WO2023167462A1

WO2023167462A1 - Mouth washing device and control method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2023167462A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/002530
Authority: WO
Inventors: 박규철; 정인호; 오종갑
Original assignee: 주식회사 에스엠디솔루션
Priority date: 2022-03-02
Filing date: 2023-02-22
Publication date: 2023-09-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouth washing device and a control method therefor. The mouth washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a mouthpiece having a spray hole; a supply tube for forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece; a valve arranged in the supply tube; and a shock absorber which is arranged in the supply tube and absorbs a water shock generated in the supply tube when the valve closes the supply tube.

Description

Oral irrigator and its control method

The present invention relates to an oral irrigator and a control method thereof.

To prevent tartar from occurring, proper brushing should remove plaque and debris between teeth. However, since the arrangement of teeth is different for each person, no matter how hard you brush your teeth, there are inevitable areas that are difficult to manage. In particular, when the teeth are uneven, the difficulty of brushing increases accordingly.

Therefore, there is a need for an oral washer capable of maintaining oral cleanliness regardless of the arrangement of teeth.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is as follows.

First, it is to efficiently absorb the impact energy generated when the pulsating jet of washing water is used to reduce the vibration and noise generated by the oral irrigator.

Second, the spray pressure of the washing water is increased by storing the impact energy generated during the pulsating jetting of the washing water.

Third, to provide an oral irrigator capable of smoothly spraying washing water and collecting contaminated water.

The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mouthpiece having a spray hole; a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece; a valve disposed in the supply pipe; and a shock absorber disposed in the supply pipe and absorbing a water shock generated in the supply pipe when the valve closes the supply pipe.

In addition, the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece having a recovery hole and an injection hole formed thereon; a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece; a supply tank accommodating washing water supplied to the supply pipe and accommodating the mouthpiece; a discharge pump connected to the mouthpiece to generate pressure for sucking washing water into the recovery hole; and a discharge pipe connecting the discharge pump and the mouthpiece.

In addition, the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece is formed with a spray hole; a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece; a valve disposed in the supply pipe; and a shock absorber disposed in the supply pipe, storing a portion of the washing water remaining in the supply pipe when the valve is closed, and increasing an initial pressure by supplying washing water to the supply pipe when the valve is opened. .

In addition, the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing in which the connector is disposed and forms an external shape; a mouthpiece having a recovery hole and a spraying hole and connected to the connector to spray washing water and suck contaminated water; a supply tank accommodating washing water; a supply pipe connecting the supply tank and the connector to form a flow path through which washing water flows; a valve disposed in the supply pipe; a supply pump connected to the supply pipe and disposed between the supply tank and the valve to suck and spray washing water; a shock absorber disposed between the valve and the supply pump and connected to the supply pipe to absorb a water shock generated in the supply pipe when the valve closes the supply pipe; a discharge pipe connected to the connector and forming a flow path through which contaminated water flows; and a discharge pump disposed in the discharge pipe.

In addition, the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece having a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and suck contaminated water in the oral cavity; a valve controlling washing water flowing into the mouthpiece; a discharge pump sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece; and a control unit controlling the valve and the discharge pump, wherein the control unit pulsatesly sprays the washing water by repeatedly opening and closing the valve to pulsately spray the washing water from the injection hole when receiving a mouth washing mode signal, , When receiving the oral washing end signal, the operation of the discharge pump is stopped when the remaining water discharge time elapses after the valve is closed.

A method for controlling an oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece having a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's mouth and sucking contaminated water in the mouth, a supply pump supplying washing water to the mouthpiece, A control method for an oral irrigator comprising a valve disposed between the supply pump and the mouthpiece, a discharge pump for sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece, and a control unit for controlling the supply pump, the valve, and the discharge pump, Receiving an oral washing mode signal; pulsatingly spraying washing water by repeatedly opening and closing the valve while driving the supply pump and the discharge pump; stopping the supply pump and closing the valve to stop spraying of the washing water; Stopping the discharge pump when the remaining water discharge time elapses after the supply pump is finished; It includes steps to

In addition, a control method of an oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece in which a spray hole and a recovery hole are formed to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and suck contaminated water in the oral cavity, and control the washing water flowing into the mouthpiece. A control method of an oral washer comprising a valve for sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece, a discharge pump for sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece, and a control unit for controlling the valve and the discharge pump, comprising: receiving an oral cleaning mode signal; pulsatingly spraying washing water by repeatedly opening and closing the valve while driving the discharge pump; stopping spraying of washing water by closing the valve; and stopping driving of the discharge pump when residual water discharge time elapses after the valve is closed. It includes steps to

In addition, the control method of the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece having a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's mouth and sucking contaminated water in the mouth, and supplying the washing water to the mouthpiece. A control method of an oral washer comprising a pump, a discharge pump for sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece, and a control unit for controlling the supply pump and the discharge pump, comprising: receiving a flow path cleaning mode signal; cleaning the flow path by opening the valve while driving the supply pump and the discharge pump; stopping the driving of the supply pump; and stopping driving of the discharge pump when residual water discharge time elapses after the supply pump is driven.

