WO2016199108A1

WO2016199108A1 - Device for the hygiene of the outer ear

Info

Publication number: WO2016199108A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/053475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcello ZANNA
Original assignee: Zanna Marcello
Priority date: 2015-06-12
Filing date: 2016-06-13
Publication date: 2016-12-15

Abstract

A device for the hygiene of the outer ear, comprising a handpiece (2), that can be grasped and positioned by a user, and associated to a pump (3) operatively interlocked. to a control processor (4) and associated to supply means (5) of at least one liquid, for sending the liquid to at least one head (6) of at least one dispensing member (7) associated to said handpiece (2). The head (6) is able to be engaged at the inlet of the external ear canal (B), and includes at least one distribution of channels (8) terminating in respective holes (8a) for the controlled delivery of liquid on the walls of the external ear canal (B), for the effective detachment and removal of earwax excess, buildup and plugs and foreign particles; the head (6) further comprises at least one through drainage conduit (9) for letting the liquid, the earwax and the foreign particles removed out of the ear (A), for optimum hygiene of the external ear canal (B).

Description

"DEVICE FOR THE HYGIENE OF THE OUTER EAR".

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for the hygiene of the outer ear.

In particular, the present invention relates to a device for the hygiene of the outer ear for personal use which, by means of a jet of liquid of intensity adjustable at the user's discretion, can improve the health and cleaning of the ear, in particular of the external ear canal, by removing excess ear wax, foreign particles and preventing the risk of bacterial, viral or fungal infections.

PRIOR ART

A correct hygiene of the outer ear, and particularly of the external ear canal, is vital to preserve the necessary health conditions.

The skin of the ear canal is protected by a thin layer of ear wax with which it is normally lined and which consists of secretions of specific ceruminous glands mixed with sebum and desquamated cells.

Ear wax, due to its chemical and physical characteristics, lubricates and keeps the external ear canal soft, inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi due to its high acidity (naturally protecting the ear from infections) and due to the high lipid content it also prevents skin maceration due to moisture.

Ear wax also has the purpose of trapping any foreign particles that enter in the external ear canal, preventing them from getting near the eardrum, which is at the end of the canal itself.

Excess ear wax and impurities retained thereby are pushed by self-cleaning outside the ear, due to cilia of the cells that line the external ear canal, which move from inside outwards.

Therefore, the correct cleaning of the external ear and particularly of the external ear canal should be such as not to remove too much ear wax, but rather keeping the normal thickness that lines the canal itself unchanged.

For this reason, damaging mechanical operations within the ear canal should be avoided in cleaning the outer ear, such as inadequate rubbing of the skin performed manually or through sanitary devices such as the so-called "cotton swabs", i.e. small rods provided with cotton at the ends, or other similar devices. Such maneuvers, in addition to removing the excess ear wax, can cause abrasions to the canal skin (with consequent risk of infection) and, in severe cases, injury or perforation of the eardrum.

As said, the excess ear wax is normally naturally excreted from the ear; however, in some circumstances this may not occur, resulting in accumulation or actual ear wax plugs.

This can impair the normal auditory functions and also lead to the development of infections due to the persistence of foreign substances in the external ear canal. Such accumulation of ear wax can be caused by various reasons, such as anatomic or pathologic, if the external ear canal has a particularly narrow shape, angles or narrowing. However, also an incorrect cleaning of the outer ear, such as the inadequate use of the above "cotton swabs" could result in the further pushing of the ear wax within the canal rather that its excretion, resulting in the formation of accumulations or plugs.

Some solutions are known to eliminate excess ear wax, accumulations or ear wax plugs.

One of these involves the use of wax cones which, once inserted with the narrow end into the ear, are lit like candles: by sucking in air, they reduce the pressure inside the canal and allow the suction of the accumulated ear wax. However, the use of these cones has drawbacks, because they are not always effective and above all they have the risk that residues of molten wax drop into the ear canal, adding to the accumulation or to the ear wax plug, thus worsening the situation. Other solutions involve the suction or mechanical removal of accumulations and ear wax plugs performed by doctors using appropriate devices.

Yet another solution, widely used in the home if the ear is healthy and not suffering from inflammation, otitis and the like, consists in a wash of the external ear canal which is carried out through special pumps (and specific non-operative syringes).

These pumps, provided with a special tank, allow spraying an amount of liquid against the walls of the external ear canal, thus causing the detachment and the exit of the accumulation or ear wax plug.

This liquid may simply consist of water or water and salt or salicylic acid and water solutions, or also ear wax solvent and/or emollient solutions, or yet other medical liquids of known type.

However, also this solution has drawbacks mainly due to the fact that stagnation of the liquid sprayed inside the ear canal may form, with the risk that the excess ear wax may not be successfully ejected and that infections may arise.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION

The technical task of the present invention therefore is to improve the prior art.

