrush body and the refill bristles, and water spots and mold can be fundamentally prevented from occurring by inserting a rubber ring between a toothbrush head and the toothbrush body to minimize the introduction of moisture. According to the present invention, an inner coupling part of the toothbrush body is not circular but asymmetrical, idling does not occur when inserting a bristle head in reverse or operating, so power consumption can be reduced.

Description

Electric toothbrush coupled by magnetic force {POWERED TOOTHBRUSH LOCKING BY MAGNETIC FORCE}

The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush, and more particularly, to an electric toothbrush in which a body and a head are detachably coupled.

Toothbrushes provide many oral hygiene benefits, including, for example, removing plaque and food debris to prevent tooth decay and disease. A toothbrush helps whiten your teeth by removing a thin layer of dirt from the surface of your teeth. In addition, the bristles combined with brushing massage the gum tissue for stimulation and improved health of the gum tissue.

Electric toothbrushes have been around for quite some time. Electric toothbrushes have an advantage over manual (non-powered) toothbrushes in that they can impart toothbrush motion to the bristles at a much faster rate than can be done by hand. In addition, the toothbrush movement can be made in various shapes and directions. This toothbrush movement, along with manual movement of the toothbrush by the user, provides superior cleaning over manual toothbrushes. In general, powered toothbrushes are powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries that power an electric motor that alternately drives the toothbrush head.

A conventional powered toothbrush includes a brush head having a bristle carrier portion that rotates and vibrates in some way for brushing teeth. The bristles, usually comprising tufts of bristles, are uniform with one end secured to the bristle carrier portion and the other end free to contact the tooth surface during brushing. The free ends of the bundles of various bristles provide a surface upon which some deformation can occur when the bristles are bent. When in contact with the surface envelope being brushed, the bristles can deform to help the surface envelope conform to the complex surface of the tooth. Human teeth generally lie in a C-shaped curve on the inside of the upper and lower jaws, so each row of teeth has a convex outer curve and a concave inner curve. Each tooth often has a very complex surface, often flat, concave or convex. The more precisely shaped between the bristles and the tooth surface, the more effective the toothbrush will be at cleaning, bleaching, and/or irritating.

Conventional powered toothbrushes generally arrange bristles in a dense conical or cylindrical pattern on a generally circular or disc shaped bristle carrier. Powered toothbrush heads have traditionally been of a dense, generally circular face, from which a flat chiseled bristle pattern extends. Alternatively, other head shapes and bristle patterns are possible.

An example of an electric toothbrush is described in US Pat. No. 5,625,916 to McDougall, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The toothbrush found at McDougal has a bristle carrier in the shape of a toothbrush disk. The bristle carrier and thus the bristles are driven in an oscillating manner. The toothbrush 5 includes a handle 10 at the end of the toothbrush 5 base and a head 11 at the distal end of the toothbrush 5 . The handle portion 10 has a compartment containing the electric motor 14 and the batteries 15 and 16 . The head 11 comprises a generally circular bristle holder (carrier) 13 . A rotating shaft 12 extends from the motor 14 to the head 11 . A shaft coupling 17 may be configured to be positioned along the rotating shaft 12 , such that the rotating shaft 12 is disengaged at a point between the motor 14 and the head 11 . This allows the head 11 to be removed from the toothbrush 5 , for example for cleaning or servicing or replacement.

The head 11 includes a post 18 that provides a pivoting axis of rotation to a bristle holder 13 containing a bristle bundle 19 . The distal end of the rotating shaft 12 has a journal or offset (a sharp bend) 20 displaced radially from the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft 12 , the rotating shaft may be formed integrally with the offset. The bristle holder 13 has a slot 22 to receive an offset 20 . Offset 20 and slot 22 are configured to face the intersection of the axis of rotation shaft 12 and the longitudinal axis of post 18 . As the motor 14 rotates the rotating shaft 12, the movement of the offset 20 defines a circle about the rotating shaft 12 axis and engages to transmit power to the slot 22 so that the bristle holder 13 is It oscillates with respect to the column 18 through the angle of rotation A. The angle of rotation A is defined by the offset 20 movement from the shaft 12 axis relative to the diameter of the bristle holder 13 .