In addition, the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece having a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and suck contaminated water in the oral cavity; a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece; a discharge pipe connected to the mouthpiece and forming a flow path through which contaminated water introduced through the recovery hole flows; a discharge device disposed in the discharge pipe to generate pressure for sucking the contaminated water; and a compression device connected to the supply pipe and transporting the washing water to the supply pipe by periodically increasing the pressure of the washing water.

In addition, the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece having a recovery hole and an injection hole formed thereon; a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece; a discharge device connected to the mouthpiece to generate pressure for sucking washing water through the recovery hole; a discharge pipe connecting the discharge device and the mouthpiece; and a washing tank accommodating the mouthpiece and washing water in one space.

Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the present invention, there are the following effects.

First, it is possible to reduce the vibration and noise generated by the oral irrigator by efficiently absorbing the impact energy generated when the pulsating spray of washing water is performed.

Second, it is possible to increase the injection pressure of the washing water by storing the impact energy generated during the pulsating jetting of the washing water.

Third, it is possible to provide an oral irrigator capable of smoothly spraying washing water and collecting contaminated water.

1 shows a method of using an oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a representation of the connection between each component of the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 shows the flow of washing water and contaminated water when washing the mouth with an oral washer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a representation of the flow of washing water when washing the flow path with the oral washer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a simplified representation of a shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a block diagram of an oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of oral washing mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of section 9p of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 9B is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of part 9p of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10A represents the driving of components controlled as shown in FIGS. 10 and 9A.

FIG. 10B represents the driving of components controlled as shown in FIGS. 10 and 9B.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a flow path cleaning mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 represents the driving of components controlled as shown in FIG. 11 .

13 is a representation of the connection relationship between each component of the oral irrigator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a representation of the concept of a compression device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

15 is a representation of the flow of washing water according to the operation of the compressor of FIG. 14 .

16 is a block diagram of an oral irrigator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a representation of the flow of washing water when washing the flow path with an oral washer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows the driving of the compression device and the discharge device when cleaning the flow path in the same manner as in FIG. 17 .

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and only the present embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs It is provided to fully inform the holder of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 shows a method of using an oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a representation of the connection between each component of the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the mouthwash according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece 10 is formed with a spray hole 11; a supply pipe 210 forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece 10; A valve 330 disposed in the supply pipe 210; and a shock absorber 310 disposed in the supply pipe 210 and absorbing a water shock generated in the supply pipe 210 when the valve 330 closes the supply pipe 210 .

The mouthpiece 10 is formed with an injection hole 11 . A plurality of injection holes 11 are formed in the mouthpiece 10 . The spray hole 11 sprays the washing water toward the gums and teeth.

The oral irrigator may be divided into a main body 100 and a mouthpiece 10. The housing 101 forms the outer shape of the main body 100 .

The supply pipe 210 is connected to the mouthpiece 10. The supply pipe 210 is a pipe that forms a flow path from a water source to the mouthpiece 10 . A valve 330 is disposed in the supply pipe 210 .

Valve 330 may be of a solenoid type. The valve 330 may periodically change the pressure of the washing water through an opening/closing operation. The washing water is pulsatingly sprayed through the spray hole 11 . The washing water is sprayed pulsatingly to wash the mouth.

Washing water flowing through the supply pipe 210 transfers pressure energy to the valve 330 and the supply pipe 210 by closing the passage of the valve 330 . These collisions generate shock waves.

The shock absorber 310 absorbs water impact. The shock absorber 310 absorbs the impact of washing water flowing backward. The buffer 310 flows in reverse-current washing water. When the valve 330 is closed, the pressure inside the supply pipe 210 increases due to the washing water moving toward the valve 330 . Some of the high-pressure washing water flows into the receiving part 313 formed in the shock absorber 310 and is stored. When the valve 330 is opened, the washing water of the shock absorber 310 is discharged to the supply pipe 210 again. The shock absorber 310 serves to increase the initial pressure of the washing water when the valve 330 is opened. The elastic body pushes the washing water through the partition wall 311 with stored elastic energy, which increases the initial pressure of the washing water. Accordingly, the shock absorber 310 increases the initial pressure when the valve 330 is opened, and as a result, the mouthwashing force increases.

The shock absorber 310 absorbs a water impact when the valve 330 is closed and/or increases the water pressure when the valve 330 is opened to increase the initial mouthwashing force.

The oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a supply pump 320 disposed in the supply pipe 210 to increase the water pressure of the washing water, and the shock absorber 310 includes the supply pump 320 and the valve 330 ) are placed between

The supply pump 320 increases the water pressure of the washing water. The supply pump 320 may be a type that sucks and discharges the washing water by using the suction and repulsion force of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet or a type that sucks and discharges the washing water by the reciprocating motion of the piston 526 . A shock absorber 310 is disposed between the supply pump 320 and the valve 330 .

4 shows the flow of washing water and contaminated water when washing the mouth with an oral washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a representation of the flow of washing water when washing the flow path with the oral washer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the mouthpiece 10 has a recovery hole 13 formed therein, is connected to the mouthpiece 10, and discharges forming a flow path through which the contaminated water flowing through the recovery hole 13 flows. piping 220; and a discharge pump 340 disposed in the discharge pipe 220.

The mouthpiece 10 is formed with at least one recovery hole 13 . The recovery hole 13 may be formed at a position in contact with the tongue. The recovery hole 13 may be formed in a direction toward the throat. The recovery hole 13 may be formed at a position where the front teeth are bitten.