Within this technical task, an object of the present invention is to develop a device for the hygiene of the outer ear which allows removing excess ear wax, accumulations and plugs from the external ear canal in a particularly effective and safe manner, so as to improve an appropriate cleaning and health thereof compared to what is obtainable with the known devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the hygiene of the outer ear which allows removing excess ear wax without impairing the normal thickness thereof that physiologically lines the canal, which prevents skin abrasions and stagnation of cleaning fluids in the canal itself, so as to prevent the risk of fungal, viral or bacterial infections, the further formation of ear wax plugs and the stagnation of any foreign particles.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for the hygiene of the outer ear which is easy to use and of quick use/maintenance.

This task and this object are achieved by the device for the hygiene of the outer ear according to the appended claim 1.

The device for the hygiene of the outer ear includes at least one handpiece which can be grasped and positioned by a user; this handpiece is associated to a pump interlocked to a control processor and connected to means for supplying a liquid for sending such liquid to a head of a dispensing member associated with the movable component; such head is engageable at the entrance of the external ear canal and includes a distribution of channels ending in respective controlled dispensing holes of liquid on the walls of the external ear canal.

The liquid dispensing allows obtaining the effective detachment and removal of ear wax excess, accumulations and plugs and foreign particles.

According to another aspect of the invention, the head includes at least one through drain for the exit from the ear of the liquid, ear wax and foreign particles removed by the dispensing of the liquid itself.

According to claim 30, this task and these goals are also achieved by a dispensing member for the hygiene of the outer ear.

For example, the dispensing member according to the present invention can advantageously be used as a simple replacement of the normal head provided on the handpiece of dental hygiene devices also known as water jets.

Further advantageous features are described in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

The features of the invention will be better understood by any man skilled in the art from the following description and from the appended drawings, given by way of a non-limiting example, in which:

- figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device for the hygiene of the outer ear, according to the present invention;

- figure 2 is a perspective detailed view of another embodiment of the device for the hygiene of the outer ear, according to the present invention;

- figure 3 is a schematic lateral and partially sectional view of the handpiece of the device according to the present invention, with the head inserted at the entrance of the external ear canal of an ear;

- figure 4 is a detail of figure 3;

- figure 5 is a detailed lateral view of the dispensing member of another embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- figure 6 is a detailed lateral view of the dispensing member of another embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- figure 7 is a detailed lateral view of the dispensing member of yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- figure 8 is a detailed lateral view of the dispensing member of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

figure 9 is a lateral detailed section of the head of the dispensing member of the device according to the embodiments in figures 1 -8;

figure 10 is a lateral detailed section of the head of the dispensing member of the device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

- figure 11 is a detailed perspective view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- figure 12 is a detailed perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- figure 13 is a perspective view of the dispensing member of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- figure 14 is a perspective view of the dispensing member in figure 13 from a different angle;

- figure 15 is top view of the dispensing member in figure 13;

- figure 16 is bottom view of the dispensing member in figure 13;

- figure 17 is lateral view of the dispensing member in figure 13;

- figure 18 is a detailed perspective view of the head of the dispensing member in figure 13 with some parts removed for clarity;

figure 19 is a detailed perspective view of the head of the dispensing member in figure 13 from a different angle and with some parts removed for clarity;

- figure 20 is a section, taken along a diametrical plane, of the head of the dispensing member in figure 13;

figure 21 is a detail of figure 20;

- figure 22 is a detailed perspective view of the inlet portion of the head of the dispensing member in figure 13;

- figure 23 is a detailed perspective view in diametrical section of the head of the dispensing member in figure 13; - figure 24 is a detailed perspective view of the inlet portion of the head of the dispensing member in figure 13;

- figure 25 is a lateral view of yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION.

With reference to the accompanying figure 1, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a device for the hygiene of the outer ear according to the present invention.

Device 1 for the hygiene of the outer ear A comprises at least one handpiece, globally indicated with reference numeral 2, for being grasped and positioned by a user.

In particular, and as better clarified hereinafter, handpiece 2 is adapted to be grasped with one hand by the user to be suitably positioned close to the ear.

Handpiece 2 is associated with at least one pump 3.

Pump 3 is in turn operatively interlocked to at least one control processor 4; the control processor 4 is adapted to manage the operation of pump 3, as shown hereinafter.

Pump 3 is associated with supply means 5 of at least one liquid.

Device 1 comprises a dispensing member 7, provided with a respective head 6; the dispensing member 7 is associated with handpiece 2.

Pump 3 is adapted to deliver the above liquid to head 6 of the dispensing member

7, with the purposes and the effects which will be better described later.

Head 6 of the dispensing member 7 is engageable at the entrance of the external ear canal B; more in detail, its geometry is such as to optimally fit to the anatomical conformation of the entrance of the external ear canal B.

According to an aspect of the invention, head 6 comprises at least one distribution of channels 8.

Channels 8 are in fluid communication with pump 3.

Channels 8 end in respective holes 8a, adapted to controlled dispensing of liquid on the walls of the external ear canal B. Holes 8a are located on the outer surface of head 6.

The liquid dispensing from holes 8a allows obtaining the effective detachment and removal of excesses, accumulations and ear wax plugs and foreign particles. Holes 8a therefore act as real nozzles for ejecting the washing liquid.