Although a powered toothbrush as immediately described above may offer advantages over a manual toothbrush, it is subject to several limitations. Providing a conventional round, rectangular, or oval toothbrush head on a rotating or vibrating bristle holder (carrier) limits the size of the moving bristle holder and thus limits the area of bristles available for brushing teeth. Also, when the bristles are placed in contact with the teeth while brushing the teeth, there are fewer bristles abutting adjacent areas, such as the gums. Thus, while this dense bristle pattern is provided for brushing teeth, bleaching and irritation are minimal.

One attempt to overcome the limitations associated with small motorized bristle areas is shown in US Pat. No. 6,000,083 to Blaustein et al. The toothbrush of the patent issued to Blaustein et al. has a pattern of bristle regions similar to manual toothbrushes, but the bristle regions can simply be replaced by powered bristle sections. As a result, the head is powered, ie has a moving bristle section and a fixed bristle section. A limitation of the patent granted to Blaustein et al. is that the fixed bristle section does not provide better cleaning, bleaching, or irritation than a manual toothbrush.

International application number PCT/EP01/07615 to Braun GmbH discloses an electric toothbrush having two separate moving bristle parts. Each bristle part may have a different movement area and shape. However, only one bristle part is powered. The other non-motorized bristle part is moved by the resonance effect imparted by the movement frequency of the first bristle part. Such free resonance causes many problems. First, the non-powered bristle part floats separately from the motorized bristle part because any contact between the bristle parts will dampen or cancel the resonance of the non-powered bristle part. This separates them and makes gaps unavoidable. These gaps expose the inner workings of the head to foreign objects such as water, saliva, toothpaste and food debris. These foreign objects interfere with the operation of the non-motorized bristle head. For example, non-powered bristle parts are spring loaded to aid their resonance. Foreign matter accumulates around the spring and interferes with its function. Furthermore, food particles can remain on the head and cause decay and growth of undesirable or possibly harmful microorganisms that may have entered the mouth directly. Another limitation to such a shape is that the movement of the non-powered bristle part may be slowed by contact with the teeth or may be reduced when the frequency of the powered part is shifted from the resonant frequency. This can occur due to the pressure exerted against the powered bristle part by the teeth or gums while brushing the teeth. Finally, non-motorized bristle parts are only a fraction of the energy input to the powered parts. Thus, non-powered bristle parts are less efficient at cleaning than powered parts, limiting the overall effectiveness of the toothbrush.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a powered toothbrush with enhanced effectiveness through a larger area of powered or driven or otherwise movable bristles. There is also a need for toothbrushes that have improved bleaching and/or irritation over known toothbrushes. Furthermore, there is a need for improved toothbrushes that are comparable to known powered toothbrushes in manufacturing and purchase costs.

A powered toothbrush is provided, comprising a handle at a proximal end and a head at a distal end and a neck formed between the handle and the head. In one embodiment, the head has two separate movable parts, each of which is adapted to have a number of bristles or elastomeric cleaning elements extending from the movable part to contact the tooth surface and the area around it. / or provide oral health benefits of massaging. The toothbrush has a drive device that transmits movement to the first movable portion for cleaning, polishing, and bleaching actions that supplement the cleaning efficiency of a typical electric toothbrush.

The present invention includes a handle portion 10 having a neck and a driving device formed at one end;

A base and first and second movable parts are provided and include a head 20 coupled to the neck,

The first movable portion is mounted for movement relative to the base, (i) a first platform having a magnet, and (ii) at least one bristle portion extending outwardly from the magnet to contact the user's teeth. ), including

The second movable portion comprises (i) a second platform having a magnet, (ii) at least one bristles extending outwardly from the upper surface, and (iii) at least one elastomeric wall member upstanding on the magnet. includes;

wherein each of the bristles and the elastomeric wall member is in contact with a user's teeth, and wherein the second movable part is mounted for movement in a direction transverse to the at least one elastomeric wall member with respect to the base. do.