Contaminated water means the water used to wash the mouth. The washing water is sprayed into the oral cavity, and water mixed with foreign substances in the oral cavity by washing the oral cavity is called contaminated water.

As will be described later, the oral irrigator according to the present invention can perform the flow path washing mode. In this case, the washing water flows into the washing tank 550 or the supply tank 103 instead of the oral cavity, so the washing water is clean without foreign substances. The discharge pipe 220 flows. Therefore, the water flowing through the discharge pipe 220 flows with washing water or contaminated water according to the use mode. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, what flows through the discharge pipe 220 is mainly referred to as contaminated water, but the water flowing through the discharge pipe 220 does not necessarily mean only mixed with foreign substances in the oral cavity.

The discharge pump 340 recovers washing water and contaminated water through the recovery hole 13 by forming a negative pressure.

Oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge tank 105 for receiving the contaminated water discharged through the discharge pipe 220; and a supply tank 103 accommodating washing water supplied to the supply pipe 210, and the capacity of the discharge tank 105 is greater than that of the supply tank 103. The capacity of the supply tank 103 is smaller than that of the discharge tank 105.

The supply tank 103 contains washing water. The supply tank 103 is inserted into the housing 101. The upper side of the supply tank 103 protrudes from the housing 101. This facilitates the user's grip. This facilitates replacement of the supply tank 103. A user may separate the supply tank 103 from the housing 101 to clean the supply tank 103 .

When the oral irrigator is operated in the oral washing mode, all of the washing water in the supply tank 103 may be used. Therefore, the discharge tank 105 is preferably larger than the capacity of the supply tank 103.

The supply tank 103 may optionally be used. The supply pipe 210 may be supplied with washing water from the supply tank 103 or connected to a water supply to receive tap water. The discharge tank 105 may optionally be used. The discharge pipe 220 may discharge the contaminated water into the discharge tank 105 or directly into the sewage system.

Oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge tank 105 for receiving the contaminated water discharged through the discharge pipe 220; a water level sensor 350 disposed in the housing 101 accommodating the discharge tank 105; and a control unit 400 that controls the supply pump 320, and the control unit 400 terminates the operation of the supply pump 320 when the value measured by the water level sensor 350 exceeds a predetermined water level. .

The water level sensor 350 measures the water level of the discharge tank 105. The water level sensor 350 transmits the measured water level to the controller 400 . The water level sensor 350 transmits a detection status to the control unit 400 when the water level of the discharge tank 105 reaches a certain height. The water level sensor 350 may be an ultrasonic sensor located on the side of the discharge tank 105 . The water level sensor 350 emits ultrasonic waves toward the side of the discharge tank 105 at a certain height and measures the ultrasonic waves returned within a predetermined time. The controller 400 terminates the operation of the supply pump 320 when the height of the discharge tank 105 reaches a predetermined level.

The predetermined water level is set below the total capacity of the discharge tank 105 excluding the minimum free capacity, which is the sum of the capacity of the pipe forming the downstream of the mouthpiece 10 and the capacity inside the oral cavity.

Washing water sprayed from the oral cavity and contaminated water present in the oral cavity should all be recovered. Accordingly, the control unit 400 sufficiently drives the discharge pump 340 to recover all of the contaminated water present in the mouth of a normal size and the contaminated water present in the discharge pipe 220 . This is the reason for the residual water discharge time Te, which will be described later.

The predetermined water level is determined in consideration of the capacity of the discharge tank 105 and the capacity of the contaminated water to be recovered during the residual water discharge time Te.

An oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece 10 having a recovery hole 13 and an injection hole 11 formed thereon; a supply pipe 210 forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece 10; a supply tank 103 accommodating washing water supplied to the supply pipe 210 and accommodating the mouthpiece 10; a discharge pump 340 connected to the mouthpiece 10 to generate pressure for sucking washing water into the recovery hole 13; and a discharge pipe 220 connecting the discharge pump 340 and the mouthpiece 10.

Oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the connector 107 is disposed and the housing 101 forming an external shape; a mouthpiece 10 having a recovery hole 13 and a spraying hole 11 and connected to a connector 107 to spray washing water and suck contaminated water; a supply tank 103 accommodating washing water; a supply pipe 210 connecting the supply tank 103 and the connector 107 to form a flow path through which washing water flows; A valve 330 disposed in the supply pipe 210; a supply pump 320 connected to the supply pipe 210 and disposed between the supply tank 103 and the valve 330 to suck and spray washing water; It is disposed between the valve 330 and the supply pump 320 and is connected to the supply pipe 210 to absorb water shock generated in the supply pipe 210 when the valve 330 closes the supply pipe 210. device 310; a discharge pipe 220 connected to the connector 107 and forming a flow path through which contaminated water flows; and a discharge pump 340 disposed in the discharge pipe 220.

The connector 107 is exposed to the outside of the housing 101 . The connector 107 is divided into a portion connected to the supply pipe 210 and a portion connected to the discharge pipe 220. The mouthpiece 10 is connected to the connector 107 through a flexible pipe.

In the housing 101, an accommodation groove 102 accommodating the supply tank 103 is formed vertically, and the depth D of the accommodation groove 102 is lower than the height H of the supply tank 103.