According to another aspect of the invention, head 6 comprises at least one drainage conduit 9.

The drainage conduit 9 is through for the outflow of the liquid, the ear wax and the foreign particles removed from ear A, for optimum hygiene of the external ear canal B.

In other words, the drainage conduit 9 allows the outflow of the fluid residues resulting from washing the external ear canal B.

As shown in figure 1, said handpiece 2 is associated, via a flexible tube 10, to a unit 11 which supports pump 3; the latter, as said, is operatively interlocked to the control processor 4 and associated (i.e. in fluid communication) with the supply means 5 of a liquid.

Device 1 comprises at least a first button 12 interlocked to the control processor 4 for actuating pump 3 at the user's discretion, so as to allow the controlled dispensing of the liquid from holes 8a of head 6.

The first button 12 is provided on the outer surface of handpiece 2.

In particular, each of channels 8 of head 6 is associable with a first conduit 13 which passes through a respective stem 14 of the dispensing member 7, and which is in turn in fluid communication with the supply means 5 of the liquid.

Stem 14 may be straight.

In some particular embodiments of the invention, shown for example in figure 6 or in figures 13-24, stem 14 may be angled.

In one embodiment of device 1 , said channels 8 are placed in fluid communication with each other and also with the first conduit 13.

Head 6 has a shape conformation characterized by cylindrical or substantially cylindrical symmetry.

Head 6 comprises an inlet portion 6a shaped for the appropriate insertion in the external ear canal B; the dispensing holes 8a and the drainage conduit 9 open out on such an inlet portion 6a.

More in detail, the inlet portion 6a has frusto-conical shape, holes 8a open out on the lateral surface and the drainage conduit 9 opens out on the minor base of the frusto-conical inlet portion 6a itself.

The outlet holes 8a of channels 8 are inclined with respect to the axis of symmetry of head 6, so as to allow the dispensing of liquid according to a predetermined angle suitable for lapping the walls of the external ear canal B for removing ear wax excess, accumulations and plugs and foreign particles.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, head 6 comprises four channels 8, and thus four respective holes 8a.

The four channels 8 are arranged equally angularly spaced from one another: in other words, the four channels 8 are angularly spaced from one another by 90°. The four channels 8 are ideally divided into two groups, namely a first group and a second group.

Each group includes two channels 8 diametrically opposed to each other.

This feature will be better described hereinafter in the description.

Figure 9 shows a detailed section of head 6 of device 1.

According to the preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the present invention, head 6 comprises a rotatable bush 15.

The rotatable bush 15 is provided at the free end of head 6, i.e. the one that carries out the dispensing of liquid.

In particular, the rotatable bush 15 is controlled at the user's discretion via a respective first selector 16, provided in the outer surface of handpiece 2.

The rotatable bush 15 is affected by said distribution of channels 8 and dispensing holes 8a and has an axial through channel for housing the drainage conduit 9. As better clarified hereinafter, the rotatable bush 15 can rotate by the action of the liquid dispensing itself, due to the particular shape of channels 8.

In fact, channels 8 have the respective axes inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable bush 15 (which substantially coincides with the axis of symmetry of head 6) in such a way that, in use, the kinetic energy of the liquid crossing them generates a torque that sets the rotatable bush 15 in rotation with respect to head 6.

The rotatable bush 15 is, for example, controlled to rotate selectively, by means of the first selector 16, in a first rotational direction in which the liquid is dispensed only by said first group of channels 8, or in a second rotational direction in which the liquid is only dispensed by said second group of channels 8.

To this end, channels 8 of the first group are placed in communication with each other and with the first conduit 13 and, likewise, channels 8 of the second group are placed in communication with each other and with the first conduit 13.

Moreover (or alternatively), the rotatable bush 15 can be controlled, by means of the first selector 16, to rotate intermittently alternately in the two rotational directions.

The rotatable bush 15 is axially locked, with respect to head 6, due to the presence of a front shaped abutment 15a and of a centrally perforated rear cap 15b.

Head 6 further comprises sealing and retention means 17 engageable against the walls of the external ear canal B.

Such sealing and retention means 17 prevent fluid leakage between the outer surface of head 6 and the walls of the external ear canal B and at the same time, they prevent head 6 itself from accidentally escaping from the ear canal B due to the pressure of the dispensed liquid.

The sealing and retention means 17 comprise for example at least one O-ring seal, accommodated in a respective annular groove 18 provided on head 6.

As shown in figure 7, in one embodiment of the invention the drainage conduit 9 of the liquid provided in head 6 comprises a first extension 19 which extends in the entry direction of the liquid, the ear wax and the foreign particles to be removed. Such a first extension 19 has a shape adapted to intercept the liquid, the removed ear wax and the foreign particles to be removed.

As shown in figure 8, in another embodiment of the invention the drainage conduit 9 provided in head 6 may also comprise a second extension 20 which extends in the exit direction of the liquid, the ear wax and the foreign particles to be removed.