The electric toothbrush of the present invention realizes a much better feeling of use when combined, unlike the existing electric toothbrushes that had to be 'pulled out' by human force by combining the refill bristles and the toothbrush body with a magnet. gap is blocked. In addition, by inserting a rubber ring between the bristles and the toothbrush body to minimize the ingress of moisture, there is an advantage that can fundamentally prevent the occurrence of scale and mold.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the inner coupling portion of the body is asymmetrical rather than circular, the bristle head is inserted in the opposite direction or idling does not occur during operation, thereby reducing power consumption.

1 is a view showing an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing a state in which the handle portion and the head are separated from the electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view from the front of the handle of the electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention includes a handle portion 10 having a neck and a driving device formed at one end;

A base and first and second movable parts are provided and include a head 20 coupled to the neck,

The first movable portion is mounted for movement relative to the base, (i) a first platform having a magnet, and (ii) at least one bristle portion extending outwardly from the magnet to contact the user's teeth. ), including

The second movable portion comprises (i) a second platform having a magnet, (ii) at least one bristles extending outwardly from the upper surface, and (iii) at least one elastomeric wall member upstanding on the magnet. includes;

Each of the bristles and the elastomeric wall member is in contact with a user's teeth, and wherein the second movable part is mounted for movement in a direction transverse to the at least one elastomeric wall member with respect to the base.

Referring to the present invention with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, a typical electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment is drawn and is generally denoted by the reference numeral 10. As shown in Figs. The toothbrush 100 has a handle 102 at its proximal end defining an interior compartment (not shown) for receiving the various components of the toothbrush, and a neck forming a distal end at a head 120 at the distal end of the toothbrush 100. a brush section 104 defined by 110 . The handle 102 has a free proximal end 108 and an opposite neck end 106 . The neck 110 usually extends from a first end 114 to a second end 116 , the first end 114 being located at the neck end 106 of the handle 102 and the second end 116 being the head. It is located at (120). That is, the neck 110 is the portion of the toothbrush 110 that extends between the handle 102 and the head 120 . The neck 110 also defines an interior compartment (not shown) that houses the various actuating elements of the toothbrush 100 . The head 120 may be mounted to a neck 110 that is generally straight with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 100 , or is inclined with respect to the handle 102 .

According to one embodiment, the neck 110 and the handle 102 may be made as one piece by integrally forming the neck 110 to the handle 102 at the neck end 106 of the handle 102 . In other embodiments, the neck 110 may be separated from the handle 102 at the neck end 106 of the neck 110 . In this embodiment, the neck 110 and head 120 are removed from the handle 102 for cleaning, servicing, and/or replacement of either the handle 102 or the combined neck 110 and head 120 . can be removed. When the neck 110 is detachable from the handle 102, i.e., a replaceable head 120/neck 110 assembly, the first neck end 114 can be removed from the handle 102 using conventional techniques. 102) may include a connection device (not shown) that is detachably coupled to the.

The illustrated shapes of the handle 102 and neck 110 are merely exemplary in nature, and the handle 102 and/or neck 110 may be formed to have numerous other shapes. The shape of the handle 102 and the neck 110 should be ergonomically effective and satisfactory to the user of the toothbrush 100 , and it is desirable to provide a toothbrush that the user can easily hold in his hand and can be fixedly operated. For example, the handle 102 may include somewhat concave finger sections 118 formed on opposite sides of the handle 102 . One concave finger section 118 is designed to accommodate the thumb of one hand and the other concave finger section 118 is designed to accommodate the other fingers of the same hand so that the user can fit the toothbrush 100 in the user's hand. help to position The one or more concave finger sections 118 may include ribs or other types of rugged surfaces to assist a user in gripping the toothbrush in the concave finger sections 118 .