The receiving groove 102 is formed in the housing 101 . The supply tank 103 is inserted into the receiving groove 102. The supply tank 103 protrudes to the outside so that the user can easily take it out. The supply tank 103 inserted into the receiving groove 102 is connected to the supply pipe 210.

The receiving groove 102 is formed long in the vertical direction on one side of the housing 101 . On the lower side of the receiving groove 102, a shock absorber 310 is horizontally long. The shock absorber 310 is usually long due to the partition wall 311 moving in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the shock absorber 310 is efficient in space arrangement to arrange horizontally at the lower end of the housing 101. It is efficient to arrange the receiving groove 102 and the supply pump 320 on the upper side of the shock absorber 310 . The receiving groove 102 and the supply pump 320 are arranged long in the vertical direction, and the shock absorber 310 is arranged long in the transverse direction.

A user interface 370 is formed outside the upper surface of the housing 101 , and a circuit board 380 is disposed inside the upper surface of the housing 101 . The circuit board 380 is connected to the valve 330, the supply pump 320, the discharge pump 340, and the water level sensor 350. The controller 400 and the memory 360 are disposed on the circuit board 380 .

6 is a simplified representation of a shock absorber 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 6, the shock absorber 310, the receiving portion 313 to form an empty space therein; and a partition wall 311 disposed inside the accommodating part 313 to divide a space into which the washing water flows and a space where the elastic body is disposed.

The partition wall 311 divides the accommodating portion 313 to divide a space where the elastic body is disposed and a space into which the washing water flows. The elastic body may be a compressed gas such as compressed air or a spring. Washing water flows into the receiving part 313 . The impact energy of the washing water is transferred to the elastic body through the barrier rib 311. The elastic body absorbs the impact energy.

An oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece 10 having a spray hole 11; a supply pipe 210 forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece 10; A valve 330 disposed in the supply pipe 210; and is disposed in the supply pipe 210, stores a portion of the washing water remaining in the supply pipe 210 when the valve 330 is closed, and supplies the washing water to the supply pipe 210 when the valve 330 is opened. It includes a shock absorber 310 that increases the initial pressure.

7 is a block diagram of an oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of oral washing mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of section 9p of FIG. 8 . FIG. 9B is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of part 9p of FIG. 8 . FIG. 10A represents the driving of components controlled as shown in FIGS. 10 and 9A. FIG. 10B represents the driving of components controlled as shown in FIGS. 10 and 9B.

Referring to Figures 7, 8, 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b, the control method of the oral washer according to an embodiment of the present invention, the injection hole 11 and the recovery hole 13 are formed A mouthpiece 10 for spraying washing water into the user's mouth and sucking contaminated water in the mouth, a supply pump 320 supplying washing water to the mouthpiece 10, and a valve disposed between the supply pump 320 and the mouthpiece 330, a discharge pump 340 for sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece 10, a supply pump 320, a control unit 400 for controlling the valve 330, and the discharge pump 340. In the control method, receiving an oral cleaning mode signal (S100); pulsatingly spraying washing water by repeatedly opening and closing the valve 330 while driving the supply pump 320 and the discharge pump 340 (S200); Stopping the supply pump 320 and closing the valve 330 to stop spraying of the washing water (S300 and S310); When the remaining water discharge time Te elapses after the supply pump 320 is driven, the discharge pump 340 is stopped (S400); It includes steps to

'start' in FIGS. 10 and 11 is a time when the user commands the oral washing mode to run, and 'stop' is a time when the user commands the oral washing mode to end. End of the oral washing mode may be automatically performed when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the oral washing mode.

The user interface 370 has an oral washing mode. When the user selects the oral washing mode, the control unit 400 receives the oral washing mode signal and controls the supply pump 320 and the valve 330 for pulsating injection. Washing water that has flowed into the oral cavity must be discharged quickly. If the discharge of contaminated water is delayed, the contaminated water may pass into the respiratory tract or esophagus. When the oral washing mode is performed, the control unit 400 drives the discharge pump 340 simultaneously with driving the valve 330 and the supply pump 320 .

In the embodiment of the present invention, the supply pump 320 is provided, but in an area where the pressure of tap water is sufficient, it may be possible to pulsately spray the washing water only with the valve 330.

The controller 400 may periodically repeat opening and closing of the valve 330 . When the user selects to stop the oral washing mode through the user interface 370, the user interface 370 transmits an oral washing end signal to the control unit 400. The control unit 400 stops driving the supply pump 320 and the valve 330 . The controller 400 additionally drives the discharge pump 340 during the residual water discharge time Te to discharge residual water remaining in the oral cavity and the discharge passage. The controller 400 stops driving the discharge pump 340 when the remaining water discharge time Te elapses.

The pulsating spraying of the washing water (S200) includes opening the water supply valve 330 simultaneously with the driving of the supply pump 320 and the driving of the discharge pump 340 (S211); and closing the valve 330 when the pulsation injection time T1 elapses (S213).

The pulsating spraying of the washing water (S200) includes opening the valve 330 when the break time T2 elapses from the closing time of the valve 330 (S215).

The controller 400 closes the valve 330 when the pulsation injection time T1 elapses after initially opening the valve 330 . The control unit 400 opens the valve 330 again when the break time T2 elapses from the closing time of the valve 330 . The period of pulsation injection may be the sum of the pulsation injection time T1 and the break time T2.