Such a second extension 20 can for example be connected to suction and/or containment members of the liquid, the ear wax and the foreign particles removed. Such suction and/or containment members are not shown in the figures.

In another embodiment of the invention, not shown in the figures, the drainage conduit 9 of head 6 may include only the second extension 20.

The dispensing member 7 comprises a coupling end 21 for the removable engagement into handpiece 2.

Handpiece 2 includes a second button 22, operated by the user, for disconnecting the dispensing member 7 itself.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the coupling end 21 may have, for example, a shank shape, comprising a groove in which locking means (not shown in the figures) can selectively engage by actuation of the second button 22.

Handpiece 2 defines a second conduit 23 placed in communication with the first conduit 13 of the dispensing member 7 and with the supply means 5 of the liquid. Said supply means 5 comprise, for example, a tank contained precisely in said unit 11.

Or, the supply means 5 comprise a domestic water network, and device 1 comprises suitable means for connection to the water network itself. The connection means are not shown in the figures.

The control processor 4 is adapted to carry out at least one washing program selected by the user.

For example, such a program is of the type adapted to a washing with a continuous jet and/or intermittent jet liquid dispensing.

The control processor 4 is adapted to carry out a washing program selected by the user among a plurality of preset programs and/or also entered by the user him/herself.

Unit 11 may optionally comprise liquid temperature adjustment means 24 interlocked to the control processor 4. Such temperature adjustment means 24 allow bringing, precisely, the temperature of the liquid to be dispensed to a predetermined value, for example close to that of the user's body temperature.

Unit 11 of the device can further comprise (again, optionally) a potentiometer 25, operatively interlocked to the control processor 4 for the power adjustment of pump 3 via a respective second selector 26.

In this way, it is possible to adjust the flow/flow rate of the jet of liquid dispensed. The second selector 26 can optionally be integrated with the first button 2.

The control processor 4 consists, for example, of an electronic logic and power card.

Device 1 comprises at least one electric power group, which for example is of the type connectable to the home electric network and/or of the type comprising an electric battery, also rechargeable.

The battery may be integrated in handpiece 2 or in unit 11.

Device 1 for the hygiene of the outer ear 1 is of the easily portable type and/or fixable to external surfaces, so as to be easily moved in the domestic or also non- operative environments.

The operation of device 1 for the hygiene of the outer ear A, according to the invention is, as described, completely intuitive.

Before operating device 1 , and if the supply means 5 comprise a tank, the user fills the latter with a washing liquid, for example water, or a water and salt or water and acid salicylic solution, or also ear wax solvent and/or emollient solutions or yet with other medical liquids of known type without any limitation. Or, if the supply means 5 include a domestic water network, the user will simply connect it by means of said connection means.

In order to carry out the cleaning of ear A, the user grasps handpiece 2 and place head 6 of the dispensing member 7 with the inlet portion 6a inserted at the entrance of the external ear canal B.

By acting directly on the first button 12, the user then actuates pump 3 of device 1 , so as to allow the dispensing of the liquid from the supply means 5 up to the outlet from the dispensing holes 8a of channels 8.

The dispensing of the liquid is controlled at the user's discretion, who can in fact select the most appropriate washing program for his/her needs: for example, the selected washing program may be a continuous or intermittent jet, with dispensing through all the holes 8a or from separate groups of holes 8a and for a fixed or variable duration. Optionally, the user can select a different program when washing has started or even customize the current one.

In addition, if head 6 includes the rotatable bush 15, the user can manually adjust the first selector 16 to allow the fluid dispensing only from the first group of channels 8 or from the second group of channels 8, and thus in one or another direction of rotation or even alternately intermittently in both directions of rotation.

The user can also adjust potentiometer 25 (if provided) through the respective second selector 26 so as to adjust the power of pump 3 and thus the flow rate and intensity of the liquid dispensed. The adjustment of potentiometer 25 can also be carried out directly by the programs operated by the control processor 4.

The intensity and flow rate of the liquid dispensed by device 1 are comparable to those of known cleaning blowers, so as not to risk damaging the anatomical structures involved in the washing.

As said, the outlet holes 8a are suitably inclined so that the liquid dispensed effectively laps the walls of the external ear canal B according to a preset angle, so as to remove the fluid residues of the washing, i.e. ear wax excess, accumulations and plugs and foreign particles present along the external ear canal B, while preserving the normal layer of ear wax that physiologically lines the ear canal B itself.

The ear wax excess, accumulations and plugs and the foreign particles removed, pushed along by the liquid flow, can be easily excreted together with the liquid itself through the through drainage conduit 9 of head 6.

The sealing and retention means 17 allow preventing accidental leakage of liquid between the outer surface of head 6 and the walls of the external ear canal B, or head 6 itself from escaping due to the pressure of the liquid dispensed: this allows the liquid to completely and effectively flush the external ear canal B throughout its length, thereby ensuring optimal removal of excess ear wax and foreign particles.