1-3 , the head 120 of the toothbrush 100 includes a head base 160 that partially defines an interior compartment of the head 120 . The head base 160 may be made to end at a rounded distal end 162 that actually defines the distal end of the toothbrush 100 . Preferably, the head base 160 is integrally attached to the second end 116 of the neck 110 .

The head 120 also includes a movable first bristle carrier 180 , which is shown as being at the outermost or distal end of the head 120 . The first bristle carrier 180 may have the same or similar structure to that of the bristle holder 13 shown in FIG. 1 . Preferably, the movable first bristle carrier 180 is a disk having a circular cross-section adapted to rotate or rotationally oscillate. However, the movable first bristle carrier 180 is not limited to having a disk shape, as long as the movable first bristle carrier 180 is capable of rotationally vibrating oval or oval or other constant or constant. It will be appreciated that it can have numerous other shapes, such as the unstructured shape. A circular shape is preferred as it requires a minimal amount of clearance to accommodate the oscillating motion.

A plurality of bristles 152 are coupled to and extend outwardly from a first movable bristle carrier 180 . As used herein, the term "bristle" generally defines a tooth protection element and benefits oral health (e.g., cleaning teeth, polishing teeth, any type of structure commonly used or suitable for use in providing dental bleaching, etc.). Such bristles include, but are not limited to, individual bundles of bristles (i.e., sets of bristles) that can be formed to have numerous different types of shapes and sizes, and the bristles can also include elastomeric members such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . , ie in the form of an elastomeric member, which may be a straight or tortuous elastomeric wall and/or an elastomeric finger, or the bristles may include any combination of the aforementioned dental protection elements. As described, the arrangement of bristle tufts is merely a typical structure or bristle pattern, other bristle structures secured to the head by conventional methods (such as stapled, IMT techniques, etc.) may be used and bristle tufts. It should be understood that can be formed from the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Further, the bristles may be arranged such that they are generally perpendicular to the surface of the toothbrush from which the bristles extend, while some or all of the bristles may be angled at various angles relative to the toothbrush surface. Using such a different structure, the shape and angle of the bristles helps to improve cleaning and massage of the teeth and gums, especially in cases where it is difficult to penetrate the area, such as between the teeth and below the gum line.

1 shows several typical elastomeric members serving as bristles 152 . 1 shows an elastomeric dental protection element in the form of a thin spike; 1 shows an elastomeric dental protection element in the form of a torso spike; 1 shows an elastomeric tooth protection element in the form of a roller; 1 shows an elastomeric dental protection element in the form of a beveled tip; 1 shows an elastomeric tooth protection element in the form of a section of an elastomeric wall. The elastomeric wall of Figure 1 has a straight, flat shape; zigzag shape; It may have a serpentine shape and the like. All said elastomeric dental care elements may have a smooth texture or may have a rough surface. Furthermore, the wall section of the elastomeric dental care element may be straight, tapered, facing inward, facing one end or extending towards one end. The top of the elastomeric tooth protection wall may have a flat surface or it may have a protrusion (ie, a lump) or the like formed thereon.

Toothbrush 100 includes a drive mechanism that causes movement of any portion of toothbrush 100 , and more specifically, movement of first movable bristle carrier 180 . Any known geared type drive structure may be used to vibrate the movable first bristle carrier 180 , as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,000,083 or as disclosed in PCT Publication WO 01/19281. One exemplary drive device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,625,916 to McDougal, which is already referenced herein, and includes at least a rotary drive shaft 200 extending through a neck 110 (ie, an inner compartment). do. Preferably, the drive shaft 200 has the same or similar structure to the shaft 12 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in nature.