The steps of stopping spraying of washing water (S300 and S310) are performed when the oral washing mode end signal is applied.

The pulsating spraying of the washing water (S200) includes opening the valve 330 simultaneously with driving the supply pump 320 and driving the discharge pump 340 (S231); Closing the water supply valve 330 when the initial injection time Td elapses (S233); opening the valve 330 when the break time T2 elapses from the closing time of the valve 330 (S235); and closing (S237) the valve 330 when the pulsation injection time T1 has elapsed.

The pulsation injection time T1 is equal to or shorter than the initial injection time Td. The initial injection time Td is longer than or equal to the pulsation injection time T1. When the initial spraying time Td is longer than the pulsating spraying time T1, the initial opening time of the valve 330 at the start of cleaning is longer than the opening time of the valve 330 during the pulsating spraying.

As the non-use period of the oral irrigator increases, the amount of gas in the washing water remaining in the supply pipe 210 increases due to gas/liquid separation. Therefore, the amount of gas in the supply pipe 210 is quickly reduced by discharging the gas in the supply pipe during the initial injection time Td. This reduces the noise of the supply pipe 210. In addition, by increasing the density of the washing water sprayed from the mouthpiece 10, the uniformity of the washing power and the uniformity of the washing power are rapidly increased.

A control method of an oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of opening the valve 330 and stopping the supply pump 320 when the compression time Ts elapses from the input of the oral washing mode end signal. (S331) is included.

When the compression time Ts elapses, the controller 400 opens the valve 330 and stops the driving of the supply pump 320. The controller 400 keeps the valve 330 closed and the supply pump 320 driven during the compression time Ts. The pressure in the supply pipe 210 increases and the increased pressure increases the elastic energy stored by the elastic body of the shock absorber 310. Then, when the controller 400 opens the valve 330, washing water at a higher pressure than usual is sprayed to the mouthpiece 10. In this way, the washing water is pushed out with a greater force, thereby reducing the amount of washing water that may remain in the supply pipe 210 after the oral washing mode ends, and reducing the amount of foreign substances that may remain in the supply pipe 210. Minimize. Therefore, the compression of the washing water during the compression time Ts helps to keep the supply pipe 210 cleaner.

The control method of the oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes closing the valve 330 when the residual water supply time T3 elapses (S335).

The remaining water supply time T3 is a time allowing sufficient drainage of the washing water remaining in the supply pipe 210 . The residual water discharge time Te is longer than the sum of the compression time Ts and the residual water supply time T3.

The residual water discharge time Te is a time for removing residual water since contaminated water may still exist in the oral cavity and the discharge pipe 220 . Since contaminated water contains saliva and various nutrients in the oral cavity, it is necessary to remove residual water.

The pulsation injection time T1 is shorter than the break time T2. The pulsation injection time T1 is kept shorter than the break time T2. Spraying the washing water for a short period of time helps to increase the washing power.

A method for controlling an oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece 10 having a spray hole 11 and a recovery hole 13 formed to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and suck contaminated water in the oral cavity; A valve 330 for regulating the washing water flowing into the mouthpiece 10, a discharge pump 340 for sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece 10, and a control unit 400 for controlling the valve 330 and the discharge pump 340. ) In the control method of the oral washer comprising the step of receiving an oral washing mode signal (S100); driving the discharge pump 340 and repeatedly opening and closing the valve 330 to pulsately spray the washing water (S200); closing the valve 330 to stop spraying of washing water (S300 and S310); and stopping the operation of the discharge pump 340 when the remaining water discharge time Te elapses after the valve 330 is closed (S400); It includes steps to

An oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece 10 having an injection hole 11 and a recovery hole 13 formed therein to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and to suck contaminated water in the oral cavity; a valve 330 controlling the washing water flowing into the mouthpiece 10; a discharge pump 340 for sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece 10; and a control unit 400 that controls the valve 330 and the discharge pump 340, wherein the control unit 400, upon receiving the oral washing mode signal, pulsates the washing water from the spray hole 11 to spray the valve 330 ) is repeatedly opened and closed to pulsately spray the washing water, and upon receiving the oral washing end signal, the operation of the discharge pump 340 is stopped when the remaining water discharge time Te elapses after the valve 330 is closed.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a flow path cleaning mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 represents the driving of components controlled as shown in FIG. 11 .

11 and 12, in the control method of the oral washer according to an embodiment of the present invention, a spray hole 11 and a recovery hole 13 are formed to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and polluted water in the oral cavity. Mouthpiece 10 sucking the mouthpiece 10, a supply pump 320 supplying washing water to the mouthpiece 10, a discharge pump 340 sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece 10, and the supply pump 320 and the discharge pump A control method of an oral irrigator including a control unit 400 for controlling 340, comprising: receiving a flow path cleaning mode signal (S10); cleaning the flow path by opening the valve 330 while driving the supply pump 320 and the discharge pump 340 (S20); Stopping the driving of the supply pump 320 (S30); and stopping the operation of the discharge pump 340 when the residual water discharge time Te elapses after the supply pump 320 is driven (S40).