The temperature adjustment means 24 of device 1 allow obtaining a temperature of the liquid to be dispensed close to the user's body, so as to prevent hassles or even dizziness (if the liquid had a too low or too high initial temperature) to the user during the washing operations.

Once the correct cleaning of the ear with device 1 has ended, the user turns off pump 3 by pressing the first button 12.

The invention thus conceived allows obtaining important technical advantages. An important technical advantage consists in that the device for the hygiene of the outer ear allows removing excess ear wax, accumulations and plugs from the external ear canal in a particularly effective and safe manner, so as to improve an appropriate cleaning and health thereof compared to what is obtainable with the known devices.

Device 1 allows removing excess ear wax without impairing the normal thickness thereof that physiologically lines the external ear canal. Moreover, device 1 eliminates the risk of skin abrasion or damage to eardrum C and, due to the drain, it prevents the formation of liquid stagnation in the conduit itself, so as to prevent the risk of fungal, viral or bacterial infections, the further formation of ear wax plugs and the stagnation of any foreign particles.

Device 1 for the hygiene of the outer ear can also have a dual use, either non- operative and home care: by delivering homeopathic and/or medicinal substances, in fact, it is possible to carry out outpatient therapy under the physician's prescription, having the possibility of following the prescribed therapy at home. In another possible embodiment of device 1 according to the invention, shown in figure 2, handpiece 2 directly contains pump 3, operatively interlocked to the control processor 4 and associated with the supply means 5 of a liquid; in the latter case, the supply means 5 preferably comprise a tank containing the liquid to be dispensed.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in detail in figure 10.

In this embodiment, head 6 of the dispensing member 7 does not include movable or rotatable parts.

In other words, channels 8 are fixed with respect to head 6 itself.

In this embodiment, the four dispensing 8a may be distributed so that none is crossed by longitudinal symmetry plane of the dispensing member 7; or the four holes 8a can be distributed with a pair of diametrically opposite holes 8a which is crossed by the longitudinal symmetry plane of the dispensing member 7 (as shown in figure 10).

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 11.

This embodiment is identical to those in figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and differs from them only in that head 6 comprises a distribution of eight channels 8, and thus eight holes 8a instead of four.

The eight holes 8a are angularly equally spaced from one another by 45° with respect to each other.

In this case, if head 6 is of the type comprising a rotatable bush 15, the eight holes 8a can be ideally divided into two groups of four holes each, mutually alternating and selectively connectable to the first conduit 13 to obtain the rotation of the rotatable bush 15 in one direction or in the other, respectively, while dispensing the liquid.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 12.

This embodiment is identical to that in figure 2 and differs from it only in that head 6 comprises a distribution of eight channels 8, and thus eight holes 8a instead of four.

The same considerations made with reference to the embodiment in figure 11 apply.

It is also an object of the present invention a dispensing member 7 for the hygiene of the outer ear B.

In particular, the dispensing member 7 may be associated - as described above - to dental hygiene device handpieces also known as water jets, which dispense a jet of liquid on the tooth surface.

For example, the dispensing member 7 according to the present invention can advantageously be used as a simple replacement of the normal head provided on the handpiece of the dental hygiene water jet.

The dispensing member 7 according to the invention has all the features described above or hereinafter, with reference to device 1.

More specifically, the dispensing member 7 comprises at least one head 6, engageable at the entrance of the external ear canal B.

Head 6 is provided with at least one distribution of channels 8, associable with supply means 5 of at least one liquid, ending in respective holes 8a for the controlled dispensing of such a liquid on the walls of the external ear canal B, for the effective detachment and removal of ear wax excess, accumulation and plugs and foreign particles.

Head 6 further comprises a through drainage conduit 9 for the outflow of the liquid, the ear wax and the foreign particles removed from ear A, for optimum hygiene of the external ear canal B.

For details about the features of the dispensing member 7, reference shall be integrally made to the above description of device 1 and also to the following description relating to further embodiments of the invention.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 13-24.

This embodiment differs from the previous ones mainly in the shape of head 6 of the dispensing member 7.

All the considerations made above with reference to other parts and/or functions of device 1 apply.

More in detail, the rotatable bush 15 of head 6 comprises a turbine 28.

Turbine 28 is driven in rotation by the torque generated by the crossing of the liquid flow dispensed by the supply means 5. The rotation of turbine 28 may be free, or controlled by the above first selector 16. Turbine 28 is accommodated inside a shell 29, integral with the inlet portion 6a. Shell 29 has cylindrical symmetry, and substantially frusto-conical shape.

Shell 29 defines a lateral hole 30 for the connection with the supply means 5. The axis of the lateral hole 30 and the axis of symmetry of shell 29 are incident; such axes are also mutually orthogonal.

In other words, the axis of the lateral hole 30 is radial with respect to the axis of symmetry of shell 29.

Shell 29 is integral with stem 14, which therein defines the first conduit 13 for supplying the washing liquid.

The first conduit 13 communicates with the lateral hole 30.

Shell 29 is associated with a rear cover 31.

Turbine 28 includes a substantially conical portion 32.

Such substantially conical portion 32 is accommodated inside shell 29.