The drive device for the powered toothbrush 100 may provide a desired function, such as, for example, rotational drive, vibration drive, eccentric drive, disproportionate drive, drive with one or more gear devices, and/or the like. It can be any type of driving device capable of performing. The drive device may be realized in the form of an electric motor or other type of motor, the movement by which the drive device may be in one or more sections of the head 120 or other elements present in brush sections such as bristles or elastomeric members. can be passed on to This movement may be transmitted directly through a drive rotational shaft, such as the drive shaft 200 , or may be transmitted through a drive column attached to the drive rotational shaft. When toothbrush 100 includes an oscillating drive device that is the same or similar to the typical drive device depicted in FIGS. It accepts the power supply that powers this motor, such as the battery above.

Toothbrush 100 further includes a second bristle carrier 132 operatively mounted to head 120 . The movable second bristle carrier 132 has a first end 136 and a second end 138 and a first end midpoint 140 and a second end midpoint 142 and a midpoint 144 distally. It includes a platform 134 having a distal side 300 and a proximal side 302 , an upper surface 304 and a lower surface 306 . The platform 134 is attached to the head base 160 by a support which may be an elastomeric or thin plastic that bends easily. In the preferred embodiment, the platform 134 is attached along two sections, a distal side 300 and a proximal side 302 . Platform 134 may be formed of a rigid rigid material or may be formed of an elastomeric material.

The platform 134 may have a weak section 308 incorporated therein to facilitate movement of the second bristle carrier 132 when a force is applied to the upper surface 304 . For example, longitudinal grooves (ie, gaps) 330 may be formed in one or more upper surfaces 304 . In the illustrated embodiment, a single groove 330 is formed across the top surface 304 . Groove 330 forms a longitudinally weak section 308 within platform 134 . (A so-called "living hinge" is formed.)

Turning to FIG. 3 , there is shown another embodiment of a platform 134 including two grooves 330 . Here, the central section can deform with respect to the groove 308 forming the hinge when a force A is applied. Figure 3 shows the second bristle carrier 132 in a relaxed state before force A is applied. When a force A, which may be referred to as a deforming force or force, is applied to the surface or upper surface 304 , the central section is depressed to fold toward the head base 160 , and as a result of this deformation, the upper surface 304 is deformed. 3 shows the formed dental care element 152 and vertical elastomeric element 340 bending inward towards each other.

3 shows a platform 134 with weak sections 308 in another embodiment, wherein openings (slots or gaps) 310 are weak to define a number of discrete weak sections that make the hinge more flexible. It is formed along section 308 .

The cross-section of FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the second bristle carrier 132 in a loose state prior to a force applied to the upper surface 304 . 3 shows the second bristle carrier 132 and the platform 134 in a forced or deformed state after a force A is applied to the upper surface 304 . When a force is applied to the upper surface 304 , the upper surface 304 deforms against the hinge created by the one or more grooves 330 . As a result of this, the upper surface 304 is at least partially recessed along the hinge section. The bristles 152 formed on the upper surface 304 bend inwardly relative to each other as a result of this deformation, as shown in Figure 6b. Accordingly, the elastomeric second bristle carrier 132 may be considered a hinge block having shock absorbing properties. When the applied force is removed, the second bristle carrier 132 returns to its loose state depending on the nature of the elastomer.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 , it can be seen that when the head 120 comes into contact with the tooth 500 , there is a deformed movement. FIG. 3 shows the second bristle carrier 132 being pressed against the side of the tooth 500 , and FIG. 3 shows the second bristle carrier being pressed against the tooth 500 at an oblique angle. Both figures show deformation of platform 134 and the bristle and elastomeric elements extending therefrom. The vertical elastomeric element 340 is recessed in the surface of the tooth 500 to enlarge the contact. This enhances the value of washing, bleaching and massage.

Preferably, the bristles 152 extending upwardly from the upper surface 304 are a plurality of elastomeric members integrally formed with the elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 . For example, the bristles 152 may be formed in the same molding action to form the elastomeric second bristle carrier 132 . Thus, while the elastomeric second bristle carrier 132 is described as a bristle carrier, it will be appreciated that the second bristle carrier 132 need not necessarily include traditional nylon bristles.