'start' in FIGS. 12 and 18 is a time when the user commands the pipe cleaning mode to run, and 'stop' is a time when the user commands the pipe cleaning mode to end. End of the pipe cleaning mode may be automatically performed when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the pipe cleaning mode.

The user interface 370 includes a flow path cleaning mode. When the user selects the flow path cleaning mode, the user interface 370 transmits a flow path cleaning mode signal to the control unit 400 . The controller 400 opens the valve 330 while driving the supply pump 320 and the discharge pump 340 . The control unit 400 ends the driving of the supply pump 320 when the predetermined passage cleaning time elapses. In addition, the control unit 400 stops driving the discharge pump 340 when the residual water discharge time Te elapses to remove residual water from the discharge passage. In this pipe cleaning method, both the supply pipe 210 and the washing pipe are washed.

On the other hand, since the user uses the pipe washing mode by storing the washing water in the supply tank 103 and accommodating the mouthpiece 10 in the supply tank 103, the supply pump 320 and the valve 330 are not driven. A washing method in which only the driving of the discharge pump 340 is controlled is also possible. In this case, the washing water in the washing tank 550 flows directly to the discharge pipe 220 through the mouthpiece 10 . When the control unit 400 does not drive the supply pipe 210, the supply pipe 210 is not washed and only the discharge pipe 220 is washed.

13 is a representation of the connection relationship between each component of the oral irrigator according to another embodiment of the present invention. 14 illustrates the concept of a compression device 520 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 15 is a representation of the flow of washing water according to the operation of the compressor 520 of FIG. 14 .

The same reference numerals as the previously described embodiments denote the same configuration, and mainly describe differences and/or peculiarities.

13 to 15, the oral irrigator according to another embodiment of the present invention, a spray hole 11 and a recovery hole 13 are formed to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and suck contaminated water in the oral cavity. mouthpiece 10; a supply pipe 210 forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece 10; a discharge pipe 220 connected to the mouthpiece 10 and forming a flow path through which contaminated water introduced through the recovery hole 13 flows; a discharge device 540 disposed in the discharge pipe 220 to generate pressure for sucking contaminated water; and a compression device 520 connected to the supply pipe 210 and transferring the washing water to the supply pipe 210 by periodically increasing the pressure of the washing water flowing through the supply pipe 210 .

The supply tank 103 and discharge tank 105 can be selected selectively. 13 shows that the supply pipe 210 is connected to the water supply and the discharge pipe 220 is connected to the discharge tank 105, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The compression device 520 periodically increases the pressure of the washing water. The compression device 520 sucks in the washing water and then discharges it. In the suction stroke of the compression device 520, the pressure of the washing water decreases, and in the discharge stroke of the compression device 520, the pressure of the washing water increases.

The compression device 520 is a cylinder in which a suction port 523 connected to the supply pipe 210 and through which washing water flows in, an outlet 524 connected to the supply pipe 210 and through which washing water is discharged, and a washing water receiving space 525a are formed. (525); and a piston 526 reciprocating inside the cylinder 525 and changing the washing water accommodating space 525a.

The cylinder 525 has a washing water accommodating space 525a formed therein, and a suction port 523 and an outlet 524 communicating with the washing water accommodating space 525a are formed. The piston 526 reciprocates inside the cylinder 525. When the washing water accommodating space 525a increases, the pressure in the cylinder 525 decreases and the washing water flows in. When the washing water accommodating space 525a decreases, the pressure in the cylinder 525 increases and the washing water is discharged.

The oral irrigator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first check valve 521 disposed at the inlet 523 and a second check valve 522 disposed at the outlet 524, and the first check valve ( 521 is opened when the size of the washing water accommodating space 525a increases, and the second check valve 522 is opened when the size of the washing water accommodating space 525a decreases. The first check valve 521 is opened when the pressure in the washing water receiving space 525a decreases, and closed when the pressure increases. The second check valve 522 is closed when the pressure of the washing water accommodating space 525a decreases, and opens when the pressure increases. One of the first check valve 521 and the second check valve 522 is opened and the other is closed according to a change in pressure.

The compression device 520 includes a connecting rod 527 connected to the piston 526; and a crankshaft 528 connected to the connecting rod 527 to perform conversion between reciprocating motion and rotational motion. When the crankshaft 528 rotates, the connecting rod 527 moves up and down. The piston 526 moves up and down inside the cylinder 525 by the connecting rod 527 and periodically changes the washing water accommodating space 525a. Rotation of the crankshaft 528 periodically changes the pressure of the washing water. The mouthpiece 10 pulsates and sprays washing water.

16 is a block diagram of an oral irrigator according to another embodiment of the present invention. 17 is a representation of the flow of washing water when washing the flow path with an oral washer according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 shows the operation of the compression device 520 and the discharge device 540 when cleaning the passage in the same manner as in FIG. 17 .

16 to 17, the compression device 520 includes a motor that rotates a crankshaft 528; and a controller 600 that controls driving of the motor and the discharge pump 340, and the controller 600 stops driving the discharge device 540 when the remaining water discharge time Te elapses after the motor is driven. Stop.

The controller 600 controls driving of the compression device 520 and the discharge device 540 . The controller 600 receives manipulation information from the user interface 370 . The controller 600 determines the water level of the discharge tank 105 through the water level sensor 350. The memory 360 stores algorithms and commands executed by the control unit 600 .