The substantially conical portion 32 of turbine 28 includes a plurality of first blades 33, adapted to be lapped by the flow of fluid coming from the supply means 5 for generating a rotation torque of turbine 28 about its axis T.

The first blades 33 are distributed on the surface of the substantially conical portion 32.

If observed in a diametrical section (see figure 20), the first blades 33 - and thereby the conduits defined therebetween - have a certain curvature progressing from the periphery towards axis T.

The first blades 33 are shaped so that two adjacent first blades 33 define a respective converging conduit therebetween, that is, with decreasing section (see for example figure 18).

Shell 29 contributes, with its inner surface, to the closure of the conduits defined between the first blades 33.

The through drainage conduit 9 is provided along axis T of turbine 28, i.e. it is coaxial to turbine 28 itself.

At the vertex of the substantially conical portion 32 of turbine 28 is a fluid dispensing end 34.

The dispensing end 34 comprises the fluid passage channels 8 ending with the respective holes 8a.

The dispensing end 34 (see figure 23) is therefore rotatably accommodated inside the inlet portion 6a.

The dispensing end 34 has a substantially frusto-conical shape, like the inlet portion 6a.

The dispensing end 34 also defines a conveyor 35.

Conveyor 35 collects the liquid flowing along the first blades 33 and forcedly directs it towards channels 8.

More in detail, conveyor 35 includes an annular recess 36 of the dispensing end 34 which intercepts channels 8; in other words, along the surface of the annular recess 36 there are provided the inlet openings 37 of channels 8.

The annular recess 36 of conveyor 35 therefore communicates directly with the inner ends of the converging conduits defined by the first blades 33: in other words, the liquid that leaves said converging conduits flows directly into the annular recess 36 and from this, within the inlet openings 37.

According to another aspect of the invention - see for example the detail in figure 24 - channels 8 that pass through the dispensing end 34, have a helical, or substantially helical, development along axis T of turbine 28.

The winding direction of channels 8 along axis T corresponds to the bending direction of the first blades 33 of turbine 28.

This allows imparting a strong tangential velocity component to the fluid coming out of holes 8a, which supports the effect of removing dirt and impurities inside the external ear canal B.

As can be seen in detail in figure 22, mainly for optimizing the overall dimensions, channels 8 have a substantially elliptical cross section; in other embodiments of the invention, channels 8 may have a different-shaped section. The number of channels 8 - which in the embodiment shown in the figures is four - may also be any. In one embodiment of the invention, in order to achieve a further reduction of sectional dimensions, holes 8a with which channels 8 end may consist of slits substantially shaped as commas, with one of the two ends having greater width in relation to the direction of rotation of turbine T, in order to obtain an asymmetrical jet out of each of them which facilitates the rotation of the rotatable bush 15.

According to yet an aspect of the invention, head 6 of the dispensing member 7 comprises at least one pump 38.

Pump 38 is designed to aspirate the fluid inside the external ear canal B after the dispensing of the detergent liquid through channels 8.

More in detail, pump 38 aspirates, from inside the external ear canal B, the fluid residues resulting from the detergent action carried out by the liquid dispensed through channels 8.

More in detail, pump 38 comprises a disc shaped portion 39.

The disc shaped portion 39 has cylindrical symmetry, and it is coaxial to turbine 28.

The disc shaped portion 39 may constitute a single body with the substantially conical portion 32 of turbine 28, or it may be physically separated and made integral with the substantially conical portion 32 itself.

In particular, the disc shaped portion 39 is associated with the substantially conical portion 32 on the opposite side with respect to the dispensing end 34. The disc shaped portion 39 comprises a central hole 40; the central hole 40 communicates with the drainage conduit 9 (i.e. it constitutes the terminal portion thereof).

The disc shaped portion 39 includes a plurality of second blades 41, with a substantially radial arrangement with respect to axis T of turbine 28, i.e. with respect to the central hole 40.

With reference, for example, to figure 16, the second blades 41 are shaped so that two adjacent second blades 41 define a respective diverging conduit therebetween, i.e. with increasing cross section, which develops from the central hole 40 of the disc shaped portion 39.

In use, therefore, the disc shaped portion 39 is placed in rotation along with turbine 28, to generate a vacuum which aspirates the residual fluids inside the external ear canal B.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, of particular practical interest, shell 29 consists of two half-shells 29a, 29b mutually coupled along a diametrical connection plane, so as to accommodate turbine 28 and pump 38 therebetween which, as said, constitute a single body.

With particular reference to figure 20, head 6 includes an inner wall 42 that physically separates the dispensing area of the washing liquid from that of aspiration of the fluid residues.

The inner wall is 42 defined by the two half-shells 29a, 29b.

The inner wall 42 defines a central through seat 43.

A connection portion 44 is further provided, which connects the disc shaped portion 39 to the substantially conical portion 32.

A turbine 28 - pump 38 assembly, which is rotatable with respect to shell 29, is thus obtained.

The connection portion 44 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical.