1 shows another embodiment of a typical head of the present invention. The handle 102, the neck 110, the driving unit, and the head base 160 are the same as described above. However, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the movable second bristle carrier 132 is supported from the head base 160 by an "I-beam" The platform 134 of the second bristle carrier 132 is provided by a web 400 or structure in the form of an “I-beam” that may be constructed of an elastomeric material with a possibly rigid polymer core to increase strength. A rigid web 400 may be used with the elastomeric platform 134 in accordance with another embodiment, or supported. In a preferred embodiment, the web 400 may extend from approximately the first end midpoint 140 to approximately the second end midpoint 142 . The platform 134 can bend and flex relative to the web 400 . 14 shows a plurality of webs 400 lying along the longitudinal length of the lower surface of the platform 134 .

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 in operation. 1 shows the platform 134 tilted with respect to the web 400 towards the distal side 300 by force B. 1 shows the platform 134 tilted towards the near side 302 by force C, and FIG. 1 shows the platform 134 at rest.

It will also be appreciated that in any of the above-described embodiments, the toothbrush head may have a number of stationary tooth protection elements disposed in a number of different positions in its vicinity.

The toothbrush 100 of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be made from a number of materials that may be used in oral care products such as toothpaste. For example, many of the components included in toothbrush 100 are formed from a plastic material. Accordingly, the handle 102 and the head 120 of the electric toothbrush 100 are made of polyolefins such as polypropylenes and polyethylenes, polyamides such as nylons, and polyethylene It may be made of polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. Other suitable materials may include polymethylmethacrylate and styrene acroylonitrate and cellulose esters, such as cellulose propionate.

If the toothbrush protective element is in the form of a tuft of bristles, the bristles may be made of a flexible material suitable for dental hygiene. In general, suitable materials for bristles are polyamides such as nylon or polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate. In the case where the dental care element is an elastomeric member, the dental care element may be made of a significant number of suitable elastomeric materials, such as block interpolymers. Preferred block interpolymers are styrenes (e.g., styrene ethylene butadiene styrene or styrene butadiene styrene), polyolefins (e.g. polypropylene/ethylene propylene diamine modified systems (i.e. synthetic rubber)), polyamides (e.g. , polyamide2 or polyamide 6), polyester (eg polyester ester or polyether ester), polyurethane (eg polyesterurethane, polyetherurethane or polyesteretherurethane).

Accordingly, while the basic novel features of the present invention have been shown, described and pointed out as applied to the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will find many changes in the form and details of the described device and its operation without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Branches can be omitted, replaced, and changed. For example, it may be explicitly contemplated that all combinations of components and/or steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same result are within the scope of the present invention. Substitution of elements from one described embodiment to another is also conceivable. Also, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and are merely conceptual. Accordingly, it should be limited only as indicated by the appended claims.

10: handle part
20: head
11: first movable part
21: second movable part
12, 22: magnet
15: coupling hole

Claims (6)

a handle portion 10 having a neck and a driving device formed at one end thereof;
A base and first and second movable parts are provided and include a head 20 coupled to the neck,
The first movable portion is mounted for movement relative to the base, (i) a first platform having a magnet, and (ii) at least one bristle portion extending outwardly from the magnet to contact the user's teeth. ), including
The second movable portion comprises (i) a second platform having a magnet, (ii) at least one bristles extending outwardly from the upper surface, and (iii) at least one elastomeric wall member upstanding on the magnet. includes;
wherein each of the bristles and the elastomeric wall member is in contact with a user's teeth, and wherein the second movable part is mounted for movement in a direction transverse to the at least one elastomeric wall member with respect to the base. 2. The powered toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a first movable portion is coupled to the drive device for oscillation about an axis extending orthogonal to the magnet. 2. The powered toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the magnet narrows progressively from the rear end of the second movable portion to the rounded convex end. The powered toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the magnet is a neodymium magnet. 5. The powered toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the at least one elastomeric wall extends at least partially laterally along the second platform. The powered toothbrush of claim 1 , wherein the at least one elastomeric wall is disposed along the perimeter of the second platform.

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