An oral irrigator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a mouthpiece 10 having a recovery hole 13 and an injection hole 11 formed thereon; a supply pipe 210 forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece 10; a discharge device 540 connected to the mouthpiece 10 and generating pressure for sucking washing water through the recovery hole 13; a discharge pipe 220 connecting the discharge device 540 and the mouthpiece 10; and a washing tank 550 accommodating the mouthpiece 10 and washing water in one space.

The washing tank 550 is used when a user wants to clean the supply pipe 210 and/or the discharge pipe 220. The user fills the washing tank 550 with washing water and immerses the mouthpiece 10 in the washing tank 550.

The controller 600 drives the compression device 520 and the discharge device 540 when the user selects the pipe cleaning mode through the user interface 370 . The control unit 600 may selectively drive only the discharge device 540 to perform only cleaning of the discharge pipe 220 .

The discharge device 540 periodically increases the suction power of the washing water. The discharge device 540 may have the same structure as the compression device 520 described above. In this case, polluted water sucked from the recovery hole 13 is also sucked periodically.

The oral washer includes a compression device 520 disposed in the supply pipe 210 to periodically increase the water pressure of the washing water.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims. Various modifications and implementations are possible by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

Claims

A mouthpiece with an injection hole formed thereon;

a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece;

a valve disposed in the supply pipe; and

An oral irrigator comprising a shock absorber disposed in the supply pipe and absorbing a water shock generated in the supply pipe when the valve closes the supply pipe.
According to claim 1,

Further comprising a supply pump disposed in the supply pipe to increase the water pressure of the washing water,

The shock absorber is disposed between the supply pump and the valve.
According to claim 1,

The mouthpiece is formed with a recovery hole,

a discharge pipe connected to the mouthpiece and forming a flow path through which contaminated water introduced through the recovery hole flows; and

Oral irrigator further comprising a discharge pump disposed in the discharge pipe.
According to claim 3,

a discharge tank accommodating the contaminated water discharged through the discharge pipe; and

Further comprising a supply tank for accommodating the washing water supplied to the supply pipe,

The capacity of the discharge tank is greater than the capacity of the supply tank oral irrigator.
According to claim 3,

a discharge tank accommodating the contaminated water discharged through the discharge pipe;

a water level sensor disposed in a housing accommodating the discharge tank; and

Including a control unit for controlling the supply pump,

The control unit,

Oral irrigator for ending the driving of the supply pump when the value measured by the water level sensor exceeds a predetermined water level.
According to claim 5,

The predetermined water level,

In the total capacity of the discharge tank,

An oral irrigator that is determined below the height excluding the minimum spare capacity, which is the sum of the capacity of the pipe forming the downstream of the mouthpiece and the internal capacity of the oral cavity.
According to claim 3,

The capacity of the supply tank is smaller than the capacity of the discharge tank oral irrigator.
According to claim 1,

The shock absorber,

An accommodation unit forming an empty space therein; and

Oral irrigator comprising a partition wall disposed inside the receiving portion to divide a space into which washing water flows and a space in which an elastic body is disposed.
a mouthpiece having a recovery hole and an injection hole;

a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece;

a supply tank accommodating washing water supplied to the supply pipe and accommodating the mouthpiece;

a discharge pump connected to the mouthpiece to generate pressure for sucking washing water into the recovery hole; and

Oral irrigator comprising a discharge pipe connecting the discharge pump and the mouthpiece.
A housing in which a connector is disposed and forms an external shape;

a mouthpiece having a recovery hole and a spraying hole and connected to the connector to spray washing water and suck contaminated water;

a supply tank accommodating washing water;

a supply pipe connecting the supply tank and the connector to form a flow path through which washing water flows;

a valve disposed in the supply pipe;

a supply pump connected to the supply pipe and disposed between the supply tank and the valve to suck and spray washing water;

a shock absorber disposed between the valve and the supply pump and connected to the supply pipe to absorb a water shock generated in the supply pipe when the valve closes the supply pipe;

a discharge pipe connected to the connector and forming a flow path through which contaminated water flows; and

Oral irrigator comprising a discharge pump disposed in the discharge pipe.
According to claim 10,

In the housing, an accommodation groove for accommodating the supply tank is formed in a vertical direction,

The depth of the receiving groove is lower than the height of the supply tank oral irrigator.
a mouthpiece having a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and suck contaminated water in the oral cavity;

a valve controlling washing water flowing into the mouthpiece;

a discharge pump sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece; and

And a control unit for controlling the valve and the discharge pump,

The control unit,

Upon receiving the oral washing mode signal, the valve is repeatedly opened and closed to pulsately spray the washing water from the spray hole,

Upon receiving the oral washing end signal, the oral irrigator stops driving the discharge pump when the residual water discharge time elapses after the valve is closed.
A mouthpiece with an injection hole formed thereon;

a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece;

a valve disposed in the supply pipe; and

Oral cavity comprising a shock absorber disposed in the supply pipe, storing a portion of the washing water remaining in the supply pipe when the valve is closed, and supplying washing water to the supply pipe to increase an initial pressure when the valve is opened scrubber.
A mouthpiece having a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's mouth and suck contaminated water in the mouth, a supply pump supplying washing water to the mouthpiece, a valve disposed between the supply pump and the mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece. A method for controlling an oral irrigator comprising a discharge pump for sucking contaminated water from a piece and a control unit for controlling the supply pump, the valve, and the discharge pump,