The connection portion 44 is accommodated inside the central seat 43; the coupling between the central seat 43 and the connection portion 44 allows obtaining the rotatable support of the turbine 28 - pump 38 assembly (a rolling bearing is thus implemented).

The rear cover 31 includes a drainage opening 45 for removing the fluid residues aspirated from the external ear canal B.

The rear cover 31 contributes, with its inner surface, to close the outflow conduits of the fluid residues defined between the second blades 41 of pump 38.

The drainage opening 45 communicates with a tubular portion 46, integral with the rear cover 31 , which can be connected, for example, to a flexible drain pipe or the like.

The axis of the tubular portion 46 is incident to axis T of turbine 28 and of pump 38; the axis of the tubular portion 46 also forms, with axis T, a predetermined angle which helps the removal of the fluid residues from the external ear canal B. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear cover 31 is made of transparent material (such as plastic, glass) to allow the operator to verify the correct excretion of the fluid residues from the external ear canal B.

Shell 29 may also be entirely made of transparent material, to check the correct operation of device 1.

As shown in the detail in figure 21 , between shell 29 and the rear cover 31 there is a sealing gasket 47 of the O-ring type or the like.

Stem 14 of the dispensing member 7 is angled in such a way as to facilitate the work of the operator holding handpiece 2; in other embodiments, stem 14 may be straight or have an angle other than that shown in figures 13-24.

In the practical operation, the liquid entering into head 6 through the lateral hole

30 laps the first blades 33, and consequently it generates a rotation torque of turbine 28; the liquid is then conveyed through conveyor 35 and channels 8, and therefrom towards the outlet holes 8a.

The liquid is therefore dispensed from the outlet holes 8a with a strong tangential velocity component, which makes the action of removal of dirt from the walls of the external ear canal B especially effective.

At the same time, pump 38 dragged in rotation by turbine 28 aspirates the fluid residues of the washing from the external ear canal B; more specifically, the fluid residues are aspirated through the drainage conduit 9, and therefrom they are excreted through the second blades 41 from the drainage opening 45.

The solution object of this embodiment is particularly effective since it actively generates both a cleansing action of the walls of the external ear canal B and a removal action of the fluid residues, due to the simultaneous presence of turbine 28 and of pump 38 that rotate integrally with each other.

These results are obtained with a particularly compact constructive solution, precisely shown in figures 13-24.

Moreover, this constructive solution is simple and cost-effective, and obtained with a minimum number of components, achievable with easily accessible technologies.

The presence of pump 38 is essential as it provides, simultaneously with the cleansing action of the liquid dispensed from holes 8a, to actively eliminate the wash fluid residues (dirt, impurities). -

Therefore, there is no accumulation of undesired material inside the external ear canal B.

Yet another embodiment of device 1 according to the invention is shown in figure 25, where only the dispensing member 7 is shown for simplicity.

This embodiment differs from that in figures 13-24 in that device 1 includes a further suction member 48 placed in communication with the drainage opening 45.

The suction member 48 may be of any type.

The presence of the suction member 48 - particularly suitable for a professional application - allows keeping the discharge of pump 38 perfectly clean, so that fluid residues aspirated by the same are eliminated efficiently and without the risk of stagnation.

It has thus been seen that the invention achieves the intended objects.

The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent versions may be conceived without departing from the scope of protection offered by the following claims.

Claims

1. Device for the hygiene of the outer ear, characterized in that it comprises at least one handpiece (2), that can be grasped and positioned by a user, and associated to at least one pump (3) operatively interlocked to a control processor (4) and associated to supply means (5) of at least one liquid, for sending the liquid to at least one head (6) of at least one dispensing member (7) associated to said handpiece (2), said at least one head (6) being able to be engaged at the inlet of the external ear canal (B), said at least one head (6) comprising at least one distribution of channels (8) terminating in respective holes (8a) for the controlled delivery of liquid on the walls of the external ear canal (B), for the effective detachment and removal of earvvax excess, buildup and plugs and foreign particles, said at least one head (6) further comprising at least one through drainage conduit (9) for letting the liquid, the earvvax and the foreign particles removed out of the ear (A), for optimum hygiene of the external ear canal (B).

2. Device, according to claim 1, wherein said handpiece (2) is associated, by means of a flexible tube (10), to a unit (11) that supports said at least one pump (3).

3. Device, according to claim 1, wherein said handpiece (2) contains said at least one pump (3), said control processor (4) and said supply means (5) of a liquid.

4. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one first button (12) operatively interlocked to said control processor (4) for actuating said pump (3) at the user's discretion, so as to allow controlled delivery of the liquid from said holes (8a) of said head (6).

5. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said channels (8) of said head (6) can be connected to at least one first conduit (13) passing through at least one respective stem (14) of said dispensing member (7), said first conduit (13) being connected to said supply means (5) of a liquid.

6. Device, according to claim 5, wherein said channels (8) of said head (6) are placed in communication with each other and with said first conduit (13).