Receiving an oral washing mode signal;

pulsatingly spraying washing water by repeatedly opening and closing the valve while driving the supply pump and the discharge pump;

stopping the supply pump and closing the valve to stop spraying of the washing water;

Stopping the discharge pump when the remaining water discharge time elapses after the supply pump is finished; A control method of an oral washer comprising the step of doing.
15. The method of claim 14,

The step of pulsating the spraying of the washing water,

opening the water supply valve simultaneously with driving the supply pump and driving the discharge pump; and

A control method of an oral irrigator comprising the step of closing the valve when the pulsation injection time elapses.
According to claim 15,

The step of pulsating the spraying of the washing water,

The control method of the oral irrigator further comprising the step of opening the valve when the break time elapses from the closing time of the valve.
15. The method of claim 14,

In the step of stopping the spraying of the washing water,

A method of controlling an oral washer performed when an oral washing mode end signal is applied.
15. The method of claim 14,

The step of pulsating the spraying of the washing water,

opening the valve simultaneously with driving the supply pump and driving the discharge pump;

closing the water supply valve when the initial injection time elapses;

opening the valve when a break time elapses from the closing time of the valve; and

A control method of an oral irrigator comprising the step of closing the valve when the pulsation injection time elapses.
According to claim 18,

The control method of the oral irrigator, wherein the pulsation injection time is shorter than the initial injection time.
According to claim 18,

The control method of the oral washer further comprising the step of opening the valve and stopping the driving of the supply pump when the compression time elapses from the input of the oral washing mode end signal.
21. The method of claim 20,

The control method of the oral washer further comprising the step of closing the valve when the remaining water supply time elapses.
According to claim 21,

The remaining water discharge time,

Control method of the oral irrigator longer than the sum of the compression time and the remaining water supply time.
According to claim 18,

The control method of the oral irrigator, wherein the pulsation injection time is shorter than the break time.
A mouthpiece with a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's mouth and suck contaminated water in the mouth, a valve to control the washing water flowing into the mouthpiece, a discharge pump to suck contaminated water from the mouthpiece, and the valve And in the control method of the oral irrigator comprising a control unit for controlling the discharge pump,

Receiving an oral washing mode signal;

pulsatingly spraying washing water by repeatedly opening and closing the valve while driving the discharge pump;

stopping spraying of washing water by closing the valve; and

Stopping the discharge pump when residual water discharge time elapses after the valve is closed; A control method of an oral washer comprising the step of doing.
A mouthpiece with a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and suck contaminated water in the mouth, a supply pump supplying washing water to the mouthpiece, a discharge pump sucking contaminated water from the mouthpiece, and the supply pump And in the control method of the oral irrigator comprising a control unit for controlling the discharge pump,

Receiving a flow path cleaning mode signal;

cleaning the flow path by opening the valve while driving the supply pump and the discharge pump;

stopping the driving of the supply pump; and

and stopping driving of the discharge pump when residual water discharge time elapses after the supply pump is finished.
a mouthpiece having a spray hole and a recovery hole to spray washing water into the user's oral cavity and suck contaminated water in the oral cavity;

a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece;

a discharge pipe connected to the mouthpiece and forming a flow path through which contaminated water introduced through the recovery hole flows;

a discharge device disposed in the discharge pipe to generate pressure for sucking the contaminated water; and

An oral irrigator comprising a compression device connected to the supply pipe and periodically increasing the pressure of the washing water to transfer the washing water to the supply pipe.
27. The method of claim 26,

The compression device,

a cylinder having a suction port connected to the supply pipe and through which the washing water flows in, an outlet connected to the supply pipe and through which the washing water is discharged, and a space for receiving the washing water; and

Oral irrigator comprising a piston that reciprocates inside the cylinder and changes the washing water accommodation space.
28. The method of claim 27,

Further comprising a first check valve disposed in the inlet and a second check valve disposed in the outlet,

The first check valve is opened when the size of the washing water receiving space increases,

The second check valve is opened when the size of the washing water receiving space decreases.
28. The method of claim 27,

a connecting rod connected to the piston; and

Oral irrigator further comprising a crankshaft connected to the connecting rod to perform conversion between reciprocating motion and rotational motion.
28. The method of claim 27,

a motor rotating the crankshaft; and

Further comprising a control unit for controlling driving of the motor and the discharge pump,

The control unit,

Oral irrigator for stopping the driving of the discharge device when the remaining water discharge time elapses after the driving of the motor is finished.
a mouthpiece having a recovery hole and an injection hole;

a supply pipe forming a flow path through which washing water flows to the mouthpiece;

a discharge device connected to the mouthpiece to generate pressure for sucking washing water through the recovery hole; a discharge pipe connecting the discharge device and the mouthpiece; and

Oral irrigator comprising a washing tank accommodating the mouthpiece and washing water in one space.
32. The method of claim 31,

The discharge device is an oral irrigator that periodically increases the suction power of the washing water.
32. The method of claim 31,

Oral irrigator further comprising a compression device disposed in the supply pipe to periodically increase the water pressure of the washing water.