7. Device, according to claim 5, wherein at least one first group of said channels (8) of said head (6) are placed in communication with each other and with said first conduit (13), and at least one second group of said channels (8) of said head (6) are placed in communication with each other and with said first conduit (13).

8. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said head (6) comprises at least one inlet portion (6a) shaped for a suitable insertion at the entrance of the external ear canal (B), said delivery holes (8a) and said drainage conduit (9) opening on said inlet portion (6a).

9. Device, according to claim 8, wherein said inlet portion (6a) has a frustoconical conformation, said holes (8a) opening on the lateral surface and said drainage conduit (9) opening on the minor base of said frustoconical inlet portion (6a).

10. Device, according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said exit holes (8a) of said channels (8) are tilted so as to allow the delivery of liquid according to an angle suitable for lapping the walls of the external ear canal (B) to remove earwax excess, buildup and plugs and foreign particles.

11. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said head (6) comprises a rotatable bush (15) affected by said distribution of channels (8) and delivery holes (8).

12. Device, according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 7, wherein said rotatable bush (15) is selectively controlled in rotation by means of a first selector (16) in a first rotation direction in which the liquid is only delivered by said first group of said channels (8), or in a second rotation direction in which the liquid is only supplied by said second group of said channels (8).

13. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotatable bush (15) is controlled in rotation by means of said first selector (16) alternatively and intermittently in the two rotation directions.

14. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said head (6) comprises sealing and retention means (17) that can be engaged against the walls of the external ear canal (B), said means (17) being adapted to prevent accidental release of the head due to the liquid pressure.

15. Device, according to claim 14, wherein said sealing and retention means (17) comprise at least one gasket of the O-ring type housed in at least one respective annular groove (18) provided on said head (6).

16. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said supply means (5) comprise a domestic water supply and said device (1) comprises means for the connection to the water supply itself.

17. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control processor (4) is adapted to operate at least one washing program selectable by the user, said at least one program being of the type suitable for a wash with continuous jet and/or intermittent jet liquid delivery.

18. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said head (6) comprises a rotatable bush (15) affected by said distribution of channels (8) and delivery holes (8), said rotatable bush (15) comprising at least one turbine (28) suitable to be driven in rotation by the flow of the washing liquid dispensed by said supply means (5).

19. Device according claim 18, wherein said head (6) comprises at least a pump (38), associated to said drainage conduit (9), to aspirate the fluid residues resulting from washing of the external ear canal (B).

20. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said pump (38) is integral with said turbine (28).

21. Device according to one of claims 18-20, wherein said turbine (28) comprises a substantially conical portion (32) provided with a plurality of first blades (33), at the vertex of said substantially conical portion (32) a fluid dispensing end (34) being provided, affected by said channels (9) and accommodated inside said inlet portion (6a).

22. Device according to claim 21, wherein said channels (8), which pass through said dispensing end (34), have a helical, or substantially helical, development along axis T of said turbine (28).

23. Device according to one of claims 21,22, wherein said pump (38) comprises a disc shaped portion (39) coaxial to said turbine (28), said disc shaped portion (39) being associated with said substantially conical portion (32) on the opposite side with respect to said dispensing end (34), said disc shaped portion (39) comprising a central hole (40) communicating with said drainage conduit (9), and a plurality of second blades (41) with a substantially radial arrangement with respect to said central hole (40).

24. Device according to one of claims 19-23, wherein said head (9) comprises a shell (29) enclosing said turbine (28) and said pump (38), said shell (29) defining and inner wall (42) that physically separates the dispensing area of the washing liquid from that of aspiration of the fluid residues.

25. Device according to claim 24, wherein said head (6) comprises a connection portion (44) which connects said disc shaped portion (39) of said pump (38) to said substantially conical portion (32) of said turbine (28).

26. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said inner wall (42) comprises a central through seat (43) housing said connection portion (44), so as to achievefrus the rotatable support of the turbine (28) - pump (38) assembly.

27. Device according to one of claims 24-26, wherein said shell (29) closes, with its inner surface, the washing liquid inlet conduits defined between the first blades (33) of said turbine (28).

28. Device according to one of claims 23-27, wherein said head (6) comprises a rear cover (31 ) closing, with its inner surface, the fluid residues outlet conduits defined between said second blades (41) of said pump (38).

29. Device, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one potentiometer (25) interlocked with said control processor (4) by means of a respective second selector (26) for adjusting the power of said pump (3).

30. Delivery member (7) for the hygiene of the outer ear (B), characterized in that it comprises at least one head (6), that can be engaged at the inlet of the external ear canal (B), provided with at least one distribution of channels (8), that can be associated to supply means (5) of least one liquid, terminating in respective holes (8a) for controlled delivery of said liquid on the walls of the external ear canal (B), for effective detachment and removal of earwax excess, buildup and plugs and foreign particles, said at least one head (6) further comprising at least one through drainage conduit (9) for letting liquid, earwax and foreign particles removed out of the ear (A), for optimum hygiene of the external ear canal (B), said head (6) comprising a rotatable bush (15) affected by a distribution of channels (8) and delivery holes (8a).